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Educational Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness
2. Students have the responsibility to sign, without delay, a release of information contained in their records to authorized agencies. (Delaware Code: Title 14, Chapter
41, Section 4111) 3. Eligible students and parents or guardians have the responsibility to release information to those individuals or agencies who are working in a positive manner for the benefit of the student. The permission to release information, where required, must be in writing.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
Students and parents have the responsibility to meet their financial obligations as they relate to school fees or fines. When financial obligations are not met, a student’s participation in school-related events may be restricted.
If you live in any of the following situations:
• In a shelter • In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation • In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station • Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
You may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
Eligible students have the right to:
• Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there. • Enroll in a traditional school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment. • Enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in all school activities while the school arranges for the transfer of records. • Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is their preference and is feasible. *If the school district believes that the school selected is not in his/her best interest, then the district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and inform the student of his/her right to appeal its decision. • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested. • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the students’ needs.
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If you believe you may be eligible, contact the guidance office at your school to find out what services and supports may be available. You may also contact Debbie Dolde, NCC Vo-Tech School District Coordinator of Homeless Services, email debbie.dolde@nccvt.k12.de.us, or call at 302-995-8035.
NCC Vo-Tech School District has a specific policy which outlines in detail the district’s services provided to students experiencing homelessness. To see the full policy (Policy No. 220), visit the district website at www.nccvt.k12.de.us. Under the About menu, select Documents, Reports & Minutes, Board Policy Manual.
If you need further assistance with your educational needs, contact the National Center for Homeless Education: 800-308-2145 or visit www.serve.org/nche.
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