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.  It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teacher regarding missed work and arrange to make it up within one week of returning to school. 

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).

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 time of dismissal and reason for the 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.                                                    

FIRE/SECURITY DRILLS

In September two fire drills will be held.  There will be one drill per month for the rest of the school year.

 

Fire Drill Rules.

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. They are not 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.  If a student in the class is missing, the teacher should be informed.

INSURANCE

 

NO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DELAYED OPENING

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, CH 4 and CH 3.

If there is a delayed opening, school will start at 10:00am  

 

OPEN HOUSE

An “Open House Night” to meet your children’s teachers and follow their normal class schedule will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a time to discuss your child’s progress.

 

PARENTS' ACCESS TO RECORDS

 

PROGRESS REPORTS

A progress report is just what the name implies, a report on a student's progress.  During each marking period, a teacher will send home a progress report on a student's performance.  The progress report is usually a means to alert you to some weakness that, if allowed to continue, may lower his/her mark for that particular marking period.  However, a progress report may also be praiseworthy.  A student may have done something especially outstanding that the teacher wishes to recognize.  Finally, a progress report may congratulate a student on his/her improvement over the previous marking period.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued three times a year--in November, March and June.  Report cards are sent home with the student in envelopes that must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned directly to the student's homeroom teacher.  If a student is absent on distribution day, the homeroom teacher will hold the report card.  The report card has three main sections: attendance, comments, and scholarship.

USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

  The Clinton Board of Education makes school buildings available to community groups for activities that involve school-age children.  The Board assumes no responsibility for supervising the participants for these activities.  Sole responsibility for supervision lies with the group that is sponsoring the activity.  The Board assumes responsibility for supervision of only those activities that are sponsored by the Board of Education.  Groups wishing to use the facility must make requests through the Superintendent of Schools.

 

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

  The School Health Services are provided under the direction of the School Medical Advisor, Dr. Martin Sklaire.  The nurses’ health program is governed by medical standing orders and School Health Policies approved by the School Medical Advisor, Board of Education, VNA Services, Inc. and the school administration. The nurse or the health aide is in the health office from 7:56 a.m. to 2:37 p.m. each day. The phone number for the health office is 664-6572. 

  If a student should become ill while at school, permission should be secured from the teacher to go to the nurse's office.  Under no circumstances is the student to leave the building without permission.  Parents or friends are not to be telephoned by a student without first being seen by the nurse or her aide, who will decide if the student should remain in school or be picked up by a parent/guardian.  A student must be signed out by a parent/guardian in the health office.  Parents must assume responsibility for the transportation home or to a physician of any student who has had an accidental injury or an acute illness or who is suspected of having a communicable disease.

  To assure a speedy, uncomplicated recovery and to protect other students, a child with symptoms of illness should be kept at home.  Children with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher or other symptoms of acute illness are excluded from school.   Children should be kept home until the fever has been normal for 24 hours.  The health office has recommended the following schedule of exclusion periods for these most common medical situations.

  Chicken Pox - Must be out of school until lesions scab over.

Conjunctivitis - Excluded from school if eye is draining.  May be readmitted if hid has been on medication for 24 hours or has written permission from doctor.

Head lice - May be readmitted to school the morning after medicated treatment and is determined to be free of lice and/or nits contamination following an inspection by school health personnel.  Re-treatment must be done 7-10 days after first treatment and a note forwarded to the Health office.

Strep Throat - Must be out of school once suspected or diagnoses and must be on medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

Scarlet Fever - Same as Strep Throat

  Health screening are done as follows:

1.        Vision screening is done on every student, every year, using the Snellen E Chart, with selective use of other vision screen equipment such as the Titmus.  Screening is done at the pre-school level prior to school entrance, and in grades K  through 6 inclusive and in grade 9.

2.        Audiometric screen is done in grades K through 3 and  grade 8.

3.        Color-vision screening is completed prior to the fifth grade.

4.        Scoliosis screening is done in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8.

5.        A written and/or oral report of any failures noted in the above screening procedures is given to the parents by the nurse.  Ongoing follow-up is also the responsibility of the school nurse.

 

 IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL ADMISSION

A physical exam form will be sent home with every fifth grader in the spring to provide ample time for its completion, to comply with the state law.  In the third, sixth and tenth grades there is an eighteen month period for completion and students can be excluded from the next grade if they do not have a physical examination.  All items listed on this form must be filled in by parent and physician.

A.     Connecticut law requires that a child must be adequately immunized against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, polio, rubella (German measles) and mumps before being permitted to attend school.  To be adequately immunized, a child entering school must have:

1.    Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT):  Three initial immunizations usually given during infancy and at least one given around 18 months of age and a booster every ten years thereafter is recommended.

2.    Polio:  A minimum of 3 immunizations is necessary.  Usually a 4th immunization is given 4-6 years of age.

 

WORLD  LANGUAGE

The Spanish program is taught to all students in grades four and five.  The focus of instruction is communication and culture.  

