Student/Parent/Legal Guardian

Handbook

2005-2006

John Read Middle School

Redding, Connecticut

John Read Middle School

2005-2006 Student/Parent/Legal Guardian Handbook

(Policies as referenced in the handbook)

John Read Middle School

486 Redding Road

Redding, CT 06896

Phone: 203-938-2533

Fax: 203-938-8667

Website: www.er9.org/jrms/

John Read Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, mental retardation, mental or physical disability including, but not limited to, blindness, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliations of any kind in any of its programs or activities. (See page 15.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: Academic Information

· Parent/Legal Guardian Permissions 2004-2005.............................................. i

· Board of Education, Administration, Important School Numbers...................... ii

· Principal’s Letter....................................................................................... iii

· Faculty and Staff ................................................................................... iv-v

· Calendar.................................................................................................. vi

· Bell Schedule........................................................................................... vii

· Goals for Redding Public Schools............................................................. 1, 2

· Homework ............................................................................................... 2

· Expectations for Student Work.................................................................... 3

· Interim Reports and Report Cards............................................................... 3

· Weighted Grading ..................................................................................... 4

· Parent Conferences .................................................................................. 4

· Exemption from Instruction ........................................................................ 4

· Testing Programs...................................................................................... 4

· Comparability of Services .......................................................................... 5

· Field Trips ............................................................................................... 5

· Financial Assistance .................................................................................. 5

· Student Record......................................................................................... 5

· Directory Information ................................................................................ 6

Section 2: Student Services and Related Policies

· Guidance Services .................................................................................... 7

· Student Assistance Team .......................................................................... 7

· Special Education Services ........................................................................ 7

· Limited English Proficient Students ............................................................. 7

· Migrant Students ...................................................................................... 8

· Title I Parent Involvement .......................................................................... 8

· Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications ................................................ 8

· Promotion/Retention/Placement ................................................................. 8

· Admission Placement Policy ....................................................................... 9

· Tutorial Assistance Program (TAP) ............................................................. 9

Section 3: Student Conduct/Behavioral Expectations/Related Policies

· Code of Conduct and Responsibility 10

· Academic Honesty 11

· Guidelines for Student Dress 11

· Cafeteria Rules 12

· Hallway Behavior 12

· Display of Affection 12

· Student Discipline Guidelines 12, 13

· Violent and Aggressive Behavior 13

Section 3: Student Conduct (continued)

· Detentions Assigned By Classroom Teacher 14

· Conduct on School Buses 14

· Smoking of Tobacco Products 15

· Substance Abuse 15

· Search and Seizure 15

· Discrimination and Harassment 15

· Use of Beepers/Cellular Phones 15

· Personal Property and Valuables 16

· Lockers and School Property 16

· Computer Usage Guidelines 16, 17

· Fines 17

Section 4: School Attendance, Transportation, and Related Policies

· Attendance ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18

· Truancy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

· Tardines ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

· Arrival and Dismissal ………………………………………………………………………………….. 20, 21

· Delayed Opening/Early Dismissal/School Cancellation/Voice Reach.…………………. 21, 22

· Vacations …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

· Homeless Students …………………………………………………………………………………….. 22

· Transportation …………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

· Change in Transportation Plans …………………………………………………………………… 23

Section 5: Health and Safety and Related Policies

· School Health ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 24-26

· Fire Drills ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

· Asbestos Management Plan ………………………………………………………………………… 27

· Integrated Pest Management ……………………………………………………………………… 28

· Psychotropic Drug Use ……………………………………………………………………………….. 28

· Child Abuse Policy …………………………………..…………………………………..…… .. 28

· Suicide Policy…………………………………………..…………………………………………………. 28

Section 6: Communication and Related Policies

· Board of Education Meetings ……………………………………………………………………….. 29

· Specific Communication Channels ………………………………………………………………… 29

· Survey of Students ……………………………………………………………………………………… 29

· Student/Parent/Legal Guardian Communication With Faculty ………..………………… 30

· Visitors ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30

· Survey of Students ……………………………………………………………………………………… 31

Section 7: Miscellaneous Information

· Gifts to School Personnel …………………………………………………………………………….. 31

· Phone Calls/Messages …………………………………………………………………………………. 31

· Videotaping Students ………………………………………………………………………………….. 31

· Website Photography ………………………………………………………………………………….. 31

· Learning Resources and Technology Center – General Information ………………….. 32

· Awards ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32

· JRMS After-School Procedures ……………………………………………………………………… 33

· Pledge of Allegiance ……………………………………………………………………………………. 33

· School Map ………………………………………………………………………………………… 34

Parent/Legal Guardian Permissions 2005-2006

Student ________________________________________ _____Grade________

(First, middle initial, last name. One form per child.)

Photography and Videotaping: I have read the photography and video-taking policy in the JRMS handbook for 2005-2006. I understand that these photos and/or videotapes may be used in school or school system displays at JRMS or around town, the school yearbook, local and area newspapers, Cablevision, and other possible publications. I provide the following permission for my child. (Board of Education Policy #112.6)

q Yes, my child may be photographed and videotaped at JRMS.

q No, please do not photograph or videotape my child for any reason.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

Internet Usage Policy: We have read and understand the Internet Usage Policy in the JRMS handbook for 2005-2006. I have discussed the rules of Internet Usage with my child. I agree that my child will adhere to the policy as stated in the JRMS Handbook 2005-2006.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

Computer Usage Policy: We have read and understand the Computer Usage Policy in the JRMS Handbook for 2005-2006. I have discussed the rules of Computer Usage with my child. I agree that my child will adhere to the policy as stated in the JRMS Handbook 2005-2006.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

JRMS Handbook 2005-2006: We have read the John Read Middle School Handbook for the 2005-2006 school year. Our child has been made aware of rules and policies noted within the JRMS Handbook or on the JRMS website and will abide by these rules/policies. I realize that the Redding Public School Policies are available for review on the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/).

I also realize that I may examine the policies at JRMS or the Mark Twain Library.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

DATE:________________ DATE:_________________

ITEMS TO BE RETURNED TO JRMS

q This completed Permission Form (by 9/9/05 or sooner)

q Before School Supervision Enrollm ent form (if applicable)

q PTA Membership/Directory Form (if applicable by 9/9/05)

q Enrollment for Student Accident Insurance (if applicable)

q PTA Volunteer Form (if applicable)

Redding School District

Board of Education

Mr. Nicholas Simeonidis, Chair Mr. David Lewson

Ms. Julie Gorman Mrs. Ann Marie McCarthy

Mr. James Barickman Mr. Kurt Streams

Mr. Lewis Goldberg

Allen Fossbender, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Easton, Redding, Region 9 Central Office

605 Main Street

Monroe, CT 06468

(203) 261-2513

FAX (203) 261-4549

The Board of Education meets once a month at 7:30 PM at John Read Middle School. Meeting dates are posted.

Administration

Dr. Allen Fossbender

Superintendent

Ms. Marie Mas

Director, Curriculum and Instruction

Mrs. Peggy Sullivan

Director, Finance and Operations

Mrs. Diane Martin

Principal, John Read Middle School

Mrs. MaryLou Torre

Assistant Principal, John Read Middle School

Mr. Brian Farrell

Director, Special Services

Important School Numbers

JRMS…………………………………………………203-938-2533 (FAX 203-938-8667)

JRMS Website………………………………………………..http://www.er9.org/jrms/

To Report Student Absences……………………………203-938-2533 Ext. 9

School Nurse…………………………………………………203-938-4892 or 203-938-2533 Ext. 5

Special Services…………………………………………….203-938-9026

Board of Education…………………………………………203-261-2513

First Student Transportation…………………………….203-778-2498

WELCOME TO JOHN READ MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dear Students and Parents,

The start of every school year is very exciting and filled with anticipation. The administration and staff at John Read Middle School share this sense of excitement and take great pleasure in welcoming you to our school.

John Read Middle School is a school comprised of enthusiastic students and faculty. Our school program is structured to meet the developmental needs of middle school students as we provide challenging learning experiences designed to increase knowledge, skills, and personal responsibility.

This handbook is designed to furnish you with helpful information concerning our school community and expectations for students. Reading this handbook will enable you to fully understand our school procedures, policies, and services.

Our goal is to promote a strong home-school partnership in order to provide the best possible scholastic atmosphere for our students. Together we will work toward realization of our common goal: excellent students and responsible young citizens.

The faculty and administration are eager to answer any questions you may have regarding the school and its programs.

Very truly yours,

Mrs. Diane Martin

Principal

iii

Faculty and Staff

Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Autuori, Marcy Clapp, Steven Blozzon, Robert Chuka, Deanna*

Cohen, Socha Hafkemeyer, Laurie Cardile, Jennifer Conners, Arline

Dion, Terry Harrison, David Iwanicki, Keith Larrabee, Joy

Francia, Sally Knox, Andrea New Russell, Dolores

Green, Lena Sheehan, Marlene White, Brigid* Troy, Julie

Harper, Wren Spies, Bonnie* Wallin, Darlene

Stewart, Suzen*

5/6/7/8 Special Education World Language

Adams, Amanda (7) Bonessi, Raquel

Beattie, Laura (6) Cowherd, Cheryl

Burns, Maureen (5) Deans, Connie*

Cosgrove, Laura (5-8) Lux, MaryJane Flockhart, Kara Lynn (8) Sader, Ward

Fine and Practical Arts

Bon Tempo, Michael (P.E./Prj. Adv./Health) Bowen, Nancy (P.E./Pr. Adv.)*

Carollo, Joe (P.E./Pr. Adv.) Cruciani, Tom (Instr. Music)

Downey, Claudia (Health) Ebert, David (Music/Choral)

Edwards, Donna (Instr. Music) Engel, Rich (Wood)

Kelly, Michael (Computer) Southard, Mimi (Art)

Related Services

Appel, Joy – Guidance Counselor Erickson, Ingrid – School Psych.

