Annual Notifications

MTLSD Policy of Non-Discrimination

The District continues its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, language, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected genetic information, gender identity, handicap or disability in its educational programs, activities and employment practices, as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable state, federal and local laws and ordinances. See Board Policy AC.

For information regarding Section 504 compliance, The American with Disabilities Act and Title IX compliance, contact the Director of Human Resources, Mt. Lebanon School District, 7 Horsman Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15228, (412) 344-2080). Applicants may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application and/or interview process.

MTLSD Policy on Anti-Bullying

The Mt. Lebanon School District’s goal is to establish a secure school climate, conducive to teaching and student learning that is free from threat, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior for any reason including membership any protected class including, but not limited to, race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, familial status, language, genetic information, pregnancy, or handicap or disability. One of the District's core values calls for each member of our learning community to demonstrate respect toward others.

Objective

The objective of this policy is to:

1. Provide a safe, positive environment for learning through prompt resolution of bullying incidents;

2. Educate students, employees and parents about bullying, its adverse impact on students and the District generally, and how to prevent and resolve bullying incidents, so as to minimize the potential for bullying;

3. Communicate to District students, employees and parents the District's commitment to countering and preventing bullying and to inform the District community of the specific measures the District will undertake to resolve problems in this area;

4. Delineate disciplinary consequences for bullying and authorize the development of prevention, intervention and education programs; and

5. Identify the appropriate school staff person to receive reports of incidents of alleged bullying.

Please note that there is a form on each of the schools' websites for your ease of use in reporting bullying concerns.

Mt. Lebanon School District maintains a cumulative student record for each child. This information is kept in order to assist in the day-to-day operation of the educational programs and to meet the requirements of federal and state laws. The information regarding each child includes student identification and attendance data, information on academic progress and performance, and results of standardized group achievement and cognitive ability tests. Records of standardized tests taken by secondary students on a voluntary basis, usually for college entrance purposes, are also recorded. Disciplinary records, certain juvenile history record information and student health records also are maintained as required by state law.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.

Parents or eligible students may ask the District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district or educational agency in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:  Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Under FERPA, the District also may disclose without consent “directory information” concerning a student. For example, directory information may be included in publications such as sports programs, newspapers, radio and television news releases, websites, awards and graduation programs, yearbooks, alumni directories, musical and play programs and other school publications.  Directory information is information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, including but not limited to the student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major fields of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received and other similar information. Under certain Federal and Pennsylvania statutes, the District is required, upon request, to provide the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all secondary students to military recruitment offices and to institutions of higher education, including certain trade and vocational schools. 

Parents who wish to have their children exempted from publication or other disclosure of directory information, including disclosure to military recruiters and/or institutions of higher education, may do so by letter to the school principal within thirty days following the receipt of this notice. 

The District continues its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, national origin, language, sexual orientation, pregnancy, protected genetic information, gender identity, handicap or disability in its educational programs, activities and employment practices, as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all other applicable state, federal and local laws and ordinances. See Board Policy AC.

For information regarding Section 504 compliance, The American with Disabilities Act and Title IX compliance, contact the Director of Human Resources, Mt. Lebanon School District, 7 Horsman Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15228, (412) 344-2080). Applicants may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application and/or interview process.

Each building’s principal is responsible for protecting the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding exceptional and protected handicapped students in accord with state and federal law and the school district’s student records policy.

Act 212, the Early Intervention Services System Act, entitles all preschool children with disabilities to appropriate early intervention services. Young children experiencing developmental delays or physical or mental disabilities and their families are eligible for early intervention services. At-risk children are eligible for screening and tracking. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is responsible for providing services to infants and toddlers, defined as children from birth through 2 years of age. For information, contact Alliance For Infants, Birmingham Towers, 2100 Wharton Street, Suite 705, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, 412-885-6000. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing services to preschool children from age 3 until eligible for kindergarten. For information, contact Project DART, 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120. 412-394-5736.

Mt. Lebanon School District provides a free, appropriate public education to special education students.  To qualify as a special education student, the child must be of school age, in need of specially designed instruction and meet eligibility criteria for mentally gifted and/or one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities as defined by Pennsylvania State standards: autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech and language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment including blindness.

The school district utilizes identification procedures to ensure eligible students receive an appropriate education program consisting of special education and related services, individualized to meet student needs. At no cost to the parents, these services are provided in compliance with state and federal law and are reasonably calculated to yield meaningful educational benefit and student progress.

To identify a student, who may be eligible for special education services, various screening activities are conducted on an ongoing basis. These screening activities include review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, report cards, ability and achievement test scores); hearing, vision, physical, a speech/language screening for first graders in the spring of each school year, and review by a building-level instructional support team. School district personnel and/or parents may refer a student for screening to the school principal. 

