WillardElementarySchool1088NortonRoad,Berlin,CT06037

www.willardschool.org

FamilyHandbook2018-2019

Dr.MattCorreia,PrincipalMrs.MeganSirois,LeadTeacher

TableofContents

Contents 2 Invitations 30WillardMissionStatement 3 Insurance 30WillardSchoolMap 4 KindergartenParentOrientation 30StaffContactInformation 5-7 Laser-Pointers 30SchoolHours 8 EnglishLanguageLearners(ELL) 30WillardPride 9-10 Lost&Found 30Preface 11 LibraryMediaCenter 31Non-DiscriminationPolicy 11 OutofSchoolMisconduct 31Admissions/Placement 11 Parent-TeacherConferences 31Advertising 12 Parent-TeacherOrganization(PTO) 32AidsCurriculum 12 PetPolicy 32Arrival&DismissalProcedures 12 Photographs 32ParkingLotSafety 13 PsychotropicDrugPolicy 32Transportation 13 Recess 33Asbestos 14 Safety/AccidentPrevention 33Attendance 14-20 SchoolCeremonies&Observances 33BoardofEducation 21 SchoolDistrictRecords 34CafeteriaInformation 22 SchoolPictures 34CareofSchoolProperty 23 SearchandSeizure 34Cheating/Plagiarism 23 StudentAttire 34ChildAbuse 23 SpecialPrograms 35ClassLetters 24 SpecialServices 35ClassLists 24 Specials:GradesK-5 35ClassPlacements 24 Survey/StudentPrivacy 35-36DangerousWeapons&Instruments 24 Testing 36DefibrillatorsinSchools 24 Transfers&Withdrawals 36DistributionofLiterature 25 Visitors 36DistributionofMaterials 25 ElectronicDevices 25 EmergencyCards 25 EmergencySchoolClosingInformation 26 FieldTrips 26 BoardofEducationPolicies

PleasereviewthepolicessetforthbytheBerlinBoardofEducationlocatedonourdistrictwebsite:

www.berlinschools.org

(Thesepolicesaresubjecttomodification).

FinancialAssistance 26FireDrills&EmergencyPreparedness 26FirstAmendmentRights 27GradingSystem 27GreenCleaningPrograms 27HarassmentStatement 27HealthServices&Information 27-29HomeworkPolicies 29

WillardSchoolMissionStatement

WillardSchoolisalearningcommunitycenteredaroundstudents,whichembracesfamiliesasadvocatesforlearners.Itisourmissionto:

• Developstrategicreaders,flexibleproblemsolvers,andmotivatedlifelonglearnerswhohavetheabilitytoeffectivelycollaborate,communicate,andthinkindependently.

• Inadditiontoacademicskills,itisourmissiontodevelopwellrounded,empathetic,respectful,responsible,andengagedcitizens.

Inordertoaccomplishthismission,ourstaffwill:

• Encouragestudentstoachievetheirhighestpotential• Establishasafelearningenvironmentthatfostersrisktaking,stamina,

ingenuity,curiosity,andcriticalthinking.• Serveascoacheswhofacilitatechallenginganddynamiclearning

opportunities.• Valuestudentsfortheirindividualityanddiversecapabilities.

SytaBLASTE-15

MarinoGrade2E-13

AmaioGrade2E-11

PonkosSped/

ResourceE-10

FlomGrade1E-7

HarrisPre-KE-5

CutlerGradeKE-3

SouzaGradeKE-1

SabbaghPre-KN-4

ScottPre-KN-2

LanganPre-KN-1

CorreiaPrincipal

SiroisLead

Teacher

MainOffice

SchultzGrade1E-9

DunnGrade2E-12

RattiGrade1E-8

GeigleGradeKE-6

CugnoGradeKE-4

CommonsClassroom

VernonArtRoom

S-5

SchroderMathS-3

BorrupELL

PPSCloukeyGiarrusso

GemmellMusicS-2

SweeneyGrade4W-14

MatkowskiGrade4W-12

TheriaultGrade4W-10

TibballGrade4W-11/13

KingGrade3W-8

MastrogiannisGrade3W-6

FrascadoreGrade3W-4

StaffLounge

MilburnGrade5L-6

KulakGrade5L-5

FritschGrade5L-3

LawsonMusicL-2

Daigle,Stachon,AndersonOT/PTL-1

StaffWorkroom Cafeteria

N-8

Kitchen

CustodianOffice

BandStageArea

SiroisDeBlasioP.E.GYM

PooleLibraryCommons

N-14

StairstoLowerLevel

ClappComputer

LabW-1

ConferenceRoom

AddamoNurseN-7

Valinsky

PsychologistN-9

SchmidtSLPN-15

SideEntrance

O’RourkeBLASTE-16

PiraneoHerren

LiteracyW-15

PesaventoGrade5L-4

WillardElementarySchool

PrincipalDr.Correia

LeadTeacherMrs.Sirois

Secretary

Mrs.Chowaniec

WillardElementarySchool

Courtyard

LowerLevel

FoyerEntrance

MainEntrance

Pre-KEntrance

Girls’Bathroom

Boys’Bathroom

Girls’Bathroom

Boys’Bathroom

Girls’Bathroom

Boys’Bathroom

StaffBathrooms

StaffBathrooms

EastHallway

BreakRoom

Pre-K

Cubby

21

Cubbies

CurranBCBA

DelGiornoSLPS-7

BLAST

Bathroom

Girls’Bathroom

Elevator

PhillipsSped(W-9)

VolzSped(W-7)

PooleOffice

DeBargeSLP

CommonsConferenceRoom Sheldon

IT

EastPlayground

SouthHallway

FrontHallway

NorthHallway

FrontHallway

EastHallway

WestHallway

EastPlayground

KickballField

FriendshipPlace

Playground

BackEntrance

BackEntrance

SideEntrance

Lewis

Sped(W-5)Sullivan

Literacy(W-3)

NorthHallwayBreakRoom

StaffContactInformation

StaffMember:

Position:

ContactInformation:

PhoneExt:

MattCorreia,Ed.D. Principal mcorreia@berlinschools.org 7106

MeganSirois LeadTeacher msirois@berlinschools.org 7000

DoloresChowaniec SchoolSecretary dchowaniec@berlinschools.org 7002

LaurelFisher OfficeAssistant lfisher@berlinschools.org 7105

TonyCelella HeadCustodian willardmaintenance@berlinschools.org 1116

JoanneAddamo SchoolNurse jaddamo@berlinschools.org 1107

CheyanneValinsky SchoolPsychologist cvalinsky@berlinschools.org 1109

KristinaGiarrusso SchoolPsychologist kgiarrusso@berlinschools.org 1314

ClaireCloukey GuidanceCounselor ccloukey@berlinschools.org 1314

KimHunting CafeteriaManager khunting@berlinschools.org 1110

JenHarris Pre-K jharris@berlinschools.org 1305

JenScott Pre-K jscott@berlinschools.org 1102

KatieLangan Pre-K klangan@berlinschools.org 1101

LinseySabbagh Pre-K lsabbagh@berlinschools.org 1317

EileenCutler GradeK ecutler@berlinschools.org 1303

MegSouza GradeK msouza@berlinschools.org 1301

MarieGeigle GradeK mgeigle@berlinschools.org 1306

ChristineCugno GradeK ccugno@berlinschools.org 1304

TriciaRatti Grade1 tratti@berlinschools.org 1308

GretchenSchultz Grade1 gschultz@berlinschools.org 1309

DaraFlom Grade1 dflom@berlinschools.org 1307

RuthAmaio Grade2 ramaio@berlinschools.org 1311

AllieDunn Grade2 adunn@berlinschools.org 1312

RachelMarino Grade2 rmarino@berlinschools.org 1313

CassandraFrascadore Grade3 cfrascadore@berlinschools.org 1404

GeorgeMastrogiannis Grade3 gmastrogiannis@berlinschools.org 1406

NicoleKing Grade3 nking@berlinschools.org 1408

AllisonSweeney Grade4 asweeney@berlinschools.org 1414

SuzanneMatkowski Grade4 smatkowski@berlinschools.org 1412

BarbaraTheriault Grade4 btheriault@berlinschools.org 1410

RebeccaTibball Grade4 rtibball@berlinschools.org 1411

KaitlinFritsch Grade5 kfritsch@berlinschools.org 1503

KristenPesavento Grade5 kpesavento@berlinschools.org 1504

MikeKulak Grade5 mkulak@berlinschools.org 1505

KellyMilburn Grade5 kmilburn@berlinschools.org 1403

ElijahClapp TechnologySpecialist eclapp@berlinschools.org 1401

DenisePoole Library-MediaSpecialist dpoole@berlinschools.org 1302

KristinVernon Art kvernon@berlinschools.org 1205

WendyGemmell Music wgemmel@berlinschools.org 1202

MelanieLawson Music/Band mlawson@berlinschools.org 1502

DaveSirois PhysicalEducation dsirois@berlinschools.org 1119

NancyDeBlasio PhysicalEducation ndeblasio@berlinschools.org 1119

KristenPiraneo ReadingSpecialist kpiraneo@berlinschools.org 1415

CynthiaHerren ReadingTeacher cherren@berlinschools.org 1415

MauraSullivan ReadingTeacher msullivan@berlinschools.org 1008

KarenSchroder MathSpecialist kschroder@berlinschools.org 1203

PaulaO’Rourke SpecialEducation porourke@berlinschools.org 1316

MeganSyta SpecialEducation msyta@berlinschools.org 1315

AbbyPhillips SpecialEducation aphillips@berlinschools.org 1409

JanePonkos SpecialEducation jponkos@berlinschools.org 1310

CherylVolz SpecialEducation cvolz@berlinschools.org 1407

AnnieLewis SpecialEducation alewis@berlinschools.org 1208

JeanBorrup ESOLTeacher jborrup@berlinschools.org 1201

JackieDebarge SpeechandLanguage jdebarge@berlinschools.org 1120

JoanSchmidt SpeechandLanguage jschmidt@berlinschools.org 1115

StaceyDelGiorno SpeechandLanguage sdelgiorno@berlinschools.org 1207

RozStachon AssistiveTechnology rstachon@berlinschools.org 1501

KarenDaigle OccupationalTherapy kdaigle@berlinschools.org 1501

SharonAnderson PhysicalTherapy sanderson@berlinschools.org 1501

JessicaGarrity PhysicalTherapy jgarrity@berlinschools.org 1501

AliCurran ElementaryBCBA acurran@berlinschools.org 1207

Forsafetyreasons,childrenshouldnotarriveearlierthan8:25am.Theschooldoesnotprovideandisnotresponsiblefor

outsidesupervisionpriorto8:25am.

Childrenareconsideredtardyiftheyarriveafter8:40am.Uponarrival,studentsmustgotothemainofficeandwillreceivea

passtogodirectlytotheirclassroom.

Allstaffmembersmustreporttoschoolby8:20amandarerequiredtostayuntil3:45pmeachday.Approvaltoarrivelateor

leaveearlymustbegivenbyadministration.

WillardElementarySchoolHours

GradesK-5 8:40am-3:25pm

Pre-K(AM) 9:00am-11:30am

Pre-K(PM) 12:30pm-3:00pm

DelayedOpening(2HourDelay)

GradesK-5 10:40am-3:25pm

Pre-K(AM)

MorningPreschool

Sessionsare

canceledincaseof

delayedopenings.

Pre-K(PM) 12:30pm-3:00pm

ScheduledEarlyDismissalDays

2018-2019

• September19,26• October24,31• November21,28• December5,6,21• January16• February27• March13,20,21• May15,22• June10,11,12,13,14

*Themodifiedschedulewillbefollowedforallearly

dismissaldaysEXCEPT11/21,12/21,and6/14.Onthesedays,theschedulewillrunasnormalandsimply

“runout”.Ifyoudonothaveaprepperiodandneeda

bathroombreakoraquickbreak,pleasecontact

administration.