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION

The following definitions apply to the policies and regulations on discipline, including both suspension and expulsion:

1.         Exclusion means any denial of public school privileges to a pupil for discipline purposes.

2.        Emergency means a situation in which the continued presence of the pupil in school poses such a danger to persons or property or such a disruption of the educational process that a hearing may be delayed until a time as soon after the exclusion of such pupil as possible.

3.        School-Sponsored Activity means any activity sponsored, recognized or authorized by the Board and includes activities conducted on or off school property.

4.        Removal is the exclusion of a student for a class period of ninety minutes or less.   A student may be removed from class by a teacher or administrator if he/she deliberately causes a serious disruption of the educational process. When a student is removed, the teacher must send him/her to a designated area and notify the principal at once. A student may not be removed from class more than six times in one school year nor more than twice in one week unless the student is referred to the building principal or designee and granted an informal hearing at which the student should be informed of the reasons for the disciplinary action and given an opportunity to explain the situation.      

5.        In-School Suspension means an exclusion from regular classroom activity for no more than five consecutive school days, but not exclusion from school, provided such exclusion shall not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such in-school suspension was imposed.  No student shall be placed on in-school  suspension more than fifteen (15) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion.

6.        Suspension means the exclusion of a student from school and/or transportation services for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days, provided such suspension is imposed; and further provided no pupil shall be suspended more than ten (10) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion, unless such pupil is granted a formal hearing as provided below.

7.        Expulsion means the exclusion of a pupil from school privileges for more than ten (10) consecutive school days.  The expulsion period may not extend beyond one calendar a year.

8.        School Days shall mean days when school is in session for students.

9.        Seriously Disruptive of the Educational Process means any conduct that markedly interrupts or severely impedes the day-to-day operation of a school.

10.     Notwithstanding the foregoing, the reassignment of a student from one regular education classroom program in the district to another regular education classroom program in the district shall not constitute a suspension or expulsion.

Actions Leading to Disciplinary Action, including Suspension and/or Expulsion

Students may be disciplined for conduct on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity that endangers persons or property, is seriously disruptive of the educational process, or that violates a publicized policy of the Board.

Students may be disciplined for conduct off school grounds if such conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process and violative a publicized policy of the Board. In making a determination as to whether such conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process, the Administration and the Board of Education may consider, but such consideration shall not be limited to, the following factors:

(1) whether the incident occurred within close proximity of a school;

(2) whether other students from the school were involved or whether there was any gang involvement;

(3) whether the conduct involved violence, threats of violence, or the unlawful use of a weapon, as defined on page j, subsection e. of this policy, and whether any injuries occurred; and

(4) whether the conduct involved the use of alcohol or controlled substances.

 

Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process

1.        Conduct which may lead to disciplinary action (including but not limited to suspension and/or expulsion) includes, but is not limited to, the following:

2.        Willfully striking or assaulting a student, members of the school staff or others.

3.        Theft.

4.        The use of obscene or profane language or gestures to a member of the school staff or to other students.

5.        Violation of smoking, dress or transportation regulations.

6.        Refusal to obey a member of the school staff, or disruptive classroom behavior.

7.        Refusal by a student to identify himself/herself to a staff member when asked.

8.        A walk-out from or sit-in within a classroom or school building (in protest of an occurrence or as an expression of disapproval).

9.        Blackmailing, threatening or intimidating school staff or students.

10.     Possession of any weapon, weapon facsimile, deadly weapon, pistol, knife (defined as a blade of any length with a cutting edge), blackjack, bludgeon, billy, metal knuckles, pellet gun, explosive device, firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, whether functional or not, or any other dangerous object.

11.     Unauthorized entrance into any school facility or portion of a school facility or aiding or abetting an unauthorized entrance, and failure to leave such school premises or other facility promptly after having been directed to do so by the Principal or other person then in charge of such building or facility.

12.     Explosive/Fire-Possession or ignition of any fireworks or other explosive materials, or ignition of any material causing a fire.

13.     Unauthorized possession, sale, distribution, use or consumption of tobacco, drugs, narcotics, or alcoholic beverages.  For the purposes of this Paragraph 12, the term "drugs" shall include, but shall not be limited to, any medicinal preparation (prescription and non-prescription) and any controlled substance whose possession, sale, distribution, use or consumption is illegal under state and/or federal law. Unauthorized use or possession of such substances shall mean use or possession without a valid prescription.

14.     Possession of paraphernalia used or designed to be used in the consumption, sale or distribution of drugs, narcotics, alcohol or tobacco as defined in subparagraph (12) above.

15.     Knowingly being in the presence of those who are/were in possession of, using, transmitting, or are/were-under the influence of, any narcotic drug, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind.

16.     The willful destruction of real, personal or school property, such as cutting, defacing or otherwise damaging property in any way.

17.     Accumulation of minor offenses such as school and class tardiness, class or study hall cutting, or failure to attend detention.

18.     Deliberate trespassing on school grounds while on out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

19.     Making false "Bomb Threat" calls, or calls of a similar nature, to the public schools or to the police or turning in a false alarm.