When screening results suggest a student might be a student with a disability, the school district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. Parents who suspect their child may be a student with a disability may request an evaluation at any time through a written request to the school principal. The letter should indicate the parent’s reason for the request.  Parents who suspect their child may be eligible for gifted education may request an evaluation at any time, with a limit of one request per school term, through a written request to the school principal. 

Services designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities require a triennial evaluation report (ER) except for students diagnosed with mental retardation who require a biannual evaluation report.  The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team uses the ER to develop the IEP, which is reviewed at least annually.  The Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP), signed by the parent allows the school district to implement the IEP.  The district maintains a continuum of services which include autistic support, blind and visually impaired support, deaf and hard of hearing support, emotional support, learning support, life skills support, physical support, and speech and language support.  Services are provided on an itinerant, resource, part time, and full time basis in a regular school or at a location other than the regular school, as determined by the IEP team.

When screening results suggest a student may be eligible for gifted education, the school district seeks parental consent to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation.  The initial evaluation is summarized in the Gifted Written Report (GWR) and used by the Gifted Individualized Education Program (GIEP) team to develop the GIEP. After the initial evaluation, students identified as mentally gifted are reevaluated before a change in educational placement is recommended or under recommendation of the GIEP team. The Notice of Recommended Assignment (NORA), signed by the parent, gives the school district permission to provide services.  Enrichment, acceleration and specialized study activities are provided to students as part of their gifted education program to address their unique needs.

The extent of special education services and the location for the delivery of such services is determined by the IEP/GIEP team and are based on the student’s identified abilities, needs, chronological age and the level of intensity of the specified intervention.

The school district also provides related services, such as transportation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language support, required for the student to benefit from the special education program.

Parents may obtain additional information regarding special education services and programs and parental rights by contacting the child’s school principal or the Director of Special Education and Student Services at 412-344-2012.

Accommodations/Aids/Services for Students Eligible Under Chapter 15 of the PA School Code, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act

In accordance with Chapter 15 of the PA School Code, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act, Mt. Lebanon School District will provide protected students with disabilities services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. These related aids are provided without discrimination or cost to the student or family. In order to qualify for these aids, services, and/or accommodations under Chapter 15 of the PA School Code and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. Services and protections for students with disabilities eligible under Chapter 15 of PA School Code and Section 504 are distinct from those applicable to exceptional students enrolled or seeking enrollment in special education programs under Chapter 14 and/or Chapter 16 of PA School Code.

For further information about the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, contact the Director of Special Education at 412-344-2012.

On February 4, 2014, Act 9 of 2014, an amendment to the Wiretap and Electronic Surveillance Act, was signed into law, permitting audio recording on a school vehicle for disciplinary or security purposes provided that the School Board has adopted a policy that authorizes such audio recording on school vehicles.  On April 15, 2014, the Mt. Lebanon School Board passed Board policy EECAF allowing for audio and video recording on the District’s fleet of school busses and/or on a school bus/van contracted from an outside provider.  The main premise of video camera(s) and audio recording equipment on a bus is to provide additional data to the bus driver and school district officials in monitoring the conduct of student riders.

It shall be the policy of the Board that possession of a weapon by students, employees, or visitors is prohibited in any Mt. Lebanon School District building, on any grounds of the Mt. Lebanon School District, by a student on his or her way to or from school, in any vehicle providing authorized transportation of students to or from any Mt. Lebanon School District building or District sponsored function, activity or event and at any school function activity or event whether or not held on Mt. Lebanon School District grounds.

The term “Weapon” shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, razor, razor blade or other cutting instrument or cutting tool, sharpened wood, sharpened metal, nun-chuck stick or other martial arts devise, brass or metal knuckles, club, metal pipe, blackjack, chemical agent such as mace, tazer, shocker or stun gun, any explosive or incendiary device, firearm (including pellet guns and B.B. guns), gun, slingshot, bow, arrow or any other similar device from which a projectile may be discharged, including a firearm or other weapon which is not loaded or which lacks a component or device necessary to render it immediately operable, and/or any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term “weapon” shall include “weapon look alikes,” including any instrument or implement designed to look like a weapon. “Possess” and “possession” shall mean being on the person of any student, employee or visitor or in a person’s motor vehicle, locker or otherwise under his or her control. Violation of the District's weapons policy may result in an expulsion from school for a period of one year or more.

No student shall distribute, dispense, possess, or use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage or fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor or unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, inhale, use or be under the influence, except for a valid medical purpose, of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana,  other intoxicant or substance causing a hallucinogenic or toxic effect, anabolic steroid or any other controlled substance, as defined in schedules I through V of section 202 of The Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section 812), or as defined in The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act (35 P.S. 780 -101), the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act (71 P.S. 1690.101), or any regulations relating to the foregoing statutes, or any successor statutes or regulations before, during, or after school hours at school or in any other school district location as defined herein.

