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Helen R. Donaghue School (Grades 3 - 6)
8:25 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Pupils arriving after the prescribed starting time are tardy and must report to the Office before being admitted to the classroom. Pupils are not to arrive at the Helen R. Donaghue School before 8:20 a.m. or Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School before 8:30 a.m. This applies to all pupils. If you must drive your child to school, your cooperation in observing this policy will be most appreciated. Also, please note that the driveway at Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School is reserved for buses between 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Children being picked up at Helen R. Donaghue School will be dismissed from the Locust Street exit.
A decision may be made to delay the opening of school for 1, 1.5, or 2 hours
when weather conditions are hazardous during the early morning hours. No morning
Kindergarten or Preschool will be held with a two-hour delay.
Schools will be dismissed at the regular time.
School cancellation or a delayed opening information will be posted on Pentucket's website (prsd.org) by 6:00 A.M. Parents may, of course, use discretion in determining whether or not to keep their children home during snowy or extremely cold weather.
DELAYED OPENING
The Superintendent may delay the opening of school for 1, 1-1/2 or 2 hours when
weather conditions are hazardous during the early morning hours. The starting
time for school on delayed openings will be:
Delay School Start Time School Start Time
HelenR.Donaghue
1 hr. 9:25 a.m.
1-1/2 hr. 9:55 a.m.
2 hr. 10:25 a.m.
School will be dismissed at the regular time. The announcement for delayed openings
will be broadcast over radio stations WNBP, WBZ, and WRKO. It will be heard
as DELAYED OPENING. AM Kindergarten and AM Preschool will be held with a one-hour
delay. NO AM Kindergarten or Preschool with a two hour delay.
(DELAYED OPENINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
SCHOOL RULES AND CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn in a safe, nurturing
environment, the Frederick N. Sweetsir and Helen R. Donaghue Schools have a
code of conduct for students which is based on the ideas of mutual respect for
everyone's rights and individual accountability for one's actions; the school
sets high standards for student conduct. Staff at the school developed the following
clear code of conduct.
Students who do not abide by the school's rules face consequences appropriate to what they have done. Consequences are designed to encourage students' social development and sense of personal responsibility, so they are educational rather than punitive. The first response would usually be for the teacher to talk with the student about what was happening, followed by loss of a privilege, a short period in a "time-out" area, or performance of a community service.
The principal will deal immediately with the more serious disciplinary offenses. The principal will inform the student of the specific accusations and will provide the student with an opportunity to admit or deny them. When necessary, the principal will provide evidence that supports the allegations of misconduct. This may include interviews with other staff members or students who witnessed the incident. For all level one and level two behaviors, the school will contact the parents to make them aware of the situation.
The goal of the discipline system is to foster children's understanding of how their behavior affects the entire school community, so they will be able to responsibly direct their own behavior in positive ways both in and out of school.
Repeated misbehavior or serious offenses may result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension. During in- school suspension time, the student will be sitting in an isolated spot under the supervision of an adult. During this time, the student will be expected to complete work assigned by the classroom teacher(s) and/or the administration. The student must follow all directions of the adult. If he or she does not, they will be assigned another suspension period to complete.
All students at the Frederick N. Sweetsir and Helen R. Donaghue Schools are
expected to behave within the guidelines outlined above. The only exceptions
are those students who have been found through assessment by an evaluation team
to have special needs and whose behavior program is discussed in an Individualized
Education Plan. In accordance with the provisions of the federal Individuals
with Disabilities Act of 1997 (IDEA), when a student who meets these criteria
commits a serious breech of the discipline code, the following additional procedures
will be followed:
1. The administration will check the student's IEP to see if it states that
the student's special needs require modification of the discipline code.
2. The Principal will notify the Special Education staff of the student's misbehavior.
3. If the student is to be suspended for more than ten cumulative days in a
school year, the IEP team will convene to conduct a manifestation meeting to
determine if a causal relationship exists between the misconduct and the student's
special needs. They will then either:
a. Write an amendment providing delivery of special services during the suspension as well as further modifications to the IEP relative to the discipline code.
b. The school will consider alternate placement or other changes to the student's educational program.
c. The school will consider extended evaluation and/or temporary placement in a 45-day alternative setting.
d. The school will notify the Department of Education and legal procedures requesting approval of the alternative plan will be initiated. The school will seek parental consent for the alternative placement.
DISCIPLINE/BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
General Rules
1. Students will be courteous to others.
2. Students will respect the privacy and property of others (no "trading"
of items.)
3. Students will show respect for school property.
4. The use of profane language is prohibited.
5. Students will not bring toy guns or knives to school.
6. Students will not wear inappropriate clothing to school (profanity on clothing).
7. Students will follow classroom rules established by the teacher(s).
8. Students will demonstrate honesty at all times.
9. Invitations to parties, etc. are not to be distributed at school.
10. Students will not threaten or harass other students.
Cafeteria Rules
1. If requested to, students will sit in assigned areas.
2. Students will use "indoor voices" while eating.
3. Students will talk without raising their voices during lunch.
4. Students are not allowed to eat their neighbor's food.
5. Students will practice good table manners.
6. Students are responsible for cleaning up their own area.
Hall and Bathroom Rules
1. Students will walk in the halls.
2. Students will be orderly and quiet in the halls and bathrooms.
The following are unacceptable in the halls and bathrooms:
1. Playing and loitering.
2. Throwing towels or toilet paper.
3. Climbing over or under the stalls.
4. Sitting on the sinks.
5. Deliberate flooding of the bathroom.
6. Hanging on the stall doors.
7. Destruction of toilet paper and paper towel receptacles.
8. Any other such actions.
Playground
1. Students will play in assigned areas.
3. Students will use "safe" toys on the playground (no hard balls,
bats, or sticks.)
4. Students will not throw snowballs, sand, rocks, dirt, etc.on the playground.
5. Students will avoid playing rough games.
6. Students will line up quietly before school and after recess.
7. Students will park their bicycles upon arrival at school.
8. Students will not chew gum in the school and on the school grounds.
Disciplinary actions are taken with the aim of correcting behavior patterns. Most behavior problems can be handled routinely with properly organized school and classroom programs. Nearly all students respond satisfactorily to friendly encouragement, firm direction and understanding guidance. For those students who do not, and to protect the rights of all our children, it is important that parents and students understand the consequences of misbehavior. There are certain responsibilities we all share in helping the students overcome behavior problems. If a student's misbehavior is directly related to an identified handicap, the school staff will take such conditions into account. A student who becomes involved in areas of problem behavior will be subjected to certain disciplinary actions. Depending upon the seriousness of the behavior problem, one or more of the following actions will be taken by the school staff. In the case of severe violation of rules, the disciplinary action taken may extend beyond these guidelines.
INFORMAL TALK
A member of the school staff will talk with the student to reach agreement regarding
the student's behavior.
LOSS OF PRIVILEGES
The school administrator may notify the parent of privilege suspension. These
privileges may include removing the student from playground, cafeteria, and/or
class participation.
CONFERENCE
A conference will be held with the student, the teacher, the administrator and
other appropriate staff members, to develop a plan for improving behavior. The
parent may be contacted.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
The parent will be informed of the problem area. Conference with the student,
the parent and appropriate staff members may be scheduled. If a plan is developed
to help improve the student's behavior, copies will be given to the student
and the parent.
DETENTION AFTER SCHOOL HOURS
A child may be detained after regular school hours for disciplinary or academic
reasons, only after a 24-hour written notice has been sent home and returned
to the school. In situations requiring immediate attention, a telephone confirmation
by the teacher or administration on the same day detention is requested may
be used. The detention period is approximately 30-60 minutes following the close
of school.
SUSPENSION
Suspension out of school is used as little as possible, since it interferes
with the continuous progress of the child's education. Parents will be notified
of a suspension by letter/telephone and a parental conference with the teacher
and principal will be expected before the child may return to school. As noted
above, suspension from school or classroom activities, in-school suspensions,
will take place under the supervision of an adult. In most cases, the suspension
will be for the remainder of the day.
Students may be suspended for the following reasons:
1. Serious opposition to authority.
2. Use of profane or obscene language.
3. Infringing upon the rights of other students.
4. Repetition of any offense after notice.
5. Theft-full restitution to be made.
6. Serious destruction or injuring of any public property, such as buildings,
furniture, books, fences, trees and shrubbery.
7. Leaving school grounds without permission.
8. Smoking, matches and other safety hazards.
9. Organizing or participating in hazing.
10. Alcoholic beverages on the premises.
11. Possession of harmful substance (cigarettes/marijuana/cocaine/
prescription drugs).
12. Possession of a dangerous weapon (knife/gun).
13. Fighting
SUSPENSION AFTER A HEARING
A student may be suspended for disciplinary reasons for infractions of the code of conduct, following a hearing (or upon the hearing being waived) pursuant to the following procedures:
Notice of the alleged infraction(s) and of the time and place of a hearing in the matter shall be given to the student and his/her parent or guardian as soon as possible. Such a notice shall also include an explanation of the evidence on hand to support the allegation of infraction. Such notice may be oral, and shall when feasible be followed by written notice. The time for hearing shall in the usual case be immediately following the incident, but not later than the school day following the day in which the incident giving rise to the matter occurs, or in which the administrator becomes aware of the incident. A later time may be requested by the student or parent, who shall also have the right to waive a hearing. Any request for a postponement, and any waiver, shall be in writing. Ordinarily, a request for a postponement will not be entertained except upon good cause shown.
