Family Handbook

Good communication is essential if parents/guardians, their schools, and the district at large are to be equal partners in education. Schools and the district communicate with parents in a variety of ways: report cards, standardized test results, parent-teacher conferences, back-to-school nights, curriculum fairs, school publications, the district website (www.cbsd.org), e-mail blasts, emergency text messages, the CB mobile app, and district Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) accounts. Parent/guardian input is equally valued.

Each school holds a back-to-school night for parents/guardians at the beginning of the year so teachers can explain the academic program, answer questions about the curriculum, and discuss what they expect from students. The three high schools also hold an asynchronous back-to-school night midyear that provides teachers an opportunity to introduce themselves to parents they did not meet in the fall. Parents/guardians can find the dates of their school’s back-to-school night(s) on the district website.

Related School Board Policy: 216 (Student Records)

The Student Records Policy allows the district, through representational consent, to release information about students which is “directory” in nature. Directory information contained in an education record of a student is information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Directory information with parent/guardian permission includes, but is not limited to, the student's name; address; telephone listing; electronic mail address; photograph; and grade level. 

Directory information does not include a student's Social Security Number; student identification (ID) number; date and place of birth; major field of study; enrollment status; dates of attendance; participation in officially recognized school activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors and awards received; and the most recent educational agency or institution attended. 

Information which is directory in nature may be released to the news media to promote good news happening in the district. Typical examples would be a photo and names of the students participating in a program or classroom activity, or announcements of student achievements and honors. Directory information is also provided to military recruiters. If you do not wish to have directory information about your child released for any of the above uses, please opt out via the district online census registration form.

Parents/guardians of students involved in school sports should be aware that commercial photographers often attend sporting events. These photographers take photos of students and may post them on a website where they are available for purchase. Students involved in the arts, music, and/or theater performances attended by the public may also be photographed. As these events are open to the public, the district is unable to control the use of these photos. 

District staff, primarily from the district’s Communications and Community Engagement Department, take photos and videos of students for district media and publications such as yearbooks, the district website, district-operated social media accounts, community displays, video productions, and to share with external media. These photos and videos may or may not use the students’ names. The photographs and videos are not used for commercial purposes.  

If you do not wish to have your child(ren) photographed and/or video recorded, or the name(s) of your child(ren) used in this way, please indicate that you “DO NOT” consent to this use when completing your annual student information update for the district or by contacting CBSD Central Registration.

Several calendar days are scheduled during the school year for parent/guardian conferences. Additional kindergarten conferences are held. For the 2025-26 school year only, half-day and full-day kindergarten students have separate schedules for conferences. You can view these schedules here.

Parent/guardian conferences are ideal times for parents/guardians to get specific information about their child’s progress in all areas -- social and emotional as well as academic. Conferences are most productive when parents/guardians come prepared with some specific questions to ask about their child(ren)’s academic progress and social adjustment. Parents/guardians also have information which can help teachers understand a child’s behavior and school performance. 

Parents/guardians do not have to wait for scheduled conference days to talk with their child(ren)’s teacher or counselor but may call for an appointment whenever they feel the need. Phone conversations and notes can also help keep lines of communication open. 

All schools have an active group of parents who meet monthly. Elementary schools each have a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) or a Home and School Association (HSA). Secondary schools have parent councils that meet monthly with the principal. These groups provide a forum for parents/guardians' concerns and a sharing of ideas. In addition, parents/guardians are routinely included on important district-wide committees and task forces. 

Every school has a core of dedicated and interested parents/guardians who wish to have a higher level of school involvement and volunteer for a variety of activities. Central Bucks welcomes parents/guardians to be as active in school groups as they can and wish to be. 

Parent/guardian conferences, back to school nights, college information programs, and school performances and athletic events in which their children participate should be a priority for parents/guardians. Commitment to attend academic events sends a clear message to children and young adults that education is important. 

Related School Board Policy: 212 (Reporting Student Progress)

Elementary student achievement is reported on a trimester (three times a year) basis. Report cards are posted to the Parent Portal each trimester. In addition to the three elementary report cards, conferences are held at the end of the first trimester in December and second trimester in March, where parents/guardians and students meet with the teacher to discuss growth, strengths, and goal areas. Secondary report cards are available at the end of each marking period and can be viewed in the Parent Portal.

Related School Board Policy: 906 (Public Complaints)

From time to time, every parent/guardian has questions and special concerns. The first person for parents/guardians to contact is the one who can answer a question, address a concern, or resolve a complaint most directly. 

For example, parents/guardians with concerns about a child’s academic achievement or behavior in class should contact their child’s teacher and make an appointment to discuss the matter. The school counselor may also be helpful. 

If the situation is not resolved, the next person to consult is the school principal. The principal is also the person to contact for a question or concern about a school policy. Parents/guardians should contact the Transportation Department at 267-893-4000 with transportation concerns about bus stops or routes. 

Concerns about student behavior on the bus should be addressed to the school principal, who will work with the Transportation Department to resolve the problem.

