Benjamin Franklin Middle School Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017 | Page 22

Assistant Principals There are two Assistant Principals in the school. Each Assistant Principal is assigned to specific grades: Mr. Deubel handles Grades 5 & 7 and Ms. Williams handles Grades 6 & 8. Peer Mediation Conflicts between students are a part of daily life in schools. Sometimes disagreements arise because of name-calling, rumors, threats, or problems with friendships. Through peer mediation, students who disagree with each other have the chance to sit face-to-face and talk so that each side of the dispute is heard. After the problem is defined, solutions are created and then evaluated. When an agreement is reached, it is written down and signed. The trained student peer mediator is the person who leads this process. The mediator does not take sides and keeps all information confidential to the extent possible. You can request a peer mediation to solve a disagreement as long as the dispute has not resulted in physical contact. Ask your teacher or guidance counselor for help in requesting mediation. SAFETY AND SECURITY Notice of Nondiscrimination This District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual or affectional orientation, age, social or economic status, marital status, or disability in admission or access to its programs and activities. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities. Sexual harassment is expressly prohibited. The District will not tolerate sexual harassment in any form. Title VI, 42 U.S.C. §2000d requires that all vocational opportunities will be offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the American with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) apply to the District, its programs, services and activities. The District shall evaluate, identify, and provide a free appropriate education to all students who are individuals with disabilities under federal law and who reside within the District. Under Section 504 and the ADA, “an individual with a disability” is defined as a person who has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working) or has a record of such impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, a student may be classified as eligible for special education and related services based upon 13 categories of disabilities. For further information, contact the Child Study Team. The District will furnish auxiliary aids and services to students, employees, p