Public Notices

Novi Community School District Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 2017-2018 Notification

The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) requires that each year district workers and building occupants receive notification about asbestos activities such as response actions and inspections. The purpose of this correspondence is to meet those requirements and familiarize you with the asbestos-related activities that have been conducted in Novi Community Schools during the past year.

Management Plans - The existing Management Plans are located in the Administrative Office of each building and are available for review. A copy of each Management Plan is also located at the Educational Services Building, 25345 Taft Road, Novi, MI 48374.

Periodic Surveillance - The AHERA regulation requires surveillance of the condition of asbestos containing materials every six months. This monitoring is being conducted by Arch Environmental.

Re-Inspection - The AHERA regulation requires a three-year re-inspection of the condition of asbestos containing materials in all school buildings. This monitoring is being conducted by Arch Environmental.  Any questions can be sent to Mike Dragoo, Director of Maintenance & Operations. 

Student Bullying 

The Board recognizes that bullying and cyberbullying significantly interfere with the learning process.  Through this Policy, the Board prohibits bullying "at school," as defined below, as well as off-campus conduct that is likely lead to a material or substantial disruption of the school learning environment for one or more students.

This Policy is intended to protect all students from bullying, including cyberbullying, regardless of the subject matter or motivation for the behavior.  The Board, through this Policy, also prohibits retaliation or false accusations against a target of bullying, as well as a witness or another person with reliable information about an act of bullying.  The identity of an individual who reports an act of bullying shall remain confidential.

In order that this Policy be properly implemented, the Board directs that:

Implementation

Responsible School Official.  The Principal of each school building is primarily responsible for implementing this Policy for the school to which he or she is assigned.

Publication.  The Superintendent shall revise the District's Student Code of Conduct, consistent with this Policy, to specifically prohibit bullying and cyberbullying, as defined below.  The Superintendent is directed to post this Policy on the District's website.

Reporting.  The Superintendent shall report to the Board of Education, on an annual basis, all verified incidents of bullying, and the resulting consequences that were imposed.

Administrative Regulations.  The Superintendent shall promulgate such administrative regulations as he/she may deem necessary for the implementation of this Policy.  The regulations shall include all of the following:

• A procedure for an individual to report an act of bullying;
• A procedure for the prompt investigation of a report of an act of bullying by the building principal or his/her designee;
• A procedure for providing notification to the parent or guardian of both the claimed victim of an act of bullying and the parent or guardian of the alleged perpetrator;
• A procedure to protect the confidentiality of a person making a report of bullying;
• A procedure for documenting any prohibited bullying incident that is reported; and
• A procedure for the Superintendent to report to the Board of Education, on an annual basis, all verified incidents of bullying, and the resulting consequences that were imposed.

Definitions.  The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this Policy:

"Bullying" means any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, including, but not limited to, cyberbullying, that is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more District students, either directly or indirectly, by doing any of the following:

1. Substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits or programs;
2. Adversely affecting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from educational programs or activities by placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;
3. Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student's physical or mental health; or,
4. Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

"At school" means in a classroom, anywhere else on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle and at a school-sponsored activity or event, whether or not the activity or event is held on school premises.  "At school" includes the off-premises use of a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider if the device or service provider is owned by or under the control of the District.

"Cyberbullying" means any electronic communication that is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more pupils either directly or indirectly by doing any of the following:

1. Substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits or programs;
2. Adversely affecting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from educational programs or activities by placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;
3. Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student's physical or mental health; or
4. Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

Accountability.  Each student in the School District is accountable for his/her own behavior, based on age-appropriate expectations.  Respect for all students is part of a safe and healthy learning environment.  Each student is expected to demonstrate respect through their interactions with the give-and-take of friendships, group cooperation, social interaction, compromise and acceptance of differences among other students and staff.

Retaliation.  Retaliation against a target of bullying, a witness, another person with reliable information about an act of bullying or any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated.  Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy independent of whether a complaint is found to have been substantiated.  Suspected reprisal or retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying.

Making intentionally false reports about bullying for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action.

