Family
Handbook
2011
– 2012
www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/parmenter
Telephone: (508) 541-5281
Fax: (508)
553-0894
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parmenter Families,
On behalf of the faculty and
staff, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the
We firmly believe that
children are more likely to experience success when school and families work
together as a community. Success for our
children is a collective responsibility.
By dictionary definition,
success is described as “the achievement of a desired object or end”. Success is achieved by hard work, time
commitment, and focusing our energy on mutually agreed upon goals.
At Parmenter, we invite you,
our parent community to work with us to provide an optimum environment for your
child to grow academically, physically, socially, emotionally and
artistically. Together we can guide the
children of today to acquire the skills necessary to become responsible,
well-education, compassionate and productive citizens.
As we foster this
collaborative relationship, communication between home and school is an
essential ingredient. This handbook is
one means of such communication. It
contains important information regarding practices, policies, rules, regulations
and services. Many of your questions
have been anticipated and are discussed in some detail; however, we are always
available to clarify concerns as they arise.
As part of our work together,
we ask that parents please take the time to read this handbook and discuss
pertinent information with your child.
This information combined with the weekly e-newsletter, classroom newsletters, and
additional notices, will keep you well abreast of school policies and events.
We encourage parents to
become involved in the school by participating in parent-teacher efforts such
as; Parmenter Parent Communication Council (PCC) meetings, committees and
functions, volunteering as a room parent, and attending scheduled
parent-teacher conferences. Please feel
free to visit the school and maintain dialogue with the teachers and myself
regarding the progress of your child.
Please contact the office
with any question you may have: 508-541-5281. Again, I welcome you to the
Parmenter School Community.
Sincerely,
Tom Morris
Principal
If you need to receive a
copy of this handbook translated in your spoken language, [your language here],
please contact the principal’s office.
Si usted necesita
recibir una copia de este manual en su lengua hablada, los espańoles, entran en
contacto con por favor la oficina
Se vocę precisa de
receber uma cópia deste manual em sua língua falada, os portuguęses, contatam
por favor o escritório do principal.
如果您需要接受这本手册的拷贝在您的讲话的语言的，汉语，请与校长的办公室联系。
Nếu
bạn cần phải nhận được một
bản sao của cuốn cẩm nang nŕy trong ngôn ngữ nói
của bạn, Việt
. यदिआपइसअपनेबोलीजानेवालीभाषा, हिंदी, मेंअनुवादकृपयाप्राचार्यके
कार्यालयसेसंपर्कपुस्तिकाकीएकप्रतिप्राप्तकरनेकीआवश्यकताहै.
.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Address and Telephone Numbers………………………………………………….. 10
Appropriate Dress………………………………………………………………….. 10
Chain of Authority…………………………………………………………………. 10
Hand Washing Guidelines ………………………………………………………… 10
Lost and Found…………………………………………………………………….. 11
Lost or Damaged…………………………………………………………………… 11
Lunch/Menus………………………………………………………………………. 11
Charges and Uncollected Debt – Food Service……………………………………. 12
Snacks……………………………………………………………………………… 12
No Smoking Policy………………………………………………………………… 12
Novelty Items and Toys……………………………………………………………. 12
Party Invitations……………………………………………………………………. 12
Parent Communication Council……………………………………………….…….13
Required Written Notes……………………………………………………………. 13
Room
Parents………………………………………………………………………. 13
School Council……………………………………………………………………... 13
Telephone Usage…………………………………………………………………… 13
Emergency Cards…………………………………………………………………... 13
Valuables…………………………………………………………………………… 14
THE SCHOOL DAY
Arrival/Tardiness/Dismissal……………………………………………………….. 14
Dismissal
Procedure……………………………………………………………….. 15
Unscheduled
Dismissal Procedure…………………………………………………. 15
Excused
Dismissal…………………………………………………………………. 15
Absentee Call-In Procedure…………………………………………………………15
Safe Arrival………………………………………………………………………… 16
Absences Due to Family Vacation (unexcused)…………………………………… 17
Entrance Age……………………………………………………………………..... 17
Request for Grade Acceleration Procedure……………………………………….. 18
Winter Guidelines/Emergency Dismissals …………………………………………19
TRANSPORTATION
Buses/Bus Pass Implementation Procedures………………………………………. 20
Pay to Ride………………………………………………………………………….21
Bike
Riders………………………………………………………………………….21
Crossing Guards……………………………………………………………………. 21
Parking……………………………………………………………………………...22
CURRICULUM
General Statement…………………………………………………………………. 22
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP)………………………………. 22
Report Cards/Conferences………………………………………………………… 22
English Language Learners………………………………………………………… 23
Homework………………………………………………………………………….. 23
Instructional Supports…………………………………………………………..…...24
Movies, Videos and DVDs………………………………………………………… 24
Newsletters………………………………………………………………………… 24
Physical Education Classes…………………………………………….…….…..….24
Religious Observances …………………………………………………….….….…24
Testing …………………………………………………………………….....……...24
DISCIPLINE.
Student Discipline Procedures……………………………………….….………..….25
School
Rules……………………………………………….……….…….….….…...25
Elementary
Bullying Prevention Plan……………………………….……..….....….26-31
Discipline
Policy……………………………………………………….……….…....32
Suspension from School…………………………………….….…….….…….….….32
Exclusion/Expulsion…………………………………………………….…….….…..33
Procedures for Disciplining Students with Disabilities………………….………...…33
Suspension of Students with Disabilities…………………………………….…..…...33
Special
Circumstances for Exclusion…………………………………………………34
Intervention/Physical Restraint…………………………………………….……........35
Early Childhood Addendum/Non-Violent Physical Crisis
Intervention….……..…...35
HEALTH SERVICES
Health Services…………………………………………….……………………..….36
School
Nurse…………………………………….…………………………….…......36
Head
Injuries and Concussion in Extracurricular Activities………………………...37
Educational
Services in the Home or Hospital……………………………….….…..37
Accidents/Illness
at School…………………………………………………….….…38
Communicable Diseases……………………………………………………….….…38
Health Department Procedure/Nursing Procedure……………………………….….39
Illness at School……………………………………………………………….….….39
Immunizations………………………………………………………………….….…39
Insurance……………………………………………………………………….….…40
Medications…………………………………………………………………….….…40
Physical
Examinations……………………………………………………….…..…..41
Pediculosis…………………………………………………………………….….….41
Postural Screening…………………………………………………………….….….42
Screenings…………………………………………………………………….…..….42
Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in the
Educational Environment…..…..42
Food Allergies…………………………………………………………………….…43-45
Child Abuse……………………………………………………………………..…...45
Recess…………………………………………………………………………..……46
School
Safety…………………………………………………………………..……46
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act………………………………….….….47
Emergency Evacuations and Lockdowns………………………………….…….….47
Fire Drills………………………………………………………..…………….….…47
Communication Sent to Non-Custodial Parents………………………………….…47
Community Resource Officers……………………………………………….….…..48
Photo Release…………………………………………………………………….….…48
Visitors to the School…………………………………………………………………..48
Attendance
at School Events…………………………………………………………..49
School Volunteers……………………………………………………………………..50
SPECIAL EDUCATION and PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
Special Education Program………………………………………………………...…..50
Educational Services to Students Identified as Homeless………………………...……51
Home Schooling………………………………………………………………………..52
Section 504……………………………………………………………………….….…53
Student Records-Summary of Regulations Pertaining to
Student Records…………….54
Access to Student Records for Non-Custodial Parents………………………..….……55
TECHNOLOGY
Acceptable Use for Students………………………………………….………….….…56
Acceptable Use Student Agreement for Grades K-5………………………………..…57
ADDITIONAL DISTRICT POLICIES
Complaint and Grievance Policy and Procedure……………………………………….58
Hate Crimes………………....………………………………………………………….59
Discrimination – Harassment…………………………………………………………..59
Sexual Harassment……………………………………………………………………..60-61
Drug and Alcohol Policy…………………………………………………………….…62
Liaisons/Complaint Officers…………………………………………………………...63
Memorandum of Understanding………………………………….……………………64-65
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Important Telephone Numbers…………………………………………………………66
ADMINISTRATION
Jeffrey
N. Roy, Chair
Paula
Mullen, Vice-Chair
Ed
Cafasso
Cynthia
Douglas
William
Glynn
Susan
Rohrbach
Roberta
Trahan
SUPERINTENDENT’S
OFFICE
Mrs. Maureen Sabolinski
(508)541-5243
PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
Tom Morris
(508) 541-5281
OTHER RELEVANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Mrs. Lois Welch, Secretary,
(508) 541-5281
Mrs. Susan King, Nurse,
(508) 541-5280-Ext. 2242
Staff Voice Mail – (508) 541-5280
Attendance Line – (508) 541-
5281 – press 1
Internet Email
Address: www.franklin.k12.ma.us/parmenter
The
Ř develop into self-confident,
independent, responsible, and compassionate individuals.