More information on how to share concerns is addressed in Board Policy 906: Public Complaints and this “Pathways for Effective Communication” resource on the district website. 

Related School Board Policy: 204 (Attendance)

All children from the age of six (6) through the age of eighteen (18) must comply with compulsory school attendance requirements. To meet these requirements, parents/guardians must ensure that their child(ren) between the ages of 6 and 18 are attending or participating in one of the following: a public elementary, middle, or high school; a public charter or cyber-charter school; a private licensed academic or private religious school; home tutoring by a certified teacher; or an approved program of home schooling. Children may be excused from compulsory attendance for documented medical or other compelling reasons as outlined in district attendance policy and procedures found in Board Policy 204. 

Parents/guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that their children attend school, and they may be fined in district court if their children are illegally absent more than three days. 

Excused absences include illness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, inclement weather that would jeopardize the safety of the student, religious holidays, home emergencies directly related to the student, health care of the student, or necessary college or job interviews which cannot be arranged outside of school hours, and educational trips or family travel under the conditions outlined in the next section.

Truancy, employment, oversleeping, missing the bus, baby-sitting, visiting relatives, working at home, hunting or fishing, staying home to do school-work, and educational trips and family vacations that do not meet district criteria are all unexcused absences from school. Students without an excused absence are expected to make up both time and work missed. 

Beyond the requirements of law, parents/guardians should be aware that regular attendance in school has a direct relationship with children’s academic achievement. Some absences are unavoidable, and certainly children should not be sent to school when they are ill.

Related School Board Policy: 204 (Attendance)

Parents/guardians can submit absence requests via the Parent Portal at www.cbsd.org/parentportal. The following items are some key points to be aware of. 

• Parents/guardians can request a full day absence, early dismissal, or late arrival.

• Absence requests will be reviewed by school attendance staff and approved or denied.

• Requests made using the Parent Portal will also serve as the excuse for the absence. Parents/guardians will not be required to submit an excuse either electronic or written.

• Parents/guardians can also still call the school to report an absence, but emails will not be accepted. 

In addition, when a student is absent from school, but the school did not receive communication from the parent/guardian, the following communication will be sent: 

• A text message will be sent notifying the parent/guardian of the absence. 

• An email will also be sent reminding the parent/guardian that the student was marked absent. Information regarding how to use the Parent Portal to report an absence can be found at www.cbsd.org/attendance. 

Related School Board Policy: 204 (Attendance)

Students may also be excused from school for educational tours or trips, the criteria for which is defined in Policy 204. Requests for such trips must be sent by the parent/guardian in writing at least three (3) days prior to the absence so that students can obtain work to keep current with class progress. The principal must review all such requests and will consider whether the trip is truly educational in nature and whether there is sufficient reason for the trip to be scheduled during school hours. It is the student’s responsibility to see that all make-up work is obtained from teachers and completed. 

Families should do everything possible to schedule family vacations during the summer or on non-school days during the school year. Absences for family travel will be excused when the student would either be left alone or a non-family member would be required to supervise the student.  

Parents/guardians must notify the principal in writing at least three (3) days prior to the absence so that students can use the Approved Absence Request Form to obtain schoolwork that will be missed. All work missed must be made up by the student. Only two (2) extended absences for family travel per school year will be excused and the total number of days missed must not exceed five (5) days. The principal must review all absences for family travel. 

If an injury occurs during the school day, the district does not provide insurance coverage for a student who is injured during the school day.

If an injury occurs during participation in sports: in order for a student to participate in a sport, parents/guardians must provide a signed waiver or proof of coverage under the family’s health insurance. The district does provide insurance for secondary students who participate in interscholastic sports. However, the family health insurance is the primary coverage. The district insurance will act as secondary coverage.

Family out-of-pocket medical expenses have been increasing due to higher deductibles and co-insurance costs. Therefore, the district would like to make families aware of lower-cost supplemental insurance options that can be purchased by parents/guardians for $27 or $98 per year. These policies cover both medical and dental injuries and can help minimize the possibility of out-of-pocket expenses. 

Student property kept at school that is damaged, stolen, or lost is not covered by a school district insurance policy. 

Central Bucks School District educators use a variety of methods to determine how well students are learning. These include unit and chapter tests, curriculum projects, final exams, performance assessments, and various standardized norm-referenced tests. 

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA): The PSSA is an annual statewide assessment administered to measure English/Language Arts and Math skills in grades three to eight and Science in grades four and eight. 

Keystone Exams Algebra/Biology/Literature: The Algebra and Biology Keystone Exams are taken by students while enrolled in these courses. The Literature Keystone is taken by each student enrolled in English 10. 

Other specialized tests may also be used to assist with decisions involving special programs, learning strengths and weaknesses, and career choices. These tests may include but are not limited to: Behavior Rating Scales, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy Skills (DIBELS), Star Reading and Math Assessments, Foresight, Gesell School Readiness Test, Expressive/Receptive One Word Vocabulary Test, Beery- Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration, the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, CELF Screening, Kaufman Basic Intelligence Test, Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Career Decision Making Test, and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (voluntary).

