Pelham Memorial School 59 Marsh Rd. Pelham, New Hampshire 03076 Telephone (603) 635-2321
Fax (603) 635-2369 http://www.pelhamsd.org/ 2017-2018
Interim Superintendent
Dr. Betsey Cox
635-1145
Business Administrator
Mrs. Deborah Mahoney
635-1145
Director of Curric., Instruction, Assessment
Ms. Sarah Marandos
635-1145
Director of Human Resources
Mrs. Joan Cote
635-1145
Director of Special Services
Mrs. Kimberly Lessard
635-1145
Principal
Mrs. Stacy Maghakian
635-2321
Assistant Principal
Mr. Jesse Haarlander
635-2321
Guidance Counselor
Mr. H. Bob Hatzimanolis
635-2321
Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Kathleen Cartier
635-2321
School Nurse/Care Line
Mrs. Susan Levine
635-2748
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Katie Ralls
635-2321
Secretary
Mrs. Jean Kivikoski
635-2321
PELHAM MEMORIAL STAFF 2017 2018 ................................................................ 3 GENERAL INFORMATION .................................... 4
DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT ...... 4 PURPOSE .............................................. 4 T.I.G.E.R. EXPECTATIONS ................ 4 SCHOOL DAY ...................................... 4 ATTENDANCE ..................................... 4 REQUEST FOR ASSIGNMENTS ........ 4 TRUANCY ............................................ 5 DISMISSAL........................................... 5 VISITORS .............................................. 5 PASSES ................................................. 5 STUDENT REGISTRATION INFORMATION/EMERGENCY CONTACTS................................................... 5 NO SCHOOL - DELAYED OPENING 6 EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING OR UNEXPECTED SCHOOL-TIME DISMISSAL................................................... 6 INSURANCE ......................................... 6 MATERIALS ......................................... 6 CHROMEBOOK CARE AND GUIDELINES ................................................ 6 LOCKERS ............................................. 7 MARKING SYSTEM ............................ 8 PMS GRADING GUIDELINES............ 8 RETAKE PROTOCOL .......................... 8 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY .................... 8 HOMEWORK ........................................ 9 PARENT PORTAL................................ 9 NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY ..................................................... 10 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPAREDNESS ....................................... 10 FIELD TRIPS ...................................... 10 DC TRIP .............................................. 10 DRESS ................................................. 11 HEAVY SCENTS ................................ 11 LOST & FOUND ................................. 11
LUNCH PROGRAM ............................12 FREE/REDUCED PROGRAM ............12 LUNCH RULES ...................................12 RECESS RULES ..................................12 ELECTRONIC DEVICES ....................13 STUDENT COUNCIL..........................13 SCHOOL DANCES..............................13 MEDIA CENTER .................................13 SPECIAL NEEDS REFERRAL ...........14 WORKING PAPERS............................14 SCHOOL GUIDANCE .........................14 CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT .................14 CRISIS TEAM ......................................15
TRANSPORTATION ............................................. 15
BUS SAFETY REGULATIONS ..........15
HEALTH ................................................................. 15
MEDICATION .....................................15 WELLNESS ..........................................15 IMMUNIZATIONS ..............................15 STUDENT HEALTH ...........................16 SMOKING LAW ..................................16
POLICIES ................................................................ 16
FERPA ..........................................................16 NON-DISCRIMINATION ...........................17 SEXUAL HARASSMENT & SEXUAL VIOLENCE POLICY & PROCEDURES ....17 PUPIL SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY ..............................19 STUDENT ATTENDANCE, ABSENTEEISM, & TRUANCY .................23 STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE AND DUE PROCESS ............................................25 STUDENT SEARCHES ...............................29 VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING DEVICES ON SCHOOL BUSES ................29 DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS ..................................................30 ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROCEDURE.....31 INTRANET/INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY................................................34
PELHAM MEMORIAL STAFF 2017 - 2018
Grade 6 Mrs. J. Pelletier Mrs. K. Tessier Mrs. J. Shanteler Mrs. P. Ascanio Mrs. A. van Loon Mrs. A. Branco Ms. A. Miller Grade 7 Mrs. K. Schares Mrs. H. Beineke Mrs. C. Gariepy Mr. J. Palmieri Mr. K. Correa Mrs. P. Stilphen Ms. M. Bond Grade 8 Mrs. J. Sapienza Mrs. P. Lamontagne Dr. T. Lee Mrs. J. Bryant Mrs. B. Donohue Mrs. K. Carten Mrs. J. Reills
Language Arts/SS Math/SS Science/SS Science Math Language Arts Social Studies English Science Social Studies Math Math/SS English/SS Science/SS Math English Science Social Studies Science/SS Math/SS English/SS
Guidance Mrs. K. Cartier, Mr. H. Hatzimanolis
Reading Specialist Mrs. S. Moore
Unified Arts: Mrs. D. Thomas Mr. J. Pratt Mrs. E. Saunders Mr. W. Beauchesne Mrs. S. Mead Mrs. A. Bowen Mr. R. Coutu Mrs. A. Nelson
Special Educators: Mrs. J. Grover Grade 6 Mrs. K. Joseph Grade 6 Mrs. L. Stevens Grade 7 Mrs. T. LaMacchia Grade 7 Mrs. D. Carson Grade 8
Health General Music Band Physical Education French/Spanish Technology Art Library
Mr. S. Lavella-Schaudt Grade 8
Mr. T.C. Evans
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SEL
GENERAL INFORMATION DISTRICT VISION STATEMENT The Pelham School District, in collaboration with the community we serve, is committed to providing a high-quality, contemporary education in an inspiring and safe environment. Our goal is to educate, prepare, and inspire all students to achieve their full potential as life-long learners, critical thinkers, and contributing citizens to our global society. PURPOSE The purpose of this handbook is to give you information regarding Pelham Memorial School. We urge you to read this book together, student and parent. This book explains our policies, programs, organizations and other areas of interest. Much of what you learn from this book can help you enjoy a successful year, and avoid confusion and misunderstandings. Inevitably questions and concerns do arise, and we urge you to discuss them with the appropriate staff members. Let us extend our hope that each of you has a pleasant and rewarding school year! T.I.G.E.R. EXPECTATIONS Together we learn from others I am responsible for my words and actions Generate positive attitude Engage and inspire Respect yourself and others SCHOOL DAY The tardy bell rings at 7:35 a.m. Students may arrive anytime between 7:15a.m. and 7:30a.m. Traffic does increase as 7:35a.m. approaches. Please understand that students not in their assigned advisory at 7:35a.m. will be marked as tardy. Dismissal is at 2:15 p.m. each day with the exception of early release days when dismissal is at 11:15a.m. ATTENDANCE School aged children enrolled in the district must attend school in accordance with all state laws and school board policies. The educational program offered by the district is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for the students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress. Please see school board policy JH included in this handbook. Relevant state legislation includes RSA 193, which can be found on the NH Department of Education website. Absence If your student will be absent for the day, please call the school CARE LINE before 7:30a.m. at 635-2748. Follow the automated voice instructions, leaving the student’s name and reason for absence. Please see board policy JH included in this handbook for school board approved absences. A note from your student’s doctor is required for consecutive absences of three or more days. The note must contain the specific dates to be excused. These absences will remain unexcused until an excusal note is received. Administration reserves the right to request documentation related to student absences at anytime. Students may not attend or participate in school functions on the day of an absence. Friday absences will prevent a student from participating in any Saturday/Sunday activity. Tardy If your student will be tardy to school after 8:30a.m., please call the school CARE LINE before 7:30a.m. at 635-2748. Follow the automated voice instructions, leaving the student’s name and reason for being tardy. Pupils who are not in their classroom by 7:35a.m. are marked as tardy and required to go to the School Office to be SIGNED IN and to receive a Tardy Pass. REQUEST FOR ASSIGNMENTS Parental requests for schoolwork must occur when reporting the child as absent. The schoolwork may be picked up at the school office after 2:30 p.m. Schoolwork is provided upon request for absences exceeding two days. We do not provide work in advance of anticipated absences such as family vacations. Students are responsible for making up any work that has been missed. Typically,
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students are allowed the same amount of days out to make up any absent work (i.e., 2 days absent = 2 days to make up work upon return). Make-ups for assessments need to be arranged with the student’s respective teachers. TRUANCY The Board recognizes that absences from school may be necessary at times. For that reason, the Board recognizes two types of absences from school: excused authorized and unexcused unauthorized absence. Ten half days of unexcused absence during a school year shall constitute habitual truancy. All cases will be dealt with individually and at the discretion of the administration. Please refer to Policy JH found in this handbook. 1. 2.
3.
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Students not in their classroom by 7:35a.m. are tardy. When the student reaches 10 half days of unexcused absences, parents will be mailed an absence notification letter. The principal will arrange a conference to include the student, the parent or legal guardian, and where appropriate the teacher/case manager. The purpose of this meeting is to educate the family of the school district’s attendance policy and to develop a plan to assist the student in attending school. For students who have an excessive number of days absent or tardy, support services, i.e., guidance counselors, social workers, school psychologist(s), will try to identify the root causes and seek solutions to the problems. They will work with families and look for ways to foster better family relationships and improve student attendance. For students with excessive unexcused absences, the Pelham Police Department (SRO) and/or Division of Child, Youth, and Family (DCYF) will be notified of the truancy and/or educational neglect.
DISMISSAL In order to provide a safe and orderly dismissal, the following procedures are followed:
There are two afternoon dismissal bells. The first, at 2:15, is for those students riding the bus only. The second bell is sounded manually once all buses are loaded. At this time, all other students are dismissed (such as those walking or being picked up, athletes, etc.)
If a child is to be dismissed from school prior to 2:15, you must send a written note including the date of dismissal, your child’s full name, full name of the adult who will be dismissing your child, and the time of dismissal. Without a note the student will be sent home on the bus.
You must present a picture ID when you arrive to dismiss any child. The staff member dismissing your child may not know you. If you are intending to pick up a child other than your own, the Main Office MUST have a NOTE from the parent/guardian of the child that includes the child’s full name, date of dismissal, and the full name of the adult who will be dismissing the child. Without a note, the child will not be allowed to go with you. Students must be signed out to the custody of an adult. Students are not to leave the school building unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or an adult authorized by same.
VISITORS All visitors MUST report to the main office. You will be asked to sign in the visitor log sheet and are required to wear a visitor badge while in the building. Parents can help us protect all students by adhering to this rule. Our staff has been instructed to question any non-employee seen in the building and not wearing a badge. Please return to the main office to sign out when leaving. Thank you for helping us ensure the safety of our students and staff. PASSES Students are required to have a pass, signed by a staff member, for the following situations: entering the building early in the morning; tardiness for class; using the lavatory; to and from guidance; leaving the cafeteria early to return to class; and to and from the office, the nurse's room, or another classroom. STUDENT REGISTRATION INFORMATION/EMERGENCY CONTACTS Each year, emergency information forms are sent home for completion by parents. It is imperative that these be returned promptly and filled in neatly and accurately. All information is for school or state register use only, and is treated in a confidential manner. Up-to-date information for each student must be on file in the school office. The school must be
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notified of any changes in address, phone number or other vital information. The emergency contact person listed on your child’s information sheet must be an adult able to respond immediately to any student-related illness or emergency; therefore, this person should be in close proximity to the school. NO SCHOOL - DELAYED OPENING The following radio stations will be alerted to make announcements concerning no school, delayed opening, or early dismissal: WBZ - Boston, MA (1030) WCCM - Lawrence, MA (800)
WCAP - Lowell, MA (980) WLLH - Lowell/Lawrence (1400)
We will utilize the School Messenger system if conditions warrant a delayed opening or to issue a no school announcement. Calls will be made by 6:00 a.m. In the event of a delayed opening, if the weather remains inclement by 8:00 a.m., the no school announcement will be made. Delayed openings are normally 90 minutes in duration. School will begin at 9:05a.m. Students should plan on arriving at their bus stop 90 minutes later than normal. Dismissal from school will occur at the regular time. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING OR UNEXPECTED SCHOOL-TIME DISMISSAL On a very rare occasion it may be necessary to dismiss students early due to an emergency (i.e., power failure, severe storm). The superintendent of schools makes this decision after careful consideration knowing full well the various ramifications of having students leave the building earlier than anticipated. A student information form is sent home early in the school year in order to provide us with emergency contact information. It is important that the form is completed and returned to school. It is imperative to notify the school office of changes in information during the school year. School Messenger is a communication product that utilizes telephone and e-mail systems. School Messenger allows parents to be informed about emergencies as well as important school events. Parents may choose up to five contacts for emergency messages. The system allows individual schools as well as the district to communicate information in a very rapid manner. The School Messenger system will be used in the event of an unexpected school-time dismissal giving detailed information about procedures. We appreciate your kind attention in following the directives carefully and not contacting the school unless directed in the School Messenger message. INSURANCE An insurance package is presented to each student at the start of each school year. We are neither the agent nor do we obtain any financial gain from this program. We are merely acting in an effort to accommodate the student and his/her parents in acquiring a protection program. The only requirement we make is that each student returns the envelope with a signature showing the parents’ wishes in this matter. MATERIALS Students are responsible for the proper treatment of all books that are either assigned to them or for which they have occasion to use. All books are to be covered; students are responsible for acquiring covers. Parents/guardians will be charged the current replacement costs for any item lost or damaged. CHROMEBOOK CARE AND GUIDELINES Using Your Chromebook at School: You are expected to come to school with your Chromebook fully charged every day and you will be expected to bring your Chromebook to all classes. The chromebooks have an 8-10 hour battery charge that should last through a typical day. You may not leave your Chromebook at school to charge. If a student does not bring their Chromebook to school: ● They may check out a loaner for the day, if one is available. ● If a student fails to bring their Chromebook to school frequently, then this may result in disciplinary action. ● If a student checks out a loaner, they will be responsible for returning the borrowed device to the Technology Center/Library before 2:00 p.m. ● If the loaner is not turned in by the end of the school day, administration will be notified. If a Chromebook needs to be repaired: ● A loaner Chromebook may be issued to students when they leave their school-issued Chromebook for repair due to accident or defects. ● If students are having their devices repaired the loaners can be taken home.
