2023 - 2024 Newsletters

Highlights Include:

Rachel's Challenge in the Middle School:

• Look for the Best in Others
• Dream Big
• Choose Positive Influences
• Speak with Kindness
• Start your own Chain Reaction

Congratulations to the Girls Varsity Soccer - They won the championship in the Craig Lawrence Memorial Soccer tournament held in Wayland-Cohocton on September 6th & 8th. The team defeated Wellsville 3-2 in overtime and Mt. Morris 4-0.

Second Grade Field Trip

We learned about jobs in a local community where people strive to be good citizens. The second graders got to see how everyday work makes a difference to others

Letchworth Welcomes New Teaching Staff

• Kassandra Bailey - School Social Worker
• Rachel Mathews - 3rd Grade
• Julie Slepinski - Kindergarten Special Ed
• Stacy Bishoff - Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Cassidy Nelson - 3rd Grade
• Zachary Wiedemann - 7-12 Social Studies
• Julia Capuano - Elementary Art
• Payton Powers - 1st Grade Special Ed
• Megan Wilson - Middle School Physical Education Teacher
• Jordan Reed - 1st Grade 
• Shannon Herr - English 10
• Long Term Substitutes  
  • Cody Elwell - Grade 5 LTS
  • Amanda Maher - Grade 5 LTS
  • Bonnie Kirkland - Middle/High School Media Specialist LTS
  • Megan Smith - Kindergarten LTS (Not pictured)

A Message for Elementary Principal - Mrs. Webster

It feels so good to be back! The classrooms and halls are once again filled with eager students, smiling teachers, and lots of learning and laughter! In very little time, so much has been accomplished; goals have been set, challenges faced, and successes celebrated.  

Here are a few highlights from our first weeks of school:

• LEAP Week - Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be a Scholar!
• Fire Prevention

Homecoming 2023 

While the most wonderful time of the year might be Christmas for some, it is Homecoming week for LCS. From creative dress up days to a dominant football game, LCS HOCO week was full of spirit. This showed through all 4 theme days, Cowboy Day, Decades Day, Barbie & Ken Day, and LCS Day, as well as at fan-filled athletic events, the Powder Puff game and pep assembly, and the Halloween Homecoming dance.

Care-Solace

Dear Community,

We are excited to announce a new resource available to the Letchworth community. Letchworth Central School has partnered with Care Solace, a mental health coordination service, to connect students, staff, and families with providers of mental health or substance use services. There is no cost for this service and it is available 24/7/365. Contact can be made by phone at 1-888- 515-0595 or on the website https://caresolace.com/site/letchworth. After answering a few questions, Care Solace will find providers to match the expressed needs, present the identified options, and can even assist with booking an appointment. This opportunity will expand access to mental health services with the goal of reaching more families in need. If you or anyone you know are in need of services, please share the information or contact Care Solace to initiate the process. Information regarding Care Solace can also be found on LCS Facebook or website. For additional information, reach out to one of the Health Team members:

MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT CAMPBELL

The start of the year has been very smooth. Staff and students have settled into their schedules and are already developing supportive and positive relationships.

We want to welcome all of our new staff and students to Letchworth. Our goal is to provide the support you need to become a contributing and valued part of our team for years to come. A few reminders for all parents and guardians to establish a positive communication flow with your child’s teacher.

• Reach out sooner than later with your child’s teacher and encourage dialogue.
• If you sense a problem, please speak up. Don’t wait till something goes wrong.
• Take time to ask your child about their school day. Even if their words are few, it matters.

Our Capital Improvement Project is running behind its scheduled completion date, but is getting very close. Our new opening date for the STEAM addition is December 4, 2023. We plan on inviting the public to tour this beautiful new space when it is completed. Included are some pictures of completed areas such as Kindergarten classrooms, Ag/Tech areas and the new MS bathrooms. Staff and students have been extremely patient as we navigate the completion of this project.

You were recently notified about the formation of our LCS Stakeholder Group to provide guidance as we select a new School Logo/Name. The public will receive periodic updates about the process via ParentSquare, our school website and social media. Thank you to everyone who filled out an application and showed interest in being part of this journey. Please check out this link for more information. link: https://www.letchworth.k12.ny.us/child-pageone/logo-information

Highlights Include: 

Page 1:

Camp Hard Hat - (Top two pictures) Maynard Fuller (grade 9) and Ian Johns (grade 8) participated in Camp Hard Hat sponsored by the Wyoming County BEC this past week. This is the second year these young men have been part of the program. Their project was to begin the construction of the new Pavilion at Perry Park. As you can see, the new structure is part of a project that will last for years to come. Well done... we know you learned plenty about construction and hard work.

