Saugus Elementary School
Student Handbook 2015-2016
Lynnhurst School10 Elm Street
Oaklandvale School266 Main Street
Veterans Memorial School39 Hurd Avenue
Waybright School25 Talbot Street
Ballard School22 Richard Street
This school agenda/handbook book belongs to:
Name:______
Room: ______Phone______
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Parents Right To Know Under No Child Left Behind
Vision Statement
Mission Statement
Profile
Superintendent’s Message
Administration
Elementary School Administration
School Calendar…………………………………………………………………………………...8-9
2015–2016 Mcas Testing Schedule…………………………………………………………...... 10-11
Policies And Procedures1
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids)
Admission Of Transfer Students
Attendance Policy...... 12
K-8 Attendance Policy...... 12
Excused Absences:
Unexcused Absences:
Protocol For Reporting An Absence:
Chronic Absenteeism:
Make-Up Work:
Attendance For Military-Connected Students Policy
Bullying………………………………………………………………………………………..……
Cell Phones
Mckinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act...... 16
Cafeteria/Food In School
Child Abuse
Computer “Acceptable Use Policy”
Crisis Response Readiness Policy
Destruction Of School Records
Dismissals
Dismissal From Health Facility
Dropping Courses Policy
Drug And Alcohol Policy…………………………………………………………………………...19
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Rule For Athletes…………………………………………………….-20
Education Records...... 21
Gay/Straight Alliance...... 21
Hazing...... 21
Identification Badges
Nondiscrimination
Harassment Policy
Meal Charge Policy...... 29
Medical Policies………………………………………………………………………………....29-30
Observations Of Special Education Programs...... 31
Pandemic Influenza...... 31
Parent Notification Regarding Sexual Education And Human Sexuality Issues
Parking Policy...... 32
Permanent Departure From School Ch. 76 & 18
Physical Restraint Policy
603 Cmr 46.00
603 Cmr 46.03
Proper Administration Of Restraint....... 34
Portable Electronic Devices...... 35
Protection Of Pupil Rights Amendment (Ppra)
School Visitor Chapter 71b...... 36
Discipline And Students With Disabilities
Saugus Student Code Of Conduct
Dangerous Weapons...... 39
Student Education Record………………………………………………………………………….46
603 Cmr 23.00………………………………………………………………………………...…….46
Student Re-Admission To School Following Medical & Psychological Hospitalization……………46
The Family Education Rights And Privacy Act Ferpa)………………………………………………47
Restricted Food Policy…………………………………………………………………………...…48
Students With Comfort Care / Do Not Resuscitate Orders...... 48
Student Photographs And Issues Of Privacy...... 49
Sec. 9528 Armed Forces Recruiter Access To Students And Student Recruiting Information
Student Dress Policy
Search And Seizure...... 51
Other State And Federal Laws...... 51
The Education Reform Act...... 51
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act...... 51
Dismissal Requests...... 52
Early Closing - Scheduled...... 52
Early Closing – Unscheduled...... 52
Emergency Cards...... 52
Emergency Procedure………………………………………………………………………...…….52
*Crisis Intervention Strategy*...... 52
Accidents...... 52
Emergencies...... 52
Field Trips...... 53
Fire Drill Regulations...... 53
General Information For Students...... 53
Homework...... 53
Insurance Forms
Lost And Found
No School Signals
Promotion And Retention Of Students
P.T.O.
School Concerns
School Bus Safety
School Hours
School Lunch
Special Education
Idea Act…………………………………………………………………………………………..57
504 Plans
English Language Learning
Rights And Responsibilities...... 59
Vacations
Saugus Emergency Numbers
Parent/Student Sign Off Sheet...... 61
INTRODUCTION
Parents Right to Know Under No Child Left Behind
At the beginning of each school year, a district that receives Title I funds shall notify the parents of each student attending Title I schools that the parents may request, and the district will provide in timely manner, information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teacher, including, at a minimum, the following:
Whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualifications or licensing criteria have been waived.
The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, including the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
Weather the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
For additional information regarding this requirement, see Section 1111(h)(6) of the NCLB legislation at
Vision Statement
A place of excellence where children are able to achieve their full potential.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Saugus Public Schools is to educate, challenge and empower students to be life-long learners and to achieve excellence with integrity in the 21st century as productive, caring and contributing members of society.
Profile
The Saugus Public School community nurtures the whole child: the mind, body, and creativity of each student. We offer a full and rigorous curriculum, set high expectations, celebrate diversity, and promote a love of learning.
Teacher collaboration is at the heart of our continuous improvement efforts. Teachers work in Professional Learning Communities to improve student learning and achievement through the district curriculum and the daily teaching and learning process.
