TCH Student Handbook

MAINE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT #11
PreK - 5 Parent, Student, and Staff Handbook 2007-2008

GARDINER PITTSTON
WEST GARDINER RANDOLPH
SOUTH GARDINER

SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE
Paul Knowles, Superintendent 582-5346
Howard Tuttle, Director of Curriculum and Instruction 582-5346
Margaret Long, Director of Special Services 582-7366
Juan Lavalle-Rivera, Assistant Director of Special Services 582-7366
Terry McGuire, Director of Technology 582-5346
Millie Gould, Director of Food Services 582-5346
Sam O’Connor, Director of Transportation 582-6663
Jon Stonier, Director of Maintenance 582-5346

ADMINISTRATORS
Shelly Simpson, Pittston Consolidated School 582-6268
Karen Moody, Laura E. Richards School 582-3612
Judith Morin, River View School 582-3402
Donna McGibney, Helen Thompson School 724-3930
Barbara Evan, Teresa C. Hamlin School 582-4252

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dick Rogers (WG), Chair 582-4111
Steve Hunnewell (WG), Vice Chair 582-0625 Eric Jermyn (G) 582-1623 Candice Avery (R) 582-6558
Becky Fles (G) 582-9606
Heather Dunn (G) 582-4973
Marc Cone (G) 582-7296
Inez Kelley (P) 582-8056
Matthew Shea (G) 588-0071
Ginger Shaw (P) 582-4072
Michael Chase (R) 462-3511
Kathy Paradee (G) 582-8170

Our district has been actively working on curriculum to insure that all students in MSAD #11 will have the skills to meet our standards. Expectations in math, science, English language arts, social studies, and health have been developed. The expectations for the use of technology as an integral tool for learning is underway.

Communication is very important to us in MSAD #11. There is an established chain of command for addressing questions and concerns. If you have questions or concerns, it is best to address them first at the school level, directly with the teacher; then, if necessary, with the building principal. If the issue, question or concern is still unresolved, it will be forwarded to the Superintendent. By following this process, we can ensure that the situation will be addressed with those closest to the issue(s). Thank you in advance for helping us improve communication and for following this chain of command. (file: KEB)
LEARN HERE...SUCCEED ANYWHERE!

District Web Page Address: http://www.msad11.org
You can launch your school’s web page from this site.

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WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL!

We believe that a positive learning experience is vital for children to have a successful beginning in their life-long learning. We further believe that education is a shared responsibility between home and school working as a team. Our staff invites you to join us in this important effort. Your involvement is welcome and necessary. “If any statement in this handbook conflicts with any Board policy, Board policy takes precedence.”

This booklet will answer questions you have about our schools. We ask that you take the time to go over this booklet with your child. It will be a valuable resource throughout the school year, so keep it handy. We look forward to a great school year.

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MSAD #11 Mission Statement

We support Maine’s Guiding Principles as a learning foundation for life. Our mission is to provide a safe environment that encourages all members of our community to become:

•Clear & Effective Communicators
•Self-Directed & Life-Long Learning
•Creative & Practical Problem Solvers
•Responsible & Involved Citizens
•Collaborative & Quality Workers
•Integrative & Informed Thinkers

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Code of Conduct 5
Goals and Objectives
Daily Schedule 6
Dismissal
No School Announcements 6
Food Service
Recess
Affirmative Action Policy 7
Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure 8
Steps 1 &2
Step 3
Student Records 10
Formal Testing
Student Services 11
SAT (Student Assistance Teams)
Title I
Special Education
Section 504
Guidance
Attendance 12
Absence and Excuses
Truancy
Discipline 12
Transportation: Walkers and Riders 14
Bus conduct
Rules and Consequences
Visitors
Safety Drills
School Safety Policy
Drug and Alcohol Policy 17
Tobacco Use Policy
Health
Medications
Dress Policy 18
Animals in Schools Policy
Library
Photos and Videos/ Media Use Permission
SUPER Kids Program 19
Birthdays
Field Trips

MSAD #11 CODE OF CONDUCT

As a member of the MSAD #11 community, I have:

A RIGHT: & A RESPONSIBILITY:

TO BE SAFE TO ACT SAFELY AND HELP OTHERS

TO BE RESPECTED TO TREAT OTHERS WITH KINDNESS

TO BE HEARD TO LISTEN WITH CONSIDERATION

TO LEARN TO BE ACCEPTING OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES KNOWING OTHERS HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS I DO