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● Students will be contacted via e-mail when their devices are repaired and available to be picked up. Using Your Chromebook Outside of School: Students are encouraged to use their Chromebooks at home and other locations outside of school. A WiFi Internet connection will be required for the majority of Chromebook use, however there are some applications that can be used while not connected to the Internet. The district utilizes an Internet content filter in order to maintain compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and to protect students from obscene or harmful content. All Chromebooks, regardless of physical location, will have all Internet activity protected and monitored by the District. If a site is blocked and a student feels it would benefit their learning, then students should contact
[email protected] to request that the site be unblocked. General Care and Insurance Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook. Students will have the same Chromebook for three years. If a student has a Chromebook that is broken or fails to work properly they will need to bring it to the designated support area within the school as soon as possible so the issue can be diagnosed and addressed. In the first year of ownership, the device will also be covered against all defects in materials and workmanship. The vendor will provide normal replacement parts necessary to repair the Chromebook or a replacement is warranted. The vendor warranty does not warrant against damage caused by misuse, abuse, or accidents. If a student intentionally damages their device they will be responsible for the replacement costs. There will be a $12.00 optional device fee that will cover unlimited accidental damage in one school year. We highly encourage parents to purchase the insurance. If you do not choose to pay the $12.00 fee then parents/students will be responsible for the cost of any accidental damage to the device. Please report any lost or stolen devices to the building administration immediately. Lost or stolen devices will be subject to the Chromebook replacement fee. Chromebook Replacement/Repair Fees: (estimated) Chromebook: $175.00 AC Charger: $30.00 Case: $10.00 Battery: $50.00 Display screen: $50.00 Chromebook Facts: -We utilize the Google Apps for Education suite of productivity and collaboration tools. This suite includes Google Docs (word processing), Spreadsheets, Presentations, Drawings, and Forms. Students are allowed to install appropriate -Chrome web apps and extensions from the Chrome Web Store. Students are responsible for the web apps and extensions they install on their Chromebooks. Inappropriate material will result in disciplinary action. General Care and Precautions: -No food or drink next to your Chromebook. -Insert cords, cables or thumb drives carefully into the ports on your Chromebook. -Only approved Skins or removable decals may be applied to your Chromebook. Your Chromebook must be free of any writing, drawing, or stickers that cannot be removed. -Never carry a Chromebook by the screen. Always be sure the Chromebook is closed when carrying in the classroom -When outside the classroom be sure your Chromebook is in it’s carrying case. -Your Chromebook will come with a protective case and a charger. When travelling between classes or storing your Chromebook in your locker, it must be protected and carried in the case. Do not leave your Chromebook unattended. -Do not loan your Chromebook to other students or individuals. -Do not place objects on top of the Chromebook. The screen can be damaged. -Only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth and anti-static cloth. -.Do not tamper with the blue asset tag on the back of the Chromebook. If you notice it is peeling off, please return your Chromebook to the designated support desk for assistance. The district will maintain a log of all Chromebooks that includes the Chromebook serial number, asset tag code, and name and ID number of the student assigned to the device. LOCKERS The administration and staff have the right to inspect lockers regularly either in assisting students to maintain organization of materials or for reasonable cause to ensure school safety. The school does not assume any liability for lost or stolen items.
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MARKING SYSTEM At the end of each quarter, a formal report card will be issued. Core classes operate on a quarterly basis. Health, Physical Education, General Music, Band, and Art operate on a semester basis. Library, Foreign Language, and Technology operate on a trimester basis. The grades for the semester classes will appear on second and fourth quarter report cards. The grades for the trimester classes will appear on the second, third, and fourth quarter report cards. Envelopes must be returned to the school with a parent signature. The grade scale is as follows: 100 – 97 = A+ 96 – 93 = A 92 – 90 = A89 – 87 = B+ 86 – 83 = B 82 – 80 = B79 – 77 = C+ 76 – 73 = C 72 – 70 = C69 – 67 = D+ 66 – 63 = D 62 – 60 = D59 or Below = F Effort and conduct in all subject areas are graded as follows: O = Outstanding S = Satisfactory I = Improvement Needed U = Unsatisfactory Honor Roll Requirements: There are two honor programs: Quarterly "High Honors" consists of those students receiving all A's all subjects; no I's or U's in effort or conduct. Quarterly "Honors," will consist of those students receiving all A’s and B’s in all subjects; no I's or U's in effort or conduct. PMS GRADING GUIDELINES Summative Assessment 65% Formative Assessment 35% Note: Homework is a type of formative assessment. Homework will represent no more than 10% of a student’s final grade. PMS Late Work: (Summative) Summative assessments turned in after the due date will result in a grade reduction of 10 percentage points per day. Assignments turned in after five days late will receive no credit for grading purposes. PMS Missed Work (due to illness or excused absences) Homework/class work must be made up on a per day basis, i.e., one day absent = one day to make up missed work Summative and formative assessment make ups must be arranged with the subject teacher. RETAKE PROTOCOL PMS students are able to retake summative assessments as determined by the teacher in order to increase student knowledge and skills if the grade is below an 80%. The petition for a reassessment must be initiated within two school days after notification of grades, and relearning must be completed before the end of the tenth school day. Students, parents or teachers can initiate the request for a retake. Prior to the retake, the student must complete required relearning steps as established by the teacher to demonstrate formative assessment of new learning and remediation of weaknesses. The retake need only reassess the knowledge and skills that the student has not yet mastered. The student will receive the higher of the two grades for grading purposes, not to exceed 80%. Please be aware that retakes are at teacher discretion, and in certain cases a re-assessment may not be feasible (group presentations, band concerts, final exams, etc.). ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Honesty in schoolwork requires that students do their own work. To be honest, students should give credit for any ideas, language, or thoughts that are not their own. If the source is not credited, it is known as plagiarism (academic dishonesty).
It is dishonest, of course, to cheat on a test or to copy someone’s homework. It is also dishonest to:
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Copy from a book or the Internet without acknowledgement Paraphrase (put in your own words) without giving credit to the source Use all or part of someone’s paper word-for-word Rewrite someone’s paper Use another’s ideas, pretending that they are original Use an idea or a clever expression by someone without crediting the original author Give work to others, or accept work from others
The consequence for any of the dishonest acts above is a “0” on the quiz, test, homework, or project in question. Students may be given the option of re-doing the assignment for 50% credit. The teacher(s) in conjunction with administration will make decisions on academic integrity. Students and parents will be notified of the situation and consequence. HOMEWORK Students should expect approximately 10 minutes of homework per night for each grade level (Grade 6 – 60 minutes, Grade 7-70 minutes and Grade 8-80 minutes) with a maximum of 2 hours per night. Teachers, students and parents must work together as follows to make homework a worthwhile learning activity: Teacher Responsibility • Homework will consist of practice, preparation, extension and/or integration • Homework will have a clear academic connection, fulfill curricular goals and support students in developing responsibility, time management and other self-regulatory skills • Homework will be preceded by an explanation of content, purpose and directions • Timely, constructive, formal and/or informal feedback will be given on all assignments • Every effort will be made for teachers to coordinate assignments Parent and Guardian Responsibility • Provide consistent time and place • Check over the work your child is doing • Remove distractions (television, cell phone, etc.) • Support your child in planning for long term assignments • Check teachers’ websites and student agenda for assignments • Check PowerSchool regularly Student Responsibility • Record all homework in agenda clearly with specific details and due dates • Ask teacher during class for clarification on anything that you do not understand or are not clear about regarding assignments • Complete homework carefully, place in designated spot for easy retrieval, bring to class and pass in on time • Study for formative and summative assessments using study materials provided • Determine a plan for completion of long-term assignments and work to complete them throughout the designated time frame • Use rubrics provided by teachers to make sure that you have successfully completed all of the components of the assignment • Check your teachers’ webpages for homework when absent and/or see teachers about what you missed when absent • Check PowerSchool regularly On our school website located under the district site http://www.pelhamsd.org/, students will find links to their respective teachers’ websites that will provide information about homework assignments, tests and projects. PARENT PORTAL Parents and students have ongoing access to current and historical grades and attendance while at Memorial. This web-based access is provided through PowerSchool; our student information system. Parents can continue to use existing single sign-on login information to access your account at pelhamsd.powerschool.com/public. It is imperative that you keep this information secure and do not share it with anyone. PowerSchool allows students and parents to continuously monitor academic progress in every class. Detailed data is available at the assignment level. Online access as described above provides more current information for progress monitoring and is available throughout the marking period.
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Teachers will grade and enter assignments into PowerSchool within a reasonable time period. In general, smaller assignments such as daily homework will be available within one week of the due date. Summative assignments will be available within two weeks of the due date. There will be exceptions to this for long term projects, some written assignments and others. Teachers will make note of assignments requiring longer than two weeks to grade either on the portal or other form of communication. If a major assignment is not turned in on the day it is due, as soon as reasonably possible the teacher will make a notation of “missing.” NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY The National Junior Honor Society of Pelham Memorial School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, character, citizenship, service, and leadership. Standards for selection are established by the national office of NJHS and have been revised to meet our local chapter needs. Each June, students are selected to be members by a fivemember Faculty Council, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school. Students in the third term of grade seven are eligible for membership. To be nominated, a student must have a 3.5 or better GPA throughout sixth grade and the first three terms of seventh grade. The students who meet this criterion are invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form that provides the Faculty Council with information regarding the candidate’s citizenship, service, and leadership. A history of ongoing participation in school and/or community service and leadership experiences (4 months minimum for each) is necessary. Students may participate in clubs, organizations, and/or sports. To evaluate a candidate’s character, the Faculty Council uses two forms of input: first, school disciplinary records are reviewed; second, members of the faculty are asked for input regarding their professional reflections on a candidate’s character. These forms and the Student Activity Information Form are carefully reviewed by the Faculty Council to determine membership. A majority of the vote of the council is necessary for selection. Candidates are notified regarding selection or non-selection according to the following pre-determined criteria. Scholarship: must be a 3.5 average as of Quarter 3 – Grade 7. Character: students must be of good character. Someone of good character is courteous and respectful of others and well behaved , not just in one aspect of their lives, but in all aspects-school, home, teams, clubs, community, etc. Citizenship & Service: students must show evidence of good citizenship in their town and/or school through ongoing involvement in various organizations by volunteering their time and effort. Students must show evidence of service to others through at least three different activities. Those activities could include religious service organizations, scouts, local civic service organizations, extracurricular school activities, or sports. Candidates must be involved in varied organizations and activities. Leadership: students must show evidence of at least one leadership position. It may include, but not be limited to: class level leadership representative, sports team captain, club/other team captain, leader in a religious group, leader in a scout group, unit leader in a camp, extracurricular teacher assistant outside of school, and have demonstrated on a consistent basis this level of leadership at minimum of a four month period. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREPAREDNESS The Pelham School District has worked in cooperation with the Police and Fire Departments toward greater emergency preparedness. We will operate emergency procedures based on the Incident Command System used by community emergency personnel. There are several responses to choose from: Drop Cover and Hold, Secure Campus, Shelter in Place, Lockdown, Evacuation, Reverse Evacuation, Scan, Stay Put and Room Clear. Each will be explained to students before a drill is conducted. It is important that students and staff practice these drills to ensure calm and controlled behavior. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are considered to be an integral part of the learning experience for students. Permission slips must be signed and returned to school for students to be permitted to participate. Parents may be asked to volunteer as chaperones for these trips. Parents will need to fill out the Volunteer Application Form and submit it to the front office well before the field trip date in order to allow plenty of time for processing. Please go to www.pelhamsd.org to review our School Board Policy on field trips. DC TRIP EF Educational Tours will be handling all aspects of the trip, including registration, deposits, payments, etc. Parents will also have access to their website and will need to establish an account in their child’s name. www.eftours.com The following are specific criteria for attendance on this trip as established by the administration and the teachers:
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Students failing any academic classes for the year by the end of the third marking period will not be allowed to attend. Any student suspended at any time during the school year for drugs/alcohol/cigarettes/weapons/aggressive behavior will not be allowed to attend. Any student suspended in-school for two or more infractions, for any reason, will not be allowed to attend. Parents will be made aware of ongoing repeated behavioral infractions that will jeopardize the student’s ability to attend the trip. Administration may remove the privilege of this field trip to any student due to ongoing behavioral concerns. Student must be currently enrolled in Pelham Memorial School.
