Parent Handbook - SharpSchoollpsstevenson.ss5.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/... · I have come into your world, About which I know nothing. Why I came I know not. How I came I

Livonia Public Schools

Dr. Randy Liepa, Ed. D., Superintendent

Parent Handbook

Instructor:

Ms. Julie Foley

Stevenson High School

Phone number: (734) 744-2660 ext. 48921

Email: [email protected]

Stevenson Preschool Handbook 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Directors Greeting 2

Philosophy 3

Program Goals and Learning Environment 4

Groupings, Ratio and Guidance 5

Role of High School Students 6

Health and Safety 7

“I Am the Child” 8

Parent Responsibilities 9

Attendance

Parent Communication

Observation Room

Parking

Transportation

“Needs of the Child” 11

Preschool Points of Interest 12

First Week of School

Promoting Independence

Appropriate Dress

Snack

Birthdays

Schedule and Routines 14

Enrollment 16

Requirements for enrollment

Factors effecting placement Tuition

Forms 18


Hello!

I welcome you and your child to Stevenson Preschool! The

center operates as part of Stevenson High School. The

program was established over 20 years ago at Cass Elementary

School as a training site for High School students in the child

care field. The program moved to Stevenson High School in

1994.

I like to think of our preschool as a place that children,

parents and high school students experience personal growth

and develop a sense of community……..a place where everyone is

considered unique and accepted……..a place where laughter, play

and learning are cherished.

It is my role, as director and high school teacher, to

administer a center focused on development of both the

preschool child and the high school student. I am pleased to

have the privilege and challenge of each position.

Sincerely, Ms. Julie Foley

Preschool Director/High School Teacher


Educational Philosophy

The preschool program at Stevenson High School strives to educate the

whole child physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally. Our staff

have studied the research of leading psychologists and educators and they

reflect those ideas when planning educational experiences and interacting

with the preschool children. We recognize that each child is a unique

individual and is brought to us by a unique family. We view and respect each

family for its diversity and work in cooperation with the family to provide

support for the young child. Children learn best when their efforts to develop

are supported both at school and at home. We emphasize the needs of each

child and provide educational opportunities for children to learn at their own

pace. Numerous open-ended activities and explorations invite children to

observe, explore, investigate and experiment. As a result, children will

construct their own knowledge, think critically, solve problems and make

decisions. Learning becomes an active process both mentally and physically.

Our classroom environment is designed to encourage this active learning

process through the use of active, quiet, group, one on one, and independent

learning times throughout the day. Our goal is to provide a preschool

experience that will help a child to grow into a responsible, independent and

caring person.


Program Goals

Stevenson Preschool is an Early Childhood vocational training program

located in Stevenson High School, Livonia, Michigan. The Preschool has

three main objectives:

The center’s first objective is to enhance the total development of the

children in our program. We will provide pre-kindergarten children,

age 3 to 5, opportunities to develop physically, socially, emotionally

and intellectually. We will encourage this development by providing a

variety of developmentally appropriate equipment and educational

activities.

The center’s second objective is to provide students in Stevenson

High School's Child Care Professional classes experience in observing

and interacting with preschool children. Students are given

opportunities to gain insight into human development, to gain

experience in planning and assisting with activities of young children,

to become aware of the responsibilities and privilege of their future

role as a parent, and to develop skills and attitudes necessary to

prepare for a career in the early childhood profession.

The center’s third objective is for the parents of preschool children to

gain a better understanding of their child's total development, to gain

awareness of the special needs of children and to learn how to

contribute to the wholesome growth and development of their child.

Learning Environment

The preplanned curriculum provides the framework for all classroom

activities. As the children explore materials, complete activities, and interact

with peers and adults, learning takes place. We promote readiness, skill

development, and provide appropriate information about the world around

us through the presentation of various topics and themes.

Materials in the program will be safe and age appropriate for the child. The

classroom is structured to help each child feel welcome and encouraged to

explore. Furniture and equipment is child-sized, safe and accessible. During


the school day children will be provided group activities and time to explore

what interests them in our learning centers. Children will choose activities

in the areas of art, math, science, large motor, small motor, dramatic play,

music, and language arts. The children will develop initiative and self-

direction as they acquire information about the world around them, both

through self discovery and teacher guidance.

