THE PARK AVENUE SCHOOL

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Student Handbook

 2008-2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

·        CANCELLATIONS

·        DELAYED OPENINGS

·        EVACUATION

 

Information concerning cancellation, delayed opening of school on bad weather days, or evacuation will be provided via the following:

 

 

Radio Stations:            

·        WESO (AM 970)

·        WGFP (AM 940)

·        WTAG (AM 580)

·        WSRS  (FM 96.1)

·        WAAF (FM 107)

Cable:

·        Channel 13 (Webster Public School Access Channel)

Television:

·        Channels 4, 5, and 7          

 

Website:                     www.webster-schools.org

 

 

  1. Park Ave Elementary may also use the telephone messaging system known as ALERTNOW as a rapid notification and communication service to communicate with parents.

 

  1. If students are already at school, and it is necessary to have an early dismissal, this information will be given to you over the same radio stations, Cable/TV channels, and district website.

 

  1. Parents, please make certain your child knows what to do or where to go from school in case we need to close school early due to bad weather or emergency evacuation.

 

  1. Should an evacuation of the building be necessary, it will be conducted along our fire drill procedures.  Once students have exited the building and are accounted for, classes will proceed to the Webster Middle School or Bartlett Jr/Sr. High School, where they will be transported home by bus or will be dismissed to parents or designated responsible people listed on emergency cards.

 

  1. Your cooperation in this matter will help us provide a smooth and safe dismissal for students. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE PARK AVENUE SCHOOL

_____________________________________________

58 Park Avenue – Webster, Massachusetts 01570

Tel. 508-943-4554       –        Fax: 508–949-1668

 

 

 

                                               

Philip Benincasa                                                                                                                                Patricia Mackay

Principal                                                                                                                                                School Adjustment Counselor

 

 

 

August 2008

 

Greetings,

 

             To those of you returning to Park Avenue, we hope your summer has been safe and restful; to those of you new to our school, a hearty welcome and the promise that we will do all in our power to make your youngster’s time with us happy and productive.  The attached handbook is designed to help you and your child become more familiar with the school, our procedures and general expectations.

             We here at Park strive to provide a safe and challenging environment sprinkled with a good bit of age appropriate fun for our students.   Our goal, day in and day out, is to enhance the love of learning; provide opportunities for every student to develop a positive sense of self and finally to demonstrate a healthy respect for others.

            The truth is none of this is possible without your direct involvement and active support…we simply cannot do it alone.  Please read to your child, play matching games, counting games, spend fifteen minutes with them every night demonstrating by your sacrifice of time that all of this is important.  I am always amazed at how easy it is to become a parent and how hard it is to BE a parent and I know how tired we all are after a long day of work.  I also know, however, that the contribution on your part of fifteen minutes every day may very well make all the difference in how successful your youngster may become as an adult themselves. 

            I also believe that every parent has an internal “scale”.  If  that scale goes “tilt” and you begin to worry about your child’s program or you simply feel that things are not progressing as you like, please call us.  We will do all in our power to explain what is going on and if something is, indeed, wrong, we will make it right.

            I look forward to working with you and your child in the months ahead.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Philip Benincasa

Principal

 

 

 

 

The Webster Public School District

 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

           

 

 

 

NO DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

The Park Ave Elementary School is an equal opportunity institution.  According to the Sate and Federal law, there shall be no discrimination against any student or adult on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation or national origin.

 

BUILDING SECURITY

 

In order to improve building security our school has a locked door policy.  Once students have entered in the morning, the doors are locked.  People wishing to enter will need to do so at the lower level door.  Press the buzzer, the office staff will then let you in.

 

SCHOOL DAY

 

The school day is in session from 8:20 a.m. - 2:35 p.m (Please recognize that this is a different release time then in years past).  Students may arrive at school from 8:05 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.  Students are not to arrive any earlier than 8:05 a.m.  There will be no supervision before this time; parents will assume responsibility for the safety of their children who arrive prior to 8:05 a.m..

