M.H. Aitken School Handbook WELCOME . . . The information contained in this handbook has been prepared to better acquaint parents with school programs and procedures in the Pre-K to 5 Schools.  It is hoped that this information will lead to your child's success throughout the years. Parents are always welcome at the schools.  If any questions or problems arise, do not hesitate to set up a conference with the principal or teachers to discuss the matter.  If you would like to volunteer time to assist at the schools, we are always happy to see you. Please keep the calendar/handbook in a convenient place so that you may refer to it throughout the year.    TIPS FOR SUCCESS Praise and recognition reinforce learning.  Children need praise when they succeed and help when they are having problems. Arrange some special time everyday to talk with your child.  Show an active interest in your child's school life. Set aside a special time and place to read with your children each day.  It is helpful to provide a wide variety of reading materials in your home. Visiting libraries, museums, and nature trails, etc. help create shared educational opportunities.  To promote an enthusiasm for math, involve children in everyday problem solving.  Look for patterns everywhere, make comparisons, ask questions, take measurements, talk about time and money. Encourage children to write.  They might enjoy writing letters to relatives and special friends, labeling containers in their bedrooms, keeping a diary, writing down phone messages, or making lists. To develop creativity, families could make available easy access to paper (different sizes, colors, shapes and textures), markers, crayons, pencils, paint, colored chalk, clay, glue, scraps of fabric, trim and yarn, etc. HAVE FUN TOGETHER! Nancy Gagliardi, Principal 165 Newman Avenue                                     Seekonk, MA 02771 (508)336-5230 Fax: (508)336-0324 www.seekonk.k12.ma.us Seekonk Public Schools Mission Statement The mission of the Seekonk Public Schools is to inspire all students to acquire the skills, habits, knowledge, and passion to be responsible citizens of the global community. Guiding Principles We Believe: All students learn best when actively engaged in the learning process. In providing flexible opportunities for all students to reach their full potential. Education is about growth that extends far beyond core academics to include the arts, cultural awareness, and physical and emotional well-being. All decisions are made in the best interests of the students. Every child and staff member deserves to be treated with respect and courtesy. High quality and relevant professional development is essential for the growth and success of the education process. Open communication is a shared responsibility among home, school, and community which fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation. In the strength of all schools working toward a common vision. In a cyclical and focused process of curriculum review and update. The cornerstone of a strong community is an exemplary educational system. It is the responsibility of the entire community to provide the necessary resources to educate our students. Mildred H. Aitken School Mission Statement The mission of Mildred H. Aitken School, in partnership with children and families, is to maintain a safe, nurturing environment in which responsibility, mutual respect and hid academic standards are achieved. Seekonk School Committee The Seekonk School Committee encourages interested citizens to attend School Committee meetings which are held in open session on designated Thursdays each month at 7 P.M.  Meetings are held in the Seekonk High School library.   Any changes in the time, date or place of the meeting will be posted forty-eight hours in advance of said meeting at the Town Hall. SCHOOL HOURS Grades 1-5: School officially begins at 9:00 A.M. and closes at 3:00 P.M. Students may arrive between 8:45-9:00 and go immediately to their classrooms to prepare for the day.  This early morning time provides students an opportunity to organize, prepare, and begin their schoolwork for the day.  We encourage walkers to be in the classroom by 8:50 A.M. Kindergarten: A.M. session begins at 9:00 A.M. and closes at 11:30 A.M.                        P.M. session  begins at 12:30 P.M. and closes at 3:00 P.M. ATTENDANCE Good attendance is essential to the total development of a sound educational environment.  The classroom experience plays a significant role in providing students with an opportunity to develop social skills and participate in activities and discussions vital to their academic success. Regular attendance develops habits that are compatible with those considered to be important by society.  Promptness is another vital aspect of the learning process as students prepare for life. TARDINESS Children who arrive after the official beginning of the school day should report to the office so that attendance and lunch counts can be adjusted.  Lateness should not be a common occurrence. ABSENTEEISM If a child is to be absent from school, parents are required to call the school prior to 9:30 A.M. If a student has been absent a total of fifteen days, the Principal will send a letter to notify parents of their child's absences in order to promote more regular attendance. Vacations outside of the regularly scheduled school vacation periods are strongly discouraged because students miss classroom instruction that cannot be made up.  If you do plan to take a vacation during the school year, please inform the school.  If a student has a prolonged absence, arrangements regarding missed assignments should be discussed with the classroom teacher.  The student is responsible to make up work that has been missed in order to remain current with the curriculum. EARLY DISMISSAL If it is necessary for a student to be dismissed early, a note is required stating the time of dismissal and who will be picking up the child.  Adults picking up students must be on the information list and must report directly to the office to sign the child out.  Photo identification may be required.  This policy is necessary to assure the safety of our students. EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM Each September you will complete an emergency information form which will include important information the school will need if an emergency arises.  If there are any changes in information contained on the form during the school year, please contact the office or your child's teacher. EMERGENCIES In an emergency medical situation where repeated attempts to contact the parents for disposition have failed, school personnel (nurses, principals, or secretaries) shall handle the emergency by sending the ill or injured child to the nearest hospital emergency room for treatment.  A continued effort will be made to notify the parents of the measures taken to insure the welfare of the ill or disabled child. The parents shall be notified in writing of or called regarding any emergency that arises during the school day and the measures used to treat the emergency condition. VISITORS Parents and guardians are very welcome to come into school.  