Groupings and Group Sizes

Children benefit from a variety of experiences. Certain regular periods of

each day will emphasize opportunities for self-selection and spontaneous

play and learning activities. Other time periods offer teacher-directed group

activities, which the children are encouraged to join. Other parts of the

schedule involve regular daily routines such as snack time, clean up time,

etc. Large group activities will involve 15 children and small group activities

will average 2-3 children per learning center. The center considers every

segment of the day to be important in the total program, each offering the

children unique opportunities for growth and learning.

Staff ratio will be 1 teacher per 1 preschoolers in the classroom. Additional

staff will be conducting observations or completing preparation of activities.

Guidance of the Child

The center uses positive guidance in order to affect the behavior of the children

enrolled. The staff is instructed in the use of positive guidance techniques. We

praise acceptable behavior and use positive statements to encourage children to

follow the rules. We want the child to understand that we value him/her as an

individual, but his/her behavior in a particular situation may not be appropriate at

that time. The child is encouraged to participate in all activities and make a variety

of activity choices during the class session. If the child has difficulty in behaving

in an appropriate manner, he/she may be removed from the group for a few

minutes so that he/she can regain self-control and understand what is expected of

him/her.

Rules for the children are simple: do nothing to hurt yourself or another,

participate in activities, use your inside voice inside the school, do the friendly

thing, keep safe, walk, and use equipment and materials appropriately.


Role of the High School PracticumTeacher

Each day the high school staff and head teacher are committed to doing the

best possible job to educate young children, to keep them safe and present

planned activities. The center preplans the curriculum that provides a

framework for all classroom activities. As the children explore materials,

complete activities, and interact with peers and adults, learning takes place.

The staff promotes readiness, skill development, and provides appropriate

information about the world around us through the presentation of various

topics and themes.

The high school staff members have successfully completed a program in

child development and/or parenting. During their second year they will have

two hours of early childhood education per week. During this time the

students will complete activities working toward a professional Child

Development Associate certification (CDA). The high school students will

study and practice the following competencies (Phillips, 1991):

1. To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment.

2. To advance physical and intellectual competence.

3. To support social and emotional development and provide

positive guidance.

4. To establish positive and productive relationships with families.

5. To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to

participant needs.

6. To maintain a commitment to professionalism.


Safety

The safety of each child is of primary importance to each high school

teacher and the director. Childcare trainees are directly responsible for

maintaining a safe environment of their work site. Trained staff members

are always in the childcare center or observation area and immediately

available to assist with accidents. In the event of an accident, a parent is

informed. Parents are responsible for providing complete information as to

whereabouts during the class session, so that they can be contacted in case of

an emergency. Children will only be released to those listed on the

emergency card unless we have written parent notification. Parents or

guardians must sign their child in upon arrival and out when picking

up!

Health Policy

1. A health record of the child completed by a physician is

required before the child can be admitted to the center. State of

Michigan health forms will be provided.

2. State of Michigan Child information cards will be provided,

and must be completed with ALL necessary information before

the child can be admitted to the center.

3. Parents must inform the center immediately if their child has

contracted a communicable disease and keep their child home

during illness.

4. To prevent the spread of infection, parents should observe their

children BEFORE sending them to school and to keep them

home if any sign of illness are shown. The child may not return

to the Center until he or she is able to participate in a normal

school day.

5. The center cannot assume the responsibility of administering

medication to your child. If the child is ill enough to receive

medication, he or she should remain at home.

6. If your child should become ill during the day, you will be

contacted by phone and asked to pick the child up as soon as

possible.

7. In case of an accident where medical treatment is necessary, the

Livonia Fire Department will be called and you will be notified

immediately.

8. The teacher will file a written report of all injuries.


“I Am The Child”

I am the child All the world waits for my coming

All the earth watches with interest

To see what I shall become

Civilization hangs in the balance,

For what I am, the world tomorrow will be.

I am the child

I have come into your world,

About which I know nothing.

Why I came I know not. How I came I know not.

I am curious; I am interested.

