Federal code, state code, and Virginia School Boards Association policy set certain requirements for school divisions regarding annual notifications, public hearings, and postings. Colonial Heights Public Schools has addressed each of the requirements below:
Required Notifications
ASBESTOS
In accordance with federal law, each school division must annually notify parents, employees and other building occupants about asbestos inspections, response actions, and post-response action activities.
Lakeview Elementary has asbestos present in the transite window panels, exterior caulking and adhesive glue behind tack boards.
North Elementary has asbestos present in the 9 x 9 floor tiles, in the ceiling panels in the kitchen restroom area and in the Transite soffit panels.
Tussing Elementary has asbestos present in the transite panels on the exterior of the building and in the block filler primer on some interior walls.
Colonial Heights Middle School has asbestos containing materials in the 9 x 9 floor tiles, in the soil in the crawl space under the building, and in pipe insulation that are concealed in the walls and ceilings.
Colonial Heights High School contains asbestos located in the acoustical panels in the band room and choir room. Asbestos has been found in the block filler primer in some interior CMU (concrete block) painted walls in the building, and was also found in cove base adhesive. It has also been determined that some of the TSI (Thermal System Insulation) on chilled and hot water heating system piping located above the ceilings has asbestos containing materials. These materials have been added to our management plans.
Colonial Heights Technical Center is considered to be free of asbestos containing materials.
The School Administration Office has asbestos containing materials present in the floor tiles and linoleum located in the rest rooms, which have been overlaid with VCT.
All of the above mentioned asbestos containing materials has been determined to be in a non-friable state that is they will not release fibers under normal conditions.
A copy of the asbestos management plans, which have been approved by the Virginia Department of Education are available for review at each location and at the School Administration Office located at 512 Blvd.
Any questions concerning these reports should be directed to Kenneth R. Harrell, Director of Facilities or Troy Hedblom, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services.
AVAILABILITY OF SCHOOL DIVISION POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, each division must make an annual announcement at the beginning of the school year advising the public that current copies of all division policies and regulations are available on the division’s website. The announcement should also state that printed copies of school division policies and regulations are available to citizens who do not have online access.
Colonial Heights Public Schools' policies are available online. Student Handbooks, which are given to each student at the beginning of each school year or when they enroll, contain division and school policies. These handbooks can also be accessed on each school's webpage.
BUDGET
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, upon approval of the school division’s budget by the appropriating body every year, the school board must publish the approved annual budget, in line-item form, including the estimated required local match, on the division’s website.
Colonial Heights Public Schools’ budget information can be found here.
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
In accordance with federal law (7 CFR § 245.5, 7 CFR § 245.2, 42 U.S. Code § 1758.), each division which participates in the Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools program must notify parents and the public about their programs, including informational media, the local unemployment office, and any major employers contemplating large layoffs from which the school draws its attendance.
In addition, Virginia law requires that
an information sheet on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
benefits program developed by the Department of Social Services be sent home
with each student at the beginning of the school year;a fillable free or reduced price meals application be sent home with each student
at the beginning of the school year; andany parent in attendance at a back to school night event receive prominent
notification of information about free or reduced price meals and a fillable meals application.
Colonial Heights Public Schools distributes complying materials to families, when guidelines are announced in August or upon enrollment. Family can obtain a Free and Reduced Priced Meal and Free Milk program application within the school. In addition, families can register for federal lunch programs using SchoolLunchApp.com. Families can also download the applications on each school's website.
In addition, according to federal law, schools must post a report of the most recent food safety inspection in a publicly visible location. A copy of the inspection report must be provided to members of the public upon request.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directs divisions which participate in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program to have a policy in place for participating children who do not have money in their account or in hand to cover the cost of the meal at the time of service.
Families can search for their school's health inspection record through the Chesterfield County Health Department page at this web address:
inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/va-chesterfield
The USDA directs the division’s policy on unpaid meal charges to be delivered to all households at the start of the school year and to households that transfer into the school division during the school year.
Colonial Heights Public School publishes its policy on unpaid meal charges under its School Board Policies and Regulations Support Services page. (Section EFB).
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT, COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAW, PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INVOLVEMENT
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, within one calendar month of the opening of school, each division must, simultaneously with any other materials customarily distributed at that time, send to the parents of each enrolled student a notice of the requirements regarding parental responsibility and involvement, a copy of the school division’s standards of student conduct, and a copy of the compulsory school attendance law and the enforcement procedures and policies adopted by the school board. The materials sent to parents must include a notice that by signing the statement of receipt, parents expressly reserve their rights protected by the constitutions or laws of the United States or the Commonwealth and that parents have the right to express disagreement with a school’s or school division’s policies or decisions.
