Parent/Student Handbook 2012-2013
Our BeliefsHighgate Elementary School believes students... 1.
Can learn and experience success. 2. Learn in a variety of styles.
3. Learn continually from the world and each other. 4. Have a
desire to learn. Highgate Elementary School believes students learn
best when... 1. Support, guidance, and positive encouragement are
present. 2. Appropriate teaching methods are used and interest is
sparked. 3. They are empowered to make choices about their
education. 4. Continuous feedback is given. 5. They are actively
engaged in their learning environment. 6. They are physically and
emotionally healthy. Highgate Elementary School believes
instructional goals... 1. Should include expectations that are
realistic and challenging to students. 2. Should enable students to
be independent and lifelong learners. 3. Should reflect the notions
that learning is enjoyable and that instructional activities should
reflect this concept. Highgate Elementary School believes effective
instruction includes... 1. Enough time and resources to meet the
individual needs of all students. 2. Respect for students'
developmental needs. 3. A variety of teaching modalities. 4.
Opportunities for student choice. 5. Consideration and respect for
each individual student's history of learning and achievements. 6.
Opportunities for students to work together in groups of mixed
abilities. 7. Flexible groups that change as student's needs
change. Highgate Elementary School believes that teachers... 1. Are
the change agents on behalf of students. 2. Are only one of many
facilitators of learning for children, 3. Should be concerned with
the whole student. 4. Should be intentional about structuring the
environment for self-directed learning. 5. Should model and teach
respect for individual differences. Highgate Elementary School
believes that the educational community... 1. Should provide a
school atmosphere that is safe, creative, and positive for students
and adults. 2. Should foster mutual respect for students and
adults. 3. Includes the school as integral part of the community.
4. Facilitates a partnership between educators and parents 5.
Recognizes that education is both a right and a privilege.
August 2012
Dear Parents and Guardians: Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year
at Highgate Elementary School. We are looking forward to an
exciting school year as together we work to fulfill our mission of
providing an educational experience which will prepare our students
for the 21st Century. Your childs educational, physical and
emotional well-being is very important to us. We strive to create a
safe and productive learning environment for each student. This
Parent/Student Handbook explains practices, policies and procedures
at Highgate Elementary. Please take the time to review this
handbook. This should be helpful to you and your child. If you have
any questions, please call Joyce Irvine or Karen Casavant at (802)
868-4170. Sincerely,
Joyce M. Irvine Principal
Karen Casavant Assistant Principal
Highgate Elementary School 2012-2013Staff DirectoryName John
McCarthy Connie Beyor Joyce Ashton Richard Flint Liza Comiskey
David Roddy Joyce Irvine Karen Casavant Debbie Miller Michelle
Beaulieu Teaching Staff Ashton, Kyle Bangs, Paul Bianchi, Aldo
Brown, Brandy Byrne, Leslie Collins, Louanne Connelly, Dianna Cota,
Jessica Desrochers, Sue Dietsche, Claire Dyke, Corinne Fitzgerald,
Lynn Fodge, Corynn Gagne, Jennifer Garretson, Gayle Hansen, Lynne
Heald, Meghan Heinlein, Kelly Hemingway, Ernie Hess, Lisa Iannaco,
Edna LaBrusciano, Domye Laderman, Sara Lamb, Amanda Larivee,
Heather Legris, Paul Lumsden, John Luneau, Jennifer McDermott,
Patty Grade 4 Grade 5 Math Specialist Grade 6 Art Grade 2 Special
Educator School Psychologist Grade 2 Grade 1 Grade 6 Kindergarten
Math Interventionist School Nurse Literacy Interventionist Literacy
Interventionist Grade 3 Grade 1 Grade 1 Kindergarten Grade 6 Grade
2 Music Speech and Language Technology Grade 5 Physical Education
Special Educator Literacy Specialist Position Superintendent of
School School Board Chair School Board School Board School Board
School Board Principal Assistant Principal Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant 202 300 100 200 Phone # or Mailbox#
868-2441
Mailbox # 102 301 103 303 234 244 312 248 230 308 229 103 212
222 222 129 223 242 241 306 233 310 220 107 302 121 307 315
McSweeney, Marilynn Newett, Cyndi ONeil, Ellen Ostrander, Cheryl
Renaudette, Amber Beth Richey Sweet, Monica Therrien, Christina
Thomas, Kelly Whitehead, Paula School Based Clinician Sue Nyland
Paraprofessional Staff Bennett, Stacy Britch, Dawn Bruyette, Marie
Bushey, Chelsea Cadieux, Terri Chevalier, Matthew Coutts, Daryl
Gagne, Taylor Kinney, Jennifer Kobelt, Megan LaBrie, Patricia
Lafar, Joyce Machia, Louise Noel, Carla Rheaume, Sharon Rixford,
Linda Rollo, Lisa Rouse, Tammy Sweet, Jan Taylor, Kristy Taylor,
Priscilla Tremblay, Bernadette TBA Custodial Staff Terry Brace
Susan Drown Sandra Stone Lunch Room Staff Maureen Conley Jeanne
Conger Raven Britch Lunchroom paraprofessionals Kristen Kalakay
Maryln Beaulieu
Grade 3 Special Educator Grade 4 Special Educator Literacy
Interventionist Pre-School Guidance Counselor Grade 3 Librarian
Kindergarten
126 111 106 313 222 125 219 130 204/249 226 314
Grade K Grade K Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 4 Behavior
Interventionist Grade 3 Hawks Nest Grade 1 Medicaid Clerk Grade 4
Grade 1 Grade 5 Speech/Language Math Intervention Grade 2 Grade K
Grade 6 Grade 6 Grade 5 Grade 1 Grade 3
316
222 108
Director of Buildings and Grounds Head Custodian Evening
Custodian Evening Custodian
120 120
133
Highgate Elementary SchoolParent/Student Handbook 2012-2013
Alert Now MessagesHighgate Elementary School will be using an
automated calling system, known as the Alert Now system during the
2012-2013 school year. You will be called in case of unexpected
school closings or delays, early dismissals, inclement weather, or
other situations that might need notification. Please make sure
that your contact information is up to date with the office. If any
information should change during the school year, please let your
students teacher or the office know.
