Galvin Middle School 525 Main Street Wakefield, MA 01880 781-246-6410 September 7, 2016 Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 6 students, Please review attached documents and respond to the documents that have a “red” arrow next to them on the link provided with your child’s information. Your assistance in completing these forms by Friday, September 16th would be appreciated. 2016-2017 School Year Calendar Child Safety Program Letter Food Allergy Update Medication Policy No School-Delayed Opening 2016-2017 Photo Objection Letter Responsibility Letter Student Handbook Sign-Off 2016-2017 Technology Acceptable Use Policy Technology Acceptable Use Policy Sign-Off 2016-2017 Walking Field Trip 2016-2017 Sincerely, Galvin Middle School Administration
Should you need this information translated, please contact the principal of your child's school. En caso de necesitar esta información traducida, por favor comuníquese con el director de la escuela de su hijo Se você precisar de informações traduzido, por favor, entre em contato com o diretor da escola do seu filho.
Wakefield Public Schools | 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2016 S
M
T
W
Th
F
S
PD
V
3
93
10
4
5
PD
71
82
11
124
135
146
151
18
193
204
215
25
262
273
PD 4
PD 2
17
226
231
24
295
306
M
T
W
Th
F
S 1
2
31
42
53
64
75
8
9
10
116
121
132
143
15
16
174
185
6
201
212
22
23
243
254
265
276
281
30
312
PD
29
M
8 17 29
Prof. Dev. ½ day Full Prof. Dev. – NS for students Conferences ½ day (Pre-K – 4 Only)
Staff - 23, Students - 22
2-4 10 11-12 19
Rosh Hashanah Columbus Day Yom Kippur Prof. Dev. ½ day
Staff - 20, Students - 20
Conferences ½ day (PK – 4 Only) 10 –18 Passover 14 Good Friday 17 Patriots Day 17 -21 Spring Break 26 Prof. Dev. ½ day
MARCH 2017 S
M
W
Th
F
S
12
23
34
4
1
92
103
11
PD
5
65
76
12
134
145
156
161
PD
18
19
202
213
224
235
246
25
26
271
282
C3
304
315
S
M
T
W
Th
F
2
36
41
C2
63
74
8
9
105
116
121
132
14
15
V
V
22
276
281
29
5
Staff - 14, Students - 14
T
APRIL 2017 S 1
16
V
V
23
243
254
V PD 5
30
9
NOVEMBER 2016 S
16 28
Staff Orientation/PD Labor Day Staff Prof. Dev. Students’ First Full Day Back to School Nights (see below) Prof. Dev. ½ day Prof. Dev. ½ day
Staff - 20, Students - 18
OCTOBER 2016 S
1 5 6 7 14-29
T
W
Th
F
S
13
24
35
46
5
6
71
82
C3
104
11
12
13
145
156
C1
172
183
19
20
214
225
236
24
V
26
27
281
292
303
Conferences ½ day (Pre-K - 4/9-12) 11 Veterans Day 16 Conferences ½ day (Pre-K – 8 Only) 23 Thanksgiving break starts ½ day 24 Thanksgiving Day 24-25 Thanksgiving break NS
17 29
Prof. Dev. ½ day (Pre-K – 8 Only) Memorial Day
Staff - 22, Students - 22
MAY 2017 S
M
T
W
Th
F
S
12
23
34
45
56
6
7
81
92
103
114
125
13
14
156
161
2
183
194
20
21
225
236
241
252
263
27
28
29
304
315
S
M
Th
F
S
16
21
3
96
10
PD
Staff - 19, Students - 19
DECEMBER 2016 S
M
T
W
Th
F
S
14
25
3
83
94
10
1
152
163
17
4
56
61
11
125
136
18
194
205
216
221
232
25
V
V
V
V
V
72 PD
T
W PD
4
4
121
132
143
154
165
17
24
18
196
20
21
22
23
24
31
25
26
27
28
29
30
T
W
Th
F
S
2
33
44
55
66
7
8
91
102
3
124
135
14
15
16
176
181
192
203
21
22
234
245
256
261
272
28
29
303
314
Staff - 17, Students - 17
Staff - 13, Students - 13
1 2 3 11 16
Fall Conferences: Elementary Conferences ½ day on 11/09 and 11/16 Evening Conference 11/17 5-7 p.m. Middle School Conference ½ day 11/16 Evening Conference 11/17 5-7 p.m. High School Conference ½ day 11/09 Evening Conference 11/09 6-8 p.m.
