Hawthorne Student Parent Handbook 2016-2017 | Page 22

Hawthorne School Parent-Student Handbook 2016-2017 TRANSGENDER STUDENTS The District is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. The District shall ensure that all students, including transgender students, have equal educational opportunities and equal access to the District‘s educational programs and activities. The District will comply with Federal and State laws and regulations regarding transgender students and no student shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression. The District will ensure the privacy of transgender students to the extent permitted by law. The District will not question or disregard the assertion of a student‘s gender identity. However, the Superintendent or designee may question a student‘s asserted gender identity when there is credible basis for believing the student‘s gender identity is being asserted for some improper purpose. The District recognizes school-related issues regarding transgender students will vary on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, the Superintendent or designee will meet with the parent and the student to discuss school-related issues, including but not limited to, names/pronouns, student records, restrooms, locker rooms, physical education classes, intramurals programs, interscholastic athletics, and dress codes. INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SERVICES The New Jersey Administrative Code at NJAC 6A:16-8.1 through 8.3 requires that each school must maintain a multidisciplinary team for the planning and delivery of services to all students. The system is designed to provide services to students experiencing learning, behavior or health difficulties and to assist faculty who have difficulties in addressing these student needs. I&RS referral forms are available in the main office. The Intervention and Referral Services Committee (I&RS), helps teachers assist students who are having learning or other difficulties. Children who need support services may be referred by staff or parents/guardians. Children with disabilities may also qualify for evaluation and services under Section 504. The Child Study Team may evaluate students to determine if they need special education and related services. When the evaluation is completed, the determination of eligibility is made by a team of qualified professionals and the child's parent/guardian. Children with identified learning difficulties may receive extra help with their classroom work and study skills. If you think your child needs help, please contact the Principal. Children with disabilities are provided a free, appropriate, public education in the least restrictive environment. Such children are provided special education and related services which may include, for example, speech, occupational and physical therapy. Please refer to Regulation 2460.1 Special Education – Location Identification, and Referral, which is available on the Board website, for further information regarding intervention and referral procedures. 22