The Northborough, Southborough and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Districts prohibit discrimination in its operations. The school districts provide equal employment and educational opportunities to all persons regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. This applies to all persons affiliated with the Northborough, Southborough, and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Districts including students, prospective and existing personnel, contractors and suppliers of goods and services. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Superintendent of Schools or directly to the United States Department of Education Region 1 - Office for Civil Rights, Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109

Marguerite E. Peaslee School

Mission Statement

We, the Peaslee School community, believe that education is a continually dynamic process where all members are learners. An environment must be sustained which allows this process to occur so each learner will feel his or her purposeful connection to society.

The Marguerite E. Peaslee School will prepare its students to be productive, contributing citizens in a democratic society. Our school will provide students with differentiated opportunities to be reflective learners who are aware of their unique abilities and interests and will teach them the skills and knowledge they need to develop their potential. At the Peaslee School learning will take place in a safe environment, which encourages high levels of achievement.

Introduction

The Marguerite E. Peaslee School is one of four elementary schools in the community of Northborough. The student body consists of pupils in Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Opened on November 19, 1962, the school was named after Marguerite E. Peaslee, a longtime resident of Northborough. Miss Peaslee was Art Director of the Northborough-Southborough-Berlin School Union. After the breakup of the Union, she dedicated herself full time to the Northborough schools. In recognition of her years of service, the Maple Street School was named in her honor.

Important Telephone Numbers

Superintendent .......................................................... (508) 351-7000

Peaslee Office ............................................................ (508) 351 -7035

Peaslee Fax Number................................................... (508) 351 -7037

Peaslee email addresses for each staff member are:

First initial last name@nsboro.k12.ma.us

Other Northborough Schools --

Fannie E. Proctor School.................................... (508) 351 - 7040

Lincoln St. School ............................................... (508) 351 - 7030

Marion E. Zeh School ......................................... (508) 351 - 7048

Robert E. Melican Middle School .....................(508) 351 – 7020

Peaslee Staff Directory and Voicemail Numbers

Principal Donald Holm 350

Secretary Linda Brannon 100

Non–instructional Aide Holly Evangelista 101

Nurse Lorrie Perkins 104

Kindergarten Jennifer Boudreau 320

Jennifer Matteson 300

Kerri Lewis 301

First Grade Jessica Borg 302

Amy Melisi 303

Jennifer Tobin 305

Second Grade Melissa Farrell 306

Amy Mara 304

Melinda Kement 310

Marcia Mills 307

Third Grade Laura Appleton 308

Steve Baroni 309

Colleen Griffin 311

Fourth Grade Peggy Marshall 312

Donna McAuliffe 313

Fifth Grade Andrea Daunais 314

Carol Moore 316

Denise Murphy 317

SPED Teacher Paula Baerson 111

Aides Pat Cray 318

Laura Dicentes 325

Kathy Lowe 327

Connie Mackie 321

Jen Shields 328

Kindergarten Aides Tara Letourneau 319

Gayle Bowe 332

Psychologist Kim Douglass 110

Behavior Specialist Kathy Marcello 103

Occupational Therapist Karen Brown 330

Speech Jean Anderson 331

Aide Linda Buddenhagen 326

Reading Ruth Miller 333

ESL Jennifer Church 334

Phys. Ed. John McAuliffe 335

Ad. Phy. Ed. Judy Fledderjohn 324

Music Katrina Caron 336

Sherryl Stonebraker 338

Band Becky Makara 337

Art Marcia Waldman 339

Library Nancy Kellner 340

Technology Aide Suzy Nystrom 341

Cafeteria Margaret Flanagan 106

Carol Benedict 106

Joan Krouse 106

Mary Sykora 106

Custodians George Falardeau 107

Kevin Walsh 342

A Letter From The Principal

Welcome to the Marguerite E. Peaslee School. Miss Peaslee was a well-known local art educator who devoted many years to the school district of Northborough. Miss Peaslee was known for her dedication to every child. We are proud that our school is named in her honor.

Collaboration between school and home is fundamental to effective instruction. This handbook is designed to create a greater understanding of the programs and culture of your school. I hope you will take time to read it with your child. In some cases, the handbook’s content may inspire additional questions about your school and its programs. We encourage you to visit or contact us should you have questions or concerns about your child’s education.

To some parents, this booklet will be the first step toward building a relationship between school and home. It is but one-way to inform parents and students about the Peaslee School. Our school personnel are available to meet with you at any time to discuss matters concerning your child.

Teachers and parents have a common goal -- to assist each child in living a happy and successful life. We are ready to work with you to help your child reach this goal.

Donald R. Holm

Principal

School Philosophy

The administration and staff at the Marguerite E. Peaslee School believe education to be a continually dynamic process where all members are learners. An environment must be sustained which enables this process to occur so that each learner will feel his or her purposeful connection to society.

The mission of the Peaslee School is to provide an environment where all members can achieve their highest level of development in academic skills, social skills and enrichment experiences, all of which foster respect for self, others, and learning.

Our Guiding Principles are:

1. All students are held to high expectations and standards.

2. Students learn using a variety of strategies and approaches.

3. Students explore how knowledge has purpose and meaning in their lives.

4. Purposeful interaction is a vital ingredient in student learning.

5. Curriculum is based on inquiry, problem solving, discovery, and application of key issues and concepts.

6. Assessment is both a process and a tool used to improve instruction and enhance student learning.

7. The curriculum fosters connections within and across disciplines.

8. Technology provides important tools for enriching the learning process.

RULES WE LIVE BY

The supportive and caring environment of the Peaslee School encourages motivation toward learning, thoughtfulness, consideration for others, respect for authority and acceptance of individual differences. Most school rules are a matter of courtesy and safety and are emphasized as such. In view of the importance the school places upon self-discipline, good manners and acceptable behavior, the school has adopted these rules:

· Respect yourself.

· Respect others, their belongings and their space.

· Treat others, as you would like to be treated.

· Include all that want to be included.

· Respect the environment and all school property.

· Be fair.

· When inside, use indoor voices.

· Always be honest

· Listen when others are talking.

· Do your best while learning and playing.

Students need to be even more aware of responsibility they bear for their words and their actions in the classroom, and on the playground and buses. There can no longer be any pretending to play war, to have weapons, making jokes about these serious issues. There will be no tolerance when it comes to threatening remarks toward another student, teacher or about oneself. Any incidents will be brought to the school’s attention, which will inform the parents (guardian), the Superintendent of Schools and Northborough Police Department if needed and not necessarily in that order. Depending on the severity of the situation, the child may be suspended from school.

Standard of Conduct

Students at the Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School participate in a social skills curriculum as part of their classroom learning. Through this curriculum, each teacher shares the expectations for behavior in a developmentally appropriate manner for students to learn and apply to their school day. Each grade level establishes these explicit expectations and any necessary consequences for inappropriate behavior to best match the age level of the children. Many of our staff members have been trained in the Responsive Classroom and Talk it Out programs, which are shared at many of our staff meetings over the course of the year. Our teachers are well aware of the “teachable moments” that develop over the course of any day where children experience conflicts with peers. Through this format, each grade level is consistent and fair in their expectations and resulting consequences.

The Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School and the Northborough Public Schools aim to be free of teasing and bullying. We define teasing as when one or more children hurt another child through words or actions. Bullying occurs when one or more children repeatedly hurt another child through words or actions. All actions have consequences. Negative consequences will result if a student is involved in teasing and/or bullying another student. The range of consequences may include notification to parents, communication between involved parties, and, if necessary, a restriction of privileges. Students who are the victims of teasing/bullying receive support from the school staff to assure the development of positive self-help skills. Staff members at the Peaslee School work together to resolve conflicts that develop amongst students. Supervision during unstructured recess times assures adult intervention with students to resolve conflicts. It is essential for families to take an active role in reducing teasing and bullying through being good role models at home.

Getting Started

Any child who will be five (5) by August 31st is eligible for kindergarten. If you have just moved to Northborough, please contact the Peaslee School office at 508-351-7035 to request the necessary forms. Families with eligible children on the town census who have been living in Northborough will automatically receive an information packet by mail.

You will be asked to supply proof of immunizations, a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate, proof of residency (P and S, lease agreement, electric bill, or house deed), and a private physician form to be completed when your child has his or her annual physical. Each school will also ask you to complete a packet of forms addressing the particular needs of your child.

