Student Services

Buckeye Valley Gifted Services

Buckeye Valley is committed to serving gifted learners by providing high-quality learning opportunities that incorporate rigor and creative thinking.

As defined by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), "gifted" means students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment and who are identified under Division (A), (B), (C), or (D) of Section 3324.03 of the Revised Code.

Identification

Buckeye Valley follows the state's criteria for identifying gifted learners.  Students can be identified as having Superior Cognitive Ability by earning a qualifying score on a state-approved ability assessment as outlined in the "Assessments Approved for Gifted Identification and Prescreening," published by ODE.  Whole-grade testing for Superior Cognitive Ability occurs in 2nd and 5th Grade.  Students may also be identified with Creative Thinking Ability based on criteria set forth by ODE during the 2nd and 5th-grade testing windows.

Buckeye Valley uses the NWEA Measures for Academic Progress (MAP) assessment to identify Specific Academic Ability in Math and reading.  Students in K through 8th grade take this test multiple times a year and are identified as having Specific Academic Ability if they score in the 95th percentile or above.  Buckeye Valley uses performance evaluation tools and checklists to identify Visual and Performing Arts Ability when requested by referral.

Families may request gifted identification testing during one of our two referral windows by using the form found here.  There will be two referral windows each year, and testing will occur the following month:

Fall, open September 1-30

Spring, open February 1-28

District Services

Buckeye Valley offers gifted services for students with Superior Cognitive Ability, Creative Thinking Ability, and Specific Academic Ability.  Buckeye Valley classroom teachers receive continuing high-quality professional development in gifted education to differentiate learning in all core classes.

Additionally:

Grade 2:  This is the first year each student is tested for gifted identification.  Classroom teachers differentiate curriculum in the general education classroom to meet the needs of gifted learners.

Grades 3-5: Cluster grouping allows gifted students to work with peers who are also identified while participating in the general education classroom.  The district Gifted Intervention Specialist may work directly with students in the cluster groups when possible.

Grades 6-8: Identified students can participate in accelerated Math classes if the district rubric indicates this is a good fit (information here). Students identified in Reading/Writing are cluster-grouped for English/Language Arts classes.

Grades 9-12:  Students are cluster-grouped in Math and English classes, and have access to advanced courses, including Advanced Placement and College Credit Plus options.

Written Education Plans (WEPs) are created for each student identified as gifted, and explain the skill(s) the classroom teacher is instructing based on the student's identified subject area or cognitive needs.

Acceleration:

Academic acceleration occurs when a student skips a grade level in a single academic subject or a whole grade level (including early entrance to Kindergarten or First Grade).  Academic achievement and aptitude at the current and next grade level(s) is measured, and cognitive ability and developmental factors are examined as well.  A district committee will collect and analyze the data to determine if acceleration is the best fit for a student's academic and social-emotional needs.  A Written Acceleration Plan is created for the first year a student is accelerated to outline the process.

Enrichment:

Differentiation and enrichment of core academic content occurs regularly in each Buckeye Valley classroom!  There are even more informal opportunities for enrichment within our district which may include...

-Destination Imagination

-Invention Convention

-Middle School Science Fair

-Mock Trial

-In the Know

-French Club

-Spanish Club

-Summer Enrichment

Additional Information can be found by clicking the links below: 

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Gifted-Education

https://oagc.com/divisions/parents/

https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources-parents

Barons Early Learning Preschool

Our Barons Early Learning Preschool has two locations across the district. East Elementary houses one early learning classroom while West Elementary houses two early learning classrooms. In 2016, both locations were awarded a 5-Star rating by the Ohio Department of Education. Since that time, both preschool locations have maintained their 5-Star ratings. 

Our Program:

For the 2023-24 school year, the Barons Early Learning Preschool offers special education classrooms and itinerant services. Parents and staff collaborate to offer services that best fit individual student needs. Our preschool program incorporates typically developing children as peer models. We are a licensed program that follows the Ohio Early Learning Standards outlined by the Ohio Department of Education.

Because schools are held accountable for child find, this program has been designed to support preschool students that have been identified with disabilities. Specifically, our program provides special needs students with the necessary special education services to meet their individual delays outlined in their IEP. What makes our program so effective is that special needs students are given the opportunity to learn alongside peer models. These peers serve as role models by providing positive interactions, language models, and appropriate play schemes. Since BVLS offers a continuum of services, students’ individual needs can be met in a variety of ways.

