Instructional APPR Request

Pursuant to Education Law Section 3012-d, parents and legal guardians of students may request the final quality rating and composite effectiveness score for each of the teachers and for the principal of the school building to which your child is assigned for the current school year (i.e. the 2023-2024 school year). Please be advised that the law does not allow and prohibits the release of any additional information about the individual teacher or principal beyond the final rating and composite score. The purpose of this notice is to inform you of this right and the process by which you may request such information. 

Only parents and legal guardians may have access to the final quality rating and composite score of the student's teacher(s) and principal. The School District is required by the law to take reasonable steps to ensure that the person requesting the information is a parent or legal guardian of the student to whom the teacher(s) or principal is assigned. Therefore, any request must be in writing on the form provided with this notice. No oral requests will be honored. The School District may request additional verification such as licenses or other photo identification to verify that the person requesting the information is the parent or legal guardian of the student. In the case of legal guardians, the School District will require proof of guardianship (e.g. court orders, etc.). The status of the requesting person will be verified against other information concerning the student in the possession of the School District (e.g. information of documents submitted at the time of registration) and the requesting person will be notified once his/her request has been verified and approved. 

Once the request is approved, an appointment with the administrator, or designated individual authorized to release such information, will be arranged. At the meeting the rating and score will be verbally provided. At this same meeting, the parent or guardian will also receive the required explanation regarding the rating and score to best understand them in the context of teacher evaluation and student performance. In the event a parent or guardian is unable to meet in person, they may receive the information verbally by phone. 

Since all of the information needed to establish final teacher and principal ratings and composite scores is not provided until the beginning of school (i.e., final information is often provided by the State Education Department to school districts on or around September 1st), the availability to receive the final rating and composite scores for a student's teacher(s) and principal for the school year shall not be accessible by parents/legal guardians until September 15th each school year. Requests for the information may be made anytime on or after that date. 

Please be advised that a teacher or principal may appeal their final rating and composite score. This may impact the timing of when such information can be provided to a parent or guardian since, if an appeal is filed by the teacher or principal to the APPR rating, the rating and composite score will not be available until that appeal process has concluded.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact the Superintendent, Jeremy Belfield, at 315-677-9728.

If you would like to request composite scores on your child's teacher(s) and/or principal please complete the request form - click here

Once you complete the form please turn it in to the appropriate office for processing. 

• If you are requesting a teacher's score, return the form to the principal of your child's building. 
• If you are requesting the score of the building principal, please send the form to the district office. 

  Asbestos Management Plan

Federal regulations require that schools be inspected for the presence of asbestos, a toxic material that has been used in the construction industry for a number of years. The District's schools have been inspected for asbestos containing materials and the results of the inspections are contained in the Asbestos Management Plan. This plan has been sent to the state authority in charge of Asbestos Abatement.  Athletic Program - Safety

The District will take reasonable steps to see that physical risks to students participating in the interscholastic athletic program shall be kept at a minimum by:

1. Requiring medical examinations of participants.
2. Obtaining certified personnel to coach all varsity, junior varsity, and modified games. 
3. Ensuring that equipment is both safe and operative within approved guidelines. 

Attendance Policy

It is the belief of the faculty and administration of LaFayette Central School that there is a direct correlation between academic success and school attendance. We feel it is the responsibility of parents/guardians and students to ensure that students attend school and classes on a regular basis. Our philosophy for attendance is that regular class attendance and participation is needed for optimal mastery of each and every course. Also, regular attendance is essential in preparation for the "real world" where promptness and responsibility are important ingredients for career success. We believe that the school and the home must work together to promote these essential values.

The attendance policy of LaFayette Central Schools is designed to not only encourage their diligence in making up work missed during an absence. This policy is one, which hopefully will cause students to prioritize and to be selective in choosing activities, which take them out of their classes. The teacher, regardless of the reason, legal or illegal, will record a class absence. 

When a student is absent, the student is expected to contact the teacher(s) to determine what is required to make up the class work of time missed. 

Students are expected to be in school except in cases of emergency and/or for reasons listed:

• Illness
• Sickness/Death in Family
• Court Appearance
• Road Test
• Inclement Weather
• Bus Tardy
• Religious Observation
• Medical Appointment
• Educational Field Trip
• College Visitation

Poor attendance and tardiness negatively impact Co-Curricular activities, senior privileges and driving privileges. Please refer to the Student Handbook for further information. 