For kindergartners enrolling in advance, it is imperative to attend kindergarten screening and orientation. Screening is held in the fall and you will be notified of the schedule. A “day of introduction” will be held in the spring and will give the children a chance to see their kindergarten classroom and teacher. Parents will receive important information about Peaslee School at that time.

In addition, kindergarten orientation will take place on the first day of school. During the summer you will receive information about the first day’s schedule.

A school wide get Acquainted Night is held in early autumn to give parents, children, and siblings a chance to familiarize themselves with Peaslee School.

Communication with Administration and Staff

Communication with your child's classroom teacher and the school staff is welcomed. Please feel free to call the school or send a note with your child. Appointments can be set up by calling the office or contacting the classroom teacher to discuss any issues, concerns, or problems.

To reach a teacher via email, type the first initial, last name @nsboro.k12.ma.us

Example: the second grade teacher, Jane Doe, can be reached by sending e-mail to: jdoe@nsboro.k12.ma.us *Note: If something needs to be addressed in a timely manner you should send a note with your child or telephone the school.

The phone system at Peaslee includes voice mail. When you call the school, you may leave a message for any staff member. The staff has been asked to check their voice mail at least once each day. If a message requires immediate attention, it should be left with someone in the office or on the office voice mail, not the teacher’s. Do not leave attendance related information on your teacher’s voicemail. This information must be communicated with the office staff directly.

E-mail Guidelines

E-mail communication is common practice for many people. The Peaslee School personnel all have e-mail accounts and do their best to check messages at least once a day. Their primary focus however, is not their computer: it is their students. They have very little time during the day to access and respond to e-mail messages. Although this form of communication is convenient, quick, and easy, it needs to be used carefully since the tone and intent can be misunderstood due to the lack of facial or voice cues.

Parents are asked to keep the following guidelines in mind as they write e-mail messages to school staff:

· E-mail sent through a public account is not considered private communication between parties and as such, nothing of a personal or sensitive nature should be disclosed in e-mail messages.

· E-mail communications should be brief, concise, and if warranted, should be a request for a personal contact (phone call or note) if feedback is necessary.

Problems and Concerns

Sometimes your child may come home and share a concern about something that they may find troubling, an incident on the playground, for instance, a difficulty in the classroom, or an incident of teasing or bullying. As a first step, listen to your child and help him or her talk it out. Even without knowing the story from all sides you may be able to help your child see the situation more fully by your supportive questions and responses.

If you think your child will be unable to deal with the situation or it will disrupt the learning process, then your next step should be to communicate the problem directly to the classroom teacher. Please send a note with your child, communicate by telephone, e-mail, or call to set up an appointment to meet with the classroom teacher. The classroom teacher can immediately address the concern and/or locate the appropriate means of support for your child.

When problems arise, they need to be addressed in a timely manner. Our goal is for the Peaslee School staff, parents, and child to work together in a way that helps the child to understand alternative problem solving strategies, including how to communicate problems and concerns to the appropriate adults. At times, different staff members participate in discussions with students to resolve conflicts. This may include staff members present during an escalating conflict, the classroom teacher or teachers and staff members supervising recess or lunch, the school psychologist, the behaviorist, or the principal. Through collaboration, staff members support students as conflicts are resolved.

Problem resolution protocol:

v Help your child talk it out to fully understand the problem

v Communicate the problem directly to the classroom teacher

v If the matter remains unresolved, communicate the problem to the school principal

v If the matter still remains unresolved, communicate the problem to the Superintendent of Schools.

In the case of a school-wide issue you may wish to contact the school principal.

Classroom Placement

The placement process is one of careful consideration by teachers, specialists, and the school principal. The overriding objective is to achieve a well-balanced class that meets the needs of all students. Matching classmates’ learning styles and achieving student diversity is a part of the goal. The current classroom teacher’s knowledge of a child and his or her peers is a strong factor in this process. Special circumstances that must be considered include physical or environmental modifications, health concerns, special education needs, and challenging behaviors. Teacher assignments are made in late spring and are announced on the last day of school.

Since parents know their children best, an opportunity to provide parental input will be possible in April. Comments must be submitted to the principal in writing and should be directed to your child’s learning style, needs, or special circumstances.

Services Provided by the Nurse

Day-to-Day Nursing--

The school nurse is available every day from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. The nurse may be reached by telephone at 508-351-7035, extension 104.

Medical Needs --

If your child has any acute or ongoing medical needs, the school nurse must be fully informed. The nurse will discuss your child’s special requirements with his/her teacher prior to field trips. If your child’s medical needs change during the year, please contact the nurse.

If your child is on a regular medication, either at home or at school, please inform the school nurse. It is imperative that the nurse is aware of all medications a student is taking in order to provide the best care.

Illness and Accidents--

In case of an illness, injury, or emergency during the school day, you or your emergency contact person will be called. It is your responsibility to provide emergency phone numbers for your child. It is important that the phone numbers and emergency information for each student be kept up to date. Please inform the office of any changes in phone numbers or other information as soon as possible.

If your child visits the nurse for any significant reason, a note or a phone call of explanation will be given that day.

Illness and Returning to School--

When students are ill, they should be kept home. The school is not an infirmary. Sick children need to recover at your home, not in school. When they return to school, they should be well enough to participate in normal school activities unless they have a written note from a physician describing special accommodations or restrictions, from physical education or recess. For example, when your child returns to school, please send in any physician’s note to the nurse stating the nature of his/her illness. The school cannot accommodate parent requests to excuse a child from gym or recess. We need a physician’s note.

The school nurse recommends that children do not come to school with a fever. If your child is running a low-grade fever, do not medicate and send them to school. Children will be sent home from school if they have a fever of 100 F or greater. A child should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Your child should also stay at home if he/she is exhibiting symptoms such as upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, general malaise or any other illness. These symptoms must be gone for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school.

Please do not send your child back to school until he/she is healthy. A sick child cannot reach his/her learning potential and is uncomfortable in school. A sick child can also transfer his/her illness to other children and staff in the school.

If you have questions about your child's ability to adequately perform in class or school activities following an illness or injury, please inform the nurse if special short-term accommodations are needed. For example, if your child has experienced recent surgery or illness, your child's pediatrician should author a note recommending special accommodations relative to classroom, physical education or recess participation. Physician’s notes must be submitted to the nurse; we will not accept diagnostic notes from parents. Information of this nature will enable the school to make appropriate decisions on your child's behalf. This information can be faxed to the school via the fax number in the school office. This number is 508-351-7037.

Health-Related Screening--

Each year eye and ear screening is conducted at the school. Each child will be screened to ensure that any possible problems due to eyesight or hearing will be identified and parents will be notified. In grade five, scoliosis screening will also be done on all students. In some circumstances, the school nurse will notify parents or guardians if follow-up testing is indicated.

All students will have a height and weight screening done each year. Parents may request that the nurse provide this information to them along with the student’s BMI (Body Mass Index). The student’s BMI is one indicator for obesity.

Dispensing Medication --

Massachusetts State Law requires strict control of medication on school property.

· All medications (over-the-counter and prescription, including cough drops) must have a doctor’s order to be administered by the school nurse. All medications will be stored in and administered in the health office.

· If your child requires medication during the school day, bring that medication in its original container to school with a doctor’s note (for both over the counter and prescription medications).

· Parents must drop off and pick up all medications in the health office. Children will not be allowed to transport medication of any type to or from school.

· All medication (prescription or over the counter) must be kept in the nurse’s office. This includes cough drops and all throat lozenges.

Detailed information regarding medications in school will be distributed at the beginning of each school year. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse.

Insurance --

School insurance is made available to all students every year. Packets are sent home during the first few weeks of school. All parents must review the insurance information and either accept or decline the optional coverage.

Every uninsured child and teen in Massachusetts can get health care coverage at little or no cost. MassHealth is an insurance program with a full range of benefits including doctor’s office visits, prescription drugs, dental services, counseling, hospital services and other health care services. Children and families not eligible for MassHealth can get more limited coverage through the Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP). For more information, contact MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900 or CMSP at 1-800-909-2677. Information regarding MassHealth is sent home with each student during the school year.

A Typical Day At Peaslee

What Every Child Needs

All children should have a backpack. It will be used to transport school work, notes, and homework to and from school. Most school supplies are periodically provided. Individual teachers will notify parents of specific classroom needs.