BUSTER THE BUS WAS A BIG HIT! (Bottom two pictures) This year at the WYCO Fair the bus drivers joined forces to promote their profession and driving at Letchworth CSD. We enjoyed the parade and tossing candy to the children.

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FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS

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

1.) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the Letchworth Central School District (“District”) receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2.) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the District to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3.) The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from 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. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

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

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) PUBLIC NOTICE FOR DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the Letchworth Central School District (the “District”), with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, the District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the District to include information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

• A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.

If you do not want the District to disclose any or all of the types of information designated below as directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the school principal in writing by August 31st of each school year. The District has designated the following information as directory information:

Student’s name; Address; Telephone listing; Electronic mail address; Photograph; Date and place of birth; Major field of study; Dates of attendance; Grade level; Participation in officially recognized activities and sports; Weight and height of members of athletic teams; Degrees, honors, and awards received; the most recent educational agency or institution attended; Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor known or possessed only by the authorized user; A student ID number or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student ID badge, but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor known or possessed only by the authorized user.

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HEALTH SERVICES

A physical examination including Body Mass Index and Weight Status Category information is required for all new entrants, all students in grades PK / K / 1 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 9 / 11 and all sports participants are required by NYSED to have a school conducted physical. If you do not want your child to receive a physical at school, you must notify the LCS Health Office in writing by 9/21/23. The physical forms, to be completed by your family care provider, can be downloaded from the school web site: www.letchworth.k12.ny.us Departments / Health Office / Documents. It is then the parent’s responsibility to see that the physical is completed. If the forms are not returned by 11/2/23, the physical will be completed at school.

Annual medical examinations are also given to each student prior to participating in extra-curricular sports and for working papers. Scoliosis screening is required for girls in grades 5 & 7 and boys in grade 9. This is done semi-annually by the PE staff with referrals to the school Health Office or the student’s Health Care Provided. Hearing tests are conducted annually as per NYS guidelines and for other students if deemed necessary. Dental certificates are being requested annually as per NYS guidelines.

Student health appraisals serve multiple purposes. If you have any questions regarding the school health program, feel free to contact the Health Office or visit the NYSED.gov web site regarding these requirements.

MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE

Effective September 1, 2016, all 7th and 12th grade students MUST HAVE proof of receiving a Meningococcal vaccine (shot) in order to attend school. Students entering Gr 7 must have 1 dose of vaccine and are required to get a booster at age 16.

Students entering Gr 12 must have either:

• 2 doses of meningococcal vaccine with the booster dose given on or after age 16 or
• 1 dose if your child’s first dose was given on or after age 16 New York State law will require parents/ guardians to give the school an immunization (shot) record that shows their child has received, or has appointment(s) to receive the required vaccine(s) in order to attend school. This record may be from a health care provider, health department, or an official immunization record from the child’s former school. The record must include:
• * Name of the vaccine * Date vaccine given * Who gave it, their title; or where it was given if at a clinic. Please contact your health care provider to make sure your child has what they need to attend school this fall. If you have questions or concerns about immunizations, please contact the school health staff.

T-DAP

All students in grades 6 - 12 must have 1 dose of the Tdap vaccine.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE FAMILIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING BILLS RESULTING FROM STUDENT ACCIDENTS / INJURIES.

Letchworth Central School is not required to offer student accident insurance; however, as assistance to families, the Board of Education does purchase a “scheduled insurance” which provides minimal coverage.

IF the family insurance plan does not completely cover the medical bills, the school’s insurance will help as “scheduled” for each type of injury. Families are responsible for any remaining amount after the school’s “scheduled” insurance payment. Remember though, that the school’s coverage is only minimal coverage. Any questions about student accident insurance coverage should be directed to our agent, Hart’s Insurance, at 237-2126 or the school health office.