The school board for Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes the Compulsory Attendance policy on the district website.
At the start of the school year or when students enroll, they are given a student planner which includes the student code of conduct. A copy of the student handbook is found on each school's homepage.
COST PER PUPIL
The superintendent must prepare and distribute notification of the estimated average per pupil cost for public education in the division for the upcoming school year. The notice must also include actual per pupil state and local education expenditures for the previous school year. The notice may include federal funds spent for public education in the division.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes its budget information on the division website.
COUNSELING
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, parents must be notified annually regarding the academic and career guidance and personal/social counseling programs which are available to their children. The notification must include the purpose and general description of the programs, information regarding ways parents may review materials to be used in guidance and counseling programs at their child’s school and information about the procedures by which parents may limit their child’s participation in such programs.
To learn more, families can access the College and Career Resources page. You may also contact the school counselors at your student's home school.
CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, each division must notify the parents of rising eleventh and twelfth grade students of:
requirements for graduation pursuant to the standards for accreditation, and
requirements that have yet to be completed by the individual student for graduation.
In addition, the division must notify parents of students with disabilities who have an IEP and who fail to meet the graduation requirements of the student’s right to a free and appropriate education to age 21.
Graduation requirements are outlined in Colonial Heights High School's handbook which is distributed to all students on the first day of school. This handbook can be found on CHHS's website as well. In addition to reading the requirements in the student handbook, parents can visit the school's website and be directed to the school counseling page. Students regularly meet with school counselors and/or case managers to review their progress toward graduation.
DUAL ENROLLMENT, ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, students and their parents must be notified of the availability of dual enrollment, advanced placement classes, career and technical education programs, including internships, externships, apprenticeships, credentialing programs, certification programs, licensure programs, and other work-based learning experiences, the International Baccalaureate program and Academic Year Governor’s School Programs. The notification must include the qualifications for enrolling in such classes, programs and experiences, and the availability of financial assistance to low-income and needy students to take the advanced placement and International Baccalaureate examinations.
Colonial Heights High School offers a wide array of dual enrollment and Advanced Placement classes through face-to-face classes as well as online courses. In addition, the school also provides a host of credential-bearing classes and the opportunity to pursue internships and workplace experiences through the Technical Center. Students have the option of taking courses at any level while pursuing a high school diploma, and no fees for enrollment or testing are charged to CHHS students. In addition to taking courses offered locally, student who meet specific academic requirements can apply to various Governor's Schools. Parents can find more information about AP Courses, Dual Enrollment, and Career and Technical Education programs on the Colonial Heights High School web page or by contacting the student's guidance counselor.
EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS INFORMATION
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, every school board must annually provide information to parents of pupils in grades five through 12 regarding eating disorders. Please review this document for helpful links to learn more about eating disorders.
Guardians can contact their child's school counselor for more information regarding information that is presented to students.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Each school’s written procedures to follow in emergencies such as fire, injury, illness and violent- or threatening behavior must be outlined in the student handbook and discussed with staff and students in the first week of each school year.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes its various emergency procedures through its School Board Policies and Regulations under Section E.
ENGLISH LEARNERS
In accordance with Federal Law, school divisions receiving federal funds to provide a language instruction educational program must, not later than 30 days after the beginning of the school year, inform the parents of English learners of the following:
the reasons for the identification of their child as an English learner and in need of placement in a language instruction educational program
the child’s level of English proficiency, how such level was assessed, and the status of the child’s academic achievement
the methods of instruction used in the program in which their child is, or will be participating, and the methods of instruction used in other available programs, including how such programs differ in content, instructional goals, and the use of English and a native language in instruction
how the program in which their child is, or will be participating, will meet the educational strengths and needs of their child
how such program will specifically help their child learn English and meet age-appropriate academic achievement standards for grade promotion and graduation
the specific exit requirements for the program, including the expected rate of transition from such program into classrooms that are not tailored for English learners and the expected rate of graduation from high school (including four-year adjusted cohort graduation rates and extended-year adjusted cohort graduation raÂÂtes for such program) if federal funds are used for children in high schools
in the case of a child with a disability, how such program meets the objectives of the individualized education program of the child
information pertaining to parental rights that includes written guidance detailing
the parents’ right to have their child immediately removed from such program upon their request
the options that parents have to decline to enroll their child in such program or to choose another program or method of instruction
information pertaining to parental rights that includes written guidance assisting parents in selecting among various programs and methods of instruction, if more than one program or method is offered by the division
For those children who have not been identified as English learners prior to the beginning of the school year, the division must give the notifications listed above to parents within the first two weeks of the child being placed in a language instruction educational program. In addition, parents of English learners will be notified regarding parental involvement opportunities in the same manner as notice is given regarding other Title I programs.