 

Dismissal will begin at 2:35 p.m. with bus students and will conclude with the release of student pick-ups.

·        In the interest of student safety, parents who plan to release their child to another person at dismissal time must send a note to the office that identifies the adult to whom the child will be released.  Park Ave Elementary School can not release any student to a person unless they are on the student’s emergency card or who was named in a parental note.

·        Each school year every parent must submit an updated Student Transportation Form indicating how their child will be going home.  Any change in your child’s transportation requires a written note. Without a written note indicating a change, your child will go home according to the Student Transportation Form submitted at the beginning of the school year.

·        When transportation changes occur young children often get confused and for safety purposes a written note must be submitted.

·         

All bus students disembark/embark buses at the lower level of the school (Park Avenue).  The boarding and unloading area is directly in front of the main school entrance.  Students riding in cars, to be dropped off in the morning or picked up in the afternoon, will use the upper level of the school (Ray Street - next to Memorial Field).  If your child arrives after 8:25 a.m. they will need to check in at the main office (lower level) before going to their classroom.

 

DISMISSALS – DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

 

Please make every effort to avoid dismissals during the school day.  Early dismissal should be reserved for emergencies that arise or scheduled doctor’s appointments, etc...

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

The Webster School Committee has adopted an Attendance Policy, which includes standards of attendance.  Inherent in the standards is an understanding that parents and the school need to work together in encouraging pupil attendance on each date that school is in session.  Attendance emphasis in the elementary schools recognizes the developmental factors of education, growth and responsibility.  Punctuality and regularity of attendance are important to the child from the very first day of school.  The earlier a child learns that school is their “job” and that they have something important to do the more satisfactory will be their growth and development. 

 

Absences

 

Whenever a student is absent from school, the parent should call the school before 9:00 a.m. at 508-943-4554. The office will call the homes of students who are not in school and whose parents have not called the school. Parents should provide the school with a current home, work, cell phone number or another available telephone number where they can be contacted during the school day.  Every effort should be made to keep absenteeism to a minimum.  A high absenteeism rate negatively impacts student learning and the Park Ave Elementary School must abide by MA G.L., c76, §1 & §2, which allows no more than seven (7) absences in any period of six months.   When a student returns to school after an absence, they should bring a note to school on the first day back signed by a parent. The note must include:

 

1. Date of absence

2. Reason for absence

      3. Parent or Guardian signature.

 

 

Unexcused Absences

 

Again, we are mandated to follow the following guidelines:

 

  1. 5 unexcused absences: parents will simply receive a letter informing them that their child has reached 5 and will be reminded of the Attendance Policy.
  2. 10 unexcused absences: parents will be asked to speak with the School Adjustment Counselor about the continued problem with unexcused absences.
  3. 15 unexcused absences: the MA G.L., c76, §1 & §2, requires public schools to inform Juvenile Court of children who are chronically absent from school.  If this is done, parents will be contacted to meet with the Clerk Magistrate to resolve the problems that may be contributing to the chronic absenteeism.  In addition, children who miss a lot of school work are at a greater risk of retention, as chronic absenteeism contributes to severe learning gaps and may cause children to fall behind. 
  4. The school will exercise judgment in justification of absences for illness. 

 

Tardiness

 

Students are considered tardy after 8:25 a.m.  Tardy students must report to the office for a late slip before entering their classroom.  We strongly encourage students to be punctual in school arrival. Arriving late to school is disruptive to a student and to the student’s classroom. Understand that being on time is important. MA G.L., c76, §1 & §2, requires the school to report excessive tardies.  We consider 14 tardies excessive in a 6 month period and will you be contacted by the School Adjustment Counselor.

 

Vacations

 

Classroom learning is an ongoing process and every effort should be made to schedule family vacations to coincide with the school calendar.  