New Years Day Holiday Observed Students/Staff Return Prof. Dev. ½ day M.L. King Day
Staff - 20, Students - 20
FEBRUARY 2017 W
Th
F
S
15
26
31
4
4
95
106
11
PD
JUNE 2017
11
M
T
14 19
H.S. Graduation Prof. Dev. ½ day (Pre-K – 8 Only) Last Day Kindergarten Day 180 for Students (without snow days)
85
S
M
3 7
63
1
S
Prof. Dev. ½ day Chanukah Christmas Day Winter Vacation
52
JANUARY 2017
PD
14 24 –1 25 26 – 30
5
62
73
12
131
142
153
164
175
18
19
20
V
V
V
V
25
26
276
281
8 20 20-24
Prof. Dev. ½ day Presidents’ Day February Vacation
Back to School Nights: Walton – 9/14 Greenwood – 9/21 WMHS – 9/15 Dolbeare – 9/22 GMS – 9/13-(gr. 5&6), 9/20-(gr. 7&8)
Doyle – 9/29 Woodville – 9/22
Spring Conferences (PK-4) Elementary Conferences ½ day on 03/29 and 04/05/Evening Conference 04/06 5-7 p.m. Student Led Curriculum Showcase: Middle School – 03/30, 6-8 p.m. High School – 04/06, 6-8 p.m.
Staff - 15, Students - 15
Information on the end of the term and Report Card distribution will be communicated by the schools. Revised:8/11/2016
GALVIN MIDDLE SCHOOL 525 Main Street Wakefield, MA 01880 (781) 246-6410 September 7, 2016 Dear Parent/Guardian, The Child Safety Program at the Galvin Middle School has been developed to ensure the safety of all our students. In the case of a missing student, time is the most important factor. Please follow the Child Safety Program procedures listed below: Parents/Guardians are asked to call 781-246-6410 and PRESS “1” to report the absence or the tardiness of the student. Parents may call this number until 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. The answering machine will record all parent/guardian calls.
When calling, please give the following information:
Your name Student’s name Homeroom Number Date of absence/tardiness Reason of absence/tardiness
Please do not request homework for your child when calling in the absence/tardiness. ALL HOMEWORK REQUESTS MUST BE MADE BY 8:30AM.PLEASE CALL THE MAIN OFFICE AT 781-246-6410 FOR THIS REQUEST.
A member of the office staff will call the parent if a child is absent and no call has been received on the safety line.
When a student arrives tardy to school, the student must report to the office for a tardy slip before reporting to class.
An absence note will still be required when your child returns to school after each absence.
Parents are reminded that emergency cards must be kept current. If telephone numbers or an address changes during the year, please notify the Galvin Middle School office staff. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
f/opening/child safety/absentee ltr
Wakefield Memorial High School Deborah Ryan, R.N.
60 Farm Street 781-246-6440
Galvin Middle School Health Office Keri Melanson, R.N.
525 Main Street 781-246-6400 ext. 6790
Wakefield Elementary Health Offices Susan Siebeking, R.N. Barbara Durney, R.N. Mary Doherty, R.N. Kelly Qualey, R.N. Cheryl LeBlanc, R.N.
Dolbeare 340 Lowell Street 781- 246-6479 Doyle 11 Paul Avenue 781-246-6420 ext. 29006 Greenwood 1030 Main Street 781-245-4573 Walton 18 Davidson Road 781-246-6494 Woodville 30 Farm Street 781-246-6469
Food Allergy Alert In an effort to optimize the safety of our children with serious food allergies we have designated all Wakefield Public Schools as a “Nut/Peanut Sensitive Zone”. Simply put, no obvious nut/peanut products are allowed in the school. We define “obvious” as a product that you can see nuts/peanuts in it or on it, or a product with some type of “nut” in the name. This would include items such as peanut butter, trail mix or “peanut butter granola bar”. We are not asking you to read ingredient labels, but rather to exercise good judgment in avoiding obvious nut products when packing your child’s lunch and snack. As always, children with food allergies should eat only safe foods from home or foods with ingredient labels that can be checked for safety. Any parent/guardian needing more information on the allergy policy, please visit our health website https://sites.google.com/a/wpsk12.org/health-services/ and click on the allergy policy link.
Sincerely, The Wakefield Public School Nurses
Should you need this information translated, please contact the principal of your child's school. En caso de necesitar esta información traducida, por favor comuníquese con el director de la escuela de su hijo. Se você precisar de informações traduzido, por favor, entre em contato com o diretor da escola do seu filho.
Wakefield Memorial High School Deborah Ryan, R.N.
60 Farm Street 781-246-6440
Galvin Middle School Health Office Keri Melanson, R.N.