Arrival

Buses begin arriving at school at 8:20 AM. Dropping off children before 8:20 AM is not allowed. This is a safety issue. There is no one on duty to watch your children prior to that time. Upon arrival, children go to the playground where two faculty members monitor them until 8:40 AM. If there is snow on the ground, only children with boots and snow pants are allowed off the black top. However, every effort should be made to dress your child appropriately for that morning’s weather. During inclement weather, children wait in the cafeteria and gymnasium until 8:40 AM, when they line up according to class for dismissal to their classrooms.

Kindergarten Arrivals/Dismissals

Kindergarteners get on the bus each morning at the regular bus stop with the other students. At the beginning of the year, the kindergarten teachers will greet the children as they get off the bus. Kindergarteners, who ride the bus for the afternoon session, will be picked at their driveway. Their teacher will greet them in the lobby and escort them to class.

The kindergarten teacher will escort the morning session students to the lobby and out to the buses. If you or another adult will be picking up your child, please wait in the school lobby. If your child will be coming home on the bus, an adult must meet the bus or be visible to the driver before they will be allowed off the bus.

Students attending full day kindergarten will ride the bus home at the end of the day with students in grades 1-5. Your child will be dropped off at the neighborhood bus stop.

Specials

Each week your child will attend the following “Specials”:

Art, Music, Physical Education, and Library. All children should wear basic sneakers (not slip-on or high soles) and appropriate clothing for P.E. class. Students also visit the Computer Lab with their classroom teacher once a week to work on integrating technology into curriculum studies.

Recess

Each student participates in two 15-minute recess periods each day. One recess is scheduled either in the morning or afternoon while the other takes place at lunchtime. On rainy days these recesses are held in the classroom. Recess monitors carry equipment that allows them to contact the office in the event of an emergency.

Snack

Snack time is scheduled for all students. All kindergartners may bring a snack from home, or purchase snack from the school for $5 a month. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are interested in this program. All other students may bring a snack from home to be eaten at recess. Kindergarteners should bring one item to eat and one drink. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack to school.

Lunch

Children are grouped by grade level for lunch. There are two seatings for lunch each day: 11:15-12:00 Noon or 12:05-12:50 PM. This includes a 20 minute recess after the students have eaten.

A choice of a hot or cold lunch is available daily for $2.00, which includes a carton of milk. Children with a lunch from home may purchase milk for 50¢. Children are not allowed to bring carbonated beverages, sodas, beverages in glass containers or pull top cans, fast food (McD’s, BK, KFC, etc.) or any other food items in pull top cans.

Children who have forgotten to bring money for lunch or milk will be given a lunch or milk and will be expected to pay for their lunch the following day. The cafeteria will not issue credit to children or their parents.

Parents are invited to eat lunch at school with their child and any parent wishing to do so should notify the school ahead of time, so the cafeteria staff can prepare the extra meal. Adult lunches cost $2.75 including milk, or a single milk is 75¢.

It is the policy of the Northborough School Committee to provide a nutritionally complete and balanced hot meal for every child who wishes to be part of the lunch program. Applications for the free meal program are sent home at the beginning of each school year to support a child’s acquisition of a free or reduced price lunch and parents are urged to complete it if there is any need at all. Please be assured that your financial information is kept strictly confidential. Applications may also be filled out at any time during the year if there is a change of status. Please contact the school office for an application.

Clothing

Student clothing should be appropriate at all times. Children are not allowed to wear articles that advertise cigarettes or alcoholic beverages, have words with double meanings, or depict violence or unlawful acts. Students are also expected to wear the appropriate clothing depending on the weather. During the winter, children will need to have snow pants, boots, jackets, gloves and hats when the weather dictates. No student will be allowed to play in the snow without the proper attire.

Arrival/Dismissal

School hours are from 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM for grades one through five. Kindergarten hours are from 8:45 - 11:20 AM for half-day students. Afternoon bus dismissal begins at 3:15 PM.

Families are asked to respect these times. When planning after school activities, please be respectful of our dismissal time. Although dance, riding, gymnastics or other classes begin close to our dismissal, we will not permit regular (ie. every Tuesday) scheduled dismissals for after school activities. Schooling must take precedence. Dismissing children early on a regular basis is an extraordinary disruption for your child and their class. Infrequent dismissals for dentist, doctor or a special after school program will be permitted. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact the school office.

If your child arrives late to school he/she should report to the office before continuing to his/her classroom. Parents or a guardian must accompany their child into the building after the start of school at 8:45 AM. Children who arrive after this time must be signed in by a parent to give their signature indicating their knowledge their child has arrived safely into the school building.

During arrival and dismissal times, it is imperative that the driveway in front of the school be kept clear. This space is reserved for school buses only. Do not park in front of the building to drop off or pick up your child. Remember, state law prohibits passing a stopped bus with flashing red lights – even on school property.

Tardiness/Absences

It is very important that everyone come to school on time each morning. School begins at 8:45 AM. Students who are late arriving to school must check in at the office accompanied with parent or guardian who will sign them in. The parent or guardian must accompany their child into the building to give their signature indicating their knowledge that their child has arrived safely into the school building. The office will follow up on situations where frequent tardiness is noted.

Regular and prompt attendance is necessary for a student's education. Being on time for school is important to a child's education and consistency in the classroom. Please ensure that your child is on time for class.

Note: Please call the school by 9:00 A.M. to notify the office of an absence. You will be called if your child is absent without a call-in report. This system of checking is a protection for your child.

Please refer to the school calendar when scheduling family vacations and trips. School experiences are impossible to duplicate outside of the classroom. Also please make note of MCAS testing dates, which are relevant for all students in grades 3, 4 and 5.

Changes in Arrival/Dismissal

If there is any change in your child’s regular dismissal routine, you MUST send a note to school. The school can only honor dismissal changes with written permission in advance.

Only children going to regularly scheduled after-school childcare may ride a bus other than their regular one. Children can be dropped off at a different stop on their regular bus. However, any change in the drop-off location must be confirmed with a written note to your child’s teacher.

AM kindergartners are allowed if this happens, off the bus only if an adult is present at the bus stop. If no adult is present, the child will be returned to school, during kindergarten runs only; and the parents or guardians will be responsible for picking up their children. Afternoon kindergartners will be let off the bus with the older children. Parents of kindergartners are advised to be present. The bus company has been asked to strictly follow this policy. Older children are let off the bus without an adult present. If you have any concerns about this bus policy, please contact the school office.

After School Pick-up

When picking up your child after school, please wait for him/her in the school lobby. Children with notes will be released before children who are riding buses in order to lesson the congestion in the lobby during dismissal time. If a note was not sent, please report to the office, as you will need to sign your child out and wait for the appropriate bus line. Children will not be released to waiting cars, only to authorized adults present in the school lobby.

When your child is released to you during dismissal time, please exit the building as quickly and safely as possible in order to assist the traffic of students and vehicles. Pay special attention to state laws regarding student and bus safety, which apply on school property. Be aware that flashing red lights on school buses prohibit the passage of vehicles.

Early Release Days

Throughout the school year, a number of early dismissal days are scheduled. These dates are published in the school calendar and reminders are sent periodically to parents to inform them that students will be arriving home from school at hours other than normal dismissal times. The purpose for such release days varies and includes time for Parent/Teacher conferences, curriculum development, and professional development (in-service workshops) for our teaching staff.

On early release days, Peaslee School students are dismissed at 11:50 AM. No lunches are served on these days. The afternoon session of kindergarten( if applicable) is canceled and the morning kindergarten session is dismissed with grades 1 - 5.

No School/ Emergency Dismissal

When schools have to be closed for storms or any other emergency, the “NO SCHOOL” announcements are given on the stations listed below.

Radio-

WSRO-- MARLBOROUGH -- 1470 AM

WTAG -- WORCESTER -- 580 AM

WBZ -- BOSTON -- 1030 AM

WSRS -- WORCESTER -- 96.1 FM

TV-

WCVB -- BOSTON -- CHANNEL 5

WHDH -- BOSTON -- CHANNEL 4

WBZ –- BOSTON-- Channel 7

Local Access Cable Channel 11

School closings or delayed openings are announced between 6:30 and 7:30 AM. Please do not call the police department, the school buildings or the news stations. You will also receive a call from the School-wide ConnectED system.

