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The following pages include important information regarding policies and procedures for your time at Keigwin Middle School. This information highlights Middletown Board of Education Policies for our Schools. To access detailed Board of Education Policy
Code (number of codes are provided below) please go to Middletowns chools.org and click the “Board of Education” tab, then click
“Policies & Bylaws”.
Message from the Superintendent
Dear Parents,
A new school year is around the corner! The stores are already stocking the shelves with pencils, paper, notebooks, and all the school supplies a student could need. As the summer comes to a close the anticipation is palpable. Teachers and students alike get excited for that first day, a beginning for all the great things that will be experienced throughout the year.
We warmly welcome the class of 2026, our incoming kindergarteners, as they take their first steps into school. At the same time we look to the class of 2015 as they complete their final year in Middletown Public Schools and head toward graduation in
June. Supporting our learners are approximately 600 capable teachers and support personnel whose sole mission is to "cultivate student potential." Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their talents and explore their interests in class, and through the many extracurricular programs offered to our children. Middletown Public Schools stand ready to assist each student in attaining this goal.
The success of the Middletown Public Schools is dependent upon the critical connection among community, home and school.
Together we teach our students the comprehensive lessons necessary to succeed in the future. I welcome your input and encourage your involvement in our schools. The collective talent in our community enriches the learning environment and propels our district forward.
I look forward to all we will achieve this year through this partnership.
Sincerely,
Patricia Charles
Superintendent
Message from the Principal
Welcome to Keigwin Middle School!
The teachers, staff and I are excited that you will be spending your sixth grade year with us. During this year, you will experience many changes as you accept the challenges of learning new skills, meeting new frie nds, becoming involved in school activities and understanding more about yourself. We will encourage you to set academic and social goals, and we will work together with your parents to help you reach those goals. It is important that you take responsibility to do your personal best to achieve your goals. There will be many opportunities at Keigwin for you to share your talents and skills with others and for you to demonstrate growth and maturity as you progress throughout the year. Our goal is to help all students f ind success at Keigwin Middle School to prepare for the future. We are looking forward to a great year!
Dr. Mayo Molina, Principal
The Keigwin staff expects all children to demonstrate the elements of good character: Respect, Organization, Cooperation,
Kindness and Safety (ROCKS). These themes are reinforced in all activities and through the procedures in each classroom. In addition to expectations of good character, the faculty and staff work to implement a Positive Behavior Support process designed to promote a positive school climate. Students will be taught specific behavioral expectations as indicated on the Keigwin schoolwide expectations and settings matrix. It is our hope that students and parents will become familiar with the Keigwin code of conduct and will recognize and support the consistency of its reinforcement, both in school and at home.
The public school shall ensure the physical and mental health, safety and welfare of all students in attendance, and the maintenance of an atmosphere conducive to learning. Student behavior that is inconsistent with these purposes, the public interest and individual rights of school personnel and students will be dealt with through administrative and/or legal channels. In no case will a student be denied the procedural due process guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
Good behavior is expected from all students. In cases of conduct endangering persons or property or seriously disrupting the educational process or violating a policy of Board of Education, students will liable for suspension or expulsion from school .(See
BOE Policy 5114(a))

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Teachers address most misbehavior in the classroom. Praise and positive feedback are the primary means of redirecting inappropriate behavior. If a child does not meet behavioral expectations, the parent will be notified either by phone or in writing, indicating what the problem is and what action is to be taken to prevent further occurrences.
Students that exhibit misbehavior will work with school staff to discuss positive solutions to the problem that resulted in the misbehavior. A variety of behavioral interventions will be planned to attempt to improve the behavior. However, severe or frequent cases of misbehavior will be referred to school administrators and may lead to suspension from school.
A pattern of inappropriate behavior will jeopardize the student’s participation in out-of-school and evening activities. A student, who receives 10 referrals or a lesser amount of serious infractions, may be placed on Probation. This recommendation will be made by the administration, teachers, and support staff. The first Probation list will be initiated on January 1 st , and students will be evaluated every month until the end of school. Students who are recommended for Probation will be on this list for a period of one month. Progress will then be reevaluated by administration and staff, to determine students’ probation status for the following month.
Students on probation will not be permitted to participate in any extra-curricular activities which include: dances, clubs, intramural sports, wrestling, and any non-academic team assemblies.
Students will meet with an administrator to discuss their probation status and all parents whose children are affected will receive written notification.
Expectations for Student Behavior at Keigwin Middle School
The rules and regulations will apply on school property, at school-sponsored activities, on busses and at bus stops . The rules encompass several categories; attendance, discipline, dress code, and other Codes of Conduct.
Rule 1: Attendance: A student is to attend school (including all classes) each day of the school year. In addition, a student is to report to school and all classes on time. A student who does not attend school is in violation of the law, and the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) are subject to its penalties . A student tardy to school or classes will be treated in the same manner as a truant. Efforts will be made by the school and truancy officer to communicate with parents of absent and truant students.
A. Tardiness
– Failure to be in a place of instruction at the assigned time without a valid excuse, or repeated tardiness.