Minor, Paula*– School Psychologist Nolan, Tiffany – Social Worker

Opotzner, Kim – SLP New – Guidance Counselor

Learning Resources and Technology

Bogel, Gayle – Library Media Specialist

Administrative Support Staff

Burritt, Mary – Administrative Secretary

Grasso, Joanne – Office Paraprofessional

Jankovsky, Nancy – Office Paraprofessional

Snopkowksi, Theresa – Administrative Secretary

Health Office

Distler, Cori – Nurse

Truscott, Madeline – Nurse

*= Team Leader

Instructional Paraprofessionals

Aliapoulios, Vicki

Anderheggen, Jean

Annechiarico, Linda

Athan, Ursula

Cram, Vicki

Derderian, Vicki

England, Melanie

Frei, Cindy

Gaynor-Filgate, Bernadette

Heffernan, Cheryl

Hiltunen, Gabrielle

Masciarelli, Anne

Miressi, Katherine

Richards, Anne

Sanford, Meredith

Searfoss, Sofronia

Urban, Mary

Zitnay, Nellie

Zowine, Marjorie

BEST Coordinator

Buschbaum, Dr. Noella

Network Administrator

Krasiejko, Kevin

Custodial and Maintenance

Kulowiec, Larry – Head Custodian

Silva, Maria – Night Shift Supervisor

Cook, William

Guzman, Enrique

Maraballas, Juan

Montesceoca, Luis

Sodexho-Marriott Food Services

Metcalf, Ann – Director of Food Services

Hill, Ruth – JRMS Food Services Manager

SECTION ONE – ACADEMIC INFORMATION

GOALS FOR EDUCATION FOR REDDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

GOAL ONE: MOTIVATION TO LEARN

Redding Public School students will develop strong motivation by:

· responding to a community and school atmosphere which cooperatively sets high standards of expected achievement, commensurate with ability, and which evidences a high regard for the learning process

· responding to a community and school atmosphere which cooperatively fosters enthusiasm for learning

· responding to opportunities to develop and fulfill personal aspirations

· responding to opportunities for the development of positive feelings of self-worth which contribute to responsible behavior and personal growth, health and safety

GOAL TWO: MASTERY OF THE BASIC SKILLS

Redding Public School students will, to their full potential:

· Learn to communicate effectively in speech and writing

· Learn to read with understanding and acquire the ability to analyze critically what is read

· Acquire knowledge of and ability in mathematics

· Strengthen decision-making skills

· Learn how learning takes place

· Acquire skills in studying and research

· Understand the uses of technology to enhance learning

GOAL THREE: ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE

Redding Public School students will:

· Acquire the knowledge of science, mathematics, social studies, practical and fine arts (including art, music, dance, and dramatics), literature, and languages, all of which lead to an understanding and appreciation of the values and the intellectual and artistic achievements of our culture and other cultures

· Be provided and encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to explore, develop, and express their own uniqueness and creativity

· Demonstrate, commensurate with ability, the capacity to utilize independent study skills

· Be provided and encouraged to take advantage of pre-vocational opportunities to explore career skills and choices

GOAL FOUR: COMPETENCE IN LIFE SKILLS

Redding Public School students will:

· Have the ability to make informed career choices

· Understand responsibilities of family membership

· Be prepared to undertake the responsibilities of citizenship in their communities, in the state, in the nation, and in the world

· Have the skills, knowledge, and competence required for success in meaningful employment, or be qualified to enter post-secondary education

· Understand the need for and the means of maintaining physical fitness and standards of personal health

· Understand the impact of technological change on our way of life

GOAL FIVE: UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY'S VALUES

Redding Public School students will:

· Understand the importance of developing a system of personal values

· Appreciate diversity and understand the inherent strengths and problems of a pluralistic society

· Understand and respond to the need for order under law

· Acquire the knowledge to live in harmony with the environment and practice conservation of natural resources in balance with the economic needs of the country

· Understand and accept individual differences in physical and intellectual capability based on a respect for the shared humanity of all people

· Understand the need for individual participation and the role of leadership in a democratic society

HOMEWORK

Homework is an important aspect of a student’s education. It is a necessary and effective means of reinforcing the classroom learning experience.

Homework usually falls into the following general classifications:

written assignment
study preparation
reading homework
activities/projects

While the type and amount of homework will vary by grade level and by subject, it is expected that all students will complete assignments to the best of their ability and in a timely manner. Criteria and specific expectations will be provided for each class by individual teachers.

Students are responsible for knowing what assignments need to be done. Students are given homework logs and are required to use them to write down daily and long-term assignments. Parents can check these logs to help monitor their child’s homework. Homework assignments are also posted on the JRMS website by team/teacher.

Parents’ assistance is requested to ensure a quiet time and study area for their child as well as to monitor homework assignments on a regular basis. If concerns regarding homework arise, parents are encouraged to contact the team leader or individual teachers.

The following are guidelines for the amount of homework that middle school students should expect:

Grade 5: 30-60 minutes 3-4 times weekly

Grade 6: 60-75 minutes daily

Grade 7: 60-90 minutes daily

Grade 8: 75-120 minutes daily

Please note that these are simply guidelines. Each student works at his or her own pace, and individual time spent on homework may vary. Refer to the attendance section of this handbook for guidelines regarding make-up work due to absence.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #6154, Homework.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT WORK

At John Read Middle School, student work is expected to show care and attention to detail. In an effort to encourage students to produce quality work, we have established the following quality standards:

· Class Work should reflect accurate spelling when copying of words is required (e.g., copying notes from blackboard).

· Homework must be neat and legible. Homework is checked for comprehension of concepts and adherence to specific criteria for assignment completion. Students are expected to use correct spelling, especially when copying words from a text.

· Final Drafts and Projects are polished pieces of student work. These products are expected to reflect accurate and well-developed content as well as accurate writing mechanics. Final drafts and projects should be free from errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammatical usage.

· Vocabulary and Spelling Words are taught in Integrated Language Arts classes at each grade level. Students are expected to spell these words correctly in isolation and in their writing.

· Journals have as their common goal to promote fluency of thought. Feedback to students relates solely to the content of students' writing. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization are not evaluated.

· Tests and Quizzes are designed to assess students' understanding, knowledge, and skills. With the exception of tests in World Language, the focus is not on spelling accuracy. However, students’ spelling must be clear enough to reflect a correct answer and students are expected to correctly spell words that are provided on the test itself.

INTERIM REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS

Through interim reports and report cards, we communicate the academic progress of our students. Both forms of reporting are meant to inform parents and students of how well students are meeting classroom expectations at a particular point in time.

During the mid-point of the second, third, and fourth marking periods, interim reports will be sent home to communicate academic progress or concerns. These reports identify areas of strength and weakness in a student’s performance, giving the student an opportunity to focus on areas needing improvement. Please note that interim reports will not be sent home during the first marking period.

On a quarterly basis, report cards are distributed to all students. Grades reflect achievement of specific criteria in each class. Two copies of the report card are sent home; one copy must be signed by the parent/legal guardian and returned to the homeroom teacher.

Letter grades and their numerical equivalents are as follows:

A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69

A 93-96 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66

A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62

F < 60

Teachers may also select comments that describe the student’s performance in greater detail.

For the 2005-2006 school year, the marking periods will end on November 7, 2005; January 26, 2006; April 6, 2006; and June 15, 2006. Please note that these dates are subject to change, per inclement weather.

WEIGHTED GRADING

Grades are not weighted for any purpose in the Easton and Redding Schools.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #6146, Weighted Grading.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Conferences are held in the fall for all students. Spring conferences will be held in March on an as needed basis during team time. There will be no early dismissals for March conferences.

EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION

A student will be exempted from instruction on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Bilingual Education or Family Life and Sex Education upon receipt of written request for such exemption from his/her parent or legal guardian.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #6144.1, Exemption from instruction.

TESTING PROGRAMS

Connecticut Mastery Tests (CMT)

Each spring the CMT is administered to all students in grades three through eight. This is an assessment of primary skills, which the State of Connecticut determines should be at mastery level as students progress from grade to grade. The test is divided into a math section including concepts, number facts and computation, problem solving applications, measurement, and geometry. The language arts section consists of written communication, reading comprehension, Degrees of Reading Power, and a writing sample.

When test results become available, they will be mailed home to parents.

Otis-Lennon

This standardized achievement and school ability test is given each fall to students in grade five. This assessment provides the school and the parents with information on the student’s predicted school ability and actual achievement compared to local and national populations.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy

#6162.3(a), Testing Program and #6162.31, Test Exclusion.

