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Policy Categories Archives: Section I: Instruction

Section I contains policies on the instructional program: basic curricular subjects, special programs, instructional resources, and academic achievement.

Instructional Approach

CSD File: IF
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH

Student success requires that instruction be aligned with the goals and mission of the Candia School District and the rules of the NH Department of Education.

The Board encourages flexibility in methods for delivering instruction that will focus on meeting the instructional needs of students with different talents, interests and development levels. Additionally, the Board expects that the school will strive to utilize within its instructional approach the available community resources, including but not limited to organizations, businesses, talented individuals, natural resources and technology to engage each student in achieving the necessary skill and knowledge.

All instruction will reflect an acknowledgement of diversity between and among students and respect for all differences.

Regulatory References: NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04 (a)(6), (j), (k)(4-6), Policy Development

Adopted: June 1, 2006

School Calendar

CSD File: ICA
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL CALENDAR

The school calendar will be developed by the Superintendent and approved by the Board. Input from the Candia Education Association will be considered in developing the school calendar. To the extent possible, high school calendars will also be considered.

Any days that the schools are closed for emergency reasons will be made up at the end of the school year or during recess periods, as approved by the Board upon the Superintendent’s recommendation. Under special circumstances, the Board may request an exception to this requirement from the State Board of Education.

Legal Reference: NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section ED.309.19RSA

Adopted: May 14, 1975
Revised: January 10, 1989
Adopted: November 2, 2000
Revised: June 7, 2007 189:9

 

School Year

CSD File: IC
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL YEAR

The school year shall be a minimum of 190 days, including a minimum of 180 instructional days
for students and additional days for the teaching staff, emergency days, etc.

Any days that the schools are closed for emergency reasons will be made up at the end of the
school year or during recess periods, as approved by the Board upon the Superintendent’s
recommendation. Under special circumstances the Board may request an exception to this
requirement from the State Board of Education.

Alternatively, the school year may consist of the number of hours as required by New Hampshire
Department of Education Rules. In the event schools are closed for excessive days for
emergency reasons, the Superintendent may recommend to the School Board a revised schedule
that satisfies all Department of Education requirements, but which may amend the number of
days in the school year.

Legal References: RSA 189:1, RSA 189:24, NH Admin Rules, Section Ed. 306.18, NH Admin Rules, Section Ed. 306.19, NH Admin Rules, Section Ed. 306.27

Adopted: November 2, 2000
Revised: June 7, 2007
Revised: May 7, 2015

Home Education Instruction/Dual Enrollment

CSD File: IHBG
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
HOME EDUCATION INSTRUCTION

Parents who are residents of the district wishing to home educate their child(ren) shall conform to all applicable laws and rules of the State Board of Education regarding home education. Students with home education programs may participate in curricular activities at school subject to availability.

Home Education is an alternative to compulsory attendance at a public or private school and is an individualized form of instruction in accordance with New Hampshire RSA 193-A and Department of Education Rule Part 315 (Ed 315). Parents or guardians may establish a home education program for any child, including one who is an “educationally disabled child” as defined under RSA 186-C:2, I, whether or not such child is previously enrolled in a school of the District. When and how parents/guardians determine to commence a home education program, and other choices the parents/guardians make, determine whether and the extent to which the District will have responsibilities relative to the home educated child(ren).

This policy is intended to help District personnel and home education families within the District understand those responsibilities based upon the family’s choices. Nothing in this policy, however, should be understood to infringe upon the parent’s/guardian’s right under the applicable statutes or Department of Education rules.

A. Parent/Guardian Selection of a Participating Agency.
1. Selection of a Participating Agency. One of the most significant decisions the parents/guardians make relative to a home education program is the selection of a “participating agency” for home education program notification and support. This decision will also largely govern the District’s obligations during the home education program.
The parent/guardian decides which participating agency to select, from the following:
a. The Commissioner of the Department of Education;
b. The resident district Superintendent (“District”); or
c. The head of a nonpublic school.

The selected participating agency shall work with the parents/guardians upon request to meet the essential requirements of a home education program as set out in RSA 193-A:4, I.

2. Changing Participating Agency. At any time, the parents/guardians may select a different, valid, participating agency. To do so, the parents/guardians must provide notice to the new participating agency in the same manner as outlined in Section B.2, below.