Advance notice is requested to avoid any conflicts of activities.  Please note that parents and visitors are not allowed to contact teachers or pupils during school hours, except at the discretion of the principal.  Parents should make arrangements in advance for conferences with teachers. All parents and visitors are required to report to the office upon entering the building to sign in and obtain a visitor's pass.  Visitors without a pass will be asked to return to the office. SPECIAL CURRICULUM DAYS Remind your child to bring gym shoes and library books on the correct day.  Children are discouraged from calling home for forgotten sneakers, books, or musical instruments. SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM Lunches are offered daily at all schools.  Free or reduced lunches are available throughout the year to those families meeting federal guidelines.  Please contact the school office if you would like an application.  For those children who bring their lunches to school, milk may be purchased separately. Method of Collection:  The homeroom teacher provides each student with an envelope for weekly payments.  Students return the envelope with payment (if paying full or reduced price) or empty if free lunch has been approved.  The envelopes are collected on Monday of each week by the teacher and sent to the cashier. Students may select from 3 lunch choices daily and receive a ticket indicating the choice. The children pass through the serving line giving their names and tickets to the cashier who checks their names to the class list. FIELD TRIP POLICY Outside of the classroom educational experiences are valuable opportunities for students when they are well planned and organized, and when they supplement and complement the classroom activities provided to achieve curricular objectives. The responsibility of choosing, planning, and requesting a field trip to relate to classroom objectives rests with the classroom teacher under the direction of the building principal. The student is responsible for appropriate behavior at all times.  If a student's behavior has been a problem on numerous occasions, the classroom teacher under the direction of the building principal, may notify the student's parents that he/she will not participate in the field trip and/or activity.  On such occasions, class work will be provided for the student. The benefits to be derived from an outside activity should be maximized by the appropriate pre-activity classroom preparation; full use of the out-of-school time including, where appropriate, travel time (for introductory remarks on the event to occur, for post-event quizzes, etc.), and for appropriate post-event classroom activities. Outside activities not related to specific curricular objectives are an inappropriate use of the limited student day and school year and, as such, cannot be supported. Costs for the outside activities must be borne by the students participating in such activities and/or by a sponsoring organization.  (Teachers should be cognizant of and make arrangements for students whose economic situation would preclude participation.) Taking students from the controlled environment of the school into the community at large significantly increases the supervision burden.  The suggested ratio of adult supervisors to elementary students is 1 to 8.  The building principal must approve all requests for outside activities. DRESS REQUIREMENTS Students should dress in a manner that shows pride in themselves and their school.  All students are required to dress and groom themselves in clothes that are suitable for school activities and clothes that do not disrupt the educational atmosphere of the school. In general, attire that would not be acceptable would be: Hats worn in the building. Jackets worn in the building. Articles of clothing with vulgar or offensive words, pictures, symbols, or with reference to drugs, alcohol, etc. Articles of clothing such as tank tops, halter tops, pants worn below the waist, etc. which are revealing in nature. Any student in violation of the above may be sent home until more appropriately attired. PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES The success of each student involves a commitment from the teacher and the parent to work together, to discuss areas of concern, and communicate changes in behavior or school performance that need to be addressed.  While parent/teacher conferences are encouraged, ongoing communication through written notes can also be a useful tool in keeping one another abreast of significant changes.  If a conference is needed, an appointment should be made in advance. REPORT CARDS Dates of issue are included on the calendar. Kindergarten:    End of second quarter and end of year. Grade 1:    First quarter conference, second and third quarters, and end of year. Grades 2-5:    First, second, third and fourth quarters. PAPERS AND NOTICES Rewarding your child for good work and keeping abreast of your child's progress are the two most important reasons to review his/her school work.  These two items can't be stressed enough for their importance.  This interest on your part will stimulate your child to do his/her best work.  Establish a place to deposit school work and plan a special time to sit with your child each day. Notices of importance are also sent home frequently with your child's papers.  If you fail to receive papers or notices, please contact the school. NO SCHOOL PROCEDURES/EARLY DISMISSAL Should weather or other emergency conditions necessitate the closing of school earlier than the usual time, parents are asked to listen to local radio or television stations (channels 6, 7, 10, 12 and 25) that broadcast school emergency notices for announcements regarding the time.  It is also posted on the school district’s web page: www.seekonk.k12.ma.us In the event of an emergency early release, children should know what plan to follow if no one is at home.  Please do not depend upon calling the school since there is a limited amount of phone lines available. REGISTRATION Birth certificate, immunization records, two proof of residency documents (i.e. license, utility bill, notarized letter from landlord, etc.), custody papers/restraining orders (if necessary) are required at the time of registration.  During registration, a parent will be asked to complete a language survey, an emergency form, and a health questionnaire. Kindergarten registration is held annually.  All children who will be five years old by August 31 of that calendar year are eligible for kindergarten. PARENT ORGANIZATIONS The Mildred H. Aitken Parent Teacher Organization meetings are held on a monthly basis.  Our PTO provides financial support and is an excellent avenue for parents to become involved in school activities.  Parents interested in learning more about the parent organization activities should call the school.  