525 Main Street 781-246-6400 ext. 6790
Wakefield Elementary Health Offices Susan Siebeking, R.N. Barbara Durney, R.N. Mary Doherty, R.N. Kelly Qualey, R.N. Cheryl LeBlanc, R.N.
Dolbeare 340 Lowell Street 781- 246-6479 Doyle 11 Paul Avenue 781-246-6420 ext. 29006 Greenwood 1030 Main Street 781-245-4573 Walton 18 Davidson Road 781-246-6494 Woodville 30 Farm Street 781-246-6469
MEDICATION POLICY Dear Parent/Guardian, Over the years, there has been some confusion about the policies for administration of prescription and non-prescription medications at school.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS Any prescription medications to be given at school must be delivered in a pharmacy/manufacture labeled container with a prescription label attached. No more than a 30 day supply of the medication may be delivered to the school at one time. The prescription labeled container is adequate physician documentation for 10 days administration of a medication. Any longer administration requires written documentation from a physician or designated assistant. In either case, written permission from the parent must be provided for administration. The state policy is explicit that children MAY NOT self medicate, except in certain conditions such as inhalers (speak directly to your child’s school nurse for other possible exceptions.) If your child is to have an inhaler in school please request and complete the form allowing him/her to self medicate and make sure a prescription label is attached to the inhaler. Per Massachusetts State Policy, except as noted, A PARENT/GUARDIAN OR PARENT DESIGNATED ADULT (over 18) MUST TRANSPORT ANY MEDICATION TO AND/OR FROM SCHOOL. Please ask your pharmacy to provide separate bottles for school and home as any bottle containing medication (i.e. liquid antibiotics) would need to be brought in and picked up daily by an adult. Please note that the state recommendation is that antibiotics ordered for three times a day be given before school, after school and at bedtime.
NON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS ALL non-prescription medications require written documentation by a physician or designated assistant and written parent permission. This would include such medications as Tylenol, Benadryl, or cough medications. The exception begins in grade 5 when under Wakefield’s school physician, Tylenol or Advil may be given in school with written parent permission. As with prescription medications, any non-prescription medications sent in to school must be brought in and picked up by and adult. Again as with prescription medications, CHILDREN MAY NOT SELF MEDICATE. If at any time during the school year, you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us through your child’s school. Sincerely, The Wakefield Public School Nurses Should you need this information translated, please contact the principal of your child's school. En caso de necesitar esta información traducida, por favor comuníquese con el director de la escuela de su hijo. Se você precisar de informações traduzido, por favor, entre em contato com o diretor da escola do seu filho.
Galvin Middle School 525 Main Street Wakefield, MA 01880 781-246-6410 Subject:
No school or 2 hour delay
Date:
September 7, 2016
A school cancellation or a 2 hour delayed opening decision will be made as early as possible. Announcements about no school or 2 hour delayed openings will be made on radio and TV stations: WBZ WHDH WCVB
(channel 4) (channel 7) (channel 5)
Arrival Time when there is a 2 hour delay opening will be 9:45 AM for faculty. Students will report to school no earlier than 9:45AM. Late Bell Homeroom Period 1 Period 2
9:50 a.m. 9:50-9:53 a.m. 9:55-10:27 a.m. 10:29-11:01 a.m.
Continue with regular schedule as of 11:03 a.m. Dismissal time will be the same as usual. We will only run 2 periods before lunch when we have a delayed opening. On the first delayed opening we will run period 1 and 2. On subsequent delays we will alternate the schedule.
Opening/schedules/.no school delayed opening
GALVIN MIDDLE SCHOOL 525 Main Street Wakefield, MA 01880 (781) 246-6410 September 7, 2016
Dear Parent/Guardian, We at the Galvin Middle School are committed to providing your children with the best possible education. This includes teaching the children responsibility and being attentive in the classroom. As we strive to achieve these goals with a population of over eleven hundred students, the following procedures will be in place for the school year: Unless the matter is emergency in nature, messages will not be taken for students. With the exception of lunches, items will not be accepted by the office for delivery to students. This includes homework, instruments and whatever other materials are necessary for their day. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated in helping us implement these procedures.
f/opening/responsibility ltr
.
