Communications

Numerous federal (and state) laws require school districts to provide students, parents, and/or the public with information concerning programs funded by the Federal Government.  This page provides information and links concerning these federal laws and programs. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination

DASD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other protected characteristic in its programs and activities.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Caroline Duda, Ed.D.
Director of Human Resources 
Downingtown Area School District
540 Trestle Place

Allegations of Curriculum Deficiencies

Professional employees, commissioned officers, parents of students, and other residents of a school entity may submit complaints containing allegations of curriculum deficiencies to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) Secretary of Education. In that regard, PDE has developed a policy for accepting and responding to allegations of curriculum deficiencies in the commonwealth’s public schools. This newly implemented policy, as well as the related complaint form is available on PDE’s Allegations of Curriculum Deficiencies webpage.

PDE’s top priority is to support educators, families, and communities in order to ensure that every Pennsylvania student has access to a quality education in a healthy and safe environment and PDE thanks you for your service and dedication to the children of this commonwealth.  

Questions about the policy and complaint form can be directed to RA-edcdform@pa.gov. http://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers - Administrators/School Services/Pages/AllegationsCurrDef.aspx

Notice of Special Education Services

Child Nutrition Programs

If school districts participate in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, or the Special Milk Program, near the beginning of each school year, they must provide both parents and the public with information about free and reduced price meals and/or free milk.
http://www.schoolcafe.com/dasd

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

The Family Policy Compliance Office provides information about surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams if the survey is funded in whole or in party by a program of the U.S. Department of Ed. 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school districts must give parents of a child with a disability a copy of its procedural safeguards only one time per year; but also upon initial referral or parental request for an evaluation, the filing of a first request for a due process hearing, a disciplinary action constituting a change in placement, and at the request of a parent.
http://idea.ed.gov/

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires homeless student liaisons to provide public notice of the education rights of homeless students.
http://center.serve.org/nche/new_resources.php

Elementary and Secondary Education Act

The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), enacted in 1965, is the nation’s national education law and shows a longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students.  ESEA authorizes state-run programs for eligible schools and districts eager to raise the academic achievement of struggling learners and address the complex challenges that arise for students who live with disability, mobility problems, learning difficulties, poverty, or transience, or who need to learn English.

www.ed.gov/essa