The Mt. Lebanon School District believes that high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential for students and recognizes the importance of students making safe and healthy choices about risky social behaviors. Students will be restricted from participation in extracurricular and interscholastic activities for a prescribed period of time for any of the following conduct that is confirmed to have occurred off-campus at a non-school related function: use, possession, sale, distribution or procurement of any amount of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances (other than legally prescribed medications) or drug paraphernalia or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances (other than legally prescribed medications).

MTLSD Policy on Discrimination Unlawful Harassment/Sexual Harassment of Students

The objectives of this Policy are:

(i) to communicate the District’s commitment that discrimination and harassment, including Title IX sexual harassment by or of students, in any Page 1 of 13 Mt. Lebanon School District GBAA EPS/NSBA manner, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated;

(ii) that all reported, observed or suspected acts of alleged discrimination and harassment will be promptly and fully investigated; and

(iii) to institute appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to reprimand, termination of employment, suspension or expulsion, in accordance with applicable Board Polices, laws and regulations, whenever it is determined that discrimination and harassment, including Title IX sexual harassment, has occurred.

This Policy is in addition to and not in lieu of any other applicable District Policy, including but not limited to Policy JICD, principles and procedures, Student Code of Conduct and applicable law. It should be noted that all of the above enumerated types of conduct are strictly prohibited, even if such conduct is not within the legal definition of discrimination, harassment or Title IX sexual harassment. Any occurrence of the hereinabove enumerated prohibited conduct may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct or other applicable Policy or principles and procedures, notwithstanding whether or not the occurrence of such prohibited conduct constitutes a violation of this Policy.

The Mt. Lebanon School District welcomes and values volunteer participation in our schools. To ensure the safety of our students, the Mt. Lebanon School District requires volunteers to comply with the Mt. Lebanon School District Policy IJOC School Volunteers. Visit https://www.mtlsd.org/family/volunteer-clearances for information that will help you determine the type of clearances, if any, that you will need to volunteer in Mt. Lebanon Schools. Contact your building principal if you have questions.

Education for Homeless Children and Youth

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program exists to help homeless children with a wide variety of services. We can assist homeless children during this time of change and stress. If you are homeless with school-age children or you are a school, agency or shelter employee, please contact one of the persons listed below. 1) Mt. Lebanon School District Homeless Liaison:   Dr. Ronald P. Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education  412-344-2039 2) If you require further assistance, please contact: Storm Carmara, State Coordinator Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program Pennsylvania Department of Education 333 Market Street, 5th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 (717) 772-2066.

Basic Education Circulars (BECs)

Procedural Safeguard - Denial Of Enrollment Form

Dispute Resolution Form

Identification Document

Academic Supports and Resources

Homeless children have the right to a free, appropriate public education.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001

Who is considered homeless?
Children or youth and their families living in a shelter, transitional housing, motel, vehicle,
campground, on the street, or doubled-up with relatives or friends due to a lack of
housing are considered to be homeless.

Does residency have to be proven?
No, because homeless families are unable to establish a “home” on a permanent basis, a
school cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay the enrollment of
school-age children.

What choice of schools do homeless students have?
The law indicates that the local education agency shall, according to the child’s best
interest:

(i) continue the child’s or youth’s education in the school of origin for the duration of
homelessness (I) in any case in which a family becomes homeless between academic
years or during an academic year;
OR
(ii) for the remainder of the academic year, if the child or youth becomes permanently
housed during an academic year; or (II) enroll the child or youth in any public school that
non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is
actually living are eligible to attend.

Is there any reason to delay enrolling a homeless child?
No. The school selected shall immediately enroll the child/youth in school, even if the
child or youth lacks records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic
records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation. The terms “enroll”
and “enrollment” are defined to include attending classes and participating fully in school
activities. The enrolling school must immediately contact the last school the child or youth
attended to obtain relevant academic and other records. Immunization records can be
transferred over the phone from the school nurse of the sending school to the school
nurse of the receiving school.

AHERA NOTIFICATION (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act)

Dear Parents, Students, Employees and Visitors:
In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). This required schools
to be inspected to identify any asbestos‐containing building materials. All buildings owned or used by
the Mount Lebanon School District were inspected and suspect materials were sampled to be tested and
characterized according to condition and potential hazard. The AHERA regulation requires that each
building be re‐inspected every three (3) years for the purpose of re‐assessing the condition of the
materials. The Mount Lebanon School District also conducts a mandated 6‐Month Surveillance of each
school building to ensure that the known or assumed asbestos‐containing materials remain in good
condition.