 

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER

 

Parents must notify the office of any change of address or telephone as soon as it occurs.  If a student is going to be moving out of town then the parent should contact the office for transfer papers.  The school needs to have a working telephone number in case of an emergency.  The ALERTNOW messaging system that provides rapid notification and communication with parents requires current telephone numbers.  Please contact the office with an updated telephone number as needed.

 

SCHOOL CONDUCT

 

School Behavior

 

Students are responsible for following these regulations and reasonable directions given to them by a member of the school staff. Problems involving school rules and failure to follow directions will be handled individually.  When a student breaks a rule or otherwise behaves inappropriately positive actions will be taken to help the youngster develop alternative strategies for dealing with what ever it was that prompted the problem.  Decisions about these matters will be made by appropriate school personnel.  Please note that all situations cannot be covered by these regulations and that students may be removed from class if their behavior disrupts or repeatedly interrupts a class or group, or if it puts the safety of student or staff member at risk.

 

Expectations

 

Park Avenue Elementary School follows a Positive School Wide Behavior Program with the expectations of:  BE SAFE, BE RESPECTFULL, and BE RESPONSIBLE.  This model encourages students to practice behavioral expectations in all non-classroom and classroom areas.  Examples of safe, respectful and responsible behavior include:

 

  • Treating fellow students, school faculty and staff in a civil, respectful, and courteous manner.
  • Respecting school property.
  • Respecting the personal property of others.
  • Respecting the rights of fellow students without fighting, teasing, name-calling or harassing, or bullying
  • Respecting and valuing student learning time
  • Using language that is appropriate and free from profanity
  • Walking in the hallways and conducting oneself in a proper manner at all times
  • Refraining from gum chewing on school grounds.

 

All of us at Park want to see classrooms that function in a safe, respectful and productive manner.  Teachers will clearly establish student expectations that support and encourage such appropriate behavior.  Should students wander from the prescribed behaviors, a verbal warning may be all that is needed to bring the student back to the task. If a student’s inappropriate behavior continues, the following procedures will be followed:

 

    1. The teacher will administer consequences on an individual basis (student conference, loss of privilege, send a note home, etc.).
    2. If a student does not respond to the teacher’s intervention, the teacher will telephone the parent and discuss the issue.  At this time an appointment may be necessary to resolve the situation.
    3. If after a meeting with the parent the situation is not resolved then the parent will be notified and a conference will be set up with the teacher, school adjustment counselor, and principal to discuss a course of action.

 

Parents who have concerns regarding discipline should follow this contact procedure:

      • Notify the classroom teacher
      • Contact the Principal

 

School Yard Conduct

 

In order to maintain a safe environment on the playgrounds, students must follow the PAE rules.                                                

1.      Be kind and use good manners - rough play is not permitted.

2.      Please play in the designated areas of the school yard.

3.      Students are to keep hands and feet to themselves.

 

Cafeteria Conduct

 

At all times it is expected that students will be well mannered, polite, and orderly in the cafeteria. It is also their personal responsibility to help keep the cafeteria neat and clean. 

 

Bus Conduct

 

 

The Webster Public School District respects and protects our student riders’ right to privacy.  Born of this respect, we acknowledge that sometimes much of a student’s personal information that parents share with the school is private and of a nature that school personnel may share with transportation services and employees.  Therefore, we encourage parents to offer to transportation representatives any information that they feel may help to make their children’s commute more safe and comfortable without compromising their privacy.

 

School busses are provided to transport all students who attend Park Ave Elementary.  The bus is considered an extension of the classroom.  Safety and courtesy requires appropriate conduct while boarding or riding the bus. Conduct on the bus should be the same as classroom conduct, with the bus driver receiving the same respect and courtesy due a teacher or staff member.

 

  1. Students must remain seated when the bus is in motion, and wait to exit seats until the bus has come to a complete stop.
  2. Students will keep their body facing toward the front of the bus.  Student’s legs and objects should be free of the aisle.
  3. Students will keep their hands to themselves.
  4. Be responsible in keeping the bus clean and orderly.