Arrival and DismissalStudents should arrive at school no later
than 8:00 in the morning. Students should not arrive at school
before 7:30am since there is no supervision, and problems that
occur could flow over into the school day. It is the responsibility
of the parents to supervise their child(ren) until 7:30. The only
students allowed in the building before school starts are those
students with an individual plan. Those students should check in
with the main office when they are here to meet with a teacher or
mentor before 7:30. Since we consider the school day to begin with
the students going to their classrooms; we are requesting all
parents to drop their child(ren) before the bell rings at 8:00.
This eliminates the number of people trying to walk through the
halls at the same time while allowing the students to begin their
day with their class. If there are reasons that you need to walk
your child to the classroom, please speak to Mrs. Irvine or the
classroom teacher. School begins at 8:00. If your child arrives
after 8:00, they will need to report to the office for a late pass.
Dismissal is at 3:15 and 3:20 daily. We ask that you wait for your
child in the main lobby by the office. Parent or their designee
must come to the schools main office FIRST to sign a release form
and wait in our lobby for their childs dismissal at 3:15 p.m.
Please adhere to the parking signs. Do not block the parking lot
when you drop off and pick up your child. Remain with your
vehiclethis is a fire lane and needs to remain clear.
After School ProgramsHighgate Elementary School, in
collaboration with the Franklin Northwest Crossroads program,
offers after school homework club and enrichment programs for
students. Enrichment program choices will come home at the
beginning of each Crossroads session. For further information about
either program, please contact Joyce Ashton, Highgate Elementary
School Crossroads Supervisor. After school tutoring for those
students who are eligible is also available. This information will
come home at the beginning of the school year. Please look over
this information and return it to school. You will receive
notification from the tutoring coordinator as to when and where
tutoring will take place.
Attendance and TruancyVermont law requires school attendance for
students between the ages of 6 and 16 so a student may complete a
course of study that will facilitate the transition to the
responsibilities of adulthood. Highgate Elementary School believes
consistent attendance is a prerequisite for ensuring the academic,
social, and emotional growth of students. In addition, regular and
punctual attendance is important in the development of responsible
and effective work/study habits as well as a demonstration that
students are assuming responsibility for their own behavior.
Encouraging students to take full advantage of their education is a
shared responsibility of students, families, schools and
communities. Definitions: 1. A truant student is one who is subject
to compulsory school attendance (16 V.S.A 1121) and who is absent
without valid cause or excuse. 2. Valid Excuses for absences
include illness, observance of religious holiday, death in the
family, family emergency, situations beyond the students control as
determined by the School Board, or other circumstances which cause
reasonable concern to the parent or guardian for the health or
safety of the student and are confirmed in writing or verbally by
the parent or guardian of the student. Regular school attendance is
critical for student success. We want each student to benefit from
the educational opportunities offered at school. We ask that
students and parents make every effort to be at school on time each
school day. Students who often arrive late or have an inconsistent
pattern of attendance are missing critical opportunities for
instruction and the opportunity to join in the routines and
patterns of classroom life. Vermont law requires schools to keep an
accurate register of student attendance. Students who arrive at
school after 8:00 a.m. will be noted as tardy in their student
record, with the exception of late bus arrivals due to inclement
weather. Students who leave prior to dismissal will be noted as
having an early dismissal. Students who are not in school will be
marked either absent excused or absent unexcused.
