 Mount Vernon Elementary School
ParentHandbook
2009-2010
Dear Parents,
We are pleased to welcome your child to another year of education at the Mt. Vernon Elementary School. I am also pleased to be back working here at Mt. Vernon Elementary School after almost a 20 year absence! Back then, I was proud to be your school's music teacher and now, these many years later I am equally proud to be your new Principal. I have also served as Principal of Manchester Elementary School for the past 18 years and will be dividing my time between the two schools this year. This will be a new challenge for me that I am looking forward to.
It is important for parents and the school to have an open avenue of communication so we can all work together to benefit our students. Through this handbook, we hope that you will be better informed about both the staff and the programs offered to your children.
We invite you to visit school often during the year to view firsthand the outstanding educational opportunities provided to the students of Mt. Vernon. In addition, please feel free to call at any time. Our phone number is 293-2261. For your information, the office is open from 7:00 - 3:30 and classes are in session from 8:00-2:30. The following is a roster of current staff.
Sincerely,
Rick Wilson, Principal
MT. VERNON SCHOOL STAFF
Principal Rick Wilson
School Secretary Brenda Fleury
Pre-Kindergarten Kerry Welch
Pre-K/Headstart co-teacher Mary Richards
Kindergarten Christy Owens
Grade 1 Linda Smith
Grade 2 Deborah Dubord
Grade 3 Carolyn Watkins
Grade 4 Sarah Caban
Grade 5 Leslie Boyce
Classroom based Education Technicians: Heidi Gilbert
Robin Ballard
Title I - Chapter 1 Leslie Grenier
Special Education Teacher Toni Parker
Ed Tech Spec. Services Luvia Sniffen
Gifted and Talented Program Terry Hickey
Speech/Language Kate Hill
Computer Lab Technician Deb Hatt
Technology Integration Specialist Diane Mac Gregor
Guidance Counselor Tara Wicks
Librarian Technician Kathy Brown
Foreign Language Betsy McPhedran
Vocal Music Jennifer Caton
Instrumental Music Janet Dunham
Physical Education Nancy Martin
Art Dona Seegers
Nurse Holly Davis
Custodian Larrie Minoty
Bus Drivers Bus #18 Sandra Luszczki
Bus #4 Charlene Fales
Bus # 17 Kaaren Dwelle
Bus # 3 Vicki Laflin
Kitchen Staff Peggy White
Central Office Staff
Superintendent Richard Abramson
Assistant Superintendent/
Special Education Director Lew Collins (685-4372)
Curriculum/Assessment/
Professional Development
Coordinator Betty Morrell (685-3128 ext. 431)
Finance Manager Brigette Williams (685-3336 ext. 4)
Technology Coordinator Jan Kolenda (622-2949 ext. 318)
Transportation Blendine Butterfield (685-3621)
Food Service Jeff Bridges (685-4923)
HANDBOOK PURPOSE
The purpose of this handbook is to inform the entire school community about programs, procedures and policies that we support and adhere to. This handbook should serve as your guide throughout the school year.
Who To See About What…
At Mt. Vernon Elementary School
The Principal is responsible for the day to day operation of the School. The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the day to day operation of the District. The School Committee is the policy-making body.
In order to address questions regarding any situation in an organization, it is best to address the person who had direct supervision over the activity. If the issue is not resolved at that level, it may be appropriate to go to the second level. Often times, the person at the second level will consult or involve the primary person in the resolution of the question or concern.
Buses:
1st Driver
2nd Transportation Director
3rd Principal
Classroom:
1st Classroom teacher
2nd Principal
Other school concerns:
1st Person in charge of the duty for the activity or event
2nd Principal
Special Services:
1st Classroom teacher
2nd Case Manager
3rd Principal
4th Special Education Director
Health Related Issues
1st School Nurse
2nd Principal
Facility/Building use Requests
School Secretary
After School Activities-
*School sponsored activities
1st Person in charge of activity
2nd Principal
*Community Sponsored Activities
1st Person in charge of activity
2nd Town/Athletic Coordinator
The following section includes information about several important policies and procedures in place in our RSU 38 elementary schools.
Affirmation of Positive Discipline
The RSU 38 School Committee recognizes and supports the measures taken by staff and administration to resolve disciplinary issues in a positive and productive manner. There has been a concerted effort to address affirmatively all matters that effect the safety and general well-being of our students.
We are continually working to create an environment that honors respect, responsibility and high academic achievement. Our high expectations for excellence and good citizenship are reflected in our Belief and Vision Statements. To that end, the School Committee is committed to doing its part to provide our students with a school that encourages intellectual and social growth and prohibits acts of disrespect and intolerance.
Student Conduct
We expect students, staff and parents to share responsibility for promoting positive behavior. We emphasize courtesy, cooperation, honesty, responsibility, and respect for others. We believe that all children can develop the skills and attitudes which promote good choices. There are specific guidelines for behavior to ensure the health and safety of everyone. Violation of these rules will be dealt with by a progression of consequences.
It is the responsibility of each student to adhere to established criteria for behavior and of the school staff to enforce them. This responsibility extends to the student's conduct on buses, while on school grounds, and when attending any school function or sponsored activity.
In general, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt class routine or school program. Additionally, they are expected to exhibit an attitude of cooperation and courtesy toward faculty and other students. Students are expected to maintain respect for school property and materials supplied by the citizens of Mount Vernon.
Infractions of these expectations will be dealt with on an individual basis. The type of penalty to be imposed will depend upon the nature, severity, and frequency of the violations. Repeated disregard or violation of school expectations may lead to suspension or expulsion from the school program. Our hope is to work closely with all parents to avoid recurrences of serious behavior that could lead to suspension or expulsion.
It is important to let students know when behavior is inappropriate for the school setting. Behaviors listed below are some examples of those that are unacceptable.
* Hurtful Words (name calling, teasing, violation of civil rights,etc.)
* Hurtful Actions (hitting, pushing, kicking, etc.)
* Unacceptable Language (swearing, violation of civil rights, vulgar language, etc.)
* Unsafe Behavior (throwing objects, climbing, tipping someone in a chair, etc.)
* Disrespectful behavior (rolling eyes, rude gestures, etc.)
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
A. Students Rights and Responsibilities
I have a responsibility:
To act with integrity (truthfulness)
To work hard and do my best
To be respectful of others
To be accepting of individual differences
To treat others with kindness
To act safely
I have a right:
To learn
To be respected
To be heard
To be safe
FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Hot lunches are available at a rate of $2.25 per day (or $11.25 per week). This price includes milk. Breakfast is $.75 per meal. Free or reduced rate hot lunches are available for those students whose families qualify. Applications may be obtained from the school office. The price of milk is $.50 for each milk.
Menus are available on a monthly basis. We ask that lunch, breakfast and milk money be brought in on the first day of the week in a sealed envelope with the child’s name and grade and amount enclosed written clearly on the envelope. All meals must be paid for in advance. Families may not run up a lunch bill. District policy states that if a bill is $25.00 or more, the student will be limited to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a milk and a fruit, until the bill is paid or paperwork for free/reduced meals is approved.
The Hot Lunch Program includes an option called "Offer vs. Serve". The students have a choice of selecting either the entree served each day or an alternative prepared by the food service staff. At lunch time, students can also make selections regarding fruit, vegetables and white or chocolate milk. In all cases, the selections meet each of the nutrition elements required by the State.
SCHOOL AND HOME COMMUNICATION
Each of our elementary schools works hard to make parents aware of all school and classroom activities. While methods of communication may vary from school to school, teachers and administrators will ensure that parents are well informed about school programming. In addition, all administrative messages and or newsletters, are also posted on our district web page.
NO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last year, we were pleased to introduce the Instant Alert system to help notify parents of snow days and/or emergency early release days. In addition to this system, bulletins are announced several times over local radio (WABK, WMME) and television stations (channels 6, 8, 13) indicating school closings or delays. It is also listed on our district's web site, www.maranacook.org. Listen and watch for for announcements about schools in RSU 38.
Occasionally, it is necessary (due to an impending storm, power or water loss, etc.) to close school before the regular release time. Please have a clear understanding with your child(ren) as to what he/she is supposed to do (or where to go) in the event of an early dismissal. Decisions about school cancellations, delays or early dismissals are made by the Office of the Superintendent and announcements are made in the manner listed above.
STUDENT ARRIVAL AND STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to be in school every day unless they have an illness or an important family commitment that is unavoidable during school time. By the same token, children who are ill should not be sent to school. If a student becomes ill during the school day, we will call you and ask you to make arrangements to pick up your child. As you know, many illnesses affecting children are contagious and we ask that you consider this when making the decision whether or not to keep your child home. When returning to school after an illness, your child should be well enough to participate in all aspects of the school program.
Learning requires both daily attendance and active participation in classes. Material and information lost due to absence or tardiness cannot be fully replaced. Please call the office in the morning to let us know if your child will be absent from school. In the event that you need to pick your child up from school prior to our regular dismissal time, please notify the office in writing the morning of the early dismissal date. Please plan to stop at the office to request that your child be paged out of class and dismissed from the office.
Please note that instruction begins at 8:00 am. We would appreciate it if students could be here on time so lessons are not interrupted by late arrivals.
MORNING STUDENT ARRIVAL
Students may be dropped off at school no earlier than 7:30 a.m.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORMS
Emergency information forms are on file for each child at the school. Parents need to contact the office if any changes in phone numbers, address, or employment take place. Accurate information is necessary for the sake of efficient response to an emergency which may affect your child.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Student insurance is made available each fall through an outside agency at a minimal cost to the parents. This student insurance coverage is available through the school but is not compulsory. To be covered, one has to apply; students are not automatically covered.
SUPPLIES
We supply our students with a wide range of supplies at the outset of the school year. However, we would appreciate it if parents would monitor the use OF consumable supplies such as pencils, crayons, erasers, and notebooks and replace as necessary the year progresses. Our homeroom teachers provide parents with a list of consumable classroom supplies needed at the beginning of the school year. Students are also responsible for textbooks provided to them and will be charged for books which are lost or damaged.
