LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents/Guardians

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC). The teachers and staff join me in saying how happy we are to have you as part of the ECDC family. We are looking forward to a successful and satisfying year for both you and your child.

We are using this handbook as one means of communicating between the home and school. There are many practices, policies, regulations, and services discussed in these pages. Please read and keep this handbook available throughout the year. Many of your questions have been anticipated and are discussed in some detail; however, we are always available to clarify any school matter.

Close cooperation between the home and school is essential to promote the best interests of your child. Parents are encouraged to visit the school and to attend the scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher immediately. Mutual benefits accrue when there is a meaningful exchange of information between home and school.

When your child was selected in the lottery they were guaranteed a slot for the coming year. Prior to our lottery, and if openings exist, we would like to offer our current students the three or five-day slots. Please keep in mind that our classes must remain multi-aged and heterogeneous for us to utilize best practices.

It is our hope that this handbook will be helpful to you and that it will promote that understanding.

Sincerely,

Karen Seyfried

Principal

FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS’

— Vision Statement –

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

— Mission Statement –

The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

— Core Values –

Student Achievement

All students are entitled to academic excellence, appropriate facilities and quality materials and instruction.

Social / Civic Expectations

Students will become engaged, responsible citizens who respect the dignity and diversity of all individuals and cultures.

School Climate

Through our words and our actions, we create a culture of civility, thoughtfulness, appreciation and approachability.

School / Community Relationships

An active commitment among family, community and schools is vital to student learning.

Community Resources for Learning

We partner with all members of the community to exchange ideas, solve problems and build a comprehensive educational experience.

The Francis X. O’ Regan Early Childhood Development Center

ECDC Philosophy

The Francis X. O’ Regan Early Childhood Development Center is a multi-aged integrated preschool operated by the Franklin Public Schools. The program is designed for children who are three to five years old. Parent and community involvement is an integral part of our school.

The highly trained staff utilizes a developmentally appropriate curriculum based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Massachusetts Department of Education guidelines. Multi-sensory and hands-on experiences maximize learning opportunities in the areas of social/emotional, language, motor, cognition, and daily living skills.

ECDC Mission

The Francis .X. O’ Regan Early Childhood Development Center’s mission is to focus on the whole child and their family by providing a safe nurturing environment that supports a high quality early childhood education.

We encourage each child to observe, question, and explore their environment. The Francis .X. O’ Regan Early Childhood Development Center believes every child has the ability to learn and will be provided the tools needed for them to succeed.

The F.X. O’ Regan Early Childhood Development Center

is accredited by the National Academy

for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC)

Franklin Public School’s Early Childhood School Readiness involves the

Schools, Child, Family and Community

SCHOOLS

Franklin Public Schools welcomes and respects the multi-cultural and diverse families in our community. We strive to provide a smooth transition through open communication between adults and educators. Franklin Public Schools’ early childhood programs value and utilize developmentally appropriate practice to raise student achievement, while at the same time fostering their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

CHILD

Readiness is an ongoing process that includes social-emotional development. A ready child feels good about one self, gets along with others and engages in social conversation and play. They are able to regulate their emotions, follow directions and begin to think of appropriate solutions to conflicts.

FAMILY

The family is the child’s first educator. The family is responsible for providing for the child’s basic needs as well as guiding their social and emotional development. The home environment should nurture the child’s curiosity and enthusiasm. Families are active partners with the Franklin community and schools.

COMMUNITY

The Franklin Community has a responsibility to partner with the schools. This partnership will invest in education by exchanging ideas, solving problems and building a comprehensive educational experience.

Through the collaborative effort of the schools, families and community, each child will be provided a supportive, healthy and safe learning environment where they will be ready for school and can become successful life long learners.

ADMISSION TO SCHOOL

Staffing and School Hours

9:30 AM – 12:00 AM and 1:00 PM-3:30 PM

Rebecca Hackney

Randi Heiselmeyer

Jennifer Ramsdell

9:00 AM – 11:30 PM and 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Chris Duggan

Kimberly Tavares

Jennifer Jacobs

Paula Stock Lead Teacher

Karen Russo Administrative Assistant

Mary Nuzzo School Nurse

Diane Peavey Speech and Language Pathologist

Linda Bishop Speech and Language Pathologist

Joanne MacNeil Physical Therapist

Terri Smith Occupational Therapist

Absentee Call-In Procedures

Provide the following information when calling school personnel (508-541-8166) when your child is absent from school due to illness

· Student’s name

· Teacher’s name

· Date(s) of absences

· Children riding the van must also call the special education transportation office at 508-553-4831.

Do NOT leave confidential medical information on the absent line. Please speak to the nurse directly.

When Should You Call the School Nurse About a Child with an Illness?

We encourage parents/guardians to call any time they have concerns about symptoms or an illness and specifically for the following reasons:

· A new medical diagnosis, or a change in your child’s health status i.e. the diagnosis of an allergy

· A newly prescribed medication

· Any change(s) in a current medication

· A serious injury such as an illness, or hospitalization

· A fracture, sprain, stitches, cast or need for crutches/wheelchair

· A contagious disease such as chicken pox, flu, strep throat, whooping cough (pertusis), salmonella, measles etc.

· If your child is absent for an extended period of time with atypical symptoms for a prolonged period of time do not hesitate to call the nurse to share information

· If there are any recent changes in your family that may affect your child; such as, a birth, recent loss, or sudden illness

Age of Admission-Enrollment

The F.X. O’ Regan Early Childhood Development Center has established the age of admission at three years of age on or before August 31^st. Once enrolled at the ECDC, your child will be guaranteed a slot for the following year, and if openings exist, we will continue to offer our current students the three or five day program. Please keep in mind that our classes must remain multi-aged and heterogeneous for us to utilize best practice.

Attendance

The Franklin Public Schools expect parents/guardians to make every reasonable effort to have their child/children attend school every day. The continuity of day-to-day instruction is a critical dynamic to the overall success of each student.

Arrivals and Departures

It is necessary that children arrive and depart at the designated time. The staff will meet all the children. Please inform the staff, in writing, of any transportation changes. IMPORTANT: We will not dismiss students to anyone unless we have written authorization directly from the parent/guardian. The authorized adult will be asked for a valid driver’s license and/or picture identification.

Arrivals and departures will take place outside the ECDC front door or playground. During inclement weather please wait in your car until the teachers signal you in. Due to confidentiality issue, please remember not to discuss your child’s academic or social progress. The ECDC teacher’s are always available for a telephone or in person conference to discuss your concerns.

Traffic can be very congested during arrival and departure times. Please hold your child’s hand when crossing the parking lot.

Tuition Rates

Day Hours Monthly Tuition

2 day 2.5 $148.00

3 day 2.5 $205.00

5 day 2.5 $353.00

Tuition Procedures

All payments are due by the 1^st of the month

Your annual payments (ten increments) start September 1^st through May 1^st

There is a $10.00 late fee for all payments received after the 10^th of each month

There is a $20.00 fee for bounced checks

If payments are not received by the 30^th of each month, your child will be terminated from the program.

Reminders are not sent out.

The F.X.O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center is dependent upon tuition revenues for supporting early childhood programs and we expect the enrollment agreement to be honored.

If you are having financial difficulties, please contact the Director of Early Childhood Programs. There are various financial scholarships available, based on need for children between the ages of three and five.

ECDC scholarships are offered for our 2.5 hour/ two-day program only.

You are now able to pay tuition on-line by going to the ECDC website www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/ecdc/

If you pay on-line you will need your child’s ID number listed below. You have two (2) options for paying your bill; either by electronic check or by credit card.

-Electronic Check: It is free to pay by electronic check. You will need one of your checks with you when you pay your bill online in order to get your account number and the bank's routing number from it. You will be shown where this information is on your check.

-Credit Card: We accept MasterCard and Discover for credit card payments. There will be a convenience fee for each online payment. The credit card service provider charges the fee to your credit card. When paying by credit card, the fee amount will appear in a separate box and will be totaled with the amount of the tax. (Fee Schedule)

If you choose not to pay on-line, please put your monthly tuition in the locked mail box located in the ECDC foyer at the beginning of each month. The tuition must be secured in an envelope with your child’s and teacher’s name clearly printed on the front.

Late Pick-Up

Please be prompt when picking up your child. The time between classes is our lunch/planning time.

The ECDC has a five-minute grace period after your child’s class ends. We will be using the ECDC school clock as our guide. The first time you are late we will give you a verbal warning. Following the verbal warning, parents/guardians will be charged a fee of $1.00 per minute. Your child will not be able to return to school until late pick-up fees have been paid. Fees will be paid by check to the “Town of Franklin”.

Transportation

Transportation for all children will be the responsibility of their parents/guardians, unless otherwise prescribed on the child’s Individual Education Program (I.E.P.). All questions and concerns regarding special education transportation should be directed to Lisa Bassignani- 508-553-4831.

Parking

For you child’s safety, parking is reserved for parent /guardians on the left side of the ECDC building. Please do not park in front of the playground or the circle driveway. These areas are reserved for the special education vans and staff.

Winter Guidelines and Early Dismissals

In the event that weather conditions require changes in normal school operations, these changes will be disseminated as soon as possible through early morning announcements on the following radio stations: WBZ am 1030, WPRO am 630, and WRKO am 680. The information will also be given to TV Channels WBZ (4), WCVB (5), WHDH (7). When you sign-up for the Connect-Ed Program, you will receive an automated call from the school department notifying you of any school cancellations or early dismissals. Please keep Connect-Ed information up-to-date by reporting changes to the school secretary.

The following are the changes in school procedure that may occur:

1. School Cancellation:

In the event that weather conditions dictate school cancellation, these announcements will be made on radio, television and via connect-ed as early as possible.

2. Delay in School Starting Time:

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening the ECDC morning session will be cancelled. The afternoon session will open at its usual time. Full-day students will attend the afternoon session

3. Unscheduled Early Dismissal:

In the event that adverse weather occurs or intensifies after school has begun, it may be necessary to release students earlier than normal so that buses can operate before the roads become more hazardous. In this event, all afternoon educational programs, activities and PM pre-school classes will be canceled. Parents need to use their discretion in deciding whether or not to send their child to school during inclement weather conditions.

CURRICULUM

General Statement

The ECDC curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Franklin Public School’s Curriculum Guides. The curriculum is presented in meaningful learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate, concrete, and multi-sensory.

The Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks are continually revised. Copies of the Massachusetts Frameworks may be found on the Department of Education website: www.doemass.org and copies of the Franklin Public School’s Curriculum Guides may be found on the district website.

The ECDC also uses the Second Step program. This program is a series of curriculum kits designed to increase student’s level of social skills and competence as well a provide strategies for resolving conflicts. If you would like more information on the Second Step program please check out the family overview video.