If your child is going to be absent from school, please call
before 9:30 a.m. to let us know. If we have not received notice
from you by 9:30, we will call you either at home or work to ensure
that your child is safe. Please send a written note with your child
when he/she returns to school. Parents requesting homework for
students absent due to illness should call the school before 10:00
a.m. to let us know your child will be absent and that you would
like to pick up homework or you would like it sent home with a
sibling. You can pick up homework after school in the main office.
When possible, we ask parents to notify the school in writing when
their child is going to be absent due to something other than
illness. When a student is dismissed early from school the parent
must provide a written request (a verbal request will be accepted
in an emergency) prior to dismissal. This is extremely helpful to
us so that we may keep a record of excused absences. We also
encourage families to take family vacations during scheduled
vacation times, as time away from the classroom could have an
adverse affect on a childs academic progress. You will be contacted
if your child is tardy or absent from school more than five (5)
days and seven (7) days in any one trimester or more than ten (10)
accumulated days in the school year. We will contact you regardless
of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. We will request a
parent/students conference along with the Educational Support Team
to address the problem at the seventh absence. If a student has ten
(10) unexcused absences from school, the school principal/assistant
principal will work with the Department of Children and Families as
well as the Franklin County States Attorney, to resolve the matter.
We will work with you and any necessary outside social service,
health, or law enforcement partners to ensure your child is in
school on time each day. According to state law the Superintendent
of Schools may excuse up to 10 days of absence. Parents or
guardians seeking to have student absences excused for any reason
(such as vacation) other than those listed above must make a
written request to Superintendent McCarthy. Teachers are not
required to prepare schoolwork in advance for students who are on
family vacations during the school year. Students who miss
instructional time may develop gaps in their learning which could
impact their progress.
BackpacksIt is very helpful for your child to have a backpack to
carry papers and books to and from school. Please put your childs
name in the backpack; this way if it is misplaced, it can be
returned quickly.
Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller BladesStudents should not ride
bicycles, skateboards, scooters or roller blades to school unless
they are wearing a helmet and have a lock. There is high traffic at
school during arrival and departure, so students who ride to school
should exercise precaution. Wheelies and sneakers with wheels are
discouraged for safety reasons; if this is the only pair of
sneakers your child has, the wheels must be removed while in
school. The school is not responsible to personal possessions that
are lost or missing. We highly recommend that your child always
wear a helmet; they are available from the hospital and most
doctors offices for free or a nominal fee.
NOTE: The principal will take possession of any bicycle if the
student is not wearing a helmet. Your child will get the bicycle
back when he/she returns with a helmet.
BullyingEven nice students sometimes behave in ways that are
purposely hurtful to others. We all remember either bullying others
or passively observing others being bullied when we went to grade
school. Many also remember being bullied and how hurtful that felt.
Please help your child understand that bullying behavior will not
be tolerated at school, coming to or going from school, as well as
at any school function. At Highgate Elementary School the
(administrators, teachers, lunchroom workers, bus drivers, after
school program workers, educational assistants, custodians,
administrative assistants, etc.) are committed to make sure that
our school feels like a safe and fun place to learn for EVERYONE.
We are required to document all incidences of bullying; if there
are persistent occurrences of bullying (more than three), parents
will be notified and the student will be referred for investigation
to Mrs. Joyce Irvine, Principal, or Miss Casavant, Assistant
Principal. Students and parents may also report to incidences of
bullying to Mrs. Monica Sweet, school Guidance Counselor or any
staff member.
Bus Expectations and EtiquetteRiding the school bus is a
privilege which can be lost in the event that the student does not
abide by the rules as established by Highgate Elementary School and
School Board of Education and the Superintendent. The following
guidelines are designed to help the student and the driver enjoy a
safe trip on the school bus: 1. Follow the bus drivers requests
because s/he is the person immediately responsible for the safety
and welfare of the students while boarding, riding, or departing
from the bus. 2. Anything that distracts the driver from driving is
dangerous. Bus drivers are given the same authority as teachers in
the exercise of student control under their responsibility. When
the behavior of any individual affects the safety and welfare of
the other passengers, driver and/or vehicle, steps must be taken to
correct this behavior. 3. Assist the driver by: a. Standing in line
in an orderly fashion while waiting at the bus stop. b. Being at
the bus stop on time. c. Standing at the side of the road out of
traveled lanes. d. Waiting for the bus to stop and the red lights
to flash. e. Looking both ways before crossing the road. f.
Crossing in front of the bus. 4. Students and parents are
responsible for student conduct at the bus stop, from home to the
bus stop, and from the bus stop to home. Students are expected to
conduct themselves in an appropriate and acceptable manner. School
Bus Rules
All school-wide rules for conduct apply while riding the bus to
and from school or to and from school events. The following list of
rules has been designed to make the bus ride a safe and enjoyable
experience, specifically: 1. Stay in your seat and face the front
of the bus. 2. Mind your own business; in other words, take care of
yourself. 3. Talk quietly while you are on the bus. Additionally:
4. Students should help keep the bus clean. 5. Pets (or any kind of
animal) may not be brought on the bus. Make arrange with parents
for the transportation. 6. Inflated balloons (i.e., birthday
balloons delivered to school) may not be brought on the bus.
