Student and Family School Handbook

School Student and Family Handbook

2026-2027

Desmond Chisholm, Principal

7501 Ruskin Lane

Upper Darby, PA 19082

(610) 626 9111 - Main Office

https://www.upperdarbysd.org/stonehursthills

The goal of the Upper Darby School District is to ensure that this document is usable to the widest possible audience, regardless of ability. Smore helps the District provide this The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant document to our community. Smore is guided by the WCAG 2.1 level AA success and conformance criteria and readability considerations such as font type, size, color, contrast, and considerations for a screen reader, motion detector, and voice-to-text software. Visitors to this document are able to access a customizable bar that lets users adjust font size and enable high contrast mode and use a screen reader, enhancing the visual accessibility of this document. Please contact Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, at abeauford@upperdarbysd.org with any questions, comments, or suggestions related to accessibility of this document.

This document is subject to periodic revisions and updates. We strive to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date; however, changes may occur over time and without prior notice. Please consult the latest version of this document for the most current information.

While we strive to ensure the accuracy and quality of our content, there may be occasional errors or inaccuracies. If you come across any mistakes or issues, please contact us to let us know. We appreciate your feedback and will do our best to address any concerns promptly. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in improving our work.

4611 Bond Avenue

Drexel Hill PA 19026

www.upperdarbysd.org

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Daniel P. McGarry, Superintendent of Schools

Dr. John Council, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Equity

Dr. Ed Marshaleck, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Dr. Ashwina Mosakowski, Director of Elementary Education

School/District Colors – Purple and Gold

School Mascot – Royals

School Website - www.upperdarbysd.org/stonehurst

District Website – www.upperdarbysd.org

STONEHURST HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

OFFICE PHONE NUMBERS

610-626-9111

610-626-8580 (Fax)

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ATTENDANCE EMAIL: shes-attendance@upperdarbysd.org

School Administration

Desmond Chisholm, Principal

Azure Chesney, Assistant Principal

The Student and Family Handbook serves as a guide for students and families on school-specific information on programs, services, resources, schedules, procedures, and expectations. General Upper Darby School District information is available in the UDSD Student and Family Handbook.

"We are Stonehurst Strong!"

Stonehurst Hills Elementary School is a unique learning environment where adults are dedicated to helping all students succeed--no matter what! The staff at Stonehurst Hills works hard to provide a safe, nurturing environment for students to learn and grow while having fun! Our school strives to be a community that supports each other in achieving at high levels.

At Stonehurst Hills, we also know that our students work hard to Be respectful, Be Safe, and to Be responsible (these are our "three B's" for success). Therefore, we participate in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) programming and provide lots of fun rewards and activities in order to celebrate the students who make good choices and encourage everyone to demonstrate their mastery of the three B's!

Our curriculum follows Upper Darby's rigorous yet accessible academic programming that prepares learners to be college and career-ready individuals. The staff at Stonehurst Hills considers the whole child and, therefore, educates each student at his/her/their current ability level with the ultimate goal of academic success.

Parents, we invite you to join our programming by participating in activities both during and after school hours. Please call our office to discuss ways you can volunteer.

Sincerely,

Desmond Chisholm, Principal

The Stonehurst Hills Elementary School will be an equitable learning environment that will incorporate sound educational philosophy and effective instructional practices that will set the tone for academic achievement. Students, Staff, Families, and Community will work collaboratively toward the shared goal of academic and social-emotional growth and success.

The school staff directory is an essential resource for students, parents, and the community, providing up-to-date contact information and roles for all school faculty and administrative members. It helps facilitate communication and ensures that everyone can easily reach the appropriate staff for support, inquiries, or collaboration. For any updates or changes to staff information, please refer to the directory regularly or contact the school office directly.