Ř respect other points of view and
appreciate differences.
Ř become self-motivated learners who strive
to attain high levels of achievement.
Ř work individually and cooperatively
to solve problems creatively and communicate effectively.
Ř
reach out to the
global community to broaden their learning experiences.
GERALD M. PARMENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS GOALS
Ř
accept social and academic responsibility for their
actions.
Ř
respect integrity, hard work, diversity and the
rights, opinions, and feelings of others.
Ř
apply appropriate problem-solving skills in academic
areas and social situations.
Ř
communicate effectively when speaking and writing.
Ř
listen with understanding and empathy.
Ř
read for understanding and enjoyment.
Ř
use mathematical skills as a practical life tool.
Ř
develop skills based on the scientific method and a
hands-on approach.
Ř
learn about people and their cultures.
Ř
develop skills and attitudes that promote physical and
mental health.
Ř
develop an appreciation of the arts.
Ř
use technology and other media appropriately as tools
to gain knowledge and enhance understanding of other curricular areas.
— Vision Statement –
The
— Mission Statement –
The
— 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.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
ADDRESS and TELEPHONE 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.
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. Shoes and footwear such as flip-flops and open back beach shoes are
also not permitted as they pose a safety risk at recess and in the event of
an emergency. 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.
Wheelies/heelys
- No matter what you call them, this
shoe “skates” are not permitted on school property or in the building.
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.
HANDWASHING 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 your child, teacher’s name, the amount of money and purpose. A Lost
and Found area is located near the front office. Parents and students should
regularly check for items that have been lost. Students should not bring
any items of monetary or personal value to school unless the teacher has
requested it. It is very difficult to
properly monitor the security of such valuables. Items that can be potentially
dangerous should not be brought to school; e.g. hard baseball bats, toy
weapons, hockey sticks, etc.
LOST
OR DAMAGED SCHOOL PROPERTY
The
LUNCH
Each child has the daily
option of purchasing a regular lunch, which includes milk for $2.00 or bringing
a bag lunch from home (please consult the monthly menu). Milk may be purchased separately for 50 cents. Payment of meal tickets, in advance, is
possible and, in fact, encouraged. We
now have a computer program which can track students’ payments and purchases as
well as keep track of food allergies.
Meals can be purchased in advance for any length of time. Please call (508) 541-5280 x2239 for more
information. If a child has forgotten
his/her lunch money, s/he may charge his/her lunch by signing a charge slip in
the cafeteria. There will be no hot
lunch served after the third unpaid charge.
Students will only be able to charge sandwiches.
MENUS
Monthly menus will be sent home at the beginning of
each month and are on the
Public Schools website at www.franklin.k12.ma.us.
Parents are encouraged to
pre-pay their student’s lunch. This can be done by sending a check in with
the student, payable to “Franklin School Lunch Program,” for as many lunches as
the parent chooses. For example, if a
parent wants to pre-pay for 15 lunches for an elementary student, the check
would be for $30.00. Students do not have to purchase lunch
every day to use the pre-paid system.
Our computer point-of-sale program will track how many lunches have been
used and how many remain. Extras such as
a second lunch, ice cream or cookies can also be paid for in advance. The cafeteria will notify students shortly
before their payments are used up, so that the parent or guardian can send in
another check.
For eligible families, free lunch or lunch at a
reduced cost is available upon completion of necessary documents. Until forms have been completed, there is a brief
grace period for those who have previously received free or reduced lunch. Forms
must be completed annually.
CHARGES AND UNCOLLECTED DEBT – FOOD SERVICE
Based on guidance issued by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the district recognizes that the school
food service account cannot be used to cover the cost of charged meals that
have not been paid.
Students at the High School
and Middle School levels are not permitted to charge a lunch. Elementary students are permitted to charge
up to three meals. Charges are tracked
through the electronic Point of Sale program used by the
Students who have reached the
charging limit will be provided with an “emergency meal”. Under no circumstances will students be
denied food because they lack the funds to pay.
Choices of “emergency meals” include cheese or peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches with a piece of fruit and a choice of milk.
Students provided with an emergency meal will have the cost of the meal added to their balance and parents/guardians will be notified of such balances on a monthly basis. Reimbursable meals served shall be claimed based on the eligibility status of the student. The foodservice department will make every effort to collect unpaid balances and will contact the parents/guardians to identify any extenuating circumstances that might exist within the household. Thereafter, the foodservice department will track negative balances and report such balances to the School Business Administrator prior to the close of the school year (June 30th). The School Business Administrator shall cause a journal entry to be made to charge the uncollected debt to the School budget appropriation.
SNACKS
Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack each day and we do not share snacks. Some snack suggestions are: applesauce, bagels,
vegetables, fruit, pretzels, granola bars, yogurt, crackers and cheese.
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.
NOVELTY ITEMS AND TOYS
Special toys and items of value
should not be brought into school unless special arrangements have been made
with your child’s teacher. The
We ask that
all cell phones, tape players and other electronic gadgets be kept at home.
PARTY
INVITATIONS
Invitations may
not be handed out at school unless the entire class is invited.
GERALD M. PARMENTER PARENT COMMUNICATION COUNCIL
The P.C.C. is a parent volunteer organization that supports the school by organizing volunteers for various programs and by providing financial assistance through fundraising for Cultural and Enrichment Programs, field trips and other items not available through school funds. As the parent/guardian of a Gerald M. Parmenter student, you are automatically a member of the P.C.C. No registration or payment of dues is required. Meetings are held on a monthly basis as determined by the board. Minutes of meetings are sent home with students, as well as newsletters announcing meeting dates, special events and other P.C.C. news.
REQUIRED
WRITTEN NOTES
If your child is late or
absent; when your child is to be dismissed before the end of the day;
for alternate transportation
after school; excused from Physical Education or recess
ROOM
PARENTS
Each classroom has at least one
room parent, which is designated at the beginning of the school year. Responsibilities of the room parent(s)
include getting volunteers to come into the classroom to assist with
projects/celebrations and for parents to bring in materials. Room parents will be given a list of students
and one phone contact in case of an emergency in the event that Connect-Ed is
not available.