TOY MONITORING
Small toys (no bigger than half of your arm from wrist to elbow) may be used for creative play during recess. Students must accept responsibility for what they bring from home. Toys that involve fighting or weapons are not allowed. Items that are used inappropriately or during instruction time will be brought to the office. Parents will be asked to pick them up. Please check with your child's teacher for more specific information about grade level restrictions.
USE OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING
The community is welcome to use the school facility for public functions when such use does not interfere with the school program or the activities of school sponsored organizations. There is a school policy governing the use of the school building. We ask that arrangements be made with the office well in advance of the function to reserve the facility and fill out the appropriate forms. Call the school secretary at each school to make any such arrangements. Necessary information should include: the date requested, the hours needed, the proposed activity, the number of participants and the name of the person in charge of the activity. An hourly rate may be charged for custodial services. Building use must be that which involves a community meeting or athletic event. Personal or individual use is
not allowed.
Notes for Alternative Transportation
If your child is going to visit a friend after school or be transported in a way other than the usual manner, a request should be made in the form of a written note signed by the parent. We would also appreciate a note if you are picking up your child(ren) after school so we'll know not to send them on their regular bus run. If you forget the written note, please call the office by 2:00 P.M. Without either a written note or a phone call from parents, students will be sent home on their regular bus run. Please be aware that requests to travel on a different bus may be denied if there is not room enough for any additional students. Students will be released to parents only during and after school unless the parent has authorized the school to release them to someone else.
VISITOR PARKING
Our parking space was designed to facilitate the flow of traffic during “drop off” and “pick up” times for parents. (see map below). For students’ arrival, please follow the desiginated path described on the map. By doing so, this will allow you to pull in and out of the school without conflicting with the bus route. Please do not park
in front of the school in the mornings when buses are arriving.
If you are driving behind a school bus that is prepared to drop off students in the school parking lot, it is unlawful to pass the bus unless given a signal to
pass by the driver. The area striped FIRE LANE is a NO PARKING zone.
(insert map)
MEDICATION POLICY
It is the responsibility of the parent and/or student to administer all medication. However, as a convenience for parents, the school will, upon written request, keep medication available for a period of time. Parents shall notify the school in writing (form provided for long term medication) when it is necessary for their child to take medication including type of medication, amounts and times to be administered. In addition, it must be in the original pharmacy container and brought in to school by the parent another adult. Students may not transport medications. Our school nurse Holly Davis, is in the building on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please call her if you have questions regarding medication or any other health related issues.
OPEN HOUSE
Open House gives parents the opportunity to become familiar with their child’s classroom program and the teachers’ expectations for the school year. This is usually held during the first few weeks of school in September. We do our best to organize the evening so that parents with more than one child in school can visit with each child’s classroom teachers.
PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher Conferences are held twice a year after the first and second trimesters to discuss your child’s academic development. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss programming, student behaviors, homework, and to review your child’s progress. Your child’s report card will be sent home a few days before the conference to allow you time to look over this important document and discuss this with your child. Conferences are scheduled for twenty minutes. Though the dates and times for these conferences may vary by school, the are generally held towards the end of November and March. We use the web-based Pick-A-Time program to schedule your conference time. Please note that although these dates are scheduled around the marking periods, you may contact your teacher at any time to
discuss concerns.
CALLS TO STUDENTS
Students should not be called from class to accept phone calls except in an emergency. However, parents may call the school to leave a message that we will gladly get to the student. Students are expected to take care of planning after school activities at home before arriving at school. Notes are needed for bus changes; please try to plan ahead and have your child bring a note to school.
POWERSCHOOL
Powerschool is an online, student information system set up for you to view various aspects of student information such as attendance, foodservice account balances, school bulletins, demographics and current grading for grades 4-12.
Type in the Student ID and password that were mailed home to you. If you can’t remember this info check with your school secretary in person. We will not send this information via e-mail or over the phone due to confidentiality.
If you don’t have Internet access at home and would like to log in, contact the school to make arrangements to use the school computers. Our goal is to promote positive communication between school and home which ultimately leads to more effective student programming and outcomes. We hope we have achieved this goal and would appreciate your feedback.
DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS
Flowers…Balloons…It’s a nice thought but it can disrupt class time and also may cause an issue with transportation home after school. We ask parents to refrain from having flowers and/or balloons delivered to students during school hours.
DISTRIBUTING INVITATIONS AT SCHOOL
In order to prevent hurt feelings, invitations to home parties should not be distributed at school unless all students in a classroom receive an invitation. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter!
EMERGENCY /CRISIS TEAM
All schools in our district have active Crisis Teams that have been trained to respond to emergency situations. The team usually consists of 7-8 members who come from a variety of staffing positions within the school. The Principal of each school is chair of the school's Crisis Team. This team assembles a couple times a year to review and practice procedures. Staff members are updated annually on procedures.
EVACUATION DRILLS
We practice evacuation procedures many times during the year to ensure that everyone is well versed in primary and secondary routes of evacuation from different places of the building. Some drills are not announced in advance. Attendance is taken duriing the evacuation drill to assure the safety of every person within the school building. During Fire Safety Week, our local fire departments and rescue personnel organize activities to reinforce good fire safety practices.
STUDENT DRESS
1. Students should be dressed for the weather. All students are expected to go outside during recess time, weather permitting. Only medical excuses will be accepted.
2. Students should maintain an appearance that is appropriate to the setting - one that promotes a positive and healthy school experience. We do not allow clothes which have inappropriate slogans or those that advertise tobacco or drug products.
3. Students should not wear clothing or accessories that will cause injury to themselves, other students, or damage school property.
4. For safety purposes, students may not wear open-toed shoes or sandals on our playground. If they wear them to school, they should also have a pair of sneakers to change into when they go outside.
5. Students who wear boots should bring shoes to wear while in the building. Wearing heavy boots all day is a poor health practice.
6. Please put your child's name in all outer clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes and boots.
NO SMOKING POLICY
The School Board has adopted a policy which prohibits smoking anywhere on school grounds, inside or outside. This includes evening and weekend activities. This policy went into effect on August 31, 1994.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM
Each of our schools has a Student Assistance Team. The purpose of this team is to provide a forum for teachers to come and discuss ways to improve programming for students. During these meetings, we discuss the issues that are getting in the way of student success in the classroom and brainstorm strategies to improve programming for that student. The Team has attended training to become familiar with this process. Other staff members may be invited if they are involved with the child or can share some expertise with team members. When we meet to discuss a child's program, one of us will call you to discuss some ideas we might have to improve your child's program. We then will work together to monitor your child's progress to see if the steps that have been implemented have been successful. This process does not replace the special education procedures that are already in place for students identified with special needs. As is required by State and Federal laws, those
procedures remain intact with all the rights and privileges that go along with that protection. The SAT process is meant to be more inclusive so teams can meet and discuss the needs of all children. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact the school office for more information.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are scheduled in order to provide our students with enriching experiences that complement their education. You will receive one permission slip in the fall for all field trips scheduled within district during the year. All other field trips outside the district require an individually signed permission form that should come home with the students a week in advance of that planned trip. Please look in the weekly Principal's Notes for information about upcoming events. If you have a question or concern about a specific field trip, please call the school for further information.
It is our preference to have students ride with their classmates on the bus. However, if you choose to drive your child in your car, please let us know the day before as it may make a difference in the way we determine the make-up of our student groups for the day. Also, others students will not be allowed to ride in your car unless their parent accompanies them in your vehicle. Our field trips are planned to enhance the instruction that is taking place in the classroom. Therefore, it is not appropriate for younger siblings and we ask you NOT to bring them along if you intend to join us for the day. We make all of the above requests for safety and liability reasons.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are an integral part of the overall instruction in our elementary schools. We encourage each of you to become an active partner in your child's education by volunteering whenever possible. If you would like to assist in any area of school programming, please complete the Volunteer Registration Form. For more information, you may also speak to your child's teacher. We greatly appreciate the time our volunteers give to our students. It is important to remember that, while working with our students, all individuals, both staff and volunteers, must abide by the regulations regarding student confidentiality. Prior to working in our classrooms, we are asking all volunteers to sign a form that speaks to this issue. The Volunteer Registration Form and Confidentiality Form are
included in the Opening School Packet.
You will find a sign-in station near the front office. After the morning bell, all other outside doors are locked so you must use the front entrance to gain entrance. We would like all volunteers and visitors to sign in and wear a badge during your stay at school. It is important that we all are aware of the purpose of adult visitors to our school and this sign-in station will assist us with this effort.
PARENT/TEACHER CLUB
We have an active Parent Teachers’ Club that meets monthly to discuss program ideas with a teaching staff representative and interested parents. Our PTC supports the school curriculum by raising funds for enrichment programs.
SCHOOL VISITS
All parents and community members are encouraged to visit school both during the school day to observe classes in sessions and after school for conferences with teachers. Please, however, do not plan to hold an unscheduled conference with a teacher while school is in session. Please call the school before your visit so that the teacher is aware of your plans.
STUDENT RECORDS
All personally identifiable information on students will be held in confidence. Any parent or legal guardian of a student enrolled in RSU 38 may review their student's records by coming to the school office and making a request to inspect educational records.
BOMB THREATS
The RSU 38 School Committee recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to our school. Whether real and carried out or intended as a prank of for some other purpose, a bomb threat represents a potential danger to the safety and welfare of students and staff and to the integrity of school property. Bomb threats disrupt the instructional program and learning environment and also place significant demands on school financial resources and public safety services. These occur even when such threats prove to be false.
Any bomb threat will be regarded as an extremely serious matter and treated accordingly. The RSU 38 School Committee directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information concerning bomb threats and to initiate or recommend suitable disciplinary action.
