Students and families sometimes face issues that become barriers to students attending school regularly as well as to success in school. Providing the assistance and supports to student and families as a means of overcoming these barriers is the responsibility of the Pupil Services Department.
Homeless Students
The District is required under federal regulations to ensure that homeless students have access to the same educational programs and services provided to other District students. Students determined to be Homeless have specific rights including free school meals and consideration for remaining in the school the student was attending at the time he or she became homeless. Homeless students are generally defined as individuals lacking a fixed, regular and adequate night time residence, which include the following conditions:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
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Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations
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Living in emergency, transitional or domestic violence shelters
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Using public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings, as a primary night time residence
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Living as runaway children, abandoned or forced out of homes by parents/guardians or caretakers; or separated from parents/guardians for any other reason
If a student or parent believe they meet any of these conditions, they should contact their school counselor immediately. District staff who suspect that a student meets these definitions should immediately share any information with the school counselor, building administration or their direct supervisor.
School CounselingThe goal of the school counselor is to assist our students in acquiring and maintaining attitudes, knowledge and skills that promote effective learning in school and success throughout life. School Counselors serve students in large group, small group and individual settings, addressing academic concerns as well as personal and behavioral issues.Both District high schools have four counselors, one assigned to each grade level. Each of the three District middle schools has at least one school counselor. At the elementary level, the larger buildings have a dedicated counselor, while our smaller buildings share a counselor. A counselor is assigned to the District Alternative Education program.
Click here for resources parents may find helpful in dealing with issues related to grief, fear, and confusion in children following a tragedy.
School Social Work Services
The District provides Social Work Services to assist students and families with accessing community based services as a way of meeting their basic needs, including food, shelter and medical care. In addition, Social Workers have been instrumental in working with families to ensure students attend school on a regular basis. For more information, please contact your child’s school counselor who will assist you in making a referral.
Work Permits
Students needing a work permit who attend a private school, cyber school, charter school, or who are in a home education program, should contact Mrs. Denise Bernatos at the Administration Center, 938-9577, ext. 289 to make an appointment to complete necessary paperwork. All other students should contact their high school (based on their home address) for a work permit.