Plans, Policies & Required Notifications

Allergies and Snacks in School

Due to a dramatic increase in possible life threatening food allergies, there has been an update to our snack/food procedures at the elementary school level.

• View approved elementary snack and celebration options.
• View the complete Health Services Policy Manual [waiting for 2025-26 doc, pdf]

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American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funding

Ogdensburg CSD received federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund, authorized under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021.

View ARP funding information and documents on the Fiscal Transparency page.

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Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)

The state’s teacher and principal evaluation law requires each classroom teacher and building principal to receive an annual professional performance review (APPR). The law requires districts to develop a plan for conducting these reviews, which must then be approved by the Commissioner of Education.

Find the Ogdensburg CSD APPR Plan on the NY State Education Department website.

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Obtaining Teacher/Principal APPR Scores

All parents/guardians have the right to obtain the APPR quality ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal(s) once they are available.

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Asbestos Reporting

As required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Ogdensburg CSD maintains asbestos management plans for district buildings. The plans are on file in each principal’s office and collectively at the district office and are available for review during normal business hours. As required, periodic surveys are conducted every six months. Currently, there are no projects scheduled that will disturb asbestos-containing building material.

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Attendance

Attendance is a critical factor for student success in schools. Consistent school attendance, improved academic performance and school completion have a positive correlation and will contribute to our efforts to assure that all of our students reach the higher standards established by the Board of Regents. School attendance is both a right and a responsibility in New York State. Parents are responsible and legally obligated to ensure that their children attend school during the ages of compulsory attendance.

View the complete Attendance Policy, including what is considered an excused and unexcused absence [link to current year pdf or html convert attendance only].

Tardiness

Students arriving late to school must report to the office with a completed Attendance Request Form. The Form should include the date the note was written, the student’s full name, date of absence, reason for absence, and the signature of a parent or guardian. A principal or designee will review the Attendance Request Form to determine whether the lateness is excused or unexcused. Students without a completed Attendance Request Form will be considered unexcused.

Early Departure

To have a student be released from any portion of the school day, a completed Attendance Request Form must be provided prior to the start of the school day. A request to depart early to conduct business that could be done after 2:50 may not be granted. Appropriate school personnel will review the request to ensure that it meets the criteria of an excused absence.

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Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening

New York State requires school districts to track each student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight status category as part of school health examinations for students in grades 2, 4, 7 and 10. Each year, the New York State Department of Health will survey selected schools for the number of pupils in each of six possible weight status categories. If the district is surveyed by the state, the district will share summary group data only. Individual names and information will not be shared.

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Bullying & Dignity for All Students

The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is to provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. The Ogdensburg CSD takes incidents of harassment and bullying very seriously and encourages the reporting of incidents.

Learn more about Dignity for All Students.

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Cell Phones and Internet-Enabled Devices in School

Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, New York state requires school districts and BOCES to prohibit student use of internet-enabled devices during the school day on school grounds.

Students must store their Internet-enabled devices in designated on-site storage areas during the school day. On-site storage areas include student lockers or secure storage areas in the school’s main office.

Parents/guardians may contact their child’s school via phone, a designated contact email or by written note dropped off at the school’s main office.

View our full written Cell Phone Policy.

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Child Abuse Hotline

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling the toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services at (800) 342-3720. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.

Learn more about reporting abuse or mistreatment of children on the Office of Children and Family Services website.

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Code of Conduct

The Ogdensburg City School District Board of Education is dedicated to maintaining a safe and orderly environment where students can learn and staff can teach without disruption. Achieving this goal requires responsible behavior from students, staff, parents, and visitors, all guided by our core values of respect, civility, character, honesty, tolerance, integrity, and good citizenship.

View the Ogdensburg CSD Code of Conduct. [waiting for 2025-26 pdf]

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Concussion

New York State requires tackle football programs to provide information about concussions and sub-concussive blows, and the injuries that might occur as a result of such blows, to the parents/guardians of all children participating in tackle football programs.

View concussion information on the Athletics Health & Safety page.

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Dignity for All Student Act (DASA)

The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is to provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying.

Learn more about DASA and report an incident on the Dignity for All Students page.

