Whether your student is entering **kindergarten, elementary, middle or high school**, all students **new to Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union** should register through our online registration process. If you are registering a kindergarten student, you have the option to register through a paper application which can be accessed through the elementary school office.

[](https://www.ossu.org/en-US/student-support-9353cc8b/universal-pre-k-0507ca15)If you are unable to register online, please contact the main office of the school within your town of residence for a paper registration packet. [](https://www.ossu.org/en-US/student-support-9353cc8b/universal-pre-k-0507ca15)If you are unable to register online, please contact the main office of the school within your town of residence for a paper registration packet.[](https://www.ossu.org/en-US/student-support-9353cc8b/universal-pre-k-0507ca15)If you are unable to register online, please contact the main office of the school within your town of residence for a paper registration packet.[](https://www.ossu.org/en-US/student-support-9353cc8b/universal-pre-k-0507ca15)If you are unable to register online, please contact the main office of the school within your town of residence for a paper registration packet.


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Buffalo School District

Lorem Ipsum

The legal basis for education is vested in the will of the people as expressed in the Constitution of New Hampshire, the statutes* pertaining to education, court interpretation of these laws, the powers implied in them, and the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education.

In New Hampshire, School Districts are political subdivisions of the State and, as such, are considered municipal corporations.

The Contoocook Valley School District is a cooperative school district, established and governed by its Articles of Agreement. The date of operating responsibility as provided in RSA 195:18 (III)(j) is July 1, 1968. The Articles of Agreement may be amended from time to time according to the provisions therein.

The School District has adopted Official Ballot Voting and is subject to the requirements of RSA 40:13.

Board policies are established by the Board, which serves as an agent of the District.

Funds for school operating expenses are approved by a majority of qualified voters present and voting at the annual School District meeting, except that bond issues require approval by 60%.

Statutory/Case Law References:

New Hampshire Constitution, Pt. 2 Article 83

Claremont School District vs. Governor, 138 NH 183 (1993)

RSA 194:2, School Districts to be Corporations

RSA 195:6, Powers and Duties of Cooperative School Districts

RSA 40:13, Use of Official Ballot

RSA 195:18 Procedure for Formation of Cooperative School District

_The majority of state laws on education are in RSA Chapters 186 through 200H._

1st Read: June 19, 2012

2nd Read: August 14, 2012

Adopted: August 14, 2012

AA – School District Legal Status

🥰 HAZEN PARENTS/SENIOR RECOGNITION ADS: This year parents will have the opportunity to purchase yearbook ads that are dedicated to your student. Creating a quality yearbook and keeping students' costs low depends on ad sales. You can order Senior Recognition ads at <https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1120476/Hazen-Union-School/> This link can also be shared with family members who may want to purchase an ad!

👉BUSINESS ADS: Business ads are another way that we help keep costs low. Some of the profits from business ads are also used to purchase yearbooks for some students who cannot afford one. We try to make receiving a yearbook equitable for all. If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing a Business Ad please visit <https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1120476/Hazen-Union-School/>

⏰ The deadline for all ads is Thursday, February 6.

Questions about ads? Please contact Christine Gifford at <cgifford@ossu.org>.

Buffalo High School

Hazen Yearbook Ad Sales are Open!

We warmly invite our communities to support the arts and attend one or more of our schools' winter concerts and art shows this December! Here's the festive lineup:

**December 9:**  Lakeview and Woodbury Elementary Combined Winter Concert & Lantern Walk beginning in the Lakeview Elementary gym, 6 p.m. We invite community members to come to the concert and/or line the streets of Greensboro for our Lantern Walk!

**December 11:** Hazen Middle School Winter Concert, 6 p.m., Hazen Auditorium (snow date is December 17)

**December 12:** Hazen High School Winter Concert, 6 p.m., Hazen Auditorium (snow date is December 18)

**December 17:** Hardwick Elementary Winter Concert and River of Light in the gym, 6 p.m.

**December 18:** Wolcott Elementary Winter Concert and Art Show in the gym, 6 p.m.

**February 13:** Craftsbury Winter Showcase art and talent show in the Craftsbury World War II Memorial Gymnasium, 6-8 p.m.

**February 13:** Hazen Union Coffeehouse, Hazen Auditorium, 6-8 p.m.

Winter Concert Lineup at OSSU Schools Announced!

Aspen High School Principal Sarah Strassburger announced today that five AHS students have been named “Commended Students” in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC).