Effective communication between home and school is essential for supporting student success. We encourage parents and guardians to use both phone and email as primary methods for staying in touch with teachers, administrators, and school staff. Phone calls to the main office are ideal for urgent matters or quick conversations, while email is well-suited for detailed inquiries, scheduling meetings, or sharing documents. See the school directory for staff email addresses. Please note that teachers are not available during instructional time and will respond to voicemails, messages and emails as soon as possible. Please ensure that your contact information is current and check your messages regularly to stay informed about important updates and communications. For any questions or to resolve issues related to communication, feel free to reach out to the school's main office.

Stonehurst Hills Home and School Association

President - Kiara Durham

Contact Information

Email: knorman@upperdarbysd.org

Meetings:

All Home and School Meetings will take place on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM. Below are the Home and School Association Dates for the 26-27 School Year:

• September 16, 2026

• October 21, 2026

• November 18, 2026

• December 16, 2026

• January 20, 2027

• February 17, 2027

• March 17, 2027

• April 21, 2027

• May 26, 2027

Events

Throughout the school year, the SHES Home and School will host events and fundraisers. Stay tuned for more information in the Principal’s Wednesday Emails.

Parent-teacher meetings are an important part of our commitment to fostering student success and ensuring open communication between home and school. These meetings provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss a student's academic performance, social development, and any concerns or goals. We encourage all parents to take advantage of these meetings to collaborate with teachers in supporting their child’s growth and addressing any issues.

Please note the report conference dates on the calendar and make plans to attend.

Teachers are not permitted to meet with parents during instructional time.

To schedule a meeting, please contact your child’s teacher directly via email or phone, or use our online scheduling system if the teacher makes one available. We look forward to productive discussions and working together to enhance your child's educational experience.

The Home Access Center (HAC) is an online platform designed to provide parents and guardians with real-time access to their child's academic information. Through HAC, you can view grades, attendance records, assignments, and other important academic details. This tool helps you stay informed about your child’s progress and supports effective communication between home and school. We encourage you to log in regularly to monitor your child's performance and stay engaged in their educational journey. For login assistance or questions about using HAC, please contact the school's main office or send an email to parentportal@upperdarbysd.org.

Schoology is our district’s comprehensive learning management system (LMS) that facilitates communication and collaboration between students, parents, and teachers. It provides a central platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, participating in discussions, and tracking academic progress. Schoology also allows parents to monitor their child’s engagement and performance, helping to support their learning journey. Teachers can send a Schoology message to parents of members in their course(s) or group(s) about course updates and reminders. We encourage you to explore Schoology to stay connected with classroom activities and resources. Log-in to Schoology at https://app.schoology.com/login?destination=home. For assistance with Schoology or any questions about its features, please contact the school’s main office or parentportal@upperdarbysd.org.

The weekly information newsletter, or Wednesday Folder, is a valuable resource designed to keep parents, students, and the school community informed about upcoming events, important announcements, and key updates. Each edition provides a comprehensive overview of school activities, achievements, and important deadlines. We encourage all families to read the newsletter regularly to stay engaged and up-to-date with school happenings. The newsletter is emailed to families using the email address on file in the Home Access Center (HAC). We encourage you to check your inbox every Wednesday evening to stay informed and engaged with the latest news from our school. If you have any questions or if you are not receiving these communications, please contact the school office to ensure your email address is correctly updated in our system or visit HAC to update your email address.

Our district website and its associated school webpages, are key resources designed to provide students, parents, and the community with up-to-date information about school programs, events, and important announcements. The website offers easy access to a variety of resources, including the school calendar, staff directories, academic resources, and contact information. We encourage you to visit the website regularly to stay informed and take advantage of the tools and information available. For any questions or difficulties accessing the site, please contact the district Communications and Media Services and Technology offices at webmaster@upperdarbysd.org.

Our school district utilizes social media platforms to connect with the community, share important updates, celebrate achievements, and highlight school events. By following our official social media accounts, you can stay informed about district-wide news, upcoming activities, and key announcements. We encourage you to engage with our posts and share your own experiences to foster a vibrant and supportive community. For any questions or concerns regarding our social media presence, please reach out to the district’s Communications and Media Services office at socialmedia@upperdarbysd.org.