Parents should make other arrangements for transportation. 7. The
bus driver is authorized to assign seats. 8. The bus driver will
notify school administration of continuous inappropriate actions.
Administrative Response for Major Bus Referrals Please understand
that disciplinary actions will be initiated for violating the bus
rules. 1. First Step: Educational discussion with the student.
Direct parent contact. 2. Second Step: Educational discussion with
the student. Direct parent contact. Loss of riding privileges for
three (3) school days. 3. Third Step: Educational discussion with
the student. Mandatory parent conference. Loss of riding privileges
for (5) days. 4. Fourth Step: Loss of riding privileges for the
remainder of the school year. SEVERE OFFENSE: Behavior which is
deemed of a serious nature that threatens the safety and welfare of
others will result in an immediate loss of riding privileges.
Parents are responsible to transport students who have lost their
riding privileges. A student who has lost their riding privilege on
one bus may not ride a different bus on the days of their riding
privilege suspension. (A copy of the bus referral notice is
included at the end of the handbook for reference.)
CommunicationHighgate Elementary School Community encourages
open communication between home and school. We realize at times
there will be disparate points of view. In this event, we ask that
you first speak to your childs teacher, then the Principal (or
Assistant Principal). In the event that you feel your concerns are
not being addressed, you should contact the Superintendent of
Schools.
Dress CodeYour child should wear clothing appropriate for school
activities. Clothing should be comfortable and safe for learning
and play. If your child is wearing any clothing item that is
questionable, the principal will decide if it is appropriate for
school. You will be called to bring appropriate clothing to school
if necessary. A few guidelines to follow: No hats or hoods are to
be worn inside the school building. Clothing should cover all
undergarments (no stomach showing, no spaghetti straps). Shorts and
skorts should be midthigh in length. No inappropriate messages and
pictures (drugs, alcohol, profanity or violence) on clothing. Since
we encourage our students to run and play at recess, we strongly
suggest that students wear sneakers to school each day. Sneakers
are required for physical education classes; appropriate footwear
is necessary to be safe at all times.
Discipline Positive Behavior Supports for StudentsHighgate
Elementary School has a school-wide discipline plan that all
students and adults are expected to follow. The goal of our school
wide plan is to ensure the safety of all children and adults in our
school community. Our model encourages all students and adults to
act in a safe and respectful way. (Please see the attached T-chart,
flowchart, and behavior consequence rubric at the end of the
handbook.) Our school rules are: Be Safe Be Respectful Be
Responsible These school rules are posted throughout Highgate
Elementary School with our mascot, the Highgate Hawk. Students and
adults who follow the rules receive compliments; these may take the
form of a Hawk coin or a verbal affirmation. Incentives such as
free time for reading, extra recess time and schoolwide
celebrations are part of our culture. We realize that every now and
now we forget the rules, so there are consequences for not
following the rules: Redirection Loss of privilege Time out Parent
conference/parent contact Behavior plan In-school suspension
Out-of-school suspension
Expulsion Parents are invited to attend our weekly Friday
Morning Community Building Assemblies. These are held 8-8:30. We
use this time to celebrate our achievements as well as a point to
work on for the following week.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TEAM My child is not doing as well as he/she
should be doing. What can I do? Contact your childs teacher as a
first step. Your childs classroom teacher will be able to discuss
your concerns and work directly with you to meet your childs needs.
What is the Educational Support Team? The Educational Support Team
is a team in place at Highgate Elementary School, as required by
Vermont Educational statutes called Act 230 and Act 117. The team
meets weekly to develop strategies and identify resources to meet
the academic, social and emotional needs of all students. Who is
part of the Educational Support Team (EST)? Highgate Elementary
School team includes classroom teachers, the guidance counselor,
behavior specialist, social worker, principal, special educators,
school nurse, speech-language pathologist, Reading Recovery
teacher, teachers, and any other professionals who may assist in
providing assistance in determining an effective program for your
child. All parents/guardians are invited to meet with the team on
an individual basis and are notified of all Educational Support
Team decisions regarding their child. How are services provided? As
part of our educational support system, Highgate Elementary School
has made the commitment to have services within our school
available to all students on a daily basis. Special educators and
other support persons work with the classroom teachers within the
classrooms to provide extra support and instruction throughout the
day. This practice enables the students to have more individual
time in the classroom and utilizes the schools resources to their
fullest potential. How does this benefit my son or daughter? Many
different strategies are tried in order to understand your child
and help him/her to be successful in school. Team members work
together to provide the support to best meet your childs academic,
social and emotional needs. Is this Special Education? This team is
not part of the special education process. There is no labeling or
formal assessment involved. After a variety of resources and
accommodations have been attempted, special education or community
referrals may be made. Again, parents will be fully informed of any
decisions made by the Educational Support Team. How can I get more
information? Any classroom teacher can provide parents with more
information regarding Highgate Elementary Schools Educational
Support Team. Parents can also contact the special educators or the
principal for more information.