COMPARABILITY OF SERVICES

It is the policy of the Board of Education to ensure comparability of services funded by state and local sources in both Title I project schools and non-project schools.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #6161.3, Comparability of Services.

FIELD TRIPS

School trips for educational purposes will occasionally be sponsored by teams or individual teachers in the school. For any off-campus trip, a student will receive a permission slip, which must be signed by a parent/legal guardian and returned by the date specified. A student must obtain written permission from a parent/legal guardian to participate in a field trip.

Since field trips are considered a privilege, the administration reserves the right to select students for trips based upon their record of self-discipline and classroom behavior. All school rules and regulations apply to students attending field trips.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #6153, Field Trips.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Students will not be denied opportunity to participate in any class or school-sponsored activity because of inability to pay for material fees, transportation costs, admission prices, or any other related expenses. Any student who needs financial assistance for school activities should contact the assistant principal to request confidential assistance.

STUDENT RECORDS

The district complies with state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality and access to student records. Both custodial and non-custodial parents have access to student records unless the school is in possession of a court order stating otherwise. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requires that eligible students and parents have the right to:

1) Inspect the student’s education records.

2) Request amendments to those records if they are believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy acts.

3) Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s records, except to the extent that the law allows disclosure without consent. FERPA specifically authorizes the district to forward school records to school officials of a district where the student seeks or intends to enroll without the permission of the parents or an eligible student.

4) File a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education that the district is not complying with the FERPA law.

5) Obtain a copy of the district’s policies for student education records. Copies of these policies are located in the office of the superintendent of schools, in the principal’s office of each school in the district, and on the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5125 (a-d), Student Records.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The middle school will release directory information from student records if appropriate. Directory information means one or more of the following items: student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, photograph, grade levels, electronic mail address, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous public or private school attended by the student.

Except in the cases cited in BOE policy, no personally identifiable information will be disclosed from a student’s education records without the prior written consent of the student’s parent/legal guardian or an eligible student.

Parents/legal guardians and eligible students have the right to refuse to permit the disclosure of directory information by submitting a written statement. The statement should be submitted to the assistant principal no later than October 1, 2005.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5125(b), Student Records – Confidentiality.

SECTION TWO – STUDENT SERVICES AND RELATED POLICIES

GUIDANCE SERVICES

The guidance services at John Read Middle School are available to assist students and parents in making a successful adjustment to middle school and developing the necessary skills to make the transition to high school. Students who are experiencing any problems or concerns are encouraged to seek the aid of the guidance counselor.

The guidance counselor will provide students with experiences that will help them cope with all the vagaries to their middle school years. Coping with change, learning interpersonal skills such as communication and problem solving, career planning, and high school orientation will be available.

Parents are also encouraged to contact the guidance counselor to help them navigate through this exciting period in their child’s development.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM

Any student may be referred by teachers, students, or parents to the team in order for the team to consider the best methods to help a student succeed academically, physically, socially, or emotionally. Contact the assistant principal or your child’s guidance counselor for assistance.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

The Special Education Department at John Read Middle School provides a range of programs and services for students who have been identified as having special education needs according to federal and state guidelines. The continuum of available services includes consultation with classroom teachers, assistance in the regular classroom, and small group or individualized instruction within the special education setting.

A range of diagnostic services is offered by the school psychologist, special education teachers, the speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist in order to assess student needs and plan appropriate educational programs through the Planning and Placement Team process. Contact the Director of Special Services if you have questions at 203-938-9026.

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS (LEP)

The Board of Education recognizes the need to provide equal educational opportunities for all students in the district. Therefore, if the inability to speak and understand the English language excludes a student from effective participation in the educational programs, the school shall take appropriate action to rectify the English language deficiency in order to provide the students with equal access to its programs. Students who have a language minority or who have “limited English proficiency” will be identified, assessed, and provided appropriate services.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #6141.311(a), Programs for Limited English Proficient Students.

MIGRANT STUDENTS

The district has a program to address the needs of migrant students. A full range of services will be provided to migrant students, including applicable Title I programs, special education, vocational education, language programs, counseling and elective classes. Parents/legal guardians of migrant students will be involved in and regularly consulted about the development, implementation, operation, and evaluation of the migrant program.

TITLE I PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parents/legal guardians of a child in a Title I funded program will receive a copy of the district’s parental involvement policy, including provisions of an annual meeting and involvement of parents in the planning, review, and implementation of Title I programs.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #6172.4(a) and 6172.4(b), Title I Parent Involvement.

TEACHER AND PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Parents/legal guardians have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s). They can receive information regarding the teacher’s licensing and qualifications as it pertains to the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction, whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status through which state qualification or licensing have been waived, and the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher as well as their field of discipline. Parents may also ask if their child is being provided services by a paraprofessional and, if so, his/her qualifications.

A notification letter is mailed to parents annually at the beginning of the school year.

PROMOTION/RETENTION/PLACEMENT

Students enrolling at JRMS will be placed by the administration at the grade level best suited to them academically, socially, and emotionally. Students shall progress through the grade levels by demonstrating growth in learning and by meeting grade level standards of expected student achievement. Exceptions may be made when, in the judgment of the certified staff, retention or acceleration are in the best interest of the student involved. If an exception is made, there will be prior notification and explanation to the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s), but the final decision will be that of the principal.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5123, Promotion/Acceleration/Retention.

ADMISSION/PLACEMENT

Each child entering the district schools for the first time must present a birth certificate or offer

legal evidence of birth data as well as proof of a recent physical examination and required

immunizations.

Students enrolled in a school identified for school improvement pursuant to federal law may transfer to another public school within the district that has not been identified for school improvement. The transfer will be allowed in accordance with the law. This district will provide transportation.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5111(a), Admission/Placement.

TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Tutorial Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to assist regular education students who demonstrate performance weaknesses in the core academic areas of reading, writing, or mathematics as evidenced by their Connecticut Mastery Test scores or daily classroom performance. This program strives to improve students’ learning strategies and organizational skills as well as specific academic skills. TAP is not a special education program and is designed to support regular education students who need reinforcement of specific skills and concepts (including science and social studies) in order to meet grade level academic expectations. Students must go through the Student Assistance Team (SAT) process to determine eligibility.

Please contact the assistant principal at 203-938-2533 if you would like more information about this program.

SECTION THREE – STUDENT CONDUCT/BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND RELATED POLICIES

CODE OF CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Students at John Read Middle School are expected to demonstrate standards of personal conduct that are reflected in socially appropriate behavior. Each student is expected to accept responsibility for his/her actions, respect the rights of others, comply with the directions of school staff, and obey the rules and regulations of the school. The responsibility to obey school rules extends to students' conduct to and from school, in and outside of the school building, and during school-related activities.

Students at John Read Middle School are expected to demonstrate the following standards of personal conduct and responsibility:

Use respectful language when communicating with other members of the school community.

Be courteous in addressing and responding to staff and other students.

Treat others with kindness, compassion, generosity and a forgiving spirit.

Show courage by doing the right thing in the face of difficulty. Follow your conscience instead of the crowd.

Respect those in authority as well as other students and yourself.

Cooperate with teachers and classmates to achieve common goals.

Be responsible and accountable in word and deed. Fulfill assigned responsibilities/tasks with reliability, dependability, and commitment.

Be trustworthy. Tell the truth and accept responsibility for your actions.

Demonstrate intellectual integrity by refraining from cheating or copying someone’s work and claiming it as your own.

Demonstrate self-control in words and actions.

Pursue schoolwork with determination and give it your best effort.

Demonstrate pride concerning the school environment.

Dress appropriately in the school environment.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

An important part of the program at John Read Middle School is the encouragement of students to maintain the highest standard of academic honesty. There are two factors that are contrary to this goal: cheating and plagiarism. Cheating is defined as the intentional use of someone else’s work or material on any test or assignment, or the use of any prohibited means to enhance the performance on an examination. Plagiarism is defined as the appropriating and putting forth as one’s own the ideas, language, or creations of another without citing their source.

All parties have the responsibility to promote academic honesty. Teachers will make every effort to create an environment that reduces the pressure to cheat and plagiarize and which makes cheating and plagiarism, if not impossible, at least very difficult. Likewise, students have the obligation to support academic honesty. Students who improperly share their thoughts and materials with others are just as accountable for their actions as those who receive that information. However, if a teacher recognizes cheating or plagiarism, or even suspects such a case, he/she must take immediate steps to deal with it. Each case will be treated individually. The methods for handling each situation will be the teacher’s own. However, in the case of proven cheating or plagiarism, the student will receive a “0” for the particular test or project, the teacher will have a conference with the student, the guidance counselor will be informed, and the matter will be reported to the administration and parents.

Hopefully, all students at John Read Middle School will live up to the highest standards of academic honesty.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT DRESS

Students of John Read Middle School are expected to be well groomed and dressed to demonstrate pride and respect for themselves, their fellow students, and their school. Restrictions on freedom of student dress may be applied whenever the mode of dress is unsafe either for the student or those around the student, is disruptive to school operations and the education process in general, is contrary to law, or causes damage. Guidelines are as follows:

1. Outdoor jackets, coats, hats, bandanas, and backpacks must be left in lockers during the school day.

2. Appropriate footwear is required at all times. High-heeled footwear is not appropriate for school and can present a safety hazard.