AHS students Henry Hurd, Sharif Khan, Camron Lapointe, Morgan Phillips and Audrey Woodrow have earned the commendation from NMSC. 

“These students represent not only academic excellence, but also the IB Learner Profile traits of  kindness, integrity, inquiry, risk taking, and so much more,” Strassburger said. “Each of these students excels out of the classroom as well; these are student athletes, innovative thinkers, and service oriented students who exemplify the very best of our learning community.  We are so proud of these students and cannot wait to see all that they accomplish to make our world a better place.” 

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2025 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

"We are so proud of these students for their demonstrated academic success," said ASD Superintendent Tharyn Mulberry. "They embody all of the qualities we strive to cultivate in our learners. These students are risk-takers, caring individuals, and knowledgeable, critical thinkers who approach challenges with confidence and curiosity. They exemplify the spirit of lifelong learning and represent the core values of our district. Their success is a testament to the dedication of our educators and the supportive environment we’ve worked hard to create in Aspen."

EDIT! Commended AHS Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program

Commended AHS Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program

Before students arrived for the 2024-2025 school year, Aspen School District teachers and paraprofessionals spent a morning with inquiry coach and bestselling author Trevor MacKenzie, who has mentored educators worldwide.

MacKenzie, whose passion is supporting schools in implementing inquiry-based learning practices, kicked off the school year with an informative and deeply inspiring conversation about proven classroom strategies.Throughout this school year, MacKenzie will visit ASD schools to coach and mentor teachers to build capacity on Inquiry and Assessments. Inquiry is at the core of the International Baccalaureate Continuum.

MacKenzie has authored best-selling books on the topic. Prior to his visit this month, every teacher received a copy of his book, Inquiry Mindset, Assessment Edition. [See MacKenzie’s presentation here.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KwkE3CH8zfCZ3Ie7IiRSv5AycFw4ek\_9/view?usp=sharing) 

“We, the IB team, felt privileged to invite Trevor to kickstart the school year and we are looking forward to ongoing coaching and mentoring from him,” said Harpreet Mehta, ASD Director of IB and Student Learning.

ASD is working toward creating lifelong learners who are internationally minded and have respect for all, and who understand that everybody with their differences can also be right, Harpreet Mehta said.

“As a PreK to 12 continuum, we have set the wheels in motion to ensure that the Approaches to Learning and the Approaches to Teaching guide each and every classroom in our district from here on,” she said.

ASD teachers and students celebrated their successes with MacKenzie. 

“I invite you to cheer because there is a lot to celebrate,” Sarah After, IB Middle Years Programme Coordinator, told an auditorium of teachers when they arrived back on campus this month.

ASD is beginning its second year as an official MYP district. There are 508 MYP units and 272 MYP classes, After said.

“Last year, we were among the first and few in the U.S. that offered the official MYP Certificate for tenth graders,” After said. “We also implemented the MYP Personal Project and Community Project and assessed them together.”

This school year, there are 710 MYP students and 122 MYP staff members.

MacKenzie’s graduate research focused on identifying and removing the barriers to implementing inquiry-based learning in the K-12 setting, said Kim Zimmer, Instructional Director of Learning and Innovation. He encourages teachers to go beyond inquiry and consider co-designing learning experiences and assessments alongside their teacher. 

“As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, I urge teachers to take one risk in their classrooms this year, especially within our International Baccalaureate program and ideally within the scope of inquiry,” Zimmer said.

"Innovation and intrinsic motivation is key to preparing our students for a global future, she said. “We have amazing technology tools and peripherals at ASD to help teachers and students along on this journey.”

Aspen Elementary School IB Primary Years Programme Coordinator Dilip Mehta said AES started working on implementing PYP during the pandemic.

“It is no small feat,” he said. “And we authorized with impressive feedback from IB!"

"It took three years, 600 plus students, 80 plus teachers, eight AES Coordinators, and three IB PYP Coordinators with the guidance of our powerhouse principal Ashley Bodkins for the success," he said

ASD launched into its IB journey in 2001 with the Diploma Programme for students in grades 11 and 12.

“We have expanded over the last 23 years so that all of our graduates take at least one DP course, and over 85 percent of our students take three or more IB DP classes,” said Eileen Knapp, DP Coordinator. “In the spring, we earned successful feedback on our DP five-year evaluation.