EarlyDismissal

GradesK-5 8:40am-12:45pm

PreK-AM

9:00am-10:30am

PreK-PM Canceled

WillardPride

Classroom

Bathroom

Safe§ Moveinasafemanner§ Mistakesareokay-welearn

fromthem.Safe

§ Washyourhandswithsoap§ Leavelightson§ Flush

Kind§ Usekindwords§ Helpothers§ Shareandtaketurns

Kind§ Giveothersprivacy§ Keephandsandfeetto

yourself

Responsible

§ Tryyourbest§ Havematerialsand

homeworkready§ Cleanupafteryourself§ Handleschoolequipment

withcare

Responsible

§ Putalltrashintrashcan§ Reportanyproblems

immediatelytoyourteacher

Respectful

§ Followdirectionsthefirsttime

§ Listenwhensomeoneistalking

§ Talkinquietvoices

Respectful

§ Usebathroomquicklyandreturntoclass

§ Usequietvoices

Hallway Lunchroom

Safe

§ Staytotheright§ Walkdirectlytoyour

destination§ Don’tblockadoorway

Safe

§ Walk§ Eatonlyyourfood§ Sitsafely:facingyourfood,

sittingflat,feetonfloor§ Lineupquietly

Kind

§ Smileandsayhello§ Givepersonalspace§ Letotherpeoplepass

through

Kind

§ Usekindwords§ Usequietvoices§ Keephandsandfeetto

yourself

Responsible§ Modelgoodbehavior§ Keephands,feetandobjects

toyourself

Responsible

§ Cleanupyourspace§ Putalltrashintrashcan

Respectful § Whisperorbesilent

Respectful

§ Usegoodmanners§ Followdirectionsthefirst

time§ Getpermissionifyouneed

toleaveyourseat

Playground BusDismissal

Safe

§ Besafe

§ Playwithouthurtingbodies

orfeelings

Safe

§ Walkdirectlytobusline.

§ Incoldweatherallgear

mustbeon!

§ Keephandsandfeetto

yourself.

§ Belongingsshouldbein

yourbackpack.

Kind

§ Followgame

rules/directions

§ Includeothers

Kind

§ Whisperorbesilent

§ Usekindwordstokidsand

adults

§ Letyoungerstudentsgo

aheadofyou

Responsible

§ Useequipmentproperly

§ Enterbuildingsilently

§ Putmaterialsaway

§ Reportproblems

immediatelytoarecess

teacher

Responsible§ Waitpatientlyfordismissal

§ Touchonlyyourbelongings

Respectful

§ Lineupquicklyandquietly

§ Followdirectionsthefirst

time

§ Stopmeansstop!

Respectful

§ Followdirectionsthefirst

time

§ Whenteacherstalk;stop,

lookandlisten

Bus

Safe

§ Stayseatedevenwhenthe

busisstopped

§ Faceforward

§ Keephands,feetandobjects

toyourself

Kind

§ Usekindwords

§ Shareyourseatifsomeone

asks

§ Say,hello,goodbyeandthank

youtoyourbusdriver.

Responsible

§ Respectotherpeople’s

belongings

§ Usequietvoices

Respectful

§ Followdirectionsthefirst

time

§ Callbusdriversbytheir

names

AtWillardElementarySchool,wehave

highlightedfourcorevaluestoguideour

studentpopulation.“Wearekind,safe,

responsibleandrespectful.”Toensure

thatallschoolmembersunderstandwhat

thesevalueslooklikeinaction,wehave

articulatedthespecificbehaviorsthat

woulddemonstrateeachvalueina

learningsetting.Bysharingcommon

expectationsandcommonlanguage,we

strivetoprovidestudentswithasenseof

consistencyandpredictabilityasthey

travelbetweenthevariouslearningareas

withintheschool.Wevaluepositive

choicesandrecognizegooddecision-

making!

PREFACEThematerialcoveredwithinthisstudenthandbookisintendedasamethodofcommunicatingtostudentsandparentsregardinggeneraldistrictinformation,rulesandproceduresandisnotintendedtoeitherenlargeordiminishanyBoardpolicy,administrativeregulationornegotiatedagreement.MaterialcontainedhereinmaythereforebesupersededbysuchBoardpolicy,administrativeregulationornegotiatedagreement.Anyinformationcontainedinthishandbookissubjecttounilateralrevisionoreliminationfromtime-to-timewithoutnotice.Thisbookletiswrittenforourstudentsandtheirparents.Itcontainsrequiredandusefulinformation.Becauseitcannotbeaspersonalacommunicationaswewouldlike,weaddressstudentsnotdirectlyas“you”butratheras“thestudent,”“students,”or“children.”Likewise,theterm“thestudent’sparent”mayrefertotheparent,legalguardian,orotherpersonwhohasagreedtoassumeresponsibilityforthestudent.BothstudentsandparentsneedtobefamiliarwiththeDistrict’sStudentCodeofConduct,whichisintendedtopromoteschoolsafetyandanatmosphereconduciveforlearning.TheStudentHandbookisdesignedtobeinharmonywithBoardpolicy.Pleasebeawarethatthehandbookisupdatedyearly,whilepolicyadoptionandrevisionmayoccurthroughouttheyear.ChangesinpolicythataffectportionsofthisHandbookwillbemadeavailabletostudentsandparentsthroughtheBerlinPublicSchoolswebsite.NON-DISCRIMATIONPOLICYThe Berlin Public School District is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and affirmative action for all qualified persons and does not discriminate in any educational program, activity, employment or promotional opportunities on the basis on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. Inquiries regarding the Berlin Public School District’s non-discrimination policies should be directed to Denise Parsons, Title IX Coordinator, Berlin Public Schools, 238 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037. (860-828-6581).

ADMISSION/PLACEMENTAstudentseekingenrollmentintheBerlinPublicSchoolsforthefirsttimeorfollowingattendanceinanotherConnecticutpublicschooldistrict,out-of-stateattendance,privateschoolattendanceoradmissionthroughabonafideforeignexchangeprogramshouldcontacttheprincipal.Astudentwhoistransferringfromnon-publicschoolsorschoolsoutsidethedistrictwillbeplacedathis/hercurrentgradelevelpendingevaluationandobservationofthestudentaftersuchassessmentandconsultationwiththeparents,theprincipalwilldeterminethegradeplacementofthechild.Nonresidentsmayattendschoolonatuitionbasisprovidedspaceisavailable.NonresidentstudentsfromotherschooldistrictswithintheHartfordregionwhoapplypursuanttoBoardofEducationregulations,mayenrollinparticularprogramsorschoolswithinthedistrictonaspaceavailablebasis,withoutpaymentoftuition,aspartoftheinter-districtpublicschoolattendanceprogramcalledOpenChoice.TheRegionalEducationalServiceCenterswilldeterminewhichschooldistrictsarecloseenoughtomaketransportationfeasible.Studentswhoareclassifiedashomelessunderfederallawanddonothaveafixedresidencewillbeadmittedpursuanttofederallaw.Studentsenrolledinaschoolidentifiedforschoolimprovementpursuanttofederallawmaytransfertoanotherpublicschoolwithinthedistrictthathasnotbeenidentifiedforschoolimprovement.Thetransferwillbeallowedinaccordancewithlaw.Transportationwillbeprovidedbythedistrict.

ParentsofstudentsattendingBerlinschoolshavetheoptiontoenrolltheirchild(ren)inamagnetschoolwithwhichtheBerlinisanon-participatingdistrict,ifthemagnetschoolhasunusedstudentcapacity.TheDistrictwillpayanytuitioncharge.ADVERTISINGThepublicschoolsmaintaincarefulcontrolsonthewayinwhichstudentsareexposedtomaterialsandannouncements,otherthanthosedirectlyrelatedtoschoolsponsoredprogramsandactivities.Cautionisexercisedtopreventexploitationofthesystemanditsstudents.District-prescribedstandardsshallbemet.AIDSCURRICULUMItisthepolicyoftheBoardofEducationtoprovide,duringtheschoolday,planned,ongoingandsystematicinstructiononAcquiredImmuneDeficiencySyndrome(AIDS).Parentswhowishtohavetheirchildexcusedfromsuchinstructionshallcommunicatethisrequestinwritingtotheprincipal.Allsuchrequestsshallbehonored.ARRIVALANDDISMISSALPROCEDURESAllfamiliesarestronglyencouragedtohavestudentsridethebustoandfromschoolinordertominimizetrafficandsupportsafetyonschoolgrounds.Itisexpectedthatallpeoplewillrespectthepropertyofothersontheirwaytoandfromschool.Pleasereviewwithyourchildrentheimportanceofnottalkingtostrangers,oracceptingoffersofridesorgifts.Childrenareexpectedtocrossatprotectedintersectionsservicedbyourcrossingguards.Theyshouldgodirectlyhomefollowingdismissal.Pleaseremindyourchildrenofappropriatebehaviorwhilewaitingforthebus.Drop-offProcedures

§ Studentsshouldbedroppedoffatschoolnoearlierthan8:25a.m.Pleasenote-thereisnosupervisionbeforethattime.

§ Allstudentsshouldbedroppedoffinthelowerparkinglot.Astaffmemberwillmonitorinordertoensureasafewalkupthesidewalk.Parentsdroppingoffchildrenshoulddosoinanexpeditiousmannertoavoidblockingtrafficflow.Parentswishingtohelptheirchildrenoutoftheirvehicles(openingcardoors)shouldparkinaparkingspace.

§ Studentsdroppedoffafter8:40a.m.aremarkedtardyandshouldreporttotheofficeforapass.§ Novehiclesshouldparkinthefirelaneatanytime.§ Vehiclesthatpassbusseswithflashingredlightsaresubjecttofinesbylaw.§ Itisnotnecessarytowalkyourchildtoclass.

AfterSchoolActivities

§ Studentsparticipatinginafterschoolactivitieswillremainintheirhomeroomandwillbecalledtotheiractivityattheappropriatetime.

§ Adultswhoareleadinganafterschoolgroup(e.g.troopleaders)shouldsigninattheofficeandwaitoutsidethegymdoorsat3:25p.m.totakeattendance,etc.Theycanthenproceedtotheirassignedareaat3:40p.m.

§ Parentsshouldinformtheafterschoolchild-careproviderswhenachildwillnotbeattendingduetoillnessoralternatearrangements.

ParentPickUps

§ Studentsbeingpickedupfromschoolmustbringinanotetohis/herteacher.Thenoteshouldbespecificandincludetheteacher’slastname,thestudent’sname,nameofthepersonpickingupthestudent,date,

andafullparentsignature.Ifyouwillbepickingupyourchildeverydayorregularlyoncertaindays,youmaywriteonenotetocoveralldates.Pleasenote:individualspickingstudentsupmustbeatleasteighteenyearsold.Pleasebepreparedtopresentphotoidentificationuponrequest.

§ Pleasearrivetoschoolby3:25p.m.whenpickingup.§ Studentswillreporttothegymtomeetwiththeschoolsupervisorandbesignedoutbyanadultbefore

leavingthebuilding.§ Parents/designeespickingupstudentsingradesK-5mustparkinthelowerlotandwaitoutsidetheside

entrancetogym.Staffmemberswillmeetadultsatsidedoortofacilitatesign-outanddismissal.Thankyouforyourpatienceaswekeepchildrensafelyinsidethebuilding.

§ Intheeventofanemergencyearlydismissal,wewillassumethatthosestudentswithpick-upplanswillbepickedupattheearlydismissaltime.Ifthisisnotthecase,pleasecalltheschooloffice.

ParkingLotSafetyPleaseusecautionatalltimeswhendrivingnearschoolgroundsandonourdriveway.Pleasedriveslowlyaschildrendonotalwaysusetheirbestjudgment.Inaccordancewithstatelaw,parkingisprohibitedinfirelanes.TransportationThefollowingprocedureshelpustobetterensurestudents’safety.Pleasetakeamomenttoreviewthem.

§ Studentsshouldnotberidingabusiftheyarenotassignedtothatparticularbus.Anyrequestsforastudenttorideabusthatheorsheisnotassignedtoshouldonlybeinemergencysituationsrelatedtochildcare.Theserequestsmustbemadeinwritingandwillbereviewedbybuildingadministrationforapproval.

§ Studentswhoridethebusmaynothave“splitstops.”AllAMstopsmustbeatthesamelocationandallPMstopsmustbeatthesamelocation.

§ AnyrequestforachangeinnormalbusrouteorwalkingareamustbemadeinwritingtotheSuperintendent’sofficeatleasttwoweeksinadvanceofanypossiblechangebeingapproved.Suchchangemustbepermanent.

§ Appropriatebehaviorisexpectedonbusesatalltimes.PleasereportanyunsafebusbehaviorstotheAssistantPrincipal.Studentswhomisbehaveonthebusmaylosebusprivileges.