3. Offensive messages on clothing are inappropriate for school. Sexually suggestive T-shirts, shirts depicting drugs or violence, shirts promoting cigarettes or alcohol, shirts with vulgar language or pictures may not be worn in school.

4. Clothing should reflect basic standards of modesty. Spaghetti straps, midriff length shirts,

shorts that do not provide adequate coverage or which have suggestive written messages, and pants that are so worn or baggy that underwear is exposed are not considered appropriate school attire. Straps on a sleeveless shirt/dress or tank top should be 2” in width.

5. Metal wallet chains are not to be worn in school.

6. Any clothing with written slogans across the buttocks is not considered appropriate school attire. In addition, writing on the body is not considered appropriate for school. Pajamas are not considered appropriate attire except when allowed for a fund-raising event.

The administration reserves the right to make judgments whether clothing is acceptable.

CAFETERIA RULES

We all look forward to the lunch period as one of pleasure, refreshment, relaxation, and an opportunity to chat with friends. Since so many students eat at the same time, some rules have had to be established. These rules are:

1. Proceed to the cafeteria promptly and without running.

2. Find a seat where you will stay for the entire lunch period; do not change seats or visit other tables.

2. Do not hold places for friends; there are no reserved seats or tables.

3. Do not move chairs or tables. Seating arrangements allow for eight students to a table.

4. Follow directions about food lines given by the lunch supervisor.

a. Wait until your table is called

b. Running, cutting, pushing, or shoving is not acceptable

6. Eat all food in the cafeteria. No food is permitted to leave the cafeteria. No food will be allowed in the community room.

7. Keep your table and surrounding area neat and clean, return tray, put dishes, silverware, etc. in proper area.

8. Keep your voice at a reasonable level. Shouting is not permitted.

9. Students are responsible for bringing their own lunch money. Do not borrow, lend or give money to your fellow students.

10. The lunch supervisor will dismiss students by tables, provided the area is neat and clean. Students should wait for the teacher to dismiss.

11. Stealing food is not acceptable; selling personal food to peers is not acceptable.

HALLWAY BEHAVIOR

Between classes, many people are moving through our halls. In order to ensure everyone’s safety, we ask students to cooperate with our policies of hall conduct. To avoid congestion, students are asked to move from class to class by walking on the right side of the hallway. Remember: running, pushing, and shouting are not courteous or safe behaviors and are, therefore, not permitted. In addition, litter should be disposed of in classroom wastebaskets to keep our halls clean and neat.

DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

Any display of affection, including holding hands, is inappropriate in school and is not permitted.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

Discipline at John Read Middle School is designed to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment for students. Good discipline is imperative for success at school. All students at John Read Middle School are expected to behave in a courteous manner and show respect to staff and students. Policies, procedures and rules of the school are expected to be followed at school, at school- sponsored activities, and on the bus to and from school. The purpose of discipline is twofold:

1. To protect the rights of all members of the school community to ensure an

education free of disruptive influences.

2. To promote the development of responsible attitudes on the part of students

through experiencing the consequences of acts which violate the rights of

others.

The major goal of all disciplinary action is to bring about a positive change in the student’s behavior, with the ultimate goal of developing self-discipline in each student.

There are several types of discipline. Most common among these are: verbal reprimand, phone call to parent, warning, office detention, lunch detention, classroom detention, school community service, removal from class, loss of privilege, or suspension.

In all discipline matters, the student will be called to the office. If the matter is serious enough to warrant a suspension, all due process rights will be maintained:

1) An informal hearing will be held (unless an emergency exists) and the student will be informed of the problem and given an opportunity to explain what occurred.

2) If a suspension is forthcoming, the student and parent/legal guardian will be informed verbally and in writing.

3) There is a right to appeal.

4) Students have the opportunity to make up all missed work (including tests and quizzes) during a suspension.

The following examples of behavior may lead to discipline, including suspensions and expulsions on all such matters occurring on school property, school transportation vehicles, or at any school-related or sponsored activity on or off school grounds. The conduct listed below is provided for informational purposes and is not an inclusive list.

1) Willfully striking or assaulting others.

2) Theft of property of the school, staff, a student, or others.

3) The use of profane or obscene language or gestures.

4) Refusal to obey a member of the school staff or disruptive behavior.

5) Blackmailing, threatening, or intimidating behavior.

6) Possession, sale or use of alcoholic beverages or drugs. This includes, but is not limited to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, inhalants, barbiturates, stimulants, “look-alike drugs,” hallucinogens, and anabolic steroids. *

7) Possession, sale, or use of weapons. This includes, but is not limited to pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, deadly weapons, dangerous instruments, or martial arts weapons. *

8) The destruction or threat of destruction of real or personal property, i.e., cutting, defacing, or otherwise injuring property in any way.

9) Possession, sale, or use of fireworks, explosives, or other incendiary devices. *

10) Creating a disturbance.

11) Defiance of school rules or the authority of teachers, supervisors, or administrators.

*Will also result in police referral and recommendation for expulsion.
A meeting of the Crisis Team and a psychiatric/psychological evaluation of a student may also be required in some of the aforementioned situations.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5114(a-g), Student Discipline and Due Process.

VIOLENT AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

Behaviors that are violent and aggressive will not be tolerated and shall result in immediate action by the school system. Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5131, 5131.21(a), 5131.7, 5131.9 Violent and Aggressive Behavior.

DETENTIONS ASSIGNED BY CLASSROOM TEACHERS

Teachers may detain students for several reasons including incomplete homework, failure to complete assigned work, or disruptive behavior during class. A detention must be served on the day required by the teacher. 24-hour notice will be given for detentions. Students may waive the 24-hour notice and serve the detention on the same day.

CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

Students transported by bus are expected to be courteous to the bus driver and their fellow students. Student behavior must not interfere with the driver’s ability to proceed safely. All school rules are in effect on the ride to and from school. The bus driver has a teacher’s authority and responsibility over all students on the bus. School transportation privileges are extended to students conditional upon satisfactory behavior on the bus. Disciplinary actions will result from misconduct on the bus and may include withdrawal of bus-riding privileges. Students are expected to adhere to the following bus rules:

1. Be at your bus stop on time and wait for the bus in a safe place.

2. Enter the bus in an orderly manner. Refrain from pushing and shoving.

3. Follow the instructions of the bus driver.

4. Always remain in your seat when the bus is in motion.

5. Keep your head and arms inside the bus.

6. Keep aisles clear at all times.

7. Remain quiet and orderly.

8. Be courteous to your driver and peers.

9. Keep the bus clean and do not damage seats or equipment.

10. Be alert to traffic when approaching or leaving the bus.

11. Ride your assigned bus and get off at your regular stop.

12. Follow all general school rules.

13. In case of emergency:

· Listen for instructions of the driver.

· Do not touch emergency equipment unless told to do so.

· If it is necessary to exit through the emergency door, students should:

Be careful (duck head, flex knees).

Get away from the bus - others are following.

Have hands free. Leave books, etc. on the bus.

· In the event of a bus accident, stay on the bus until other instructions

are given.

· Do not exit the emergency door unless told to do so.

ANY DAMAGE DONE BY A STUDENT TO THE BUS MUST BE PAID FOR BY THE STUDENT.

A written request signed by a parent/legal guardian and approved by the principal is required in order for any student to be dropped off anywhere but his/her regular bus stop.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5131.1, Bus Conduct; 3541.35, Bus Driver Safety.

SMOKING/USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

JRMS maintains a smoke-free environment. The Board of Education policy prohibits smoking or the use of tobacco products by anyone on the JRMS campus. This includes staff, students, or visitors to JRMS.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5131.61, Smoking and the Use of Tobacco.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

It is the policy of the board to prevent and prohibit the possession, use, and/or distribution of any drug (except as duly authorized through the nurse), or drug paraphernalia at any time on school property, at school-sponsored events or on school-provided transportation.

All violations of this policy will be dealt with in accordance with the Policy #5114 and #5131.6, which can be located on the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/). Disciplinary procedures should be administered according to the situations described in the regulations.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Policy and regulations regarding Search and Seizure, (#5145.12) can be found on the JRMS website (http://www.er9.org/jrms/).

DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

John Read Middle School has made every effort to comply with the requirements of Title IX Regulations in all school policies and practices and will neither eliminate nor refuse admission to any person from any educational program or activity or discriminate in any way.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #4118.1

(a-d), Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy # 5145.51, Sexual Harassment.

USE OF BEEPERS (PAGING DEVICES) OR CELLULAR PHONES

Students shall not possess or use a remotely activated paging device or a cellular phone while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored activity on or off school property. The school principal may grant written permission for such possession and use of a paging device by a student if the student or his/her parent or legal guardian establishes to the satisfaction of the principal that a reasonable basis exists for the possession and use of the device.

PERSONAL PROPERTY/VALUABLES

Do not come to school with excessive amounts of money or valuables. Students should always have two quarters for the telephone, money for lunch, and no more. If a student is bringing in money for a school activity, please have a check made payable to: JOHN READ MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITY FUND.

If personal items are lost, damaged or stolen, or money is missing, please understand that the school carries NO INSURANCE that will cover the loss. Therefore, we advise the utmost care be taken with personal property, the property of other students, the staff and the school.

