BCS Photo, Video and News Consent Form

I do hereby grant to Bladen County Schools the unlimited right to use and/or
reproduce photographs, likenesses or the voice of my child in any legal manner and for the
internal or external promotional and informational activities of Bladen County School System.

I also agree to allow my child to be interviewed and/or photographed by representatives of the
BCS and external news media (radio, Television, newspaper) in relation to any and all
coverage of successes and achievements in BCS in which my child is involved.

I also agree to allow my child’s work and/or photograph to be published on the Bladen County
Schools website(s), social media accounts, BCS publications, yearbooks, and/or advertising
(billboards, print ads, flyers, etc.). I further understand that by signing this release, I waive any
and all present or future compensation rights to the use of the above stated material(s).

FERPA Annual Notice

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of Bladen County Schools receiving a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the requestor of the time and place
where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request an amendment to the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask Bladen County Schools to amend a record they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identifying the part of the record they want amended, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school system decides not to amend the record as requested, the school system will notify the requestor of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding hearing procedures, will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school system as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school system has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school system discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. A copy of the records disclosed to another school district can be provided to parents or eligible students upon request.

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school system to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202

If you have any questions about FERPA, please contact the principal of your student’s school.

Board Policy 9205—Pest Management

Pests are significant problems for people and property.  The pesticides that are commonly used in pest control may pose a potential risk to human health and the environment.  The board is committed to maintaining a safe educational environment while also protecting the physical conditions of school facilities.  To this end, the board will utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs or incorporate IPM procedures into the maintenance program conducted by the school system.  The superintendent shall appoint an IPM contact person to facilitate the use of IPM techniques.  As necessary, the superintendent shall develop administrative procedures for the IPM program.

A.  Overview of Integrated Pest Management
IPM is a comprehensive approach that combines effective, economic, environmentally sound and socially acceptable methods to prevent and solve pest problems.  IPM emphasizes pest prevention and provides a decision-making process for determining if, when and where pest suppression is needed and what control tactics are appropriate.

Through its IPM program, the school system will strive to do the following:
1.  minimize  any potential health, environmental and economic risks from pests or from the use of pest control methods;
2.  minimize loss or damage to school structures or property from pests or from the use of pest control methods;
3.  minimize the risk of pests spreading into the community; and
4.  enhance the quality of facility use for the school and community.

Pesticide use will not be based solely on a schedule.  School personnel in charge of pest management will consider how and when pesticides need to be used to achieve the pest management goals.

B.  Use of IPM in Facility and Maintenance Operations
The school system must include pest management considerations in facilities planning and maintenance.  The IPM contact person, in conjunction with the school system's contracted pest management professional, will recommend to the superintendent any landscaping changes, structural modifications and sanitation changes needed to reduce or prevent pest problems.  The superintendent shall review such recommendations and may authorize action to address necessary minor changes in a timely manner, as the budget permits.  For significant changes or changes that require a significant expenditure of funds, the superintendent shall recommend changes to the board for approval.

C.  Providing Information On IPM to the School Community
Staff, students, pest managers, parents and the public will be informed about potential school pest problems, school IPM policies and procedures, and their respective roles in achieving the desired pest management objectives.  Each year, the principal or designee shall ensure that the student handbook includes the schedule of anticipated pesticide use on school property and a notice to parents, guardians and custodians of their right to request notification of nonscheduled pesticide use.  Additionally, the principal or designee shall annually notify school staff of scheduled pesticide use on school property and of their right to request notice of nonscheduled pesticide use.  Notice of nonscheduled pesticide use should be made at least 72 hours in advance of such use, to the extent possible.

D.  Recordkeeping
Records of all pest management activities must be maintained, including inspection records, monitoring records, pest surveillance data sheets or other indicators of pest populations, and records of structural repairs and modifications.  If pesticides are used, records must be maintained on site to meet the requirements of the state regulatory agency and school board.