Knapp went on to say that Aspen students are building resilience and high aspirations throughout their enrollment in the IB

“We believe in IB for All,” she said. “It is so exciting to see all of this work and to graduate students who are ready to make a difference in this world!”

Inquiry expert will coach ASD teachers throughout the school year

College Fair Highlights:

*   Date & Time: Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Workshops start at 10:00 a.m.; college tents open at 11:00 a.m.
*   College and Program Representatives: Over 200 college admissions officers and career and technical program reps will be attending to meet and interact with students and their families.
*   Workshops: More than 35 workshops will cover important topics such as financial aid, essay writing, trade programs, and more.
*   Spanish Support: Spanish interpreters will be available throughout the Fair to assist with communication and ensure that language is not a barrier to accessing valuable information.

Save the Date! College Outreach date set

### **ASD embarks on a new Outdoor Education adventure with endorsement from the Association of Experiential Education.**

[**Click here to listen to ODE Coordinator Katherine Gleason talk about ASD's ODE tradition.**](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c5c2YYYP-4-DKEylxFDBGWKZnc-K5NsY/view?usp=sharing)

When the Aspen Middle School 8th-graders packed their camping gear last week for their week-long outdoor education trips, they became part of a cherished Aspen School District tradition.

It was AMS 8th-graders who launched the ASD Outdoor Education program with a hike to Marble Colorado in1967.

This year’s group of 8th-graders head out making their own history: first group of ASD middle schoolers to be under the accreditation umbrella of the[ Association of Experiential Education (AEE).](http://ww.aee.org/accreditation)

AEE is a nonprofit professional membership association dedicated to experiential education and the students, educators, and practitioners who utilize its philosophy. They believe in the process of learning by doing.

So does Aspen School District.

Earning the accreditation means the district will continue to build its cherished experiential and outdoor educational programs. The mission of the School District's ex ed has been embedded and woven throughout the programming. There is a strong belief in ASD that education can and must expand beyond classroom walls.\
ASD’s team set out last year to become accredited. They had to prove the program met 150 minimum standards and show that its program is well-managed and fosters a deep relationship between students and their surroundings while introducing them to various outdoor skills and activities.\
They did it. \
“There is no way we could have achieved this accreditation without the hard work and dedication of all ASD staff, students, alumni and community volunteers,” said Katherine Gleason, ASD Outdoor Education Coordinator.  \
Since that first 8th-grade trip, ASD has expanded and developed its program for all students, PreK to Grade 12.  

“Each group of students from pre-schools to high school seniors has at least one overnight in our beautiful surroundings,” Gleason said.

At Aspen Elementary School, teachers use local surroundings to foster a deeper relationship between students and their homes while introducing them to various outdoor skills and activities.

At AMS, students are exposed to various outdoor experiences in their four years at AMS.  And Aspen High School students begin their school year with a wide range of experiential education activities and courses they select using an auction process.

Across all divisions, activities and courses have been developed, refined, and taught by passionate, committed educators over many years. Programming is sequenced and progressive to achieve educational objectives and maximize student learning. Aspen High School students start the school year with their week-long outdoor education. 

“Most public schools have maybe one or two outdoor experiences or maybe a partnership with someone like ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies)," Gleason said. "Our program is unique. We do this with every single student in our public school system. We make accommodations as necessary, as we do with all students, so they can have their best opportunity for success.”

***

**Here is what the AEE reviewers said:** The demonstrated depth of experience and longevity of teaching staff allow for deep institutional knowledge and culture. 

*   ASD has a strong sense of community, a unified purpose and strong communication among staff and students.
*   ASD has an Outdoor Coordinator, Katherine Gleason, who is passionate about and committed to the ASD outdoor and experiential programs. She understands the complexities, management and coordination of a multifaceted program, which will continue to inform the next development steps.
*   By adopting the international Baccalaureate, PYP, MYP, and DP curriculums, Aspen School District has a solid foundation to incorporate Outdoor and Experiential learning into many facets of learning at the school. 

Gleason said former ASD students always comment to her that outdoor ed was among the best school experiences they had, typically followed by a story of their great adventure. 

“It's a really special opportunity for teachers to have lasting connections with their students,” Gleason said. “The stories you hear from alumni about their outdoor experiential education events in their lives when they went through the program are memorable, meaningful and inspiring – that is something every Aspen graduate I've ever met has talked about – is their experience in this program."