If your child is a special needs preschool student, transportation options are available. This will be discussed at your child's IEP meeting. . 

Benefits for special needs students:

• Improve communication skills

• Improve social-emotional development

• Improve behavior

• Improve play and turn taking with peers

Benefits for peer models:

• Develop meaningful peer relationships

• Develop leadership and confidence in individual abilities

• Receive high quality instruction and curriculum

• Develop empathy and acceptance for all children

Child Find Obligations:

Buckeye Valley Local Schools (BVLS) holds monthly child-check screenings for children ages 3-5. These screens are designed to meet the child find requirements outlined by the Federal and State Law.

During this process, your child's cognitive/academic, motor, communication, adaptive behavior and social-emotional development will all be screened. The results of the screening will provide our highly qualified staff with information into your child's chronological development. You will be informed about your child's screening as to whether or not further evaluation is required. 

2023-24 screening dates: 

August 18, 2023 @ West Elementary

September 8, 2023 @ East Elementary

October 6, 2023 @ West Elementary

November 10, 2023 @ East Elementary

December 8, 2023 @ West Elementary

January 12, 2024 @ East Elementary

February 9, 2024 @ West Elementary

March 1, 2024 @ East Elementary

April 12, 2024 @ West Elementary

May 3, 2024 @ East Elementary

If you are concerned about your child's development in one of the above mentioned areas, please contact the Student Services Department in order to schedule your screening date and time. 

New Peer Model Selection Process

2023-24 School Year Information: Thank you for the overwhelming interest in our preschool program. We had a large number of students placed on the waitlist. At this time, we are no longer accepting student names for the 2023-24 school year. 

Peer Model Waitlist for the 2024-25 school year: 

If you are interested in your child attending the Baron's Early Learning Preschool for the 2024-25 school year, please know that we have created a new process. On January 5, 2024, we will open the online peer model waitlist sign-up form. Peer models will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. The Peer model sign-up form will go active on January 5, 2024 @ 12:00 p.m. Each year, new peer models will be required to complete the waitlist sign-up form. Please know, your child's name will not remain on the waitlist from year-to-year.  

Tuition for Peer Models:

Tuition for the 2023-24 school year is $180.00 per month or a total of $1620.00 a year. You may choose to pay your tuition fees either by:

1. Paying through the Pay School Central app found on our website. 

2. Mailing a check into the following: 

   1. Buckeye Valley Central Office; 679 Coover Rd. Delaware, Ohio 43015 Attention: Kelly Ziegler, Buckeye Valley Treasurer

OR

3. Dropping off your tuition check off at the elementary office for which your child attends. 

Please make your checks payable to Buckeye Valley Local Schools and put your child's name in the memo section.Tuition is due the 1st of every month. If payment is not received by the 10th of each month, your child will not be able to attend until payments are made in full.  

The following links below are important information in regards to special education services:

Child Medical Statement

All preschool children must have an updated medical statement on file at the start of each school year. This form is completed and signed by your child’s medical doctor and includes a statement that they are in suitable condition to participate in group care. It also requests your child’s current up-to-date immunizations.  This information must be current and within the last year.  Please note: Immunizations of all students must be in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code.  Failure to provide this document with written evidence of immunization is cause for exclusion from school per the Ohio Department of Health.

New Student Enrollment

Preschool Handbook 

Procedural Safeguards Notice

For further information on the Early Learning Program here in Buckeye Valley Local Schools, please contact the Student Services Department or Peg Linstedt at 740-363-6626 or by email at plinstedt@mybvls.org.

Section 504: 

What is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and services that receive Federal financial assistance.  In the educational setting, Section 504 requires recipients to provide qualified students with disabilities appropriate educational support designed to meet the individual needs of such students to the same extent as the needs of students without disabilities.

Eligibility for Section 504:

Qualified students are students identified with or treated as if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  If the student’s educational team (including parent/guardian) determines through a Section 504 evaluation that the student meets the eligibility requirements, the team will then determine whether or not the qualified student requires accommodations and/or other supports to access the curriculum to the same extent as nondisabled peers.  If the student does require support, the educational team will develop a Section 504 plan with accommodations to “level the playing field” and provide equal access to education for the student.  

