February 6, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 17 Midland Park students who have been determined to pose a safety threat to staff or other students may be excluded from school “in crisis situations” pending appropriate mental health clearance under a policy being considered for adoption by the board of education. The policy will be up for final vote at the board’s Feb. 26 meeting. The proposed policy is intended to address mental health related issues only and does not supersede the implementation of appropriate disciplinary action. Under the policy, the student’s exclusion would have no disciplinary consequence, and warranted disciplinary action would follow normal procedures. During any period of exclusion, students would be provided with appropriate home or other out- of-school instruction in accordance with state law. The proposed policy provides the following examples (not exclusive) of crisis situations: • Actions creating an imminent danger to him/herself or others, e.g., suicidal or homicidal ideation(s) or attempt(s); • Verbalization(s) or other action(s) threatening the health, safety or well-being of him/herself, staff or other students or reflecting an intent or plan to harm him/ herself or others or indicating that he/she may be at risk of causing harm to him/herself or others; or • Possession of object(s) or material(s) posing a threat to the health, safety or well- Board considers policy to deal with students in crisis being of him/herself, staff or other students. In case of a crisis situation, staff members shall immediately notify the school principal, or his/her designee, who shall immediately notify the Crisis Intervention Team; the superintendent of schools; and the student’s parent or legal guardian. The Crisis Intervention Team consists of the principal and vice-principal, guidance counselor, school psychologist, student assistance coordinator and/or social worker, The proposed policy provides that in response to every report, the Crisis Intervention Team shall conduct a student interview to assess whether or not the student presents a potential danger to him/herself or others, and to determine whether or not the student requires a mental health assessment prior to reinstatement. Provisions shall be made for the appropriate care and supervision of the student pending either a determination by the Crisis Intervention Team that the student’s exclusion is not required; or the student’s release to his or her parent/guardian. If the team determines that a mental health assessment is required prior to reinstatement, the student’s parent/guardian will be notified. The assessment must be completed by a licensed or certified mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or psychiatric nurse). Assessments completed by evaluators selected by the school district shall be at the expense of the school district, with parents paying the cost of an evaluator of their own choosing. The evaluator will then have to issue a clearance letter containing a specific statement that the student does not present a danger to him/herself or others before the student may return to school. Re-entry to school will be permitted only following a re-entry meeting with the child and his/her parents/guardian and an appropriate school district designee. Discussion at the meeting may include, but is not limited to: consideration of CST referral, as appropriate; discussion with parents regarding followup treatment, as necessary; and discussion with parents regarding access to additional evaluative information (beyond clearance letter). Park Windmill It’s Souper Bowl Time Midland Park Girl Scouts are seeking donations of canned soup for the annual Souper Bowl event, which benefits the Center for Food Action in Mahwah. Donations will be accepted through Feb. 8. Collection boxes are located at Highland School at 31 Highland Avenue, Godwin School at 41 East Center Street, and the Midland Park Public Library at 250 Godwin Avenue. Mid-Winter Mini-Camp available The Midland Park Continuing Education Program is sponsoring a four day Mid-Winter Mini-Camp for children in kindergarten through grade six. The program will run from Feb. 19 through 22 at Midland Park High School, located at 250 Prospect Street. Programs are available in full- and half-day sessions. Children may participate in arts & crafts, music, games, puzzles, board games, literature, movies, and other activities. Outdoor physical activities will be on the agenda, weather permitting. For details and fee information, visit www.midlandparkschools.k12.nj.us and click on the Continuing Ed tab or call (201) 444-2030. Blue Jean Ball date announced The Midland Park Public Education Foundation’s annual Blue Jean Ball will be held on Saturday, April 13 at Saint Leon’s Armenian Church in Fair Lawn. The event will benefit the foundation’s mission to enhance and support new curriculum initiatives and enrichment opportunities within Midland Park’s public school system. Holocaust Education fundraiser On Feb. 13, the Blue Moon Mexican Café in Boulder Run Shopping Center in Wyckoff will sponsor a Community Night fundraiser for the Holocaust Education Program at Midland Park High School. The restaurant will donate 20 percent of all lunch, dinner, take out, or delivery. To participate, present a Blue Moon Community Night flyer from the BlueMoonMexicanCafe.com website. Click on the community tab, then click Community Nights, and scroll down to Holocaust Education Program.