It is important for students to understand that our schools and buses have rules so everyone can learn and play together while being safe. Our basic rule is to treat others as you would want to be treated. Therefore, each student is expected to:

* cooperate and share
* take responsibility for his/her actions
* respect each other and their belongings
* play safely and fairly
* use hands for helping
* use equipment appropriately
* use only appropriate school language and words

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MSAD #11 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

We will continue to focus on improving student performance in the following areas:

Literacy Guided Reading and Writing (ie. Write Traits) Instruction

Math Developing Mathematical Thinkers in the areas of Computation, Number Sense, Geometry, Measurement, Data Analysis, and Algebraic Thinking

Science Physical, Life and Earth Science Instruction (every science, every year)

Social Studies Our Community, our state, our nation, our world

Climate Safe Environment for all students
Superskills Emphasis

OUR SCHOOL DAY

Supervision begins with the arrival of busses. Your child may arrive after 8:10 A.M. For the safety of our students, all doors, except the main door, are locked from the outside during school hours.

Sample Daily Elementary Student Schedule (Individual schools may vary)

8:00 Staff Arrival
8:10 Student Arrival
8:10 to 8:30 Students to Breakfast and Morning Recess
8:30 Students report to their Classrooms
8:30 School Starts
3:10 Student Dismissal

We hope that you will join us in support of our daily learning time. It is important for students to arrive on time each day and remain at school until the end of the afternoon learning block.

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DISMISSAL

No child shall be permitted to leave school before the regular dismissal time unless ill or upon written request from the parent/guardian. If someone other than a person named on your emergency card is to
pick up your child, please send a note. We will not release a child to someone who does not have your permission.

If your child is to go home in a non-routine way, please send a signed note. Without notification, we will
send your child home in the usual way. For safety, your child must also show the note to the bus driver.

NO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

On mornings when storms prevent school from being held, "no school" bulletins will be announced several times on stations WABK, WMME, Channel 6, Channel 8 and Channel 13. The decision to have no school will be made as early as possible. Please listen for the announcement and do not call the schools, superintendent, principal, or teachers.

Occasionally, the weather becomes so inclement during the school day that children will be dismissed early. Radio announcements will be made. Parents need to complete an Emergency Dismissal Form and instruct their children on what to do and where to go when school is canceled early.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

We maintain both a breakfast and lunch program in our schools. All students will receive a pre-paid envelope at the beginning of the school year. To make a pre-payment, please complete and return the envelope with your payment to the Cafeteria Manager at your school on the first day of each week. This envelope covers breakfast, lunch, or snack foods. Checks should be made out to MSAD #11 Food Service Program. Menus and prices are sent home monthly, posted on the district web page, and printed in the local newspaper.

Free and reduced lunch applications need to be completed and returned to school each year. All students from one household can be put on the same application form. Please make sure to list what school they attend in the district. For more information or for an application please call your school or Mildred Gould at 582-5346.

Applications can be sent back to school or mailed to:
Mildred Gould
MSAD #11, Food Service Program
150 Highland Avenue
Gardiner, ME 04345

RECESS

Recess is a part of the elementary school program. It is the time set aside for children to develop social and physical skills in a semi-structured setting. Whenever possible, the children go outside for recess time. Factors such as temperature, wind chill and rain are considered before a decision for outside recess is made. We recommend that students dress appropriately for weather conditions. Arrangements may be made for students with injuries. All students in school will attend recess unless there is a note from the doctor.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION INFORMATION

The MSAD#11 School Department has committed itself to an Affirmative Action Plan which insures that all of its educational programs, employment policies and practices will be nondiscriminatory on the basis of race, gender, color national origin, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation or disability, and recognizes its obligations to comply with the provisions of all existing Federal and State legislation as it relates to discrimination.

Inquiries may be addressed to:
Diann Bailey, Title IX Affirmative Action Coordinator
Adult Education Office (582-3774)
Juan Lavalle-Rivera
Special Education Department (582-7366)

Questions concerning the application of nondiscrimination policies may also be referred to the:
U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
33 Arch Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02110-1491
Phone (617) 289-0111

The following information is provided to keep all members of the community informed relative to nondiscrimination policy:

Affirmative Action is a program designed in compliance with the
U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its Educational Amendments.
Its purpose is to make sure that all parts of the Civil Rights Act are
being observed in federally funded programs.
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin,
religion, marital status, and handicap.
Section 504 specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicapping condition.
Title VII incorporates all of the aforementioned amendments in the work place.