If you suspect your child may have a disability under Section 504, please contact your building principal in writing with your concerns. 

Click here for your 504 Procedural Safeguards

HEALTH SERVICES
  

Buckeye Valley currently employs a school nurses, at all four locations, who serves as the liaison between education and health care.  Our school nurses conduct mandatory screenings, oversees  student health records, procedures and policies which are required under Ohio Revised Code.  In addition, the school nurse trains and supervises staff who are providing mandated health services to students. Prevention education and community networking are also provided to promote student wellness and to access health services for families. Please contact Katie Landin if you have questions or concerns at 740-363-6626.

HOME SCHOOLING PROCEDURES

1. Submit an “Intent to Home School Notification Form” with an outline of the intended curriculum requesting to complete specified class(s) through home schooling. Intent must be filed PRIOR to beginning any home school program and is required each school year. 

2. The outline should indicate how the student intends to complete his/her work and accompany the Intent form each school year. The outline and curriculum to be determined by home educator. A great source for home educators is the State of Ohio web site, www.ode.state.oh.us or toll free number, 1-877-644-6338. The local libraries are also a valuable source of information for materials needed in the home educating process. If you are inquiring about a GED, please contact the Delaware Area Career Center, 548-0708, for more information. Home Schooled children may attend JVS in their 11th and 12th grade year by contacting DACC in January or February prior to the 11th grade year.

3. A total of 900 hours are required each school year. If at any given time a parent wishes to enroll their child into the school system, proper placement of the child will be determined by consulting with the Guidance Counselor or Principal. Grades 9 and above should work with a Guidance Counselor throughout their home schooling if they have any intentions of graduating with a diploma from Buckeye Valley Schools.

4. Parent to complete an assessment following one of the options listed below:

a) Written narrative signed by a certified teacher or other person mutually agreed upon by the parent(s) and the superintendent indicating the child’s work has been reviewed and that the child’s academic progress for the year is in accordance with the child’s abilities. (Proof of certification required)

b) Results of a nationally normed, standardized achievement test which meets the requirements set forth in rule 3301-12-02 of the Administrative Code administered by a certified teacher, person duly authorized by the publisher of the test; or individual mutually agreed upon by the parent(s) and the Superintendent. This test must demonstrate reasonable proficiency as compared to other children in the district at the same grade level. Any child that has a composite score at or above the twenty-fifth percentile shall be deemed to be performing at a level of reasonable proficiency.

5. Completed Assessment form should be returned to the Administration Offices. The assessment form sent to you with your intent acceptance letter can be used or parent(s) can provide one that includes all the required information. This should be returned to:

Peggy Lindstedt, Student Services Administrative Assistant
683 Coover Road
Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 363-6626

6. After receipt and review of the assessment, notification will be mailed to parent acknowledging receipt of assessment for school year indicated.

7. If at any time, you elect to enroll your child into an alternate program or re-enroll them into the public school system, we ask that you notify us at the above address. If re-enrollment is requested, proper placement of children will need to be determined as noted above. 

Please note: 

• If you continue to homeschool your child, you must complete an “Intent To HomeSchool Form" each school year.

• Home Schooled children may attend JVS in their 11th and 12th grade year by contacting DACC in January or February prior to the 11th grade year.

• If you are inquiring about a GED, please contact the Delaware Area Career Center, 548-0708, for more information

 

HOMELESS INFORMATION

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law created to support the enrollment and education of homeless students. McKinney-Vento is intended to provide homeless students the same educational opportunities as housed students by removing as many barriers to learning for homeless students as possible.

Your preschool or school aged child have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act if your family lives in any of the following situations:

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground

• On the street

• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodation, or

• Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing.  

Your child has the right to:

• Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. 

  • They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children.

• Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. 

  • If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision.

• Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless or the school they last attended, if you or a guardian request such transportation.

• Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. 

  • Children cannot be separated from the regular school program just because they are homeless.

• Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. 

  • Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.

• Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.

• Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrolling your children.

• Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.

• Receive transportation to school and to school programs. 

For more information on homelessness and the education of a child who is determined to be homeless, please contact: 

LeAnna Ford, Director of Student Services
683 Coover Rd. Delaware, Ohio 43015
740-363-6626
e-mail:  lford@mybvls.org

The following links below contain more information on homelessness and the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. 