Our school district's mobile app is designed to keep you connected and informed with ease. The app provides instant access to important updates, school news, the district's master and school calendars, and other information and resources right from your smartphone. It offers features such as quick links to resources and access to student information. We encourage you to download the app to stay up-to-date with everything happening in our district. For assistance with the app or to provide feedback, please contact the Communications and Media Services and Technology offices at webmaster@upperdarbysd.org.

Emergency/serious incident and school schedule change messages are shared through the District’s official CrisisGo app, which are delivered to registered mobile devices.

The CrisisGo mobile app allows UDSD parents to connect with safety message groups from our school district and individual school buildings. UDSD parents can download the CrisisGo app on their mobile device and create a FREE account. Parents will then need to subscribe to the DISTRICT NEWS group and the school(s) of their choice via the appropriate ID number.

CrisisGo is the fastest way to receive district emergency alerts and messaging. Click on the image to the right to learn how to download the app and SUBSCRIBE today!

The UDSD Community Bulletin Board (CBB) serves as a hub for local information, events, and resources, providing a space for sharing announcements, opportunities, and activities that benefit our school and surrounding area. Whether you're looking to post an event, find local services, or stay informed about community happenings, the bulletin board is an excellent resource. We encourage all community members to contribute and utilize this space to stay connected and engaged with what’s happening in our area. The Community Bulletin Board - your premiere community resource! Visit https://www.upperdarbysd.org/Page/2642 today!

UDSD CBB Posting Request Form

Guidelines for Requests to Post to the CBB

Ways to Make Sure Your CBB Document is ADA Compliant

Resources for Translating CBB Documents

BoardDocs is our online platform used for managing and accessing school board meeting agendas, minutes, and other important documents. This system provides a transparent and convenient way for community members to stay informed about board activities, decisions, and discussions. By visiting BoardDocs, you can easily review past and upcoming meeting materials, track board resolutions, and access important information related to school governance. We encourage you to explore BoardDocs to stay engaged with the decision-making processes that affect our schools. For any questions or assistance with using BoardDocs, please contact the school district office.

Our school district’s Public Access Cable Channel provides a platform for broadcasting important school events, educational programs, and community news. This channel offers valuable insight into school activities, including board meetings, special events, and student achievements, allowing the community to stay connected and informed. We encourage you to tune in regularly to see the latest updates and programming. For schedule information or to submit content for consideration, please contact the district’s communications office or the Public Access Cable Channel coordinator. The channel is available to all cable television subscribers in the Upper Darby School District area. The UDSD public access channels are as follows:

Comcast: Channel 08

RCN: Channel 51

Verizon FIOS: Channel 20

If you are experiencing any difficulties with your cable programming, please contact your local cable provider. All events can also be found on the official Upper Darby School District YouTube Channel. Find a list of our most recent programming on our website at https://pa02209738.schoolwires.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=4437.

Blackboard Reach lets teachers have a two-way conversation with parents. Conversations can be used to give feedback, information on upcoming assignments or required paperwork due dates, and class information and events. Blackboard Reach allows families to view messages that teachers post to the entire class and to also privately message teachers. Click here for instructions on using the messaging dashboard. Find more information about Blackboard access HERE. Learn how to use the tool at Blackboard Parent Instructions.

The School Board Meeting and the School Board Committee Meetings empower parents to stay informed about policy and to observe and become familiar with the policy-making process.

Regular School Board meetings are official and formal business meetings, at which the School Board meets in their official capacity to deliberate and take action on the business of the school district. Items that are presented on school board meeting agendas for a vote are usually researched and considered during School Board Committee meetings.