When students are absent or tardy, a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian is required when they return to school. If it is necessary to be excused before the end of the school day, the parent or guardian is expected to sign the student out in the Health Office. For specifics regarding the attendance policies, please consult the Student/Parent Handbook or call the respective building principal.   
Child Abuse Hotline

Regulations Requiring Posting of the Child Abuse Hotline Telephone Number and Directions to Accessing the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Website 

Working within the school environment, we are all aware of the importance of promptly reporting allegations of child abuse or neglect. As such, addition of section 100.2 (nn) to the Commissioner’s regulations to implement Chapter 105 of the Laws of 2016 now requires school districts and charter schools to post in English and Spanish the toll-free telephone number (1-800-342-3720) operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to receive reports of child abuse or neglect, and directions for accessing the OCFS website http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.

Specifically, these amendments require this information be posted in clearly visible locations to ensure that they are accessible to students and staff by:

• posting on the district’s and schools’ website(s), where one exists;
• posting in highly visible areas of school buildings;
• making such information available at district- and school building-level administrative offices, where applicable;
• providing such information to parents and persons in parental relation at least once per school year; and
• providing each teacher and administrator in the school with such information.

Schools have the authority to develop their own informational notices to meet this regulation. However, in an effort to assist schools, the New York State Education Department and OCFS have developed sample notifications for schools to post that can be accessed on the New York State Center for School Health website at www.schoolhealthny.com/childabuse.

Additional guidance is also available http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/pps/childabuse-neglect/.

The full text of the amended regulation is included as Attachment A. Should you have questions or concerns, please contact Student Support Services at (518) 486-6090 or StudentSupportServices@nysed.gov. 


As we know keeping children safe is all of our responsibility. Thank you for your continued dedication and passion in helping keep our children safe. Civil Rights Compliance Officer Notice -
The following person has been designed to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination polices:

Jeremy Belfield
5955 US Route 20
LaFayette, New York 13084
315-677-9728

Inquiries concerning the application of the LaFayette Central School District non-discrimination policies may also be referred to the U.S. Department of Education,

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
32 Old Slip, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10005-2500
Email: OCR_NewYork@ed.gov

Telephone (646) 428-3800 (voice) or
TDD 212-637-0478
FAX: 646-428-3890 New York State Dignity for All Students Act DASA   Directory Information

The LaFayette CSD has designated certain categories of student information as "directory information." Directory information includes a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major course of study, participation in school activities or sports, weight and height if a member of an athletic team, date of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent school attended, class schedule, photograph, email address, and class roster. If you object to the release of any or all of the directory information listed above, you must do so in writing to the building principal.  Food Service Program

LaFayette Schools offers a breakfast and lunch program. The LaFayette Central School District has received designation as a “Community Eligibility Provision” (CEP) school district. This means a few different things, but the headline is: All LaFayette students are eligible to receive free meals in school! That includes both breakfast and lunch, and no paperwork needs to be filled out to receive this benefit.

However, there is a CEP form that can provide additional benefits for students when filled out, as it can affect future P-EBT disbursements, allow eligible students to have testing fees waived, and more. While filling out this application isn’t required for students to be able to receive free meals, doing so may help the district provide them with additional resources.

Those students eligible for free or reduced-price meals may participate in both the breakfast and lunch programs. Those students eligible for reduced-price meals can pay 25 cents for breakfast and 25 cents for lunch. The cashier at each school will accept cash or a check for the pre-paid meals or you may pre-pay online. See the school website for information about registering for MyNutrikids. It is the District's goal to provide students with access to nutritious no- or low-cost meals each school day and to ensure that a student whose parent/guardian has unpaid meal charges is not shamed or treated differently than a student whose parent/guardian has unpaid meal charges is not shamed or treated differently than a student whose parent/guardian does not have unpaid meal charges. 

To fill out the form and update your student's status, please fill out the CEP application. These forms can be handed in to the district, or mailed to the LaFayette Jr/Sr High School (3122 Rt. 11 North, LaFayette, NY 13084). If you have any questions, please call the Food Service office at (315) 
677-9510.

Menus are available each month on the LaFayette Central School website at www.lafayetteschools.org.