**Severe weather sometimes strikes in the middle of the day. If road conditions are quickly deteriorating, school may be canceled early. At the beginning of the year, you will be asked to supply emergency phone numbers for this situation. These phone numbers may be different from the ones on your child’s emergency card. As with the emergency card information, please keep the school informed of any changes.

Bus Behavior and Safety

Children are expected to remain seated while the bus is in motion, to respect the rights and safety of others, and to use appropriate language at all times. Bus safety is discussed and practiced at school and parents are asked to reinforce awareness at home. Bus evacuation drills are also held each year.

The use of seat belts is encouraged but optional. Although instruction on the use of safety belts will be discussed at school, parents should also discuss the matter at home.

The use of jackets or coats with drawstrings is discouraged, as the drawstring could get caught while the child is exiting the bus.

Children who endanger the safety of others, who fail to obey rules for bus behavior, or who ignore instructions from the bus driver may be suspended from using the bus. The school office will notify parents of such behavior. The following are guidelines for riding the bus:

· Listen and follow the bus driver's directions.

· Sit in your seat when the bus is moving.

· Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself and inside the bus at all times.

· Respect the rights and safety of other students.

· Do not eat or drink on the bus.

· Students need to speak in normal indoor conversational tones while on the bus, because the driver may be need to communicate with the students or a child in distress.

Walking/Biking to School

Children may ride bicycles or walk to and from school with written parental permission. In the interest of safety, children must use crosswalks, and bicycles must be walked on the paved area of school grounds. Bikes are to be parked in the bicycle area and locked securely. State law requires helmets.

Visitor/Volunteer Guidelines

In order to monitor people entering and leaving the building, we ask everyone sign in/out at the office and wear a visitor's badge.

• All visitors and volunteers must report to the office before going to the classrooms or other locations within the school.
• If you are bringing in an item for your child, please leave it at the office.
• Any individual who has not signed in and is not wearing a visitor's badge will be asked to do so.
• Anyone not willing to honor this policy will be questioned, as the ultimate intent is to ensure the safety and well being of our students.

Parent volunteers are a welcome addition to our school. All visits must be scheduled with your child’s teacher or the school office.

• All volunteers and visitors must protect and respect confidentiality. Peaslee Staff members do not discuss your child outside of the school.
• All new volunteers must attend volunteer training and sign a confidentiality agreement as well as submit a CORI request.
• Volunteer training is held during the first two months of the school year.
• Visitors and volunteers must uphold and support our policy, which protects the confidentiality for all staff members and students.
• We ask that you refrain from commenting on, reporting about, or discussing any child in or out of the school. By supporting our policy of confidentiality dignity and respect will be afforded to all members of the Peaslee Community.

Play Structure Rules

Sneakers are to be worn when on the play structure. Baseball, soccer, or softball shoes are not to be worn if you are using the play structure and playground.

Additional suggestions for specific pieces of equipment: --

1. The Turn-A-Cross -- Children shouldn’t sit or stand on the low support track.

2. Chain Walls -- Children should not sit on the upper chains.

3. Five Rail Sky game -- This event takes practice before children become adept with its use. Children should be discouraged from standing on the top rails.

4. Ring Traverse -- Children should only go in one direction.

5. The Play Shell Trough -- Traditional play has the children lying on their backs, sliding along the shells as their arms pull them along the ladder. Children are permitted to lie on top of the ladder and play survival crawl. The rule is no walking on top of the ladder.

6. Track Ride -- Two children can traverse this ride together. All starts and stops are to be made from the larger deck.

7. Curly Climber -- Children can climb up, down, or sit on the spiral.

8. Slides – Running up the slide is not permitted. Also, using the bars on the top of the ride for propulsion down the slide is not permitted.

· The rules of good sportsmanship are always in effect on the playground and play structures.

After School Programs

The Town of Northborough’s Office of Family and Youth Services (OFYS), located in the town hall, provides executive, supervisory and administrative management for the Northborough Extended Day Program (NEDP) and FunCare.

NEDP is an after school program for grades one through five. The program has been recognized by the MA Office For Children as a model after school program. It is designed to be safe, stimulating and attentive to the social, emotional and physical needs of children. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the number below.

FunCare provides supplemental childcare for children enrolled in kindergarten. Housed in Town Hall, the program provides bus transportation to and from school. Morning and afternoon schedules are provided. Enrollment for FunCare is held during the spring preceding the school year.

The Office of Youth and Family Services (OFYS) also offers summer programs for elementary school-aged children. Programs vary, so please contact the office directly at 393-5020.

FLASH

Members of the Peaslee School Council started the FLASH (Fun and Learning After School Hours) program in 1993. The School Council continues to sponsor the FLASH program, which is an on-site after-school enrichment program intended to enhance the school day. FLASH is a low-cost, convenient program staffed by Peaslee personnel, parents and high school students. Classes are offered in arts and crafts, science, technology, music and sports.

FLASH classes are offered three times during the school year with each session lasting six weeks. Your child will bring home detailed information before each six-week session.

Homework Policy

Homework is a necessary part of our educational program that fulfills both academic and non-academic purposes. Work assigned by a teacher is to be completed by the student outside of class time and is not limited to that which can be written. Homework is intended to provide an opportunity for integrating home and school experiences and should help foster the concept of learning as a lifelong process. Nightly reading at home with a parent or independently is strongly encouraged. As parents, we hope that you will encourage reading for fun and pleasure for and with your child.

Grade level expectations for homework

K .............. an average of 10 minutes per day

1-2 ........... an average of 10-20 minutes per day

3-4 ........... an average of 30-40 minutes per day

5 ............. an average of 45-60 minutes per day

Homework assignments:

v Provide practice in needed skills

v Develop good study skills

v Provide opportunities for increasing self direction

v Enrich and extend classroom learning

v Help children learn to budget time

v Bring students into contact with out-of-school learning resources

v Promote responsibility

Students’ responsibilities:

v Know homework assignments before leaving school

v Record assignments before leaving for the school day

v Take homework assignments and all necessary supplies home

v Seek help from parents if needed

v Submit finished homework to the teacher, neatly done and on time

Teachers’ responsibilities:

v Ensure homework assignments are clear and directions are complete and age appropriate

v Ensure homework supplements the curriculum and is meaningful

v Remain flexible to parental concerns about unusual circumstances, or a student’s special needs

Parents’ responsibilities:

v Make agreements with your child regarding homework routines (when, where, how)

v Arrange a quiet time and study area including proper lighting

v Show confidence in your child's ability; never do your child's homework for him/her

v Spend a few minutes each evening monitoring your child's progress on required homework, and check finished product

v Check assignments as recorded in the student’s Agenda Book

v Let the teacher know if homework is consistently too difficult or takes too long

The homework policy and guidelines are school district policy. The policy can be found in the appendix of this handbook. If you have questions or comments, please contact your child’s teacher.

Testing

The Marguerite E. Peaslee Elementary School follows statewide testing policies for those grades identified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This includes participation in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) for grades 3, 4, and 5 as scheduled by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

Dates for 2006-2007 are as follows:

Grade 3: Reading – March 29 – April 4, 2007 and Mathematics – May 14 – May 31, 2007;

Grade 4: English Language Arts Long Composition – March 20, 2007 (Make-up Test on April 2, 2007), English Language Arts March 29 – April 4, 2007, and Mathematics – May 14 – May 31, 2007;

Grade 5: English Language Arts – March 29 – April 4, 2007 and Science and Technology/Engineering, Mathematics and History – May 14 – May 31, 2007.

Additionally, the Peaslee School provides Kindergarten Screening for in-coming Kindergarten students and Phonemic Awareness Screening for Kindergarten students. Literacy Assessments and Mathematics Assessments for all students provide a baseline measure of skills, while intermittent Writing Samples provide a range of samples to record progress in this area.

Report Cards

Report cards of each child's progress are sent home on the following distribution schedule:

Grades K - 5: January 29, 2007 and June (the last day of school)

Report cards for Art, Music, and Gym are also sent home in January and June.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Formal conferences are held each November and March. November 14 and 16, 2006 (15 minutes); March 22, 2007 (10 minutes) – Designated Early Dismissal Days. Information regarding conferences is sent home prior to scheduling them.

