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Additional Resources

McKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT

In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Cornell School District is attempting to identify all children within the district that may be experiencing homelessness, including unaccompanied homeless youth. The term homeless children and youth is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. 

This includes individuals:

  1.  Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason;

  2.  Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

  3.  Living in emergency or transitional shelters;

  4.  Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations or similar settings;

  5.  Living in substandard housing (no running water or working utilities, infestations, etc.).

  6. Unaccompanied youth (a child or youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian)

Cornell School District attempts to identify homeless students during the initial enrollment process and on an ongoing basis. If a student or family has indicated they are homeless, or if a staff member has reasonable suspicion that a student or family is homeless, they are required to alert the Homeless Liaison. All procedures in place are designed to ensure this identification does not create or exacerbate educational barriers.

 

Students shall not be discriminated against, segregated nor stigmatized based on their status as homeless. To the extent feasible, and in accordance with the student’s best interest, a homeless student shall continue to be enrolled in their school of origin while they remain homeless or until the end of the academic year in which they obtain permanent housing. Parents/Guardians of a homeless student may request enrollment in the school in the attendance area where the student is actually living or other schools. If a student is unaccompanied by a parent/guardian, the District Homeless Liaison will consider the views of the students in determining where they will be enrolled.

 

The selected school shall immediately enroll the student and begin instruction, even if the student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment pursuant to Cornell School District policies.  However, Cornell SD may require a parent/guardian to submit contact information. The homeless liaison may contact the previous school for oral confirmation of immunizations, and the school shall request records from the previous district. Homeless families are not required to prove residency regarding school enrollment.

 

Cornell School District may contact the district of origin for oral confirmation that the student has been immunized, but must not be a barrier to enrollment. Oral confirmation between professionals is a sufficient basis to verify immunization with written confirmation to follow within thirty (30) days.

 

The instructional program should begin as soon as possible after the enrollment process is initiated and should not be delayed until the procedure is completed. The Homeless Liaison will assist the parent/guardian in obtaining necessary immunizations, or immunization and medical records.

 

Homeless students shall be provided services comparable to those offered to other Cornell School District students including but not limited to: programs for students with limited English proficiency; and educational services for which students meet eligibility criteria, such as programs for disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. Homeless families will also have access to all parent involvement activities and initiatives. Students automatically qualify for free lunch services.

 

Cornell School District has staff members who will work with local community agencies to coordinate services in the student’s community.   The staff includes: Officer Herring, School Resource Officer, Gina Walter, Senior High Counselor, Greg Paul, Elementary Counselor, Carla Antoniades, Director of Pupil Services & Homeless Liaison, as well as those involved in Student Assistance Program. Additionally, Cornell School District has a certified nurse on staff, Mrs. Brandy Bosetti,  who works to ensure necessary referrals take place to appropriate health care, dental services, and other medical services.

 

Children who are experiencing homelessness may qualify for assistance, with school supplies/materials, and/or tutoring so that they can remain in their school throughout the duration of their homeless episode. It is your professional duty to report any student you believe to be experiencing homelessness immediately.

 

If your living situation changes during the school year, and you and your children become homeless, please be sure to contact the school. We will work with you so that your child(ren)’s education is disrupted as little as possible. Please contact Mrs. Carla Antoniades, Homeless Liaison at (412) 264-5010 ext.1113, [email protected]

 

Policy 251 - Attached

Homeless BEC

More Pennsylvania Resources:

  • The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Homeless
  • Pennsylvania's Homeless Children's Initiative (PAHCI)
  • SPAC - PA State Parent Advisory Council on Title I
  • Education Law Center
  • Homeless Children's Education Fund


K-12 Voluntary Student Accident Insurance (See attachment below for more information.)
 
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Flyer
CHIP provides quality, comprehensive health insurance for routine doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, eye care, eyeglasses, mental health and much more. CHIP covers uninsured kids and teens up to age 19, who are not eligible for Medical Assistance. For most families, CHIP is free – for others, it is low cost.
 
Please see the attached flyer for more information.
 
Comcast Internet Essentials Program
Comcast has recently updated/revised the Internet Essentials Program due to the demands of the COVID-19 situation.  Please visit the link below for more information!
 
Eligible students and their families are able to benefit from the program in the following ways:
  • Broadband Internet service for $9.95 per month + applicable taxes with no term contract or credit checks.
  • No activation or equipment fees.
  • Access to an affordable desktop or laptop computer for $149.99.
  • A free Wi-Fi router to all Internet Essentials Customers
  • An amnesty program for qualified families.
 
Cornell School District 2022-2023 Reopening Plan
The mandatory PDE Health and Safety plan was originally approved by the school board in June 2021.  The plan was revised on Monday, September 6, 2022.  The most up-to-date Health and Safety Plan is attached.  
 
PDE Attestation Form
The Attestation form submitted to PDE on Monday, November 30 is attached. Please refer to the Health and Safety plan for any questions. 
 
Health and Safety Plan
The Cornell School District Board of Directors approved the Health and Safety reopening plan at the August 10 Board meeting.  Plan is attached.