parent handbook - Monomoy Regional School District

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CHATHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT HANDBOOK
2014-2015
CARING FOR EVERY STUDENT
MONOMOY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
CHATHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
147 Depot Road
Chatham, MA 02633
Phone (508) 945-5135
Fax (508) 945-5138
Web Site: www.monomoy.edu
Adam O’Shea, Interim Principal
CENTRAL OFFICE PERSONNEL
Scott Carpenter, Superintendent of Schools
Joan Goggin, Director of Student Services
Carla Blanchard, Director of Curriculum
Katie Isernio, Business Manager
1
945-5135
945-5130
945-5132
945-5132
945-5130
TABLE OF CONTENTS
School Committee
Mission Statement
Non Discrimination
Core Values
Caring for Every Student
Faculty and Staff
Principal’s Message
Home School Relationship
Parent Concerns
Parent Organizations
PTO
VIPS
Visiting the School
Arrival
Parent Drop Off Procedures
Dismissal
Early Dismissal
Parent Pick Up
Absences
Tardiness
Extended Absences
Vacations
School Cancellations
Transportation
Bus Rules
K Students on the Bus
Recess
Playground Rules
Ball Game Rules
Cafeteria
Parent Notification
Abuse/Neglect Policy
Food Allergies
Dress
Trading
Lost and Found
Birthdays
Communication
Toy Weapons
Electronic Devices
Withdrawal
Student Health Services
Student Services
Page 3
Page 3
Page 3
Page 4
Page 4
Page 5 – 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 9
Page 9
Page 10
Page 10
Page 10
Page 11
Page 11
Page 11
Page 11
Page 12
Page 12
Page 13
Page 13
Page 13
Page 13
Page 13
Page 13
Page 14
Page 14
Page 14-15
Page 15
Page 15
Page 16-17
Page 17
Page 17
Page 18
Page 18
Page 18
Page 18
Page 19
Page 19
Page 19
Page 19
Page 19-21
Page 22-24
Clubs
Standardized Testing
Policies and Regulations
Bullying Prevention
Inappropriate Behavior
Students with Disabilities
Physical Restraint
Homework Policy
Promotion Policy
Field Trip Policy
MRSD Annual Notice
Technology Acceptable Use
Security Camera
School Rules Smoking/Drugs
Suspension/Expulsion
Signature Page
2
Page 25
Page 25
Page 26
Page 26-27
Page 27-28
Page 29
Page 30-31
Page 32-34
Page 34
Page 34-36
Page 36-43
Page 44
Page 44
Page 45-46
Page 47-56
Page 57
MONOMOY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Chatham
Harwich
Chatham
Chatham
Chatham
Harwich
Harwich
Harwich
Glenn Bryant
Brian Widegren
Nancy L. Scott
Amanda Alten
Stephen B. Davol
Sharon Stout
Ed Jaworski
Terry Russell
Term Expires: May 2017
Term Expires: May 2017
Term Expires: May 2017
Term Expires: May 2015
Vice Chairman Term Expires: May 2015
Term Expires: May 2017
Term Expires: May 2016
Chairman Term Expires: May 2015
THE MISSION OF CHATHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The mission of the Chatham Elementary School, in partnership with parents and the
community, is to provide a challenging academic and supportive social-emotional
environment that enables students to develop their fullest potential and prepares them to
meet the demands and opportunities of a rapidly changing world.
STATEMENT OF NON DISCRIMINATION
The Massachusetts Equal Educational Opportunity statute, General Laws Chapter 76, § 5,
ensures that all students have the right to equal educational opportunities in the public schools.
The Monomoy Regional School District is committed to ensuring equal educational
opportunities for all students, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color,
sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity , disability or housing status.
The District’s non-discrimination policy is available at monomoy.edu, or the handbook .
CHATHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CORE VALUES
RESPECT
Self respect – respect for others- respect for the environment
RESPONSIBILITY
Responsibility for one’s actions – responsibility for learning- responsibility for using
good judgment
COMPASSION
Empathy for others- sensitivity to other’s feelings – including others- being intolerant of
injustice
INTEGRITY
Being truthful – choosing to do the right thing- being honest and sincere- doing one’s
best- making the most of special talents
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CHATHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CES
CARING for EVERY STUDENT
We believe that a basic premise for success in school, as in life, is a positive feeling of
self-worth. As we strive to develop sound minds and bodies to enable our students to
become competent thinkers, problem-solvers and citizens of self-worth, we realize that
change is imminent and necessary in our educational journey. We understand the value
and importance of including opportunities for students to appreciate and participate in
enriching cultural experiences if they are to become informed, tolerant and well-rounded
citizens of the world. In addition we understand the necessity of acknowledging and
appreciating each child’s diversity, so that all may discover and develop their own
unique gifts and talents. Our students will learn that they have the right to be safe in a
supportive environment, to be respected as an individual, to be heard, and to be
included. They will also learn that personal responsibility accompanies these rights.
Students will be taught the principles of respect, responsibility, compassion and
integrity. We believe that parents are essential partners in communicating and modeling
these goals and pledge our commitment to sustaining a strong home-school partnership.
The school and classroom rules are based on the premise that all students will respect
themselves, respect others, and respect the environment.
4
CHATHAM ELEMENTARY FACULTY AND STAFF
2014-2015
Interim Principal
Adam O’Shea
ex. 106
aoshea@monomoy.edu
Administrative Assistant
Faith Caswell
ex. 105
fcaswell@monomoy.edu
Administrative Assistant
Wendy Fisette
ex. 103
wfisette@monomoy.edu
Preschool
Jennifer Jennings
ex. 220
Jennifer Hart, Assistant
Debra Greig, Assistant
Kindergarten
Brandi Frommeyer
ex. 232
Stefanie Speakman, Assistant
Jan Gleason
ex. 233
Ann Barnard
Melissa Owen, Assistant
jjennings@monomoy.edu
bfrommeyer@monomoy.edu
jgleason@monomoy.edu
ex.224
abarnard@monomoy.edu
Grade One
Janice Beattie
Janice Campbell
Sandy Hanson
ex. 239
ex. 242
ex. 241
jbeattie@monomoy.edu
jlcampbell@monomoy.edu
shanson@monomoy.edu
Grade Two
Donna Smoller
Margaret Turco
Amanda Monteiro
ex. 246
ex. 248
ex. 244
dsmoller@monomoy.edu
mturco@monomoy.edu
amonteiro@monomoy.edu
Grade Three
Nancy Koch
Barbara McGuire
Barbara Gula
ex. 249
ex. 251
ex. 252
nkoch@monomoy.edu
bmcguire@monomoy.edu
bgula@monomoy.edu
Grade Four
Lynn Locantore
Alexandra Ziobro
Amy Majka
ex. 205
ex. 203
ex. 204
llocantore@monomoy.edu
aziobro@monomoy.edu
amajka@monomoy.edu
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Special Education Assistants
Marie Dyer
Susan Linnell
Grace Galloway-Sandoval
Faith Rushnak
ex. 254
ex. 212
ex. 212
ex. 212
mdyer@monomoy.edu
slinnell@monomoy.edu
ggalloway@monomoy.edu
frushnak@monomoy.edu
Nurse
Joan Mohr
ex. 209
jmohr@monomoy.edu
Reading Specialist
Helen Finn
ex. 202
hfinn@monomoy.edu
Guidance Counselor
Jill Mainowski
ex. 214
jmalinowski@monomoy.edu
Special Education Teacher
Christina Flynn
ex. 238
tflynn@monomoy.edu
Special Education Teacher
Michelle Cole
ex. 236
mcole@monomoy.edu
Special Education Teacher
Mia Caolo
ex. 212
mcaolo@monomoy.edu
Speech & Language Pathologist
Suzanne Horne
ex. 216
shorne@monomoy.edu
Occupational Therapist
Susan Domenick
ex. 227
sdonimick@monomoy.edu
Physical Therapist
ex. 227
Physical Education
Kathleen Serafini
ex. 117
kserafini@monomoy.edu
Library/Media
Cherian Armstrong
ex. 108
carmstrong@monomoy.edu
Art Specialist
Heather Funk
ex. 258
hfunk@monomoy.edu
Music Specialist
Luann Angelone
ex. 113
langelone@monomoy.edu
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Computer Teacher
Elaine Griffith
ex. 110
egriffith@monomoy.edu
School Psychologist
Bethany Valine
ex. 319
bvaline@monomoy.edu
ex. 202
crichardson@monomoy.edu
asilvester@monomoy.edu
Math Tutor
Linda Lucas
ex. 256
llucas@monomoy.edu
English Language Assistant
Mary Moody
ex. 256
mmoody@monomoy.edu
Head Custodian
Dave Devlin
ex. 126
ddevlin@monomoy.edu
Literacy Tutors
Carol Richardson
Amy Silvester
Custodians
Roland Fortin
Ryanna Caivano
ex. 126
Cafeteria Staff
Mel Bicknell
Bonnie Karras
ex. 132
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Principal’s Message
Welcome to Chatham Elementary School, where we are dedicated to supporting
children’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. We are committed
to meeting the educational expectations of the students, staff, parents and community.
We believe that these expectations should include the development of academic
competencies, higher order thinking skills, problem solving abilities, self-discipline, and
moral responsibility. We expect our students to become life-long learners and
productive contributors within and outside our school community.
The information in this handbook includes our core values and philosophy, which guide
the staff in meeting academic, social and emotional needs of our students. We have also
included general program information, school policies, the discipline code, health
information, student support services, and parent participation programs. Please visit
our web site at www.monomoy.edu for additional information about our school.
We value the partnership of families and the community in every child’s education.
Research and good sense inform us that when schools and families work together,
students experience greater educational success. We hope that you will join the PTO,
and/or the VIPS program and find some time to volunteer in the school. Together we
can create joyful learning experiences for all of the children who attend CES. Along
with your support, we value your input. If you have a question, comment, or concern,
you are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher. I too am always available to assist
you in any way that I can. Please know that your call or visit is always welcome.
On behalf of the faculty, I am pleased to welcome you to Chatham Elementary School.
I feel privileged to share in your child’s educational experience and look forward to
working with you this year.
Sincerely,
Adam O’Shea, Interim Principal
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THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG HOME/SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP
The foundation of a strong parent/school partnership is regular, open communication. You
should feel comfortable contacting us when questions or concerns arise. We ask that you
follow a logical chain of communication by contacting the classroom teacher as an initial
step in most situations. You should also feel free to call counselors, specialists, and
administrators as the need arises. We will make every effort to keep you informed of
important events at school. Classroom or school newsletters, school committee meetings,
which are broadcast on Channel 22, parent open houses, curriculum nights, and other
special events are some of the ways that we aim to foster home/school partnership and
communication. Please be sure to ask your children if they have any newsletters or notices
from their teachers. It is also helpful to check book bags or back backs on a regular basis.
Each teacher uses some form of a communications folder for home/school communication.
You should look for this folder on a regular basis since all important communications will
be sent home in it.
WHEN PARENTS HAVE A CONCERN
We welcome the opportunity to assist you and your child if there is a problem at school.
Contacting the right person and discussing your concerns generally leads to a quick
solution. In most instances, the best person to speak to first is your child’s classroom
teacher. Please call the school to set up an appointment with your child’s teacher, or send
an email to set up a meeting time. Teachers are not able to engage in “Drop In”
conferences at the beginning of the school day as the students in the classroom need their
full attention. If you are unable to resolve the issue after meeting with the teacher, you may
contact the principal. In the rare event that your problem is not addressed sufficiently by the
principal, you may contact the Superintendent.
If your child has been sent to the Principal’s Office to discuss a behavioral issue, parents
should be notified by the classroom teacher or principal on that day or in some instances,
the following day. If you have not heard from either, and your child reports being sent to
the principal, please contact our office before 4:30 p.m. Occasionally students come to
speak with the principal in order to provide information about an incident they may have
witnessed and in this case it is unlikely that you will receive a call from the teacher or the
principal.
PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
Chatham Elementary School Council
The School Advisory Council was first formed in 1993 in accordance with
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, section 59C. The Council is a school-based
committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers and community members. The
law outlines four major responsibilities for councils. School councils assist the
principal in:
1. Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local
educational policies and statewide performance standards.
2. Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school.
3. Reviewing the annual school building budget.
4. Formulating a school improvement plan
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School Council meetings are generally held on the last Monday of the month from
3:45 – 4:45 P.M. At the first meeting of the year the meeting dates will be scheduled.
The meetings are open and you are most welcome to attend. Please consider serving on
the council as a parent representative. The PTO will oversee the election process when
parent representatives are sought.