Performance assessments, sometimes called authentic assessments, are one of the district’s most important evaluation tools. A performance assessment is a task designed to allow students to demonstrate what they know and can do. Central Bucks mandates culminating performance assessments in grades three, six, nine, and 12. 

Successful completion of both the ninth-grade assessment and the Success Plan is required for students to graduate. Students are also expected to complete both elementary assessments, and parents should not plan family vacations when these assessments take place. Unlike other tests, performance assessments are not easy to make up at a later time.

Related School Board Policy: 206 (Assignment Within District)

Transfer of a student from a school in the home attendance area to a school in another attendance area may be approved under some conditions and in accordance with school board policy. 

For enrollment in a special education class, when all the requirements of law and the district have been met for such placement and agreed to by the parents/guardians. Transportation in this instance will be provided by the district. 

The school-based team (principal, leadership team, etc.) may recommend a transfer to another district school only after parents/guardians and the team have exhausted all possibilities to support the student within the home school. The receiving school must have adequate space to accommodate the incoming student as determined by the building's operational capacity and overall class-size guidelines. Transfers will not be granted to avoid redistricting to another attendance area or for reasons of athletics, convenience, extra-curricular activities, employment, friends, or other conditions of a less serious nature. If approved, transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the parent. 

New residents or current residents who have moved within the district MUST register with Central Registration before any attendance exception request will be considered. 

Information about free or reduced meal payment options, including an online application are available at www.cbsd.org/freeandreduced. Paper applications are also available in your school’s health office. 

Eligibility for free and reduced-price meals is established according to federal guidelines: 

• All children in households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are eligible for free meals. 

• Foster children who are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals. 

• Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals. 

• Children may receive free or reduced-price meals if your household’s income is within the limits indicated on Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. 

Information Sharing

Students who qualify for the Free or Reduced-Price School Meals Program may also qualify for a variety of needs-based assistance based on their program eligibility. Federal law requires the family’s consent before Central Bucks School District can use or share eligibility status for purposes other than the provision of free or reduced meals. This information will only be shared if you consent to help provide needs-based assistance to your student that may be beneficial to your family. Your decision to share or not share this information will not in any way affect your eligibility status for the Free and Reduced School Meals Program; it is completely optional. 

If your student(s) qualifies for the Free or Reduced-Price School Meals Program, you will receive a notification of a document that needs your attention in the Parent Portal. The document requests permission to use the eligibility status to qualify for various needs-based assistance and programming. You may consent for all areas, decline consent to all areas, or provide partial consent. 

Contact Renee Ziccardi at 267-893-2076 with questions. 

Students are assigned individual accounts for school cafeteria meal purchase, ensuring that the identity of each student is protected.

Through MySchoolBucks.com, families may make payments online, check balances and purchases, receive low balance alerts, and more.  

The district will permit students to charge a full meal and/or offer a reimbursable meal when the student forgets or loses their money or when their account has insufficient funds. Students will not be permitted to charge a la carte items such as snacks or drinks. 

Act 55 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code is designed to help protect students from embarrassment and public stigma if their lunch account becomes negative. All communications regarding money owed by a student for school meals must be made to the student’s parent/guardian and not to the student. Reasonable efforts will be made by the district to collect unpaid meal charges from parents/guardians; these efforts will not have a negative impact on the student involved. 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online, from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 

• Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

• Fax: 833-256-1665 or 202-690-7442

• Email: program.intake@usda.gov 

The district announces weather-related school closings, late starts, and early dismissals in several ways: 

• A pop-up alert on the district website (www.cbsd.org) 

• Text message for those parents/guardians who registered 

• Email to parent/guardian addresses registered in the Parent Portal

• Local television news 

• Via social media: @CBSDSchools on X (Twitter) and Instagram, and @CBSchools on Facebook 

• CBSD mobile app 

The school district cannot be responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of radio and television announcements, only for the accuracy of information given to these media outlets. 

If school is delayed for two hours, kindergarten will be conducted according to the following modified schedule.

If schools are closed because of inclement weather, all activities scheduled in school buildings in the evening are also canceled unless otherwise announced by the district.  

Occasionally, bad weather occurs after school starts, and the superintendent may decide that it is in the best interest of student safety to close schools early. Parents/guardians should be alert to this possibility, and make sure that their children know what to do if they are dismissed early and no one is at home. 

The graduation date for CB East, CB South and CB West is typically confirmed when the district’s annual instructional calendar is approved by the School Board.

The 2025-26 and 2026-27 annual calendars have been approved; graduation for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for June 11, 2026 and graduation for the Class of 2027 is scheduled for June 10, 2027. If for some unforeseen reason the date of graduation must change, it will be shared with the community once the decision is finalized.