WEB SITE
Updating and improving the Maranacook Area Schools' web site has been a top priority in recent years. Our goal is to create a web site that is relevant, current, and informative. Every computer in the district uses this site as the start page to get on the internet. On our home page you will find a pop down menu that is called Information. These links include the district policies listed according to national code and also searchable by keyword. The district calendar lists all upcoming events and meetings for the whole district. Educational Resources are web resources according to content areas in an attempt to assist teachers, students, and community members in finding relevant educational sites. The school calendar, belief statement, and budget calendar are also just a click away. If you are
interested in finding employment in our district, you may want to visit the career opportunities link where available jobs are posted along with all the necessary applications. The Adult Education course catalog is found on this link along with gifted education information. School News contains information listed by school and might include principal notes and news, lunch menus, and upcoming events.
Also from the home page, you can enter into each individual school's web site from the pull down menu called Visit our Schools. This information varies depending on the school but may include general information about the school, lunch menus, photos, curriculum bases web resources, directions to the school, and contact information. If you are a registered First Class e-mail user in the district, you can check your e-mail through a browser from anywhere in the world. No more excuses for not being able to check your e-mail! A list of favorite search engines is the final link on this page along with contact information.
The information that is being posted on this site comes to you through a variety of techniques. Some pages are done in HTML, which is the language of the internet; others are simply e-mail messages that are converted to HTML through our new First Class e-mail system. This allows anyone with the ability to send e-mail to post information on the web. This is a great method for those items that are timely and need to be updated constantly such as weekly school news, weekly lunch menus, teacher newsletters, etc. Many teachers are now beginning to post information in this format as well as designing web sites for use by their students.
We also feature a "Snow Day" page. If school is being canceled due to the weather, the homepage will show that information before you will even hear it on the television or radio. TIP: if you visit our site often be sure to click on refresh/reload or you might just load the start page that is cached (already stored in memory) on your computer.
We are always striving to make this site the best it can be to meet the needs of the educational community. If you have any suggestions on information that you would like to see included, please feel free to contact Jan Kolenda 622-2949 ext. 318 or jan_kolenda@maranacook.org
HOMEWORK
Homework is an extension of the instructional program and thereby helps students to practice and internalize concepts and skills taught in class. Meaningful homework, assigned by teachers and supported at home, helps provide opportunities for students to develop responsible work habits. A successful homework program will motivate a child to want to learn, as well as help to create a lifelong learner.
Guiding Principles:
In order that a level playing field is maintained, any assigned projects should be assessed carefully so that differences in family resources do not greatly affect the outcome.
As a means of communication among parents, teachers and children, homework enhances the school-home connection.
With independent practice, homework is intended to reinforce classroom learning. There needs to be a balance between school (homework), family life and other activities, including free play and exercise.
The most effective homework meets the individual needs of the student. Homework receives consistent follow-up, recognition, and response.
The Superintendent shall hold each school responsible for developing fair, reasonable, and consistent time parameters for homework. Teachers will inform parents what role homework plays in the classroom and the expectations they have for parents as it relates to homework.
Ten (10) minutes of homework per grade level per night supports the teaching-learning process, e.g., Grade 1 (1 x 10 minutes = 10 minutes of homework); Grade 9 (9 x 10 minutes = 90 minutes of homework.) This model is a guide for homework assignments.
LEGAL CUSTODY
According to the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, “Custody or other residential arrangements for a child do not, in themselves, affect the rights of the child’s parents under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.” Parents who have sole custody rights should file a copy of the court order with the school. Unless the school has such an order on file, we cannot deny either parent from requesting the child be dismissed into his/her custody. Should you have further questions about this matter, please contact the school office
PHYSICAL EXAMS AND HEALTH SCREENINGS
All kindergarten students will have a physical exam before entering school. Our school nurses will screen for vision, and hearing as required by state law. Health records are maintained as part of each student’s cumulative folder. Communicable diseases, operations, broken bones, etc., should be reported for the records.
PLAYGROUND RULES
Outdoor recess is a time to release/expend energy, get fresh air, and engage in outdoor activities. We expect children to show respect for school property, teachers on duty, and each other.
Playground Rules are primarily safety driven. We strive to be consistent in our enforcement of the rules so students will follow the rules regularly.
The following activities are PROHIBITED on the playground:
Going beyond the playground boundaries that are established by each school.
Using equipment improperly, such as twisting the swings, jumping off the slide or swings, or playing tag or rough games on the slide or climbing equipment.
Games involving rough physical contact or unwelcome behavior such as fighting, kicking, wrestling, pushing, arguing, teasing, spitting, yanking on clothing, etc.
Playing with sticks of any shape and kind.
Excluding other students from a game or activity.
Throwing snowballs
Damaging trees on school property, breaking off or hanging from branches.
At the conclusion of recess, students are expected to:
Line up immediately when the bell rings.
Bring in all equipment that was taken out.
Wipe feet when entering the building, ESPECIALLY on muddy days!
SNACKS
Students have the opportunity to have a mid- morning snack each day. We strongly encourage students to bring healthy, nutritious snacks for the energy boost they need to get them through the morning. We teach nutrition in the classrooms and believe that the children understand what a healthy snack is. We are battling a media barrage of commercials for snacks with appealing packaging, but little nutritional value. Please support our teaching by sending healthy snacks in with your child.
Some examples would be: crackers, cheese, a half of a sandwich, fruit, pretzels, popcorn, nuts, and yogurt. A healthy choice for a drink, if they choose to bring one would be bottled water, 100% fruit juice, or milk. No RED juice drinks please. We find that red juice stains our carpets.
STAFF PROFILES
Rick Wilson.....Mr. Wilson has been Principal of Manchester School since September of 1992. This year, he will also be the Principal of Mt. Vernon Elementary School and will be dividing time between the two schools. Prior to that, his experiences include 15 years of teaching music at all levels. The last ten of those years was spent as a vocal music instructor for School Union #42. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Education from Boston University and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine.
Brenda Fleury…Mrs. Fleury is starting her 20th year at the Mount Vernon Elementary School as the Administrative Assistant to the principal. She resides in Mt. Vernon with her husband and their black German Shepherd dog,Tia.
Kerry Welch...Mrs. Welch will be teaching the preschool/headstart program. She has nine years of experience as a classroom teacher of grades k-2 and has taught preschool and adult education. She has earned a Master's Degree in Literacy Education from the University of Southern Maine and completed her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Maine.
Christy Owens…Mrs. Owens is the teacher of our Kindergarten class. She received National Board certification in November, 2005, her Master’s Degree in elementary education with an emphasis in early literacy from the University of Dayton, OH in 1993 and her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1990. She brings thirteen years of teaching experience at the kindergarten level and a great deal of enthusiasm to her work in Mt. Vernon.
Linda Smith…Mrs. Smith teaches first grade. She has a BS degree in Nutrition from UMO, and attended UMF for teaching courses. She has taught grades K-3 at Mt. Vernon Elementary School for fifteen years.
Deborah Dubord…Mrs. Dubord teaches second grade. Deborah has a Master’s Degree in elementary education from the University of Maine. She earned her Bachelor’s in both elementary and special education with a concentration in language arts. She likes to find ways to incorporate music and environmental studies into her curriculum. She strives to encourage the emotional strength of her students as they explore their academic potential.
Carolyn Watkins… Mrs. Watkins teaches third grade. She graduated from UMF with a BS in Elementary Education. Her twenty-six years of teaching have included first grade, Title One, and third grade. She resides in Rome with her husband and son.
Sarah Caban...Mrs. Caban is our 4th grade teacher. Sarah moved to Mount Vernon from Monhegan Island where she taught and lived for six years. She earned her B.A. in English from Hofstra University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Antioch New England Graduate School. Mrs. Caban aslo serves as Lead Teacher at Mt. Vernon Elementary School.
Leslie Boyce…Mrs. Boyce teaches 5th grade as well as 4th grade science. She has a BS degree in Child Development/Elementary Education and has earned her Masters Degree in Education. This will be Mrs. Boyce’s 10th year teaching at Mt. Vernon Elementary.
Leslie Grenier… Mrs. Grenier is our literacy specialist. She graduated from the University of Maine with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She earned her masters degree in Literacy from UMO. She previously taught second grade and Kindergarten in Maine and Massachusetts before taking time to raise her two sons and work with her husband in their stores in Mt. Vernon. She returned to teaching in 1990 as a reading teacher here.
Robin Ballard...Robin Ballard is an Educational Technician at Mt. Vernon School. She received her Associate Degree of Science from the University of Maine, Farmington.
Kathy Brown is our librarian. This will be her 7th year in this position. She graduated from the University of Maine with a B.S. degree in Botany.
Jennifer Caton...Mrs. Caton is our district vocal music teacher. Jennifer resides in Brunswick with her husband and daughter. She is a 2003 graduate of the University of Southern Maine. Prior to coming to our district, Mrs. Caton taught at Waynflete School in Portland, Maine.
Holly Davis … Mrs. Davis is our school nurse. She brings many years of RN experience to the job.. Holly received her RN in 1972 from the Central Maine General Hospital School of Nursing in Lewiston. She is a senior at USM ,Portland in the RN to BSN/MSN program.
Janet Dunham … Mrs. Dunham is our instrumental teacher. Janet also teaches instrumental music at Wayne Elementary, Manchester Elementary and Fayette School. She has a B.A. in Music Education from Douglas College in Rutgers University in New Jersey. She taught for 6 years in her native N.J. before moving to Maine.
Wendy Flaschner....Ms. Flaschner is beginning her 10th year in the district as the School-Based Clinician from Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center. She holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in special education and movement therapy in 1974, a M.S. from Lesley College in Learning Disabilities in 1975, and a M.S. from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Psychology in 1985. She has worked as resource room teacher, school psychologist, guidance counselor, psychological examiner and behavioral consultant in many schools in Wisconsin and in central Maine area since 1976.
Heidi Gilbert...Mrs. Gilbert is an Educational Technician at Mt. Vernon School. She attended Bangor Community College, Human Service Child Mental Health Program. Heidi worked in early childhood for 21 years. She is also a certified respite provider.
