Important Information and Required Notifications

 

Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)

New York State Education Law §3012-d requires each classroom teacher and school principal to receive an annual professional performance review (APPR) that results in a composite effectiveness score. Parents and guardians have the right to obtain APPR ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal. Please contact the Office of the Superintendent at (631) 288-3800 for more information. Westhampton Beach NYSED-approved Educator Evaluation Plan

 

Asbestos Management Plan

The Westhampton Beach School District, in accordance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (40 CFR Part 763), maintains a current record of all asbestos-containing materials located within the District’s buildings. The information is contained in the District’s Asbestos Management Plan and is updated in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The Asbestos Management Plan is available for review upon request during regular business hours. Please contact Anthony Martino, Asbestos Compliance Officer, at (631) 288-3800 x295 for more information.

 

Attendance

The Board of Education recognizes that regular school attendance is a major component of academic success. To maintain academic standards, encourage academic progress, and ensure student participation in the school experience, the Board of Education has implemented a comprehensive attendance policy. In general, this policy requires that students in credit bearing classes must be present for 90 percent of the class sessions to be granted credit. The comprehensive attendance policy is distributed to students annually as part of their student handbook.

For more information about the attendance policy, please contact your child’s principal.

 

Body Mass Index (BMI) Reporting

New York State requires schools to track each student’s body mass index (BMI) and weight status category as part of school health examinations. Each year, the New York State Department of Health will survey selected schools for this data. If the Westhampton Beach School District is asked to provide this data to the state, the District will share summary group data only and will not share individual names or information. Parents who wish to exclude their child’s data from the group calculations may contact their child’s school nurse

 

Child Abuse Hotline

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated, report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. More information about reporting child abuse or maltreatment is available here: https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/.

 

Code of Conduct

Order and discipline are essential to maintaining a safe and effective learning environment. The Board of Education has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all students, school personnel, parents, and visitors when on school property, including school buses or other District vehicles, and at all school-sponsored events. A plain language summary of the Code of Conduct is mailed to all families at the beginning of each school year. The complete Code of Conduct is available here.

For more information about the Code of Conduct, please contact your child’s principal.

 

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) prohibits discrimination and harassment based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, and gender (including gender identity or expression) by school employees or students on school grounds or at school functions. In addition, any act of discrimination or harassment outside of school, which can reasonably be expected to substantially disrupt the education process, may be subject to disciplinary action.

If you have any questions about the Dignity for All Students Act, or if you have an incident of bullying or harassment to report, please contact the appropriate DASA Coordinator listed below:

District DASA Coordinator – Dr. Robert Finn

Elementary School DASA Coordinator – Ms. Marykate Hill

Middle School DASA Coordinator – Ms. Marykate Hill

High School DASA Coordinator – Ms. Kerri Pillittier

DASA Incident Reporting Form

 

Emergency School Closings

Occasionally, it is necessary to close school or delay the opening of school because of weather conditions or other emergency situations. In these instances, the closing or delay will be announced via the District’s automated telephone notification system. You may also check the District’s website, watch News 12 Long Island, or listen to WALK 97.5 for information.

 

Fire Inspection Report

Pursuant to applicable laws and regulations, the Westhampton Beach School District conducts an annual fire inspection and reports the results of the inspection to the New York State Education Department. For more information, or to view the annual fire inspection report, please contact Anthony Martino, Assistant Plant Facilities Manager, at (631) 288-3800 x295.

 

Food Service Program

The Westhampton Beach School District offers a comprehensive food service program, providing healthy breakfast and lunch options for students in each of our school buildings. Students whose family income falls within specified limits may be entitled to free or reduced-price meals. A letter explaining the free and reduced-price meal program and an application will be mailed to all families in August. For more information about the school food service program, or free and reduced-price meals, please contact Naim Walcott, School Lunch Manager, at (631) 288-3800 x276.

 

Homeless Students

The Board of Education, in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act, has appointed a liaison to assist in identifying homeless students within the District, encouraging their enrollment, and eliminating barriers to their attendance and education. Homeless students have the right to attend the school they previously attended or to attend school in the district of current location. They are entitled to transportation in accordance with the law. The liaison to homeless students and their families is Meghan Phillips. Ms. Phillips can be reached at. (631) 288-3800 x281.

 

Idling School Buses on School Grounds

Education Law §3637 requires school districts to minimize the idling of school buses and other school vehicles on school grounds. Drivers are required to turn off the engine while waiting for passengers to load or off load. The law provides certain exemptions in cases of mechanical issues, emergency circumstances, or when necessary for heating.

 

Instructional Technology Plan

The District's Instructional Technology Plan has been established in accordance with Commissioner's Regulations §100.12. 

 

Megan’s Law / Sex Offender Notification

In order to provide residents with information concerning convicted sex offenders who are living or working within the boundaries of the Westhampton Beach School District, the District is utilizing a no-cost sex offender alert notification program offered by Parents for Megan’s Law. This service allows subscribers to be informed of any sex offender notifications via email alert.

If you wish to subscribe to this free service and receive sex offender notifications, please contact the Parents for Megan’s Law Helpline at (631) 689-2672 or go to their website at www.parentsformeganslaw.org and click on the “Sex Offender Email Alert Registration Program” link.

 

Non-Discrimination Notice

Pursuant to federal laws including Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act, notice is hereby given that:

The Board of Education of the Westhampton Beach School District, its officers and employees, shall not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability or predisposing genetic characteristic.