20.     Repeated and/or intentional defiance of school rules and the valid authority of teachers, supervisors or administrators.

21.     Throwing snowballs, rocks, sticks and similar objects.

22.     Taking school property without permission.

23.     Unauthorized and/or reckless and/or improper operation of a motor vehicle on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity.

24.     Any other violation of school rules or regulations or a series of violations which makes the presence of the student in school seriously disruptive of the educational process.

25.     Leaving school grounds, school transportation or a school-sponsored activity without authorization.

26.     Use of or copying of the academic work of another individual and presenting it as the student's own work, without proper attribution.

27.     Possession and/or use of a computer, beeper, paging device, laser pointers, walkie-talkie or similar electronic device on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity without the permission of the principal or his/her designee.

28.     Possession and/or use of a radio, walkman, computer game or a cellular telephone in a school building during the school day and for a period of one-half hour before and after the student day.  The ban on any of these devices may be extended on an individual or school-wide basis by the principal or his/her designee if the student or device is disruptive to the activity or causing interference with other participants or spectators.

29.     Unauthorized use of any school computer, computer system, computer software, Internet connection or similar school property or system, or the use of such property or system for unauthorized or non-school related purposes.

30.     Any act of harassment based on an individual's sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability, national origin or ancestry, including, but not limited to, making or writing suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations, derogatory comments, gestures, slurs, jokes, epithets, assaulting, touching, impeding or blocking movements of another, leering, displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures or cartoons, or continuing to solicit a person after being informed that the interest is unwelcome.

31.     Intentional incitement which results in an unauthorized occupation by any group of students or others of any part of a school or other facility owned by any school district.

32.     Repeated unauthorized absence from school.

33.     Intentional and successful incitement of truancy by other students.

34.     Tampering with school documents.

35.     Adjudication as a delinquent or a youthful offender if the conduct leading to the adjudication is determined to be seriously disruptive of the educational process or violative of a publicized policy of the Board.

36.     Any action prohibited by any Federal or State law which would indicate that the student presents a danger to any person in the school community or school property.

Suspension

When the Principal or designee has determined that there is cause for suspension of a student, the following procedures shall be observed:

A.    The principal of a school, or designee on the administrative staff of the school, shall have the right to suspend any student for breach of conduct as noted in the section titled Actions Leading to Disciplinary Action, Including Suspension and/or Expulsion of this policy for not more that ten (10) consecutive school days.  In such cases, the following procedures shall be followed.

1.        Unless an emergency situation exists, no student shall be suspended prior to having an informal hearing before the principal or designee.  The student is informed of the charges and given an opportunity to respond.  In an emergency, the informal hearing shall be held as soon after the suspension as possible.

2.        Evidence of past disciplinary problems which have led to removal from a classroom, suspension, or expulsion of a pupil who is the subject of an informal hearing may be received by the principal, but only considered in the determination of the length of suspensions.

3.        By telephone, the principal or designee shall make reasonable attempts to immediately notify the parent or guardian of a minor student following the suspension and state the cause(s) leading to the suspension.

4.        Whether or not telephone contact is made with the parent or guardian of such minor student, the principal or designee shall forward a letter to such parent or guardian to the last address reported on school records (or to a newer address if known by the principal, or designee), within one school day of the suspension action where practicable, and offering the parent or guardian an opportunity for a conference to discuss same.

5.        Notice of the original suspension shall be transmitted by the principal or designee to the superintendent of schools or designee by the close of the school day following the commencement of the suspension.

6.        The student shall be allowed to complete any classwork, including examinations, without penalty, which he or she missed while under suspension.

7.        Notice of the suspension shall be recorded in the student's cumulative educational record.  Such notice shall be expunged from the cumulative educational record by the Board if the pupil graduates from high school .

8.        The decision of the principal or designee with regard to disciplinary actions up to an including suspensions shall be final.  Nothing in the informal hearing shall be taken to prevent a more formal hearing from being held if the circumstances warrant.

9.        The Superintendent shall report any unusually serious case of student suspension to the Board of Education at the first meeting following such action.

B.    In cases where the student has already been suspended, or such suspension will result in the student's being suspended, more than ten (10) times or  fifty (days) in a school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion, the student shall, prior to suspension, be granted a formal hearing before the Board of Education.  The principal or designee shall report the student to the Superintendent or designee and request a formal Board hearing.

II.                   In-School Suspension

When the Principal or designee has determined that there is cause for in-school suspension of a student, the following procedures shall be observed:

1.        The principal or designee may impose in-school suspension in cases where a pupil's conduct endangers persons or property, violates school policy, seriously disrupts the educational process or in other appropriate circumstances as determined by the principal or designee.

2.        In-school suspension may not be imposed on a student without an informal hearing by the building principal or designee.

3.        No student shall be placed on in-school suspension more that fifteen (15) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion.