For more information, parents can contact the Director of Assessment and Data who is also responsible for English as a Second Language programs.
FEES
In accordance with the Virginia Administrative Code, the school division’s policy regarding student fees and the fee schedule must be provided to parents annually and posted on the division’s website.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes its policy regarding student fees on its School Board Policies and Regulations Students page (Section JN).
FERPA (FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT)
In accordance with Federal Law, school divisions must provide parents/guardians and adult students annual notice of their rights to inspect and review education records, amend education records, consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. Guardians and students can read an overview of FERPA on the U.S. Department of Education's website.
In addition, school divisions must give notice of the categories of information, if any, which they have designated as directory information. This requirement may be met by providing parents a copy of the Colonial Heights' student records policies. (Sections JO, JO-E, and JOD).
The division must allow a reasonable period of time after such notice has been given for a parent to inform the division that any or all of the information designated should not be released without the parent’s prior consent.
FERPA and directory information are discussed in the Colonial Heights High School Student Planner which is available on the High School website.
GIFTED EDUCATION PLAN
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, each division is required to make its comprehensive plan for the education of gifted students accessible through the division’s website. The division must also ensure printed copies are available to citizens who do not have online access.
Colonial Heights Public Schools' Gifted Education Plan is available on the Talented and Gifted Services page of the division website.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with the Virginia Administrative Code, at the beginning of each school year, every school must provide to students in all grade levels a notice of all requirements for Board of Education-approved diplomas.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes this information in the Student Handbook which is given to each high school student at the beginning of the school year or when the student enrolls. A copy of the handbook can be found on Colonial Heights High School's website. In addition, students and parents can find this information on the School Counseling web page on Colonial Heights High School's website.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT-BEARING COURSES TAKEN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
In accordance with the Virginia Administrative Code, parents may request that any high school credit-bearing course's grade taking during middle school be omitted from the student’s transcript and the student not earn high school credit for the course in accordance with policies adopted by the local school board.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes this policy on its School Board Policies and Regulations Instructional Program page (Section IKEB). In addition, guardians should contact the student's counselor regarding grade omittance.
HOMELESS STUDENTS
In accordance with federal law, each division must give public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youths. The notice must be given where such children and youths receive services such as schools, family shelters and soup kitchens.
Families can contact the school social worker in the Office of Student Services. Information can be found on the Homeless Education page on the division's website.
INTERNET PRIVACY
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, every school division that has an Internet website must make its Internet privacy policy statement conspicuously available on its website.
Colonial Heights Public Schools' Internet Privacy Policy can be found on the division website. In addition, community members can find a copy of the Internet Privacy Policy on the School Board Policies and Regulations School-Community Relations page (Section KBE).
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
According to the Code of Virginia, at the beginning of each school year, every school must provide to parents or guardians the learning objectives to be achieved at their child’s grade level, level or, in high school, a copy of the syllabus for each of their child’s courses.
Guardians can view Virginia's Standards of Learning on the VDOE website to learn what students should be learning during the year. Guardians can also access the Curriculum page on the Colonial Heights Public Schools' website.
COLONIAL HEIGHTS POLICE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
If the local law-enforcement agency employs school resource officers, the School Board and the agency have a memorandum of understanding that sets forth the powers and duties of the school resource officers. The School Board and the law-enforcement agency review and amend or affirm the memorandum of understanding at least once every two years or at any time upon the request of either party. The School Board provides notice and an opportunity for public input during each review period for the memorandum of understanding. The current MOU can be accessed here (Reference: Board Policy KNAJ - Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities).
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS (NAEP)
According to federal law, parents of children selected to participate in any NAEP assessment must be informed before the administration of any assessment that their child may be excused from participation for any reason, is not required to finish any authorized assessment and is not required to answer any test question.