To ensure a smooth and safe experience for all students and families, please adhere to the following arrival and dismissal procedures. Students should arrive between [arrival time] and [arrival time] and be dropped off at designated areas to avoid congestion and ensure their safety. During dismissal, please follow the instructions provided for pick-up locations and times to maintain an orderly flow and avoid delays. We appreciate your cooperation in following these procedures to create a safe and efficient environment for all students. For any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

Upon arrival at the school, visitors must register at the office where they must provide any required information or identification to protect the health and safety of students, staff and the school community, as well as be informed of the school’s health and safety rules, which must be followed prior to entry and while the visitor is in the school building and on school property. Visitors will show identification and will be scanned into the visitor entry system to be checked in a national database of offenders of crimes against children. Visitors who are not in the national database will receive a visitor’s badge that must be worn in plain view. Visitors will sign out upon leaving school and return the visitor’s badge. Visitors found in the national database will be escorted at all times with staff while in the building and access to the building will be limited to rights of parents/guardians. See Board Docs: Policy 907.

We kindly remind you that the parking lot on Timberlake, located on the side of the school, is designated for STAFF ONLY. Parents are not permitted to park in this lot under any circumstances. Additionally, parking or driving in the Bus Loop during school hours is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety of our students and the smooth operation of our transportation services. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to help maintain a safe and efficient environment for everyone.

Parent volunteers are a huge resource for our school community. When students see parents volunteer in their school and classrooms and on field trips, they recognize the importance of education in families and see in action how the community takes an interest in their learning. We welcome parent volunteers! Upper Darby School District Volunteers are required to submit the PA Criminal Background Check, the FBI Criminal Clearance and the PA Child Abuse History Clearance along with their school district Volunteer Application. The Communications and Media Services office hosts Fall and a Spring Parent Volunteer Workshops to assist parents with the volunteer approval process. Submit your application today!

916-AR-1 Non-Staff Volunteer Application

Volunteer Application Process

Advanced planning, training, practice and comprehensive implementation are key components in protecting the safety and security of the school community. District schools shall conduct a disaster response or emergency preparedness plan drill at least annually. District schools shall conduct fire drills at least once a month during the school year. District schools shall conduct a school security drill while school is in session, with students present. See Board Docs: Policy 805.

The Board requires all users to fully comply with this policy, as outlined in Policy 815 - Acceptable Use of Internet, Computer, and Network Resources. The Board declares that district Internet, computer and network use is a privilege, not a right. The district’s computer and network resources are the property of the district. Users shall have no expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send, delete, access, receive or display on or over the district’s Internet, computers or network resources, including personal files or any use of the district’s Internet, computers or network resources. The district reserves the right to monitor, track and log network access and use on district computers and network resources; monitor fileserver space and file storage utilization by district users; or deny access to prevent unauthorized, inappropriate or illegal activity and may revoke access privileges and/or administer appropriate disciplinary action.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves teacher health and wellbeing. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students extends beyond the school grounds, including their journey to and from school. We expect all students to demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior while traveling, whether walking, biking, or riding public transportation. This includes following traffic rules, being considerate to others, and avoiding any behavior that could endanger themselves or others. Students should also adhere to any school or district policies related to conduct during these times. By upholding these standards, we can contribute to a safe and positive environment for everyone. For any concerns or to report issues related to student behavior on their commute, please contact the school administration or local authorities. Review the document attached below for additional information about student behavior expectations.

All students are subject to the dress code as outlined in Policy 221: Dress and Grooming. Students must report to school on a daily basis attired in compliance with the provisions of this policy. Acceptable dress must be appropriately sized and must conform to the following requirements:

1. We strongly encourage students to exhibit their school pride by wearing school colors and apparel.
   
2. Students are not permitted to wear apparel that belittles another, suggests sexual activity, or refers to violence, weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, discrimination, gangs, or any illegal activity. Objectionable language or graphics are also not permitted on apparel or belongings.
   