III.                 Expulsion

When the Principal or designee has determined that there is cause for expulsion of a student, the following procedures shall be observed:

A.    A Principal may consider recommendation of expulsion of a pupil in a case where he/she has cause to believe the student has engaged in conduct on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity which endangers persons or property, is seriously disruptive of the educational process or is violative of a publicized Board policy, or conduct off school grounds which is seriously disruptive of the educational process and violative of a publicized Board policy. In making a determination as to whether such conduct off school grounds is seriously disruptive of the educational process, the principal of a school, or designee on the administrative staff of the school, may consider, but such consideration shall not be limited to, the following factors:

(1)  whether the incident occurred within close proximity of a school;

(2)  whether other students from the school were involved or whether there was any gang  involvement;

(3)  whether the conduct involved violence, threats of violence, or the unlawful use of a weapon, as defined in section 29-38, and whether any injuries occurred; and

(4)  whether the conduct involved the use of alcohol or controlled substances.

The Principal must recommend expulsion proceedings in all cases against any student whom the administration reasonably believes:

1.   Was in possession on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity of a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, martial arts weapon, or firearm as defined in 18 USC 921 as amended from time to time; or

2.  off school grounds, possessed a firearm as defined in 18 USC 921, in violation of Conn. Gen. Stat. 29-35, or        possessed and used a firearm as defined in 18 USC 921, a deadly weapon, a dangerous instrument or a martial arts weapons in the commission of a crime; or 

3.   Was engaged on or off school grounds in offering for sale or distribution a controlled substance (as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. §21a-240(9), whose manufacturing, distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting, or possessing with intent to sell or dispense, offering or administering is subject to criminal penalties under Conn. Gen. Stat. §§21a-277 and 21a-278.

4.  The following definitions shall be used in this section:

1.        A" firearm" as defined in 18 USC 921 means (a) any weapon that will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, (b) the frame or receiver of any such weapon, (c) a muffler or silencer, or (d) any destructive device. As used in this definition, a "destructive device" includes any explosive, incendiary, or poisonous gas device, including a bomb, a grenade, a rocket having  a propellant charge of more than four ounces, a missile having an explosive or incendiary  charge of more than one-quarter ounce, a mine, or a similar device; or any  weapon (other than a shotgun or shotgun shell particularly suited for sporting purposes) that will or may be converted to expel a projectile by          explosive or other propellant having a barrel with a bore of more than 1/2" in diameter. The term “destructive device" does not include: an antique firearm; a rifle intended to be used by the owner solely for sporting, recreational or cultural purposes; or any device which is nether designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon.

2.        "Deadly weapon" means any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon or metal knuckles.

3.        "Dangerous instrument" means any instrument, article or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used or attempted or threatened to be used, is capable of causing death or serious personal injury, and includes a "vehicle."

4.        "Martial arts weapon" means a nunchaku, kama , kasarifundo, octagon sai,  tonfa or chinese star.

5.        When considering whether conduct off  school grounds is seriously disruptive of the educational process, the term "weapon" means any pistol  or revolver, any dirk knife or switch knife or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, and any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, including any sling shot,  black jack, sank bag, metal or brass knuckles, stiletto, knife, the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches and over in length or martial arts weapon ad defined above.

B.   Upon receipt of an expulsion recommendation, the Superintendent may conduct an inquiry concerning the expulsion recommendations.  If the Superintendent or his/her designee, determines that a student should or must be expelled, he or she shall forward his/her recommendation to the Board of Education so that the Board of Education can consider and act upon this recommendation.

C.   Procedures for Expulsion Hearings Conducted By the Board of Education.

1.  Except in an emergency situation, the Board of Education shall, prior to expelling the student, conduct a hearing to be governed by the procedures outlined below.  Whenever an emergency exists, the hearing provided for above shall be held as soon as possible after the expulsion.

2.  Exculsion hearing conducted by the Board will be heard by any three or more Board members.  A decision to expel a student must be supported by a majority of the Board members present. provided that no less than three affirmative votes to expel are cast.  Alternatively, the Board may appoint an impartial hearing board composed of one or more persons to hear and decide the expulsion matter, provided that no member of the Board may serve on such panel.

3.  In accordance with Board Policy, written notice of the special hearing must be given to the student, and if the student is a minor, to his/her parent(s) or guardians(s) a reasonable time prior to the time of the hearing. Such notice shall contain:

- The date, time and place of the scheduled hearing

- A statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held.

- A reference to the particular statutes and policies involved.

- The details of the grounds for the expulsion, including a summary of the events leading to the expulsion whether any prior warnings or suspension have been given, and the potential penalty.

-A statement of the student's rights.

4.   A student may be represented by any third party of his choice including an attorney, at his/her expense or at the expense of his/her parents.

5.   A student is entitled to the services of a translator or interpreter, to be provided by the Board of Education, whenever the student or his parent/guardian does not speak the English language or is handicapped.

6.  The hearing will be conducted by the Presiding Officer, who will call the meeting to order, introduce the parties, board members and counsel, and swear in any witnesses called by the administration or the student.

7.   The hearing will be conducted in executive session.  A verbatim record of the hearing will be made, either by tape recording or by a stenographer.