Families and members of the public must have access to all assessment data, questions and complete and current assessment instruments of any NAEP assessment except personally identifiable information and questions that may be reused in the future. School divisions must make reasonable efforts to inform parents and the public about their right of access to assessment data. If access is requested in writing, it must be provided within 45 days of the request and be made available in a secure setting that is convenient to both parties.
NONDISCRIMINATION
In accordance with federal law, school divisions are required to notify students, parents, and others that they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.
A number of federal statutes protect the rights of beneficiaries in programs or activities that receive financial assistance from discrimination. Specifically, the following statutes prohibit discrimination:
Title VI on the basis of race, color and national origin
Title IX on the basis of sex
Section 504 on the basis of disability
the Age Discrimination Act on the basis of age
Title II prohibits state and local governments from discriminating on the basis of disability
the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protects employees from discrimination on the basis of genetic information
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes this policy on its School Board Policies and Regulations Student page (Section JB and JFHA).
The public can view the Equal Employment Opportunity/Nondiscrimination on the division web page under board policies as well.
PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY
In accordance with federal law, districts and schools that receive Title I funds must distribute their parental involvement policy and testing opt-out information to parents of students in Title I programs.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes its policy regarding parental involvement on on it School Board Policies and Regulations Instructional Programs page (Section IGBC).
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT DATA
Each school board’s career and technical education program must include annual notice on its website to enrolled high school students and their parents of the availability of the postsecondary education and employment data published by the State Council of Higher Education and the opportunity for such students to obtain a nationally recognized career readiness certificate at a local public high school, comprehensive community college or workforce center. Va. Code § 22.1-253.13:1.D.3.d.
PPRA (PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT)
The PPRA requires school divisions to provide notice of their policy controlling the administration of surveys on certain sensitive topics including political or religious beliefs and behavior involving sex or illegal conduct.
In addition, divisions must also directly notify parents, at least annually at the beginning of the school year, of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when the following activities will occur:
activities involving the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information
the administration of any survey concerning sensitive information
any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes this policy on its School Board Policies and Regulations Student page (Section JOB).
PROMOTION, RETENTION AND REMEDIATION POLICIES
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, at the beginning of each school year, every school must provide to parents and guardians a copy of the division’s promotion, retention and remediation policies.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes grade promotion information on its School Board Policies and Regulations Instructional Program page (Section IKF-R). In addition, Section IKG includes information about the remediation recovery program. Students and families can contact a school's Counseling Department to learn more about promotion, retention and remediation programs at that school.
PROSECUTION OF JUVENILES AS ADULTS
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, school boards must provide information developed by the office of the Virginia Attorney General to students regarding laws governing the prosecution of juveniles as adults for the commission of certain crimes.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes this information on its School Board Policies and Regulations Student page (Section JFCL) Families can also read about circumstances in which juveniles would be prosecuted as an adult in the Student Code of Conduct, which is published in the Student Handbook. The handbook is given to each student at the beginning of the school year, and it is found on Colonial Heights High School's website under "Students and Parents.
PUPIL/TEACHER RATIOS
School boards must annually on or before December 31, report to the public the actual pupil/teacher ratios, by school, for the current school year, in elementary school classrooms and also must report the actual pupil/teacher ratio in middle school and high schools in the division by school. Va. Code § 22.1-253.13:2.
Community members can find ratios on the Colonial Heights Public Schools division website.
RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS TO ARMED FORCES RECRUITERS AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
In accordance with federal law, divisions must notify parents that they will release the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary students to all recruiters or institutions of higher education that request them unless the parents specifically request that this information not be released.
Colonial Heights High School requests permission to release records to Armed Forces Recruiters and Educational Institutions in back-to-school paperwork. In addition, Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes this information on the School Board Policies and Regulations Student page (Section JO).
REPORT CARDS/SCHOOL QUALITY PROFILES
In accordance with federal law, divisions that receive Title I funds must prepare and distribute specified information to parents. Federal law refers to the distribution of this information as a “report card.” The Virginia Board of Education, in the Standards of Accreditation as revised in January 2018, now uses the term “School Quality Profile.”
Families can access Colonial Heights Public Schools' Quality Profile at schoolquality.virginia.gov.
SCOLIOSIS
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, school divisions must provide information about scoliosis to parents. Please review this letter from the Office of Support Services to learn more. You can also view this pamphlet.