The Superintendent is directed to implement this Policy and is authorized and directed to promulgate such administrative regulations as may be deemed necessary.

If, however, you would prefer not to have your child featured, please contact your child's school and they will be happy to give you an Opt-Out form.  Please be aware that in filling out this form, your child will not be included in any photos, videos, articles, or student directories.

The District may disclose "Directory Information" from the educational records of a student. "Directory Information" is designated by the district as:

• student's name, address and telephone number;
• names of student's parents;
• student's date and place of birth;
• student's class designation (i.e. 1st grade, 10th grade, etc.);
• student's extra curricular participation;
• student's achievement awards or honors;
• student's weight and height if a member of an athletic team;
• student's photograph;
• previous educational institutions attended by the student;
• student's dates of attendance;
• name of school student currently attends;
• student's electronic mail address;
• student projects, artwork, web pages, and photographic or video images created by the district or students in conjunction with school sponsored activities may be used for information and/or instructional purposes including, but not limited to, video and audio playback, internet and print publication, and cable television transmission.

The district may disclose any of the above without prior written consent unless the building principal is notified to the contrary in writing. Each building administrator maintains a list of student names wherein disclosure has been refused. These lists are reviewed and students will be excluded from Directory Information disclosures.

The Novi Board of Education developed specific district policies regarding student and staff behavior. Policies and procedures cover virtually all areas of behavior including smoking, drugs, dress, weapons, sexual harassment and use of the Internet. In addition, each building has a Student Code of Conduct that specifies the behavior expected of its students. The district's Parent/Student Handbook also provides a compilation of information that every parent and student should know.

Copies of this handbook and District Policies are available through the Office of the Superintendent, Educational Services Building, 25345 Taft Road; or by calling 248.449.1204. School building policies may be obtained by contacting the building principal.

Parents/guardians of children enrolled in Novi Community School District and students who have attained the age of 18 years are notified that under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (USC1232[g]) they have the following rights:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
    
2. The right to obtain a copy of the school district's student records. To obtain a copy a written request needs to be submitted to:
   Attn: Assistant Superintendent for Academic Service
   Educational Services Building
   25345 Taft Road
   Novi, Michigan  48374
    
3. The right to request an amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
   
   Parents or eligible students may ask the Novi Community School District to amend a record they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
   
   If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
   
   Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
    
4. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception permits disclosure without consent - disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff 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, 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.
   
   The Board of Education hereby gives notice to limit the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in a student's education record except:
   
   a. Where prior written consent of the student's parent/guardian is first obtained
   b. Where the information has been designated as "directory information"
   c. Under certain limited circumstances permitted by law.
    
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Novi Community School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy and Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202-4605
   
   High school students and their parents/ guardians may prevent disclosure of a student's name, address, and telephone number to military recruiting representatives (who can only use that information to provide information to students concerning educational and career opportunities available in the U.S. Armed Forces or service academies) by submitting a signed written request to that effect to the high school principal.

FOIA Procedures and Guidelines Manual

It is the policy of the Novi Community Schools will not discriminate and will comply with the requirements of:

• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
• Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
• Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The District appoints the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources as the District's Compliance Officer whose responsibility it will be to ensure that Federal and State regulations are complied with and that any inquiries and complaints are dealt with promptly in accordance with law. S/He shall also ensure that proper notice of nondiscrimination for Title II, Title VI, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is provided to students, their parents, staff members and the general public.

Rules-non-discrimination

Contact information for the Compliance Officer is as follows:

Novi Community Schools Compliance Officers:

Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
25345 Taft Road
Novi, MI 48374
248.449.1205

or

Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services
25345 Taft Road
Novi, MI 48374
248.449.1208

Each year Novi High School offers Career and Technical Education programs. Our two CTE programs consist of all Marketing classes and all Drafting classes. Like all classes at Novi Community Schools, these CTE classes follow the District's policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. This is true in all programs, activities, and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language skills is not a barrier to admission or participation.

For general information about these CTE programs, contact the Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services, 25345 Taft Road, Novi, MI 48374 or call 248.449.1200 and for general questions about nondiscriminatory policies contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at the same address and/or phone number.