Discrimination covers all issues which relate to prejudice, racism and harassment toward the above-named groups.

For further information please feel free to contact the appropriate coordinators.

File: ACAA-Reg.

Student Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedure

The following procedure outlines for students the process which will be used for handling complaints alleging discrimination or harassment.

For purposes of this procedure

A. A “complaint” is defined as an allegation that a student has been
discriminated against or harassed on the basis of race color, sex, sexual
orientation, religion, national origin or disability.

B. “Discrimination or harassment” means discrimination or harassment on the
basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, national origin
or disability.

Step One

Any student who believes he/she has been discriminated against or harassed should report his/her concern promptly to the building administrator. Students who are unsure whether discrimination or harassment has occurred are encouraged to discuss the situation with the administrator.
The building administrator will investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint within three working days.

Step Two

If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily or if the complainant wishes to bypass the building administrator, he/she may file a complaint with the district’s affirmative action officer. The complaint will be investigated and completed within 21 working days, if practicable.

If the Affirmative Action Officer determines that discrimination or harassment occurred, he/she shall in consultation with the Superintendent:
1. Determine what disciplinary action should be taken against the person
who engaged in discrimination or harassment.
2. Inform the student who made the complaint (and his/her parents/guardians) of the results of the investigation (in accordance with state and federal privacy laws).

If the student’s parents/ guardians are dissatisfied with the resolution, an appeal may be made to the School Board within 14 school days of receiving notice of the decision. The Board will consider the appeal in executive session, to the extent permitted by law, at its next regular meeting or at a special meeting. The Superintendent shall submit the investigation report and any other witnesses or documents that he/she believes will be helpful to the Board. The student, his/her parents/guardians and his/her representative shall be allowed o be heard. The person against whom the complaint was made shall be invited and allowed to be heard. The Board’s decision shall be final.

Step Three

A student may at any time, file a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission, 51 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333 (207-624-6050) and or the federal office for Civil Rights, Regional Director, US Department of Education, SW McCormack POCH Room 222, Boston, MA 02109-4557 (617-223-9622)

Considerations

School staff is expected to report possible incidents of discrimination or harassment of students. Parents and other adults are also encouraged to report any concerns about possible discrimination or harassment of students.

Students and others will not be retaliated against for making a complaint. Any retaliation by students or school staff will result in disciplinary measures up to and including expulsion.

The Superintendent or designee may take interim remedial measures to reduce the risk of further discrimination or harassment while the investigation is pending.

Legal Reference: TITLE 22 MRSA, SEC. 4001-4010-A (“Child and Family Services and
Child Protection Act”)
P.L. 1991, Chap. 474 (5 MRSA, SEC. 4613.2; 26 MRSA SEC. 806,807)

Cross Reference: JLF-Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protection
AC-R Discrimination Grievance Procedure

Adopted: January 9, 1992

Revised: January 7, 1993; November, 2003

STUDENT RECORDS (File: JRA)

MSAD #11 has established a policy regarding student records which is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). This policy assures confidentiality for students and their parents. Only the people involved in your child's education have the right to see your child's school record. Listed below are the most important parts of the policy.

1. Certain facts about students are classified as "directory information". This includes such information as name, address, phone number and age. Directory information may be released to the public unless the parent sends a note to the principal refusing to allow this information to be released. The school department will
not release directory information for any commercial purposes.

2. When a student moves to a new school district, MSAD #11 will send all the student's records to the new school.

3. If you wish to inspect your child's records, you should contact your school's office and sign a request form. An appointment will be made for you to view the records when someone is available to help interpret the records for you.

4. If you feel that your child's right to privacy has not been protected, or if you have other concerns about the school's record-keeping procedures, please contact your school principal.

FORMAL TESTING

The District assesses and collects data regarding student performance in the following areas: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social studies, and Science.