Wakefield Public Schools Technology Acceptable Use Policy Vision (per Technology Strategic Plan 2013-2016) Wakefield Public Schools considers classroom technology to be an essential, imperative part of a dynamic learning experience for all of our students. We are committed to having students use technology to acquire information, build and assimilate knowledge, and communicate their understanding to prepare them for the future. Our teachers will successfully integrate technology into all aspects of curriculum. This will afford teachers more time to create individualized learning structures and differentiate instruction for their students. Implementation of this Policy The Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee(s), shall develop and implement administrative regulations, procedures, terms and conditions for use and user agreements consistent with the purposes and mission of the Wakefield Public Schools as well as with applicable laws and this policy. Student Email Permission The Wakefield Public Schools’ email system controls to whom email messages can be sent and to whom they can be received. WPS Students cannot send email to parent accounts or anyone outside of the Wakefield Public Schools domain. No WPS student can receive email from outside of the WPS domain. Therefore, students should not use their WPS email for setting up accounts that need to be verified via email or receive notices via email. General Email and On-line Chat Guidelines Below is a general summary of guidelines related to email and any form of on-line chat or instant message: Email and on-line chat is to be used for school-related communication. Do not send harassing email, instant messages or content. Do not send offensive email, instant messages or content. Do not send spam email, instant messages or content. Do not send email, instant messages containing a virus or other malicious content. Do not send or read email, instant messages at inappropriate times, such as during class instruction. Do not send email or instant messages to share test answers or promote cheating in any way. Do not use the account of another person. Content Filtering (see Web Content Filtering Policy 903RE) The Wakefield Public Schools uses software designed to block access to certain sites and filter content as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. §254 (CIPA). Wakefield Public Schools is aware that not all inappropriate information can be filtered and the District will make an effort to correct any known gaps in the filtering of information without unduly inhibiting the educational use of age appropriate content by staff and students. Users will inform teachers or administrators of any inadvertent access to inappropriate material, in order that there is appropriate modification of the filtering profile. Wakefield Public Schools educates students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking Web sites and in chat rooms and cyber bullying awareness and response. Monitoring and Privacy The Wakefield Public Schools monitors the use of the school District’s network to protect the integrity and optimal operation of all computer and system networks. There is no expectation of privacy related to information stored and transmitted over the Wakefield Public Schools network. The information on the network in general files and email is not private and is subject to review by the technology department at the request of the Wakefield Public Schools administration to substantiate
inappropriate activity and to comply with requests of law enforcement agencies as part of their investigations. The Wakefield Public Schools will cooperate with copyright protection agencies investigating copyright infringement by users of the computer systems and network of the Wakefield Public Schools. Technicians and computer system administrators maintain full access rights to all storage devices, and may need to access/manage such storage devices as part of their duties. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that a user has or is violating the Wakefield Public Schools Technology Acceptable Use Policy, other school committee policies, state laws, or federal laws. Search of particular files of a user shall be conducted if there is a reasonable suspicion that a user has violated the law or Wakefield School Committee Policies. The investigation will be reasonable and in the context of the nature of the alleged policy violation.
User Access and Explanation of Guideline Access to information technology through the Wakefield Public Schools is a privilege, not a right. Students, parents, and staff shall be required to read the WPS Technology Acceptable Use Policy and sign and return the Statement of Responsibilities. The Wakefield Public School Acceptable Use Policy shall govern all use of technology devices, digital resources, and network infrastructure. Student use of technology resources, digital resources, web enabled devices, and network infrastructure will be governed by the Wakefield Public Schools disciplinary policies as outlined in student and employee handbooks. Because information technology is constantly changing, not all circumstances can be anticipated or addressed in this policy. All users are expected to understand and comply with both the “letter” and the “spirit” of this policy and show good judgment in their use of these resources. The Wakefield Public Schools provides students access to its technology devices, digital resources, and network infrastructure, along with information technology for educational use. If a student has doubts regarding whether a resource has educational merit, he/she should ask a staff member. Scope of Technology Policies Policies, guidelines and rules refer to all computing devices including but not limited to computers, mobile web enabled devices, Chromebooks, iPads, MP3 players, portable memory storage devices, calculators with interfacing capability, cell phones or ECDs (electronic communication devices), digital cameras, etc., as well as technology infrastructure, associated peripheral devices and/or software. Policies, guidelines, and rules refer to any computing or telecommunication devices owned by, leased by, in the possession of, or being used by students and/or staff that are operated on the grounds of any District facility or connected to any equipment at any District facility by means of web connection, direct connection, telephone line or other common carrier or any type of connection including both hardwired, fiber, infrared and/or wireless. This Technology Acceptable Use Policy also applies to any online service provided directly or indirectly by the District for student use, including but not limited to: Google Apps for Education accounts, Email, Calendar, and iPass (Access to Student Information System). Consequences for Violation of Technology Policies Use of the computer network and Internet is an integral part of research and class work, but abuse of this technology can result in loss of privileges. Students who use technology devices, digital resources, and network infrastructure, along with information technology inappropriately may lose their access privileges and may face additional disciplinary or legal action. The length of time for loss of privileges will be determined by building administrators and/or other staff members. If the user is guilty of multiple violations, privileges can be removed for one year or more.