If a student is unable to attend this trip due to academic, behavioral or other reasons, the Pelham School District will not provide a refund of trip cost. Trip insurance is offered through the tour company and it is the parents’ choice whether to purchase it or not. We strongly recommend that you do. We appreciate your support. In addition, you may wish to establish your own criteria at home and we certainly encourage you to do so. DRESS The matter of dress and appearance is, for the most part, a matter of individual taste. Students must, however, respect the learning environment. Any appearance or dress which would cause a distraction from the learning process, infringe upon the rights of other students, or dress that is unsafe will not be tolerated. Violators will be sent to the administration and asked to make appropriate adjustments to comply with the dress code, and/or may be asked to call home to acquire appropriate clothing. Repeat offenders will be issued in-school suspensions.
All clothing shall have no words or artwork that glorifies alcohol, drugs, sex, tobacco, violence or death ALL undergarments must be concealed by appropriate outer clothing at all times. Lace or mesh that exposes any undergarment is not appropriate. Clothing that exposes the chest, cleavage, abdomen, midriff, genital area, or buttocks is prohibited. Clothing shall be tastefully fitting (not tight); necklines shall be high enough so that the neckline will rest against the body. Tight fitting pants, leggings, or the like are not appropriate attire for school unless covered by shirts, skirts or shorts at appropriate lengths. Shorts/pants/dresses/skirts must be no shorter than the length of a dollar bill from the center of the knee cap to the hem while standing straight up. Shirt straps must be as wide as a half the width of a dollar bill. Let George decide. No pajamas. No words on the back of pants. No chain wallets/no heavy metal jewelry, necklaces, ornamental chains of any kind. Armholes shall be closely fitting around the shoulder. No halter tops. Any outerwear (hats, jackets, vests, gloves, etc.) is to be stored in the locker. Shoes or other appropriate foot coverings must be worn at all times. Any footwear worn must leave the floors free of black marks. No hats, hoods, or head coverings/bandanas are to be worn in the building. Hats/bandanas may be confiscated. No ripped clothing of any kind.
Please assist the faculty and staff of Pelham Memorial School in creating a healthy learning environment by assisting your child in making good choices about what s/he wears to school each day. HEAVY SCENTS Please do not use heavy smelling scents or sprays in school. This includes heavy smelling perfume, cologne, body spray, or deodorant. There are staff members and students with allergies and asthma who could have reactions. Also, hanging scents, air fresheners, deodorizers, diffusers, etc. for your lockers are not allowed as these can be sensed for quite a distance in the hallway. They can also cause a reaction in people with asthma and allergies. LOST & FOUND Lost and Found is located in the hallway outside the cafeteria. The Friday before each vacation and at the end of the year, a large number of unclaimed items are sent to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or other nonprofit organizations. It would be very beneficial for you to check the Lost and Found any time you visit our school.
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LUNCH PROGRAM The Pelham School District participates in the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) national school lunch program. The food service department plans menus that meet the USDA nutrition and sanitation regulations. Menus can be viewed online at www.pelhamsd.org under the Nutritional Services tab. Meal prices are set yearly. Please check the menu for the current price list. The food service department operates a debit system. All students will be provided with a serving number to access their account. The accounts track all purchases and payments made throughout the year. If your child forgets his/her number, the account can be access by looking up his/her last name. If you would like an itemized account history please contact the food service office at 635-3947 or send in a written request with your child. Payments can be sent into the school with your child. Payment should be in an envelope with the child’s name and total amount of the deposit. Cash or checks made payable to Pelham Food Service in any amount are accepted. Parents can start a FREE online account to monitor their student’s account. To open the account, please call food service at 635-7384 or 635-3947 to receive your student’s identification number. The online account can also be used to make a credit card payment with a 5% charge. The charge does not go to the school district, but MealsPlus to cover bank fees. FREE/REDUCED PROGRAM Pelham participates in the federally funded free/reduced price lunch program. An application form and a letter of explanation are sent home at the beginning of the school year. Parents may apply by completing a confidential application and returning it to the school. Only one application per family is required. Students that receive free/reduced price meals must complete a new application each school year however your eligibility status from the previous year for any child approved with an application on file is carried over for up to 30 school days. New applications are accepted any time during the school year. An accurate eligibility determination is valid for the entire year. Applications are available at the school office, the food service office and online at www.pelhamsd.org. LUNCH RULES The following rules must be observed, at all times, in the cafeteria: 1. If a staff member raises their hand for quiet, please be quiet! 2. Students must go to lunch quietly. Enter the cafeteria in an orderly fashion. Do not run. 3. Enter the cafeteria through the door closest to the gym. 4. Students are not to use the middle aisle when entering the cafeteria. 5. Lunch payments are to be submitted in the morning before the beginning of classes. 6. Students are not allowed to use the hallway snack/drink machines. 7. Talk in a normal tone of voice. 8. Clean up any food you drop or spill. 9. Keep milk cartons, food, and waste paper on your tray. 10. Students will not throw food. 11. After finishing lunch, dispose of the food tray and/or garbage to the trash receptacles. 12. Students must return to their seats and raise their hand in order to be dismissed. The staff member on duty will check to see if the student’s area is cleaned before dismissal. 13. All food and drinks must be consumed in the cafeteria. 14. Students are to bring their jackets/outerwear to the cafeteria each day regardless of the weather conditions. 15. All students will participate in a rotating "table cleaning" process throughout the year. If the fire alarm rings during lunch time: Exit the cafeteria through the doors leading to the playground. Walk across to the field and line up in order of ABC Block.
RECESS RULES 1. Equipment is available for use. Please be responsible with these items for the benefit of all. 2. No rough housing (this includes "play fighting" and wrestling). Keep your hands to yourself! 3. The courtyard is only for use by students who sit at the tables. 4. Do not cross the fenced in area to retrieve recess equipment. 5. Students will remain in the designated areas at all times 6. Students will remain outside, unless permission is given by the teacher on duty to enter the building 7. At the end of recess, students are to line up in a quiet, orderly manner. 8. No food or drink allowed outside at recess. 9. Enter the building quietly.
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ELECTRONIC DEVICES Electronic devices must be turned OFF before entering school grounds and the building and NOT VISIBLE during the school day. Use of the device shall be limited to teacher permission for an educational purpose and for after school hours when you leave the building. Students should go to the office if an "emergency" arises and a call home is deemed necessary. Students using electronic devices during the day for non-academic purposes will face the following disciplinary actions: 1st offense: 1. 2. 2nd offense: 1. 2. 3rd Offense: 1. 2.
Student will be sent to the administration. Verbal warning will be issued. Devices will be taken away and returned at dismissal. Parents will be contacted. Student will drop off/pickup any device(s) at the office for 1 week. Parents will be contacted and 1 hour detention will be issued. Student will drop off/pickup any device(s) at the office for 1 semester.
Students are not allowed to bring electronic devices into bathrooms or locker rooms. Students must put their electronic device in the “drop basket” provided in each classroom and learning area. The student may not use any device to record, transmit, or post photos or video of a person or persons on campus without express permission of the teacher.” No images or video recorded on campus can be transmitted or posted at any time without the express permission of a teacher and participants. (exceptions: public events, i.e. games, concerts, etc., unless otherwise specified). Laser pointers are never allowed in school or at school sponsored events. Violations will result in significant consequences. STUDENT COUNCIL Pelham Memorial School maintains a student council consisting of an elected leadership team made up of 8th grade students. A council of representatives is elected from ABC Blocks in grades 6 and 7. Student council activities are promoted in order to develop a sense of responsibility and involvement, to plan events for student participation and enjoyment, and to conduct fund raising activities. SCHOOL DANCES All school-sponsored dances are for 7th and 8th grade students only, unless otherwise communicated. They begin at 7:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm. We expect that transportation to and from will correspond with these times. Limousines are not permitted. No student will be admitted after 7:30 p.m. without prior permission from the administration. Any student remaining after 9:15 will not be permitted to attend the next dance. Any student remaining after 9:30 will be walked to the police station for parent pick-up and will not be permitted to attend the next dance. School dances are well chaperoned by administration and staff. At no time will students be allowed to leave unless there is an emergency or if parents are contacted. If you foresee that your child will be leaving earlier, please send a note indicating such. All rules and regulations of the school will be in effect during this or any other school sponsored function. MEDIA CENTER Hours The media center is open for student use before school (beginning at 7:15 am) or during the school day with a pass from a teacher. All students are welcome in the library as long as they are doing something constructive and not disturbing others. Please push in chairs and cleanup work areas before leaving. (Please note: during the winter months, the library is open in the morning to the first twenty students who arrive unless they have a pass from their teacher.) Circulation and Overdue books Students may check out books for two weeks. If it is necessary to keep the book past the due date, simply bring it into the library to be renewed for another two weeks. Students who have overdue books will receive an overdue notice through their advisor. If such a notice is received, please contact the library in order to bring your account up to date. (Ignoring notices will not make them go away!) If you have any questions or concerns regarding an overdue notice the librarian is happy to work with you.
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SPECIAL NEEDS REFERRAL Outside or in-house referrals: 1. If the referral comes from a parent by letter, from a doctor, or a teacher from another school by letter or prescription, the letter will be given to the grade level case manager and she/he will schedule a meeting (referral) with the parent to be held within 15 days. During this 15-day period, the case manager will give the parent and classroom teacher a packet to be filled out as soon as possible. Completed packets should be turned in to the case manager to enable her/him to invite the correct people to the meeting. Completed packets will be given to the administration to review. 2.
If the teacher is making the referral, the grade level case manager must be informed to ensure that the teacher receives a teacher and a parent packet. At this point, there should have been two or three conversations between the teacher and parent about her/his concerns.
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When a parent, teacher, or other agency refers a student, the special education team decides whether testing should proceed. The decision to evaluate will be made as a team once the referral meeting has occurred.