PTO (Parent, Teacher Organization)
Chatham Elementary School has an active PTO and this dynamic group of parents has
provided the school with outstanding educational, social, and recreational events. We look
forward to the continuation of the new Chatham Elementary School PTO with the traditions
of the past years. The PTO sponsors annual activities such as Family Game Night, the
Kindergarten Welcome Book, Summer Beach Party, Monster Mash Bingo, Holiday Crafts
for Children, Spaghetti Supper and Theme Basket Raffle, the Book Fair, Teacher
Appreciation Week, and a host of other special events. The PTO will continue to be the
primary fundraising organization for much of the enrichment activity at the school, and will
need volunteers to assist with planning the events and raising funds for them. Please
consider this opportunity to help the new Chatham Elementary School PTO and assisting
with one or more of their family-oriented events is a great way to be of service to your
school and ultimately, to your child. Look for sign up information at our Meet, Greet and
Ice Cream in September.
VIPS (Volunteers in Public Schools)
Volunteering at CES is a time-honored tradition. School volunteers are always in demand
and perform a variety of functions including listening to students read, preparing materials
for teachers and students, working in the library or computer lab, presenting special topics
or programs, and assisting teachers in the classroom. Volunteering does not require specific
skills; however, all volunteers must attend an orientation session to learn about school
safety policies. In addition, all volunteers must complete a Criminal Offender Record
Information or CORI form and submit it at the Superintendent’s Office on Crowell Road. If
you wish to volunteer in our school, please contact the VIPS coordinator, Susan Whitcomb
at (508) 945-0360.
VISITING THE SCHOOL
Visitors are welcome at the school. All visitors are required to sign in at the main office and
wear a visitor badge while they are in the school. Visitors wishing to observe or volunteer
in a classroom must make arrangements with the classroom teacher or principal prior to the
visit.
ARRIVAL
The school day begins with the 8:55 A.M. bell. Students may go to their classrooms at 8:45
A.M., after the first bell has rung. Teachers will be in their classrooms to greet the children
and to assist them in preparing for the day. Families who need to bring their child earlier
than 8:45 A.M. need to enroll their child in the Before School Program.
10
Please note that it is very important for students to arrive on time. Tardiness disrupts the
morning routine for all students. Children who attend school regularly and arrive on
time establish routines and habits that give them a good start to the school day.
The double doors leading to the classrooms will be closed to parents after the 8:55 A.M.
morning bell. Students arriving after the bell will go to their classrooms on their own.
Kindergarten students will wait in the office for an assistant to walk them to their
classroom.
PARENT DROP-OFF PROCEDURES
1. All vehicles dropping off students in grades K – 4 should use the side parking lot
that is located to the left of the front entrance of the school. Students should enter
school through the doors located near the gymnasium. These doors will remain
open until 8:55 A.M. After that time, they will be locked. Students arriving late
must check in at the office before going to class.
2. Parents and children in the Preschool Program may use the front parking lot and
enter through the front door of the school or the Preschool door.
DISMISSAL
Our school day ends at 3:25 P.M. Students attending Monomoy Child Services on a
particular day will be called to their line-up location first. Next, students being picked up
by a parent will be called to the parent pick-up location designated for their grade level.
Finally, bus students will be called to line up in their assigned hallway, and will be led to
their respective buses in the order that buses arrive.
EARLY DISMISSSAL
If you need to have your child dismissed before the regular closing time, you must write
a note to the teacher specifying the date and time of departure. Students are responsible
for giving the note to the teacher at the beginning of the school day. Your child will be
called to the office when you arrive, and you will be required to enter the dismissal in
the Sign Out log. Children will not be dismissed to the custody of anyone other than the
parent/guardian unless prior arrangements have been made and verified.
Special Note: Please do not attempt to take your child from the classroom or bus line
without first telling the teacher, or the office. This compromises our established
procedures and the children’s safety.
PARENT PICK-UP PROCEDURES
The following procedures have been developed to ensure the safety of all students at
CES. Please share the following information with relatives and friends who transport
your child to and from school. We realize that adhering to these procedures may be
confusing and time-consuming at first and we appreciate your good-natured responses to
the staff on duty. We believe that the safety of the children must override the fact that
people are in a rush and know that children learn important values about our community
when we attend to their safety in these ways.
11
As this school year commences, you will notice that activities associated with the Fire
Station Headquarters project are underway adjacent to the Chatham Elementary School.
The first phase of the project, including the demolition of the former Community
Building and current Fire Station, will continue throughout this fall with the
construction on the new Fire Station targeted to start in the spring of 2015. While you
will notice a construction fence installed to establish the perimeter of work for this fall,
no changes to the existing bus circulation pattern will be implemented until the start of
building construction next spring. The map below depicts the bus circulation pattern for
this fall.
12
The building project will have a direct impact on our parking in the north lot, closest to the
gymnasium. Limited parking spaces are available currently, and less will be available as the
building project enters its next phase. Due to safety concerns an immediate change will be
made to the parent drop off/pick up procedure. Beginning, Wednesday, September 10th the
morning and afternoon drop off and pick up will follow the new “Kiss and Ride”
Procedure. The map below depicts the traffic flow as well as the anticipated waiting areas
along Hitching Post Road during dismissal time (3:25-3:40).
Kiss and Ride Procedure
The directional flow outlined on the map above will be used in the morning and
afternoon. Parents will stay in their car during parent drop/off and pick up. Parents
should not park and go into the school.
If the “kiss and ride” lot is already filled with parent cars the cue of parent cars waiting
to enter the lot should form along the southbound side of Hitching Post Road.
Kiss and Ride: Drop Off (8:45 AM – 8:54 AM)
13
Simply drive up to the sidewalk area (arrow pointing to area above) and “kiss and ride”
away. For safety, we ask that parents stay in their vehicle. Staff will be available to
assist students. Please have them exit the passenger side of your vehicle.
Kiss and Ride: Pick Up (3:25 PM – 3:40 PM)
Prominently display your name tags on your car’s dashboard. A last name of your
child/children will be provided for you. You may make a copy if you need additional
tags.
Upon entering the “Kiss and Ride” lot a staff member will call ahead your name to a
staff member in the building. By the time you enter the loading area your child will be
waiting to load.
If possible please have your child/children load on the right hand (passenger) side of
your vehicle.
Steps to take to ensure success
1. If you are “carpooling” it will require that parents have “nametags” of the child
you are picking up.
2. Prominently display your name tag(s) on the dashboard of your car.
3. Review the traffic flow pattern and general rules of pick up and drop off.
4. If you park in the “Kiss and Ride” lot please understand that you will need to
wait until the entire pick up procedure hass been completed to leave the lot.
5. Parents are discouraged from congregating outside the building during dismissal
time. Please stay in your car.
Every student who is to be in Parent Pick-Up must have a note. Children are often
confused and think they are in Parent Pick-Up, even when they’re not. If the decision to
pick up is made after your child leaves home for the morning, you may call school
before 2:30 PM and we will make a note for your child. Please be considerate and keep
these requests to a minimum. Also, please note that children without a note for Parent
Pick-Up will be required to take the bus.
If your child will be in Parent Pick Up every day (will never ride the bus), please send a
note to let us know. That one note will be sufficient for the entire year. If you wish to
pick your child up on one or more of the same days each week (for example every Mon.
and Wed.) write one note indicating the specific days and we will send your child to
Parent Pick-Up on those days only.
ABSENCES
Children are expected to attend all scheduled school days for the hours of operation,
except in the case of illness, religious holidays, and emergencies. Students absent more
14
than seven times during a grading period will require a doctor’s note each time they
are absent thereafter.
Operation Safe Arrival is a program designed for the safety of all children. Parents are
requested to call the school at 945-5135 before 9:30am to report the absence of their
child and to state the reason for the absence. If a student is absent and a call has not
been received from the parent, the secretary will call the child’s home or listed
emergency numbers to confirm that the child did not come to school and the reason for
the absence. Please be considerate by calling school in advance; this will save the
secretary a great deal of time.
TARDINESS
Tardy students must report to the Main Office. Late arrival will be noted on each
student’s attendance record. If the student misses the school bus, it is the parent’s
responsibility to bring the child to school. Please note that students who are tardy
disrupt the routine and learning of all students in the class; therefore, we ask that
you do all you can to ensure that your child arrives on time.
EXTENDED ABSENCES
In the event that your child is injured or seriously ill and will be absent for an extended
length of time, you should notify the principal, who will assist you with the process for
support, services, and/or homework. A student should be absent for a minimum of two
consecutive days before parents request homework. School work for absences less than
three days will be made up in school.
VACATIONS
It is the expectation of the school department that all students will be in attendance for
the 180 school days unless the child is ill or there is an unexpected emergency. If a
family chooses to go on vacation during the school year, homework will not be provided
prior to the trip. A folder of class work will be saved for the student to complete when
he/she returns to school. Extended vacations generally have a detrimental effect on a
child’s educational program and replicating the experiences missed is impossible.
Please see the Homework Policy section for more information on this topic.
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYED OPENINGS
In the event that school is closed due to inclement weather or other circumstances, radio
announcements will be made over the following stations: WCOD, WRCO, WQRC,
WXTK, WBUR, WBZ. Television announcements will be made over channels 4, 5 and 7.
Families will also be notified with our automated phone system when weather conditions
warrant a closure or delayed opening. The delay may vary from 1 to 2 hours depending on
conditions. The bus routes will remain the same with bus pick-up consistent with the
amount of delay.
TRANSPORTATION
The Cape Destinations Bus Company provides transportation to and from school for
students residing in Chatham. School Choice students must be transported to and from
school by parents. Most buses do not have seatbelts, thus it is imperative that students
follow the bus rules to ensure their safety.
15
BUS RULES
1. Remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion.
2. Refrain from yelling, making loud noises that distract the driver.
3. Keep hands and objects inside the bus; do not wave or throw anything from the
windows.
4. Keep hands to one’s self; do not touch other students or their belongings.
5. Do not eat food, chew gum, or drink beverages on the bus.
6. Limit three people to a seat.
7. Do not tell someone that they cannot sit in a seat; be kind, considerate and
inclusive.
8. Tell the bus driver about dangerous or destructive behavior.
9. Follow the instructions of the bus driver at all times.
The Primary responsibility of the bus drivers is to transport students safely. Students must
cooperate by behaving responsibly and courteously. If a student fails to observe bus rules,
his/her actions will be reported to the principal. The following action will be taken:
1. The bus driver will file a “bus conduct report” with the principal and the bus
coordinator.
2. The principal will discuss the incident with the student, bystanders who witnessed
the incident, the student’s parents and the classroom teacher.
3. The principal will determine the appropriate action to be taken. Generally, the first
report will result in a warning. Subsequent reports will result in the loss of bus
privileges from a few days, to a week or more, depending on the severity of the
infraction and any mitigating circumstances. Any student who receives more that
three reports or whose behavior interferes with the safety of other children will be
in jeopardy of losing bus privileges for the remainder of the school year.
4. The principal will send parents a copy of any bus reports. Please sign the report and
return the form to school the next day.
KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ON THE BUS
We request that all kindergarten students sit in the front seats of the bus, even if older
siblings ride the same bus. We have found that sitting in the front seats reduces the number
of incidents that are upsetting to you and your child. Also, please note that you or your
designee must be outside waiting for the bus when it arrives at your bus stop. The bus
driver will not leave a kindergartner at the stop if an adult is not present.
If you have any questions about buses or bus routes, you may contact the Cape Destinations
Company office at 508-432-3400. The principal is also a resource for parents and students
regarding bus concerns.
RECESS
All students are expected to participate in outdoor recess unless a
physical condition warrants otherwise. Students play outside (weather
permitting) for approximately 25 minutes each day. Staff is always on
duty to supervise students during recess on the playground. The
16
following rules were generated by students and staff to ensure a safe,
enjoyable recess experience.Play ground Rules
1. Students must WALK to the playground.
2. Teasing, name calling and bullying in any form will not be tolerated.
3. Students who are teased, put down, called names or hurt in any way should tell
the aggressor to stop. If the aggressor fails to stop, the child should tell an adult
on duty at the time of the incident.
4. Students may slide DOWN the slide only- walking up the front of the slide is not
permitted.
5. Students may not touch anyone who is in motion on a swing. (Grabbing their
arms, legs, etc is not permitted).
6. Jumping off from the swings when they are in motion is not permitted.
7. Students may not pull on the legs, hands or arms of any other student who is
climbing or swinging from the large climbing play structure.
8. Only three students are allowed to be on the rings at one time. Wait for a turn if
the rings are being used.
9. Sitting on top of the Monkey Bars is not allowed.
10. Throwing any objects (snowballs, sticks, rocks, toys) is not allowed unless it is
part of a game that has been approved by the staff on duty.
Ball Game Rules
1. Throwing basketballs at another person is not permitted.
2. The basketball court can have two teams playing at the same time- one at each
end of the court.