In addition, all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students take the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) as mandated by the Maine Educational Act. This test evaluates a student’s ability to express his or her thinking in written form in the areas of English, reading, math, science, and social studies. The test results give us a sense of how we compare with other schools in the district and state. Parents receive their own copy of the MEA results for their child.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM (SAT)
The MSAD #11 Student Assistance Team (S.A.T.) serves as a resource for teachers, families, and administrators in addressing a variety of student learning and behavioral needs. )i.e. attendance, academic/social/emotional/physical concerns, etc...) The team receives referrals and develops interventions to help all students experience greater success in the school setting and provides a link between schools, families, and related community agencies. MSAD #11 S.A.T’s consist of administrators, classroom teachers, special educators, guidance counselors, and may include a school nurse or other school personnel on an as-needed basis.

TITLE I
The Title I program provides supplemental and remedial help to students in language arts and math. Students are selected to participate based upon an Annual Needs Assessment. The selection of students is made using informal testing, student records, and teacher recommendations. Students receive Title I services in their regular classroom or in tutorial spaces.

SPECIAL EDUCATION (File: IHBA)
If you have a concern that your child may have a disability that is interfering with his or her education, you should discuss your concern with the classroom teacher, who can assist you in making a referral to Special Education.

Students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in regular education programs. Assisting the student to be placed in the least restrictive environment is the goal of the special education program.

With parents’ written permission, an evaluation is completed. This evaluation is used by the Pupil Evaluation Team to determine whether the student has a disability and is eligible for special education services. If eligible, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed. The IEP states the student’s educational goals and objectives, program modifications and support services that will assist the student in reaching his or her goals.

SECTION 504 of the REHABILITATION ACT of 1973
Section 504 /ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, including both students and staff members, by school districts receiving federal financial assistance. Included in the U.S. Department of Education regulations for Section 504 is the requirement that students with disabilities be provided with a free appropriate public education. These regulations require identification, evaluation, provision of appropriate services and procedural safeguards in every public school in the United States.

GUIDANCE SERVICES
The elementary guidance program in our schools is available to help students, parents, and teachers develop a positive learning experience. The program consists of a variety of services and activities, including classroom lessons, individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultation, group guidance, information services and referral services to other programs and services. Referrals to the guidance program come from many different areas. Referrals can come from students themselves, from teachers, or from parents. If you have concerns about your child, feel free to contact your school’s counselor.

ATTENDANCE (File JH-R)
State law requires that a child must reach the age of five on or before October 15th to be eligible for kindergarten and that all children between the ages of seven and seventeen shall attend school. Religious holidays, illness, and family emergencies are excused absences. Please call the school before 9:00 AM if
your child will be absent. For safety, we will call the homes of absent students if their parents have not contacted the school . If you are unable to contact the school, your child should bring a note explaining the reason for the absence on the day of their return.

STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES (File JH)
Every student is expected to attend school punctually and regularly and to conform to the regulation of the school with respect to attendance and tardiness. No pupil shall be permitted to leave school before the regular time of dismissal unless ill or upon written request from the parent or guardian.

The only legitimate excuses for absences or tardiness shall be:
A. Illness of the pupil or appointment with a health professional;
B. Family emergency;
C. Observance of a recognized religious holiday;
D. Planned absence for a personal or educational purpose which has been approved; and
E. Inclement weather rendering the safety of the student questionable going to and from school.

TRUANCY (File JBH-R)
A child shall be considered truant if s/he has an unexcused absence of one-half day or more; and habitually truant if s/he has attained the equivalent of 10 full days of non-excused absences or seven consecutive school days of non-excused absences during a school year.

In the case of repeated acts of truancy, parents/ guardians will receive written notification and a copy of the administrative referral will be filed with the superintendent of MSAD# 11.

If after repeated phone calls and letter to the parent/ guardian the child remains habitually truant, the case shall be referred to the board.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE (File: JK)
One goal of education is to help individuals develop the self-discipline needed to become
contributing and responsible members of the community. Achievement of this goal is the shared
responsibility of the individual, the family and the school. We both need and want parental
support to help maintain appropriate behavior as outlined in the District Code of Conduct. We
ask parents to help support our message that violence, harassment and assault are never
appropriate or justifiable.

Discipline, the process of teaching individuals to develop and demonstrate responsible decision-making skills, is an integral part of this goal. Discipline is used to develop respect for oneself
and the rights of others and to foster responsibility for and acceptance of the consequences of
one’s behavior. However, discipline should not be used to deprive students of any academic . opportunities.