At the hearing, all sides shall be given an opportunity to fully present the facts and arguments on the alleged infraction. Failure of the student or parent to attend the hearing shall not prevent the hearing form taking place and completing its business. The student may be represented by legal counsel or his or her own choosing.
In the case of severe violation of the code of conduct, disciplinary action taken may extend beyond these guidelines.
REPEATED INFRACTIONS
In the usual case, no student shall be suspended for any infraction for a period
lasting longer than ten days. If a student who has been suspended during a school
year is found after a hearing to have acted in such a way as to have violated
the student code again during the same school year then that student shall be
subject to another suspension appropriate to the circumstances for up to another
ten day period. In the usual case, first offenders shall be subject to a suspension
of not more than five days for any one infraction, except that any student found
to have violated the policy on controlled substances or to have endangered the
safety of himself or others may be subject to greater penalties up to and including
expulsion even on his/her first offense.
DISCIPLINARY DUE PROCESS
1. Short Term Disciplinary Sanctions: Prior to the imposition of any disciplinary
sanction that might result in a student's suspension from school for ten (10)
consecutive school days or less, the student will be given oral notice of the
offense with which he/she is charged and an opportunity to respond. In the event
that the principal determines that the student will be suspended from school,
the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by telephone and in writing.
2. Long Term Disciplinary Sanctions: Prior to the imposition of any disciplinary
sanction that might result in the student's suspension for more than ten (10)
consecutive school days or expulsion, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be given
written notice of a hearing at which they may be represented by an attorney
at their expense and may examine and present witnesses and documentary evidence.
Following this hearing, the decision maker (principal/school committee) will
issue a written decision. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will have the right to appeal
any decision imposing a long-term exclusion from school. Where the student is
excluded in accordance with M.G.L. c. 71 §37H, the student shall have ten
(10) days from the effective date of the exclusion to file a written appeal
with the superintendent of schools. For exclusions imposed pursuant to M.G.L.
c.71 §37H1/2, the student shall have five (5) days from the effective date
of the exclusion to file a written appeal with the superintendent. For exclusions
imposed by the school committee in accordance with M.G.L. c.76 §17, the
student shall have the right to file a written request for reconsideration by
the committee within ten (10) days of the effective date of the exclusion. Pending
the outcome of any such appeal, the disciplinary sanction imposed shall remain
in effect. M.G.L. c. 76 §17, M.G.L. c. 71 §37H, M.G.L. c. 71 §37H1/2.
3. Students with Disabilities: Students who have been identified as students
with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or who the school has reason to
believe might be eligible for special education services are entitled to additional
procedural protections when a disciplinary exclusion is considered. Prior to
the imposition of any disciplinary sanction that would result in a change in
placement, the student's Team will meet to determine whether the student's conduct
was a manifestation of the student's disability. If the Team determines that
the conduct was a manifestation of the student's disability, shall review any
existing behavior plan or, if no such behavior plan exists, conduct a functional
behavioral assessment. In many cases, a student with a disability will be entitled
to services identified by the student's Team as necessary to provide the student
with a free appropriate public education during periods of disciplinary exclusion
exceeding ten (10) school days in a given year. For additional information regarding
the rights of students with disabilities in the context of school discipline
please contact the school district's Director of Special Education or the building
principal.
DRUG, ALCOHOL, OR TOBACCO ABUSE POLICY
It is the legal, moral and social responsibility of the Donaghue and Sweetsir
Schools to establish policies and procedures and encourage administrative action
that will promote a school environment free from the use of drugs, alcohol or
tobacco.
The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on school grounds for all people.
Student possession, use, sale or transfer of drugs (as defined in the Controlled
Substance Act, Mass. General Laws 94C, as amended, including prescription drugs)
alcohol or tobacco or possession of drug paraphernalia, on school property (including
buses) or at school functions is prohibited at all times. If an incident of
drug, alcohol or tobacco abuse occurs on school property (including buses) or
any school sponsored activity, the following procedures will be followed. Any
Pentucket staff member who thinks a student is in possession of, or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs, will immediately report this to the Principal.
The staff member will take that student and substance (where applicable) to
the Principal's Office or immediately contact the Principal for assistance.
The Principal will lead an investigation of the use or possession of drugs or
alcohol. This investigation will be done in a manner that protects students'
rights and may include the use of drug/alcohol detection devices, such as breathalyzer
or urinalysis. Guidelines that are set forth in the U.S. Supreme Court Goss
vs. Lopez (1975) will be adhered to. A student will be afforded a due process
hearing with the Principal and will be given notice of the charges against him/her
and an opportunity to be heard.
If, after this hearing takes place, it is determined that a student is in possession or under the influence of drugs/alcohol, the following disciplinary guidelines will be followed:
1. The student will be suspended for a minimum of five school days.
2. Parents will be notified by telephone whenever possible and by letter.
3. Police will be notified immediately.
4. Readmission to school will take place only after an in-school conference
with the parent(s), student and administration.
There is an interagency Memorandum of Understanding between the Pentucket School
District, the Police Department of Merrimac, the Essex County District Attorney's
Office, the Department of Social Services, the department of Youth Services
and the Haverhill and Newburyport Juvenile Court Probation Services. This document
recognizes the formal working relationships agreed upon by the participating
agencies to provide a safe and violence free educational setting.
Cases involving possession of weapons, illegal possession or use of drugs, assault,
false fire alarms, hazing, or other criminal acts will be reported to the Merrimac
Police.
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL LAWS CHAPTER 71, SECTION 37H AND 37 ½ H REGARDING STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school
related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon,
including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as
defined in Chapter 94C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and
heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the
principal.
Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher's aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal.
After said hearing, a principal may, in his discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b); provided, however, that any principal who decides that said student should be suspended shall state in writing to the school committee his reasons for choosing the suspension instead of the expulsion as the most appropriate remedy. In this statement, the principal shall represent that, in his opinion, the continued presence of this student in the school will not pose a threat to the safety, security and welfare of the other students and staff in the school.
Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of his appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.
When a student is expelled under the provisions of this section and applies for admission to another school for acceptance, the superintendent of the sending school shall notify the superintendent of the receiving school of the reasons for the pupil's expulsion.
STUDENTS IN CRISIS
When an administrator determines that a child is in crisis, s/he will contact
the parent/guardian. The child will be dismissed to the parent/guardian. The
administrator may require an emergency psychiatric evaluation. Before the child
may return to school, the administrator will require written confirmation form
a professional evaluator that the student is not a danger to the health and
safety to him/herself and/or others. One this assurance has been received; the
administrator will schedule a reentry meeting with the parent/guardian, student,
and appropriate school personnel.
School children may participate in insurance plans providing benefits for school
accidents. The insurance is offered at a nominal cost, but is entirely voluntary.
Complete information on the program is sent home with your child at the beginning
of the school year.
The PTO sponsors an After School Exploration Program during the winter. A variety
of enrichment activities are scheduled for this fee-based after school program.
Scholarships are available so that no student is excluded because of financial
need.
Massachusetts law requires that a child between the ages of 7 and 16 attend
school. It is important that a child be present each day in order to maintain
a high level of achievement. Your child's school life is important. Send him/her
to school regularly and on time. Absences caused by personal illness, quarantine,
religious holidays, or emergencies are excused. A doctor's note will be required
if your child has been absent for five or more consecutive days. Students who
have chronic absenteeism during the course of the school year, may be retained,
pending review by school personnel. Children who are absent from school because
of illness or accident on an extended basis, are eligible for home instruction.
Application for this service is made through the school principal.
Pupils who are present and punctual every day of the school year will receive
an Honor Attendance Certificate in June. Dismissals before 11:00 AM are marked
as absences.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Sweetsir and Donaghue Schools offer a tuition-based Before and After School
Program. The program provides a variety of age-appropriate activities, supervised
free play and time for homework. The program encourages creativity, recreation
and learning. The program is held from 6:45 - 8:15 a.m. in the morning at the
Donaghue School (Sweetsir students are transported to FNS by bus) and 2:50 -
5:30 p.m. in the afternoon at the Donaghue and Sweetsir Schools. The program
operates on the same schedule as the school calendar. A Before and After School
Handbook is distributed with all registration forms. Please contact Lee Anne
Davis for enrollment/fee information.
Bicycle riders are to park their bikes in the racks provided upon arrival at
school. It is also recommended that children lock their bikes.
Many parents ask how they can celebrate birthdays in school. Some parents send
cupcakes or other food treats to school for children to share in the classroom.
As part of our effort to promote healthy eating choices among children, we are
asking parent to rethink how they celebrate their child's birthday in school.
We suggest that parents who want to celebrate in school do so with things other
than food. Alternatives are pencils, stickers, bookmarks, etc. (Also see page
13 for information on the Healthy Snack Program.)
The only time students should bring toys, games, etc. to school is when their
teacher instructs them to do so (for show and tell or field trips, for example).