Unacceptable Uses of Technology Resources Inappropriate technology use includes but is not limited to the following: Interfering with the normal functioning of devices, computer systems, or computer networks. Damaging or theft of devices, computer systems, or computer networks. Accessing, modifying, or deleting files/data that do not belong to you. Sending or publishing offensive or harassing messages and content. Accessing dangerous information that, if acted upon, could cause damage or danger to others. Giving your username or password to any other student, or using the username or password of someone else to access any part of the system. Sharing and/or distribution of passwords or using another student or faculty member’s password. Intentional viewing, downloading or distribution of inappropriate and/or offensive materials. Gaining unauthorized access to computer and or telecommunications networks and resources. Viewing, transmitting or downloading pornographic, obscene, vulgar and/or indecent materials. Using obscene language, harassing, insulting or bullying others, posting of private or personal information about another person, spamming of the school email system, violating any federal or state law, local regulation or school committee policy. Cyber-bullying (bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication) which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a: wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, Internet communications, instant message, text message or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying shall also include the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or knowingly impersonates another person as author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation is a violation under law. Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting is a violation under law. Cyber-bullying may occur in and out of school, during and after school hours, at home and in locations outside of the home. When cyber-bullying is alleged, the full cooperation and assistance of parents and families are expected. Violating copyright laws and/or the District policy on plagiarism. Copying software or applications from Wakefield Public School devices through any electronic means unless the particular licensing agreement in place for the software allows user distribution. Intentionally wasting limited network or bandwidth resources. Destructions/vandalism of system software, applications, files or other network resources. Employing the network for commercial or political purposes. Using the network/Internet to buy or sell products. “Hacking” and other illegal activities in attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted files, other devices or computer systems. Uploading any harmful form of programming, bypassing filters; installing any type of server, aliasing / spoofing, peer-to-peer networking or remote-control software. Possession of and/or distribution of any of software tools designed to facilitate any of the above actions will also be considered an offense. Saving inappropriate files to any part of the system, including but not limited to: o Music files o Movies o Video games of all types, including ROMs and emulators o Offensive images or files o Programs which can be used for malicious purposes o Any files for which you do not have a legal license o Any file which is not needed for school purposes or a class assignment.
o
Uses that contribute to the violation of any other student conduct code including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, hazing or harassment, theft, falsification of records, possession of banned substances/items, etc. NOTE: If a student needs a file for a class project that you think may be considered inappropriate, then he/she needs to have teacher and school administration permission prior to the class project. Due Process The Wakefield Public Schools will apply progressive discipline for violations of the District policy and signed Acceptable Use Agreement Form which may include revocation of the privilege of a user’s access to technology devices, digital resources, and network infrastructure, along with information technology. Other appropriate disciplinary or legal action may be undertaken by the Wakefield Public Schools administration. The nature of the investigation will be reasonable, and for staff, will reflect the contract language for each bargaining unit. Wakefield Public Schools Limitations of Liability The Wakefield Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, implied or expressed, that the services and functions provided through the Wakefield Public Schools technology devices, digital resources and network infrastructure, along with information technology will be error free or without defect. The Wakefield Public Schools will not be responsible for damages users may suffer, including but not limited to loss of data or interruption of service. The Wakefield Public Schools, along with any persons or organizations associated with the school department Internet connectivity, will not be liable for the actions of anyone connecting to the Internet through the school network infrastructure. All users shall assume full liability, legal, financial or otherwise for their actions while connected to the Internet. The Wakefield Public Schools assumes no responsibility for any information or materials transferred or accessed from the Internet. Parents/Guardians should read this WPS Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Parents/guardians should discuss the technology use responsibilities with their children. Questions and concerns can be forwarded to the Wakefield Public Schools and appropriate offices. Parents and guardians agree to accept financial responsibility for any expenses or damages incurred as a result their student’s inappropriate or illegal activities on the Wakefield Public Schools network. Parents and guardians agree to reimburse Wakefield Public Schools for any expenses or damages incurred in the use of District owned devices such as Chromebooks or other devices provided in 1:1 school deployments. Modification The Wakefield School Committee reserves the right to modify or change this policy and related implementation procedures at any time. Adopted by the Wakefield School Committee: August 2014