Emergency DismissalOn a rare occasion school may need to be
closed early during the school day. Please make a plan with your
child in the event school has to be dismissed early due to an
emergency. The school will not be able to call parents in case of
an emergency closing; however Highgate Elementary School will use
the ALERTNOW system. It is very important to update the office each
time you change your address or telephone number. Emergency
closings will also be announced on the radio and television.
Field TripsThroughout the year your child will have scheduled
field trips. These field trips are an important part of your childs
school program. Your child is expected to participate in all field
trips. You will be asked to provide written permission for your
child to attend each field trip.
Food ServicesLunch Menu The lunch menu is posted online before
the beginning of each month and can be found on our schools
website. Our food service director, Maureen Conley, does a
wonderful job of preparing meals for our staff and students that
are nutritious and low cost. The cost per pupil for lunch this year
is $2.00 and for adult is $3.75. Breakfast is served each morning
and the cost is $1.25. Please make sure that you do pay any food
service balances as soon as possible. Lunch Schedules
Kindergarten-11:15-11:45 Grade 1-12:00-12:30 Grade 2-12:30-1:00
Grade 3-11:30-12:00 Grade 4-11:45-12:15 Grade 5-12:15-12:45 Grade
6-11:00-11:30
Harassment/ BullyingIn compliance with state statute and
district policy, staff members are directed to report any student
or parent complaint of harassment directly to the building
principal within 24 hours of receiving the complaint. All reports
will be investigated by and reported to Joyce Irvine, Principal.
The Highgate Elementary School Harassment and Bullying Policies can
be found in the Main Office. If a parent/guardian or staff member
feel that they have a harassment complaint against the Principal,
the report should be made directly to the Superintendent of
Schools. In the event a staff member witnesses a bullying incident,
s/he should give the STOP! message and an Incident Report should be
turned in to the principals office or directly to Monica Sweet,
Guidance Counselor. If a report is found to be bullying or
harassment, the school behavior rubric will be used to determine
consequences for the individual. The definition of bullying
includes bullying by electronic means and bullying that does not
occur on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored
activity if the bullying can be shown to pose a clear and
substantial interference with another students right to access
educational programs.
HomeworkYour child may have homework assigned. The purpose of
homework is to strengthen your childs academic skills. Your child
will need your support, and sometimes help, to complete his/her
homework. You and your child should create a quiet workspace and
decide on a daily time to complete homework. When your child has no
assigned homework, we strongly encourage you to set aside some time
for him/her to read. If your child is having difficulty with
his/her homework assignments, please contact your childs teacher
for help.
Internet UsageStudent internet usage and related electronic
records are confidential and should be treated like all other
student records. User Responsibilities During School hours, users
may access electronic resources including the internet for
educational purposes only. The term educational purpose includes
use of the system for classroom activities, which may involve
e-mail communication, career development, and curriculum driven
research. The school may provide e-mail access for staff and
students. Staff and students may use real-time electronic
communication, such as chat or instant messaging only for
specifically organized educational activities. Students will not
post personal contact information about themselves or other people
and agree to follow communication safety requirements outlined in
administrative procedures when using electronic communications
including the internet. Staff and students may access the schools
electronic resources for limited personal use. Limited
personal use of schools electronic resources, including the
internet, shall be allowed if permission is granted in advance, the
use imposes no tangible cost to the school; does not unduly burden
the schools electronic resources; occurs during non-instructional
time; does not impede other staff or student access for educational
purposes; and does not violate this policy. Users will respect the
rights of copyright owners and will not plagiarize works they find
on the schools electronic network or the internet by presenting
them as their own. Staff and students may not access materials for
any purpose that the school deems to be potentially harmful,
inappropriate, illegal, and non-educational. This includes
materials that are obscene or child pornography. Parental
Notification and Responsibility This notice to parents/guardians is
about student use of school electronic resources including the
internet, the policies and procedures governing their use, and the
limitation of liability of the school. Parents/guardians must send
written notice to the school before September 30th, if they choose
not to allow their child/children the educational opportunities to
use the schools electronic resources, including the internet.