Your interest will be referred to the appropriate parent organization officers. SCHOOL COUNCIL The School Council is the elected representative of parents, faculty, and community established by the Education Reform Act of 1993.  Meetings are held on a regular basis and are open to the public. CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS Each building principal is responsible for the classroom assignment of all students within his/her building.  Classroom assignments will be made on the basis of their impact upon the total educational program being offered to the students.  Such factors as student-teacher ratio and student's ability level will be taken into consideration by the building principal.  Parental requests for specific classroom assignments will not be accepted, however, you can provide school staff with information about your children by May 1st, which is not available from any other source.  The way that you observe your child's adaptation to a variety of settings can provide school staff with a broader, more comprehensive view of your child's needs than could otherwise be provided.  Ultimately, classroom assignments shall be left totally to the discretion of the building principal. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL The principal should be notified a week in advance of a child's withdrawal from school by a note or telephone call to the school.  The note or call should indicate the last day that the child will be in school and the child's new address.  An official transfer will be issued to the child withdrawing, along with a parental permission release form for student's records as required by law. HOMEWORK POLICY Definition of the Purpose of Homework: Homework is a good discipline that eases time constraints on the curriculum.  It fosters student initiative, independence, and responsibility while reinforcing and supplementing school learning experiences.  Homework will develop good study skills and habits with positive attitudes toward learning.  Homework should bring the school and home closer together. Types of Assignments: Practice exercises are to provide students an opportunity to reinforce newly acquired skills or apply recent learning. Preparation homework requires the student to obtain sufficient background information in order to be prepared for the following day's class work. Extension assignments attempt to take the student beyond the work begun in class and to encourage individualized, creative, and imaginative pursuit of knowledge. Make-up assignments will consist of work missed due to absences. Incomplete classroom work may be assigned as homework. Guidelines: When homework is assigned, the following are suggested guidelines.  Teacher discretion should be exercised to accommodate individual student level and needs.  The criteria for judging homework assignments is determined by each teacher. Time Allotments: Kindergarten:    As needed. Grade 1:    Average 15 minutes per night. Grade 2:    Average 15 - 30 minutes per night. Grade 3:    Average 30 - 45 minutes per night. Grade 4:    Average 45 - 60 minutes per night. Grade 5:    Average 45 - 60 minutes per night. NOTE:      Incomplete class work assigned to be done at home will extend total homework time. Responsibility of the Teacher: Home assignments may be given in any academic area. Homework should reflect the ranges of student abilities. The teacher should give clear and concise directions for the assignment. The assignment should be checked, whether it is by oral questioning, written quiz, or work to be passed in. Homework is not to be a form of punishment under any circumstances. Homework should include a variety of experiences, both long and short term. Teachers should inform parents if homework assignments are not satisfactorily completed. Teachers should discuss the homework policy with the students so as to acquaint them with the policy and their responsibilities. Responsibility of the Parent: Parents should become acquainted with the Seekonk School Department's policy of homework. It is suggested that parents should provide conditions suitable for homework.  If parents have questions regarding this, they should contact the classroom teacher or principal. Recognizing that parents should be interested in the student's work, it is important that they not substitute their efforts for that required by the students. Parents should insist that the child assume responsibility for the completion of assignments within the recommended time allotments. Responsibility of the Student: Students should view homework as an extension of school that must be completed in accordance with the requirements established by the classroom teacher. Assignments must be completed neatly and turned in on time. Assignments missed for valid reasons, such as illness, must be made up.  Each teacher will establish a reasonable time period for make-up work. K TO GRADE 5 DISCIPLINE POLICY A major responsibility of the school is the creation of an atmosphere which encourages acceptable social behavior.  We have focused on the prevention of negative behavior.  To also meet this responsibility the schools' faculties have established a set of rules.  The criterion used to determine acceptable school behavior in making rules is:  DOES THIS BEHAVIOR INTERFERE WITH THE SCHOOL PROGRAM, THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS, OR STUDENT SAFETY?  Please take a moment to review these rules with your child and emphasize the importance of a safe environment. SCHOOL, PLAYGROUND & CAFETERIA RULES In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, these rules are to be followed: Be respectful in manner, tone and voice (profanity unacceptable). Respect the rights of others to study and work. Walk at all times--running in the building is not allowed. Talk softly in the hallways and cafeteria. Chewing gum is not allowed. Respect the other person's property--your classmates', teachers' and school property (vandalism is unacceptable). Respect the other person's space--no hitting, shoving, and/or physical contact should occur. Electronic games, portable music players, toy weapons, etc. should not be brought to school.  The school system is not responsible for any toys or personal items brought to school. CONSEQUENCES FOR SCHOOL, PLAYGROUND, & CAFETERIA RULES Violation of school rules will result in a progressive set of consequences ranging from verbal warnings to school suspension. PLEASE NOTE: Any serious infraction may warrant immediate parental contact and possible suspension. TOYS AND PERSONAL ITEMS The school system is not responsible for any toys or other items that are brought to school. CLASSROOM RULES Classroom rules will be developed at the beginning of each school year by the teacher and/or students.  A copy of these rules will be sent home by your child's teacher. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act This act was authorized by Congress in December, 2001, as part of the No Child Left Behind Legislation.  