Jared Eliot Middle School
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Jared Eliot Middle School Student Handbook
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Jared Eliot Middle School
Home Page For Parents For Students JESM Gallery Newsletter Jared Eliot Middle School Student Handbook |
From the Desk of the Principal
Dear Students and Parents:
This handbook has been written to help you better understand our school. We welcome you to the Jared Eliot Middle School community, and we hope your experience at Jared Eliot Middle School will be a good one.
In order for our school to be a place where each one of us has a chance to take full advantage of the many opportunities available, we must accept certain responsibilities. The Jared Eliot Middle School Student Handbook explains what those responsibilities are and describes the procedures that we follow.
Though this handbook is rather detailed, you can use two words as a guide for the best behavior practices here at your school, respect and responsibility. Be respectful of yourself and others and accept responsibility to be the best person and student that you possibly can be. We ask that you learn your responsibilities and follow school procedures. To ensure a good beginning to our school year, take time now to go over the handbook and learn about your school. We ask that you share this handbook with your parents. The form that verifies that you and your parent/guardian have received, read and understand the 2004-2005 Jared Eliot Middle School Student Handbook should be returned to your homeroom teacher by Wednesday, September 8th.
Should you have any questions about our school or school rules, please come in to see us. We look forward to meeting you personally and having a truly wonderful school year.
Linda Tucker
Principal
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At Eliot Middle School we believe that everyone must be TRUSTWORTHY, RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, AND CARING. If we, as a school, are to succeed then everyone must practice these four traits to the best of his/her ability at all times.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
TRUSTWORTHY IS - Living with integrity
Being honest
Being reliable
Being loyal
RESPECTFUL IS - Valuing all persons
Being courteous and polite to everyone
Being tolerant and accepting of differences
RESPONSIBLE IS - Being honorable
Doing your duty
Being accountable for your actions
Doing your best always and pursuing excellence
Maintaining self-control
CARING IS - Having concern for others
Being compassionate
Being kind
Being considerate
Being charitable
Being unselfish
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JARED ELIOT MIDDLE SCHOOL
HIGHLIGHTS
Our middle school is designed for students who are changing from childhood to adolescence. The students no longer belong in elementary school, but are not yet ready for the departmentalized, subject-centered high school. Adolescence is a unique period of life that calls for a unique school to meet student’s needs. The Jared Eliot Middle School is specifically tailored to "bridge the gap" between childhood and the early adolescent’s academic, physical, social, and emotional needs. The middle school age is a time for exploration, discovery of new skills, and development of new interests. Students will venture into new areas and expand their knowledge. By doing so, they will be better prepared for the specialization of both high school and adulthood.
An important goal of our school is teaching students how to learn. “Thinking critically, asking useful questions, finding answers independently, and developing effective study skills are stressed.” Students also learn from a variety of teaching methodologies, independent study, small –group projects, and class projects. Student creativity and active learning is encouraged.
• Close Student-Teacher Relationship: The development of a close student-teacher relationship will help early adolescents better cope with the unique problems encountered by their age group.
• Teaming Approach: Each student is assigned to a team consisting of four teachers. These groups of teachers share the same students, the same schedule and, for the most part, the same part of the building. As a result of dividing the student body into teams, teachers and students have the ability to get to know each other well. It is also easier for teachers to plan cooperatively and individualize instruction.
• Common Planning Time: All team staff members meet frequently to plan lessons and units, discuss student progress, compare notes on student behavior, plan field trips, etc. Since all student team members have the same teachers, a collaborative approach is used to diagnose student strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Furthermore, interdisciplinary units can be planned and implemented much easier through the team approach.
• An Interdisciplinary Approach: An interdisciplinary approach to learning can readily be used within teams. For example, an English and history teacher could plan a unit so that English students could be reading and analyzing a Civil War novel while the history class was studying the Civil War. A math teacher could insure that a unit on metrics coincided with a science lab unit utilizing the metric system. The ultimate goal of the interdisciplinary approach is to better understand the interrelationships that exist among the various subject disciplines and, as a result, to enhance student interest and learning.
