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Notices

As required by law, the Plymouth School District provides this notice to families and community members of various School District Policies and Procedures.

 

ADOPTED 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 2024-25 Academic Standards.

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT

Board Policies 2605 and 2700.01; Wis. Stats. 115.385(4), 118.57(2), 120.123

DPI Accountability Reports may be viewed at https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards.

SCHOOL & SCHOOL DISTRICT PERFORMANCE REPORTS (including Title I notice)

Board Policies 0174.2, 2700.01; Wis. Stat. 115.38(2)

The parent/guardian of eachstudent enrolled in the school district has the right to request a school and school district performance 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.

• Plymouth Joint School District ESSA WISEdash Dashboard
• WISEdash Public Portal Help Pages

EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

Board Policy 8146; Wis. Stat. 118.57
Updated December 18, 2024

School and district report cards are available at https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/reportcards.

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

Additional educational opportunities include:

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS (includng Title I notice)

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

The Board of Education shall assess student achievement and needs in all areas of the curriculum in order to determine the progress of students and to assist them in attaining District goals.

State-required 4th-, 8th-, 9th-, 10th- and 11th-grade examinations are administered to students enrolled in the district.

For detailed information on the subject matter assessed, the purpose of the assessment, the entity responsible for the requirement, the assessment schedule, and the format and timeline for providing the results, view the

Public Reporting Assessments ESSA document.

EARLY LITERACY

Wis. 118.016

We must provide a “reading readiness assessment,” in writing, to a pupil’s parent no later than 15 days after the assessment is scored. “Reading readiness assessments” are defined as the fundamental skills screening assessments (for 4K), the universal screening assessments (for 5K through third grade), and diagnostic assessments (certain students in 5K through third grade) that are administered under section 118.016.

Such notice must be provided “in the native language of the pupil’s parent” and must include the following:

  • The pupil's score on the reading readiness assessment.
  • The pupil's score in each early literacy skill category assessed by the reading readiness assessment.
  • The pupil's percentile rank score on the reading readiness assessment, if available.
  • The definition of “at-risk” under section 118.016 and the score on the reading readiness assessment that would indicate that a pupil is at-risk.
  • A plain language description of the literacy skills the reading readiness assessment is designed to measure.
  • If a diagnostic assessment indicates that a pupil is at-risk, then the notice of the assessment results shall include information about how to make a special education referral under section 115.777.

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, PI 9.05, 42 U.S.C. §6102 et seq., 34 C.F.R. §110.25; Students – Board Policy 2260, AG 2260D & Form 2260 F2; Staff – Board Policy 1422, 3122 & 4122

The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities.

The Board does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including gender 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 legally protected category in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

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

DPI Pupil Nondiscrimination Self-Evaluation Report: Spring 2024

TITLE IX NOTICE AND STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

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

The Plymouth Joint School District does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment, as required by Title IX and Part 106 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Inquiries about Title IX and Part 106 may be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, or both.

The District’s Title IX Coordinators 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

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to the Title IX Formal Complaint Form

The Board’s Nondiscrimination Policy and Grievance Procedures

Title IX training materials

STUDENT NONDISCRIMINATION IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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

The district offers its career and technical educational opportunities on a nondiscriminatory basis (without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, etc.). 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.

STUDENT RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS

Wis. PI 41.04(1)(a)

The district will provide for reasonable accommodation of a student’s sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements. Please direct complaints to 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

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. This 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 Plymouth 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.

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:

  • The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the school 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school 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

HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTRUCTION

Wis. 118.019(3)

Parents/guardians will receive annually:

  • An outline of the human growth and development curriculum used at their child’s grade level
  • Information about how they can inspect the complete curriculum and instructional materials

No student may be required to take instruction in human growth and development generally or in specified subjects within the program if the parent/guardian files a written request that the student be exempted. Exempted students still will receive instruction in the subjects under section 118.01(2)(d)2c of the state statutes (knowledge of physiology and hygiene, sanitation, the effects of controlled substances and alcohol upon the human system, symptoms of disease and the proper care of the body), unless exempted, and knowledge of effective means by which students may recognize, avoid, prevent and halt physically or psychologically intrusive or abusive situations which may be harmful to students.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CHILD FIND

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 Special Education, at 920-892-2661 or by writing her at agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us.

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Wis. Stat. 115.7915(5)

Children receiving special education services may be eligible for a Special Needs Scholarship (private school voucher program), which is available to students with an individualized education program (IEP) who meet specified conditions outlined in state law.

