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Policy Categories Archives: Section J: Students

Section J contains policies on students in regards to admissions, attendance, rights and responsibilities, conduct, discipline, health and welfare, and school-related activities.

Administering Medication to Students

ASD FILE: JLCD
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION TO STUDENTS

The Superintendent shall be responsible for establishing specific procedures to control medications administered in schools. Such procedures are found in Appendix JLCD-R.

Prescribed medication should not be taken during the school day, if at all possible. Medication is to be administered by the school nurse, principal or other designee. Medication will be administered in school only after receiving and filing in the student’s health record the following:

1. A written statement from the licensed prescriber detailing the method of taking the medication, dosage, and the time schedule of the medication.

2. A written authorization from the parent/guardian indicating the desire that the school assist the student in taking the prescribed medication.

All medication should be delivered to appropriate school personnel by the parent/guardian. All prescription medication must be delivered and contained in its original pharmacy container. The school nurse is directed to keep such medications in a locked cabinet or refrigerator. No more than a 30-day supply will be kept and maintained by the school. The school nurse will contact the parent/guardian regarding any unused medication. Such medication shall be picked up by parent/guardian within ten days after its use is discontinued. If the parent/guardian does not pick up the medication within ten days, the school nurse may dispose of the unused medication and record as such in the student’s health record file.

The school nurse is responsible for keeping accurate records regarding the administration of medication to students.

Students may possess and self-administer an epinephrine auto-injector if the student suffers from potentially life-threatening allergies. Both the student’s parent/guardian and physician must authorize such self-possession and self-administration. If a student finds it necessary to use his/her auto-injector, s/he shall immediately report to nearest supervising adult. The school nurse or building principal may maintain at least one epinephrine auto-injector, provided by the student, in the nurse’s office or other suitable location. Additionally, students may possess and self-administer a metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler to alleviate or prevent asthmatic symptoms, auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions, and other injectable medications necessary to treat life-threatening allergies. Both the student’s parent/guardian and physician must authorize such self-possession and self-administration.

Students shall not share any prescription or over-the counter medication with another student. Notice of this prohibition will be provided in student handbooks. Students acting in violation of this prohibition will be subject to discipline consistent with applicable Board policies.

This policy shall extend to any school-sponsored activity, event, or program.

In addition to the provisions set forth herein, the school nurse and Principal are responsible for ensuring the provisions of Ed. 311.02, Medication During the School Day, are followed.

The school nurse or other designated personnel may administer other medications to students in emergency situations, provided such personnel has all training as is required by law. Such medication may also be administered in emergency situations if a student’s medical action plan has been filed and updated with the school district to the extent required by law. The district will maintain all necessary records relative to the emergency administration of medication and will file all such reports as may be required.

Legal References:
RSA 200:40-b, Glucagon Injections
RSA 200:42, Possession and Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Permitted
RSA 200:43, Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injector
RSA 200:44, Availability of Epinephrine Auto-Injector
RSA 200:44-a, Anaphylaxis Training Required
RSA 200:45, Student Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors – Immunity
RSA 200:46, Possession and Self-Administration of Asthma Inhalers Permitted
RSA 200:47, Use of Asthma Medications by Students – Immunity
RSA 200:54, Supply of Bronchodilators, Spacers or Nebulizers
RSA 200:55, Administration of Bronchodilator, Space or Nebulizer
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules – Section Ed. 306.12(b)(2), Special Physical Health
Needs of Students
N.H. Code of Administrative Rules – Section Ed. 311.02(d); Medication During School Day
The health care provider’s written orders and written authorization of the parents/guardians will be kept on file for three years.

Adopted: March 26, 2002
Revised: September 9, 2002
Adopted: March 8, 2004
Adopted: March 7, 2005
Revised: November 10, 2008
Revised: May 9, 2017

Emergency Care And First Aid

ASD File: JLCE
Same as EBBC
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
EMERGENCY CARE AND FIRST AID

All School personnel have responsibilities in connection with injuries and emergencies occurring in school and at school-sponsored events, which may be classified as follows: (1) administering first aid; (2) summoning medical assistance; (3) notifying administration; (4) notifying parents; and (5) filing accident/injury reports.

School personnel must use reasonable judgment in handling injuries and emergencies. Caution should be exercised not to minimize or maximize any injury or illness. All personnel will understand the proper steps to be taken in the event of an injury or emergency.