• Block Schedule: Time is organized in a flexible manner in the middle school. The middle school day is divided into several large blocks of time on a daily basis. By far, the largest block of time is devoted to the core subjects of mathematics, English, social studies, and science. Students receive as much time in the basic subject schedule as in the past. The main advantage of a block schedule is its flexibility. On most days students will attend basic subject classes for the same length of time. However, a larger block of time may be used by a teacher on a particular day if team plans warrant this. For example, a social studies guest speaker may wish to utilize sixty minutes. This could not be done with forty minute "periods." On the other hand, a flexible block schedule can easily accommodate the speaker. The additional twenty minutes needed could be "borrowed" from the core subject block of time and "returned" at a later date. In short, the block schedule enhances flexibility while, at the same time, it ensures an equal amount of core subject instruction in the long run.
• Enrichment Period: Students report to enrichment at the designated time on their schedules. Enrichment is a special time in the school day during which students should be working productively in the classroom. Enrichment period can include:
-copying notes
-making up work missed due to absence from class
-getting extra help from a teacher or other students
-taking part in an activity in the UA or PE room
-doing research
-working with teacher in the computer lab
-working with an instructional assistant
-working with speech and language teacher, counselor, social
worker, or other special services personnel
-attending Band and Chorus practices
It is not a recess time or a time to socialize. Students may only leave their assigned classroom area if they have a pass previously signed by the receiving teacher or have a team pass, i.e., a pass to a team teacher or are on the list of activities.
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PHILOSOPHY
The basic philosophy of the Jared Eliot Middle School focuses on an educational program that recognizes and provides for the unique needs of each student. Each student has physical, intellectual, social, and emotional characteristics that should be considered in providing for his/her needs. Recognizing that varying rates of development among students lead to varying degrees of readiness to master certain skills, the middle school provides for a continuous and careful analysis of each student's progress and placement. The middle school also offers a broad and diversified learning environment that affords students the opportunity for maximum growth in self-knowledge, citizenship, and personal discipline. Respect for and trust in the child as well as the assumption that all children have a desire to learn are perhaps the most basic principles for the middle school philosophy.
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HOW OUR SCHOOL WORKS:
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
BICYCLE RIDERS, WALKERS, AND STUDENTS DRIVEN BY PARENTS
Students who ride a bicycle, walk or are driven to school by a parent should not arrive at school before 7:45 a.m. Students who need to be dropped off early and have had this early arrival approved by the Eliot administration or a teacher, should not arrive any earlier than 7:30 a.m. and must go directly to the cafeteria until 7:45 a.m. when they will be dismissed to go to their homerooms. Bicycles are to be walked to the corner. Bikers and walkers should cross at the crosswalk and respect the crossing guard. Students who normally ride a bus to and from school must have a note for any day they will ride a different bus, bike, walk, or be driven home.
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ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are held throughout the school year. Students are expected to act responsibly during assemblies and treat the presenter in a courteous manner. They must sit with their teachers and are dismissed by two rows at a time. Parents and grandparents are always welcome to attend our assemblies.
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ASSIGNMENT TO TEAMS
All students are randomly assigned to one of two teaching teams for each grade level. Assignment to teams ensures an even distribution of students of all ability ranges. Teaching teams have the same students for all major subjects. As a result, the grouping of students is much more flexible.
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ATTENDANCE
Illnesses and various emergency situations are the only legitimate excuses for being absent from school. An absence of even a few days places a responsibility on the student to make up the work missed in addition to keeping up with the regular work. Family vacations occurring during the time that school is in session are considered to be an unexcused absence. If school is in session students are expected to attend. A student must be in school for four hours to attend after school activities on that school day. Any exceptions to this must have the permission of the principal.
It is the student's responsibility to contact each of his/her teachers regarding missed work and arrange to make it up within one week of returning to school from an excused absence. Special arrangements for making up work may be made at the discretion of the teacher.
It is understood that upon re-admission to school the student is expected to participate fully in all required phases of the curriculum unless otherwise instructed by the school nurse (under the direction of the school doctor) or the student's physician.
If a student is going to be absent, a parent should call the school office or the health office (664-6573) before 8:45 a.m. When returning to school, the student must bring a note from a parent unless the parent has called the school. If a student is going to be absent 3 days or more, a doctors note is requested upon return to school.
