Franklin Family Newsletter - August/September, 2020

It is August, which means it is time to begin thinking about the school year. The August/September edition
of Franklin’s Newsletter is filled with important information about things to do in preparation for the start of
school, as well as significant dates and events during the first month of school.

The School District of Janesville will use the online registration process again this school year. Many of
the forms required for registration will be available online on our district website: http://www.janesville.k12.wi.us . Online registration is open and available to parents. If you do not have the ability to register online, you can access computer resources at the public library or contact our
Student Services office at 608-743-6026 for alternative methods of registration.

Lifetouch will be here on September 1, 2020 during Ready, Set, Goal Conferences to take your student's photograph. Click here for the link to view the Lifetouch Flyer and pre-order if you wish.

School Fees: School fees are $37.00 for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. It is preferred that you pay your school fees via debit/credit card through Infinite Campus. If you have any questions regarding
logging into Infinite Campus, please call 608-743-6000. If you are not able to pay online, payments may be made via cash/check in the main office. Yearbooks are for sale through Jostens.com if paying via
debit/credit card. Payments for yearbooks may also be made at Franklin Middle School if necessary.

Transportation: School bus routes have been traditionally published in the Janesville Gazette prior to the start of school. You may wish to study them carefully to notice any changes. Questions concerning riding
the yellow school bus can be forwarded to Mr. Dave Farwell, District Transportation Coordinator at 608-743-5000.

Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year

From Dr. Urness
Even with all that is going on in the world right now, we are excited about the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Welcome to Franklin Middle School, students and parents.
Ready, Set, Goal Conferences: Franklin will kick off the first day of school, September 1, 2020, with teacher-parent-student conferences known as Ready, Set, Goal Conferences. The purpose of Ready,
Set, Goal Conferences is to review previous work contained in a student’s portfolio, set goals for the upcoming school year, and answer any questions about Franklin’s policies, procedures, and expectations.
At the Ready, Set, Goal Conference, students and parents will meet with a Franklin staff member (almost always the student’s advisor) to cover informational material. We feel that Ready, Set, Goal Conferences go a long way toward making the start of the school year a positive and successful experience for everyone. Parents and students will schedule a time for their Ready, Set, Goal Conference via SignUpGenius. If you have questions about the process, please contact the school. Important Note: The only required attendance time on September 1, 2020 for your student is during their 20 to 30 minute
Ready, Set, Goal Conference.

Please feel free to contact the office at 608-743-6000, if you have any questions now and throughout the school year. Franklin is a great place because of the students, parents, and staff members. We strive to
provide an excellent adolescent educational experience for students so that they are prepared for high school and beyond. Enjoy the rest of your summer break and be ready to get to work right away on the
first day of school. Here is to a healthy, happy, and safe school year at Franklin Middle School.

Welcome back from your Student Services Center!

Your Student Services staff welcomes you to Franklin Middle School. We are working hard to finalize student schedules and promote a positive transition back to school, with special emphasis on students’
social and emotional needs.
We encourage you to contact us if you have any information we need to know to help your child’s year be successful. If you need to see us, schedule an appointment so that we can reserve time for you. Please
feel free to call the Student Services Center at 608-743-6026 for an appointment or for any other questions.

Student Services Staff:

Theresa Amundson	Secretary	608-743-6026	tamundson@janesville.k12.wi.us
Julie Konstanz	School Counselor (Gr 6 & 8B)	608-743-6027	jkonstanz@janesville.k12.wi.us
Katie Clarquist	School Counselor (Gr 7 & 8A)	608-743-6028	kclarquist@janesville.k12.wi.us
Brandee Wilker	School Psychologist	608-743-6121	bwilker@janesville.k12.wi.us
Audrey Rudersdorf	School Social Worker	608-743-6026	audrey.rudersdorf@janesville.k12.wi.us

Ready, Set, Goal Conferences

For the past several years, Franklin Middle School has kicked off the new school year with Ready, Set, Goal Conferences. These conferences give parents, students, and teachers an opportunity to discuss work done in a student’s portfolio and goals for the upcoming school year.
Like previous years, this day is not a usual day of school for students. This year, you will have a choice of how you would like to meet for RSG Conferences. When you sign up, you will have the option of meeting
in person at Franklin, meet via Google Meet or a phone conference. RSG Conferences will be held on Tuesday, September 1st from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Franklin Middle School at 608-743-6000 

Breakfast at Franklin Middle School

Franklin offers a breakfast program to students. Breakfast is free to ALL students. Students may enter the
cafeteria at 7:45 a.m. to receive breakfast. Breakfast items will then be taken to their advisories and
consumed there.