SCHOOL
COUNCIL
School councils have been
formed in the
TELEPHONE
USAGE
Students need to develop responsibility to remember to
bring all items needed to school. Unless
there is an emergency, the students should not use the telephone to call
parents to bring in homework, sneakers, etc.
Students will not be permitted to
use cell phones during the school day.
EMERGENCY
CARDS
Please complete and return two copies of the emergency
card, which your child will bring home. KEEP THIS UPDATED IF ANY CHANGES OCCUR
DURING THE YEAR. Please provide the school with any relevant COURT
DOCUMENTS concerning custody, visiting privileges, etc.
Important: We will not dismiss students to anyone
unless we have authorization directly from the parent/guardian or the adult is
listed on the emergency card.
VALUABLES
Occasionally, children bring to
school valuable personal property such as collections and instruments. The school personnel will make every attempt
to exert reasonable care for such items, but are not responsible for loss or
damage. Therefore, we do not recommend
that children be permitted to bring expensive or irreplaceable items to school.
The school is not responsible for personal items that may become lost or
damaged. Additionally, please do not allow your child to bring large sums of
money to school, as the school personnel cannot be responsible for loss of cash.
THE SCHOOL DAY
Arrival
School
starts at 8:30 a.m. Please do NOT send your child/ren to
school before 8:15 a.m. as there is
no supervision before that time.
Students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. should report to the office, and
they will be marked tardy. Students
who are late need to bring in a note. It is important that your
child/ren arrive at school on time. Parents
are asked to leave the students in the foyer of the school and not bring them
to their classrooms. The teachers have
various morning activities that need to be completed before the final morning
bell.
School Hours– 8:30 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.
Tardiness
Students arriving after the
commencement of the school day are considered TARDY. Tardiness will be noted on report cards. Students arriving late need to sign in at the
office. Although we realize that
emergencies occur on occasion, we expect
students to arrive to school on time.
Dismissal
All students will be dismissed beginning at 2:40 each day. Parents/Guardians must notify the school in
writing if their child is to go elsewhere other than home. If your child attends a regularly
scheduled program, such as Scouts or Brownies, please send in a note each
time to avoid confusion and ensure the safe arrival of your child to his or
her after school destination. Calling
the school to change your child’s dismissal may result in someone not getting
the message in a timely manner.
It would be a good idea to have
an alternate plan in case you are not able to meet the bus or will not be
home. It is the parents’ responsibility
to have this plan with your child. The bus driver is not responsible for the
safety of your child once he/she is off the bus. As the buses are now filled to capacity,
children will only be allowed to ride on their regular assigned bus.
DISMISSAL
PROCEDURE
Wachusett and King Street
Wachusett and King Street Walkers will be dismissed at
the cafetorium and gymnasium doors after all buses have departed. Staff will accompany walkers to Wachusett and
Buses and Vans
All
buses and vans will be dismissed as they arrive from 2:40 on, and students will
board their respective buses.
Kindergarten and first graders will be the first to board the bus.
Loopers
The
crossing guard will direct vehicles into the loop. Teachers will help escort students to their
cars.
Solutions
Students attending the
Solution Program will be dismissed to Solutions’ Personnel.
PARMENTER UNSCHEDULED
DISMISSAL PROCEDURE
Parents
must use their own discretion deciding whether or not to send children to
school during inclement weather. In the
event of a school-wide early dismissal at
EXCUSED DISMISSAL
Please try to schedule
appointments after school hours. In the
event that you have to dismiss your child, send a note to your child’s teacher
including the day, time, and who will pick up your child. In cases where we are not familiar with the
adult, identification will be required.
No child will be released without an adult escort.
ABSENTEE CALL-IN
PROCEDURE (508 541-5280
- press 1)
Provide the following
information when calling school
personnel when your child is absent from school
- Student’s name
- Classroom number or teacher’s name
- Date(s) of absences
Do NOT leave the following information on the absence line:
- Confidential medical information-please speak to
the nurse directly
- Requests for homework
- Messages for classroom teacher or for Solutions Personnel
You will
receive an automated message via Connect-Ed if your child is not in school and
you have not called in to report the absence.
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
ATTENDANCE
The
Safe Arrival
If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please call the school to let us know. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you sent your child in and he/she did not arrive. We will then contact you via Connect-Ed to verify that he/she is home sick and not lost on the way to school. The school has an absent hot line (508-541-5280 – press 1) to report all absences.
Please send a note when your child returns to school after being absent, with the dates and the reasons for the absences. Please do not request that your child stay inside due to cold, illnesses, etc. If your child is too ill to go outside, he/she most likely should not be in school.
If a student is out of school
due to illness, the parent may make arrangements through the
Principal’s office to obtain
work assignments for missed work. The
parent will be responsible for retrieving this material at the close of the
school day and will be responsible for overseeing their son’s/daughter’s
completion of the assignment(s). If a
student is to be absent for an extended period of time due to illness, fourteen
(14) or more consecutive days, the family may be eligible to receive home
tutorial services.
Sometimes families plan
vacations that occur during regularly scheduled school time. The Franklin Public School Department does not
encourage or condone such action.
Instead, the schools uphold Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 75,
Sections 1 through 47 entitled "School Attendance." This section of the General Law requires
parents to "cause" their children to regularly attend school. Individuals who induce a student absenteeism
are liable for fines up to $200.00.
With this in mind, we
reaffirm the position that parents are responsible for their child/children to
attend school every day that classes are in session. The practice of the School Department is not
to provide advance and/or make up work when a student is absent from school due
to vacation/travel. Students who are
absent at the time when state or national standardized tests are administered
will be allowed to make up missed tests only to the extent that scheduled make
up time is available.
Absences Due to Family Vacation (unexcused)
A
child who is absent from school due to a family vacation taken during the
school year is of particular concern. It
is important for children to receive continuous instruction. Every day missed
sets a child back and creates added pressure on the child and on the
school. The school calendar is published
in advance of the school year to help parents plan family trips so they
coincide with school vacations. Parents
are urged to comply with the school calendar.
Since assignments are based upon material which has been previously
taught, work must be made up after a child returns. Parental cooperation in this matter is
greatly appreciated. Extended family
vacations are considered unexcused absences.
Please remember students who are absent at the time when state or
national standardized tests are administered will be allowed to make up missed
tests to the extent that scheduled make
up time is available.
ENTRANCE AGE
The policy for admission to kindergarten and first grade
has been developed so that all children will be successful as they enter
school. For the purpose of this policy, the school year is defined as beginning
July 1st and ending the following June 30th in accordance
with Department of Education regulations.
The Franklin School Committee establishes the age of
admission to elementary school at five (5).
Pupils shall be five years of age on or before August 31 of the same
year to enter kindergarten and shall be six years of age on or before August 31
of the year the student enters first grade.
Kindergarten Enrollment
Students who have completed a full- year of full -day
NAEYC accredited kindergarten with another public school district will be
eligible to enter grade one. However the
A parent may petition the Superintendent to assess the
child for grade acceleration if:
The family moved to
the child attended a full day NAEYC accredited public
school program or an NAEYC full day independent private kindergarten program
for 90 school days or more.
Or
If a parent residing in
If the child is not deemed an appropriate candidate for
grade acceleration, he/she may be placed in kindergarten for an additional
year.
For the purpose of this policy, a student is a resident
of
LEGAL REFS. M.G.L.