B. Class Cutting – Failure to report to class without proper permission, knowledge, or excuse by the school or teacher.
C. Excessive Absences (Truancy)
– Excused or unexcused absences which are felt to adversely affect the student’s education (See Truancy BOE Policy 5113.2(2)).
D. School Cutting
– Failure to report to school without permission, knowledge, or excuse by the school or the parent.
Rule 2: Specific Unauthorized Activities – Students are to engage only in activities that are authorized by school personnel.
A. Food/Beverages: A student will not eat in unauthorized areas of the school.
B. Selling of Items: A student will not sell to or purchase from another student any items that are unauthorized by school personnel.
C. Loitering: A student will not wander to unsupervised areas.
D. No gum chewing, candy or snacks.
Rule 3: Medication: (BOE Policy 5132) Students are not to transport prescription or non- prescription medication to or from school or have medication in their possession at any time. This rule will not be interpreted to prevent a student from taking medication (prescribed or over the counter) with permission in the nurse’s office or School-Based Health Care Center. Exceptions to this rule will be made in accordance with Board of Education policies.
Rule 4: Student Dress:
(BOE Policy 5132) School is a student’s place of work, and hence, he/she is required to dress in a safe, appropriate manner that will not disrupt the school environment.
Pants, shorts and sleeveless shirts are acceptable providing undergarments are not visible.
Clothes should not be excessively baggy and should fit the child’s waist. The student’s midriff and/or chest should not be exposed when wearing shirts and shorts or skirts must cover the entire thigh and reach the top of the knee cap.. Mini-skirts or shorts-shorts are not permitted. Spaghetti straps, gaping underarm holes, bathing suits, halters, shoes with wheels (heelies), flip-flops, pajamas or slippers are not school attire. Jackets, coats and head coverings (including but not limited to hats, caps, sweatbands, hoods, du-rags, and bandannas) are not worn to class and should be put into student lockers upon arrival. Students will be asked to call home for a change of clothes if their attire is not appropriate.
Cell Phones : (BOE Policy 5131.81)
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Student may have cell phones in backpacks or locked in lockers, however, cell phones must be turned off between the hours of 7:50 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
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If a student is accessing a cell phone during school hours, his/her cell phone will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day; upon First offense
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Upon Second offense, the cell phone will be confiscated and must be picked up at school by a parent/guardian.
Rule 5: Misrepresentation: A student will not lie or cheat.
A. False Information – Making false statements, written or oral, to anyone, that causes a disruption
B. Cheating
– Violating rules of honesty, such as copying another student’s test, assignment, etc.

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Rule 6: Disrespect or Defiance: A student will not behave in a disrespectful manner.
A. Walking Away – Leaving while a staff member is talking to the student.
B. Talking Back
– Responding in a rude and disrespectful manner to a staff member.
Rule 7: Insubordination: A student will obey the directions of any authorized staff member during the time the student is in school or participating in a school activity.
A. Failure to comply with proper and authorized direction or instruction of a staff member, substitute or chaperone
Failure to follow any reasonable direction given by a staff member.
B. Refusal of detention
– Failure to report to after school detention directed by a staff member.
C. Refusal to report to office – Failure to report to the administrative office as directed by a staff member.
Rule 8: Profanity/Obscenity: A student will not use profane or obscene language or make obscene gestures.
Swearing – Saying anything that conveys an offensive, racial, obscene, or sexually suggestive message.
B. Obscene/Offensive Gestures – Making any sign that conveys offensive, racial, obscene, or sexually suggestive message.
C. Derogatory Written Materials – Having any written material, pictures, or clothing that convey an offensive, racial, obscene, or sexually suggestive message.
D. Directed at Staff Member – Writing, saying, or making gestures that convey an offensive, racial, obscene, or sexually suggestive message toward a staff member.
Rule 9: Disruption: No student may disrupt the class, school, or bus activity. For example:
A. Excessive Talking – Repeated talking in the classroom or auditorium without permission.
B. Throwing Objects
– Throwing any object inappropriately in any part of the school, bus, or school grounds, or at a person on school grounds.
C. Horse Playing or Play Fighting
– Rough or noisy play or pranks.
D. Refusing to Remain in Seat
– Getting out of seat or moving seat without permission of staff member.
E. Leaving without Permission
– Leaving the classroom, building, campus or assigned area without obtaining approval of the teacher and/or administrator.
F. Chronic Lack of Supplies
– Repeatedly reporting to class lacking necessary supplies such as books, class supplies, etc.
G. Harassing/Teasing – Pestering, tormenting or directly intimidating others to tease or harass or through electronic communication.
H. Shoving, Tripping and/or Kicking – Willfully pushing, tripping, and/or kicking anyone with the intent to harass.
I. Hitting, Biting, or Spitting, Which Causes Harassment to Another Student or Adult
–Hitting a student or adult for the purpose of harassment or belligerence.
J. Instigation
– Promoting/encouraging others to fight or engage in disruptive behavior directly or through electronic communication
K. Threatening
– Comments that are intimidating toward others, oral, written or through electronic communication
L. Vandalism/Graffiti – Destroying or defacing school property
M. Use of any Social Media or Electronic Communication
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That disrupts class or school activities, use of phone/device to take pictures/record others.
N. Other
– Any other behavior that is disruptive to the educational process or school climate.