For the 2025-26 school year, the first day that school must be closed due to weather or another emergency (a "snow day") will be a traditional snow day. Snow days two (2) to six (6) will be flexible instructional days. Any snow days after six (6) will be added to the end of the school year.

Related School Board Policy: 201 (Admission of Students)

The district’s entry age for kindergarten is five (5) years before September 1, in accordance with state law and regulations. Please refer to Policy 201 for details on early admission.

First grade students should be six (6) years old before September 1 of the year of intended enrollment in first grade. 

Middle Schools (Holicong, Lenape, Tamanend, Tohickon, Unami)

• Regular Hours: 7:25 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 
• Early Dismissal: 10:45 a.m.  
• Two-Hour Delay: 9:25 a.m.

High Schools (CB East, CB South, CB West)

• Regular Hours: 7:25 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 
• Early Dismissal: 10:40 a.m.  
• Two-Hour Delay: 9:25 a.m.

Central Bucks has taken a variety of steps to keep schools safe for students. Each school has a detailed emergency plan, that includes lockdown procedures and drills for school evacuation and shelter-in-place emergencies. 

• School administrators and local law enforcement have worked cooperatively to review all school safety plans. 

• Our facilities with a single entrance during school hours and are constructed so that all visitors must be “buzzed” into the building and check in with the main office. 

• All visitors are required to present state-issued identification, which will be used to produce a visitor’s badge. 

• Our facilities are equipped with card access for all staff along with exterior security cameras located around the perimeter of each building. 

• Staff members and visitors must sign in at the front office and wear district identification badges at all times.

• All schools have crisis prevention and intervention teams which have developed plans to respond to the unique needs of each building. Additionally, there is a district-level critical response team to provide support and resources to our buildings.

Learn more on the district's "Safety in Action" webpage.

Related School Board Policy: 810 (Transportation)

CBSD will transport elementary students living a distance greater than one-and-one-half miles from school, and secondary students who live more than two miles from school, unless students must walk on roads declared hazardous by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.  

During the 2025-26 school year, the district will provide transportation to and from school for students attending CBSD’s pioneer full-day kindergarten program through grade 12. The full-day kindergarten program will be implemented districtwide in 2026-27.

During 2025-26, half-day kindergarten students attending the morning session are transported to school and those attending the afternoon session are transported from school. Kindergarten, first grade, and students with special needs must be met at the bus stop by a parent/guardian, or responsible older sibling. If no parent/guardian is available after a series of attempts to drop off, the driver will contact the school and the Transportation Department and the child will be returned to school per Board Policy 810. 

Questions About Bus Stops and Bus Routes

• Through the website: www.cbsd.org/bus. 
• Email: transportation@cbsd.org 
• Phone: 267-893-4000, follow menu 
• Mail: Central Bucks School District Transportation Department, 320 West Swamp Road, Doylestown, PA 18901

All requests for establishing new stops must be made by mail/email. It may be difficult getting through in September by phone due to the high volume of calls, so we suggest you use the website or mail/email. 

In the event that you experience a transportation emergency, please call 267-893-4000. Stay on the line and your call will go to the first available staff member. 

Alternate Bus Stop Request 

Your student may only ride the bus to which they have been assigned unless your student has an approved Alternate Bus Stop Request. Parents/guardians may pick up Alternate Bus Stop Request forms from schools or on the website and return them to the schools or Transportation Department. Requests are due by May 1 each year for the upcoming school year in order to guarantee a response before the opening of school. Transportation will process requests submitted after May 1 but, because of routing requirements, requests submitted in the summer may not be processed until the third week of school. 

Requests for alternate bus stops must be renewed annually. The  Transportation Department will approve requests for childcare or shared custody situations as long as the following criteria are met: 

• Requests must be for every morning and/or afternoon for the entire school year (Exception: shared custody situations).

• Stop must be within district boundaries.

• Change cannot result in overcrowding a bus.

• Childcare is not applicable to middle or high school students. On the secondary level, only shared custody situations will be approved.

• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will requests be approved for student employment, medical appointments, religious instruction, scouts, joint student projects, parent/guardian vacations, or any other non-emergency activity.

Transportation Tips and Reminders 

• Bus stop information may be found in the Parent Portal beginning in August for the following school year. 

• Students who misbehave and violate safety rules may lose the privilege of riding the school bus. If a child should be suspended from the school bus, parents/guardians are legally responsible for transportation to and from school. 

• Sports/music equipment/backpacks must fit on your student’s lap or under their seat to be transported. 

• Students must be at bus stop five minutes prior to scheduled pick up time. 

• If your student misses the bus, they may not go to next bus stop and board the bus. 

• Students may only use the bus stop to which they are assigned. 

• Students are expected to follow the bus driver’s directions, obey all safety rules, and treat others with courtesy. 

If an emergency occurs and your student needs to be dropped off at a different location, call your student’s principal and the principal will issue an Emergency Transportation Pass for that afternoon only.

For information on transportation surveillance, see the section in this handbook titled “Search and Surveillance of Student Lockers and Cars” under “Policies, Regulations, and Discipline.”