If there are any questions about these policies, please call Robert Kennedy, School Lunch Manager, at 315-677-9510.
  Health Guidelines

The health of your child is very important to us. In order to promote health and wellness and decrease the spread of infectious disease, the following guidelines have been approved by the school physician. We are asking your cooperation in following them and please, for the health of all the students, keep your child home if he/she is sick.

1. Please stress the importance of a good night's sleep for maximum performance in the classroom. 
2. Encourage your child to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch. A breakfast program will be available in all 4 schools this year. 
3. To help decrease the spread of lice, please ask your child not to use anyone’s' comb or brush or wear anyone's hat. Rashes need to be identified by your physician. 
4. A student with a temperature of 100 degrees or more will be sent home. If a student has a fever, they should remain home for 24 hours after their temperature returns to normal. 
5. A student should be kept home for 24 hours after vomiting and will be sent home if he/she vomits in school. 
6. A student must be kept home a minimum of 5 days after the onset of chicken pox and until all lesions are crested. a child with an ear ache last more than 24 hours should be seen by a physician. 
7. A child with a sore throat lasting more than 3 days should be seen by a physician. 

Limited English Proficiency Students

Within 30 days of the start of the school year, parents of limited English proficient students must be notified if their child is participating in or eligible for a language instruction program for LEP students. After the beginning of the school year, this notification must occur within two weeks. Parents must also be informed of their right to decline their child's enrollment in language instruction programs.  McKinney-Vento

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that discusses the public education of children and youth in temporary housing. Under McKinney-Vento and state law, students are considered to be in temporary housing if their nighttime residence is not fixed, regular, and adequate. Are you currently living:

• With relatives, friends, or others because you lost your housing or because of economic hardship?
• In a shelter?
• In a motel or hotel because you have nowhere else to go?
• In inadequate housing?

Then you may be protected under the McKinney-Vento Act! Children and youth in temporary housing have the right to:

• Stay in same school, including pre-k, and get free transportation even if it is across district lines;
• immediately enroll in school without records (school records, medical records, vaccination records, proof of residency);
• Get special education services immediately if the student has a current Individualized Education Program (IEP);
• Participate fully in any school activities, including before-or-after school activities;
• Get support services and help with things like school supplies through Title I;
• Get free school meals without filling out an application;
• Get help enrolling in Pre-K, Head Start, other preschool programs, and Early Intervention; and 
• Get help preparing and applying for college.

Ask your McKinney-Vento Liaison for help! 
Laurie Holtsbery, School Business Manager (315) 677-5504 National Junior Honor Society

The National Junior Honor is sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. It is a nationally recognized program for junior high school students. Students are chosen for membership in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on the basis of scholarship, leadership and character. All students have a fair and equal opportunity to be considered for membership. The selection process must be fair and non-discriminatory. 

The LaFayette chapter uses the following selection process:

• All students will be notified by letter of the application procedure. 
• Cumulative grade point averages for all 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students are calculated. Eligible students must have an average of 88 or above. 
• Notifications will be hand delivered to all eligible students and a letter will be sent home to parents. Application materials will be available in a written and electronic form. 
• Each eligible and interested student must complete and return the application by the stated deadline. Late applications will not be accepted. 
• Each student will deliver a recommendation form to 3 current or past teachers. The entire Junior High faculty may be asked for assessment of the applicants, using a 1-5-point scale.
• A confidential faculty council, consisting of 5 volunteers, is chosen by the school administration. The members of this council are given copies of the student's activity information, applications, and teacher recommendations in order to rate the students on the qualities of service, leadership, and character. 
• All rating forms are tallied by the advisor(s) and given to the faculty council. The council meets to discuss each candidate's credentials. After due consideration, the council votes on each candidate. A simple majority qualifies the student membership. 
• Candidates and parents are notified as to whether the application was accepted or rejected for the current semester. Those students not selected for admission are encouraged to apply again the following year. 

Non-Discrimination Policy

The LaFayette CSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, or sexual orientation in the employment and educational opportunities it offers, including vocational educational opportunities. The District is committed to adhering to the non-discrimination provisions of Title VI and TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act and the New York Human Rights Law. 