Informal conferences can be scheduled with the teacher as the need arises. Parents sometimes have a need to discuss their child's progress between conferences. Teachers are more than happy to arrange a time to talk for this purpose. To set up a time, please send a written message to the teacher, or call to set up a mutually agreeable time. Arriving at a classroom unannounced to discuss a child's progress can be disruptive to class preparation time, and to the students’ learning.

Field Trips

During the school year, your child’s class will be taking one or more field trips. Field trips are designed to augment the curriculum and enhance your child’s learning experience. Your child’s teacher will supply details for each trip. Trips are always planned with the children’s safety in mind and your child’s teacher is available to address any concerns you might have. You will receive a permission slip for each trip, which must be signed and promptly returned.

Some field trips are within walking distance from the school. If the trip requires transportation, your child will ride a school bus.

The PTO will finance up to $450 per grade level for transportation costs each academic year. If the grade should exceed this amount, parents may be asked to provide for some or all of the transportation costs through fund raising activities, or in addition to the admission charge. No student will miss a field trip for financial reasons, as the PTO maintains a scholarship fund for this purpose. If the cost of a field trip represents a financial hardship for your family, please contact your child’s teacher or the school office. School policy prohibits children from visiting gift shops at the field trip site.

Chaperones are often needed on field trips. The number of chaperones for any trip is determined by the field trip location. Chaperone selections for all field trips are random.

School and Classroom Parties

Birthdays are recognized in the classroom. If you wish, you may send in a treat for your child to share with classmates. Be sure to discuss with your child’s teacher about possible food allergies and scheduling. There is not sufficient refrigeration space for classroom snacks. Please send items which do not need to be placed in the refrigerator or freezer. Please remember it is a school day and learning is expected to be the priority. Be considerate toward all the students in the classroom; do not distribute party invitations at school unless everyone in the class is invited.

Library Books and Materials

Each classroom is scheduled for library time during each week. All students are encouraged to check out and read the books available in the library. Students are responsible for the library books and are asked to return them when they are due. Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged library books.

Physical Education

Appropriate sneakers are needed for the safety of the children during physical education class. Also, comfortable clothing such as shorts or pants should be worn on PE days.

A doctor must provide a written medical excuse to the school nurse when activities need to be limited. Please send these notes to the nurse.

Home and Community

School Council --

The Education Reform Law of 1993 mandated the establishment of school councils. As instruments of collaboration, school councils provide each school community with an opportunity to shape the direction their school takes as it works to strengthen teaching and learning. Members include teachers, administrators, parents and residents of the community.

The school council acts in an advisory capacity regarding the school’s improvement plan, curriculum and budget priorities. Minutes are published in the monthly school newsletter, The Peaslee Press, which also lists the meeting times.

Duties of the council include

v Adopting educational goals for the school

v Developing and implementing the School Improvement Plan

v Acting as an advocate for parents and the community while advising the principal

All are welcome to attend any of the meetings. The dates are listed in the monthly newsletter. Hope to see you there!

Please feel free to contact any of the council members to discuss issues, concerns, or things that you feel need to be addressed at the Peaslee School.

PTO

Peaslee School has a very active Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO), and there are many opportunities in which you can participate. The PTO general meetings will be held on a regular basis. The dates and times will be announced at the beginning of the school year. The minutes from each meeting are published in The Peaslee Press.

PTO committees coordinate Book Fairs, Field Day, Kids’ Fair, Enrichment programs and School Spirit activities. Please refer to the Peaslee website for a listing of PTO offices and other pertinent information.

Northborough Extended Day Program (NEDP)

The Town of Northborough, through their Office of Youth and Family Services, provides an extended day program for working parents. NEDP operates in each of the elementary schools in town from the close of the school day to 6:00 PM. Supervised by their trained staff, students are offered a supervised after-school program. Parents desiring additional information are encouraged to call the NEDP Central Office at (508) 393-5020.

Withdrawing from School

When it becomes necessary for you to withdraw your child from Peaslee School, please complete a student withdrawal form in the school office. The request must be made in writing at least 24 hours prior to the last day your child will attend school.

Miscellaneous Information

The school office must approve anything sent home via students, in advance. This includes invitations, solicitations for gifts, PTO announcements, fundraising requests, etc. Please provide the office with a copy of anything you wish to be sent home with students prior to distribution.

Appendix

Of

District-Wide Policies

To the Student Handbooks of the

Northborough Public Schools

Northborough, MA
Dispensing of Medications

Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 105 CMR-1171, a licensed nurse must have a medication order from a licensed prescriber in order to administer any medication, whether it is a prescription drug or an over-the-counter medication. The following policy shall apply at the Northborough Public Schools:

a) School policy prohibits students from carrying medicines of any kind on their person or having them in their possession without prior approval of the school nurse.

b) No medication will be administered-or terminated in school without written order from a licensed prescriber. This written order must be signed, dated, for a closed period of time and include instructions for dispensing.

c) In addition, a written dated request signed by a parent/guardian, or an emancipated eighteen-year-old, must be submitted to the nurse concerning dispensing of the medication.

d) Prescribed medications, over the counter medications, and inhalers to be administered under the conditions stated above must be brought to the nurse or designee by a parent/guardian in the original properly labeled container

e) For short-term medications, i.e., those requiring administration for ten school days or fewer, the pharmacy-labeled container may be used in lieu of a licensed prescriber's order; if the nurse has a question, she may request a licensed prescriber's order.

f) Each school calendar year requires a new written order from the licensed prescriber, and written parent/guardian request for the dispensing of the medication. Written parent/guardian consent forms and licensed prescriber order forms may be obtained from the school nurse.

Revised: 8/26

Replaces policy dated 10/17/84

N

Approved: 10/5/92

Revised/Approved: 3/5/97

N

Homework Policy

Homework is a necessary part of our educational program which fulfills both academic and non-academic purposes. It refers to work assigned by a teacher to be completed by the student outside of class time and is not limited to that which can be written. Homework is intended to provide an opportunity for integrating home and school experiences. It should help foster the concept of learning as a life long process.

Consistent with the Massachusetts Common Core of Learning, we believe homework should serve many purposes:

· improve academic performance

· help students organize and budget their time

· extend learning and critical thinking beyond the school day

· develop individual responsibility, decision-making skills and independent study skills

· provide additional time for the application and reinforcement of new skills and concepts

· encourage innovation and creativity

· develop diverse interests that might enhance later experiences in life

· keep parents involved in and informed about the curriculum, skills and strategies being developed

Suggested time guidelines are as follow:

K an average of 10 minutes per day

1-2 an average of 10-20 minutes per day

3-4 an average of 30-40 minutes per day

5-6 an average of 45-60 minutes per day

7-8 an average of 60-120 minutes per day

Naturally, some students may require more or less time to complete assignments. In general, students will receive homework on a daily basis Monday through Thursday. At times, homework assignments may involve weekend and holiday work as well. Teachers should take into account student commitments when assigning long term projects that encompass a holiday or vacation.

A successful homework program depends on a successful partnership of student, teacher, and parent.

Adopted: September 6, 1995

Replaces Homework Policy #6000 adopted 6/3/87; expunged 10/5/95

Responsibilities of students:

1. Receive and/or record assignments daily

2. Ask for clarification or help if an assignment is not understood.

3. Show evidence of effort and concern for quality work.

4. Inform the teacher of any difficulties in completing tasks assigned.

5. Complete/deliver assignments on time.

6. Make up missed assignments.

Responsibilities of teachers:

1. Communicate to students and parents, in writing, at the beginning of the school year, homework expectations, including the effect of homework on the grade, and the consequences for not completing assignments.

2. Provide time for student questions to clarify directions.

3. Ensure that homework assignments are meaningful and varied.

4. Coordinate assigned work to meet recommended time guidelines.

5. Consider the individual needs and abilities of all students.

6. Monitor the progress of long term assignments.

7. Respond to each assignment promptly (research indicates that prompt feedback on homework leads to greater academic achievement)

8. Accept late homework with the understanding that it may accrue less credit.

Responsibilities of parents:

1. Promote a positive attitude toward homework and reinforce its value.

2. Foster pride in the completed task.

3. Provide a quiet time and place in which to work and the necessary materials to complete the assignment.

4. Communicate with the teacher if there are questions or difficulties regarding assignments.

5. Provide assistance in meeting an assignment when needed.

6. Encourage and help the child to grow into an independent worker.

7. Support the consequences when homework is not completed.

Bibliography:

Berry, Mari". Help is on the Way for Study Habits. Children's Press, 1985.