ASD Outdoor Education program first in the country to earn national accreditation

District News

Hazen Union School calendar

Girls on the Run - Michele Fox

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Middle School Meeting

Early Release Day

<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NWSckNBdkf9IwBd6XE9AxbSG3b9gzm7BHMOWCfbS0T4/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Faculty and Staff Meeting Notes</a> Equity Consultants Greg Stefanski for 10-15 minutes at 3pm. Training for VTCAP 
 
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Hazen Union Faculty and Staff Meeting

PTA Meeting

RAP Mentor Program (VREC) - Support and Information-sharing

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3D Modeling Afterschool Class -Library - Vaiva

District Security Review

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VT Hoopster AAU tournament

Auditorium , Cafeteria, 5 classrooms - 20 tables 
 
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NE Region 4-H Spring Showcase

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VT Hoopsters AAU tournament

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Buffalo School District Board Meeting

A Celebration of Student Creativity Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | Highland Center for the Arts (HCA), Greensboro Join us for the third annual OSSU Art in Bloom where student artists and musicians from across our school communities come together in a vibrant showcase of talent and creativity. Schedule of Events Daytime Program<ul><li>Morning Rehearsal: Choral students from our combined schools will rehearse in three age groups (elementary grades 4-6, middle school, and high school) during the morning.</li><li>Afternoon Performance (12:45 p.m.): Combined choral performance will showcase students’ work. OSSU 3rd graders and 4th-6th graders not participating in the chorus will join us for these performances. Elementary school parents and guardians are invited to attend, as well!</li><li>Student Art Exhibition Opening (12:45 p.m.) in the HCA Gallery</li></ul> Evening Program at 6 p.m.<ul><li>Choral Performances by students in grades 7-12 from Craftsbury Academy and Hazen Union School</li><li>Student Art Exhibition in the HCA gallery</li><li>Open to all community members, parents, guardians, and friends</li></ul> Visual Arts Exhibition Explore a captivating gallery of artwork created by students in grades 4-12 from across our supervisory union. If you can’t attend on April 8, the exhibition continues that week during HCA Gallery hours. Participating Schools: Craftsbury Schools Hardwick Elementary Hazen Union School Lakeview Elementary Wolcott Elementary Woodbury Elementary Free Admission To All Events – no ticket required! Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate and support the artistic achievements of students throughout our community!

OSSU Art in Bloom at the Highland Center for the Arts

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Grades 9-10 Meeting

Greg Stefanski <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NWSckNBdkf9IwBd6XE9AxbSG3b9gzm7BHMOWCfbS0T4/edit?usp=sharing" class="pastedDriveLink-0">Hazen Union School Faculty and Staff Meetings 2024 - 2025</a> 
 
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Hazen Faculty and Staff Meeting

Choices Matter Assembly

Dream Big AAU tournament

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Hardwick State - The Civic Standard - Library

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New Faculty Group

Grades 11-12 Meeting

Hazen board Meeting

<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KL3_Rv0uqJJbkE_MdfHqG9KTNitSW4wm?usp=sharing">April Board Folder</a> 
 
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Hazen Board Meeting

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MS Spring Concert

Board Meeting

NHS Induction (tentative)

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HS Spring Concert

Ski and Ride - Jay Peak

Chairs, bleachers , score clock 
 
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VT Sting BBall tournament (Gymnasium)

Egg Scramble - Hardwick Recreation

No School / Spring Break

Jack Remote

Youth Mental Health First Aid class

Faculty and Staff Meeting

Upcoming Events

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PreSchool Registration

Kindergarten Graduation!

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Many grizzly bears eat moths as a major part of their diet. During the early summer these moths can be found hiding under rocks in talus fields. They are rich in fat and a great meal for the bears!

Moths as a Food Source

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Make sure to order your Cap and Gown. 



[Click here to place your order.](https://www.jostens.com/)

Cap and Gown Orders

Congratulations to our high school students of the month

Students of the Month

Attention high school students and parents. Driver's Education classes will start in the spring semester. Check your email for more information.

Drivers Ed

Miss Robb playing games and talking about school trips and more.

Spanish night and the Middle School!

Student Life

To contact the Board of Education, please email: <schoolboard@juneauschools.org> For more information about school board meetings, committees and Board of Education policies, visit the School Board page in the menu bar above.

Board of Education

It is the goal of the Juneau School District that the information on its website be accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and that the statute's implementing regulations at **34 C.F.R. Part 104**, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and that statute's implementing regulations at **28 C.F.R. Part 3**5.