3. When playing soccer, stay within the boundaries (orange cones).
4. Only soft balls may be used when playing PICKLE.
Group Games
All contact in group games like football must be TOUCH. Tackling, pushing, tripping,
falling on someone else will not be permitted. The consequence for this violation may
be missing recess for a specific number of days since these behaviors lead to possible
injuries. This is a “no excuse” rule.
CAFETERIA
Students may bring a lunch and milk from home, or they may buy lunch and /or milk or
water at school. The cost for lunch is $2.50 per day. This includes milk or water. Milk
or water purchased alone is $.50. We encourage families to purchase lunch and/or milk
tickets in a block. A ticket for 10 lunches is $25.00; a milk ticket for 10 containers of
milk is $5.00. Breakfast is $1.00 We will keep your child’s lunch and milk ticket here
at school and will notify you when you need to purchase a new one. Please make
checks to MRSD. Free and reduced lunch is available to families who meet the income
guidelines. Application forms will be included in the beginning of the year packets and
must be filled out each year. You can contact the office for information or an
application.
LUNCHROOM BEHAVIOR
The cafeteria is the school’s dining room and as such, appropriate behavior is required.
We believe that everyone has the right to a peaceful and enjoyable lunch experience.
We will teach the students the following rules:
1. Be courteous and respectful in the lunch line; no pushing, poking, cutting ahead
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of others, or teasing, is allowed.
2. Sit instead of kneeling or standing at the table; feet and legs should be under the
table so that spilled food ends up on the table instead of on the floor.
3. Speak in a normal voice to friends sitting close by. Yelling is not allowed.
4. Walk to and from your seat, running will not be permitted.
5. Tables can accommodate 5 children per side; children should be responsible for
making sure there is room for them when they are choosing a seat.
6. Saving seats for friends and/or telling others that they cannot sit in a particular
seat is not allowed.
7. Eat your own lunch; sharing with others is not permitted.
8. Ask a teacher on duty if you need to leave the cafeteria.
Students who do not follow lunchroom rules may lose the privilege of eating with their
friends.
1. The first warning will be a verbal reminder of expected behavior.
2. A second warning will result in sitting apart from other students in the cafeteria.
3. A third warning will result in removal from the cafeteria and meeting with the
principal to determine a place for a solitary lunch. Parents will be informed of
third warning incidents.
Parent Notification of No Child Left Behind Act
Parents Right To Know
The federal legislation “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” requires that school districts
annually notify parents of their right to request, and that the school district will provide
the parents on request (and in a timely manner), information regarding the professional
qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum the
following:
a) Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the
grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
b) Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status
through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.
c) The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate
certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the
certification or degree.
d) Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their
qualifications.
According to the Act the information listed above must only be provided to parents who
request the information. Requests should be made in writing to the principal.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – In addition parents may request information about
Title I services that some students receive. A school that receives funds under Title I
shall provide to each individual parent:
- Information on the level of achievement of the parent’s child in each of the
State academic assessments
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-
Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned, or has been taught
for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly
qualified.
Monomoy Regional School District is committed to providing quality instruction for all
students and does so by employing the most qualified individuals to teach and support
each student in the classroom. If you would like to receive any of the information listed
above for your child’s teacher, please contact Marcy Dugas at 508 430-7216
ABUSE/NEGLECT POLICY
The faculty and staff of the Monomoy Regional School District are mandated by law to
report promptly any suspected case of child abuse or neglect.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51A, a mandated reporter who
has reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of eighteen years is suffering
physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse including sexual abuse, or from
neglect, shall immediately report such condition to DCF. Mandated school reporters
include teachers, educational administrators, psychologists, attendance officers, social
workers, day care providers and health care professionals.
Parents or other individuals may also report suspected abuse/neglect to the Department
of Children and Families through the At-Risk Hotline: 800-792-5200.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Food Allergies
Chatham Elementary School is not a “nut-free” school. However, we make specific accommodations to
protect students with life-threatening food allergies including the designation of “nut-free” individual
classrooms, tables in the cafeteria, buses and field trips. Parents are notified in advance if their child is in
one of these designated situations. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a healthy and safe learning
environment for all children.
We recommend that students with life-threatening allergies have an “Allergy Action Plan” formulated in
consultation with their MD, the School Nurse and parent(s). Allergic students are to keep a dose of their
prescribed epi-pen at school and are allowed to carry their own epi-pens with proper documentation and
medical orders. A table is designated in the cafeteria for students in need of a nut-free eating area. Hand
wipes are provided in the cafeteria for all students who eat nut products; proper hand washing is essential
to health and good hygiene.
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DRESS
The guidelines for dress for students are based on safety and respect. Children need to wear
clothes and shoes that are safe and appropriate for their age and for weather conditions.
Provocative clothing (excessively short shorts, revealing tank tops, tops that reveal middrifts) or clothing that depicts violence or profane language is not appropriate for school.
Clogs, flip-flops and shoes with a heel higher than one inch are not safe footwear for
elementary aged students. Head coverings for religious reasons are permissible. Students
are required to have a pair of sneakers on the two days that they have Physical Education
class and shoes that are appropriate for play at recess time. Also, please do not allow your
child to bring or wear roller blades or sneakers with “wheelies” embedded in the soles to
school.
Daily outside recess is an important part of the school program. Please be sure that your
child brings appropriate outerwear for weather conditions. In winter, this means a warm
coat, boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Snow pants for snowy weather are recommended
for all grades.
Please Note: Hats may not be worn inside the school building.
TRADING
We strongly discourage trading of any kind. This includes food items, toys, and clothing.
Students found participating in trading activity will face disciplinary action at every grade
level. As innocent as trading may seem, some food and clothing items may contain
allergens that could cause harmful reactions, and toys of great value are often traded for
toys of lesser value, and without parental consent. This rule has been designed to protect
ALL students. The trading rule applies anywhere on school grounds, on buses and at
bus stops before or after school.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and Found items will be hung on hooks across form the cafeteria. Please help us to
return items to their owners by labeling everything. Please check for lost items as soon as
you know something is missing. Unclaimed clothing will be donated to an appropriate
charity at the end of each school year.
BIRTHDAYS
We realize that your child’s birthday is a very special day and birthdays will be
recognized and celebrated in classrooms. Each teacher has made a decision about how
birthdays will be celebrated with their students. In addition we will announce your
child’s special day during morning announcements each day. We ask that you do not
send in food of any kind to celebrate your child’s birthday. If you wish to send
invitations to a birthday party, please use the PTO’s family directory for
address/telephone information. Birthday invitations may not be distributed in school
unless everyone in the class is being invited.
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COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS/STAFF DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Please do your best to communicate after school plans to your children before they leave
for school. We understand that emergencies arise, and will be happy to convey
messages to your children in these instances.
We will allow students to use the office telephone to call you if they have forgotten their
lunch, instrument, or some other needed item. Please bring any forgotten items to the
office (not the classroom) and we will deliver the item to your child.
If you wish to speak to your child’s teacher, please call their extension and leave a
voicemail. You may also email them or write a note. We will not interrupt classroom
teaching unless there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. If you need to
conference with a teacher, please make an appointment. Teachers are not able to do
“drop in” conferences in the morning as their students need their full attention.
Generally, the classroom teacher will contact you on the same day that you request a
conference.
Students are not allowed to have cell phones at school. If your child needs to make a
phone call, it may be done through the main office.
TOY WEAPONS
Toys that resemble weapons or any object that could frighten or inflict harm to anyone
are forbidden on school premises. Toys that resemble weapons will be taken from the
student and the principal will notify you immediately.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Students may not bring Electronic Readers, CD players, IPODS, Game Boys or any
other electronic devices to school without specific prior approval by the Principal. Staff
cannot monitor the appropriateness of what students are viewing and listening to on
these devices, thus they are more suitable for home use.
WITHDRAWAL
In the event that you move during the school year, all withdrawals are processed through
the Main Office. You must complete a transfer form and sign a release of records,
which will allow the forwarding of cumulative records to the receiving school. We will
mail the documents through the mail and request sufficient notice to ensure a smooth
transition for your child.
Pursuant to G.L. c. 76, § 18, no student will be presumed to have permanently left
school based on absences. The Main Office will send a notice to a student’s
parent/guardian within 5 days from the student’s tenth consecutive unexcused absence
and arrange for a meeting to discuss the student’s attendance and educational plans.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
The school nurse provides monitoring and assistance to students with health issues so all
students can achieve and participate fully in all school activities. A record is kept of all
visits to the health room and parents will be notified of any possible health condition that
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may be developing. Regular attendance is important to your child’s progress, but it is also
important that children who need to recuperate at home for their own health and for the
health of others be allowed to do so. Children who are not fit enough to benefit from
instruction and other activities should not be sent to school. Students who are well enough
to come to school are expected to participate in Physical Education and go out for recess
unless a doctor’s note requests otherwise.
Medical Conditions – In order to provide each child with appropriate care, parents should
notify the school, in writing, of any medical conditions the student has that may affect
his/her well being. This also includes any religious stipulations regarding restrictions in
medical care.
Health Records – All children attending school must have a comprehensive health record
kept on file with the school nurse. A physical exam is required for kindergarten entrance,
for entry into third grade, and for any child entering school for the first time. The health
report must include a lead screening test, a vision and hearing screening test, as well as the
following immunizations:
3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
5 doses of DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine
4 doses of Polio vaccine
2 doses MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
2 doses Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine
Emergency Information – Emergency information sheets, signed by a parent or guardian,
must be on file in the office. They must include the parent’s work phone numbers, cell
phones, and the phone numbers of at least two local family members, neighbors, or friends
who may pick up your child if a parent cannot be reached. Please do not list emergency
numbers of individuals who live a distance from the school. A sick child must be sent
home as soon as reasonably possible.
Accident, Illness, and Injury – The school nurse or the staff handle minor first aid problems.
If a student becomes ill and needs to go home, the parents will be called to arrange for the
child to be picked up. If a child is seriously injured, an ambulance will be called. The
ambulance will transport the child to the nearest hospital. The parent will be notified any
time the child receives an injury to the head regardless of the significance.
Medications – Children may not bring any type of medication to school. This includes all
over- the- counter medication. Parents must bring all medications to the school nurse. In
addition, no child is permitted to take prescription or over-the-counter medication without
the direct supervision of the school nurse. Medication will be administered after these
procedures are completed:
 A physician’s medication order and parental consent form must be on file in the
health office. These forms must be renewed at the beginning of each year.
 For short-term prescriptions (10 days or less), the medication may be contained in a
pharmacy labeled container in lieu of a physician’s order. A parental consent form
is still required.
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
Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or cough syrup also require a
physician’s order and parental consent form.
Insurance – Please contact the health office if your child does not have health
insurance. The state offers low cost health insurance for all children through the age
of 18. All information regarding income is confidential.
Communicable Diseases – If a student is diagnosed with a communicable disease, please
contact the school nurse as soon as possible. This is vital for control measures as well as
for protecting students and staff who may be medically at risk form exposure to these
diseases. Children need to remain home until they are no longer contagious. This limits
the spread of disease and allows the child to recover faster. Listed below are the isolation
periods for the most common communicable diseases:
Strep Throat
24 to 48 hours after medication has started
Conjunctivitis
24 hours after the medication has started and there is
no longer any discharge from the eyes
Fifth’s Disease
No isolation period. Please notify the school
if it is suspected or diagnosed as it can lead to
serious complications if a pregnant woman is
exposed.
Pediculosis
Head lice are an easily transmitted condition and
treatment is important. The school must be notified
immediately when a case is identified. The nurse
will instruct parents regarding treatment and will
examine the entire class. Children may return to
school after treatment is completed and they are nit
free.
Fevers
Children can attend school when their temperature is
less than 100 degrees without fever reducing
medication. Please remember that fevers with a
virus are lowest in the morning. If your child has a
fever in the evening or during the night, he/she
should not attend school the next day.
Vomiting
A child with vomiting should be kept home until the
symptoms have been gone for at least 12 hours and
the child is able to keep food down.
Screenings-the school nurse will perform the following screenings. If there is any reason a
student should not be screened, please notify the health room in writing.

Vision Screening – yearly
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

Hearing Screening – Grades K-3
Heights and Weights – yearly.
STUDENT SERVICES
Teacher’s Assistance Team
The Teacher’s Assistance Team, TAT is a general education resource that provides an
immediate response to a classroom teacher’s concerns about a student. When a teacher
observes that a child is experiencing academic or social difficulties, the team convenes
to provide suggestions and an objective perspective on methods and approaches to assist
and support the child. The team may consist of the principal, classroom teachers, the
guidance counselor and often the reading specialist or special educators. TAT is an
internal process that does not generate reports to parents, although your child’s teacher
may tell you that s/he is seeking assistance from the TAT. Meeting notes are recorded,
but are not entered into a child’s record.