Being truant is forbidden. When a student is found to be truant from school, the hours missed from school are made up after school. A student age five to eighteen, inclusive with 4 (four) unexcused absences in one month of 10 (ten) unexcused absences in a school year will be considered a truant. Disciplinary action may include after school detention or in school suspension.
Parents have the responsibility to assist school officials in remedying and preventing truancy. The Superintendent of Schools will file a written complaint with Superior Court Juvenile Matters if the parent fails to cooperate with the school in trying to solve the student’s truancy problem.
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BUS REGULATIONS
Students who live 1 1/2 miles or more from school are allowed to ride a school bus.
Students disembark from buses at 7:45 a.m. They should then proceed directly to their homeroom via the main entrance to Eliot. FOR SAFETY REASONS, STUDENTS MUST WALK TO AND FROM THEIR HOMEROOMS IN AN ORDERLY FASHION.
Please remember that riding a school bus is a privilege. It is essential that all safety rules be followed. If the bus driver or a teacher decides that a student's behavior on the bus is disruptive, endangers person or property or violates school rules and regulations including those listed below, the Principal or Assistant Principal may prohibit the student from riding the bus for a period of time, after an informal hearing.
In addition to all rules of good sense, good manners, and safety, the following rules must be observed:
1. When a student gets on the bus, they should walk to a seat, sit down, and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
2. Students should follow all directions issued by the bus driver.
3. Students should not yell, throw things, or engage in activities that disrupt others or their property.
4. Student’s feet should remain on the floor and out of the aisle--not on the seats of the bus.
5. Students should not open or close windows without the permission of the bus driver.
6. Students should not throw objects out of the windows.
7. Students are to use the emergency door only in an emergency.
8. Students should keep the bus neat and clean.
9. Students may switch buses to go to club meetings, choir rehearsals, a friend's house, or for any other reason by presenting a note signed by a parent requesting a bus switch for each incidence to the Principal or Assistant Principal at the start of the school day. If approved, the Principal or Assistant Principal will initial this note and the student may pick the note up in the office and give it to the bus driver. PLEASE NOTE: Phone calls WILL NOT be accepted. We must have written documentation.
10. A student who is a walker may not ride any school bus to or from school without a signed note from the Principal or Assistant Principal.
11. Students who vandalize a school bus will be responsible for payment of damages.
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CARE OF BOOKS, SUPPLIES, AND SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students are supplied with all required texts and other materials for instruction. These materials are generally in good condition, and students will be held strictly accountable for the proper care of books and supplies. If a student should receive a textbook that is in poor condition, the student should speak to the teacher when it is issued. If a textbook is lost or damaged, such loss or damage must be made good by payment to the extent of the damage. The responsible person will be the person to whom the textbook was issued. Textbooks should be kept covered at all times.
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CONFERENCES
Parents are encouraged to come to school and meet with teachers. Time is set aside throughout the week for teachers to meet in team meetings, and these are excellent times for parent conferences.
Parents wishing to make an appointment for a conference with a teacher should telephone the school office. The message will be relayed to the teacher, and the teacher will then contact the parent to set up a mutually agreeable conference date and time.
Formal conferences have been established for Tuesday, November 23, 2004 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Conferences will also be held on Thursday, March 17, 2005 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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DAILY SCHEDULE - 7:50 a.m. - 2:31 p.m.
AND
LUNCH SCHEDULE
7:50 - 7:58 Homeroom Lunch 1 - 10:56 - 11:22 Grade 7
8:00 - 2:31 Classes Lunch 2 - 11:24 - 11:50 Grade 6
2:35 Dismissal Lunch 3 - 11:52 - 12:18 Grade 8
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DETENTION
There are two types of detention at the Jared Eliot Middle School—teacher detention and central detention.
Teacher Detention: A teacher detention may be issued by a homeroom teacher, subject teacher, skill center teacher or by any other teacher--whether or not the student has that teacher. A teacher detention may be given for any number of reasons, some of which are as follows:
l. To make up work not completed.