The LaFayette CSD also does not discriminate on the basis of sex with respect to employment or in the educational programs and activities it provides including vocational programs, the appointment of employees, employment pay, benefits and opportunities, counseling services for students, access by students to educational programs, course offerings, textbooks and student activities, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

The LaFayette CSD does not discriminate on the basis of disability in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the New York Human Rights Law.  Furthermore, the District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to its programs. No person shall be denied employment or employment advancement solely because any physical, mental or medical impairment, provided the individual is capable of performing, with or without reasonable accommodation, the essential functions of the job applied for or held. 

Inquiries regarding the District's Non-Discrimination Policy should be directed to:

1. Title IX Coordinator - Jeremy Belfield, Superintendent for Schools
2. Section 504 Coordinator - James McKenna, Director of Student Services and Athletics
3. District Records Access Officer - Jeremy Belfield, Superintendent for Schools
4. Records Management Officer – Laurie Holtsbery, School Business Official

Pesticide Usage Notification

New York State Education Law Section 409-H, effective July 1, 2001, requires all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to provide written notification to all persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the school year. 
The LaFayette Central School District is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications. The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements: 

• a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours following an application;
• anti-microbial products;
• nonvolatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children; 
• nonvolatile insecticidal baits in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;
• silica gels and other nonvolatile ready-to-use pastes, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children; 
• boric acid and disodium octa borate tetrahydrate; 
• the application of EPA designated biopesticides; 
• the application of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25; 
• the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps, and hornets. 
In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list. 
If you would like to receive 48-hour prior notification of pesticide applications that are scheduled to occur in your school, please complete the form below and return it to the School. 

For further information on these requirements the school pesticide representative is: Ron Cooper, Transportation & Facilities Supervisor, 5955 Route 20 West, LaFayette, NY 13084. Phone: (315)677-7725 or email rcooper@lafayetteschools.org Physical Exam Policy

All New York State public school students must have a health exam when they enter school as a new entrant and in Pre-K or Kindergarten and grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. Please send the completed exam form that your provider uses to your school nurse before the first day of the new school year.  All students participating in interscholastic sports must also receive an exam. These exams must be performed after June 1st for the following school year. In addition, all new students are required to have an exam on file within 30 days of entering school. An exam done within one year prior to entrance will be accepted. A physical may also be required for a student being evaluated by the Committee of Special Education. 

Each Building nurse may schedule their own physicals directly with the health provider as needed. During physical exams one Registered Nurse and 1 assistant (aide or another nurse) must be present. 

Required physicals will be done according to grade level even when repeating a grade. If this presents a financial problem, physicals may be done at school for free. 

Any student not in compliance with a required physical by the end of the school year will be referred to the building principal and should NOT be re-admitted in September unless their physical is on file in the Health Office.  Release of Information to Another Educational Institution/Military Disclosure

The District may disclose any and all educational records, including disciplinary records, and records that were created as a result of a student receiving special education services under Part B of IDEA, to another school or postsecondary institution at which the student seeks or intends to enroll, or after the student has enrolled or transferred, so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment or transfer. 

In accordance with law, the District will comply with a request by a Military Recruiter for names, addresses, and telephone listings of eligible students. Eligible student under ESEA and the National Defense Authorization Act is defined as a secondary student who is 17 years of age or older or in the eleventh grade (or its equivalent) or higher. Under ESEA and the National Defense Authorization Act, parents must be notified that the District by law routinely discloses students' names, addresses, and telephone listings to Military Recruiters upon request, subject to a parents' or eligible student's request not to disclose such information with written parental verification of such request.

Under FERPA, the District must provide notice to parents or eligible students of the types of student information that it releases publicly. This type of information, commonly referred to as "directory information," which is released by the District includes - but is not limited to - such items as students' names, addresses, and telephone listings. The notice must include an explanation of a parent's or eligible student's right to request that "directory information" not be disclosed without prior written consent of the parent or eligible student. Eligible student under FERPA is defined as a student 18 years of age or older or who is attending an institution of post-secondary education.

A single notice provided through a mailing, student handbook, or other method that is reasonably calculated to inform parents or eligible students of the above information is sufficient to satisfy the notification requirements of FERPA, ESEA, and the National Defense Authorization Act. The notification will advise the parent or eligible student of how to opt out of the public, nonconsensual disclosure of directory information and the disclosure of name, address, and telephone listing to Military Recruiters; and will state the method and timeline within which to do so.