Board Policy 9205—Pest Management

The following schools in this District receive federal funding through Title 1: Bladen Lakes Primary School, Bladenboro Primary School, Bladenboro Middle School, Clarkton School of Discovery, Dublin Primary School, East Arcadia School, Elizabethtown Middle School, Elizabethtown Primary School, Tar Heel School.

Federal guidelines require that districts provide a process by which parents may request the qualifications of their child’s teacher, if their child’s school receives funding through Title I. As the parent or legal guardian of a student in Bladen County Schools, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires the school district to provide the information in a timely manner, if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s teachers:

1. Whether the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.

2. Whether the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has decided that the teacher can teach in the classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances.

3. The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of those degrees.

4. Whether any teacher’s aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child, and, if they do, their qualifications.

If you would like to receive any of this information, please call your student’s school. **

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination against any individual on the basis of a disability. Any person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment may qualify for a 504 Plan. A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. A major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including, but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions. If a student has a medical condition or other physical or mental impairment that creates a substantial limitation on a major life activity, he/she may be eligible for accommodations and/or modifications to allow for equal access to the educational environment. For more information please call or set up an appointment with the Section 504 contact at your child’s school.

Bladen County Schools 504 Coordinator
Cheryl White-Smith, Executive Director of Inclusive Educational Programs
PO Box 37
1489 US Hwy 701 South
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
910-862-4136

Pursuant to the IDEA, a federal law, the School District must provide special education services to all children residing in the school district who are between the ages of three (3) and twenty-one (21) who have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have mental, physical or emotional disabilities and who are unable to benefit from a regular school program without special assistance. If your child or a child you know may qualify for such special assistance, please contact:

Cheryl White-Smith, Executive Director of Inclusive Educational Programs
PO Box 37
1489 US Hwy 701 South
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
910-862-4136

The Bladen County Board of Education strives to resolve concerns and complaints of students and parents whenever possible and has provided opportunities for students and parents to express their concerns through processes established in board policies. Bladen County Board of Education Policy 1740/4010 identifies the procedure.

Board Policy 1740/4010—Student and Parent Grievance Procedures

The school system does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and federal regulations to not discriminate in such a manner. This requirement extends to admission and employment. The board will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of sex, including any form of sexual harassment as that term is defined under Title IX, in any program or activity of the school system.

The board has designated the following Title IX coordinators to coordinate its efforts to comply with its responsibilities under Title IX and its implementing regulations.

Bladen County Schools Title IX Coordinator for Student Matters
Ann Brown
Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services
PO Box 37
1489 US Hwy 701 South
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
910-862-4136

Bladen County Schools Title IX Coordinator for Employee Matters
Deborah Guyton
Executive Director of Human Resources and Professional Development
PO Box 37
1489 US Hwy 701 South
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
910-862-4136

IX Coordinator and/or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. The contact information for the Office of Civil Rights with jurisdiction over North Carolina is: 4000 Maryland Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: 202-453-60820. Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov.

For information concerning the educational rights of homeless students, please consult Board Policy 4125 and/or contact:

Crystal O'Briant
PO Box 37
1489 US Hwy 701 South
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
910-862-4136

Board Policy 4125—Homeless Students

It is the policy of Bladen County Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, genetic information or veteran’s status in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies. For inquiries or complains or to request a copy of the School District’s grievance procedures, please contact:

Bladen County Schools 504 Coordinator
Cheryl White-Smith
Executive Director of Inclusive Educational Services
PO Box 37
1489 US Hwy 701 South
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
910-862-4136

School officials have the authority to conduct reasonable searches of students and to seize students’ unauthorized materials for the purposes of maintaining a safe, orderly environment and upholding standards of conduct established by the board or school.  Any searches or seizures must be conducted in accordance with the standards described in this policy and any other applicable legal requirements.  All school officials carrying out a search or seizure are expected to be knowledgeable about the legal rights of students and the appropriate procedures for conducting the search or seizure.  A search must be justified at its inception, permissible in scope, and conducted using methods that are narrowly tailored to be minimally intrusive.  School officials shall make reasonable, good faith efforts to investigate allegations of misconduct before a student search is conducted. 