RIGHT TO KNOW

The Parents’ Right to Know portion of the ESSA/ Every Student Succeeds Act) legislation and Title I state guidelines outline your rights to information regarding the qualifications of your child’s teachers and paraprofessionals working with your child, if applicable. All non-substitute teachers at Letchworth Central in the core content areas, including elementary classroom teachers; special education teachers and reading teachers are highly qualified professionals as defined by NY State and the ESSA legislation. This means that they hold initial, provisional, permanent or professional certification in the content area in which they are currently teaching. All paraprofessionals working in our Title I reading program are also highly qualified by NYS and ESSA legislation standards. This means that they have at least 60 hours of college level credit and/or an associate’s degree.

Should you desire any further information regarding your child’s teachers: (1) Baccalaureate degree major, other graduate certification, or degree held, or (2) Whether your child is provided services by a paraprofessional and the specifics of their qualifications, please request as follows. Send a written request to Mrs. Bergmann, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Letchworth Central School, 5550 School Rd, Gainesville, NY 14066, outlining the specifics of your request.

PROMOTION AND PLACEMENT

Decisions about student promotion and placement are at the discretion of the school administration. These decisions are guided by recommendations of teachers and staff members, past academic performance, and parent/guardian input. Past academic performance refers to a variety of indicators of student achievement and growth. Promotion and placement decisions are not based solely on student performance on New York state assessments in grades 3-8 English language arts or mathematics. Parents and/or persons in parental relation to students shall receive an appropriate report of student progress at regular intervals. The District will not include on a student’s official transcript or maintain in a student’s permanent record any individual student score on a state administered standardized English language arts or mathematics assessment for grades 3 through 8. The district’s promotion and placement policy was adopted by the board of education following a review by the district administration.

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WRITTEN COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

As required by the Title XIV, General Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the New York State Education Dept. (NYSED) and Letchworth Central School have adopted procedures for receiving and resolving complaints. NYSED has also adopted procedures for reviewing appeals from decisions of local educational agencies. Complaints regarding violations of ESEA Title I, Part A, C, and D, or of the General Education Provisions Act; or of Section 100.2(ee) Academic Intervention Services of the Regulations of the Commissioner are covered by these procedures. The following outlines the written complaint procedures utilized at Letchworth Central School. Copies of the attached are provided to the public, including parents and private school officials, through the use of the school newsletter sent to all residents of the school district on an annual basis. All complaints are received by the Superintendent and should be sent directly to her at the following address: Mr. Todd Campbell, Superintendent of Schools, Letchworth Central School, 5550 School Rd., Gainesville, NY, 14066

All complaints must: be written; be signed by the person or agency representative fi ling the complaint; specify the requirement of law or regulation being violated and the related issue, problem, and/or the concern; contain information/evidence supporting the complaint; and state the nature of the corrective action desired.

If Letchworth Central School fails to resolve the complaint within 30 business days, or fails to resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the complainant, the complaint should be sent to the Title I School and Community Services Office, Room 365 EBA, NYS Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234. Maintenance of Database: Copies of correspondence, related documents, investigative reports, and summary reports involved in the complaint will be maintained Letchworth Central School for five years. Records will be made available to interested parties in accordance with the provisions of the NYS Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law Sections 84-89).

PARTNERSHIP

An effective school builds its foundation on the community. You provide resources necessary to providing an excellent education to all children. Your ideas, support, presence at school functions and assistance are vital. Please take a moment to review the following information.

In order to develop an effective partnership, we are seeking your involvement. We need parents and community members to offer insight into and support of our educational program. You are an integral part of the process in continuing to expand and build upon the excellent program at Letchworth. There are many opportunities for involvement. Some are listed here with a brief description. If you have any questions please call the school.

Project Star: This is a PK-4 volunteer program. Parents and other community members are vital to the development of young childrenʼs skills. We depend upon our volunteers to provide additional support to students, assist teachers with classroom activities, chaperone fi eld trips, help with “house-keeping activities” (bulletin boards or art activities), and organizing events such as the Holiday Shop, among other activities. The time commitment varies, from 15 minutes to weekly, depending upon the volunteerʼs schedule. Many volunteers do work at home and send it in!

Committee on Special Education: This committee meets as needed to discuss special education programs, individual education plans for students and participates in problem solving and program reviews. It may consist of the pupil personnel director, an administrator, staff members, parent representatives, students, and other service providers. The commitment is two to three days per month, but usually rotates with other parents to no more than one day per month.