 

A student will be issued a bus conduct report for inappropriate behavior. A student may be suspended from the bus for a behavior violation.  Three bus conduct reports will result in suspension from riding the bus.  Repeated suspensions from the bus may result in an expulsion from riding the bus. 

 

It is mandatory that an adult accompany and supervise the student at the bus stop.  Students should not be left at the bus stop unattended and will not be dropped off without an authorized adult present.

 

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SUSPENSION/EXPULSION (DUE PROCESS)

 

A student may be suspended for a violation of student regulations on the first offense if it is judged to be serious by school officials.  In general, a student will face suspension from school when efforts to have his/her behavior conform to school standards and regulations through the use of the reason and disciplinary action (including detention) have failed to bring about a desired change. 

 

Before a student receives a suspension the following procedure will be used:

 

1.      The student/parent will be notified with an oral or written notice of the infraction.

2.      The student/parent will be given an explanation of the basis for the infraction.

3.      The student/parent will be given opportunity to present his/her side of the story.

 

When suspended, a student may not take part in any school related activity, including field trips, assemblies, etc. 

 

WEBSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL POLICY ON POSSESSION OF WEAPONS

 

For the purposes of this policy, a “weapon” includes but is not limited to a gun, knife, or any other device or object used or attempted to be used to inflict bodily harm on a person may be considered a weapon.  This policy will be implemented according to the due process provisions of the Webster Public Schools Discipline Code applicable to Regular and Special Education students.

 

1.      A student shall not possess, use or attempt to use any weapon on school premises or at a school-related situation. 

2.      In order to protect students of the Webster Public Schools, the Principal may/will expel for a minimum of one calendar year any student found in possession of a gun or a knife on school premises or at a school-sponsored situation. 

3.      In addition, the Principal may/will expel any student who uses or is found in possession of any other weapon on school premises or at a school-sponsored event.

4.      All lockers available to students are the property of the Webster Public Schools.  Use of the lockers by students is regulated by the School Administration and all lockers are subject to inspection by the School Administration at any time.  Any weapon(s) or other contraband found in a locker in violation of school policy may be considered to be the property of the student assigned to that locker for purposes of disciplinary action under this code.

5.      For security reasons, students will not be permitted to wear hats, outerwear (coats and jackets) or carry large book/gym bags with them through the school day.  Students must store all book bags, gym bags, hats, and outerwear (coats and jackets) in their locker during the school day.

 

 

Valuables/Lost and Found

 

The school is not responsible for items (examples: toys, cards, electronic devices, beepers, walkmans, etc.) that students bring onto school grounds.  Students are cautioned not to bring anything of value.  The school will confiscate any items felt to be distracting to students or others in the educational setting. 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

Should it be necessary to raise a question or concern about any school related issue we ask that you follow these guidelines:

 

  1. Begin at the most specific level and meet with the staff member who knows the most about your concern.  In most cases, this will be the classroom teacher and you may leave a message in the office if the teacher cannot be reached when you call (508-943-4554).
  2. If your question or concern is still not resolved, the next step is to telephone or request a meeting with the principal (508-943-4554).  Every effort will be made to resolve your concerns at the earliest possible time. 

 

WEBSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL POLICY ON THEADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

 

Students who require medication during the school day must bring a physician-signed order and a note from a parent giving the school nurse permission to give the medication to the child; additionally, the medication must be given to the nurse, along with the M.D. order and the note of permission, in the original medication bottle containing the prescription label.  Please do not send medications in plastic bags or in unmarked bottles – No medications will be administered without the original prescription label indicating dosage and the prescribing physician.  Tylenol will not be given to any child without parental permission.  Parents wishing their child to receive Tylenol should contact the school nurse, who will assist them further with this process.

