Pupil Services

The district has adopted the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Specific questions may be directed towards your building principal.

“Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.” - Dr. Dan Olweus

School-wide Rules about Bullying:

• We We will not bully others.
• We We will help students who are bullied.
• We We will include students who are left out.
• We If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and We an adult at home

The Pennsylvania Bullying Prevention Toolkit

Additional Parent Tips - What To Do: 

• If your child bullies
• If your child is being bullied
• If your child witnesses bullying 

Helpful bullying Prevention Resources

• Parent Resource List
• Get Help Now, Bullying Prevention
• Pacer Cyber Bullying
• Safe Schools Parent Guide

Click the link below to learn about the recent Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education. 

Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education

Click here to access our Annual Child Find Notice

English as a Second Language

The ESL program is designed to provide non-native English-speaking students with the language skills they need to participate effectively in content area classes. In order to achieve this, ESL instruction addresses the ESL and Pennsylvania Academic Standards in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening to facilitate participation. Another primary objective is to provide a source of support as the student seeks to understand and adapt to the new cultural and academic setting. ESL is a contracted service through the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Responses to a Home Language Survey, given to the family upon registration, determine if an evaluation will be requested. Results of the evaluation, determine if services will be provided. The program helps to ensure the student’s full access to the range of educational opportunities available in the school.

PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the PASA does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments. Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification to Bureau of Special Education if it anticipates that more than 1.0 percent of its students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c)(3) regulations. LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. The Carlynton School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2020-2021 school year testing cycle. The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education. Questions on the Carlynton School District participation rates should be directed to Desiree Burns.

K-12 Guidance Plan 

Equal Opportunities for Handicapped Students
In compliance with state and federal law, the Carlynton School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

For further information, on the Gifted evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact the Director of Special Education and Student Services at 412-429-2500, ext. 3309.

CLICK HERE to access the remote learning plan

Every three years, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires school districts to submit a formal Special Education Plan to ensure programs in schools are appropriate, compliant, and effective.  Please see the attached document that is scheduled to be approved by the Carlynton Board of Directors on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Click here to see the DRAFT proposal of the 2026 Special Education Plan. This DRAFT is scheduled to be approved by the Carlynton Board of Directors on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. 

What is SAP? The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Student Assistance Program (SAP), which is administered by the PA Department of Education’s Division of School Options and Safety in partnership with the PA Department of Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs, and the PA Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success.

To view our Student Records Policy, click the link below to be taken directly to our Keystone Agenda website.

Keystone Agenda

All student record policies can be found in the 800 Section. 

Support for Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness (McKinney-Vento Act)

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to live.

A student is considered homeless if they:

• Live with friends or relatives because they lost housing or cannot afford rent,
• Stay in a shelter, hotel, or motel,
  Sleep in a car, park, campground, or other place not meant for people to live, or
• Live in any unstable or temporary situation.
   

Unaccompanied Youth
An unaccompanied youth is a student who meets the definition of homelessness but is not living with a parent or guardian. These students have the same rights and protections as all other students under McKinney-Vento.

Educational Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness
Students who are experiencing homelessness have the right to:

• Enroll in school immediately, even without normally required documents such as proof of residence, immunizations, or school records.
• Continue attending their school of origin (the school they last attended when permanently housed) if it is in their best interest, or enroll in the school serving their current address.
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
• Participate fully in all school activities and programs, including meals, athletics, and extracurricular events.
• Receive the same opportunities and support as all other students.
• Remain enrolled and receive services while any enrollment disputes are being resolved.
  
   

Who to Contact for Help
If you believe your family or child may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act, please contact:

Carlynton School District Homeless Liaison
 Name: Bethany Mudd
 Title: Home and School Visitor / Homeless Liaison
 Phone: 412-429-2500 x2918
 Email: Bethany.mudd@carlynton.k12.pa.us

Regional ECYEH Coordinator – Allegheny County (Region 4)
 Nicole Anderson
 Phone: 412-394-5894
 Email: nicole.anderson@aiu3.net
 Website: https://www.aiu3.net/students-and-families/student-programs-and-services/education-for-children-youth-experiencing-homelessness/

The Homeless Liaison and ECYEH Coordinator can help you enroll your child in school, arrange transportation, access resources, and make sure your child’s education continues without interruption.

More Information

• Carlynton School District Board Policy #251 – Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care, and Other Educational Instability: Carlynton SD Board Policy 251
   
• Basic Education Circular (BEC): Education for Homeless Youth (22 Pa. Code §11.18): BEC- Education for Homeless Youth

Resources: 

 Is a process to collect information to determine if a child has a disability and needs special education, and if so, the types of services needed.

Prior to an MDE, the District must obtain permission via the Permission to Evaluate form. Before an evaluation can occur, the form must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.

Multidisciplinary evaluations are coordinated by a certified school psychologist. Team members including the parents, classroom teachers, principal, school psychologist, persons familiar with the student's educational experience and cultural background, and other pertinent individuals that work with the student provide information as a part of the evaluation. The evaluation is a thorough investigation of the student's academic functioning, adaptive and social behavior, weaknesses, strengths, and response to intervention. All this information is compiled into an Evaluation Report (ER) which recommends whether a child has one or more disabilities, whether or not the child requires special education and the type of supports and services that the student needs. The ER may recommend that a child is not exceptional and therefore does not need special education services. The report will include changes that may be made in the regular classroom to improve the student’s achievement. All members of the MDT, including the parents, are provided with a copy of the report.

Parents who are concerned that their child is eligible and in need of special education may request screening or a multidisciplinary team evaluation of their child through a written request to a member of the school staff – such as the classroom teacher, building principal, or school psychologist. Communication with parents and students shall be in English or the native language of the parent.

Reevaluations for students who are eligible for special education services are completed as necessary when requested by one or more members of the IEP team and in compliance with the requirements of IDEA. Reevaluations for students with an intellectual disability are completed every two years.

Once a  Individualized Education Plan (IEP) has been developed, a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) is issued to the parent. The NOREP explains the placement or class recommended for the child and explains the rights of parents. The Carlynton School District offers a continuum of educational services designed to meet the needs of eligible students. In addition, related services such as transportation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision support, deaf and hearing support, and speech and language support are available to those students who qualify.

Detailed information regarding special education procedures may be obtained by calling 412-429-2500, ext. 3309; FAX: 412-429-2504

Type 1 Diabetes Information

This type 1 diabetes information was developed pursuant to the Pennsylvania School Code (24 P.S. § 1414.12) and is for school entities and nonpublic schools to provide to parents and guardians of incoming elementary school students and students entering grade six, beginning with the 2025- 2026 School Year. Type 1 diabetes in children is an autoimmune disease that can be fatal if untreated, and the guidance provided in this information sheet is intended to raise awareness about this disease.

Information Sheet for Type 1 Diabetes