Walkman, diskman, handheld video games, cellular phones, beepers, DVD’s, IPOD’s or toys of any kind are not allowed in school. Skateboards are prohibited on school property. Such items will be confiscated and brought to the office. In certain cases, parents will be asked to retrieve items.

LOCKERS AND SCHOOL PROPERTY

Corridor lockers may be used at any time during class break; however, this is not an acceptable excuse for tardiness. During class, a teacher’s permission is required (pass) to go to one’s locker.

It is the responsibility of the student to keep lockers neat and clean and in good repair. Locker doors should be closed quietly and securely. Lockers may be inspected if the administration has reason to suspect that materials that are illegal or potentially injurious to members of the school community are kept on school property.

Students are not permitted to open or use another student’s locker. All textbooks are the property of the Town of Redding and are expected to be given proper care. Each student is responsible for his/her assigned books. All textbooks should be covered. Students defacing school property will be responsible for replacement costs and subject to disciplinary action.

COMPUTER USAGE GUIDELINES

Guidelines for ethical use of computers at John Read Middle School are based on guidelines from the Easton/Redding/Region 9 District Policies and from the Computer Ethics Institute’s suggestions for schools.

Show consideration and respect in all computer use.

Do not drink or eat near computers.
Be considerate of students working near you – do not interrupt their work.
Respect security systems in place on computers and the network – do not attempt to bypass security or tamper with other student’s files.
Passwords may not be shared.
Please ONLY use software provided by the school.
Avoid damaging hardware, software or peripheral equipment, including speakers, headphones, mice, printers, keyboards or any other accessories that are used for accessing computers or network.
Return all mobile notebook carts, LCD projector carts or other equipment in clean and orderly condition.

Use software and hardware appropriately for school projects. Inappropriate or disrespectful use may result in restriction of network access and privileges.
Avoid plagiarism. Document all information gathered from the Internet and do not present words and ideas of others as your own.
Preferred methods of transporting student work between home and school is by CD or USB memory key. If floppy disks are used, please use only those provided by the school to avoid recurrent problems with malfunctioning diskettes and lost files.

Every student and his/her parent or legal guardian is required to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in restriction of access to the Internet and/or disciplinary actions.

Teachers have the ability to view work within student computer folders for grading purposes.

Please refer to the JRMS website (http://www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy # 6141.321, Acceptable Use in School of the Internet and Other Networks.

FINES

Students are responsible for returning all books, materials, and equipment issued to them in appropriate condition. Fines will be issued for any lost, missing, overdue or damaged items. School policy does not permit participation in or attendance at extracurricular activities or school events until financial responsibilities are met. Students will not receive report cards or yearbooks on the last day of school until all accountabilities are resolved.

SECTION FOUR– SCHOOL ATTENDANCE , TRANSPORTATION AND RELATED POLICIES

ATTENDANCE

REPORTING ABSENCES

Communication is an essential element in the total program. Parents/legal guardians must notify the school’s voice mail the evening before or by 9:00 AM on the day of any student absence. Parents should telephone the school’s voice mail at 203-938-2533. When the announcement starts, press “1” to access the attendance reporting menu. If the school receives no notice within the above timeframe, all days missed will be counted as unexcused absences from school. If parents/legal guardians are going to be away overnight or for an extended period of time, they must designate in writing a guardian to act on the student’s behalf. The school will inform individual teachers whether absences are excused or unexcused. This will include absences for the full day or part of the day. Students with excused absences from school or class will be given an appropriate opportunity to make up whatever work they have missed in order to complete curriculum requirements.

If your child is late to school, please stop in at the front office with your child to supervise him/her as he/she registers the reason for being tardy.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Excused absences fall into two categories:

Home-related

a. student’s physical or mental illness

b. medical appointments that cannot be scheduled after regular school hours

c. death in the family

d. religious observance

e. court appearance

School-related

a. field trip and other off-campus curricular activities

b. testing

c. in-school appointment

Any requests for excused absences which are not included in the above lists must be made in writing to the Assistant Principal five (5) school days before the date of the planned absence so that the request can be reviewed and processed. Requests after this deadline will not be honored, and the absences will be recorded as unexcused. Parents/legal guardians are urged to coordinate family vacations with the school calendar for vacation periods. Absences from school for vacations, trips, or appointments outside of the school and similar cases are not appropriate. Please note that if your child is going to be absent from school, it is not incumbent on the teacher to provide your child with the work that would be missed during such an absence. The instruction that your child would have received directly from the teacher during the absence can not be easily replaced.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

There are two types of unexcused absences:

1. Class cutting or being truant from school in which case the penalty is a failing grade for

all work missed, no makeup privileges, and disciplinary action.

2. An absence, tardy, or early dismissal not covered under the above criteria for excused

absences will result in a loss of 20% credit for each day work is late.

ABSENCES AND HOMEWORK

A student with an illness of brief duration should obtain assignments from another student, refer to the weekly homework log, and/or refer to the teacher’s page on the JRMS website for updated homework listings.

If a student is ill for at least three consecutive days, parents should request the homework assignments from the office before 9:30 AM. The office in turn will send out a request to the student’s teachers. If the request is made by 9:30 AM of the third consecutive day of absence, the list of homework assignments and any additional materials will be ready for pick up by the end of the school day.

It is the responsibility of the student to make up all assignments missed during the absence within time constraints delineated by the teacher. Usually the student will have three days from the day of return to complete assigned work. In the case of a prolonged absence, special arrangements must be made with the teacher. Please do not request homework assignments for your child unless he/she has been out for at least three consecutive days.

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

School personnel address the issue of chronic non-attendance by referral to the Child Study Team to determine causes and make recommendations for remediation. Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5113 (a).

TRUANCY

It is the intent of the Board of Education that district personnel work cooperatively with students and parents/legal guardians to remedy any instances of poor attendance or truancy. Only when all local resources are exhausted is referral to legal authorities recommended.

A “truant” means a child under the age of sixteen (16) who has four (4) unexcused absences in one month, or ten (10) unexcused absences in one academic year. A “habitual truant” means any such child who has twenty (20) unexcused absences within a school year. Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5113.29.

TARDINESS

Time is a resource, and there is a definite correlation between a student’s time spent on learning and academic achievement. The following regulations apply in cases of tardiness.

TARDINESS TO SCHOOL

A student arriving at school after the beginning of the first class of the day is considered tardy. Any such student must report to the main office to be recorded as tardy to school.

Arrival after the beginning of the first period will be excused only if a late arrival has been previously arranged by a parent/legal guardian by telephone, letter, or personal conference with a school administrator on the preceding school day or, in a medical emergency, on the day of occurrence. A medical emergency requires medical verification.

A note from the parent/legal guardian will not excuse a tardy. Oversleeping, missing the bus, family needs, etc. though unforeseen, are not emergencies and, therefore, are unexcused tardies.

Students are required to be on time for all classes and lunch. Tardiness to classes or lunch will be handled by the teacher in charge. Chronic problems in tardiness will be referred to the school administration and may result in disciplinary action.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Our normal school day at John Read Middle School is from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

EARLY DISMISSAL

In general, early dismissals should be avoided, particularly if they require a student to miss any instructional time.

Parents who come to pick up their child and have not made appropriate and timely arrangements will have to wait until students are dismissed at the end of the school day.

All requests for early dismissal must be in writing, signed by the parent/legal guardian, and submitted to the secretary in the main office before the start of the first class on the day for which early dismissal is requested. Phone calls by parents/legal guardians to request early dismissals will not be accepted unless there is a clear family emergency situation.

If an emergency occurs during the day and an early departure is necessary, an exception may be granted by the school administration.

Students who have an unexcused early dismissal will have limited options to make up work missed. Students who have an excused early dismissal are eligible to make up work and are eligible thereafter to receive full credit. Each student is responsible for getting missed assignments and submitting them on the next class day.

EARLY ARRIVAL

It is important for all families to understand that unless a student is in the paid morning program, a student may NOT be dropped off at JRMS before the 9:00 AM bell. The only reason for a student to be early, who is not in the paid Morning Program, is if he/she has an appointment with a staff member or is a legitimate participant in a JRMS before-school activity.

Daily temporary supervision is provided at no charge from 8:05 AM in the cafeteria for students who must be dropped off earlier than the start time of a before-school activity. That is, if a student has an appointment at 8:30 AM on a particular day for extra help, a make-up test, or a club activity and, therefore, cannot ride the bus to school and the student’s parent must drop the child off before 8:30 AM in order to get to work, then we provide temporary supervision each morning. The temporary supervision begins NO EARLIER than 8:05 AM and the only students who can use this service are those scheduled for a legitimate before-school activity.

As activities begin at 8:30 AM, every student should be out of the cafeteria by then. Students who abuse this supervision program by arriving at school before the 9:00 AM bell and who are not in the paid Morning Program or a participant in a legitimate before-school activity will be billed $5 each time.

Students who walk or ride bikes to or from school are to have written permission signed by a parent. Administration, for safety concerns, strongly discourages walking or bike riding to and from school.