76:6
CROSS REF.: JHD,
Denial of Admission from School Attendance
JEA:
Exhibit
Request
for Grade Acceleration/Procedure
- Parent/Guardian
makes formal request to the Superintendent of Schools/designee
- Superintendent
refers to the Assessment Team
- Assessment
Team meets with Parents
- Assessment
Procedure
Team
conducts a Cognitive/IQ Assessment
If initial cognitive assessment
reveals the students’ IQ is in the range of 115-130 the team will complete full
assessment.
If the cognitive assessment
reveals the students’ IQ is below 115 further assessment will not be
recommended and the age appropriate placement will be implemented.
- Full
Assessment
For students recommended to
participate in a full assessment the areas of assessment will include:
1. Developmental Assessment/School
History
2. Parent Interview
3. Student Observation in
Educational Setting
4. Evaluation of Student Ability,
Aptitude and Achievement
5. Evaluation of Social Skills
- Decision
Making Process
The
team will review all data and a decision will be made
Decision will be
shared with parent
All
decisions are final
- Transition
Assessment Team and School
Personnel will collaborate with parents and student to transition student into
recommended school program.
WINTER GUIDELINES/EMERGENCY DISMISSALS
School Closing and Emergency Busing - In the event that weather conditions require
changes in normal school operations, these changes will be disseminated as soon
as possible through Connect-Ed, our automated telephone message system, as well
as the Parmenter List Serv and 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).
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 and
television as early as possible.
2. Delay
in School Starting Time:
Depending on the severity and timing
of winter storms,
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 pre-school classes will be canceled. If possible, we will be putting on sufficient
buses so that all students will have bus transportation home, consistent with
our emergency-busing plan.
We recognize that an unscheduled early dismissal may
create some hardships on parents, particularly working parents. Therefore, we
will only approve unscheduled early dismissals when early dismissal is
warranted for safety concerns. While it remains the parents’
responsibility to make provisions for the supervision of children in the event
that those students are dismissed early from Franklin schools, we would
like to make the following suggestions:
a. Establish a procedure with your
children in the event you are not home.
(Example: They are to go to a neighbor’s house, etc.)
b. Be sure that your children know their
address and phone number.
c.
Children should
know where at least one parent could be contacted.
d.
Always update
your Emergency Information Card. If you wish to add additional names to the
emergency card, please notify the office in writing. The school will only release students to
those designated on their emergency cards or other emergency related material.
In the event that there is a
situation involving an individual Franklin street that constitutes, in the
parent’s opinion, an extreme safety hazard, parents have the right to exercise
their own discretion and keep their children home even though school is in
session. The Superintendent’s office should be notified of this limited safety
hazard and the School Department will work with other town departments to
ensure that this is corrected as soon as possible so that the children will not
be kept home unnecessarily. If parents
decide to keep their children home for a safety reason, the students will be
marked absent and expected to make up work and do whatever is normally required
for an authorized student absence.
Parents need to use their discretion in deciding
whether or not to send their child to school during inclement weather
conditions.
Our intent is not to send children home early;
however, if you have concerns, you can dismiss your child before the regularly
scheduled time.
TRANSPORTATION
The Franklin School Committee revised the
transportation policy during the 2002-2003 school year. An overview of the policy
is listed below:
- All students in grades
K-6 who reside more than 2.0 miles from their assigned school will
be bused at no charge to the student.
- Students in grades 7
through 12 are not eligible for free bus transportation.
3. Students in grades kindergarten through 12
who do not qualify for bus transportation under the provisions detailed above,
may access pay to ride seats for a fee.
There is a cap for family members living in the same household. There is
a provision for free and/or reduced transportation fees for parents who meet
federal income guidelines. This provision is explained in greater detail on the
pay to ride application.
BUSES
Bus passes are issued to each student who is eligible to
ride. Students are expected to have their bus pass each day and to make sure
that it is visible to the bus driver. In the event that a child forgets a bus
pass in the morning that child will be given one day’s grace. If that child
does not have a pass the next day, he/she may not be allowed to board the bus.
In the event that a child loses a pass, there are temporary
bus passes in the principal’s office. The child may use that pass until a
replacement bus pass is issued. There is a $5.00 charge for replacement
bus passes.
Buses are filled to capacity. Therefore, students may only ride on their assigned bus. Bus company regulations do not permit switching of buses at any time. We will accommodate permanent childcare arrangements.
If you are helping your child board the bus, PLEASE WAIT FOR THE BUS DRIVER TO DIRECT THE CHILD TO CROSS THE STREET. If the parent is not there or can’t clearly see down the street, it is important for the pupil to rely on the bus driver for help when crossing the street. THE BUS DRIVER HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF HAVING THE BEST VIEW ALL AROUND THE BUS DUE TO MIRRORS AND THE HEIGHT OF THE BUS. Let the bus driver make the decisions.
Parents/Guardians and teachers should review bus safety procedures with their children.
¨ Hands and feet are to be kept to yourself. No hands out the window or feet in the aisle.
¨ Sit down and face front. Do not stand until the bus reaches your stop.
¨ Behavior at the bus stop should be the same as expected at school.
¨ Kindergarten students should be seated at the front of the bus.
Bus disciplinary slips will be issued to children causing a disruption on the bus. Bus privileges can be revoked for continued disruptions.
The Pay to Ride application is available at the
school office or at Central Office. Seats will be sold on a space available
basis only beginning September, 2011
which is after the start of the school year. All pay to ride students will be
issued a bus pass identifying them as eligible to ride to and from school.
Questions regarding this program may be directed to Denise Johnson,
Transportation Coordinator at (508) 553-4815.
BIKE RIDERS
Bike Riders
1.
Only
“walkers” are allowed to ride bikes to school.
2.
For
safety reasons, students whose ride home would take them on
3.
Only
students in grades three, four and five will be permitted to ride bikes
to school.
Review
bicycle safety with your child. Bicycle
riders may ride to and from the school with the written permission of parents
and the Principal. All bike riders must wear a helmet.
All bike riders must:
¨ ride the bike with the flow of traffic
¨ wear a helmet
¨ make sure the bike is safe and has good working brakes
¨ walk the bike across the street
Scooters and skateboards are not allowed on school property.
CROSSING GUARDS
Please remind children to
cross with the crossing guards. In the
Parmenter district we have crossing guards assigned to
PARKING
When parking on
The driveway loop is one-way and reserved ONLY for buses and overflow teacher parking during arrival and dismissal. Parent parking is allowed in the loop between the hours of
9:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Parents picking up students will be directed to enter the bus loop by
either the Principal or the Crossing Guard.
There are teachers on duty before and after school to cross the children
on the school driveway. There are also
crossing guards located on
CURRICULUM
GENERAL STATEMENT
The goal of the elementary schools is to provide all
students with equal opportunities to grow to their maximum potential
academically and socially. While each
elementary school in
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
v District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP)
·
As part of the
Principal's role as instructional leader, the administrator must annually
consult with the School Improvement Council to develop a menu of instructional
supports to meet the needs of learners
·
These
instructional supports are articulated in a building based Curriculum
Accommodation Plan (CAP) that is required by MGL c. 71-38Q effective January
2001
·
The Curriculum
Accommodation Plan must be updated annually and the supports must be
implemented as part of the regular education program.
REPORT
CARDS/CONFERENCES
Report cards are issued three times a year in grades K-5. They will be issued in December March, and the last day of school in June. Teachers will hold parent conferences in December after the first report card is issued and again, if necessary, in March.