3. All shirts and dresses must have sleeves and cover the entire torso, and shoulders. Tank tops, midriffs, tube tops, low cut shirts, strapless, spaghetti straps, see through shirts, halters, or bare back shirts are not permitted.
   
4. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must reach mid-thigh. We use the “fingertip” rule, which means when standing straight, fingertips are in line with the hem.
   
5. Pants must be worn above the hip bone. No undergarments are to be seen at any time. Tights worn as pants are not permitted.
   
6. See through clothing, undergarments worn as outer garments, and sleepwear are not permitted.
   
7. Clothing that are torn or ripped are not permitted.
   
8. Students are not permitted to wear any spiked collars, spiked bracelets, or wallet chains.
   
9. Shoes must cover the entire foot and have soles. Steel toe boots are not permitted.
   
10. Hats, hoods, bandannas, and sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
    
11. Administration will make final decisions about the appropriateness and acceptability of specific items of clothing.
    
12. Violations of the dress code will result in disciplinary consequences.

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Our school offers breakfast and lunch programs to ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals throughout the school day. These programs are designed to support student health and academic performance by providing balanced and wholesome food options. Breakfast and lunch meals are free for every Upper Darby School District student through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). We encourage families to review the monthly menu and take advantage of these meal services. For information on meal pricing, eligibility for free or reduced meals, or any dietary accommodations, please contact the school’s cafeteria manager. Visit https://upperdarbysd.schooldish.com/ to view our ADA-compliant website for lunch menus.

School Counselors:

UDSD is committed to supporting all students in addressing their academic, behavioral, personal, social, and career development needs.

• Marissa DiFillippo - Guidance Counselor - Grades 1-5

Social Workers:

UDSD School Social Workers meet with students in grades K-12 to offer academic and social support. They work with families, providing resources and strengthening relationships with their children and with the school. Social Workers also work with the school staff, including teachers, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and nurses, to provide important resources, consultation, and information about the students, families, and outside resources. They are the liaison between the school, the family, and the community.

• Coleen Sanders - Social Worker - Grades 1-5

Student Support Staff:

• Dr. Hannah Ebin Hamermesh - School Psychologist
• Marykate Moote - Speech Therapist
• Anna Thompson - Speech Therapist
• Colleen Stetler - Nurse

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The Student Assistance Program promotes education and awareness programs targeting the dangers and risks associated with the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco with the goal of eliminating these as barriers to academic achievement and success. The program contributes to the universal school-wide support needed to build resilient schools in our district. Click HERE to learn more about SAP and its resources or see the counselor or social worker for more information.

Safe2Say Something

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. We feel that it is important to remind our parents and students that anyone who is feeling unsafe to please remember that there is help and it is okay to ask for help. Learn more about Safe2Say Something HERE. Find below videos and the District’s webpage outlining the Safe2Say Something PA Program:

• Safe2Say Something PA Program

• UDSD Safe2Say Something Presentation 2021

• Phone Number: 1-844-SAF-2SAY

SpeakUp!

SpeakUp! is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to helping teens develop supportive relationships with the adults in their lives and helping teens talk openly, honestly and without judgment about difficult topics. Another goal of the program is to get children comfortable with reaching out for support within their homes and schools. The District has partnered with SpeakUp! to provide this service to our parents and students. Teachers, counselors, social workers, and other Upper Darby School District professionals are participating along with trained professionals from SpeakUp! to provide this chance for courageous conversations to take place between our students and the important adults in their lives. SpeakUp! Events are held throughout the school year for middle and high school parents and students. Be sure to check our school calendar for the dates and times of the events. To learn more about SpeakUp! and to view upcoming events, visit HERE.

Youth Court

Youth Court provides an alternative to the mainstream student discipline and system. Youth Court is about students helping students make better decisions, transforming the school environment and student empowerment. The program was piloted in 2021 in two elementary schools and has been fully implemented at the middle school and high school levels. Learn more about Youth Court by clicking the following link: Middle School Youth Court.