I am the child

You hold in your hand my destiny

You determine largely,

whether I shall succeed or fail.

Give me, I pray you,

Those things that will make for happiness.

Train me, I beg you,

That I may be a blessing to the world.

Mamie Gene Cole


Role of Parent

Parents are viewed as partners in their child's education. There will be

several opportunities to partake in your child's education. Your participation

is encouraged and welcome. Research indicates that when teachers, parents

and families work together children benefit. Parental involvement in their

child's education has repeatedly been shown to be a significant factor in

determining a child's success in school. Positive parental attitudes, toward

school and learning, correlate with a child's attitude toward later learning.

Parent Responsibilities

Prompt arrival/pick up

Please be attentive to your child and their teachers when picking up or

dropping off.

Supervise children while at center before and after school.

Return initial enrollment forms by date specified in the placement letter.

Complete required forms at registration time

Pay tuition on time (check preferred).

Notify center in advance when child will not be in school.

Pick up child promptly when notified of child’s illness.

Issues involving the children and center are not to be discussed with the

students-in-training at any time. If a problem arises, a prompt report to

the head teacher will get attention.

Communication to Center

If you need to contact us, call Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

If your child is ill and will not be attending school please call before the class session

begins.

School Phone number: (734) 744-2755 ext. 26125

Cell Phone number: (313) 729-9740

Stevenson Preschool Handbook

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Attendance Policy

1. Parents are required to notify the center when their child will be

absent. The Center's phone number is: (734) 744-2755 ext. 26125

2. The Child must be brought to the center and picked up at the scheduled

time.

3. A parent or other responsible adult must accompany the child to and

from the center.

4. For the child's protection, the child will not be released to anyone

other than the parent and the persons listed on the child information

card.

5. Parents must sign their child in and out on the attendance clip board

located in your child’s cubbie.

Parent Communication

Newsletters will be distributed as necessary to inform parents of events pertaining to

preschool activities. Parents should check the Parent Bulletin Board and children’s tote

bag daily.

Parking

Cars can be parked in the bus loop area on the east side of the school..

Transportation

Each parent is responsible for transporting his or her own child to and from school. We

do not make arrangements between parents.


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A Message to Parent:s

“The Needs of Children”

Give continuous, consistent, loving care – It’s as essential for mind’s health as food

is for the body.

Give generously of your time and understanding – playing with and reading to your

child matters more than a tidy smooth running room.

Provide new experience and bathe your child in language from birth onwards – they

enrich their growing mind.

Encourage your child to play in every way, both by themselves and with other

children – exploring, imitation, constructing, pretending and creating.

Give more praise for effort than for achievement.

Give your child ever-increasing responsibility – like all skills, it needs to be

practiced.

Remember that every child is unique – so suitable handling for one may not be

right for another.

Make the way you show disapproval for your child’s temperament, age, and

understanding.

Never threaten that you will stop loving them or give them away; you may reject

their behavior but never suggest that you might reject them

Don’t expect gratitude; your child did not ask to be born – the choice was yours.

Dr. Mia Kellmer Pringle, Hutchinson (1975)


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First Week of School

An orientation day will be scheduled prior to the first day of regular

preschool. Required forms will be collected, emergency information, etc.

The child’s parent or guardian needs to accompany the child on that day.

See Parent Responsibilities section for further information.

During the first week parents may remain with the child in the preschool if

the child is apprehensive about staying at school without them. Young

children often require the presence of a parent while making their initial

adjustments to preschool.

Promoting Independence

In order to promote independent functioning, children are allowed to make

as many decisions as possible within the established limitations. Children

are encouraged to do such things as: replace materials in the proper place,

dispose of paper plates in the proper receptacles, hang their own garments,

return their painting aprons, print their own names, keep their belongings in

their tote drawer, etc. We also suggest that each child carry a tote bag or

backpack (labeled with his or her name), to school so that projects or

belongings can be cared for independently.

Please Do Not Let Your Child Bring:

Money, toy guns, cars, sharp objects, marbles, candy, gum, or food. Some

items are unsafe and it is very sad when “treasures” are lost.