The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to remove barriers to education for homeless /transitional students and provide educational stability.  Who is considered McKinney-Vento eligible?  Any child who lacks  fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is considered homeless, and includes those who are temporarily sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship.  It also includes children and youth, transitional housing programs and children in foster or temporary placements.  What are the educational rights of homeless children and youth?  McKinney-Vento eligible children and youth have specific rights that include: 1.Maintain attendance at the school of origin(if this  is in the child’s best interest), or enroll in the local school where currently residing. 2.Assistance with transportation.  Parent(s) may be reimbursed for the cost of transportation to and from school of origin. 3.Assistance obtaining needed records and documentation. 4.Appropriate support services and programs for which they are eligible. 5.Academic assistance through the district’s federally funded Title I program. 6.Parent or guardian involvement in school activities. 7.Maintain enrollment in the current school for the remainder of the school year(transportation assistance as needed) The homeless liaison coordinator for the school district will arrange for transportation and will facilitate the entry of a  homeless student to any school in the district.  Enrollment will be immediate and will not be contingent upon receipt of records from the student’s last school. If a dispute arises over school enrollment, the homeless education liaison will expeditiously carry out the dispute resolution process, guided by the Department of Education’s resolution process. SEEKONK SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Discipline The School Committee and the administration expect students to respect and obey the rules and regulations of the school.  Therefore, all disciplinary actions and procedures are directed toward serving educational ends.  Those who enjoy the privileges and rights the school provides must also accept the responsibilities, including respect for and compliance with school rules.  IN GENERAL  All violations of local, state or federal laws will be reported to the police department.  All students are required to obey school and classroom rules which are delineated in this handbook.  Students may be excluded from class/school field trips and other school-related activities due to disciplinary problems or who demonstrate behaviors that may be unsafe to themselves or others.  Consequences for infractions are at the discretion of the administrator, and if aggravating circumstances exist, the disciplinary procedures listed in this handbook will be used as minimum penalties.  Serious offenses may include long-term suspension or expulsion.  Administration may also direct students to alternative consequences, such as school service or restitution.  DUE PROCESS For suspension of less than 10 days, a student and his/her parent or guardian will be given an opportunity for an informal hearing before a designated school administrator.  Except when there is an emergency requiring the immediate removal of a student, the informal hearing will precede the suspension.  The parent/guardian ( or student 18 years or older) is entitled to notice of the charges, an explanation of the evidence, an opportunity for the student to tell his/her side of the story, and a decision by the school official, in writing to the parent or guardian , and the student if 18 years old or older.  For suspensions of 10 or more days, or expulsion hearings (administered by the principal), the student and parent, or legal guardian, will receive a written notice specifying the nature of the charges, the date, time and place of the hearing, the right to legal representation. The notice and description of the charges against the student will specify the policy or regulation which has been violated by the student, as well as the evidence establishing the violation.  A student facing long term suspension or expulsion will be given an opportunity to present evidence and will be given a decision in writing.  A parent/guardian (or student 18 years or older) may appeal a long term suspension or expulsion to the superintendent of schools in written form within 5 days of his/her receipt of the determination.  The School Committee may hear certain appeals as detailed in Chapter 76, Section 16 of M.G.L. SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICIES AND MASSACHUSETTS REGULATIONS Computers and Acceptable Use Policy All students will be provided with a copy of the district policy on computer use (Acceptable Use Policy) and will be required to sign the policy.  Any student who does not submit a signed policy will not have access to computers in the school building.  Any student who violates this policy will have his/her computer privileges modified or revoked. The first violation will result in a one week suspension from computer use in the building; the second violation will result in a two week suspension. Drugs, Weapons and Assaults (Education Reform Act of 1993) See Chapter 71, Section 37H of M.G.L. (a)    Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or knife, or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal. (b) Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher's aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing, provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and said witnesses at said hearing before the principal.  After said hearing, a principal, may, in his /her discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b). d)    Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent of schools.  The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of his/her appeal.  The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent.  The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section. (e)    When a student is expelled under the provisions of this section and applies for admission to another school for acceptance, the superintendent of the sending school shall notify the Superintendent of the receiving school of the reasons for the pupil's expulsion. Section 37.  Section 37L of said chapter 71 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 1990 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following paragraphs. In addition, any school department personnel shall report in writing to their immediate supervisor an incident involving a student's possession or use of a dangerous weapon on school premises at any time. Supervisors who receive such a weapon report shall file it with the superintendent of said school district, who shall file copies of said weapon report with the local chief of police, the department of social services, the office of student services or its equivalent in any school district, and the local School Committee.  