Deb Hatt... Ms. Hatt is beginning her first year with us as our technology educational technician.She attended Duquesne University and UMA and obtained a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Music Education from UMA. She currently in USM's Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP), working toward a master's degree in elementary and special education. In addition to her duties in the computer lab, she will also be working as part of her practicum in elementary education in Mrs. Smith's room in grade 1.
Terry Hickey…Mr. Hickey is our Gifted and Taleted Teacher . Mr. Hickey brings many years of experience to this position, having taught in the Lewiston and Waterboro school systems. Terry has his B.S. in Education from the University of Southern Maine and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Science in Literacy Education at the University of Southern Maine.
Kate Hill...Ms. Kate Hill is the speech & language pathologist for the school. She also services students in Wayne and at Maranacook Middle School. She highly enjoys the variety of experiences that she encounters while working with children in Kindergarden through eighth grade. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UMF in 2001 and a Masters Degree in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Maine in 2007.
Jan Kolenda...Mrs. Kolenda is beginning her 14th year as the District’s Technology Coordinator. She has a B.A. in social work from the University of New Hampshire and a M.Ed. from the University of Maine. Prior to her appointment as Technology Coordinator, Mrs. Kolenda taught for 5 years in Mt. Vernon in grades 2-4 and worked 7 years as a Medical Social Worker at K.V. M.C. in Augusta.
Nancy Martin… Mrs. Martin is the Physical Education teacher here at Mt. Vernon. She graduated from Keene State College in NH. For the last eightteen years she has taught elementary PE. Previous to that she taught at Central High School in East Corinth.
Larrie Minoty…Mr. Minoty is the custodian at the Mt. Vernon School. He maintains the building and the grounds. Mr. Minoty resides in Belgrade. He enjoys scuba diving and stock car racing. This is his 12th year at the Mt. Vernon School.
Toni Parker....Ms. Parker is beginning her first year with us as our special education teacher. In addition to her duties here in Mt. Vernon, she also serves in this same capacity at Wayne Elementary School. Toni was a Title I Ed. Tech. in S.A.D.#36 for 8 years and most recently has taught special education at the Wayne Elementary and Fayette Central School over the past 6 years. She received her B.S. in Special Education from the UMF.
Mary Richards...will be co-teaching the Preschool/Headstart program with Mrs. Welch. Mary graduated from the University of Maine at Orono and has worked in education for 16 years.
Dona Seegers… Ms. Seegers is the Art teacher at Mt. Vernon Elementary. Dona is enthusiastic about all levels of Art Education and also teaches future teachers at UMF. She graduated from Boston Museum School and Tufts University. She maintains her own art studio and enjoys showing her artwork in galleries around New England.
Luvia Sniffen…Mrs. Sniffen is an Educational Technician, who works in the Learning Center. She has taken elementary and special education courses at the University of Massachusetts, Tufts University, and the University of Maine, Farmington.
Tara Wicks...is our school counselor. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a Master’s degree in school counseling. She also has a bachelor's degree in child development. Along with working at both Mt. Vernon and Wayne Schools, Ms. Wicks also owns her own dance studio and teaches dance to area children.
Additional School Programming
In addition to the regular classroom subjects, there are a variety of opportunities for students to study in many other areas.
All students in grades 3-5 come to the computer lab a 1/2 hour weekly for keyboarding instruction. In grade 3 we focus on basic word processing and keyboarding techniques, vocabulary, and care of hardware and software. Grades 4 and 5 expand their keyboarding skills as well as their word processing knowledge. In these middle grades, we learn how to make spreadsheets, create computer generated graphs, use Hyperstudio, introduce research using the Internet, and more. Our goal is for each each student to enter the Middle School with capable word processing and technology skills. Students in upper grades often come to the lab to use the fourteen Macintosh computers connected to our school-wide shared hard drive for classroom assignments. Students in grades 1 and 2 also regularly visit the computer lab
for guided exploration of age appropriate educational software.
In physical education, students in grades K through 2 work on motor skills, body parts, spatial awareness, laterality (right and left), directionality (forward, backward), manipulative skills (striking, throwing, catching, bouncing), movement concepts (over, far, out), physical fitness, gymnastics skills (jumping, landing, weight transfer) rhythmic activities and creative movement. Physical education is also an important place to reinforce concepts taught in the regular classroom such as numbers, letters, and shapes.
Third and fourth grade physical education tasks are more complex versions of those for younger students. We use the same skills, but at a higher level. Child or teacher-created games emphasizing particular skills, aerobic games, class challenges requiring teamwork and positive risk-taking, and lifetime activities are the emphasis in these grades. Students monitor their progress with skills tests and self-evaluations.
In order to enjoy physical activity throughout their lives, students must attain a level of fitness and skill which will enable them to remain active. This is a major focus in grades 5. Our physical education instructors will work with students in grade 5 to refine skills as well as to learn new ones which may be a little more difficult or require more attention to safety (floor hockey, badminton with longer racquets). There are lots of group challenges requiring planning and teamwork (such as crossing the tar pit using only the equipment provided). Some games begin to resemble team sports, but are modified to afford as much participation as possible.
Physical fitness is emphasized at all levels, with a portion of class devoted to fitness development. Students in grades 2-6 take fitness tests in fall and in spring, with their objective being to score better than the last time. At all levels, activities sometimes integrate what is happening in the classroom into physical education (states and capitals game). Students are not pitted against one another - everybody wins.
If a student is injured, please notify us of the injury and your child's limitations. Having him/her miss physical education entirely is not necessary. We will modify the tasks so that your child can participate as fully as possible in the class.
Our vocal music program ensures that our students will have the opportunity to study and experience many different areas of music. Some of those included are: singing, listening, playing instruments, movement, and music theory/history. By incorporating all of these areas of music into the program, we can be assured that the children can successfully understand and appreciate how music is written and performed.
Students will have the opportunity to listen to many varied styles of music and to learn about the lives of composers, thus developing their appreciation of many different kinds of music. In addition, students will have first hand experiences by performing vocally and instrumentally, thus opening the door to the world of music.
Students in grade 3 are introduced to the Suzuki precorder, and for the first time, are able to create the energy of musical sound as a class. For many, it is the first type of learning which involves processing motor skills for individual fingers, breath control, posture, and finally a performance at the end of the year. Music practiced includes many familiar folk tunes...which leads to some students singing, while others perform musical accompaniment of their instruments. This component is in addition to the regular general music class.
In grades 4-5, the process continues with more challenging music from a variety of styles taken from around the world. Students have the opportunity to choose an instrument and to pursue their skills with time, some choosing to learn more than one instrument in the process. Sectionals and full grade level bands meet weekly, with small and large group performances taking place throughout the year. Computer technology and music is also offered to students wishing to reinforce their musical knowledge, listening skills and composing.
The foundation of our art program, is a discipline-based art education model. It is a comprehensive approach to art education which integrates content from art production (the making of art), art criticism (responding to and making judgments about art), art history (the contributions of art in culture and society), and aesthetics (the nature, meaning, and value of art).
Our program uses paintings, drawings, sculpture, and architecture to enhance our lessons. We also include but are not limited to fine, applied, craft, and folk arts such as ceramics, weaving and other textile arts, advertising, and kinetic art.
Foreign Language (French) is offered in grades 3-5. Vocabulary is taught through a variety of activities including games, art, drama and singing. All levels will be introduced to colors, numbers, weather expressions, greetings and songs. In addition, students will learn classroom vocabulary and pronunciation. In addition to language studies, the students will be learning about different aspects of French culture including food, songs and dance from French speaking areas of the world. Students will also learn about the role that the French language and culture plays in New England and North America.
Emotional well-being is important for optimal learning to take place. The guidance program will encourage children to learn more about themselves, how they respond to others and how to cope with the stresses that occur in their lives.
The guidance counselor and school nurse regularly visit the classrooms with information on self-awareness, self-care, stress management, and career awareness. The guidance and health programs emphasize respect for others and responsibility for actions and words. Students participate in activities that stress the use of communication and problem solving skills.
The guidance counselor also offers small group opportunities for students to explore topics such as friendship, study skills or changing families. Smaller groups can often provide a more comfortable environment for feelings to be shared.
At any time an individual child may request to visit with the counselor or nurse. Children, parents and teachers are all encouraged to use these services when questions or concerns arise regarding a student’s educational experience.
Scheduled and "Open" Media Center time focuses on literature appreciation and library book selection. A variety of classic and contemporary books and poems are shared during read-aloud activities designed to encourage reading, improve language skills, and spark imaginations. Authors, books, and genres are introduced and interests explored. Students in grades 3 - 5 are encouraged to participate in the Kennebec Valley Book Award program. Those who read and comment on at least four titles participate in the district celebration and vote in the statewide contest.
All students learn about library technology by using the media center’s online catalog and automated circulation system. Their information skills are developed and reinforced as individual students and classes are assisted in the research process. Third grade students, in small groups, receive additional library skills instruction on a rotating basis.
Media Center personnel are available to answer any questions that you may have concerning the program in the Media Center. Please feel free to call on them for assistance.
Our special education personnel work with students, parents and staff in the development of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for every student identified through the special education process. There are innumerable reasons why a student might benefit from services outside the regular classroom. Some of them include remediation of academic difficulty, extension or enrichment activities, speech services or physical therapy. These services are available to any student who needs them in order to successfully meet the goals outlined on his/her IEP. For more information about services in this area, please contact the school's special education instructor.
The Speech and Language Program serves students having difficulty producing speech sounds, understanding and using language, speaking clearly and fluently, and/or abusing their vocal structures. Speech/Language screening and rechecks occur for certain students each year. Evaluations and individual programs are developed through the I.E.P. process. Students are seen individually or in small groups 1-4 times per week depending on the severity of their needs. Consultation with teachers and home suggestions for parents are provided as well
Supplemental reading is provided by school's literacy specialist in order to assist struggling readers. The instructor works with individuals or small groups needing extra reading opportunities. The focus is to improve reading instruction to meet grade level expectations. The major areas of teaching within her program include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Instructors also guides students to make connections between reading, writing, and oral communication. We choose literature that encourages children to read material within their comfort range.