If you have difficulty accessing information on our website due to a disability, please contact us at webmaster@juneauschools.org and provide the URL (web address) of the material you tried to access, the problem you experienced and your contact information. Be sure to include your name, email address and phone number so that we may contact you.

Grievances can be filed with the district using the procedures established by the Public Complaint Processes and Appeals Board Policy 1312. For more information or to obtain forms contact jessica.richmond@juneauschools.org.

To access complaint information and forms online please click on this block.


Website Accessibility

Platte Valley School District will work in conjunction with CDE and local public health with regard to illness issues. The general message is simple. If your son or daughter is well, we want your student at school! If your student is sick and not feeling well please keep him or her home. More specifically, because we have to address the issues that existed the last two years, this means

*   We will not require masks. 

*   If a student or stakeholder would like to wear a mask they may do so. 

*   We continue to ask that individuals continue to be considerate of others.

*   We will not contact trace.

*   We will not prevent family households who are not sick from attending school. If a student is sick they should stay home. If a student has a temperature of 100.4 the student will be sent home. This is in accordance with historical practice so that your student can work on feeling better and we do not get other students sick.We will follow board policy as it relates to vaccinations, exemptions, and exclusions. This includes items such as Tuberculosis, Roseola, Head Lice, Chicken Pox, etc. Please refer to Board Policy JLCC-E(1) around Communicable Diseases.

It is important to understand these expectations may change while also knowing we do not want them to change. We will continue to work to make the best of any situation.



PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION

**A.  Purpose**

As described in Board policy AC and other policies referenced there, the District is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation* in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities, and facilities.

***NOTE**: Definitions for these terms can be found in policy AC.

This policy provides a grievance process for any complaints of illegal discrimination,  harassment, or retaliation that are not addressed by other Board policies. For example, while race-based or ethnicity-based harassment or discrimination could be addressed through the grievance process in this policy, sex discrimination or sex-based harassment must be addressed under policy ACAC.

See policy AC for policies for those types of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for which grievance and complaint procedures are set forth in a separate policy.  

The District does not assume responsibility or liability for actions that are unrelated to the District's programs or activities. However, the District may investigate any behavior that occurs on or off district property to the extent that such an investigation is necessary for the District to meet its legal obligations to address discrimination, harassment, and retaliation that negatively impact the education or work environment in the District. The District can address such behavior only when and to the extent that the District has the legal authority to do so.

**B.  Reports and Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment**

Under this policy, a report is nothing more than providing information to the District regarding conduct or statements that might constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation (“discriminatory conduct”) as described below. A grievance or complaint is a verbal or written report or complaint of discriminatory conduct that objectively can be understood as a request for the District to investigate and make a determination about alleged discriminatory conduct. A complaint is required to initiate the formal Grievance Process as described below.

**C.  Reports – Informal Process**

Contact information for the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, and 504/ADA Coordinator can be found in AC-R(2).

1. Reports of prohibited or illegal discriminatory conduct should be made to the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator under this policy unless:
1. The report is about the Civil Rights Coordinator, Title IX Coordinator, or 504/ADA Coordinator, in which case the report may be made directly to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee, who shall then appoint an alternate to act in place of the disqualified officer.

PAC - Policy

**A. Introduction and General Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment** 

The District recognizes the right of all students and staff members to learn and work in an environment free from discrimination or harassment, and likewise, that persons participating or attempting to participate in District programs, employment or activities have the right to do so free from discrimination or harassment.

Accordingly, the District prohibits any type of unlawful harassment or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or veteran status by employees, students, members of the school community, or by vendors or visitors on school property or at school-sponsored events. No person shall be excluded from or denied the benefits of educational programs or activities on the basis of any of the above classes or economic status.

As described above, the blanket prohibition afforded under this policy, as well as other Board policies, reflects, but goes further than, some of the same protections afforded under multiple State and Federal statutes or regulations, such as, but not limited to, NH RSA 354-A, and NH RSA 193:38-39, Titles IV, VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act. Additionally, bullying or general harassment of students unrelated to any of the characteristics (“protected classes”) identified above, is further prohibited under Board policy JICK and RSA 193-F. Statutory and regulatory statements and notices of nondiscrimination are included in Section I of this policy.

The District has determined that the most effective way to limit harassing or discriminating statements or conduct that is illegal or unlawful under those statutes is to treat it as misconduct under Board policies even when such conduct or statements might not rise to the level of discrimination or harassment prohibited under federal or state law.