In all cases, samples of the student’s work should be saved to demonstrate the concerns expressed by the parent, teacher, or doctor for the referral meeting. Along with work samples and/or anecdotes, the student’s cumulative file should be brought to the referral meeting. The Procedural Safeguards booklet is offered at every meeting, and is available at the school office. It thoroughly describes parental and student rights in the special education process. WORKING PAPERS Working papers are available at the office once a student has been offered employment. The employer will give you a document that contains all of the pertinent information necessary to complete the working papers. An appointment must then be made for the student and one of his/her parents to meet with the principal. This process will only take a few minutes. SCHOOL GUIDANCE Guidance and counseling programs are a vital, integral part of a student's education. A guidance curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all students by helping them acquire competencies to meet the expectations from all their life roles, whether educational, career, personal, or social. The primary focus is developmental, preventative, and pro-active in nature. In addition, responsive services are provided as well. These include individual and group counseling, resource information and referral. Guidance services are as much a part of the instructional program of the school as are the other school curricula in contributing significantly to the overall educational mission. Accordingly, guidance and counseling services will be provided to all students on a voluntary basis, unless otherwise instructed by a parent or guardian. Counselors have an ethical responsibility and a professional duty not to reveal information to others learned in a private interaction with a student except when there are special and compelling circumstances or a legal mandate. Such exceptions include: the student is a danger to self or others; suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect; other behaviors of significant concern to the best interest of the student as outlined by the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association. CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT New Hampshire Law (RSA 169-C; 29-30) requires that any person who has reason to suspect that a child under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected MUST report the case to Department of Child and Family Services (DCYF). Section 169-C:29 169-C:29 Persons Required to Report. – Any physician, surgeon, county medical examiner, psychiatrist, resident, intern, dentist, osteopath, optometrist, chiropractor, psychologist, therapist, registered nurse, hospital personnel (engaged in admission, examination, care and treatment of persons), Christian Science practitioner, teacher, school official, school nurse, school counselor, social worker, day care worker, any other child or foster care worker, law enforcement official, priest, minister, or rabbi or any other person having reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected shall report the same in accordance with this chapter. Source. 1979, 361:2, eff. Aug. 22, 1979. Section 169-C:30 169-C:30 Nature and Content of Report. – An oral report shall be made immediately by telephone or otherwise, and followed within 48 hours by a report in writing, if so requested, to the department. Such report shall, if known, contain the name and address of the child suspected of being neglected or abused and the person responsible for the child's welfare, the specific information indicating neglect or the nature and extent of the child's injuries (including any evidence of previous injuries), the identity of the person or persons suspected of being responsible for such neglect or abuse, and any other
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information that might be helpful in establishing neglect or abuse or that may be required by the department. Source. 1979, 361:2. 1989, 146:2. 1994, 411:17. 1995, 310:175, eff. Nov. 1, 1995. CRISIS TEAM Purpose: The purpose of this team is twofold. The team will provide a vehicle for staff members to report and plan for a student who appears to be in crisis. Crisis shall be defined as a threatening or dangerous situation involving the physical well-being or emotional status of a child. Plan: When concerned about a student, the staff member will report concerns to the school principal or assistant principal. The team, consisting of the principal, nurse, counselor, special education staff (when applicable) and a classroom teacher, shall meet to gather information, make a determination of whether to report the situation to Child Protective Services, or develop a plan. When appropriate, the following actions may be taken: the student will be spoken with, the parents spoken with or asked to attend a meeting, and the rest of the students’ team will be alerted. The Crisis Team will decide when its function is no longer needed as a preventative measure or as a follow up. TRANSPORTATION **Parents are strongly encouraged to utilize school bus transportation due to time limitations and SAFETY concerns during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup.** BUS SAFETY REGULATIONS Students must have regard for the safety and comfort of a large number of students on the bus, and respect and consideration for the bus driver in exercising his/her job. The following guideline suggest the role for students and parents as they relate to pupil transportation: Riding the school bus is a privilege. This privilege may be temporarily denied or permanently revoked if misconduct of your child jeopardizes the safe operations of the school bus or the safety of the children riding this bus, as per School Board Policy EEA-R adopted 6/7/06. Video and Audio on School Buses has been authorized per School Board Policy EEAA. Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of the District and under supervision of the bus driver. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver shall be sufficient reasons for a pupil to be denied the privilege of transportation in accordance with the regulations of the Board. Per School Board Policy EEAEC adopted 6/7/06. HEALTH MEDICATION In compliance with State Law, a form must be submitted to the school with a parent/guardian's signature and physician's request permitting the school nurse to administer prescription medication to any student. Also, a “hold harmless” form must be signed and recorded in our health files. Over the counter medication can be given if a hold harmless form is signed by the parent/guardian. All medication must be in the original labeled container. Medications that are sent to school in in any container other than the original will not be administered and the parent will be called. Parents are encouraged to have medication taken prior to and/or after school hours, whenever possible. Students are not permitted to carry or selfadminister medication. The only exceptions to this are Epi-Pens and inhalers. WELLNESS As per the district s Wellness Policy, please be aware that all clubs, teams, and organizations are required to complete fundraising using non-food items. If, however, the group would like to hold a fundraiser using food and/or beverages during the school day as outlined in the District Wellness Policy, the products sold will need to meet established nutritional standards. Coaches and club advisors are responsible for checking with the Food Service Director before beginning the sale of food and or beverages during the school day as outlined in the District Wellness Policy. Please keep this in mind when there are parties or celebrations in the classroom. IMMUNIZATIONS Students entering sixth grade shall provide documentation of varicella (chicken pox) immunity. Documentation of varicella immunity must include the month, day and year of administration. A student who has turned 11 before the beginning of the school year must have documentation of a Tdap booster or a Td booster within the last 5 years. If they are turning 11 during the school year they have until the beginning of the next school year to provide documentation.
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The school nurse is available to assist you or to answer any questions or concerns you may have about this. STUDENT HEALTH Children should be in good physical health before they attend school. Any child with a fever, vomiting, or general malaise should remain at home for 24 hours for observation. A fever over 100.4 requires a student to be home until fever free for 24 hours, without the help of fever reducing medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. STUDENTS MUST REMAIN OUT OF SCHOOL WITH: 1. Chickenpox – until all “pox” are dried and scabbed over. 2. Conjunctivitis-must receive medical treatment, they are not excluded from school at this age level, but reminded to observe proper hand washing. 3. Hepatitis-doctor certificate required for readmission. 4. Mumps-exclude from school from onset of swelling and until it has subsided (approx. 10 days). 5. Impetigo-must receive medical treatment and remain at home 24 hours after treatment has started. 6. Mononucleosis-doctor certificate required for readmission. 7. Ringworm-doctor certificate required for readmission. 8. Streptococcal Disease-must remain home 24 hours after adequate treatment has been started. 9. Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac- Severe cases should remain at home for the child’s comfort. 10. Pediculosis (Head Lice)- excluded from attendance. The student may be re-admitted only by the School Nurse after an examination. Children will remain at home for any and all communicable diseases. If in doubt, check with the school nurse BEFORE sending your child to school. SMOKING LAW Effective January 1, 1998, the use of tobacco products on school grounds is punishable by a fine (RSA 126-I: 7). This includes all school buildings and grounds, including ball fields, parking areas, and playground. Smoking/possession of tobacco (including smokeless tobacco), and all of the following as they pertain to NH RSA 78:12b11 which makes possession of tobacco products unlawful for persons under 18 years of age and NH RSA 155:64, which makes it unlawful for smoking to take place in school buildings or on any school property. Further, RSA 155:76 provides the person in charge of the building, typically the principal, and the ability to call law enforcement authorities if any person refuses to refrain from smoking. (School property includes the school building, school grounds and school buses).
POLICIES **Note: All up-to-date district policies are available online at www.pelhamsd.org**
FERPA Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary & Secondary Schools The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are: (1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal, or designee, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify that parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record should write the School principals, or designees, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
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(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using its own employees or officials (such as, but not limited to an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, evaluator, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of other school districts, post secondary institutions, and agencies or institutions in which a student intends to enroll. Directory information, which includes name, address, parents’ names and address, date and place of birth, dates of attendance, major field of study, class schedule, participation of officially recognized activities and sports, weight, height and sex, membership on an athletic team, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous education agency or institution attended may be released unless you make a request in writing to the contrary. This information will be released only in accordance with the guidelines established by the Litchfield School District Student Records Policy and Procedures (JRA, JRA-R). (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: AC NON-DISCRIMINATION The District shall not discriminate in its education programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion or handicap under the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, and Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Any person having inquiries concerning the District's compliance with the regulations implementing these laws may contact the Superintendent of Schools.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: GBAA SEXUAL HARASSMENT & SEXUAL VIOLENCE POLICY & PROCEDURES I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq., and Title IX. Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression that includes a sexual act or sexual purpose. It is the policy of the District to maintain learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment and sexual violence. The District prohibits any form of sexual harassment and sexual violence. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee to harass a student or an employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature as defined by this policy. It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee to be sexually violent to a student or employee. The District will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment or sexual violence and to discipline any student or employee who sexually harasses or is sexually violent to a student or employee of the District.
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II. SEXUAL HARASSMENT/SEXUAL VIOLENCE DEFINED A. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when: 1. Submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining or retaining employment, or of obtaining an education; or 2. Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual's employment or education; or 3. That conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual's employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or education environment. Any sexual harassment as defined when perpetrated on any student or employee by any student or employee will be treated as sexual harassment under this policy. B. Sexual harassment may include but is not limited to: 1. verbal harassment and/or abuse of a sexual nature; 2. subtle pressure for sexual activity; 3. inappropriate patting or pinching; 4. intentional brushing against a student's or an employee's body; 5. demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning an individual's employment or educational status; 6. demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual's employment or educational status; 7. any sexually motivated unwelcome touching; or 8. sexual violence, which is a physical act of aggression, that includes a sexual act or sexual purpose. III. REPORTING PROCEDURES Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of sexual harassment or sexual violence by a student or an employee of the School District, or any third person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment or sexual violence should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate School District official as designated by this policy. The School District encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the Principal of each building or available from the Superintendent's office. A. In Each School Building. The building Principal is the person responsible for receiving oral or written reports of sexual harassment or sexual violence at the building level. Upon receipt of a report, the Principal must notify the Superintendent of Schools immediately without screening or investigating the report. A written report will be forwarded simultaneously to the Superintendent. If the report was given verbally, the Principal shall reduce it to written form within 24 hours and forward it to the Superintendent. Failure to forward any sexual harassment or sexual violence report or complaint as provided herein will result in disciplinary action. If the complaint involves the building Principal, the complaint shall be filed directly with the Superintendent of Schools. B. District-Wide. The School Board hereby designates the Superintendent of Schools as the School District Human Rights Officer to receive reports or complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence from any individual, employee or victim of sexual harassment or sexual violence and also from the building Principals as outlined above. If the complaint involves the Superintendent, the complaint shall be filed directly with the School Board. The School District shall conspicuously post the name of the Human Rights Officer, including a mailing address and telephone number. C. Submission of a complaint or report of sexual harassment or sexual violence will not affect the individual's future employment, grades or work assignments. D. Use of formal reporting forms is not mandatory. The School District will respect the confidentiality of the complainant and the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed as much as possible, consistent with the School District's legal obligations and the necessity to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence and take disciplinary action when the conduct has occurred. IV. INVESTIGATION AND RECOMMENDATION By authority of the School District, the Human Rights Officer, upon receipt of a report or complaint alleging sexual harassment or sexual violence shall immediately authorize an investigation. This investigation may be conducted by School District
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officials or by a third party designated by the School District. The investigating party shall provide a written report of the status of the investigation within 10 working days to the Superintendent of Schools. If the Superintendent is the subject of the complaint, the report shall be submitted to the School Board. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment or sexual violence, the School District should consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the sexual advances, relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Whether a particular action or incident constitutes sexual harassment or sexual violence requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances. The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of any other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator. In addition, the School District may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the complainant, students and employees pending completion of an investigation of alleged sexual harassment or sexual violence. V. SCHOOL DISTRICT ACTION A. Upon receipt of a recommendation that the complaint is valid, the School District will take such action as appropriate based on the results of the investigation. B. The result of the investigation of each complaint filed under these procedures will be reported in writing to the complainant by the School District. The report will document any disciplinary action taken as a result of the complaint. * Please refer to Student Rights and Responsibilities VI. REPRISAL The School District will discipline any individual who retaliates against any person who reports alleged sexual harassment or sexual violence or who retaliates against any person who testifies assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing relating to a sexual harassment or sexual violence complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment. VII. RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES These procedures do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of recourse that may include filing charges with the Commissioner of Education, initiating civil action or seeking redress under state criminal statutes and/or federal law. VIII. SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS SEXUAL ABUSE Under certain circumstances, sexual harassment or sexual violence may constitute sexual abuse under New Hampshire law. In such situations, the School District shall comply with said law. Nothing in this policy will prohibit the School District from taking immediate action to protect victims of alleged sexual abuse. IX. DISCIPLINE The School District will take such disciplinary action it deems necessary and appropriate, including warning, suspension or immediate discharge to end sexual harassment and sexual violence and prevent its recurrence. X. BY-PASS OF POLICY Any individual with a sexual harassment complaint may choose to bypass this Policy and accompanying regulation and proceed directly to: N.A. Commission on Human Rights or Office of Civil Rights