Rule 10: Possession of Drugs and Alcohol
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A student shall not have possession of or indulge in drugs or alcohol on school grounds. (B.O.E. Policy #5131.6).
Rule 11: Possession or Use of Dangerous Weapon
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A student shall not have possession of a weapon, dangerous instrument or facsimile on school grounds. (B.O.E. Policy #1600).
Rule 12: Bullying
Regulation: #5131.911 Bullying Behavior in the Schools –
Bullying behavior by any student in the Middletown Public Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. “Bullying” means the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district or a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district that:
A.
Causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student’s property,
B. Places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property,
C. Creates a hostile environment at school for such student,
D. Infringes on the rights of such student at school, or
E. Substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, a written, verbal or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or physical, mental, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.
Students who engage in any act of bullying, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the
Board of Education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, and outside of the school setting if such bullying:

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A. Creates a hostile environment at school for the victim,
B. Infringes on the rights of the victim at school, or
C. Substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Students and/or parents may file verbal or written complaints concerning suspected bullying behavior, and students shall be permitted to anonymously report acts of bullying to school employees. Any report of suspected bullying behavior will be promptly reviewed. If acts of bullying are verified, prompt disciplinary action may be taken against the perpetrator, consistent with his/her rights of due process. Board policy and regulation #5131.911 set forth this prohibition and the related procedures in detail, and are available to students and their parents/guardians upon request.
In order to insure a safe bus ride to and from school each day, all bus students should be familiar with the following regulations:
While waiting for the school bus:
1. Wait for the bus on the sidewalk, in your driveway, or on the shoulder of the road. Stay out of the street. Wait until the bus comes to a full stop before trying to enter. Line up; do not push.
2. If you must cross the street to board the bus: a. Wait until the bus comes to a full stop. b. Look in both directions, making sure all traffic has stopped; then cross in front of the bus.
3. Use the handrails while boarding the bus. Sit down immediately. Move in; do not take the whole seat for yourself. Sit up straight with your feet on the floor. Do not save seats for your friends. No parent/adult may board a school bus.
While riding the bus:
The following list of rules is to be observed by all children riding school buses and is to be strictly enforced by all bus drivers.
1. The driver is in complete charge of the bus and the children being transported. He/she may make changes in seating, arrange for discipline as it is required, and may take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the bus and its passengers.
2. Pupils must remain seated while the bus is in motion
3. No pupil shall leave the bus without permission from the driver or school authorities except at his/her regular bus stop or at the school.
4. Pupils who refuse to comply with regulations may be advised that they will be refused transportation in the future until their parents or guardians have had a conference with the Principal.
5. Pupils who damage or deface any bus or any equipment on any bus will be held liable for such damage.
6. Pupils must not, at any time, extend their arms or heads out of a bus window, or shout out windows. State Law prohibits the use of tobacco in any form on a school bus.
7. No indecent or profane language will be permitted and there will be no loud or disturbing talking.
8. Bus windows shall not be opened without the driver's permission.
9. Pupils must not throw any articles away in or out of the bus.
10. The bus must be kept clean and pupils must cooperate by not leaving waste paper or trash of any kind that will clutter the bus.
School Bus Conduct Reports
A Conduct Report will be filed with the school for any student who does not comply with these regulations. Loss of transportation may result, in addition to regular school consequences.
Late Buses
Late buses are provided for after-school activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, please note that since there are only four buses to transport all students home, the bus drop off areas will not be the same as your child’s regular pick-up and drop off.
The late bus drop-off schedule will be sent home via the school newsletter and will be posted on the Keigwin website.
When going on field trips,
1. Obey the instructions of the teacher and bus driver.
2. All bus safety rules will apply.
3. The Keigwin Code of Conduct will be enforced.
4. Students should recognize that these safeguards are for their welfare.
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Homework is an extension of classroom activities. Students can expect approximately 60 minutes of homework nightly. The length of time to be spent on homework assignments will depend on the individual student’s ability, interest, as well as the level and complexity of the subject. The purpose of homework is to give students an opportunity to reinforce concepts taught in school and to develop a sense of responsibility. Parents should provide a quiet and supportive environment for students to complete their homework.
Long-range assignments help students learn to budget their time over a period of several days, a week, or longer. Consideration will be given to students who may not have adequate time for homework preparation due to religious observance, or illness.
An assignment notebook will be provided to each student at the beginning of the school year. A uniform assignment book helps students keep track of assignments and maintain organization. Each teacher posts the homework assignments in the same location and manner daily. In addition, homework is posted for each team on our school website.

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A student who fails to cooperate with any substitute teacher is subject to disciplinary action. Attendance taken by a substitute teacher will be official.
Students are permitted to use the district’s computer systems for legitimate educational purposes. Personal use of district computer systems is expressly prohibited.
