Sample Forms & Policies


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DOCUMENTDESCRIPTION
2020 Legislative SummaryUSBE Summary of 2020 Legislative session including law, funding, and policy requirements
Achieving with DataReport from USC about how high-performing school systems use data to improve education for elementary school children
Charter School Special Education ChecklistList of items to consider for special education
Charter School Special Education PrimerBooklet from the USBE for charter schools about special education (2012)
Employee Discrimination and Harassment Sample Policy
Sample policy
Employ Harassment Sample PolicySample policy
Employee Dress Code Sample PolicySample policy
Employee At Will Employment Sample PolicySample policy
Field Trip Check ListInsurance company suggestions on field trip oversight
Guidance for Non-Profit Organizations on Paying OvertimeFair Labor Standards Act guidance for overtime payment
Marketing PowerpointTraining powerpoint for marketing your school
Marketing WorksheetWorksheet to help you identify the key points to address in your marketing materials
Stand Out: A Guide to School MarketingMarketing presentation provided by the Colorado League of Charter Schools
TitleDescription
Classroom Mindfulness ManualK-5 mindfulness practices manual
SAFE UT InformationWebsite for information about the SAFE UT app for mental health/school safety
Scott Poland Suicide Prevention TrainingPDF Powerpoint presentation from April 2019 regional suicide prevention training
Stress and the Teenage BrainBy McKay Esplin, LCSW, this is a transcript of a Prezi presentation
Understanding SuicideBy McKay Esplin, LCSW, this is a transcript of a Prezi presentation
ShmoopFree ACT prep and online courses available This is a free resource to Utah schools. Use the magic word ZION.
Therapistaid.comA resource for worksheets, videos, guides, and other tools to aid mental health professionals in the course of their work.
Counselor Resources Listing of resources, including links) for counselors and families including treatment centers, family counseling groups, parenting resources, suicide prevention, etc.

Archive of COVID-19 Online Meetings


The Latest

•4/12/2021-At our recent Member Meeting, Sarah Young, Director of Strategic Initiatives for USBE presented information on federal covid relief funds, including the latest funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. 

COVID RELIEF FUNDING SLIDES

LINK TO PRESENTATION TO USBE IN APRIL 2021 BOARD MEETING (start at 2:40)


•3/31/2021 Updated Masks are required in K-12 schools until June 15th, even with the statewide mask mandate being lifted April 10th for most public places. From UDOH, "The confusion comes with the language in HB294 vs the school mask mandate public health order. HB294 states "A public health order or health and safety requirement described in Subsection 70(3)(a) shall be terminated no later than July 1, 2021." The public health order requiring masks in schools ends on June 15, which meets this deadline. Any other public health requirements, such as required in the transmission index for example, will end on July 1 (as well as the mask requirement for gatherings of 50 or more people)."

The USBE has prepared some great info to help:

MASKS IN SCHOOLS INFO 

MASK POSTERS


1/8/2021 Updated Covid 19 School Manual w/updated information regarding quarantine and Test to Stay and Test to Play protocols. Updated UHSSA guidelines are now also available. Summary information available here.


1/4/2021 Free Rapid Testing Sites rolled out by the Utah Department of Health to quickly identify all covid-19 cases, even if no symptoms are experienced. Locations, by county, can be found here. See a map here for local testing sites.


12/17/2020 Updated Covid-19 School Manual Summary-changes announced by Governor Herbert take effect January 4, 2021 for all K-12 schools. Major changes include no quarantine necessary IF the school can verify that both people were wearing face masks (the person who was exposed and the person who tested positive) as defined by state public health order, and the person who was exposed does not have any symptoms of COVID-19. 


11/24/2020 Resources for High School Extra-Curricular Activities Covid-19 Testing Requirements:  Beginning November 30, 2020 students must be tested for Covid-19 every 14 days to participate in extra-curricular activities due to the State Public Health Order. High schools will be provided tests to use on-site. Check the Training Calendar for in-person testing trainings the week of November 30th.


•11/10/2020 Governor's State of Emergency FAQs:  Details on how the order (effective through November 23, 2020) will affect businesses, schools, and gatherings. 


