Herrin Community Unit School District No. 4
Bylaws & Policies
 

5531 - STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

In keeping with its concern for the safety and well-being of both students and staff and for maintaining a school environment that is conducive to learning, the Board of Education has adopted policies related to student conduct in the school setting and has authorized disciplinary measures for the violation of these policies.

The Board seeks to maintain a balance between maintaining a proper educational environment and a compassion for students who suffer from or are victims of intemperate, immoral, or illegal behavior. Educational programs have been established to promote healthful, productive living and discipline shall be maintained to protect students and staff from actions that disrupt teaching and learning. However, the Board recognizes that students may experience difficulties that educational programs and sound discipline may not prevent, and that other forms of assistance need to be available through the school.

The Superintendent is authorized to establish one (1) or more assistance programs for students which provide for effective intervention in areas such as substance abuse, crisis situations, and other situations which impact on students' physical, emotional, mental, or social well-being and affect their ability to benefit from the District's educational program. Administrative guidelines are to be prepared which will ensure that:

 A.the rights of both parents and students are protected;

 B.a steering committee is established which is chaired by a central office administrator and includes administrators, staff members from all academic levels, counselors and/or other clinical resource people, and parents and other members of the community;

 C.staff members are properly trained and skilled for their roles and participate in ways that comply with their certification, licensing, job description, Board policies, and the District's administrative guidelines;

 D.outside resource people and agencies are properly certified and/or licensed to provide services and have a history of effective assistance.

The services of a school psychologist, social worker, and other clinical/diagnostic services are provided by the Board by its participation and membership in the Williamson County Special Education District. The social worker helps create a climate in the schools which will encourage every student to make optimum use of the educational opportunities provided. For those students whose functioning within the school setting is limited because of social or emotional problems, the social worker provides counseling, either individually or in groups, as well as consultation with staff.

Since parent understanding and cooperation are vital to the success of the work, the informed consent of the parent is always secured in advance. Close contact with parents is maintained, both to give and receive information.

Educational and psychological testing services are available to students in the District by its participation and membership in the Williamson County Special Education District. Upon teachers request, these services are available at no extra cost to parents. The services of a social worker are also available to students and parents desiring help in alleviating emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.

Through use of these services a teacher may be better able to design appropriate learning experiences. In some instances the need for specialized programs or referrals to other resources may be indicated.

In all cases, written permission to administer a psychological examination must be obtained from the parent/guardian. Upon completion of the examination, the results will be interpreted to the parent/guardian as well as the professional staff.

Student Welfare - Psychological and Social Work Service

Educational and Case Study Evaluation services are available to students in the District through specialists on the staff of the Williamson County Special Education District. Upon teacher or parent/guardian request, these services are available at no cost. The services of a social worker are also available to students and parents desiring help in alleviating emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.

Through use of these services a teacher may be better able to design appropriate learning experiences. In some instances, the need for specialized programs or referrals to other resources may be indicated.

In all cases, written permission to administer a Case Study Evaluation must be obtained from the parent/guardian. Upon completion of the examination, the results will be interpreted to the parent/guardian as well as the professional staff.