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: JICBB PUPIL SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY
(Bullying Policy In Compliance With RSA 193-F) I. The Pelham School Board is committed to providing all pupils a safe school environment. Conduct constituting bullying or cyberbullying will not be tolerated, and is prohibited by this policy in accordance with RSA 193-F. This policy applies to all pupils, regardless of their status under the law. The superintendent is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented. All District employees, contracted service providers, school volunteers, coaches, parents and students are required to abide by the requirements of this policy. II. Definitions
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A. Bullying: a single, significant incident or pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another pupil which: 1. Physically harms a pupil or damages the pupil’s property; 2. Causes emotional distress to the pupil; 3. Interferes with a pupils’ educational opportunities; 4. Creates a hostile educational environment; or 5. Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying also includes actions motivated by an imbalance of power based on a pupil’s actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or motivated by the pupil’s association with another person and based on the other person’s characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs. B. Cyberbullying: bullying (as defined above) undertaken through the use of electronic devices. C. Electronic devices: include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging and websites. D. Perpetrator: a pupil who engages in bullying or cyberbullying. E. School Property: all real property and all physical plant and equipment used for school purposes including public or private school buses or vans. F. Victim: a pupil against whom bullying or cyberbullying has been perpetrated. G. Educational opportunities: the curricular and extracurricular programs and activities offered by the District. H. Interference of educational opportunities: a single incident or pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, which impedes a pupil’s ability to participate in, or access, the educational opportunities offered by the District. The determination as to whether an incident or a pattern of incidents interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities shall be made by the person investigating the reported incident(s). I. Hostile educational environment: a single incident or pattern of incidents that is so severe and pervasive that it effectively denies a student equal access to the District’s educational opportunities. The determination as to whether an incident or pattern of incidents has created a hostile educational environment shall be made by the person investigating the reported incident(s). J. The determination as to whether a single incident or a pattern of incidents causes a “substantial disruption to the orderly operations of the school” shall be made by the person investigating the reported incidents(s), and shall be based on the totality of the circumstances, and may include disruptions to curricular or extra-curricular programs and activities offered by the District. In accordance with RSA 193-F:4, the Pelham School District reserves the right to impose discipline for bullying or cyberbullying that: Occurs on, or is delivered to, school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or Occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event. III. Reporting Procedure The Principal of each school is responsible for receiving oral or written reports of bullying or cyberbullying. The Principal may designate, in writing, an additional person to receive such reports. Student or Parent Reports A. Any student who believes that he or she has been the victim of bullying or cyberbullying, as defined in Section II, above, should immediately report the alleged act(s) to the Principal or his/her designee; however, if the student prefers, he/she may inform any school employee or volunteer. B. Students or parents who have witnessed or who have reliable information that a pupil has been subjected to bullying or cyberbullying should immediately report the same to the Principal or his/her designee, or, if the student or parent prefers, he/she may inform any school employee or volunteer about the alleged bullying or cyberbullying. C. The District will not accept anonymous reports of bullying or cyberbullying. However, the District will seek to ensure that the individual making the report is protected from retaliation as a result of the report. D. Forms to report incidents of bullying or cyberbullying shall be available at the Principal’s office. Use of the form is encouraged, but not required. If the Principal or his/her designee receives the report verbally, he/she shall reduce the report received to writing within twenty-four hours of receiving the information. Reports by Staff, Volunteer, or Employees of a Company Under Contract with the School District, or with any school in the Pelham School District
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A. Any school employee, volunteer, or employee of a company under contract with the Pelham School District, or any school within the Pelham School District, who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been subjected to bullying, or cyberbullying as defined in Section II above, shall report such incident to the Principal or his/her designee by the close of the school day on which they witness or receive such reliable information. B. Forms to report incidents of bullying or cyberbullying shall be available electronically or at the Principal’s office. If the Principal or his/her designee receives the information verbally, he/she shall reduce the report received to writing within twentyfour hours of receiving the information. IV – Notice to Parents/Guardians Within 48 hours of receiving a report of bullying or cyberbullying, the Principal, or his/her designee, shall give notice of the report of the alleged incident to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the victim and the perpetrator. The report shall be made by telephone or in writing; if made by telephone, a record of the report shall be made. The record should include, at a minimum, the date and time of the call. Any such notification under this policy must comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), 20 U>S>C. 1232g. At a minimum, the notice shall advise the individuals involved of the nature of the incident, the date and time the report was received, and the procedures described in this policy. In accordance with FERPA, the notice shall not contain any personally identifiable information obtained from student education records. V – Waiver of Notification Requirement The Superintendent may, within the 48-hour time period referenced in Section IV of this policy, grant the Principal or his/her designee a written waiver from the notification requirement in Section IV of this policy, if the Superintendent or his/her designee deems such waiver to be in the best interest of either the victim or the perpetrator. The granting of a waiver does not negate the responsibility to follow the other procedures set forth in this policy. VI – Investigation Procedures A. The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for investigating reports of bullying or cyberbullying. The Superintendent shall appoint another individual to conduct the investigation if the Principal is directly involved with the reported incident. B. Investigations shall be initiated within five school days of the date that the incident is reported to the Principal or his/her designee, and shall be completed within 10 school days. C. If the Principal or his/her designee requires additional time to complete the investigation, the Superintendent or his/her designee may extend the time period for the investigation up to seven school days. Any such extension shall be in writing, and the Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide all parties involved with written notice of the granting of the extension. D. The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for determining the scope of the investigation, which may include, but would not be limited to, interviewing the alleged perpetrator, the alleged victim, witnesses, the parents/guardians of the alleged perpetrator and/or the alleged victim, and reviewing relevant educational records of the alleged perpetrator and/or the alleged victim. Interviews shall be conducted privately, although a student may be interviewed with his/her parents present. If the incident involves allegations of cyberbullying, the Principal or his/her designee may request documentation such as e-mails, instant messages, text messages, and/or web pages. E. After investigating, the Principal or his/her designee shall determine whether the report is substantiated for bullying or cyberbullying. The Principal’s determinations shall be based on the investigatory findings, and may include, but not limited to, the following: The description of the incident The frequency of the conduct Whether the conduct is reoccurring Where the alleged conduct occurred (on campus, off campus, in person, through an electronic device, etc.) Whether the conduct physically harmed the alleged victim or damaged the alleged victim’s property Whether the conduct caused emotional distress to the alleged victim Whether the conduct adversely affected the alleged victim’s educational opportunities Whether the conduct created a hostile educational environment Whether the conduct substantially disrupted the orderly operation of the school Whether the conduct was based on the actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs of the alleged victim Whether the conduct was motivated by the alleged victim’s association with another person and based on the other person’s characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs Whether the alleged victim felt or perceived an imbalance of power as a result of the alleged incident G. Upon completion of the investigation, the Principal or his/her designee shall draft a written investigation report. The report must include, at a minimum, a description of the scope of the investigation, the findings, and the actions taken (i.e., the response to remediate, discipline, non-disciplinary interventions, etc.).
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H. Upon completion of the investigation, the Principal or his/her designee shall report all substantiated incidents of bullying or cyberbullying to the Superintendent of his/her designee. VII – Response to Remediate Substantiated Incidents of Bullying or Cyberbullying The Principal or his/her designee shall develop a response to remediate any substantiated incident of bullying or cyberbullying. The response should be designed to reduce the risk of future incidents, and where appropriate, to offer assistance to the victim or perpetrator. In those cases where a perpetrator or victim is identified as a student with an educational disability, the Principal’s response to remediate any substantiated incident of bullying or cyberbullying can be implemented immediately and shall be presented to the IEP Team. The IEP Team is permitted to amend or augment the response in a manner necessary to ensure that the perpetrator or victim receives a free, appropriate public education, while still taking appropriate measures to remediate bullying. Within ten school days of completion of the investigation, the Principal or his/her designee shall provide the parents/guardians of victims and perpetrators with written information about the available remedies and assistance. The notice shall comply with FERPA and other State and Federal laws concerning student privacy. VIII – Discipline and/or Interventions If, after investigating pursuant to Section VI of this policy, the Principal or his/her designee concludes that a pupil engaged in bullying or cyberbullying, that student may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include, but is not limited to, suspension and expulsion. Any such disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance to applicable board policy and legal requirements. At the discretion of the Principal or his/her designee, students who commit an act of bullying or cyberbullying or falsely accuse another of the same as a means of retaliation or reprisal may, either in addition to discipline or in lieu of discipline, receive non-disciplinary interventions. Interventions are not considered disciplinary in nature. To the greatest extent practicable, parents will be involved in the planning and implementation of non-disciplinary interventions. Nothing in this policy shall supersede the disciplinary procedures of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, including the protections offered through the manifestation determination process. IX – Prohibition Against Retaliation and False Accusations All individuals are prohibited from retaliating or making false accusations against a victim, witness, or anyone else who in good faith provides information about an act of bullying or cyberbullying. The Principal or his/her designee shall investigate claims of retaliation or false accusations, and if substantiated, the retaliator and/or the false accuser may be subject to discipline, including but not limited to, suspension or expulsion. Employees of the Pelham School District who are found to have intentionally and falsely accused a student of committing an act of bullying or cyberbullying shall be subject to discipline or other consequences, including, but not limited to, termination, in accordance with applicable law, Pelham School District policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements. School volunteers who are found to have intentionally and falsely accused a student of committing an act of bullying or cyberbullying shall be subject to consequences, including, but not limited to, being prohibited from participating as a volunteer. Employees of a company under contract with the Pelham School District, or a school within the District, who are found to have intentionally and falsely accused a student of committing an act of bullying or cyberbullying shall be subject to discipline or other consequences in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, termination of their contract. Employees of the Pelham School District who are found to have retaliated against a victim, witness, or anyone else who in good faith provides information about an act of bullying or cyberbullying, shall be subject to discipline or other consequences, including, but not limited to, termination, in accord with applicable law, Pelham School District Policies, and collective bargaining agreements. School volunteers who are found to have retaliated against a victim, witness, or anyone else who in good faith provides information about an act of bullying or cyberbullying shall be subject to consequences including but not limited to, being prohibited from participating as a volunteer. Employees of a company under contract with the Pelham School District, or a school within the District who are found to have retaliated against a victim, witness, or anyone else who in good faith provides information about an act of bullying or cyberbullying shall be subject to discipline or other consequences, including but not limited to termination, in accord with applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, termination of their contract. The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for developing a plan to protect all pupils from retaliation and/or false accusations. Plans may be developed on a case-by-case basis. Plans may include communication with parents/guardians,
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making adjustments to class schedules, discipline, removal from the school, the creation and implementation of a safety plan, the removal of privileges, or other appropriate responses. X – Training The Superintendent shall ensure that school employees, regular school volunteers, and employees under contract with the Pelham School District, and/or any of the schools within the Pelham School District, who have significant contact with pupils annually receive training on this policy for the purpose of preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying or cyberbullying. The Pelham School District shall provide age-appropriate educational programs for pupils and parents in preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying or cyberbullying. XI – Notice of Policy The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide written notice of this policy to students, parents, legal guardians, school employees, school volunteers, and employees of companies under contract with the Pelham School District, or any school within the Pelham School District, through appropriate references in the student and employee handbooks, by publishing a copy of this policy on the Pelham School District website, by providing companies under contract with the Pelham School District, or any school within the Pelham School District, with a copy of the policy, by providing training on the policy in accordance with RSA 193-F, or through other reasonable means. At the commencement of each school year, this policy shall be provided to all students. All students who enroll during the course of the school year shall receive a copy of this policy at the time they enroll. XII – Report to the Department of Education The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for reporting substantiated incidents of bullying to the Superintendent or his/her designee. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall, on an annual basis, report substantiated incidents of bullying and cyberbullying to the Department of Education. The reports shall not contain any personally identifiable information pertaining to any pupil. XIII – Immediate Intervention and Remediation Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prohibit the District from taking immediate steps, at its discretion, to resolve and mitigate conflict between students. Such steps may include, but would not be limited to discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion, as well as non-disciplinary interventions. Immunity A school administrative unit employee, District or school employee, or employee of a company under contract with the school district or a school within the District shall be immune from civil liability in accord with State law and regulations.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: JH STUDENT ATTENDANCE, ABSENTEEISM, & TRUANCY Absences The Board requires that school-aged children (age 6 years and under 18 as defined in RSA 193:1) enrolled in the District attend school in accordance with all applicable state laws and Board policies. The educational program offered by the District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the District during the days and hours that school is in session. The Board recognizes that absences from school may be necessary at times. For that reason, the Board recognizes two types of absences from school: excused and unexcused absences. The Board considers the following to be excused absences: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Illness or injury covered by doctor or parent note School sponsored or mandated absence Required court attendance Medical and dental appointments Death in the family or close family friend Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday
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7. 8. 9.