•8/14/2020 Governor's Updated Mask Mandate announcement and Executive Order

• 8/6/2020 Covid-19 School Manual: From the www.coronavirus.utah.gov website


• 8/7/2020 Updated USBE Reopening Plans: Planning Requirements Updated on 7/31/2020

• 8/7/2020 USBE Teaching and Learning: Below are several documents to give curriculum guidance for focused learning. These documents outline "essential standards and key instructional practices that may support LEAs in focusing their instruction on the most essential standards in the core areas while keeping in mind student well-being" (email from USBE dated 8/7/20) 

"Additionally, we are seeking feedback from educators, students, families and other community members on our PreK-12 Core standards across the content areas.  This annual feedback opportunity is intended to gather key insights into any concerns the public may have related to our current standards.  The feedback will be used to make future revisions to the standards.  We invite you to participate and to share the opportunity with others.  You can respond to the feedback at:  https://usbe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3m9SwA8vkkAIT53 Feedback will be accepted until September 6, 2020." (Jennifer Throndsen, Director of Teaching and Learning, USBE)

Drama K-6 EssentialsDrivers Education EssentialsELA Elementary
ELA SecondaryElementary ScienceHealth Physical  Education Recess Elementary
Health Physical Education Recess SecondaryK-6 Art EssentialsK-6 Dance Essentials
Mathematics GuidanceMathematicsMusic K-6 Essentials
Music Secondary EssentialsPreschool EssentialsSecondary Dance Essentials
Secondary ScienceSecondary Visual Arts EssentialsSocial Studies Elementary
Social Studies SecondaryTheatre Essentials SecondaryWorld Languages Essentials

• 7/7/2020 National Alliance for Public Charter Schools report: A Compendium of Public Resources on the Safe Reopening of Charter Schools.  This guide was produced by charter support organization leaders across the country to help the NAPCS team think through what would be the most helpful to charter schools when creating reopening plans. They acknowledge that every community and state has different circumstances relating to the pandemic, but this guide provides some summary guidelines and suggestions on key topics. This guide does not replace official guidance from public health and state education officials, but hopefully provides some guidance to charter school leaders as they engage in planning efforts.


• 7/1/2020 Utah State Board of Education School Reopening Page: https://www.schools.utah.gov/coronavirus?mid=4985&aid=1

School Reopening Planning Handbook

School Reopening Requirements Template

Slide Presentation: Templates and Tools to Reopen K-12 School



Resources from State Agencies 


•Utah State Board of Education  https://www.schools.utah.gov/coronavirus

•Utah State Charter School Board https://www.utahscsb.org/

Utah Education Network https://www.uen.org/learnathome/

Governor Declaration School Dismissal Extended to May 1 letter

Governor Executive Order Open and Public Meetings Act Adjustments Letter

5/27/20 Governor's Executive Order Summary-Order Releasing Updated Guidelines for Low-Risk Phase in the Utah Leads Together Plan 

The complete Executive Order is found on a shared drive here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OsdAK4vi_UoTX9g-ksLQqfUODk1gB_zI/view

The updated phased guidelines are found on a shared drive here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u5fXHH8dO0eycgCWHAcaH-qHccCnBHO7/view



Resources from Federal Agencies


Summary of Federal CARES Act for Public Charter Schools (Click on description for Powerpoint)

U.S. Department of Education Resources: https://www.ed.gov/coronavirus?src=feature&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=  (also has fact sheets for students, families, and staff understand COVID-19)

CDC site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htm

•Office of Schools and Secondary Education https://oese.ed.gov/files/2020/03/COVID-19-OESE-FINAL-3.12.20.pdf

U.S. Department of Agriculture https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19 


Resources for Teaching/Online Educating


•Zoom offering free videoconferencing to K-12 schools:  https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/13/how-to-use-zoom-for-online-learning/

The National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools https://www.ncsecs.org/news/covid-19-and-students-with-disabilities/

National Alliance for Public Charter Schools https://www.publiccharters.org/covid-19-resources-charter-schools

National School Choice Week https://schoolchoiceweek.com/keep-learning/

•Williamsburg Learning    They are offering to assist in training and support of schools using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet, or can help administrators learn to run effective distributed teams. They can provide assistance at NO CHARGE. Their team just wants to pitch in and help out. Contact James Ure at james@williamsburglearning.com. Williamsburg Learning website is https://www.williamsburglearning.com/.

TNTP (The New Teacher Project) blog: https://tntp.org/blog/post/resources-for-learning-at-home-when-schools-close

Instruction Partners https://instructionpartners.org

10 tips https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-03-09-preparing-to-take-school-online-here-are-10-tips-to-make-it-work 

We Are Teachers https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/ and https://www.reviews.com/jobs-and-education/education/internet-options-for-students/

Action steps https://instructionpartners.org/resources/coronavirus-planning-2 

EdSurge https://www.edsurge.com/research/guides/navigating-uncertain-times-how-schools-can-cope-with-coronavirus 

Emerson Collective https://www.emersoncollective.com/articles/2020/03/covid19-resources-for-remote-learning/?mc_cid=fee2a7a594&mc_eid=30bad32987 

Medium https://stories.chartergrowthfund.org/first-steps-into-virtual-instruction-lessons-learned-and-advice-from-a-pioneer-45dc47aee131 

Charter School Growth Fund https://stories.chartergrowthfund.org/approaches-to-instruction-during-school-closure-70e56b064d13 