Please look at your child’s report card as a measure of current academic and social skills. Notice and point out the good and the positive, emphasize what your child is doing right and build on that to improve what needs improving.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
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 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
HOMEWORK POLICY
The homework policy is designed to help students develop work-study habits and to take on new responsibilities at home. As students progress through the grades, they are expected to complete homework assignments more independently.
Grade 1: Weekly spelling, math homelinks and reading log
Goal – Parent involvement and child responsibility
Grade 2: Weekly reading/math log – spelling and math homelinks
Special assignments when required
Goal
– Develop a homework area and routine. Promote more responsibility outside of
school
Grade 3: Monday – Thursday – 30 minutes of math/ELA
15 minutes of reading each night
Special assignments as needed
Grade 4: Assignment notebook format (approximately 45 minutes daily for four nights plus book report and special assignments as needed)
Grade 5: Assignment notebook format (60 minutes daily four nights a week-sometimes on
weekends) Special projects will be assigned as needed. Math/Language assignments are given almost every night and Science and Social Studies are given less frequently.
GOAL OF HOMEWORK IN GRADES 3, 4, AND 5 – Individual accountability.
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORTS
Each building will have an
Instructional Support Team (IST) to provide a resource to teachers who express
a concern about a child's difficulty in mastering the general education
curriculum. The team may suggest
adjustments and strategies to enable the teacher to work with a student in a
more effective manner. The team may
consist of the following personnel: School Psychologist, regular education
teachers, Principal, Head-Teacher, related service providers and/or
speech/language pathologists.
MOVIES ~ VIDEOS ~ DVDs
At times teachers will use
videos or movies to supplement the curriculum. Video tapes are one of the many
learning tools used for curriculum reinforcement. Use of this media is consistent with
developmental educational theory where children learn best through multisensory
exposure to information. When using
media, the school will adhere to the following guidelines:
- Parents will be informed prior to the showing if
the movie is rated PG.
- PG-13 or R rated movies will not be shown.
- The video will be part of the lesson and reflect
sound social/emotional and educational objectives.
- All videos will be previewed by staff before
they’re shown.
NEWSLETTERS
An e-newsletter with
important information and dates will be sent home each Friday afternoon. Classroom
newsletters will be sent home by the teachers on a weekly or monthly basis.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES
All
elementary school pupils are required to attend physical education
classes. A child may be excused from
participation only with a note from a physician. This note must inform the school of the
nature of the problem and the date on which the doctor anticipates that the
child will be able to return to physical education class.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Students may be granted excused absences when the
school’s schedule conflicts with religious holidays. A student may be required to submit written
notification.
A student should not suffer adverse or prejudicial
consequences from an excused absence; should be allowed a reasonable
opportunity to make up school work missed due to the absence; and will not be
subject to penalty scholastically or to attendance records due to absences
incurred due to religious observances. A
sincere attempt will be made to avoid scheduling assemblies, tests and other
special school events on religious holidays.
TESTING
In addition to teacher made
test and informal assignments, students participate in the Massachusetts
Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS). Third,
fourth and fifth graders will take the MCAS. Town-wide results of
these tests will be published and parents will receive individual results. The
English Language Arts tests are administered to students in grades three, four
and five in late March or early April.
The Math tests are administered in mid-May. The fifth grade also takes a Science test in
May. Parents/Guardians will be notified
of specific dates for each test.
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
PROCEDURES
To
ensure a good social and educational climate, it is important that each student
understands that acceptable standards of behavior will be expected at all
times. Discipline will be administered
when any individual’s actions interfere with the right of a teacher to teach
and the right of a student to learn.
The School Rules listed below are posted throughout the building.
BE RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE
BE A GOOD LISTENER
NO BULLYING! NO TEASING! NO NAME CALLING!
RESPECT THE RIGHTS AND
PROPERTY OF OTHERS
PLAY FAIR – BE A GOOD SPORT
WALK SAFELY AND QUIETLY
TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU
WANT TO BE TREATED
SPEAK AND ACT APPROPRIATELY
IN SCHOOL
Elementary
Bullying Prevention Plan
In accordance with the
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010,
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
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://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/bullies.html
http://www.tolerance.org/print/magazine/number-10-fall-1996/bully-trap
DISCIPLINE POLICY
It is important
for our students and our staff that a pleasant, orderly and safe environment
exists at the
Teachers will have the rules
and consequences posted in their classrooms.
They will explain the rules and consequences to their students. If a student is sent to the office for
infractions, we may take one or more of the following actions:
1.
Hold a discussion
with the students and/or teacher
2.
Request the
teacher to contact parent/guardian by telephone or letter
3.
Require a written
assignment from the student
4.
Personally
contract the parent/guardian by phone or in writing
5.
Hold an in-school
conference with the parent/guardian, teacher and student
6.
Require that the
student be suspended in school
7.
Require that the
student be suspended from school
8.
Other
The following are examples of
student behavior that violate school policy when they occur at school or during
school activities. A student may face
discipline for any of the following:
1.
Possession,
transmission and/or use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol
2.
Insolence,
disrespect or insubordination
3.
Use of
inappropriate language
4.
Fighting
5.
Rowdy Behavior –
such as pushing or shoving
6.
Leaving the
classroom, school activity or premises without permission
7.
Vandalizing,
damaging or stealing school property
8.
Threatening,
bullying or causing bodily harm to another
9.
Bringing a
dangerous item to school (knives or facsimiles)
10. Any behavior on the school bus that endangers the
safety of another. If a student has
received three written bus warning slips, that child may be suspended from the
bus for three days.
SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL
While suspension from school is rarely used, in
extreme cases it might be necessary when disciplining a student. Students are only suspended as a last
resort. Parents/guardians will be
contacted when the situation requires parental involvement. At the Principal’s discretion a student may
be assigned to either an in-school or out-of-school suspension. If a student is suspended out-of school,
parents will receive written notification and be required to have a conference
with the Principal before the student may re-enter school.
EXCLUSION/EXPULSION
The exclusion or expulsion of a student from school
will be in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 71, Section 37H. The grounds for exclusion/expulsion include,
but are not limited to, the following:
a. “Any
student who is found on school premises or at school sponsored or school
related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon,
including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or anything in the commission
of assault and battery; or controlled substances as defined in chapter 94C,
including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, heroin, maybe subject to
expulsion from the school district by the Principal.
b. Any
student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s aide
or other educational staff on school premises or at school sponsored or school
related events, including athletic games may be subject to expulsion from the
school district by the Principal.
c. Any
student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be
notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that
the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present
evidence with witnesses at said hearing before the Principal. After said hearing a Principal may, in
his/her discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been
determined by the Principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b).
d. Any
student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these
provisions shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from
the date of expulsion in which to notify the Superintendent of his/her appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a
hearing before the Superintendent. The
subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited to a factual determination of
whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.
e. When a
student is expelled under the provisions of this section and applies for admission
to another school for acceptance, the superintendent of the sending school
shall notify the superintendent of the receiving school of the reason for the
pupil’s expulsion.”
PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINING STUDENTS WITH
DISABILITIES
In general, all students are expected to meet the
requirements for behavior as set forth in the student handbook and the school’s
code of conduct. In accordance with
Chapter 71B of the Massachusetts General Laws and with federal law IDEA 2004:
Section 615(k), and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: 29
U.S.C. Section 794 (A), the school may suspend or remove your child from his or
her current placement for no more than 10 school days. Special provisions are
outlined below for students with a documented disability who have an
Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Suspension of Students with
Disabilities
Procedures for
suspension(s) not exceeding 10 school days:
- Any student with a
disability may be suspended for up to ten (10) days during a school
year. Disciplinary decisions are
the same as for students without disabilities.