Planned extended absences (i.e. college visits, etc.) Absences approved by the Superintendent under RSA 193:1, 1(c) Absences as a result of waivers from the Superintendent for alternative learning plans under RSA 193:1.1(h)
Any absence that has not been excused for any of these reasons will be considered an unexcused absence. A parent seeking to have their child absent for a reason that is not otherwise excused may file a written request with the Principal that specifies why the student will be absent and for how long. The Principal will make a determination as to whether the stated reason for the student’s absence constitutes sufficient reason for granting an exception to the Policy. The Principal will notify the parents of his/her decision. If the Principal determines that an exception to the Policy is not warranted, the parents may request a conference with the Principal to request that the Principal reconsider his/her initial determination. Family Vacations/Educational Opportunities Generally, absences other than for illness during the school year are discouraged. The school principal or his/her designee may, however, grant special approval of absence for family vacations, provided written approval is given in advance. After receiving approval from the Principal, parents are asked to write a note to their child's teacher at least two weeks before the trip. This advance planning will allow the teacher enough time to work with parents and the student regarding homework completion. Building Principals are responsible for developing Student Handbooks, which will include rules based on this Policy regarding student absences, excuses and truancy. These rules will apply to all students. Truancy Truancy is defined as any unexcused absence from class or school. Any absence that has not been excused for any of the reasons listed above will be considered an unexcused absence. Ten half-days of unexcused absence during a school year constitute habitual truancy. Under New Hampshire law, habitual truancy is a ground for filing a CHINS petition in the local district court. A half-day absence is defined as a student missing more than two hours of instructional time and less than three and one-half hours of instructional time. Any absence of more than three and one-half hours of instructional time shall be considered a full-day absence. The Principal and/or Administrator’s designee is hereby designated as the District employee responsible for overseeing truancy issues. Intervention Process to Address Truancy The Principal or Administrative designee shall ensure that the administrative guidelines on attendance properly address the matter of truancy by including a process that identifies students who are habitually truant as quickly as possible. When the Principal or Administrative designee identifies a student who is habitually truant or who is in danger of becoming habitually truant, he/she shall commence an intervention with the student, the student’s parents, and other staff members as may be deemed necessary. The intervention shall include processes including, but not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Investigating the cause(s) of the student’s truant behavior; Considering, when appropriate, modification of his/her educational program to meet particular needs that may be causing the truancy; Involving the parents in the development of a plan designed to encourage regular attendance and reduce the truancy; Seeking alternative disciplinary measures, but still retains the right to impose discipline in accordance with the District’s policies and administrative guidelines on student discipline;
Parental Involvement in Truancy Intervention When a student reaches habitual truancy status or is in danger of reaching habitual truancy status, the Principal will send the student’s parent a letter which includes: 1. 2. 3.
A statement that the student has become or is in danger of becoming habitually truant; A statement of the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the student attends school; and A request for a meeting between the parents and the Principal to discuss the student’s truancy and to develop a plan for encourage regular attendance and reducing the student’s truancy.
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Policy Development The Pelham School Board must approve all changes regarding absentee policies in any school. It is the intent of the Board to involve parents in the development of its Attendance, Absences, and Truancy Policy and any amendments to the Policy. The Board will notify parents about the proposed Policy or amendments through appropriate communication channels. The Board will also invite them to attend the Board meeting at which the proposed Policy or amendments will be discussed by placing the proposed Policy as an item on the agenda of a Board meeting and allowing for public comment on the Policy’s provisions. Distribution The Superintendent shall ensure that this policy is included in or referenced in the student handbook.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: JICD STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE AND DUE PROCESS The Board endorses the following principles of student conduct: 1. Respect for law and those given authority to administer it shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as to general provisions of the law regarding minors. 2. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges, and cooperative citizenship shall be expected of all members of the school community. 3. Respect for the real and personal property, pride in one's work, and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, honesty, and wholesome attitudes shall be maintained. 4. Respect for individual worth and diversity is the obligation of the school. Diligence and a desire to benefit from the opportunity is the obligation of the student. The Board expects student conduct to contribute to a productive learning climate. Individual rights are to be honored and protected in all instances; however, the rights of one individual shall not take precedence over those of another individual or of the group itself, and all students shall have equal rights and equal responsibilities in the classroom or at any school-sponsored activity. The Board further recognizes the right of each school to establish disciplinary procedures in accordance with RSA 193:13 and RSA 193-D through the development of administrative procedures which are approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee. Due process shall be afforded to any student involved in a proceeding that may result in suspension, exclusion, or expulsion. Students expelled from school may be reinstated by the Board under the provisions of RSA 193:13. The Superintendent may modify expulsion requirements as provided in RSA 193:14, IV. In addition, the District shall comply with the provisions of the Individual With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when disciplining students.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: JICD-R ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE TO ACCOMPANY STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE, AND DUE PROCESS The School District rules relative to student conduct, discipline and due process in the schools are adapted from the Rules of the New Hampshire State Board of Education. See Part ED 317. The purpose of the State Board rules is set forth as follows: I. Purpose a. These rules provide due process and statewide uniformity in the enforcement of RSA 193-D relative to disciplinary action for misconduct by a pupil in a safe school zone, including possessing a firearm or any other dangerous weapon, and RSA 193:13 relative to suspension and expulsion of pupils. b. Since RSA 193-D:2, II provides that School Boards may adopt policies relative to pupil conduct and disciplinary procedures. These rules also provide a standard so that the policies of School Boards are consistent throughout the state. c. These rules also link discipline and due process in safe school zones to the requirements of ED 1109 relative to special needs students. II. Definitions
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a. "Expulsion" means the permanent denial of a pupil's attendance at school for any of the reasons listed in RSA 193:13,II and III. b. "Weapon" means (1) a firearm [see 18USC Section 921], to include a pellet or BB gun; (2) any object prohibited, licensed, or regulated under RSA 159; (3) a knife, but not a folding pocket knife or cafeteria-issued dining utensil; and/or (4) a knife and/or any other substance or object which, in the manner it is used, intended to be used, or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of producing serious injury. c. "Gross misconduct" means an act or acts which: (1) results in violence to another person or property; or (2) poses a direct threat to the safety of others in a safe school zone; or (3) is identified in RSA 193- D:1; or (4) involves repeated instances of misconduct or inappropriate behavior for which the pupil has been previously warned or disciplined. d. "Neglect" in the context of RSA 193:13. I and II, means the failure of a pupil to pay attention to an announced, posted, or printed school rule. e. "Possession" shall include, but not be limited to, having control over a weapon during any part of a school day or during any part of a school-related activity, including transporting the weapon to school or to a school-related activity and storage of the weapon anywhere on school premises, whether in the student's locker or in another student's locker or in any other place on school premises. Possession is also deemed to include doing any other act whereby the actor knowingly contributes to causing a weapon to be on school premises or contributes to causing use of a weapon on school premises. f. "Pupil" means a child through age 21 in attendance at the school during the school day. (If the pupil is age 18 or older and not under guardianship, the written notices required below to issue to a parent shall issue instead only to the pupil and, further, all consents or decisions required in the suspension or expulsion process will issue from the pupil.) g. "Refusal," in the context of RSA 193:13, I and II, means the defiance of a pupil to comply with an announced, posted or printed school rule. h. "Safe school zone" means "safe school zone" as defined in RSA 193- D: I, II. i. "School day" shall include not only the instructional portion of the day, but may also include travel to and from school or a school-related activity, as well as the time spent as a participant or spectator at a school related activity. j. "School premises" shall include the school and surrounding school property, including, without limitation, parking areas, athletic fields, and playgrounds; school buses or other vehicle furnished by the District or its agents for transportation to or from school or a school-related activity; school bus stops; and/or those premises and surroundings being used for a schoolrelated activity. For purposes of this procedure and without intending to interfere with the rights and duties of the police and/or private property owners, school premises shall also be deemed to include streets and exterior property in the school neighborhood during the course of travel to and from school or a school-related activity. k. "Superintendent" means the school Superintendent or, in the absence of the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent for the School District(s) or towns. l. "Suspension" means the temporary denial of a student's attendance at school for a specific period of time for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to announced, posted, or printed school rules. m. "Day," with respect to the number of days, shall refer to school days unless there is specific reference to "calendar" days. III. Standard for Expulsion by the School District a. If the School Board expels a pupil under RSA 193:13, II or III, it shall state in writing the act or acts leading to expulsion; and the specific statutory reference prohibiting that act or acts as set forth in RSA 93:13 and/or RSA 193D; and shall provide notice that the expulsion may be reviewed prior to the start of each school year in accordance with Appendix A. b. The principal of each school shall make certain that the pupil has received notice of the requirements of RSA 193:13 and RSA 193-D:1 through announced, posted, or printed school rules. The statutory text shall be printed in the school handbook to be distributed to each student at the beginning of the school year; and shall be announced, posted, and printed at other appropriate locations and times in the middle school and high school. Nothing herein shall prevent a school principal from printing, posting and/or announcing other rules applicable to the school. c. If the student is subject to expulsion and a weapon is involved, the responsibility shall be upon the Superintendent to contact local law enforcement officials whenever there is any issue concerning: 1. Whether a firearm is legally licensed under RSA 159; or 2. Whether a firearm is lawfully possessed, as opposed to unlawfully possessed, under the legal definitions of RSA 159. d. If a pupil brings or possesses a weapon in a safe school zone without written authorization from the Superintendent, the following shall apply: 1. The pupil shall be suspended for a period of not less than 10 days and, if the weapon is determined to be a firearm as defined in 18 USC Section 921, the School Board shall hold a hearing within 10 days to determine whether: The student was in violation of RSA 193:13, III, and, therefore, is subject to expulsion for a period of not less than 12 months; and whether the student's expulsion will be modified under policies set forth in Appendix B.
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IV. Disciplinary Procedures There shall be the following levels of discipline available to school officials enforcing RSA 193:13 and/or RSA 193-D relative to the suspension and expulsion of pupils. 1. A short-term suspension (not to exceed 10 days). The Board hereby designates that the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent for the School District(s) and Towns, and each Principal and Assistant Principal shall have authority to suspend a pupil for 10 days or less. 2. A long-term suspension (between 11 and 20 days). Following a hearing, the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent for the School District(s) and Towns, and each Principal shall have authority to extend a short-term suspension to 20 days. This hearing shall be conducted and the decision shall be issued by a different administrator than the administrator who suspended the pupil for the first ten days. 3. An expulsion by the School Board whereby conditions are established for reinstatement. See also Appendix A relative to review of an expulsion prior to the start of any school year. 4. An indefinite expulsion by the School Board whereby no conditions are established for reinstatement. However, see Appendix A relative to review of an expulsion prior to the start of any school year. I. When a student is referred to the administration for alleged misconduct, discipline will be imposed in accordance with due process requirements. As a general principle, due process requires that the student be notified of the allegation of misconduct and be given an opportunity to be heard. The specific procedure depends upon the type and length of discipline to be imposed. The specific procedures are set forth in RSA 193:13 and the rules adopted by the New Hampshire Board of Education in Ed. 317. In accordance with those requirements, the following procedures apply. II. The Superintendent may designate in writing a building principal or assistant principal with the authority to suspend a student for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. The School Board hereby designates the Superintendent and from time-to-time may authorize other representatives in writing to continue a suspension of a pupil for a period of time in excess of ten (10) days as long as the designated person is not the person who suspended the pupil for the first ten (10) school days. III. Levels of Discipline A. Short-term Suspension – A suspension of less than 10 school days shall be considered a short-term suspension and shall be administered by the superintendent or the superintendent’s representative designated in writing; B. Long-term Suspension – A suspension for more than ten (10) days shall be administered by the school board or its representative designated in writing, provided that the designee is not the person who suspended the pupil for up to ten days under subparagraph (a) above; C. An expulsion by the school board for a period determined in writing by the board under RSA 193:13, II; and D. An expulsion by the school board for a period of not less than 12 months under RSA 193:13, III. IV. Due Process Procedures A. In a short-term suspension of a pupil (10 school days or less), due process shall include: 1. The superintendent or his/her designee as designated in writing shall inform the pupil of the purpose of the meeting and provide oral or written notice of the charges and an explanation of the evidence against the pupil; 2. The pupil must be given an opportunity to present his/her side of the story; and 3. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide the pupil and at least one parent or guardian with a written statement explaining any disciplinary action taken against the student. B. In a long-term suspension of a pupil (more than 10 school days), due process shall include: 1. Written communication to the pupil and at least one of the pupil’s parents or guardian, delivered in person or by mail to the pupil’s last known address, of the charges and an explanation of the evidence against the pupil; 2. The superintendent’s written or oral recommendation for pupil action to correct the discipline problem; 3. A hearing conducted in accord with the following procedures: i. The pupil, together with his/her parent or guardian, may waive the right to a hearing and admit to the charges made by the District. If the pupil is 18 years of age or older, the concurrence of his/her parent or guardian shall be unnecessary unless the pupil is subject to a guardianship which would prevent the pupil from waiving his/her right to a hearing; ii. Formal rules of evidence shall not apply, however, the district shall present evidence in support of the charge(s) and the accused pupil or his/her parent or guardian shall have the opportunity to present a defense or reply; iii. The pupil shall have the right to be represented by counsel, and the pupil, his/her parent or guardian, or attorney, shall have the right to examine any and all witnesses and to have the proceedings recorded or transcribed; and, iv. At the discretion of the student or his/her parent, the hearing shall be public or private.
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4. 5.
6.
A written decision which includes the legal and factual basis for the conclusion that the pupil should be suspended; If the hearing was conducted by the Superintendent or his/her designee, the decision may be appealed to the school board if a written appeal is received by the Superintendent with 10 school days after issuance of the decision being appealed; If the hearing was held by the school board, the decision may be appealed to the state board.