Another area of service that might be considered is Occupational Therapy. Needs that are most frequently addressed by Occupational Therapy Practitioners in school systems are:
fine motor/coordination skills
handwriting and underlying developmental skills
visual motor and perceptual skills
sensory integration issues
functional life skill
adaptations, modifications, positioning and equipment needs
assistive technology
Occupational therapy uses a holistic approach to looking at and treating the physical, psychological, cognitive, social and sensory needs of the child. Functional skills and activities are used to remediate problems and help children participate and achieve in the regular classroom to the best of their ability. The evaluation process generally involves observation, screening, discussions with parents and teachers, and administration of standardized and non-standardized tests. Referrals for evaluations can come from teachers, parents or other school staff.
Our district’s gifted and talented education program is a K-12 program that strives to provide a challenging range of courses, experiences and extracurricular activities which recognize the needs, interests, and abilities of students. At the elementary level, we work to meet the needs of students through a variety of avenues. Depending on the student, opportunities could include some of the following: whole class enrichment, small group enrichment, differentiated curriculum and instruction, accelerated placement, problem solving groups, poetry groups, Junior Great Books literature groups, individualized programs or mentors.
Our screening process begins at the end of 3rd grade, although we do provide limited services for K-3 students. We believe that identification is not about labeling but about decision making, so we gather a variety of information from standardized tests and report cards to teacher and parent questionnaires and student work. Once all the data is gathered, the screening team determines the optimal match between the student’s profile and the available or needed educational services or interviews.
RSU 38 Preschool Programs for students age 4 by October 15.
A Collaborative exists between RSU 38 and Head Start & Child Development Services at the Mt. Vernon and Fayette Elementary Schools.
Program Goals
-Provide an educational program that supports the social-emotional, cognitive, language and physical development of our four year old children through child centered activities that recognize that children learn individually, sequentially and at their own pace.
-Connect parents to school in a partnership to establish a foundation for success through early childhood education.
-Support parent education for developing skills that will enable parents to help their child be successful in school.
Registration: Parents provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate and current immunization records with application to the program.
Selection/Who may attend: Our Preschool Collaborative classroom will consist of 10 children identified by HeadStart and 6 community children, all who are four years of age on or before October 15.
Screening: Staff will conduct vision, hearing and developmental (ESI-P) screenings with parent permission.
Staffing: A certified teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and experience teaching young children will manage the program with assistance from an experienced and qualified assistant teacher.
Program: The program will run Tuesdays - Fridays from 9:30 -1:00 pm with a curriculum that includes individual goals for children that are based on results of ongoing assessment and each family's interests, cultural background and sense of community. The children will also have the opportunity to participate in library, PE and music education classes.
Meals: Children will be expected to participate in the school breakfast and lunch program for which there is a minimal fee for those students not eligible for free or reduced lunch.
Transportation: Parents of our preschoolers will have the opportunity to use the regular bus system to transport their 4 year old to and from school.
SECTION 504
Section 504 is part of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It provides as follows: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of or, be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” To be considered a person with a disability the following criteria must be met: A person who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities. The school has an obligation to provide services and accommodations to students who qualify for Section 504.
Section II
District and School
Updated Policies, Forms and Procedures
(For a complete listing of policies visit our website.)
Policy #JICFA
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
STUDENT HAZING
Maine statute defines injurious hazing as “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student enrolled in a public school.”
It is the policy of the School Committee that injurious hazing activities of any type, either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with this school unit, are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times.
No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of this school unit shall encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate injurious hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, shall plan, encourage, or engage in injurious hazing activities.
This policy and related rules apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance in school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school. Although this provision does not authorize or require school officials or staff to take action at will for off-school premises misconduct, it does provide notice to students about the possible impact of their conduct, and provides school officials with the authority to assess the actual impact of off-school conduct on the school community.
In the case of an organization affiliated with this school unit which condones hazing, penalties include revocation of permission for that organization to operate on school property or to receive any other benefit of affiliation with the school unit.
Persons not associated with this school unit who fail to abide by this policy are subject to ejection from school property and/or other measures as may be available under the law.
Administrators, faculty members, students, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy are subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate measures.
These penalties shall be in addition to any civil or criminal penalties to which the violator or organization may be subject.
The Superintendent shall assume responsibility for administering this policy. In the event that an individual or organization disagrees with any action -- or lack of action -- on the part of the Superintendent as he/she carries out the provisions of this policy, that individual or organization may appeal to the full School Committee. The ruling of the School Committee, with respect to the provisions of this policy, shall be final.
A copy of this policy shall be included in all school, parent, and faculty handbooks or otherwise distributed to all school employees and students.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 6553
Harassment Policy
RSU 38 recognizes the right of each student to a learning environment that is free of intimidation, hostility, and offensiveness. In order to ensure such an environment, students are not to engage in harassment of any other person. Any act of harassment is a violation of this policy. Some of these acts, those based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or physical or mental disability may also constitute illegal discrimination under State and Federal laws and the Affirmative Action Policy.
The following are prohibited. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, unwelcome behavior such as:
advances, sexual advances, gestures, comments, or contact:
threats;
offensive jokes;
ridicule slurs, derogatory action or remarks; and
abuse of power.
Such unwelcome acts constitute harassment when the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
Students should understand the importance of informing the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcome, offensive, in poor taste, or inappropriate. Students who believe that they are victims of harassment, as defined in the Affirmative Action Policy, should report such occurrences to a teacher, counselor, or administrator who will in turn report it to the Affirmative Action Coordinator if an occurrence appears to constitute illegal discrimination under State and Federal laws. If it does not fall under State or Federal laws, the occurrence will be handled through he school disciplinary process. Individuals may also report an incident of harassment directly to the Maine Human Rights Commission.
A substantiated charge of harassment or sexual harassment against a student are considered grounds for disciplinary and/ or legal action up to suspension or expulsion from school.
Please note: Age appropriate discussions about this policy will occur in classrooms.
Affirmative Action
It is the policy of RSU 38 that all our employees and students should be able to enjoy a work and educational environment free from all forms of discrimination. An explanation of the District Affirmative Action Plan, Harassment Policy and Grievance Procedure are as follows:
First, the district is committed to equal employment and educational opportunity for all employees, job applicants, students, parents, and members of the school committee without unlawful regard to race, color religion, national origin, age. sexual orientation, or disability.
Second, RSU 38 is committed to maintaining a school and work environment free of harassment. Employees and students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect and concern for their colleagues, students and peers.
Finally, the Affirmative Action Plan also includes a grievance process that any student may follow if any individual feels that he or she has been the object of discrimination on grounds cited above. RSU 38 will take immediate and appropriate corrective action. The grievance process is as follows:
Any student or individual or group acting on the behalf of a student may file a
grievance with the Affirmative Action Officer or Affirmative Action Advocate
(There is a designated person in each building who will be identified to students).
Grievance Procedure
Level 1.
Report the incident to an adult in the building. The offending behavior will be dealt with by the appropriate discipline person. (Teacher, principal, Affirmative Action Advocate. etc.) After the offending conduct has been clarified to the offender as unacceptable, consequences will be assigned. An incident report will be sent to the Affirmative Action Officer of the District.
Level 2.
A complaint may be filed with the Affirmative Action Advocate in writing. The
building advocate will contact the Affirmative Action Officer immediately to
request an informal conference to discuss the complaint. The Affirmative Action Officer will hold separate pre-complaint meetings with the person making the complaint and the person accused of the offending behavior. This will be done within five days of filing to collect information. The affirmative Action Officer will make a reasonable effort to resolve the problem before using the formal procedure.
Level 3.
The Affirmative Action officer will be informed by the student making the
complaint that a formal grievance procedure will be started. Within five days of the complaint, the Affirmative Action Officer will let the student with the offending behavior know what is being filed. That student will have five days to reply to the Affirmative Action Officer in writing about his or her behavior. All investigation of the offending behavior will be done. The Superintendent, within five days of being informed of the complaint shall submit a written decision to the student charged with the offending behavior. At all levels, parents will be informed about what has happened along with the steps of the procedure.
Policy #EEA
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
Student Transportation
The transportation system places a high priority on safety and the well being of all children. Safety considerations may include such factors as speed, visibility, road condition, and flow.
The driver is responsible for the safe operation of the bus and has the authority to govern the conduct of riders consistent with the administrative regulations. In emergency situations, the driver is authorized to deviate from regulations, subject to review by the administration of the action taken; but under no circumstances is the driver to leave the bus when there are students in it, except in accordance with Maine law. As another safety consideration, no buses shall drive on private roads or roads where the Transportation Director and/or the bus driver have determined
that conditions are considered unsafe or impassable.
In addition to safety, the transportation system shall also have a goal toward efficiency. Bus routes will be determined by the Director of Transportation. Bus stops will be consolidated for efficiency wherever possible. Students riding a regular afternoon bus run may be driven in the same route sequence as the morning pickup run to ensure fairness to all students in terms of "time in transit." These decisions will be dictated by the characteristics of the individual routes, and will be determined by the Director of Transportation.
Within the above considerations for safety and for efficiency, the RSU 38 School Committee will provide transportation to the schools of RSU 38 for the following students residing within the boundaries of RSU 38 and in accordance with Maine Statutes:
a. All resident students in Grade Kindergarten through Grade 5 who reside more than one-quarter mile from school to which assigned. However, these same students may be required to walk up to one-quarter mile to a regularly established school bus route or predestined bus pickup before boarding the bus.
In addition, a designated adult must be in view to pick up or drop off a Kindergarten child. Kindergarten children without a designated adult for drop-off will be returned to their school until a designated adult arrives.
b. All resident students in Grade 6 through Grade 12 who reside more than one-half mile from school to which they are assigned. However, these same students may be required to walk up to one-half mile to a regularly established school bus route or predestined bus pickup before boarding the bus.
c. Students within these limits will be transported where the Superintendent of Schools has established routes due to unusually hazardous conditions. Such
determinations may include but need not be limited to consideration of age of student, location and safety of bus stop, road conditions, and traffic speed. Exceptions to the established walking distances may also be made in cases of a child with a permanent or temporary disability.
d. Limited late bus service to each town shall be provided following after-school activities to encourage co-curricular participation at the RSU 38 school.