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Appropriate Dress

1. Comfortable, durable, play clothes are suggested. Children may get

paint on their clothes, so please remember this when dressing your

child for school.

2. Each child should have a complete change of clothing, labeled with

name in a bag. This change of clothing will be kept at the Center for

emergencies. The clothing will be returned to you at the end of the

year.

3. Dress your children appropriate for the weather.

4. Children should wear gym shoes or shoes with rubber crepe sole for

safety reasons.

5. If your child should wear boots to school, please have a pair of shoes

in your child's tote bag.

Food provided-- Snack

A nutritious snack is provided by the center, prepared and served each

preschool session Children will be served 100% juice or milk and

another food item such as a fruit, vegetable, cracker, cheese or cereal.

Foods served at snack time will represent at least two different food

groups. Children are encouraged to try all snacks. Children are never

forced to eat their snack. Also, we encourage each child to use good

manners, serve him/herself, and clean up. In the case of food allergies,

the parent needs to contact the staff and make arrangements with us

for meeting the child’s needs.

Birthdays are special celebrations for preschoolers. We enjoy

wishing each child a “Happy Birthday” by making a special crown

and singing our birthday song. If you wish to send a healthy snack for

the child to share with his/her friends, please contact us a week in

advance so that we can arrange the schedule. We are happy to make it

a “special day” for each child.


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Hours of Operation

Stevenson Preschool will start the school year during the first week of

October and end the last week of May.

Children will attend three days per week either in the morning or

afternoon:

A.M. meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

8:35 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.

DAILY ROUTINE*

Arrival Time/ Table Activities … 15 minutes

Opening Circle Time … 15 minutes

Choice of Activities… 20 Minutes

Group Music … 10 minutes

Group Writing Activity… 10 minutes

Choice of Activities… 30 minutes

Snack … 10 minutes

Drop Everything and Read … 10 minutes

Choosing Time … 20 minutes

Group Story Time … 10 minutes

*Times are approximate and adjusted to meet the daily needs of the children.

Our class schedule coincides with the high school calendar. Preschool will not meet

on days when the high schools have secondary in-services, exams, half days, etc. Our

schedule is not affected by the elementary school calendar. Vacation schedules coincide

with Livonia Public Schools calendar.


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In the event of severe weather conditions which may prevent the center from opening,

please check the local news channel. If Livonia public schools are closed, we will be

closed. Call ahead to make sure staff have arrived and that there are no prohibitive

problems. Likewise, should severe weather conditions make it necessary for the center to

close early, you will be notified by the center so that you can make appropriate

arrangements for picking up your child.

Placement and Eligibility

Requirements for Entrance:

1. Three years of age by September 1st of year of entry.

2. Reside in Livonia Public School District.

3. Meet health requirements as listed in the State of Michigan

Child Care Licensing guidelines.

4. Completion of required forms and contracts for the Stevenson

Preschool Center operations.

5. Submit proper application forms prior to May 15th for possible

placement in the fall.

6. Agree to tuition payments as scheduled.

7. Child is toilet trained (no diapers/few accidents)

Factors Affecting Placement:

1. Vocational child care training component of program.

2. Traditional educational standards establishing the class

must be representative of different ethnic, occupational,

family and income groups residing in the Livonia Public

Schools area.

3. Readiness of the child.

4. State Licensing requirement affecting the number of

children and qualified staff ratios.

5. Capacity of the program to meet individual needs of the

participating child and family members.

**When considering the placement of children with

special needs, the well-being and safety of the child, as

well as the capacity of the program to serve the needs of

the family will be considered.


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Tuition

March 15th--- $50.00 Admission fee

(this payment will secure your child’s placement for the up-coming school year)

October 1st-- $350.00 (payment for first semester)

January 1st --$350.00 (payment for second semester)

Total Yearly $750.00

In case withdrawal from the program is necessary, prepaid/unapplied tuition will be

refunded. No refund of tuition is made at the end of the year of enrollment (after

April 1st). Admission fee is not refundable.

Influence

Drop a pebble in the water,

And its ripples reach out far;

And the sunbeams dancing on them

May reflect them to a star.

Give a smile to someone passing,

Thereby making his morning glad;

It may greet you in the evening

When your own heart may be sad.

