Abraham Pierson School

Student Handbook 2007-2008

Angela Guarascio: Principal

75 East Main Street, Clinton, CT  06513

SCHOOL HOURS

PILLARS OF CHARACTER

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

Philosophy

The following tenets are involved in the Pierson School philosophy and are reflected in our programs and dealings with students.

1.        We recognize education is an individually pursued matter and students vary tremendously in terms of their individual rates of development, complexity of concepts and skills mastered and the background they bring to school.

2.        We strive to develop an independent learner.

3.        Students should assume increasing responsibility for their own learning through disciplined work habits basic to successful learning, working and living.

4.        We believe there are many avenues to an educational goal.  Having a variety of teaching modes not only adds interest to the program, but accommodates for individual learning styles among students.

5.        We will foster the development of a positive self-concept as a major goal of the school.  This should be approached through the mastering of academic, social and athletic skills.

What You Can Do To Help Your Child Learn

1.        Start each day right; a calm beginning at home makes the school day much better.

2.        Encourage your child to have a good breakfast and lunch.  Make certain that your child sleeps at least eight hours each night.

3.                                3.    Praise your child each day for something he/she has done.  Have a special place to put school work or whatever is brought home.

4.        Laugh and talk with your child about school experiences and listen attentively to what is said about your child’s school day experiences.

5.        Stress attendance.  If the child is ill, home is the best place; otherwise, your child needs to take advantage of every school day.

6.        Keep the lines of communication open between yourself and your child’s teacher.  Inform the teacher of any family situation that could influence your child’s behavior.  Also, if he/she is reluctant to go to school, let the teacher know so that together you can find the reason.

7.        Take your child to the library and encourage reading for pleasure.

8.        Stress organization of school notebooks, materials, etc.

9.        Provide pencils, glue, scissors, paper, etc. for your child to use.

Work at home with skills taught at school.

STUDENT HANDBOOK AND PLANNER

The Student Handbook and Planner plays an important role in your success at school. Students must bring it to school everyday.  It will help you organize your time throughout the year on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Be prepared to talk with your teachers and with your parents about how you are planning to complete your assignments. The loss of your handbook/planner will necessitate the purchase of another from the Office at a cost of $5.00.

Record long-term assignments on your monthly pages, as well as, due dates and test dates.  Write your weekly plans from these pages and include daily assignments that you receive in classes.  Your teachers, with the help of your agenda, will help you in becoming an organized and responsible school citizen. IF WE PLAN TO LEARN, WE MUST LEARN TO PLAN!

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 7:56 a.m.   Bicycles are to be walked on school property.  Students should cross at the crosswalk and respect the crossing guard.  Students who normally ride a bus must have a note for any day they will ride a bike, walk, or be driven home. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the one assigned.  They may not change buses to visit a friend, attend a party or to play.  In the event of an emergency or babysitting arrangement, a written statement by the parent must be sent to the office giving specific information.

BUS REGULATIONS

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 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 students get 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, disrupt others or damage their property.

4.        Students’ 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 who vandalize a school bus will be responsible for payment of damages.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are held throughout the school year for student instruction and pleasure.  Students are expected to act responsibly during assemblies and treat the presenter in a courteous manner.  They should not engage in private conversation while a program is being given. 

If a student is going to be absent, a parent should call the school office or the health office (664-6572) 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.

CARE OF BOOKS, SUPPLIES, AND SCHOOL PROPERTY

CONFERENCES

Parents are encouraged to come to school and meet with teachers.  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 Thursday, November 29, 2007.   Conferences will also be held on Thursday, March 6, 2008.

CORRIDORS

Students are to use the right side of corridors and stairways when passing to classes.  No running or loud talking.

DETENTION

A detention may be issued by any 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:  make up work not completed, failure to return the report card envelope, progress reports, or tests, within an allotted time; or misbehaving in class or in the hallways.

6.        The teacher should have a roster of the students in class so that attendance can be taken to insure the safety of students.

7.        If a student is in the corridor when the fire alarm rings, he/she should walk to the nearest exit, go outside and join his/her own classmates.

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 by 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 close windows and shades. Students will move to the safest part 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.”

FRIENDS OF PIERSON

GUM CHEWING

HOMEWORK

Homework is an integral part of the instruction program that allows students to follow through on their personal commitments to schoolwork.   The regular practice of homework requires self-discipline and enables students to function as individuals.  Students who benefit the most from formal education are those who approach it with curiosity, varied interest and a willingness to work hard.  Homework should foster this approach by being meaningful and by helping students develop constructive attitudes and improve useful skills.  

Homework assignments should be given to reinforce or augment lessons taught in class, to provide exercises in the development of responsibility and of good work and study habits.  Such assignments allow for research, individual projects and drills.  They are intended to enhance student’s knowledge in all subject areas.

Teachers will observe the following standards regarding the assignment of homework.  The standards are expressed in terms of minutes per five day school week.

Grade 4   Minimum standard   115 minutes    Maximum standard   300 minutes

Grade 5     Minimum standard   150 minutes            Maximum standard   300 minutes

HOMEWORK REQUEST

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.  Accidents should be reported promptly.