The Superintendent will ensure that at least one other person on staff, aside from the school nurse, has current first aid and cardiopulmonary certification (CPR). If the school nurse or licensed practical nurse is not available, the person(s) who have current first aid and CPR certification is authorized to administer first aid and CPR as needed.

The school will obtain at the start of each school year emergency contact information of parents or legal guardian for each student and staff member.

The school physician, school nurse, or specially trained staff members shall assist in the treatment of injuries or emergency situations. Such individuals have the authority to administer oxygen in case of a medical emergency, if available and if appropriate. This authorization extends to administering oxygen to students without prior notification to parents/guardians.

The school nurse or other designated personnel may administer other medications to students in emergency situations, provided such personnel has all training as is required by law. Such medication may also be administered in emergency situations if a student’s medical action plan has been filed and updated with the school district to the extent required by law. The district will maintain all necessary records relative to the emergency administration of medication and will file all such reports as may be required.

Additionally, the school physician, school nurse, or specially trained staff members may also administer epinephrine to any student in case of a medical emergency, if appropriate. This authorization extends to administering epinephrine without prior notification to parents/guardians.

For significant injuries, the staff person witnessing the event must fill out an accident report, which must be submitted to administration so that he/she is informed and a basis is established for the proper processing of insurance claims and remediation if necessary.

The District makes it possible for parents to subscribe to student accident insurance at low rates. This program is offered each year during September. The District does not provide student accident insurance.

Appendix: JLCE-R

Legal References:
RSA 200:40, Emergency Care
RSA 200:40-a, Administration of Oxygen by School Nurse
RSA 200:44-a, Anaphylaxis Training
RSA 200:54, Supply of Bronchodilators, Spacers or Nebulizers
RSA 200:55, Administration of Bronchodilator, Space or Nebulizer
Ed 306.04(a)(21), Emergency Care For Students And School Personnel
Ed 306.12, School Health Services

Adopted: March 26, 2002
Adopted: March 8, 2004
Revised: November 10, 2008
Revised: May 9, 2017

 

Wellness Policy

ASD: JLCF
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
WELLNESS

The School Board recognizes the importance of proper nutrition and developmentally appropriate physical activity as health and student success are interrelated. It is, therefore, the goal of the Board that the learning environment positively influences a student’s understanding, beliefs, and habits as they relate to good nutrition and physical activity.

Wellness Committee
The Principal or designee will establish a Wellness Committee that will periodically assess the nutrition and physical activity environment throughout the District. This group will assess progress on the current goal targets, recommend any new goal targets and identify strategies for achieving them. The Wellness Committee may consist of school staff, parents and students, as well as community members with wellness related expertise. The purpose of the Wellness Committee is to provide content area expertise and community input to the District. The Principal will monitor the school’s compliance with the policy.

Nutrition
The Auburn School District will follow the federal school meal and competitive food (Smart Snack) standards for all foods sold to students during the school day and encourages these same standards at school sponsored events outside of the school day. The nutrition standards are intended to model the practice of moderation as a component of a healthy lifestyle.

The school day, as defined by the National School Lunch Program, is as the period from the midnight before to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.

Hydration
To promote hydration, free, safe, unflavored drinking water will be available to all students at every school throughout the school day, including mealtimes. Students shall be permitted to bring water bottles to school that:
1. Are made of material that is not easily breakable
2. Have lids to prevent spills
3. Are filled exclusively with water

Nutrition Education
The primary goal of nutrition education is to influence students’ eating behaviors. Nutrition education at all levels of the district’s curriculum shall include, but not be limited to, the following essential components:
1. Age-appropriate nutritional knowledge, including the benefits of healthy eating, essential nutrients, nutritional deficiencies, principles of healthy weight management, the use and misuse of dietary supplements, safe food preparation, handling and storage and cultural diversity related to food and eating.
2. Age-appropriate nutrition–related skills, including, but not limited to, planning a healthy meal, understanding and using food labels and critically evaluating nutrition information, misinformation and commercial food advertising.

