Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
Drug Free Workplace
No Smoking Policy
Safety & Security
Housing & Parking
Health Services
Non-Discrimination Policy
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 grants the students the right to review their educational records. Students
wishing access to their records should make the request in writing to the Office of Continuing Education. Students may also
request that the school not release directory information including student name, address, telephone number, date and place of
birth, dates of attendance, degrees, and honors. Requests to withhold directory information should be made in writing to the
Office of Continuing Education within two weeks of the beginning of the fall semester.
A Drug Free Workplace
It is the policy of the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or
use of a controlled substance is prohibited on the property of the school and on non-school property used in performance of
school services.
Any employee/student found in violation of this prohibition shall be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal, and may be
required to participate in a drug abuse assistance or drug rehabilitation program.
As a condition of school employment/enrollment, every employee/student shall abide by the terms of this policy and notify their
supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction.
This Policy Statement is adopted in accordance with the requirements of federal law, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
Additional information on health hazards associated with drug and alcohol use, or on drug and alcohol treatment services, is
available at the school.
No Smoking Policy
In the interest of creating a healthy environment for our students, employees, and visitors,
effective July 1, 1993, no smoking and/or use of smokeless
tobacco will be permitted at anytime in the school building, entrance ways, on the sidewalks, or on the loading docks at either
end of the building.
Safety & Security
The campus of the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center includes the GACTC building and surrounding parking lots.
The school strives to provide a safe environment for all students, employees and visitors. All suspicious criminal activities and
emergencies should be reported immediately to any member of the school faculty, staff or administration. Emergencies can also
be reported by dialing 911.
An elaborate fire alarm system is maintained and fire drills are routinely conducted. School premises are monitored continuously
by a full-time maintenance/ custodial staff, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. In addition, a security guard patrols the exterior
of the school periodically throughout the day and from 6-10 PM each evening when night school is in session.
All school doors are locked from 10 PM to 6 AM. Parking lots remain well lighted at all times.
The following statistics show the number of incidents that occurred in the school during the 2002-03 school year:
| Burglary | 0 |
| Vandalism to student's property | 0 |
| Theft of school property | 0 |
| Theft of student's personal property | 0 |
| Theft of employee's property | 0 |
| Homicide | 0 |
| Rape | 0 |
| Auto theft | 0 |
| Weapons possession | 0 |
| Vandalism to employee's property | 0 |
| Vandalism to school property | 0 |
| Aggravated assault | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 |
| Drug law violations | 0 |
| Liquor law violations | 0 |
Housing and Parking
The school does not maintain student housing of any type; therefore, the school cannot accept responsibility for students housed
locally.
Limited parking is available off school property. No student is permitted to park in the designated teacher/staff parking
lots. Handicapped parking is provided on a limited basis. Special permits for handicapped individuals must be obtained from the
Continuing Education Office.
Health Services
The Nurse's Office is located on the second floor, C-wing. In general, the services provided include nursing assessment and
treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, health education, and community referrals. The Health Services program operates
under the direction of Licensed Practical Nurse. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily when school is in
session.
Health problems which are beyond the scope of nursing practice are referred for further diagnostic investigation and are subject
to restitution by the individuals and/or insurance carrier.
All students are encouraged to carry health insurance.
The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center will not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, union membership, or any other legally protected classification. Announcement of this policy is in accord with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Employees or applicants who have an inquiry or complaint of harassment or discrimination, or who need information about accommodations for persons with disabilities, should contact Title IX Section 504 Coordinator, Dan Bender, at 1500 Fourth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602-3695, or telephone (814) 946-8454.