**B. Definitions**

The definitions found here apply to each Board policy unless and to the extent that such definition is contrary to specific language or context of that policy or other legal authority.

“_Days_” means﻿ calendar days, but excludes non-weekend days on which the SAU office is closed (e.g., holidays), or any weekday during the school year on which school is closed (e.g., snow days). 

"_Discrimination_" is conferring benefits upon, refusing or denying benefits to, or providing differential treatment to a person or class of persons in violation of law based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law, or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists. 

A﻿ "_Grievance_" or "_Complaint_" is a verbal or written report or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation that objectively can be understood as a request for the District to investigate and make a determination about alleged discrimination. The required form and the specific process for making a report may vary depending on the nature of the conduct or issue. See Section D, below, for further information.

"_Harassment_" generally refers to the use of words or engaging in behaviors that annoy, threaten, intimidate, or demean a person without a legitimate purpose. Harassment will often constitute bullying prohibited under Board policy JICK. Additionally, harassment may constitute illegal discrimination if the harassing statements or behaviors include explicit or implicit reference to age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion or national origin.

"_Retaliation_" means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any person by the District, a student, or an employee or other person authorized by the District to provide aid, benefit, or service under the District's education program or activity, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by state or federal law, or District policies, procedures, regulations or rules, or because the person has reported information, made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or appeal under such policies, procedures, etc.

**C. Policy Application**

This policy is applicable to all persons employed or served by the District. It applies to all sites and activities the District supervises, controls, or where it has jurisdiction under the law, including where it (a) occurs on, or is delivered to, school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or (b) occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event, as set forth in Board policy JICK, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention. Examples of sites and activities include all District buildings and grounds, school buses and other vehicles, field trips, and athletic competitions.

**D. Report, Complaint, and Grievance Procedures**

1. Reports or complaints of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment, or sexual violence should be made under Board policy ACAC;
1. Reports or complaints by students of discrimination on the basis of educational disability under the IDEA should be made under Board policy ACE;
1. Reports or complaints of bullying or other harassment of pupils should be made under Board policy JICK;
1. Reports or complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation not specified above, including, without limitation, claims relating to race, ethnicity, disability (e.g., ADA or 504), religion, etc., and not involving or relating to the District's food services (see section I.3. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement below) should be made under the grievance procedure in Board policy ACA.

Any person who believes that they have been discriminated against, harassed, or bullied in violation of this policy by any student, employee, or other person under the supervision and control of the school system, or any third person who knows or suspects conduct that may constitute discrimination, harassment, or bullying, should contact the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator, or otherwise as provided in the policies referenced above under this same heading.

Any employee who has witnessed, or who has reliable information that another person may have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or bullying in violation of this policy has a duty to report such conduct to his/her immediate supervisor, the District Civil Rights Coordinator, or as provided in one of the policies or administrative procedures referenced above under this same heading. Additionally, employees who observe an incident of harassment or bullying are expected to intervene to stop the conduct in situations in which they have supervisory control over the perpetrator and it is safe to do so. If an employee knows of an incident involving discrimination, harassment, or bullying and the employee fails to report the conduct or take proper action or knowingly provides false information in regard to the incident, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, dismissal.

Investigations and resolution of any complaints shall be according to the policies listed above and related administrative procedures or regulations. Complaints or reports regarding matters not covered in those policies should be made to the District Civil Rights Coordinator.

1. **Alternative Complaint Procedures and Legal Remedies**

At any time, whether or not an individual files a complaint or report under this policy or policy ACA, an individual may file a complaint with an external agency, such as the Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) of the United States Department of Education, the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, or another relevant authority. The contact information for such agencies is located in AC-R(2). Complaints to the OCR, however, must be made within 180 days of the last act of alleged discrimination, harassment or retaliation giving rise to the complaint or from the date the Complainant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.

Notwithstanding any other remedy, any person may contact the police or pursue criminal prosecution under state or federal criminal law.

1. **Retaliation Prohibited**

No reprisals or retaliation of any kind will be taken by the Board or by any District employee against the complainant or other individual on account of his or her filing a complaint or report or making statements in the course of an investigation or grievance procedure. Charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course of an investigation, a disciplinary proceeding, or grievance proceeding does not constitute retaliation, provided, however, that a finding explicitly or implicitly negating a statement, alone, is not sufficient alone to conclude that the person made a materially false statement in bad faith.