3. District Obligations Relative to Selection of Participating Agency. If the selected participating agency is the resident district Superintendent, the District shall provide evaluation services as discussed in Section C, below. If the resident district Superintendent is not selected as the participating agency, the District may, but is not obligated to, provide evaluation services. However, the District shall, “work with parents upon request to meet the requirements of [RSA 193-A:4]. (See RSA 193-A:4, II, emphasis added.)

B. Notices for Commencement of Home Education Program.
1. Notice For Students Withdrawing from District. State school attendance laws apply to each student unless and until a parent/guardian commences a home education program. Similarly, the District’s attendance policies apply to all students enrolled in schools of the District.
Accordingly, when a parent/guardian of a child who is enrolled in a school of the District wishes to begin a home education program for the child, Ed Rule 315.05 (b) requires that on or before the date home education program begins, the parent/guardian must advise the Superintendent of the child’s withdrawal from the District. The notice of withdrawal may be made in person, via telephone, email or other writing, at the parent/guardian’s election.
2. Written Notice of Program Required. In addition to the less formal notice required for a child being withdrawn from the District, RSA 193-A and Ed 315 both require that the parent/guardian provide written notice of the commencement of a home education program to the selected participating agency. The District only receives this notice if the parents/guardians are selecting the Superintendent as the participating agency.
The only information required in this written notice of commencement is listed in RSA 193-A:5, II: the names, addresses, and birth dates of all children who are participating in the home education program. The parents/guardians shall also provide contact information and update the notification information as necessary. If selected by the parents/guardians as the participating agency, the Superintendent of the resident district shall acknowledge receipt of the notification of commencement of home education within 14 days of receiving such notification, along with a request for any information required by RSA 193-A:5, II that was not included in the original notice.
3. No Annual Notice Required. Once established, the home education program remains in effect unless terminated pursuant Ed 315.06. The parent/guardian is not required to provide annual notification of continuation of a home education program.

C. Evaluation & Assessment.
Under RSA 193-A:6, II, parents/guardians are required to provide for an annual educational evaluation for home educated children that documents “educational progress at a level commensurate with the child’s age and ability.” Both the statute and Ed 315.08 provide several options for parents/guardians to meet the statutory evaluation requirements, and the parents/guardians are free to select their preferred method.
1. Evaluation with Assistance from the District. If the District is selected as the participating agency, the District must provide evaluation services upon request of the parent/guardian. If the District is not selected as the participating agency, the Districtmay aid in evaluation, but is not required to do so.
Parents/guardians seeking to utilize evaluation services through the District should contact the Superintendent’s office as soon as practicable to ensure adequate time to prepare any necessary materials and accommodations.
While the parent/guardian may select any evaluation method outlined in RSA 193-A:6, II, as well as any other method agreed to by the parent/guardian and the participating agency, two methods merit further note:
a. State or Local Assessment Provided by the District. If the evaluation method is a state or local assessment provided by the District, the parent/guardian must notify the Superintendent in writing as soon as practicable to provide the District adequate time to prepare and obtain the testing materials and prepare any necessary accommodations. Under this election, the District will not charge a fee for providing or administering the test. Reasonable academic proficiency is deemed demonstrated if the composite results place the child at or above the fortieth percentile.
b. Portfolio Review. If the District is the selected participating agency, the parent/guardian may request the District to perform a portfolio review, for which the District may charge a fee.
c. Other “Valid Measurement Tool”. When the Superintendent is the participating agency, the parent/guardian and Superintendent may mutually agree upon any other valid measurement tool(s). A non-exclusive list of examples may be found in Ed 315.08(e).
2. Evaluation Independent of the District. As outlined in RSA 193-A:6, II, the parent/guardian may collaborate with the participating agency to find a mutually agreed upon method of evaluation as described in Ed 315.08(d) – (f).