- Special circumstances
exist if your child: possesses, uses, sells or solicits illegal drugs on
school grounds or at a school-sponsored event; carries a weapon to school
or a school-sponsored event; or inflicts serious bodily harm upon another
person at school or a school-sponsored event. Under these circumstances, the principal
may place your child in an interim alternate educational setting (IAES)
for up to 45 school days. Your
child may remain in this IAES for a period of time not to exceed 45 school
days. Thereafter, your child will
return to the previously agreed-upon placement unless a hearing officer
has ordered another placement, or you and the school agree to another
placement.
- Procedures for suspension of students with a
disability when suspension exceeds 10 school days.
- If your child is
suspended for more than 10 school days in a school year, this removal is
considered a “change of placement”.
A change of placement invokes certain procedural protections under
federal special education law and Section 504.
- Prior to any removal
that constitutes a change of placement, the school will convene a Team
meeting to develop a plan for conducting a functional behavioral
assessment (FBA) that will be used as the basis for developing specific
strategies to address your child’s problematic behavior.
- Prior to any removal
that constitutes a change in placement, the school must inform you that
the law requires the school district consider whether or not the behavior
that forms the basis of the disciplinary action is related to your child’s
disability. This consideration is
called a “manifestation determination”.
Parents have a right to participate in this process. All relevant information will be
considered including the IEP or Section 504 Plan, teacher observations,
and evaluations reports.
- At a manifestation
determination meeting, the Team will consider:
>Did the student’s disability cause or have a direct and substantial relationship to the conduct in question?
>Was the conduct a direct result of
the district’s failure to implement the IEP?
- If the manifestation
determination decision is that the disciplinary action was related
to the disability, then your child may not be removed from the current
educational placement (unless under the special circumstances). The Team will review the IEP or Section
504 Plan and any behavioral intervention plans.
- If the manifestation
determination decision is that the disciplinary action was not related
to the disability, then the school may suspend or otherwise discipline
your child according the school’s code of conduct. For students with IEPs, during the
period of time of removal from school that exceeds 10 school days, the
school district must provide educational services that allow your child to
continue to make educational progress.
For students with Section 504 Plans, there is no automatic right to
receive educational services beyond the 10th school day of
suspension.
SPECIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES FOR EXCLUSION
- Special circumstances
exist if your child: possesses, uses, sells or solicits illegal drugs on
school grounds or at a school-sponsored event; carries a weapon to school
or a school-sponsored event; or inflicts serious bodily harm upon another
person at school or a school-sponsored event. Under these circumstances, the principal
may place your child in an interim alternate educational setting (IAES)
for up to 45 school days. Your
child may remain in this IAES for a period of time not to exceed 45 school
days. Thereafter, your child will
return to the previously agreed-upon placement unless a hearing officer
has ordered another placement, or you and the school agree to another
placement. For students with
Section 504 Plans, there is no automatic right to receive educational
services beyond the 10th school day of suspension.
School personnel will provide Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards
(Special Education) or Notice of Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504
for students with disabilities prior to any suspension exceeding 10 school days
in one school year. These notices will
provide an explanation of the process should there be disagreement regarding
the manifestation determination or any placement decision. Parent, guardian and/or student may petition
Bureau of Special Education Appeals for a hearing or the Office of Civil Rights
(Section 504). Until issues are
resolved, the student remains in his or her current placement.
NON-VIOLENT PHYSICAL CRISIS
INTERVENTION/PHYSICAL
RESTRAINT
All schools and programs
within the
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".
Schools, Child, Family and Community
SCHOOLS
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
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.
.
HEALTH SERVICES
SCHOOL
NURSE
The
school nurse is available for parents and children on a daily basis. All children will be screened during the year
for vision and hearing. You will receive
notification if there is a concern.
Starting in the fifth grade, the nurse will check each child for
scoliosis. In addition, each child’s
head may be checked, if necessary, for head lice. Parent/Guardians will be notified if their
child appears to have a problem with pediculosis (lice). Recommendations for treatment will be
provided. Because of the incidents of pediculosis (lice) and for other hygiene
concerns, the wearing of hats in school is generally not permitted.
HEAD INJURIES AND CONCUSSION IN
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
It is the policy of the
School Committee to comply with the requirements of MGL 111 Section 222 and all
other applicable laws and regulations.
Consistent with these requirements, the following rules will apply:
At or before the start of
each sport, club or band season, all students who plan to participate in
extracurricular activities shall complete and submit to the coach, athletic
director or band director a current permission form, athletic physical
examination form and a signed MIAA form.
The physical examination form must include a comprehensive medical
history with up-to-date information relative to concussion history, any head,
face or cervical spine history and any history of co-existent concussive
injuries. Any student with a history of
concussive, head, face or cervical spine injury must provide a current medical
clearance and authorization signed by the treating physician to compete in the
extracurricular or athletic activity
Any student, who during a
practice or competition sustains a head injury or suspected concussion, or
exhibits signs and symptoms of a concussion, shall be removed from the practice
or competition immediately and may not return to the practice or competition
that day.
The student shall not return
to play unless and until the student provides medical clearance by his/her
treating physician that he is symptom-free and medically able to participate in
the activity. The District may seek
parental permission to speak with the physician in order to clarify the
student’s medical condition and to gather additional information. The District reserves the right to determine
that a student may not safely participate in an athletic activity.
LEGAL REFERENCE: MGL 111 Section 222; 105 CMR 201.000
Adopted by School Committee
7/12/11
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE HOME OR
HOSPITAL
It is the policy of the
School Committee to comply with the requirements of state regulations regarding
the obligation of the Franklin Public Schools to provide educational services to
a student who is confined to the home or hospital for medical reasons for a
period of not less than fourteen school days in a school year. The intent of the regulation is to provide
students receiving a publicly-funded education with the opportunity to make
educational progress even when a physician determines that the student is
physically unable to attend school.
Home/hospital educational services are not intended to replicate the
total school experience. The number of
tutoring hours provided to the student will be based upon the Districts
recommendations of what is required to minimize educational loss and taking
into account the medical needs of the student.
The District determines if credit will be awarded for work completed
during tutoring.
If a chronic or acute medical
condition that is not temporary in nature appears likely to adversely impact a
student’s educational progress, the Building Principal and/or his or her
designee will initiate a referral to determine eligibility for special education
services.
The District requires
students who seek home/hospital instruction to provide the Building Principal
with a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Physician’s Statement
form (form 23R/3) that is completed and signed by the Student’s attending
physician. The District may seek
parental permission to speak with the physician in order to clarify the
student’s medical availability to receive educational services, to gather
additional information and to develop a transition plan to return the student
to a school setting. Students who do not
provide a fully-completed and signed form will not be provided with tutoring.
LEGAL REFERENCE: 603 CMR 28.03(3)(c)
Adopted by School
Committee 7/12/11
ACCIDENTS - ILLNESS at SCHOOL
Students who are ill or injured are urged to tell
their teacher, educational assistant (EA) on duty, or the nearest staff member
immediately. Do not allow a minor
problem to become a major one by not bringing it to the attention of a teacher
or EA. 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.
When your child returns to school from an absence, a
note signed by a parent or guardian acknowledging the absence is
necessary.
This note is required for all absences regardless of
the duration.
Absences of five
(5) days or longer additionally require
a note from a physician prior to the school readmitting your child to class.
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.
Health Department
Procedure
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.
ILLNESS at SCHOOL
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.
IMMUNIZATIONS
The School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, 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.
