ANNUAL PUBLIC NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND PROGRAMS, SERVICES FOR GIFTED STUDENTS, AND SERVICES FOR PROTECTED HANDICAPPED STUDENTS Notice to Parents According to state and federal special education regulations, annual public notice to parents of children who reside within a school district is required regarding child find responsibilities. School districts and intermediate units are required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for services via Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For additional information related to Section 504/ Chapter 15 services, the parent may refer to Section 504, Chapter 15, and the Basic Education Circular entitled Implementation of Chapter 15. Also, school districts are required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for gifted services via 22 PA Code Chapter 16. For additional information regarding gifted services, the parent may refer to 22 PA Code Chapter 16. If a student is both gifted and eligible for special education, the procedures in IDEA and Chapter 14 shall take precedence. This notice shall inform parents throughout the school district and intermediate unit of the child identification activities and of the procedures followed to ensure confidentiality of information pertaining to students with disabilities or eligible young children. In addition to this public notice, each school district and intermediate unit shall publish written information in the handbook and on the website. Children ages three through twenty-one can be eligible for special education programs and services. If parents believe that the child may be eligible for special education, the parent should contact their district of residence. Contact information is listed at the end of this public notice. Children age three through the age of admission to first grade are also eligible if they have developmental delays and, as a result, need special education and related services. Developmental delay is defined as a child who is less than the age of beginners and at least three years of age and is considered to have a developmental delay when one of the following exists: (i) The child's score, on a developmental assessment device, on an assessment instrument which yields a score in months, indicates that the child is delayed by 25% of the child's chronological age in one or more developmental areas, or (ii) The child is delayed in one or more of the developmental areas, as documented by test performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on standardized tests. Developmental areas include cognitive, communicative, physical, social/emotional and self-help. For additional information, contact the intermediate unit. Contact information is listed at the end of this public notice. Evaluation Process Each school district and intermediate unit has a procedure in place by which parents can request an evaluation. For information about procedures applicable to your child, contact the school which your child attends. Parents of preschool age children, age three through five, may request an evaluation in writing by addressing a letter to the Early Childhood Services Administrator, Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601-7190. Consent School entities cannot proceed with an evaluation or with the initial provision of special education and related services without the written consent of the parents. For additional information related to consent, please refer to the Procedural Safeguards Notice which can be found at the PaTTAN website, www.pattan.net. Once written parental consent is obtained, the district will proceed with the evaluation process. If the parent disagrees with the evaluation, the parent can request an independent educational evaluation at public expense. Program Development e the evaluation process is completed, a team of qualified professionals and the parents determine whether the child is eligible. If the child is eligible, the individualized education program (IEP) team meets, develops the program, and determines the educational placement. Once the IEP team develops the program and determines the educational placement, school district staff or intermediate unit staff will issue a notice of recommended educational placement/ prior written notice. Your written consent is required before initial services can be provided. The parent has the right to revoke consent after initial placement. Confidentiality of Information The school districts and to some extent the intermediate unit maintain records concerning children enrolled in the school, including students with disabilities. All records are maintained in the strictest confidentiality. Your consent, or consent of an eligible child who has reached the age of majority under State law must be obtained before personally identifiable information is released, except as permitted under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 21. Each participating agency must protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction states. One official at each participating agency must assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information. Each participating agency must maintain, for public inspection, a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within the agency who have access to personally identifiable information. In accordance with 34 CFR & 300.624, please be advised of the following retention/destruction schedule for the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), and Keystone Exam related materials PSSA, Keystone Exam, and PASA test booklets will be destroyed one year after student reports are delivered for the administration associated with the test booklets PSSA and Keystone Exam answer booklets and PASA media recordings will be destroyed three years after completion of the assessment. For additional information related to student records, the parent can refer to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This notice is only a summary of the special education services, evaluation and screening activities, and rights and protections pertaining to children with disabilities, children thought to be disabled, and their parents. For more information or to request evaluation or screening of a public or private school child, contact your local school district. For preschool age children, information, screenings and evaluations requested, may be obtained by contacting the intermediate unit. Belle Vernon Area School District Mr. Anthony Greece, Coordinator Student Services 270 Crest Avenue, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-808-2500x1103 Burrell School District Dr. Gregory Egnor, Director of Student Services 1021 Puckety Church Road, Lower Burrell, PA 15068 724-334-1406, ext. 2096 Derry Area School District) Dr. Kathy Perry, Director of Special Services 982 North Chestnut Street Ext., Derry, PA 15627 724-694-1401 ext. 1406 Dr. Robert Ketterer Charter School Mr. Eric Guldin 1135 Village Way, Latrobe, PA 15650 724-804-7027 Franklin Regional School District Dr. Richard Regelski, Director of Special Education 3170 School Road. Murrysville, PA 15668 724-327-5456, ext. 7615 Greater Latrobe School District Ms. Laurie Havrisko Assistant to the Superintendent Student Services 1816 Lincoln Avenue, Latrobe, PA 15650-1598 724-539-4200, ext. 11207 Greensburg Salem School District Mr. Todd McMillen Coordinator of Student Services. 