Limitations/Disclaimer of Liability The school is not liable for
unacceptable use or violations of copyright restrictions or other
laws, user mistakes or negligence, and costs incurred by users. The
school is not responsible for ensuring the accuracy, quality, age
appropriateness, or usability of any information found obtained
through, or stored on the schools electronic resource network,
including the internet, or for financial obligations arising
through their unauthorized use. The school is not responsible for
any damage experienced, including, but not limited to, loss of data
or interruptions of service. Due Process In the event there is an
allegation that a user has violated this policy, a student will be
provided with notice and opportunity to be heard in the manner set
forth in the Acceptable Use Procedures Agreement. Notice of
violations of this policy shall be forwarded to the Principal to
evaluate compliance with this policy and the appropriate
implementation procedures. The school will cooperate fully with
local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning
or relating to illegal activities conducted through the use of the
schools electronic resources, including the internet.
Acceptable Use AgreementGeneral Procedures Staff and students
have access to the schools electronic resources for the purpose of
enhancing learning. Staff and students may access the schools
electronic resources for educational purposes only. Acceptable use
includes classroom activities, career development and curriculum
driven research, and may involve electronic communication, as
designated by the school. The schools electronic resources shall
not be used for commercial or entertainment purposes, as public
access service or a public forum, unless the school allows
permission. Staff and students are expected to follow the rules of
personal conduct outlined in this handbook, as well as abide by
state and federal laws in the use of the schools electronic
resources. Parents/guardians are warned that some materials
accessible via the internet, through the schools electronic
resources, may contain items that are illegal, defamatory,
inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. While it is the
schools intent to provide appropriate electronic resources to
enhance the curriculum, students may find ways to access other
materials as well. The school believes the benefits to students
from access to electronic resources and the
internet for information gathering, research, and to provide
opportunities for collaboration exceed the potential disadvantages.
Ultimately, parents/guardians of minors are responsible for setting
and conveying the standards that their children should follow when
using electronic resources. Individual User Responsibilities System
users shall: 1. Understand that electronic mail transmissions and
other use of the electronic communication system is not
confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff
to ensure appropriate use; 2. Not distribute personally
identifiable information about themselves or others by means of the
schools electronic communication system; 3. Be responsible at all
times for the proper use of their account by taking all reasonable
precautions to prevent others from gaining access to their system
account and password; 4. Not use anothers personal account or
password, or present themselves as another person, without written
permission from the system administrator or school coordinator; 5.
Not purposefully access or send materials, which include, video, or
audio files, that are rude, disrespectful, abusive, obscene,
sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to anothers
reputation, or illegal; 6. Purge electronic mail in accordance with
established school e-mail retention guidelines; 7. Not use the
schools electronic resources and internet connection for commercial
or illegal purposes, or for any other activity prohibited by school
policy; 8. Not redistribute copyrighted programs or data except
with the written permission of the copyright holder or designee.
Such permission must be specified in the document or must be
obtained directly from the copyright holder or designee in
accordance with applicable copyright laws, school policy, and
administrative regulations; 9. Not plagiarize work using the
schools electronic resources (plagiarism is taking the ideas of
writings of others and presenting them as your own); 10. Not use
the schools electronic mail, or other personal email accounts, in
any way that causes recipients or other readers to assume the email
message represents the opinion of educators or other school
officials, or anyone else without their explicit permission; 11.
Not waste school resources related to the electronic communication
system, or damage or attempt to damage computers, computer systems,
computer networks or software; 12. Not abuse the schools electronic
communication system by downloading large files or sending annoying
or unnecessary messages to a large number of people. 13. Not gain
or attempt to gain unauthorized access to the schools electronic
resources, network, or restricted information. 14. Not upload,
download or redistribute public domain programs to the system for
their own use without advance permission; 15. Be responsible for
determining whether a program is in the public domain and follow
the school virus protection procedures in downloading software.
Disciplinary Actions The schools electronic resources system is a
limited forum, similar to school newspaper, and therefore the
school may restrict individual users speech for valid educational
reasons. The school will not restrict speech on the basis of
disagreement with the opinions expressed. Users should not expect
privacy in the contents of their personal files or record of web
research activities. Routine maintenance and monitoring of system
resources may lead to discovery of violations of school policy,
disciplinary code, or state and federal law. An individual search
may also be conducted by the system administrator if there is
reasonable suspicion that a user has
violated this Acceptable Use Procedures Agreement. If there is
evidence that a violation has occurred, the School Principal shall
be notified and will determine appropriate consequences. Staff
member infractions will be dealt with in accordance with
contractual agreements. Due Process If any of the conditions of
this Acceptable Use Procedures Agreement are breached,
parents/guardians will be notified and may be given an opportunity
to review the contents of their childs electronic files. The school
will cooperate fully with local, state, and federal officials in
any investigation related to illegal activities conducted through
the schools electronic system, or the internet. In the event there
is a claim that an individual user has violated school policy,
procedures, or disciplinary code, the user will be provided with
written notice and the opportunity to be heard in the manner set
forth by the school disciplinary policy. Limitation of Liability
The school makes no guarantee that the functions or the services
provided by or through the schools electronic system will be
error-free or without defect. The school will not be responsible
for any damage individual suffers, including but not limited to,
loss of data or interruptions of service. Other than for student
records, the school is not responsible for the accuracy or quality
of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The
school will not be responsible for financial obligations arising
through unauthorized student use of the system. Parents/guardians
of the individual user may be held financially responsible for any
harm to the system as a result of carelessness or intentional
misuse.