8.   The charges will be introduced into the record by the Superintendent or his designee.

9.   Formal rules of evidence will not be followed.  The Board has the right to accept hearsay and other evidence if it deems that evidence relevant or material to its determination.  The presiding officer will rule on testimony or evidence as to it being immaterial or irrelevant.

10.  Each witness for the administration will be called and sworn.  After a witness has finished testifying, he/she will be subject to cross-examination by the opposite party of his/her legal counsel and by Board members.

11.   In exceptional circumstances the Board or the impartial hearing panel may refuse to allow a witness against the accused student to appear, when the Board or panel believes that fear on the part of the witness would prevent the giving of accurate testimony. In such cases a verbatim statement of the witness's testimony must be given to the student.  A witness's unsubstantiated desire to remain anonymous is not such an exceptional circumstance as to justify dispensing with confrontation and questioning by the student.

12.   The Administration has presented its case, the student will be asked if he/she has any witnesses or evidence to present.  If so, the witnesses will be sworn, and will testify, and will be subject to cross examination and to questioning by the Board.  The student may also choose to make a statement at this time.  If the student chooses to make a statement, he or she will be sworn and subject to cross examination and questioning by the Board.  Concluding statements will be made by the administration and then by the student and/or his or her representative.

13.   In cases where the respondent has denied the allegation, the Board must determine whether the respondent committed the offense(s) as charged by the Superintendent.

14.   The Board must also deliberate on the disciplinary action to be imposed upon the student.  The Board may review the student's attendance record or academic record during its deliberations on this issue.  The Board may ask the Superintendent for a recommendation as to the discipline to be imposed. 

13.                                         15.   Evidence of past disciplinary problems which have led to removal considered for expulsion at disciplinary hearing may be received, but may only be considered in the determination of length of  expulsion and nature of alternative educational opportunity be offered.

16.   Where administrators presented the case in support of the charges against the student, such administrative staff shall not be present during the deliberations of the board either on questions of evidence or on the final discipline to be imposed.  The Superintendent may, after reviewing the incident with administrators, and reviewing the student's records, make a recommendation to the Board as to the appropriate discipline to be applied.

17.   The Board shall make findings as to the truth of the charges, if the student has denied them, and, in all cases, the disciplinary action, if any, to be imposed.  The Board shall report its final decision in writing to the student, or if such student is a minor, also to the parent(s) or guardian(s), stating the reasons on which the decision is based, and the disciplinary action to be imposed.  Said decision shall be based solely on evidence presented at the hearing.

18.   In keeping with Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-233d and the Gun Free Schools Act, it shall be the policy of the Board of expel a student for one full calendar year for:  the conduct described in Section V(A)(1), (2) and (3) of these policies.  The Board may modify the term of expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

19.   Whenever the Board of Education expels a student, it shall offer any such student under sixteen years of age an alternative education program.  The Board of Education will provide an alternative education to a sixteen to eighteen year old student expelled for the first time if he/she requests it and if he/she agrees to the conditions set by the B.O.E., except as follows. 

The Board of Education is not required to offer an alternative program to any pupil between the ages of sixteen and eighteen who is expelled if it is determined at the hearing that (1) the student possessed a dangerous instrument, deadly weapon, firearm or martial arts weapon on school property or at a school-sponsored activity, or (2) the student offered a controlled substance for sale or distribution on school property or at a school-sponsored activity. The age limitations for the provision of an alternative educational opportunity shall not apply to pupils requiring special education as defined by federal law.

20.   If the Board of Education expels a student for sale or distribution of a controlled substance, the board shall refer such student to an appropriate state or local agency for rehabilitation, intervention or job training and inform the agency of its action. 

21.     If the Board of Education expels a student for possession of a deadly weapon or firearm, as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. §53a-3, the violation shall be reported to the local police.

22.     Notice of expulsion and the conduct for which the student was expelled shall be included on the student's cumulative educational record.  Such notice, except for notice of an expulsion based upon possession of a firearm or deadly weapon, shall be expunged from the cumulative educational record by the Board if the student graduates from high school.

23.  Where a student enrolls in the district during the period of expulsion from another school district, the Board may adopt the decision of the pupil expulsion hearing conducted by such other school district.  The Board shall make its determination based upon a hearing held by the Board which shall be limited to a determination of whether the conduct which was the basis of the expulsion would also warrant expulsion by the Board.

24.     Where a student withdraws from school after having been notified that an expulsion hearing is pending, but before a decision has been rendered by the Board, the notice of the pending expulsion hearing shall be included on the student's cumulative record and the Board shall complete the expulsion hearing and render a decision.  If the Board subsequently renders a decision to expel the student, a notice of the expulsion shall be included on the student's cumulative record.

25.  If a pupil enrolls in the district while an expulsion hearing is pending in another school district, such student shall not be excluded from school pending completion of such expulsion hearing unless an emergency exists, as defined above.  The Board shall retain the authority to suspend the pupil or to conduct its own expulsion hearing.