Hiring Committees: These committees may be made up of Board of Education members, administrators, staff members, parents and students and operate when necessary to fi ll vacancies. The time commitment is usually two-three days for the interview process, demonstration teaching (if needed) and the recommendation process. Each member of the committee is an equal partner in the process. The committee recommends two to three candidates to the Superintendent for her consideration for each vacancy.

Shared Decision-Making Teams: These teams operate at the PK-4, 5-8 and 9-12 levels. The team meets once per month after school for approximately one hour. The teams are made up of one principal, grade level representatives, curriculum representatives and parents. The teams discuss instructional strategies, programs for students and the needs of the various buildings.

Federal Grant Application Committee: This committee will meet 2-3 times per year to discuss the development of the consolidated application.

District Planning Team: This is a team of board members, school personnel, parents, students and community members. This team meets four times a year in the evening for approximately 1 ½ hours to discuss future goals and upcoming events, new programs and gives direction to the greater school community.

If you wish to serve on any committee, please call, 585-493-3513, or email, mbergmann@letchworth.k12.ny.us

ARP ESSER Plan & ARP State Level Reserve webpage

Page 5 - 8: Reduced & Free Lunch Application

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NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

PPRA affords parents of elementary and secondary students certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include, but are not limited to, the right to: Consent before students is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)–

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;

2.Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;

3.Sex behavior or attitudes;

4.Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

5.Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;

6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;

7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or

8.Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of – 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;

2.Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and

3.Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. (This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.)

Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –

1. Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party;

2.Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and

3.Instructional materials are used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law. The Letchworth Central School District (the “District”) has adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation in the specific activity or survey. The District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.

The following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this direct notification requirement: Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing, sales, or other distribution.

Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above. Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Student Privacy Policy Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

The School Facility Report will be reviewed by the Board of Education and will be on file at the Business Office for public review upon request. In Compliance with federal AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act 1986) regulations, our facilities have been inspected for the presence of asbestos. Response actions have been prepared to insure a continued safe environment for our students and staff. Detailed information in the district’s management plan is available for your review in the District office.

Letchworth Central School does intend to apply for Title I / Title IIA / Title IV for the 2023 - 2024 school year. The consolidated application will be filed by August 31, 2023

IMPORTANT MEDICAID REMINDER

Parents, if your child receives Medicaid, you MUST REAPPLY every year in order for your child to continue to be Medicaid eligible. To avoid a lapse in eligibility, please make sure you reapply annually.

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CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Each year, the Letchworth Central School District offers career and technical education programs at the Letchworth Senior High School. These programs are designed to prepare youth for a broad range of employment and training services and are offered under the guidance of certified teachers, counselors, and cooperative education coordinators. The following is a list of programs being offered this year: Animal Science, Auto Body, Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Career Assessment Program, Computer Information Systems, Conservation and Heavy Equipment, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Diesel, Health Careers Academy, Health Dimensions, Human Services, Metal Trades, and Sports Science Academy.

All career and technical education programs follow the district’s policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and disability in all programs, services, activities, and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation. To obtain this information in another language, call (585) 493-2571.

For general information about these programs, contact:

Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies should be directed to:

Highlights Include

Class of 2023 - Top 10:

• Sidney Simmons
• Teach Garrison
• Reagan Drumma
• Hana Gill
• Morgan Brace
• Victoria Franklin
• Jordan Morin
• Chris Shearing
• Caidence Hulton
• Katelynn Lindsey

Color Run 2023 Fun

Edgar Rene Presents: Resiliencia

Address & Phone Changes? - Call 585-493-3530

Memorial Day Ceremony

Kindergarten Program

Middle School Students of the Month

Senior Class 2023 Photos 

Athletic Accomplishments & Awards

Special Olympics

National Junior Honor Society

Culinary Students prepare BEC Annual Breakfast

Thank You for your years of service

• Karen Almeter - 33 Years
• Claire Smith - BOE Member 6 Years
• Steve Aikens - 24 Years

Message from Superintendent

• Personally congratulate Class of 2023
• NYSED Contact Information
  • https://www.nysed.gov/indigenous-education/mascot-guidance
• Indigenous Name/Logo
• New Name/Logo Adoption Process
  • BOE Meeting June 26, 2023

Student Registration

New Address/Phone Number? - call 585-493-3530

ARP Survey

ARP Plan