LIBRARY - MEDIA CENTER

The library Media Center is a bright new airy space and the home for book collections, videos, reference books and professional books.  There is also a small computer room, with six computers for students to do research and word processing.  Students will use the LMC during school hours for their scheduled class time and teacher directed research time. 

LOST AND FOUND

Items that have been lost can usually be found on the lost and found table outside the cafeteria.  Money and other high value items will be kept in the office.  Labeling clothes will help in identification.  Periodically unclaimed items are donated to charity.

LUNCH PROGRAM

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 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 records(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 regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3)   The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interest.  A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.  Upon request, the District discloses educational records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

(4)   The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:  Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW , Washington , DC   20202-4605

Attendance:  In the attendance section is recorded the number of days a student was absent and/or tardy.

Comments:  In this section of the report card teachers note the area(s) in which a student needs to improve in order to do a better job with school work.  They may also use this section to praise a student for good work and/or improvement.

Scholarship:  In the scholarship section a student is awarded the grades that he/she has earned in the various subjects.  All of the subjects are listed.

SMOKING

  Smoking is not allowed in the school building or on school property.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

  Students should take responsibility for dressing properly for school. The wearing of hats is not allowed in school, except during special occasions.  Most importantly, students should come to school dressed  appropriately.  Tank tops or halter tops, bare midriffs, low cut tops are strictly forbidden.  Short shorts/skirts and flip/flops are not allowed. Shorts/skirts should be at least as long as the tips of you finger when your arms are at your side.  Hairdos or color spray that are distracting to the educational process are not allowed.  Pants are to be worn at the waist and not below or off the hips. 

TELEPHONES

The school office will take messages of an urgent nature for you.  We do not wish to interrupt classes, if at all possible.  If a student forgets a library book, an assignment paper, instrument or gym clothes, the phone will not be available for student use.   Cell phones are not allowed in school.

3.    Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: One immunization given AFTER the child's first birthday.  A second MMR is required before entering seventh grade.

4.    First Hepatitis vaccination to enter seventh grade

5.    3 Doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine before entering 8^th grade

6.    Verification of the chicken pox illness or the varicella vaccine

B.    State Law mandates that any student not enrolled in an immunization program, not adequately immunized, or who fails to meet the required exceptions status shall be excluded from school until such time as the requirements have been met

Exceptions to Immunization Policy:

a.   Certificate from physician stating such immunization is contraindicated because of physical condition of child.

b.   Verification from a minister stating such immunization would be contrary to religious beliefs of child.

MEDICATIONS

Medications such as pills, drops, inhalers, ointments, etc. are not to be carried on a student’s person or left in a desk. Prescribed medications must be in the original container from the physician or pharmacy.  Prescription or over the counter medications to be taken by a student in school must be given to the principal or nurse with a written authorization as described:  “The Connecticut State Law and Regulations require a physician’s written order and parent/guardian authorization for a nurse to administer medicinal preparations.  In the nurse’s absence the principal or teacher may administer the medications as authorized.”

Forms authorizing the administration of medicine are available from the school nurse or principal.  The nurse maintains a supply of Tylenol, which she may dispense per standing order by medical advisor to a student without written authorization from a physician if the back of the yellow emergency card is signed by the parent.  A student is allowed Tylenol only five times per year without a doctor’s order.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

While the best discipline is self-discipline and respect for the rights of others, it is the responsibility of the school to further home training with the goal of helping students develop into responsible young adults. To this end certain acts are regarded by the school as serious infractions of good behavior and call for referral to the office. Examples of such acts are:  Fighting between students;  Not reporting for detention;  Leaving the school building or grounds without permission;  Truancy;  Smoking or the possession of cigarettes;  Disrespectful behavior toward a staff member;  Mistreatment of school property.

In the event that a student is involved in a serious infraction of the school rules, parents will be notified. Depending upon the situation, the student may be temporarily dismissed from school into the care of a parent or guardian until a conference between the Principal and parents can be arranged. At the conclusion of the conference, appropriate disciplinary measures may be taken by the school.

CODE OF BEHAVIOR

  I PROMISE TO BE RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, PREPARED, SAFE AND KIND.

This is the Pierson code of expectations for our school community. It is our goal to have all members of the Pierson Community understand the importance and practice these attributes to create a positive school environment.

As a staff we have established clear rules and standards to help us foster appropriate behaviors. Our social development program focuses on problem solving skills.  During the school year every class will have lessons during their classroom meetings that will focus on dealing appropriately with peers and becoming a responsible student.

Behavioral Consequences  -  Awareness Papers are a teaching tool for our students and part of the problem solving program. They are used to assist students in becoming aware of their behavior and to think of how they can handle the situation better. The consequence for receiving an awareness paper is determined by the teacher giving it. Parents are given notice of it.

Discipline papers are given to students who demonstrate one of the more serious behaviors such as physical aggression, inappropriate language, destruction of property, insubordination, etc. The principal or teacher in charge reviews this paper with the student. Parents are contacted. The consequences can range from a recess detention, after-school detention, in school suspension or out of school suspension depending on the behavior.

It is our goal to enable students to develop as capable, socially competent and caring people.

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.