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District Comprehensive Improvement Plan (DCIP)

The District Comprehensive Improvement Plan outlines the Ogdensburg’s three priorities: improving mental health and well-being, developing instructional practices, and creating an environment for student ownership of learning.

View the District Comprehensive Improvement Plan. [subpage; might need to update description with new year’s plan]

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Districtwide School Safety Plan/Communicable Disease Plan

As required by state education law, the Ogdensburg CSD maintains a districtwide safety plan and must post this plan on its website. This plan is designed to prevent or minimize the effects of violent incidents and emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of schools and school districts with local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies. The plan also includes the method by which Ogdensburg CSD will ensure the availability of devices, internet access, provision of special education and related services for students with disabilities, and the expectations for time spent in different remote modalities.

View the Districtwide School Safety Plan/Communicable Disease Plan. [subpage]

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Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act requires all schools to include information relating to students exhibiting signs or symptoms of increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest in permission forms, consent forms or similar documents that are required for participation in interscholastic athletics.

Learn more about sudden cardiac arrest on the Athletics Health & Safety page.

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Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Schools that need extra support under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) must let their school board and families know about this designation. If a school is identified for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI), it must also survey parents, staff, and students each year and involve the school community in deciding how some improvement funds are used.

ESSA Compliance Documents

Academic Intervention Services / Response To Intervention (AIS/RTI) Plan

The Ogdensburg City School District AIS/RTI Plan 2025–2027 outlines the district’s framework for identifying, supporting, and monitoring students at academic or behavioral risk through a multi-tiered system of interventions and services aligned with New York State requirements.

View the AIS/RTI Plan 2025-2027

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Parent & Family Engagement Policy

This document presents the Ogdensburg City School District’s Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) Plan for 2025–2026, detailing strategies, goals, and responsibilities to foster meaningful collaboration between families and schools to support student success.

View the Board Policy #1900 Parent and Family Engagement [subpage or link to BoardDocs]

See also: Title I Family Engagement Policy

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Student Academic Achievement School-Parent Compact

This document outlines the Ogdensburg City School District’s 2025–2026 School-Parent Compact, which defines the shared responsibilities of schools, parents, and students for supporting academic achievement.

View the School – Parent Compact (Board Policy #1900-E.2)

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Parent’s Right to Know

As per the new Title I legislation, ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) previously titled NCLB (No Child Left Behind), you may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s) and paraprofessionals staff.

You may request the following information:

1. Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provided instruction;
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
3. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree; and
4. D. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualification.

If you would like further information about Parent’s Right to Know as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, please contact the District office at (315) 393-0900.

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ESSA Complaint Procedures

New York State Education Department has created a process for resolving complaints alleging that a local educational agency (LEA), grantee or NYSED has violated a law, rule, or regulation in the administration of any “covered Federal program” under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

These procedures offer parents and other stakeholders a process to file complaints and allow for the timely resolution of such complaints. A complainant may include any of the following: parents, public agencies, and other individuals or organizations.

To learn more about ESSA complaint procedures, please visit the NYSED website for ESSA-Funded Programs Complaint Procedures.

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Facilities Use

Community use of District buildings is encouraged by the Board of Education. Fees are charged to defray associated expenses. Our Facilities page details eligibility, required documentation such as insurance certificates, fee schedules for different types of users, and instructions on how to submit reservations or modify existing bookings.

Visit the Facilities page for more information about reserving a facility.

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Fire Inspection Notice

In accordance with New York education law, Ogdensburg City School District is required to publish a public notice of the filing of its annual fire inspection report within 20 days of filing it with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). It must be published at least once in the designated official newspaper of the district or a newspaper in general circulation for its postal area.

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Foster Care Point of Contact

As a requirement by Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) as amended by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of December 2015 regarding students in foster care, the District is required to designate a district Foster Care Point of Contact that will work collaboratively with the representatives from the local child welfare agency, as well as other state school districts.

Local department of social services (LDSSs) and local school districts (LEA) will biennially prepare a local transportation agreement for students in foster care that will outline local transportation procedures.

View Ogdensburg CSD’s Local Transportation Agreement for Students in Foster Care.

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Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application

The Ogdensburg City School District offers free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program. The federally assisted program allows eligible students to receive free or reduced-price school meals, and requires a formal application process.