Everyone on the staff (teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, specialists, office staff, ancillary staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff, support staff, etc.) is an important part of our school family and contributes to a positive school climate.
Saugus Public Schools is set in rich long-standing traditions which serve to create community and celebrate learning.
Superintendent’s Message
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students:
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year in the Saugus Public Schools! As your superintendent, I am excited to welcome you back and look forward to meeting with you throughout the year at school events, activities, performances, sporting contests and community events. I urge you to get involved in school and district activities and to support school efforts to improve educational opportunities by participating in school council meetings as well as Superintendent Council Meetings. I firmly believe that educating the next generation of students is incredibly important work, and the most significant investment we can make to ensure the success of our country. As John Dewey so eloquently stated, “Education is a social process; education is growth; education is not preparation for life, but is life itself.”
The mission of the Saugus Public Schools is to educate, challenge and empower students to be life-long learners and to achieve excellence with integrity in the 21st Century as productive, caring and contributing members of society. To this end, it is important for all of us, as members of the Saugus Educational Community, to work collaboratively to create outstanding educational programs and opportunities for Saugus Public School students. I assure you that Saugus teachers, administrators, and all support staff will work diligently to ensure that your sons and daughters are provided safe, healthy and positive learning environments, rigorous curriculum and a commitment to academic excellence. We recognize that all education begins at home and that we need to work with you, and you with us, and together, as educational partners, to nurture, strengthen and develop our most precious resource: OUR STUDENTS!
Parents and students are encouraged to take the time to review the contents of this handbook and to familiarize yourself with the district’s regulations and operational procedures as well as state and federal mandates outlining your rights and the district’s obligations to its constituents.
Again, I look forward to seeing everyone throughout the school district this year! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at my office at (781) 231-5000 ex. 117 or email me at .
Sincerely,
Michael C. Tempesta
Superintendent of Schools
Administration
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Ms. Wendy Reed, Chairperson
Mrs. Jeannie Meredith, Vice Chairperson
Mr. Arthur Grabowski
Mrs. Corinne Riley
Mr. Vincent Serino
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Mr. Michael Tempesta
781-231-5000 ext. 117
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION & ACCOUNTABILITY
Ms. Lori A. Gallivan
781-231-5000 ext. 116
PUPIL PERSONNEL DIRECTOR
Mrs. Lisa Howard
781-231-5000 ext. 105
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Ms. Pola Andrews
781-231-5000 ext. 111
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Lynnhurst SchoolMr. Michael Mondello781-231-5079
Oaklandvale SchoolMr. Eric Jones781-231-5082
Veterans Memorial SchoolMrs. Tracey Ragucci781-231-8166
Waybright SchoolMr. Kelly Moss781-231-5087
Ballard SchoolMrs. Marie Bridges781-231-5021
SAUGUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SAUGUS, MA 01906
August 2015 / September 2015 19 / October 2015 21Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa
1 / 1 / Prf / Prf / off / 5 / 1 / 2 / 3
2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 6 / H / Stu / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10
9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 11 / H / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17
16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24
23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 27 / 28 / 29 / ER / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31
30 / 31
November 2015 16 / December 2015 17 / January 2016 19
Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa
1 / 2 / Off / 4 / 5 / MC / 7 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / H / 2
8 / 9 / 10 / H / 12 / 13 / 14 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
15 / R / 17 / 18 / 19 / TMC / 21 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16
22 / 23 / ☼ / EC / H / H / 28 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / H / H / 26 / 17 / H / 19 / 20 / 21 / MC / 23
29 / 30 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 24/31 / 25 / 26 / ER / 28 / 29 / 30
February 2016 16 / March 2016 23 / April 2016 16
Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa
R / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / MC / 2
7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / TMC / 12 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
14 / H / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 13 / 14 / 15 / ER / 17 / 18 / 19 / 10 / R / 12 / ☼ / 14 / 15 / 16
