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Student Handbook 2007-2008 |
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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 |
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Philosophy
The following tenets are involved
in the
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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! |
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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 |
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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. |
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ASSEMBLIES |
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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.
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).
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CARE OF BOOKS, SUPPLIES, AND SCHOOL PROPERTY |
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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. |
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CORRIDORSStudents 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. |
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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 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. 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.” |
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FRIENDS OF PIERSON |
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GUM CHEWING
Gum
chewing is prohibited in school. |
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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 |
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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.
Accidents should be reported promptly. LIBRARY - The library 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 |
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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, September 20, 2007
from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. PLEASE
NOTE: This is not a time to discuss your child’s progress. 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 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, |
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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. 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. |
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SMOKING
STUDENT DRESS CODE 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. |
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USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES 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 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. 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. 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 8th 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. |
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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 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
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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. | |