SCHOOL BUS RIDER SAFETY RULES
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, a copy of bus rider safety rules shall be sent to parents at the beginning of the school year as part of the “Code of Student Conduct.” The information shall include a request that parents or their designee accompany their young children to and from the bus stop.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes its policy regarding Student Conduct on Buses on its School Board Policies and Regulations Student page (Section JFCC and JFCC-R).
Additionally, Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes its Standards of Student Conduct under the School Board Policies and Regulations Student page (Section JFC).
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS IDENTIFIED AS DEAF OR HARD OR HEARING OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Department of Education shall annually prepare and distribute to local school boards packets of information describing the educational and other services available through the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired to students who are identified as deaf or hard of hearing or visually impaired.
Families can contact the Office of Support Services at 804-524-3445 for information regarding services for deaf or hard of hearing and visually impaired students.
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, every school board must annually notify the parents of each student enrolled in the school division of the board’s policy regarding sex offenders (see VSBA Policy KN Sex Offender Registry Notification) and of the availability of information in the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry and the location of the Internet website.
Colonial Heights Public Schools links to the registry at the Virginia State Police via the webpage VA State Police SOR Registry underneath "Families" on the district webpage.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, each division must, at least annually, conduct a public awareness campaign (also known as a child find program) to
inform the community of the rights of persons, ages two to 21, inclusive, to a free appropriate public education and the availability of special education programs and services;
generate referrals; and
explain the nature of disabilities, the early warning signs of disabilities and the need for services to begin early.
Each division is required to annually publish notice listing the names of the members of the division’s Special Education Advisory Committee. The notice must also include a description of ways in which interested parties may express their views to the committee. 8 VAC 20-81.230.D.3.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes its Special Education information on its Office of Support Services webpage. Families can also call the office directly at 804-524-3445.
STANDARDS OF LEARNING (SOLs)
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, at the beginning of each school year, every school must provide to parents or guardians a copy of the Standards of Learning applicable to their child’s grade or course requirements and the approximate date and potential impact of the child’s next SOL testing.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
In accordance with federal laws, schools that receive Title I funds must provide each parent information on the achievement level of their child on each of the state academic assessments.
Colonial Heights Public Schools requires its teachers to send interim reports at the midpoint of each grading period. Additionally, report cards are sent home at the end of each grading period.
TOBACCO AND NICOTINE VAPOR PRODUCTS
Every school division must annually provide educational information to parents of students in grades K though 12 regarding the health dangers of tobacco and nicotine vapor products. The information must be consistent with guidelines developed by the Department of Education. Va. Code § 22.1-273.3.
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS
According to federal law, at the beginning of each school year, divisions that receive Title I funds must notify the parents of each student attending any school receiving Title I funds that the parents may request and the division will provide (in a timely manner) information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including whether the teacher 1) has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction, 2) is teaching under emergency or other provisional status and 3) is teaching in the field or discipline of the teacher’s certification. The notification must also inform the parents that they may request information regarding whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
Note: Beginning in 2017-18, school divisions will be required to send notifications to parents in Title I schools if their children are taught four or more weeks by a teacher who is not properly licensed in Virginia to teach the class to which the students are assigned.
Colonial Heights Public Schools handles these notifications on a case by case basis.
TESTING TRANSPARENCY AND PARENT OPT-OUT
In accordance with federal law, at the beginning of each school year, school divisions that receive Title I funds shall notify the parents of each student attending any school receiving Title I funds that the parents may request, and the division will provide (in a timely manner), information regarding any state or division policy regarding student participation in any assessments mandated, including information about the parental right to opt a child out of an assessment, where applicable.
Colonial Heights Public Schools handles these notifications on a case-by-case basis.
In addition, in accordance with federal law, divisions that receive Title I funds shall make widely available through public means (including by posting in a clear and easily accessible manner on the division’s website and, where practicable, on the website of each school in the division, for each grade, information on each assessment required by the state.
VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT SAVINGS PROGRAMS (403(b) PLANS)
In accordance with federal law, divisions which have 403(b) retirement plans must notify employees about the plan at least once each year.
Employees can refer to the Benefit Information document posted on the Human Resources page of the district website.
WELLNESS POLICIES
Divisions must inform the public about the content and implementation of the local school wellness policy. Divisions must also inform the public about progress toward meeting the goals of the policy and compliance with the policy by making the triennial assessment available to the public in an accessible and easily understood manner. 7 C.F.R. § 210.31.