INSURANCE
A
plan of liability insurance is offered yearly at a nominal fee. A parent may insure a child against any
accident while at school, going to or from school or while engaged in a school
activity away from school. In case of a
claim, the school office will supply all necessary forms.
ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS
The
policy of the
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 nurse.
Legal
Reference: 105 CMR 210.01, et seq. and 71 M.G.L. 54B. Adopted: 3/05
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
The state law requires that all students present
evidence of a physician’s physical examination on entry into school (preschool
and kindergarten) and every 3 - 4 years.
PEDICULOSIS
The
POSTURAL SCREENING
Postural
Screening will be conducted in the Franklin School System on all students in
grades 5 through 9, as mandated by law.
Every student will be screened and will not be exempt unless a note from
a private physician is provided stating that the postural screening has been
completed during the academic year starting in June.
Initial screening will be conducted in physical
education classes in late February into March by the nurse or the physical
education staff who have been trained to conduct these screenings. All students with questionable findings will
be referred to the school nurse.
Re-screenings will be completed by the nurse, after which
recommendations will be made.
Since this is a health concern, which is likely to
develop during the adolescent years of rapid growth, it is important to be
assessed annually. Although this
screening is usually done during a physician’s annual exam, it must be
specifically noted by the physician, such as “postural screening negative” or
“scoliosis negative”.
SCREENINGS
All children
are screened for vision and hearing annually in grades K-5, grades 7, 9, and
11. 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. 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
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
The
Parents/Guardians
of children placed in the same classroom with a child presenting with a
Life-Threatening Food Allergy will be informed in writing and are requested to
be sensitive to needs of children with these types of significant food
allergies. We ask that parent/guardians comply with requests to inform the
teacher when sending in any type of snack for the class.
PROTOCOL AND GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF
LIFE-THREATENING
FOOD ALLERGIES IN THE
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
The
sections below highlight the major responsibilities of parents and students,
but each child’s plan will be individualized and therefore not all
responsibilities can be spelled out in this protocol.
The goal
of the
·
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
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS
OF STUDENTS WITH LIFE-THREATENING FOOD ALLERGIES
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.
16.
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
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
(508) 929-1000
SCHOOL SAFETY
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.
SCHOOL
SAFETY
To help ensure the safety of
all our students, all outside doors will be locked during the school day. Staff members on recess duty will have a
communication device and access to the building at all times. Parents and/or visitors should enter through
the Parmenter 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
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 EVACUATIONS
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. Every student
should be thoroughly familiar with them.
Absolute quiet and order are to be maintained by all students when they
are leaving the building. Strict
attention to the directions of staff is most important. Such directions are to be obeyed instantly
and without question. The safety of all
students depends on your child’s cooperation.
COMMUNICATION SENT TO
NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
There are circumstances where
parents share joint legal custody of their children and live separately. In this case the non-custodial parent may want
to receive notices, report cards, 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.
COMMUNITY RESOURCE OFFICERS
The Franklin Police officers
are visible in our buildings for a variety of reasons:
·
51A Child Abuse
and Neglect
·
Assist with
arrival and dismissal
·
Attend PCC,
School Council, and staff meetings
·
Bicycle safety
·
Bullying
·
Grade 5 DARE
·
Internet Safety
·
Ride the buses to
and from school
·
Safety Plans
·
Sex Offenders
·
Stranger Danger
(K and 1)
·
Truancy
·
Well Being Checks
PHOTO
RELEASE
During the course of the
school year there may be occasions when photographs will be taken. These times might include special school
events, year books, class photos, field trips, project displays or particular classroom
lessons. These pictures, slides or
videos might be used as part of a school presentation, an exhibit, or publicity
in a local newspaper or on Cable TV. If
you do not want your child’s picture
taken or displayed, please notify the
school in writing addressed to Mr.
Morris, Principal. Otherwise it will
be assumed that photographing or videotaping of your child is acceptable.
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. Parents bringing
lunches or other items to their children are asked to leave these in the office
to be distributed.
Classroom Observation and Visitation Procedures
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.
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL EVENTS
During the course of the
school year, there are certain special events that pertain to the students in a
particular grade level. These events are
meant to be special events for the child and the parents. We request that parents/guardians do not ask
siblings in other grades attend these events.
Our fire codes dictate the number of people that are allowed in our
common spaces. We must give priority to
parents/guardians and adult relatives.
In addition, we cannot justify the loss of learning and the disruption
to the rest of the class which occurs when a child leaves a class in the middle
of a lesson or assignment.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
Our school programs in the past have been successful
because of the help from parent and adult volunteers. Volunteers have helped teachers by working
with individuals and small groups of students and assisting with projects such
as cooking, sewing, plays and creative arts.
Parents have also assisted teachers with clerical chores such as
duplicating materials, collating and stapling papers. If you wish to volunteer on a regular basis,
please notify the office.
As with any visitor, volunteers are required to check
in at the front office, sign in, and wear a visitor’s badge. 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.
SPECIAL EDUCATION AND PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
SPECIAL
EDUCATION PROGRAM
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. Prior to evaluation,
members of the Special Services staff will work with regular education teachers
to help modify the child’s regular program, if necessary. The modifications suggested prior to the
evaluation are often conducted as a result of an Instructional Support Team (IST) meeting.
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
At the pre-school level, the Special Services
Department provides a number of programs for children three years of age or
older who 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
- 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.
HOME SCHOOLING
The Massachusetts
General Law requires the Franklin School Committee to determine that a Home
Schooling program meet with the minimum standards established for public
schools in the Commonwealth prior to approving such a program.
When a parent or
guardian of a student below the age of 16 wants to establish a home-based
educational program for his/her child, the following procedures shall be
followed in accordance with the law:
Prior to removing
the child from public school:
The parent/guardian
must submit written notification of establishment of the home-based program to
the appropriate administrator 14 days before the program is established, and
resubmit notification on an annual basis as long as the child or children are
being educated in a home-based environment.
The parent/guardian
must certify in writing, on a form provided by the district, the name, age
place of residence, and number of hours of attendance of each child in the
program.
The Superintendent
shall give the notice to produce records required by law if there is probable
cause to believe the program is not in compliance with the law. Factors to be considered by the
Superintendent or School Committee in deciding whether or not to approve a home
education proposal may be:
1. The
proposed curriculum and the number of hours of instruction in each of the
proposed subjects.
2. The
capacity of the parents to teach the children,
3. The
textbooks, workbooks and other instructional aids to be used by the children
and the lesson plans and teaching manuals to be used by the parents.
4. Periodic
standardized testing of the children to ensure educational progress and the
attainment of minimum standards.
A student being educated in a home-based program
within the district may have access to public school activities of an
extra-curricular nature (e.g. sports, clubs) with the approval of the
Superintendent.
The district reserves the right to allow enrolled
students to have precedence or priority over the home-schooled student with
regard to placement on sports teams and activities that have limited
enrollment. With approval of the
Superintendent or designee in consultation with the Principal, a home-schooled
student may participate in sports teams and activities that have limited
enrollment provided that he or she does not displace an enrolled student.