The students will assume responsibility for any items brought to school. Items
specifically not to be brought to school include electronic games, radios, cameras,
tape recorders, skate boards, cell telephones, pagers, valuable trading cards,
personal music players, and any other electronic equipment. Such belongings
can be lost or broken at school. We would appreciate your help in keeping these
items at home.
Parents are required to call the school and leave a message on the answering
machine if their child is going to be absent. If we don't hear from you, we
will make every attempt to call you at home or at work to verify your child's
absence.
Donaghue Parents should call the main telephone number: (978) 346-8921 to report your child in absent
Sweetsir Parents should call the main telephone number: (978) 346-8319 to report your child in absent.
The Administrators of each school building are responsible for the classroom
assignments of children at the beginning of the school year and for children
transferring into the school during the school year. In making classroom assignments,
the Principal will consider a number of factors, in order to provide the most
efficient and effective classroom program for all children at a given grade
level and for the school in general. These factors include, for example:
A. Educational needs of the child
B. Placement of special needs and academically able children
C. Appropriate instructional groupings
D. Appropriate balance of boys and girls
E. Social dynamics of the group
F. Teacher(s) recommendations
G. Class size
Dismissal of children during school time is not given except for illness or
other emergencies. For the safety of your children and your own peace of mind,
please adhere to the following procedure for dismissal times. Dismissals before
11:00 a.m. will be marked as an absence.
1. If you know in the a.m. that you or someone else will be picking your child
up early from school, please write a note to that effect and send it to your
child's teacher.
2. Whether or not a note is received, you will be required to sign your child
out of school, through the office. No child is dismissed to meet a parent in
the parking lot, on a curb, etc. When you come in to the school office, we will
contact your child over the intercom, or your child may be in the office at
the specified time to meet you. You may be asked to present identification.
Students should dress in a neat, clean, and decent manner appropriate for school.
Dress of an extreme nature will not be allowed. Examples of inappropriate dress
for students include:
Clothing with profanity or language deemed inappropriate for a school setting
Clothing that supports/encourages drug or alcohol use
Tank tops with narrow or spaghetti straps, tube tops, spandex or extremely short
shorts or skirts
Clothing with inappropriate vents, rips or holes
Sneakers with wheels in the heels (roller shoes)
Any student wearing a questionable outfit or articles of clothing will be referred to the office.
Students are not allowed to wear hats (baseball or otherwise) anywhere in the building.
Emergency care in the school is limited to "FIRST AID". First aid defined by the American Red Cross is the immediate and temporary care given in case of accident or sudden illness.
Each child is given a Student Health & Emergency Information Card at the time of registration and at the beginning of each school year so that we may update our files. We must have the address and phone number where the parents can be reached at home and at work and the name of two neighbors or friends who can assume the responsibility for the child's care if the parents cannot be reached. The name of the child's doctor is also to be on this card. If any of this information changes, the parents must notify the school immediately. If the parents are going to be out of town on vacation or will be gone for the day and thus cannot be reached by phone, it is imperative that you have made arrangements for whomever will assume care, should an emergency arise. A sick or injured child cannot be kept in school. Careful planning in advance can prevent a very difficult situation.
DISMISSAL
A child shall be dismissed for:
1. Temperature elevation over 100 degrees
2. Undiagnosed rash, symptom, or virus
3. Uncontrollable cough
4. Headache, earache, or any other persistent pain
5. Injury deemed to require professional medical attention
6. Fainting or seizures
7. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
8. Any suspected communicable disease or condition
9. Pediculosis (head lice)
A NOTE FROM A PHYSICIAN IS REQUIRED IF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN ABSENT FOR FIVE OR
MORE CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
The students in the 6th grade participate in a four (4) day Environmental School
Program. The students are involved in studying various aspects of nature. They
study life in the bogs, salt-water marsh, ocean tidal pools, forest, etc. as
they learn about the environment.
The students and teachers stay in a large three-story dormitory composed of rooms that accommodate 6-8 students each. They leave school on Tuesday morning by school bus, and return Friday afternoon by the same means of transportation. All sixth graders are expected to attend, along with the classroom teachers. The Environmental School has a staff of approximately 8 to 10 teachers who will be in charge of the lessons conducted three times daily for 2 hours per session.
A banking program is set up to assist any child who wishes to save through the school. Any monies set aside in this banking program will be returned to the student if he/she decides not to attend. Any student who does not attend the Environmental School is required to attend school that week as this is a regular school week for the students.
An evening program for parents is held prior to the students attending the Environmental School. A representative of the school presents an overview of the program and a question and answer session. All necessary forms (equipment and medical) are sent home in advance of the week's events. This program aligns with our science curriculum as the students study the environment. The program is held in early Spring.
Fire drills are held at least four (4) times each year, well distributed from
September to June. The Fire Chief supervises a minimum of three (3) drills per
year. This is to insure proper training of the children in an emergency situation.
The Donaghue and Sweetsir Schools through the Guidance Department has established
counseling/support for students in Grades K - 6. Groups meet biweekly or weekly.
We believe that by offering developmental guidance and counseling/support at
school, children will recognize problems as real and will receive the message
that it is acceptable to want help, get help, and begin to have one's own needs
met.
There is a full time nurse at the Donaghue and Sweetsir Schools. The nurse's primary role is to support learning. We accomplish this by implementing strategies that promote student and staff health and safety. Here are a few of the following services that your school nurse provides: illness and injury assessments and interventions (first aid), identification, assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of student health concerns, pediatric nursing procedures, screening for height, weight, vision and hearing, activities and education to promote health, chronic disease management and education, care plans for students with health conditions, dispense medication, crisis team participation, schedule clinics, and maintenance of health records. The school nurses are also members of the special education team and are involved in developmental assessments when requested.
MEDICATIONS
ALL MEDICATIONS -Prescriptions from a doctor or over the counter medications
are to be brought into school by a child's parent/guardian. Any prescription
from a doctor that will be given for more than ten (10) days needs parent permission
as well as a doctor's orders to dispense. A prescription from a doctor for less
than ten (10) days needs only parent permission. The school nurse gives all
medication. Any prescription medication must be in a pharmacy container with
the prescription attached. Under no circumstances will the school nurse dispense
medication that is in an unlabeled container. If there is a change in a child's
medication, please notify the school nurse.
If a medication is prescribed FOUR times a day, it will probably need to be
given once at school as well as at home. In this case, the parent will need
to obtain a duplicate prescription container with the prescription label in
place. This duplicate bottle should be left at school. We do not allow medication
to be carried back and forth from school with the student. These protocols are
in place for the safety of the children.
Parents or guardians wishing to have their child receive any medication may
come in to the school and administer it.
If your child has a disability that prevents her/him from participating in the normal activities here at school, a note should be sent to the school nurse explaining the disability and the instructions that are to be observed concerning the child's participation in school activities.
A child's education is enhanced when home and school work together in a partnership
for learning. Homework is an integral part of the learning process and an important
component of the curriculum. Evaluation of school progress includes performance
in home assignments as well as in class work. Homework assignments have these
important purposes:
1. Many learning tasks for either practice, reinforcement, and/or enrichment
should be done outside of the classroom,
providing opportunity for more direct teacher instruction and guidance in class.
2. Such assignments help develop initiative, responsibility, and self-direction
in students and are an important aspect of the evaluative process.
3. "Out-of-class" assignments provide parents with opportunities to
see first hand what is happening in school and to actively participate in their
children's learning.
Homework will be assigned on a regular basis, Monday through Thursday evenings,
for all students in grades 1 - 6. Following are guidelines of approximate amounts
of time for assigned homework at each grade level:
Grade 1………………………………..15
minutes
Grade 2………………………………..15-30
minutes
Grade 3………………………………..15
minutes
Grade 4………………………………..45
minutes
Grade 5………………………………..60
minutes
Grade 6………………………………..60-90
minutes
The content of the homework assignments will vary but generally will include
the basic skills in the primary grades and content subjects in the intermediate
grades. Both daily assignments and long-range projects will be included. Self
selected reading, practice of basic math facts and a review ofnotes, when needed,
should be a regular part of daily study.
Students in all grades are encouraged to read every night in addition to the homework assignment. This would include being read aloud to and reading to themselves. Research shows that children who are read to on a daily basis perform better in school. Positive attitudes about work and a sense of responsibility begin early when nurtured and valued both at home and at school.
It is important that students, teachers, and parents understand their responsibilities
associated with homework. These responsibilities are specified below:
THE STUDENT HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:
1. Have a copy of the assignment and make sure assignments are completed.
2. Complete assignments neatly and on time.
3. Note any questions about homework to be asked in class.
4. Return assignments and books to school when due.
5. Complete all assigned "make-up" work as soon as possible.
THE TEACHER HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:
1. Advise parents and students of his or her classroom homework
procedures.
2. Provide homework that will reinforce, enrich, or give practice related to
academic skills.
3. Give assignments clearly.
4. Follow up on homework assignments and answer student questions to eliminate
confusion or misunderstanding.
5. Inform parents when a student is not completing assignments.
THE PARENT HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:
1. Be knowledgeable of the district and individual classroom homework procedures.
2. Provide a quiet place for their child to study.
3. Make the teacher aware of all questions and concerns related to assignments.
4. Encourage independence in completion of assignments.
5. Be available to assist in reinforcement of basic skills.
Requests for homework for children not in school must be made by contacting the office by 10:00 a.m.