Conferences

By working together, the school and the home can help children attain their maximum growth. The teachers, Principal, and specialists welcome conferences with parents. A conference by appointment saves time and avoids conflicts. Planned parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for December and May. During these conference parents/guardians will receive a copy of the progress report.

English Language Learner

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71A defines an English Language Learner as “a child who does not speak English or whose primary language is not English and who is currently not able to perform ordinary classroom work in English.” As required by Chapter 71A, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related federal statutes, educational services for English Language Learners (ELL) are based on the individual needs of the student. Professional staff assesses student’s needs and develops strategies and interventions and services which will enable the student to acquire language skills and access the educational curriculum.

Services provided to English Language Learners are designed to minimize barriers to educational services and extracurricular activities and to provide an appropriate education in the least restrictive learning environment.

The Franklin Public Schools is committed to teaching English to students whose primary language is not English. Personnel will provide instructional supports and services to teach language skills to students as rapidly and effectively as possible.

Screening and Assessments

During the month of October all new students entering the ECDC will be screened using the Early Screening Inventory-Revised. This is a brief survey of various areas of development including language, cognition, perception, and motor development. The purpose of the screening is to identify children who might need extra support with classroom activities. Parents/guardians will be informed, through a letter, about the screening results.

Throughout the school year the staff will use the ECDC developmental skills checklist, based on the Franklin Public School’s standards based preschool curriculum, and student portfolios. These ongoing assessments will monitor student’s understanding of the curriculum and adjust instruction and materials when needed. Information gathered from these assessments will be shared with parents/guardians during parent- teacher conferences. All assessment information will be kept confidential.

DISCIPLINE

Student Discipline Procedures

It is important that the ECDC maintains a pleasant, safe, and orderly environment. The teaching staff reserves the right to judge the severity of any act, which inhabits the rights and safety of others. Our caring staff serves as role models and administers classroom rules. If behavior management becomes necessary, the staff will re-direct the child, offer a choice if possible, and set limits in a kind firm manner. In addition to informal daily communication between parents/guardians and staff, the Principal and/or teacher will advise you of any unusual behavior that suddenly surface in the classroom. Parental input will be sought. No child will be subjected to cruel or severe punishment, humiliation, or verbal abuse. No child will be denied recess or food as a form of punishment.

As part of a comprehensive approach to safety, all schools have a physical restraint policy in place with procedures, which follow the Department of Education Regulations (766 Reg. 603 CMR 46.00). If a student’s behavior poses a threat of imminent harm, he/she may be restrained until calm. Qualified, trained staff will carry out specific procedures, and parents will be notified. For students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), procedures and specific interventions will be documented in the IEP.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal Punishment is prohibited by the Franklin Public Schools. Corporal punishment includes, but is not limited to the use by any staff member of any type of physical force or contact, physical redirection, verbal abuse or demeaning of an individual student or group of students in a classroom or at a school sanctioned event. Corporal punishment also includes damaging or destroying of a student’s personal property or school property assigned to a student.

Upon receipt of a complaint of corporal punishment, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee will conduct an investigation in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.

Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention/Physical Restraint

All schools and programs within the Franklin Public Schools strive to maintain safe learning environments for all students and staff. As part of a comprehensive approach to safety, all schools have a physical restraint policy in place with procedures, which follow the Department of Education Regulations (766 Reg. 603 CMR 46.00). If a student's behavior poses a threat of imminent harm, he/she may be restrained until calm. Qualified, trained staff carries out specific procedures and parents are notified. For further information, contact your child's school.

Early Childhood Addendum/Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention

Young children need to be taught pro-social behaviors. They do not automatically control their impulses; notice other's feelings or have the language to express their feelings or needs. Preschool and kindergarten personnel teach children to make caring connections through multi-sensory teaching. Good programming incorporates guiding children's auditory, visual and movement reception and expression. Guiding always involves positive, helpful touch and at times physical redirection by personnel. This is part of teaching. Only on the rare occasions that staff must protect anyone from "imminent, serious, physical harm", early childhood personnel will use non-violent physical crisis intervention/restrain according to the new regulations 603 CMR 46.00. All restraint procedures set forth above must be followed if there is any injury from holding the child or if the required restraint lasted for longer than 5 minutes. Teachers who are not on the Crisis Response Team are assured that, under the Department of Education Regulations, "the training requirements…shall not preclude a teacher or employee…from using reasonable force to protect students".

Elementary Bullying Prevention Plan

In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010, Franklin Elementary Schools will not tolerate or accept bullying, cyberbullying and bullying behaviors in any form. We will respond to any reported incidences of bullying in a timely manner, and investigate and take action as needed and in keeping with the Elementary discipline code and procedures.

DEFINITIONS

This past spring the Massachusetts Legislature passed Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010 on bullying and cyberbullying. Although the elementary schools have been proactive in bullying prevention strategies, such as the Open Circle program, the new law calls for specific policies and procedures. The law defines bullying and related behaviors as follows:

Bullying—The repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a victim that:

(i) causes physical or emotional harm to the victim or damage to the victim’s property;

(ii) places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to himself or his property;

(iii) creates a hostile environment at school for the victim;

(iv) infringes on the rights of the victim at school; or

(v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. For purposes of this section, bullying shall include cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying—Bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, email, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying shall also include:

(i) The creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or

(ii) The knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions listed above in i-v.

Hostile environment-A situation in which bullying causes feelings of intimidation, ridicule, or insult which are significant enough to interfere with the conditions of the child’s education.

Perpetrator- A student who engages in bullying or retaliation.

Victim- A student who has been bullied or retaliated against.

Retaliation- To harm or do wrong to a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying will not be tolerated.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

What is bullying?

Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Bullying usually happens over and over again. Bullying may include some of the following behaviors:

· Punching, shoving, and other acts that hurt people physically

· Spreading bad rumors about people

· Keeping certain people out of a “group”

· Teasing people in a mean way

· Getting certain people to “gang up” on others

· Blocking another student from using a computer, playground equipment, etc.

· Making mean nonverbal hand gestures or expressions

Bullying can also happen online or electronically. Cyberbullying is when children bully each other using the Internet, cell phones, or other cyber technology. This can include:

· Sending mean text, email, or instant messages

· Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites

· Using someone else’s user name to spread rumors or lies about someone

Although one time incidents may be deliberately mean or cruel, they may not be bullying. Actions are considered bullying when they happen over an over.

What should you do if you are bullied or you have information about someone being bullied?

· Tell your parents or other trusted adults. They can help stop the bullying.

· If you are bullied at school, tell your teacher, school counselor, or principal. Telling is not tattling.

· Don’t fight back. Don’t try to bully those who bully you.

· Try not to show anger or fear.

· Calmly tell the student to stop—or say nothing and then walk away

· Use humor, if this is easy for you to do.

· Try to avoid situation in which bullying is likely to happen

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

Is this bullying?

One time incidents may be deliberately mean or cruel, but they may not be bullying. However, some other behaviors may violate other school rules so it should be reported to an adult as soon as possible. For behavior to be deemed bullying, it needs to include all of the following elements (MGL Chapter 92, Acts of 2010).

· Must be repeated action(s) by one or more students

· Must be a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture

· Must be directed at a victim so that it causes one or more of the following:

§ Physical or emotional harm to the victim;

§ Damage to the victim’s property;

§ Places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself or of damage to his/her property;

§ Creates a hostile environment at school for the victim;

§ Infringes on the rights of the victim at school; or

§ Disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

When should you report?

In the event that a bullying incident has occurred get as much information as possible from your child and report it to a counselor, administrator, and/or teacher.

You should contact the school to inform them of a situation when:

The Situation	What the School Can Do	What the School Cannot Do
Your child is afraid to see another child at school, or generally afraid to go to school because of an incident	The school may create a safety and comfort plan for your child	The school cannot share any discussions or actions taken with other children
Your child reports to you an incident that occurred at school	The school may take steps to ensure the safety of the children involved (see steps on page 7)	The school cannot discuss the steps taken that involve any other child
Your child reports to you that he/she heard a rumor about a future incident that may occur at school	The school may investigate the plausibility of the future incident and take appropriate action, including notifying law enforcement	The school cannot share with you their discussions with other children
Your child reports to you that another child is being bullied at school	The school may investigate the situation, and ensure the safety of children involved	The school cannot report back to you any outcome of the investigation
You hear about a school bullying incident from another credible source	The school may investigate the situation and ensure the safety of children involved	The school cannot report back to you any outcome of the investigation, except for your child’s part, if any

If you have a question or concern about a disciplinary action taken by the school:

· Begin by having a private conversation with the school administration

· It is important that our children know that the adults are working collaboratively to solve problems

· Educators are bound by policy - they may not be able to change an action if doing so violates the policy set by the School Committee

SCHOOL RESPONSE TO REPORTED BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING

Administrative Steps:

· Take a complete statement from the student or parent/guardian reporting the incident

· Speak to other students involved

· Speak to other relevant adults – teachers, counselors, and/or bus drivers who may have information regarding the incident

· Make a determination regarding the incident

· Identify bully/cyberbully and bully/cyberbully-bystanders as appropriate

· Identify victim(s) as appropriate

· Include the School Resource Officer(SRO) or other law enforcement as appropriate

· Notify Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and/or Director of Special Education as appropriate

· Provide appropriate information to the parents/guardians of the victim and the bully

· Take steps to restore a sense of safety for the victim, witnesses and school community

Administrative Actions:

If it is determined to be a bullying incident the following administrative actions may take place but not necessarily in the order listed below.

Bully/Cyberbully and Bully/Cyberbully-bystanders:

· Inform student(s) about the consequences for bullying and cyberbullying in school

· Have an educational discussion with the student(s) and parents/guardians

· Inform all relevant adults – teachers, counselors, staff, and/or bus drivers

· Student(s) may be required to engage in educational activities such as readings, written reflection and/or research about bullying/cyberbullying

· Students may be asked to give back to the community by being asked to participate in a community service project or activity

· Student(s) are informed about further consequences if any form of retaliation were to occur

· Student(s) may be referred to School Counselor or School Psychologist

· If the Student is a special education student, the Team may reconvene

· Student(s) may be re-assigned to a different classroom or school at the sole discretion of the Administrator

· Student(s) may be assigned a disciplinary consequence but not limited to:

§ Lunch/recess detention

§ Bus suspension

§ Exclusion from extra-curricular activities and/or special events, including field trips

§ After school detention

§ Suspension

§ Other discipline at the discretion of the Administrator and consistent with school and district discipline policies

Victim(s):

· Have an educational discussion with the student(s) and parents/guardians

· Establish a safety and comfort plan with the student(s) and parents/guardians

· Arrange for the victim to meet with the school counselor

· Inform all relevant adults – teachers, counselors, and bus drivers

· Future follow-up with student(s) and parents/guardians

Bullying Web Resources

Why does my child get bullied/bully others? What can I do to help?

http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/bullying template 9_04.pdf

http://www.bullyonline.org/schoolbully/school.htm

http://www.nmsa.org/Research/ResearchSummaries/Bullying/tabid/709/Default.aspx

http://www.byparents-forparents.com/parenting/what-to-do-if-your-child-is-a-bully.htm

http://www.education.com/topic/school-bullying-teasing/

Cyberbullying: What is it? What can be done?

http://webhost.bridgew.edu/marc/

http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html

http://www.cyberbullying.us

Bullying/Cyberbullying Facts and FAQ’s:

http://nomorebullies.wordpress.com

http://www.wiredsafety.org/

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/se/bullyfaq.asp

Social Networking Safety Tips for Teens and Parents:

http://www.nsteens.org/

http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/safety-tips-tweens-teens.aspx

http://www.safefamilies.org/socialnetworking.php

MA State Law Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw10/sl100092.htm

Articles on Bullying in Schools:

http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleSchoolJournal/Articles/January2006/Article2/tabid/693/Default.aspx

http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/bullies.html

http://www.tolerance.org/print/magazine/number-10-fall-1996/bully-trap

GENERAL INFORMATION

Address and Phone Numbers

Please advise the school immediately when an address change occurs. In case of an emergency, it is of the utmost importance that the school be informed of current information. In addition, if contact persons’ addresses and/or phone numbers listed on the emergency cards change, please notify the school as soon as possible.