This policy applies to searches conducted on school grounds, in school facilities, or at school-sponsored events. 

Policy 3225/4312/7320, Technology Responsible Use, not this policy, applies to the search of school system-owned technological resources and the data located on school system-owned electronic equipment.

A. Searches Based on Individualized Reasonable Suspicion

A student or the student’s possessions may be searched when a school official has reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the particular student has violated or is violating a specific law or school rule.  This reasonable suspicion must be based upon specific and articulable facts, which have been acquired through reliable and/or corroborated information from employees, students, law enforcement officers, or other credible sources, or upon visual or other evidence (e.g., the smell of alcohol or marijuana, an alert from a metal detector or drug dog) viewed in light of the totality of the circumstances and the school official’s professional judgment.  The scope of the search must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search, and the methods used to conduct the search must be narrowly tailored to be minimally intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction. 

Reasonable suspicion is not required if a student freely and voluntarily consents to the search of his or her person or possessions.

In accordance with the standards described above, the board authorizes the following types of searches based on reasonable suspicion.

1. Searches of Personal Effects

School officials may search a student’s desk, locker, and/or personal effects, including but not limited to purses, book bags, and clothing (for example, coats or jackets) not currently being worn by the student.  Policy 4318, Use of Wireless Communication Devices, addresses the circumstances under which searches of student cell phones and other electronic devices may be conducted.

2. Searches of Motor Vehicles

School officials may search the interior of a student’s motor vehicle. 

3. “Pat-down” Searches

A school official may conduct a frisk or “pat-down” search of a student’s person.  The search must be conducted in private by a school official with an adult witness present.  Both the school official conducting the search and the adult witness must be the same sex as the student.

4. More Intrusive Personal Searches

More intrusive personal searches are discouraged and are to be used only in very limited circumstances.  A personal search is more intrusive when it extends beyond a student’s personal effects and outer clothing and potentially exposes intimate body parts and/or undergarments.  Such intrusive personal searches will be permissible only if: (1) the school official has reasonable suspicion that a search of a particular student will yield dangerous contraband (e.g., drugs or weapons); and (2) the school official has reasonable suspicion that the student has hidden the contraband in his or her undergarments.  This search must be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex as the student, with an adult witness of the same sex present, and only with the prior approval of the superintendent or designee, unless the health or safety of students will be endangered by the delay that might be caused by following these procedures.  Body cavity searches and searches that require a student to completely disrobe are strictly prohibited.

5. Metal Detector Searches

Except as provided in Section B.2, below, a metal detector may be used to search a student’s person and/or personal effects.  The search must be conducted by a school official and will be done in private, when feasible.

B. Suspicionless General Searches

In an effort to maintain a safe, drug-free, and weapon-free learning environment, school officials may conduct certain types of general, suspicionless searches in the schools.  All general searches must be conducted in a minimally-intrusive, nondiscriminatory manner (e.g., all students in randomly selected classrooms, every third individual entering a school-sponsored extracurricular activity) and may not be used to single out a particular individual or category of individuals.  The searches must be conducted in accordance with standardized procedures established by the superintendent or designee.  Absent exigent circumstances (e.g., a report of a weapon on campus), prior to conducting general searches, school administrators must: (1) demonstrate to the superintendent or designee the need for general searches based upon a pattern or expectation of violence, drug activity, or disruption; and (2) provide written notice to students and parents of the school policy and/or procedures governing general searches, but not of specific times when or places where searches will be conducted. 

When conducted in accordance with the standards described above and any corresponding procedures, the board authorizes the following types of general, suspicionless searches. 

1. Searches of Desks and Lockers

School officials may conduct routine searches of student desks and lockers.  Student desks and lockers are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school.  However, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their desks and lockers.  Student desks and lockers may not be used to store illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials. 

A student’s personal effects found within a desk or locker, such as a backpack, gym bag, or purse, may be searched only in accordance with the guidelines for individualized searches of personal effects described in Section A, above.

2. Point-of-Entry Metal Detector Searches

Due to the increasing problem of weapons in schools, school officials may use metal detectors to conduct general point-of-entry searches of students and other persons for weapons.