Conduct which constitutes inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to the following
Student Use of the District’s Computer Systems and Internet Safety
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Sending any form of harassing, threatening, or intimidating message, at any time, to any person (such communications may also be a crime);
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Gaining or seeking to gain unauthorized access to computer systems;
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Damaging computers, computer files, computer systems or computer networks;
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Downloading or modifying computer software of the district in violation of the district's licensure agreement(s) and/or without authorization from a teacher or administrator;
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Using another person's password under any circumstances;
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Trespassing in or tampering with any other person's folders, work or files;
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Sending any message that breaches the district's confidentiality requirements, or the confidentiality of students;
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Sending any copyrighted material over the system;
 Using computer systems for any personal purpose, or in a manner that interferes with the district’s educational programs;
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Accessing or attempting to access any material that is obscene, contains child pornography, or is harmful to minors, as defined above;
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Transmitting or receiving e-mail communications or accessing information on the Internet for non-educational purposes;
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Cyberbullying;
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Accessing or attempting to access social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) without a legitimate educational purpose.
In addition, as noted above, if a particular behavior or activity is generally prohibited by law, by Board policy or by school rules or regulations, use of these computer systems for the purpose of carrying out such behavior or activity is also prohibited.
Misuse of the computer systems, or violations of these policies and regulations, may result in loss of access to such computer systems as well as other disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion, depending on the specific conduct.
Anyone who is aware of problems with, or misuse of these computer systems, or has a question regarding the proper use of these computer systems, should report this to his or her teacher or principal immediately. Most importantly, the Board and the
Administration urge any student who receives any harassing, threatening, intimidating or other improper message through the computer system to report this immediately. It is the Board's policy that no student should be required to tolerate such treatment, regardless of the identity of the sender of the message. Please report these events!
Internet Safety The Administration will take measures: to assure the safety and security of students when using e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; to prohibit unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online; to prohibit unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information regarding students; to educate minor students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber-bullying awareness and response; and to rest rict students’ access to online materials harmful to minors, including obscene materials and child pornography.
Privately Owned Technological Devices (POLICY 5131.82)
Students may possess privately owned technological devices on school property and/or during school sponsored activities, in accordance with the mandates of this policy and any applicable administrative regulations as may be developed by the
Superintendent of Schools.
For the purposes of the this policy, “Privately Owned Technological Devices” refers to privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic hand-held equipment that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture and recording, sound recording, information transmitting and/or receiving, storing, etc. These devices may include, but are not limited to, personal laptops, Smartphones, network access devices, Kindles, Nooks, cellular telephones, radios, walkmen, CD players, I-Pads or other tablet computers, walkie talkies, Blackberries, personal data assistants, I-Phones, Androids and other electronic signaling devices.
Use of Privately Owned Technological Devices
Privately owned technological devices may not be used during instructional time, except as specifically permitted by instructional staff.
Use of any such device for an improper purpose is prohibited. Improper purposes include, but are not limited to:
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Sending any form of harassing, threatening, or intimidating message, at any time, to any person (such communications may also be a crime);
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Gaining or seeking to gain unauthorized access to Board technology resources;
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Damaging Board technology resources;
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Accessing or attempting to access any material that is obscene or contains pornography;
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Cyber bullying;
POLICY 5131.82(b)
Use of Private Technology Devices by Students
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Using such device to violate any school rule, including the unauthorized recording (photographic or audio) of another individual without the permission of the individual or a school staff member; or
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Use of technology devices and accessories that impair s tudents’ ability to see or hear directions or instructions are prohibited unless approved by administration.

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Taking any action prohibited by any Federal or State law.
Search of Privately Owned Technological Devices
A student’s privately owned technological device may be searched if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. Any such search shall be
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Responsibility for Privately Owned Technological Devices
Students are responsible for the safety and use of their privately owned technological devices. If a privately owned technology device is stolen, lost, or damaged, a report should be made to the building principal, who will investigate the loss in a manner consistent with procedures for stolen or damaged personal property. Students and parents should be aware that the Board is not liable for any privately owned technological device that is stolen, lost, or damaged while at school or during a school-sponsored activity. For that reason, students are advised not to share or loan their privately owned technological devices with other students.
Disciplinary Action
Misuse of the Board’s technology resources and/or the use of privately owned technological devices to access or utilize the
Board ’s technology resources in an inappropriate manner or the use of such devices in any manner inconsistent with this policy will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. For students, a violation of this policy may result in loss of access privileges, a prohibition on the use and/or possession of privately owned technological devices on school property or at schoolsponsored activities, and/or suspension or expulsion in accordance with the Board’s policies related to student discipline.
Harm to Board Technology Resources
Any act by a student using a privately owned technologica l device that harms the Board’s technology resources or otherwise interferes with or compromises the integrity of Board technology resources will be considered vandalism and will be subject to discipline and/or appropriate criminal or civil action.
The Police Department, Fire Department, and staff play an important role in our school safety program. Parents are asked to advise their children to obey and respect our drill procedures and staff communication regarding safety. Students should stay on sidewalks, and away from personal and private property of others on their way to and from school. They are to obey all safety rules and regulations which are devised and maintained for their own welfare, protection and safety.
Parents are reminded that there are “no parking” areas around the school. These areas must be recognized for the safety of the pupils. Walking students are not to arrive on school property until supervision begins at 7:50 a.m. The school cannot be responsible for students arriving before 7:50 a.m.