The School Committee authorizes the administration to suspend bus riding privileges when behavior warrants. Action to suspend will be consistent with administration regulations. It is the intent of the School Committee that disciplinary measure taken be appropriate to the transgression, and that the severity of disciplinary measures shall increase for continued inappropriate behavior. Provided, however, that in cases of very serious behavior transgressions, the student may be immediately denied riding privileges and, as appropriate, may be reported to or released to the custody of law enforcement officers by a bus driver, chaperone, or administrator. In these cases, the parent or guardian shall be notified as soon as possible.
Appeal Process
If any parent/guardian would like to appeal compliance with our Transportation Policy, they could put in their request in writing, addressed to the Director of Transportation, RSU 38, 45 Millard Harrison Drive, Readfield, ME 04355. Please include a a daytime phone number and address where you can be reached. Within 10 working days of our receipt of this request, the parent/guardian will receive an opportunity to present their position in person to the Appeals Committee. A final decision will be sent to the parent/guardian with 7 days of this presentation.
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
Riding the school bus is a privilege. While on the bus, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with established guidelines for student behavior. The bus driver is responsible for the safety and the well-being of all who ride the bus; in this regard, students are expected to comply with the driver’s requests at all times. To ensure that all students are safely transported to and from school, RSU 38 has established the following guidelines. Violation of these guidelines may result in the loss of the privilege of riding the bus.
Before Riding the Bus
1. All students should be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
2. Students should stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
3. Students should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and for the door to open before moving toward that bus to load.
4. If it is necessary for students to cross the road to board the bus, the student must wait until the bus driver signals that it is safe to cross. Students must stay 10 feet in front of the bus at all times when crossing the road.
Riding the Bus
1. When students exit school they should go directly to their assigned bus and load immediately. They should remain on the bus unless given permission to exit by the driver.
2. Students must obey the driver at all times. This is necessary to insure the safety of all students. Students are not to engage the bus driver in a discussion or argument with respect to the driver's expectations or directions. Drivers are expected to be on time and to maintain safety at all times. Therefore, students who challenge bus drivers decisions or argue with bus drivers will be dealt with in a serious manners.
3. Students should go directly to their seats without crowding or pushing; and they should remain seated while the bus is in motion. Students are expected to remain seated and should not change seats unless given permission by the bus driver.
4. Students shall not extend arms, legs, head or feet out of the bus at any time. Because sudden stops cannot always be avoided, students should face forward while the bus is in motion to avoid injury.
5. Should a student cause damage to a school bus, payment for repairs will be assessed to the student/parents.
6. Students shall not create safety hazards by actions such as tampering with fire extinguishers, emergency exits, or loosening seats.
7. Students shall not create a disturbance on the bus, which may distract the driver. Those actions include but are not limited to: shouting, gesturing, standing, spitting, throwing objects in or from the bus, etc.
8. Students must ensure that aisles are clear at all times by storing backpacks, school bags, musical instruments and other large objects under the seat, on their lap or as otherwise directed by the driver. All athletic equipment must be secured in a container or travel bag.
9. Littering on the bus is prohibited. It is the responsibility of all students to dispose of litter in containers provided.
10. Due to the risk of choking, the consumption of food on regular bus runs is not allowed.
11. The use of glass containers is prohibited for safety reasons.
12. Alcohol, tobacco, drugs or other substances which are in violation of Maine State Law are prohibited on the bus.
13. No weapons, ammunition, explosives, knives or other materials which may cause injury are allowed on the bus.
14. Physical abuse or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
15. Verbal or emotional harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
Leaving the Bus
1. Students must remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
2. Students should cross the road at least 10 feet in front of the bus, but only after the driver has given the signal to do so.
3. Students who are not crossing the road shall move a safe distance away from the bus and remain there until the bus has left the area.
4. Because of the liability that the school has, students shall not be permitted to leave the bus at places other than their regular bus stop unless proper written authorization has been given in advance by the parent and/or school officials.
RSU 38 BUS DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
Step One: Written Warning: This warning is issued by the bus driver to the student. The purpose is to communicate to the student that his/her behavior is becoming a concern. Specific disciplinary action may not be taken at this time, depending on the incident. Copies of the warning will be given to each administrator and a copy will be sent home to the parents through their child.
Step Two: First Bus Conduct Report: This report is issued by the bus driver to the building administrator regarding inappropriate behavior by the student. The administrator will meet with the student to discuss the problem and a written copy of the report will be mailed home to the parent. Consequences will vary depending on the incident.
Step Three: Second Bus Conduct Report: The procedure for handling this report is the same as step one, except the parent is notified of the incident by phone and in writing.
Step Four: Third Bus Conduct Report: With the third report, the student is automatically suspended from the bus for a period not to exceed two weeks. Additionally, a meeting must be held with the administrator, parents, student, transportation supervisor and the bus driver before the student can return to the bus. This suspension includes all buses of RSU 38.
Step Five: Fourth Report: If a student receives a fourth bus conduct report, he/she will be removed from all SU 38 buses for the remainder of the school year. Administrators will notify parents in writing and by phone when this occurs.
In addition to the steps outlined above, this procedure also provides for students to be removed from the bus at any time for serious violations of the bus-riding policy. Questions concerning this procedure can be addressed to your building administrators.
Policy #JRA
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION
RSU 38 shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and all other federal and state laws and regulations concerning confidentiality and maintenance of student records and information.
Directory Information
RSU 38 designates the following student information as directory information: name, participation and grade level of students in recognized activities and sports, height and weight of student athletes, dates of attendance in the school unit, honors and awards received, and photographs and videos relating to school attendance and participation in school activities. RSU 38 may disclose directory information if it has provided notice to parents (and eligible students over 18) and has not received timely written notice refusing permission to designate such information as directory information.
Military Recruiters/Higher Education Access to Information
Under federal law, military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled to receive the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary students and RSU 38 must comply with any such request, provided that parents have been notified of their right to request that this information not be released without their prior written consent.
Information on the Internet
Under Maine law, RSU 38 shall not publish on the Internet any information that identifies a student, including but not limited to the student’s full name, photograph, personal biography, e-mail address, home address, date of birth, social security number and parents’ names, without written parental consent.
Transfer of Student Records
As required by Maine law, RSU 38 sends student education records to a school unit to which a student applies for transfer, including disciplinary records, attendance records, special education records and health records (except for confidential health records for which consent for dissemination has not been obtained).
Administrative Procedures and Notices
The Superintendent is responsible for developing and implementing any administrative procedures and parent notices necessary to comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning student education records and information. Notices shall be distributed annually to parents and eligible students concerning their rights under these laws and regulations. A copy of this policy shall be posted in each school.
Policy no: ADAA
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT#38
SCHOOL SYSTEM COMMITMENT TO STANDARDS
FOR ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR
The School Board believes that promoting ethical and responsible behavior is an essential part of the school unit’s educational mission. The Board recognizes that ethics, constructive attitudes, responsible behavior, and “character” are important if a student is to leave school as a “responsible and involved citizen,” as described in the Guiding Principles of the Maine Learning Results. The Board also recognizes that Maine law requires the adoption of a district-wide student code of conduct consistent with statewide standards for student behavior developed by the Commissioner of the Department of Education in compliance with 20-A MRSA § 254(11).
The Board seeks to create and maintain a school climate in which ethical and responsible behavior can flourish. The Board believes that instilling a sense of ethics and responsibility in students requires setting positive expectations for student behavior as well as establishing disciplinary consequences for behavior that violates Board policy or school rules. Further, the Board believes that in order to teach ethical and responsible behavior, adults who interact with students must strive to model and reinforce ethical and responsible behavior. To that end, the Board supports an active partnership between schools and parents.
Recognizing that collaboratively identified core values are the foundation for a school culture that encourages and reinforces ethical and responsible student behavior, the Board has identified eight basic qualities of good citizenship: trustworthiness, responsibility, honesty, respectfulness, compassion, hardworking, and fairness. The Board is committed to maintaining and enforcing standards for behavior, including prescription of consequences for unacceptable behavior.
The Board assures that schools will maintain a Student Code of Conduct consistent with statewide standards for student behavior that shall, as required by law:
A. Establish standards of student responsibility for behavior;
B. Define unacceptable student behavior;
C. Prescribe consequences for violation of the Student Code of Conduct, including first-time violations, when appropriate;
D. Describe appropriate procedures for referring students in need of special services to those services;
E. Establish criteria to determine when further assessment of a current Individual Education Plan (IEP) is necessary, based on removal of the student from class;
F. Establish policies and procedures concerning the removal of disruptive or violent students from a classroom school bus, or other school property, as well as student disciplinary and placement decisions, when appropriate; and
G. Establish guidelines and criteria concerning the appropriate circumstances when the Superintendent/designee may provide information to the local police or other appropriate law enforcement authorities regarding an offense that involves violence committed by
any person on school grounds or other school property.
The Student Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically by the School Board, with input from administrators, staff, parents, students, and members of the community.
Students, parents, staff, and the community will be informed of the Student Code of Conduct through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent/designee.
Ethics and Curriculum
1. The Board encourages examination and discussion of ethical issues within content areas of the curriculum, as appropriate.
2. The Board encourages integration of ethics into content areas of the curriculum, as appropriate
3. The Board also encourages schools to provide students with meaningful opportunities to apply values and ethical and responsible behavior
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 254, 1001(15)
Policy No. EBCC
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
BOMB THREATS
The Board recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to the school unit. Whether real and carried out or intended as a prank or for some other purpose, a bomb threat represents a potential danger to the safety and welfare of students and staff and to the integrity of school property. Bomb threats disrupt the instructional program and learning environment and also place significant demands on school financial resources and public safety services. These effects occur even when such threats prove to be false.