                Special education - Suspension and Expulsion

A.    Procedures concerning students who have been identified as having one or more disabilities under the DEA, or who have received special education and/or related services under the IDEA within the last three years, or who have been referred for special education with the last three years:   Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following procedures shall apply to students who have previously been identified as having one or more disabilities under the IDEA or who have received special education and/or related services under the IDEA within the last three years, or who have been referred for special education   within the last three years (an "identified student"):

1.    Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, if suspension or expulsion is considered as a consequence of an identified student's conduct, or if the Board of Education is contemplating a change of placement for more than ten (10) school days per school year for an identified student who has engaged in other behavior that violated any rule or code of conduct of the school district that applies to identified or non-identified students, the following procedures shall apply:

a.)         If an identified student engages in conduct that would lead to a recommendation for disciplinary action not contemplated by a child's behavior plan:

1)                   the parents of the student must be notified of the decision to take disciplinary action on the date on which the decision to take that action was made and must also receive notice of all special education procedural safeguards;

2)                    in the case of a recommendation for expulsion, or a disciplinary action that would result in the suspension of an identified student for greater than ten (10) school days per  school year, the district shall convene the student's planning and placement team (PPT) as soon as possible, but in no case later than ten (10) school days after the recommendation for such discipline was made for the purpose of reviewing the relationship between the student's disability and the behavior  that led to the recommendation for such discipline, in order to determine whether the student's behavior was a manifestation of his/her disability. During the process of manifestation review, a student may be suspended for up to ten (10) school days. An identified student must not be suspended for more than ten (10) days per calendar year, without the school district's conducting a manifestation PPT.

(b)     If the PPT finds that the behavior was a manifestation of the student's disability, the Administration shall not proceed with a recommendation for expulsion. The PPT shall consider the student's misconduct and revise the IEP to prevent a recurrence of the misconduct and to provide for the safety of other students and staff. If the IEP of the identified student does not contain a current behavior intervention plan, the PPT must develop a behavior intervention plan to address the behavior that led to the disciplinary action. If the IEP of the identified student contains a current behavior intervention plan, the PPT must convene as necessary to review and/or modify the behavior intervention plan.

(c)     If the PPT finds that the behavior was not a manifestation of the student's disability, the Administration may proceed with the recommended expulsion, to the extent that a non-identified student would be subject to such discipline. During any period of expulsion, or suspension of greater than ten (10) days per school year, an identified student shall receive an alternative educational plan in accordance with the IEP as modified by the PPT in light of the student's exclusion. The special education and disciplinary records of the student must be transmitted to the individual(s) who will make the final determination regarding a recommendation for exclusions of greater than ten (10) school days per year.

2.           Notwithstanding the foregoing, the placement of an identified student may be changed as a disciplinary measure under the following circumstances:

(a)      School personnel may transfer an identified student to an appropriate I  interim alternative educational setting, another setting, or suspension for   not more than ten (10) school days per school year if such disciplinary action would also apply to non-identified students; or

(b)        School personnel may transfer an identified student to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for not more than forty-five (45) calendar days if the student was in possession of a dangerous weapon, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 930 (g), as amended from time to time, on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, or knowingly possessed or used illegal drugs or sold or solicited the same of a controlled substance while at school or at a school-sponsored activity, or

(c)        School personnel may take disciplinary action against an identified student that would be taken against similar behavior by a non-identified student, including expulsion, if a PPT review of the relationship between the student's disability and the behavior subject to disciplinary action concludes that the student's behavior was not a manifestation of the student's disability. Under such circumstances, the Board of Education must continue to provide a free appropriate public education to the identified student.

3.           The Board of Education may report a crime committed by an identified student to the appropriate law enforcement authority. When the Board reports such a crime, copies of the student's special education and discipline records must be transmitted for consideration by the authorities who received the report of the crime.

 

B.          Procedures concerning students who have been identified as having one or more disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which student does not fit the criteria listed in subsection A., above, a "student with disabilities"):

1.           Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, if suspension or expulsion is considered as a consequence of a student with disabilities' conduct, or if the Board of Education is contemplating a change of placement for more than ten (10) school days per school year for student with disabilities who has engaged in other behavior that violated any rule or code of conduct of the school district that applies to students with or without disabilities, the following procedures shall apply:

a.        If a student with disabilities engages in conduct that would lead to a recommendation for suspension or expulsion, the parents of the student must be notified of the decision to suspend or expel on the date on which the decision to take that action was made; and in the case of a recommendation for expulsion, the district shall convene the student's Section 504 Team (504 TEAM) as soon as possible, for the purpose of reviewing the relationship between the student's disability and the behavior that led to the recommendation for such discipline, in order to determine whether the student's behavior was a manifestation of his/her disability.

b.   If the 504 Team finds that the behavior was a manifestation of the student's disability, the Administration shall not proceed with the recommendation for expulsion. The 504 Team shall consider the student's misconduct and revise the 504 Plan to prevent a recurrence of the misconduct and to provide for the safety of other students and staff.   If the 504 Plan of the student with disabilities does not contain a current behavior intervention plan, the 504 Team must develop a behavior intervention plan to address the behavior that led to the disciplinary action. If the 504 plan of the student with disabilities contains a current behavior intervention plan, the 504 Team must convene as necessary to review and/or modify the behavior intervention plan.

c.    If the 504 Team finds that the behavior was not a manifestation of the student's disability, the Administration may proceed with the recommended expulsion, to the extent that a student without disabilities would be subject of such discipline.