 

 

WEBSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL POLICY ON PEDICULOSIS (LICE/NITS)

 

The Webster Public School system has adopted a NO NIT POLICY.  Pediculosis (lice/nits) is highly communicable and all children are vulnerable to outbreaks.  Students with lead lice or nits will be dismissed and excluded from school until nit free.  Parents will be notified by the school nurse of nits in the classroom.  The school nurse is available to answer any questions in regard to this matter.  Students must be seen by the school nurse upon reentry to school.

 

 

 

 

ILLNESS/INJURY

 

The nurse is available for students who become ill during school hours, students must check with the teacher before going to the nurse.  Students must be dismissed from the nurse’s office.  Students who are ill at home in the morning should not be sent to school.  Students should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.  All injuries sustained during school hours should be reported to the nurse when they occur.  Injuries sustained at home are to be taken care of by parents.

 

In case of serious injury/illness, the immediate concern is to aid the injured or sick student.  The following procedures are to be used as general guidelines only:

 

1. The school nurse and building principal will determine the seriousness of the injury

2. Identification of injury or illness

3. The school nurse or building principal will immediately contact the parent or legal

     guardian

4. Based on the determination of the school nurse, building principal, and the parent, the   

    injured student may be taken to the hospital.  Depending on the seriousness of the in  

    jury, one of the following two procedures may be used to transport the student to the

    hospital:

 

                        a. The parent will come to school and transport the student to the hospital

                        b. School personnel with call 911 and request an ambulance to transport                                       the student to the hospital

 

5.  For serious injury, an accident report form shall be filled out and forwarded to the

     Office of the Superintendent within three days of the injury.

6.      In case of serious injury, the superintendent will be immediately notified of the nature     

     of the injury, its seriousness, and status of situation. 

 

VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS

 

Upon entering the building, please report to the main office.  Visitors/Volunteers to the school who are guests must have a Visitor’s/Volunteer’s Badge and must sign their name, time of arrival and departure in a log book at the office. The badge should be visible at all times and in plain view.  Before exiting the Visitor/Volunteer returns the badge to the office.  All visitors must abide Park Ave Elementary School Rules.

 

 

WEBSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL POLICY ON CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS

 

Except where the regulations specify authorized by third parties, no individuals or organizations other than parents and school personnel working directly with the student are allowed to have access to information in the student record without specific, informed, written consent of the parent of the student. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS

 

According to 603 CMR 23.02 guardians or divorced/separated, foster, or unmarried parents have access to the student record unless contrary written agreement between parents or a court order governing the rights of such parents is brought to the attention of the Principal.

 

TRANSFER OF RECORDS

 

No records, files or data directly relating to an individual student shall be made available to anyone without the consent and notification of the parents or guardian.

 

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHING AND VIDEOTAPING OF STUDENTS

 

During the school year, the Webster Public School may authorize various organizations such as the local news media and parent groups to photograph or videotape students engaged in activities related to school programs.  These pictures may be used on a bulletin board, in a newsletter, or some type of educational publication designed to illustrate or describe an activity sponsored or promoted by the Webster Public Schools.  If parents have a concern relative to their child appearing in any of these photographs or videotapes, they should notify the school in writing. 

 

STUDENT WORK

 

Throughout the school year, student work will be displayed in the classroom or throughout the building.  If you do not consent, please send written notice. 

 

WEBSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL POLICY ON ASSAULT OR HARASSMENT (THREATS) - TITLE VI/TITLE IX

 

Behavior directed at another student (or adult) which produces mental pressure or physical distress will be considered harassment or assault.  This includes all threats to do harm, all forms of teasing, initiation, hazing, or pressure to act in a way which is objectionable to the student.  Any behavior which causes another student or adult to be afraid to come to school or violates another’s civil rights will result in disciplinary action in the form of detention or suspension.  If the situation warrants further action, the police and courts can be notified. 