TransportationPermissionNotesPermissionforanytransportationchange(s)mustbesubmittedinwriting.Telephonepermissioncanbeacceptedonlyinanemergency.Awrittennoteisrequiredifyourchildis:

§ stayingafterschoolforactivities;§ ridingabicycletoandfromschool;§ beingpickedupbyaparentatdismissaltime;or§ beingpickeduppriortodismissaltime.

WalkersWalkersmustsignoutinindividualclassroomstoindicatethattheyareleavingthebuildingandmustexitthebuildingthroughthesouthdoors.Nowalkeristoleaveoutanyofthefrontorsidedoors.ParentsmeetingwalkersshoulddosoatthedesignatedwalkerexitsortherearpathtoDeerfieldDrive.Intheeventofsevereweather,specificsafetyconcerns,orfloodingemergencies;walkersmayberequiredtoridethecourtesybushome.Studentsridingthecourtesybuswilljointhosestudentswhonormallyride“redbus.”

(Ifyourchildisagoingtobeawalkerfortheyear,itisschoolpolicyandrequiredthatparents/guardianssubmitthisrequestinwriting.Pleasesubmitthisnotetothemainoffice)BicyclesStudentsmayridebicyclestoandfromschool.Parents/Guardiansarerequiredtowriteanoteinformingtheschoolthattheygivepermissionforthistooccur.Onlyonenoteisneededtograntpermissionfortheentireyear.ASBESTOSLegislationrequiresallschoolbuildingstobereevaluatedtodetermineifasbestosispresentandifitposesasignificanthealthhazardtothebuilding’soccupants.TheDistricthasonfileplansshowingthelocationofasbestosineachbuildingandmeasuresundertakentocomplywithregulationstomaintainasafeschoolenvironment.Requesttoreviewtheseplansmaybemadeintheschooloffice.ATTENDANCEConnecticutstatelawrequiresparentstomakesurethattheirchildrenbetweentheagesof5to18attendschoolregularly.Dailyattendanceisakeyfactorinstudentsuccess,thusanyabsencefromschoolisaneducationallosstothestudent.Theserulesaredesignedtominimizestudentabsenteeismwhileprovidingstudentstheopportunitytomakeupschoolworkmissedduetoalegitimateabsence.Astudentisconsideredtobe“inattendance”ifpresentathis/herassignedschool,oranactivitysponsoredbytheschool,suchasafieldtrip,foratleasthalfoftheregularschoolday.Astudentservinganout-of-schoolsuspensionoranexpulsionwillalwaysbeconsideredabsent.AbsenceEveryattemptshouldbemadetoconfinenecessaryappointmentstoafterschool,weekendsandvacationperiods.Whenaparentdeterminesthatanabsenceisnecessary,parentsarerequestedtocontacttheschoolbetween8:00a.m.and8:25a.m.onthedayoftheabsencebytelephoningtheschoolnurse(860)828-4151orbysendinganemailtojaddamo@berlinschools.orgPleasebesuretostatethereasonfortheabsence.Inadditiontoaphonecall,parents/guardiansmustsubmitreasonforstudentabsenceinwriting.Thesigned,datednoteshouldincludethestudent’sfullnameandstatementofreasonfortheabsence.Requestinghomeworkmaybearrangedduringthecall-in.Allworkcanbemadeupwithfullcredit.Studentsshallhavetwodaysavailableforeveryonedayabsenttomakeupwork.Note:Inanycasewheretheschoolisnotcontactedregardingabsence,verificationwillbemadewiththehomephonenumberunlessapreferrednumberislistedontheemergencycard.ExcusedAbsenceStudentsreceiveanexcusedabsencewhentheyareabsentfromschoolforthefollowingreasons:

§ Deathintheimmediatefamily.§ Seriousillnessofamemberofthefamilywhichmakesthestudent’sabsencenecessary.§ Illnessorinjuryofthestudentreportedtotheschoolnurse.§ Religiousholidays.§ Courtappearance/probationappointments.

§ Otherabsencesasapprovedbytheprincipal’sofficeinadvance.Studentswhoplantobeabsentforreasonsotherthanthoselistedabove,shouldseekapprovalbypresentinganotefromhometotheprincipalordesignee,whowillthenindicateapprovalordisapproval.Pleasenotethatfamilyvacationswillnotbeapprovedasexcusedabsences.

Theresponsibilityformakeupofworklieswiththestudent.Studentswillreceivetwodaysforeachdayofabsencetocompleteallmakeupwork.UnexcusedAbsenceUnexcusedabsencesarethosewhichdonotfallunderanyoftheexcusedabsences.Excessiveunexcusedabsenceswillresultinanadministrativeletterofconcernenteredinthestudent’scumulativefile.Studentswhohaveunexcusedabsencesmaybedeniedmakeupprivileges.Suchabsencesmayalsobereflectedinthestudent’sgradesonthegradelevelreportcard.Schoolpolicystronglyencouragestheschedulingoffamilyvacationsandtripsduringtimeswhichcoincidewithschoolvacations.Studentabsencesforreasonsofafamilyvacationortripthattakesplacewhenschoolisinsessionareconsidered“unexcusedabsences.”LeavingSchoolGrounds/ReleaseofStudentsfromSchoolUndernocircumstancesmayastudentleavetheschoolorschoolgroundsduringschoolhourswithoutpermissionfromhis/herparentsorguardiansandschooladministration.Intheeventitisnecessaryforastudenttobedismissedearly,aparentorguardianshouldsendawrittenrequesttotheoffice.Telephonerequestsforearlydismissalofastudentshallbehonoredonlyifthecallercanbepositivelyidentifiedasthestudent’scustodialparentorguardianunlesspriorarrangementshavebeenmadewiththeschool.Parentorguardianshouldpickupthestudentintheschooloffice.TardinessStudentswhoarenotintheirhomeroomby8:40a.m.areconsideredtardyandmustreportdirectlytotheoffice.Astudentdiscoveredonschoolgroundswhohasnotsignedinattheofficewillalsobeconsideredtardy.Excessivetardinesswillresultinanadministrativeletterofconcernenteredinthestudent’scumulativefileaswellaspossibledisciplinaryaction.TruancyAstudentwith4unexcusedabsencesinonemonthor10unexcusedabsencesinaschoolyearwillbeconsideredatruant.Truancywillresultinanadministrativeletterofconcernenteredinthestudent’scumulativefile.Parentshavetheresponsibilitytoassistschoolofficialsinremedyingandpreventingtruancy.TheSuperintendentofSchoolswillfileawrittencomplaintwithSuperiorCourtJuvenileMattersiftheparentfailstocooperatewiththeschoolintryingtosolvethestudent’struancyproblem.Informationabouttruancywillalsobepostedintheannualstrategicschoolprofilereports.Inadditiontothisinformation,TheBerlinBoardofEducationhasadoptedPolicy5113-RtitledStudentAttendanceandTruancy,effectiveJuly8,2013.

ADMINISTRATIVEREGULATIONSREGARDINGATTENDANCEANDTRUANCY-ADOPTEDJULY8,2013

Definitions:1.“Absence”-anydayduringwhichastudentisnotconsidered“inattendance”athis/herassignedschool,oronaschoolsponsoredactivity(e.g.fieldtrip),foratleastonehalfoftheschoolday.2.“Disciplinaryabsence”-Anyabsenceasaresultofschoolordistrictdisciplinaryaction.Anystudentservinganout-of-schoolsuspensionorexpulsionshouldbeconsideredabsent.Suchabsenceisnotconsideredexcusedorunexcused.3.“Educationalevaluation”-forpurposesofthispolicy,aneducationalevaluationisanassessmentofastudent’seducationaldevelopment,which,baseduponthestudent’spresentingcharacteristics,wouldassess(asappropriate)thefollowingareas:health,vision,hearing,socialandemotionalstatus,generalintelligence,academicperformance,communicativestatusandmotorabilities.4.“Excusedabsence”-astudentisconsideredexcusedfromschooliftheschoolhasreceivedwrittendocumentationdescribingthereasonfortheabsencewithinten(10)schooldaysofthestudent’sreturntoschool,orifthechildhasbeenexcludedfromschoolinaccordancewithsection10-210oftheConnecticutGeneralStatutes(regardingcommunicablediseases),andthefollowingcriteriaaremet:

A. Anyabsencebeforethestudent’s10thabsence,isconsideredexcusedwhenthestudent’sparent/guardianapprovessuchabsenceandsubmitsappropriatewrittendocumentationinaccordancewiththisregulation.

B. Forthestudent’s10thabsenceandallabsencesthereafter,astudent’sabsencesfromschoolare,with

appropriatedocumentationinaccordancewiththisregulation,consideredexcusedonlyforthefollowingreasons:a.studentillness(verifiedbyanappropriatelylicensedmedicalprofessional);b.religiousholidays;c.mandatedcourtappearances(documentationrequired);d.funeralordeathinthefamily,orotheremergencybeyondthecontrolofthestudent’sfamily;e.extraordinaryeducationalopportunitiespre-approvedbythedistrictadministratorsandinaccordancewithConnecticutStateDepartmentofEducationguidanceandthisregulation;f.lackoftransportationthatisnormallyprovidedbyadistrictotherthantheonethestudentattends.

5.“InAttendance”-anydayduringwhichastudentisnotconsideredtobeabsentfromhis/herassignedschool,orfromanactivitysponsoredbytheschool(e.g.fieldtrip),foratleastonehalfoftheschoolday.6.“Student”-astudentenrolledintheBerlinPublicSchools.7.“Truant”-anystudentfive(5)toeighteen(18)yearsofage,inclusive,whohasfour(4)unexcusedabsencesfromschoolinanyonemonthorten(10)unexcusedabsencesfromschoolinanyschoolyear.8.“Unexcusedabsence”-anyabsencefromaregularlyscheduledschooldayforatleastonehalfoftheschoolday,whichisnotexcusedorconsideredadisciplinaryabsence.Thedeterminationofwhetheranabsenceisexcusedwillbemadebythebuildingprincipalorhis/herdesignee.ParentsorotherpersonshavingcontrolofthechildmayappealthatdecisiontotheSuperintendentorhis/herdesignee,whosedecisionshallbefinal.

WrittenDocumentationRequirementsforAbsences:1.Writtendocumentationmustbesubmittedforeachincidenceofabsencewithinten(10)schooldaysofthestudent’sreturntoschool.Anincidenceofabsenceisconsideredconsecutivedaysofabsence.2.Thefirstnine(9)daysofabsencewillbeexcuseduponreceiptofasignednotefromthestudent’sparent/guardian,asignednotefromaschoolofficialthatspokeinpersonwiththeparent/guardianregardingtheabsence,oranoteconfirmingtheabsencebytheschoolnurseorbyalicensedmedicalprofessional,asappropriate.3.Forthestudent’s10thabsence,andallabsencesthereafter,documentationoftheabsencemustbesubmittedinaccordancewithparagraphs1and2above,andmustalsoincludethereasonfortheabsenceandthefollowingadditionalinformation:

a.studentillness:(1)signednotefromamedicalprofessional,whomaybetheschoolnurse,whohasevaluatedthestudentconfirmingtheabsenceandgivinganexpectedreturndate;or

(2)signednotefromschoolnursewhohasspokenwiththestudent’smedicalprofessionalandconfirmedtheabsence,includingthedateandlocationoftheconsultation.

b.religiousholidays:none

c.mandatedcourtappearances:

(1)apolicesummons;(2)asubpoena;(3)anoticetoappear;(4)asignednotefromacourtofficial;or(5)otherofficial,writtendocumentationofthelegalrequirementtoappearincourt.

d.funeralordeathinthefamily,orotheremergencybeyondthecontrolofthe student’s

e.extraordinaryeducationalopportunitypre-approvedbythedistrictadministratorsandinaccordancewithConnecticutStateDepartmentofEducationguidanceandthispolicy:writtenpre-approvalfromtheadministration,inaccordancewiththisregulation.

f.lackoftransportationthatisnormallyprovidedbyadistrictotherthantheonethestudentattends:none.

4.Neithere-mailnortextmessageshallservetosatisfytherequirementofwrittendocumentation.Inrareandextraordinarycircumstances,abuildingadministratormay,inhis/herowndiscretion,acceptthedeliveryofwrittendocumentationthroughascannedcopysentbye-mail.5.TheBerlinPublicSchoolsreservestherighttorandomlyauditwrittendocumentationreceived,throughtelephoneandothermethodsofcommunication,todetermineitsauthenticity.6.Anyabsencethatisnotdocumentedinaccordancewiththisregulationwithinten(10)schooldaysaftertheincidenceofabsencewillberecordedasunexcused.Ifdocumentationisprovidedwithinten(10)schooldays,butisincomplete,thebuildingprincipalmay,athis/herowndiscretion,grantuptoafive(5)schooldayextensionforprovisionofthecompleteddocumentation.