The information is compiled into an AHERA Management Plan. A copy of the Management Plan for a
school building is available at the Administration office for that particular school.
Throughout the past 20 years, the Mount Lebanon School District has removed the accessible asbestos‐
containing building materials from most of our schools, and continues to maintain the existing materials.
It is the intention of the Mount Lebanon School District to comply with all Federal, State and local
regulations and guidelines to maintain and take whatever steps necessary to ensure students, parents
and employees a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work.
The AHERA Management Plan is available to be reviewed upon request.

Mt. Lebanon School District
Facilities Department
412‐344‐2191

Policy EBAB Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management IPM Manual

Integrated Pest Management Letter to Parents and Guardians

Voluntary Student Accident Insurance Brochure & Enrollment Form

In accordance with 34 CFR § 300.624, please be advised of the following retention/destruction schedule for the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), and Keystone Exam related materials:

• PSSA, Keystone Exam, and PASA test booklets will be destroyed one year after student reports are delivered for the administration associated with the test booklets.
• PSSA and Keystone Exam answer booklets and PASA media recordings will be destroyed three years after completion of the assessment.

When emergencies such as weather conditions or power failures require the delay or closing of school, notice is given as early as possible. Typically, when school is canceled after-school and evening activities are not conducted. 

In the event of a school delay or closing, parents will receive a phone call from the District’s Emergency Phone Alert System to the primary phone numbers listed with the school. You may also receive a text message if you choose to opt in.

• Up to 2 numbers are called and up to 2 numbers are SMS messaged as listed in the "Parent/Student Contact Information" tab of the "Account Preferences" section of your Dashboard. 
• Calls are made no later than 10:00 p.m. and no earlier than 6:00 a.m.
• Your caller ID will display “Mt. Lebanon School District” and the District’s main number of 412344-2000.
• If you unsubscribe to any school communications you will no longer receive notifications from the District including important information about delays, cancelations or emergencies.

****Please update your contact information in the Dashboard or contact your Child's building secretary for assistance****

Information Sources for a Delay/Closing/Emergency: 

• School District Website: www.mtlsd.org
• MTLSD Twitter: @mtlsd
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MTLSD 
• School District Cable Channels 19 (Comcast) and 33 (Verizon) 
• Mt. Lebanon Public Access Channels 17(Comcast) and 34 (Verizon)
• KDKA TV, www.kdka.com; WPXI TV, www.wpxi.com; WTAE TV, www.thepittsburghchannel.com
• Push notifications through the MTL APP (Available for iOS and Android)

In order for school emergency response plans to be effective, we depend on parents/guardians  to support our efforts. Your cooperation and assistance is vital to help protect the safety and welfare of all children and school employees.

Parent/guardians are asked to to observe the following procedures during a crisis situation:

• Visit the District website at www.mtlsd.org for the most reliable and up-to-date information.
• Check for a call or text from the MTLSD Phone Alert system. A phone call or text will be sent from the District to notify parents of a school emergency.
• Keep your contact information current in the Dashboard.
• Check your email. Email notification will be sent to those who have entered their email addresses in the Dashboard.
• Talk to your children. Emphasize how important it is for them to follow instructions from their teachers, school and public safety officials during an emergency.

• Do not go to the school or evacuation location until you are instructed to do so. It may be necessary to keep streets and parking lots clear for emergency vehicles.
• Do not telephone the school. We understand and respect your concern, but it is essential that the telephone system be available for emergency communications.
• In the event of an emergency evacuation, each building has been assigned an reunification site depending on the situation. Parents will be informed of the site in a communication from the District.

Safe Walking Rules for Students:

• Never step into the street from between parked cars 
• Watch for turning cars  
• Look all ways before crossing
• Obey traffic signals
• Walk! Don’t run!  Allow yourself plenty of time  
• Cross only at corners
• Face traffic when walking on streets without sidewalks
• Be extra alert on snow and rain days 
• Go directly to and from school 
• Have a partner to walk with if possible

In the event a student is approached by someone when walking, they should do the following:

• Do not approach the car 
• Immediately run to a safe place
• Inform parent or adult of the incident
• Contact 9-1-1 
• Try to give a good description of the individual and the vehicle 

Safe2Say is the anonymous school safety reporting system run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General in partnership with the Mt. Lebanon School District and the Mt. Lebanon Police Department.  Download the App in the App Store or Google Play. 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.

In 2018, the General Assembly passed Act 44 mandating the establishment and use of the “Safe2Say Something” (S2SS) anonymous reporting system by every Pennsylvania school entity by January 14, 2019.

THREE WAYS TO SUBMIT AN ANONYMOUS TIP:

1. Call the tipline: 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729)
2. Use the website: www.safe2saypa.org
3. Use the mobile app available in iOS and Android stores

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

• Submit an anonymous tip report through the Safe2SaySomething system
• Crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions
• Crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement for intervention
• If needed, crisis center may contact tipster anonymously through the app

Safe2Say Something Brochure

Safe2Say Something Information Sheet