3. How to assess one’s personal eating habits, set goals for improvement, and achieve those goals.
4. Consistent nutrition messages will be provided throughout school media, in the classroom and in the cafeteria, and to the home and community.
5. Nutrition concepts shall be integrated into health, science education, or in grade appropriate curriculum.
6. Staff providing nutrition education shall have appropriate training.
To accomplish these goals the District shall:
1. Create a safe, comfortable, and pleasing environment that allows ample time and space for eating meals.
2. Discourage the use of food items for instructional purposes unless they are essential to a curriculum area. This is especially the case for those food items that do not meet the nutritional standards for foods as outlined in this policy.
3. Ensure all school-based activities are consistent with Wellness Committee goals.
4. Encourage fundraising activities that promote physical activity.
5. Encourage staff to model healthy eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life.

Physical Activity
Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. In order to help families achieve this target, the District will provide a comprehensive physical activity program that encompasses quality physical education as the foundation and opportunities for physical activity during and after school. Physical activity can be integrated across curricula and made a part of Unified Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Language Arts. Physical activity during the school day (including but not limited to recess, classroom physical activity breaks, or physical education) will not be withheld as punishment for any reason. This does not include participation on sports teams with specific academic requirements.

This policy and the current goals of the Wellness Committee will be posted on the school’s Wellness Page. Hard copies will be made available in the main office.

Legal Reference:
RSA 189:11-a, Food and Nutrition Programs, Section 204 of Public Law 108-265, Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Ed 306.04(a)(20), Wellness Ed 306.401, Health and Wellness Education Program

Adopted: June 13, 2006 (Auburn)
Revised: February 10, 2021, January 10, 2023

Concussions And Head Injuries

ASD File: JLCJ
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONCUSSIONS AND HEAD INJURIES

The Auburn School Board recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The Board acknowledges the risk of catastrophic injuries or death is significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed. The Board recognizes that the majority of concussions will occur in “contact” sports. However, in order to ensure the safety of all District student-athletes, this policy will apply to all competitive athletic activities as identified by the Board and administration.

Consistent with the National Federation of High School (NFHS) and the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), the District will utilize recommended guidelines, procedures and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches, student athletes, and parents/guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.

For purposes of this policy, “student-athlete” means a student involved in any intramural sports program conducted outside the regular teaching day or competitive student sports program between schools in grades 5 through 8.

For purposes of this policy, “student sports” means intramural sports programs conducted outside the regular teaching day for students in grades 5 through 8 or competitive athletic programs between schools for students in grades 5 through 8, including all NHIAA sanctioned activities, including cheer/dance squads, or any other district-sponsored sports or activities as determined by the board or administration.

For purposes of this policy, “head injury” means injuries to the scalp, skull, or brain caused by trauma, and shall include a concussion which is the most common type of sports-related brain injury.

Athletic Director or Administrator in Charge of Athletic Duties
The Athletic Director will keep abreast of changes in standards regarding concussion, explore staff professional development programs relative to concussions, and will explore other areas of education, training and programs.

Each spring, the athletic director or designee shall review any changes that have been made in procedures required for concussion and head injury management or other serious injury by consulting with the NHIAA. If there are any updated procedures, they will be adopted and used for the upcoming school year.
All coaches shall undergo training in head injury and concussion management at least once every two years by one of the following means: (1) through viewing the NHIAA sport-specific rules clinic; or (2) through viewing the NHIAA concussion clinic.

On a yearly basis, a concussion and head injury information sheet shall be distributed to the student-athlete and the athlete’s parent/guardian prior to the student-athlete’s initial practice or competition. This information sheet may be incorporated into the parent permission sheet that allows students to participate in extracurricular athletics.

Removal From Play and Protocol For Return To Play
Any coach, official, or licensed athletic trainer, who suspects that a student-athlete has sustained a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall immediately remove the student-athlete from play. A student-athlete who has been removed from play shall not return to play on the same day or until he/she is evaluated by a health care provider and receives written authorization from that health care provider to return to play in any capacity. The student-athlete shall also present written permission from a parent/guardian to return to play.

Concussion Awareness and Education
To the extent possible, the District will implement concussion awareness and education into physical education and/or health education curriculum.

Academic Issues in Concussed Students
In the event the District is notified that a student is concussed, the school’s concussion protocol will be followed.

Section 504 accommodations may be developed in accordance with applicable law and board policies.

Legal References:
RSA 200:49, RSA 200:50, RSA 205:51, RSA 200:52 Adopted: December 13, 2012

Revised: June 14, 2016
Revised: January 12, 2021

Special Physical Health Needs Of Students

ASD File: JLCK
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL PHYSICAL HEALTH NEEDS OF STUDENTS

The School District will meet the special physical health needs of all students, consistent with state and federal law.