Animals and Pets

With the exception of fish, animals and pet are not allowed on the grounds or in the ECDC.

Appropriate Dress

Dress should not hinder the educational process and should present a comfortable atmosphere for students and staff. All students are expected to attend school appropriately dressed and properly groomed. The trends in fashion have brought some complications to this matter. Silly Bandz, shoes and footwear, such as flip-flops, and open back beach shoes (easily bendable, able to be folded or that may be penetrated by a dangerous object such as a nail or tack) are not permitted as they pose a safety risk on stairs, playground, and in the event of an emergency. Additionally, shoes that light-up, flash, or play music and shoe skates are not permitted on school property or in the building. Shirts with inappropriate symbols or slogans written on them are highly discouraged. Hats may be worn to school but must be removed upon entering the building.

Book Club

We participate in the “Firefly’ Book Club on a monthly basis to provide parents with the opportunity to purchase developmentally appropriate books of high quality at a very low price. Additionally, each time a book is ordered the classroom teacher gets points toward free classroom books. Please do not feel any obligation to participate.

Chain of Authority

To make the most of your child’s education, it is important to address any questions or concerns with your child’s teacher as soon as they arise. This can be done by writing a note to the teacher or by calling the school and leaving a message for the teacher. If concerns remain after discussing them with the teacher, the Principal should be contacted.

Change in Staff

Occasionally staff changes take place during the school year. When this occurs, parents will be informed in writing about these changes.

Family Resource Lending Library

The ECDC has a wide range of reading materials in our resource room for parents to borrow. Topics include: Behavior Management, A.D.H.D., Sleep Problems, Developmental Delays and many more. If you are interested in borrowing books from our library, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.

Hand Washing Guidelines

· Use liquid soap and running water

· Rub your hands vigorously for at least 10 seconds

Wash everywhere:

· Backs of hands

· Wrists

· Between fingers

· Under fingernails

Rinse well.

· Dry hands with a paper towel

· Turn water off using a paper towel, not your clean hands

Lost and Found

Please label sweaters, coats, hats, mittens, lunch boxes, etc. When you send money to school, please put it in an envelope and label it with the name of the child, teacher’s name, the amount of money and purpose.

A Lost and Found area is located in the front office. Parents and students should regularly check for items that have been lost.

Newsletters and Communication

Newsletters will be sent home weekly informing parents/guardians about the curriculum theme, past and future activities as well as important dates to remember. In addition, one communication folder will be provided for each student. Please note if your child’s folder is lost outside of school, it will be the parent/guardians responsibility to replace it. Open communication between teachers and parents is very important to the ECDC staff. Please contact your child’s teacher before or after school hours. You may leave a voice message with your child’s teacher and she will return your call at the end of the school day.

No Smoking Policy

The Franklin School Committee prohibits the use of any tobacco products within the school buildings, the school facilities, on school grounds or school vehicles including buses by any individual, including school personnel, consistent with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Sections 37H.

Holiday or Birthday Celebrations and Invitations

For birthday celebrations we invite parents/guardians to send in a white tee shirt for their child’s birthday. Classmates will draw pictures on the tee shirt. Your child will then wear the tee shirt and a crown to celebrate their birthday. In addition, on birthday and holiday celebrations, please DO NOT send in any edible treats (ex: snack, cake, or ice cream). Some students at the ECDC have restricted diets.

Invitations may not be handed out at school unless the entire class is invited. If you can only accommodate some children, please mail the invitations and thank you cards from home.

Parent Communication Council

The PCC extends a warm welcome to you! We are an independent volunteer organization that endeavors to assist teachers and students, enhance the education process, offer family social activities and foster a proud school community. The PCC also advises the school Principal about school matters and to help develop school improvement plans. We meet on a monthly basis to discuss upcoming events at school, plan future activities, share ideas and socialize with other parents.

The PCC has a busy schedule throughout the year in providing assistance with special programs, volunteering time in a variety of ways during the school day and in fund raising events. PCC yellow flyers will be sent home regularly in your child’s backpack.

Required Written Notes

· When your child is to be dismissed before the end of the day

· For alternate transportation after school

Snacks

Your child needs to bring a snack and drink (water available) to school. The classroom teacher will notify you regarding classroom allergies. We encourage good health and proper nutrition. If snack items are perishable in warm weather, please put an ice pack in the lunch box. Please do not send in the following foods: hot dogs; whole grapes; nuts; popcorn; raw peas; hard pretzels; spoonfuls of peanut butter; chunks of raw carrots or meat larger than can be swallowed whole.

Special Traditions

Given the diversity of our families we would like to encourage parent/guardians to share their special family traditions throughout the year. Please contact your child’s teacher for more information.

Transitions from Home to School

For some children the transition between home and school can be difficult. We strongly encourage a partnership with parents to support a positive transition. The staff will make sure to provide high interest developmentally appropriate activities along with a nurturing environment. Some suggestions to support a positive transition are:

· Prepare your child by being excited about school.

· Do not prolong the good-bye. If your child whines or clings, staying will only make it worse.

· Create comfortable routines

· Always say good-bye to your child.

If your child does experience transition difficulties we will call you and give reassurance that your child is doing fine.

What to Bring To School

· Backpacks - Children should have an appropriate size backpack to carry materials and information to and from school. It should be large enough to hold school projects and notices, yet small enough for them to carry independently. Please do not send your child to school with a backpack that has wheels. These backpacks are a safety issue when going up and down the stairs. Please label the backpack with your child’s name and check it daily for school information.

· Clothes - Please dress your child in play clothes. Even though we wear smocks for messy activities it is difficult to keep paint, etc., off clothing. Additionally, dress your child according to the weather. We try to go outside on a daily basis, weather permitting. Flip flops or shoes that could be potentially dangerous while outdoors or on the stairs should not be worn to school. Please label all clothing items.

· Diaper Wipes - If your child is still wearing diapers, please provide a box of diaper wipes.

· Diapers - Please keep several disposable diapers in your child’s backpack. When they have been used, please replace them

HEALTH SERVICES

Emergency Cards

To help provide prompt care for you child, the schools REQUIRE that you complete an emergency card containing the name of your family physician and other persons to contact if you are not available. The accuracy of this information is vital. Emergency cards MUST be updated on a yearly basis. If information changes during the school year, please update the emergency card immediately.

Please provide the school with any relevant COURT DOCUMENTS concerning custody, visiting privileges, etc.

Accidents and or Illness at School

A school nurse is available for parents and children at the school on a daily basis. Students who are ill or injured are urged to tell their teacher, Educational Assistants (EA) on duty, or the nearest staff member immediately. In the event of serious injury or illness at school, the school nurse will provide immediate first aid. If follow-up care is needed, or if the child cannot remain at school, parents will be notified. The nurse or principal will assume responsibility for determining whether your child should be sent home because of illness. Please do not send your child to school if you detect a fever, rash or other signs of illness.

Communicable Diseases

A student showing signs of ill health, or of being infected with a disease, shall be sent home as soon as safe and proper transportation can be arranged. He/she shall remain at home until the communicable condition has been resolved to the satisfaction of the school nurse.

Parent help and cooperation are essential to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), strep infections, and viruses. Students under treatment for conjunctivitis and strep throat must stay out of school for the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. A child who has been ill with a fever or symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea should not return to school until he/she has been symptom-free for 24 hours.

Guidelines for Keeping Home a Sick Student

In order to protect the health of other students and school personnel children who are ill need to not be in school. To determine when to allow a child back to school after an illness please follow these Department of Public Health guidelines:

1. A child should be fever-free for 24 hours. A child’s temperature is lowest in the morning, so a low temperature on awakening is not a true indicator. If you have given your student Tylenol or Motrin at night, the medication could still be affecting your child’s temperature. A child should be fever-free without the assistance of medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

2. A child should be free of vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school. A child who has been ill during the night may feel slightly better in the morning and even ask to go to school. However, the child will likely experience symptoms of illness later, will also be tired from loss of sleep, and will still be contagious to other children.

3. A child with thick or constant nasal discharge should remain home. Very few younger children can effectively blow their noses and wash their hands afterwards. A child with the above symptoms will quickly spread the illness to other children.

4. A child diagnosed with strep throat/scarlet fever should remain home for the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. A child remains contagious until he/she has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

5. A child diagnosed with conjunctivitis may attend school after 24 hours of treatment. There should also not be any drainage from the eyes.

6. The 24-Hour Rule

A child should stay home for at least 24 hours to rest if the following symptoms are present the morning of school or the previous night:

Vomiting and/or diarrhea, Fever >100 degrees, Itchy or reddened eyes with drainage, an unusual rash, a poor night’s sleep due to illness, cough, etc

Franklin Public Schools’ Health Department Nursing Procedure

Subject: Serious Communicable Disease

Purpose: To establish guidelines regarding the role of the school nurse and school administrative staff in response to an outbreak of a serious communicable disease.

1. When there is a confirmed case of a serious communicable disease (i.e. salmonella, pertussis, meningitis), the school nurse will immediately contact principal, pupil services office and superintendent of schools. In consultation with administrative personnel, the nurse will determine with the MDPH epidemiologist the guidelines for notification, exclusion and treatment of close contacts. Copies of all letters will be sent to superintendent for review before dissemination.

2. The director of Pupil Personnel Services and school nurse, in consultation with building principal will be responsible for:

a. Determining close contacts as defined by MDPH

b. Notifying parents of close contacts by letter and/or phone, depending on the urgency of seeking preventative treatment

c. Assigning additional personnel to assist with notification (i.e. guidance, secretarial staff, ESP’s)

d. Providing general notification to staff and the school community as indicated

3. School nurse will contact health care professionals in other schools if close contacts and/or siblings are involved.

4. School nurse shall be responsible for direct communication with family, physicians and all health care agencies.

5. Students with a significant medical disability requiring a Section 504 Plan and/or and Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) will be contacted by the school nurse, (as per the health plan), if they may be impacted by the spread of a communicable disease within the school community.