3. Use of Trained Dogs

With the prior approval of the superintendent, and in conjunction with local law enforcement, school officials may use trained dogs (canines) to locate illegal materials.  All dogs must be accompanied by a certified and authorized trainer who is responsible for the dog’s actions and who is able to verify the dog’s reliability and accuracy in sniffing out illegal material.  Trained dogs may sniff lockers, desks, book bags, motor vehicles, and other inanimate objects.  Dogs may not be used to sniff students or other persons under any circumstances.  No students should be present during a dog search.  Before a search occurs in a classroom, students will first be moved to a location outside the classroom. 

C. Seized Items

Any illegal contraband seized by school officials must be promptly turned over to the proper law enforcement authorities.

D. Failure to Cooperate

A student’s failure to cooperate with a reasonable search or seizure as provided in this policy will be considered a violation of the expected standard of behavior, and will subject the student to appropriate consequences.

Any person who is not a student who refuses to permit a general metal detector search of his or her person and/or belongings at the point-of-entry to a school-sponsored activity may be denied entry to the activity. 

E. Notice

School principals shall take reasonable steps to provide notice of this policy to students and parents at the start of each school year.

Policy 4342—Student Searches

Policy 3225/4312/7320

A. Introduction
It is the policy of the board to: (a) prevent user access via its technological resources to, or transmission of, inappropriate material on the Internet or through electronic mail or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access to the Internet and devices or programs connected to or accessible through the Internet; (c) prevent other unlawful online activity; (d) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (e) comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act.

B. Definitions
1. Technology Protection Measure
The term "technology protection measure" means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors.

2. Harmful to Minors
The term "harmful to minors" means any picture, image, graphic image file or other visual depiction that:
a. taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex or excretion;
b. depicts, describes or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
c. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value as to minors.

3. Child Pornography
The term "child pornography" means any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video picture or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where:
a. the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct;
b. such visual depiction is a digital image, computer image or computer-generated image that is, or is indistinguishable from, that of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or
c. such visual depiction has been created, adapted or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

4. Sexual Act; Sexual Contact
The terms "sexual act" and "sexual contact" have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.

5. Minor
For purposes of this policy, the term "minor" means any individual who has not attained the age of 17 years.

C. Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or "Internet filters") will be used to block or filter access to inappropriate information on the Internet and World Wide Web. Specifically, blocking will be applied to audio and visual depictions deemed obscene or to be child pornography or harmful to minors. Student access to other materials that are inappropriate to minors will also be restricted. The board has determined that audio or visual materials that depict violence, nudity or graphic language that does not serve a legitimate pedagogical purpose are inappropriate for minors. The superintendent, in conjunction with a school technology and media advisory committee (see policy 3200, Selection of Instructional Materials), shall make a determination regarding what other matter or materials are inappropriate for minors. School system personnel may not restrict Internet access to ideas, perspectives or viewpoints if the restriction is motivated solely by disapproval of the viewpoints involved.

A student or employee must immediately notify the appropriate school official if the student or employee believes that a website or web content that is available to students through the school system's Internet access is obscene, constitutes child pornography, is "harmful to minors" as defined by CIPA, or is otherwise inappropriate for students. Students must notify a teacher or the school principal; employees must notify the superintendent or designee.

Due to the dynamic nature of the Internet, sometimes Internet websites and web material that should not be restricted are blocked by the Internet filter. A student or employee who believes that a website or web content has been improperly blocked by the school system's filter should bring the website to the attention of the principal. The principal shall confer with the technology director to determine whether the site or content should be unblocked. The principal shall notify the student or teacher promptly of the decision. The decision may be appealed through the school system's grievance procedure. (See policies 1740/4010, Student and Parent Grievance Procedure, and 1750/7220, Grievance Procedure for Employees.)

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled during use by an adult for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

D. Inappropriate Network Usage
All users of school system technological resources are expected to comply with the requirements established in policy 3225/4312/7320, Technology Responsible Use. In particular, users are prohibited from: (a) attempting to gain unauthorized access, including "hacking" and engaging in other similar unlawful activities; and (b) engaging in the unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identifying information regarding minors.