21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 17 / H / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23
28 / 29 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30
May 2016 21 / June 2016 19 / July 2016
Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa / Su / M / Tu / W / Th / F / Sa
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / ER / 2 / 3 / 4 / 1 / 2
8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 3 / H / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16
22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23
29 / H / 31 / 26 / 27* / 28 / 29 / 30 / 24/31 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30
2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
*INCLUDES FIVE (5) SNOW DAYS
T 1st Day Teachers: Sept 2 / Sept 7LABOR DAY / Oct 12COLUMBUS DAYH = Holiday / Kg Orient:Sept 8th PkOrient: Sept 14th / Jan 1 NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY
Nov 11VETERANS’ DAY / Stu 1st Day of School For Students / Jan 18MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
Feb 15-19FEBRUARY VACATION / April 18-22 APRIL VACATION
May 30MEMORIAL DAY / Dec 24-Jan 1 HOLIDAY VACATION / MC Marks Close (elem only)
ECEarly Closing / Kg Screen: TBA End of June / R Report Cards issued (elem only)
Prf Prof Dev Days: Teachers only / Off-No School Teachers/Students
ER Early Release (District wide) / GRADUATION DAY: June 3, 2016 / ☼ ½ day Teacher Conf/Pk-5 Only
(11/24, 4/13 )
INDICATES “School Vacation NO SCHOOL / SCHOOL CLOSES: June 27, 2016
(No Kg/PK) (*includes 5 snow days) / KRCKindergarten/PreK Report Card
SCHOOL STARTS: Sept 8, 2015 Kg Start: Sept. 9, 2015 PK Start: Sept 15, 2015
School Hours: High School: 7:25-1:50 (W) 8:00-1:50 Early Release/ClosingTimes:High School: 10:50
Middle School: 7:50-2:10Middle School: 11:15
Elementary & Full Day Kg: 8:40-2:40 Elementary& Kg: 11:50 Kindergarten: ½ Day Sessions 8:40-11:10 AM or 12:10-2:40 PM Preschool: 11:00 Preschool Full Day: M-Th 4 days 8:30-2:30, F 8:30-11:00
Preschool ½ Day: M-F 8:30-11:00 AM or M-Th 12:00-2:30 PM
2015–2016 Statewide Testing Schedule
and Administration Deadlines
MCAS, PARCC, Alternate Assessment, and ACCESS for ELLs
Order materials / January 4–15
Receive MCAS-Alt materials / February 22
Complete PCPA (Materials Received section)
Report packing discrepancies, if necessary
Order additional materials, if necessary / February 22–March 11, 12:00 p.m.
Complete PCPA
Schedule UPS pickup / March 31, 3:00 p.m.
Deadline for UPS pickup / April 1
March–April 2016 MCAS Tests (Grades 3–8 and 10 English Language Arts)
Before Testing / Order test materials / January 4–15
Receive test materials / March 7
Complete PCPA (Materials Received section)
Report packing discrepancies, if necessary
Order additional materials, if necessary / March 7–10, 12:00 p.m.
(March 29: Deadline for ordering additional materials for the ELA Composition Make-Up)
March–April 2016 MCAS Tests (Grades 3–8 and 10 English Language Arts)continued
Test Administration / ELA Composition Sessions A and B
(grades 4, 7, and 10 only) / March 22
ELA Composition Make-Up Sessions A and B
(grades 4, 7, and 10 only) / March 31
ELA Reading Comprehension test sessions / March 21–April 5 (grades 3, 5, 6, 8)
March 23–April 5 (grades 4 and 7)
ELA Reading Comprehension Sessions 1 and 2 / March 23(grade 10)
ELA Reading Comprehension Session 3 / March 24 (grade 10)
Last date for make-up testing / April 58
After Testing / Complete PCPA
Schedule UPS pickup / April 6, 3:00 p.m.
Deadline for UPS pickup / April 7
(March 30: Early pickup for all grades/
automatic pickup for grade 10)
May 2016 MCAS Tests (Grades 3–8 Mathematics and Science and Technology/Engineering)
Before Testing / Order test materials / January 4–15
Receive test materials / April 25
Complete PCPA (Materials Received section)
Report packing discrepancies, if necessary
Order additional materials, if necessary / April 25–May 5, 12:00 p.m.
Test Administration / Mathematics test sessions / May 9–24
Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) test sessions / May 10–24 (grades 5 and 8)
Last date for make-up testing / May 249
After Testing / Complete PCPA
Schedule UPS pickup / May 25, 3:00 p.m.
Deadline for UPS pickup / May 26
(May 20: Early pickup)
Policies and Procedures
ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)
Saugus High School is consistent with the recommendations of the Medical Update of Massachusetts Policy Guidelines (June 1989). This policy offers recommendations for universal functions when dealing with blood/other body fluids spills in a school setting. Further, it includes procedures regarding disclosure within a school of a student’s AIDS diagnosis or HIV infection status in keeping with laws requesting the confidentiality of this information.
File: JFABC
ADMISSION OF TRANSFER STUDENTS
A student may withdraw from a Commonwealth charter school at any time and enroll in the schooldistrict in which said student resides. The Saugus school district will enroll and place students who haveleft Commonwealth charter schools by adhering to the same policies and procedures in place for anyother student enrolling in the Saugus school district including, but not limited to, examination of thecourse of study and level of academic attainment of the student when determining the student’sappropriate grade placement.