Literacy Intervention
Kindergarten through grade 4 students demonstrating a need for additional support in
learning to read will receive services from a Literacy Assistant. Intervention is an
extension of the regular education curriculum. Literacy Assistants are supervised by the
Reading Specialist and work with individual or small groups of students during the
regular school day. Students who receive literacy intervention generally make great
gains and often move out of the program once they learn fundamental reading strategies.
Regular education assessment data and teacher referral is used to determine which
students would benefit most from literacy intervention. Unless intervention is part of a
student’s I.E.P. under Special Education, it is not necessary to request parent
permission. Intervention programs are research-based and are part of Chatham
Elementary School’s commitment to best teaching practices and as such are considered
part of the regular education curriculum.
Math Intervention
Math support is designed to provide students in grades K-4 with additional support in
learning mathematical concepts. Math intervention is an extension of the regular
education curriculum. Students demonstrating a need for additional support may work
with a Math Assistant in small groups. Math interventions are research-based and are
part of Chatham Elementary School’s commitment to best practices and as such are
considered part of the regular education curriculum.
Guidance
CES has a full time guidance counselor, Ms. Jill Malinowski. Ms. Malinowski works
with teachers, parents and students to teach respect, responsibility, compassion,
integrity, and conflict resolution. She also works with individual or small groups of
children to facilitate friendships and to assist with school adjustment issues. At various
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times throughout the year, students may meet with Ms. Malinowski to discuss schoolrelated issues. Parent notification is not required for these occasions as this support
service is one aspect of the regular education program. Students may also see the
guidance counselor on a regular basis. Regularly scheduled sessions require parent
permission.
Guidance services are available to individual or groups of students for social skills
education and/or school adjustment issues with the permission of parents or guardians.
Consultation services for parents and guardians are also available. The guidance
counselor often serves as a liaison to agencies outside the school and can provide a list
of resources to facilitate parent’s access to child and family welfare services.
Special Education Services
Special education, under federal and state mandates, provides services to children from the
ages of 3 to 22 who have been diagnosed with certain disabilities that impact their learning.
Monomoy Regional School District strives to provide high quality programs to meet the
unique learning needs of all students. Special Education staff, along with highly trained
teaching assistants, provide services primarily in the classroom setting. Some services are
provided to students in a specialist’s classroom (speech and language room, the occupational
therapy room, the special needs teacher’s classroom) if the Team deems it more conducive
to meeting the student’s needs. Our primarily inclusive program is designed to allow special
needs students to maximize their academic potential by providing access to the general
education curriculum as mandated by the State Frameworks. Individual modifications,
accommodations and specialized instruction within the classroom afford children with
special learning needs the opportunity to demonstrate success and understanding of the
general curriculum in the least restrictive environment. A coordinated team approach is
carefully designed to deliver this service model in a manner that promotes self-esteem and
peer acceptance of diverse learning styles. A team approach is used to coordinate services
for students with individualized education plans. Consultations with the guidance
counselor, physical therapist, occupational therapist, special education teacher, principal,
classroom teacher and parents occur on a regular basis to develop and modify the program
that best meets the needs of each student.
Parents, teachers or other concerned parties may make a referral for a special education
evaluation if they suspect the child has a disability that impacts learning. A
comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to determine if the student meets the
eligibility criteria. Eligible students must have a diagnosed disability, and s/he must be
failing to make effective progress in the classroom setting as a result of the disability
and require specially designed instruction or special education. If you have concerns
about your child’s development or believe that your child may be entitled to special
education services, please contact your child’s teacher.
504 Accommodation Plans
Section 504 is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination based upon a disability,
among other provisions. A student may be considered disabled if the s/he has a
diagnosed emotional or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more of his
or her major life activities. An Accommodation Plan may be designed for students who
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meet the criteria of a disabling impairment under section 504. The Coordination Officer
for 504 Accommodation Plans at CES is the guidance counselor, Ms. Jill Malinowski.
The District-wide Section 504 Plan is available for review at monomoy.edu
TITLE I
Title I is a federally funded program which provides extra help in reading and/or math to
eligible students. Children are considered for Title I services based on classroom
teacher recommendation and the results of standardized testing. Services are available
in Grades K-4.
Title 1 services range from general classroom support to 20-30 minutes of extra
instruction 3-5 times a week in a small group setting in the students’ classrooms. Title I
Teachers and Instructional Assistants work closely with the classroom teachers to
ensure that each child's educational needs are being met.
Parents are an important part of the Title I program and are urged to participate in
informational programs, parent workshops, and parent/teacher conferences.
High Achieving Students
We welcome the responsibility to provide a rich learning environment for all students,
one that promotes academic excellence for everyone. Accordingly, curriculum and
instruction will address the gifts, talents and unique learning needs of every student.
Additionally, we recognize that students display a multitude of special gifts including
artistic, academic, interpersonal, athletic and musical talent. The elementary years are a
time to promote the academic, social, emotional, physical and aesthetic development of
each child. It is also a time to build strong classroom communities where children of
different abilities and interests grow and learn together. The learning needs of children
demonstrating high achievement in academic areas will be met in the regular classroom
setting through differentiated instruction. Teachers will employ a variety of strategies
and learning formats to create appropriate challenge for high achieving students
including:
Individualized reading programs
Varied groupings for instruction (small group collaborative, partner work, 1:1
with teacher)
Project based learning with research component
Interdisciplinary approach with technology integration
Preschool Program
CES provides an integrated preschool program for three and four year olds who reside
in the community. While all programs at CES are integrated, meaning children with
special needs are grouped with non-special needs students; the integration factor is
noted in this context as one aspect of our active Child Find endeavors. Child Find
refers to the process if identifying three and four year olds who have special learning
needs. Our aim is to provide preschoolers with special needs with a high quality
preschool program that addresses their unique developmental needs. Parents are
encouraged to call the Preschool teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Jennings if they suspect that
their child has a special learning need. Parents of typically developing youngsters are
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also encouraged to express their interest in the preschool program.
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Before and After School Program
Parents may enroll Kindergarten through Grade 4 students in the Before School
Program and/or the After School Program. The hours of the Morning program are from
7:00 A.M. to 8:55 A.M., which is the beginning of the school day. The afternoon hours
are 3:25 until 6:00 PM. Registration and fees for either of these programs can be found
online at www.monomoy.org or you can reach Monomoy Community Services at (508)
945-1501. You may send your child as many days as you need. The number of days
must be consistent from week to week however, which will allow Monomoy to have
adequate staffing for the number of students. The morning program (7:00-8:45) will
begin at the Monomoy Community Center from 7:00-8:00. From 8:00-8:45 students
will migrate across the street to CES. Students will have the opportunity to eat breakfast
as well as participate in activities in the gym. The afternoon program is held at CES and
at Monomoy Community Services. These programs are offered only on days when
school is in session. When there is a delayed opening, this program will start with a
delay consistent with the start of the school day.
After School Clubs
All students in grades K-4 may attend the after school clubs that are offered for their
particular grade level. Club offerings vary every year and have included chess,
woodworking, writing, pottery, dance, cooking, knitting, library and historical club.
There is a nominal fee for club attendance, but scholarships are also available. Jump
Rope Club, Garden Club, and Chorus are also available to students. Notices for
enrollment are sent home with students. Students who attend the Monomoy after school
program may attend CES after school clubs. Please let the office know if your child
needs to be walked over to the Monomoy building for extended care. Parents must
provide transportation for their children attending a club after school.
Instrumental Lessons
Students in grade four may choose to take clarinet, flute, trombone, saxophone, violin or
drums under the direction of Mr. Frank Giasullo. Students must rent or purchase their
own instrument. There is no fee for the lessons, which are offered in the morning from
7:45am – 8:45 am, prior to the beginning of school. Families who need financial
assistance with rental fees for an instrument may contact the principal for a scholarship.
Note: Mr. Giasullo also offers group guitar lessons and private instrumental lessons for
a fee to students in Grade 2 through middle school. Parents may contact him by calling
him at 945-8823, after 5:00pm.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
The following is a summary of the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness
for College and Careers) standardized testing that will be administered to students in
grades three and four during the 2014-2015 school year. Students will participate in a
Performance Based Assessment (PBA) in March and an End of Year Assessment (EOY)
in June. Specific dates can be found on the PARCC website on the monomoy.edu
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webpage.
Language Arts
Mathematics
Grade Three
Grade Four
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
CODE OF CONDUCT
Expectations for Behavior and Academics
A core value of the CES community is the creation and maintenance of a peaceful and
respectful learning environment. We believe that all children and adults have the right to
learn in an atmosphere that is free from distraction, fear or discomfort. Furthermore, we
know that for maximum learning, students and staff must know that school is a safe and
orderly place. School Norms for CES have been developed to protect these rights.
Please take the time to review our Expectations for Student Behavior and Academics
with your child. An effective way is to read the rules together and discuss why each one
is necessary.
Students at Chatham Elementary School are expected to abide by the following Norms:
Behavior
 Respect all adults and students
 Honor personal space
 Respect school property and property of others
 Keep our school clean and safe
 Travel silently in hallways on the right.
Academics
 Best effort for all work
 Pride and ownership of all you do
 Never give up
 Stay focused and engaged
 Help others and celebrate their accomplishments
BULLYING PREVENTION
In addition, the rules associated with the Bullying Prevention program ensure that all
students feel welcome and safe at CES. Staff will engage students in lessons that teach
students ways to eradicate bullying behavior:
 We will not bully other students.
 We will try to help students who are bullied.
 We will make a point to include students who are often left out.
 We will tell an adult at school if we know that someone is being bullied.
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For specific information regarding Bullying please access the CES website at
www.monomoy.edu for the complete “Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan” on
the “About Us” page of the website.
Bullying is defined as the repeated use by one or more students or by a member of
school staff including but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse,
cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to extra -curricular or
paraprofessional of a written or electronic expression or a physical or emotional harm
to the victim that
1.
causes emotional or physical harm to the victim or victim’s property
2.
places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to himself or damage to his
property
3.
creates a hostile environment at school for the victim
4.
infringes on the rights of the victim at school
5.
materially or substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly
operation of a school.
For the purposes of this section, bullying shall include cyberbullying.
The school or district expects students, parents or guardians, and others who witness or
become aware of an instance of bullying or retaliation involving a student to report it to
the principal or designee or to the superintendent or designee when the principal or the
assistant principal is the alleged aggressor, or to the school committee or designee when
the superintendent is the alleged aggressor. Reports may be made anonymously, but no
disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an
anonymous report. A student who knowingly makes a false accusation of bullying or
retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action. Students, parents or guardians, and
others may request assistance from a staff member to complete a written report.
Students will be provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and
discuss an incident of bullying with a staff member, or with the principal, Adam O’Shea
and superintendent, Scott Carpenter. An overview of the various resources available to
address bullying is available at the Guidance Office and may also be found in the
District’s Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan.
Hazing
The Monomoy Regional School Committee recognizes the right of all students to
participate through competition or open admission to all clubs, activities and sport
programs and, therefore, prohibits the practice of 'hazing.'
Students Who Engage in Inappropriate Behavior
There will be consequences for students who engage in inappropriate behavior including
bullying, harassment, or discrimination. Consequences may range from warnings, to
loss of certain school privileges, to suspension. Parents will be notified of significant
inappropriate behavior.
If inappropriate behavior including, bullying, harassment, or discrimination disrupts the
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learning of other children, the child may be temporarily separated from the classroom and
placed in a designated area in the school. The child will be supervised for the duration of
the separation. If a child’s actions pose a physical danger to the staff or students, the child
may be suspended from the school.
Procedures and Discipline for Allegations of Discrimination
A student has the right to an explanation of any alleged behavior indiscretions involving
discrimination and an opportunity to present his/her side of the story before discipline is
imposed. See page 33 for the process of filing a discrimination complaint. Where an
allegation of discrimination has been substantiated, the Monomoy Regional School
District shall act promptly to address the matter and with the intent to prevent any future
occurrence. Any employee, student, or other individual in the school community found
to have engaged in discrimination may be subject to discipline, including but not limited
to verbal warning, written warning, reprimand, suspension, or termination (employees)
subject to applicable procedural requirements. The severity of the disciplinary action
shall be based upon the circumstances (including mitigating circumstances), nature of
the infraction, prior discipline, or any other factors deemed relevant by the
administration.
Discipline for Students Following Significant Behavioral Incidents
The purpose of the Discipline Code of the Monomoy Regional School District is to
establish clear expectation in creating an atmosphere in our school and classrooms that
promotes the development of a student's ability to control his/her behavior. Appropriate
school behavior is dependent on respect for self and others and property. Parent-school
cooperation is held essential to this process. Disciplinary action may be required in
order to maintain an environment conducive to effective learning.
General Guidelines
The guiding principles of good character (respect, responsibility, caring, fairness,
trustworthiness, and citizenship) are modeled and practiced daily with monthly focus on
each strand. In regulating student behavior, school personnel will be fair, consistent,
and judicious in the administration of the disciplinary consequences.