Immunizations

The School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, and Section 15 of the General Laws states: “No child shall be admitted to school except as hereinafter provided.” The provisions are:

A physician’s certificate listing immunizations given and/or the diseases the child has had. A physician’s certificate stating immunization is contraindicated for health reasons.

A parent or guardian’s statement that immunization conflicts with religious beliefs.

The law requires immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). Principals are responsible for refusing school admittance to children who have not had the required immunizations or who are not otherwise exempted as explained above. Non-immunized or partially immunized children whose private physicians certify they are in the process of receiving the required immunizations shall be regarded as in compliance with the law. However, all immunizations must be complete for admission to kindergarten.

In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires Hepatitis B immunization for all students in preschool programs as a condition of school attendance. A second dose of measles vaccine will be required for entry into the 7th grade until 2002. Effective September 1996 a second dose of measles vaccine will be required for entrance into kindergarten. Hepatitis B vaccine and proof of lead screening are also required for kindergarten entry for all children born on or after January 1, 1992. A tetanus/diphtheria booster is required in grades 10 -12.

Administering Medicines to Students

The policy of the Franklin Public Schools as mandated by 71 M.G.L. 54B and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 105 CMR, 210.001, et seq. "Regulations Governing the Administration of Prescription Medications in Public and Private Schools" is that prescription medication is not to be dispensed without a written order from a licensed physician as described in 105 CMR 210.002 and written parent/guardians consent. Over the counter medication and medicinal substitutes such as nutritional supplements will not be dispensed without a physicians order or parental consent, as deemed necessary by the school nurse. Required orders and consents must be renewed as necessary and at the beginning of each academic year. All medications must be in the original container, properly labeled and delivered to the school nurse by a responsible adult (parent/guardian or designee). No more than a thirty (30) day supply will be accepted at one time.

Medication must be retrieved in person by the parent/guardians. Medication will be destroyed if it is not picked up within one week following termination of the order or one week beyond the close of school.

All medications will be stored in a locked cabinet or when required in a locked box in a refrigerator in the nurse's office. All medications shall be dispensed by an R. N. (including on field trips, if the parent is not present) with the exception of medications that may be self-administered pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 71 Section 54B. Appropriate school staff shall be notified of medication administration by the school nurse (or student’s self-administration of prescription medication) with parent/guardian consent, if not in violation of confidentiality. Administration of epinephrine will follow the procedures set forth by Department of Health Regulations.

Students with asthma or other respiratory diseases may possess and self-administer prescription inhalers under the following rules for Student Self-Administration of Medication.

Students with cystic fibrosis may possess and self-administer prescription enzyme supplements under the following rules for Student Self-Administration of Medication.

Students with diabetes may possess and self-administer glucose monitoring tests and an insulin delivery system under the following rules for Student Self-Administration of Medication.

Rules for Student Self-Administration of Medication:

The school nurse may permit self-medication of prescription medication by a student

Provided that the following requirements are met:

§ The student, school nurse and parent/guardian enter into an agreement which specifies the conditions under which the prescription medication may be self-administered;

§ The school nurse develops a medication administration plan which contains elements necessary to ensure a safe self-administration of the prescription medication, including information for the safe storage of the prescription medication and providing for accessibility of the medication for the individual student;

· The school nurse evaluates the student’s health status and abilities and deems self-administration safe and appropriate, after observing initial self-administration of the prescription medicine; "Self-administration" means that the student is able to consume or apply medication in the manner directed by the licensed prescriber, without additional assistance or direction.

· The school nurse is reasonably assured that the student is able to identify the appropriate prescription medication, knows the frequency and time of day for which the prescription medication is ordered, and follows the school self-administration protocols;

· There is on file a written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian that the student may self-medicate;

· There is on file a written order from the licensed prescriber for self-administration;

· The student documents the self-administration of the prescription medicine and must report weekly to the school nurse. The school nurse will monitor the student’s self-administration as appropriate;

· The student will keep a backup supply of the prescription medication with the school nurse.

Physical Examination

The state law requires that all students present evidence of a physician’s physical examination on entry into preschool

Pediculosis

The Franklin Public Schools have a “nit free” policy which means that a student treated for head lice will not be readmitted to school until there are no nits observed by the school nurse.

Screenings

All children are screened for vision and hearing annually in preschool. Parents of those children failing to pass either of these screenings will be notified. It then becomes the parent’s responsibility to seek additional professional follow-up.

School Nurse

The school nurse is available for parents and children on a daily basis. Parents should keep the nurse informed of any change in the child’s health in order that records remain current.

Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in the Educational Environment

Franklin Public Schools recognizes that students with life-threatening food allergies require reasonable accommodations necessary to ensure access to available education and education-related benefits. It is the policy of Franklin Public Schools that the management of life-threatening food allergies be accomplished in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations. Franklin Public Schools implements this policy and administrative procedures pursuant to the guidelines established by the Massachusetts Department of Education, in a document entitled, “Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Schools” and other reliable resources relating to this issue.

It is the policy of the school committee to establish age-appropriate guidelines for students within the school district in order to minimize the risk of students with life-threatening food allergies (LTA). The guidelines established might include building-based medical emergency plans, the implementation of Individual Health Care Plans (IHCP) that includes an individualized emergency plan, effective training programs for personnel, students, and consultation with appropriate medical specialists.

The Franklin Public Schools maintains the expectation that specific building-based guidelines /activities will be established to insure that the health needs of all students will be met in the least restrictive environment. In order to assist students with developing the skills necessary to participate in all educational programs, building-based teams will communicate with parents and students to allow the student to gradually assume more responsibility for maintaining their safety as they advance from elementary school to secondary school.

The Franklin Public Schools has developed protocol/guidelines for the management of life threatening food allergies. Building-based teams will consult with parents, and where applicable the student, to develop a safe and effective health plans so that the student will be able to access all educational programs. If appropriate, the school-based team may indicate on the IHCP and/or the 504 Plan that the student will carry the EPI-Pen on his/her person. Where this is a recommendation all necessary training procedures and guidelines articulated in the policy will be adhered to.

Protocols and Guidelines for Management of Life-Threatening Food Allergies in the Franklin Public Schools

Background

Allergic food reactions can span a wide range of severity of symptoms. The most severe and potentially life threatening reaction is anaphylaxis. This protocol is to be used for students who are at risk for anaphylaxis and in circumstances where a previously undiagnosed life-threatening allergic response occurs.

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition occurring in food allergic individuals after exposure to their specific food allergens. Anaphylaxis refers to a collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body, the most dangerous of which are breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure or shock, which are potentially fatal. The most common causes of anaphylaxis in children include allergies to:

· Foods (most commonly; dairy products, eggs, fish/shellfish, milk, peanuts/tree nuts, soy, wheat)

Anaphylaxis can occur immediately or up to two hours following allergen exposure, so it is important to:

· Identify student at risk

· Have appropriate preventative policies

· Be prepared to handle an emergency

Purpose and Goal

The Franklin Public Schools cannot guarantee to provide a food allergen-free environment for all students with life threatening allergies, or prevent any harm to students in emergencies. The goal is to minimize the risk of exposure to food allergens that pose a threat to those students, educate the community, and maintain and regularly update a system-wide protocol for responding to their needs. A system-wide effort requires the cooperation of all groups of people within the system.

The sections below highlight the major responsibilities of the various groups, but each child’s plan will be individualized and therefore not all responsibilities can be spelled out in this protocol.

The goal of the Franklin Public Schools regarding Life-Threatening Food Allergies is to engage in a system-wide effort to:

· Prevent any occurrence of life-threatening food based allergic reactions

· Prepare for any allergic reactions to food

· Respond appropriately to any food allergy emergencies that arise

Responsibility of the Franklin Public School Department

The Superintendent and his/her staff shall be responsible for the following:

1. Create a system-wide emergency plan for addressing life-threatening food based allergic reactions.

2. Provide annual in-service training and education on reducing food-allergy risks, recognizing food allergy symptoms, and emergency procedures for staff.

3. Training shall include, but not be limited to:

a. A description/definition of severe allergies and a discussion of the most common foods causing allergic reactions.

b. The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.

c. The correct use of an Epi-pen.

d. Specific steps to follow in the event of an emergency.

4. Adopt a “NO FOOD TRADING/SHARING” and “NO UTENSIL SHARING” procedure in all schools with particular focus at the elementary school level.

5. School Health Professionals in conjunction with the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and the primary care provider/allergist prepare an Allergy Action Plan/Individual Health Care Plan for any student with a life-threatening food allergy. The Plans will be reviewed by the school nurse, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and primary care provider and/or the student’s allergist, and signed off by the child’s physician/allergist, indicating that he/she deems it to be adequate.

6. Provide and maintain life-threatening food allergy free tables in each elementary school cafeteria as needed by the Individual Health Care Plan. These tables will be designated by a universal symbol. These tables will be cleaned and sanitized as per district protocol.

7. Lunch Room Attendants/Cafeteria Personnel, who report to principal, will be assigned to clean life-threatening food allergy tables.

8. Make the Individual Health Care Plan available in the nurse’s office and a student’s homeroom at the elementary level and in the nurse’s office at the middle and high school. Recommend that parents/guardians attach a photograph of their student with a Life-Threatening Food Allergy to their Individual Health Care Plan.

9. Submit to school bus drivers a list of students who have life-threatening food allergies.

10. Make Epi-pens (belonging to the school and those prescribed to the students) available in the nurse’s office and in other clearly designated locations as specified in the Individual Health Care Plan. At the secondary level, students are allowed and encouraged to carry their Epi-pens on their person as allowed by the district’s Administration of Medication Policy.

11. Familiarize teachers with the Individual Health Care Plan of their students and any other staff member who has contact with student on a need-to-know basis.

12. Consult with facilities personnel to develop protocol for cleaning classrooms, cafeteria, and other areas of the building to insure that the threat of allergens

is minimized.

Responsibilities of the School Principal

To the extent possible, the principal of each school shall be responsible for the following:

1. School nurse will familiarize teachers with the Individual Health Care Plan of their students and any other staff member who has contact with student on a need-to-know basis.

2. In conjunction with nurses, provide in-service training and education for staff regarding life-threatening allergies, symptoms, risk reduction procedures and emergency procedures including demonstration on how to use the Epi-pen.

3. Send letters to all parents of children assigned to a classroom where one of the students has been identified as having a Life-Threatening Food Allergy (K-5)

4. The protocol that explains Life-Threatening Food Allergy and the application of the protocol at the school, concerning Life-Threatening Food Allergy will be discussed at kindergarten orientation.