Said superintendent, police chief, and representative from the department of social services, together with a representative from the office of student services or its equivalent, shall arrange an assessment of the student involved in said weapon report.  Said student may be referred to a counseling program- provided, however, that said counseling shall be in accordance with acceptable standards as set forth by the board of education.  Upon completion of a counseling session, a follow-up assessment shall be made of said student by those involved in the initial assessment. A student transferring into a local system must provide the new school system with a complete school record.  Said record shall include, but not be limited to, any incidents involving suspension, violation of criminal acts, and any incident reports in which such student was charged with any suspended act. Search of Lockers and Student Vehicles Students are issued lockers with a combination lock at the beginning of the school year. It is advised that students keep this combination confidential and consistently lock their lockers. Only school issued locks may be used. The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen articles. Students are advised that lockers are considered school property. The locker and all its contents may be searched by school administrators. A student’s vehicle is subject to search upon reasonable cause to believe contraband such as drugs, alcohol, or weapons may be found in the vehicle. Equal Opportunity Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971 guarantees all students regardless of race, sex, color, religion, or national origin equal and unbiased treatment in, and access to, all aspects of public education.  The law states: Every person shall have the right to attend the public schools of the town where he/she actually resides, subject to the following section.  No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion or national origin. Expulsion Students may be expelled for chronic disregard of school rules as outlined in the Massachusetts General Laws covered in Chapter 76, Section 16. Felony Complaint or Conviction of Student Chapter 71, Section 37H1/2    Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may suspend such student for a period of time determined appropriate by the said principal or headmaster if said principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to such a felony or felony delinquency, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may expel said student if such principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial effect on the general welfare of the school. Harassment/Bullying It is the policy of Seekonk Public Schools to maintain a learning environment that is free from harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment.  It is a violation of this policy for any member of the school community to harass another through conduct or communication as defined in this policy.  Any allegation of harassment will be investigated, and, if a violation of this policy is substantiated, disciplinary action will be taken. Conduct includes gestures, "body language," speech, or physical contact; it also includes writing, displaying pictures, or making drawings.  Harassment may be student-to-student, staff-to-student, student-to-staff, or staff-to-staff.  Harassment may be offensive to a person for a variety of reasons, including his/her gender, race, ethnic background, religion, age, sexual orientation, ability, or disability. Sexual harassment is harassment which is of a sexual nature.  Sexual harassment can include a range of behaviors, including sexual insults and name-calling, off-color jokes, intimidation by word or actions, offensive touching, and pressure for sexual activity.  Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal or visual or physical contact of a sexual nature when that conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact on performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive educational or work environment. For further understanding of the sexual harassment policy, please see GBAB contained in the Seekonk Public Schools Policy Handbook.  This handbook is available at all district administrative offices. Procedures for Reporting and for Conducting an Investigation Students are encouraged to report incidents they believe involve harassment to their guidance counselor, any teacher, administrator, any member of the support staff, or to the Title IX Complaint Coordinator.  Students may report incidents they believe involve harassment to any teacher, counselor, or administrator.  The students may choose to make the report verbally or in writing. Harassment is determined from the viewpoint of a reasonable person in the complainant situation.  When an individual complains about harassment, school officials must assess the facts and circumstances from that viewpoint.  In responding to and resolving complaints, administrators will be guided by five goals: Focus on changing behavior rather than simply punishing the offender. To engage students and staff in dialogue so that they may learn more about the impact of behaviors and attitudes. Maintain the confidentiality of the alleged victim and offenders by involving as few people as possible in the resolution of the problem. Protect the complainant from retaliation. Insure prompt and thorough attention to all complaints. An investigating officer will initiate and complete an investigation as soon as possible, normally within two weeks.  The investigation may, but need not necessarily, include interviewing the complainant, the person alleged to have made the harassing conduct or communication, and such other person(s) as the investigating officer deems necessary in order to complete a thorough investigation of the allegation.  An opportunity to be heard will be provided. The investigating officer will assist the complainant to communicate directly to the alleged perpetrator, in person or in writing, the negative impact of the behavior and the need to stop the behavior. The investigator will conclude whether a violation of this policy has occurred and communicate such findings to: The superintendent of schools (in cases of allegations against staff) The building principal (in cases of allegations against students) The complainant and the person(s) against whom the complaint was made.  Unresolved investigations will be reported as such. Hazing – M.G.L. c. 269 s 17 & 18 Section 17 Whoever is a principal organizer or participator in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully and recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.  Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment of forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Section 18.  Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself/herself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as is reasonably practicable.  Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars. Section 19. Each secondary school and each public and private school or college shall issue to every group or organization under its authority or operating on or in conjunction with its campus or school, and to every member, plebe, pledge or applicant for membership in such group or organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.  An officer of each such group or organization and each individual receiving a copy of said sections seventeen and eighteen shall sign an acknowledgment stating that such group, organization or individual has received a copy of said sections seventeen and eighteen. Each secondary school and each public or private school or college shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary schools, the board of education, certifying that such institutions have complied with the provisions of this section and also certifying that said school has adopted a disciplinary policy with regards to the organizers and participants of hazing.  The board of regents and in the case of secondary schools, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content of frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report. No Smoking Policy/ Possession of Tobacco Products Policy The Board of Health in the Town of Seekonk adopted a new Youth Possession Regulation, which forbids possession of tobacco at its July, 1997 meeting.  This statue forbids the possession of tobacco products for those persons under the age of 18.  "Tobacco products" include cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, or any other form of tobacco in any public places in the Town of Seekonk as described below: Any public way to which the public has access.  Any public park, playground, conservation area, cemetery, parking lot, municipal buildings, and the grounds appurtenant thereto. Penalties and Procedures for Possession/Use of Tobacco Products by Minors: First Violation: Confiscate all reasonably accessible tobacco products in the possession of the violator, and notify the violator's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the infraction. Write the violator a ticket for twenty-five dollars ($25.00) payable to the Town of Seekonk within twenty-one (21) calendar days. Assign a one day suspension to the violator. Second Violation Confiscate all reasonably accessible tobacco products in the possession of the violator and notify the violator's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the infraction. Write the violator a ticket for fifty dollars ($50.00) payable to the Town of Seekonk within twenty-one (21) calendar days. Assign a two day suspension to the violator. Third Violation: Confiscate all reasonably accessible tobacco products in the possession of the violator, and notify the violator's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the infraction. Write the violator a ticket for one hundred dollars ($100.00) payable to the Town of Seekonk within twenty-one (21) calendar days. Assign a three day suspension to the violator. Additional Offenses: Any student who has been found guilty of a fourth violation of the no smoking policy is in non-compliance of a reasonable school policy and state law.  Upon the fourth offense, the student will be referred to the superintendent of schools for a dismissal hearing. Enforcement: The Seekonk Police Department and the building administrator shall be responsible for the enforcement of this regulation and the fines.  Violators of this policy who are 18 or over shall be subject to the school sanctions for violation of the tobacco possession/no-smoking policies.  These will include school issued fines and may also include suspension, assignment to detention and, upon continued disregard of the tobacco policy, referral to the superintendent for a dismissal hearing. Published Expectations of Students and Teachers Chapter 71, S. 37H.  As amended (6118193)  The School Committee of every city, town or district shall publish its rules or regulations pertaining to the conduct of teachers or students which have been adopted.  Said policies shall prohibit the use of any tobacco products within the school buildings, the school facilities, or on the school grounds or on school buses by any individual, including school personnel.  Copies of the rules and regulations shall be provided to any person upon request and without cost by the principal or headmaster of every school within each city, town, or district.  Such rules and regulations shall be filed with the commissioner of education accompanied by a certification by the committee that copies of the rules or regulations are available as previously set forth. Each school district's policies pertaining to the conduct of students shall include the following: disciplinary proceedings, including procedures assuring the due process; standards and procedures for suspension and expulsion of students; procedures pertaining to the discipline of students with special needs, standards and procedures to assure school building security and safety of students and school personnel and the disciplinary measures to be taken in cases involving the possession or use of illegal substances or weapons, the use of force, vandalism, or violation of other student's civil rights.  Codes of discipline, as well as the procedures used to develop such codes shall be filed with the department of education for informational purposes only. In each school building containing the grades nine to twelve, inclusive, the principal, in consultation with the school council, shall prepare and distribute to each student a student handbook setting forth the rules pertaining to the conduct of students.  The school council shall review the student handbook each spring to consider changes in disciplinary policy to take effect in September of the following school year, but may consider policy changes at any time.  The annual review shall cover all areas of student conduct, including but not limited to those outlined in this section. Students' Rights The legislation summarized from M.G.L. c. 71, Sections 82-85 is as follows: the students may enjoy freedom of expression in public schools provided it shall not cause disruption and disorder in the school.    Freedom of expression includes (a) expressing views through speech and symbols (b) writing, publishing and disseminating personal views as opposed to school sponsored speech which includes, but is not limited to student newspapers supported by use of school materials, funds, staff or identified by the school logo (c) assembling peacefully on school property with prior administrative approval or off school property on public sidewalks subject to reasonable time, place and manner restrictions.  Students have the right to dress as they wish provided the dress is not disruptive to the educational environment or reasonable standards of health, safety and cleanliness.  No student shall be discriminated against because of marriage, pregnancy, parenthood, or actions outside of school which have no nexus to school or school activities.  