Students in grade 6 are offered an after school homework lab, from 2:55 - 3:55
p.m. Students are supervised by staff members and given assistance with homework
during this time. This period also provides students with time to complete make-up
work
Children living in the Town of Merrimac are eligible for Kindergarten if they
reach 5 years of age before September 1st of the entering year.
Parents are asked to notify the school if they have a child eligible for kindergarten. Kindergarten registration notices will also appear in the local newspapers. Packets of information are mailed to families in February. An orientation program is held in the spring. The following information is required for entrance into kindergarten.
The Dr. Sweetsir School offers tuition based full day kindergarten program. Tuition for the program is $3600 per year.
The Kindergarten has a morning and an afternoon session in addition to the full day program. The morning session runs from 8:35 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. (Except on early release days); the afternoon session runs from 12:10 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Except on early release days); - no p.m. session. Sessions remain the same for the entire year.
In April, parents of in-coming kindergarten students are invited to a Parent Orientation Night for an informational meeting on the kindergarten screening process. A week later, parents bring their children to school for kindergarten screening. Vision, hearing, fine motor, gross motor, language, social, and reading readiness skills are screened to identify children who may need further evaluation and educational intervention. Kindergarten screening usually occurs in early May and parents are notified of results by the beginning of June.
Each of the elementary schools has a system for handling lost or found articles. Students should report all valuable articles that are lost or found to the Principal's office. To assist in the identification of lost articles, clothing, books, school bags, lunches, etc., please mark each article with the child's name and grade.
MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
(MCAS)
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is the Commonwealth's
statewide testing program for public school students, developed in response
to the Education Reform Law of 1993. MCAS is based exclusively on the rigorous
academic learning standards contained in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
These Frameworks and the MCAS program have been developed with the direct and
active involvement of educators from across Massachusetts and with the support
of the Board of Education. Together, the Frameworks and MCAS are designed to
raise the academic achievement of all students in the Commonwealth.
MCAS Testing occurs in the following grades at the Helen R. Donaghue School
Grades 3 - Reading, Mathematics
Grades 4 - English Composition, Reading, Mathematics
Grades 5 - Reading, Mathematics, Science and Technology
Grades 6 - Reading, Mathematics
The school office will take messages for teachers. It is rarely possible for a teacher to come to the phone immediately in response to a call, but a return call will be made as soon as possible. Students will be called to the telephone only for emergency situations.
The following few simple rules will enable the teacher and you to make best
use of your conference time:
1. Please phone or write in advance when making an appointment.
2. Do not bring small children.
3. Plan on a 10 - 15 minute conference. This is usually ample time.
4. Do not expect the teacher to carry on a conference when her class is in session.
Classes will not be interrupted for conferences.
CONFERENCE TIPS FOR TWO
A time for getting acquainted and informing each other
| Parent learns about child's | Teacher learns about child's |
| 1. special abilities | 1. reaction to school |
| 2. adjustment to school | 2. responsibility at home |
| 3. relationship with other children | 3. cooperation at home |
| 4. school work and progress toward | 4. activities, interests &learning goals hobbies |
| 5. place in group | 5. weaknesses & strengths |
| 6. academic ability as viewed by parents | |
| 7. areas of strength & weakness | |
| 8. health habits |
Parents of Kindergarten and First graders have an opportunity to read books to their children in a small group setting within the school. Child and/or parent may select books enjoyed at home, at the school or public library. Books may be selected because they are personal favorites or because they extend classroom themes thus promoting self-esteem, enhancing studies, and strengthening the home-school connection.
PENTUCKET PRESCHOOL AT MERRIMAC
The Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School has an integrated Preschool Program that
is available for three (3), four (4), and and five (5) year old children. The
Preschool offers a nurturing environment and a variety of experiences to help
children explore and grow. The program is available two (2), or three (3) days
a week (both mornings and afternoons). An experienced early childhood teacher
and educational support personnel teach each class. Parents will be kept informed
of classroom news and special events through a monthly newsletter. We welcome
parents' support and involvement in our program.
The Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir and Helen R. Donaghue Schools have a very active
PTO. The objectives of the Merrimac PTO are: 1.To promote the welfare of children
in the home, school and
community.
2. To bring into closer relationship the home and the school, so that
parents and teachers may work cooperatively in the training of their
children.
3. To develop united efforts between educators and the general public
and to secure for every child the highest advantage in physical,
mental and social education.
4. To assist the schools financially through a variety of fund-raising
events within the school year.
The following is a sampling of the PTO sponsored activities:
Under ordinary weather conditions, children go outdoors at recess periods.
Whenever conditions are extreme, they remain inside. Individual and small group
games are played in the classroom/cafeteria to give the students a break from
their studies. Please do not ask for your child to stay in for recess unless
your doctor sees the need and sends a note to the school. Under extreme circumstances,
a note from a parent/guardian will be honored.
Student Records
The Massachusetts Department of Education has developed regulations regarding
handling of student records. A full copy of the Regulations may be seen at the
office of the Superintendent of Schools. Pertinent features for elementary students
and parents follow:
- A student record includes all the information concerning the student which
is kept by the school system.
- The eligible student and his/her parent(s) shall have access to the student
record. The school must comply with such a request within two days of its being
made.
- Non-custodial parents must annually submit to the school principal a written
request for student records, including report cards. This request must specify
several things relevant to the custody of the student. Non-custodial parents
can obtain a copy of the regulations, Massachusetts general Laws Chapter 71,
Section 34H, at their child's school office.
- School administrators, teachers, counselors, and school clerical staff do
not need permission to see student records. Exceptions to this include probation
officers and people designated by subpoenas as a court order. In these cases,
written notice must be given to the student or parent by the school and an entry
must be made showing the person and the reason for examining the record.
- The school may release to third parties, such as the PTO, the names and addresses
of students in a particular class. Any parent who does not want this information
released without prior consent should notify the school office.
Report cards are issued in January and June for children in Preschool and Kindergarten. Children in grades 1 - 6 receive their reports cards in December, March and June. Teachers are available to talk with you regarding your child's progress. Please feel free to call the office anytime to schedule an appointment.
Per the school policy on retention, a team consisting of the Principal, teacher,
school psychologist and other appropriate personnel reviews students being considered
for retention. Parents will be notified promptly of such a review and will be
requested to attend a conference to discuss the matter and reach a decision
regarding the child's placement for the following academic year.
Massachusetts General Laws, c. 71, s. 59C states that: "The school council shall meet regularly with the Principal of the school and shall assist in the identification of the educational needs of the students(…), in the review of the annual school building budget, and in the formulation of a school improvement plan." The council is composed of elected and appointed representatives of the school and community. In addition to the Principal, there are two (2) parents, two (2) teachers, and a community representative.
The school council is an advisory body that works together to provide ideas
and opinions to help the Principal. In this context, council members assist
by:
Providing information and recommendations relevant to the
Educational needs of the students;
Reading and discussing the budget with the Principal to
understand its implications for goals and activities in the
school improvement plan; and
Participating actively in the process of school analysis and planning that results
in the identification of annual goals, activities, outcomes, and resources that
will lead to school improvement
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM/SNACK PROGRAM
The school cafeteria provides a nutritional lunch for all children. School lunches can be paid for either daily or prepaid for the week/month. Exact amounts are requested. Checks are to be made payable to Pentucket Regional School Lunch Program. Please make sure all envelopes and/or checks have child's name on it. It is a district policy for the elementary schools that only two lunches are allowed to be charged when a student has lost or forgotten their lunch monies. Any charges beyond this, the child will be given a sandwich and milk for a charge of 50 cents. The cafeteria staff must adhere to this policy. The cashier will send notification to parents for overdue accounts home and prompt payment is expected. Students choosing to bring their own lunches may purchase milk or juice in the cafeteria. Information on prices will be distributed the first week of school.
According to the Surgeon General of the United States, obesity and poor nutrition
are at epidemic proportions. We, as educators and parents/guardians, are role
models for our children and we can begin to do something to help alleviate these
conditions.
With that in mind, the Donaghue and Sweetsir Schools have a snack program in
place that fosters healthy nutrition and healthy choices. A list of suggested
snacks is listed below. We ask that each and every family support us in our
effort to promote healthy eating choices among our students. With everyone's
cooperation, we will be able to help our children learn how to keep their minds
and bodies healthy.
SOME HEALTHY SNACKS:
Bagels, graham crackers, Teddy Grahams (not chocolate), yogurt, cheese sticks,
vegetables, fruit, raisins, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pretzels,
popcorn and Sun Chips.
(Also see birthday celebration information.)
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST& SCHOOL ADJUSTMENT
COUNSELOR
The school adjustment counselor serves as an organizer, a promoter, an educational advisor, a social worker, a teacher, a public speaker, and even a public relations person. This individual displays some of the skills of a psychologist, some of the knowledge of a physician, and some of the techniques of a clinician. The school adjustment counselor operates in the field of guidance and education, as a liaison between the home and school, supporting, supplementing, and/or expanding the need for better adjustment in order to promote optimum learning. The school psychologist works with students in terms of their capacity to learn, trying to alleviate distractions, which defeat the development of social-emotional and/or academic growth. Through a highly structured process, the school psychologist with the assistance of parents, teachers, and other concerned parties, attempts to discover a child's needs, assess his/her potentialities, develop skills, establish goals and objectives, formulate plans of action, and proceed to realization.