D. Reports and Records.
1. Parent/Guardian Requirements. RSA 193-A:6, I requires the parent/guardian to maintain a portfolio of records and materials relative to the home education program. The portfolio shall consist of a log which designates by title the reading materials used, and also samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the child. Such portfolio, which at all times remains the property of the parent, shall be preserved by the parent for 2 years from the date of the ending of the instruction.
Parents/guardians need only provide the evaluation results/portfolio to the District to the extent necessary to demonstrate proficiency in order to participate in school programs, and co/extra-curricular activities as provided under RSA 193-A:6, III, and Ed 315.07(b). See also Board policy JJJ-R.
2. District Requirements.
a. District as Participating Agency. On October 1 of each year, the Superintendent shall notify the Commissioner of the number of children for whom the Superintendent was selected as a participating agency since the previous year’s report.

The District should maintain record of a student’s enrollment and withdrawal from the school in the same manner as it would for a student transferring to another district. The District should maintain a record of its status as the participating agency for as long as it holds that status. While the parent/guardian keeps any portfolios and assessments conducted outside the District, the District should maintain record of any involvement it has in assessments as it would for any other student.
b. District Not as Participating Agency. The District should maintain record of the student’s enrollment and withdrawal from the school in the same manner as it would for a student transferring to another district.

E. Re-enrollment into School District & Notice of Termination of Home Education Program.
Parents deciding to re-enroll their children into the School District following a period of home education will make arrangements with the Principal for an evaluation to determine appropriate placement in the District’s program. Placements will be consistent with section B
of Board policy JJJ governing home education and other non-enrolled district student program placements, and are subject to the same appeal process.
Parents should be attentive that when re-enrolling a student, there may be discrepancies between the home education level of achievement and the scope and sequence of the District’s curriculum.
Also, in the event that a parent/guardian terminates a home education program, the parent/guardian is required under RSA 193-A:5, III to provide written notice within 15 days of the termination to either the N.H. Commissioner of Education, the resident district superintendent, or the non-public school principal.

F. Graduation/Diplomas.
The School Board will not award certificates or diplomas to home educated students. Students must enter the regular school program and complete all necessary graduation requirements of the District and the state to be eligible for a certificate or diploma.

G. Participation in School Curricular and Co/Extra-curricular Activities.

Information regarding the participation of home education students (as well as students of nonpublic or of public charter schools) in District curricular and co/extra-curricular programs is found in Board policy JJJ.

Legal References:
RSA 193-A, 193:1, 193:1-a, and 193:1-c, NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 315
Adopted: November 2, 2000
Revised: November 7, 2002, November 5, 2009, January 5, 2023

 

 

Health Education And Exemption From Instruction

CSD File: IHAM
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
HEALTH EDUCATION AND EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION

Consistent with Department of Education requirements, health and physical education, including instruction about parts of the body, reproduction, and related topics, will be included in the instructional program.

Instruction must be appropriate to grade level, course of study, and development of students and must occur in a systematic manner. The Superintendent will require that faculty members who present this instruction receive continuing in-service training, which includes appropriate teaching strategies and techniques. Any faculty member who has not received the necessary in-service training will not present this instruction.

The Candia School District recognizes that this instruction may include topics that parents/guardians may find to be of a sensitive nature. In seeking to acknowledge this and in accordance with NH RSAs, the district will provide prior notification to parents/guardians.

Parents/guardians will be notified in writing in a mailing sent to the residence no less than two weeks prior to the use of instructional materials and/or formal classroom instruction/discussion related in any manner to: health education, human sexual education, human sexuality, gender and any other related topics.

Parents/guardians have the right to review and/or inspect instructional materials pertaining to health education, human sexual education, human sexuality, gender, and/or any other related topics. .Such materials will be made reasonably accessible to parents/guardians and others.

Parents/guardians who wish to review and/or inspect instructional materials pertaining to health education, human sexual education, human sexuality, gender, and any other related topics may contact the Principal to arrange a meeting to review the material or to have the materials otherwise made available.

Opt-Out Procedure and Form
Parents/guardians, , who do not want their child to participate in a particular unit of classroom instruction pertaining to health education, human sexual education, human sexuality, gender, and/or any other related topics have the legal right to have their child opt-out of such instruction.

Parents/guardians who wish to exercise their legal right to have their child opt-out of such instruction are required to complete the district opt-out form and state the particular unit of curriculum in which the student is not to participate. Any student who is exempted by request of the parent/guardian under this policy may be given an alternative assignment sufficient to meet state requirements for health education. The alternative assignment will be provided by the health or physical education teacher in conjunction with Principal.