Further, in compliance with the ESEA and the National Defense Authorization Act, the District will give Military Recruiters the same access to secondary school students as they provide to postsecondary institutions or to prospective employers.

If a parent or eligible student opts out of providing directory information (or any subset of such information) to third parties, the opt-out relating to the student's name, address, or telephone listing applies to requests from Military Recruiters as well. For example, if the opt-out states that telephone numbers will not be disclosed to the public, the District may not disclose telephone numbers to Military Recruiters.

The Superintendent or designee will ensure that appropriate notification is provided regarding the opt-out rights prohibiting release of directory information and/or release of name, address and telephone listing to Military Recruiters. Parents wishing to exercise the option to withhold their consent to the release of the above information to military recruiters or institutions of high learning must do so in writing to the building principal.  S.A.V.E. Legislation

The Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (S.A.V.E.) legislation became effective July 1, 2001. S.A.V.E. is divided into 5 major sections which include:

1. A Code of Conduct
2. A School Safety Plan
3. Violent Incident Reporting
4. Character Education
5. Fingerprinting of New Employees

The following discipline guidelines applies district wide: Pride and Respect; Having a sense of pride in, and respect for, oneself is essential for a happy and successful life. A person who has neither often finds it difficult to have respect for anyone else. Within a school setting or the work place, having respect for others and their belongings is critical. If you expect to be treated with respect, you must treat others in the same fashion. 

In the classroom, respect is lost or earned by the way the student responds to the teacher as well as to classmates. The student who seldom comes to class prepared, and who is intent on class disruption, will not only risk involvement with the discipline policy but will also lose a most valuable possession...respect.

The Disciplinary Policy is a guide for disposition of standard discipline cases and indicates what can be expected when a student breaks a rule. Discipline cases with extenuating circumstances will be subject to administrative discretion. Student Conduct Considered Unacceptable and Requiring Disciplinary Action

• Use of obscene language, apparel with obscene language, possession of obscene literature (including audio recordings).
• Disrespect to a staff member or student. Harassment of a staff member or student. Theft or vandalism of school property. 
• Gambling.
• Fighting.
• Cheating.
• Skipping class or leaving school without permission.
• Reckless driving on school property. Assault of a staff member or student. 
• Possession of alcohol, narcotics or weapons on school property. Smoking or vaping in the building or on school grounds. 
• Endangering the safety and welfare of others in the building. 
• Displays of affection involving inappropriate physical conduct.
• Threats against students, staff or building (verbal or physical). 
• Any violation of local, state and/or federal law not previously mentioned. 

Student Health Records

The District shall keep a convenient, accurate, and up--to--date health record of every student. Insofar as the health records include confidential disclosures or findings, they shall be kept confidential. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of students' "education records." For Pre-K through grade 12 students, health records maintained by the School District, including immunization records, are generally considered "educational records" subject to FERPA. In addition, records that the District or school maintains on special education students, including records on services provided to students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are considered "education records" under FERPA. Since student health and medical information in education records is protected by FERPA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) Privacy Rule excludes such information from its coverage.

Generally, these records may not be shared with third parties without written parental consent unless the disclosure meets one of the exceptions to FERPA's general consent requirement. One exception permits the disclosure of education records, without parental consent, to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency, if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

Parents have a right under FERPA to inspect and review those health and medical records that are considered "educational records" under FERPA. Individual records may be interpreted by the school's registered professional nurse to administrators, teachers, and other school officials, consistent with law.  Student Photographs and Work

Photographs/videotapes of students and/or student work may be used occasionally in district and community publications. If you object to your child(ren)'s photograph or work being used in these publications, you must do so in writing to the building principal.  Student Privacy

Parents must be notified of the District's privacy policy. It must offer them the opportunity to excuse their child from any survey that reveals information on personal behavior or political beliefs. Parents must also be notified and offered the chance to exclude their child from actives that include the gathering of personal information about students that could be used for marketing purposes.  Student Weight Status Category Reporting 2023-2024

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed, and their height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’.  The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range or is too high or too low.  Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination.  A sample of school districts will be selected to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health.  LaFayette Central School District has been selected to be part of the survey for the 2023-2024 school year and we will be reporting to New York State Department of Health information about our students’ weight status groups.  Your child’s name and personally identifiable information will not be shared as part of this survey. Only summary information is sent.  Again, no names and no information about individual students are sent.  However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.

The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.