Code.org https://code.org/break 

Barbara Bush Foundation https://www.barbarabush.org/toolkit-for-at-home-learning/ 

Learning Heroes https://bealearninghero.org 

National Summer Learning Association https://www.summerlearning.org/resources-for-programs-and-families-during-school-closures/ 

Newsela https://go.newsela.com/Complimentary-Access-Request.html 

Great Minds https://greatminds.org 

Learn at Home https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/learn-at-home  

Kahn Academy https://khanacademy.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360040167432-How-can-Khan-Academy-be-used-for-remote-learning-during-school-closures-


Resources for Education Support


Education Trust https://s3-us-east-2.amazonaws.com/edtrustmain/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/03/10171236/Educational-Equity-and-Coronavirus.pdf

School House Connection https://www.schoolhouseconnection.org/covid19-and-homelessness/

Internet options for families https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/b7ddf77d-ea17-4f0d-94f4-5d84b5f2e66e

The Food Research and Action Center https://frac.org/wp-content/uploads/AASA-FRAC-COVID-FINAL-FACT-SHEET-3-18-2020-2.pdf

TitleDescription
Financial Responsibilities of a Charter School Board
Basic overview of board financial oversight
Program Accounting RequirementsLetter from UAPCS about meeting requirements
Reading Financial Documents
PDF Powerpoint on getting the most out of your financial reports
Recommended Financial ProceduresSample of financial policies and procedures
School Finances in UtahPDF Powerpoint of how charter schools are funded from 2011
Guidance for Non-Profit Organizations on Paying Overtime
Fair Labor Standards Act guidance for overtime payment
UAPCS Presentation Slides
New York Charter School Fundraising Guide
53 Proven School Fundraisers
Video of Seminar on YouTube
Fundraising: Information from our Lunchtime Seminar 
DOCUMENTDESCRIPTION
Agendas, Meetings, and Website Requirements POWERPOINT
Sample Email Invitation to Board Meeting
Board Meeting Guidelines
Pattern of Formality
Closed Session Affidavit
Website Requirements
Patriotism and Respect for the Flag
Recording
Lunchtime Seminar (49 minutes) on Agendas, Meetings, and Website Requirements

Website requirements are subject to change, so please check with your authorizer and in state statute for latest requirements.
Board CalendarSample of items for the year the board needs to address.
Board Meeting Evaluation Form
 
 
Evaluation form for board members to fill out about their own board meeting
Board Meeting Evaluation Form 2
Evaluation form for board members to fill out about their own board meeting
Board Meeting Evaluation Form-ObserverEvaluation form for an outside observer to a board meeting
Board Meeting Monitoring ReportEvaluation for board members on how close they meet best practices for board meetings
Board Evaluation Powerpoint
Board Evaluation Recording

SAMPLE 1-Full Board Evaluation

SAMPLE 2-Individual Board Member Self Evaluation

SAMPLE 3

BOARD SELF ASSESSMENT EXAMPLE

NSNO BOARD TRAINING-SELF EVALUATION (great for additional training on board evaluation)


Lunchtime Seminar Audio Recording (19 minutes) How to evaluate your board efficacy personally as a board member and as a group.