No student shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to the public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, or courses of study in such public school on account of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. Parental Notification Law The Massachusetts Parental Notification Law ensures that parents and guardians are notified about any curriculum that primarily involves human sexuality education or human sexuality issues.  The law also states that parents are permitted to exempt their children from any portion of that curriculum without penalty.  Students involved in the Health education program have a unit on Human Sexuality.  The Human Sexuality Unit will focus on teaching students about self worth and promotes abstinence as a positive and very real choice.  If you have any reason to exempt your child from this course or wish to review the course curriculum, please contact the high school.  Nondiscriminatory Practices: In compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Seekonk Schools shall exclude no person from participation in, shall deny no benefits of, and shall not discriminate  against, relative to employment or educational opportunity, on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, disability, past or present history of mental disorders, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, or marital status. Complaint Procedures In the event that an individual feels aggrieved, the following represents that person’s appeal process: The initial complaint should be filed with the individual’s immediate supervisor or, in the case of a student, the building principal.  Additional persons who are available to receive initial complaints are the following:  the School Committee Chair and the Assistant to the Superintendent for Business.  Copies of the initial complaint should also be filed with the appropriate complaint coordinator (listed below).  If the response to the initial complaint does not satisfy the complainant, the first level of appeal is the Assistant Superintendent. If still not agreeably resolved, the complainant’s next level of appeal is to the Superintendent. Finally, if not resolved, the complaint may be addressed to the School Committee. COMPLAINT COORDINATORS Title VI and VII Dr. Emile Chevrette, Superintendent 25 Water Lane Seekonk, MA  02771 508-399-5106 Fax – 508-399-5128 Section 504 Mrs. Arlene Bosco, Special Ed. Director 25 Water Lane Seekonk, MA  02771 508-399-5106 Fax – 508-399-5128 Title IX and Homeless Coordinator Mr. Scott Holcomb 25 Water Lane Seekonk, MA 02771 508-399-5106 Fax-508-399-5128 Copies of all regulations may be obtained by contacting the building principal or the immediate supervisor.  Other information can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Superintendent, 25 Water Lane, Seekonk, MA 02771. Complaints and request for additional assistance may be presented to the following: Department of Education Advocate Program – Division of Special Education, 350 Main St., Malden, MA  02148 781-338-3000 Office of Civil Rights Region 1, RKO Building, Boston, MA  02114 617-223-6397 Mass. Commission Against Discrimination One Ashburton Place 6th Floor, Room 601 Boston, MA  02108 617-727-3990 M.G.L. c.71B (popularly known as Chapter 766) A state law that went into effect in 1974 specified that parents have the right to seek help for their children if they feel those children have special needs.  A special needs child is determined on the finding that a school age child because of temporary intellectual, sensory, emotional or physical factors, cerebral dysfunction, perceptual factors or other specific learning disabilities is unable to progress effectively in a regular education program and requires special education.  If a child is having difficulty, the school on request, is mandated, within a specific time frame, to form a core evaluation team to discuss the special needs of the child and to write an appropriate educational plan.  There is a Parents’ Advisory Committee (PAC) which provides information and support to parents with children of special needs.  Referral information may be obtained through the Office of Special Education and Student Support Service.  Under the law parents have specific rights of consultation, review and appeal.  Title IX and Chapter 622 Two important pieces of legislation affecting the public schools have been implemented at the federal and state levels respectively.  Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the federal law, prohibits discrimination in school on the basis of sex.  Chapter 622 of the General laws, Acts of 1971, the state law, prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin.  These are somewhat different in scope and coverage and are explained separately below: Title IX:  Congress passed Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally assisted educational programs.  On May 27, 1972, President Ford signed the final version of the regulations which govern legislation.  The governing regulations effective July 21, 1972, cover all aspects of sex discrimination in schools with regard to admissions, treatment of students and employment.  Specifically, Title IX states:  No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under an education program or activity receiving Federal Financial Assistance.  Chapter 622:  The Law reads as follows:  No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses to study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion or national origin. This law makes it clear that all aspects of public school education must be fully open and available to members of both sexes and of minority groups.  No school may exclude a child from that public school on account of race, color, sex, religion or national origin of such child.  On June 24, 1975, the State Board of Education approved regulations for Chapter 622.  These regulations address areas of school policy – school admissions, admission to courses of study, guidance, course content and extra-curricular and athletic activitie 603CMR – Section 46 Restraint of Students in Public Schools “The Public Schools complies with the provisions of 603CMR section 46.00 dealing with restraint of students in the public schools.  To that end, the policy is developed pursuant to those regulations is available upon request from the principal, the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services and the Superintendent’s office.  Further, the policy is posted in the main bulletin board of the school near the office.  Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Both Massachusetts and the federal government have laws that exist to insure parents’ and students’ rights of confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of student records, and to assist school authorities in their responsibilities for the maintenance of school records.  In Massachusetts, those laws are found at M.G.L. c. 71 sections 34A, 34D, 34E and 34F and at 603 CMR 23.00.  The federal student records law is called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and is found at 30 U.S.C. section 1232g.  