In the school setting, effective discipline assures that each student and staff member has a right
to be free from fearful or abusive treatment by others. Behavior that interferes with these rights
will not be tolerated. Good discipline also ensures that members of the school community can
learn and work without interference in a pleasant, safe and conformable environment.

Teachers have the responsibility to use appropriate behavioral interventions, subject to the
approval of the building principal or designee, to foster appropriate discipline and to support the District discipline policy. Physical force shall not be used as punishment. Staff members shall use every resource available to give guidance to their students and may refer only marked cases of discipline for administrative action.

In cases where a student is referred to the building principal for administrative action, the
principal, assistant principal or their designee may use the following measures, in any order,
including expulsion recommendations, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

A. BEHAVORIAL INTERVENTION - The principal or designee shall use at his/her
discretion suitable strategies, such as PEER MEDIATION, to assist the student in
understanding the peaceful resolution of conflict and appropriate school behavior.

B. TEMPORARY IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION - The principal or designee may remove
a student from a classroom or school activity (such as lunch recess) where the student
behaved inappropriately.

C. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION - The principal or designee may remove a student from a
series of classrooms or school activities where the student’s behavior was not appropriate.

D. OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION - The principal or designee may remove a student
from school for a period of time of up to ten (10) school days. On the third out-of-school
suspension, a referral will be made to the superintendent for a meeting with the
parent(s)/guardian(s), student before re-entering school. All out-of-school suspensions
are subject to Policy JKD-Suspension of Students,

E. EXPULSION - Student expulsions will be handled according to board policy JKE -Expulsion of Students

Any student who has received three administrative disciplinary referrals may be referred by the
building principal to the Student Assistance Team.

A profile of students with chronic disciplinary histories, written by the principal or designee, will be forwarded to the appropriate administrator/team leader at the time of transfer of the student involved from one school to another. Documentation may identify problems, interventions and changed behavior.

On an annual basis, each building principal or designee will publish and distribute to students
and parents/guardians a handbook which includes the district discipline policy and administrative disciplinary referral procedures as contained in this policy.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA #lOOl ME Dept. of Ed. Rule Chap. 125.23, A, 5,l

Cross Reference: JKD - Suspension of Students
JKE - Expulsion of Students
JICI - Weapons in the Schools

Adopted: July 2,1992

Revised: October 19, 1994; April 1996; October, 1998; June 3, 1999

WALKERS AND RIDERS (File: EEAA)
A. Students in grades K-1 living up to and including one-half mile from school or an established bus stop shall be expected to walk. Because the safety of students is the board's primary concern, expectations may be made to this policy when warranted by usually hazardous routes.

B. Drivers shall not carry students not assigned to the bus and not living on the route unless authorized by the principal, transportation director or his/her designee.

C. Drivers shall not permit any person other than a pupil, teacher, school official, mechanic or police to ride in his/her bus without written consent from the Superintendent's Office, School Principal or the Transportation Director.

BUS SAFETY AND RULES
Transportation is a student privilege and safety is our main concern. All children shall act in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety of others, nor shall they distract the bus driver from his/her duties. For everyone's safety, bus drivers must be in complete control of the bus at all times; therefore, the following bus rules shall be strictly enforced:

1. Passengers will take a seat and remain seated, and the aisle kept clear until bus stops.
2. Passengers will not throw any article in or out of the bus and will not hang any body part out of a window.
3. Passengers will not disturb other passengers in any manner such as pushing, slapping, grabbing, etc. Rude language and obscene gestures are not acceptable.
4. Passengers will respond promptly and courteously to the driver's requests.
5. Passengers shall not disturb or talk to the bus driver except in an emergency.
6. After leaving the bus, passengers shall go to the front of the bus and wait until the bus driver makes eye contact and signals them to cross the road. No passenger will cross in back of the bus at any time.
7. No smoking, eating, drinking, radios, gum, balloons, glass, or animals are allowed on the bus.
8. The transportation director will assign stops. Students are to be at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to pick up. While waiting, students will stay out of the road and not engage in horseplay!

Note: In order to help provide a safe environment for students on school provided transportation, the school board supports the use of video equipment on district vehicles. Cameras may be used to monitor student behavior. If a video becomes the basis for disciplinary action, the parents of the student will be given the opportunity to observe the resulting video.

CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING BUS RULES
When a grade K-3 student does not comply with these rules, she or he will receive a verbal warning and may be assigned a seat, with the parent notified. Further failure to comply may result in suspension from all buses for a period of time, which is determined by the violation.
For grades 4-12, similar action will occur, but, based on the violation, suspension from the bus may be immediate. The Transportation Director or designee will discuss the violation with the student(s), record the incident and notify the parents/guardian in writing and by telephone, if possible. Parents must provide transportation to and from school for the suspended student. The Transportation Director is in constant contact with the principals and counselors of the schools.
TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR
Sam O’Connor 582-6663
VISITORS (File: KI)

Parents and interested citizens are welcome to visit the public schools during the school day. Upon arrival, all visitors shall sign in with the principal or his/her designee. Permission to enter a classroom during the class session shall also be cleared with the principal. Conferences with individual teachers, counselors or other staff will be arranged upon request. During instructional time please do not bring siblings to the classroom. Visitors shall comply with all applicable Board polices and school rules. Visitors who violate these policies/rules and/or disrupt the safe and orderly operation of the school shall be asked to leave the premises.

SAFETY DRILLS (File: EBCB)

There are a minimum of ten safety drills each year. Two drills are conducted during the first two weeks
of school . Written procedures for safety drills are posted in all buildings. Children will be practicing fire drills, evacuation drills and lock downs periodically throughout the year.

WEAPONS, VIOLENCE, AND SCHOOL SAFETY POLICY (File: JICIA)

The Board believes that students and staff are entitled to learn and work in a school environment free of violence, threats and disruptive behavior. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for others and in accordance with Board policies, school rules, reasonable unwritten behavior expectations and applicable state and federal laws.

School and staff are required to immediately report incidences of prohibited conduct by students to the building administrator or designee for investigation and appropriate action.

In an effort to ensure a safe environment for students and employees, all persons with the exception of law enforcement personnel are prohibited from the following conduct at all times on school premises, in school buildings or on school buses before, during, or after school, or at any school sponsored activity.

A. Possession or use of any weapon. Possession or use of articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate other persons. Examples of such articles include, but are not limited to: firearms, ammunition, explosives, knuckles, chains, switchblades, butterfly knives, clubs, stars and Kung Fu "stars".

B. Use of any object as a weapon. Use of any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict or to threaten bodily harm and/or to intimidate, coerce or harass. Examples of such objects include,
but are not limited to: belts, chains, combs, pencils, files, scissors, compasses, replicas of weapons
(including some toys).

C. Violent or threatening behavior, including but not limited to fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property (e.g. verbal or written death threats, threats of bodily harm, bomb threats);

D. Using the mail or other manner of delivery as a vehicle to directly or indirectly communicate threats either through what is written or what is contained in the envelope or package, including powders or other substances that could be construed as dangerous or potentially life-threatening;

E. Verbal or written statements (including those made on or through a computer) which threaten, intimidate, or harass others, which tend to incite violence and/or disrupt the school program;

F. Any activities associated with gangs or secret societies, including but not limited to using slogans,
gestures, handshakes or symbols that indicate membership or affiliation with a gang; promoting gang activity or affiliation.

G. Willful and malicious damage to school or personal property;

H. Stealing or attempting to steal school or personal property;

I. Lewd, indecent or obscene acts or expressions of any kind;

J. Violations of the school unit’s drug/alcohol and tobacco policies;

K. Violations of state or federal laws, or any other Board policies, including the hazing and dress code policies;

L. Any other conduct that may be harmful to persons or property.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE POLICY (File: JICH)

MSAD #11 promotes a policy of non-utilization of mood and mind altering substances which adversely affects the physical, mental and emotional health of students. The Board is committed to keeping students chemically free and to supporting state laws which strictly forbid the sale or distribution of alcohol and other drugs to minors.

Student health problems are primarily the responsibility of parents or guardians. However, the school and community share that responsibility because chemical health problems often affect the learning and development of the student.

TOBACCO USE POSSESSION POLICY (File: JICG)

The Board of Directors endorses the concept of a smoke-free environment. Consequently, this policy prohibits tobacco use, distribution and sale of tobacco products, in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times by all persons.

Students and/or staff who violate this policy are subject to action up to and including referral to law enforcement, expulsion (for students) or termination (for staff). Others who violate this policy may be asked to leave school premises and may be referred to law enforcement as appropriate.