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When students are disciplined, consequences are administered on an
individual basis. Each incident is reviewed with regards to frequency and
severity if a student’s behavior is disruptive, disrespectful and detrimental to
the learning process or if the conduct could cause injury to self, others and
property. Mitigating circumstances will also be considered.
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Consequences or disciplinary actions will generally take these forms:
 Student may be temporarily excluded from a group when his/her
behavior interferes with the orderly process of teaching, learning, or
assembly.
 Student may be denied recess.
 Student may be assigned to office lunch.
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Student may be required to complete a “Problem Solver” form or written
reflection.
Student may be detained after school provided prior notification has been
given to the child’s parents.
Student may be suspended or expelled from school in accordance with
the Suspension and Expulsion Policy attached as Appendix A.
We therefore expect students to be polite and respectful at all times. Any behavior, such
as pushing, fighting or throwing of objects, shows a lack of concern for the rights and
safety of others, and is not acceptable.
All students are entitled, absolutely, to the safety of their person and property at the
Chatham Elementary School.
Students with Disabilities on I.E.P.s and 504 Plans -Discipline
Federal and state special education laws govern the disciplining of students with disabilities
eligible for special education and the regulations promulgated there under. These laws
include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1401 et seq,. and Section
504, its implementing regulations 34 C.F.R. 300 et seq.; and Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 71B and its implementing regulations, 603 C.M.R. 28.00.
Students with disabilities who violate school rules are subject to removal from their current
educational placement for up to ten (10) school days per year, to the extent that such a
removal would be applied to students without disabilities, without prior determination as to
whether the misconduct is related to the student’s disability.
School personnel may order a change in educational placement of a child with a disability
to an appropriate Interim Alternative Education Setting (IAES) that provides the student
with a free appropriate public education for the same amount of time that a child without a
disability would be subject to discipline, but for not more than forty-five (45) calendar days
if the student:
 Carries or possesses a weapon to or at school, on school premises, or to or
at a school function;
 Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs at school, a school function, or
school sponsored event; or
 Sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school, a school
function, or school sponsored event.
Anytime school personnel seek to remove a student from his or her current educational
placement for more than ten (10) school days in any school year, this constitutes a “change
of placement.” A change of placement invokes certain procedural protections under IDEA,
the federal special education law and Section 504. These include, but are not limited:
 If the school did not conduct a functional behavioral assessment and
implement a behavioral intervention plan for such student before the
behavior that resulted in the discipline, the school shall convene an IEP
meeting to develop an assessment plan to address the behavior; or if the
child already has a behavioral intervention plan, the IEP Team shall review
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the plan and modify it, as necessary, to address the behavior.
A review by the IEP Team of the relationship between the child’s disability
and the behavior subject to the disciplinary action, which is often referred to
as the Manifestation Determination.
School personnel may also seek an order from the Department of Education Bureau of
Special Education Appeals (BSEA) placing a student in an IAES for up to forty-five (45)
calendar days. Parent/guardians and/or students, where appropriate, may request a hearing
at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals regarding a disciplinary action described above
to challenge the interim alternative educational setting or the manifestation determination.
For a copy of the Massachusetts Department of Education brochure on Special Education
Parent’s Rights, available in many languages, visit www.doe.mass.edu/sped/parents or
contact the Director of Student Services, at (508) 945-5132.
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Physical Restraint Overview
In order to insure that Monomoy Regional School District provides a safe environment
for both students and staff , it is obligated to notify all parents and legal guardians that it
is in compliance of 603 CMR 46.00 on Physical Restraint which has been in effect since
April 2, 2001, in this notification. In order to protect student(s) or school personnel
from imminent, serious, physical harm school personnel may have to physically restrain
a child. Physical restraint would not be used as a method to punish students or as a
response to property destruction, disruption of school order or verbal threats. Please be
aware that physical restraint is a method of last resort.
PHYSICAL RESTRAINT OF STUDENTS
Maintaining an orderly, safe environment conducive to learning is an expectation of all
staff members of the Monomoy Regional School District. Further, students of the
District are protected by law from the unreasonable use of physical restraint. The
district has a school committee policy which complies with state law and regulations.
Physical restraint shall be used only in emergency situations after other less intrusive
alternatives have failed or been deemed inappropriate, and with extreme caution. A person
performing physical restraint shall discontinue such restraint as soon as reasonably
possible. School personnel shall use physical restraint with two goals in mind:
1. To administer a physical restraint only when needed to protect a student and/or a
member of the school community from immediate, serious, physical harm; and
2. To prevent or minimize any harm to the student as a result of the use of physical
restraint.
The following definitions appear at 603CMR 46.02:
Extended restraint: A physical restraint the duration of which is more than twenty (20)
minutes. Extended restraints increase the risk of injury and, therefore, require additional
written documentation as described in 603 CMR 46.06.
Physical escort: Touching or holding a student without the use of force for the purpose
of directing the student.
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Physical restraint: The use of bodily force to limit a student's freedom of movement.
Restraint - Other: Limiting the physical freedom of an individual student by
mechanical means or seclusion in a limited space or location, or temporarily controlling
the behavior of a student by chemical means. The use of chemical or mechanical
restraint is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by a physician and approved in
writing by the parent or guardian. The use of seclusion restraint is prohibited in public
education programs.
(a) Mechanical Restraint: The use of a physical device to restrict the movement
of a student or the movement or normal function of a portion of his or her body.
A protective or stabilizing device ordered by a physician shall not be considered
mechanical restraint.
(b) Seclusion Restraint: Physically confining a student alone in a room or limited
space without access to school staff. The use of "time out" procedures during
which a staff member remains accessible to the student shall not be considered
"seclusion restraint."
(c) Chemical restraint: The administration of medication for the purpose of
restraint.
The use of mechanical, seclusion or chemical restraint is prohibited unless explicitly
authorized by a physician and approved in writing by the parent/guardian. The use of
seclusion restraint is prohibited in public education programs.
Each building Principal has identified staff members to serve as a school-wide resource to
assist in ensuring proper administration of physical restraint. These staff members have
participated in an in-depth training program in the use of physical restraint.
Only school personnel who have received training pursuant to 603CMR 46.00 may
administer physical restraint on students. Whenever possible the administration of physical
restraint shall be administered in the presence of at least one adult who does not participate
in the restraint. A person administering physical restraint shall only use the amount of force
necessary to protect the student or others from injury or harm.
In addition, each staff member is trained regarding the school’s physical restraint policy.
The Principal will arrange training to occur in the first month of each school year, or for
staff hired after the beginning of the school year, within a month of their employment.
Physical restraint is prohibited as a means of discipline, or as a response to destruction of
property, disruption of school order, a student’s refusal to comply with a school rule or staff
directive, or verbal threats that do not constitute a threat of imminent, serious physical harm
to the student or others.
A member of the School Committee or any teacher or any employees or agent of the School
Committee shall not be precluded from using such reasonable force as is necessary to
protect pupils, other persons or themselves from an assault by a pupil.
The program staff shall report the use of physical restraint. Reporting of incidences shall
meet with local policy and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education laws and
regulations.
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In special circumstances waivers may be sought from parents either through the Individual
Education Plan (IEP) process or from parents of students who present a high risk of
frequent, dangerous behavior that may frequent the use of restraint.
HOMEWORK POLICY
The purpose of homework is to provide students with opportunities to apply learning
and to transfer specific skills and concepts to new situations. In addition, homework is
designed to develop personal responsibility, self-discipline, and good work habits. As
with all instructional activities, homework assignments should be meaningful and
relevant. Furthermore, teachers should consider (as much as possible) individual
differences among students and tailor homework assignments accordingly.
Daily Reading
Research shows that reading each day at home is a critical factor in students’ ability to
read with competence and confidence.
 Children who are not yet reading independently should be read to for fifteen
to twenty minutes per day.
 Children who are reading independently should practice reading on their
own for thirty minutes per day.
 All children, including those who can read independently, benefit immensely
from hearing literature read aloud to them
 For pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students, engaging in
reading activities may be the only homework that is required. For older
students, reading thirty minutes per day is in addition to other assignments.
Making sure that your child engages in reading activities every day for a minimum
of thirty minutes will give your child the best opportunity to develop into a confident,
competent and enthusiastic reader.
The following guidelines have been developed to clarify the roles and responsibilities
for students, parents and teachers as they relate to homework.
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Students are responsible for:
Recording assignments in their Student Planner (Grades 3 and 4) before leaving
school
Asking the teacher for clarification if the assignment is not understood
Taking home all necessary materials to complete the work
Scheduling time to complete the assignment(s)
Completing homework on time; handing in neat, carefully completed work
Asking the teacher for help if the homework was not completed due to confusion
Correcting homework at the discretion of the teacher
Accepting consequences if homework is not completed
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Teachers are responsible for:
Communicating the homework assignment to students verbally and in writing;
modeling directions for how the homework is to be completed
Ensuring that assignments are based on concepts previously taught and understood
by the children (parents should not have to teach the concept)
Providing modifications or adjustments for students with special learning needs
Reviewing the assignments and returning them to students with a grade or comment
Communicating homework concerns as they arise with parents
Working with students to catch them up on school work
Parents are responsible for:
Speaking positively about the importance of homework; providing encouragement
and praise for work that’s well done
Providing a quiet, distraction-free (no TV) area to study
Ensuring that time has been set aside to do homework
Reviewing homework to make sure that it has been completed to the best of the
child’s ability while refraining from doing the homework
Informing the teacher immediately with a note in the Student Planner or by personal
contact if
 the child does not understand the homework concept(s)
 the child cannot complete the homework in the recommended time frame
 there are any homework concerns or issues
In addition to daily reading, the following time frames provide guidelines for the
amount of time children should spend on homework assignments:
Grade
PreK – K
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Approximate Time
None
0 – 15 min.
0 – 30 mins.
15 – 40 mins.
30 – 60 mins.
Teachers will establish relative norms of consistency in the amount of homework
assigned at each grade level. Other than long term assignments, homework will be
assigned on Monday through Thursday only. Long term assignments will not be due
immediately following a weekend or a vacation period.
Absences
The student’s classroom teacher will work with students to cover material missed during
an absence for illness. Parents do not need to ask for “homework” packets for children
who are ill. All missed work will be made up during or after school hours and will be
supervised by school staff.
In addition, “homework packets” will not be created for students who miss school due
to a family vacation. Students who miss three or more days of school may need to meet
with the teacher after school hours to make-up class work that has been missed.
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Students who miss school due to a vacation are advised to engage in the following
activities during the time they are away from school:
 Keep a daily journal of their activities with attention to correct spelling,
grammar usage and idea development appropriate for the age of the student
 Engage in reading activities daily for a minimum of thirty minutes
 Explore money concepts and use them in real situations whenever possible
 Practice math facts, or other math concepts appropriate for the age of the
student
 Learn basic map concepts; use menus to strengthen literacy concepts
PROMOTION POLICY
Chatham Elementary School is dedicated to the continuous academic progress of every
student. The professional staff places students at the age appropriate grade level best
suited to them academically, socially and emotionally.
Students in the elementary grades will generally progress annually from grade to grade.
Exceptions may be made for students who have not demonstrated the progress and
growth to be successful in the following grade. Decisions regarding retention will be
made through a team process. Members of the team will include the parents and teacher
of the student as well as the principal, and other specialists having insight or expertise in
the learning process.
As soon as the teacher has concerns about a student’s progress, parents will be notified.
Early intervention will be the course of action for all students who display signs of
struggling. Students failing to make sufficient progress will receive additional support
through our Intervention Support for Literacy and/or Math. A Curriculum
Accommodation Plan will be developed for each child. The program may include
individualized or small group instruction and/or a home/school program so parents may
support their child at home. Usually retention will be considered as an option for
children in Kindergarten through Grade 2. Retention may be considered for students in
other grade levels when extenuating circumstances may apply. Policy #5010 states,
“Final decisions regarding retention/promotion will rest with the building principal.”
FIELD TRIP POLICY
Field trips are an extension of the elementary school’s Standards Based Curriculum.
Field trips are considered regular school activities. They are related to curriculum
objectives and will have the approval of the principal. When students are on a Field
Trip, school rules and policies will be observed, particularly as they relate to
expectations for student behavior.
Local field trips may be adequately supervised by staff and may not require parent
chaperones. Parent chaperones will be recruited to ensure safety for trips that require a
small student to adult ratio. All chaperones must have a current, approved CORI on file
at the Superintendent’s office.
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The primary role of the parent chaperone is to ensure the safety of students assigned to
them. For this reason, younger siblings and/or other children may not accompany the
chaperone on the trip. In addition, chaperones are expected to adhere to the policies
established for field trips and to report any concerns or infractions of the policy to the
teacher(s) on the trip at the time of the incident.