 

The following procedure can be employed to address such concerns:

 

1.      If the victim can comfortably do so, he or she may inform the person engaging in the misconduct that it is offensive and must be stopped. 

2.      If direct communication has not taken place or brought about result, the victim will report the offense to the teacher or principal.  An incident report will be filled out and given to the principal, who will take appropriate action. 

3.      If warranted or if further review is requested the Superintendent will be informed and will review the situation. 

 

Retaliation or threats of retaliation upon the victim is unlawful and will not be tolerated. 

 

 

 

Bullying

 

Bullying is defined as the act of one or more individuals intimidating one or more persons through verbal, physical, mental or written interactions.  Bullying can take many forms and occur in virtually any setting.  It can create unnecessary and unwarranted anxiety that will affect attending school, walking in corridors, eating in cafeterias, playing in the school yard or recreation areas, participating in or attending special and extra-curricular activities, or riding on the bus to and from school each day.  Bullying and harassment are major distractions from learning.  Bullying and harassment of any type has no place in a school setting.  Park Ave School will maintain a learning environment free of bullying and harassment for the safety of all students.

 

 

Examples of bullying include, but not limited to:

 

1.      Intimidation, either physical or psychological.

2.      Threats of any kind stated or implied.

3.      Assaults on students, including those that are verbal, physical, psychological and emotional.

4.      Attacks on student property.

 

 

 

 

 

Harassment

 

Harassment may include, but is not limited to, harassment on the basis of race, creed, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, or disability, or any behavior directed at a specific person, which seriously alarms and potentially causes them to suffer substantial emotional distress.

 

Examples of harassment include, but not limited to:

 

1.      Verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse.

2.      Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature.

3.      Implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grade, achievements, or other school matter.

4.      Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student.

 

 

 

 

 

Sexual Harassment

 

Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

 

1.      Submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition for a student’s education or of a student’s participation in school programs or activities.

2.      Such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s school performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive school learning environment.

3.      Other sexually oriented conduct, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating a school environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to males or females.

 

Reporting

 

Students are encouraged to report suspected incidents of bullying and harassment/sexual harassment to teachers, administrators, school adjustment counselor, other Park Ave Elementary staff, parents or any trusted adult.  Anyone receiving a report should convey the report to the principal or designee.  The principal, or designee, will be responsible for handling all complaints by students or adults alleging bullying or harassment/sexual harassment.  The administration will promptly investigate all allegations and will make every attempt to secure the anonymity of the victim(s) and the reporter(s).

 

Hazing

 

Hazing or initiation procedures (physical or otherwise) are prohibited in school or in connection with any school related activity.

 

SMOKING OR USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

 

Smoking and/or the use of tobacco products of any type shall be prohibited 24 hours a day, seven days a week on school property (building and grounds), at any school related events, and within any school owned contracted/leased vehicles.

 

 

WEBSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL POLICY ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

 

The Webster Public Schools abides by MA G.L., c94C, §32J regarding Controlled Substance Violations in, on, or near school grounds.  Prescriptions drugs (for which the student has a valid prescription) must be delivered to the school nurse by the parent during school hours and administered by the school nurse, if necessary.  No over the counter drugs are to be carried by the student.  If these drugs are necessary they must be contained in the school nurse’s office.  The Webster Public Schools will not tolerate possession, distribution or manufacture of any illegal drug, drug paraphernalia or alcoholic beverages in school or on school property.  This policy also applies to prescription drugs when they are not turned into the school nurse.  Staff members who suspect a student of being under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other controlled substances including prescription medicines are required to report that information to the building principal. 

 

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 

The building principal shall have full authority for action in event of an emergency which threatens the safety and security of persons in the school building or on school grounds unless specifically directed otherwise by the Superintendent. 

