Annual Notifications

As required by law, Cassopolis Public Schools will release directory information including student’s name, address, and telephone number to United States Armed Forces recruiters.  See Board Policy 8330 for more information on student records.

Parents may request that the district not release their student’s information for the purpose of military recruiter access.

 

What is Erin's Law?

The bills allow schools to implement a program to educate and provide resources for students, staff, and parents about the warning signs of sexual abuse as well as available resources and counseling for children affected.

The bills now are Public Acts 593-595.

 

Erin's Law Information for Parents

 

Early, Open, Often

 

Learn here how to start the conversation with your child. Get the facts, learn how to talk about sexual abuse, be ready to respond, and how to get help now.

The  federal  law  known  as  the  Family  Educational  Rights  and  Privacy  Act  (FERPA)  affords  parents  and students  who  are  18  years  of  age  or  older  (“eligible  students”)  certain  rights  with  respect  to  the  student’s education records.  These rights are:

 

Student Privacy Policy Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20202-8520 

State of Michigan law requires schools that may apply pesticides on school property to provide an annual advisory to parents or guardians of students attending the facility. 

Please be advised that Cassopolis Public Schools utilizes an Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) approach to control pests. IPM is a pest management system that utilizes all suitable techniques in a total pest management system with the intent of preventing pests from reaching unacceptable levels or to reduce an existing population to an acceptable level. Pest management techniques emphasize sanitation, pest exclusion, and biological controls. One of the objectives of using an IPM approach is to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications of pesticides. However, certain situations may require the need for pesticides to be utilized. 

 

As required by State of Michigan law, you will receive advance notice regarding the non-emergency application of a pesticide such as an insecticide, fungicide or herbicide, other than a bait or gel formulation, that is made to the school grounds or buildings during this school year. In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students, but you will be notified following any such application. 

Advance notification of pesticide applications, other than a bait or gel formulation, will be given by at least two methods, including posting at the main entrance of the school and posting on the website. 

Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school are entitled to receive the advance notice of a pesticide application, other than a bait or gel formulation, by first class United States mail postmarked at least 3 days before the pesticide application, if they so request. If you prefer to receive the notification by first class mail, please complete the attached form and return it to our office. 

Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school may review the school's Integrated Pest Management program and records of any pesticide application upon request. 

 

Under the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) and School District policy, no student will be required as a part of the school program or the School District’s curriculum, without prior parental consent, to submit to or participate in any survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:  

 

 

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure, or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical examinations and screenings.  

 

Parents have the right to inspect, upon request, a survey or evaluation created by a third party before the survey/evaluation is administered or distributed by the school to the student.  The parent will be given access to the survey/evaluation within a reasonable period of time after the request is received by the building principal.  

 

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

 

Student Privacy Policy Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue SW

Washington, DC  20202-8520 

 

 

To help protect Michigan’s youth and prevent firearm-related unintentional injuries, Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 28.429, Section 9 of 1927 PA 372 requires firearm owners to securely store firearms wherever minors are present or likely to be present. This notice is designed to assist parents, guardians and gun owners to comply with the new secure storage requirements.

 

Below you’ll find a summary of Section 9, Subsections (1) and (2) of MCL 28.429, answers to frequently asked questions, secure storage resources, and information on how to obtain free or low-cost firearm locks and storage.

 

If a firearm is left unattended where a minor (under 18) is or is likely to be present, it must be:

This law applies whether firearms are in your own home or brought to another location.

 

If a firearm is in a vehicle, the vehicle must be locked when not in use, and the firearm must be secured and either locked in a container or disabled with a trigger or cable lock.

 

If a minor gains unlawful access to a firearm this can result in criminal charges and penalties up to 15 years in prison.

 

For a detailed description of the law, visit: MCL - Section 28.429 - Michigan Legislature or MDHHS Firearm Prevention Resource Library.

 

 

Q: Does the safe storage law apply to all firearms or only certain types?

A: This law applies to all firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns. If the firearm is not under immediate control of the possessor, on premises where a minor is likely to be present, it must be securely stored to prevent access by minors.

 

Q: Does this law apply to both loaded and unloaded firearms?

A: Yes. Both loaded and unloaded firearms must be properly secured to prevent unauthorized access by minors. All firearms should be treated as if they are loaded. Even unloaded firearms can pose a threat to minors if not securely stored.

 

Q: Do I need to use a specific type of lock or safe to comply?

A: Yes. A “locked box or container" means a secure container, specifically designed for the storage of firearms, that is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device to which a minor does not possess the key or combination or otherwise have access. "Locking device" means a trigger lock, cable lock or similar lock that prevents a firearm from discharging. If a locking device is used, the firearm must be unloaded and rendered inoperable.

 

Q: What should I do if I suspect another child might have access to a firearm that isn’t being securely stored, and therefore in violation of the law?

A: Contact your local law enforcement agency. Students can also report potential violations on school property to Michigan’s OK2SAY program text 652729 (OK2SAY), or call 855-565-2729 (8-555-OK2SAY). Call 9-1-1 for any emergency.

 

Q: Where can I get a lock box/container or a locking device?

A: Firearm safety kits provided by Project Childsafe are free. These kits contain a cable lock and an informational brochure. Some local police departments, local health departments or other community organizations may provide free or low-cost firearm locks or storage devices. Check with your local law enforcement agency for more information. Please refer to the “free and reduced cost firearm locking devices” section of this notice for more information on where to find these items in your community.

 

Q: As a non-gun owner, how can I make sure that children and teenagers stay safe when they visit homes with firearms?

A: Even people who don’t own firearms can take proactive steps to ensure the safety of youth by teaching children about the danger of touching firearms, asking hosts if firearms are present, verifying if they are securely stored, and sharing safety resources. Additional resources are available at Be SMART.

 

Q: Where does this law apply?

A: The law states “premises” - whether it is the property of the person possessing the firearm, someone else’s property, or anywhere children may be present. If the firearm is left unattended by the possessor, including in a vehicle, it must be securely stored to prevent access by minors. These requirements apply across all of Michigan.

 

Q: Are there exceptions to the law?

A: This law does not apply if the minor obtains the firearm:

 

Penalties may not apply when:

 

Q: Where can I find additional information on firearm safety and safe storage?

A: Additional information includes:

 

If you’re looking for free or reduced cost firearm locking devices, there are several resources available to support you.