Annual Notices

As required by law, the Plymouth School District annually notifies community members of various School District Policies and Procedures.

 

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Board Policy 0151.2; Wis. Stat. 120.12(13)

The Board has adopted the Wisconsin Academic Standards (http://dpi.ei.gov/standards) as its 2023-24 Academic Standards.

SCHOOL PERFORMANCE REPORT CARD

Board Policies 0174.2, 2605, and 2700.01; Wis. Stat. 115.38(2) and 115.385(4)

The Board believes that a vital component of the District’s educational programs is ensuring that parents and other individuals are informed of the performance of the schools and the School District. To this end, the Board shares an annual school and School District performance report including all information prescribed by statute. By January 1st of each year, the Board shall notify the parents of each student enrolled in the District of the right to request a school and School District performance report. The performance report will be provided to the parent electronically unless the parent requests a written copy of the report. By May 1st, the Board shall distribute copies of the report to those who have requested the report including students enrolled in charter schools located in the District, that have requested the report. The annual School District Performance Report prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction can be found at http://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards. To request a paper copy of the report, please contact Dena Budrecki in the District Office at 920-892-2661, Ext. 1002.

Wisconsin's Information System for Education Data Dashboard (WISEdash Public Portal)
How to navigate WISEdash

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY AND EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

Board Policy 8146; Wis. Stat. 118.57

The Board recognizes the need to provide alternative means by which students achieve the goals of the District. School and district report cards are available from our website and at https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards.

Schools within district boundaries (with most recent report card rating):

  • Plymouth Joint School District  - https://www.plymouth.k12.wi.us
    • Fairview Elementary (Significantly Exceeds Expectations)
    • Horizon Elementary (Meets Expectations)
    • Parkview Elementary (Exceeds Expectations)
    • Riverview Middle (Meets Expectations)
    • Plymouth High (Meets Expectations)
  • St. John the Baptist School (report card not available) - https://www.sjbplymouth.org/
  • St. John Lutheran School (NR-DATA) - https://www.sjlplymouth.com/

Additional educational opportunities available to Plymouth resident students are:

STUDENT AND STAFF NONDISCRIMINATION AND STUDENT ACCESS TO EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Title IX, 34 C.F.R. 106.9, Section 504 34 C.F.R. 104.8, Title II, 28 C.F.R. 35.106; Students – Board Policies 2260, 2260.01, 5517, 1623; Staff – Board Policy 1422, 1623, 1662, 3122, 3123, 3362, 4122, 4123, 4362

No person may be denied admission to any public school in the district or be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, co-curricular, student services, recreational or other program or activity because of the person’s sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, handicap or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability in the educational programs or activities operated by the Plymouth School District. Schools can provide reasonable accommodation of a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements.

Compliance officers are:
Mrs. Anne Gamoke, District Director of Student Services: 125 S. Highland Ave., Plymouth WI 53073; agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us; (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1024
Mr. Andy Novak, Plymouth High School Associate Principal: 125 S. Highland Ave., Plymouth WI 53073; anovak@plymouth.k12.wi.us; (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1036

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Board Policies 1422, 3122, 4122, 3123, 4123; Wis. Stat. 111.31; 34 C.F.R. 110

The Plymouth School District Board does not discriminate on the basis of the Protected Classes of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including transgender status, change of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity), pregnancy, creed or religion, genetic information, handicap or disability, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, military service (as defined in 111.32 Wis. Stats.), ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, use or non-use of lawful products off the District’s premises during non-working hours, declining to attend an employer-sponsored meeting or to participate in any communication with the employer about religious matters or political matters, or any other characteristic protected by law in its employment practices.