2. Failure to return the report card envelope, signed progress reports, or tests, within the time allowed to do so.
3. Misbehaving in class or in the hallways.
All students will be given one day's notification prior to having to serve a teacher detention. The teacher issuing the detention will determine the length of time for the detention, but students will stay until at least 3:00 p.m. for a disciplinary detention.
Central Detention: One or more central detentions may result as a consequence for the following situations:
l. Failure of student to report to a teacher's original detention will result in the assignment of one central detention plus the student will also be required to serve the teacher detention
2. If a student cuts class, the student will receive one central detention for each class cut.
3. Unexcused tardiness three times during a quarter will result in one central detention. Each additional tardy that quarter will result in another Central Detention.
4. Any non-excused absence from a central detention will result in the assigning of additional nights of central detention. A second such offense may result in a one-day suspension from school. The students would still be expected to make up the central detentions.
5. A central detention may be recommended by a teacher for misbehavior by a student who is not under the direct supervision of that teacher.
6. Central detentions may be assigned for any type of behavior that interferes with the safety and education of others. Central detentions may also be assigned for misbehavior on the bus or at the bus stop.
A student who is assigned to central detention should report to Room 14 at 2:35 p.m. Dismissal is at 3:20 p.m. Students may postpone serving a central detention only by a written request from a parent/guardian. The request to be excused must be presented to the principal or assistant principal first thing in the morning on the day the central detention is to be served.
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EARLY DISMISSAL
An occasion may arise during the school year when a parent wants to have a student dismissed into his care before the regular dismissal time. In such a case, the student must bring a note from home requesting the dismissal and stating the time of and reason for the dismissal.
The student should report to the office before or during morning homeroom so that a dismissal slip may be made out. The student should show the dismissal slip to both the homeroom teacher and the teacher from whom the student will be dismissed. Finally, the slip should be given to the homeroom teacher when the student leaves for dismissal.
The student's parent or guardian must call for the student in the office and sign a dismissal sheet. No student will be released unless a dismissal sheet is signed by the parent/guardian or another adult designated by the parent in writing.
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EXTRA HELP
At times a student may need extra help from a teacher or teachers. In such a case arrangements should be made with the teacher of the subject in which difficulty is encountered in order to obtain extra help. This could be in the form of any of the following:
1. Teacher working with the student before school.
2. Teacher working with the student during the student's enrichment period.
3. Teacher working with the student after school.
4. Special testing to determine possible reasons for difficulties.
5. Assignment of a student tutor to help the student.
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FIRE/SECURITY DRILLS
In September two drills will be held. There will be one drill per month for the rest of the school year.
Fire Drill:
Each teacher will advise students as to the door to be used to leave the building should a fire or fire drill occur and how to react to a security drill while students are in that teacher's room.
In order to prevent injuries, students should observe the following rules when the alarm rings:
1. Students should stand by their desks and file out the planned exit when instructed to do so by the teacher.
2. Students should not take books, pocketbooks, or any other possessions with them. Nor are they to stop to get coats and/or sweaters.
3. The classroom door to the corridor should be closed after the students leave.
4. Students are not to run or push. They are not to talk. In the event that a fire is blocking the regular exit, there must be quiet so that the teacher can direct students to the closest safe exit.
5. When they are outside, students should keep in line and proceed to an area away from the building. A map showing these areas will be posted in classrooms.
6. All teachers should have a roster of the students in class so that attendance can be taken to insure the safety of students. Accounting of all students should be reported via the walkie talkie system.
7. If a student is in the corridor when the fire alarm rings, he/she should walk to the nearest exit, go outside, and either remain with his/her own classmates or join a group of students with a teacher.
8. Should the fire alarm ring when a student is in the lunchroom, the student should stop talking and remain where he is--whether in line or seated. Students will be directed outside through the safest exit by an adult in charge.
9. If students are in an assembly when the alarm rings, they should stand a row at a time--beginning with the row closest to the presentation area--and proceed to the closest exit and then to the designated safe area away from the building.
10.If the alarm indicates a fire drill, there will be a signal that students may return to the building.
Security Drill:
1. Students should listen quietly to the directions given over the PA and/or their teachers.
2. Students in the hallways or lavatories should proceed to the nearest classroom or office. Staff will assist them.
3. Staff will secure doors and cover windows. Students will move to the safest corner of room.
4. Students should wait quietly for PA announcement – “The security drill is now over. Please resume your regular schedule. Thanks for your cooperation.”