All schools have assistance teams that meet regularly to discuss individual students. The team reviews students’ progress and suggests strategies for students who are experiencing academic, behavioral, or social challenges.

At the elementary level, Multi-Tiered System of Supports Teams (MTSS) provide assistance; at the secondary level, this support is provided by the Child Study Team/MTSS. Depending on the student concern, the team may include the parent/guardian, the principal, counselor, school psychologist, reading specialist, and appropriate teachers. The team will identify the problem and recommend an action plan. 

Secondary schools each have a Student Assistance Program (SAP) Team of staff members who take a proactive approach to drug, alcohol, and mental health problems. Team members work with at-risk students and their parents/guardians and make referrals to community agencies to facilitate treatment/aftercare. 

Related School Board Policy: 209 (Health Examinations)School nurses provide health services to both public and nonpublic school students, as required by law. Staff nurses are present in all schools when the certified school nurse is not in the building. A health services brochure which describes the health program in detail is available at each school and at www.cbsd.org/health. 

Pennsylvania requires certain health examinations during certain grade level years while attending school. These include:

• A medical examination at school entry and grades six and 11
• Dental examinations at school entry and grades three and seven
• Hearing tests at school entry and grades one, two, three, seven, and 11
• Vision, height, and weight checks every year

School districts are also required to assess Body Mass Index (BMI) at every grade level. School nurses also screen students in grades six and seven for scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine. 

Parents/guardians are urged to have their family doctor and dentist conduct physical and dental examinations because they know their child(ren) best, but the school will provide the exams when requested.

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) regulations require a physical examination before a student can train or practice for a sport. These examinations are done by the student’s physician. If a student participates in a second sport during the same school year, it is not necessary to get another complete physical; the parent/guardian can re-certify the student after a review of the student’s health history checklist. 

For entrance in all grades: 

• Four (4) doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (one dose on or after the fourth birthday); (Usually given as DTP or DTaP or if medically advisable, OT or Td)

• Four (4) doses of polio (fourth dose on or after fourth birthday and at least six months after previous dose given); (A fourth dose is not necessary if the third dose was administered at age four years or older and at least six months after the previous dose) 

• Two (2) doses of measles, mumps, rubella (Usually given as MMR) 

• Three (3) doses of hepatitis B 

• Two (2) doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity 

On the first day of school, unless the child has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption, a child must have had at least one dose of the above vaccinations or risk exclusion.

If a child does not have all the doses listed above, needs additional doses, and the next dose is medically appropriate, the child must receive that dose within the first five (5) days of school or risk exclusion. If the next dose is not the final dose of the series, the child must also provide a medical plan (red and white card) within the first five (5) days of school for obtaining the required immunizations or risk exclusion.

If a child does not have all the doses listed above, needs additional doses, and the next dose is not medically appropriate, the child must provide a medical plan (red and white card) within the first five (5) days of school for obtaining the required immunizations or risk exclusion. The medical plan must be followed or risk exclusion. 

For attendance in seventh grade: 

• One dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) on the first day of seventh grade. 

• One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) on the first day of seventh grade. 

On the first day of seventh grade, unless the child has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption, a child must have had the above vaccines or risk exclusion. 

For attendance in 12th grade: 

• One dose of MCV on the first day of 12th grade. If one dose was given at 16 years of age or older, that shall count as the 12th grade 

On the first day of 12th grade, unless the child has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption, a child must have had the above vaccines or risk exclusion. 

The vaccines required for entrance for all grades, seventh grade, and 12th grade continue to be required in each succeeding school year.

These requirements allow for the following exemptions: medical reason, religious belief, or philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction. Even if your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be excluded from school during an outbreak of vaccine preventable disease.

Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in PA School Code (28 Pa. CODE CH.23: Immunization Requirements). Contact your healthcare provider or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH for more information. 

Related School Board Policy: 210 (Use of Medications)

Students must register all medications brought to school with the school nurse. This includes non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, decongestants, inhalers, or cough medicine. Medications must be delivered to the nurse in the original container. The Medication Dispensing Form must be completed and signed by both the parent/guardians and the physician. A copy of the medication dispensing form may be downloaded at www.cbsd.org/medication. 

All controlled medications must be hand-delivered to the school nurse by a parent/guardian at which time it will be counted and signed for (including stimulants). 

With parent/guardian permission, acetaminophen, antacids (e.g. Tums), antihistamines (e.g. Benadryl), and ibuprofen may be administered according to the manufacturer’s suggested dosage. Parents/guardians must grant permission within the Parent Portal through the annual student information update process that takes place during the summer months. Administration of specific non-prescription medications is available to all students under the guidelines of the school physician. These medications include cough drops, throat spray, and antibiotic ointment. 

Students who have medications of any kind in their possession (purses, lunch boxes, school bags, etc.) may be considered in violation of the school drug and alcohol policy. However, with a doctor’s order, students requiring emergency medication (EpiPen, for example) may be permitted to carry and self- administer the medication. For more information, view Policy 210: Use of Medications.