Any bomb threat will be regarded as an extremely serious matter and treated accordingly. The Board directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information concerning bomb threats and to initiate or recommend suitable disciplinary action.
A. Conduct Prohibited
No person shall make, or communicate by any means, whether verbal or non-verbal, a threat that a bomb has been, or will be, placed on school premises. Placement of a bomb or of a “look-alike” bomb on school premises will be considered a threat for the purpose of this policy because of the potential for evacuation of the schools and other disruption of school operations.
It is also a violation of Board policy to communicate by any means that any toxic or hazardous substance or material has been placed, or will be placed, on school premises with the intent to endanger the safety and welfare of students or staff and/or to disrupt the operations of the schools. For the purpose of this policy, “toxic or hazardous substance or material” means any material or substance, including biomedical materials or organisms, that, when placed as threatened, could be harmful to humans.
B. Definitions
1. A “bomb” means an explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine, “Molotov cocktail” or other destructive device.
2. A “look-alike bomb” means any apparatus or object that conveys the appearance of a bomb or other destructive device.
3. A “bomb threat” is a communication, by any means, whether verbal or non- verbal, that a bomb has been, or will be, placed on school premises, including possession or placement of a bomb or look-alike bomb on school premises.
4. “School premises” means any school property and any location where any school activities may take place.
C. Development of Bomb Threat Procedures
The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for developing and implementing procedures specific to bomb threats as part of the RSU #38 Crisis Response Plan. These procedures are intended to inform administrators and staff of appropriate protocols to follow in the event that a bomb threat is received and should include provisions to address:
1. Threat assessment (for the purpose of identifying a response that is in proportion to the threat, in light of what is necessary to ensure safety);
2. Building evaluation and re-entry (including selection of potential alternative sites for those who are evacuated);
3. Incident “command and control” (who is in charge, and when);
4. Communications contacts and mandatory bomb threat reporting;
5. Parent notification process;
6. Training for staff members; and
7. Support services for students and staff.
The initial bomb threat procedure will be subject to approval by the Board. The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for overseeing a review or evaluation of bomb threat procedures prior to the Board’s required annual approval of the School RSU #38 Crisis Response Plan, or following implementation of the procedure in response to a specific threat.
D. Reporting of Bomb Threats
Any student who learns of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb on school premises must immediately report such information to the building principal, teacher, the School Resource Officer or other employee in a position of authority.
An employee of the RSU #38 who learns of a bomb threat shall immediately inform the building administrator. The building administrator shall immediately take appropriate steps to protect the safety of students and staff in accordance with the RSU #38 bomb threat procedure, as developed under Section C, and inform the Superintendent of the threat.
All bomb threats shall be reported immediately to the local law enforcement authority, as provided in the bomb threat procedures.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for reporting any bomb threat to the Department of Education within two business days of the incident. Reports will include the name of the school, the date and time of the threat, the medium used to communicate the threat, and whether or not the perpetrators have been apprehended.
E. Student Disciplinary Consequences
Making a bomb threat is a crime under Maine law. Any student suspected of making a bomb threat shall be reported to law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution. Apart from any penalty imposed by law, and without regard to the existence or status of criminal charges, a student who makes a bomb threat shall be subject to disciplinary action by the school.
The administration may suspend and/or recommend for expulsion any student who makes a bomb threat. The making of a bomb threat will be considered deliberately disobedient and deliberately disorderly within the meaning of 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1001(9) and will be grounds for expulsion if found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school.
In addition, a student who is found after hearing by the Board to have brought a bomb to school shall be expelled from school for at least one year in accordance with 20-A M.R.S.A. §1001(9-A) and Policy JICIA, except that the Superintendent may modify the requirement for expulsion based on individual circumstances.
A student who has been identified through the IEP process as having a disability and whose conduct in violation of this policy is related to the disability shall be disciplined as provided in Policy JKF.
F. Aiding Other Students in Making Bomb Threats
A student who knowingly encourages, causes, aids or assists another student in making or communicating a bomb threat shall be subject to the disciplinary consequences described in Section E of this policy.
G. Failure to Report a Bomb Threat
A student who fails to report information or knowledge of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb or other destructive device in a school building or on school property may be subject to disciplinary consequences, which may include suspension and/or expulsion.
H. Staff Disciplinary Consequences
A RSU #38 employee who makes or communicates by any means a bomb threat will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Disciplinary action taken shall be consistent with collective bargaining agreements, other employment agreements and Board policies.
A RSU #38 employee who fails to report information or knowledge of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb on school premises will be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.
I. Civil Liability
The District reserves the right to bring suit against any individuals responsible for a violation of this policy and to seek restitution and other damages as permitted by law.
J. Lost Instructional Time
Instructional time lost as a result of a bomb threat or other activity as defined in Section A will be rescheduled at the earliest appropriate or practicable opportunity, as determined by the Superintendent in consultation with the Board.
Time lost may be rescheduled on a weekend or vacation day, or after what would normally be the last day of the school year, except on days when schools must be closed as required by law.
K. Notification Through Student Handbook
All student handbooks shall address RSU #38’s bomb threat policy and procedures and explain the educational consequences of bomb threats. In addition, student handbooks shall notify students and parents that bomb threats violate Board policy and civil and criminal law.
Policy No: IHBD
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
TITLE I POLICY
To strengthen the Title I program, Title I administrators and staff will:
1. Meet with parents of eligible children annually in order to explain the instructional programs and to solicit parent’s suggestions for program design.
2. Notify parents promptly that their child has been selected for Title I services and told of the reasons for the decision.
3. Provide, upon request, to parents of children selected for Title I services, the plan of instructional objectives to be used in the program within sixty (60) days of the student's selection. Provide at least one goal on the student’s learning agreement pertaining to Title I services.
4. Provide information to parents regarding their child's progress in the Title I program on scheduled parent/teacher conference dates. In addition, parents may be provided with materials and suggestions that can be used to supplement the child's Title I program at home.
5. Facilitate volunteer or paid participation by Title I parents in school activities.
The end of the year report to the school committees and to the State Title I officials shall report on the extent to which these provisions were accomplished.
Reference: Title I, Part A of ESEA CFDA No. 84.010
Policy No. IJND
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
SCHOOL SYSTEM WEB SITE/WEB PAGES
RSU #38 maintains an official web site to provide general information about our school system, as well as information about educational programs, extracurricular activities and school events. This web site is intended to support the educational mission of the schools, to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and staff, and to inform the larger community about our schools. The web site does not create, nor is it intended to create, a public or limited public forum.
RSU #38 has adopted guidelines to ensure that the RSU #38 web site is in compliance with applicable laws and meets the highest educational and quality standards. The Superintendent is responsible for implementing this policy, the accompanying guidelines and any additional administrative procedures that may be needed to govern the day-to-day management of the web site. The Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities, as he/she deems appropriate.
IJND-R
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
AGREEMENT TO PUBLISH STUDENT INFORMATION
ON THE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT WEB SITE
RSU #38 maintains an official web site to provide general information about the school system as well as information about educational programs, extracurricular activities, school events and student and staff achievements.
Maine law requires public schools to obtain written approval from parents/guardians prior to publishing personal information about students on the Internet. This form will authorize the School Department to publish the following:
A. Full names of students in connection with class rosters, honor rolls, awards received, and team/extracurricular activity participants lists;
B. Group and/or individual photographs of students; and
C. Individual student or class work may be published on the School Department’s web site from time to time in accordance with established guidelines. Such work may include creative writing, research projects, artwork, music, performances, and audiovisual presentations. All student work will include a copyright notice prohibiting the copying of such work without express written
permission. Copies of the Board’s Web Site Policy and Guidelines are available at the Superintendent’s Office, every school office, or on the School Department’s web site at http://www.maranacook.org
Policy No: IJNDB
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE
RSU #38’s computers, networks and Internet access are provided to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff. This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to laptops issued directly to students, whether in use at school or off school premises
* Student use of school computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right.
* Compliance with the school unit’s policies and rules concerning computer use is mandatory.
* Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited, suspended, or revoked.
* Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action.
* All students will adhere to the copyright provisions of Policy EGAD, Copyright Compliance.
* Students are prohibited from using school computers in any manner that would be in violation of the district Policy on harassment.
RSU #38 computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of the school unit at all times. The school unit monitors all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers.
RSU #38 utilizes filtering technology designed to block materials that are illegal, obscene or harmful to minors. RSU #38 takes precautions to supervise student use of the Internet, but parents should be aware that RSU #38 cannot reasonably prevent all instances of inappropriate computer use by students in violation of Board policies and rules, including access to objectionable materials and communication with persons outside of the school. The school unit is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that students obtain through the Internet.
Students and parents shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying rules through handbooks, the school web site and/or other means selected by the Superintendent.
The Superintendent is responsible for implementing this policy and the accompanying rules. Additional administrative procedures or school rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of the school unit’s computer system may be implemented, consistent with Board policies and rules. The Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities to the Technology Coordinator and others as he/she deems appropriate.
IJNDB-R
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE RULES
These rules accompany Board policy IJNDB (Student Computer and Internet Use). Each student is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school unit computers, networks and Internet services, and for his/her computer files, passwords and accounts. These rules provide general guidance concerning the use of the school unit’s computers and examples of prohibited uses. The rules do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity by students. Students, parents and school staff who have questions about whether a particular activity is prohibited are encouraged to contact a building administrator or the Technology Coordinator.
A. Consequences for Violation of Computer Use Policy and Rules
Student use of the school unit computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Compliance with the school unit’s policies and rules concerning computer use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked. Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action.
The building principal shall have the final authority to decide whether a student’s privileges will be limited, suspended or revoked based upon the circumstances of the particular case, the student’s prior disciplinary record and any other pertinent factors.
B. Acceptable Use
The school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school unit’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.
All Board policies, school rules and expectations concerning student conduct and communications apply when students are using computers.
Students are also expected to comply with all specific instructions from teachers and other school staff or volunteers when using the school unit’s computers.