Safety Drills occur periodically throughout the school year. The importance of the drills cannot be emphasized enough. This is not a time for foolishness or horseplay. Complete cooperation is necessary in times of emergency. Fire Drill Procedures :
1. Look to your teacher for complete directions and give your undivided attention. Remain silent during the drill.
2. Directions for passing are located in each room. Be ready for the unexpected. For example, if your normal exit is blocked, your teacher will lead you out another exit.
3. Areas of refuge are located in each stairwell. These areas are clearly marked in each stairwell.
4. If you are away from your class, in another part of the building, proceed outdoors with the nearest class. Once outdoors, try to locate your assigned class.
5. Due to the risks involved, the pulling of a false alarm will result in an immediate ten-day suspension, arrest and referral to Juvenile Court.
6. A $25.00 reward will be given for information identifying the student(s) responsible for pulling a false alarm
Sneakers are required when children have physical education. Your child will have physical education class every other day.
Students should have an extra pair of sneakers and clean gym clothing in their locker. Mark all outdoor clothing with your child’s name. A lost and found collection box is maintained for each marking term. Students are encouraged to check through it regularly. Unidentified clothing is given to charity at the end of each quarter.
It is very important that names and phone numbers of people other than parents are included on emergency cards. Send a note if there is a change on the emergency card during the year and the correction will be made.
In September, you will have an opportunity to purchase insurance that will cover any accidents you may have involving school.
This insurance is recommended but not required. Please note that this is secondary coverage, not primary.
A s parents, you are urged to become familiar with Keigwin Middle School and your child’s program and progress. Although there are scheduled conferences during the year, you are invited and encouraged to visit. Contact the school to arrange a date and time for a Team meeting with your child’s teachers.

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When making a visit to any school in the district, all visitors must first acquire a visitor’s pass from the school office after signing in.
This requirement includes all visitors
—parent volunteers, parents visiting classrooms and other visitors, including outside contracted workers.
It is expected that children will take care of all textbooks and library books provided by the school. Textbooks are to be covered.
Payment will be required for lost or damaged books.
It is hoped that whenever possible, appointments for doctor, dentist, etc. will be made after school hours. A note from a parent should be handed in to the main office prior to homeroom whenever a youngster is to be dismissed early from school.
All students being picked up early, because of appointments or illness, will be signed out of the building and picked up by the parent in the office .
School personnel shall seek cooperation from parents or other persons in authority in assisting with the early prevention and remedy of student truancy. To contact the truancy officer, call 860-638-1460. The Truancy Officer, Mr. Tom Termine, frequently assists the school in making calls when students are absent. Please call the school early in the day when you know your child is going to be out due to illness or family emergency at 632-2433.
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Students may use the school phone in the main office to call home for urgent purposes (i.e. forgot lunch, lunch money, lost keys). Students must follow main office procedures and sign-in when using the phone.
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The office reserves the right to limit phone use of students who are repeatedly calling home due to forgotten band instruments and P.E. clothes.
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No calls home should be made after 1:30
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The school phone cannot be used to call home to make/confirm after school hours social plans
The Middletown Board of Education provides special education (speech & language and counseling services) to students who are identified as special education students and to students identified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you feel that your child’s program is not meeting his/her educational needs, you can request, through Silvia Mayo Molina Ed.
D. Principal, a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting to review your concerns. When a student is referred through a
Teacher Request for Support, interventions and modifications are implemented within the educational program. If these are unsuccessful, the student is then referred to a PPT meeting. Parents or guardians are notified five (5) days in advance by mail of the PPT meeting to discuss the referral. If the PPT determines that an evaluation is necessary, the responsibilities for the evaluations are assigned. A multidisciplinary evaluation must be conducted to determine eligibility. Within forty-five (45) school days, the completed evaluations are reviewed at the PPT meeting to determine eligibility. If the student is identified, an
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed and implemented. If the student is not eligible as a special education student but does qualify for eligibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a plan is developed and implemented.
A team approach, consisting of school staff and administration along with the parent, is used in the development of the educational plan.
Parents’ Rights for Procedural Safeguards and Due Process under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are provided at every PPT meeting. Subsequent to identification under Section 504, parents’ rights pamphlets are provided at each
Section 504 meeting. The district maintains compliance under federal statute and regulations through the State Department of
Education.
Records shall be maintained for each student from entrance into school to graduation or withdrawal. The retention of certain types of records is required by law. The CT General Statutes, the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and their respective regulations assure access to and security of student records and requests for amendments. For more details see
BOE Policy #5145.
Photographs of students may be taken while they are in class or engaged in a particular school activity. Students’ names and photographs may appear throughout the school setting including classrooms, hallways, yearbook, and in our school newsletter.
Photographs and student names are also sent periodically to the newspaper to celebrate various aspects of our program. A copy of the yearbook is also kept on record at the Middletown Police Department. Classes may be videotaped for professional purposes. School events, such as plays and concerts, are regularly videotaped.
If you object to your child’s image or name being used for these purposes, please indicate this in the appropriate place on your child’s emergency card or send a written statement to Silvia Mayo Molina Ed. D., Principal at Keigwin Middle School.
Keigwin offers students and their families the medical and counseling services through our school-based health center, which is a branch of the Community Health Center. Services are provided free of charge by a nurse practitioner, social worker and outreach worker and include treatment and follow-up of minor illnesses and injuries, routine checkups and immunizations, lab tests, and referrals for primary care providers. Individual, group and family counseling and health education programs are also offered.