Notification to Parents or Guardians

1.       The parents or guardian of any minor pupil either expelled or suspended or removed from class shall be given notice of such disciplinary action within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of the institution of the period of expulsion, suspension, or removal from class.

2.       The Superintendent of Schools shall forward to the pupil concerned and his/her parents, or the pupil if he/she has attained the age of 18, a copy of this Board policy on student discipline at the time the Superintendent sends out the notice that an expulsion hearing will be convened.

 

Early Readmission  Based on the reason(s) for expulsion, the Board shall include in its final decision a statement as to when and under what circumstances an expelled student may apply for readmission. However, under no circumstances may an expelled student apply for readmission more than once for any one expulsion.

Dissemination of Policy  The Board of Education shall, at or near the beginning of each school year and at such other times as it may deem appropriate, provide for an effective means of informing all students, parents(s) and/or guardian(s) of this policy governing suspension and expulsion.

Legal References:  Connecticut General Statutes:   4-177 -- 4-180 contested cases.  Notice. Record 10-233a - 10-233e Suspension and expulsion of students 10-233f  In-School suspension of pupils                  Packer v. Board of Education of the Town of Thomaston , Conn. (1998).  Public Act 98-139

Federal law:  Honig v. Doe, (United States Supreme Court 1988)  Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. As amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (P.L. 105-17)  Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 0f 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794 (a).

Policy adopted:    August 17, 1992    Revised:   October 19, 1998      Clinton Public Schools ,   Clinton , CT  

NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS OR GUARDIANS

The parents or guardian of a minor pupil either expelled or suspended will be given notice of such disciplinary action within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of the onset of the period of expulsion or suspension.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

In compliance with Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, marital status, religion, sexual preference or disability in establishing and implementing hiring and employment practices and establishing and providing school activities and educational programs.

Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination will be processed according to the following regulations:  REGULATIONS FOR COMPLAINTS ALLEGING UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF GENDER, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, DISABILITY, SEXUAL PREFERENCE, OR NATURAL ORIGIN.

The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to designate an administrator as compliance officer.  The Board will, at least annually, notify all parents, students, and employees of the name, address, and phone number of the compliance officer and the procedure for processing grievance.  The Title IX compliance officer and 504 coordinator for CPS is Janet Brisson at 664-6505.

The procedure for processing grievances is as follows:

Step One:  All complaints will be made in writing to the designated officer, and he will be responsible for investigating all complaints.

Step Two:  Upon investigation, the compliance officer will effectuate any changes he deems necessary to eliminate any discriminatory practice, and will inform the complainant in writing of his actions within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such complaint.

Step Three:  If the complainant is not satisfied with the action of the compliance officer, within twenty (20) days after the date on which the compliance officer renders his decision, the complainant may appeal the actions of the compliance officer in writing to the Superintendent.

Step Four:  The superintendent will hold a hearing within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such written request and will decide what, if any, remedies are necessary to eliminate the practices he deems discriminating.  The Superintendent will notify the complainant in writing of his decision within five (5) days after such hearing.

Step Five:  If the complainant is not satisfied with the actions of the Superintendent, within twenty (20) days after the Superintendent has written his decision the complainant may appeal the actions of the Superintendent to the Board of Ed.

Step Six:  The Board of Education will hold a hearing within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such written request and will decide what if any, remedies are necessary to eliminate the practices the B. O. E. deems discriminatory.  The Board will notify the complainant in writing of its decision within five (5) days after such hearing.

Any person may also file a complaint of illegal discrimination with the Office of Civil Rights, John W. McCormick, Post Office and & Court House Building, 2nd Floor, Post Office Square, Boston, Mass. 02109 or O.C.R. Washington, D.C. at the same time he/she files a grievance, during or after use of the grievance process, or without using the grievance process at all.  If a complaint is filed with the Office of Civil Rights, it must be filed in writing no later than 180 days after the occurrence of the possible discrimination.

If there are any questions please contact:  Mr. Albert Coviello, Superintendent, 137-B Glenwood Rd. , Clinton , CT 06413 .   Telephone:  860-664-6500.  Email  acoviello@clintonpublic.org

NOTICE OF PARENT/STUDENT RIGHTS IN IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION, AND PLACEMENT

UNDER SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly referred to as Section 504, is a nondiscrimination statue enacted by the United States Congress.  The purpose of the Act is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students.

An eligible student under Section 504 is a student who (a) has, (b) has a record of having or (c) is regarded as having, a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity such as learning, self-care, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and performing manual tasks.

Many students will be eligible for educational services under both Section 504 and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), but entitlement to services under the IDEA or other statutes is not required to receive services under Section 504.