Legal References: NH Ed Admin Rule Ed 306.04(a)(20)

Adopted: December 13, 2012

 

Student Guidance And Counseling Program

ASD File: JLD
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM

The School Board is committed to ensuring a high quality school guidance program that is comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, fosters academic achievement and personal growth, and is provided to all District students in an equitable manner.

The program will include the following:
– Distribution of information and support to students and families about academic programming, community supports, and other relevant information.
– Coordination with national standards.
– Prevention, intervention, and crisis response services.
– Promotion of personal, interpersonal, health, academic, and career development for all students through classroom programs and other services.
– All provisions of NH Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306, Minimum Standards for Public School Approval.

It is the policy of this Board that at all grade levels, the school counselor collaborates with parents, students, staff, and community to remove barriers to learning and provide opportunities and supports to empower students to embrace their full potential and achieve their academic and personal aspirations. The guidance counselor is responsible for developing a program or plan that identifies student success in academic performance, social awareness, and career planning.

Legal References:  NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.13, NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.15(b), NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.39(c) and 306.39(d),

Adopted: October 6, 2008

 

Behavior Management And Intervention

ASD File: JLDBA
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT AND INTERVENTION

It is the policy of the Board to promote good behavior in a safe and orderly environment where all students can be fully engaged in the learning process. To ensure that our students and staff are protected against disruptive behavior, the board directs the Superintendent or his/her designee to set forth procedures for behavior management and interventions that are designed to maintain a positive environment conducive to learning.

Student conduct that disrupts class work, involves disorder, or invades the rights of others will not be tolerated and shall be cause for disciplinary action, which may include suspension.

The administration of disciplinary action will focus both on consequences and on changing or managing inappropriate behavior.

It is important that there be careful evaluation of the individual situation so that the school’s response to the student is appropriate.

If the student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the process will follow federal and state laws governing special education.

All available resources should be utilized, including preventive and responsive interventions to support students’ needs. These interventions should include psychological, curricular, and behavioral services, which should take place within classrooms, schools, and alternative settings. Exclusion from the classroom should be the disciplinary action of last resort.

The superintendent will also ensure that classroom behavior management skills are addressed through professional development, and that there is an adequate system of recordkeeping regarding disciplinary infractions and interventions.

The use of corporal punishment is prohibited in District schools.

This policy will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the Board’s policy review process.

Legal Reference:  NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(16)

Adopted: June 12, 2007

 

Reporting Child Abuse Or Neglect

ASD: JLF
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT

A.Statutorily Mandated Reporting – All Persons
Under New Hampshire law (RSA 169-C:29), every person who has “reason to suspect” that a child has been abused or neglected is required to report that suspicion to DCYF (Division of Children, Youth and Families of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services) or directly to the police. Under RSA 169-C:30, the initial report “shall be made immediately via telephone or otherwise.”

The requirement to report is not dependent on whether there is proof of the abuse or neglect, nor is it dependent upon whether the information suggests the abuse or neglect is continuing or happened in the past. Any doubt regarding whether to report should be resolved in favor of reporting. Failure to report may be subject to criminal prosecution, while a report made in good faith is entitled to both civil and criminal immunity. Additionally, a “credential holder”, as defined in New Hampshire Department of Education Rule 501.02(h), who fails to report suspected abuse or neglect risk having action taken by the New Hampshire Department of Education against his/her credential. See N.H. Code of Conduct for Educators, Ed. 510.05(e).

The report should contain:
a.the name and address of the child suspected of being abused or neglected,
b.the person responsible for the child’s welfare,
c.the specific information indicating neglect/abuse or the nature and extent of the child’s injuries (including any evidence of previous injuries),
d.the identity of the person or persons suspected of being responsible for such neglect or abuse; and
e.any other information that might be helpful in investigating allegations of neglect or abuse.

To report child abuse or neglect to DCYF, call 24/7 (800) 894-5533 (in-state) or (603) 271-6562. In cases of current emergency or imminent danger, call 911.

B. Additional provisions relating to school employees, volunteers and contracted service providers.
Each school employee, designated volunteer or contracted service provider having reason to suspect that a child is being or has been abused or neglected must also immediately report his/her suspicions to the building Principal or other building supervisor. This initial report may be made orally, but must be supplemented with a written report as soon as practicable after the initial report, but in no event longer than one calendar day.