Each school has a school safety plan that outlines how all individuals in the school community can work together to respond to a crisis. The plan also details how school and community resources can be used to create safe environments and to manage responses to acute threats and incidents of violence.
As the telephone is needed for school business, students can only use the telephone
in the case of emergency situations. A pay telephone is available at the Frederick
N. Sweetsir and Helen R. Donaghue Schools.
SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPY
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The speech therapy program at the Frederick N. Sweetsir and Helen R. Donaghue
Schools provides the following services: assessment of a child's communicative
needs; participation of the speech therapist in TEAM meetings to review results
and recommendations; and the implementation of instructional services. Communicative
needs may include articulation difficulties, language deficiencies (both expressive
and receptive), stuttering, and/or voice disorders.
Goals of Program
1. To provide children with direct, intensive, and individualized speech and
language services so as to meet each student's communicative needs.
2. To develop each child's receptive and expressive language ability relating
to vocabulary, comprehension of language structures, and syntax.
3. To improve each child's articulatory ability.
4. To communicate regularly with parents of children receiving speech language
therapy services regarding progress and carry-over activities.
5. To meet regularly with those teachers who have children in the speech language
therapy program in order to coordinate activities that will aid in each child's
rate of progress.
6. To provide consultation of regular classroom teachers for children whose
speech and language skills are being monitored.
Would you like to honor a special day in your child's life (example: Birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or any special happening) in a unique and lasting way? If you donate a NEW BOOK to the school library, a special "GIFT FROM (CHILD'S NAME) BOOK PLATE" honoring your child will be placed in the front of the book. These special gifts will become a part of our school library. As this gift is given in your child's honor, he/she will have the privilege of being the first to borrow the book from the library. If you decide to participate in this program, please send the book to the school, to the attention of the librarian.
The Frederick N. Sweetsir and Helen R. Donaghue Schools subscribes to an inclusion (co-teaching) philosophy, which holds that all children need to be included in the educational and social life of their community's school and classrooms. We have worked hard to build a system that is designed to meet everyone's needs and to allow for all children to be successful, secure, and welcome. Through the support of teachers, special educators, specialists, paraprofessionals and parents, we have created programs, environments, instruction, and therapies so as to comply with Massachusetts General Laws. We have also worked hard to guide children in building mutual support and appreciation for the diverse gifts and talents of all youngsters.
A child can be referred for a Special Education Team evaluation by the teacher or by the parent. Referrals occur when the teacher or parent questions whether or not a child has a disability, when a child is not making effective academic progress, or if a child requires specialized instruction. Prior to or concurrent with a special education referral, pre-referral strategies are designed by the Teacher Assistance Team and implemented within the classroom setting. The success of these strategies is assessed and documented. Once the referral is initiated, the evaluation occurs and the Team meets to discuss the results. Parents are an integral part of the special education process and important members of the Team. If a child is determined to be eligible for Special Education, an Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) is developed and implemented.
See page 2 for information regarding school rules and codes of conduct for children who have an Individualized Educational Plan.
The Teacher Assistant Team, (TAT), which is a function of regular education, enables staff members to meet as a team to address the individual needs of children. Classroom teachers and resource personnel/specialists explore program options and instructional modifications within regular programming to help address the student's need. If needed, testing or a TEAM evaluation may be initiated after consultation with the child's parent(s)/guardian(s) and written permission has been received.
Title I has been the largest federal aid program for local schools since 1965. The Pentucket District's Title I program provides supportive instructional services in reading in grades K-2 at the Sweetsir School. Students are selected using the district's eligibility criteria. These are: test scores, classroom performance, and rating sheets completed by the classroom teacher. Students receive daily reading instruction in the classroom by the classroom teacher. Title I students also receive additional support in a small group setting with the Title I teacher. This instruction supplements the classroom instruction. Informational parent meetings are held several times throughout the year. Parent conferences are also held to keep parents informed of student progress. Parent involvement is an important component of the program, and the Title I teachers provide activities and training sessions for parents to help their child at home.
BUS CHANGES
Children in grades K-6 will not be allowed to travel on a bus, other than their
assigned one, without written notification to the office of a permanent daycare
arrangement by the parent. We are no longer able to accommodate students traveling
to a friend's home due to space constraints on the buses. Additionally, families
that live within a two-mile radius of school and have opted not to pay the bus
transportation fee may not have their child transported by bus to or from a
daycare provider. Private transportation will have to be arranged.
There are four critical times involved for the pupils in bus transportation: the bus stop, boarding the bus, riding the bus, and disembarking. Parents are advised that it is best if pupils do not use the bus stop as a play area. Once on the bus, supervision is by the bus driver. As common courtesy and for the safety of all, children are expected to behave in an orderly manner. Misbehavior could divert the bus driver's attention and cause an accident. For this reason, regulations pertaining to pupil conduct on buses are fairly strict.
BUS REGULATIONS
These regulations have been established to provide maximum safety and protection
for all bus students. Respect for the bus driver will be expected from all students
at all times. The driver's instructions shall be followed. Failure to comply
can result in disciplinary action. Typically, bus evacuation drills are held
in October where students will rehearse with the driver the proper evacuation
of the bus in the event of an emergency.
1. Courtesy
Bus drivers will spend time in September and then periodically throughout the
year formally reviewing the bus regulations with the students. Drivers have
been trained in productive ways in which to interact with children. Show courtesy
to the bus driver and other students at all times.
2. Be at the Bus Stop Ten Minutes before it's due -Waiting for the Bus
While waiting for the bus, students remain at the side of the road. They maintain
orderly conduct while waiting for the bus. Students approach the bus only when
the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens. Never run for the bus.
3. Thumbs Up
Students should wait for the "thumbs up" signal from the bus driver
before crossing the street to board the bus.
4. Seating on the Bus
Students sit on the bus as directed by the bus driver. Students sit no more
than three to a seat. Drivers may assign seats. The first two rows on the bus
may be reserved for those students who struggle with behaviors. Otherwise, Kindergarten
and first grade students sit toward the front of the bus.
5. Move In
Students sit on the seat so that space is readily available for a second or
third student to sit in the seat. Moving in makes it easier for others to quickly
see that there's room in the seat. This is also a time saver.
6. Back-to-Back and Bottom-to-Bottom
Students are instructed that the safest way to sit in a bus seat is with their
back to the back of the seat and their bottom to the bottom of the seat. No
other way of sitting in a bus seat is acceptable.
7. Back Packs on Lap
All student belongings are to be held on his/her lap, as this is the safest
place, should the bus come to a sudden stop. The bus driver has the right to
make the determination as to whether or not large or sharp objects pose a hazard
to others. Other transportation arrangements may have to be made.
8. Stay Seated
The procedure means that at all times when the bus is in motion, students remain
seated. Students are to change seats only at the direction of the bus driver.
Students are also instructed to stay seated until the bus comes to a full stop
before leaving the bus. When arriving at school, students stay seated until
the seat in front of them is empty.
9. Feet Out of Aisle
The procedure refers to having feet, packages, etc. kept out of the aisle so
that the aisle is free for others to safely pass through while loading or unloading,
or in an emergency situation.
10. Talk Softly
Talking on the bus is very acceptable as long as each person talks softly. The
less noise on the bus; the more the driver can concentrate on watching the road.
Shouting, loud talking, name calling, or abusive language is not permitted.
11. Do Not Throw Anything
Students must understand that any object thrown on a bus can have a dangerous
effect. Other students may be hurt and/or cause the bus driver to be distracted
from watching the road.
12. Do Not Eat
We do not eat on a bus because:
a) you could choke on the food if the bus stopped quickly:
b) food left on the bus could be sticky or slippery and ruin clothing or cause
someone to fall;
c) it makes the bus messy
d) there are students who have allergies to food that could be harmful if
opened or left on the bus.
13. Window and Emergency Equipment
Keep arms, hands, head and objects inside the bus. Students open or close windows
only with the bus driver's permission. The emergency door and/or window is to
be used as an exit only in an emergency and at the direction of the bus driver.
14. Exiting the Bus
Students are instructed to stay seated until the bus comes to a full stop before
leaving the bus. When arriving at school, students stay seated until the seat
in front of them is empty. When arriving at their afternoon destination, students
should walk ten feet in front of the bus and wait for the "thumbs up"
before crossing the street.
15. Walk To and From the Bus
For safety's sake, students walk in single file, being careful not to push or
shove anyone, when approaching or leaving a bus.
16. Bus Safety Concerns
Parental concerns in regard to issues of bus safety can be expressed by putting
concerns in writing to the principal.
BUS CONDUCT REPORTS
1. If, after a verbal warning from the bus driver about an inappropriate behavior,
the behavior continues or recurs, a student receives a written bus conduct report.
A copy is forwarded to the principal and bus manager. The student's copy is
signed by his/her parent and returned to the school office.