The time of the school year when enrollment is sought shall be a factor in determining the student'sgrade level placement. The Saugus school district may determine that a student seeking enrollment afterthe mid-point of the academic year may not be eligible for promotion or graduation in that academicyear.
To the same extent provided for other students enrolling in the school district, students who enroll in theSaugus school district from a Commonwealth charter school shall be subject to the graduationrequirements of the school district.
LEGAL REFS.: Chapter 12, Section 11 of the Acts of 2010
SOURCE: MASC February 2011
SC First Reading: May 12, 2011
File: JHABC
ATTENDANCE POLICY
File: JHA
K-8 Attendance Policy
Consistent attendance is critical for students to achieve in the classroom. The district’s K-8 attendance policy isdesigned to promote the development of responsible, dependable, and punctual students, recognize the role of the student, family, and school in maintaining appropriate attendance, and enforce Massachusetts Laws with respect to school attendance. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 2 states all children between the ages of six and sixteen are required to attend school regularly. The statute defines regularly as not more than seven absences in any six-month period. The following policy outlines definitions for excused and unexcused absences, protocols for reporting absences, and potential consequences for failure to adhere to the policy or follow school protocols.
Excused Absences:
The School Committee recognizes that parents of children attending our schools have special rights as well asresponsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their children attend school regularly, in accordance with state law. The state statute further points out that good attendance is the joint responsibility of the student, the parent/guardian, and the school. Therefore, students may be excused temporarily from school for the following reasons:
1. Illness, quarantine or other medical condition
2. Bereavement or serious illness in family
3. Observance of major religious holidays
4. Court appearance/subpoena
5. Out of school suspension
6. School sponsored activities approved by the administration
Unexcused Absences:
Examples of unexcused absences and/or tardiness include oversleeping, missing the bus, car problems, familyvacations, restrictions from a field trip (students are still expected to report to school), and caring for siblings. While students are strongly encouraged to make-up work for any absence, teachers are not required to give academic credit for make-up work completed following an unexcused absence.
Attendance F (applicable to Grades 6-8 only): repeated unexcused absences are unacceptable and can have serious academic consequences. If a student accumulates eight unexcused absences in a given trimester, the student will receive an “Attendance F,” or a grade of 59 in all classes missed. If the student has a grade lower than a 59 for the trimester, he or she will receive that grade.
Protocol for Reporting an Absence:
A parent or guardian only MUST CALL/CONTACT the school to report an absence on the day of the absence with a valid reason (listed above). Any absence that is not called in by a parent or guardian ON THE DAY OF THE ABSENCE will be considered unexcused. Calls from family members who are not a parent or guardian will not be accepted. Upon return to school, a student is required to present a written note outlining the reason for his or her absence. Notes must be received within 48 hours of the absence.
The school will contact homes of students whose absences have not been called in by a parent/guardian. If you receive a message from the school regarding your child’s absence, please call the office immediately. If no call is received, and truancy is suspected by administration, the Saugus Police Department will be contacted. School administration may request appropriate medical documentation to excuse any extended absence due toillness. An extended absence is considered four consecutive days or longer.
Chronic Absenteeism:
Upon the seventh (7th) absence for the year, either excused or unexcused, a letter will be sent out addressed to the parent/guardian outlining the school’s attendance concerns and requiring the parent/guardian to contact the school, discuss the reasons for the absences, and plan for improved attendance going forward.
Upon the tenth (10th) absence for the year, either excused or unexcused, the child’s administrator will contact the parent/guardian and arrange for a mandatory meeting with administration to come up with a plan to address the absenteeism.
If a student accumulates further absences for the year, and the parent or student is failing to follow the attendanceplan developed with administration, the Vice-Principal or Principal will be obligated to involve the Department of Children and Families and/or the Juvenile Court by filing a CHINS or 51a as appropriate.
If a student accumulates twenty (20) absences for the year, administration will hold a mandatory meeting with the parent/guardian regarding possible grade retention.
Make-up Work:
Students will be given a reasonable number of days to make up work following an absence. The general time frame will be equal to the number of school days missed, unless prior arrangements are made with a teacher for an extra help session after school. For example, if a student is absent for three (3) consecutive days, they will have three (3) school days to make up the work missed for full credit. This rule will hold, unless a student has made prior arrangements to meet with a teacher after school to make up an assignment.
SC First Reading 10/28/10
SC Second Reading and Adoption 1/11/11
(Replaces JHA 6/15/2000 & JHAB 8/14/03)
File: JHABCD
ATTENDANCE for MILITARY-CONNECTED STUDENTS POLICY
Saugus Public Schools has adopted a policy for military-connected students. It permits a student whose parent or legal guardian has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting to be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the superintendent or designee.