Parents/guardians must package oral medications at home and deliver this package to the teacher in a sealed envelope. Medications that must be delivered in person need to be given directly to your child’s teacher by a parent/guardian. On the envelope, please indicate your child’s name, teacher, and the time the medication needs to be given. 

The child will be required to self-administer the oral medication under the supervision of the teacher. If your child requires an EpiPen or inhaler, parents/guardians must provide this medication and send it in with the student. In the event the student is unable to self-administer the EpiPen in an emergency, the trained school staff will assist with administering this medication. 

When a physician states that a student will be absent for 10 or more consecutive school days, the district will provide homebound instruction. Homebound Instruction is coordinated through the district’s Pupil Services Department and school personnel. 

The McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all homeless children and youth.

B.E.C. 42 U.S.C. 11431 outlines procedures for deciding school placement, enrolling students, and determining responsibility. Federal and state laws make the district’s responsibility clear. Children who are experiencing homelessness and attending Pennsylvania public schools must be provided proper educational supports and services. 

McKinney-Vento Act Basics At-a-Glance: 

What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento? 

“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.” 

What situations fit this definition? 

Staying in the home of other people due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, or  
similar circumstances 

• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (in some instances – examples: leaking roof, no heat, etc.), public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing options 

• Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing 

• Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of legal parent/guardian) or runaway youth 

• Refugee and migrant youth 

How does McKinney-Vento help these students? 

The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and full, basic, daily participation in school activities. This includes: 

• Immediate enrollment 

• Free and Reduced School Meals 

• Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents 

• Help from school setting up transportation service (if the student qualifies) 

• Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing 

• Help from school with basic school supplies 

• Help from school with any basic clothing needs 

• Help from school with basic high school graduation needs and expenses 

Where can I find more information for Pennsylvania? 

You can visit the PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness website. Questions may be directed to the district’s Pupil Services Department at 267-893-2000. 

Additional Resources 

• Education for Homeless Children and Youth 

• Community Resource Guide 

• Bucks County Resource Directory 

In compliance with state and federal law, Central Bucks School District conducts ongoing identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education services, services for protected students with disabilities, and gifted services. If your child is identified by the district as possibly in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures. 

If you believe your child may be in need of any of these services, an evaluation process designed to assess the needs of the child and their eligibility is available to you at no cost, upon request.

Request for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to the principal of your child’s school or the director of pupil services, Central Bucks School District, 16 Welden Drive, Doylestown, PA 18901. 

Related School Board Policy: 103.1 (Nondiscrimination of Students Eligible for Special Education Services)

Central Bucks School District recognizes its responsibility to provide reasonable services, aids, and/or accommodations to students with disabilities. The services, aids, and/or accommodations allow a student with a disability to have access to general education curricula and to extracurricular activities. 

The district complies with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1993, and Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania School Code. The district conducts ongoing identification activities for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of accommodations due to their disabilities. 

If your child has a disability and you believe that services, aides, and/or accommodations are needed to access the general education curricula and extracurricular activities, requests for an evaluation should be made in writing to the principal of your child’s school. You are a member of the team that completes the evaluation and determines eligibility. If your child is found eligible, the team will decide what, if any, services, aids, and/or accommodations are needed. A written Service Agreement detailing any services, aids, and/or accommodation will be developed. 

Central Bucks School District provides special education programs and services for students with disabilities. Most special education programs and services are provided within the district. Eligibility for special education is determined after a student receives a Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Evaluation. If eligible for special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed. The IEP describes the specially designed instruction needed by the student and the type of program and the level of service. 

View the annual public notice of special education services and programs. 

The district’s Program for Enrichment (PEN) provides services to students who qualify for gifted education. Eligibility for the program is determined by a gifted evaluation. 

If eligible, a gifted Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed which describes the goals and specially designed instruction to be provided. Additional information regarding the screening, evaluation, program, and parent/guardian and student rights may be obtained from the Pupil Services Department by calling 267-893-2021. 

Additional information regarding screening and referral procedures, programs and services, parent/guardian and student rights, and confidentiality of information may be found here or by calling the Pupil Services Department at 267-893-2021. 

Many of the procedures and regulations contained within this handbook are authorized by or rooted in policies approved by the Central Bucks School District’s Board of School Directors. Parents/guardians should familiarize themselves with these policies, accessible at www.cbsd.org/policies. A particular policy may be found by number or keyword – simply visit the district’s “BoardDocs” website and click the “Search” tab. Enter a keyword or policy number to find the related policy. 

The most updated version of this handbook detailing district and school rules and regulations for all elementary, middle, and high school students is accessible online at www.cbsd.org/handbook. 

Parents/guardians should review any additional handbook or other grade-level specific procedures on their child’s elementary/middle/high school website and read them carefully. 