State of Michigan law requires that schools and day care centers that may apply pesticides on school or
day care property must provide an annual advisory to parents or guardians of students attending the
facility.

Please be advised that the Novi Community School District utilizes an Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) approach to control pests. IPM is a pest management system that utilizes all suitable techniques in a total pest management system with the intent of preventing pests from reaching unacceptable levels or to reduce an existing population to an acceptable level. Pest management techniques emphasize sanitation, pest exclusion, and biological controls. One of the objectives of using an IPM approach is to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications of pesticides. However, certain situations may require the need for pesticides to be utilized.

As required by State of Michigan law, you will receive advance notice regarding the non-emergency application of a pesticide such as an insecticide, fungicide or herbicide, other than a bait or gel formulation, that is made to the school or day care grounds or buildings during this school year. Please note that notification is not given for the use of sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants or anti-microbial cleaners. In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students, but you will be notified following any such application.

Advance notification of pesticide applications, other than a bait or gel formulation, will be given by at least 2 methods. The first method will be by posting at the main entrance to the school / day-care center. The second method will be by posting information on the Novi Community School District web site. Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school or day care center are entitled to receive the advance notice of a pesticide application, other than a bait or gel formulation, by first class United States mail postmarked at least 3 days before the pesticide application, if they so request. If you prefer to receive the notification by first class mail, please complete the request form and mail it to:

 Maintenance & Operations Department
 Attn.: Pesticide Notification
 45495 Eleven Mile Road
 Novi, MI 48374

Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school may review the
school’s Integrated Pest Management program and records of any pesticide application upon
request.

The Novi Community School District offers evaluations, programs, and services to individuals who are identified as having, or who are suspected of having, a disability as defined in either the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These services are available to eligible persons ages 0-26 who reside within, or attend a K-12 school program within, the Novi Community School District attendance boundaries. Referrals are accepted from parents, staff members, community agencies, and other interested parties. For more information about available services, parent/ student rights or referral procedures, contact the Novi Community School District Office of Student Services at 25345 Taft Road, Novi, MI, 48374, or call 248.449.1200.

All children who enter schools in Michigan are required by state law to be fully vaccinated in accordance with Part 92, Act 368 of the Public Acts of 1978. New enrollees must provide proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, varicella, mumps and Hepatitis B or present a statement signed by the parent/guardian that there are religious or other objections to the immunization. New enrollees, including kindergartners, cannot attend without the required immunizations or waiver. The Oakland County Health Department advises that all children obtain these immunization boosters. For more information contact the office of the building in which your child is to be enrolled.

Drill Requirement

Public Act 12 of 2014 that went into effect on July 1, 2014 revises the number and scheduling of required school safety drills.  Ten drills will be required each year:

• Five fire drills per school year. Three of which must take place by December 1. (There must be a reasonable interval between each drill.) The other two during the remainder of the school year.
• Two tornado safety drills per school year. One of which must take place in March.
• Three lockdown drills per school year, including security measures appropriate to an emergency "such as the release of hazardous material or the presence of a potentially dangerous individual on or near the premises." At least one of the drills must take place by December 1 and at least one after January 1. (There must be a reasonable interval between each drill.)
• At least one of the above-listed drills must be scheduled during lunch, recess, or at another time when a significant number of students are present, but not in classrooms.

For a list of scheduled and completed drills, visit the desired school's school safety drills web page. 

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires the district to submit an annual storm water management plan update to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The required annual report was submitted and reviewed and found to be in compliance with the COC No. MIS040076 of the MS4 Jurisdictional General Permit No. MIS040000. Copies of the Novi Community School District Storm Water Management Program Plan may be obtained by sending a written request to the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, 25345 Taft Road, Novi, MI 48374.

It is the policy of the Novi Community Schools to comply with all of the guidelines for Title IX as adopted by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category in its educational programs, curricular and extra-curricular activities. The district has established a Title IX grievance process. Questions regarding that grievance process should be directed to the Title IX coordinator, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, at 248.449.1200.