Other board evaluation samples discussed in training.
Board Meeting Structure VideoLunchtime Seminar Video (38 minutes) How to structure your meetings to be the most effective.
Board Self Evaluation QuestionnaireLonger form questionnaire for annual evaluation of board member performance
Board Self Evaluation Short questionnaire to answer "Is your governing board effective?"
Sample Board AgendaSample agenda without item for closed session
Charter School Board Member as Charter School Employee-official opinionStatement from 2005 from Utah state attorney general's office regarding being employed at the school as a board member
Charter School Accountability Framework DetailLink to the Utah State Charter School Board accountability framework
Charter School Accountability Framework OverviewLink to the Utah State Charter School Board accountability framework
Director EvaluationEvaluation based on specific stated goals from Charter Solutions
Director Evaluation Rubrics 
Rubrics for director evaluation
Director Performance Review Sample
Director Performance Review Sample #2
Sample review from Lakeview Academy
Generic sample review for charter schools
Evaluating the Director BookletBooklet PDF of how to evaluate the director
Powerpoint
Recording
Director Evaluations: Information shared in our Lunchtime Seminar (20 minutes)
Financial Responsibilities of a Charter School Board
Basic overview of board financial oversight
New York Charter School Fundraising GuideGreat information about fundraising.
53 Proven School Fundraising Ideas   Fundraising ideas
How Do We Decide? 
PDF Powerpoint about governing responsibilities of boards
POWERPOINT
Marketing Worksheet
Marketing Recording
Lunchtime Seminar Training (44 minutes) on marketing your charter school
Supporting worksheet
Marketing WorksheetWorksheet to help you identify the key points to address in your marketing materials
Stand Out: A Guide to School MarketingMarketing presentation from the Colorado League of Charter Schools
New Board Member Documents13 documents each new board member should read
New Board Member TrainingOnboarding information for new board members
A Range of Expertise: Board CommitteesPDF Powerpoint on using board committees effectively
Reading Financial DocumentsPDF Powerpoint on getting the most out of your financial reports
Robert's Rules of Order
Roberts Rules Training Recording
PDF Powerpoint on basics of using Robert's Rules of Order
Recording from Lunchtime Seminar on Robert's Rules (25 min)
Board Retreat ChecklistItems to consider when planning a board retreat
State Auditor's Training for School BoardsLink to Utah State Office of the Auditors local government resource center.
TitleDescription
2020 Legislative SummaryUSBE Summary of 2020 Legislative session including law, funding, and policy requirements
Bullying Policy
Sample policy
Child Abuse Reporting PolicySample policy
Child Abuse Reporting Policy 
Additional sample policy
Continuing Enrollment Measurement Policy
From 4 schools w/online learning 
From CS Lewis Academy (pg 4 under Exceptions)
Sample policies
This is the policy to be used to account for student attendance in an online learning platform.
Committee PolicySample policy
Data Privacy and FERPA HandoutPowerpoint training 
Directory Information HandoutSample explanation of a school's definition of directory information 
Drug Free Workplace Policy
Sample policy
Employee Discrimination and Harassment  Policy
Sample policy
Employ Harassment Sample Policy
Sample policy
Employee Dress Code Sample Policy
Sample policy
Employee At Will Employment Sample Policy
Sample policy
Fees and Waivers PolicySample policy
FERPAFederal website
Grievance PolicySample policy
Library Policy 2022
Library Rule R277-628
Library Policy Press Release
Sensitive materials sample policy
Utah Administrative Code
USBE Press Release
Medical Recommendations PolicySample policy on school personnel and medical recommendations
Mileage Reimbursement PolicySample policy
Open and Public Meetings Act
Open and Public Meetings Act Worksheet for Podcast
Link to the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act
Listen to the UAPCS podcast HERE
Open and Public Meetings Act TrainingUAPCS PDF Powerpoint training
Open and Public Meetings Act Training 2PDF Powerpoint training you can take notes on
Open and Public Meetings Updates2021 Legislative updates powerpoint
Paid Time Off During School Closure
Beaver School District Policy
USBE Guidance
Federal Fact Sheet
Sample policy w/supporting documents below
Beaver School District-our sample pulled from this
Email from Scott Jones

Prayer in School Policy
Sample policy
Records Management PolicySample policy
Safe School PolicySample policy
Search of Person or Property Policy
Sample policy
Substitute Teacher PolicySample policy
Technology PolicySample policy
Vending and Competitive Food Sales Policy
Sample policy
TitleDescription
Amplio Speech Presentation50 minute video about Amplio Speech brand speech therapy solutions.
Special Education ChecklistList of items to consider for special education
Special Education PrimerUSOE instruction
Special Education and Covid-19 Landing Page
Special Education and Covid-19 Zoom Recording
Special Education and Covid-19 Slides
Resources from the National Center for Special Education in Charter Schools
DocumentDescription
Achieving with Data
How high-performing school systems use data to improve instruction for elementary students                                   
   
COVID-19 School Closure Canvas for Classroom Information
Instructure Canvas classroom FREE resources
Classroom Mindfulness ManualK-5 mindfulness practice in the classroom
Special Education Primer
USOE instruction
Digital Citizenship Lesson PlanCommonsense Media free lesson plans on digital citizenship K-12
FREE Lakeshore Learning MaterialsFree learning activities, arts and craft activities, writing templates, flash cards etc. from education expert Lakeshore Learning.
FREE Amazing Educational Resources.comThis website is a clearinghouse of FREE educational resources available during the COVID-19-caused school dismissals.
FREE Girls Who Code at HomeGirls Who Code has just released FREE weekly Girls Who Code at Home unplugged and online activities for 3rd-12th grade students. Learn coding from the comfort of your home!

Policy Series

Sample Policy by Type

Please refer to SCSB list of Required policies: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aofXT2yCUOJ-HgoqdzjbsyG6eM20LSVLSTKRWQizOtY/edit for updated list.

PLEASE NOTE UPDATES NOT ON LIST:

R277-400: This is the current rule: https://www.schools.utah.gov/File/840e92e0-9afe-4a50-8bb4-c7a12cd3bb68

R277-469. Instructional Materials Commission Operating Procedures This is the current rule: https://schools.utah.gov/administrativerules/_administrative_rules_/_effective_rules/R277469EffectiveOctober2023.pdf