Canter, Lee. Homework Without Tears Perennial Library, 1988.

Greene, Lawrence J. 1001 Ways to Improve Your Child's Schoolwork. Dell, 1991.

James, Elizabeth. How to be School Smart, Lothrup, Lee and Shepard, 1988.

Klaven, Ellen. Taming the Homework Monster Poseidon Press, 1992.

Radencich, Marguerite C. and Schuman, Jeanne Shay. How to Help Your Child with Homework. Free Spirit Publishing, 1988.

Rosemond, John. Ending the Homework Hassle Andrews and McMeal, 1990. Zifferbiatt, Steven Michael. lmproving Study and Homework Behaviors Research Press, 1978.

Public Schools of Northborough-Southborough, Massachusetts

Acceptable Use Policy for Technology – I-120 (6134)

Overview

The Northborough, Southborough, Northborough/Southborough Regional School

Districts are very pleased to bring Internet access to our districts. Our goal in providing

this service is to promote educational excellence in our schools by facilitating resource

sharing, innovation, and communication.

The purpose of this agreement is to support research and education in and among

academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for

collaborative work. The use of this access must be in support of education and research

consistent with educational objectives.

Background

The Internet is a vast collection of computers and users that have the ability to share

information. Each computer that is connected becomes part of this global network. This

allows individuals to quite easily send electronic letters, voice and video messages,

pictures, and programs. Internet use enables teachers to bring experts right into the

classroom and provides immeasurable resources with which to enhance the curriculum.

Guidelines

Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of Internet use and other disciplinary action

deemed appropriate by officials. The administration determines what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. The School District has in place an Internet safety policy that includes the operation of a technology prevention measure that protects against Internet access for both adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child

pornography, and, with respect to use of the computers by minors, harmful to minors and includes monitoring the online activities of minors. An administrator, supervisor, and

other authorized person may disable the technology protection measure, during use by an adult, only to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Users are expected to abide by the guidelines listed below for acceptable use of

technological resources including the Internet. The user is personally responsible for his

or her actions in accessing and using the school’s computer resources.

· Computers, peripherals, and other technologies, such as personal assistants, are to be used for legitimate educational activities.

· Use the Internet only to access educationally relevant materials.

· Use e-mail for educational purposes only.

· Illegal activities, including violation of copyright or other contracts, and unauthorized access including “hacking,” are strictly forbidden.

· Respect the rights of copyright owners and do not plagiarize work that you find on the Internet.

Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

· Cite your sources. The MLA style for electronic sources is recommended.

· (http://www.mla.org)

· Use appropriate language and do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.

· Do not participate in “chat rooms” or “instant messaging”.

· Do not knowingly post or forward any information that is not true.

· Do not post private information about another person or post personal communications without the author’s consent.

· Do not send any material that is likely to be offensive or objectionable to recipients.

· Do not reveal your personal address or phone number or the personal address or phone number of other students, faculty, or administrators.

· Do not trespass into anyone else’s files, folders, or work.

· Do not share your personal account with anyone or leave the account open or unattended.

· Do not use an account assigned to another user.

· Promptly disclose to the administration or designee any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.

· Do not download any files or execute attachments that you did not request or did not expect to receive.

· Do not do anything to damage any computer, software, system, or service that you are using and never send anyone else a file or command that may damage theirs.

· Network storage areas may be reviewed by Network Administrators to maintain system integrity and to ensure that the students are using the system responsibly.

· Computer storage space is not private and contents may be viewed at any time.

Resources: Acceptable Use Policies from the Hampton-Dumont Community Schools,

Florida Institute of Technology, University Liggett School, Shrewsbury Public Schools,

the Classroom Connect Internet site and Lightspan.com.

Adopted: February 11, 1997

Revised: May 10, 2000

Revised: February 13, 2002

Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

Agreement

I/We have read the Internet Acceptable Use Policy, understand it, and agree to adhere to the principles and procedures detailed within. I/We understand and accept the conditions stated above. I/We understand that my/our student is expected to use good judgment and follow the Policy in making electronic contact with others. Parent permission will be obtained prior to a student’s work with their name being put on a school’s home page on the Internet.

Should my student breach this policy, I understand that the consequences of this violation could result in but are not limited to:

• revocation of all network access on the School Districts’ network
• suspension of computer access
• revocation of computer access
• school suspension
• school expulsion
• legal action and prosecution by the authorities.

If you choose to deny direct Internet access to your student at this time, you are refusing permission for individual exploration only. Students may still be exposed to information from the Internet in guided curricular activities at the discretion of their teachers. A student will not have individual Internet access without a signed Acceptable Use Policy.

Student’s name: ____________________________________________

(Please Print)

Parent name: ____________________________________________

(Please Print)

Student signature: ____________________________________________

Parent signature: ____________________________________________

Date: ____________________

NON-DISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/TITLE IX/

ADA/TITLE I/SECTION 504/CHAPTER 622 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The Northborough, Southborough and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Districts, in accordance with the federal and state laws, prohibits discrimination in its operations. This policy, providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all persons regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability, will apply to all persons affiliated with the Northborough, Southborough and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Districts including students, parents, employees and prospective employees.

The Director of Student Support Services, 44 Bearfoot Road, Northborough, Massachusetts 01532, telephone number (508) 351-7000, is responsible for the coordination of Title IX, Section 504, ADA, Title I and Chapter 622 in the Northborough, Southborough and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Districts and will be responsible for coordinating the following grievance procedures:

A grievance shall be a complaint by a student, parent, prospective employee or staff member, alleging discrimination on account of race, color, gender, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability, which is filed no more than 30 business days after the alleged act and/or statement.

An aggrieved party must institute proceedings hereunder within 30 business days of the event or events giving rise to the grievance or within 30 business days from the date the aggrieved party had knowledge or reasonably should have had knowledge of the event or events giving rise to the grievance. The four levels of the grievance process for complaints include:

LEVEL I –

Any student, parent, prospective employee or staff member with a grievance shall present his/her complaint to his/her immediate Principal/Supervisor. The discussion shall be documented in written form.

The Principal/Supervisor will promptly investigate every complaint of discrimination. If the Principal/Supervisor determines after investigation that discrimination has occurred, he/she will take appropriate action to end the discrimination and to ensure that it is not repeated. This investigation and determination by the Principal/Supervisor shall be within fifteen (15) business days after the receipt of the complaint by the Principal/Supervisor. This determination shall be final unless the aggrieved party elects to appeal to the next level. If the grievant has commenced the complaint process at Level II, the Director of Student Support Services shall conduct an investigation and issue a determination within fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the complaint.

In the event that the complaint is made against the Principal or the grievant’s Supervisor, the grievant may commence the grievance process at Level II.

LEVEL II –

The Director of Student Support Services shall meet with appropriate parties to attempt to settle the complaint. The determination shall be within five (5) business days after the receipt of the formal complaint by the Director of Student Support Services.

In the event that no decision has been reached within five (5) business days after presentation of the grievance, the aggrieved party may reduce the grievance to writing and submit it within ten (10) days to the Superintendent of Schools.

LEVEL III –

The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall meet within five (5) business days thereafter with the aggrieved person and attempt to settle the grievance.

The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall issue a written response to the complainant within ten (10) days after the meeting.

Confidentiality will be maintained during all grievance and investigation procedures to the extent consistent with the District’s obligations under law and under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

See Mrs. Susan A. Whitten, Zeh School Principal, to address disciplinary procedures related to issues violating this policy.

NOTE: The Northborough, Southborough and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Districts urge all individuals in the school community to bring any concerns or complaints of discrimination to the attention of school personnel so that they can resolve the issue. However, individuals with grievances are not required to use and/or exhaust the Northborough, Southborough and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Districts’ grievance procedures. Written complaints, signed by the complainant or his/her authorized representative may be addressed to the following agencies that are responsible for enforcing laws prohibiting discrimination:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C.) Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (M.C.A.D.)