Children from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. 

Download a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application.

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Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

The Freedom of Information Law requires districts to remind stakeholders they have access to records and procedures and inform them how to obtain that information. The law is based on the belief that a free society is maintained when the government is responsive and responsible to the public, and when the public is aware of governmental actions.

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Grade Promotion and Placement

The Ogdensburg City School District operates under the philosophy that all children can learn with appropriate instructional modifications geared to meet the student’s individual needs. Promotions and retentions are based on careful evaluation of the student’s academic, physical, and social-emotional growth. Parents will be integral members of the decision-making team.

Learn more about promotion and retention of students.

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Guidance (School Counseling) Plan

New York State Education Law requires the school districts to develop districtwide and building-level comprehensive developmental school counseling guidance plans.

Please contact the Guidance & Counseling Department with questions regarding the Guidance Plan.

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Hand Sanitizer Use

The Ogdensburg CSD makes alcohol-based hand sanitizers available in its school buildings. If parents/guardians wish to opt their child out of using it, they should send a written notice to the school.

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Health Services Policy Manual

Ogdensburg CSD’s Health Services Policy Manual outlines the guidelines on required health screenings, immunization protocols, nursing services, medication administration, chronic health care plans, emergency procedures, and health record confidentiality in accordance with New York State requirements.

View the Health Services Policy Manual. [awaiting 2025-26 pdf]

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Instructional Technology Plan

As required by Commissioner’s Regulation 100.12, Ogdensburg CSD maintains an Instructional Technology Plan to help support achievement and engagement through the seamless integration of technology into teaching and learning, improve learning experiences for students and increase equitable access to technology-rich learning experiences for students and staff.

View the 2022-2025 Instructional Technology Plan. [awaiting 2025+ plan] [subpage]

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Lead (Water) Testing

According to New York state law, school districts are required every five years to complete a round of lead testing of water outlets used for drinking and cooking, unless the state Commissioner of Health requires testing sooner.

The law requires school districts to sample all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes in buildings that may be occupied by students and to submit those samples to a state approved lab for analysis. The state established an action level of 5 micrograms of lead per liter, typically referred to as “parts per billion (ppb).”

If a sample from a water outlet exceeds this level, schools must take steps to prevent the use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes until it is remediated and follow-up testing confirms it is no longer above the action level.

May 2024 Lead Testing Results

• John F. Kennedy Elementary School Lead Testing Memo [pdf]
  • John F. Kennedy Elementary School Lead Testing Full Report [pdf]
• Grant C. Madill Elementary School Lead Testing Memo [pdf]
  • Grant C. Madill Elementary School Lead Testing Full Report [pdf]
• Ogdensburg Free Academy Lead Testing Memo [pdf]
  • Ogdensburg Free Academy Lead Testing Full Report

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Meal Charge and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming Policy

The goal of the Ogdensburg CSD is to provide student access to nutritious no- or low-cost meals each school day and to ensure that a pupil whose parent/guardian has unpaid school meal fees is not shamed or treated differently than a pupil whose parent/guardian does not have unpaid meal fees.

View the Meal Charge and Prohibition Against Meal Shaming Policy.

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Medications

The District recognizes and implements the New York State Education Law for the administering of medications in the school setting. Parents must provide written consent, and a healthcare provider’s order is required for all medications, including over-the-counter. Medications must be delivered by an adult in original packaging, and only middle and high school students may carry inhalers with proper documentation. Self-directed students may manage their own medication under nurse supervision, while unauthorized use will be addressed by school staff. Emergency medication procedures are in place, and detailed records are maintained for all medication administered. Complete medication policy information is available in the Health Services Policy Manual.

View the Health Services Policy Manual. [awaiting 2025-26 pdf]

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Non-Discrimination Policy/Equal Opportunity Policy

Title IX of the federal government’s education amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, race, national origin, creed, age, or handicap as defined by law in education programs benefiting from federal assistance. The district complies with the Title IX provisions in its educational programs and activities.

New York’s Dignity for All Students Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, gender, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, military status or marital status and will not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

Learn more about Dignity for all Students.

