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 3 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 17 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 18 - 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. 19 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. 20 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 21 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. 22 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 23 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 24 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 25 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 26 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 27 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. 28 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 29 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. 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. 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. 30 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 31 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. 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. 32 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. 33 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. 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 34 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. 35 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. 36 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. 37 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 38 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 39 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 40 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 41 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. 42 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 43 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 44 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. 45 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. 46 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. 47 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 48 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. 49 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. 50 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 51 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. 52 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 53 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. 54 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 55 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: 56 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. 57 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 58 Student Signature Date: Please return this form to __________ no later than ____________. 59