If you do not wish to have your child’s weight status group information included as part of the Health Department’s survey this year, please print and sign your name below and return this form to your child’s school nurse:

Grimshaw Elementary: Ashley Brown            
Onondaga Nation School: Mackenzie Cook
LaFayette Big Picture School and Jr/Sr High School: Jennifer Gates

Here is a copy of the letter that was distributed to families on September 22, 2023 - click here  
Teacher Qualifications

The following provisions will govern certification and qualifications of District personnel:
a) Each employee whose employment requires certification or other licensure must inform the Superintendent immediately of any change in the status of his or her certification or licensure. The changes include, but are not limited to, the granting, revocation, upgrading, expiration, conversion, and/or extension of these documents as to their periods of validity or their titles.
b) The original certificates and/or licenses must be presented for examination and copying in the Office of the Superintendent as soon as they are available to the employee. The copies will be maintained in the employee's personnel file in support of the legitimate employment of each affected employee. The failure of any employee to possess the required certification or other licensure may result in the discharge of that employee.
c) Whether or not the District verifies an individual's certification or licensure does not waive the responsibility of the employee to maintain what is required for his or her assignment.

Qualifications of Teachers
a) The District must ensure that all newly hired teachers in Title I programs who teach core academic subjects are highly qualified per the Commissioner's regulations. The term "core academic subjects" means English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography. A "highly qualified" teacher is one who has obtained full state certification as a teacher, or has passed the state teacher licensing examination, holds a license to teach in the state and has at least a bachelor's degree, and also must show subject matter competency in the subjects they teach.

b) The District is also required to provide to teachers who are not new to the profession the opportunity to meet the requirement to be highly qualified, in part, through passing a High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation (HOUSSE). The HOUSSE will be an evaluation, prescribed by the New York State Education Department and conducted locally either during a pre-employment review or at the time of an Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR), that enables a teacher who is beyond the first year of teaching to demonstrate subject matter competency in all core academic subjects that the teacher teaches. The evaluation will be based upon objective, coherent information as prescribed by the department, and will include, but not be limited to, information on the teacher's education, credentials, professional experience, and professional development.

c) The District must ensure that a candidate for a teaching certificate or license as a special education teacher will, in addition to all other certification or licensing requirements, have completed enhanced course work or training in the area of children with autism. d) Enhanced training in the needs of autistic children must also be completed by each certified school administrator or supervisor assigned to serve as a special education administrator. This training must be provided prior to, or as soon as practicable following, assignment as a special education administrator. The enhanced course work or training must be obtained from an institution or provider approved by the department except that a school district or a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) may provide this training as part of its professional development program.

Parent Notification

At the beginning of each school year, the District will notify parents, that they may request, information about the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teachers. The District will provide in a timely manner upon these requests:

a) Whether the student’s teacher has met New York State qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
b) Whether the student’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which the New York State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
c) Whether the student’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of certification of the teacher; and
d) Whether the student is provided services by any instructional aides or similar paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

In addition, the District will provide to parents timely notice that their student has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable New York State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned. Transportation Department

Pupil transportation is a support system for our students' education. Special emphasis must be placed on safety while meeting the District's transportation needs. Following are major objectives to serve as a guide in the management of our pupil transportation program:

1. To provide safe transportation that includes maintaining appropriate school bus behavior by all students. 
2. To operate the transportation program efficiently and economically.
3. To ensure the transportation meets the requirements of the instructional program, as well as the health and welfare of the students.
4. To promote school district community awareness of the entire transportation program, including safety, adequacy, deficiency, and standards of service.
5. Any questions or concerns about transportation, please call Christine Finch at 315-677-9700 or email at cfinch@lafayetteschools.org

Thank you to the LaFayette Community for their continued support of the LaFayette Central School Transportation Department.  Use of School Facilities

The school and its facilities exist primarily for our students and their pursuit of an education. 

The Board of Education's policy is that all facilities be used to their fullest extent by community groups providing it does not interfere with the educational program or create additional costs to the District. 

Facility use applications may be obtained from the Main Office of each school building. The principal will provide you with the information and application forms which are required to be completed and submitted with a certificate of insurance for approval. 

The application forms list in detail the stipulations which must be met in order to gain approval for the use of a school building or facility by a community group. 

The school district request at least one week notice prior to the scheduled event.