Parents are encouraged to enroll their child in the health center to access these services. Enrollment packets are available in the main office. You can contact the School-Based Health Center directly at 860-632-8103.

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Children are not to be on the school grounds prior to 7:50 a.m., as supervision does not begin until that time.
7:50 a.m. – School Opens
7:50
– 8:05 a.m. – Lockers and Optional Breakfast Program
8:05 a.m. Homeroom attendance begins (Students are considered Tardy after 8:05 a.m.)
2:41 p.m. - School day ends
4:00 p.m. - Late bus arrival (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
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2 hours: When there is a delayed opening due to inclement weather, supervision will begin at 9:50a.m. Locker time will be at 9:50-10:05 a.m. and homeroom will begin at 10:05 a.m. No breakfast is served on delayed opening days.

Professional Development Days: The following dates (all Mondays) are Teacher Professional Development days. The school opens at 10:20 a.m. and homeroom begins at 10:30 a.m. No breakfast is served on Professional Development
days. o October 6, 2014; November 3, 2014; January 12, 2015; February 9, 2015; April 6, 2015; May 4, 2014
The PTO sponsors dances throughout the year. The following rules are enforced:
1. Any student who is on suspension, probation, or absent the day of the dance will not be permitted to attend.
2. Permission slips must be signed by parent/guardian.
3. Students other than Keigwin Middle School pupils are not allowed at school dances.
4. Once a student is dropped off at the school for the dance, he/she is not permitted to leave the dance area. If so, re-entry will not be permitted and parents will be called.
5. Dress for dances will be normal school attire. The only acceptable footwear for students at dances in the gym will be rubbersoled shoes.
6. All regular school rules of conduct and school regulations will be in effect and apply to those attending dances, and will be strictly adhered to.
Charging Policy
The goal of the food service program is to provide students with nutritious foods that will enhance learning. The school nutrition program is an essential part of the education system and by providing good-tasting, nutritious meals in pleasant surroundings; we are helping to teach students the value of good nutrition. Although not required by law, because of the District’s participation in the
Child Nutrition Programs, the Board approves the establishment of a system to allow a student to charge a meal. The Board realizes that funds from the non-profit school food service account, according to federal regulations, cannot be used to cover the cost of charged meals that have not been paid. Charging is not encouraged by the District but on those occasions that a student does not have money, they will be offered an alternate meal. The meal will be offered with milk, fruit and vegetable listed on the menu. This ensures the meal is still reimbursable.
Definitions
“Alternate Meals” are not clearly defined in federal and state regulations. The use of alternate meals refers to any meal served to a student that is diffe rent from the day’s advertised reimbursable meal. Alternate meals are most often provided to those students who have forgotten their meal payment(s) or medium of exchange.
Secondary Students (Grades 6-12)
The District uses Horizon Software International and MyPaymentsPlus.com, an automated prepayment system, which allows parents/guardians to view thei r child’s meal account balance and purchases, receive low-balance notifications, as well as, make deposits, to their child’s school meal account. Any student whose account has insufficient funds (i.e., is at the charging limit) and does not bring a meal from home may charge any combination of meals up to a negative balance of $6.00. No snacks or a-lacarte items may be charged. When the charge limit is reached, an alternate meal will be provided consisting of one or more choices listed above until the charges are paid in full. This alternate meal will be charge d to the student’s account. (A source of funding needs to be established based upon the fact that the cost of this meal cannot come out of the school food service account.) If a student with a negative balance attempts to purchase a-la-carte items with cash, the money must first be applied to the negative balance. Negative balance letters will be sent home bi-weekly to any student owing $5 or more.
District-Wide Parents are responsible for providing meals or meal money for their student(s). Charging is for emergency only.
Repayment is expected without delay.
All adults who wish to volunteer at any school event or chaperone a field trip must complete a Middletown Public Schools
Screening Application at least 2 weeks prior to volunteering.
District's Safe School Climate Plan
Approved by Middletown Board of Education April 17, 2012
www.middletownschools.org/SafeSchoolClimate

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District Calendar
The Middletown Public Schools District Calendar can be accessed at: http://www.mps1.org/calendar/cal1415.pdf
Special Education
Link to the Middletown Public Schools Special Education page: www.middletownschools.org/specialeducation
We have provided you with the Keigwin Middle School Student Handbook in this Student Planner given to students on August 28,
2014. Included in this edition are important school and Board of Education policies regarding discipline, dress code, bullying prevention and attendance. The complete electronic version of the Keigwin Student Handbook is available on our website at www.middletownschools.org
. It contains valuable information about our school and Board of Education policies (specifically the
District Safe School Climate Plan, Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act, Notice 5145-Notice of Parent/Student Rights under
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Annual Bullying Notice, Attendance Annual Notification of Obligations under C.G.S.
10-184, Statement of Title VI, VII, and Title IX, and Statement concerning Billing Medicaid for Health-Related Services). If you need a paper copy of our handbook, they are available in the Keigwin Main Office.
Keigwin Students and their parent/guardian will be required to sign an acknowledgement indicating that they have received and read the handbook pages in this planner. This acknowledgement will be distributed on the first day of school.