One Congress Street, 10^th Floor One Ashburton Place

Boston, MA 02114 Boston, MA 02108

1-800-669-4000 617-727-3990

Additional Agencies Include:

Massachusetts Department of Education U S Department of Education

350 Main Street Region 1- Office of Civil Rights

Malden, MA 02148-5023 33 Arch Street

781-388-3300 Ninth Floor

Boston, MA 02110

Parent Notification Relative to Sex Education Policy

#6121.2

In accordance with General Laws Chapter 71, Section 32A, the Northborough, Southborough, and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committees have adopted this policy on the rights of parents and guardians of our students in relation to curriculum that primarily involves human sexual education or human sexuality issues.

At the beginning of each school year, all parents/guardians of students in our schools will be notified in writing of the courses and curriculum we offer that primarily involve human sexual education or human sexuality issues. The Building Principal will be responsible for sending the notice. Parents/ guardians of students who enroll in school after the start of the school year will be given the written notice at the time of enrollment. If the planned curriculum changes during the school year, to the extent practicable, parents/guardians will be notified of this fact in a timely manner before implementation.

Each such notice to parents/guardians will include a brief description of the curriculum covered by this policy, and will inform parents/guardians that they may:

1. Exempt their child from any portion of the curriculum that primarily involves human sexual education or human sexuality issues, without penalty to the student, by sending a letter to the school principal requesting an exemption. Any student who is exempted by request of the parent/guardian under this policy may be given an alternative assignment which will be clearly stated on the permission slip.

2. Inspect and review program instruction materials for these curricula, will be made reasonably accessible to parents/guardians and others to extent practicable at the time of notification. Parents/guardians may arrange with the principal to review the materials at the school, and may also review them at other locations that may be determined by the Superintendent of Schools.

A parent/guardian who is dissatisfied with a decision of the principal concerning notice, access to instructional materials, or exemption for the student under this policy may send a written request to the Superintendent for review of the issue. The Superintendent or designee will review the issue and give the parent/guardian a timely written decision, preferably within two weeks of the request. A parent/guardian who is dissatisfied with the Superintendent's decision may send a written request to the School Committee for review of the issue. The School Committee will review the issue and give the parent/guardian a timely written decision, preferably within four weeks of the request. A parent/guardian who is still dissatisfied after this process may send a written request to the Commissioner of Education for review of the issue in dispute.

A permission slip will be sent out at all times for parental approval, and returned prior to any discussion in the school of a topic of a sexual nature.

The Superintendent of Schools will distribute a copy of this policy to each principal by September 1 of each year.

Approved: 06/18/97

Sexual Harassment Policy

#2320.1

It is the Policy of the Northborough, Southborough, and Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committees (Committee) to promote and maintain a school environment, which is free of Sexual Harassment. The Committee has the duty and responsibility of eliminating sexual harassment from their schools and will not tolerate or condone sexual harassment by or toward its students.

This duty arises from Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151C, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, all of which make sexual harassment in the schools a form of unlawful sex discrimination.

Enclosed are the specific procedures on reporting, investigating, and remedying allegations of sexual harassment. The Title IX Coordinator is Jean Bean, 79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, MA 01532, telephone No. (508) 351-7000, Ext. 153. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of these procedures and for insuring that they are consistent with federal and state law.

The Committee will provide appropriate training and information to all students on a yearly basis in order to effectively implement and enforce this policy. This training will include suggestions as to behaviors sexual harassment as well as suitable personal contacts within the school system who would be available to discuss concerns involving sexual harassment.

A copy of this policy will be distributed to all students of the Districts on a yearly basis and posted in appropriate places.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

For purposes of this policy, "sexual harassment" is defined for student to student interaction as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. "Sexual harassment" is defined for adult/student interaction as any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. "Sexual harassment" is also defined as conduct of a sexual nature which affects an individual's employment, academic status or progress; which has a negative impact on an individual's work or academic performance; which creates a work or educational environment that is intimidating, hostile or offensive; or which affects benefits, services, honors, programs or activities available to an individual in the education setting.

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to:

· Verbal or written conduct: making derogatory comments, including epithets, slurs, jokes, etc.; sexual propositions; graphic commentary about an individual's body; sexually degrading words used to describe an individual; suggestive or obscene letters, notes or invitations; spreading sexual rumors.

· Visual conduct: leering; making sexual gestures; displaying sexually suggestive object, pictures, books, magazines, posters or cartoons.

· Physical conduct: inappropriate touching or impeding one's movement; assault.

This policy is also applicable to harassment based on sexual orientation in accordance with state law.

Anyone who is subject to sexual harassment, or who knows of the occurrence of such conduct, should promptly inform a member of the school staff.

Complaints should be brought as soon as possible, but generally no later than one hundred eighty (180) calendar days from the date of incident.

Any employee who becomes aware of sexual harassment of a student must report the same to the Title IX Coordinator.

The student offender will be subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions, consequential to the behavior. The action may merit counseling; suspension; expulsion, and/or referral to an appropriate municipal or state agency.

If at the conclusion of the internal investigation process, the District determines that an employee has engaged in sexual harassment to a student, said employee shall be subject to disciplinary action which may include a warning, a written reprimand, suspension or dismissal, subject to the applicable bargaining agreement.

Complaints will be investigated by the principal or designee and/or the Title IX Coordinator in a timely and impartial manner. All complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the necessity for a thorough investigation.

No student will suffer retaliation or intimidation as a result of a report of sexual harassment.

Suspension and Expulsion – J-130 (5114)

Overview

Most discipline concerns are resolved informally, by the classroom teacher or principal with developmentally appropriate procedures. If, however, a student engages in behaviors that are dangerous to himself/herself or others, the principal may determine that a school suspension is necessary. Suspension is the temporary exclusion of a student from the school program. Suspensions may be served out of school or in school at the principal’s discretion.

Description and Process for Suspension

After investigation and after giving the student and his parents the opportunity to be heard, the Principal is authorized to suspend a student from school for reasons of misconduct. This suspension will be for a period not to exceed three school days whenever such action is warranted on the basis of sudden aggravated or continuous misbehavior when the less disciplinary actions have been ineffectual.

In all cases of suspension, the suspended student’s parents/guardians will be notified by telephone as soon as possible after the suspension is assigned, preferably on the same day. The Principal will also provide the parents with a written report which will include a description of the reason(s) for suspension, the period of suspension, and the procedure for reinstatement. As a condition of reinstatement, the student must reassure the Principal, in the presence of the parents, of his intent to improve his attitude and behavior. A copy of the written report to the parents is forwarded to the Superintendent’s office immediately following the suspension.

Repeated suspensions for any student will be seen by the school as an indication of problems that are likely to have an adverse long-term effect on the student’s classroom performance. This will result in a pre-referral process to determine appropriate interventions. Parents or guardians will be involved in that process along with the student’s teachers, a counselor and an administrator. If a student accumulates five or more days of suspensions, the student and his/her parents will be informed of their right to be referred for a special education evaluation.

Suspension of a Student with Special Needs

A student with special needs may be assigned a suspension. When considering the suspension of a student with special needs, the Principal reviews the student’s IEP to learn whether or not the team has determined that the student can meet the requirements of the school’s discipline code. If the student’s IEP states that he/she can follow the school’s discipline code, then that student may be suspended if he/she violates the school’s discipline code.

Suspension and Expulsion – J-130 (continued)

Suspension of a Student with Special Needs (continued)

Written notification to parents/guardians of students with special needs will also include a statement of the student’s rights. These include the right to access the curriculum and the right to receive special education services should a suspension exceed ten days.

If a student with special needs student accumulates ten days of suspensions from the beginning of the school year, the Principal sends written notice to the Team Chairperson. The Team Chairperson immediately schedules a Team meeting prior to the assignment of more than ten cumulative days of suspension. Notice of the Team meeting will be sent to the student’s parents/guardians, other members of the student’s team and/or a representative of the school system who is able to commit the resources of the district. The Team is convened to consider:

• Whether the specific misconduct is related to the student’s special need(s)
• Whether the IEP is no longer appropriate to the student’s special need(s)
• Whether the IEP is not being fully implemented

If the Team determines that any one of these three conditions exists, the student will not be suspended and the school program will be resumed. If the Team determines that none of the three conditions exists, the school will impose the suspension for the period beyond ten cumulative days. The Team will write a new or amended IEP (an alternative plan) which specifies how special education services will be delivered during the suspension period. The new or amended IEP will be sent to the student’s parents/guardians with notice of procedural safeguards and rights as required by Chapter 766 regulations and Federal Requirements*. If the parents/guardians contest the plan, they have the right to a due process hearing before the Department of Special Education Appeals.