C. In an expulsion by the school board, due process shall include the following minimal requirements: 1. A formal hearing shall be held before any expulsion; 2. Such hearing may be held either before or after the short-term suspension has expired for expulsions under RSA 193:13, but shall be held before the short-term suspension has expired for expulsions under RSA 193:13 III; 3. If the hearing is held after the expiration of a short-term suspension, the pupil shall be entitled to return to school after the short-term suspension has expired and pending the expulsion hearing; 4. The school board shall provide written notice to the pupil and at least one of the pupil’s parents or guardian, delivered in person or by mail to the pupil’s last known address, of the date, time and place for a hearing before the school board; 5. The written notice required by (4) above shall include: i. A written statement of the charges and the nature of the evidence against the pupil; and ii. The superintendent’s written recommendation for school board action and a description of the process used by the superintendent to reach his/her recommendation; iii. This notice shall be delivered to the pupil and at least one of the pupil’s parents or guardian at least 5 days prior to the hearing. 6. The following hearing procedures shall apply: i. The pupil, together with a parent or guardian may waive the right to a hearing and admit to the charges made by the superintendent; ii. If the pupil is 18 years of age or older, the concurrence of a parent or guardian shall be unnecessary unless the pupil is subject to a guardianship which would prevent the pupil from waiving the right to a hearing; iii. Formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable, however, school officials shall present evidence in support of the charge(s) and the accused pupil or his/her parent or guardian shall have an opportunity to present any defense or reply; iv. The expulsion hearing shall be recorded or transcribed; v. The hearing shall be either public or private and the choice shall be that of the pupil or his parent or guardian; and vi. During the hearing, the pupil, parent, guardian or counsel representing the pupil; shall have the right to examine any and all witnesses; 7. The decision of the school board shall be based on a dispassionate and fair consideration of substantial evidence that the accused pupil committed the act for which expulsion is to be imposed and that such acts are, in fact, a proper reason for expulsion; 8. The decision shall state whether the student is expelled and the length of the expulsion. If the decision is to expel the pupil, the decision shall include the legal and factual basis for the expulsion. 9. The decision shall include a statement of the time period for which the student is expelled and any action the student may take to be restored by the board; and decision; 10. The decision shall include a statement that the pupil has the right to appeal the decision to the state board of education. D. All appeals to the state board allowed under RSA 193:13 II or III shall be filed within 20 calendar days of receipt of the written decision of the local school board and shall be in accordance with RSA 541-A and Ed 200. E. Appropriate adjustments shall be made to account for the age and grade level of the pupil being disciplined. IV. Waivers, Appeal and Review In accordance with RSA 193:13 the following appeal and review procedures shall be followed: A. Long term suspensions, may be appealed in accordance with RSA 193:13, I. B. In the case of expulsion pursuant to RSA 193:13, II or III and this policy, written application of readmission may be made to the board through the superintendent’s office no later than one month prior to start of each school year. The
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application shall contain a statement in the pupil’s own words explaining why he/she should be considered by readmission. The application shall be accompanied by at least one recommendation from a member of the community, such as a counselor, minister or employer who has observed the pupil’s behavior during the period of expulsion. The application shall also be accompanied by the superintendent’s and C. Pupils who are expelled under the provisions of the Gun-Free Schools Act are not eligible to re-enroll in the District or in another District for the period of their expulsion. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to create any right of appeal, greater than that contained in RSA 193:13.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: JIH STUDENT SEARCHES A student is subject to search by district staff if reasonable grounds exist to suspect that evidence of a violation of the law or school rules will be uncovered. School staff shall report a student's suspicious activity to the principal prior to initiating a search, except in emergency situations. Establishing reasonable grounds. The following review of the basis for search should occur before conducting a search: A. Identify 1) the student's suspicious conduct, behavior, or activity; 2) the source of the information; and 3) the reliability of the source of information. B. If suspicion could be confirmed, would such conduct be a violation of the law or school rules? C. Is the student likely to possess or have concealed any item, material or substance that is itself prohibited or which would be evidence of a violation of the law or school rule? Conducting the search. If the principal, or his/her designee determines that reasonable grounds exist to search a student's clothing, personal effects, desk, locker, assigned storage area or automobile, the search shall be conducted as follows: A. If evidence of criminal activity is suspected to be present, and prosecution by civil authorities will be recommended if confirmed by the search, consult law enforcement officials regarding the appropriateness of a search by a law enforcement officer. B. If evidence of violation of a school rule is suspected, and if that is confirmed by the search, the matter will be handled solely as a student discipline action. The principal or designee will proceed to search by asking the student to remove all items from pocket(s), purse(s), handbags, backpacks, gym bags, etc. C. If the student refused to cooperate in a personal search, the student should be held until the student's parents or guardian is available to consent to the search. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached in a reasonable time, the principal may conduct the search without the student's consent.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: EEAA VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING DEVICES ON SCHOOL BUSES To ensure the safety and secure environment of District students, the Pelham School Board authorizes the use of video and audio recording devices by the District on any or all buses or other vehicles (hereinafter “bus”) used to provide transportation for District students. This authority shall extend additionally to all vehicles owned by the District or contracted by the District for the transportation of its students. The School Board authorizes the Superintendent to establish and maintain guidelines and procedures for the retention and viewing of the recordings. NOTICE The presence of video and audio recording devices on a bus shall be announced by signage displayed prominently on the bus and will indicate that the recording equipment is being used to record student behavior and that the recordings may be used in future disciplinary actions in the event of any misconduct. The District shall provide notice of this policy annually to the students and parents in the student/parent handbooks. CONFIDENTIALITY All recordings are considered confidential and will be viewed only on an “as needed” basis by those individuals authorized by federal and state laws and this policy. CUSTODY AND MAINTENANCE OF VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDINGS All recordings are the property of the Pelham School District and shall be maintained in accordance with federal and state laws and this policy. STORAGE AND RETENTION OF VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDINGS After a recording has been made, the District’s transportation carrier will retain the recording in a secure location for a period of ten (10) school days. If no request by the District for a recording is made within ten (10) school days of the recording, the District’s transportation carrier shall erase and reuse the recording media. Recordings requested by an authorized District official (the superintendent or designee, building principal, or the District’s transportation coordinator) will be provided to and
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be retained by the District only pursuant to federal and state laws and this policy. The District may use recordings in discipline of students and the recordings shall be retained by the District until the final resolution of any discipline, including the time for appeal or a court ordered retention period. Recordings provided to the District not used for discipline, law enforcement or a court action, will be erased and the recording media reused at the direction of the Superintendent or designee. VIEWING AND LISTENING OF VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDINGS Any request for viewing and listening of the recordings must be approved by the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent or designee will determine if an individual requesting to view and listen to the recording is considered authorized pursuant to federal and state laws and this policy. A recording shall only be reviewed if there has been a report of an incident or a complaint relative to conduct on the bus. The Superintendent or designee will be responsible for maintaining a log of the date and names of all individuals who view a recording. Recordings shall be viewed by the following or others only as expressly authorized by the Superintendent or designee: • Superintendent or designee • Transportation contractor official • Transportation Coordinator • Building Principal • Students and parents of students directly involved in a particular incident or a complaint relative to conduct on the bus • Law enforcement officers Video and audio recordings used as part of disciplinary investigations or other proceedings shall be considered an educational record for purposes of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). Release of video or audio recordings will only occur pursuant to disclosure requirements of FERPA. Use of the audio portion of the tape is limited by RSA 572-A:2(k), therefore, only that portion of the audio recording which is relevant to the incident or complaint will be reviewed or released in accordance to state and federal laws and this policy. For cases involving law enforcement or court requests to review the recordings, the Superintendent or designee will review the case and will decide on the appropriateness of the request based upon federal and state laws. The Superintendent or designee will release only a copy of the recording in accordance with state and federal laws, and the Superintendent or designee will maintain the original recording pending the outcome of the law enforcement or court action.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: JICH DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS The School Board is concerned with the health, welfare and safety of its students. Therefore, the use, sale, transfer, distribution, possession or being under the influence of unauthorized prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotics, unauthorized inhalants, controlled substances, and illegal drugs is prohibited on any school district property, in any district-owned vehicle, or in any other district-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities. This prohibition also applies to any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function. The use, sale, transfer or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also prohibited. For the purposes of this policy, a controlled substance shall include any controlled substance as defined in the Controlled substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c), or RSA 318-B, Controlled Drug Act. Students may only be in possession of medication as detailed in Board Policy JLCD. Searches of persons reasonably suspected to be in violation of this policy will be conducted in accordance with Board Policy JIH. The Pelham School Board recognizes that abuse of alcohol and other drugs is a treatable health problem which at times involves conditions and violations of law, and that involvement with alcohol and other drugs can interfere with a student’s academic, physical, emotional, and social development. Further, the Board recognizes that the schools, families and the community at large have a responsibility to this important matter. Accordingly, the Pelham School Board makes a commitment to the health and well-being of its students through age appropriate programs and procedures and to an environment free from alcohol and other drugs. The Board acknowledges the following school roles: 1. Educate students about alcohol and other drugs; 2. Respond supportively to those whose use of alcohol and/or other drugs interferes with school performance; 3. Promote a climate in which students can seek help if they are in distress from their own or others’ use of alcohol and other drugs; 4. Help students recovering from dependency on alcohol and/or other drugs; 5. Develop and implement guidelines and sanctions in each school which a. Define violations and their consequences, b. Define immediate procedures for handling incidents; c. Describe a support and referral system, which includes response to self-referrals and suspected users; and d. Are clear and articulated to staff, parents and students.
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6. 7.
Train all personnel in school guidelines related to alcohol and other drugs; Ensure no less than a biannual evaluation by representative group of stakeholders of the above efforts.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG PROCEDURE Alcohol and other prohibited drugs procedure: In accordance with the Pelham School District Policy, JICH, Pelham School District makes a commitment to the health and well-being of its students. Only in an environment that is free of alcohol and other drugs can students reach their potential in academics and extra-curricular activities. The Pelham Schools will create a climate in which students can seek help concerning their own use or another’s use of alcohol and other drugs. Each individual in the community has a responsibility to herself/himself and to others to keep the Pelham Schools an environment free of alcohol and other drugs. Definitions: This policy refers to alcohol, non-prescribed restricted drugs, and illegal drugs. Violations and Consequences: These regulations apply whenever school is in session and when students are engaged in school sanctioned activities on school property or on other sites. The administration follows up all alcohol and drug violations with a referral to the Student Support Team. Violations: A student is considered in violation of the School District’s policy on alcohol and other drugs if he/she is: 1. In possession of alcohol or drugs; 2. In possession of paraphernalia reasonably associated with illegal drug use; 3. Distributing alcohol or drugs; 4. Selling alcohol or drugs; 5. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 6. In the act of using alcohol or drugs; or 7. Knowingly in the presence of students in the act of possessing, distributing, selling, or using alcohol or drugs, except when it is clear that the student’s presence is for the purpose of intervening for safety reasons or against another’s use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Consequences for Violations (including but not limited to): 1. Selling (attempted or actual) or distributing (not for sale):
Suspension up to ten school days (can be reduced to 5 days with successful completion of Student Support Team action plan). Notification of police. Notification of parents or guardians. Notification of Superintendent. Referral to the Student Support Team.
2. Possession of alcohol or drugs, using, consuming, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol:
Suspension of up to 5 school days (can be reduced to 2 days with successful completion of Student Support Team action plan). Notification of police. Notification of parents or guardians. Referral to the Student Support Team.