1 Academy Hill Place, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-832-2900, ext. 61031 Hempfield Area School District Dr. Lisa A. Maloney, Supervisor of Pupil Services 4347 Route 136, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-850-2229 Early Childhood Services Dr. Denise Lohr, Administrator Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-219-2312 Jeannette City School District Dr. Justin Karam, Director of Special Education 1000 Lowry Avenue, Jeannette, PA 15644 724-523-5497, ext. 3004 Monessen City School District Ms. Patricia Hallam Director of Special Education/Student Services 1245 State Road, Monessen, PA 15062 724-684-3600, ext. 4106 Mt. Pleasant Area School District Dr. Beth Hutson, Assistant Superintendent 271 State Street, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724-547-4100, ext. 6950 New Kensington-Arnold School District Ms. Jennifer Pallone, Director of Special Education 707 Stevenson Boulevard, New Kensington, PA 15068 724-337-4536, ext. 1066 Norwin School District Dr. Stacey Snyder, Director of Special Education Student Services Norwin Administration Building 281 McMahon Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724-861-3026 Penn-Trafford School District Dr. Denise Kubistek Director of Special Education/Student Services 1006 Harrison City/Export Road, PO Box 530 Harrison City, PA 15636 724-744-4496 Southmoreland School District Mr. Ronald Heitchue Director of Special Education/Principal 2351 Route 981, Alverton, PA 15612 724-887-2009 Yough School District Ms. Dawn Hildenbrand Director of Special Education 915 Lowber Road, Herminie, PA 15637 724-446-7272, ext. 1004 Westmoreland Intermediate Unit # 7 Dr. Matthew Thomas, Student Services Director 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601 724-219-2304 The school district or intermediate unit will not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, creed, marital status or because a person is a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. No preschool, elementary or secondary school pupil enrolled in a school district or intermediate unit shall be denied equal opportunity to participate in age and program appropriate instruction or activities due to race, color, handicap, creed, national origin, marital status or financial hardship ANNUAL PUBLIC NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND PROGRAMS , SERVICES FOR GIFTED STUDENTS , AND SERVICES FOR PROTECTED HANDICAPPED STUDENTS Notice to Parents According to state and federal special education regulations , annual public notice to parents of children who reside within a school district is required regarding child find responsibilities . School districts and intermediate units are required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for services via Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For additional information related to Section 504 / Chapter 15 services , the parent may refer to Section 504 , Chapter 15 , and the Basic Education Circular entitled Implementation of Chapter 15. Also , school districts are required to conduct child find activities for children who may be eligible for gifted services via 22 PA Code Chapter 16. For additional information regarding gifted services , the parent may refer to 22 PA Code Chapter 16. If a student is both gifted and eligible for special education , the procedures in IDEA and Chapter 14 shall take precedence . This notice shall inform parents throughout the school district and intermediate unit of the child identification activities and of the procedures followed to ensure confidentiality of information pertaining to students with disabilities or eligible young children . In addition to this public notice , each school district and intermediate unit shall publish written information in the handbook and on the website . Children ages three through twenty - one can be eligible for special education programs and services . If parents believe that the child may be eligible for special education , the parent should contact their district of residence . Contact information is listed at the end of this public notice . Children age three through the age of admission to first grade are also eligible if they have developmental delays and , as a result , need special education and related services . Developmental delay is defined as a child who is less than the age of beginners and at least three years of age and is considered to have a developmental delay when one of the following exists : ( i ) The child's score , on a developmental assessment device , on an assessment instrument which yields a score in months , indicates that the child is delayed by 25 % of the child's chronological age in one or more developmental areas , or ( ii ) The child is delayed in one or more of the developmental areas , as documented by test performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on standardized tests . Developmental areas include cognitive , communicative , physical , social / emotional and self - help . For additional information , contact the intermediate unit . Contact information is listed at the end of this public notice . Evaluation Process Each school district and intermediate unit has a procedure in place by which parents can request an evaluation . For information about procedures applicable to your child , contact the school which your child attends . Parents of preschool age children , age three through five , may request an evaluation in writing by addressing a letter to the Early Childhood Services Administrator , Westmoreland Intermediate Unit , 102 Equity Drive , Greensburg , PA 15601-7190 . Consent School entities cannot proceed with an evaluation or with the initial provision of special education and related services without the written consent