ExtraordinaryEducationalOpportunities:1. Toqualifyasanextraordinaryeducationalopportunity,theopportunitymust:

a.beeducationalinnatureandmusthavealearningobjectiverelatedtothestudent’scourseworkorplanofstudy;b.anopportunitynotordinarilyavailableforthisexemption;c.begradeanddevelopmentallyappropriate;andd.includecontentthatishighlyrelevanttothestudent;whilesomeopportunitieswillberelevanttoallstudents,otherswillcontainveryspecificcontentthatwouldlimittheirrelevancetoasmallergroupofstudents.

2.Familyvacationsdonotqualifyasextraordinaryeducationalopportunities.3.Allrequestsforapprovalofextraordinaryeducationalopportunitiesmust:

a.besubmittedtothebuildingprincipalinwritingpriortotheopportunity,butnolaterthanten(10)schooldayspriortotheopportunityexceptinexceptionalcircumstancesatthediscretionofthebuildingadministrator;b.containthesignaturesofboththeparent/guardianandthestudent;c.includeanoutlineofthelearningobjectiveoftheopportunityandincludedetailastohowtheobjectiveislinkedtothestudent’scourseworkorplanofstudy;andd.includeadditionaldocumentation,whereavailable,abouttheopportunity.

4.Thebuildingprincipalshallprovidearesponseinwritingandincludethefollowing:a.eitherapprovalordenialoftherequest;b.briefreasonforanydenial;c.anyrequirementsplaceduponthestudentasaconditionofapproval;d.thespecificdaysapprovedasexcusedabsencesfortheopportunity;

e.theunderstandingthatthebuildingadministratormaywithdrawitsapprovaliftheopportunityiscanceledorthestudentfailstomeettheagreed-uponrequirementsoftheapproval.

5.Alldecisionsofthebuildingprincipalrelatingtoextraordinaryeducationalopportunitiesshallbefinal.6.Studentswhoaregrantedexcusalfromschooltoparticipateinextraordinaryeducationalopportunitiesareexpectedtosharetheirexperienceswithotherstudentsand/orschoolstaffwhentheyreturn.7.Approvalforanextraordinaryeducationalopportunityisdeterminedonacase-by-casebasisandtheanalysisofindividualizedfactors.Anopportunityapprovedforonestudentmaynotbeapprovedforanother.TruancyExceptions:1.Astudentfive(5)orsix(6)yearsofageshallnotbeconsideredtruantiftheparentorpersonhavingcontroloversuchstudenthasappearedpersonallyattheschooldistrictofficeandexercisedtheoptionofnotsendingthechildtoschoolatfive(5)orsix(6)yearsofage.2.Astudentseventeen(17)yearsofageshallnotbeconsideredtruantiftheparentorpersonhavingcontrolover

suchstudentconsentstosuchstudent’swithdrawalfromschool.Suchparentorpersonshallpersonallyappearattheschooldistrictofficeandsignawithdrawalformindicatingsuchconsent.Suchwithdrawalformmustincludeanattestationfromaguidancecounselororschooladministratorfromtheschoolthatthedistrictprovidedtheparent(orpersonhavingcontrolofthechild)withinformationontheeducationaloptionsavailableintheschoolsystemandcommunity.3.Ifaparentorguardianofanexpelledstudentchoosesnottoenrollthestudentinanalternativeprogram,thestudentshallnotbeconsideredtobe“truant.”ReadmissiontoSchoolFollowingVoluntaryWithdrawal:1.Exceptasnotedinparagraph2below,ifastudentvoluntarilywithdrawsfromschool(inaccordancewithSectionB.2,above)andsubsequentlyseeksreadmission,theBoardmaydenyschoolaccommodationstothestudentforuptoninety(90)schooldaysfromthedateofthestudent’swithdrawalfromschool.2.Ifastudentwhohasvoluntarilywithdrawnfromschool(inaccordancewithSectionB.2,above)seeksreadmissionwithinten(10)schooldaysofhis/herwithdrawal,theBoardshallprovideschoolaccommodationstothestudentnotlaterthanthree(3)schooldaysafterthestudentrequestsreadmission.DeterminationsofWhetheraStudentis“InAttendance”:1.Astudentservinganoutofschoolsuspensionorexpulsionshallbereportedasabsentunlessheorshereceivesanalternativeeducationalprogramforatleastonehalfoftheregularschoolday.Inanyevent,theabsenceisconsideredadisciplinaryabsence,andwillnotbedesignatedasexcusedorunexcused.2.Onearlydismissaldaysanddaysshortenedduetoinclementweather,theregularschooldayforattendancepurposesisconsideredtobetheamountofinstructionaltimeofferedtostudentsonthatday.Forexample,ifschoolisopenforfourhoursonashorteneddayscheduled,astudentmustbepresentforaminimumoftwohoursinordertobeconsidered“inattendance.”3.Studentsplacedonhomeboundinstructionduetoillnessorinjuryinaccordancewithapplicableregulationsandrequirementsarecountedasbeing“inattendance”foreverydaythattheyreceiveinstructionfromanappropriatelycertifiedteacherforanamountoftimedeemedadequatebytheadministrationsoastoensurethatthestudentisabletosuccessfullyreturntotheregularclassroomsetting.ProceduresforstudentsingradesK-8:1.Notificationa.Annuallyatthebeginningoftheschoolyearandupontheenrollmentofanychildduringtheschoolyear,the

administrationshallnotifytheparentorotherpersonhavingcontrolofthestudentenrolledingradesK-8inwritingoftheobligationspursuanttoConn.Gen.Stat.§10-184toassurethatsuchastudentattendsschoolregularlyortoshowthatthechildiselsewherereceivingequivalentinstructioninthestudiestaughtintheBerlinPublicSchools.

b.Annuallyatthebeginningoftheschoolyearandupontheenrollmentofanychildduringtheschoolyear,theadministrationshallobtainfromtheparentorotherpersonhavingcontrolofthestudentingradesK-8atelephone

numberorothermeansofcontactingsuchparentorotherpersonduringtheschoolday.2.MonitoringEachschoolshallimplementasystemofmonitoringindividualunexcusedabsencesofstudentsingradesK-8.Wheneversuchastudentfailstoreporttoschoolonaregularlyscheduledschoolday,schoolpersonnelunderthedirectionofthebuildingprincipal[orhis/herdesignee]shallmakeareasonableefforttonotifytheparentorotherpersonhavingcontrolofsuchstudentbytelephoneandbymailofthestudent'sabsence,unlessschoolpersonnelhavereceivedanindicationthattheparentorotherpersonisawareofthestudent'sabsence.[Reasonableeffortsshallincludetwo(2)attemptstoreachtheparentorotherpersonatthetelephonenumberprovidedbytheparentorotherperson.SuchattemptsshallberecordedonaformprovidedbytheSuperintendent.]Mailednoticeofthestudent’sabsenceshallincludeawarningthattwounexcusedabsencesfromschoolinamonthorfiveunexcusedabsencesinaschoolyearmayresultinacomplaintfiledwiththeSuperiorCourtpursuanttosection46b-149allegingthebeliefthattheactsoromissionsofthechildaresuchthatthechild'sfamilyisafamilywithserviceneeds.Anypersonwho,ingoodfaith,givesorfailstogivesuchnoticeshallbeimmunefromliability,civilorcriminal,whichmightotherwisebeincurredorimposedandshallhavethesameimmunitywithrespecttoanyjudicialproceedingwhichresultsfromsuchnoticeorfailuretogivenotice.Proceduresapplicabletostudentsagesfive(5)toeighteen(18):1.Intervention

a.Whenastudentistruant,thebuildingprincipalorhis/herdesigneeshallscheduleameetingwiththeparent(orotherpersonhavingcontrolofsuchstudent)andappropriateschoolpersonneltoreviewandevaluatethereasonsforthestudent'struancy.Thismeetingshallbeheldnolaterthanten(10)daysafterthestudentbecomestruant.Thedistrictshalldocumentthemeeting,andifparentorotherpersondeclinestoattendthemeeting,orisotherwiseisnon-responsive,thatfactshallalsobedocumentedandthemeetingshallproceedwithschoolpersonnelinattendance.

b.Whenastudentistruant,theSuperintendentorhis/herdesigneeshallcoordinateserviceswithandreferralsofstudentstocommunityagenciesprovidingchildandfamilyservices,asappropriate.Thedistrictshalldocumenteffortstocontactandincludefamiliesandtoprovideearlyinterventionintruancymatters.

c.Iftheparentorotherpersonhavingcontrolofastudentwhoistruantfailstoattendthemeetingheldpursuanttosubsectiona.,above,orotherwisefailstocooperatewiththeschoolinattemptingtosolvethetruancyproblem,theSuperintendentshallfile,withinfifteencalendardaysofsuchfailuretoattendthemeetingorotherfailuretocooperatewiththeschoolinattemptingtosolvethetruancyproblem,forsuchtruantawrittencomplaintwiththeSuperiorCourtpursuanttoConn.Gen.Stat.§46b-149allegingthebeliefthattheactsoromissionsofthetruantaresuchthathis/herfamilyisafamilywithserviceneeds.

d.Inadditiontotheproceduresspecifiedinsubsectionsathroughcabove,aregulareducationstudentwhoisexperiencingattendanceproblemsshouldbereferredtothebuildingChildStudyTeam[orotherappropriateschoolbasedteam]toconsidertheneedforadditionalinterventionsand/orassistance.TheTeamwillalsoconsiderwhetherthestudentshouldbereferredtoaplanningandplacementteam(“PPT”)meetingtoreviewthestudent'sneedandeligibilityforspecialeducation.AspecialeducationstudentwhoisexperiencingattendanceproblemsshouldbereferredtoaPPTmeetingforprogramreview.

e.IfaFWSNpetitionisfiledandthecourtordersaneducationalevaluationofthestudent,thedistrictshallconductanappropriateeducationalevaluationifnosuchevaluationhasbeenperformedwithintheprecedingyear.

i)Foraregulareducationstudent,theeducationalevaluationwillbeconductedorarrangedforbyappropriateschoolpersonnelandcoordinatedthroughtheChildStudyTeam[orotherappropriateschoolbasedteam].

Uponcompletionoftheevaluationofaregulareducationstudent,theChildStudyTeam[orotherappropriateschoolbasedteam]shallreviewtheevaluationsandmakeappropriaterecommendationsforalternativeprocedures,programsorinterventions.Suchrecommendationsmayincludeareferralofthestudentforfurtherevaluationand/orconsiderationforspecialeducationeligibility.ii)Inthecaseofastudentwhorequiresormayrequirespecialeducationandrelatedservices,thedistrictshallconveneaPPTtodeterminewhatevaluationsmaybeappropriatetoassessanyspecificareasofconcern.ThePPTshallreconvenetoreviewtheevaluationsandmakeappropriaterecommendationsregardingthestudent’sneedforspecialeducationservicesandtheneed,ifany,towriteand/orrevisethestudent’sindividualizededucationprogram(“IEP”).