2. Upon receipt of a second written report, there will be an automatic suspension
for a period of one day from the bus. The bus conduct report will be processed
as outlined in #1.
3. A third report means automatic suspension from the bus for a period of three
days. The bus conduct report will be processed as outlined in #1.
4. A fourth report means automatic suspension from the bus for a period of five
days. The bus conduct report will be processed as outlined in #1. A meeting
with parents and the bus company representative will be necessary before allowing
the student to ride the bus again.
5. Major offenses such as destroying property, using matches or a lighter, profane
language or tampering with the emergency equipment will result in an automatic
3-day suspension for the student. Liability for any bus vandalism shall be assumed
by the parent(s) or legal guardian of the student(s) involved.
Repeated misbehavior can result in denial of the privilege of transportation.
DUE TO ALLERGIES, FOOD IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE EATEN ON THE BUS. BALLOONS ARE NOT ALLOWED
TRANSPORTATION USER FEES
The Pentucket School District adopted student activity fees in May 2003. Students
who live within a two-mile radius of the school are charged $180.00 per student
for the school year. Fees are waived for families eligible for free or reduced
lunch. Carol Gelina, transportation coordinator, mails information to all families
regarding fees and bus passes.
ARRIVING AT SCHOOL BY AUTOMOBILE
Each year the schools review the pickup and drop-off procedures to ensure student
safety. The schools notify parents of the procedures through newsletters and
other notices. We request that all parents follow the prescribed procedures
in the interest of preserving all children's safety.
In order to avoid disruptions to the educational process, parents are strongly
encouraged not to schedule vacation during school days.
Parents are asked to advise the school of their plans and to inquire about related
deadlines for make-up work. Be aware that teachers are not required to make
long-range assignments for vacationing students. Also, students may take tests
missed during their absence from school at the convenience of the teacher.
Whenever you visit the school, please make your presence known to the Main Office. Sign into the Visitor/Volunteer Log located at the Main Office and pin a Visitor/Volunteer badge onto your clothing. All individuals not wearing a Visitor/Volunteer badge will be asked to return to the Main Office, sign in and obtain a Visitor/Volunteer badge. This policy insures the safety of the students and minimizes interruptions in the classroom. A CORI will be conducted on all volunteers.
Please sign out and return the badge upon leaving the building.
The Volunteer Program is a group of persons who work in the schools under the direction of the administrators/PTO to strengthen the school programs or to offer special skills to enrich students' educational experience. Volunteers may also work outside the school to provide supplemental materials or other special aids in any educational situation where needed. A CORI (Criminal History Systems Board) will be conducted on all volunteers.
Walkers should arrive at school no more than 10 minutes before school begins. Supervision is not provided before such time. During inclement weather, walkers are allowed in the building 10 minutes early. Walkers are not permitted to ride school buses unless approved by the Administration. Each year, children going to and from school can be subjected to various hazards, including coming into contact with strangers who may be undesirable. The following steps will be taken to prevent this:
You must check with the office before picking up a child. A child will not be allowed to leave the building with any individual unless the person is properly identified as a parent, guardian or other authorized escort. If someone else asks to pick up a child, the school will call the home in order to make certain that this person is authorized to take the child home.
Ask all children:
NOT TO SPEAK TO STRANGERS
Ask all children:
NOT TO ACCEPT RIDES FROM ANY ONE OTHER THAN A PRE-ARRANGED PERSON
If a stranger speaks to a child, ask the child to tell the teacher, Principal
or parent immediately.
We strongly believe that children are more successful when there is a strong parent-school partnership with on-going two-way communication. Ordinarily, most problems can be resolved by talking with the teacher involved. Send a note in with your child asking that the teacher call you or call the school and leave a message for a particular teacher to call you back. You can then set up an appointment or discuss the problem over the phone. For most problems an answer will be found when discussing the situation with the teacher.
If a solution is not found, the next step is to talk with the Principal. The Principal can act as mediator and possibly give new insights to the problem.
If after talking with the teacher and Principal, you are still unhappy with the solution or lack of solution to your problem, then you should talk to the Superintendent of Schools.
The great majority of problems are solved by talking with the teacher. The teachers would like to know of any difficulties you may have. Please contact them.
The Pentucket Regional School District Math Curriculum K-6 meets the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and also focuses on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics and Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics published in 1989 and 1991 respectively supporting the attainment of 5 broad goals:
1. to value mathematics
2. to reason mathematically
3. to communicate mathematics
4. to solve problems, and
5. to develop confidence in one's ability.
The Pentucket Regional School District adopted the implementation of the Everyday Mathematics Program in 2002. Everyday Mathematics is a comprehensive Kindergarten through 6th grade mathematics program developed by the University of Chicago Mathematics Project.
Everyday Mathematics recognizes and builds on children's capabilities by expanding the range of their mathematics experiences and ideas. Beginning in kindergarten, Everyday Mathematics helps children make the transition from intuition to concrete operations, and to abstractions and skills with symbols. The program in Grades 4 through 6 continues to develop these links so that by sixth grade, students will have the foundation they will need for algebra, geometry, and data analysis courses.
Mathematics instruction is integrated into other curriculum areas; special emphasis is placed on applications in science and social studies, on the origins and uses of the language of mathematics, and on the close relationship between mathematics and the visual arts. Mathematics becomes a part of the ongoing daily routines of the classroom, outdoor play, and of those transitional moments that occur during every school day.
The reading program in the Pentucket District meets the standards in the Massachusetts
Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks.
Reading and writing are the keys that unlock the door to your child's educational
progress. Probably most important in learning to read and write is the development
of a general mental, emotional, and physical preparedness for learning.
Children in grades K-4 use the Scott Foresman Reading Program. The goal of the program is to develop independent readers, articulate writers and speakers, and discerning listeners and viewers. Four elements-literature, phonics, accountability, and management, all link to every teacher's number one classroom goal of reading independence for every student. The Scott Foresman program correlates with the Massachusetts Frameworks.
Students in grades 5 & 6 use a variety of materials to learn and gain proficiency in the language arts -- reading, writing, vocabulary development, listening and speaking. These include basal readers, grade and age appropriate literature, vocabulary development texts, and writing resource books. Students complete guided and independent reading and writing projects and assignments. Students learn to read several genres for understanding and to critically analyze what they read. Students also learn to write organized and effective essays for several purposes. They complete a research project in grade 6. The grade 5 & 6 curriculum follows the learning standards enumerated in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
There are two music teachers in Merrimac, one at FNS for grades K - 2, and
another at HRD for grades 3 - 6. The music program focuses on basic musical
concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre and form. Children experience
these concepts in appropriate singing, movement, listening and instructional
activities taught by the music/movement specialist. Opportunity is provided
for the upper elementary student to have enriched experiences by participating
in an elementary school chorus and/or instrumental ensemble. The Music Specialist
meets once a week with each class.
The Instrumental Music Program is available to all interested students in grades four, five and six, on a user fee basis. All checks are to be made payable to Pentucket Regional School District. Weekly group lessons will be offered on brass, percussion, woodwinds, and strings. A certified instrumental music teacher instructs all lessons. During lessons, students will be instructed on fundamental musical skills such as note reading, rhythmic interpretation, musical expression, and musical/technical skills appropriate to each instrument. All instrument students will participate in one of the school performing groups, also to be directed by the instrumental specialists. All participants are responsible for obtaining their own instrument and method book, and are expected to practice daily. Students' progress will be evaluated twice per school year. There will be opportunities throughout the school year for the students to perform.
The Pentucket School District has "Science and Technology for Children",
a hands-on science curriculum that promotes learning through investigation and
discovery, as its science program. Developed by the National Science Resource
Center (NSRC), which is operated jointly by the Smithsonian Institute and the
National Academy of Sciences, this program meets the Massachusetts Curriculum
Frameworks.
SCIENCE CURRICULUM MATRIX
| Grade 3 | Sound | PlantGrowth and Heredity | Rocks & Minerals and Earth Events |
Land & Water Cycle |
| Grade 4 | Electric Circuits and Electromagnets |
Motion & Designs |
Animal Studies and Heredity |
Solar System/ Moon Phases |
|
Grade 5 |
Ecosystems and Food Chains/Web Adaptation |
Cumulative Science Standards Review |
Weather | Simple and Compound Machines |
| Grade 6 |
MeasuringTime |
Chemistry | Micro-worlds | Human Body |
The Social Studies curriculum provides students with a solid grounding in history, geography, and an understanding of other peoples, beginning at the Kindergarten level. In grades K - 2, this is accomplished through a literature-based approach using stories and activities to help students explore holidays, their families, and their neighborhoods according to standards set forth by the Department of Education. The district social studies task force in conjunction with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks has developed the following matrix for our curriculum.
| Grade 3 |
- Massachusetts and its cities and
|
| Grade 4 |
- The United States Today
|
| Grade 5 |
- United States history, geography, economics, and government
|
| Grade 6 |
- Geography Skills
|
SECOND STEP CURRICULUM
The Pentucket Regional School District has adopted Second Step: A Violence Prevention
Curriculum, and it is being implemented in grades PreK-6. Second Step, a research-based
program, helps schools and families encourage children to get along well with
others. The program teaches children to think about others' feelings, to solve
problems cooperatively, and to manage their anger in a positive way. Classroom
teachers teach units in short lessons, focusing on the following essential social
competencies-empathy, impulse control and problem solving, and anger management.