Do a deed of simple kindness;

Though its end you may not see,

It may reach, like widening ripples,

Down a long eternity. Joseph Norris


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Stevenson Preschool Application 33500 Six Mile Rd.,

Livonia, Michigan 48150

PLEASE PRINT Today's date_____________Birth Date of Child________________

Child's Name ____________________________________________________________

Name you would like used on your child's nametag. _____________________________

Home Address ___________________________________________________________

number street city zip code

Child lives with: __________________________________________________________

Resident Phone __________________________. Cell/Pager_______________________

Email Address____________________________________________________________

Additional Contact Person's name________________________phone_______________

Responsible Parents Name__________________________________________________

Father’s full

Name___________________________________Occupation____________Employer_________________

__________________Business Phone#______________

_Mother's full Name __________________________________Occupation____________

Employer___________________________________Business Phone#_______________

Print the names and birth dates of your children (Oldest to

Youngest)______________________________________ _______________________

______________________________________ _______________________

______________________________________ _______________________

Why do you wish to place your child in our preschool program?

____________________

________________________________________________________________________

Please list any special talents of parents________________________________________

Please list anything you would be willing to help with next year? ___________________

Please list any known allergies or food restrictions due

to preferences __________________________________


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Stevenson Preschool Program

Enrollment Policy

Livonia School District residents will have first priority

to fill openings for the Stevenson Preschool.

In selection and admission of children into the preschool program operated by Stevenson High School, it

will be the policy to base selection decisions upon the following criterion:

a) Preference will be given to children of Livonia School District residents

b) Age appropriateness of the child

c) Children who were in the prior year program.

d) Children that had siblings in the previous years.

e) Children of parents who worked in the Franklin Preschool previously.

In order to enroll in the program children will need to be three years of age on or before September 1st of

the current school year.

Preschool Schedule and Tuition

Your child will attend preschool 3 days per week, either in the

afternoon or morning. The tuition rate for the 2013-2014 school

year will be set at $750.00. Please note that our rates continue to

be low!

Payments will be made in 3 installments

Admission Fee $50.00 Due April 15th

First Semester $350.00 Due October 1st

Second Semester $350.00 Due Dec. 15th


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Stevenson High School 33500 Six Mile Rd.

Livonia, Michigan 48152

________________________________________________________________________

Note: This contract is required of all licensed child care centers

by R. 400.5105b of the Michigan Administrative Code. The

Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services is

required to inspect the child care center and enforce the

contract based on the terms provided in this contract.

______________________________ ______________________

(Printed name of child) (Date of birth)

______________________________ ______________________

(Printed name of child) (Date of birth)

Part 1: Provisions agreed to by child care provider Upon signing this agreement the Franklin Friends Preschool –Franklin High School, Livonia, Michigan--

agrees to abide by the following provisions of the Michigan Administrative Code:

R 400.5102 Licensee. (5) The licensee shall provide for the development and implementation of a written, on-going staff training plan. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE An acceptable staff training plan should address:

CPR and First Aid training as required by P.A. 116 of 1973, MCL 722.112a(1).

Child abuse and neglect reporting procedures as required by R400.5102(c).

Training on the supervision plan for volunteers as required by R400.4105a(3).

Training on appropriate positive methods of discipline as required by R400.5107.

Emergency evacuation as required by R400.5113a(2).

Health Care Services Plan, if applicable, as required by R400.5207.


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CONSULTATION An effective staff training plan would also provide for training in the following areas:

Center licensing rules

Child development

Primary caregiving if applicable

Diapering, toilet training and hand washing procedures, if applicable

Medication administration if applicable

Field trip procedures if applicable

Water activities procedures if applicable

R 400.5106 Program. (4) A center shall permit parents to visit the program for the purpose of observing their children at all times. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Unless custody has been established by a court action, one parent may not limit the other from observing the child or picking the child up from the child care center. The child information card that the enrolling parent signs states "persons other than parent..." The center has no legal right to withhold a child from a parent, unless there has been court action which limits one parent's right to the child. CONSULTATION The following best practices are recommended in dealing with child custody conflicts:

Maintain the role of the child's advocate.