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FRIENDS OF ELIOT
Friends of Eliot (FOE) is an active parents' support group. It’s purpose is to provide a greater support base, add cultural input, expand volunteer and service activities, raise funds and further open communication between the community and the school. Membership is open to any person interested in the purposes of FOE. Friends of Eliot also manages a school store for students that is open at least two days a week during lunch periods.
Scheduled meetings for this year are as follows: 9/22, 11/17, 1/19/05, 3/23, 4/28 and 5/18 in the Eliot Conference Room 38, at 7:00 p.m. PLEASE JOIN US! WE NEED YOUR ACTIVE SUPPORT!
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HARASSMENT
The Clinton Public School District is committed to providing all students with a safe and supportive school environment. Members of the school community are expected to treat each other with mutual respect and to accept the rich diversity that makes up the community. Disrespect among members of the school community is unacceptable behavior that threatens to disrupt the learning environment and decrease self-esteem.
Harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination as well as disrespectful behavior, which will not be tolerated.
It is hereby the policy of the Clinton Public Schools to oppose and prohibit, without qualification, unlawful harassment based on race, color, religion (creed), national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or disability.
Any unlawful harassment of a student by a member of the school community is a violation of this policy.
The Clinton Public Schools shall act to investigate all complaints of harassment, formal or informal, verbal or written, and to discipline or take other appropriate action against any member of the school community who is found to have violated this policy. The Board of Education appoints the Assistant Superintendent of Schools (Mrs. Mary Peraro) as its Human Rights Officer.
II. Definitions
A. School Community includes, but is not limited to all students, school employees, contractors, unpaid volunteers and other visitors.
B. School Employee includes, but is not limited to all teachers, support staff, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, coaches, school board members and agents of the school.
C. Unlawful Harassment means verbal or physical conduct based on a student's actual or perceived race, religion (creed), color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or disability and which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
Harassment can include unwelcome verbal or written communications (including electronic communications) or physical conduct which offends, denigrates, or belittles any individual because of any of the characteristics described above. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to unsolicited derogatory remarks, jokes, demeaning comments or behavior, slurs, mimicking, name calling, graffiti, innuendo, gestures, physical contact, stalking, threatening, bullying, extorting or the display or circulation of written materials or pictures. These apply to all of the characteristics listed above.
1. Sexual Harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
a. Submission to that conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student's education.
b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as a component of the basis for decisions affecting that student.
c. The conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with a student's educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
This applies whether the sexual harassment is between people of the same or different gender. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct, directed at or related to a person's gender, such as sexual gossip or personal comments of a sexual nature, sexually suggestive or foul language, sexual jokes, whistling, spreading rumors or lies of a sexual nature about someone, demanding sexual favors, forcing sexual activity by threat of punishment or offer of educational reward, obscene graffiti, display or sending of pornographic pictures or objects, offensive, touching, pinching, grabbing, kissing or hugging or restraining someone's movement in a sexual way.
2. Racial harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual's race when the conduct:
a. has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment;
b. has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or
c. otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment or academic opportunities.
3. Religious harassment consists of physical or verbal conduct relating to an individual's religion when the conduct:
a. has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or academic environment;
b. has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or
c. otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment or academic opportunities.
4. National Origin Harassment: Harassment on the basis of national origin is unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct, directed at the characteristics of a person's national origin, such as negative comments regarding surnames, manner of speaking, customs, language, or ethnic slurs.
5. Marital Status Harassment: Harassment on the basis of marital status is unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct, directed at the characteristics of a person's marital status, such as negative comments regarding pregnancy or being an unwed mother or father.
6. Sexual Orientation Harassment: Harassment on the basis of sexual orientation is unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct, directed at the characteristics of a person's sexual orientation, such as negative name calling and imitating mannerisms.
7. Disability Harassment: Disability harassment includes harassment based on a person's disabling mental or physical condition and includes any unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct, directed at the characteristics of a person's disabling condition, such as imitating manner of speech or movement, or interference with necessary equipment.