The National Center for Homeless Education

The Ohio Department of Education

ODE: Homeless Information Update: 2015

ODE: A Parent's Guide to the Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Family Promise

Andrews House

People In Need

United Way of Delaware County

FEDERAL GRANTS

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (NCLB)
Part of the Elementary and Secondary Act, currently known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Title I is a federal entitlement program that provides the district and schools serving low income families with funds to improve student achievement. District and school allocations are based on the number and percentage of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.

There are four guiding principles in NCLB:

1. Schools are expected to teach students using standards-based curriculum and scientifically based methods proven to be successful.
2. Schools and districts are accountable for demonstrating that all students are meeting academic goals each year. Schools not making adequate progress for two or more consecutive years in reading or math are in "school improvement" status.
3. Teachers and instructional paraprofessionals must be highly qualified. School districts must develop plans to ensure highly qualified teachers and instructional paraprofessionals in Title I funded programs.
4. Parents must be given information, rights, and choices concerning their child's education. NCLB states parents have a right...
a. to have access to their child's individual performance levels on the statewide assessments.
b. to know if their child's school is making adequate yearly progress (links to Ohio Department of Education Local Report Cards)http://ilrc.ode.state.oh.us
c. to know the qualifications of their child's teachers,
d. to be informed if their child is being taught by a substitute or a non-highly qualified teacher for longer than four consecutive weeks, and
e. to know about school choice and supplemental educational services.

PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW

Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), all school districts are required to notify parents with children in Title I Schools that they may request information regarding the professional qualifications of each student’s classroom teachers. This information may include qualifications listed below.

• If the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject areas taught

• If the teacher is teaching under emergency or temporary status in which state qualifications or licensing criteria are waived

• The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major, graduate certification, and field of discipline

• The qualifications of any paraprofessional that is providing services to the student

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact your building principal or the Director of Pupil Services.

Students with Disabilities

BVLS is committed to meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities by offering a continuum of services as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, also known as IDEA. Here at BVLS, we believe that all students have the ability to learn when provided a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). FAPE is offered to all children ages 3 through 21 while living within the BVLS boundaries.

Child Find:

In accordance with Child Find regulations and requirements, BVLS ensures that we make a continuous effort to identify, locate and evaluate children with disabilities ages birth through 21. Through the evaluation process, BVLS will evaluate for one or more of the following conditions:

• Multiple Disabilities

• Deaf-Blindness

• Deafness (Hearing Impairment)

• Visual Impairment

• Speech and Language Impairment

• Orthopedic Impairment

• Emotional Disturbance

• Intellectual Disability

• Specific Learning Disability

• Autism

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Other Health Impairment (Major)

• Other Health Impairment (Minor)

• Developmental Delay

If you know of a child who may have one or more of the above suspected disabilities, please contact the Student Services Department @ 740-363-6626 or by emailing LeAnna Ford at lford@mybvls.org. 

 Who may receive special education services?

• Preschool Children, ages 3-5, who have been identified with delays in cognitive, motor, communication, adaptive behavior, social-emotional, vision, and/or hearing. 

• School-age children (5-21) who have been identified to meet the criteria for one of the 14 areas listed above. 

Where are special education services provided?

Special Education Services are provided in the Least Restrive Environment (LRE) to the extent that provides FAPE to the student. The LRE means that a student is educated in the general education environment to the greatest extent possible. The types of educational environment offered in BVLS are listed below in order from least restrictive to the most restrictive environment below:

• General Education Classroom

• Special Education Classroom

• Specialized Skills Unit (SSU)

• Private School Placement

• Home Instruction

• Hospital

Who provides Special Education and Related Services to students with disabilities?

Dependent upon the needs identified in your child's Multi-factored Evaluation, student's may also be provided related services and accommodations by:

• Adaptive Physical Education Teacher (APE) 

• Aide Services

• Audiological Services

• Interpreter Services

• Nursing Services

• Occupational Therapy Services

• Orientation and Mobility Services

• Physical Therapy Services

• Speech and Language Therapy Services

• Teacher of the Visually Impaired

• Transportation Services

The following links below are important information in regards to special education services:

• A Guide to Parents Rights in Special Education

• Eye Exam Requirements

• Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program

• Autism Scholarship Program