ReportstotheStateRegardingTruancyData:Annually,eachlocalandregionalboardofeducationshallincludeinformationregardingtruancyinthestrategicschoolprofilereportforeachschoolunderitsjurisdictionandfortheschooldistrictasawholesubmittedtotheCommissionerofEducation.MeasuresoftruancyincludethetypeofdatathatisrequiredtobecollectedbytheDepartmentofEducationregardingattendanceandunexcusedabsencesinorderforthedepartmenttocomplywithfederalreportingrequirementsandtheactionstakenbytheboardofeducationtoreducetruancyintheschooldistrict.BOARDOFEDUCATIONBoardmembersareunpaidelectedpublicofficialswiththeresponsibilityforgovernanceoftheschooldistrict.ThemembersoftheBerlinBoardofEducationare:Mr.MatthewTencza,PresidentDr.KariSassu,SecretaryMr.TimothyOakesMs.TracySistiMr.AdamSalinaMrs.JuliaDennisMr.RichardAroianMrs.JaymeeMillerMr.JakeFisher Inordertoperformitsdutiesinanopenandpublicmannerandinaccordancewithstatelaw,theBerlinBoardofEducationholdsregularbusinessmeetings.Parents,studentsandothercommunitymembersareencouragedtoattend.Meetingdatescanbefoundatwww.berlinschools.org/BOE/Calendar.Unlessotherwisenotedontheagenda,allmeetingswillbeheldintheBoardofEducationMeetingRoomlocatedintheBoardofEducationofficesatTownHall.Startingtimeis7:00P.M.Generally,thesedatesfollowthesecondandfourthMondayofeachmonth.ExceptionsareJuly,August,November,andDecember,whennormallyonlyonemeetingisheld.IfaholidayoccursonMonday,themeetingisthenheldonTuesday.MeetingsoftheBoardfollowaplannedandpostedagenda.AtacertaintimeintheagendatheBoardchairpersonwillrecognizeindividualswhowanttomakeastatement,notmorethan5minutesinlength,ortoexpressaviewpoint.Inaddition,iftheygiveadvancenoticetotheSuperintendent,individualswithrelevantissuesfordiscussionmayhavesuchissuesplacedonafutureBoardagendaforamorethoroughdiscussionofthetopic.

When logging on to MyNutriKids.com, you will need your child’s account number. Many children have this number memorized as it is the number used to check books out of the library and also to pay for lunch. If you and your child, do not know the number, please call the school office

and we will be happy read it to you.

TheBoard’smainpurposeispolicysettingdesignedtoimprovestudentlearning.Boardmembersareinterestedinthepublic’sopinionondistrictissues,whichcanassisttheminformulatingpolicy,whichreflectscommunityvaluesandexpectations.CAFETERIAOurWillardCafeteriaStaffpreparesanutritiousandvariedlunchmenu.Studentlunchincludingadrinkcosts$2.80perday.Studentspurchasingonlymilkpay$0.50perday.Snacksareavailableforpurchase.Parents/Guardianscanchoosewhethertoallowtheirchildrentobuysnacksornot.Ifachildispermittedtobuysnacks,cafeteriastaffmembersareunabletomanagerequeststoimposechild-specificlimitations.Snackexpensesaredrawnfromthesameaccountasmainmealpayment.BREAKFASTWillardwillbeservingschoolbreakfastforelementarystudents.Breakfastitemscanvaryfromdaytoday.Thecostofbreakfastis$1.55.Examplesmayincludecerealbars,whitemilkandfruit,muffins,and/orindividualservingsofpackagedcereal.Allbreakfastitemsarenut-free.Forcostinformation,pleasecontactJudyKozikowski,CafeteriaManageratWillard(860)828-4151x1110.

“Borrowing”tobuylunchwhenthechildhasnomoneyisdiscouraged.Moneymustberepaidpromptly.Student’schoiceofmenuitemwillberestrictediftheyborrowrepeatedly.TheDistrictparticipatesintheNationalSchoolLunchProgramandofferstostudentsnutritionallybalancedlunchesdaily.Freeandreducedpricelunchesareavailablebasedonfinancialneed.Informationonthisprogramcanbeobtainedfromtheschoolsecretary,Mrs.Chowaniec.Children'shealthandsafetyismostimportant,soitisnecessaryfortheschooltoknowofanyfoodallergiesyourchild(ren)mayhave.PleasehaveyourdoctorforwardanoteexplainingtheallergyinformationtoTimProsinski,FoodServiceDirector,attheBoardofEducation,240KensingtonRoad.Necessaryaccommodationswillbe

Examples of Ala Carte Lunch Menu Items

Water $1.00 Pretzel Rod $0.10

Ice Cream $0.75 Fortune Cookie $0.10

Chips $0.65 Soup $1.50

Cookie $0.65 Extra Fries $0.60

Extra Main Menu Item $1.50

provided,whererequired,forstudentswithfoodallergies,includingemergencyprocedurestotreatallergicreactionswhichmayoccur.Misconductinthecafeteriamaybecauseforreceivinganassignedseatorforfeitingtherighttoeatinthatlocationorsuchotherdisciplinaryactiondeemedappropriateforthemisconduct.CAREOFSCHOOLPROPERTY,LOCKERS,ANDEQUIPMENTStudentsaresuppliedwithmaterialsforinstructionincludingtextbooksandlibrarybooks.Theyareaccountableforpropercareofthesematerials.Itisstronglysuggestedthatlibrarybooksnotbecarriedinthesamebackpackpouchasfoodanddrink.Librarybooksthataredamagedduetofoodanddrink,includingwater,willneedtobepaidforinfull.Anystudentdamagingordefacingschoolpropertywillbefinanciallyliableforrestoringthepropertyregardlessoftheconditionofthepropertyatthetimeofthedestructiveact.Inaddition,anyonewhowitnessessuchanactandfailstoreportittotheproperauthoritieswillbeconsideredashavingcontributedtothataction.Therepairsofschoolpropertyfromvandalismwillbecompletedbytheschoolortownandthecostofrepairsmustbepaidbytheparentsorlegalguardianofthepupilresponsible.Equipmentincludingdesksandlockersareassignedtostudentsfortheirconvenience.Theseitemsarethepropertyoftheschool,loanedtostudentsduringtheschoolyear.Searchesofdesksorlockersmaybeconductedatanytimethereisreasonablecausetobelievethattheycontainarticlesormaterialsprohibitedbydistrictpolicy.Parentswillbenotifiedifanyprohibiteditemsarefoundinthestudent’sdeskorlocker.Studentsmaynotbringinlocksfromhomeandattachtoassignedlockers.Itemsofvalueshouldnotbebroughttoschool.Suchitemsincludetradingcards,electronicgames,portableCDplayers,iPods,MP3players,cellphones,etc.Anyitemswillbecollectedbyteachersandturnedintotheprincipalorhisdesignee.Theprincipalwilldeterminewhethertoreturntheitemattheendofthedaytothestudentorwhethertheparentwillbecontactedtopickuptheitem.Ifanitemisbroughttoschoolforthepurposeofshow-and-tell(andapprovalwasreceivedbytheclassroomteacher),theitemshouldbekeptinthechild’sbackpackandonlytakenoutduringthetimeofsharing.Pleaseconsiderleavingjewelryathome.Studentsarewarnednottobringlargesumsofmoneyorvaluablestoschool,liabilityfortheseitemsremainswiththestudent.CHEATING/PLAGIARISM(AcademicDishonesty)Studentsareexpectedtopursuetheirschoolworkwithintegrityandhonesty.Cheatingandplagiarismdemonstratesalackofintegrityandcharacter.ThatisinconsistentwithWillardSchool’sgoalsandvalues.Allformsofcheatingandplagiarismarenotacceptable.Themisrepresentingbystudentsofhomework,classwork,tests,reports,orotherassignmentsasiftheywereentirelytheirownworkshallbeconsideredformsofcheatingand/orplagiarism.Consequencesofcheatingand/orplagiarismshallbeacademicinnatureunlessrepeatedincidencesrequiredisciplinaryaction.Consequencesforcheatingwilltakeintoaccountthegradelevelofthestudentandtheseverityofthemisrepresentation.CHILDABUSEAllprofessionalschoolstaffincludingteachers,guidancecounselors,psychologists,andlicensednursesareobligatedbylaw(C.G.S.17a-101)toreportsuspectedchildabuse,neglect,orifachildisplacedinimminentdangerofseriousharmtotheConnecticutStateDepartmentofChildrenandFamiliesServices.Specificproceduresgoverningthereportingofabuseandneglectareineffect,andstaffreceiveyearlytrainingintheiruse.

Reportingofchildabuseandneglectisaresponsibilitywhichistakenseriously.Ifthereisanydoubtaboutreportingsuspectedabuseorneglect,areportwillbemade.Theschoolwillworkwiththeparentsandappropriatesocialagenciesinallcases.Childabuseisdefinedasanyphysicalinjuryinflictedbyotherthanaccidentalmeansorinjurieswhicharenotinkeepingwiththeexplanationgivenfortheircause.Impropertreatment;suchasmalnutrition,sexualmolestation,deprivationofnecessities,emotionalabuse,cruelpunishmentorneglectarealsoconsideredchildabuse.CLASSLETTERSParentswhowishtodistributelettersorcommunicationstotheirchild’sclassmusthavethepermissionofthebuildingprincipalbeforedistribution.CLASSLISTSClasslistsincludingchild’sname,address,andphonenumbermaybedistributedforphonetrees,fundraisers,classroomactivities,etc.Ifyoudonotwishtohaveyourchild'snameincludedonaclasslist,pleasewriteanotetotheprincipalbySeptember5th.CLASSPLACEMENTEveryeffortwillbemadetoplacestudentswithteacherswhereapositivestudent-teacherrelationshipwillbeestablished.Parentswillhaveanopportunitytoprovideinformationrelativetoplacement.Thefinaldecisionforplacementrestswiththeprincipal.Studentpromotionisdependentoneachstudent’smasteryandacquisitionofbasiclearningobjectives.Normally,studentswillprogressannuallyfromgradetograde.Studentswhofailtomasterbasiclearningobjectivesatanormalratewillbeconsideredforretention.Retentionandaccelerationdecisionsaretheresponsibilityoftheteachingstaffandprincipal,afterpriornotificationanddiscussionwithparents.Thefinaldecisionrestswiththeschoolprincipal.DANGEROUSWEAPONSANDINSTRUMENTSNoguns,knivesoranyotherobjects,includingmartialartsweaponsandfacsimilesofweapons,capableofthreateningorcausinginjuryordeathmaybebroughtontoschoolgrounds.Anyobjectusedtocauseinjurywillbeconsideredaweapon.Violatorswillbesubjecttoarrestandprosecution,aswellas,appropriatedisciplinaryaction.Anystudentfoundtopossessaweapononschoolgroundsorduringaschool-activitywillbeexpelledfromschool.Anexpelledstudentmayapplyforearlyreadmissiontoschool.SuchreadmissionisatthediscretionoftheBoardofEducation(unlesstheBoardhasdelegatedauthorityforreadmissiondecisionstotheSuperintendent).TheBoardorSuperintendent,asappropriate,mayconditionsuchreadmissiononspecifiedcriteria.DEFIBRILLATORSINSCHOOLS(AED’S)Eachschoolwillhave(1)oneautomaticexternaldefibrillator(AED)and(2)schoolpersonneltrainedinAEDoperationandcardiopulmonaryresuscitation(CPR).TheAEDandtrainedpersonnelwillbeavailableduringtheschool’snormaloperationalhours,atschool-sponsoredathleticeventsandpracticesonschoolgroundsandatschool-sponsoredeventsnottakingplaceduringnormalschooloperationalhours.Theschoolalsohasanemergencyactionresponseplanaddressingtheuseoftrainedschoolpersonneltorespondtoindividualsexperiencingsuddencardiacarrestorsimilarlifethreateningemergencies.