1. **Civil Rights, Title IX and 504/ADA Coordinators**

The Superintendent shall assure that District and or building personnel are assigned to the positions listed below. Each year, and more often when personnel change, the Superintendent shall prepare and disseminate as a supplement to this policy AC-R(2) an updated list of the person or persons acting in those positions, along with their District contact information, including telephone number, email, and postal and physical addresses:

Civil Rights Coordinator

Title IX Coordinator

504/ADA Coordinator

Appendix AC-R(2) will also include current contact information for relevant state and federal agencies including:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Civil Rights

N.H. Human Rights Commission

N.H. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Unit

N.H. Department of Education, Commissioner of Education

1. **Statutory and Regulatory Nondiscrimination Statements and Notices**
1. **Comprehensive Prohibition Against Discrimination in Educational Programs and Activities**.

Under State or Federal law and Board policy, no person shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in the District’s public schools because of their age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion or national origin. As used in this section, “race" means immutable traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles. “Protective hairstyles” means hairstyles or hair type, including braids, locs, tight coils or curls, cornrows, Bantu knots, Afros, twists, and headwraps. Discrimination, including harassment, against any person in the District’s education programs, on the basis of any of the above classes, or a person’s creed, is prohibited.

Finally, there shall be no denial to any person of the benefits of educational programs or activities, on the basis of any of the above classes, or economic status.

Harassment of students other than on the basis of any of the classes or categories listed above is prohibited under Board policy JICK Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention.

1. **Equal Opportunity of Employment and Prohibition Against Discrimination in Employment.**

The School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The District ensures equal employment opportunities without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. The District will employ individuals who meet the physical and mental requirements, and who have the education, training, and experience established as necessary for the performance of the job as specified in the pertinent job description(s).

Discrimination against and harassment of school employees because of age, sex, race, creed, religion, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or gender identity are prohibited. Additionally, the District will not discriminate against any employee who is a victim of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault, or stalking.

1. **USDA Nondiscrimination Statement**.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: [USDA Form AD-3027](https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf) (linked tested 2024/5/9), from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

**Mail**:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

**Fax**:

(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

**Email**:

[Program.Intake@usda.gov](mailto:Program.Intake@usda.gov)

1. **Title IX Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice of Nondiscrimination**.
   1. Nondiscrimination Policy.

The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment. 

1. Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination and Grievance Procedures and Dissemination of Notice.
   1. ﻿Form of Notice - Title IX regulations and Board policy ﻿ACAC ﻿prescribe the form of the District's Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination and further requires the full printing of the notice in the locations described in paragraph I.4.b.ii below. Because the required Notice of Nondiscrimination must include the name and contact information for the Title IX Coordinator, the full notice is included in the supplement to this policy ﻿AC-R(2) which policy, per Section G above, the Superintendent is authorized and directed to update at least annually, and may also be found on the District's website [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ToEvyp-Sb__h2noIKHbgOKNRPZdq37CPOL33XfQ44fY/view).
   1. Dissemination of Notice. Except as provided in paragraph I.4.c, below, the Superintendent shall ensure that the Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination is included in full on the District’s and each school’s website, in each student, employee, parent or volunteer handbook, and in each catalog, announcement, bulletin, and application/enrollment form that it makes available to students, parents, employees, applicants, or which are otherwise used in connection with the recruitment of students or employees. The District will likewise provide the notice to any applicable bargaining unit or other organizations with professional agreements with the District.
1. Alternative Notice.

If the format or size of any publication of the kind listed in paragraph I.4.b.ii make it necessary to do so, the following Alternative Notice may be used:

The District p﻿rohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The District's full Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination is located [here](https://conval.edu/en-US/nondiscrimination-notice-5d7da932).

To report information or make a complaint about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or sex-based harassment, please refer to Board policy ﻿ACAC.

AC – Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity Employment, and Anti-Discrimination Plan

1. **Introduction and General Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment** 

The District recognizes the right of all students and staff members to learn and work in an environment free from discrimination or harassment, and likewise, that persons participating or attempting to participate in District programs, employment or activities have the right to do so free from discrimination or harassment.

Accordingly, the District prohibits any type of unlawful harassment or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, or veteran status by employees, students, members of the school community, or by vendors or visitors on school property or at school-sponsored events. No person shall be excluded from or denied the benefits of educational programs or activities on the basis of any of the above classes or economic status.