E. Education, Supervision and Monitoring
To the extent practical, steps will be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the school system's online computer network, especially when they are using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications. It is the responsibility of all school personnel to educate, supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children's Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures are the responsibility of the technology director or designated representatives.

The technology director or designated representatives shall provide age-appropriate training for students who use the school system's Internet services. The training provided will be designed to promote the school system's commitment to educating students in digital literacy and citizenship, including:

1. the standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in policy 3225/4312/7320, Technology Responsible Use;

2. student safety with regard to safety on the Internet, appropriate behavior while online, including behavior on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response; and

3. compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children's Internet Protection Act.

Following receipt of this training, the student must acknowledge that he or she received the training, understood it and will follow the provisions of policy 3225/4312/7320, Technology Responsible Use.

The superintendent shall develop any regulations needed to implement this policy and shall submit any certifications necessary to demonstrate compliance with this policy.

Policy 3226/4205—Internet Safety

Policy 3225/4312/7320—Technology Responsible Use

Policy 1740/4010—Student and Parent Grievance Procedure

Policy 1750/7220—Grievance Procedures for Employees

Bladen County Schools provides students with access to Google Workspace for Education, a suite of free, web-based tools offered by Google. These tools include Gmail, Google Docs, Google Classroom, Google Drive, and other applications designed to support collaboration and learning in a secure, educational environment.

In compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Bladen County Schools is required to obtain parental consent for students under the age of 18 to use these services.

Google Workspace for Education provides our students with:

• A secure and controlled environment for communication and collaboration

• Cloud-based storage and productivity tools to enhance learning

• Access to educational content and assignments through Google Classroom and other apps

Student Information Shared with Google

In order to create and manage accounts, Bladen County Schools may share limited personal information with Google, such as:

• Student’s full name

• School-issued email address

• Grade level

Google’s use of student data complies with privacy laws and is strictly limited to educational purposes. Google does not own or use student information for advertising or commercial purposes.

Students who fail a non-elective high school course listed below, with a final average not lower than 40, are eligible to retake parts of the course through credit recovery to earn credit for the course. Credit recovery delivers a subset of the blueprint of the original course in order to specifically address
deficiencies in a student’s mastery of the course and target specific components of a course necessary for completion. Credit recovery will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual student. The length of a credit recovery course is dictated by the skills and knowledge the student needs to recover and not a fixed length of seat time accounting for 60% of the original course content.

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, for non-elective graduation requirements, the PSU shall award a numeric grade for credit recovery. The numeric grade assigned to credit recovery shall be factored into the pre-existing Incomplete or Fail course grade on the student’s transcript to a degree that is proportional to the percentage of the course completed through credit recovery (60%), resulting in a potential new passing numeric grade for the course.

Bladen County Schools does not limit the number of credit recovery courses taken by a student prior to graduation.

Some courses have an associated End-of-Course (EOC) exam with the credit recovery course. If applicable, the EOC exam may be administered no later than 30 days upon the completion of the credit recovery course.

The following procedures will be used to determine eligibility for credit recovery

• Students will receive their actual grade earned for each quarterly grading period.
• In order to be eligible for credit recovery a student must have a final course average between 40 - 59.
• Students with a final class average lower than 40 are not eligible for credit recovery. In order to receive credit for the class, the student must repeat the entire course.
• With a proportionate grade replacement, 60% of the original coursework will be recovered.
• Students who do not pass credit recovery must repeat the course in a seated class.
• Content modules equaling 60% of the class content for grade replacement will be selected by the teacher of the course for each student depending on their individual needs.

The following courses are eligible for credit recovery. All other courses are not eligible.

• English I
• English II
• English III
• English IV
• Math 1
• Math 2
• Math 3
• Math 4
• American History
• Civics
• Econ Personal Finance (EPF)
• World History
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth & Environmental Science
• Physical Science
• Spanish I
• Spanish II