5. Post the school’s emergency protocol on Life-Threatening Food Allergies in appropriate locations.

6. Notify staff the locations of Epi-pens in the school.

7. A contingency plan will be in place and understood by all staff and students in the event the nurse is not in the office or in the building. Staff will call 911 in all instances of any allergic reaction.

Responsibilities of School Health

The school nurse is the primary coordinator of each student’s plan.

Each school nurse will have the following responsibilities:

1. Meet with each parent/guardian of a student with a Life-Threatening Allergy and develop an Individual Health Care Plan for the student. During meetings with parents/guardians, nurses shall discuss and encourage the use of MEDIC-ALERT bracelets and other methods of identification for students with Life-Threatening Allergies.

2. Maintain updated Individual Health Care Plans in the nurse’s office and in the student’s homeroom at each school and in the nurse’s office at the middle and high schools.

3. Nurse will assist the principal in providing information about students with Life-Threatening Allergies to staff.

4. In conjunction with the principal, provide in-service training and education for staff regarding Life-Threatening Allergies, symptoms, risk reduction procedures and emergency procedures including demonstration on how to use the Epi-pen.

5. Familiarize teachers with the Individual Health Care Plan of their students and any other staff member who has contact with student on need-to-know bases.

6. The school nurse will be responsible for following Department of Public Health regulations governing the administration of prescription medications. Nurses are also responsible for following the regulations that permit registration of non-licensed personnel to be trained and to administer Epi-pens.

7. Discuss with parents the appropriate locations for storing the Epi-pen and the possibility of receiving more than one Epi-pen as necessary.

8. Inform the school principal and parent/guardian if any student experiences an allergic reaction that has not been previously diagnosed.

9. Emergency protocol will be in place in the event the nurse is not in the building.

Responsibility of Pediatric Allergy Specialist

Each pediatric allergy specialist will:

· Consult with administration on implementation of best practices.

· Review policies/procedures annually with administration and school health professionals.

· Conduct in-service training to personnel as needed.

· Be available to review Individual Health Care Plans if needed.

Responsibilities of Teachers

Each teacher shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Receive and review the Individual Health Care Plan, in collaboration with the nurse and parent(s) of any student(s) in your classroom with life-threatening allergies.

2. Leave information in an organized, prominent and accessible format for substitute teacher.

3. Participate in in-service training for students with life-threatening allergies

4. Teacher, in collaboration with the nurse and input from the parents of the allergic child, will set a classroom protocol regarding the management of food in the classroom.

5. Participate in the planning of a student’s re-entry into school after an anaphylactic reaction.

6. Advise parents of any school related activity that requires the use of food in advance

of the project or activity (K-5 only).

7. Limit use of food for instructional lessons.

If food is to be used in a lesson, teacher will notify parent of students with LTA before the lesson.

8. Teacher will collaborate with administration and nurse to send out letters to all parents/guardians of

students in a class with an individual with a Life Threatening Food Allergy.

9. Whenever reasonable, the teacher will reinforce appropriate hygiene techniques/hand washing

before and after eating.

Responsibilities of Food Service Personnel

The food service department shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Supply cleaning materials for washing and sanitizing tables as per district protocol.

2. Provide in-service to food service employees regarding safe food handling practices to avoid cross contamination with potential food allergens.

3. Food service employees will wear non-latex gloves.

Responsibilities of Franklin School Transportation

All school bus drivers shall be informed that he/she is transporting a child with a Life-Threatening Allergy.

The school bus drivers shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Provide functioning emergency communication devices (e.g., cell phones, two-way radios, etc.) on each bus.

2. Maintain and reinforce policy of no food eating on the bus.

Responsibilities of Persons in Charge on conducting After-School Activities

Person in charge of extracurricular programs shall have the following responsibilities:

1. The Individual Health Care Plan will be available for parents to copy to give to others who assume responsibility for their child. Examples of this may include:

a. Before or after school activity instructors

b. Coaches

c. Solutions Personnel

d. Extracurricular activity advisors

Responsibilities during recess and Physical Education

During recess and physical education classes (where a child has a Life-Threatening Allergy), the school shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Children will be under the supervision of at least one adult.

2. An Epi-pen will be taken outside if specified in the child’s Individual Health Care Plan.

3. Develop building-based procedure whereby emergency communication device (walkie-talkie, cell phone)

is accessible and functional.

Responsibilities for field trips

The school shall have the following responsibilities when Life-Threatening Food Allergy students go on field trips:

1. Field trips need to take into consideration the risk for food allergen exposure, and parents must evaluate potential risks when determining whether their child should attend a field trip.

2. Lunches should be held in a safe place, so that children cannot access them until the appropriate time. Lunches of children with food allergies should be stored separately to minimize cross contamination.

3. A registered nurse will accompany class on field trip and will maintain an Epi-Pen and a copy of the child’s ICP.

Responsibilities of Parent of Students with Life-Threatening Food

Each parent of a student with a Life-Threatening Allergy shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Inform the school nurse of your child’s allergies prior to the opening of school (or as soon as possible after diagnosis).

2. Parent(s) must arrange to meet with the school nurse to develop an Individual Health Care Plan for the student and provide medical information from the child’s treating physician as needed to write the Plans. Parents must arrange for school health professionals to be able to communicate with student’s physician.

3. May choose to provide the school a list of foods and ingredients to be avoided, and provide a list of safe or acceptable foods that can be served to your child.

4. Provide the school nurse with enough up-to-date emergency medications (including Epi-pens) so they can be placed in all required locations for the current school year.

5. Complete and submit all required medication forms.

6. Provide a MEDIC ALLERT ID for your child.

7. Notify nurse of upcoming field trip as soon as possible and provide Epi-pen to be taken on field trips as stated in the field trip policy.

8. Encourage students to wash hands before and after handling food.

9. Teach your child to

a. Recognize the first symptoms of a food allergic/anaphylactic reaction.

b. Know where the epinephrine auto-injector is kept and who has access to the epinephrine.

c. Communicate clearly as soon as he/she feels a reaction is starting.

d. Carry his/her own epinephrine auto-injector when appropriate.

e. Not share snacks, lunches, or drinks.

f. Understand the importance of hand washing before and after eating.

g. Report teasing and/or bullying that may relate to the child’s disability.

h. Take as much responsibility as possible for his/her own safety.

10. As children get older, teach them to:

a. Communicate the seriousness of the allergy.

b. Communicate symptoms as they appear.

c. Read labels.

d. Administer own epinephrine auto-injector and be able to train others in its use.

11. Inform the school of any changes in the child’s Life-threatening Food Allergy status.

12. Provide the school with the licensed provider’s statement if the student no longer has food allergies.

13. Go on field trips and out-of-school activities with your child, whenever possible.

14. Provide bag of snacks for your child’s classroom along with safe foods for special occasions.

15. Sign a release for school personnel to consult with family physician/allergist and all medical

providers.

Responsibilities of Students

Each student with a Life-threatening food Allergy shall be responsible for the following:

1. Take responsibility for avoiding food allergens.

2. Do not trade or share food.

3. Wash hands before and after eating.

4. Learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic food reaction.

5. Promptly inform an adult as soon as accidental exposure occurs or symptoms appear.

6. Take more responsibility for your food allergies as you get older.

7. Develop a relationship with the school nurse and/or another trusted adult in the school to assist in identifying issues related to the management of the food allergy in the school.

Child Abuse

According to Massachusetts law, a teacher is a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect. Based on legal requirements of Chapter 119, Section 51A of the Massachusetts General Laws, guidelines, procedures and information memoranda have been prepared to provide direction for school staff members in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse/neglect cases. Personnel should be aware that by state statute they are immune from civil or criminal liability when reporting suspected child abuse/neglect cases. Failure to report may result in a fine of up to $1000.00.

Franklin Public School teachers or other employees who suspect a child is being abused or neglected shall report the following information to the principal as soon as possible.

1. Name and address of the child and parent (or guardian)

2. Child's gender

3. Nature and extent of the child's injuries, abuse or neglect

4. Any evidence of prior injuries, abuse or neglect

5. Action, if any, taken to treat, shelter, or assist the child

6. Name of the person or persons making the report

7. Other pertinent information

School employees shall not contact the child's family or any other persons to determine whether the child is in need of protection. However, it should be noted that nurses and school counselors should carry out their normal duties in talking with parents about actions and physical hurts of children.

Any personal interview or physical inspection of the child should be conducted in a professional manner.

Definitions of Abuse and Neglect

Abuse means the infliction, by other than accidental means, of physical harm upon the body of a child. Neglect means the failure to provide necessary food, care, clothing, shelter, or medical attention for a child.

Cases of reported abuse or neglect are to remain confidential. Discussion of these situations is limited to appropriate meetings with school staff members who have a need to know or authorized personnel from the Department of Public Welfare or the Children's Protective Services.

Procedures for Reporting Cases of Child Abuse

The following procedures are to be used in referring suspected child abuse:

Any school staff member who suspects that a child has been abused shall report this as soon as possible to the principal and administrator of Pupil Personnel Services on the day of observation. After notification and consultation with the school psychologist, the principal will notify the Department of Social Services by telephone and within two (2) working days submit a written report (Form 51A) to:

Department of Children and Families

185 Church Street

Whitinsville, MA 01588

Phone: 508-929-1000

Recess

Children play outside at recess unless it is raining or dangerously cold. Please see that your child is dressed warmly in the winter. Only students who wear boots and snow pants are allowed to play in the snow. However, even on the blacktop, sneakers often get wet. In winter, an extra pair of socks tucked in your child’s backpack is often a welcome relief after a cold recess. To protect against cold, heat, sun injury and insect-borne disease the following is recommended: in cold weather make sure clothing is dry and layered for warmth, when sunny provide sun protective clothing for your child, apply sun block with UVB and UVA protection of SPF 15 to exposed skin and insect repellent if needed due to high risk of insect-borne disease. Please note sunscreen and bug spray need to be applied at home. The ECDC staff can not apply them.

SCHOOL SAFETY

To help ensure the safety of all our students, all outside doors will be locked during the school day. Staff members on bus and recess duty will have a radio and access to the building at all times. Parents and/or visitors should enter through the Oak Street main door during the day. This door is equipped with a camera, buzzer and a monitor. All visitors to the school are required to sign in at the office, wear a school badge, and sign out before leaving.

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

In compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), inspections of the Franklin Public Schools were performed during 2000 for asbestos-containing materials.

All inspection finds and the asbestos management plans have been on file with the Franklin School Department since the initial inspection. Management Plans and all other related information are maintained at the office of the Director of Administrative Services.

The EPA requires schools to have asbestos re-inspections every (3) years.

Complete results of the three (3) year re-inspections are on file in the Superintendent’s Office.

Emergency Evacuation and Lockdowns

From time to time throughout the year, the students and staff will conduct both announced and unannounced emergency evacuation/lockdown drills as well as other emergency drills.