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Opportunities for Advanced Coursework

New York State Education Law requires school districts to inform students and parents/guardians of advanced coursework available to them. This includes AP, Advanced, and college credit offerings.

Learn about opportunities for advanced coursework on the Advanced Placement & College Credit Courses page.

Parent’s Bill of Rights

New York State Education Law gives you the right to information about how Ogdensburg CSD is safeguarding student and staff data.

Read the Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security on the State Education Department website.

See also: Data Privacy and Security (EdLaw2D)

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Pesticides Reporting

New York State Education Law requires schools to provide written notification to all parents/guardians and staff members regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the school year. The District maintains a list of all individuals who wish to receive 48-hour prior written notification of certain pesticide applications. In the event of an emergency application necessary to protect against an imminent threat to human health, a good faith effort will be made to supply written notification to those on the 48-hour prior notification list.

Some pesticide applications are not subject to notification requirements, including anti-microbial products, EPA-designated biopesticides and exempt materials, and when a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72-hours following an application.

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Public Relations Use of Student Data/Photos

From time to time, school district officials may release student information (name, address, grade level, photograph, artwork, academic interest, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, terms of school attendance and graduation, awards received, future educational plans, etc.) for use in school district publications, the district website and district social media sites, or to the media for public relations purposes.

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Remote Learning Expectations Plan

Our Remote Learning Expectations Plan provides guidelines outlining student responsibilities, teacher expectations, and best practices to support successful online learning within our district.

View the Remote Learning Expectations Plan. [pdf]

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School Comprehensive Education Plan

The School Comprehensive Education Plan outlines Ogdensburg CSD’s strategic goals, priorities, and action steps aimed at improving student achievement and fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

View the School Comprehensive Education Plan.

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Smart Schools Investment Plan

As required by the Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) Implementation Guidance, school districts must post a final Smart Schools Investment Plan on its website. This plan is designed for the district to participate in the Smart Schools Bond Act of 2014. The act authorized the state to finance $2 billion for educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning and opportunity for New York students.

View the Ogdensburg CSD 2025-26 Smart Schools Investment Plan.

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Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution

As required by the New York State and Local Retirement System, the Ogdensburg City School District is posting the adopted Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution for Elected and Appointed Officials.

View the Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution for Elected and Appointed Officials.

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Student Handbooks

Student handbooks offer a wide array of information to help students and their families understand the school’s policies, procedures, and expectations. These handbooks serve as a guide to student life within the district, providing information on academic matters, student conduct, safety protocols, and more.

• Elementary Student Handbook [subpage when available]
• Ogdensburg Free Academy Student Handbook

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Student Privacy (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment provides parents/guardians with certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams.

Learn more about Student Privacy (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)

See also: Data Privacy and Security (EdLaw2D)

See also: Parent’s Bill of Rights

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Teacher Qualifications

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, parents/guardians have the right to know the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers, including:

• Whether a teacher has state certification for the grade levels and subjects he or she is teaching;
• The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major and any other certifications or degrees; and
• Whether their child receives services from paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

See also: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

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Title I Plans & Policy

As a district that includes school utilizing Title I funds, Ogdensburg CSD has developed a Comprehensive Schoolwide Plan to strengthen our entire educational program and support the success of all students. This plan allows us to use Title I funding to implement schoolwide improvements such as targeted instruction, staff development, and family engagement, especially focused on helping students who need it most.

Learn more about what it means to be a Title I school and parents’ rights.

• View the Ogdensbrug Free Academy Title I Comprehensive Schoolwide Plan 2025-2026
• View the Madill Elementary School Title I Comprehensive Schoolwide Plan 2025-2026
• View the John F. Kennedy Elementary School Title I Comprehensive Schoolwide Plan 2025-2026

Title I Family Engagement Policy

The Ogdensburg City School District’s Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy details how the district will involve families in supporting student learning and improving school performance.

View the Title I Family Engagement Policy [subpage or moving to BoardDocs?]

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Title IX

See Non-Discrimination Policy/Equal Opportunity Policy

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Wellness Policy

The District Wellness Policy includes goals for nutrition promotion and education, physical activity and education, nutrition guidelines for foods sold and marketed in school, and opportunities for school community member involvement.

View the Wellness Policy.

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