The Colonial Heights School Board publishes this information in the Student Wellness (JHCF) Policy that can be viewed here or any time under Board > Policies.
YOUTH HEALTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY
The school board must notify parents of each student enrolled in a middle or high school selected for participation in the survey of student health risk behaviors pursuant to Va. Code § 32.1-73.8 that their child may be randomly selected to participate in the survey unless the parent denies consent for the student's participation in writing prior to administration of the survey. The notice must be in writing and be given at least 30 days prior to administration of the survey. The notice will inform the parent regarding
the nature and types of questions included in the survey,
the purposes and age-appropriateness of the survey,
how information collected by the survey will be used,
who will have access to such information,
whether and how any findings or results will be disclosed, and
the steps that will be taken to protect students' privacy.
Parents have the right to review the survey prior to its administration. Va. Code § 22.1-79.3.
All parents and legal guardians of students participating in any such survey will be notified via letters, emails, and/or phone dialers at least 30 days prior to survey administration. In that communication, parents and legal guardians will be given instructions on how to deny consent if desired.
REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARINGS
BUDGET
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, before the school board approves its budget for submission to the appropriating body, the board must hold at least one public hearing to hear the views of the citizens.
Colonial Heights Public Schools will publish the notice on its division website.
REQUIRED POSTINGS
ALTERNATIVES TO ANIMAL DISSECTION
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, school boards must provide notice that they provide alternatives to animal dissection. This notice may be given in the relevant biological sciences syllabi, student course selection guides or local school division policies or directives. Teachers will also present this option at appropriate times during the year.
BILL OF RIGHTS
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, The Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States must be posted in a conspicuous place in each school.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, a notice must be posted in each school stating the reporting obligations of staff.
Colonial Heights Public Schools publishes this information on the division website under School Board Policies and Regulations (Sections GAE and JHG-R) In addition, employees can refer to Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting policy in the Employee Handbook which is available on the division website under "Staff."
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, prior to the adoption of the division’s comprehensive plan or revisions thereto, the plan or revisions must be posted on the division’s Internet website, if practicable, and a hard copy of the plan must be made available for public inspection and copying.
Families and community members can refer to the Comprehensive Plan on the division website under "Division."
Each school board must present a report to the public by November 1 of each odd-numbered year on the extent to which the objectives of the division’s comprehensive plan have been met during the previous two school years.
FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT
All employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, including school divisions, must post Your Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA)
In accordance with federal law, each employer of 50 or more employees shall post and keep posted, in conspicuous places on the premises of the employer where notices to employees and applicants for employment are customarily posted, the Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
MINIMUM WAGE
Each employer must post, in conspicuous places on the premises of the employer where notices to employees and applicants for employment are customarily posted, a notice prepared or approved by the Secretary of Labor regarding the federal minimum wage law. Refer to the Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
NATIONAL MOTTO
The statement “’In God We Trust,’ the National Motto, enacted by Congress in 1956, must be posted in a conspicuous place in each school.
ONLINE COURSES AND PROGRAMS
In accordance with the Code of Virginia, divisions must post information regarding online courses and programs available through the division on their websites.
Colonial Heights offers a number of for-credit online learning opportunities to students enrolled at the High School. Online classes are offered for credit recovery, on time graduation, or to students who want to complete courses not offered at the school. There is no charge to students who take online courses during the school year. Online providers include:
Virtual Virginia, www.virtualvirginia.org
Educere, www.educere.net
FuelEd, www.fueleducation.com
Contact Instructional Specialist, Joe Douglas at Joe_douglas@colonialhts.net for further information.
PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND RELATED MEDICAL CONDITIONS
School Boards must post in a conspicuous location and include in any employee handbook information concerning an employee’s rights to reasonable accommodation for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. Such information must also be directly provided to new employees and to any employee within 10 days of such employee’s giving notice to the employer that she is pregnant. Va. Code § 2.2-3909.
USERRA (UNIFORMED SERVICE EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT ACT)
Employers are required to provide employees with notice of their rights, benefits and obligations. Employers may provide the notice by posting Your Rights Under USERRA, where employee notices are customarily placed.
VIRGINIA UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT
Schools must post all notices related to unemployment insurance furnished by the Virginia Unemployment Commission.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
School divisions must post, at a location frequented by employees, notice of compliance with the provisions of the Virginia Workers Compensation Act. Refer to the Workers Compensation Notice.