TITLE IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT

34 C.F.R. Part 106; Board Policy 2266

The district does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program that it operates, admissions, or employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinators or the Assistant Secretary of Education, or both. ANY person may report sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment, to the district's Title IX Coordinator(s), regardless of whether the person is the alleged victim or the report conduct. The report may be made in person, by mail, by telephone, or by email. The report may be made at any time, including during nonbusiness hours. Title IX Coordinators for the Plymouth School District are:
Mrs. Anne Gamoke, District Director of Student Services: 125 S. Highland Ave., Plymouth WI 53073; agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us; (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1024
Mr. Andy Novak, Plymouth High School Associate Principal: 125 S. Highland Ave., Plymouth WI 53073; anovak@plymouth.k12.wi.us; (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1036
Title IX Formal Complaint Form
Title IX training materials

TITLE IX SPECIAL STATEMENT REGARDING RESTROOMS AND LOCKER ROOMS

Please note that, in compliance with federal Title IX regulations, your child(ren) may encounter students in restrooms or locker rooms that do not correspond with their gender at birth. We recognize that this may be confusing for some students. If you or your child(ren) have questions, please contact your school principal.

STUDENT NONDISCRIMINATION IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

34 C.F.R. Part 100; Board Policy 2421

The district offers its career and technical educational program on a nondiscriminatory basis. Available courses are in Agriscience, Business Education, Family and Consumer Science, Project Lead the Way Engineering, and Technical Education. Complaints may be brought to compliance officer Mrs. Anne Gamoke, District Director of Student Services, agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us, (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1024.

EDUCATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Board Policy 5111.01; 42 U.S.C. 1431, McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and includes children and youth who are:
• sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
• living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
• living in emergency or transitional shelters
• abandoned in hospitals
• living in a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
• living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
• migratory children who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances described above

If you are personally aware of or are acquainted with any children or youth who may qualify according to the above criteria, the School District provides the following assurances to parents and guardians of homeless children and youth and unaccompanied homeless youth:
• The child or youth shall be immediately enrolled and allowed to fully participate in school, even if unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (e.g., academic records, immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, or other documentation) or has missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness.
• Homeless children and youths are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless and have full and equal educational and related opportunities.
• Meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children including special notices of events, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and access to student records.
• Immediate enrollment and transportation to the school of origin. “School of origin” means the school that a child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled, including a preschool.
• Written explanation of any decisions related to school selection or enrollment made by the school, the local educational agency, or the State educational agency involved, including the rights of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth to appeal and receive prompt resolution of such decisions.

Please contact David Hickmann, homeless liaison for the Plymouth School District, at (920) 892-2661 or dhickmann@plymouth.k12.wi.us for additional information about the rights and services described above.

SURVEYS, STUDENT PRIVACY, AND PARENTAL REVIEW AND ACCESS

Board Policy 2416; 20 U.S.C. 1232G and 1232h

The District shall provide parents with the approximate date of the administration of any survey by a third party that contains one or more of the items:
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family
3. Sex behavior or attitudes
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility
Parents have the right to review the survey and may opt their child(ren) out of participation in any survey involving any of the items described above.

NOTICE OF CHILD FIND ACTIVITY FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PLYMOUTH

Wis. Stats. 115.77(1m)(a) and 115.777(3)(d)

The Plymouth School District, upon request, will screen any child who has not graduated from high school to determine whether a special education referral is appropriate. A request may be made by contacting Anne Gamoke, Director of Student Services, Plymouth School District, at 920-892-2661, Ext. 1024, or by writing her at Plymouth School District, 125 Highland Avenue, Plymouth, WI 53073.

Annually, screenings are offered throughout the year to children under school age. The information from the screening is also used to determine whether a child should be evaluated for a suspected disability.

Student records are maintained in the interest of the student to assist the school in providing appropriate educational experiences. Student records are defined as all records relating to an individual student other than notes or records for personal use by teachers or other certified personnel which are not available to others and records necessary for and available only to persons involved in psychological treatment of a student. These personal notes and records become a part of a student’s records only when they are used to affect the student’s educational experience. The guidance counselor will have primary responsibility for maintaining the confidentiality of all student records. All requests for transfer of student records should be made to the guidance department who will determine whether the inspection or transfer is permitted.