This handbook is not meant to be all-inclusive, but to make parents/guardians aware of district policies of particular interest to parents/guardians, especially the Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Student Discipline, which applies to all students regardless of grade or school. 

Related School Board Policies: 
815 (Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources)
816 (Electronic Communications and Social Media/Networking
816.1 (Social Media)

District policies govern the use of computers and the internet by students. Cell phone policies for students during the school day are also in effect.

Students and parents/guardians should review user agreements and documentation provided with student laptop distribution, as well as the above listed policies.

More information may also be found on the Technology and Innovation Department’s website. 

Related School Board Policy: 221 (Dress and Grooming

Per Policy 221, the school board recognizes that each student's mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices affect the educational program of the schools or the health and safety of others.

The board has the authority to impose limitations on students' dress in school. Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, technical education, extracurricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student.

The full policy and administrative regulation can be viewed on the district BoardDocs website.

Related School Board Policies:
218 (Student Discipline)
227 (Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia)

Use or possession of illegal drugs (including “look-alikes”) or alcohol is prohibited on school property or on school-sponsored trips. The district’s Controlled Substance/Paraphernalia Policy Substance Abuse Policy (Policy 227) is made available to secondary students via a school student handbook and this Family Handbook.

Violations of this policy will be considered a Level III or IV offense per the district's Student Discipline Policy (Policy 218), which may result in disciplinary consequences up to and including expulsion.

Any senior student who violates this policy during the fourth marking period, whether in school or on a school trip, will automatically be excluded from participation in graduation activities. Parents/guardians are encouraged to read the complete policy. 

Related School Board Policy: 823 (Naloxone Administration in Schools)

In compliance with PA law under Act 139, the district has developed a policy for the administration of Naloxone for suspected opioid overdose in school. Act 139 allows first responders to administer Naloxone, a life-saving opioid reversal medication, to individuals experiencing an opioid overdose. 

Additionally, Act 139 provides immunity from prosecution for those responding to and reporting overdoses. No legal action will be taken against a person who reports an overdose. 

Naloxone is kept in the health office. The school nurse is responsible for the identification of a suspected opioid overdose. The school nurse will administer Naloxone when appropriate and available. Emergency services will be activated. 

Related School Board Policy: 222 (Tobacco and Vaping Products)

Smoking on district property, inside and out, by anyone, including staff members and other adults using school facilities, is strictly forbidden. Central Bucks School District students are not allowed to use or possess tobacco in any form, including smokeless tobacco and any nicotine delivery device or vaping device, on school property or on school-sponsored trips. 

Penalties are in effect for smoking violations by students and staff. A $50 fee and mandatory enrollment in a smoking cessation program will be imposed for a first offense. A $100 fee will be imposed for a second offense. Any offense or failure to pay the fine or attend the program may result in suspension, removal from activities, and/or removal of parking privileges.

Related School Board Policies:
226 (Searches)
820 (Use of Scanning Equipment to Detect Weapons)

Cars, lockers, bags and other items that are reasonably suspected to be housing contraband are subject to a legal search while on district property. Student lockers are school property and may be searched by school administration and search canines when appropriate. Cars parked in student parking lots may also be searched under certain circumstances. Illegal or prohibited materials seized during a search may be used against the student in a school discipline hearing. 

In addition, the superintendent may authorize the use of magneto-meters or scanning devices for administrative searches for comprehensive or random entry searches of students and visitors to schools, school buses, or school programs where circumstances in the community, or information received by the school, raises a heightened likelihood of weapons possession and/or violence in a school or between segments of the student population. 

Students and their parents/guardians should also be advised that district buses are equipped with surveillance cameras and other equipment. These cameras and other equipment will record everything that happens on a school bus and will record what is said on the school bus. Appropriate signage will be included on each school bus notifying the students that their images and voices are being recorded. 

Students and their parents/guardians should also be advised that district buildings are equipped with surveillance cameras and other equipment. These cameras and other equipment will record everything that happens in certain areas of school buildings. Appropriate signage is included at each school notifying the students that their images and voices are being recorded. 

Related School Board Policies: 218.2 (Terroristic Threats) and 218.3 (Student Threats of Violence)

Students who threaten harm to another student or staff member or make suicidal threats are removed from class immediately. If the principal believes the threat was intended, parents/guardians and the police are called and the student is suspended for a minimum of three days. A conference with parents/guardians must be held prior to readmission. 

If the student does not present an immediate threat, parents/guardians are called and will be referred to take their child to Crisis Intervention at Doylestown Hospital or to another mental health provider for an evaluation at parents/guardians’ expense. The results of such an evaluation must be reported to school personnel as part of the determination of what supports the child will need to return to school. Parents/guardians who refuse to remove their child from school will be reported. 

Related School Board Policy: 218.1 (Weapons)

The district will not tolerate any weapon in school, even when there is no actual or implied threat. This is one way that schools can ensure a safe and orderly climate for all students and staff members. Possession, use, or transfer of a firearm will result in possible expulsion from school in accordance with the law. 

