Page 17 - Pivik Handbook 2020-21

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HOMELESSNESS
Education for Homeless Youth
In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Plum Borough School District attempts to identify all children within the district that may be experiencing homelessness. In efforts to continue to provide high-quality education and experiences to our Plum Borough families and students, please review the qualifying factors of individuals experiencing homelessness.
The term "homeless children and youth" is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes individuals:
● Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason;
● Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
● Living in emergency or transitional shelters;
● Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations or similar settings;
● Living in substandard housing (no running water or working utilities, infestations, etc.).
Children who are experiencing homelessness may qualify for assistance with free school lunch, school supplies/materials, tutoring, and transportation so that they can remain in their school of origin throughout the duration of their homeless episode. If you believe you know of families or individual students that may qualify for this service, please contact Dana Iera, School Psychologist, McKinney-Vento Liaison at (412) 798-6358 or ​ierad@pbsd.net
For further information and guidance, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Circular, BEC - Education for Homeless Youth​.
HOMEWORK ​ ​Board Policy 130
The purpose of homework assignments should be to: provide practice and reinforcement of skills presented by the teacher, broaden areas of interest through enrichment, provide opportunities for parents/guardians to know what their child is studying, and to encourage parent/guardian and child interaction. Each student shall be responsible for completing homework assignments as directed.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTO)
Pivik Elementary School has a very active PTO that works diligently to provide services for the school and the students. The PTO provides assembly programs and evening family events, all of which help to enhance the students’ learning experience. There are many opportunities for participation available to interested parents. All families are encouraged to become active in the PTO. When the home and the school work closely together, the children greatly benefit. Information about PTO events and meetings is published on ​Pivik’s PTO website​ and the information is sent home.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Each student shall be required to salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and observe a moment of silence during each day's exercises. If a student has conscientious objections, which interfere with full participation in the flag salute or Pledge of Allegiance, said student shall maintain a respectful attitude throughout the ceremony. Parents of students refusing to salute the flag shall be informed by the building principal, and the parent or guardian shall be required to furnish the school administration with a written statement of their child's conscientious objection.
Exceptionally Prepared for Success
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