TITLE I PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY

ESEA [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)2 and (b)(1)]

The district must notify parent/guardians of its parent and family engagement policy in an understandable and uniform format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand.

TITLE I NOTICES RELATED TO PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF TEACHERS AND PARAPROFESSIONALS

ESEA [20 U.S.C. § 6312(e)(1)(A)]

Parent/guardians of students 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.

EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

Board Policy 2420; PI 26.04(4)

The district 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. Academic and career planning services are available for students in grades 6 to 12, and programs are available at technical colleges. The district must develop a long-range education for employment plan and review it annually.

ACADEMIC & CAREER PLANNING FOR STUDENTS

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

Academic and career planning services are provided to students enrolled in grades 6 to 12. A planned program of school counseling has been developed by licensed school counselors in collaboration with student services staff, teachers, parents, and community health and human service professionals. The developed plan was adopted by the Board of Education and is 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.

Parent/guardians have multiple opportunities during each school year to participate in their child’s academic and career planning and to receive updates throughout the school year on the progress of their child’s planning.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Wis. 118.16(4)(d)

Established school attendance policies, outlined in the school handbooks, specify the reasons for which students may be permitted to be absent from school, and the conditions under which a student may be permitted to take examinations missed during absences, other than suspensions, and the conditions under which a student shall be permitted to take any quarterly, semester or grading period examinations and complete any course work missed during a period of suspension.

PROGRAM OR CURRICULUM MODIFICATION

Board Policy 2451; Wis. Stat. 118.15

Parent/guardians have the right to request the school board to provide the student with program or curriculum modifications as outlined in section 118.15(1)(d) of the state statutes, and the right to request that the school board review and reconsider an initial decision.

STUDENT BULLYING

Board Policy 5517.01

The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property, including at any of the school buildings or other property used exclusively or in part, whether leased or owned by the District, for the purpose of school-related functions or events; or while traveling to or from school or to and from school-sponsored functions or events; in transporting vehicles arranged for by School District officials. The policy applies as well during activities that occur off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved, or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the supervision of school authorities, or where an employee is engaged in school business, or where there is otherwise a connection to the school such that the conduct at issue affects or is intended to affect the student’s educational environment.

STUDENT LOCKER SEARCHES

Board Policy 5771; Wis. 118.325

The Board has charged school authorities with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search school property such as lockers used by students or the person or property, including vehicles, of a student.

EARLY COLLEGE CREDIT PROGRAM

Board Policy 2271; Wis. Stats. 118.55(8), 118.385(4), 118.57; PI 40

Students at public and private high schools in Wisconsin can earn college credit through the Early College Credit Program (ECCP), formerly known as Youth Options. A student selected for the program may be permitted to enroll in a UW System institution, or an alternative private, non-profit institution of higher education (IHE) to take one or more courses for which the student may earn high school credit, post-secondary credit, or both. Requests will be approved based on alignment with the student’s academic and career plan and if there is a comparable course offered at the high school level. Sign-up deadline for Fall/Summer classes is March 1 and for Spring classes is October 1.

RECRUITER ACCESS TO STUDENTS/RECORDS

10 U.S.C. §503(c) and 20 U.S.C. §7908

A high school student or parent/guardian may submit a written request to the district 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.

INCOMPLETE/INADEQUATE IMMUNIZATION RECORDS

Wis. 252.04(5)(a); Chapter DHS 144 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code

Schools and child care centers must notify a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any minor student (or, if applicable, notify an adult student) who has not met the immunization or waiver requirements found in state law.

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS AND FREE/REDUCED MEALS

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

Plymouth School District participates in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) child nutrition programs (e.g., National School Lunch or Breakfast Programs). More information 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.

Free and Reduced Meal Application

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 the food service family debit account. Ala Carte charges will not be allowed if the account is negative. No student will be denied a meal. Meal charges will still continue when the balance goes negative. Family guardians are responsible for keeping a positive balance in the family debit account at all times. Payor on the account may receive a courtesy phone call when the account is negative. Repeated attempts to collect negative balances may result in further action by the District Business Office.

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. For more information, contact Mrs. Anne Gamoke, District Director of Student Services, at agamoke@plymouth.k12.wi.us, (920) 892-2661 Ext. 1024.

• District Wellness Policy
• School Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Policy

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

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), Plymouth School District develops and administers an Asbestos Management Plan as required by law, which addresses all requirements under AHERA, including, but not limited to, inspection, reinspection, periodic surveillance, training and recordkeeping requirements. The plan is available for inspection by parents, employees, and members of the public.

Board of Education policies