STOP, DROP, AND GO!

We have painted areas in our front circle to assist with dropping your student(s) off in the morning. Please
pull forward to the lowest numbered slot so that cars can enter from N. Crosby Avenue.

National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

Dear Parent or Guardian: We are pleased to inform you that Franklin Middle School will be implementing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) while participating in the National School Lunch and School
Breakfast Programs for the 2020-2021 School Year.

What does this mean for you and your children attending Franklin Middle School? All Franklin students are eligible for a free breakfast and a free lunch daily. This does not include extra milk, cold lunch milk, or ala carte purchases.

The district will still be requesting applications from households with a student participating in the CEP; however, receipt of free breakfast and lunch meals does not depend on returning it. Completing the
application is still necessary for other programs and may be used to determine if your household is eligible for these additional benefits.
If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at 608-743-5132.
Sincerely,
Jim Degan,

SNS School Nutrition Manager

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in
or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity
conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA
office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or
letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400
Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity
provider

Child Find Notice

“The school district must locate, identify and evaluate all resident children with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities.” The
school district has a special education program to locate and screen all children with suspected disabilities who are residents of the district and who have not graduated from high school. Upon request the school district will screen any resident child who has not graduated high school to determine whether a special education referral is appropriate.

A request may be made by contacting Kimberli Peerenboom,
Director of Pupil Services for the School District of Janesville at 743-5061, or by writing her at 527 S. Franklin St., Janesville WI 53548.

Annually the district conducts developmental screening of preschool children. Each child’s motor, communication and social skills are observed at various play areas. Each child is weighed and measured,
and the child’s hearing and vision is checked. The information is used to provide the parent with a profile of their child’s current development and to provide suggestions for follow up activities. Parents learn about
community services available to them and speak with representatives of agencies serving families.

The information from screening is also used to determine whether a child should be evaluated for a suspected disability. When school staff reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability, they refer the child for evaluation by a school district Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Developmental screening will be a part of the kindergarten screening this Spring. Watch for dates at your local school.

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 report the
child to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child’s parents that the referral will be made. The referral must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. Others who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child to the school district in which the child resides. A referral of a child residing in the School District of Janesville may be sent to Kimberli Peerenboom at the school district address above.”

School District of Janesville
CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH CHILD
FIND ACTIVITIES

The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children.
The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech
and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities. This notice also informs parents of their rights
regarding any records developed.

The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities. Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the
child’s academic performance, behavior, and health. This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services. Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and
maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records
maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.

The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.
● "Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities.
Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
● "Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to
achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress
records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records.

Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a
longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.

● "Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.

● "Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the
pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for
hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a
pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84,Wisconsin Statutes.

Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age
("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:
● The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written
request that identifies the records(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. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
● The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask [Name of] School
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, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the 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 consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The
exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m),
Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures 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 and law enforcement unit personnel); 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 her 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 in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses
"directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
● 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, S.W.,
Washington, DC 20202-4605.

FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL CALENDAR INFORMATION

 

Franklin Phone Numbers

Main Office	608-743-6000
Attendance Office	608-743-6030
Asst. Prin. Office	608-743-6007
Student Services	608-743-6026
Athletic Office	608-743-6021

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February/March Newsletter 2021

 

From the Principal

We are happy to have everyone back in the building. Thank you for helping us maintain healthy habits, which prevent the COVID-19 contagion from spreading at school. In this space, I would like to share SDJ pulse check survey results as they relate to FMS and communicate the schedule for February 12, 2021. 

Recently, we received the results of our staff, student, and parent surveys from the Studer Group. Franklin’s parent survey results scored among the highest in the district. Thank you for taking the time to participate in the survey. We will use this feedback for our continuous improvement efforts. There were seven questions on the survey. Below, please find the highest result and the lowest result. 

The highest score (4.12 out of 5.00): “I am confident that my child’s school is handling the COVID-19 challenge to keep my child safe.”

The lowest score (3.24 out of 5:00): “I am confident that my child will not fall behind in school.”