Children learn how to respond emphatically and practice skill steps for calming
down, reducing anger, and solving problems.
The art program in Merrimac presently employs two teachers. One teacher teaches
the Kindergarten students and the other teaches Grades 1 through 6. Students
receive art once per week. In the art program, we strive to awaken in the children
a lively and enduring interest and aesthetic experience by providing a broad
and effective program that will nurture their natural response and sensitivity
to the visual arts. All of our lessons follow the Pentucket District Arts Curriculum,
which reflect the Massachusetts Frameworks. The child's family life, his/her
school work, his/her personal interest and his/her reaction are made more complete
by art activities. Children have a great keenness to do things; and art activities
bring wholesome experiences and social relationships, companionship, fun and
investigation.
The Physical Education Program at the elementary level is designed to address
the physical, mental, and social development of the child. Emphasis is placed
on fitness as well as basic skill development, self-esteem, and enjoyment, thus
laying the groundwork for future participation. Students receive P.E. one time
per week in grades 1-6.
Appropriate dress for physical education includes pants and non-marking sneakers.
As the weather gets colder, classes may still be held outside, so the children
are encouraged to wear jackets, hats, and gloves for warmth.
If a student is to be excused from participation, he/she should bring a note
from home, which includes the date, the reason for not participating, and a
parent or guardian's signature. If the child is to be limited for more than
a week for the same problem, a note from the doctor is required.
The Library Media Center is an integral part of the school. Students in Grades
1 - 6 attend Library classes weekly. The Library Media Specialist is dedicated
to providing the children with the best and most current fiction and nonfiction
books and materials, teaching proper use of the library, instructing how to
use an automated card catalog, utilizing technology to research subjects of
interest, and supporting the classroom curriculum by encouraging and engaging
students and staff in actively finding information from various reference sources.
Students are allowed to borrow two books per week, and are expected to return
them in one week. Books may be renewed, but lost or damaged books become the
responsibility of the borrower who must make amends by reimbursing the school
for the loss.
Computers are becoming increasingly important in our society. In education, they can be used to facilitate individual instruction, augment the core curriculum, and provide flexibility to special programs. The Sweetsir and Donaghue Schools have PC or MacIntosh Computers in every classroom as well as a Computer Lab in each school. A Computer Integration Specialist works with staff and children at HRD to support using technology effectively as a tool for teaching.
In accordance with state and federal regulations, the Pentucket Regional School District offers the following explanation of two important pieces of legislation affecting public schools. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, a federal law, prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of sex. Chapter 76 of the General Laws for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, prohibits discrimination in the schools on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin. These laws are somewhat different in scope and coverage and are therefore explained separately below.
TITLE IX
The governing regulations of Title IX - effective July 1975 - cover all aspects
of sex discrimination in schools with regard to admissions, treatment of students
and employment. Specifically Title IX states:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under an educational program of activity receiving
Federal financial assistance.
CHAPTER 76, section 5
NOTIFICATION OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: Chapter 76, Section 5 of the Massachusetts
General Laws reads as follows: Every person shall have a right to attend the
public schools of the town where he actually resides. No person shall be excluded
from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or
in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of such public
school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
This law makes it clear that all aspects of public school education must be fully open and available to members of both sexes and of minority groups. The regulations address five areas of school policy:
School admission
Admissions to courses of study
Guidance
Extra-curricula, and
Athletic activities
DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
(IDEA)
All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in this handbook. In addition to those due process protections afforded to all students, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and related regulations require that additional provisions be made for students who have been found eligible for special education services or who the school district knows or has reason to know might be eligible for such services. Students who have been found to have a disability that impacts upon a major life activity, as defined under §504 of the Rehabilitation Act, are, generally, also entitled to increased procedural protections prior to imposing discipline that will result in the student's removal for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or where there is a pattern of short term removals exceeding ten (10) school days in a given year. The following additional requirements apply to the discipline of students with disabilities:
(1) The IEP for every student eligible for special education or related services
shall indicate whether the student can be expected to meet the regular discipline
code of the school or whether the code should be modified to address the student's
individual needs.
(2) Students with disabilities may be excluded from their programs for up to
ten (10) school days to the extent that such sanctions would be applied to all
students. Before a student with a disability can be excluded from his/her program
for more than ten (10) consecutive school days in a given school year or subjected
to a pattern of removal constituting a "change of placement", building
administrators, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and relevant members of the student's
IEP or 504 Team will meet to determine the relationship between the student's
disability and behavior (Manifestation Determination). In most instances, during
disciplinary exclusions exceeding ten (10) school days in a single school year,
the student shall have the right to the receive services identified as necessary
by the Team to provide him/her with a free appropriate public education during
the period of exclusion.
(3) If building administrators, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and relevant members
of the student's IEP or 504 Team determine that the student's conduct was not
REGULATIONS CONCERNING PHYSICAL RESTRAINT
In accordance with 603 CMR 46.00, the Pentucket Schools have guidelines concerning the use of physical restraint. Physical restraint will only be used when non-physical intervention would be ineffective and the student's behavior posed an imminent threat of harm to self or others. School staff has received training in the use of physical restraint, and only those staff members with in-depth training will be called on to implement restraint techniques. In the event that physical restraint is used with a student, parents will be notified and all sate and federal regulations concerning reporting restraint will be followed. Follow up procedures will include reviewing the incident with staff and parents. Complaints and investigations concerning the restraint practices should be directed to Dr. Peter McGinn at 978-363-2280.
REPORTING SEXUAL ABUSE AND OTHER CRIMINAL CONDUCT
General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51A, makes administrators, teachers, school
nurses, guidance counselors and other school staff members mandated reporters
for purposes of reporting child abuse and neglect to the Department of Social
Services (DSS). Under M.G.L. c. 119, Section 51A, a school staff member who
has reasonable cause to believe that a student under the age of 18 years is
suffering physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect, by a parent, guardian,
school staff member, or other caretaker, must immediately report the abuse or
neglect either directly to the DSS or to the person designated by the school
to accept those reports, who, in turn, must promptly report the abuse to the
DSS.
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROMOTING CIVIL RIGHTS AND PROHIBITING HARASSMENT, BULLYING,
DISCRIMINATION, AND HATE CRIMES POLICY
GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
The Pentucket Regional School District prohibits all forms of harassment,
discrimination, and hate crimes based on race, color, religion, national origin,
ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. The civil rights of
all school
community members are guaranteed by law, and the protection of those rights
is
of utmost importance and priority to our School District. The District also
prohibits bullying of school community members or other harmful conduct for
reasons unrelated to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex,
sexual
orientation, age, or disability. The District will also not tolerate retaliation
against persons who take action consistent with this Policy.
Any school employee or student who becomes aware or has a reasonable belief that harassment, bullying, discrimination, retaliation, or a hate crime has occurred or may have occurred on school property or in a school related activity must promptly report the alleged incident(s) to a designated official.
REPORTING AND RESOLUTION PROCESS
DESIGNATED OFFICIALS FOR REPORTING
The District Civil Rights Coordinators are:
Peter McGinn, Assistant Superintendent, 22 Main Street, West Newbury, MA. 01985
Telephone # (978)363-2280 ext. 22 and,
Ruth Brophy, Health Coordinator, 22 Main Street, West Newbury, MA. 01985
Telephone # (978)363-2280 ext. 26
In Each School Building
The school principal or the District's Civil
Rights Coordinators are responsible for receiving reports and complaints of
violations of this Policy at the school level. A report or complaint of a violation
of this Policy involving a principal should be filed with either Civil Rights
Coordinator or Superintendent.
For the Central Administration
The Civil Rights Coordinators are responsible for receiving and addressing reports
or complaints of violations of this Policy at the district level. A report or
complaint involving the Civil Rights Coordinator should be filed with the Superintendent;
a report or complaint involving the Superintendent with the School Committee.
INVESTIGATION PROCESS
Prompt and Thorough Investigations: Except where Informal Proceedings are initiated, the school or District, through the principal, in consultation with the District Civil Rights Coordinator, will promptly investigate all reports or complaints of an alleged violation of this Policy (even where the offender is unknown), as set forth below. The nature and duration of an investigation will depend on the circumstances, including the type, severity and frequency of the alleged conduct with a conclusion, within 15 business days or a reason for an extension. The goal of an investigation is to obtain an accurate and complete account of all incidents and circumstances deemed relevant to the allegations of the complaint. No complaint is considered frivolous; on the other hand, culpability is never presumed. These procedures are intended to protect the rights of a victim and the rights of a wrongfully accused individual.
REFERRAL PROCESS
STEP ONE
1.The district civil rights officer or principal will separately meet within
three days with the complainant and if a student, with their parent(s) or guardian(s),
to tell them about the investigation process, explain the prohibition against
retaliation, and determine the corrective action the complainant seeks. The
civil rights officer or principal will also explain that the investigation will
be kept as confidential as possible, but that the District cannot promise absolute
confidentiality, and may not be able to withhold the complainant's identity
from the subject of the complaint, since such a promise could interfere with
the District's ability to enforce its Policy, conduct a fair and thorough investigation,
or impose disciplinary or corrective action.
