hemenway elementary school student and parent handbook ......b nondiscrimination policy statement...

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Hemenway Elementary School

Student and Parent Handbook

2016-2017

729 Water Street

Framingham, MA 01701

508-626-9149

508-626-9150

http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/hemenway

Elizabeth Simon Principal

Kelly Napierski Assistant Principal

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NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT

The Framingham Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, veteran’s status, or any other status protected by law. Any concern related to the implementation of this policy may be addressed directly to the building Principal, the Superintendent of Schools (508 626-9117) or the Director of Human Resources (508-626-9107). The Boston Office of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination is located at One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108.

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Dear Parents and Guardians: I am delighted to welcome you as a new or continuing member, of our Hemenway School community. The purpose of this Parent and Student Handbook is to anticipate and answer some of the questions you may have about life at Hemenway School. The handbook is a draft; as we grow and change so will the handbook. Information that changes on a yearly basis such as the school calendar and staff assignments will be posted on the Hemenway website. We hope that your child's experiences at Hemenway will be challenging, exciting, and rewarding. There are a growing number of opportunities for parents, family, and other community members to collaborate with school staff in providing an excellent educational environment for our children. Your child's teachers, the Parent Teacher Organization, and Mrs. Napierski and I will gladly discuss existing opportunities, and we welcome your suggestions for expanded opportunities. The most important role you can play is to support and foster the learning of your child. You can do this by attending Curriculum Night in the fall and conferring with your child's teachers. Curriculum Night and Parent/Teacher Conferences enable you to become familiar with your child's school program. In addition, you will learn what is expected of your child academically and socially, and how those expectations will be assessed. The teacher will learn more about your child through communication with you. By working together, we will be able to build a mutually supportive home-school program for your child. After reviewing the handbook, if you have any unanswered questions, please give me a call. Again, on behalf of the staff, welcome to Hemenway School!

Sincerely,

Liz Simon

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Table of Content

1. ALL ABOUT HEMENWAY……………………………………………………………h

1.1 HEMENWAY’S HISTORY………………………………………………………h

1.2 HEMENWAY’S MISSION……………………………………………………….h

1.3 OPERATING VALUES…………………………………………………………..i

2. SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION………………………………………………………i

2.1 SCHOOL HOURS………………………………………………………………...i

2.2 EARLY ARRIVALS……………………………………………………………….i

2.3 EARLY RELEASE DAYS………………………………………………………..j

2.4 SNOWDAYS & SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS………………………………...j

3. EMERGENCY INFORMATION………………………………………………………...j

3.1 PINK EMERGENCY CARDS/CONNECT-ED-VERY IMPORTANT………...j

4. ATTENDANCE INFORMATION………………………………………………………..k

4.1 ATTENDANCE……………………………………………………………………k

4.2 REPORTING AN ABSENCE OR TARDY……………………………………...k

5. PROGRAMS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL……………………………………...l

6. DISMISSAL……………………………………………………………………………....l

6.1 EARLY DISMISSAL………………………………………………………………l

6.2 EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL DUE TO AN EMERGENCY…………………l

7. TRANSPORTATION……………………………………………………………………m

7.1 PARENT DROP-OFF & PICK-UP……………………………………………..m

7.2 BUSING…………………………………………………………………………..n

7.3 WALKERS………………………………………………………………………..n

8. VISITORS………………………………………………………………………………...n

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9. SCHOOL PROCEDURES…………………………………………………………….o

9.1 EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS……………………………………………o

9.2 DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOR……………………………………………………p

9.3 GIFT POLICY……………………………………………………………………q/r

9.4 MESSAGES TO STUDENTS…………………………………………………..s

9.5 STUDENT USE OF TELEPHONES…………………………………………...s

10. HOMEWORK POLICY FOR HEMENWAY…………………………………………...s

11. MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (MCAS)…….t

12. ACADEMIC PROGRESS………………………………………………………………t

12.1 REPORT CARDS………………………………………………………………..t

12.2 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES…………………………………….....t

12.3 ACADEMIC PLACEMENT……………………………………………………...t

13. OTHER REQUIREMENTS……………………………………………………………..u

13.1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS…………………………………u

13.2 ART REQUIREMENT…………………………………………………………...u

13.3 MUSIC REQUIREMENT………………………………………………………..u

14. SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES……………………………………………………….u

14.1 SCHOOL NURSE & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS…………………………...u

14.2 HEALTH RECORDS……………………………………………………………u

14.3 EMERGENCY/DAILY ISSUES………………………………………………...v

14.4 MEDICATIONS, TESTING & MEDICAL PROCEDURES…………………..v

14.5 SCREENINGS…………………………………………………………………...v

14.6 ALLERGIES………………………………………………………………………v

14.7 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES…………………………………………………w

14.8 ILLNESS…………………………………………………………………………..x

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15. SCHOOL SERVICES AND PROGRAMS……………………………………………x