This policy of nondiscrimination includes access by students to educational programs, counseling services, course offerings, and student activities, as well as recruitment and appointment of employees and employment pay, benefits, advancement and/or terminations.

The Board of Education, its officers and employees shall not discriminate against students on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender (including gender identity and expression). In addition, the Westhampton Beach School District has adopted a strict policy prohibiting sexual harassment.

The District has designated specific administrators to coordinate activities and efforts to comply with the aforementioned non-discrimination laws and policies. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the following administrators:

Section 504 Compliance Officer:
William A. Fisher
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Instruction
340 Mill Road Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
(631) 288-3800, ext. 200

Title II, VI, IX Compliance Officer:
William A. Fisher
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Instruction
340 Mill Road Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
(631) 288-3800, ext. 200

Dignity Act Coordinator:
Robert Finn, Ed.D.
Director of Guidance & Data Management
340 Mill Road Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
(631) 288-3800, ext. 211

For more information, please see Board of Education Policies 0100, 0110 and 0115 and the associated regulations. All Board of Education Policies are available on the District’s website, www.whbschools.org or in the main office of each of the school buildings.

 

Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security

The Westhampton Beach School District is committed to ensuring student data privacy and security in accordance with local, state, and federal policies and regulations. Pursuant to U.S. Department of Education regulations, the District has adopted a Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security.

For more information, please contact William Fisher, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Instruction at (631) 288-3800 x293.

 

Pesticide Notification

The Westhampton Beach School District has developed an integrated pest management program for managing, preventing, and suppressing pests with minimal impact on human health, the environment, and non-target organisms. Pesticides are only used as a last resort. If pesticides are needed, the least toxic, pest-specific alternative is selected.

In accordance with New York State Education Law §409-h, this notice is intended to advise parents/guardians and staff members that:

  • Pesticide products may be used periodically throughout the school year.
  • The District is required to maintain a list of parents/guardians and staff members who wish to receive 48-hour written notice of an actual pesticide application.
  • If a situation exists that necessitates an emergency pesticide application, a good faith effort will be made to provide advance notification.
  • Certain pesticide applications are exempt from the notification process.

If you wish to receive the aforementioned 48-hour written notification of pesticide applications, please send a written request to Anthony Martino, Assistant Plant Facilities Manager, Buildings & Grounds Department, 340 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.

 

School Safety Plan

The District-wide School Safety Plan has been established pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulations §155.17 to provide for the safety and security of students, staff, and visitors to our schools. The plan is a comprehensive effort that addresses risk reduction, response, and recovery with respect to a variety of potential emergency situations that may occur in the Westhampton Beach School District. Please click here to view the District-wide School Safety Plan

 

Smart Schools Bond Act

Please click here to view the District's Smart Schools Bond Investment Plan.

 

Special Education

The Westhampton Beach School District offers a comprehensive special education program. If you believe your child may qualify for special education services, please contact your child’s principal or the Office of Pupil Personnel Services at (631) 288-3800 x282. 

The District has a “child find” process to locate, identify, and evaluate children with disabilities residing within its geographic boundaries from pre-school to age 21. If you know of a child who may need special education or related services, please contact the Office of Pupil Personnel Services.

 

Student Privacy and Access to Educational Records

Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and eligible students (18 years of age or older) have the right to inspect and review the student’s records and request an amendment of records believed to be incorrect. To exercise this right, the parent or eligible student shall make a request, in writing, to the building principal.

The District recognizes its responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of student records and will provide access to student educational records only to those authorized under the law. Personally identifiable information maintained within a student’s educational records will not be released without the consent of the parent of eligible student, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes such disclosure without consent.

 

Directory Information

The Westhampton Beach School District may publish, provide, and release the following “Directory Information” without prior consent: student’s name, major course of study, participation in school activities or sports, height and weight (if a member of a school athletic team), degrees and awards received, most recent school attended, grade level, and photograph. If a parent or eligible student does not wish to have any of the above-referenced directory information released, a request must be submitted, in writing, to the building principal prior to September 15 of each school year. Failure to make such a request shall be deemed consent to release, provide, or publish directory information.

Disclosure to the Military

Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the District must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, the name, address, and telephone numbers of high school students. Parents and eligible students have the right to request that the District not release this information. Such requests must be made in writing, by September 15 of each school year, to Dr. Christopher Herr, High School Principal, 49 Lilac Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and eligible students certain rights regarding surveys, the collection of information for marketing purposes, and invasive physical exams. The Board of Education is committed to ensuring student privacy in accordance with the law and has enacted policies to protect students’ rights. 

For more information regarding student privacy and access to educational records, please see Board of Education Policies 5500 and 5550, which are available on this website.

 

Teacher Qualifications

Pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents/guardians have the right to know the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers. This includes whether the teacher has the state certification for the subject and grade level being taught; the teacher’s baccalaureate degree and any other degrees or certifications; and the qualifications of any paraprofessionals providing direct service to the student.

For more information, please contact William A. Fisher, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Instruction, at (631) 288-3800 x293.

 

Title I - Parental Involvement Policy

The Board of Education believes that positive parental involvement is essential to student achievement. Consistent with the parental involvement goals of Title I, Part A of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the Westhampton Beach School District has developed policies and procedures to encourage and support the participation of parents of students eligible for Title I services. Please see Board of Education Policy 1900 for more information.

 

Water Testing

In compliance with the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) regulation titled Lead Testing in School Drinking Water (10 NYCRR Subpart 67-4), the District maintains an inventory of water outlets across all school buildings and performs sampling of all applicable water outlets. Click here for more information.