HEALTH

Please do not send your child to school if she or he is ill.

It is important that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Please keep the office updated with your phone number, place of work, and contact people.

Minor injuries are routinely treated with soap and water, antiseptics, bandages, and ice. If it is determined that an injury requires more attention or continued observation, the school nurse and parent will be contacted.

If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called, and your child will be dismissed.

If a child has symptoms of a contagious disease, such as measles or chicken pox, she or he will be excluded from school until the child has recovered. Other diseases requiring a doctor's recommendation are conjunctivitis, skin rashes, impetigo, ring worm, and other conditions which might be contagious.

Lice can be a problem wherever people are together in large groups. It can occur even on the cleanest of heads. If your child is found to have lice, you will be called. After treatment, the school nurse will check a child's head upon her or his return to school.

MEDICATION (File: JLCD)

Parents are urged to schedule administration of medication outside of school hours. When a student must
take medication at school, the parent must complete a medication permission form.

Prescription medication brought to school must be clearly labeled with student's name, name of medication, dosage, time to be given, name of doctor and date when prescribed in its pharmacy labeled container.

Non-prescription medication will be given only with a note from your child's doctor stating the need, and it must be labeled with the same information as prescription medication. If medication is not labeled as specified, it will not be administered by school personnel.

DRESSING FOR SCHOOL (File: JICA)

With the changing seasons and daily temperature fluctuations, it is important for parents to send their students to school dressed appropriately for the weather of the day.

Clothing shall not be ripped, torn, raveled, or offensively marked. Unduly tight or short clothing or
athletic shorts are not to be worn. Do not wear footwear with cleats or hobnails, roller wheels, etc. Do not
wear caps or hats in the school buildings.

Students who come to school dressed inappropriately may be sent home to make necessary changes. School administrators are authorized to impose additional restrictions when, in their judgment, a student’s dress disrupts the educational process or poses a threat to health or safety.

ANIMALS IN SCHOOLS (FILE: IMG)

Permission is to be obtained from the Principal/Administrator before animals are brought to the
school facility by anyone. If students wish to bring them for educational purposes, they are to
consult with their teachers who, in turn, will request permission from the Principal/Administrator. Animals are not to be transported on a school bus.

If animals are to be kept in the classroom on days when classes are not in session, arrangements
must be made for their care.

LIBRARY

The school library/media center is staffed with a library assistant between the hours of 8:30 AM-3:00 PM Monday through Friday providing print and non-print resources on curriculum topics along with materials
for leisure reading and listening. Classes visit weekly for lessons on researching and using information,
story times, and special programs. Students may also use the library at other times during the week for research and class projects.

Every student is allowed to sign out one book at a time. When the book is returned, it may be renewed or the student may select a new one. Students and parents are responsible for the books signed out. If a book is lost or badly damaged, a bill will be issued for the price of replacing the book.

PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO

There are times throughout the school year when your child may be photographed or videotaped. Many classes keep a pictorial history of the events of the year. These pictures and/or video tapes may be displayed or shared with families and visitors. Photographs may also be used in newspaper articles about our schools. Occasionally, articles and/or photos are posted on the internet. Please complete the “Media Use” permission form. These forms will be kept on file in the office.

MSAD#11 SUPER KIDS

Students Understanding Personal Excellence and Responsibility.

Throughout the year, district elementary schools will focus on nine skills/values:

Responsibility-September
Respect-October
Positive attitude- November
Caring-December
Pursuit of quality-January
Teamwork-February
Effective communicator -March
Problem solving-April Citizenship-May

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays are important and significant in the lives of most children. They afford the opportunity for children to be given special recognition. Accordingly, parents and students who wish to bring treats for
the entire class on their birthdays may do so. However, please contact the classroom teacher in advance, as there are many students who have food allergies. Invitations to outside of school birthday parties which do not include the whole class should not be distributed at school. It should be noted that students may not bring balloons on the bus for safety reasons.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are a valuable educational experience. To insure that all students take part, parents are asked to complete a permission form for each field trip. Any student for whom permission is not obtained shall participate in appropriate alternative activities within the school, during normal school hours. Parents are invited to chaperone when the trip is out of district. Parents attending field trips are asked not to bring siblings. All arrangements for chaperones are made by the classroom teacher.