TITLE I REPORT CARD

Board Policies 2261.03 and 2700.01; 20 U.S.C. 6311

The annual School District Performance Report prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction can be found at http://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards. To request a paper copy of the report, please contact Dena Budrecki in the District Office at 920-892-2661, Ext. 1002.

TITLE I PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF TEACHERS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS

20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(1)(A)

Parents of students attending a district school may request and obtain information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers, including at a minimum:
(1) Whether the student’s teacher has (a) met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction, (b) is teaching under emergency or provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived, and (c) is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher; and
(2) Whether the student is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
Parents who request teacher and/or paraprofessional qualification information must be provided the information in a timely manner, in a uniform format (including alternative formats as requested), and, to the extent possible, in a language that parents can understand.

TITLE I ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Board Policies 2623 and 2261; Wis. Stat. 118.30(1m)(d); 20 U.S.C. 6312

The District shall annually assess the educational needs of eligible children, as determined by Federal and State criteria. Such assessment shall include performance measures mandated by the Department of Public Instruction as well as those determined by the District professional staff, that will assist in the diagnosis, teaching, and learning of the participating students. The Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) is a comprehensive statewide program designed to provide information about what students know in core academic areas and whether they can apply what they know. Assessment schedule and associated information can be found on the DPI website at https://dpi.wi.gov/assessment. Parents may request additional information regarding any state or local policy regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by law and by the district.

All students shall participate in Statewide assessments in grades 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Any student with a disability shall be provided appropriate accommodation and/or alternate assessments where necessary as indicated in the student's IEP or Section 504 plan. To opt out of these examinations, the student’s parent must submit a statement in writing to the building Principal stating that the parent is opting the student out of the examination(s).

The Board shall excuse any student from the State examination administered in 4th grade, 8th grade, 9th grade, 10th grade, or 11th grade whether the test administered is the one developed by the Department of Public Instruction or the District’s own test developed and approved by the DPI and the U.S. Department of Education. To opt out of these examinations, the student’s parent must submit a statement in writing to the building Principal stating that the parent is opting the student out of the examination(s).

ESEA Public Reporting Assessment

PROGRAM OR CURRICULUM MODIFICATION

Board Policy 2451; Wis. Stat. 118.15

Any child's parent or guardian, or the child if the parent or guardian is notified, may request the school board, in writing, to provide the child with program or curriculum modifications.

RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR SCHOOLS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the Plymouth School District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official 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, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the Plymouth School District to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and 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 provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from 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. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Plymouth School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

PPRA affords parents of elementary and secondary students certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include, but are not limited to, the right to:

• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)–
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. (This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.)

• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1. Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law. Plymouth School District has developed policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Plymouth School District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Plymouth School District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Plymouth School District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this direct notification requirement:
• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing, sales, or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202

RECRUITER ACCESS TO STUDENTS/RECORDS

10 U.S.C. §503(c) and 20 U.S.C. §7908

Adult students and parents of high school students under the age of 18 may submit a written request that the student’s name, address, telephone listing, and electronic mail address not be released to military recruiters or institutions of higher education without prior written parental consent.

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS AND FREE/REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

Board Policy 8531; Wis. Stats. 118.34, 118.341, 118.343; 42 U.S.C. 1771

The Board of Education recognizes the importance of good nutrition to each student's educational performance. The Board shall provide needy children with lunch at a reduced rate or at no charge to the student. Children, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, shall be determined by the criteria established by the Child Nutrition Program. These criteria are issued annually by the Federal government through the State Department of Public Instruction. The Board designates the Director of Business Services to determine in accordance with Board standards, the eligibility of students for free and/or reduced-price meals. More information and application forms can be found in the National School Lunch Program section of our School Food Service and Nutrition webpage.

Parents/guardians may request meal modifications to accommodate a child’s disability. Complaints may be brought to compliance officer Mrs. Anne Gamoke, District Director of Student Services, agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us, (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1024.