Fire Drills

State law requires that every school hold supervised fire drills each year under the direction of the Franklin Fire Department. A written report is given to the principal indicating evacuation time and any safety related issues observed. A signal will be given indicating a fire alarm. Directions for the swift and orderly evacuation of the building are posted in each room. Given these drills, staff and students will become familiar with them.

Communication Sent to Non-Custodial Parents

There are circumstances where parents share joint custody of their children and live separately. In this case the non-custodial parent may want to receive notices, progress reports, etc. from school. These parents may choose one of three options.

· Provide the school secretary with self-addressed stamped envelopes and she will mail notices as they are provided to her by the teacher.

· The school secretary will collect notices and the parent may come in periodically and pick them up.

· Duplicate notices will be sent home with the child.

· You must notify the school secretary if you wish to receive duplicate notices and how you would like to collect them.

Photo Release

During the course of the school year there may be occasions when video or photographs will be taken in the school environment. These times might include special school events, field trips, project displays, or particular classroom lessons. These pictures, slides, or videos might be part of a school presentation, school celebration or as a part of a public relations event. Pictures/video may appear on a school or district web page, in a newspaper, or as part of a television/cable broadcast. Please be aware that photographs will not identify child by name.

If you do not want your child’s picture taken or displayed, please put a request in writing to school administration. If we do not receive you request in writing, it will be assumed that photographing/videotaping of your child is acceptable with the appropriate release and informed consent.

Please be aware that if the press requests to cover a specific school event or story and they request to use student photographs, the request must be made to the building principal.

Visitors to the School

Parents, accompanied by school personnel, are welcome to visit the school to observe classes and tour the building. To ensure the safety of the children and to avoid disrupting the educational process, these visits must be arranged through the Principal’s office.

To help ensure the safety of all our students, all outside doors will be locked during the school day. Parents and/or visitors should enter through the ECDC main door during the day. This door is equipped with a camera, buzzer and a monitor. All visitors to the school are required to sign in and out at the office.

Procedure for Visitation by Those Other than Personnel of the FPS

Only the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a particular child or individual(s) authorized by parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a particular child shall be permitted to visit and/or observe a class or classes or the particular child. An individual authorized by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is one who has the written permission from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to visit and/or observe the particular child’s class.

In order for the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or individual(s) authorized by the parent(s), legal guardian(s) to visit and/or observe a class or classes of a particular child, the following procedure must be followed:

1. The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) must give prior notice to the Principal of his/her desire to visit and/or observe a class or classes.

2. At the time notice is given, the parent(s), legal guardian(s) or individual(s) authorized by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must give a reason why the visit and/or observation is desired or needed.

3. In the event that the Principal determines that the reason for the visit and/or observation is educationally sound and that the visit and/or observation would not disrupt the educational process, the Principal will consult with the teacher(s) involved to ascertain the best time for such visitation and/or observation.

4. The Principal would then contact the individual requesting the visitation and/or observation to inform him/her of the date of the visitation and/or observation.

5. If the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or individual(s) authorized by the parent(s), legal guardian(s) wish to discuss with the teacher what he/she observed or the educational development of the child, such discussion will take place at a mutually agreeable time outside of classes.

6. The administration of the Franklin Public Schools has the right to have an employee of Franklin Public Schools or a person designated by the administration of Franklin Public Schools present during the same class or classes which are being observed by the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or individual authorized by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Classroom Observation and Visitation Procedures:

In response to your request, we want to make your visit as productive as possible. Please take a minute to familiarize yourself with the following information. If you have any questions regarding the information provided, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school principal or designee.

Setting up a classroom observation:

To schedule a visit to a classroom, please call your child’s school principal to schedule a date and time when activities/instruction you are most interested in will be occurring. When you speak with the school principal, please provide him/her with the following information:

1. Names and roles of the observers.

2. What are you interested in observing in regard to your child’s performance and progress? Please specify if you are interested in observing a current classroom or a proposed classroom.

3. Are there any related services you are interested in observing, e.g. occupational therapy, speech/language, physical therapy?

4. In order for us to best coordinate the visit, please be able to supply convenient dates and times for you.

5. The length of time of the visit will be predetermined through conversation between you and the building principal/designee. Please understand that lengthy visits may, at times, interrupt the integrity of the program. Your child’s right to quality education is important to us as well the educational rights of other students. You should plan to discuss the length of time you feel is needed to accomplish your observation goal.

6. There may be times during a school day when schedules include activities that may breach another student’s right to confidentiality. Classroom visits will not be scheduled during these times. On behalf of all students, please respect the school professionals to make that judgment call.

7. In order to maintain confidentiality, please understand that no information will be provided about other students and their educational needs, performance, and programs. There are times when observers may, despite the district’s best efforts, receive information that identifies another student. Observers will be asked to sign a statement that information about other students will not be disclosed.

Observing in the classroom:

As in all times visitors enter a school building, please report to the school office in order to sign in and receive a Visitor’s Pass. One of our staff will meet you at the office and accompany you throughout the visit.

Before your visit, a place in the classroom will be designated for you to sit and observe. We ask all observers to be sensitive to the following observation criteria:

1. Students can often be curious and easily distracted by visitors. If there is more than one observer, please do not converse during the observation. We encourage note-taking to facilitate conversation after the observation. Please bring with you something on which you can write notes and/or questions.

2. During your visit, you will not be able to talk with the teacher, service providers or students, including your own child. Their job at that time is to provide instruction/therapy. However, if you have questions you would like to discuss at a later date, please make arrangements through the building principal or designee.

Thank you for helping us make your visit and observation as helpful to you and respectful to all as possible. We appreciate your interest in our classrooms and programs.

School Volunteers

Our school programs in the past have been successful because of the help from adult volunteers. Parents/Guardians “active” involvement is essential to a successful school experience. The ECDC staff welcomes volunteers and believes this partnership fosters the development of the “total” child. All volunteers are required to complete a CORI background check each year. You must apply in person to the school office and present photo identification. When volunteering, parents/guardians must turn off their cell phones. Please contact your child’s teacher for detailed information.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special Education Programs

Chapter 766 is the Massachusetts Comprehensive Special Education Law enacted in 1974. The law provides that students who are suspected of having special needs may be evaluated by a team of professionals.

In Massachusetts, in order to be eligible for special education services, a student must demonstrate the presence of a disability (autism; developmental delay; intellectual, sensory, neurological, emotional, communication, physical or health impairment; or specific learning disability) that prevents the student from making effective progress in education and requires specially designed instruction or related services in order to access the general curriculum. An initial evaluation to determine eligibility will seek sufficient evaluative information to make a fair determination that considers all of these factors.

If an evaluation is completed, the TEAM, of which parents are an integral part, will determine if the student is eligible for special services. For students who are identified as being in need of special education, a range of services is available within the Franklin Public Schools.

At the pre-school level, the Special Services Department provides a number of programs for children three years of age or older that are evaluated and found to have special educational needs. Classes at the pre-school level emphasize language acquisition and school readiness skills as well as socialization experiences.

Our school has services for children who require specialized remedial instruction as written in each of their Individual Educational Plans. Specialists in speech and language therapy, learning disabilities, and emotional and/or behavioral problems service designated children. In addition, the Special Services Department may suggest other specialized programs provided by other agencies.

Educational Services to Students Identified as Homeless

Section 725 (2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which applies to the Franklin School District, defines homeless children and youths as:

· individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence or have a primary nighttime residence in a supervised, publicly or privately, operated shelter for temporary accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill), an institution providing temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a public or private place not designated for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

This definition includes:

· children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;

· children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

· children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations;

· migratory children (as such term is defined in Section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above; and

· unaccompanied youth a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act requires that school districts immediately enroll a homeless student, even if they do not have the documents usually required for enrollment, such as school records, record of immunizations, medical records or proof of residency. Homeless youth covered by the Act may also be entitled to other services or program benefits, such as transportation or reduced/free lunch.

Students Records

603 CMR 23.00 is promulgated by the Board of Education pursuant to its powers under M.G.L.c.71,s.34D which directs that “the board of education shall adopt regulations relative to the maintenance of student records by the public elementary and secondary schools of the commonwealth,” and under M.G.L. c. 71 s.34F which directs that “ the board of education shall adopt regulations relative to the retention, duplication and storage of records under the control of school committees, and except as otherwise required by law may authorize the periodic destruction of any such records at reasonable times.” 603 CMR 23.00 was originally promulgated on February 10, 1975, and was reviewed and amended in June 1995. 603 CMR is in conformity with federal and state statutes regarding maintenance of and access to student records, and are to be construed harmoniously with such statues.

Application of Rights

603 CMR 23.00 is promulgated to insure parents’ and students’ rights of confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of students’ records and to assist local school systems in adhering to the law. 603 CMR 23.00 should be liberally construed for these purposes.

(1) These rights shall be the rights of the student upon reaching 14 years of age or upon entering the ninth grade, whichever comes first. If a student is under the age of 14 and has not yet entered the ninth grade, these rights shall belong to the student’s parent.

(2) If a student is from 14 through 17 years or has entered the ninth grade, both the student and his/her parent, or either one acting alone, shall exercise these rights.

(3) If a student is 18 years of age or older, he/she alone shall exercise these rights, subject to the following. The parent may continue to exercise the rights until expressly limited by such student. Such student may limit the rights and provisions of 603 CMR 23.00 which extend to his/her parent, except the right to inspect the student record, by making such request in writing to the school principal or superintendent of schools who shall honor such request and retain a copy of it in the student record. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 71, s. 34E, the parent of a student may inspect the student record regardless of the student’s age.

(4) Notwithstanding 603 CMR 23.01(1) and 23.01(2), nothing shall be construed to mean that a School Committee cannot extend the provisions of 603 CMR 23.00 to students under the age of 14 or to students who have not yet entered the ninth grade.

Definition of Terms

The various terms as used in 603 CMR 23.00 are defined below:

Access: shall mean inspection or copying of a student record, in whole or in part.

Authorized school personnel: shall consist of three groups:

(1) School administrators, teachers, counselors and other professionals who are employed by the School Committee or who are providing services to the student under an agreement between the School Committee and a service provider, and who are working directly with the student in an administrative, teaching, counseling and/or diagnostic capacity. Any such personnel who are not employed directly by the School Committee shall have access only to the student record information that is required for them to perform their duties.

(2) Administrative office staff and clerical personnel, including operators of data processing equipment or equipment that produces microfilm/microfiche, who are either employed by the School Committee or are employed under a School Committee service contract, and whose duties require them to have access to student records for purposes of processing information for the student record. Such personnel shall have access only to the student record information that is required for them to perform their duties.

(3) The evaluation Team evaluates a student.

Eligible student: shall mean any student who is 14 years of age or older or who has entered 9th grade, unless the School Committee acting pursuant to 603 CMR 23.01 (4) extends the rights and provisions of 603 CMR 23.00 to students under the age of 14 or to students who have not yet entered 9th grade.