Reviewing the survey results as a staff, we are grateful that most respondents feel confident that we are taking steps to keep people safe at school. We share the concern of children falling behind this year due to a number of factors—most notably those caused by COVID-19 restrictions. Probably more than ever, it is important to find ways to practice math and reading skills to fill the gaps created by the pandemic. This should occur at school and at home to raise academic achievement. Asking your child, “What did you learn today at school?” and then following up with specific questions to support math and reading is a good place to start. 

Hopefully, you are already aware that February 12th will run as a virtual day of instruction so that SDJ employees can receive the second dose of the coronavirus vaccine. We will run the same virtual schedule we used in December and early January for this day. It is a B Day for Exploratory/Elective classes. We will take attendance each period on February 12th. Teachers will post all material on their Google Classrooms. Students know how to access that information. 

Here is the class schedule: 

8:30-9:00 - 1st Hour

9:05-9:35 - 2nd Hour

9:40-10:10 - 3rd Hour

10:15-10:45 - 4th Hour

10:50-11:20 - 5th Hour

11:20-12:05 - Lunch

12:05-12:35 - 6th Hour

12:40-1:10 - 7th Hour

1:15-1:45 - 8th Hour

We will remind students to take their Chromebooks home at the end of the day on February 11, 2021.

Wishing everyone happiness, strength, and health, 

Dr. Urness, Principal 

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Important Dates to Remember

 

Wednesday, March 4	Conferences	4pm-7pm (Regular School day)
Thursday, March 5	Conferences	No School
Friday, March 6		No School
Monday, March 22- 26	Spring Break	No School
Monday, March 29	School Resumes	Regular School Day
Wednesday, March 31	End of 3rd Quarter	Regular School Day
Thursday, April 1	Teacher Professional Development	No School
Friday, April 2	Good Friday	No School
Monday, May 31	Memorial Day	No School
Thursday, June 3	Last Day of School	Regular School Day

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Be sure to like us on Facebook.   https://www.facebook.com/franklin.middle.sdj

 

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Absence and Attendance Issues

Attendance Office 608-743-6030

Please remember, if you are calling about a student’s absence, medical appointment, medication, dropping off lunch money, requesting homework, or leaving a message for a student, please call the attendance office at 608-743-6030. You can also reach Mrs. Leckey at 608-743-6032 or Mrs. Peo at 608-743-6031. 

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Yearbooks

Yearbooks are still for sale. Our deadline was extended to the end of February.  If you would like to purchase a yearbook, they are $17 and for sale in the AP Office or at Jostens.com.  

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Student Services

Theresa Amundson	Secretary	608-743-6026	tamundson@janesville.k12.wi.us
Julie Konstanz	School Counselor (Gr 6 & 8B)	608-743-6027	jkonstanz@janesville.k12.wi.us
Katie Clarquist	School Counselor (Gr 7 & 8B)	608-743-6028	kclarquist@janesville.k12.wi.us
Brandee Wilker	School Psychologist	608-743-6121	bwilker@janesville.k12.wi.us
Audrey Rudersdorf	School Social Worker	608-743-6026	audrey.rudersdorf@janesville.k12.wi.us

 

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Franklin Phone Numbers

Main Office	608-743-6005
Attendance Office	608-743-6030
Asst. Prin. Office	608-743-6007
Student Services	608-743-6026
Athletic Office	608-743-6021

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Tornado Warning

When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, it means that an actual tornado has been sighted by a trained spotter or a radar reading shows conditions are right or imminent for a tornado to develop in the immediate area. When a tornado warning is issued for the immediate Janesville area, the emergency sirens will be activated.

Twice each school year, Franklin Middle School practices the response the school would use if an emergency siren is activated for a tornado warning during the school day. Franklin Middle School has designated safe areas for all students and staff to go to when a tornado warning is issued.

Because all doors to Franklin Middle School are secure during the school day, they will remain locked during a tornado warning. Staff are not encouraged to respond to door buzzers, knocks on doors, or phone calls, but rather to remain in their designated safe zone until the tornado warning is canceled. We also encourage parents and family members of students to seek safe shelter during a tornado warning. Parents or family members should not come to Franklin Middle School during a tornado warning to pick up their child. 

Once the tornado warning is canceled, Franklin Middle School will return to usual operations. At that time, staff will be able to respond to door buzzers and phone calls. Thank you in advance, for working with Franklin Middle School to keep your child safe during a tornado warning. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this information, please contact the Coordinator of Student Services at 608-743-5079.

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STOP, DROP, AND GO!