The following is a description of the rights and options granted by federal law to students with disabilities (handicaps).  The intent of the law is to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with any of these decisions.  You have the right to:

1.     Have your child take part in, and receive benefits from, public education programs without discrimination because of his/her disabling conditions.

2.     Have the school district advise you of your rights and options under federal law.

3.     Receive notice with respect to identification, evaluation, or placement of your child.

4.     Have your child receive a free appropriate public education.  This includes the right to be educated with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate.  It also includes the right to have the school district make accommodations to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school and school-related activities.

5.     Have your child educated in facilities and receive services comparable to those provided to non-disabled students.

6.     Have your child receive special education or related services and/or general education intervention/modifications.

7.     Have evaluation, educational, and placement decisions made based upon a variety of information sources, and by persons who know the student, evaluation data, and placement options.

8.     Have transportation provided to and from an alternative placement setting at no greater cost to you than would be incurred if the student were placed in a program operated by the district.

9.     Have your child given an equal opportunity to participate in non-academic and extracurricular activities offered by the district.

10.   Examine records relating to your child's education program, including records relating to identification, evaluation and placement.

11.   Obtain copies of educational records at a reasonable cost unless the fee would effectively deny you access to the records.  State law provides that you are entitled to receive one free copy of your child's records.

12.   A response from the school district to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of your child's records.

13.   Request amendment of your child's educational records if there is reasonable cause to believe that they are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of your child.  If the school district refuses this request for amendment, it shall notify you within a reasonable time, and advise you of the right to a hearing.  This hearing will be according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

14.   Request mediation, an impartial hearing, or appeal related to decisions or actions regarding your child's identification, evaluation, educational program, or placement.  The costs for mediation and/or the hearing are borne by the local school district.  You and the student may take part in the hearing and have an attorney represent you at your expense.  If you ultimately prevail on the issues raised at the hearing, you may be entitled to payment of all or part of your attorney's fees.

15.    Initiate the hearing process by filing a written request for a hearing with Clinton 's Superintendent of Schools, indicating the specific areas of disagreement and the remedy that you are requesting.  Any such requests should be filed within 45 days of the action or decision with which you disagree.

16.    File a court action if you are dissatisfied with the hearing decision.

17.    File a local grievance to resolve complaints of discrimination other than those involving the identification, evaluation or placement of a student.

II.    The person in this district who is responsible for assuring that the district complies with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA) is:  Janet Brisson              Telephone: 860  664-6505    

III.   Organizations and agencies which you may contact to obtain assistance with evaluation/placement questions include, but are not limited to, the following:

A.    Federal     Office of Civil Rights         Boston Regional Office       Telephone:  (617) 223-9662

B.    State       Department of Education    Bureau of Special Education and Pupil Services     Telephone:  (203) 638-4274

C.    Low-Cost Legal Services           New Haven Legal Assistance Association    426 State Street ,  New Haven , CT 06510-2040                 Telephone:  (203) 946-4811

IV.           You also may file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, John W. McCormick, Post Office and Court House Building , 2nd Floor, Post Office Square , Boston , Mass.   02109.  Any such complaints must be filed within 180 days of the possible act of discrimination.

 

CONTRABAND MATERIALS - SEARCH AND SEIZURE   SCHOOL OWNED PROPERTY

Under the rules of the Board of Education, as authorized by Sec. 10-221 of the General Statutes for the maintenance of discipline in the school, the principal may authorize the search of a student's or staff member's desk and/or locker (but not his car) under the following conditions:

1. The probable presence of contraband material posing a threat to the maintenance of order and discipline in the school

2. There is reason to believe that the individual has contraband material in desks and/or  lockers.

3. The students and staff have been informed in advance that under the Board of Education regulations, desks and lockers may be inspected if the administration has reason to suspect that materials injurious to the best interests of  the school are kept on school property.

 

Telephone Numbers When In Need Counseling & Emergency Information:

Child Abuse Care Line: 800-842-2288                         

National Runaway Hotline & Suicide Switchboard: 800-621-4000

New Horizons Women's Shelter - 860-347-3044     

Rape Crisis Hotline- Middletown: 888-999-5545

New Haven : 624-2273

Women's Center of Southeastern - 860-399-2457     

Connecticut (shoreline) 1-888-774-2900

Youth Emergency Services:  1-800-545-0295         

Youth and Family Services - 669-1103

Info-line Hotline - 800-203-1234                                  

Suicide Crisis: River Valley Mobile ( Clinton ) 860-344-2040

Health Related Numbers

AIDS National Hotline - 1-800-342-2437                   

Alateen, Al-Anon, AA: 1-203-787-0115

Alcoholics Anonymous - 1-860-624-6063                  

Planned Parenthood (Old Saybrook) - 1-860-388-4459

Poison Control Hotline - 1-800-343-2722                     

Shoreline Clinic:  1-767-0107

Middlesex Hospital (emergency): 1-347-9471        

Clinton Police: 669-0451 or 911         

Clinton Youth & Family Services:  669-1103         

Infoline:  388-9941

The Helping Connection  1-800-544-7011