Handbook Details

The Ephrata School District is committed to a safe and civil educational environment for all students, employees, parents/guardians, volunteers and community members, free from all harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying. If you see something, hear something  or observe something that feels wrong, we want to know. Learn how to submit an anonymous tip.

Safety is a top priority at Ephrata Schools. Our goal is to provide students and staff with a healthy learning environment both during school hours and at after school activities.

• Campus Security: Visual and physical methods are in place to provide protection for all people on school campuses. The Ephrata School District has a security staff. Their presence allows them to understand the rhythms of the building while developing strong relationships with students.
   
• Emergency Management Partnership: Our strong partnership with community emergency responders assures that we are constantly assessing our ability to respond to any form of disaster. We also regularly review our school emergency procedures with our staff and the area first responders as legally required.
   
• School Safety Plans, Procedures and Emergency Drills: Ephrata Schools building safety teams post, review and practice these plans, procedures and drills regularly. 
   
• Threat Assessment: Each building has a threat assessment team that will respond to incidents as needed. 

Child Find is a federal program that helps determine if your child has a disability and assists in providing appropriate services.

Parents who believe their child (birth to 21 years) may have a disability or have concerns about their child's development should contact our Child Find program. Children can be screened to determine if an evaluation is necessary to identify if they have a disability or developmental delay and if they are eligible for special education services. Referrals are accepted from sources within or outside the school district. This service is provided free of charge. Call (509) 754-3538 to make an appointment.
 

More information on Child Find.

Policy 2162 and Procedure 2162

Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide “Free and Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are met.

Policy #2161 and Procedure #2161

Special education programs for eligible students are an integral part of the general educational programs at Ephrata Schools. Programs are operated in compliance with federal and state requirements governing special education. 

The Ephrata School District provides a continuum of placement options, which may include services within and outside the district depending on the student’s needs. Not all students with disabilities are eligible for special education services. The needs of students with disabilities will be addressed individually and if, appropriate, students will be provided accommodations, modifications, and/or related aids and services as required under the Individuals with Disability Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in accordance with district policy and procedures. 

Policy #3115 and Procedure #3115

Any child or youth, including migrant and unaccompanied youth, who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate  nighttime residence is considered homeless and McKinney-Vento eligible for assistance and services. This  includes children and youth who are not currently residing with a legal guardian, are temporarily sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship, those living in hotels, camping grounds, emergency shelters or cars.  

For more information, contact Frank Cardwell, McKinney-Vento Liaison at (509) 754-2474 | fcardwell@ephrataschools.org or visit the homeless / unaccompanied youth section of our website.

EMANCIPATED STUDENTS

Students 17 and younger that have petitioned the courts and been awarded a Decree of Emancipation will be responsible for their own education. Once a student has been emancipated, and appropriate paperwork has been filed with the school, no parent / guardian contact will be required.