 

Fire Drill Procedures

 

Fire drills will be practiced no less than six times throughout the school year so that all personnel and students are familiar with the procedure of fire drills in the event of an actual fire emergency.  The fire drill alarm will sound alerting everyone within the building of fire drill status.  Teachers will follow the same procedure of securing rooms as in evacuation plan but will exit by the fire drill procedures posted in each room.

 

 

MISSING STUDENT

 

Should a child be reported missing to the office:

 

1.      A thorough and complete search of the building/school grounds

2.      Communication will be made by the principal/designee to the following:

·        school personnel

·        parent/guardian

·        bus company if applicable 508-943-0482

·        student’s associated friends and neighbors

·        Superintendent at 508-943-0104

3.      If the child has not been located after this process, local police will be contacted for assistance.

4.      Once the child is located, the incident will be documented and all personnel involved in the search process notified. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

 

All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in this handbook.  Federal and state laws and regulations require that additional provisions be made for students who have been found by an evaluation team to have special needs and whose program is implemented under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  The following additional requirements apply to the discipline of special needs students:

           

  • The Principal (or designee) will notify the Special Education Office of the suspendable offense of a special needs students and a record will be kept of such notices. 
  • A suspension of longer than 10 consecutive days or a series of suspensions that are shorter than 10 days but constitute a pattern are considered to represent a change in placement. 
  • Prior to suspension that constitutes a change in placement of a student with disabilities; the Team will develop or review a functional behavior assessment of the student’s behavior to modify a behavior intervention plan or develop an assessment plan and to identify appropriate alternative educational settings.  The Team will convene to determine whether the student’s misconduct is a manifestation of his/her disability.  A student’s conduct is a manifestation of his or her disability if the conduct in question was caused by or had a direct substantial relationship to the child’s disability, or if the conduct in question was the direct result of the district’s failure to implement the student’s IEP.
  • If the Team determines that the student’s misconduct is a manifestation of his/her disability, the Team will convene to review the student’s functional behavioral assessment and will create, review, or modify, as necessary the student’s behavior plan and IEP.  Under such circumstances, the student will be returned to his/her current placement unless the Team determines that another placement is required to provide the student with FAPE (free appropriate public education).
  • If the Team determines that the student’s misconduct is not a manifestation of his/her disability, then the district may suspend or expel the student consistent with the policies applied to any student without disabilities, except that the district must still offer an appropriate education program to the student with disabilities, which may be in an interim alternative setting. 
  • Regardless of the manifestation determination, the district may unilaterally place the student in an interim alternative educational setting (as determined by the Team) for up to 45 school days under the following circumstances:

 

1.)    if the student carries or possesses a weapon to or at school, on school

      premises, or at a school function;

                  2.) a student knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale

                       of a controlled substance while at school, on school premises, or at a school

                       function; or,

                  3.) a student has inflicted serious bodily harm injury upon a person while at

                       school, on school premises, or at a school function. 

 

  • Webster Public Schools will provide written notice to the parent of all rights to appeal and to an expedited hearing.  If the parent chooses to appeal, during the appeal the student stays put in the interim alternative placement, unless the parent and district agree otherwise. 

 

 

THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973-SECTION 504

 

  • “No otherwise qualified individual with handicaps in the United States shall, solely by reason of her or his handicap, as defined in Section 706(8) of this title, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service.” (29 U.S.C. §794)
  • An eligible student under Section 504 is a student who (1) has or (2) has had a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity of (3) is regarded as handicapped by others.  Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself or performing manual tasks. 
  • In compliance with the Webster School District’s non-discrimination policy, all programs, services, courses of study, co-curricular and athletic activities are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or handicap.  In accordance with Section 504, it is the policy of Park Avenue Elementary to provide a free and appropriate public education to each handicapped student regardless of the nature or severity of the handicap. 
  • It is the intent of Park Avenue Elementary school to ensure that students who are handicapped with the definition of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services.  Students may be handicapped under this policy even though they do not require services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Parents/guardians who would like information should contact the 504 Coordinator.