Any knife, including Scout knives, pen knives, and other pocket-knives, will be considered a weapon. Any device that could conceivably be used as a weapon, even when the device is designated to be used for another purpose, such as a letter opener, and any device which is used to harm another will also be considered a weapon under this policy. In all cases, possessing or using a weapon (as defined above) in school will result in serious disciplinary action, including possible expulsion. 

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment. An individual may use this procedure to file a complaint alleging a violation of Title IX. 

An individual may file a complaint with the Title IX coordinator(s) if the complainant believes there was discrimination. The complaint should be filed as soon as possible, preferably within 180 days after the alleged unlawful discriminatory practice. To file the complaint, the individual may make a verbal statement to the Title IX coordinator(s) or make a written statement, detailing the violation of the law. It is important that the complainant explain what they would like to result from the resolution of the complaint.

The complaint can be filed at: 

Employees and Applicants  
Office of Human Resources  
Central Bucks School District  
20 Welden Drive 
Doylestown, PA 18901 
267-893-2000 

Students and Parents/Guardians 
Central Bucks West High School 
c/o Lyndell Davis  
375 West Court Street 
Doylestown, PA 18901

If the complaint involves an allegation of employee sexual harassment, the sexual harassment policy and procedures will be followed. 

The Title IX coordinator or designee will interview the complainant within 15 days of receiving the complaint. The complainant may provide the coordinator with the names of witnesses or other relevant information that will be included in the investigation. 

The Title IX coordinator or designee will then interview the individual accused of discrimination. The accused individual will have the opportunity to provide witnesses or other relevant information for the investigation. The Title IX coordinator or designee will strive to ensure the confidentiality of both parties to the degree possible and will stress that all people interviewed in the course of the investigation must maintain the confidentiality of the parties. 

The Title IX coordinator or designee will attempt to resolve the situation if it is within their authority to do so. Depending on the severity of the allegation, the coordinator may take such action(s) prior to the conclusion of the investigation to ensure the safety and well-being of the complaining party and any other persons that might be similarly situated. 

The Title IX coordinator or designee will complete a written report within 30 days of the submission of the complaint. The complainant will receive a copy of the report. The report will detail the facts and allegations made by the complainant. The report shall not be placed in the employee’s personnel file. 

The Title IX coordinator or designee will make a recommendation that a violation of Title IX has or has not occurred based on the evidence gathered in the investigation. The investigator shall then disclose the report to the superintendent along with a recommendation for any, if warranted, corrective action and/or disciplinary action. 

The recommendation shall be based on the severity of the offense which shall be determined according to the totality of the circumstances. The intensity, frequency, and duration of the prohibited conduct shall be considered by the investigator. Other factors may include the extent to which the misconduct, however minor, may serve to isolate, limit, intimidate or otherwise increase the difficulties of job performance or atmosphere in the workplace for the complainant. 

Within 15 days of receiving the report and recommendations, the superintendent may choose to follow the recommendation for any action or attempt to resolve the complaint. 

The complainant may either accept the proposed recommendation(s) or decide whether or not to pursue other avenues available. If the complainant accepts the resolution and the recommendations are implemented, the complaint will be considered resolved. The Title IX coordinator will follow up with the complaining party to ensure that no retaliation has occurred. 

Retaliation of any kind against anyone who is involved in the investigation of or in making an allegation of discrimination is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. 

Appeal Process

If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily following the procedures identified above, either the complainant or the party alleged to have discriminated may request, in writing, a reopening of the investigation. The written request shall state the reasons for requesting a reopening and shall be delivered to the Commissioner’s Office within seven business days of receiving the written decision. The commissioner (or alternate appointed by the Title IX coordinator if the complaint was filed against the commissioner) shall decide whether or not to reopen the investigation and, within 10 days of receiving the request to reopen the investigation, shall provide written notification of the determination to reopen or not to reopen to the complainant and to the party alleged to have discriminated. If the investigation is reopened, the commissioner (or alternate) shall require the repetition, as appropriate, of the investigation procedures. The timeline prescribed by the investigation procedure shall apply to any reopening under the appeal process. 

The complainant may also, or instead, file a complaint with the PA Commission for Human Rights, the Office for Civil Rights, and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Philadelphia. Contact information for these organizations is listed below. 

General Inquiries

PA Human Relations Commission Executive Offices 
333 Market St.,
8th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210 
717-787-4410 or 717-787-7279 (TTY) 
 
Atlanta Office 
Office for Civil Rights 
U.S. Department of Education 
61 Forsyth St. S.W., Suite 19T10 
Atlanta, GA 30303-8927 
Telephone: 404-974-9406 
FAX: 404-974-9406; TDD: 800-877-8339 
Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 
Philadelphia Office
801 Market Street, Suite 1300 
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3127  
1-800-669-4000 or 1-800-669-6820 (TTY) 

As part of general orientation, each recently hired employee shall be provided a copy of these procedures and shall be requested to read it and sign a statement acknowledging the procedures.