of the parents . For additional information related to consent , please refer to the Procedural Safeguards Notice which can be found at the PaTTAN website , www.pattan.net . Once written parental consent is obtained , the district will proceed with the evaluation process . If the parent disagrees with the evaluation , the parent can request an independent educational evaluation at public expense . Program Development e the evaluation process is completed , a team of qualified professionals and the parents determine whether the child is eligible . If the child is eligible , the individualized education program ( IEP ) team meets , develops the program , and determines the educational placement . Once the IEP team develops the program and determines the educational placement , school district staff or intermediate unit staff will issue a notice of recommended educational placement / prior written notice . Your written consent is required before initial services can be provided . The parent has the right to revoke consent after initial placement . Confidentiality of Information The school districts and to some extent the intermediate unit maintain records concerning children enrolled in the school , including students with disabilities . All records are maintained in the strictest confidentiality . Your consent , or consent of an eligible child who has reached the age of majority under State law must be obtained before personally identifiable information is released , except as permitted under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) . The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 21. Each participating agency must protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information at collection , storage , disclosure , and destruction states . One official at each participating agency must assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information . Each participating agency must maintain , for public inspection , a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within the agency who have access to personally identifiable information . In accordance with 34 CFR & 300.624 , please be advised of the following retention / destruction schedule for the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment ( PASA ) , Pennsylvania System of School Assessment ( PSSA ) , and Keystone Exam related materials PSSA , Keystone Exam , and PASA test booklets will be destroyed one year after student reports are delivered for the administration associated with the test booklets PSSA and Keystone Exam answer booklets and PASA media recordings will be destroyed three years after completion of the assessment . For additional information related to student records , the parent can refer to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act ( FERPA ) . This notice is only a summary of the special education services , evaluation and screening activities , and rights and protections pertaining to children with disabilities , children thought to be disabled , and their parents . For more information or to request evaluation or screening of a public or private school child , contact your local school district . For preschool age children , information , screenings and evaluations requested , may be obtained by contacting the intermediate unit . Belle Vernon Area School District Mr. Anthony Greece , Coordinator Student Services 270 Crest Avenue , Belle Vernon , PA 15012 724-808-2500x1103 Burrell School District Dr. Gregory Egnor , Director of Student Services 1021 Puckety Church Road , Lower Burrell , PA 15068 724-334-1406 , ext . 2096 Derry Area School District ) Dr. Kathy Perry , Director of Special Services 982 North Chestnut Street Ext . , Derry , PA 15627 724-694-1401 ext . 1406 Dr. Robert Ketterer Charter School Mr. Eric Guldin 1135 Village Way , Latrobe , PA 15650 724-804-7027 Franklin Regional School District Dr. Richard Regelski , Director of Special Education 3170 School Road . Murrysville , PA 15668 724-327-5456 , ext . 7615 Greater Latrobe School District Ms. Laurie Havrisko Assistant to the Superintendent Student Services 1816 Lincoln Avenue , Latrobe , PA 15650-1598 724-539-4200 , ext . 11207 Greensburg Salem School District Mr. Todd McMillen Coordinator of Student Services . 1 Academy Hill Place , Greensburg , PA 15601 724-832-2900 , ext . 61031 Hempfield Area School District Dr. Lisa A. Maloney , Supervisor of Pupil Services 4347 Route 136 , Greensburg , PA 15601 724-850-2229 Early Childhood Services Dr. Denise Lohr , Administrator Westmoreland Intermediate Unit 102 Equity Drive , Greensburg , PA 15601 724-219-2312 Jeannette City School District Dr. Justin Karam , Director of Special Education 1000 Lowry Avenue , Jeannette , PA 15644 724-523-5497 , ext . 3004 Monessen City School District Ms. Patricia Hallam Director of Special Education / Student Services 1245 State Road , Monessen , PA 15062 724-684-3600 , ext . 4106 Mt. Pleasant Area School District Dr. Beth Hutson , Assistant Superintendent 271 State Street , Mount Pleasant , PA 15666 724-547-4100 , ext . 6950 New Kensington - Arnold School District Ms. Jennifer Pallone , Director of Special Education 707 Stevenson Boulevard , New Kensington , PA 15068 724-337-4536 , ext . 1066 Norwin School District Dr. Stacey Snyder , Director of Special Education Student Services Norwin Administration Building 281 McMahon Drive , North Huntingdon , PA 15642 724-861-3026 Penn - Trafford School District Dr. Denise Kubistek Director of Special Education / Student Services 1006 Harrison City / Export Road , PO Box 530 Harrison City , PA 15636 724-744-4496 Southmoreland School District Mr. Ronald Heitchue Director of Special Education / Principal 2351 Route 981 , Alverton , PA 15612 724-887-2009 Yough School District Ms. Dawn Hildenbrand Director of Special Education 915 Lowber Road , Herminie , PA 15637 724-446-7272 , ext . 1004 Westmoreland Intermediate Unit # 7 Dr. Matthew Thomas , Student Services Director 102 Equity Drive , Greensburg , PA 15601 724-219-2304 The school district or intermediate unit will not discriminate in employment , educational programs , or activities based on race , color , national origin , age , sex , handicap , creed , marital status or because a person is a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era . No preschool , elementary or secondary school pupil enrolled in a school district or intermediate unit shall be denied equal opportunity to participate in age and program appropriate instruction or activities due to race , color , handicap , creed , national origin , marital status or financial hardship