We have painted areas in our front circle to assist with dropping your student(s) off in the morning. Please pull forward to the lowest numbered slot so that cars can enter from N. Crosby Avenue.

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Breakfast & Lunch at Franklin Middle School

Franklin offers a breakfast program to students. Breakfast is free to ALL students. Students may enter the cafeteria at 7:45 a.m. to receive breakfast. Breakfast items will then be taken to their advisories and consumed there.  Franklin students also receive a free hot lunch every day.  There is a cost for extra milk or ala carte items.

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Discipline

Students are expected to abide by all established codes of conduct and board policies, as outlined by the student handbook and as stated in rules established by building principals for each school.  All students must help to establish and maintain a safe and educationally conducive environment. When it becomes necessary to investigate student misconduct, students have a duty to cooperate and answer questions truthfully and completely. Students who are dishonest, uncooperative, and/or are evasive will be subject to disciplinary action up to and/or including a recommendation for expulsion.

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Moving?

If you will be moving from your current home address please contact Franklin Middle school office at 608-743-6026 as soon as possible to determine what paperwork you will need to fill out for your child to continue attending his/her current school.  Please note: if you are moving to an address outside the School District of Janesville in most cases your child is eligible to continue attending the School District of Janesville as long as you complete the appropriate paperwork within the required timeline.

 

If you have any questions about school placement for a particular address please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152.  The New Student Enrollment Office is open year round.

 

If you are the parent of an elementary student and will be moving over the summer months when the elementary schools are closed, please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152 or the New Student Enrollment Office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 to complete the appropriate paperwork.

 

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Kindergarten Enrollment

2021-2022 School Year

School District Residents

If you have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2021 and they are not currently enrolled in a School District of Janesville Pre-school for Janesville (P4J) or Early Childhood (EC) program it is time to enroll in the Janesville Public School District.  Enrollment will take place from December 1, 2020, through December 15, 2020, at the Educational Services Center located at 527 S. Franklin St. (administration building) in the New Student Enrollment office by appointment only.  Please call (608) 743-5153 or (608) 743-5072. 

 If you cannot attend the enrollment period please make an appointment as soon as possible to enroll after December 15, 2020.  Enrollment in the district is required for participation in orientation.  When you enroll, you will need your child’s birth certificate for proof of age, proof of residency (top portion of a utility bill, or current lease) to determine school assignment, immunization records and photo identification

 The window for Requests for School Transfer/Placement within the School District (yellow forms) for incoming kindergarten students are available from December 1, 2020, through December 15, 2020, and should be submitted through the enrollment process. Enrollments are completed by appointment only. Forms are available at all schools, as well as at the Educational Services Center.  If you have questions regarding this process contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152.  The status of requests will be determined by January 15, 2021 if they are turned in by December 15th.  If you have a student currently attending a school under a School Transfer/Placement within the School District, it does not automatically qualify your kindergarten student for attendance at the same school; however, siblings are generally assigned to the same school.  In order for your kindergarten student to attend the same school as a sibling, you must submit a request during the Kindergarten Enrollment time frame. 

 If you know of a child in your neighborhood or from community activities that would be entering kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year, please pass this enrollment information on.

Non-District Residents

If you are a non-resident of the School District of Janesville and have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2021 and would like your child to attend the School District of Janesville you must also apply for OPEN ENROLLMENT.  The timeline for Open Enrollment is February 1, 2021, to April 30, 2021.  Currently open enrolled non-residents in a P4J or EC program do not need to re-apply. If you have questions regarding the Open Enrollment process, please contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152.

 

Public School Open Enrollment Timelines

The State of Wisconsin has announced the application period for open enrollment (also known as public school choice) begins in February for the following school year.  Open Enrollment laws permit children to attend a public school in a school district other than the one in which they live. 

The open enrollment application period for the 2021-2022 school year is from February 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021.  Parents are encouraged to apply on-line at dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment.  Although on-line application is recommended, paper applications may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction or any school district after February 1, 2021 and must be delivered (hand-delivery is recommended) to the nonresident school district during the application period. Paper applications to attend Janesville must be submitted to the Open Enrollment Specialist in the New Student Enrollment Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 30th (a postmark does not constitute timely submission).  Applications turned in prior to February 3rd will be returned as not valid and must be resubmitted after February 1st, but before April 30th at 4:00 p.m.

 

Enrollment in a requested school or program is subject to space and other limitations and is not guaranteed. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent. Habitual truancy may result in recommendation for the student to return to their home district.