Before the Trip
1. The teachers, in consultation with the principal, will determine the number
of chaperones required for each field trip. Site requirements regarding adult
to child ratio, the distance of the trip, and safety issues will be considered
when determining the number of CORI approved chaperones needed for
each trip.
2. If more parents wish to chaperone than are needed, a lottery will be held.
Parents not selected for the trip will be notified, as will those who have been
selected.
3. All chaperones will be provided with an agenda, the names of students in
their assigned groups, and a copy of the field trip policy.
4. Chaperones must arrive on time so the trip may commence on schedule.
5. Parents unable to chaperone due to illness or last minute emergency should
contact the teacher as soon as possible so a replacement can be found.
During the Trip
1. Chaperones and all students must ride on the bus, unless other arrangements
have been made by the teacher(s).
2. Chaperones must stay with their assigned student group at all times
throughout the trip (lunch, bathroom visits). Students must also stay with
the assigned chaperone, unless a change is made by the teacher(s).
3. Parents not selected in the lottery are discouraged from driving on their own
to the site to meet their child at the site, as this disrupts the supervision plans
that have been established.
4. Chaperones may not bring anything from home (toys, candy, snacks) for
students, nor buy any treats (candy, ice cream) for students at the site.
5. There will be no visits to the gift shop, unless this is included in the agenda
by the teacher. Chaperones should not take students to the gift shop on their
own, if it is not on the agenda.
6. Chaperones and students will wear nametags with school identification.
7. During a Field Trip, a Chaperone will not at any time possess or use illegal
drugs or controlled substances including but not limited to; tobacco and all
alcoholic beverages.
After the Trip
Parents of students unable to attend prepaid field trips due to illness or family
emergency are responsible for requesting reimbursement from the field trip site.
Note: There is no guarantee that the organization will give the refund.
Notes:
1. The principal will make a decision regarding the status of the trip should there be an
elevated national security threat or weather conditions that compromise safe travel.
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2. Children who come to school, but do not attend the field trip (by parent choice) will
be placed in a classroom and will be supervised at school for the extent of the trip.
Monomoy Regional School District Annual Notice
The Family Education and Privacy Act
Massachusetts Student Records Regulations
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Massachusetts
Student Records Regulations (“Regulations”) together provide parents and eligible
students (those who have reached the age of 14 or who have entered ninth grade) certain
rights with respect to the student's education records. A general overview of those
rights is provided in the student handbook and below. Parents and students may obtain
a complete copy of their rights under the Massachusetts Student Record Regulations by
contacting the Principal.
Definitions
The student record shall consist of the transcript and the temporary record,
including all information recording and computer tapes, microfilm, microfiche, or
any other materials regardless of physical form or characteristics concerning a
student that is organized on the basis of the student's name or in a way that such
student may be individually identified, and that is kept by the public schools of the
Commonwealth. The term as used in 603 CMR 23.00 shall mean all such
information and materials regardless of where they are located, except for the
information and materials specifically exempted by 603 CMR 23.04.
The temporary record shall consist of all the information in the student record
which is not contained in the transcript. This information clearly shall be of
importance to the educational process. Such information may include standardized
test results, class rank (when applicable), extracurricular activities, and evaluations
by teachers, counselors, and other school staff.
The transcript shall contain administrative records that constitute the minimum
data necessary to reflect the student's educational progress and to operate the
educational system. These data shall be limited to the name, address, and phone
number of the student; his/ her birthdate; name, address, and phone number of the
parent or guardian; course titles, grades (or the equivalent when grades are not
applicable), course credit, grade level completed, and the year completed.
The right to access the student's education records. Parents or eligible students
should submit their request for access to the Principal. Access is generally provided
within ten days of a request. However, Massachusetts General Laws c. 71, §34H
(“Section 34H”) provides specific procedures that must be followed prior to release of
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records to a parent who does not have physical custody of a child. These procedures
include submitting a written request and other documentation to the principal on an
annual basis. Information about these procedures can be obtained from the Principal.
The right to request amendment of the student record. Parents or eligible
students should direct their request to the principal, clearly identifying the part of the
record they wish to have amended, and why.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information
contained in the student record, except to the extent that FERPA and the Massachusetts
regulations authorize disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure
without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests in
the records. Such school officials include professional, administrative and clerical staff
who are employed by or under agreement with the Monomoy Regional School District
and who need access to a record in order to fulfill their duties. The Monomoy Regional
School District also discloses student records without parent/eligible student consent to
officials of other elementary or secondary schools in which a student enrolls, or seeks,
intends, or is instructed to enroll upon receipt of a request from such school officials.
In addition, the Monomoy Regional School District has a practice of releasing
directory information without consent, including to military recruiters in accordance
with the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Directory information
consists of the following: the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place
of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of athletic teams,
class, participation in recognized activities and sports, honors and awards, and post-high
school plans. In the event a parent or eligible student objects to the release of any of the
above information, the parent/eligible student may state that objection in writing to the
Principal. Absent receipt of a written objection by September 19, 2014, the directory
information will be released without further notice or consent.
The right to file a complaint concerning alleged failures by the District to
comply with the regulations and laws governing student records. Complaints may be
filed at the Massachusetts Department of Education, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA
02148. In addition, complaints relative to federal statutes and regulations governing
student records may be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC.
Non-custodial Parent Access to Student Records
The Student Record Regulations concerning access to records by non-custodial parents
(a parent who does not have physical custody of a student) can be found at 603 CMR
23.07(5). A non-custodial parent may have access to the student record unless the
school has been given documentation that:
1. the parent has been denied legal custody or has been ordered to supervised
visitation, based on a threat to the safety of the student and the threat is
specifically noted in the order pertaining to custody or supervised visitation, or
2. the parent has been denied visitation, or
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3. the parent's access to the student has been restricted by a temporary or permanent
protective order, unless the protective order (or any subsequent order modifying
the protective order) specifically allows access to the information contained in
the student record, or
4. there is an order of a probate and family court judge which prohibits the
distribution of student records to the parent.
Maintenance and Destruction of School Records
The student’s transcript shall be maintained by the school department and may only be
destroyed 60 years following his/her graduation, transfer, or withdrawal from the school
system. The student’s temporary record shall be destroyed no later than seven years after
the student transfer, graduates, or withdraws from the school system. If a parent wishes to
collect the temporary record or any part thereof, he/she must do so within the timeframe.
Harassment/Discrimination
The Monomoy Regional School District are committed to equal employment and
educational opportunity for all employees and applicants, students, and members of the
school community without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
sexual orientation, or disability, in all aspects of employment and education. The
members of the school community include the School Committee, administration, staff,
students, parents, bus drivers and volunteers working in the schools, while they work
and study subject to school authorities.
The Monomoy Regional School District are also committed to maintaining a school and
work environment free from harassment based on, but not limited to, race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The Monomoy
Regional School District expect all employees and members of the school community to
conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with concern for their fellow employees,
students, and other school community members. Appropriate manner means behavior
which a reasonable person would not perceive as threatening or intimidating.
Harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual
orientation, or disability in any form will not be tolerated. Harassment is any behavior
which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or
educational performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or
educational environment. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to
unsolicited remarks, gestures or physical contact, display or circulation of written
materials or pictures derogatory to either gender or to racial, ethnic, religious, age,
sexual orientation or disabled individuals or groups.
In addition, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
1. submission to such conduct or communication is made a term or condition either
explicitly or implicitly to obtain or maintain employment or educational
development and opportunity, or
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2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for
employment or education decisions affecting such individual.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS
WHEN THE OFFENDER IS AN ADULT
If you believe that you or someone you know has been the victim of harassment or
discrimination by an adult or if you have questions or concerns about this issue, seek
the help of another adult who you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, your parent or
guardian, or the assistant principal. With the help of a trusted adult or friend you should
bring the complaint to the attention of the principal. As soon as the principal is advised
of your concern, an investigation will be conducted.
If it is determined that an adult has harassed or discriminated against a student,
disciplinary action will occur from verbal warning to dismissal depending upon the
circumstances and nature of the incident.
WHEN THE OFFENDER IS A STUDENT
If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of harassment or
discrimination by another student or if you have questions about this issue, seek the
help of an adult who you trust such as a teacher, counselor, your parent or guardian.
With the help of a trusted adult or friend you should bring the complaint to the attention
of the Assistant Principal. The Assistant Principal will conduct an investigation and
submit a written record of the investigation to the Principal.
If it is determined that a student has harassed or discriminated against another student,
the consequences to the offending student will include, but not be limited to, one of the
following:
-parent conference
-detention
-apology to the victim
-suspension
-recommendation to the school committee for expulsion
-referral to the police
RETALIATION
The Monomoy Regional School District will discipline (see "sanctions") any individual
who retaliates against any person who reports alleged harassment or discrimination, or
anyone who retaliates against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an
investigation, proceeding or hearing. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any
form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment.
INTIMIDATION, HARASSMENT AND BULLYING DURING SPORTS
ACTIVITIES
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It is our intent that the leadership values learned through the competitive and
extracurricular experience will help students become more productive members of our
community. It is expected that team members and members of extracurricular groups
will not use their position to intimidate, harass or bully others. The consequence for
such behavior will be permanent removal for the rest of the calendar year from the team
or activities by the coach, athletic director, advisor and/or administration. The school’s
harassment policy also applies.
VICTIM ASSISTANCE
Persons who have been subject to harassment or discrimination will be provided with
support and assistance in meeting their needs to the extent possible within the school
environment and will be aided in seeking further assistance if they so desire through
referral to appropriate sources. Complaints alleging discrimination shall be made to
the appropriate compliance coordinator below or shall be referred to the
coordinator if received by other persons within the institution.
Complaints alleging discrimination shall be made to the appropriate compliance
coordinator, or shall be referred to the coordinator if received by other persons within
the institution.
Civil Rights and Equal Educational Opportunities
Director of Student Services, Joan Goggin
Monomoy Regional School District
425 Crowell Road
Chatham, MA 02633
508-945-5130
HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR
STUDENTS
WHEN THE OFFENDER IS AN ADULT
If you believe that you or someone you know has been the victim of harassment or
discrimination by an adult or if you have questions or concerns about this issue, seek
the help of another adult who you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, your parent or
guardian, or the assistant principal. With the help of a trusted adult or friend you should
bring the complaint to the attention of the principal. As soon as the principal is advised
of your concern, an investigation will be conducted.
If it is determined that an adult has harassed or discriminated against a student,
disciplinary action will occur from verbal warning to dismissal depending upon the
circumstances and nature of the incident.
WHEN THE OFFENDER IS A STUDENT
If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of harassment or
discrimination by another student or if you have questions about this issue, seek the
help of an adult who you trust such as a teacher, counselor, your parent or guardian.
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With the help of a trusted adult or friend you should bring the complaint to the attention
of the Assistant Principal. The Assistant Principal will conduct an investigation and
submit a written record of the investigation to the Principal.
If it is determined that a student has harassed or discriminated against another student,
the offending student will be subject to discipline, up to and including suspension and,
in certain circumstances, expulsion.
RETALIATION
Any individual who retaliates against any person who reports alleged harassment or
discrimination, or anyone who retaliates against any person who testifies, assists, or
participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing will be subject to discipline.
Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal, or
harassment.
INTIMIDATION, HARASSMENT AND BULLYING DURING SPORTS
ACTIVITIES
It is our intent that the leadership values learned through the competitive and
extracurricular experience will help students become more productive members of our
community. It is expected that team members and members of extracurricular groups
will not use their position to intimidate, harass or bully others. The consequence for
such behavior will be permanent removal for the rest of the calendar year from the team
or activities by the coach, athletic director, advisor and/or administration. The school’s
harassment policy also applies.
VICTIM ASSISTANCE
Persons who have been subject to harassment or discrimination will be provided with
support and assistance in meeting their needs to the extent possible within the school
environment and will be aided in seeking further assistance if they so desire through
referral to appropriate sources. Complaints alleging discrimination shall be made to
the appropriate compliance coordinator below or shall be referred to the
coordinator if received by other persons within the institution.
Complaints alleging discrimination shall be made to the appropriate compliance
coordinator, or shall be referred to the coordinator if received by other persons within
the institution.