DEPARTURE AT 3:30 PM DISMISSAL TIME

It is essential for all families to understand that unless a student is participating in a paid Redding Park and Recreation After-School Program or is a legitimate participant in a JRMS after-school program, a student may not remain at JRMS after bus dismissal. The only reason for a student who is not in the paid Redding Park and Recreation After-School Program to remain at JRMS after bus dismissal is if he/she has an appointment with a staff member or is a legitimate participant in a JRMS after-school activity. JRMS is not staffed to provide supervision for students after school beyond the bus dismissal time. If a student is going to be picked up at the end of a school day by a member of his/her family, the student needs written permission and will be dismissed from the 5^th grade wing door. Students are to be picked up between 3:30 and 3:45 PM. Students who abuse this policy by remaining after school without being in the paid Redding Park and Recreation After-School Program or in a legitimate JRMS after school activity will be subject to disciplinary action including detention.

PERMANENT WALKER’S PASSES

Permanent Walker’s passes can be obtained by writing a permanent note which stays on file in the office indicating the specific day/days of child pick up and who the child is being picked up by on the given day(s). The pass must be permanently and visibly displayed on the student’s backpack.

DELAYED OPENING/EARLY DISMISSAL/SCHOOL CANCELLATION

Announcements for change of school will be on the following radio and TV stations:

WICC AM 60 WEZN FM 99.9 WTIC AM 1080

WREF AM 85 WCFS AM 1260 WYNH Channel 8

WLAD AM 800 WINE AM 94; FM 98

WMMM AM 1260 WMMM AM 1260

Weather related announcements are also available on the JRMS voice mail, 938-2533, press 7. Please do not call before 7:00 AM to allow time for the principal to access the mailbox to update the message. Announcements are posted on the JRMS website, http://www.er9.org/jrms/.

Delayed openings will be generally 90 minutes later than the normal start time. If a student normally gets the bus at 8:30 AM, the bus will come at 10:00 AM on a 90-minute delayed opening day. On delayed openings, afternoon dismissals are at the normal time. Please be considerate of the situation should bad weather develop or be predicted to develop during the course of the school day. Students are encouraged to ride the bus home should inclement weather develop during the school day.

In the event of a delayed opening, all before-school activities are cancelled with the exception of the paid morning program. The paid morning program will follow the same time delay, i.e., a 90-minute delay would mean the paid program would begin at 8:30 AM.

Last year we implemented a new telephone service at John Read Middle School called Voice Reach. Voice Reach delivers a message to all parents/guardians in a timely manner in the event of an emergency school closing. The message will be delivered to a “live” voice, an answering machine, or a voicemail system. One attempt to the phone number on record (usually the home phone number) will be made. A list of all unsuccessful calls is automatically delivered to JRMS. The types of emergencies that will activate this system are: an early snow dismissal, a power outage, a water problem, or any other unexpected reason for closing school. As always, information regarding school closings will be posted in the usual manner as aforementioned in this handbook. Mrs. Martin, school principal, will send a letter to all parents that will be included in the summer mailing showing the phone number that will be contacted.

VACATIONS

Please understand that family vacations are not considered a valid reason for absence. While teachers will allow students to make up missed assignments, tests and quizzes, the loss of classroom participation and instruction is difficult to recoup and may adversely affect a student’s performance and grade. Teachers are not required to prepare work in advance for vacation related absences or to re-teach concepts when the student returns from vacation. Parents are encouraged to schedule vacations when school is not in session.

HOMELESS STUDENTS

Homeless students, as defined by federal and state statutes, residing within the school district shall be entitled to free school privileges. Students residing in a temporary shelter are entitled to free school privileges from the district in which the shelter is located or from the school district where they would otherwise reside if not for the placement in the temporary shelter. The local liaison for homeless children is Brian Farrell, Director of Special Services.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5118.1, Homeless Students.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation is provided for all students. Refer to page 14 of the student handbook for issues related to student conduct on the bus.

Students who are transported to and from school by a parent/legal guardian or other adult must follow the route for drop-off/pick-up along the side of the school near the cafeteria entrance, NOT at the front door or front parking lot. Students should not arrive any earlier than 8:55 AM unless they have a planned before-school activity.

A written request signed by a parent/legal guardian and approved by the principal is required in order for any student to be dropped off anywhere but his/her regular bus stop.

Any complaints regarding bus transportation should first be referred to First Student at 778-2498. The contact at Central Office for transportation issues is the Director of Finance and Operations, Ms. Peggy Sullivan.

CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION PLANS

Students must make plans which effect transportation from school at least one day in advance so that parents can put these plans in writing. In an emergency, parents may call the office no later than 2:00 PM to inform the school of the change in transportation arrangements. Parents/legal guardians must be prepared to confirm their identity.

On a day there is an unplanned early dismissal because of inclement weather, students will not be allowed to use the office phones. In bad weather, please listen to the radio stations listed previously and check with the JRMS Voice Mail 203-938-2533, Ext. 7 for announcements concerning early dismissals.

SECTION FIVE – HEALTH AND SAFETY AND RELATED POLICIES

SCHOOL HEALTH

A registered nurse is on duty full time. To reach the Health Office, dial 938-4892 or 938-2533, ext. 5. For general information, access the Health Office website via the Communications link on the JRMS website home page.

The school nurse is available to render first aid when accidents occur at school and when children become ill after arrival. A student who has been sick at home should not leave home nor should he/she return to school until there is complete recovery. A student must be 24-hours fever- free, and 24 hours free of vomiting or diarrhea before he/she returns to school. We urge that students who have not been well stay home until they have fully recovered.

Factors That Influence Student Health During The “Tween” and Teen Years:

1. Sleep: Adolescents require a minimum of eight to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night for optimal school performance, behavior control, and mood.

2. Diet: Please make sure your child has a nutritious breakfast before school, and a snack if he/she is on a later lunch schedule. Encourage proper nutrition, including at least eight tall glasses of water per day.

3. Exercise: Some form of sustained, regular, aerobic exercise contributes significantly to a child’s current and future overall health.

4. Rest and Leisure Time: Adolescents need time to do “nothing” every day. This promotes good emotional well-being.

Guidelines For Keeping A Child Home From School:

Fever > 100 degrees.
Nausea and/or vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Confirmed Strep Throat, Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) until treated for 24 hours.
Mononucleosis as advised by physician (usual considerations are - child is fever-free for 24 hours, rested, eating normally and is able to sustain at least a half day of academic activity).
In the event of active Pediculosis (Head Lice).

Emergency Contact Form: Each student must have an emergency information form on file in the Health Office. If an illness or serious injury occurs, the nurse will first contact the parent/legal guardian and, if unable to reach the parent/legal guardian, will then contact the emergency backup person(s) listed. Please make sure that this information is kept up-to-date.

Medications: As mandated by Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-212a, medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) may only be administered by the school nurse(s) or designated/trained staff member(s). An Authorization for Administration of Medication form must be on file and completed by an authorized practitioner (physician, dentist, advanced practice R.N., or physician’s assistant) for both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. These forms are available in the Health Office and on the Health Office website. Medications are kept in the Health Office and must be brought to school by the parent/legal guardian, never by the student. (The only exception is inhalers prescribed for asthma for which self-administration has been authorized by the practitioner.) This is not only school policy; it is state law.

Health Assessment Requirements

In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-206, the Board of Education requires each sixth-grade student to have a health assessment during the sixth-grade year. According to school policy, this mandated health assessment must be performed between June1^st of a student’s fifth-grade year and July 31^st of the sixth-grade year. It must be performed by

a legally qualified practitioner of medicine (M.D. or D.O.) who is licensed in this or another state, or by a qualified registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant licensed to practice in this state. Completion of the signed health assessment is required for entry into school at the beginning of seventh grade.

The health assessment must be documented on the State Department of Education’s required Health Assessment Record (HAR-3) or “blue form,” and must include, but is not limited to, the following: (No attachments are accepted.)

1. Review and update of state-mandated immunizations, including a second measles vaccine if not previously given;

2. Proof of at least one dose of Hepatitis B vaccine is required prior to entrance into seventh grade and three doses are required for entry into eighth grade;

3. Proof of immunity to varicella (chicken pox) by documentation of the immunization or a signed statement from the student’s physician, PA, or APRN indicating that the student has already had chicken pox, is required prior to entry into seventh grade;

4. Hemoglobin or hematocrit, blood pressure, height and weight, vision, hearing, speech, postural and gross dental screenings;

5. Risk assessment for tuberculosis. If the student is in a high-risk group, a Mantoux test for tuberculosis sensitivity must be administered and the test results must be documented on the form;

6. Chronic disease assessment (newly added to the HAR-3 2002 form).

Please return the completed form to the school Health Office by July 31 of the sixth- grade year.

If a parent or legal guardian (or student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor) objects on religious grounds to:

· The state-mandated health assessment, a signed statement to that effect must be in the student’s school health record, or submitted to the school nurse by July 31^st of the sixth- grade year.

· Immunizations, a signed copy of the Immunization Exemptions and Exclusions-From-School form must be in the student’s school health record or submitted with the completed HAR-3 form.

If a mandated immunization is contraindicated for medical reasons, a written statement from the health care provider, including the reason for continued deferment, must be submitted to the school nurse along with the completed HAR-3 form.

The HAR-3 form is reviewed by the school nurse and filed in the student’s confidential school health record. If you have questions or confidentiality concerns, please speak with the school nurse.