Trauma-Informed Schools

The District and Board recognize the impact that trauma may have on the educational environment of the schools, individual student achievement, and the school community as a whole. We desire to address the effects of trauma to meet the academic, behavioral, and professional needs of students and staff. Click to learn more about the District’s Trauma-Informed Approach to education.

Absences:

Consistent school attendance is necessary for successful learning. The spirit of the learning process, exciting ideas, and group discussions can never be made up after an absence. Holidays, vacations, and early dismissal days are clearly noted on the school calendar. When a student is absent but is able to do homework, a parent may request to pick up books, and assignments and complete assignments on Schoology. Most, if not all, materials can also be found on Schoology. Please communicate directly with your child’s teacher with any questions.

The Upper Darby School Board (Policy 204) considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school or an excused absence:

1. Illness

2. Quarantine

3. Family emergency

4. Recovery from accident

5. Death in family

6. Family educational travel, upon written request from parents/guardians with prior written approval from the building principal. No educational travel will be approved for students required to take PSSA, Keystone, or another state-mandated testing, during mandatory testing periods

7. It is the policy of the Upper Darby School District to excuse pupils from school if their religious affiliation requires them to observe a holiday. Legal excusal will be granted on written request from the parent or guardian of the pupil involved.

All absences will be considered unlawful until the school receives a written excuse explaining the absence within three (3) days of the absence. When a child is absent from school, an explanation of absence email can be sent to: bhms-attendance@upperdarbysd.org, or submitted to the attendance secretary in the main office. Failure to send a valid explanation of absence within three (3) days will result in the absence being marked truant. An accumulation of three (3) truancies will be reported to the Attendance Team for further review. Following the third truancy, a family meeting will be scheduled to create a School Attendance Improvement Plan.

The Beverly Hills Middle School attendance policy is in accordance with UDSD (Policy 204) and PA Department of Education attendance policies. All Students who are absent for ten (10) days or more, for any reason, in the current school year will be notified of their excessive absences and required to submit the UDSD 204-AR-0 form or a doctor’s note for every subsequent absence.

Please contact the grade level assistant principal or school nurse for assistance with ongoing illnesses that affect school attendance.

Late to School:

Any student arriving past 8:00 AM will be considered late to school. Lateness will only be excused if the child is at a medical appointment and a doctor’s note is supplied to accompany the appointment. Interventions for lateness will be applied based on the Upper Darby Middle School Code of Character.

Early Dismissal:

A student may be dismissed before the close of the school day only for urgent reasons, such as medical and dental treatments, or other reasons for the welfare of the student. However, the principal or designee has the discretion to determine special and justifiable requests and has the authority to act accordingly. PA Code 11.25, PA Code 11.23

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN REQUESTING AN EARLY DISMISSAL:

1. Send a note to the school, or email bhms-attendance@upperdarbysd.org. The student must turn the note into the main office upon entering the building. The note or email must include the student’s full name and the time of the early dismissal. The student will be given an early dismissal pass and give them permission to leave class at the time listed.

2. Communicate the time with your student. The student will need to be responsible to keep an eye on the clock and report to the main office at the designated time. The child will raise their hand and ask to be dismissed from class.

3. Check in at the front security desk and wait for your child in the entrance vestibule.

4. If your child is being picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian you must provide permission in writing prior to the early dismissal. The note must specifically state the person’s name that is picking up the child. The person must be at least 18 years old and proof of ID will be required.

5. No student will be permitted to leave the school unless permission is first received through direct communication with the parent/guardian and is approved by an administrator.

The Board shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to administer medication before or after school hours. The administration of prescribed medication to a student during school hours in accordance with the direction of a parent/guardian and licensed prescriber will be permitted only when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student and/or the student would not be able to attend school if the medicine were not available during school hours.

The Board directs all district employees to comply with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Guidelines for Pennsylvania Schools for the Administration of Medications and Emergency Care.