Under the School District of Janesville board policy, students who attended the district under open enrollment the previous year are not required to reapply for the following school year.

An application is required for each sibling in the family.  For example, if a family has one child in elementary school that has been approved for open enrollment and a new student entering kindergarten next year, the student entering kindergarten must apply for open enrollment in order to attend the School District of Janesville.

 

Parents will be informed in June whether their open enrollment applications have been approved or denied.  The student’s school or program placement will be provided in June.

 

If you have questions, please contact the Open Enrollment Specialist at 743-5152.  

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Request for School Transfer/Placement (Intra District Transfers) within the School District of Janesville Attendance Areas

Due to Move:

If you move within the School District of Janesville during the school year and wish to remain at your current school, please ask the school office for a Request to Remain in Current School Following Move to New Attendance Area Form (blue).  Complete the form and return it to the school office.

Due to Parent Choice:

If you wish to apply to have your student transferred/placed in another school within the district next school year (2021-2022), please ask the school office for a School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow).  Completed forms will be accepted from December 1 through December 13, 2020 only.  Submit your Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow) to your home school attendance area office. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/ Placement Within the School District will be notified of approval or disapproval by January 15, 2021.  Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District for incoming Kindergarten students will be notified of approval or non-approval after they have enrolled their child during the Kindergarten Enrollment period with the New Student Enrollment Office.  If you have questions, please contact the school office of your home school attendance area.

 

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School District of Janesville:  Annual Notice of Special Education 

Referral and Evaluation Procedures

Upon request, the School District of Janesville 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 Ms. Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services, School District of Janesville, at 608-743-5061, or by writing to her at 527 S. Franklin Street, Janesville, WI.

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School District of Janesville:  Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information Obtained Through Child Find Activities

The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children.  The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.  This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities.  This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.

The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities.  Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health.  This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services.  Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.

The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.

"Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.

"Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.

"Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.

"Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:

The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(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. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.

The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask The School District of Janesville to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to 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, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the 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 consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures 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 and law enforcement unit personnel); 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 her 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 in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.

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, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

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Board Policy 5030

Students

Bullying Prevention

The School District of Janesville Board of Education strives to provide an educational environment where every student feels safe, respected and welcomed.  The Board also strives to provide an educational environment where every staff member can serve students in an atmosphere that is free from significant disruptions and obstacles that impede learning and performance. Bullying can have harmful social, physical, psychological and/or academic effects for those who engage in these behaviors, victims of such behaviors, and bystanders who observe acts of bullying.  The District prohibits any form of bullying behavior by students towards other students, school employees, volunteers, or any other person(s).

Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an on-going conflict. Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress or property damage. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, behaviors motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor including sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability.  Bullying may also be motivated by any other distinguishing factor such as gender identity, physical appearance, or social, economic or family status.

Examples of acts of bullying include physical intimidation, force or assault, humiliation, sexual or racist remarks, extortion, verbal or written threats, taunting, put downs, name calling, threatening or menacing looks or gestures, spreading cruel rumors, and social exclusion.  This includes acts of cyber-bullying that involve sending or posting inappropriate, insulting or threatening messages or images through electronic communication systems such as the Internet, e-mail, cell phones or other personal devices.

Bullying is prohibited on District grounds, at District-related activities, or on transportation to and from school or District-sponsored activities. Harassing bullying behavior is prohibited in all educational environments, regardless of whether the facility or location is owned, leased, or otherwise used or provided by the District. 

Acts of bullying that originate off school premises and outside of the school’s control may be subject to the provisions of this policy and related procedures if the conduct is determined to be substantially disruptive to the educational process and the day-to-day operations of a school.  This includes, but is not limited to, threats made outside of school hours that communicate intent to be carried out during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or on any vehicles used for transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities.

All complaints about bullying shall be promptly investigated. The District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as practicable and in a manner consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to discovery or disclosure requirements. Disclosure of information related to the complaint shall be made only to those with a legitimate need to know.  All records generated as a result of the complaint and appeal processes shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

If the investigations find bullying has occurred, school officials shall take prompt and necessary action up to and including behavioral interventions and support, disciplinary action, and/or referral to law enforcement officials or social services.  Consequences shall be unique to the nature of the behavior, the developmental level of the student, and the history of problem behaviors.  Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent other occurrences, and protect the victim.

The District shall also take appropriate action against any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior.