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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (commonly referred to as “Section 504”) is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress. The purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to nondisabled students.
The term “disability” with respect to an individual means: (a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (b) a record of such an impairment; or (c) being regarded as having such an impairment.
“Major life activities” include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working. A major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including, but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive functions.
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Many students will be eligible for educational services under both Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), but entitlement to services under the IDEA or other statutes is not required to receive services under Section 504.
The following is a description of the rights and options granted by federal law to students with disabilities under Section 504. The intent of the law is to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with any of these decisions. You have the right:
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To be informed of your rights under Section 504;
To have your child take part in and receive benefits from the Middletown School District’s education programs without discrimination based on his/her disability.
For your child to have equal opportunities to participate in academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities in your school without discrimination based on his/her disability;
To be notified with respect to the Section 504 identification, evaluation, and educational placement of your child;
To have an evaluation, educational recommendation, and placement decision developed by a team of persons who are knowledgeable of your child, the assessment data, and any placement options;
If your child is eligible for services under Section 504, for your child to receive a free appropriate public education. This includes the right to receive reasonable accommodations and services to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school and school-related activities;
For your child to be educated with peers who do not have disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate;
To have your child educated in facilities and receive services comparable to those provided to non-disabled students;
To review all relevant records relating to decisions regard ing your child’s Section 504 identification, evaluation, and educational placement;
To obtain copies of your child’s educational records at a reasonable cost unless the fee would effectively deny you access to the records;
To request changes in the educational program of your child;
To an impartial hearing if you disagree with the school district’s decisions regarding your child’s Section 504 identification, evaluation or educational placement. The costs for this hearing are borne by the local school district. You and the student have the right to take part in the hearing and to have an attorney represent you at your expense.
To file a court action if you are dissatisfied with the impartial hearing officer’s decision or to request attorney’s fees related to securing your child’s rights under Section 504.
To file a local grievance with the designated Section 504 Coordinator to resolve complaints of discrimination other than those involving the identification, evaluation or placement of your child.
To file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
The Section 504 Coordinator for this district is:
Ann Perzan
311 Hunting Hill Avenue
Middletown, CT 06498
Telephone: 860-638-1428

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For additional assistance regarding your rights under Section 504, you may contact:
Region I - Boston (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont)
Peter Chan, Regional Manager
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Government Center
J.F.Kennedy Federal Building - Room 1875
Boston, MA 02203
Voice phone (800) 368-1019
FAX (617) 565-3809
TDD (800) 537-7697
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
550 12 th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100 Telephone: 1-800-421-3481
Connecticut State Department of Education
Bureau of Special Education and Pupil Services
P.O. Box 2219
Hartford, CT 06145
Telephone: (860) 807-2030
Any such complaints must be filed within 180 days of the possible act of discrimination.
Statement of Title VI, VII, and Title IX
In compliance with regulations implementing Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational
Amendments Act of 1973, and applicable state laws, the Board of Education prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, or past or present physical or mental disability. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, direct or indirect demands or requests for sexual favors, sexual comments, gestures or other physical actions of a sexual nature when:
 submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's educational success;
 submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for educational decisions affecting such individual; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
The coordinator for Titles VI and VII is James Misenti, Director of Adult and Vocational Education, Middletown, CT 06457;
Telephone 860-343-6044.
The coordinator for Title IX is Marco Gaylord, Director of District Operations, 311 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown, CT 06457;
Telephone 860-638-1485 or 860-638-1418.
Inquiries may be directed to the coordinator or to the Boston Office:
Region I - Boston (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont)
Peter Chan, Regional Manager
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Government Center
J.F.Kennedy Federal Building - Room 1875
Boston, MA 02203
Voice phone (800) 368-1019
FAX (617) 565-3809
TDD (800) 537-7697
Grievance procedures are available which provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging violations of
Titles VI and VII and Title IX. These procedures are available to all participants, students and employees in the Middletown School
System and are contained in this handbook.
Notification of Grievance Procedures
Please be informed that the Middletown Board of Education is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, or past or present physical or mental disability in any of its education programs, activities or employment policies.
Further, in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1974, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the following grievance procedure is presented.
The purpose of this procedure shall be to settle equitably, at the lowest possible administrative level, issues which may arrive with respect to possible discrimination regarding sex, handicap, or vocational programming within the Middletown School System. The grievance proceedings will be kept as informal and confidential as may be appropriate at any level of the procedure.
A. Level One - Principal or Immediate Supervisor
Any participant in the school system - parent, student or employee - with a grievance or dispute shall first discuss it with his/her school principal or immediate supervisor with the objective of resolving the matter informally. The grievance may be communicated orally or in writing for this purpose.
B. Level Two - Coordinator for Section 504/Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX, or Titles VI and VII Activities
In the event that such aggrieved participant in the school system is not satisfied with the disposition of his/her grievance at
Level One, or in the event that no decision has been rendered within five (5) school days after presentation of the grievance, he/she may file a written grievance directly to the Coordinator.
This use of the Level Two process may be initiated at any time during the school fiscal year (July 1 - June 30) in which a
Level One decision is unacceptable to the aggrieved party.