Before any medication may be administered to or by any student during school hours, the Board shall require the written request of the parent/guardian, giving permission for such administration.

Narcotic medications shall not be administered at school.

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases, the Board requires that established policy and administrative regulations be followed by students, parents/guardians, and district staff.

All students shall be immunized against certain diseases in accordance with state law and regulations unless specifically exempt for religious or medical reasons.

A certificate of immunization shall be maintained as part of the health record for each student, as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

A student shall be exempt from immunization requirements whose parent/guardian objects in writing to such immunization on religious grounds or whose physician certifies that the student's physical condition contraindicates immunization.

A student who has not been immunized in accordance with state regulations shall not be admitted to or permitted to attend district schools unless exempted for medical or religious reasons or provisionally admitted by the Superintendent or designee after beginning a multiple-dose vaccine series and submitting proof of immunization or a medical certificate on or before the fifth school day of attendance.

Homeless students who have not been immunized or are unable to provide immunization records due to being homeless shall be admitted in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws and regulations.

Foster care students and students transferring into a school within the Commonwealth shall be admitted in accordance with law and regulations and shall have thirty (30) days to provide proof of immunization, a medical certificate detailing the plan to complete a multiple-dose vaccine series, or to satisfy the requirements for an exemption.

Monitoring of immunization requirements shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or designee and the head nurse.

The Superintendent or designee shall:

1. Ensure that parents/guardians are informed prior to a student's admission to school, or a grade requiring additional immunizations, of the requirements for immunization, the requisite proof of immunization, exemption available for religious or medical reasons, and means by which such exemptions may be claimed.

2. Designate school personnel to review student medical certificates in accordance with law and regulations to ensure compliance with full immunization requirements.

3. Annually review state standards for immunization and direct accordingly the responsible district personnel.

4. Investigate and recommend to the Board district-sponsored programs of immunization that may be warranted to safeguard the health of the school community. Such program shall be subject to Board approval and may be conducted in cooperation with local health agencies.

The Superintendent or designee shall report immunization data electronically to the Department of Health by December 31 of each year. If the district is unable to complete the report electronically, the Superintendent or designee shall report the immunization data on the required form to the Department of Health by December 15.

The Board authorizes that students who have been diagnosed by a physician or are suspected of having a disease by the school nurse shall be excluded from school for the period indicated by regulations of the Department of Health for certain specified diseases and infectious conditions.

The school nurse shall report the presence of suspected communicable diseases to the appropriate local health authority, as required by the Department of Health.

The Superintendent or designee shall direct that health guidelines and universal precautions designed to minimize the transmission of communicable diseases be implemented in district schools.

Instruction regarding prevention of communicable and life threatening diseases shall be provided by the schools in the educational program for all levels, in accordance with state regulations.

Parents/Guardians shall be informed of and be provided opportunities during school hours to review all curriculum materials used in instruction relative to communicable and life-threatening diseases.

A comprehensive health record shall be maintained for each student enrolled in the district. The record shall include the results of required tests, measurements, screenings, regular and special examinations, and medical questionnaires.

All health records shall be confidential, and their contents shall be divulged only when necessary for the health of the student or to a physician at the written request of the parent/guardian.

The policy in its entirety can be found on the district website, along with administrative regulations, if applicable.

Please review the related UDSD Board Policy 246-AR-4: In-School Birthday Celebrations and other celebrations.

The Upper Darby School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or limited English proficiency in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. All concerns regarding discrimination should be directed to the UDSD Title IX Coordinator. View more about Title IX policies and procedures on the website.

Kimisha Simpson

Title IX Coordinator

Supervisor of Recruitment, Retention & Culture

8201 Lansdowne Avenue

Upper Darby, PA 19082

(610) 789-7200 ext. 3318

ksimpson@upperdarbysd.org

Wendy Elgart

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Director of Federal Programs, Grants, Food Service

8201 Lansdowne Avenue

Upper Darby, PA 19082

(610) 789-7200 ext. 3226

welgart@upperdarbysd.org

• The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. The Board recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence.

Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by district students.

Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent, or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantial interference with a student’s education.

2. Creation of a threatening environment.

3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school. Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying.

School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.

The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by district students.

The Board encourages students who have been bullied to promptly report such incidents to the building principal or designee.

The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified.

Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained consistent with the district’s legal and investigative obligations. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of ,good-faith reports of bullying.

The policy in its entirety can be found on the district website along with administrative regulations, if applicable.

Transportation for students eligible to attend district schools shall be provided in accordance with law and Board policy.

If a student eligible to attend district schools requires transportation by the district to a nonpublic school, the student is required to register with the district’s Central Registration Office to help the school district deliver services more efficiently.

Any students eligible to attend district schools, whether attending district schools or other schools or receiving transportation services from the district, must notify the Central Registration Office within five (5) days of change in their circumstances. Change in circumstances is defined to mean moving from one place of residence to another, changing eligible schools, the issuance of a Court Order or other circumstances resulting in a student having more than one (1) residence.

Transportation of students eligible to attend district schools will be provided only to and from school bus stops and along regular bus routes established by the administration based on the residence of each student and the location of the assigned school. The distances set forth below shall be measured from the closest property line of school to the closest property line of a pupil's residence:

1. Kindergarten through Grade 5: Students who live one (1) mile or more from their assigned school building .

2. Grade 6 through Grade 8: Students who live one and one-half (1.5) miles or more from the assigned school building.

3. Grade 9 through Grade 12: Students who live two (2) miles or more from the assigned school building.

4. Specified Medical Necessity: Students who have a specified medical necessity may be transported within the otherwise specific distance limits. A request by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must be accompanied by a written diagnosis and opinion from a physician licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and qualified to render the same.

The Board shall purchase, equip, and maintain vehicles and contract for school bus services and/or purchase fares for transportation of students to and from school at regularly scheduled hours and for field trips and extracurricular activities.

The Board may provide public fares for the fulfillment of the transportation obligation.

The Board shall provide transportation for students living within the prescribed limits when walking conditions to the school are found to be hazardous by the Department of Transportation.

The Board shall transport handicapped students without regard to distance or hazardous walking conditions.

The Board shall transport students eligible to attend district schools who are enrolled in nonpublic schools within ten (10) miles of the Upper Darby School District boundaries as prescribed by law.

Transportation shall not be provided to students eligible to attend district schools to or from babysitters, care providers, relatives other than the parent(s)/guardian(s) at each student’s place of domicile or similar situations.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) shall not be permitted to be transported by school bus except when acting as an approved chaperone.

The Board prohibits any diesel-powered motor vehicle weighing 10,001 pounds or more to idle for more than five (5) minutes in any continuous sixty-minute period while parked, loading or unloading, except as allowed by law.

The Board shall ensure that permanent signs, notifying drivers of the idling restrictions, are maintained on district property at locations where diesel- powered motor vehicles weighing 10,001 pounds or more load or unload.

Signs shall also be posted at locations that provide fifteen (15) or more parking spaces for such diesel-powered motor vehicles.

Drivers shall be required to carry out procedures and practices that limit school bus idling. These practices relate to drop-off, start-up and downtime periods. Drivers are required to adhere to district idling procedures and practices, which are based on bus manufacturer specifications and clean air initiatives.

The district shall offer support to drivers to facilitate implementation of this policy, for example, access to school buildings in cold weather.

Drivers shall be monitored and violations will be reported to the Supervisor of Transportation and will be subject to progressive discipline.

All service delivery vehicles shall turn off the engine while making deliveries.

District buses may be used from time to time for community events with prior approval of the Superintendent.

The policy in its entirety can be found on the district website along with administrative regulations, if applicable.

School Registrar

Please contact our school Registrar, Chervida Molino at cmolino@upperdarbysd.org.