Employees found to have facilitated or participated in bullying behavior against students or to have been aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action.

This policy shall be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the School District, parents/guardians, and all District employees.  It shall also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools.  The District shall provide a copy of the policy to any person upon request.

Records shall be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for violations of this policy in accordance with established procedures.

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Administrative Regulation 5030.1

STUDENTS

BULLYING COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

It is the responsibility of all students, school staff members, parents/guardians and other concerned individuals who observe or become aware of acts of bullying to report such acts to an administrator or other school staff member.

 

Complaints that involve bullying related to one or more of the characteristics or factors protected by state and federal nondiscrimination laws shall be processed in accordance with established “Student Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” All other complaints of bullying shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures:

Step One

Any claims of bullying shall be presented to the principal or designee. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the District Administrator.  Complaints against the District Administrator shall be filed with the Board president. Information may be initially presented anonymously.  All such information shall be reported in writing and shall include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates using the applicable district incident report form.

Step Two

The school official receiving the complaint shall conduct a prompt investigation to verify the facts to determine the validity and seriousness of the incident. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official shall arrange necessary interviews with all concerned parties. The school official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents/guardians, as appropriate, in writing when the investigation is concluded.

All findings related to the complaint shall be reported in writing to the Director of Student Services. When it is determined that a student participated in bullying behavior, the report to the Director of Student Services shall include notification of the consequences and/or interventions to be imposed including, but not limited to warnings, exclusion from certain areas of the school, detentions, behavioral interventions, suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement officials and/or social services.

Step Three

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, or other school official conducting the initial investigation, he/she may appeal the decision by giving written notice to the District Administrator or next highest level or authority within five (5) days after the receipt of the written decision.  The District Administrator or other school official shall schedule and hold a meeting with the involved parties within fifteen (15) days. The District Administrator or other school official shall, within five (5) days after the meeting, deliver a written response to the complainant and to the accused. The decision at this step shall be final. 

Consequences for Retaliation Violations

Any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary actions and/or referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.

Interventions for Students Involved in Bullying

The District will make available evidence-based resources and comprehensive research-based programs to address bullying.  Program support may include coaching, training, reporting templates, surveys and evaluation tools, staff training, student skill training, restorative justice, and program-implementation support.

Students Who Have Been Bullied Will Be Supported by:

Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.

Offered ongoing support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.

Students Who Have Bullied Will Be Helped by:

Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice. 

Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior. 

Developing a plan to make amends for the incident. 

Informing parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.

Maintenance of Complaint Records

The maintenance of complaint records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance.  Records shall be kept for each complaint filed and, at a minimum, include the following:

Name and address of the complainant and his/her title or status,

Date the complaint was filed,

Specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant,

Name and address of the respondents,

Levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each level,

Summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved, and

Determination of the facts, statement of the final resolution, and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken.

Definitions:

General Definition Bullying:

Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or impact the learning environment. Bullying is sometimes distinguished from harassment when the behavior involves repeated incidents and involves an imbalance of power.  

Discriminatory Bullying:

This occurs when acts of bullying are related to, or motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor that includes sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, color, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap. Such incidents shall be handled in accordance with the district’s student nondiscrimination policies and procedures. 

Types of Bullying:

Physical:  Physical bullying involves harmful actions against a person’s body.  Examples include, but are not limited to: shoving, striking, kicking, tripping, choking, pinching, poking, spitting, biting, hair-pulling, hazing, excessive tickling, and inappropriate touching. This also involves interfering with another person’s property and stealing. 

Verbal:  Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in a way that is derogatory, unkind or hurtful. Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, name-calling, insulting or inappropriate remarks, threatening, spreading rumors, and making discriminatory remarks or false accusations.

Non-verbal/Emotional:  Non-verbal bullying refers to behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally leaving a person out of a game or activity, extortion, manipulating friends, ostracizing, pressuring peers, making rude gestures such as poking out tongue or staring, writing hate notes about a person that will be upsetting to that person.

Cyberbullying:  Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, video, e-mail, cell phones, pager service or website postings) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identify. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.

Bullying by Proxy:  Bullying by proxy occurs when someone engages in such behavior through another person or on behalf of another person.

Hazing:  Hazing includes bullying behavior directed against another student or students for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate. Prohibited acts may include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.

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Administrative Regulation 5030.2

Students

A bullying incident report is available at any time in the main office at Marshall Middle School.