Evaluation Team: shall mean the team which evaluates school-age children pursuant to M.G.L.c.71B (St. 1972, c.766) and 603 CMR 28.00.

Parent: shall mean a student’s father or mother, or guardian, or person or agency legally authorized to act on behalf of the child in place of or in conjunction with the father, mother, or guardian. Any parent, who by court order does not have physical custody of the student, is considered a non custodial parent for purposes of M.G.L. c.71, s.34H and 603 CMR 23.00. This includes parents who by court order do not reside with or supervise the student, even for short periods of time.

Release: shall mean the oral or written disclosure, in whole or in part, of information in a student record.

School-age child with special needs: shall have the same definition as that given in M.G.L. c. 71B (St. 1972, c. 766) and 603 CMR 28.00.

School committee: shall include a school committee, a board of trustees of a charter school, a board of trustees of a vocational-technical school, a board of directors of an educational collaborative and the governing body of an M.G.L. c. 71B (Chapter 766) approved private school.

Student: shall mean any person enrolled or formerly enrolled in a public elementary or secondary school or any person age three or older about whom a School Committee maintains information. The term as used in 603 CMR 23.00 shall not include a person about whom a School Committee maintains information relative only to the person’s employment by the school committee.

The student record: shall consist of the transcript and the temporary record, including all information, recording and computer tapes, microfilm, microfiche, or any other materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics concerning a student that is organized on the basis of the student’s name or in a way that such student may be individually identified, and that is kept by the public schools of the Commonwealth. The term as used in 603 CMR 23.00 shall mean all such information and materials regardless of where they are located, except for the information and materials specifically exempted by 603 CMR 23.04.

The temporary record: shall consist of all the information in the student record which is not contained in the transcript. This information clearly shall be of importance to the educational process. Such information may include standardized test results, class rank (when applicable), extracurricular activities, and evaluations by teachers, counselors, and other school staff.

Third party: shall mean any person or private or public agency, authority, or organization other than the eligible student, his/her parent, or authorized school personnel.

Log of Access: A log shall be kept as part of each student’s record. If parts of the student record are separately located, a separate log shall be kept with each part. The log shall indicate all persons who have obtained access to the student record, stating: the name, position and signature of the person releasing the information; the name, position and, if a third party, the affiliation if any, of the person who is to receive the information; the date of access; the parts of the record to which access was obtained; and the purpose of such access. Unless student record information is to be deleted or released, this log requirement shall not apply to:

(a) Authorized school personnel under 603 CMR 23.02 (9) (a) who inspect the student record;

(b) Administrative office staff and clerical personnel under 603 CMR 23.02 (9) (b), who add information to or obtain access to the student record; and

Access of Third Parties. Except for the provisions of 603 CMR 23.07 (4) (a) through 23.07 (4) (h), no third party shall have access to information in or from a student record without the specific, informed written consent of the eligible student or the parent. When granting consent, the eligible student or parent shall have the right to designate which parts of the student record shall be released to the third party. A copy of such consent shall be retained by the eligible student or parent and a duplicate placed in the temporary record. Except for the information described in 603 CMR 23.07 (4) (a), personally identifiable information from a student record shall only be released to a third party on the condition that he/she will not permit any other third party to have access to such information without the written consent of the eligible student or parent.

(a) A school may release the following directory information: a student’s name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of members of athletic teams, class, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, degrees, honors and awards, and post-high school plans without the consent of the eligible student or parent; provided that the school gives public notice of the types of information it may release under 603 CMR 23.07 and allows eligible students and parents a reasonable time after such notice to request that this information not be released without the prior consent of the eligible student or parent. Such notice may be included in the routine information letter required under 603 CMR 23.10.

Access Procedures for Non-Custodial Parents. As required by M.G.L. c.71, s.34H, a non-custodial parent may have access to the student record in accordance with the following provisions.

(a) A non-custodial parent is eligible to obtain access to the student record unless:

1. The parent has been denied legal custody based on a threat to the safety of the student or to the custodial parent, or

2. The parent has been denied visitation or has been ordered to supervised visitation, or

3. The parent’s access to the student or to the custodial parent has been restricted by a temporary or permanent protective order, unless the protective order (or any subsequent order modifying the protective order) specifically allows access to the information contained in the student record

3 of 4

(b) In order to obtain access, the non-custodial parent must submit a written request for the student record to the school principal annually. The initial request must include the following:

1. A certified copy of the court order or judgment relative to the custody of the student that either indicates that the requesting parent is eligible to receive access as set forth in 603 CMR 23.07 (5) (a), or a certified copy of a court order specifically ordering that the student records be made available to the non-custodial parent, and

2. An affidavit from the non-custodial parent that said court order or judgment remain in effect and that there is no temporary or permanent order restricting access to the custodial parent or any child in the custodial parent’s custody

(c) The non-custodial parent must submit a written request for a access each year stating that said parent continues to be entitled to unsupervised visitation with the student and is eligible to obtain access as set forth in 603 CMR 23.07 (5) (a).

(d) Upon receipt of the request (initial and annual) the school must immediately notify the custodial parent by certified and first class mail, in English and the primary language of the custodial parent, that is will provide the non-custodial parent with the access after 21 days, unless the custodial parent provides the principal with documentation that the non-custodial parent is not eligible to obtain access as set forth in 603 CMR 23.07 (5) (a).

(e) The school must delete the address and telephone number of the student and custodial parent from the student records provided to non-custodial parents. In addition, such records must be marked to indicate that they shall not be used to enroll the student in another school.

(f) Upon receipt of a court order which prohibits the distribution of information pursuant to G.L. c.71, s.34H, the school shall notify the non-custodial parent that it shall cease to provide access to the student record to the non-custodial parent.

At least once during every school year, the school shall publish and distribute to students and their parents in their primary language a routine information letter informing them of the following:

(a) The standardized testing programs and research studies to be conducted during the year and other routine information to be collected or solicited from the student during the year.

(b) The general provisions of 603 CMR 23.00 regarding parent and student rights, and those copies of 603 CMR 23.00 are available to them from the school.

Access to Student Records for Non-Custodial Parent’s

As required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 34H, a non-custodial parent may have access to the student record in accordance with law and Department of Education Regulations. Any individual who by court order does not have physical custody of the student is considered a non-custodial parent for purposes of M.G.L. 71, & 34H, 603 CMR 23.07 and this policy. This includes parents who by court order do not reside with or supervise the student, even for short periods of time. The school district will follow the law and the regulations developed by the Massachusetts Department of Education to standardize the process by which public schools provide student records to parents who do not have physical custody of their children (“non-custodial parents”).

As required by M.G.L. 71, § 34H, a non-custodial parent may have access to the student record in accordance with the following provisions.

(a) A non-custodial parent is eligible to obtain access to the student record unless:

1. The parent has been denied legal custody based on a threat to the safety of the student or to the custodial parent, or

2. The parent has been denied visitation or has been ordered supervised visitation, or

(b) The school shall place in the student’s record documents indicating that a non-custodial parent’s access to the student’s record is limited or restricted pursuant to 603 CMR 23.00.

(c) In order to obtain access, the non-custodial parent must submit a written request for the student record to the school principal.

(d) Upon receipt of the request the school must immediately notify the custodial parent by certified and first class mail, in English and the primary language of the custodial parent, that it will provide the non-custodial parent with access after 21 days, unless the custodial parent provides the principal with documentation that the non-custodial parent is not eligible to obtain access as set forth in 603 CMR 23.07.

(e) The school must delete the electronic and postal address and telephone number of the student and custodial parent from student records provided to non-custodial parents. In addition, such records must be marked to indicate that they shall not be used to enroll the student in another school.

(f) Upon receipt of a court order, which prohibits the distribution of information pursuant to M.G.L. 71, §34H, the school shall notify the non-custodial parent that it shall cease to provide access to the student record to the non-custodial parent.

ADDITIONAL DISTRICT POLICIES

Drug and Alcohol Policy

All students attending the Franklin Public Schools should be aware that the possession, sale and/or use of illicit drugs, including alcohol, are wrong and harmful and will not be tolerated in the schools, on school grounds, or at school functions which are either on or off school property.

Offending students will be given due process, however, once sufficient evidence has been produced to prove the offense was committed, the following steps will be taken:

1. Notification of parents and Superintendent of Schools

2. Suspension from school for up to ten days

3. Police/Juvenile office notified

4. Conferences with the Principal, school counselor/psychologist, and nurse to determine the need and/or course of action for counseling and/or a rehabilitation program.

5. Fulfillment of the recommendations of the committee identified in #4.

Additional offenses will automatically cause the following actions to be taken:

1. Referral to the District Court for a “Child in Need of Services” petition.

2. Referral to the Superintendent of Schools for an expulsion hearing.

FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS LIAISONS/ COMPLAINT OFFICERS

Individuals with Disabilities Title II Liaison

/Special Education Director Ms. Sally Winslow

Ms. Elizabeth Fitzmaurice Asst Superintendent of Schools

Director of Special Education 355 East Central Street

355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038

Franklin, MA 02038

Homeless Liaison Title VI Civil Rights Officer

Ms. Sally Winslow Harassment / Grievance

Asst Superintendent of Schools Ms. Sally Winslow

355 East Central Street Asst Superintendent of Schools

Franklin, MA 02038 355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

English Language Learner/ Title IX Officer

Title 1 Coordinator Ms. Sally Winslow

Ms. Michele Kingsland-Smith Asst. Superintendent of Schools

Parmenter Elementary School 355 East Central Street

235 Wachusett Street Franklin, MA 02038

Franklin, MA 02038

Section 504 Coordinator Educator Licensure

Ms. Elizabeth Fitzmaurice Ms. Lisa Trainor

Director Special Education Director Human Resources

355 East Central Street 355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038 Franklin, MA 02038

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Preamble

This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is established between the Franklin Public Schools ("DPS"), Franklin Police Department ("FPD"), and Norfolk County District Attorney's Office ("NCDAO") regarding the establishment of a protocol for the reporting and coordination of response to incidents of violence or other illegal activity within FPS facilities or at any school related activities. The MOU is intended to foster and ensure an environment in which students, teachers, parents, administrators, employees and members of the school community may participate in the educational process without fear of violence or other illegal activity. Toward the end, there shall be a "Zero Tolerance" policy regarding serious acts of violence, weapons, hate crimes and drug distribution within and on the school grounds of the FPS. A zero tolerance policy means that such incidents will not be tolerated in the FPS and violators will be referred for disciplinary action, evaluation and/or prosecution in an expeditious fashion. Initially, this MOU will establish a protocol to foster and facilitate regular communication and cooperation between the parties in areas of mutual concern.