DISTRIBUTIONOFLITERATUREStudentshavearighttodistributeliteratureonschoolgroundsandinschoolbuildingsprovidedsuchdistributiondoesnotinterferewithordisrupttheeducationalprocess.NoliteraturemaybedistributedunlessacopyissubmittedinadvancetotheSuperintendentofSchoolsand/ortheBuildingPrincipal.DISTRIBUTIONOFMATERIALSPrintedmaterialsmaybedistributedtoparentsbystudentsasameansofcommunications.Allrequestsfromgroupsorindividualstohavestudentsdistributematerialstothecommunity,withtheexceptionofschool-connectedorganizations;willbereferredtotheofficeofthesuperintendenttodeterminewhethertherequestcomplieswithschoolpolicy.Theprincipalorhisdesigneemayapprovesuchdistributionproviding: 1. Thematerialisrelatedtotheschool,community,localrecreationalorcivicactivity. 2. Thematerialdoesnotrelatetoanyreligiousbelieforactivity,orpromoteprivategain. 3. Thematerialdoesnotpromoteanyoutsidegovernmentalpoliticalparty,candidateorposition. 4. Doesnotpromoteprofitmakingorganizations. 5. Doesnotadvocateapositionregardingareferendumquestion.Materialsthathaveareligiouscontentmaybemadeavailabletostudentsduringnon-instructionaltime.TheDistricthastherighttoimposeneutraltime,placeandmannerrestrictionsonthedisseminationofreligiousmaterialstoensurethatstudentsareawarethatthematerialsarenotendorsedorsponsoredbytheDistrict.Publicationspreparedbyorfortheschoolmaybepostedordistributed,withpriorapprovalbytheprincipal,sponsororteacher.Suchitemsincludeschoolposters,brochures,schoolnewspapersandyearbook.ELECTRONICDEVICESANDGAMES(Radios,CDPlayers,Cell-Phones)Studentsarenotpermittedtopossesssuchitemsaspagers,radios,CDplayers,taperecorders,camcorders,DVDplayers,cameras,orelectronicdevices,games,ortelecommunicationsdeviceswithtextmessagingatschool,unlesspriorpermissionhasbeenobtainedfromtheprincipal.Withoutsuchpermission,theitemswillbecollectedbyteachersandturnedintotheprincipal.Theprincipalwilldeterminewhethertoreturntheitemattheendofthedaytobetakenhomebythestudentorwhethertheparentwillbecontactedtopickuptheitem.AnydisciplinaryactionwillbeinaccordancewiththeStudentCodeofConduct.Theuseofelectronicdevices,suchasbutnotlimitedto,walkmans,discplayers,iPodsandcellphonesareprohibitedduringtheregularschoolday.Theseitemsmustbestoredinlockersorbackpacksuponenteringthebuilding.Forsafetypurposes,theBerlinSchoolDistrictpermitsstudentstopossesscellphones;however,cellphonesmustremainturnedoffduringtheinstructionalday.Innocasewillanypersonalcommunicationdevicebeallowedthatprovidesforawireless,unfilteredconnectiontotheInternet.Studentsfoundtobeusinganyelectroniccommunicationdevicesinviolationofschoolrulesshallbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction.Further,astudentmaybedisciplinedforcreatingand/ordistributingwrittenorelectronicmaterial,includinginternetmaterialandblogs,thatcausesubstantialdisruptiontoschooloperationsorinterfereswiththerightsofotherstudentsorstaffmembers.EMERGENCYCARDSEmergencycardsshouldbecompletedonline.Itiscrucialthatwehaveallpertinentinformationregardingfamilycontactsincaseofanemergency.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsregardingthisprocess,pleasecontactthemainoffice.

EMERGENCYSCHOOLCLOSINGINFORMATIONWhenschoolsareclosedonshortnotice,itisusuallyforoneofthefollowingreasonswhichhaveadirectimpactonstudentsafety:

1. Asuddenovernightsnowfallthattiesuptrafficandmakesittoodifficultforbusestocovertheirroutes;

2. Freezingrainthatmakesithazardousforbusestorun;or3. Extremelylowmorningtemperatureswhichmakeitahealthhazardto

waitatthebusstop.Emergencyschoolclosinginformationcanbeobtainedanumberofways.Pleaseseebelowforthebestway(s)toaccessthenews:

• GlobalConnectautomatedphoneservicewillcontactthephonenumber(s)thatfamilieshaveprovidedontheBerlinPublicSchoolsEmergencyCard.

• PleasecalltheBoardofEducationansweringmachineat828-8594ifyoususpectwinterweatherconditionswillcauseanearlyafternoonclosing,morningdelay,orthecancellationofschool.

• Youmaysignupforemailnotificationatwww.berlinschools.org.• SchoolclosingswillalsobereportedtolocalradiostationsWRCH100.5FMandWTIC1080AMaswellas

totelevisionstationsWFSBandWVIT.

Pleasedeviseaplanwithyourchildtoaddressactionstepsintheeventthatyouarenothometoreceivehimorher.FIELDTRIPSTheBoardofEducationencouragesandsanctionsstudentfieldtripsthatareofvalueinhelpingachieveeachparticipatingstudent’seducationalobjectives.Eachchildmustreturnapermissionformsignedbyaparentorguardianbeforehe/shewillbeallowedtoparticipateonthetrip.IfthetripiswithintheBerlinschoolsystem,noformisrequired.Teachersonfieldtripswilladministerallstudents’medicationnormallyadministeredduringschool.Anystudentwhosebehaviorisconsidereddetrimentaltothewell-beingofotherstudentsmaybebarredfromparticipationbytheprincipal.Whileonatrip,allstudentsareconsideredtobe“in”school.Thismeansthatconductanddressstandardswillbeappropriateforthefieldtripactivity.FINANCIALASSISTANCEStudentswillnotbedeniedopportunitytoparticipateinanyclassorschoolsponsoredactivitybecauseofinabilitytopayformaterialfees,transportationcosts,admissionprices,oranyotherrelatedexpenses.Anystudentwhoneedsfinancialassistanceforschoolactivitiesshouldcontactaguidancecounselororadministratortorequestconfidentialhelp.FIREDRILLSANDEMERGENCYPREPAREDNESSFiredrillsandcrisisresponsedrillsareheldatregularintervalsasrequiredbystatelaw.Studentsmustfollowtheexitdirectionspostedineachclassroom.Studentsareexpectedtofollowthedirectionofteachersorothersinchargequickly,quietlyandinanorderlymanner.Thesignalforafiredrillisaconstantblastonaspecialhorn.

Whenthealarmsounds,studentsaretoproceedalongthepostedexitroutesinaquick,quietandcalmmanner.Studentsshouldnotreturntothebuildinguntilthereturnsignalisgiven.FIRSTAMENDMENTRIGHTSTheBerlinPublicSchoolsrecognizethatstudentshavearighttobringintoourschools,inajudiciousmannergovernedbyregulations,itemsforpostingthatarenotconsideredobscene,libelous,disruptive,vulgar,andaredeemedbytheAdministrationtobeconsistentwithcommunitystandards.GRADINGSYSTEMReportcardsareissuedtogradeK-5students3timesayear.Studentsareexpectedtodeliverreportcardstotheirparents.Reportcardenvelopesmustbesignedbytheparentsandreturnedtotheschoolwithin5days.GREENCLEANINGPROGRAMSOurgreencleaningprogramprovidesfortheprocurementandproperuseofenvironmentallypreferablecleaningproductsintheschool.ThecleaningproductsusedmeetstandardsapprovedbytheDepartmentofAdministrativeServicesandminimizepotentialharmfuleffectsonhumanhealthandtheenvironment.Parents/GuardiansmayrequestawrittencopyoftheDistrict’spolicypertainingtothegreencleaningprogramandawrittenstatementwhichincludesthenamesandtypesofenvironmentallypreferablecleaningproductsusedintheschoolandwhereinthebuildingtheyareapplied;thescheduleforapplyingtheproducts;andthenamesoftheschooladministratorordesigneewhomtheparent/guardianorstudentmaycontactformoreinformation.Noparent,guardian,teacher,orstaffmembermaybringintotheschoolfacilityanyconsumerproductwhichisintendedtoclean,deodorize,sanitizeordisinfect.HARASSMENTSTATEMENTEverychildhastherighttofeelsafe,valuedandcomfortableinschool.Nooneelse’sbehaviorshouldevermakechildrenfeelafraidorembarrassedbecauseoftheirrace,color,religion,nationalorigin,sex,oranydisabilitytheymayhave.Studentsareexpectedtotreatotherstudentsanddistrictemployeeswithcourtesyandrespect;toavoidanybehaviorsknowntobeoffensive;andtoshopthosebehaviorswhenaskedortoldtostop.Parentsareurgedtoreinforcewiththeirchild(ren)thatifhe/sheisharassedorseesharassmenthappeningtosomeoneelsethathe/sheshouldreportthebehaviortoateacherortheprincipal.Tomaintainaproductiveandpositivelearningenvironment,theBoardofEducationwillmakeeveryattempttohaltanyharassmentofwhichtheybecomeawarebycallingattentiontothispolicyorbydirectdisciplinaryaction,ifnecessary.Astudentwhobelieveshe/shehasbeenharassedisencouragedtoreporttheincidenttotheprincipalorassistantprincipal.Theallegationswillbeinvestigatedandaddressedandappropriatedisciplinaryactiontaken,wherenecessary.HEALTHSERVICESTheroleoftheschoolnurseisdesignedtoprovidecaretostudentswhobecomeillorareinjuredwhileinschool.Acumulativehealthfileismaintainedforeachstudent.Thisfileincludesnotationsofpastillnesses,resultsofphysicalexaminations,andotherpertinenthealthinformation.

Parentsarenotifiedofanydeviationfromthenormalpatternofhealthandsuggestionsaregivenforfollow-up.Itislikewiseimportantthatparentsnotifytheschoolnurseincaseofastudent’sillness.Ifastudentistobeexcusedorlimitedforanextendedperiodfromparticipationinschoolactivities,he/sheisrequiredtobringastatementsignedbyaphysician.Mrs.Heggisavailabletoparentsandstudentsforconferencesregardinghealthissues.Communicable/InfectiousDiseasesStudentswithanymedicalconditionwhichwithintheschoolsettingmayexposeotherstodiseaseorcontagiousandinfectiousconditionsmaybeexcludedfromschoolandreferredformedicaldiagnosisandtreatment.Additionalinformationconcerningthismaybeobtainedfromtheschoolnurse.Beforeachildmayreturntoschoolafteranabsenceduetosuchcondition,parentsandstudentsmayberequiredtosubmitmedicalevidencethattheirchildhasrecoveredsufficientlytopreventexposingothers.IfyourchildhascontractedacontagiousdiseaseincludingFifthDisease,notifytheschoolnurse.Innocaseshouldachildbesenttoschoolunlesshe/sheisingoodhealthandreadytoresumeactivities.

ReportableDiseaseChart–SchoolGuideDisease ExcludedFromSchool ReadmittedOn

ScarletFeverandallStreptococcalInfectionsofthe

throat24hoursonantibioticsandfeverfree SchoolInspection

ChickenPox Untilallprimarylegionshavedried,5-7days SchoolInspectionMeasles 5daysafterrashappears SchoolInspectionMumps Aslongasglandsremainswollen SchoolInspectionImpetigo Untildryoradequatelycured SchoolInspectionPinkEye 24hoursnodrainage SchoolInspection

Fever Feverfreeandofffeverloweringmedicinefor24hours SchoolInspection

TB Doctor’snoteandchestXray SchoolInspectionVomiting Novomitingfor24hours SchoolInspection

CaseWhereContactsareExcludedfromSchoolFamilyandSchoolContacts

Disease ExcludedfromSchool

ReadmittedOn BasisofReadmission

Meningitis 14daysoruntilculturenegative

NotefromattendingMD Certificatefromhealthofficer

DisabilitiesSchooldistrictwillnotdiscriminateonthebasisofdisabilityasrequiredunderADA,IDEAandSection504andC.G.S.10-76aandanysimilarlaworprovision.EmergencyMedicalTreatmentParentsareaskedeachyeartocompleteanemergencyinformationformforusebytheschoolintheeventofamedicalemergency.HealthRecords

SchoolnursesmaintainhealthrecordsusingtheConnecticut“HealthAssessmentandRecordForm.”Theserecordsareaccessibletocertifiedstaffworkingwiththechildandtoschoolhealthaidesifpermissionisgrantedbythenurseorbuildingadministrator.Parentsmayrequesttoinspectthehealthrecordsoftheirchild.Copiesmaybeprovidedifrequested.Originalcopiesoftherecordaresentwhereastudenttransferstoanotherschoolinthestate.Ifmovingout-of-state,acopywillbeforwarded.Healthrecordsaremaintainedforatleastsixyearsafterthestudentgraduates.TheDistrictwillcomplywiththerequirementsoftheHealthInsurancePortabilityandAccountabilityAct(HIPPA)tomaintaintheprivacyofprotectedhealthinformation.Adiabeticstudentmaytesthis/herownbloodglucoselevelperthewrittenorderofaphysicianoradvancedpracticenursestatingtheneedandthecapacityofthestudenttoconductselftesting.SuchselftestingshallbedoneinaccordancewiththeguidelinesissuedbytheCommissionerofEducation.HomeboundHomeinstructionisavailabletostudentswhoareunabletoattendschoolformedicaland/ormentalhealthreasonsforaperiodoftwoweeksorlongerasdiagnosedbyaphysician,psychiatristorthePlanningandPlacementTeam.Homeinstructionmayalsobeprovidedforthosestudentswhohavebeenexcludedfromregularschoolattendancefordisciplinaryreasons.ImmunizationsAllstudentsmustbeimmunizedagainstcertaindiseasesandmustpresentacertificatefromaphysicalorlocalhealthagency.Ifthestudentshouldnotbeimmunizedduetomedicalorreligiousreasons,astatementfromaphysicianortheparentasappropriatemustbeprovided.Therequiredimmunizationsare:Diphtheria,Tetanus,Polio,Pertussis,Measles,Mumps,HepatitisA,HepatitisB,Varcicella(Chickenpox),Meningococcal,Pneumococcal,RubellaandHemophilusInfluenzaTypeB.*Parentsorguardiansofanychildrenunabletohavethemandatedimmunizationspriortoinitialschoolentryandtheboostersasrequiredinthelatergradesmayhavetheimmunizations,ontherecommendationoftheBoardofEducation,bepaidbythetown.AllPre-Kstudentsage24-59monthsmustreceiveanannualdoseoffluvaccinebetweenAugust1st-December31st.StudentswhodonotmeetthisrequirementwillbeexcludedfromschoolperCTStateImmunizationDepartment.PhysicalExaminationsAllstudentsmustpresentevidenceofaphysicalexaminationuponenrollmenttothedistrict.(C.G.S.10-204a)Allstudentswillundergovisionscreeningbytheschoolnurse.HearingscreeningwillbeconductedforallstudentsingradesK,1,3,4,andgrade5.Posturalscreeningwillbeconductedforallfemalestudentsingrades5.MedicalEmergenciesTheprincipal,assistantprincipalorschoolnurseorotherstaffmemberwillcontacttheparentorotherindividualsspecifiedontheemergencycard.Ifweareunabletoreachaguardian,anadministratorwillpursueappropriatemedicalattentionperBoardofEducationPolicy.MedicationPolicy–Pleaseseepolicysectionatendofthishandbook.HOMEWORKThepurposeofhomeworkistohelpstudentsbecomeself-directed,independentlearnersandisrelatedtotheeducationalprogressofthestudent.Itservestohelpallstudentsreachtheirinstructionalgoals.

