SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT

Students in need of services through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are those known or suspected to have a disability which substantially limits a major life activity.  Major life activities are functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.  A student who qualifies under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may receive supplementary services within regular education or services under special education.  If you would like to refer a child for an evaluation to determine eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact the 504 Coordinator at 741-5601.

Building Based Student Support Team / Problem Solving Team

Each school in the Opelika City School System has a school-based team composed of teachers and administrators who provide assistance for students who exhibit a chronic pattern of failure. To receive further information on how to access the services provided by the Building Based Student Support Team / Problem Solving Team contact a counselor or the principal at the school the student attends.

Student Enrollment

Immigrant, Migrant, Homeless, Limited English Proficient, Neglected, and Delinquent Students Enrollment will not be prevented nor delayed due to incomplete documentation requirements if the student enrolling is one of the following:

• Immigrant
• Migrant
• Homeless
• Limited English Proficient
• Neglected and Delinquent

Enrichment Services

According to the state definition, intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Any individual with knowledge concerning a student's abilities may refer a student to be considered for an evaluation to determine if the student qualifies according to state criteria. In addition, all second grade students will be observed as potential referrals for enrichment services using a gifted behavior checklist provided by the State Department of Education. A referral to the Gifted Referral Screening Team (GRST) may be made by contacting the special education coordinator. The GRST will review information related to the student's aptitude, performance, and characteristics to determine if an evaluation for gifted eligibility is warranted.

Child Find

Please help the Opelika City Schools locate children with disabilities from birth to twenty-one. You may refer a child for an evaluation by contacting the Office for Special Education at 741-5601.

Wellness Policy

Wellness Policies are now required for all school districts in the United States.  Though the Opelika City Schools system has led the way with meal choices that taste good and also meet the nutritional needs of our students, we need your help to assure that we remain in the Wellness Policy guidelines for food rewards, fundraisers, and school parties.

• Food for rewards and/or school parties must come from the list of approved foods (below).  Foods from the non-approved list should not be given to any child at school.

• Fundraisers must also keep the Wellness Policy in mind.  Selling any edible items during the school day that would interfere with the school meal program is prohibited.

Any food or beverage where sugar or corn syrup is listed as the first ingredient.

For more information please refer to policy E-13 CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM in the Opelika City Schools Policy Manual.