ESSA requires that school systems annually notify parents of certain rights and responsibilities they have under the legislation.
Parent Involvement
RCS values contributions that parents make to the overall educational program. The opportunity for parental involvement is particularly critical in Title I schools where parents are requested to assist with the planning of the overall program and are invited to learn about programs at annual Title I meetings.
Assessment Results
Assessment results are shared with parents at the first parent/teacher conference. Additional information regarding assessment results may be obtained by contacting your child’s homeroom teacher.
Limited English Proficient Outreach
The system annually conducts a search for students that could benefit from the Limited English Proficient outreach service. Students are assessed regarding their English proficiency and an appropriate program is planned. Any parent of a Limited English Student that needs assistance in the interpretation of school forms should contact the school office. Assistance will be provided by the English as a Second Language Teacher or other appropriate personnel.
Parents Rights to Request Information on a Teacher’s Qualifications
As a part of the ESSA Act of 2015, school systems are required to notify parents of children in schools receiving Title I funds of their rights to request information on the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s). All teachers at RCS are properly certified to teach in the school system and are highly qualified. To request information regarding the qualifications of your child’s teacher, a written request should be submitted to Rhonda S. Winstead, Principal, 116 Broadway, Rogersville, TN. 37857. Information regarding certification may also be obtained from the Tennessee Department of Education’s web site at www.state.tn.us/education.
Release of Directory Information To Military Recruiters
The ESSA legislation requires school systems to release to military recruiters the same directory information that high schools normally make available to institutions of higher learning. Parents of children in high school can request that their child’s name, address, and telephone number not be released to a military recruiter without prior written consent.
Safe Schools
RCS strongly believes that children learn best in a safe and drug free environment. ESSA allows parents to exercise a school choice option if their child attends a school defined by the state as a “persistently dangerous” school. RCS is classified as a “safe” school.
Unsafe School Choice
As required under ESSA, and the Tennessee State Board of Education’s Unsafe School Choice Policy, parents shall be notified immediately if their child is a victim of a violent crime, as defined in TCA 40-38-111. Any child that is a victim of such a crime has the right to attend another grade appropriate public school in the district. In situations where only one school is available, the system will attempt to facilitate a transfer to a school in another district; however, such transfer is not required
Homeless Education
ESSA added to the existing McKinney-Vento Homeless Act be expanding upon those who qualify for services under the act and ensuring that appropriate educational services are delivered to children experiencing homelessness. If you believe that you may be living in homeless circumstances, you should contact Karen Davis-Beggs, at 272-7651.
Paraprofessionals Requirements
All RCS paraprofessionals who work directly with students meet specific guidelines set forth under ESSA. Each assistant must pass a content specific exam in reading, writing, and math.
Crisis Management
RCS has a crisis management plan to be used in times of crisis. The details of the plan are to be distributed to all staff members and appropriate training conducted in the implementation of the plan.