Specifichomeworkassignmentsmaystrengthenbasicskills;extendclassroomlearning;stimulateandfurtherinterests;reinforceindependentstudyskills;developinitiative,responsibility,andself-direction;stimulateworthwhileuseofleisuretime;andacquaintparentswiththestudent’sworkinschool.TheBoardofEducationrequireshomeworktobereasonableinlengthandappropriatelychallenging.Thesuggestedhomeworkguidelinesfortheelementarylevelare:

Kindergarten&FirstGrade: ShallbediscretionarySecond&ThirdGrades: l5to20minutesperweeknightFourthandFifthGrades: 20to30minutesperweeknight

Theseguidelinesdonotincludetimeforindependentreadingorlong-termprojects.Formoredetailedinformation,pleaseseetheBoardofEducationpolicy.INVITATIONSInvitationsforbirthdaysandpartiesarenottobedistributedatschool.INSURANCEBerlinPublicSchoolshasmadearrangementstoofferoptionalstudentaccidentinsuranceforallstudents.Thiscoverageisavailabletoparentsfortheirchildrenwhoarestudentsenrolledinourschools.TheBerlinPublicSchoolDistrictdoesnotprovideinsurancecoverageormakemedicalreimbursementstoparentsforinjuriesthatoccurduringschool,includingthoseincurredduringgymclassesandrecess.Forinsuranceinformation,viewtheflyerontheBusinessOfficepageofourwebsiteatberlinschools.orgunderresources.

KINDERGARTENPARENTORIENTATIONKindergartenorientationwilloccurinthespring.Thepurposeofthemeetingistoinformparentsaboutimmunizationsandhealthforms,servicesforstudentsneedingspecialeducation,andthekindergartencurriculum.Ifyouhavespecificquestionsregardingregisteringyourchildforkindergarten,pleasecontacttheBoardofEducationat828-6581.LASER-POINTERSStudentsarenotpermittedtopossessoruselaserpointerswhileonschoolproperty,whileusingDistricttransportation,orwhileattendingschool-sponsoredorschool-relatedactivities,whetheronoroffschoolpropertyunlessunderastaffmember’ssupervisionandinthecontextofinstruction.Laserpointerswillbeconfiscatedandstudentswillbedisciplined.ENGLISHLANGUAGELEARNERSParentsofstudentsparticipatinginalanguageinstructionalprogramwillbenotifiedwithin30daysoftheirchild’splacementintheprogram.Thenotificationwillincludeanexplanationofwhy,adescriptionoftheprogram,andtheparent’srightstoremovetheirchildfromtheELLprogram.Inaddition,thenotificationwillexplainhowtheprogramwillhelpthechildtodevelopacademically,learnEnglishandachievethestandardsnecessaryforpromotion.LOSTANDFOUNDStudentswhofinditemsareaskedtobringthemtotheoffice.Studentswhohavelostitemsshouldcheckthe“found”areaneartheentrancetothegym.Studentsandparentsareencouragedtocheckfrequentlyformissingitems.Parentsarerequestedtolabelallarticlesofclothingandlunchboxes.Throughouttheschoolyear,itemsthathavenotbeenclaimedwillbedonatedtocharitablegroups.

LIBRARY/MEDIACENTERStudentsareinvitedtousethebooksandothermaterials,includingcomputers,locatedinthelibrarymediacenter.Studentsareresponsibleforanymaterialtheysignout.Materialsmustbereturnedtothelibrarianorthevolunteeratthecirculationdesk.Studentsmustpayforanymaterialstheyloseordamage.Astudent’sreportcardmaybewithhelduntilastudent'sobligationismet.OUTOFSCHOOLMISCONDUCTStudentsaresubjecttodiscipline,uptoandincludingsuspensionandexpulsionformisconduct,whichisseriouslydisruptiveoftheeducationalprocessandisaviolationofapublicizedboardpolicy,evenifsuchconductoccursoff-schoolpropertyandduringnon-schooltime.Examplesofoff-schoolconductthatmayresultinsuchdisciplineincludebutarenotlimitedto:

1. Sale,possession,use,ordistributionofdangerousweapons,includingmaritalarts weapons; 2.Use,possession,ordistributionofillegaldrugs; 3.Violentconduct; 4.Makingofabombthreat; 5.Threateningtoharmorkillanotherstudentormemberofthestaff;whereanysuchactivityhasthe

reasonablelikelihoodofthreateningthehealth,safetyorwelfareofschoolproperty,individualsthereon,and/ortheeducationalprocess.

PARENTCONFERENCESParentsareencouragedtobecomepartnersintheirchild’seducationalsuccesses.Parent-TeacherconferenceswillbeconductedinNovember-DecemberforallstudentsingradesPre-K-5,andagaininMarch.Appointmentswillbeofferedintheafternoonandduringtheevening.Additionalconferenceswithteachersmaybeheldatanytimeduringtheschoolyear.Parentsandstudents,aswellasteachers,counselorsoradministratorsmayinitiateaconference.Aparentorstudentmayarrangeaconferencewithanindividualmemberoftheschoolstafforagroupconferencewithschoolstaffmembers.Aneffortwillbemadetoaccommodateparentschedules.PARENTINVOLVEMENT/COMMUNICATIONSEducationsucceedsbestwhenthereisastrongpartnershipbetweenhomeandschoolbasedoncommunicationsandinteractions.Parents/guardiansareurgedtoencouragetheirchildrentoputahighpriorityoneducationandtomakethemostoftheireducationalopportunitiesavailable.Parents/guardiansshouldbecomefamiliarwithallofthechild’sschoolactivitiesandwiththeDistrict’sacademicprograms,includingspecialprograms.Attendanceatparent-teacherconferences,participationincampusparentorganizations,attendanceatboardofeducationmeetingsandbeingaschoolvolunteerarestronglyencouraged.PARENT-TEACHERASSOCIATIONSANDORGANIZATIONSTheWillardParentTeacherOrganization(P.T.O.)isanon-profitorganization,whichprovidesprogramsandmaterialstoenrichourchildren’sextracurricular,social,andeducationalactivities.Fundraisersarethemainsourceofincomefortheseprojects.TheP.T.O.hasenhancedWillardSchoolwithmanycontributionsincludingplaygroundequipment,libraryresources,fieldtriptransportation,computerhardwareandsoftware,thepresentationsofculturalprograms,andcurriculumenrichment.MeetingsareheldmonthlyandmembershipisopentoallparentsandguardiansofWillardSchoolchildren.PTOisavitallinkbetweentheschool,communityandtheparentsitserves.Thus,parentsareurgedtojoinandtakeanactivepartinthePTO.ThegoalofP.T.O.is

tostrengthentherelationshipbetweenschoolandcommunity,realizingthatitisthroughjointeffortthatwecanbuildabetterschoolsystemforourchildren.TheP.T.O.needsyoursupportinordertomaintainitsprograms.YourfamilymembershipwillbeappreciatedbythechildrenandstaffofWillardSchool.Thecostofafamilymembershipistwelvedollars.YoumayemailtheWillardParentTeacherOrganizationwithsuggestions,questions,orcommentstothefollowingaddress:Willardpto@berlinschools.orgTheseemailswillbereceivedbyboththePresidentandVicePresidentoftheWillardParentTeacherOrganization.

WillardParentTeacherOrganizationContactInformationPresident KatieNiemiec president@emmahartwillardpto.org

VicePresident SueBurghoff

Secretary StaceyDeNardo

Treasurer JoeMiller treasurer@emmahartwillardpto.org

PTOVolunteersWeencourageyoutovolunteerasyourschedulepermits.Volunteersareneededinclassroomsaswellasinourlibrary,computerlab,andpublishingcenter.Youcanalsoserveasaresourceforcareertopicsofifyouhaveaspecialinterestorhobby.Askyourchild’steacherorcontacttheP.T.O.officerstoseehowyoucanbeofservice.PETSWeaskfamiliesnottobringpetsonschoolgroundsduringschoolhours.Somechildrenareafraidofanimals,somechildrenhaveallergies,andsomeanimalshaveanunpredictablenaturearoundchildren.Unlesstheanimalvisitisrelatedtothecurriculum,suchasthepolicedogfortheDAREprogram,thesleddogsfortheIditarod,andtheducksforthelifecycleunit,animalswillnotbepermittedatschool.PHOTOGRAPHSWillardstaff,PTOvolunteers,andmembersofthemediaoftentakepicturesofstudentsengagedinlearningactivitiesorcelebrations.Thesephotographsaresometimesdisplayedinpublicareas,postedonschool-basedwebsitesorpublishedinthenewspaper.Inaddition,sinceallBoardofEducationmeetingsaretelevised,studentpresentationstotheBoardofEducationwillbecablecastbyNutmegTelevisionfollowingeachBoardmeeting.Ifyouwishtowithdrawpermissionforyourchildtobephotographedandvideotaped,pleasenotifytheschoolofficeinwriting.Parentswhodonotspecifythattheirchildcannotbephotographed/videotaped,aregrantingpermission.AdditionalinformationcanbefoundinBoardPolicy5125:ConfidentialityandAccesstoEducationRecords.PSYCHOTROPICDRUGUSESchoolpersonnelisprohibitedfromrecommendingtheuseofpsychotropicdrugsforanystudentenrolledwithintheschoolsystem.Schoolnurses,nursepractitioners,districtmedicaladvisor,schoolpsychologists,schoolsocialworkersandschoolcounselors,mayrecommendthatastudentbeevaluatedbyanappropriate

medicalpractitioner.Further,theDistrictisprohibitedfromrequiringachildtogetaprescriptionbeforehe/shemayattendschool,beevaluatedtodetermineeligibilityforspecialeducationorreceivespecialeducation.RECESSStudentshaveascheduledrecessperiodandwillgooutside,weatherpermitting.Achildwillnotbeexcusedfromrecessduetoaparentrequest,aswedonothavesupervisionofchildrenintheclassroombuiltintoourscheduleduringrecessblocks.Ifadoctordeterminesthatachildshouldnotgoouttorecessandwereceiveanotefromsaiddoctor,thechildcanspendtherecessblockinthenurse’soffice.DutyParaprofessionalssupervisethestudentsduringrecess.Pleasebesureyourchildcomestoschoolwithsafeandweatherappropriaterecessclothes.Whenthereissnowontheground,studentswithoutsnowpantsandbootswillberestrictedtothepavedareaoftheplaygroundonly.Fullsnowgearishighlyrecommended!Whileparentsarewelcometojointheirchildrenforlunch,parentsarenotpermittedtoattendrecessforsupervisionandsafetyconcerns.