Lost and FoundIf your child is missing an article of clothing,
please have your child check the Lost and Found in the main lobby
closest to the White Building. We will keep items in the Lost and
Found for just so long and then donate them to local organization.
It is a good idea for you to check Lost and Found when you are
visiting the school. The school is not responsible for lost
clothing or other possessions; please be sure that toys, games and
other possessions remain at home.
Medication/ImmunizationsAll student medication must be
administered by the school nurse or her designee. The complete
policy can be found in the Main Office. Medication must be brought
to school by the parent/guardian and given to the school nurse in
the original container labeled with the students name. All students
immunizations must be up to date by the first day of school.
NoticesParents can expect to receive notices and general
information related to school activities; please check your childs
backpack daily. You may also get information from the schools
website and from Principal s Weekly Memo.
Notification of FERPA Rights for Elementary and Secondary
SchoolsThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford
parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students")
certain rights with respect to the student's education records.
These rights are: The right to inspect and review the student's
education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a
request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to
the School Principal a written request that identifies the
record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make
arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student
of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 1. The
right to request the amendment of the student's education records
that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or
misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to
amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They
should write the School Principal, clearly identify the part of the
record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or
misleading. If the School decides not to amend the record as
requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify
the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of
their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be
provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the
right to a hearing. 2. The right to consent to disclosures of
personally identifiable information contained in the student's
education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes
disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure
without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate
educational interests. A school official is a person employed by
the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support
staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement
unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or
company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special
task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or
therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official
committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or
assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A
school official has a legitimate educational interest if the
official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill
his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School
discloses education records without consent to officials of another
school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
3. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with
the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that
administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S.
Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC
20202-4605
Notification of Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights
Amendment (PPRA)PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our
conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing
purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that
concerns one or more of the following protected areas ("protected
information survey") if the survey is funded in whole or in part by
a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or
student's parent; Mental or psychological problems of the student
or student's family; Sex behavior or attitudes; Illegal,
anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; Critical
appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family
relationships; Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as
with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; Religious practices,
affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or Income,
other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of : 1.
Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; 2.
Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as
a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent,
and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a
student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or
any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State
law; and 3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of
personal information obtained from students for marketing or to
sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. Inspect,
upon request and before administration or use 1. Protected
information surveys of students; 2. Instruments used to collect
personal information from students for any of the above marketing,
sales, or other distribution purposes; and 3. Instructional
material used as part of the educational curriculum. These rights
transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an
emancipated minor under State law.
Highgate Elementary School has developed and adopted policies,
in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as
arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of
protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or
use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other
distribution purposes. Highgate Elementary School will directly
notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of
each school year and after any substantive changes. Highgate
Elementary School will also directly notify, such as through U.S.
mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate
in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide
an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of
participation of the specific activity or survey. Highgate
Elementary School will make this notification to parents at the
beginning of the school year if the District has identified the
specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that
time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year
starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the
planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an
opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys.
Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any
pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities
and surveys covered under this requirement:
Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for
marketing, sales or other distribution. Administration of any
protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as
described above. Parents who believe their rights have been
violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington,
D.C. 20202-5901
Personal Items (toys, games, CD players)The school is not
responsible for damaged or lost personal items. Student should
leave personal items at home. Any cell phone brought to school must
be turned off and remain in your childs backpack during the school
day. If a student uses the cell phone in school, it will be taken
to the Assistant Principals office and parents will be contacted.
Please mark all of your childrens belongings and note that the
district insurance does not cover their loss, breakage or
theft.
PoliciesAll Highgate School District policies may be found in
the Main Office. If you wish to see a specific procedure, please
see the Joyce Irvine or Karen Casavant. Highgate School District
policies of specific interest: Prevention of Harassment on the
Basis of Protected Characteristics Possession and Use of Tobacco
Products Drug-Free Workplace Corporal Punishment Employee
Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources Administering of Medicines
to Students Student Attendance Student Conduct and Discipline
RecessRecess is an important part of the school day and
programs. In addition to allowing children the opportunity to
positively spend excess energy, recess also allows for regular
exercise and social interaction. In many ways recess is an
extension of our physical education and social skills programs.
Generally, all students are expected to participate in recess.
