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SCHOOL POLICE - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Florida Constitution mandates that our schools provide a safe and secure learning environment. To that end, our
District established the police department in 1972, and serves to keep our schools and District properties safe and secure.

We operate a countywide dispatch and command center, which answers inquiries and requests for police response. In
addition, we have at least one officer assigned to every school, as well as several specialized units to include rapid response
units trained in appropriate protective measures.

Our Investigative Unit conducts long-term and specialized investigations for incidents occurring on campus or affecting
our school operation, which further enhances our secure environment, which protects our children. Any requests for
police services should be made by contacting our Dispatch Center at 561-434-8700.

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

ACT OF 1990

If your child is in general education classes and you believe that a physical or mental impairment may be substantially
affecting a major life activity, please contact the school’s Section 504 Designee. Your child may be entitled to
accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990 (as amended effective January 1, 2009, Americans With Disabilities Amendments Act, ADAAA).

Major life activities are broadly defined to include, but are not limited to: caring for oneself, performing manual tasks,
seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating,
thinking, communicating, and working. Major life activities also include the operation of major bodily functions, including
but not limited to: functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain,
respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions. Please note that an impairment that is episodic or in
remission is also a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active.

If your child has been determined eligible under Section 504 or is a transferring student with an active Section 504 Plan,
promptly inform the school administration.

Parents of students eligible for Section 504 Plans shall receive a copy of their procedural safeguards and be offered an
explanation of their rights as a parent of a student with a disability.

SOCIAL MEDIA USE GUIDELINES

Policy 2.503
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Palm Beach County School District realizes that part of 21 century learning is adapting to the changing methods of
communication. The importance of teachers, students, and parents engaging, collaborating, learning, and sharing in these
digital environments is a part of 21 century learning. As such, educational standards are now requiring the use of online
st
educational tools to demonstrate proficiency. To address related issues, the Palm Beach County School District has
developed guidelines to provide direction for students and the School District community when participating in online
social media activities.

Social Media refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies that enable all Palm Beach County Public Schools’
internal and external stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and form virtual communities via the computer and/or

FY24 Student and Family Handbook 55 | Page