SAFETY/ACCIDENTPREVENTIONStudentsafetyoncampusandatschoolrelatedeventsisahighpriorityoftheBerlinSchoolDistrict.AlthoughtheDistricthasimplementedsafetyprocedures,thecooperationofstudentsisessentialtoensureschoolsafety.Astudentshould: • Avoidconductthatislikelytoputthestudentorotherstudentsatrisk • Followtheschool’scodeofdiscipline • Remainalerttoandpromptlyreportsafetyhazards,suchasintrudersoncampus • Knowemergencyevacuationroutesandsignals • FollowimmediatelytheinstructionsofstaffmemberswhoareoverseeingthewelfareofstudentsSCHOOLCEREMONIESANDOBSERVANCESTheschooldistrictrecognizesthevalueofcertainceremoniesandobservancesinpromotingpatriotismandgoodcitizenshipamongthestudents.Therefore,activitiesinschoolscommemoratingnationalholidayssuchasMemorialDay,ThanksgivingandPresident’sDayareencouraged.WillardSchoolremindsstudents,facultyandadministrationofthevarietyofreligiousbeliefs,andallareurgedtobeconsciousofandrespectthesensitivitiesofothers.Activitiesrelatedtoareligiousholidayorthemewillbeplannedtoensurethattheactivityisnotdevotional,andthatstudentsofallfaithscanjoinwithoutfeelingthattheyarebetrayingtheirownbeliefs.Therefore,1. schoolperformancesshallnotbeovertlyreligious;2. religiousmusicshallnotentirelydominatetheselectionofmusic;and3. programnotesandillustrationsshallnotbereligiousorsectarian.Studentsshallbegiventheoptiontobeexcusedfromparticipatinginthosepartsofaprogramorcurriculuminvolvingareligiousthemewhichconflictswiththeirownreligiousbeliefs.Ifaparentorstudenthasanyquestionsregardingtheuseofreligiousmusic,artworkand/orsymbolsinaparticularcourse/activity,theBuildingPrincipalshouldbecontacted.Anopportunitywillbeprovided,atthebeginningofeachschoolday,forstudentstoobserveanappropriateperiodofsilentmeditationandtorecitethePledgeofAllegiance.Participationintheseactivitiesisvoluntary.Non-participantsareexpectedtomaintainorderanddecorumappropriatetotheschoolenvironment.

SCHOOLDISTRICTRECORDSInterestedpersonsmayinspect“publicdistrictrecords”whicharemaintainedattheofficeoftheSuperintendentofSchools,duringnormalhoursofbusiness.Copiesofrecords,permittedbylawtobedisclosed,mayalsobeattained.SCHOOLPICTURESSchoolpicturedaysoccurtwiceduringtheschoolyear.Yourchildwillbehavingapicturetakenindividuallyandwithhis/herclass.Youarenotobligatedtopurchaseanypackage.Amake-updatewillbescheduledforchildrenwhowereabsentontheoriginaldate.SEARCHANDSEIZURETherighttoinspectdesks,lockersandotherequipmentassignedtostudentsmaybeexercisedbyschoolofficialstosafeguardstudents,theirpropertyandschoolproperty.Anauthorizedschooladministratormaysearchastudent’slockerordeskunderthefollowingconditions: 1. Thereisreasontobelievethatthestudent’sdeskorlockercontainscontrabandmaterial. 2. Theprobablepresenceofcontrabandmaterialpresentsaseriousthreattothemaintenanceofdiscipline,

order,safetyandhealthinschool.Thisdocumentservesasadvancenoticethatschoolboardpolicyallowsdesksandlockerstobeinspectediftheadministrationhasreasontobelievethatmaterialsinjurioustothebestinterestsofstudentsandtheschoolarecontainedtherein.Underspecialcircumstances,schoolofficialsmaysearchstudents,particularlyifthereisreasonablesuspicionthatastudentpossessesillegalmatter,suchasadangerousweaponorillegaldrugs.Studentsmustbeawarethatsuchitemsareforbiddenbothonschoolpropertyandatschool-relatedactivities.STUDENTATTIREWethankfamiliesforhelpingstudentsusegoodjudgmentwhendressingforschool.Studentsshouldbedressedtobecomfortableandsafebutnotinamannerthatmayprovedisruptivetotheeducationalprocess.Specifically,weaskyoutokeeptheseguidelinesinmind:

• Shortsorskirtsworntoschoolmustfallmid-thighorbelow.• Shirtsandtopsshouldcoverthewaistbandofthepantssonostomachisexposed.Studentsshouldnot

weartubetops,spaghettistrapsoranyshirtthatrevealsundergarments.• Forschoolandplaygroundsafety,studentsarenotpermittedtowearflip-flopsorplatformsandals.• Hatsarenottobewornintheschoolunlessaspartofwinter-weathergearorpermittedduetoaspiritday

theme.• Incolderweather,childrenshouldbewearingcoatseverydayforrecess.• Whenthereissnowontheground,studentsarestronglyencouragedtowearsnowpantsandbootsas

studentswhodonotwearbootsandsnowpantsarerestrictedtoplayingonlyontheblack-topareaoftheplayground.

• Regardlessofwhattheforecastsays,NewEnglandweatherisunpredictableandconditionscanchangebylunchtime,pleasedonotassumestudentswillbestayinginforrecess.Studentsshouldalwayshaveappropriategearfortheweather.

Studentswearingclothingthatdoesnotmeettheaboveguidelineswillbeaskedtochangeorcontacthomeforachangeofclothes.TheBoardofEducationpolicyregardingStudentDress#5132isavailablebothontheBerlinSchoolswebsiteandinthepoliciessectionofthishandbook.

SPECIALPROGRAMSWillardSchoolutilizestheResponsetoIntervention(RTI)process,whichcombinessystematicassessment,decision-makingandamulti-tiereddeliverymodeltoimproveeducationalandbehavioraloutcomesforallstudents.Academicandbehavioralsupportandtargetedinterventionswillbeprovidedforstudentswhoarenotmakingacademicprogressatexpectedlevelsinthegeneralcurriculum.ForstudentsinneedofSpecialEducationprograms,aplanningandplacementteam(PPT)isdesignedtoprovidecommunicationanddecision-makingattheschoollevelconcerningtheeffectiveuseofavailableresources.Theteamisalsoresponsibleforfollow-upandperiodicreviewofallstudentspresentlyinSpecialEducationandspecialservicesprograms.Anychildidentifiedaspossiblyneedingspecialeducationand/orrelatedservicesmustbereferredtoaspecialeducationPlanning&PlacementTeamforevaluation(PPT).ThePPTwilldeterminewhetherspecialeducationservicesarerequired.Parentsmustgivetheirconsentbeforeanyevaluationcanbedoneoranyservicescanbegin.AnIndividualizedEducationPlan,baseduponthediagnosticfindingsoftheevaluationstudywillbedevelopedbythePPT,withparentalinvolvement.Parentswillbeinformedregardingtheuseofscientific,research-basedinterventions.SPECIALSERVICESSomestudentsmayrequirethesupportservicesofspecialeducationspecialists.PupilPersonnelstaff,includingspecialeducationteachers,schoolpsychologists,schoolsocialworkers,speech-languagepathologistsandtheoccupationalandphysicaltherapists,workwithstudentswhoqualifyforservices.ProgramsforstudentswithavarietyofdisabilitiesareprovidedwithintheBerlinschools.SPECIALS:GRADESK-5

• Art:Studentsarescheduledtoattendartclassonetimeperweek.• Library:Studentsvisitthelibraryonaweeklybasisandareencouragedtocheckoutbooksfortheir

enjoyment.Alllibrarybooksmustbereturnedtwoweekspriortotheendoftheschoolyear.Feesareassessedforoverduebooksandstudentswillnotreceivetheirfinalreportcardunlessallbooksarereturnedandallfinesarepaid.

• Music:Studentshavegeneralmusictwotimesperweek.Studentsingradesthreeandfourlearntoplaytherecorder.Itisimportantforthesestudentstocometoclasspreparedwiththeirrecorderandbook.StudentsingradefiveperformintheWillardChorusandgivetwoannualconcerts.Attendanceatconcertsandperformanceswillimpactstudent’sreportcardgrade.

• PhysicalEducation:Studentsparticipateinphysicaleducationtwotimesperweek.Sneakersandappropriateattirearerequiredforphysicaleducation.Achildmaybeexcusedfromphysicaleducationonlyformedicalreasonswithwrittenpermissionfromaparentordoctor.

• InstrumentalMusic:Studentsingrade4and5havetheoptionoflearningtoplayaninstrument.Studentsperformtwiceeachyearasaband.

• Computers:ClassroomteachersandourTechnologyIntegrationSpecialistcollaborateonlessonsthatintegratetechnologywithclassroomassignments.

SURVEYS/STUDENTPRIVACYYourchildwillnotberequiredtoparticipatewithoutparentalconsentinanysurvey,analysis,orevaluationthatconcerns:

1. politicalaffiliationsorbeliefsofthestudentorthestudent’sparent;2. mentalorpsychologicalproblemsofthestudentorthestudent’sfamily;3. sexattitudesorbehaviors;4. illegal,anti-social,self-incriminatinganddemeaningbehavior;5. criticalappraisalsofotherindividualwithwhomrespondentshaveclosefamilyrelationships;6. legallyrecognizedprivilegedoranalogousrelationships,suchasthoseoflawyers,physiciansandministers;7. income;or8. religiouspractices,affiliations,orbeliefsofthestudentorthestudent’sparents.TESTINGAllstudentsingrades3through5willparticipateintheSmarterBalancedAssessmentConsortiumprogram.SpecialeducationstudentsparticipateintheSmarterBalancedAssessmentConsortiumprogramexceptintherarecasewhenparticipationinanalternateassessmentisdeterminedbythestudent’sPPT.TRANSFERSANDWITHDRAWALSParentsofstudentswithdrawingfromschoolmustnotifytheofficeoneweekinadvanceofthestudent’slastday.Atthattime,theywillbegivenformstocomplete.Includedwillbeaformalwrittenstatementofwithdrawalandreleaseofrecordsform.VISITORSParentsandothervisitorsarewelcometovisitWillardSchool.Allvisitorsmustfirstreporttotheschoolofficetosignin.Allvisitorsmustwearavisitor’sbadgeinplainview.Outsidethescopeofclassroomvolunteers,visitstoindividualclassroomsduringinstructionaltimeshallbepermittedonlywiththeteacher’sadvanceapproval,andsuchvisitsshallnotbepermittediftheirdurationorfrequencyinterfereswiththedeliveryofinstructionordisruptsthenormalschoolenvironment.Unauthorizedpersonsshallnotbepermittedinschoolbuildingsoronschoolgrounds.Schoolprincipalsareauthorizedtotakeappropriateactiontopreventsuchpersonsfromenteringthebuildingorfromloiteringonthegrounds.Suchpersonswillbeprosecutedtothefullextentofthelaw.Allvisitorsareexpectedtodemonstratethehigheststandardsofcourtesyandconduct.Disruptivebehaviorwillnotbepermitted.

2018-2019 POLICIES

5141.21 Administration of Student Medications 5141.25 Food Allergies and/or Glycogen Storage Disease 3516.12 Notification Concerning Asbestos Management Plans 5131.911 Bullying Prevention & Intervention 5131.911-R Safe School Climate Plan 5132 Student Dress 5131.6 Drug and Alcohol Use by Students 6153 Field Trips 5145.4 Non-Discrimination (Students) 5145.4-R Non-Discrimination (Administrative Regulations) 6161.8 Parental Access to Instructional Material 3524.1 Pesticide Application on School Property 5145.12 Search and Seizure 5145.401 Policy Regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 5145.401-R Notice of Rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

(Administrative Regulations) 5145.5-R Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment (Students) (Administrative

Regulations) 1331 Prohibition Against Smoking 5113-R Student Attendance and Truancy (Administrative Regulations) 5144 Student Discipline 5145.1 Student Privacy 5125-R Confidentiality and Access to Education Records 5131.83-R Student Use of the District’s Computer Systems and Internet Safety 3541 Transportation 6172.4 Parental Involvement Policy for Title I Students 6135 Parent-Teacher Communication 1010 Green Cleaning Programs 1250-R Visitors to the Schools 5141 Wellness Policy

NOTIFICATIONS Your Right to Request Information Concerning Teacher and Paraprofessional

Qualifications Complaint Resolution Procedure

Indoor Air Quality Requesting an Initial Evaluation of a Child