 

DISCIPLINE OF A STUDENT UNDER SECTION 504 & ADA

 

Under various federal and state laws and regulations, students with disabilities may not be discriminated against in discipline matters on the basis of their disability or impairment.  In addition to those rights, the following procedures will be implemented to comply with state and federal law and regulations regarding students with disabilities.  Procedures for students eligible for special education services are set forth in “Discipline of Special Needs Students” in this Handbook. 

 

1. Definition: A student with a disability is a student who has or is perceived to have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.  This category includes student who are found to have such impairment currently, have a record of having such impairment, or who are perceived as having such impairment. 

 

2. Procedure: In the event that a student is found to have violated a school rule after implementing the general due process procedures (notice and hearing) provided in this Handbook, the principal or his/her designee shall ascertain whether the student has been identified as a student with a disability under Section 504.

 

  1. If the student has not been identified as disabled, the principal or his/her designee must consider whether the circumstances surrounding the disciplinary incident suggest the existence of a disability.
  2. In the event that the principal or his/her designee concludes that there is no reason to suspect a disability, the student may be disciplined according to the regular disciplinary sanction under the student handbook. 
  3. If the circumstances suggest that the student may be disabled, the principal or his/her designee shall refer the student to the 504 Committee to evaluate whether the student has a disability.
  4. If the student is identified or has previously been identified as a student with a disability under Section 504, prior to taking disciplinary action which would result in a suspension of one to ten days the principal or his/her designee shall determine whether the student’s misconduct is a manifestation of his/her disability and assure that all disciplinary actions are consistent with the mandates of Section 504.
  5. If the student is identified or has been previously identified as a student with a disability  under Section 504 and/or is so identified upon an initial 504 evaluation and the disciplinary sanction, or cumulative disciplinary sanction could result in a suspension from the school for more than ten (10) days, and the 504 Committee determines that:

 

(i)                  the student is, or continues to be disabled, and;

(ii)                his/her misconduct is a manifestation of his/her disability; or

(iii)               the violation of school rules is related to a failure to accommodate the student’s disability or in inappropriate or unimplemented 504 plan.

 

The student will not be suspended from school; provided, however, the 504 Committee may determine that the student’s 504 plan should include modifications to address the student’s misconduct including, but not limited to, delivery of educational services at an alternative site, behavioral modification plans, or any other appropriate modification or accommodation or disciplinary consequences  consistent with Section 504.

 

  1. In the event that the student previously has been identified as a student with a disability under Section 504 and/or upon an initial 504 evaluation the 504 Committee determines that the student is, or continues to be, disabled but his/her violation of school rules is not related to his/her disability, a failure to accommodate or an inappropriate or unimplemented 504 plan, regular disciplinary sanctions under the student handbook may be imposed.

 

Evaluation/Re-evaluation: Initial evaluations pursuant to this policy, and re-evaluations of students with disabilities under Section 504, who may be subject to suspension or expulsion for more than ten consecutive days, shall be conducted pursuant to Section 504

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Assault…………………………………………………………………………………………...12

Attendance………………………………………………………………………………………...5

Building Security……………………………………………………………………………….....4

Bullying /Harassment /Sexual Harassment…………………………………………………..…..12

Bus Conduct…………………………………………………………………………………….....7

Cafeteria Conduct………………………………………………………………………………....7

Change of Address / Telephone Number…………………………………………………………6

Clothing and Personal Appearance……………………………………………………………….9

Communication………………………………………………………………………………….10

Confidentiality of Records………………………………………………………………………11

Controlled Substance Policy…………………………………………………………………….14

Detentions………………………………………………………………………………………...8

Discipline for Student with Special Needs………………………………………………………15

Discipline of Students under Section 504 and ADA……………………………………….……16

Dismissals – During the School Day……………………………………………………………...4

Emergency Procedures………………………………………………………………………...…14

Harassment (Threats)………………………………………………………………………….