MEAL CHARGE POLICY

Board Policy 8500; USDA Guidance SP23-2017

Students will be permitted to purchase meals from the District's food service using either cash on hand or a food service account. A student may be allowed to incur a negative food service account balance as determined by the District Administrator for each grade level. A student shall not be permitted to purchase a la carte items without sufficient account balance or cash on hand.

WELLNESS POLICY

Board Policy 8510; 7 C.F.R. 210.31

The Board recognizes that good nutrition and regular physical activity affect the health and well-being of the District's students. Furthermore, research suggests that there is a positive correlation between a student's health and well-being and his/her ability to learn. Moreover, schools can play an important role in the developmental process by which students establish their health and nutrition habits by providing nutritious meals and snacks through the schools' meal programs, by supporting the development of good eating habits, and by promoting increased physical activity both in and out of school. The entire Wellness Policy, major updates, and the activities of the district Wellness Committee can be found on the Wellness page of the district website. For more information, contact Mrs. Anne Gamoke, District Director of Student Services, at agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us, (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1024.

ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

Board Policy 8431.01; 40 C.F.R. 763 AHERA

In compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), this is notice that the Plymouth School District has an Asbestos Management Plan at the school district office. The plan is available for inspection by the public, parents, and district employees. The District performs six month periodic surveillance of asbestos in April and October with full re-inspections every three years. For more information please contact Richard Niehueser, Director of Building and Grounds, at 920-892-2661, Ext. 1070.

AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF STUDENT TO A NON-CUSTODIAL PERSON

Board Policy 5230

If only one (1) parent is permitted to make educational decisions or to approve absences of the student by Court order, the responsible parent shall provide the school with a copy of the Court order. Absent such notice, the school will presume that the student may be released into the care of either parent.

ACADEMIC & CAREER PLANNING

Board Policy 2411; PI 26.03(1)(b)1

The Board requires that a planned program of school counseling be an integral part of the educational program of the District. The plan shall be developed by licensed school counselors in collaboration with student services staff, teachers, parents, and community health and human service professionals. The developed plan will be adopted by the Board and maintained by the District. Information regarding Plymouth School District compliance with PI 26.03(1)(b)1 related to academic and career planning services can be found on the district Academic & Career Planning webpage.

EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

Board Policy 2420; PI 26.04(4)

The education for employment program provides career awareness for elementary grade level, career exploration at the middle-school level, and career planning and preparation at the high school level. Career programs are available at technical colleges. An education for employment program shall include a long-range plan approved by the Board and developed by a team of District staff and community stakeholders, which may include businesses, postsecondary education institutions, and workforce development organizations.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCEDURES AND SERVICES

Board Policies 115.77 and 115.792; Wis. Stats. 115.77

Upon request, the Plymouth School District is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the District receives a referral, the District will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The District locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.

A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child’s parent that the referral will be made.

Others, including parents who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.

Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Anne Gamoke, Director of Student Services, Plymouth School District, at 920-892-2661, Ext. 1024, or by writing her at 125 Highland Avenue, Plymouth, Wisconsin 53073.

DYSLEXIA & RELATED CONDITIONS

Wis. Stat. 118.015(4)(d)

Wisconsin's Informational Guidebook on Dyslexia and Related Conditions

COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT

Board Policy 2531

The Plymouth Joint School District adheres to appropriate Copyright regulations and policies. Copyright issues and concerns can be communicated to the District Copyright Agent listed below.
Mrs. Dena Budrecki
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction
125 S. Highland Ave., Plymouth WI 53073
920-892-2661
budrecki@plymouth.k12.wi.us

WISCONSIN PUBLIC RECORDS

Board Policy 8310; Wis. Stat. 19.32(1dm)

The Board recognizes its responsibility to maintain the public records of this District and to make such records available for inspection and reproduction. People may request and obtain information and access records in the district office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. school days. Costs for obtaining records will depend upon the records requested. The legal custodian of the records is the Plymouth Joint School District. Local public offices include the superintendent, assistant superintendent, building principals, and director of facilities.

Board of Education policies