No child will be admitted to John Read Middle School until appropriate medical documentation is provided to the school and approved by the school nurse.

Immunization Requirements: For School Entry During Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades

In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-204a, all students must be protected by adequate immunization. Parents or legal guardians must show compliance by documentation from a physician or local health agency before the child may attend school. This rule applies to initial entry into school (all grades, including preschool and kindergarten) and to all sixth and seventh graders who must comply with specific requirements before entering the seventh or eighth grade (see Health Assessment Requirement section).

Month, Day and Year must be recorded for each dose:

a) DIPTHERIA, TETANUS, PERTUSSIS (DTaP, DTP) - Five (5) doses, unless the last dose was given after the fourth birthday, in which case four (4) doses is adequate. (Pertussis is not needed >6years of age).

b) POLIO (IPV) - Four (4) doses unless the third dose was given after the fourth birthday, in which case three (3) doses may be accepted.

c) MEASLES - Two (2) doses, the first one given on or after the first birthday and a second dose

prior to entering kindergarten.

d) MUMPS - One (1) dose given on or after the first birthday.

e) RUBELLA - One (1) dose given on or after the first birthday.

f) HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B (HIB) - One (1) dose given on or after the first birthday if entering school prior to age five years; not required for students age five years and older.

g) VARICELLA (chicken pox) - One (1) dose given on or after the student’s first birthday and before the thirteenth birthday, OR two (2) doses given at least 4 weeks apart if the first dose was given on or after the thirteenth birthday OR a signed statement from the student’s physician indicating that the student has already had chicken pox. All students entering the seventh grade must show proof of immunization OR immunity to varicella. Proof of immunity is a signed statement from the student’s physician, PA or APRN indicating that the student has had a confirmed case of chicken pox or results of a specific blood test conducted by a certified laboratory.

h) HEPATITIS B (HBV) - Three (3) doses*, the second dose given at least 4 weeks after the first (6 weeks if Hib-containing combination vaccine is used), and the third dose given at least 8 weeks after the second dose and 16 weeks after the first. All new students born 1/1/94 or later must have the full series. Students born after 1/1/94 who are entering the seventh grade, must show proof of at least one dose of Hepatitis B vaccine, and all students entering the eighth grade must show proof of three doses.*

*Students immunized between the ages of 11-15 years with Merck’s 2-dose adolescent Hepatitis B vaccine (brand name Recombivax HB, 10 mcg), with two doses spaced at least four months apart will meet the Hepatitis B vaccine requirements if the brand name and dosage is documented.

i) TUBERCULOSIS TEST - A Mantoux test for sensitivity to tuberculosis is required as part of the health assessment for entry into school and for any sixth or tenth-grade student who is identified as “high risk” for possible exposure to tuberculosis. According to guidelines of the Connecticut State Department of Public Health, determination of high risk must be made by the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant who performs the required health assessment (at school entry, sixth grade, or tenth grade). If the school medical advisor questions a low-risk determination, the medical advisor may require the student to have a Mantoux test prior to school entry.

Special Health Problems

Students with special health problems (e.g., vision, hearing, allergies) are requested to report to the school nurse at the beginning of the school year or when the problem(s) arise.

All students attending school on crutches must:

1. present written orders from a physician, requiring use of a wheelchair and the note

include any restricted activity with the duration of that restriction.

2. report to the nurse upon arriving at school.

Appropriate Use of the Health Office

Parents are encouraged to remind students that frequent and/or inappropriate use of the health office will be communicated to the parent, team leader, and administrative staff by the Nurse. This is to confirm the health of the student involved, and to insure availability of nursing staff where they are truly needed.

References:

JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5141.3, Health Assessments and Immunizations; Policy #5141.21, Administering Medications to Students; Policy #5141.221, Pediculosis (Head Lice).

FIRE DRILLS

To comply with fire laws, the school conducts fire drills ten times a year. When students hear the signal, they are expected to exit the building quickly, in a silent, and orderly fashion. Under the direction of the teacher in charge, students are to leave the school building in single file, using the designated exit posted in each classroom. Students and school staff may return to the building only when the principal directs them to do so.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

Formal asbestos management programs have been in place at Regional School District No. 9 and the Public Schools of Easton and Redding since 1987. The purpose of these programs is to identify any Asbestos-Containing Material (ACM) that may be in our schools and to take steps to make sure this material does not present an exposure hazard to the students, faculty, or staff.

The asbestos management program is implemented through asbestos management plans. Separate plans have been developed for each of the following facilities:

Joel Barlow High School

Helen Keller Middle School

Samuel Staples Elementary School

John Read Middle School

Redding Elementary School

These management plans identify the locations of the ACM in our schools and detail our ongoing management program. The management plans also include descriptions of previous asbestos inspections and plans for repair or removal of damaged asbestos-containing materials.

Under our asbestos management program, the ACM listed in the management plans is inspected every six months to assure early detection of problem areas. Furthermore, each building is completely re-inspected once every three years by a Connecticut licensed asbestos inspector to make sure that ACM is properly identified and that the asbestos management plans are up to date.

An asbestos management plan is maintained in each school office. Additionally, a complete set of management plans is maintained in the Superintendent’s office at 605 Main Street, Monroe, Connecticut. These plans are available for review during normal business hours.

Regional School District No. 9 and the Public Schools of Easton and Redding have designated the Director of Finance and Operations as the person responsible for ensuring that the requirements of our asbestos management program are properly implemented. This individual can be contacted through the Superintendent’s office at 203-261-2513.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

The Easton, Redding and Region No. 9 Boards of Education have directed the administration to develop and implement procedures to meet the requirements of the law involving the use of pesticides in school.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is defined as the use of all available pest control techniques including the judicious use of pesticides, when warranted, to maintain a pest population at or below an acceptable level, while decreasing the unnecessary use of pesticides. The primary goal of IPM is to reduce the amounts of pesticides applied by using alternative methods of pest control.

In accordance with state statute, parents/legal guardians may request notification prior to any pesticide application at the school. If you would like to be notified, please send a letter to the school office requesting to be notified. Please include your e-mail address, if you have one, as we are planning to use e-mail as one way of notifying interested people.

PSYCHTOTROPIC DRUG USE

School personnel are prohibited from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any student enrolled within the school system. School nurses, nurse practitioners, district medical advisors, school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors may recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner.

CHILD ABUSE

All professional school staff, including but not limited to paraprofessionals, are obligated by law to report suspected child abuse, neglect, and/or if a child is placed in imminent danger of serious harm to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families Services. Specific procedures governing the reporting of abuse and neglect are in effect, and staff receives yearly training in their use. Child abuse is defined as any physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means or injuries which are not in keeping with the explanation given for their cause. Improper treatment such as malnutrition, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional abuse, cruel punishment, or neglect is also considered child abuse/neglect.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5141.4(a), Reporting of Child Abuse/Neglect.

SUICIDE

The Board of Education recognizes that suicide is among the three leading causes of death among young people and, consequently, is a concern to this school system and the community it serves. This district wishes to take a proactive stance in preventing the problem of youth suicide. It is the Board’s policy to actively respond in any situation where a student verbally or behaviorally indicates an intent to attempt suicide or to do physical harm to himself/herself.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy #5141.5, Suicide.

28 SECTION SIX – COMMUNICATION AND RELATED POLICIES

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

The Board of Education meets once a month, the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the Community Room at John Read Middle School. Parents, students, and other community members are encouraged to attend. Meeting dates are posted by the PTA, in The Redding Pilot, and on the ER9 website.

SPECIFIC COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

To promote student success and help our students develop socially and emotionally, it is important for students, teachers, and parents/legal guardians to communicate throughout the school year. Both formal and informal means of communication are encouraged at John Read Middle School.

· Open House - This evening program, which usually occurs early in the school year, is designed to familiarize parents with curricular goals at each grade level and expectations for student performance.

· PTA Peek at the Week – This weekly publication will highlight specific team and school events, interdisciplinary projects, student and teacher accomplishments, and important school news. The Peek at the Week can be found on the JRMS website.

· Interim Reports and Report Cards - These are distributed once per quarter. Please refer to this section in the handbook for more detailed information.

· Team Coffees - Scheduled several times per school year, these gatherings are designed to keep parents informed about team/grade level events and serve as an informal way for parents/legal guardians and teachers to just talk to each other.

· Personal Phone Contact - Teachers will initiate personal communications via the telephone when they are concerned about any aspect of a student's performance. A parent/legal guardian, teacher, student conference or team-parent/legal guardian and/or student conference may be arranged when warranted.

· Extra-help Sessions - Teachers will encourage students to participate in before or after-school extra help sessions as needed.

· JRMS Home Page – (http://www.er9.org/jrms) Our website contains up-to-date information about our school as well as the JRMS Handbook and Related Policies.

· 30-Minute Website – Parents/legal guardians and students can access this site through the teacher’s home page using the website noted above. Click on team, then the teacher’s name.

· PTA – The PTA is a very active group of parents who volunteer their time and talents to enhance the student’s educational experiences at John Read Middle School through a variety of cultural events. Please contact the PTA president(s) for more information.

SURVEY OF STUDENTS

No student may, without parental consent, take part in a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals specific personal or family information.