1.Request for Assistance in Making Initial Report.
The initial report to the Principal/building supervisor may be made prior to the report to DCYF/law enforcement, but only if:
(a)the initial report is made for the purpose of seeking assistance in making the mandated report to DCYF/law enforcement, and
(b)reporting to the Principal, etc. will not cause any undue delay (measured in minutes) of the required report to DCYF/law enforcement.

When receiving a request for assistance in making a report, the Principal or other person receiving the request is without authority to assess whether the report should be made, nor shall he/she attempt in any way to dissuade the person from making the legally mandated report. Once the Principal/building supervisor receives the information, the law would impose a reporting requirement upon both the original reporter and the Principal.

2. Principal’s Action upon Receiving Report.
Upon receiving the report/request from the employee, volunteer or any other person, the Principal/building supervisor shall immediately assure that DCYF/law enforcement is or has been notified, and then notify the Superintendent that such a report to DCYF has been made.

A written report shall be made by the Principal to the Superintendent within twenty-four(24)hours, with a copy provided to DCYF if requested. The report shall include all of the information included in the initial oral report, as well as any other information requested by the Superintendent, law enforcement or DCYF.

3.Requirements for Reporting of Other Acts.
Employees/contract providers are also reminded of the requirements to report any act of“theft, destruction, or violence” as defined under RSA 193-D:4, I (a), incidents of“bullying”, and hazing under RSA 671:7. A single act may simultaneously constitute abuse, bullying, hazing, and/or an act of theft, destruction or violence.

C. Signage and Notification.
The Superintendent is directed to assure that the Principal or administrator of each school shall post a sign within the school that is readily visible to students, in the form provided by the, Division for Children, Youth, and Families, that contains instructions on how to report child abuse or neglect, including the phone number for filing reports and information on accessing the Division’s website. Additionally, information pertaining to the requirements of section A of this policy shall be included in each student handbook or placed on the district’s website.

D.Training Required.
The Superintendent shall assure that all District employees, designated volunteers and contracted service providers receive training (in-person or online) upon beginning service with the District, with annual refreshers thereafter, on the mandatory reporting requirements, including how to identify suspected child abuse or neglect.

Legal References: NH Code of Administrative Rules, Ed 306.04(a)(10), Reporting of Suspected Abuse or Neglect NH Code of Administrative Rules, Code of Conduct for NH Educators, Ed 510.05(e), Duty to Report RSA 169-C, Child Protection Act, RSA 169-C:29-39, Reporting Law, RSA 189:72, Child Abuse or Neglect Information, RSA 193-D:4, Safe School Zones, Written Report Required

Adopted: March 18, 1985
Adopted: June 12, 2001
Revised: October 6, 2008
Revised: February 13, 2018
Revised: January 14, 2020

Joint Loss Management Committee

ASD File: JLI
See also EB
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOINT LOSS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Superintendent will cause the formation of the Joint Loss Management Committee as required by RSA 281-A:64, III, and a Crisis Management Plan that conforms to the National Incident Command System.

The practice of safety shall also be considered a facet of the instructional plan of the Auburn School District by incorporating educational programs in traffic and pedestrian safety, driver education, fire prevention, emergency procedures, and others, appropriately geared to students at different grade levels.

The Principal shall be responsible for the supervision and implementation of a safety program for his/her school. General areas of emphasis shall include, but not be limited to: in-service training; accident record keeping; plant inspection; driver and vehicle safety programs; fire prevention; catastrophe planning; and emergency procedures and traffic safety problems relevant to students, employees and the community. The Principal shall be responsible for developing student safety procedures to be used on school busses, school grounds (including playgrounds), during authorized school activities (such as field trips), within school building(s) (including classrooms and laboratories), off school grounds during school sanctioned activities (including, but not limited to, work-based learning and internships), and in the use of online resources. The safety plan will be on file in the school and in the SAU office.

Legal References: RSA 200:40, RSA 281-A:64, III, NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.04(a)(2), NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.04(d)

Adopted: October 6, 2008
Revised: December 9, 2014

Supervision Of Students

ASD File: JLIA
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS

During school hours or while engaging in school-sponsored activities, students will be released only into the custody of parents or other authorized persons.

Adopted: June 12, 2001