Case for Expulsion

Following the third suspension of a student within a given school year, the Principal will provide the Superintendent with a written report of the case for review at the next School Committee meeting with consideration for possible expulsion.

*State Regulations – MGL Chapter 76, Section 16-18; Chapter 71, Section 37H

Federal Requirements – 300.519 – 300.528, 300.529

Adopted:	January 8, 1960
Revised:	September 9, 1987
Revised:	December 6, 2000

The following complies with IDEA 2004 requirements.

Repeated Suspensions of Students with Disabilities

The following procedures apply to suspension of students with disabilities when suspensions exceed 10 consecutive schools days or when a pattern has developed for suspensions exceeding 10 cumulative days. These procedures include the responsibilities of the team and the responsibilities of the district.

a. A suspension of longer than 10 consecutive days or a series of suspensions that are shorter than 10 consecutive days but constitute a pattern are considered to represent a change in placement.

b. Prior to a suspension that constitutes a change in placement of a student with disabilities, the Team convenes

1. to develop or review a functional behavioral assessment of the student’s behavior and to develop or modify a behavior intervention plan,

2. to identify appropriate alternative educational setting(s); and

3. to determine the relationship between the disability and the behavior – a “manifestation decision” (Is the IEP appropriate? Is the placement appropriate? If there was a behavior plan, was it implemented? Does the student understand the impact and consequences of his/her behavior? Can the student control behavior?)

c. If the Team determines that the behavior is NOT a manifestation of the disability,

then the district may suspend or expel the student consistent with policies applied to

any student without disabilities, except that the district must still offer an appropriate

education program to the student with disabilities which may be in some other setting.

d. Regardless of the manifestation determination, the district may place the student in an interim alternative setting (as determined by the Team) up to 45 days

1. if the behavior involves weapons or illegal drugs or another controlled substance or the infliction of serious bodily harm while at school or at a school function; or

2. if the district provides evidence that the student is “substantially likely” to injure him/herself or others and a hearing officer orders the alternative placement; and

3. the interim alternative education setting enables the student to continue in the general curriculum, to continue receiving services identified on the IEP, and provides services to address the problem behavior

e. If the team determines that the behavior IS a manifestation of the disability, then the district takes steps (with the consent of the parent) to correct the IEP, the placement, or

the behavior intervention plan and does not suspend the student again during the school year. The team may also complete a functional behavioral assessment and/or behavior intervention plan if these are not in place. If a behavioral intervention plan is already in place, the team reviews it and modifies it as necessary.

f. The school district provides written notice to the parent of all rights to appeal and to an expedited hearing. If the parent chooses to appeal, during the appeal the student stays put in the placement on the last accepted IEP or the interim alternative placement, unless the parent and the school district agree otherwise.

Northborough Policy on Bullying May 3, 2005

Overview

For participants and observers, bullying and harassment interfere with learning and healthy growth – both emotionally and academically. A safe learning environment is one in which every student develops emotionally, academically, and physically in a caring and supportive atmosphere free of intimidation and abuse.

Bullying is prohibited. Northborough Public Schools shall not tolerate bullying on school grounds, school buses or any activity on or off campus.

The Northborough School Committee believes that a prompt investigation by the appropriate school professional of any reported bullying incident will properly evaluate and determine if the wrongful conduct rises to a violation of the terms and conditions of this policy.

Definition

Bullying is the use of power by one or more individuals over another to intentionally cause harm. There are many ways that bullying can manifest itself in wrongful conduct at school. Bullying is often discerned by a pattern of wrongful conduct but one single incident can rise to the definition of bullying. The definition includes:

· Physical bullying: any physical intimidation or assault;

· Verbal bullying: remarks of a demeaning nature, demeaning jokes, stories, rumor-spreading; repeated threats of any kind, stated or implied, name-calling, cruel jokes about appearance, disabilities, religion, gossiping, cruel rumors, or false accusations;

· Relational or psychological bullying: deliberate actions to effect the social isolation/exclusion of another student or students.

Procedures

It is the responsibility of the School Administration and Principals to make clear to students and staff that bullying or harassment in the school building, on school grounds, on the bus or school sanctioned transportation, or at school sponsored functions will not be tolerated and will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including suspension and expulsion. All allegations of harassment and/or bullying will be promptly investigated and appropriate steps taken.

The Northborough Schools will modify or institute procedures and programs as necessary to provide a bullying-free environment at all times of the school day including non-classroom times such as lunch, bus rides and recess. Violations of policy will be addressed in conformance with existing disciplinary policies.

Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough, Massachusetts

Department of Technology

Walter McKenzie, Director

August 30, 2006

Dear member of the Northborough-Southborough school community,

The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough makes use of ConnectED as a direct way of informing all households of school-attending children of school cancellations and early dismissals due to weather or other unforeseen emergencies. With one phone call from the superintendent’s office to ConnectED, our schools can send out a message to each and every home within minutes.

We will use the phone numbers you have supplied on your child’s emergency information sheet when attempting to contact you through ConnectED. The numbers are listed with your home phone as the primary contact number, followed by mother’s (or guardian’s) work and cell phone and father’s (or second guardian’s) work and cell phone, if appropriate. If this is not the order you would like your phone numbers listed, please list your phone numbers in their preferred order on the back of this sheet and return it to your child’s school office immediately.

How does ConnectED work? As an example, at 5:00 AM on a snowy school morning the superintendent makes the decision to cancel school. She makes one call to ConnectED and within minutes every household of attending children in our districts will receive a phone message announcing schools are closed for the day. It's that immediate!

Another example: snow is quickly accumulating in the middle of the school day and the superintendent determines students must be sent home early in the interest of their safety. Again, with one call to ConnectED each parent or guardian of a school-attending child will receive a phone call at home and work and/or cell phone notifying them of the early dismissal so they can make arrangements for their child’s safe arrival home or at daycare.

We will also post such announcements on the front page of the district web site and through local television and radio stations. ConnectED simply allows you to have a more direct, immediate source for school closing announcements.

Please feel free to contact my office if you have questions about the ConnectED program.

Sincerely,

Walter McKenzie

School Closing Announcements

When school closings need to be announced, the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough will make use of several different communication tools for notifying students and their families: our web site, ConnectED, and local television and radio stations.

1. The Web Site of the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough

Cancellations and early dismissals will be posted first on the front page of the district web site, http://www.nsboro.k12.ma.us/. This will be the earliest notification of school closings, posted at the very top of the front page.

2. Phone Notification via ConnectED

Through ConnectED a message will be sent out to all households of school-attending students. These calls will be sent out at 5:30 AM for high school households and 6:00 for elementary and middle school households. Cancellation phone announcements made prior to schools opening in the morning will be made to households only. Closing phone call announcements made during the school day will be made to all phone numbers on file for a student, including home, work and cell phone numbers.

How does ConnectED work? As an example, at 5:00 AM on a snowy school morning the superintendent makes the decision to cancel school. She makes one call to ConnectED and within minutes every household of attending children in our districts will receive a phone message announcing schools are closed for the day. It's that immediate! Another example: snow is quickly accumulating in the middle of the school day and the superintendent determines students must be sent home early. With one call to ConnectED each parent or guardian of a school-attending child will receive phone calls at all home, work and cell phone numbers on file. In this way families can make arrangements for students' safe arrival at home or daycare.

3. Announcements via Local Television and Radio Stations

We will continue to post cancellation announcements through local media, as we traditionally have done in the past. Have a favorite morning news show you tune in to as you wake up on a snowy morning? You can continue to follow announcements of school closings on TV and radio.

We encourage you to use a combination of the web, phone, television and radio to ensure that you are aware of weather-related closings in a timely manner.

Early Closings

When schools must close early due to emergency conditions, the announcement will be posted on the district web site, sent to local media stations for announcement, and sent directly to you by phone through ConnectED. Because many parents work, this ConnectED message will be sent to all home, work and cell phone listings found in the contact information you have given your child's school.

When schools close early, students will be bussed from their school to their regular afternoon after-school destination, unless you have given your child's school office different instructions specifically for early closings.