C. Level Three - Board of Education
In the event that the aggrieved participant in the school system is not satisfied with the disposition of his/her grievance at
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Level Two, or in the event no decision has been rendered within five (5) school days after the meeting with the Coordinator, he/she may file a written grievance indicating such dissatisfaction, with the Chairperson of the Middletown Board of
Education.
The use of the Level Three process may be effected at any time during the school year (July 1 - June 30) in which a Level
Two decision is unacceptable to the aggrieved party. Within twenty (20) school days after receiving the written grievance, the Board of Education shall meet with the aggrieved party and the Coordinator for the purpose of resolving the grievance.
The Board of Education must render a decision in writing regarding the grievance within five (5) school days of the Level
Three meeting.
Gene P. Nocera – Chair, Shelia C. Daniels - Vice Chair, Ed McKeon-Secretary, Franca Biales, Ava M. Hart, Vincent
Loffredo , Cheryl A. P. McClellan, Linda Szynkowicz, Mitchell Wynn
Associate Superintendent for
Teaching and Learning
Director of Pupil Services and
Special Education
860-638-1430
860-638-1428
Director of Pupil Services and
Special Education 860-638-1428
Regular student attendance is essential to the educational process, Connecticut law requires that the Middletown Public Schools provide you with this written notice of your obligations under Connecticut General Statute 10-184. This law provides that each parent or other person having control of a child five years of age and older and under eighteen years of age is obligated to cause the child to attend school regularly during the hours and terms school is in session, unless such parent or other person shows that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction, or that the child has graduated from high school or that the child ages sixteen or seventeen has withdrawn from school with the written permission of the parent or person having control of such chi ld.
Connecticut General Statute 10-
185 provides that each day’s failure to comply with these requirements is a separate offense, punishable by a $25.00 fine.
So that we may seek to inform you if your child is absent without explanation, the law also requires that the Middletown Public
Schools obtains from you a telephone number or other means of contacting you during the school day. Please complete the
School’s Emergency Card. Also for more information, please reference the on line Student Handbook.
Note: Please reference Policy #5113.2
– Truancy.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) allows certain services provided under an Individualized Education Program
(IEP) to be covered by Medicaid. Medicaid funds help pay for the costs of providing these services
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S.
Department of Education.

5131.911
5131.911 REG
5131.911
5132
5132 REG
5141.21
5141.23
5141.25
5141.3
5141.31
5141.4
5141.5
5142
5144
5144.1
5145
5145 REG
5145 NOTICE
5145 FORM
5145.12
1250
Mission statement of school and/or district
Visits to the School
1600
1331
3541
3541 REG
Possession and Use of Deadly Weapons or Firearms
Smoking-Free Environment
Transportation
Transportation - HANDBOOK is the Regulation
3542.43
5112
5113
5113.1r
5113.2
5113.2 form
5114
5118.1
5121
Food Service - Charging Policy
Ages of Attendance
Attendance/Excuses/Dismissal
Attendance/Excuses/Course Credit (Regulation)
Truancy
Truancy - FORM 1 & FORM 2
Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process
Homeless Students
Examinations/Grading/Rating
5123
5124
5125
5125.1
5131
5131.1
5131.5
5131.6
5131.61
5131.81
5131.81 REG
5131.82
5131.9
5131.91
Promotion/Acceleration/Retention
Reporting to Parents
Student Records, Confidentiality
Student Records; Confidentiality REGULATION
Areas of Responsibility
Bus Conduct
Students - Vandalism by Minors
Drugs and Alcohol Use by Students
Chemical Health Policy for Athletics
Student Use of District's Computer Systems & Internet Safety POLICY
Student Use of District's Computer Systems & Internet Safety REGULATION
Use of Private Technology Devices by Students
Gang Activity or Association
Hazing
Bullying Behavior in the Schools POLICY
Bullying Behavior in the Schools REGULATION
Annual Bullying Notice (Appendix A)
Dress and Grooming POLICY
Dress and Grooming REGULATION
Administering Medications
Psychotropic Drug Use
Student with Special Health Care Needs
Health Assessment and Immunization (policy)
Health Examinations for Interscholastic Athletic Particpation
Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
Suicide Prevention/Intervention
Safety-Personal/Possessions
Discipline
Physical Restraint(s)/Seclusion
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 POLICY
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 REGULATION
Section 504 Notice of Parent/Student Rights
Section 504 Complaint Form
Search and Seizure
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5145.15
5145.4
5145.5
6115
6141
6141.312
6142.101
6145.2
6145.3
6153
6154
6159
6161.3
6162.51
6162.511
6164.11
6164.12
6171
6171.2
6172.4
Directory Information
Non-Discrimination
Sexual Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
Ceremonies/Observances
Curriculum Design/Development
Migrant Students
Student Nutrition and Physical Activity
Athletic/Extracurricular Activities
Publications
Field Trips and Community Service
Homework/Make-up Work
Individualized Education Program/Special Education Program
Comparability of Service
Survey of Students (Student Privacy)
Access to Instructional Material
Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol
Acquired Immune Deficience Syndrome (AIDS)
Special Education
Preschool Special Education
Parent Involvement
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