STEP TWO
2.The District Civil Rights Coordinator in consultation with the principal,
will determine whether the allegations have been substantiated, and whether
the Policy, or if the subject of the complaint is a student, the Student Code
of Conduct, has been violated within 15 business days. If the complaint is substantiated,
the District Civil Rights Coordinator, in consultation with the principal, will
decide, based on the investigative findings, on the appropriate action. If legal
issues arise, the school officials will seek the advice and guidance of legal
counsel for the District.
STEP THREE
3.The principal, in consultation with the District Civil Rights Coordinator,
will prepare a written report that includes the investigative findings, the
investigative steps taken, and the reasons for those findings. These findings
will specify whether the allegations have been substantiated, whether the Policy,
or if the subject of the complaint is a student, the Student Code of Conduct,
has been violated, and any decision for disciplinary and corrective action.
STEP FOUR
4. The principal, the employee's supervisor, or the Superintendent will impose
any disciplinary or corrective action.
DISCIPLINARY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION
A. IMPOSING DISCIPLINARY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION
If a designated official, in consultation with the District Civil Rights Coordinator,
concludes that the subject of the complaint has violated this Policy, the District
will in a timely manner impose disciplinary measures and/or corrective action
reasonably calculated to end the complained of conduct, deter future conduct,
and protect the complainant(s) and other similarly situated individuals. In
imposing disciplinary and corrective measures the District will take into account
harm the victim and other members of the school community suffered and any damage
to school climate or property. The decision whether discipline is imposed and
the nature of any disciplinary action must comply with the District and school's
disciplinary policies.
B. ACTION CONCERNING STUDENTS
Disciplinary and corrective action concerning a student may include, but is
not limited to, a written warning; classroom or school transfer; short-term
or long-term suspension; exclusion from participation in school sponsored functions,
after-school programs, and/or extracurricular activities; limiting or denying
access to a part or area of a school; exclusion, expulsion, or discharge from
school; adult supervision on school premises; parent conferences; an apology
to the victim; awareness training (to help students understand the impact of
their behavior); participation in empathy development, cultural diversity, anti-harassment,
anti-bullying or intergroup relations programs; mandatory counseling, or any
other action authorized by and consistent with the Student Code of Conduct and/or
school disciplinary code.
Discipline for Students with Disabilities
The District complies with the federal and state law requirements that apply
to the discipline of students with disabilities, including the federal "Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act" ("IDEA").
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BULLYING: Any written or verbal expression, or physical acts or gestures, directed at another person(s) to intimidate, frighten, ridicule, humiliate, or cause harm to the other person, where the conduct is not related to the person's membership in a protected class (e.g., race, sex). Bullying may include, but is not limited to, repeated taunting, threats of harm, verbal or physical intimidation, cyber-bullying through e-mails, instant messages, or websites, pushing, kicking, hitting, spitting, or taking or damaging another's personal property. Bullying behavior may also constitute a crime. (See Student Code of Conduct for how the District addresses bullying not covered by this Policy.)
COMPLAINANT: A person who complains about conduct covered by this Policy who is the alleged victim of the conduct, and if a student, their parent or guardian.
DISABILITY: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (a) where the person has such an impairment, (b) has a record of such an impairment, (c) is regarded as having an impairment, or (d) has an individualized education program (IEP).
DISCRIMINATION: Treating people differently, or interfering with or preventing a person from enjoying the advantages, privileges or courses of study in a public school because of his/her race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. A person may not be subjected to discipline or more severe punishment for wrongdoing, nor denied the same rights as other students, because of his/her membership in a protected class.
Harassment is oral, written, graphic, electronic or physical conduct on school property or at a school-related activity relating to an individual's actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability (i.e., protected status), that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as interfere with or limit a student's ability to participate in or benefit from the district's programs or activities, or to interfere with or limit an individual's employment, by creating a hostile, humiliating, intimidating, or offensive educational or work environment. For purposes of this Policy, harassment shall also mean conduct, if it persists, that will likely create such a hostile, humiliating, intimidating or offensive educational or work environment. A single incident, depending on its severity, may create a hostile environment.
Harassment based on a person's protected status may include, but is not limited to:
HATE CRIME: A crime motivated by hatred or bias, or where the victim is targeted or selected for the crime at least in part because the person is a different race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation from the perpetrator or because the targeted person has a disability. A hate crime may involve a physical attack, threat of bodily harm, physical intimidation, or damage to another's property.
RETALIATION: Any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment by a school community member directed against another school community member for reporting or filing a complaint, for aiding or encouraging the filing of a report or complaint, for cooperating in an investigation under this policy, or for taking action consistent with this policy.
A copy of the full text is available at each school, on www.prsd.org web site, and at the Superintendents Office
NOTIFICATION OF HOMELESS COORDINATOR
The Pentucket Regional School District, in accordance with NCLB: Title X, Part
C, Sec 722 (g)(6) identifies Lauren Fain as the Homeless Coordinator for the
Pentucket School District. She can be reached at 22 Main Street, West Newbury,
MA 01985 or by telephone at 978-363-2250 X 5.
The Pentucket Regional School District has a policy of zero tolerance toward hazing of any kind. For the purposes of this policy, zero tolerance means every incident deemed to be hazing by the administration will incur a disciplinary consequence appropriate to the action. The Pentucket Regional School District strives to maintain a safe and positive environment for students and staff. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the philosophy and educational goals of the district and are prohibited.
No Pentucket Regional School District employee, student, coach, sponsor, volunteer, chaperone, person, organization or group shall plan, initiate, direct, encourage, assist, or engage in hazing or improper initiation activity.
Hazing or improper initiation on school property or in any place under the permanent or temporary control of the School District, whether on public or private property, or while being transported to or from school by the School District, or at school, or during any school sponsored organization, activities, or games, or by any student group, team or organization which is recognized by or permitted to use the facilities of the School District, by or toward any other student of the Pentucket Regional School District is prohibited.
MGL Chapter 269, Section 17 defines hazing as "any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation" (See full text devoted to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 266. Crimes Against Public Peace.)
Students who have been subjected to hazing shall promptly report such incidents to the School Principal or his/her designee and, according to the referenced law, to the police. If the hazing occurs off school property, it shall be reported immediately to the Pentucket Regional School District employee, sponsor, coach, volunteer, or chaperone in charge. In the case where this reporting is verbal, subsequent written reporting may be required. The school administration will immediately investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written and will appropriately discipline any student and/or employee who engages in hazing. Disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion of the offending student(s) from the organization and/or school or suspension or discharge of the offending employee.
CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE
Chapter 269: Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined.
Section 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, asdefined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
Chapter 269: Section 18. Failure to report hazing.
Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution's compliance with this section's requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.
SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
The Pentucket Regional School District, in accordance with Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, will not participate in discrimination of harassment
on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age,
disability, or sexual orientation in any educational programs, activities, or
employment. Furthermore, the Pentucket Regional School District has procedures
regarding the referral, evaluation and placement of students with disabilities
who are eligible under Section 504. The 504 Coordinator for the district is
Peter McGinn, Assistant Superintendent. Please contact the Superintendent's
office at (978)363-2280 x22 for more information.
GRIEVANCE PROCESS FOR TITLE IX and 504 is the same as listed under the civil rights section.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
(CHAPTER 71, SECTION 37H)
It is the legal, moral and social responsibility of the Pentucket Regional School District to establish policies and procedures, and encourage administrative action that will promote a school environment that is safe and free from the use, sale or transfer of drugs or alcohol.
The Educational Reform Act of 1993 makes clear that certain serious violations relating to illegal drug involvement, possession of dangerous weapons, or assaults on faculty can result in expulsion from school. Moreover, Section 37H, Chapter 71, of the Massachusetts General Laws, calls for student handbooks to make clear the consequences a student may face with regard to these serious disciplinary infractions. These are outlined elsewhere in this handbook.
It is the policy of the Pentucket Regional School District to prohibit the use of any tobacco products within our school buildings, the school facilities or school grounds, or on school buses by any individual.
The Pentucket Regional School District will provide access for employees and
students to the district's LANs and future WAN, including access to external
networks (the Internet) for limited educational purposes. Educational purposes
will be defined as classroom activities, career and professional development,
and teacher supervised activities of an educational nature. Access to the district's
LAN and WAN will be used to increase communication (staff, parent, and student),
enhance productivity, and assist staff in upgrading existing skills and acquiring
new skills through a broader exchange of information. The WAN and Internet will
also be utilized to provide information to the community, including parents,
governmental agencies, and businesses.
The Superintendent or designee shall implement, monitor, and evaluate the District's
network for instructional and administrative purposes. Access to the LANs, WAN,
and the Internet will be made available to employees and students for instructional
and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative regulations
and procedures. All users shall be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding
of those regulations and procedures and shall agree annually, in writing, to
comply with the regulations and procedures. Noncompliance with applicable regulations
and procedures may result in suspension or termination of user privileges and
other disciplinary actions consistent with the policies of the Pentucket Regional
School District. Violation of the law may result in criminal prosecution as
well as disciplinary action by the School District.
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