Second Offense (for 1 and 2): A second offense during a student’s school career, which is defined as any violation of this policy occurring from the date of enrollment in the Pelham School District through graduation, of any of the above two categories of offenses shall result in an immediate ten (10) day out of school suspension, a referral to the Superintendent of Schools for an additional ten (10) days out of school suspension, and referral to the School Board for further suspension and/or expulsion. 3. Being knowingly in the presence of drugs or alcohol, but not involved with any of the above infractions:
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Notification of parents or guardians. Referral to the Student Support Team
4. Items (e.g. tools, paraphernalia) that can be reasonably associated with illegal drug use, but which show no traces of drugs, will be confiscated. The student in possession will be referred to the Student Support Team. Parents will be notified. Athletics and Co-curricular Activities The Pelham School District recognizes that representing the school and participating in any school approved activity, including co-curricular activities and interscholastic athletics, is a privilege. For any student involved in taking, dispersing, or possessing alcohol, drugs or tobacco products on or off school property, eligibility to participate will be withdrawn for 90 school days from the date of the incident(s). However, a student may apply for reinstatement of eligibility after 30 school days if they have successfully completed their Action Plan developed by the Student Support Team. For the first violation, it is recommended that the participant remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation (if applicable). Any further violations will result in immediate removal from the team or activity. Any athlete or co-curricular participant found to be in the presence of alcohol or drugs on or off school property will not be allowed to play/participate for one week. A second offense will be treated as a first violation as stated above. Please refer to the PHS Athletic Code for additional student athlete codes and information. Procedures for Handling Incidents: All personnel are required to report actual or suspected incidents of possessing, distributing, using or consuming to the Principal, or his/her designee, i.e. the adult in charge. The identified student might be required to answer questions and/or undergo an evaluation to determine whether or not substances have been consumed or further action is necessary. Emergency – An emergency is defined as a student out of control, unconscious, or physically ill. The priority is protecting the student from physical harm and from disrupting the school environment and other students. 1. Remain with the student. 2. Send for school nurse. 3. Call 911 for emergency medical assistance if the nurse is not available. 4. If indicated, release the student to the custody of appropriate medical personnel. 5. Report to the Principal or his/her designee once the student is under medical supervision. 6. The Principal contacts the parents. If the Principal is not available, the Principal’s designee contacts the parents. The Principal Implements the Follow-Up Procedures Detailed Below: Where there is reason to suspect an alcohol or drug violation by a student (even if the evidence is inconclusive): a. The Principal or his/her designee requests that the Pelham Police Department send an officer to the school who will decide whether to take a student into custody. b. The Principal or his/her designee contacts the student’s parents and informs them that the Pelham Police Department has been called. c. If the police officer does not take custody of the student, the Principal or his/her designee can request that a parent take the student home. d. If the police officer does not take custody of the student and a parent is not available, the Principal or his/her designee can require the student to stay in the nurse’s office until the student can be released into the custody of a responsible adult. Follow-Up Procedures: a. The Principal determines the consequences for the violation and meets with the student and his/her parents. The school independently determines whether it should impose discipline for alcohol or drug use regardless of whether or not the police take action. b. The Principal advises the student and his/her parents that a referral will be made to the Student Support Team. c. After reviewing the incident, the Student Support Team may recommend that the student meet with a Team counselor as a condition of reinstatement and an action plan be developed. The team may also recommend interventions outside of school. d. If a student has been suspended for a drug or alcohol violation, a re-entry plan will be created and includes parent participation if possible.
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Guidelines, procedures, support and referral system: 1. Support and Referral System – Student Support Team: The Student Support Team responds to referrals from the administration, from staff, and from parents or students. All referrals are confidential unless students are under the age of 12 years. Membership: The team consists at minimum of an administrator, at-risk counselor at PHS, guidance counselor, school nurse, and case manager if applicable. Team members have special training in substance use/abuse. The team does not label or diagnose. The role of the team is to: a. Receive data (reports from teachers, counselors, administrators, other school employees); b. Assess - Whether a student’s involvement with substances is affecting his/her school performance or behavior - whether the involvement is experimental or chronic; - whether the student is affected by a family member’s substance use. c. Determine whether there is sufficient information to develop an action plan or whether the situation should be monitored; d. Assist with in-school interventions if indicated; e. Participate in referrals to community agencies for further assessment/treatment. f. Support students returning to school from inpatient treatment facilities. g. Make recommendations and advocate on a student’s behalf with the administration. 2. Procedures a. The team keeps written records of all referrals. These records are confidential and privileged. b. An action plan is developed for any student brought before the team. c. The team reviews the circumstances of the violation and determines whether a meeting with the student is appropriate and who should be involved. d. The team may recommend that a student meet with a team member for education and evaluation, which may be required in addition to administrative consequences such as a suspension. e. The team may refer a student for further assessment/evaluation to a community agency or to a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Whenever possible, the team works with the parents when further assessment or treatment is indicated. f. In cases of repeat offenses, the team may recommend to the administration that outside assessment be requested in addition to the administrative consequences imposed. g. When there is clear evidence that a student is becoming a danger to his/herself or to others because of his/her substance use, the Student Support Team has an obligation to notify the parents. Whenever possible, this is done in conjunction with the student. 3. Suspected Use – Any member of the school community concerned that a student is harmfully involved with alcohol or other drugs can make a referral to the Student Support Team. All referrals are confidential. 4. Self-Referral – When a student recognizes that he/she has a problem with alcohol and/or with other drugs and chooses to do something about this problem, the school will cooperate as fully as possible with the students. No disciplinary sanctions will be imposed provided the following conditions are met: There is no immediate or apparent threat of harm to self or to others. The student is self-referred and not “caught” in violation of school or legal policies. Parent/guardian notification if appropriate. A student under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs will only be allowed one opportunity during their schooling career to self-refer to a guidance counselor or nurse prior to the discovery of being under the influence without disciplinary sanctions. 5. Students in Recovery – Students who go into treatment will be encouraged to remain enrolled in school. The school is not financially responsible for a student’s education or treatment while he/she is in treatment. The student’s guidance counselor will: a. Obtain written releases to discuss an educational plan with the appropriate person at the treatment facility. b. When appropriate, ensure that the student receives the necessary assignments and materials. c. Ensure that the student receives credit for education efforts made while in treatment that meet Pelham School District academic standards.
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d. Obtain written releases to discuss aftercare plans and how to support a student’s decision not to use.
PELHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT – POLICY CODE: EGA INTRANET/INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Internet access is available to students and staff in the Pelham School District. We believe the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers, however, the Internet is a global web of computer networks, not governed by any entity, with no inherent limits or checks on the kind of information maintained by, or available to users. To gain access to this district-wide network (Intranet) and the Internet, all users must sign the attached form. All users under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission. Please read this document carefully and discuss it with your child before signing. The Pelham School District is committed to using the Internet as a global source of information within its educational programs. Our goal is to provide Internet service to promote educational excellence through communication, resource sharing, innovation, and research. It is our intention to provide an Internet environment that is safe and appropriate for the maturity level and needs of student users. In addition, we provide Digital Citizenship instruction in each of our schools to promote responsible use and digital citizenship amongst our students and staff. Internet access by students will be supervised by District personnel and the degree of access to the Internet will be dependent upon the age of students. Students may be permitted access to the District’s computer network without direct supervision by District staff, provided, the students agree to act and demonstrate that they will act in a responsible manner. The District’s Intranet and Internet services are provided for students and staff to conduct research, gather information and communicate with others for academic purposes. The network and Internet service may not be utilized for recreational purposes, personal, commercial or other non-academic purposes. The District’s computer network and Internet service shall not constitute a public forum. Students and staff have no right of privacy with regard to their use of the District’s Intranet and Internet services which include e-mail, stored files, and internet access logs. The District is a public agency subject to laws on the disclosure of governmental records. All users must understand that some e-mails, Internet logs, and other District documents and electronic records may be subject to disclosure upon the Right-To-Know Law. For staff only, incidental personal use is permitted as long as such use does not interfere with classroom instructional time, negatively impact the performance of the network, does not violate any unacceptable uses and has no incremental cost to the District. The Internet is a fluid environment where content is continually changing, and where the authenticity and validity of information at times can be questionable. Some material on the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. The Pelham School District does not condone the use of such materials. The Pelham School District will monitor the on-line activities of users and operate a technology protection measure (filtering/blocking device) on all computers with Internet access, as required by law. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, it is impossible to filter all Internet access, and students may find ways to access controversial materials. The Pelham School District firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. It is the responsibility of the individual to use the Intranet/Internet in a legal, ethical, responsible, and considerate manner. For these reasons it is necessary to establish guidelines that are reflective of the District’s educational objectives for all Intranet/Internet users. Therefore all acceptable use of the Intranet/Internet must be in support of communication, research and education consistent with the purposes of the Pelham School District and must not violate school policies and standards of behavior. These rules provide general guidance concerning the use of computers/devices and examples of prohibited uses. The rules do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity by users. Students, parents and school employees who have questions about whether a particular activity is prohibited are encouraged to contact a building administrator. These rules apply to all school computers/devices wherever used, and all uses of school servers, Internet access and networks regardless of how they are accessed.
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A.
Acceptable Use:
User responsibilities include, but are not limited to: The District’s computers/devices, network, and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the District’s educational mission, curriculum, and instructional goals. Users must comply with all Board policies, school rules, and expectations concerning student conduct and communications when using school computers/devices, whether on or off school property. Students also must comply with all specific instructions from school employees and volunteers when using the District’s computers/devices. Students must notify a parent/guardian and teacher or system administrator immediately if any individual is trying to make contact for illicit or suspicious activities. Users must not interfere with the normal and proper operation of the Intranet/Internet. The use of the Intranet/Internet requires that users abide by accepted rules of network etiquette and digital citizenship. These include but are not limited to: -Be polite, ethical and courteous -Use appropriate language -Respect the privacy of others -Respect access rights of others -Report suspicious behavior B.
Prohibited Use
Unacceptable uses of District’s computers/devices include, but are not limited to, the following: 1.
Accessing or Communicating Inappropriate Materials-Users may not access, submit, post, publish, forward, download, scan or display defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, bullying/cyberbullying, and/or illegal materials or messages. 2. Illegal Activities-Users may not use the District’s computers/devices, network and Internet services for any illegal activity or in violation of any Board policy/procedure or school rules. The District assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using school computers/devices. 3. Violating Copyrights or Software Licenses-Users may not copy, download or share any type of copyrighted materials (including music and films) without the owner’s permission; or copy or download software without the express authorization of the Technology Director. Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties. The District assumes no responsibility for copyright or licensing violations by students. 4. Downloading “Apps,” Games, Music, or Software-Students may not download any “apps,” games, music or software without prior approval from an authorized school employee. 5. Plagiarism-Students may not represent as their own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, music, etc). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and web site must be identified. 6. Use for Non-School-Related Purposes-Using the District’s computers/devices, network and Internet services for any personal reasons not connected with the educational program or school assignments. 7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access-Users may not share passwords, use other user’s passwords; access or use other user’s accounts; or attempt to circumvent network security systems. Users may not encrypt communication or files to avoid system security review. 8. Malicious Use/Vandalism-Students may not engage in any malicious use, disruption of harm to the District’s computers/devices, network and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses. 9. Avoiding School Filters-Users may not attempt to or use any software, utilities or other means to access Internet sites or content blocked by the school filters. If a user believes filtering should be less restrictive for specific, bona fide research purposes, he/she should discuss the matter with his/her teacher and/or the Technology Director. 10. Wasting Resources: Users may not intentionally waste limited resources. 11. Cyberbullying C. Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages The student and his/her parents are responsible for compensating the District for any losses, costs or damages incurred for violations of Board policies/procedures and school rules while the student is using District computers/devices, including the cost of investigating such violations. The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or costs incurred by a student while using District computer/devices.
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D. Student Security A student is not allowed to reveal his/her full name, address, telephone number social security number, photograph or other personal information on the Internet while using a school computer/device without prior permission from a teacher. Students should never agree to meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way. E. System Security The security of the District’s computers/devices, network, and Internet services is a high priority. Any user or student who identifies a security problem must notify his/her teacher or building administrator immediately. The student shall not demonstrate the problem to others or access unauthorized material. F. 1. 2.
3. 4.
5.
6. 7. 8. 9.
Additional Rules for Devices Issued to Students Laptops/tablets are loaned to students as an educational tool and may be used for purposes specifically authorized by school employees and any relevant device-lending or providing organizations/agencies. Students and their families are responsible for the proper care of devices at all times whether on or off school property. The Pelham School District offers an insurance program for parents to cover replacement costs and/or repair costs for damages not covered by the device warranty. If a device is lost or stolen, this must be reported to the building Principal immediately. If a device is stolen, the student and his/her family must report it to the local police immediately. The Board’s policy and rules concerning computer and Internet use apply to use of devices at any time of place, on or off school property. Students are responsible for obeying any additional rules concerning care of devices issued by school employees. Violations of policies or rules governing the use of computers/devices, or any careless use of a device, may result in a student’s device being confiscated and/or a student only being allowed to use the device under the direct supervision of school employees. The student will also be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of Board policies/procedures or school rules. Parents are responsible for supervising their child’s use of the device and Internet access when in use at home. The device may only be used by the student to whom it is assigned and family members to the extent permitted by the relevant program providing or lending the device. All use of school-loaned devices by all users must comply with the District’s Intranet/Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Devices must be returned in acceptable working order at the end of the school year or whenever requested by school employees.
Disciplinary Actions Depending on the severity of the offense, violation of this Intranet/Internet Policy will result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions: • • • • • • •
verbal and written warning restriction or revocation of access privileges removal from a class activity removal from a course student detention, suspension or expulsion being reported to the appropriate legal authorities for possible criminal prosecution financial restitution for inappropriate use
Copyrighted and Other Proprietary Materials All users shall respect copyright and proprietary interest of any materials accessed through the Pelham School District. Users may not duplicate copyrighted software, including school owned software, without permission from the copyright holder, whether for personal use or the use of others. Duplicating copyrighted materials or the use of such materials are offenses subject to criminal prosecution. The Pelham School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Pelham School District will not be responsible for any damages suffered by users which includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mid-deliveries, or service interruptions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The Pelham School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. **Please see the full policy on the PSD website for copies of the required forms to be completed by student and parent**
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