The home-schooled student who accesses
- Signed
- A
home-schooled student who is determined to be eligible for High School
athletics shall submit quarterly progress reports for review by the High
School Principal on or before the dates established by the high school for
report card distribution. Progress
reports shall be submitted in a format that indicates clearly whether the
home-schooled student has passed or failed each course identified under
the approved home-school plan
- The
home-schooled student is subject to all
Home-schooled students are not eligible to
attend/participate in social events (e.g. school dances, prom, senior all-night
party) that are not open to the public and that are intended for enrolled
Home-schooled students may not participate in specific
classes or courses offered during the school day that are not open to the
public and that are intended for enrolled
A Home Schooled student is not eligible for a
REFS: MIAA Handbook
LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 69:1D; 76:1, Care and Protection of
Charles
Care and Protections of Charles - MASS. Supreme
Judicial Court
399
Reviewed, revised,
Accepted by the School Committee 10-26-10
Section 504
Services for
Students with Disabilities
Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against persons with a
disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. Section 504 defines a person with a
disability as anyone who:
1. has a mental or physical impairment which
substantially limits on or more major life activities such as caring for one's
self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing,
learning and working.
2. has a record of such impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.
The Franklin Public Schools
District acknowledges its responsibility under Section 504 to avoid
discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and
students. No discrimination
against any person with a
disability shall knowingly be permitted in any program or practices in the
school district.
Under Section 504, the school
district has the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the student is
determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate
educational services.
If the parent or person in
parental relationship disagrees with the determination made by the professional
staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial
hearing officer. Any questions
concerning the implementation of policy and procedures may be directed to:
Section 504 Coordinator
STUDENT RECORDS
SUMMARY OF REGULATIONS
PERTAINING TO STUDENT RECORDS
In January 1975, the State
Board of Education adopted regulations pertaining to student records. The development of these regulations, which
have the force of law, was mandated by state laws enacted in 1972 and
1974. The regulations apply to all
public elementary and secondary schools.
They are designed to insure parents' and students' rights of
confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of student records, and
to assist school authorities in their responsibilities for the maintenance of
student records. Under ordinary
circumstances, when releasing records, students should allow up to five (5)
school days for processing.
The parent and student may
request to have parts of the record interpreted by a qualified professional of
the school, or may invite anyone else of their choosing to inspect or interpret
the record with them.
Pursuant to Mass. General
Laws Chapter 71, Section 34E and Section 23.01(3) of the
Confidentiality of
Record
With a few exceptions, no
individuals or organizations but the parent, student and school personnel
working directly with the student are allowed to have access to information in
the student record without the specific, informed, written consent of the parent or the student. In addition, any person inspecting or
releasing information in the temporary record must note which portion was
inspected or released and for what purpose in a log that is kept as part of the
temporary record.
Amendment of Record
The parent and student have
the right to add relevant comments, information, or other written materials to
the student record. In addition, the
parent and student have the right to request that information on the record be
amended or deleted. The parent and the
student have a right to a conference with the school principal to make their
objections known. Within a week after
the conference, the principal must render a decision in writing. If the parent
and student are not satisfied with the decision, the regulations contain
provision through which the decision may be appealed to higher authorities in
the school system.
Destruction of Records
The regulations require that
certain parts of the student record, such as the temporary record, be destroyed
a certain period of time after the student leaves the school system. School authorities are also allowed to
destroy misleading outdated or irrelevant information in the record from time
to time while the student is enrolled in the school system. Before any such information may be destroyed,
the parent and student must be notified, and have an opportunity to receive a
copy of any of the information before its destruction.
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
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.
(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
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(g) 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.
LEGAL
REF.: M.G.L. 71:34D; 71:34H; 603 CMR
23.07
Adopted:
September 26, 2006
TECHNOLOGY
ACCEPTABLE USE FOR STUDENTS
The
The superintendent or his/her designee shall
implement, monitor, and evaluate the district’s technology system/network for
instructional purposes. All users shall
be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative
regulations and procedures governing use of technology and shall agree in
writing to comply with such regulations and procedures.
When utilizing school sanctioned modes of
communication, students, staff, teachers and coaches are responsible for
following all applicable laws, regulations, district policies, school rules and
codes of conduct. Noncompliance with
applicable regulations and procedures may result in suspension or termination
of access and/or other disciplinary actions consistent with policies of the
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop
and implement administrative regulations, procedures, and user agreements,
consistent with the purposes and mission of the Franklin Public Schools as well
as with law and policy governing copyright. The
Reviewed; Revised – Adopted 9/22/09
In order for a student to use the
All technology at the elementary level is under the
supervision of a teacher or responsible adult.
Unless the statement below id signed and returned,
it is assumed that the student does not have permission to use technology in
school.
Rules for Technology Use:
·
I
will use the computer as instructed by my teachers.
·
I
may use the Internet and World Wide Web only when a teacher or other adult is present
and I have permission to do so.
·
I
will not download any files or software without the permission of a teacher or
other adult.
·
I
will never give out personal information about myself or others over the
internet.
·
I
will not use my name, only my first initial, if I am doing project work over
the Internet.
·
I
will inform my teacher immediately if I find materials or sites that make me
uncomfortable.
·
I
will be polite and only use language that is acceptable in my school.
·
I
will not harass or bully other students through the use of the computer.
·
I
understand that I may be subject to school-based discipline if I do not follow
the rules.
·
I
understand that my parent/guardian will be notified if I do not follow the
rules.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acceptable Use Student Agreement for Students K-5
Contract for Use of Technology
Please return signed page to your classroom or
homeroom teacher.
Failure to return this form to school indicates the
student does not have permission to use technology at school.
We have reviewed the rules and agree to follow them.
Student Name (Print Name) Grade Date
Student Signature
Parent/Guardian
Name (Print Name) Date
Parent/Guardian
Signature
Reviewed, Revised, Adopted 9/22/10
Please
visit the school’s website at www.franklin.k12.ma.us. for any updates to
this policy.
COMPLAINT AND GRIEVANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Policy
It is the policy of the
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 the 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
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
“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
Assistant Superintendent of Schools, District Compliance Officer
Central Office,
Phone: 508-553-4819
Director of Human Resources
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
The
The
(617) 727-3990 (413) 739-2145
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
781-388-3300
The
222 J.W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse, 7th Floor
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
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
All students attending the
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
Individuals with
Disabilities /Special Education Director
Ms. Elizabeth Fitzmaurice
Director of Special Education
355 East Central Street
Homeless Liaison
Ms. Sally Winslow
Assistant Superintendent of
Schools
English Language
Learner/Title I Coordinator
Ms. Michele Kingsland-Smith
Section 504 Coordinator
Ms. Elizabeth Fitzmaurice
Director of Special Education
Title II Liaison
Ms. Sally Winslow
Assistant Superintendent of
Schools
Title VI Civil Rights
Officer Harassment /
Grievance
Ms. Sally Winslow
Assistant Superintendent of
Schools
355 East Central Street
Title IX Officer
Ms. Sally Winslow
Assistant Superintendent of
Schools
Educator Licensure
Mrs. Lisa Trainor
Director Human Resources
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Preamble
This
Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is established between the
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.
1. 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
- 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.
I M P O R T A N T T E L E P H O N E N U M B E R S
Parmenter Office – (508)
541-5281
Attendance Line – (508) 541-5280 – Press 1
Nurse – (508) 541-5280 –
Ext. 2242
Staff Voice Mail – (508)
541- 5280
Psychologist – (508)
541-5280 – Ext. 2247
Head Teacher – (508)
541-5280 – Ext. 2230
Sped Team Chair – (508)
541-5280 – Ext. 2211
Library – (508) 541-5280 –
Ext. 2246
Solutions Office – (508)
520-8340
Solutions (Before and After
School Care) 508-541-5280 Ext. 2232
Cafeteria – (508) 541-5280 – Ext. 2239
O T H E R I M P O R T A N T N U M B E R S
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