III. Procedures
It is the express policy of the Board of Education to encourage victims of unlawful harassment to report such claims. Students are encouraged to promptly report complaints of unlawful harassment to the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Principal, Guidance Counselor or Social Worker. Complaints will be investigated promptly and corrective action will be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality will be maintained by all persons involved in the investigation and no reprisals or retaliation will be allowed to occur as a result of the good faith reporting of charges of unlawful harassment.
The school district will provide staff development for district administrators and grievance committee members and will annually distribute information on its policy and grievance procedures to staff and students in an effort to maintain an environment free of unlawful harassment.
IV. Retaliation
It is a separate and distinct violation of this policy for any member of the school community to retaliate against any person who reports alleged harassment or against any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing relating to such harassment. It is possible that an alleged harasser may be found to have violated this anti-retaliation provision even if the underlying complaint of harassment is not found to be a violation of this policy. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment and may be redressed through application of the same reporting, investigation, and enforcement procedures as for harassment. In addition, a person who knowingly makes a false report may be subject to the same action that the School District may take against any other individual who violates this policy. The term "false report" refers only to those made in bad faith and does not include a complaint that could not be corroborated or which did not rise to the level of unlawful harassment.
V. Action
Any school employee or student that is found to have violated this policy may be subject to action including, but not limited to, warning, remedial training, education or counseling, suspension, exclusion, transfer, termination or discharge.
VI. Alternative Complaint Procedures
In addition, to, or instead of, filing a harassment complaint through this policy, a person may choose to exercise other options, including, but not limited to filing a complaint with outside agencies or filing a private lawsuit.
Outside Agencies
A charge of harassment may also be investigated by the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the Connecticut Department of Education, or the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of education, which may be contacted as follows:
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Region 1
McCormack Post Office and Courthouse
Room 222, Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109-4557
(617) 223-9662
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
21 Grand Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 541-3400 [TDD#: (860) 541-3459]
Connecticut State Department of Education
165 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106-1630
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2219, Hartford, CT 06145-2219
(860) 566-5061
References: CT Discriminatory Employment Practices Act
C.G.S. 46a-60(8)
29 CFR 1604.11
Title Vii, Civil Rights Act of 1964
Policy adopted: August 16, 1999 Clinton Public Schools
Clinton, CT
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HOMEWORK AND STUDY
Homework is a special part of the middle school program. It is time to work independently in order to prepare for the next day's lesson. Homework is assigned on a regular basis, and teachers go over their homework requirements at the beginning of the school year. Generally sixth graders have no more than one hour of homework. Seventh and eighth graders, in preparation for the demands of high school, should plan to spend one to one-and-one-half hours each evening on homework. Some homework may be done in Enrichment period. Students must use the planner distributed at the beginning of the school year to record all of their assignments.
Make-up Work:
a. Students must make up all tests, quizzes, homework, and other class responsibilities within one week of returning from an excused absence. Special arrangements for work may be made at the discretion of a teacher.
b. Students are responsible for initiating the arrangements for making up work.
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HONOR ROLL
To qualify for the Honor Roll a student must have A's and B's in ALL SUBJECTS. One grade below a B- in ANY SUBJECT will make the student ineligible.
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INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
Every student in the Jared Eliot Middle School studies the following subjects: English, mathematics, social studies, science, reading, and physical education. General music and art classes are provided for students in grades six and seven. Art and music are offered in grade eight as electives and for those students not taking a foreign language.
Health Education - Under Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-19(b), "Each local and regional Board of Education must offer during the regular school day planned, ongoing and systematic instruction on acquire immune deficiency syndrome..." According to this statute, students may be exempted from this instruction upon written request of the parent or guardian. The Policy of the Clinton Board of Education 6142.2 states that the Board of Education authorizes instruction regarding acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) as a part of the Health Education Curriculum. Students will be exempt from instruction on AIDS upon written request of the parent or guardian.
The World Language Program: The Spanish program begun at the Joel and Pierson schools continues in grade six. Grade six students will continue to study Spanish each day. The World Language program for grades seven and eight is by teacher recommendation and student choice. Students can elect to continue in the Spanish program or they can elect to start the French program. However, once the choice is made, students are expected to complete the year in Spanish/French.