As described above, the blanket prohibition afforded under this policy, as well as other Board policies, reflects, but goes further than, some of the same protections afforded under multiple State and Federal statutes or regulations, such as, but not limited to, NH RSA 354-A, and NH RSA 193:38-39, Titles IV, VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act. Additionally, bullying or general harassment of students unrelated to any of the characteristics (“protected classes”) identified above, is further prohibited under Board policy JICK and RSA 193-F. Statutory and regulatory statements and notices of nondiscrimination are included in Section I of this policy.

The District has determined that the most effective way to limit harassing or discriminating statements or conduct that is illegal or unlawful under those statutes is to treat it as misconduct under Board policies even when such conduct or statements might not rise to the level of discrimination or harassment prohibited under federal or state law.

1. **Definitions**

The definitions found here apply to each Board policy unless and to the extent that such definition is contrary to specific language or context of that policy or other legal authority.

“_Days_” means﻿ calendar days, but excludes non-weekend days on which the SAU office is closed (e.g., holidays), or any weekday during the school year on which school is closed (e.g., snow days). 

"_Discrimination_" is conferring benefits upon, refusing or denying benefits to, or providing differential treatment to a person or class of persons in violation of law based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law, or based on a belief that such a characteristic exists. 

A﻿ "_Grievance_" or "_Complaint_" is a verbal or written report or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation that objectively can be understood as a request for the District to investigate and make a determination about alleged discrimination. The required form and the specific process for making a report may vary depending on the nature of the conduct or issue. See Section D, below, for further information.

"_Harassment_" generally refers to the use of words or engaging in behaviors that annoy, threaten, intimidate, or demean a person without a legitimate purpose. Harassment will often constitute bullying prohibited under Board policy JICK. Additionally, harassment may constitute illegal discrimination if the harassing statements or behaviors include explicit or implicit reference to age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, marital status, familial status, disability, religion or national origin.

"_Retaliation_" means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any person by the District, a student, or an employee or other person authorized by the District to provide aid, benefit, or service under the District's education program or activity, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by state or federal law, or District policies, procedures, regulations or rules, or because the person has reported information, made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or appeal under such policies, procedures, etc.

1. **Policy Application**

This policy is applicable to all persons employed or served by the District. It applies to all sites and activities the District supervises, controls, or where it has jurisdiction under the law, including where it (a) occurs on, or is delivered to, school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or (b) occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event, as set forth in Board policy JICK, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention. Examples of sites and activities include all District buildings and grounds, school buses and other vehicles, field trips, and athletic competitions.

1. **Report, Complaint, and Grievance Procedures**
1. Reports or complaints of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment, or sexual violence should be made under Board policy ACAC;
1. Reports or complaints by students of discrimination on the basis of educational disability under the IDEA should be made under Board policy ACE;
1. Reports or complaints of bullying or other harassment of pupils should be made under Board policy JICK;
1. Reports or complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation not specified above, including, without limitation, claims relating to race, ethnicity, disability (e.g., ADA or 504), religion, etc., and not involving or relating to the District's food services (see section I.3. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement below) should be made under the grievance procedure in Board policy ACA.

Any person who believes that they have been discriminated against, harassed, or bullied in violation of this policy by any student, employee, or other person under the supervision and control of the school system, or any third person who knows or suspects conduct that may constitute discrimination, harassment, or bullying, should contact the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator, or otherwise as provided in the policies referenced above under this same heading.

Any employee who has witnessed, or who has reliable information that another person may have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or bullying in violation of this policy has a duty to report such conduct to his/her immediate supervisor, the District Civil Rights Coordinator, or as provided in one of the policies or administrative procedures referenced above under this same heading. Additionally, employees who observe an incident of harassment or bullying are expected to intervene to stop the conduct in situations in which they have supervisory control over the perpetrator and it is safe to do so. If an employee knows of an incident involving discrimination, harassment, or bullying and the employee fails to report the conduct or take proper action or knowingly provides false information in regard to the incident, the employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, dismissal.

Investigations and resolution of any complaints shall be according to the policies listed above and related administrative procedures or regulations. Complaints or reports regarding matters not covered in those policies should be made to the District Civil Rights Coordinator.

Test

[AA – School District Legal Status](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T_5A6XQ4t2ZlN5f2OFXTgQESurPhu_QH-uVzORWPgGE/edit?usp=drivesdk)