C. Prohibited Uses
Examples of unacceptable uses of school unit computers that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials - Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal materials.
2. Illegal Activities - Using the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services for any illegal activity or in violation of any Board policy or school rules. The school unit assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using school computers.
3. Violating Copyrights – Copying, downloading or sharing any type of copyrighted materials (including music or films) without the owner’s permission (see Board policy/procedure EGAD – Copyright Compliance). The school unit assumes no responsibility for copyright violations by students.
4. Copying Software - Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the Technology Coordinator. Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties. The school unit assumes no responsibility for illegal software copying by students.
5. Plagiarism - Representing as one’s own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, music, etc). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and web site must be identified.
6. Non-School-Related Uses - Using the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain; commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes; or any other personal use not connected with the educational program or assignments.
7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access - Sharing passwords, using other users’ passwords, and accessing or using other users’ accounts.
8. Malicious Use/Vandalism - Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses.
9. Unauthorized Access to Blogs/Chat Rooms - Accessing chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization from the supervising teacher.
D. No Expectation of Privacy
RSU #38 computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of the school unit at all times. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail, stored files and Internet access logs.
E. Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages
The student and his/her parents are responsible for compensating the school unit for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the school unit for violations of Board policies and school rules while the student is using school unit computers, including the cost of investigating such violations. The school unit assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or costs incurred by a student while using school unit computers.
F. Student Security
A student is not allowed to reveal his/her full name, address, telephone number, social security number or other personal information on the Internet without prior permission from a teacher. Students should never agree to meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way.
G. System Security
The security of the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services is a high priority. Any student who identifies a security problem must notify his/her teacher immediately. The student shall not demonstrate the problem to others or access unauthorized material. Any user who attempts to breach system security, causes a breach of system security or fails to report a system security problem shall be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action in addition to having his/her computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked.
H. Additional Rules for Laptops Issued to Students
1. Laptops are loaned to students as an educational tool and are only authorized for use in completing school assignments.
2. Before a laptop is issued to a student, the student and his/her parent must sign the school’s acknowledgment form. Parents are required to attend an informational meeting before a laptop will be issued to their child.
3. Students are responsible for the proper care of laptops at all times, whether on or off school property, including costs associated with repairing or replacing the laptop. RSU #38 offers an insurance program for parents to cover replacement costs and/or repair costs for damages not covered by the laptop warranty. Parents who choose not to purchase insurance should be aware that they
are responsible for any costs associated with loss, theft or damage to a laptop issued to their child.
4. If a laptop is lost or stolen, this must be reported to the building principal or Technology Integration Specialist immediately. If a laptop is stolen, a report should be made to the local police immediately.
5. The Board’s policy and rules concerning computer and Internet use apply to use of laptops at any time or place, on or off school property. Students are responsible for obeying any additional rules concerning care of laptops issued by school staff.
6. Violation of policies or rules governing the use of computers, or any careless use of a laptop may result in a student’s laptop being confiscated and/or a student only being allowed to use the laptop under the direct supervision of school staff. The student will also be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of Board policies or school rules.
7. Parents will be informed of their child’s login password. Parents are responsible for supervising their child’s use of the laptop and Internet access when in use at home.
8. The laptop may only be used by the student to whom it is assigned.
9. Laptops must be returned in acceptable working order at the end of the school year or whenever requested by school staff.
I. Additional Rules for Use of Privately Owned Computers by Students
1. A student who wishes to use a privately owned computer in school must complete a Student Request to Use Privately Owned Computer form. The form must be signed by the student, his/her parent, a sponsoring teacher, the school principal and the technology coordinator. There must be an educational basis for any request.
2. The technology coordinator will determine whether a student’s privately owned computer meets the school unit’s network requirements.
3. Requests may be denied if it is determined that there is not a suitable educational basis for the request and/or if the demands on the school unit’s network or staff would be unreasonable.
4. The student is responsible for proper care of his/her privately owned computer, including any costs of repair, replacement or any modifications needed to use the computer at school.
5. The school unit is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of any privately owned computer.
6. Students are required to comply with all Board policies, administrative procedures, and school rules while using privately owned computers at school.
7. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of privately owned computers while at school. The school unit reserves the right to search a student’s privately owned computer if there is reasonable suspicion that the student has violated Board policies, administrative procedures or school rules, or engaged in other misconduct while using the computer.
8. Violation of any Board policies, administrative procedures or school rules involving a student’s privately owned computer may result in the revocation of the privilege of using the computer at school and/or disciplinary action.
9. The school unit may confiscate any privately owned computer used by a student in school without authorization as required by these rules. The contents of the computer may be searched in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
J. Parental Permission Required
Students and their parent/guardian are required to sign and return the Electronic Resources – User Acknowledgment Form (IJNDB-E) before being allowed to use school computers.
Policy No: JFCK
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
Student Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices
The school committees of Manchester, Mt. Vernon, Readfield, Wayne, and Community RSU #38 recognize that many students possess cellular telephones and other electronic devices. These devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts the educational process or violates Board policies or school rules. School Union RSU #38 is not responsible for damage, loss or theft of such devices. The Superintendent is authorized to develop, with input from administrators, any school rules necessary to implement this policy.
Policy No: KBF
REGIONAL SCHOOL UNIT #38
PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN TITLE I
The Board endorses the parent involvement goals of Title I and encourages the regular participation by parents/guardians in all aspects of the school system’s Title I programs.
For the purpose of this policy, “parents/guardians” includes other family members involved in supervising the child’s schooling.
I. DISTRICT-LEVEL PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
In compliance with federal law, the school unit will develop jointly and agree on with, and distribute to parents of children participating in the school system’s Title I programs a written district-level parent involvement policy.
Annually, parents/guardians will have opportunities to participate in the evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the school unit’s parent involvement policy and in using the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent involvement and to make revisions to the policy.
II. SCHOOL-PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
As required by law, each school in the school unit that receives Title I funds shall jointly develop with parents/guardians of children served in the program a school parent/guardian involvement policy, including “School-Parent Compact” outlining the manner in which parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement in meeting State standards. The school policy will be distributed to parents/guardians of children participating in the school’s Title I programs.
The “School-Parent Compact” shall:
A. Describe the school’s responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment enabling children in the Title I program to meet the State’s academic achievement standards;
B. Indicate the ways in which parents will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning, such as monitoring attendance, homework completion, monitoring television watching, volunteering in the classroom, and participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to
their children’s education and positive use of extra-curricular time; and
C. Address the importance of parent-teacher communication on an ongoing basis, with, at a minimum, parent-teacher conferences, frequent reports to parents, and reasonable access to staff.
III. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS
Each school receiving Title I funds shall convene an annual meeting to which all parents/guardians of eligible children shall be invited to inform them about the school’s participation in Title I and to involve them in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title I programs and the parent involvement policy.
In addition to the required annual meeting, at least one other meeting shall be held at various times of the day and/or evenings for parents/guardians of students participating in Title I programs.
These meetings shall be used to provide parents with:
A. Information about programs the school provides under Title I;
B. A description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency level students are expected to meet;
C. Opportunities to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children; and
D. The opportunity to submit comments to the district level if they are dissatisfied with the school-wide Title I program.
Title I funding, if sufficient, may be used to facilitate parent/guardian attendance at meetings through the payment of transportation and childcare costs.
IV. PARENT RELATIONS
Parents/guardians of children identified for participation in a Title I program shall receive from the building principal and Title I staff an explanation of the reasons supporting their child’s selection, a set of objectives to be addressed, and a description of the services to be provided. Parents will receive regular reports on their child’s progress and be provided opportunities to meet with the classroom and Title I teachers. Parents will also receive training, materials, and suggestions as to how they can assist in the education of their children at home.
V. DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY
The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for ensuring that the school unit’s Title I plan, programs, and parent involvement policies comply with applicable law and regulations and for developing administrative procedures, as needed, to implement this policy.
Legal References: 20 U.S.C. § 6318
RSU 38 SCHOOL VOLUNTEER FORM
I, _____________________________ as a volunteer at ________________________ affirm that I will fully honor the confidentiality of each student. I further affirm to the full extent of my responsibility that any personal information revealed to me will remain private and confidential, except any necessary disclosures made to authorized school personnel. I confirm my understanding of my role as a school volunteer as described in Policy IJOC, School Volunteers.
Signature Date
I'm a good citizen when I am -
Trustworthy
Responsible
Honest
Respectful
Tolerant
Compassionate
Hard Working
MARANACOOK AREA SCHOOLS BELIEF STATEMENT
Capstone Statement: "A caring school community dedicated to excellence"
We believe that all students deserve and are expected to take advantage of challenging and rewarding educational experiences designed to provide them with academic, career and life skills and the knowledge needed for their future personal and professional success. Students, in turn, are expected to work hard, to take initiative for making the most of their educational opportunities and to become good citizens.
We are committed to creating the ideal school. Ideal schools have:
• an educational environment which promotes and nurtures: creativity and imagination, respect, responsibility, individual self-esteem, appreciation and acceptance of differences between individuals, a positive attitude toward learning, community involvement, and development of personal traits of honesty, trustworthiness, hard work and compassion;
• high expectations for achievement based on national and international standards of excellence;
• a curriculum development process which insures that the changing needs of society are blended with the needs of individual students and educational research;
• an agreement on the importance of assessment, with a goal towards improving the achievement of all students;
• a challenging range of courses, experiences and extra-curricular activities which recognize the needs, interests, and abilities of all students;
• teachers who utilize a variety of instructional strategies and demonstrate a belief that all students can learn;
• a comprehensive professional development program, guided by valid educational theory and research, which promotes exemplary teaching and learning;
• a supervision and evaluation process which encourages and supports staff growth and development;
• facilities and grounds which are well maintained, safe and orderly, and provide an effective setting that encourages and supports learning.
Individuals in an ideal school share a common vision, high personal and professional aspirations and expectations and a commitment to excellence.
Adopted October 30, 1993; amended December 12, 2000
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