Successful completion of the seventh and eighth grade programs in Spanish or French at Eliot will allow a student the opportunity to continue study of the World Language at the Morgan School in the second year of study rather than the first.
All students participate in the Unified Arts program at Eliot. Unified Arts includes the areas of Family and Consumer Science and Technology Education. All classes meet two days per week. Sixth grade students are exposed to the following areas: ChildCare, Fabrics, Foods, Mechanical Drawing, Metals and Woodworking. The sixth grade students spend six weeks in each area and receive a grade of Pass/Fail for the class. Seventh and eighth graders spend one semester in Family and Consumer Science and one semester in Technology Education. Seventh and eighth grade students are graded on an A-F basis. Having students successfully integrate theory and practice in either the work place or the classroom is the focus of Unified Arts. U.A. is the introduction to the Applied Education programs that continue at Morgan through Family and Consumer Science and Technology Education. The knowledge, skills and attitudes that are the foundation of Applied Education will stimulate life-long learning in students and empower them to meet the choices and challenges of life that are vital to personal and economic success.
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INSURANCE
Accident insurance applications are sent home during September. This insurance provides coverage for accidents on the school premises during school hours when school is in session. It also covers any accident suffered by the student while traveling directly to and from school. A twenty-four hour policy is also available as explained in the application form. The school does not have insurance to cover injuries such as might be incurred by falling while running in a physical education class. The cost of a regular school time student policy is less than the cost of one visit to your family physician. Accidents should be reported promptly to the teacher in charge.
The Clinton Board of Education purchases, at additional cost, coverage for all students taking interscholastic sports, including cheerleaders. All claims must be presented first by the parents to their own insurance carrier (Blue Cross, CMS, or other medical pre-payment plan) before claim forms are submitted to the Agency. If parents do not have such insurance coverage, then the claim will go directly to the Agency.
The school claim form states: "Submit your claim to your own insurance companies." If parents have coverage, a claim must be submitted to each plan. After payment has been made by them, forward this form along with the bills showing what was paid by your companies. The balance will then be addressed by the Agency.
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LIBRARY - MEDIA CENTER
Students are encouraged to use the school library. It is open from 8:10 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Students who wish to use the library to check out books must receive a pass from a homeroom or classroom teacher. Students who wish to do research must receive a pass from the teacher for whom the research is being done.
Materials found in the library include print, film, filmstrips, recordings, computers, and CD-ROM's for student and staff use. Students must have signed permission slips on file to use the Internet. Students are required to use their ID/library cards to access the Internet or borrow library books.
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LOST AND FOUND
Items that have been lost can usually be found in the lost and found closet in the cafeteria. It is best to check promptly after a loss. Labeling clothes will help in identification.
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LUNCH PROGRAM
Hot lunch costs $2.00 (this price may be subject to change). Students may buy a weekly hot lunch ticket that is good for five hot lunches. This weekly ticket is offered at a reduced price. The a la carte price of milk is $.50 a carton. A limited number of food items may also be purchased a la carte. Both free and reduced price hot lunch programs exist. Applications are sent to parents during the first week of school. If a family qualifies for the program, the application should be returned to school as soon as possible.
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NO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
On such days information regarding the closing of school may be secured from local radio stations WELI AM 960; WLIS AM 1420; WPLR 99.1; WDRC 1360 AM, 102.9 FM, WEZN 99.1, WWYZ 92.5, WKSS 95.7 FM and local TV Stations, CH 8 and CH 3. A call to 522-K-I-S-S with a touch-tone phone will secure school-closing information. All announcements will be made by 6:45 a.m.
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PARENTS' ACCESS TO RECORDS
Each school in the Clinton School System keeps a permanent record of every student's registration, final grades, standardized test results, and health information. Parents, guardians, and students of legal age (18 years or over) are entitled to know the contents of the record and may review the record in the presence of the principal, the assistant principal, or a delegated representative. This may be done with a prearranged appointment time and date.
Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary
Institutions
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's educational records. They are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records with 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Parents or eligible students may ask The Clinton Public Schools to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regardi