There may be occasions when the teacher or parent may want the
child to stay in during recess. Parents may request, for health
reasons, that their child stay in during recess by contacting the
child's teacher. However, the school requires a physician's letter
explaining the circumstances if the child needs to stay in for an
extended period of time. Please be sure your child wears sneakers
to school each day so they can be physically active during recess.
During the winter and spring months the playground can become wet
and muddy. Please dress your child accordingly. Vermont weather
dictates winter coats hats, gloves/mittens, ski pants, and boots
during the cold and wet months. Recess Schedules
Kindergarten-11:45-12:15 Grade 1-12:30-1:00 Grade 2-12:00-12:30
Grade 3-11:00-11:30 Grade 4-12:15-12:45 Grade 5-1145-12:15 Grade
6-11:30-12:00
Report Cards/ Progress Reports/ConferencesReport Cards are
distributed three times a year at the end of each trimester.
Progress reports are given out at the discretion of grade level
teams. Parent conferences for Grades K-6 are scheduled for November
19-20 and March 8, but your childs teacher may use the week before
or after to schedule conferences as well. Your childs teacher will
contact you to set up an appointment. Parents and Guardians should
feel free to request a conference with their childs teacher(s) when
they have areas of concern. Report Card Dates (2012-2013): 1
Trimester December 7, 2012 2nd Trimester March 22, 2013 rd 3
Trimester Last Day of Schoolst
SAFETY: Fire Drills, Lock Downs, and EvacuationsAs required by
State Law, fire drills will be held at regular intervals (monthly)
during the school year. We also schedule two lockdowns and one
school evacuation to the Highgate Arena. In the event of an actual
emergency you will be contacted (through AlertNow) with specific
information on procedures for picking up your child. Please do not
attempt to enter the school during a lockdown or evacuation whether
during a drill or actual emergency. Notify the office each time you
change your telephone number. We will need this in the event of an
emergency. The only two doors that are unlocked during the school
day are the front door and the back door by the fourth grade. If
you help in your childs classroom please sign in and pick up a
Visitor badge. If your child is being picked up early, come to the
office and we will page your child.
Staff Contact and EmailPlease be aware that staff may only check
email before and/or after school. If information is time sensitive,
please contact the school office directly at 868-4170.
Telephone UseYour child will not be allowed to use the office
telephone unless it is an emergency. Your child needs to make
arrangements for after school activities or visits with friends
outside of school. Please make sure your child knows your plan for
the end of the day, before he/she comes to school. Cell phones
should not be brought to school; however, if you choose to send a
cell phone with your child, she/he must leave them turned off in
the backpack during the school day. The school does not assume any
responsibility when cell phones are lost or damaged.
VisitorsHighgate Elementary School invites parents and community
members to visit during the school day. In order to ensure the
safety of our children, all visitors must report to the Main Office
to sign in and pick up a Visitors badge. Teachers are not available
during the day and are preparing for the school day first thing in
the morning. If you need to speak with your childs teacher, send a
note asking the teacher call you or you may call after 2:45. If you
would like to observe in your childs classroom, please contact your
childs teacher through a note or email to schedule a time for the
observation; teachers are given 24 hours notice for any and all
visitors.
VolunteersParents, guardians and community members who wish to
volunteer at Highgate Elementary School need to fill out the
Franklin Northwest Volunteer Application and have a background
check. The process is completed by the Central Office and finished
prior to working in the school. Volunteer forms may be picked up in
the Principals Office.
Problem Behavior Occurs
Minor Infraction
Make a Decision (refer to T-Chart for definitions)
Major Infraction: be sure to notify student support person
Physical Proximity/ eye contact/non-verbal reminders
Verbal/Physical Aggression or Venting
Major Infraction Controlled Behavior
Problem Behavior Stops
Problem Behavior Continues Teacher Processes with Student:
Verbal Reminder, Invite them to a private conversation Adjust
expectations because of individual needs. Restorative Minor Card
Ask Youre not yourself today, can I help? Consider seat change
Adult Escorts Student to De-escalation Room
Referral to Hawks NEST (an adult escorts student with
referral)
Positive Recognition
Individual Team Notified
Behavior Response Team Notified
Problem Behavior Stops
Problem Behavior Continues *Think Time (in classroom) Reflect
orally or written teacher with student
Follow individual plans or Initiate Hawks NEST Process
Process & Problem-Solve
*Time out in Buddy Teachers Roomreflection with teacher. Notify
students support person.
Student Escorted Back to Class (communication with teacher)
Problem Behavior Stops
Call Parents and hold Before or After School Reflection with the
Teacher (ASR) Parent/Student/Teacher Problem Solving Circle
Parent notified by teacher
Hawks NEST supervisor will communicate with administration and
share referral process sheet Administrator will notify parents with
details.
NOTE: * May be individualized for students Note: Staff member
may refer student to BST or support interventions