15.1 GUIDANCE, SOCIAL WORK AND PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES………….x

15.2 SAGE- GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAM………………………………….x

15.3 SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND CLASSROOMS………………x

15.4 LITERACY AND MATH COACHES…………………………………………..y

15.5 ESL SERVICES…………………………………………………………………y

16. PARENT PARTICIPATION…………………………………………………………...y

16.1 CORI REPORTS………………………………………………………………...z

16.2 CLASSROOM VISITS…………………………………………………………..z

16.3 VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH YOUR CHILD’S CLASS…………………...z

16.4 PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)……………………………….z

16.5 VOLUNTEER TO HELP ON A PTO COMMITTEE………………………...aa

16.6 SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL……………………………………………aa

17. SPECIAL INFORMATION………………………………………………………….bb

17.1 CLASSROOM PARTIES……………………………………………………..bb

17.2 PARTY INVITATIONS………………………………………………………...bb

17.3 BOOKS, ELECTRONICS & BELONGINGS………………………………..bb

17.4 LOST & FOUND……………………………………………………………….bb

17.5 SCHOOL PICTURES…………………………………………………………bb

17.6 NOTICES……………………………………………………………………….bb

17.7 FOOD SERVICES…………………………………………………………….bb

17.8 E-MAIL LOOP………………………………………………………………….cc

17.9 HEMENWAY WEBSITE………………………………………………………cc

17.10 HEMENWAY PTO WEBSITE………………………………………………...cc

17.11 SCHOOL LIBRARY……………………………………………………………cc

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17.12 CELLPHONES………………………………………………………………...cc

17.13 PLAYGROUND………………………………………………………………..dd

APPENDIX……………………………………………………………………………..ee

A.1. IMPORTANT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS…………………………….ee

A.2 WEBSITES………………………………………………………………………..ff

A.3 SCHOOL CANCELLATION RADIO STATIONS……………………………...gg

A. 4 BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM- PROVIDED BY THE YMCA……gg

Framingham Public Schools Addendum FPS MISSION STATEMENT AND CORE BELIEFS

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES AND REQUIREMENTS

WELLNESS POLICY

BUS TRANSPORTATION

STUDENT CONDUCT

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

STUDENT DISCIPLINE [Policy JK]

PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

CHAPTER 622 OF M.G.L. AND TITLE IX OF THE FEDERAL EDUCATION

AMENDMENTS OF 1972

POLICY AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR DISCRIMINATION,

INCLUDING HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION

BULLYING PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

PROHIBITION OF HAZING [Policy JICFA]

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EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES [Policy JB]

NETWORK ACCESS/ACCEPTABLE USE [Policy IJNDB]

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES [Policy JI]

HOMELESS STUDENTS: ENROLLMENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES [Policy JFABD]

STUDENT RECORDS

PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW – TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

ABBREVIATIONS FOR FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS

ALL ABOUT HEMENWAY

1.1. HEMENWAY’S HISTORY

Hemenway School is named in honor of the Hemenway family. The Hemenway family has been associated with Framingham's history from the 1700's to the present. The Hemenway family was among the first settlers in Framingham. One of their members, Daniel Hemenway (1732-1812), was a farmer and a minuteman. The Redcoats wounded him on April 19, 1776, at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. This day is now celebrated as Patriot's Day. The school is located on land donated by Marjorie Davis Hemenway in honor of her family. Marjorie's father was a teacher and she donated the site in the late 1950's specifically for a school. In 1961 Hemenway School was officially dedicated.

1.2. HEMENWAY’S MISSION

Hemenway Elementary School strives to provide the highest quality education possible so that each student develops the necessary skills and habits of mind to be a critical thinking, respectful, knowledgeable, and creative citizen, prepared for the middle school experience and life in the twenty-first century.

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1.3. OPERATING VALUES Hemenway is a Multiple Intelligences School where student instruction is based upon the belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels. Hemenway teachers work collaboratively to design lessons that incorporate the array of human intelligences to ensure that all students, who possess a wide variety of learning styles and challenges, can access and master Common Core curriculum standards. We are committed to the belief that all students can learn with high levels of achievement. We provide clearly defined, high expectations for student learning across all curriculum areas. In addition to high academic standards, we have high standards for student behavior. At Hemenway, we use the Open Circle program, which focuses on social-emotional learning in grades kindergarten through grade five. Social and emotional learning is the process of developing essential social emotional skills, knowledge, and attitudes related to five key areas: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. We have developed our PBIS program to support Positive Behavioral Support and Intervention for all students. The HemenWAY Behavior Matrix and PBIS are based upon a systemic approach to proactive, school-wide behavior and the Response to Intervention model. Our goal is for all students to increase their academic performance, to improve school safety and to continue to build upon our positive school culture. We strive to create a learning environment where students learn through real-life experiences. Students learn by integrating and connecting math concepts into their daily lives, experiencing hands-on science, and viewing themselves as life-long readers and writers. Our goal is to provide students with the necessary skills to be true world citizens, as well as to acquire twenty-first century skills to succeed in college and the workplace.