This MOU is an internal document between the parties and does not confer any rights, privileges or obligations nor is it enforceable as against the parties hereto in any court, administrative hearing, or other forum. Any written or oral communication between the parties of the MOU will be protected b y all laws relating to privacy and confidentiality. This MOU is in addition to, and does not supplant, policies of the FPS with regard to disciplinary procedures and codes of student conduct which are not or my be formulated and published in any student handbook.

The parties hereby agree that in order to provide a "safe educational zone" for the FPS the following policies will be established:

I. Official Response to Reports of Serious Acts of Violence, Weapons, Hate Crimes or Drug Distribution

1. The FPS, through its superintendent or his/her designee, shall continue to promptly notify the FPD liaison of any information regarding any "serious act of violence." A serious act of violence shall include, but not be limited to, any actual or threatened assault involving at least one student against another student, teacher, administrator, employee or member of the school community occurring in a school facility, or on school property and/or in connection with a school function, which results in bodily injury and/or involved the possession or use of a weapon.

The FPS, through its superintendent or his/her designee, shall continue to promptly notify the FPD liaison of any instance where a "weapon" is possessed by or taken from a student within the school, on school grounds or surrounding area, or in connection with a school function. A weapon includes any item as defined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 10, and any other object that FPS, in its discretion, feels warrants further attention by FPD.

The FPS, through its superintendent or his/her designee, shall continue to promptly notify the FPD liaison of any information regarding the distribution of drugs within the school, on school grounds or surrounding area, or in connection with a school violence.

2. The FPD shall assign an officer to serve as liaison with the FPS. The FPD shall continue to make the liaison officer available to FPS during school hours. The liaison officer shall receive report from the FPS superintendent or his/her designee regarding serious acts of violence, the possession or use of weapons, incidents of hate crimes or the distribution of drugs within the school, on school grounds or surrounding area, or in connection with a school function. The FPD liaison shall investigate such cases and, where appropriate, refer such cases to NCDAO for prosecution. The FPD shall promptly notify the NCDAO of any reports of weapons, distribution of drugs, hate crimes or serious acts of violence.

3. The NCDAO shall coordinate any case involving a child over the age of eleven which involves serious acts of violence, weapons, hate crimes or drug distribution with the FPD liaison and the FPS. Such cases will be evaluated by NCDAO and prioritized for prosecution where appropriate. The NCDAO shall make every effort to consult with the FPS superintendent or his/her designee and FPD liaison regarding appropriate conditions of pretrial recognizance during the pendency of the juvenile or criminal case. The NDCAO shall make every effort to consult with the FPD and FPS regarding the disposition recommendation of such cases. In any case involving serious acts of violence, weapons, hate crimes or distribution of drugs, it shall be the policy of the NCDAO not to recommend a dismissal or pre-trial probation on any such case, except for extraordinary circumstances and only after consultation with liaisons of both the FPS and FPD.

The NCDAO shall report any felony delinquency complaint or adjudication to the appropriate FPS superintendent.

II. Discretionary Reporting of Any Illegal Activity

1.In addition, the FPS, FPD and NCDAO shall establish regularly scheduled meetings to discuss the implementation and monitoring of this Agreement.

III. Roundtable Meetings

1. The FPS, FPD and NCDAO shall establish regularly scheduled meetings to discuss the implementation and monitoring of this Agreement.

2. Such roundtable meetings shall occur monthly, unless by a suggestion of the parties, it is necessary or appropriate to meet more frequently. The parties may also invite other officials (e.g., DYS, Probation) to participate as appropriate.

3. To the extent permitted by law, the parties shall share information regarding the implementation of the Agreement. The parties agree that any information acquired during roundtable meetings shall be confidential and subject to privacy restrictions established by law.

FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPLAINT AND GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Policy

It is the policy of the Franklin Public School District to provide learning and working environment free from discrimination and harassment. Staff or student complaints of discrimination or harassment based upon sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation should be brought to: Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Coordinator, Franklin Public Schools, Administration Office, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038. The policy and procedures set forth herein shall apply to complaints pursuant to state and federal laws, including: Title VI of the Civil Rights act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendment of Act of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans With Disabilities Act; and Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B.

Procedure

All grievances shall be processed in a fair, expeditious and confidential manner. When a complaint of discrimination or harassment is made, the following investigative and appeal procedures will be followed:

Step 1: Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Coordinator

Complaints may be made verbally or in writing to the Coordinator, who has authority to investigate all grievances. Complaints should be made promptly, within a short time after the occurrence, giving rise to the complaint, to assure a prompt investigation and fair resolutions. All complaints will be thoroughly investigated. Both the complainant and the subject of the complaint will be interviewed and given a full opportunity to state their case. Witnesses, if any, will also be interviewed. A record will be kept of each investigation.

The complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time, usually not to exceed ten (10) school days after the complaint has been received. Both the complainant and the subject of the complaint will be informed of his result of the investigation, in writing. If the complain is substantiated, the Coordinator will refer the matter to the proper supervisor or administrator for appropriate disciplinary action. For students, discipline may include a warning or reprimand, in school or out of school suspension, or expulsion from school. Discipline of school staff will be consistent with collective bargaining procedures, if applicable, and may include reprimand, suspension from employment, or employment termination.

Step 2: Superintendent

In the event a complainant or subject of a complaint disputes the result of the investigation, he/she may further appeal to the Superintendent of Schools within ten (10) school days of the Coordinator’s decision. Any request for appeal shall me made in writing. The Superintendent shall meet with the parties to hear the appeal, and shall review the records of the investigation. The Superintendent shall issue a decision within ten (10) days of the hearing.

Step 3: School Committee

Further appeal may be made to the School Committee within ten (10) school days of the Superintendent's decision. Such appeal must be made in writing. The School Committee will hear the complaint and make a determination within ten (10) school days of the School Committee Hearing.

DISCRIMINATION-HARASSMENT

HATE CRIMES

The Franklin Town Council has adopted Resolution 96-135.

Be it resolved by the Town Council:

1. That the Town of Franklin declares a zero tolerance policy for all hate crimes in the form of any overt action motivated by bigotry and bias, including a threatened, attempted, or completed overt act motivated by racial, religious, ethnic, handicap, gender, or sexual orientation prejudice, or which otherwise deprives or seeks to interfere with or disrupt the exercise of a person's constitutional rights by threats, intimidation or coercion.

2. That the Town of Franklin's public officials and officers be charged to pursue such policy by fully applying the powers of enforcement established under the Massachusetts General Laws at Chapter 22C @ 32; Chapter 265, S37 and S39; and Chapter 266, S127A; and Chapter 272.

Amendment to Anti-Discrimination Law

Effective March 10, 1994 the state law prohibiting discrimination against students in public schools includes protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. As the result of enactment of Chapter 282 of the Acts of 1993, General Laws Chapter 76, section 5 now includes the following provision:

No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining advantages, privileges and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.

DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT (CHAPTER 76 S.5)

The Franklin Public School Department is committed to equal educational opportunity for all students and members of the school community without regard to age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, in all aspects of employment and education. The members of the school community include the School Committee, administration, staff, students and volunteers working in the schools while they work and study subject to school authorities.

The Franklin Public School Department is also committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. The Franklin School Department expects all members of the school community to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner with concern for the students.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

INTRODUCTION

It is the goal of the Franklin School Committee to promote a workplace that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of employees, students, and/or all other individuals conducting business in any Franklin Public School facility, occurring in the workplace or in the settings which employees may find themselves in connection with their employment is unlawful and will not be tolerated by this school district. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with any investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated.

Because the Franklin Public School takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously, the Superintendent or his/her designee will respond promptly to complaints of sexual harassment and where it is determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, he/she will act promptly to eliminate the conduct and impose such corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate.

DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

In Massachusetts, the legal definition for sexual harassment is this:

“sexual harassment” means sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,

and verbal or, physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

(a) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions;

or,

(b) such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work environment.

Under these definitions, direct or implied requests by a supervisor for sexual favors in exchange for actual or promised job benefits such as favorable reviews, salary increases, promotions, increased benefits, or continued employment constitutes sexual harassment.

The legal definition of sexual harassment is broad and in addition to the above examples, other sexual oriented conduct, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating a workplace environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to male or female workers may also constitute sexual harassment.

While it is not possible to list all those additional circumstances that may constitute sexual harassment, the following are some examples of conduct, which if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment depending upon the totality of the circumstances including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness:

- Unwelcome sexual advances – whether they involve physical touching or not;

- Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life; comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies or prowess;

- Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons;

- Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments;

- Inquiring into one’s sexual experiences; and

- Discussion of one’s sexual activities.

COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

If any employees, students, and/or individuals conducting business in any Franklin Public School facility believe that they have been subject to sexual harassment, they have the right to file a complaint with the school district. This may be done in writing or orally with the following personnel:

Assistant Superintendent of Schools, District Compliance Officer

Central Office, 355 East Central Street

Phone: 508-553-4819

Director of Human Resources

355 East Central Street

Phone: 508-553-4810

Building Principal and/or Department Director/Manager

SEXUAL HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION

When the complaint is received it will promptly be investigated in a fair and expeditious manner, usually not to exceed ten school days. The investigation will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. The investigation will include a private and confidential interview with the person filing the complaint and with the witnesses. The person alleged to have committed sexual harassment will also be interviewed. When the district has completed its investigation, it will, to the extent appropriate inform the person filing the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the conduct of the results of that investigation. A written record will be kept of each investigation and a written report will be issued to the Superintendent of Schools

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has been committed by an employee, the Superintendent or his/her designee will take such action as is appropriate under the circumstances. Such action may range from counseling to termination of employment, and may include such other forms of disciplinary action, as the Superintendent deems appropriate.

STATE AND FEDERAL REMEDIES

If sexual harassment has occurred, an individual may file a formal complaint with any of the following government agencies set forth below. Using the complaint process of the Franklin Public Schools does not prohibit an individual from filing a complaint with these agencies. Each of the agencies has a short time period of filing a claim (EEOC – 180 days; MCAD – 6 months).

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”)

1 Congress Street – 10^th Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02114 (617) 565-3200

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”)

Boston Office: Springfield Office:

One Ashburton Place, Room 601 424 Dwight Street, Room 220

Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Springfield, Massachusetts 01103

(617) 727-3990 (413) 739-2145

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

350 Main Street

Malden, MA 02148

781-388-3300

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights

222 J.W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse, 7^th Floor

Boston, MA 02109-4557

617-223-9662

LEGAL REFERENCES:

M.G.L. 151 B, Section 3A; 603 CMR 26.00

Title VII, Section 703, Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended (now known as 42 USCS § 2000e-2)

EEOC Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. (Title IX)

34 CFR Part 106

SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

ECDC Mission

ADMISSION TO SCHOOL

Age of Admission-Enrollment

Hand Washing Guidelines

Holiday or Birthday Celebrations and Invitations

Franklin Public Schools’ Health Department Nursing Procedure

SCHOOL SAFETY

Access to Student Records for Non-Custodial Parent’s