Discipline Procedure for Students with Disabilities In general, if a student has violated the school’s discipline code, the school may suspend or remove the student from his/her current educational placement for a period less than 10 consecutive school days in any school year.  If the student possesses, uses, sells, or solicits illegal drugs on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event, carries a weapon to school or a school function, or inflicts serious bodily injury, the school district may place the student in an interim alternative educational setting for up to 45 days without regard to whether or not the violation was a manifestation of disability.  If the student has been placed in an interim alternative setting as a result of a disciplinary action, the student may remain in the interim setting for a period not to exceed 45 days.  Thereafter, the student will return to the previously agreed-upon educational placement unless either a hearing officer orders another placement or the parent/guardian and the school agree to another placement. In general, anytime the school wishes to remove the student from his/her current educational placement for 10 or more consecutive school days in any school year, or for 10 or more cumulative days when a pattern of removal is occurring, this constitutes a change in placement.  A change in placement invokes certain procedural protections under IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In general, prior to any removal that constitutes a change in placement; the school district must send the parent/guardian a full statement of procedural rights and inform said parent/guardian that the TEAM will consider whether or not the behavior that forms the basis for the removal is related to the student’s disability.  The behavior is considered a manifestation of the student’s disability if the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s disability, or in the case of a student on an IEP, was a direct result of the school district’s failure to implement said IEP.  This consideration is called a “manifestation determination.”  The parent or guardian of an IDEA-protected student always has the right to participate as a member of said TEAM. Consideration of Whether the Behavior Is a Manifestation of Disability The law provides that the TEAM must consider evaluation information, observational information, social/emotional/behavioral assessments, the student’s IEP (or 504 Plan) and placement, and must determine whether the behavior prompting disciplinary removal was a manifestation of the student’s disability.  The TEAM considers whether the behavior is related to the student’s disability. If the TEAM determines that the behavior was related to the disability, then the student may not be removed from the current educational placement (except in the case of weapon or drug possession or use) until a new plan is developed. If the TEAM determines that the behavior was not related to the disability, then the school may suspend or otherwise discipline the student according to the school’s code of conduct, except that for any period of removal of 10 or more days, the school must provide the student with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).  The school district must determine the educational services necessary for FAPE and the manner and location for providing those services. In the case of disagreement with the Team’s determination: If the parent/guardian (or student 18 years or older) disagree with the Team’s determination or with the decision relating to placement in an interim alternative educational setting or any other disciplinary action, said parent/guardian (or student 18 years or older) has the right to request an expedited due process hearing from the Bureau of Special Education Appeals. SEEKONK PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUS RULES The following rules must be strictly observed in order that school bus transportation be safe, orderly, and clean at all times: 1. Please keep all your papers, pens, pencils, and all your other belongings in some type of carrier, such as a backpack. 2.  Please wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before moving toward it. Keep at least (10) feet away from the edge of the road. 3.  Please do not push or crowd getting on or off the bus. 4.  Please do not stand on the seats; keep your feet on the floor. 5.  Please do not change seats. 6.  Please do not eat any food or drink on the bus. 7.  Please do not throw anything in the bus or drop rubbish on the floor. 8.  Windows may be opened only by the bus driver or with his/her permission. 9.  Please do not handle bus fixtures; do not put hands on the windows, or mar the upholstery. 10. Please do not make any unnecessary noises or cause a disturbance on the bus. 11. Please use every precaution to prevent fire. 12. Please be courteous and considerate of everyone at all times. Any violations of the rules and regulations for student behavior on school buses must be reported to the building principal in charge.  Suspension of a student from riding the bus may be administered only by the proper authority, the school principal. (Revised 9/03) by Seekonk Transportation Director HEALTH POLICIES Children are not allowed to carry medication to school with the exemption of those with special permission (i.e. asthma inhalers).  All medication should be brought to school by a parent or other adult designated by the parent. The Seekonk School Department has a medication protocol signed by the school physician that allows the school nurse to give certain medications with the written consent of the parent.  These medications include Advil, Tylenol, Benadryl, calamine lotion, Rhuligel, Gelusil, bacitracin, hydrocortoisone cream, Halls cough drops and Cepacol lozenges. If a child needs to take any medication (either prescription or over-the –counter) other than those listed above during school hours, a written order by the child’s physician and written order by the child’s physician and written permission from the parent must be given to the school nurse. Prescription medications must be in a pharmacy container with a label containing the child’s name, physician’s name and the name and dosage of the medication.  Any over-the-counter medication must be in the original packaging. Complete health policies are available in the school nurse’s office. The Seekonk Public Schools’ allergy policy and the Seekonk Public Schools’ medication policy are explained in the Seekonk Public Schools Policy Manual.  A copy of this manual can be found in all administrative offices.  FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS The Seekonk School Department makes school records available to parents and students over eighteen years of age ("eligible students") according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  In regard to the student's education records, FERPA affords the following rights to parents and "eligible students":