Limit any discussion with either parent to the child and the effects the conflict may be having on the child.

Limit all discussions with the parent to a time when the child is not present.

Request a copy of the judge's order that establishes custody.

Do not answer questions regarding the child over the phone.

If the non-custodial parent wishes to obtain information regarding the child, schedule an appointment and require identification. R 400.5106

Program. (5) A center operating with children in attendance for 5 or more continuous hours per day shall provide for daily outdoor play, unless prevented by inclement weather conditions. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The licensee is responsible and accountable for:

Assuring that all children, including infants, are taken outside on a daily basis as weather permits.

Assuring that children do not become overheated or excessively chilled. Note: A violation should only be cited if there is indication of on-going non-compliance, rather than an observation of a single day. CONSULTATION Cold weather does not make children ill. Studies have indicated that children who are taken outdoors, even during cold weather for short periods of time, have fewer incidences of respiratory illnesses. Being outdoors in the fresh air helps children to stay healthy. It is recommended that the following be taken into account when deciding about outdoor play:

Wind-chill factor/temperature

Severe weather conditions (i.e., lightning, heavy rain or snow, tornado


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watches/warnings)

Degree of shelter there is from the wind

Humidity levels/temperature

Appropriate clothing for conditions

Ages of the children

Degree of sunshine or available shade

Length of time of the play period

Play activities planned

Local community practices, health department advice, local school weather guidelines

Knowledge regarding weather related symptoms children may exhibit such as heat or sunstroke, sunburn, dehydration, frostbite, hypothermia, etc.

BRS PUBLICATION 95--Rhythm, Rhymes and Happy Times*

BRS PUBLICATION 90—Infants*

BRS PUBLICATION 92—Toddlers*

BRS PUBLICATION 93—Preschoolers*

BRS PUBLICATION 94—Kindergarteners*

BRS PUBLICATION 91--School-Age Children*

BRS PUBLICATION 96--Working with Children Who Have Special Needs* * Available on the Department's website R 400.5205 Formula; milk; foods Franklin Friends Preschool does not provide formula, milk

or food to infants; therefore R400.5205 is not applicable to the program.

R 400.5209 Diapering; toilet training plan Franklin Friends Preschool does not accept children under the age of 3 and those that are not toilet trained. Therefore, R400.52009 is not applicable to the program.

Provisions agreed to by parent, legal guardian or responsible

adult

Upon signing this agreement, the parent, legal guardian or responsible adult agrees that they have been

informed of the previous rules as stated by the State of Michigan, Family Independence Agency:

References

Phillips, C.B. (1991). Essentials for Child Development Associates. Washington.

Pringle, M.K. (1975). The Needs of Children. London: Hutchinson, p.56

Cole, M.G. (n.d.). I am the child. http://www.memorylanefamilyplace.com/ccis.html

Parent, Legal Guardian or Responsible Adult

Signature__________________________________________________________

Printed Name ______________________________________________________

Relationship to Child ________________________________________________

Date ______________________________________________________________

http://www.memorylanefamilyplace.com/ccis.html


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Norris, J. (n.d.). Influence. http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/denise/influence.html

I allow my child to have his/her picture taken and used in

classroom related brochures, web-sites, news publications

etc.

PARENT SIGNATURE ___________________________

NAME OF CHILD_______________________________

Stevenson Preschool

Photo Release

http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/denise/influence.html


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DATE__________________________________________

It is the policy of the Livonia Public Schools Board of Education to forbid

any acts of discrimination in all matters dealing with students, parents,

employees, or applicants. The Livonia Public Schools reaffirms its policy of

equal education and employment for all persons without regard to race,

religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, or

handicap that does not impair safety or necessary performance.

Inquiries concerning the application of Section 504 and Tile IX legislation at

the Livonia Public School District and may be referred to the Associate

Superintendent Employee Services and District Operations.

Any unresolved concerns may be appealed through the school district appeal

process.

LPS encourages both male and female students to obtain

training for nontraditional jobs.

Documents

Parent Handbook - SharpSchoollpsstevenson.ss5.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/... · I have come into your world, About which I know nothing. Why I came I know not. How I came I