Civil Rights and Equal Educational Opportunities
Pupil Personnel Director, Joan Goggin
Monomoy Regional School District
425 Crowell Road
Chatham, MA 02633
508-945-5130
SYNOPSIS OF FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS
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AND DISTRICT COORDINATOR INFORMATION
MONOMOY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
SYNOPSIS OF LAWS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Coordinator: Kathleen Isernio,Business Manager/Joan Goggin, PPS Director
Statute prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color or national origin by recipients of
federal financial assistance. This statute ensures that individuals are not excluded from
participation in programs or activities receiving federal funds (or the benefits of) on account of their
membership in one of these protected categories (42 USC §2000d). This statute has been interpreted
to prohibit the denial of equal access to education because of a language minority student’s limited
proficiency in English.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Coordinator: Janie Girolamo, HS Asst. Principal
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides that no individual may be discriminated
against on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial
assistance. Title IX requires that schools adopt and publish a policy against sex discrimination and
have grievance procedures through which students can complain of alleged sex discrimination,
including sexual harassment. State law requires Massachusetts employers to have a policy against
sexual harassment. (M.G.L. Ch. 151B, S3A) The Monomoy Regional School District’s policies
are available at: monomo.edu
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Coordinator: Joan Goggin., Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Section 504 provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall solely by reason of
his/her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The regulations
implementing Section 504 require that public schools provide a free appropriate public education to
each qualified handicapped person who is in the recipient’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or
severity of the person’s handicap. (34 CFR 104.33)
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Coordinator: Joan Goggin, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
The regulations implementing the ADA provide that: “A public entity that employs 50 or more
persons shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out
its responsibilities under this part, including any investigation of any complaint communicated to it
alleging its noncompliance with this part or alleging any actions that would be prohibited by this
part. The public entity must make available to all interested individuals the name, office address,
and telephone number of the employee or employees designated pursuant to this paragraph.” (28
CFR 35.107(a))
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES LAWS
Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
Coordinator: Joan Goggin, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
This federal statute prohibits states from denying equal educational opportunities to an individual
based on certain protected classifications including race, color, sex, or national origin. It specifically
prohibits denying equal educational opportunities by failing to take appropriate action to overcome
language barriers that impede equal participation by its students in its instructional programs. (20
USC §1703)
Mass. General Laws CH. 76, § 5 (also known as Chapter 622)
Coordinator: Joan Goggin, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
This state law provides that “[n]o person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in
admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of
study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or
sexual orientation.””
Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
Coordinator: Supervisor of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction
Title I has been reauthorized through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Title I is a federal
supplemental education program to improve student achievement. Funding is determined by
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municipal census poverty levels. Monomoy Regional School District are designated as Targeted
Assistance for Title I.
Title X (Part C) of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
Assistance Improvements Act of 2001)
Coordinator: Joan Goggin, Director
The Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is intended to ensure that homelessness
does not cause these children to be left behind in school. Homeless children and youths should have
access to the education and other services that they need to meet the same challenging state student
academic achievement standards to which all students are held.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
IDEA 2004
Coordinator: Joan Goggin, Director
The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 provides eligible disabled students with free and
appropriate public education.
TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The following policy and procedures have been established for network use by students in
grades K-12 in the Monomoy Regional School District.
1. Commercial use of the system/network is prohibited.
2. Copyrighted software or data shall not be placed on the district/system network
without permission from the holder of the copyright and the system administrator.
3. Access will be granted to students with a signed access agreement and permission of
the building administrator or designee(s).
4. Passwords are confidential. All passwords shall be protected by the user and not
shared or displayed.
5. Principals or their designee will be responsible for disseminating and enforcing
policies and procedures in the building(s) under their control.
6. Individual users shall, at all times, be responsible for the proper use of accounts
issued in their name.
7. The system/network may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal
activities, or any activity prohibited by district policy.
8. System users shall not use another user’s account.
9. Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment, materials, data or programs
prohibited.
10. Vandalism will result in the cancellation of system privileges and will require
restitution for costs associated with hardware, software, and system restoration.
11. Forgery or attempted forgery is prohibited.
12. Attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other users or to
interfere with the ability of other users to send/receive electronic mail is prohibited.
13. Use appropriate language; swearing vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs, and other
inflammatory language is prohibited.
14. Transmitting or viewing obscene material is prohibited.
15. Revealing personal information (addresses, phone numbers, etc.) is prohibited.
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16. The district will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any
investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the district’s system/network.
A user who violates district policy or administrative procedures will be subject to
suspension or termination of system/network privileges and will be subject to
disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
Security Camera Procedures
The Monomoy Regional School District is committed to ensuring a safe and secure learning
environment for both students and staff. To assist in fulfilling this part of our mission, the
school district has installed a digital video surveillance system which deploys a series of video
cameras both inside and outside of our schools. In general, cameras are focused on the main
entrances to our schools, parking lots, and in strategic areas within the schools.
The following procedural rules are in effect for the use of this video security system:

All persons entering the premises will be informed of the presence of the cameras.

The cameras provide a live image and record images which will be stored digitally for
thirty days.

The live feed from the cameras will not be monitored on a full-time basis.

Each school office will have a video monitor which will display the front entrance and
will be monitored as needed by office staff.

Video and still images can be retrieved and may be used by school administrators or the
police department to aide in any investigation of a school related incident.

Video and still images may be used as evidence for purposes of discipline.

In the case of violation of law, upon their request, the video evidence will be provided
to the police department for possible prosecution.

Under no circumstances will the video surveillance system be used to focus on the
activities or behavior of any individual student or specific group of students.

Access to the school’s surveillance system will be limited to the schools’ administrators,
and the Chatham Police Department, unless otherwise required by Court order.
Smoking on School Premises
The use of any tobacco products within the school buildings, the school facilities, or on
the school grounds, or on school buses by any individual, including school personnel,
students, or members of the public, is prohibited. Possession of matches, lighters and
other paraphernalia is forbidden on school property.
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Drugs
Anyone found selling a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia within one thousand
(1,000) feet of a school, whether in session or not, shall be punished by a minimum two
(2) year term of Imprisonment. Lack of knowledge of the school boundaries is not an
acceptable defense.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are kept and dispensed in the Health Office
with certain medical exceptions that have been approved by the student’s physician.
Weapons
No person, other than a law enforcement officer, may carry a firearm, loaded or
unloaded, or a dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any school.
Legal actions shall be pursued under appropriate Massachusetts statutes.
A student who brings any weapon or any kind of replica of a weapon, to school may be
subject to suspension and possible expulsion. In addition, any and all violations of state
and federal laws will be reported to the proper authorities.
In addition, any and all violations of state and federal laws will be reported to the proper
authorities.
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APPENDIX _A: SUSPENSION/EXPULSION POLICY
It is the policy of the Monomoy Regional School District to follow all applicable laws
concerning discipline and to provide students facing discipline with their rights to due
process pursuant to all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to
Mass. General Laws, chapter 71, §§ 37H, 37H½, and 37H¾ and 603 CMR 53.00.
The School District does not have any so-called “zero tolerance” disciplinary polies or
any required or automatic discipline for any specific conduct. Any discipline imposed
will be at the discretion of the administrator responsible for making the decision,
typically the principal or his/her designee. That decision-maker will consider all
relevant facts, including but not limited to previous related offenses and mitigating
circumstance, and these disciplinary rules will be applied equitably.
As set forth in Mass. General Laws, chapter 71, §§ 37H, 37H½, and 37H¾, students
who are suspended or expelled from school shall have the right to continue to earn
credits, as applicable, and make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as
needed to make academic progress during their removal from school. Any students
suspended or expelled for more than 10 days shall have an opportunity to receive
educational services and make academic progress toward meeting state and local
requirements through a school-wide education service plan. A copy of that plan is
available at monomoy.edu.
A student who is suspended or expelled shall not trespass on school property during the
time of his/her removal. The student must follow the admittance process as outlined in the
letter of suspension. School property involves the school buildings and any area of the
school grounds. A student on suspension is also excluded from participating in or attending
any school-related or school-sponsored functions, activities or events, including athletics.
Suspensions and expulsions of students and the attendant due process rights are governed
by G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H, 37H½, and 37H¾ and 603 CMR 53. Pursuant to Chapter 222 of the
Acts of 2012 and 603 CMR 53, expulsion is available as a disciplinary measure ONLY as
permitted under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H½. All suspension and expulsion decisions will
be made at the discretion of the principal or his/her designee.
NOTICES
For the purposes of this section, unless otherwise specified, all notices shall be written
in plain language in English and the primary language spoken at home, if different than
English. All written notices shall be delivered by hand-delivery, certified mail, firstclass mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or by
other method of delivery agreed to by the administrator and the parent.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 71, § 37H ¾
An “in-school suspension” is defined as removal of as student from regular classroom
activities, but not from the school premises, for no more than ten (10) consecutive school
days, or no more than ten (10) school days cumulatively for multiple infractions during the
school year. In-school suspension for ten (10) school days or less, consecutively or
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cumulatively during a school year, shall not be considered a short-term suspension under 603
CMR 53.02. If a student is placed in in-school suspension for more than ten (10) school days,
consecutively or cumulatively during a school year, such suspension shall be deemed a longterm suspension for due process, appeal, and reporting purposes.
The following due process will be provided for in-school suspensions of ten (10) or fewer
school days, consecutively or cumulatively during a school year (see 603 CMR 53.10):
1. The principal or his/her designee shall inform the student of the disciplinary offense
charged and the basis for the charge and provide the student an opportunity to
dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.
2. If the principal or his/her designee determines that the student committed the
disciplinary offense, the principal or designee shall inform the student of the length
of the in-school suspension (not to exceed ten (10) school days consecutively or
cumulatively in one school year).
3. On the same day as the in-school suspension decision, the principal or designee
shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent/guardian orally of the offense, the
reasons for his/her conclusion, and the length of the in-school suspension. The
principal or his/her designee shall also invite the parent/guardian to a meeting on
the day of the suspension, if possible, or as soon as possible thereafter to discuss the
incident, the student’s academic performance and behavior, strategies for student
engagement, and possible responses to the behavior.
4. The principal or his/her designee shall send written notice of the in-school
suspension to the student and parent/guardian on the day of the suspension. The
notice shall include the reason and length of the suspension and invite the
parent/guardian to a meeting with the principal (described in paragraph 3, above), if
such meeting did not already occur.
For in-school suspensions of more than ten (10) days, please see the section discussing longterm suspensions, below.
Students must follow the procedures below when placed into in-house suspension:
[Fill in with rules to be followed during in-school suspension, e.g., time when
students must report and are dismissed, where they report, that they must bring school
work, no talking, etc.]
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
Unless otherwise specified, “suspension” for the purposes of this section means short-term
suspension and long-term suspension. Removal solely from participation in extracurricular
activities or school-sponsored events, or both, does not constitute a suspension.
A student must be picked-up by a parent/guardian immediately once a suspension is imposed.
Any exception to this policy will be made at the discretion of the principal or his/her
designee.
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SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION
A short-term suspension is defined as the removal of a student from the school premises and
regular classroom activities for ten (10) consecutive days or less. When a student is
disciplined with a short-term suspension, the student may not attend school and is not allowed
on the school property for the duration of the suspension. A short term suspension may be
served in school, in which case, the in-school suspension policies (above) apply.
A student who receives a short-term suspension for a disciplinary offense is entitled to the
following due process procedures:
1. The principal or his/her designee shall provide oral and written notice to the
parent/guardian, offering an opportunity to meet and to discuss the violation as
charged, prior to the suspension taking place. The notice shall set forth the
following:
a. the disciplinary offense;
b. the basis for the charge;
c. the potential consequences, including the potential length of the student's
suspension;
d. the opportunity for the student to have a hearing with the principal
concerning the proposed suspension, including the opportunity to dispute
the charges and to present the student's explanation of the alleged incident,
and for the parent to attend the hearing;
e. the date, time, and location of the hearing; and
f. the right of the student and the student's parent to interpreter services at the
hearing if needed to participate.
The principal or his/her designee shall make reasonable efforts to orally notify the
parent/guardian of the opportunity to attend the meeting. A hearing may be held
without the parent/guardian once the principal or his/her designee meets his/her
obligation to provide reasonable notice.
2. The student shall meet with the principal regarding the alleged offense. The purpose
of the meeting is to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for
which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute
the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident,
determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the
consequences for the infraction. At a minimum, the principal shall discuss the
disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information.
The student and parent/guardian, if present, also shall have an opportunity to
present information, including mitigating facts, that the principal should consider in
determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate. 603
CMR 53 does not confer the right to counsel or the right cross-examine witnesses.
3. Based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, the
principal shall determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense,
and, if so, what remedy or consequence will be imposed.
4. The principal shall provide written notice to the student and parent/guardian of the
determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and
duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and such other
school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal.
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Under normal circumstances, students will be expected to make up work within 10
days.
LONG-TERM SUSPENSION
A long-term suspension is defined as the removal of a student from the school premises and
regular classroom activities for more than ten (10) consecutive school days, or for more than
ten (10) school days cumulatively for multiple disciplinary offenses in any school year. The
student may not attend school and is not allowed on the school property for the duration of the
suspension.
Except for students who are charged with offenses under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H or 37H½
(discussed more below) no student may be placed on long-term suspension for one or more
disciplinary offenses for more than ninety (90) school days in a school year beginning with
the first day the student is removed from school. Suspensions under G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
may not extend beyond the school year in which the suspension is imposed.