Parents/guardians who do not want their child to participate in a particular unit of instruction pertaining to health education, human sexual education, human sexuality, gender, and any other related topics must complete a Health Education Opt-Out Form. Opt-Out Forms are available from either the health education teacher or the Principal.

Opt-out requests must be submitted annually and are valid only for the school year in which they are submitted.

Legal References:
NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.40, Health Educations Program, and 306.41 Physical Education Program, RSA 186:11, IX-c, IXe Notice to Parents/Guardian Required, RSA 186:11, IX-b, Health and Sex Education, Protection of Pupil Rights 90 U. S. C. 1232 (c) (1) (C)
Appendix IHAM-R, Health Education Exemption: Opt-Out Form

Adopted: May 7, 2009
Revised: February 1, 2018

 

Health Education Exemption – Opt-Out Form

CSD File: IHAM-R
HEALTH EDUCATION EXEMPTION: OPT-OUT FORM

I, ________________________ (parent/guardian) request that my child, __________________
be excused from participating in certain units of health education instruction.
I request that the District waive the class attendance of my child in a class or courses on:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Please identify the grade level, class, and building. ___________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.
I understand that I am requesting the school to excuse my child from certain units of curriculum that are required by state law. I further understand that in lieu of receiving instruction in this unit of health education, my child may be required to receive alternative learning in health education that is sufficient to enable my child to meet state requirements for health education. I further understand that this opt-out exemption is only valid for the school year in which it is signed and subsequent waivers may be necessary.

________________________________ __________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Administrator Signature

Date Received ______________

*This form is exempt from disclosure under the Right-to-Know law, RSA 91-A, RSA 186:11, IX-e*

Adopted: May 7, 2009
Revised: February 1, 2018

New Hampshire Code Of Administrative Rules – Health Education Program

CSD File: IHAM-RA
NEW HAMPSHIRE CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

Ed 306.40 Health Education Program.
(a) Pursuant to Ed 306.26 and Ed 306.27, the local school board shall require that a school health education program for grades K-12 provides:
(1) Health education;
(2) School health services;
(3) Food and nutrition services;
(4) A comprehensive guidance and counseling program;
(5) Healthy school facilities; and
(6) Family and community partnerships.
(b) The local school board shall require that each school health education program provides:
(1) Systematic instruction in grades K-12, designed to enable students to:
a. Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention, linking to all content areas;
b. Demonstrate functional knowledge of the most important and enduring ideas, issues, and concepts related to achieving good health;
c. Demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health-promoting products and services;
d. Demonstrate the ability to practice health enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks;
e. Analyze the effect of culture, media, technology, and other influences on health;
f. Demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communications skills to enhance health;
g. Demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting and decision making skills to enhance health; and
h. Demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health;
(2) A planned K-12 curriculum in health education designed to teach the skills listed in (b)(1) above across the following content areas of health education:
a. Alcohol and other drug use prevention, in accordance with RSA 189:10;
b. Injury prevention;
c. Nutrition;
d. Physical activity;
e. Family life and comprehensive sexuality education, including instruction relative to abstinence and sexually transmitted infections in accordance with RSA 189:10;
f. Tobacco use prevention;
g. Mental health;
h. Personal and consumer health; and
i. Community and environmental health; and
(3) Sound assessment practices in health education that:
a. Match goals and objectives;
b. Require evaluation and synthesis of knowledge and skills;
c. Emphasize higher order thinking skills;
d. Clearly indicate what the student is asked to do but not how to do it;
e. Are at the appropriate reading level;
f. Have criteria that are clear to students and teachers;
g. Are engaging and relevant to students;
h. Link to ongoing instruction;
i. Provide feedback to students;
j. Provide cost-effective benefits to students;
k. Reflect real world situations; and
l. Emphasize use of available knowledge and skills in relevant problem contexts.
Ed 306.41 Physical Education Program.
(a) Pursuant to Ed 306.26 and Ed 306.27, the local school board shall require that a school physical education program for grades K-12 provides:
(1) Physical education as provided in (b) below; and
(2) Family and community partnerships.
(b) In the area of physical education, the local school board shall require that each school physical education program provides:
(1) Systematic instruction in grades K-12, designed to enable students to:
a. Demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities;
b. Demonstrate understanding of movement concepts, principles, and performance of physical activities;
c. Participate regularly in physical activity;
d. Achieve and maintain a health enhancing level of physical fitness;
e Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings; and
f. Value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self expression, and social interaction;
(2) A planned K-12 curriculum in physical education that will provide for:
a. A variety of motor skills that are designed to enhance the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of every child;
b. Fitness education and assessment to help children understand and improve or maintain their physical well-being;
c. Development of cognitive concepts about motor skills and fitness;
d. Opportunities to improve children’s’ emerging social and cooperative skills and to gain a multicultural perspective;
e. Promotion of regular amounts of appropriate physical activity now and throughout life; and
f. Utilization of technology in attaining instruction, curricular, and assessment goals; and
(3) Sound assessment practices in physical education that:
a. Match goals and objectives;
b. Require evaluation and synthesis of knowledge and skills;
c. Emphasize higher-order thinking skills;
d. Clearly indicate what the student is asked to do;
e. Are at an appropriate skill level according to:
1. State standards; and
2. The needs of the individual;
f. Have criteria that are clear to students and teachers;
g. Are engaging and relevant to students;
h. Link to ongoing instruction;
i. Provide feedback to students;
j. Provide cost-effective benefits to students;
k. Reflect real-world situations; and
l. Emphasize use of available knowledge and skills in relevant problem contexts.