Please refer to the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Board of Education Policy # 6162.51, Survey of Students (Student Privacy).

STUDENT/PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN COMMUNICATION WITH FACULTY

Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves and communicate with their teachers and parents/legal guardians.

· Discuss school successes and challenges with parents/legal guardians openly and honestly.

· Request assistance in a subject area, when needed, directly from the teacher. When you encounter social difficulties, seek assistance from the guidance counselor.

· Keep scheduled appointments with the teacher/guidance counselor.

· Request a conference with the teacher to discuss academic progress.

Parents/legal guardians are encouraged to communicate with their children, their children’s teachers, and school officials.

· Discuss feelings about school and progress in school with your child on a regular basis.

· Support and encourage your child to learn to the best of his/her ability.

· Promote the development of personal responsibility by setting clear expectations for homework completion and school behavior.

· Support the rules of the school and expectations for student performance and behavior set by teachers.

· Sign all letters, interim reports, and other communications requiring your signature and have your child return them to school within the allotted time.

· Attend school-sponsored meetings, support the PTA, get involved in creating positive change for our school.

· If concerns arise, discuss them directly with your child's teacher(s) or the guidance counselor.

· In communicating with your child or his/her teachers, model a positive attitude about school, one that reflects a home and a school working together to benefit our students.

· Communicate directly with the principal if issues are not satisfactorily resolved in direct communication with teachers or the guidance counselor.

VISITORS

For your information and for reasons of security, a “visitor” to JRMS is anyone who is not an officially registered student at JRMS or an employee of the Redding Public School system on the active payroll of the day. A “visitor” to JRMS must immediately report to the main office, identify himself/herself, state the reason for the visit, sign in, and receive permission from the principal/designee to be in the building.

1. Visitors are not permitted in the classroom except by permission of the classroom teacher and the building administrator.

2. All visitors are requested to sign in with the office when arriving at school.

3. Students are not permitted to bring guests to school. Graduates of JRMS who wish to visit former teachers may do so only after 3:30 PM dismissal and, of course, if the teacher is available.

4. Visitors who are not authorized are loitering and may face a misdemeanor charge of trespassing.

5. Parents are requested to come to the main office when dropping off items for their child or when coming to school for a teacher meeting. We ask that our learning environment be free from interruptions which have a negative impact on our students.

SECTION SEVEN – MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

GIFTS TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Gifts between students and/or parents/legal guardians and school personnel shall be discouraged. Teachers and school personnel do not expect gifts. Rather, they feel rewarded when students work up to their potential. At JRMS if a student or family feels compelled to present a staff member with a gift, please make it a gift of learning such as a poem or story written by the student, a picture or card drawn by the child, or a novel read by the student and shared with the teacher. Another way to honor a staff member is by giving the gift of a good deed done in the name of the person. Please respect our strong belief that the best gift a teacher can receive is the gift of a student’s accomplishment.

PHONE CALLS/MESSAGES

Students are not permitted to use office telephones unless it is an emergency. Parents should discuss all appointments and after school arrangements with their children before they leave for school.

The office staff is not able to interrupt classes to relay routine messages to students. Only in the event of an emergency will messages be relayed to students while they are in class. For the safety of students, the school will not allow students to change transportation plans without the permission of a parent and not after 2:00 PM.

John Read Middle School does have a voice mail system which can be accessed by contacting the regular phone number 203-938-2533. Listen for the directory to reach a person’s voice mail or dial “0” to reach the JRMS main office. The main office is staffed to take calls between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Summer office hours are from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

VIDEOTAPING STUDENTS

During the school year, for a variety of reasons, videotaping of students and/or classrooms may occur. There may be instances where these videotapes are viewed by staff, specialists, parents/legal guardians and their representatives, as well as others. If, for any reason, parents/legal guardians do not want their child to be videotaped, the school principal should be notified in writing and appropriate arrangements will be made. Otherwise, the videotaping may occur.

We also request that parents who take photographs/videos of JRMS students and/or staff in school and at school activities and who plan to submit such photos to the press or media, discuss this with school administration before the photos/videos are submitted. This will help protect families who do not wish photos of their children published or used in the media.

WEBSITE PHOTOGRAPHY

With parent permission, photographs of students may be taken and included on our website.

LEARNING RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER - GENERAL INFORMATION

The JRMS Library Media Center is open for student and staff use from 8:05 AM to 5:00 PM for quiet study and reading. Students may come to the LMC as early as 8:05 AM if they have a pass from their teacher. They must check in through the cafeteria. Students who need to use LMC materials will be given first priority.

Students may come to the LMC after school only with prior written permission. After-school attendance is only for those students who need to use LMC materials. If after-school childcare is needed, the student should be in the paid Redding Park and Recreation After-School Program. Students must have a written pass signed by their parent/legal guardian and must be picked up by 5:00 PM.

Students may come to the LMC during school hours with the permission of their teachers. The LMC welcomes teachers to schedule their classes into the LMC to use the facilities and materials during the school day. The LMC can accommodate up to two classes per class period.

The JRMS Library and Media Center provides a full range of print and non-print media and technologically up-to-date facilities to the JRMS student body and staff.

Materials

· Over 20,000 books and other print materials

· Reference collection of more than 600 titles

· Nearly 800 videos

· Access to over 2000 videos and laser disks through membership in the Educational Film Cooperative

· Books on tape for all required novels, subject to availability

· Over 70 periodical titles for use with curriculum and recreational reading

· CD-ROM and on-line databases, including periodical, biographical, and bibliographical

Facilities

The new JRMS LMC is divided into distinct areas for more efficient utilization. There is an office area, a computer area with 20 computer stations, and a main seating area with space for up to 40, and shelving for 25,000 items. There is also a reading room with the periodical collection and seating for up to 25. A seminar room with the Professional Collection and seating for up to ten is available for small group meetings. For more information, please visit the JRMS website: http://www.er9.org/jrms/.

AWARDS

The Scholar Leader Award is given to one eighth-grade male and to one eighth-grade female who have distinguished themselves with outstanding scholarship and leadership in school and the community. The students are selected by members of the faculty. Their awards are given at an annual banquet sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Schools. The Weller Foundation Award goes to the eighth grader with the highest grade point average over all four middle school years. The Western Connecticut Superintendents’ Association Award goes to one eighth-grade boy and to one eighth-grade girl chosen by the faculty. Criteria for this award includes scholarship, leadership, and service to school. Additional awards include the State of Connecticut Citizenship Award and the Town of Redding Citizenship Award.

32 JRMS AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURES

JRMS students may stay after school:

a. for an approved activity

b. to use the library as outlined in the Learning Resources and Technology Center section of the handbook

c. as a paid participant in the Redding Park and Recreation After-School Program

Parent permission in writing on the official activity form is required. Notification must be received no later than noon the day of the activity. Pick up must be on time as designated by the activity or by 5:00 PM for the library.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

See JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/) for Policy #6115 regarding the Pledge of Allegiance.

Policies of the Redding Board of Education

The following section includes selected policies that pertain to the operation of the school. Specific regulations detailing the procedures that have been established to carry out each policy are available upon request.

The information in this section falls into two categories. Schools are mandated to provide parents and students with copies of certain policies such as the policy on suspension and expulsion. The second category includes policies that pertain to frequently asked questions such as the policy regarding “Care of Instructional Material.” In both cases, the information reflects the current policies under which the Redding schools operate.

Students

Student Discipline and Due Process

Definitions of Removal, In-school Suspension, Suspension and Expulsion

A. "Exclusion" means any denial of school privileges to a student for disciplinary purposes.

B. "Removal" means an exclusion of a student from a classroom for all or part of a single class period, but not for more than ninety (90) minutes. No student will be removed from class more than six (6) times in any school year or more than two (2) times in one week unless such student is referred to the building principal or such principal's designee and, unless an emergency exists, granted an informal hearing prior to the removal wherein the student will be informed of the reasons for the removal and be given an opportunity to explain the situation. If an emergency situation exists, such hearing shall be held as soon after the removal as possible.

Any teacher may remove a student from class when the student deliberately causes a serious disruption of the educational process within the classroom.

Whenever a teacher removes a student from the classroom, the teacher will send such student to a designated area and shall immediately inform the building principal or such building principal's designee of the name of the student removed and the reason for such removal. Any time a minor student is removed, the administrator so informed shall cause the parents or guardian of such minor student to be notified of such action within twenty-four hours.

C. "In-school suspension" means an exclusion from regular classroom activities for no more than five (5) consecutive school days, but not exclusion from school, provided such exclusion shall not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such in-school suspension was imposed. No student shall be placed in in-school suspension more than fifteen (15) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion.

The Administration may impose an in school-suspension if the Administration finds that the student's conduct violates a publicized Board policy, is seriously disruptive of the educational process, or endangers persons or property.

D. "Suspension" means exclusion from school privileges or from transportation services for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days, provided such suspension shall not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such suspension is imposed. No student shall be suspended more than ten (10) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion, unless such pupil is granted the opportunity for a formal hearing pursuant to Sections 4-176e to 4-180a, inclusive, and Section 4-181a of the Connecticut General Statutes. If an emergency situation exists, such hearing shall be offered as soon after the suspension as possible.