A student who receives a long-term suspension for a disciplinary offense is entitled to the
following due process procedures:
1. The principal or his/her designee shall provide oral and written notice to the
parent/guardian, offering an opportunity to meet and to discuss the violation as
charged, prior to the suspension taking place. The notice shall set forth the same
information as provided in the short-term suspension notice (described above), plus
the following information:
a. the rights afforded to the student during the long-term suspension hearing,
as provided in 603 CMR 53.08(3)(b) and described below; and
b. the right to appel the principal’s decision to the superintendent.
The principal or his/her designee shall make reasonable efforts to orally notify the
parent/guardian of the opportunity to attend the meeting. A hearing may be held
without the parent/guardian once the principal or his/her designee meets his/her
obligation to provide reasonable notice.
2. The student shall meet with the principal regarding the alleged offense. The purpose
of the meeting shall be the same as for a short-term suspension and, in addition to
all the rights afforded students in a short-term suspension meeting, students shall
have the following rights in a long-term suspension hearing:
a. In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student's record and
the documents upon which the principal may rely in making a determination
to suspend the student or not;
b. the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student's choice,
at the student's/parent's expense;
c. the right to produce witnesses on his or her behalf and to present the
student's explanation of the alleged incident, but the student may not be
compelled to do so;
d. the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school district; and
e. the right to request that the hearing be recorded by the principal, and to
receive a copy of the audio recording upon request. If the student or parent
requests an audio recording, the principal shall inform all participants
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before the hearing that an audio record will be made and a copy will be
provided to the student and parent upon request.
3. Based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, the
principal shall determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense,
and, if so, what remedy or consequence will be imposed.
4. The principal shall provide written notice to the student and parent/guardian of the
determination and the reasons for it If the principal decides to suspend the student,
the written determination shall:
a. Identify the disciplinary offense, the date on which the hearing took place,
and the participants at the hearing;
b. Set out the key facts and conclusions reached by the principal;
c. Identify the length and effective date of the suspension, as well as a date of
return to school;
d. Include notice of the student's opportunity to receive education services to
make academic progress during the period of removal from school as
provided in 603 CMR 53.13(4)(a);
e. Inform the student of the right to appeal the principal's decision to the
superintendent or designee, but only if the principal has imposed a longterm suspension. Notice of the right of appeal shall be in English and the
primary language of the home if other than English, or other means of
communication where appropriate, and shall include the following
information stated in plain language:
i. the process for appealing the decision, including that the student or
parent must file a written notice of appeal with the superintendent
within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term
suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar days, the
student or parent may request and receive from the superintendent
an extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7)
additional calendar days; and that
ii. the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the
superintendent decides to reverse the principal's determination on
appeal.
5. Under normal circumstances, students will be expected to make up work within a
reasonable time determined by the principal upon their return from a long-term
suspension.
Appeal of Long-Term Suspension
A student placed on long-term suspension following a principal’s hearing has the right to
appeal the suspension to the superintendent. The long-term suspension will remain in
effect unless and until the superintendent reverses the principal’s decision on appeal. The
superintendent may uphold the principal’s decision or impose a lesser penalty but may not
impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the principal.
The appeal of long-term suspension must be in writing, within five (5) calendar days of the
effective date of the long-term suspension. The student or parent/guardian may request an
extension of up to seven (7) calendar days to submit this request for an appeal.
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The superintendent or his/her designee shall hold an appeal hearing within three (3) school
days of receiving the student’s request for an appeal. The student or parent/guardian may
request an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days for this appeal hearing to be held. The
superintendent or his/her designee shall make a good faith effort to include the
parent/guardian in the meeting but may proceed without the parent if the superintendent or
his/her designee made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the
parent and the superintendent/designee to attend. The superintendent or his/her designee
shall send written notice to the parent/guardian of the date, time, and location of the
hearing.
The superintendent shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the
disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence shall
be. At the hearing, the student has the same rights afforded him/her at the principal’s
hearing for long-term suspensions. The superintendent’s meeting will be audio recorded
and the student/parent may receive a copy of the recording upon request.
The
superintendent shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be
made of the hearing and a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request.
The superintendent will issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the
hearing, either upholding or lessening the suspension. The notice will contain the same
information as a long-term suspension notice, except for information on the right to appeal.
The superintendent’s decision will be the final decision of the school district.
SUSPENSION OF STUDENT IN PRE-SCHOOL OR GRADES K-3
If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the principal shall
send a copy of the written determination to the superintendent and explain the reasons for
imposing an out-of-school suspension, before the suspension takes effect.
SCHOOL OFFENSES WHICH MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION
The following offenses may result in an in-school, long-term, or short-term suspension. The
length of the suspension and whether it will be served in-school our out-of-school will be
determined by the principal in his/her discretion. Some of the offenses listed below may also
subject a student to expulsion pursuant to G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H½:
Such as abuse, threats, assault; bullying/harassment; fire alarms; cheating;
drugs/alcohol/tobacco; destruction of property; insubordination, not following directions;
weapons; violation of any laws; disruption of school.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ATHLETICS DURING
SUSPENSION/EXPULSION
Students may not participate in any extra-curricular activities or school-sponsored events
during the period of their suspension (whether in-school or out-of-school) or expulsion.
Student-athletes may not participate in any scheduled practices or games during the duration
of their suspension or expulsion, including any practices or games scheduled for after school
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on the last day of a suspension or expulsion. If a suspension or expulsion spans two or more
school weeks, students may not participate in any extra-curricular or school-sponsored events,
including sports practices or games, that occur over the intervening weekends.
EXPULSION PURSUANT TO G. L. c. 71, §§ 37H & 37H½
Expulsion is defined as the removal of a student from the school premises, regular classroom
activities and school activities for more than ninety (90) school days, indefinitely, or
permanently as permitted under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H or 37H½ for: a) possession of a dangerous
weapon; b) possession of a controlled substance; c) assault on a member of the educational
staff; or d) a felony charge or felony delinquency complaint or conviction or adjudication or
admission of guilt with respect to such felony, if the principal determined that the student’s
continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general
welfare of the school, as provided in G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H½. Expulsion is not
available for other offenses pursuant to G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾.
Offenses under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H½, are not subject to the limitations of 37H¾
concerning the duration of a student’s removal from school, and may result in an expulsion
or suspension longer than 90 days or that extends beyond the school year.
EXPULSION UNDER G.L. c. 71, § 37H
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 37H, provides as follows:
(a) Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or schoolrelated events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon,
including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in
chapter ninety-four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may
be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
(b) Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s aide or
other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related
events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school
district by the principal.
(c) Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be
notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student
may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses
at said hearing before the principal.
After said hearing, a principal may, in his discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel
a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a)
or (b).
(d) Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these
provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student
shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent
of his appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent.
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The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of
whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.
(e) Any school district that suspends or expels a student under this section shall continue
to provide educational services to the student during the period of suspension or
expulsion, under section 21 of chapter 76. If the student moves to another district during
the period of suspension or expulsion, the new district of residence shall either admit the
student to its schools or provide educational services to the student in an education
service plan, under section 21 of chapter 76.
(f) Districts shall report to the department of elementary and secondary education the
specific reasons for all suspensions and expulsions, regardless of duration or type, in a
manner and form established by the commissioner. The department of elementary and
secondary education shall use its existing data collection tools to obtain this information
from districts and shall modify those tools, as necessary, to obtain the information. On
an annual basis, the department of elementary and secondary education shall make
district level de-identified data and analysis, including the total number of days each
student is excluded during the school year, available to the public online in a machine
readable format. This report shall include district level data disaggregated by student
status and categories established by the commissioner.
(g) Under the regulations promulgated by the department, for each school that suspends
or expels a significant number of students for more than 10 cumulative days in a school
year, the commissioner shall investigate and, as appropriate, shall recommend models
that incorporate intermediary steps prior to the use of suspension or expulsion. The
results of the analysis shall be publicly reported at the school district level.
EXPULSION UNDER G.L. c. 71, § 37H½
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 37H ½, provides as follows:
(1) Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon
the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal or
headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may suspend such student for a
period of time determined appropriate by said principal or headmaster if said principal
or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a
substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The student shall
receive written notification of the charges and the reasons for such suspension prior to
such suspension taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of his
right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension; provided, however, that
such suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the
superintendent.
The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the superintendent. The
student shall notify the superintendent in writing of his request for an appeal no later
than five calendar days following the effective date of the suspension. The
superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and the student’s parent or guardian
within three calendar days of the student’s request for an appeal. At the hearing, the
student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall
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have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter
the decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate
educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the
appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision
of the city, town or regional school district with regard to the suspension.
(2) Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in
court of guilt with respect to such a felony or felony delinquency, the principal or
headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may expel said student if such
principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school
would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The
student shall receive written notification of the charges and reasons for such expulsion
prior to such expulsion taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification
of his right to appeal and the process for appealing such expulsion; provided, however,
that the expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the
superintendent.
The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the superintendent. The
student shall notify the superintendent, in writing, of his request for an appeal no later
than five calendar days following the effective date of the expulsion. The superintendent
shall hold a hearing with the student and the student’s parent or guardian within three
calendar days of the expulsion. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present
oral and written testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The
superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal
or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the
student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar
days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town or
regional school district with regard to the expulsion.
Any school district that suspends or expels a student under this section shall continue to
provide educational services to the student during the period of suspension or expulsion,
under section 21 of chapter 76. If the student moves to another district during the period
of suspension or expulsion, the new district of residence shall either admit the student to
its schools or provide educational services to the student under an education service
plan, under section 21 of chapter 76.
EMERGENCY REMOVAL PURSUANT TO G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾
A principal, in his or her discretion, may temporarily remove a student from school when
the student is charged with a disciplinary offense and, in the principal’s judgment, the
student’s continued presence poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and
substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the principal’s judgment, there is no
adequate alternative to alleviate the danger or disruption. The emergency removal shall not
exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency.
The student may not be removed until adequate provisions have been made for the
student’s safety and transportation.
During the emergency removal, the principal or his/her designee shall:
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1. Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and the student's
parent of the emergency removal and other information required for short- or longterm suspensions, as applicable;
2. Provide written notice to the student and parent that complies with the requirement
for written notices for short- and long-term suspensions;
3. Provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the principal that complies the
requirements for a short- or long-term suspension hearing, as applicable, and the
parent an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the two (2)
school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed to by the
principal, student, and parent.
4. Render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than
the following school day, which meets the requirements of notices for short- or
long-term suspensions, as applicable.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS DURING SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION
Any student who is serving an in-school suspension, short-term suspension, long-term
suspension or expulsion under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H, 37H½, and 37H¾ shall have the
opportunity to earn credits, as applicable, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other
school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of his/her removal.
The principal shall inform the student and his/her parent/guardian of this opportunity in
writing when the suspension or expulsion is imposed.
Students who are expelled or suspended for more than 10 consecutive days will have an
opportunity to receive education services and make academic progress toward meeting state
and local requirements during their removal from school pursuant to the school-wide
education service plan. The plan is available at monomoy.edu.
The principal shall notify the student and his/her parent/guardian of the opportunity to
receive education services at the time the student is expelled or placed on long-term
suspension. Notice shall be provided in English and in the primary language spoken in the
student's home if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate.
The notice shall include a list of the specific education services that are available to the
student and contact information for a school district staff member who can provide more
detailed information.
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SIGNATURE PAGE
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Student’s Name:
Grade:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/guardian and student signatures below indicate:
1. We have received, read, and understood the provisions of this Handbook.
2. We agree to abide by all of the school policies and procedure as set forth in this
Handbook.
3. We recognize that all students of the Monomoy Regional School District are
held accountable for acting in accordance with the contents of this student
handbook, both during regularly scheduled school hours and at all school
sponsored events.
In consideration for the privilege of using the district/system network, and in consideration for
having access to the public networks, I hereby release the district, its operators, and institutions
with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my
child’s use of, or inability to use, the system/network, including without limitation, the type of
damage identified in the district and administrative procedures. I also understand that I will be
personally responsible for any damages or costs caused by my child’s violation of the guidelines.
*Select one.
_____I give permission for my child to participate in the district’s system/network.
_____I do not give permission for my child to participate in the district’s system/network.
PERMISSION TO PHOTOGRAPH, AUDIOTAPE, VIDEOTAPE, OR USE PHOTOGRAPH
ON WEB PAGE.
1._____Yes ______No
I give permission for my child to be photographed or videotaped
for use within the school.
2._____Yes ______No
I give permission for my child’s picture and name to appear in
local newspapers highlighting educational activities.
3.______Yes ______No
I give permission for my child’s picture and first name only to be
included on the Monomoy Public School’s web page to highlight
educational activities.
Parent/Guardian Signature
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Student Signature
Date:
Please return this form to __________
no later than ____________.
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