Teaching About Alcohol, Drugs, And Tobacco

CSD File: IHAMA
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
TEACHING ABOUT ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND TOBACCO

District personnel shall provide students, parents, and legal guardians with information and resources relative to existing drug and alcohol counseling and treatment for students. The Superintendent shall oversee the development, distribution, and maintenance of a comprehensive list of local, regional, statewide drug and alcohol counseling, and treatment resources which are available to district students. This information may be published in student/parent handbooks, posted on district websites, distributed along with other course material during drug and alcohol education, and shall be available through the principal’s office, school nurses’ office, athletic program offices, guidance offices and other locations deemed appropriate by the principal in each school.

The Superintendent shall be responsible to establish and periodically review the District’s guidelines for staff members providing education on the effects of alcohol, other drugs, tobacco, and dealing with abuse. The District shall provide age and developmentally appropriate drug and alcohol education to pupils based upon the needs of the pupils and the community, as a component of the kindergarten through grade 12 health education program. An evidence-based prevention program, approved by the Superintendent, may be used for this purpose.

Legal References:
RSA 189:10, Studies, RSA 189:11-d, Drug and Alcohol Education
Ed 306.40, (b)(2) a – Health Education Program.

Adopted: November 2, 2000
Revised: January 2, 2020

Programs for Pupils with Disabilities

CSD File: IHBA
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROGRAMS FOR PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES

The district shall provide a free, appropriate public education and necessary related services to all children with disabilities residing within the district, required under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act and New Hampshire Law.

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA.

For students eligible for services under IDEA, the district shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities provided in state statutes which govern special education. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the district shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students’ identification, evaluation, and educational placement. This system shall include notice and opportunity for the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the students’ parent(s)/guardian(s), representation by counsel, and review procedure.

The district recognizes its obligation to provide an education for all students determined to be educationally disabled and in need of special education and related services. This obligation shall begin when a student reaches three years of age and shall continue until the student’s 21st birthday or until such time as he/she receives a high school diploma, whichever occurs first, or until the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team determines that the child no longer requires special education in accordance with federal and state law. At the discretion of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee, students who reach the age of 21 during the academic year my be allowed to complete the remainder of the school year.

Legal Reference: 20 USCA {1400et seq., RSA 186-C, 4 C.F.R. {300 et seq., NH Ed Rule, Section Ed. 1100

Adopted: November 9, 1976
Revised: April 11, 1989
Adopted: November 2, 2000
Revised: June 5, 2008 3

 

Procedural Safeguards For Children With Disabilities

CSD File: IHBA-R
CANDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

School Districts are required to provide and guarantee special procedural safeguards with respect to special education matters. However, those procedures are established via federal and state law. They are not matters of local board policy or local administrative regulations.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C.§1415

Adopted: December 2, 2010
Revised: January 5, 2017