File: JIE

PREGNANT STUDENTS

The Gardner Public Schools wishes to preserve educational opportunities for those students who may become pregnant.

Pregnant students are encouraged to continue to attend school. Every effort will be made to see that the educational program of the student is disrupted as little as possible, that return to school after delivery is encouraged, and that every reasonable opportunity to complete high school is provided.

In accordance with Federal Law and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations and guidance, a student who is pregnant in the Gardner Public Schools is permitted to remain in regular classes and participate in extracurricular activities with non-pregnant students throughout her pregnancy. After giving birth, a student is permitted to return to the academic program in which she was enrolled and is permitted to participate in extracurricular programs.

The district does not require that a pregnant student obtain certification from a physician that she is physically and emotionally able to continue in school unless certification is required for all students with other physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician.

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:84

Title IX: 20 U.S.C. § 1681

34 CFR § 106.40(b)

[Adopted: May 2011]