2. SCHOOL YEAR INFORMATION

2.1. SCHOOL HOURS 9:15-3:15 [Early Release Thursdays 9:15-1:10] 8:50 Morning staff report for arrival duty in the lobby 9:00 Students report to their classrooms 9:15 Classes begin 1:10 Early Release Student Dismissal 3:15 Student Dismissal

2.2. EARLY ARRIALS

NO STUDENT IS TO ARRIVE BEFORE 8:50 AM (unless they have signed up for the before school program).

The school cannot assume responsibility for students who arrive before that time as we do not have staff available to supervise students.

9:00 am teacher supervision in the classroom.

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2.3. EARLY RELEASE DAYS

On designated Thursdays [see the Framingham Public School current calendar on the Hemenway and/or the district website] all Hemenway students in grades K-5 are dismissed at 1:10 P.M. Lunch is served prior to dismissal The teachers use this time for Parent/Teacher conferences or staff development courses.

2.4. SNOWDAYS & SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS If school is canceled due to inclement weather:

The Framingham Public Schools has implemented an emergency notification system. This service, Connect-Ed, will notify parents and guardians within minutes about emergency situations, school cancellations, and important issues that impact our school. See Section 3 below on how to get on the Connect-Ed list.

The radio and TV stations (see Appendix) will make "No School" announcements between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m.

School cancellations can also be found on the Town Of Framingham website and the Framingham Public Schools website.

3. EMERGENCY INFORMATION

3.1. PINK EMERGENCY CARDS/CONNECT-ED – VERY IMPORTANT

At the beginning of each school year, it is very important that you fill out the Pink Emergency Cards. The school uses this info to contact you in case of an emergency and to confirm who is allowed to pick up your child from school. In addition, the numbers you provide are used by the Connect-Ed system to keep you informed.

You need to put your home phone number, cell phone, email addresses, as well as the contact information for those adults who have permission to pick-up your child from school.

Your phone numbers and your email addresses are entered into X2 our student information system and then transmitted to the Connect-Ed System. If there is a snow day or school cancellation or emergency, these numbers are what Connect–Ed uses to contact you.

Please make sure you update the Pink Emergency Card if any information changes during the year.

The information on the Pink Emergency cards is used only by the office and by our Connect-Ed system.

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4. ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

4.1. ATTENDANCE The Massachusetts General Law requires attendance at school for children between six and sixteen years old (see the Appendix for detailed information on truancy and attendance). The Framingham School Committee has set forth the following regulations for monitoring attendance:

Parents must notify the school about absences, tardiness and early dismissal as soon as possible.

Each school, in cooperation with the truancy officer, monitors attendance records.

Continued absence, particularly due to truancy, will be identified.

Hemenway School accepts the following reasons for being absent from school as excused absences: medical appointments, illness, death in the family, religious holidays, and appearance in court. Realizing this, please consult with the principal/assistant principal before taking your child out of school for unapproved reasons.

4.2. REPORTING AN ABSENCE OR TARDY

PLEASE notify the school if your child will be absent or tardy. For your convenience, an answering machine is set up to receive information about absences or tardiness for the day. The procedure is as follows:

Please call the absence line: 508-626-9149 between 4:00 P. M. and 8:30 A.M. if your child is to be absent OR tardy. Give the child's name, room number, teacher's name, and a brief reason for the absence or tardiness.

All tardy students must report directly to the office upon arrival with a written note explaining the reason for tardiness. At that time the student will have an opportunity to provide information about lunch and will be given a late pass and sent to class.

The Hemenway administration has the responsibility to work directly with families where tardiness is continual and unexplained. The administration may interview parents or guardians about the issue and may assign consequences, as necessary. All plans to ensure student attendance will be discussed with the family involved. All pupils who are absent may not attend or participate in school events that day, unless the school principals grant permission prior to the event.

If you are unable to phone, please ask a sibling or friend to deliver a note to the school secretary before the start of school.

If your child is reported absent on the attendance sheets, and we have not received a phone call or note from you explaining the absence, every effort will be made to contact you regarding your child's absence.

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5. PROGRAMS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Hemenway offers an on-site before school and after school program through the Metrowest YMCA. This service provides students with a safe, fun, supervised before and/or after-school experience. If you are interested you need to contact the Metrowest YMCA and sign up for this program [there is a fee].

The YMCA before school program starts at 7:00 am.

The YMCA after school program starts at 3:15pm. Parents need to pick up their child by 6:00 pm. Any time after that, there is an additional fee charged by the YMCA.

See the Appendix for current service provider details, website and contact info.

Other before and/or after-school programs are available to Hemenway students, although they are not located at Hemenway, they do provide transportation.

These programs include:

Longfellow Sports Club

Suburban Child

Boys and Girls Club

6. DISMISSAL

6.1. EARLY DISMISSAL by Parent/Guardian

A written request from a parent is necessary for ANY dismissal changes.

Requests should be in the school office at the start of the school day. No request will be taken after 2:30pm (unless an emergency arises).

No student will be dismissed based on a telephone request (unless it is an emergency).

Students will be dismissed to a parent/guardian or other responsible adult only when a written note with the name of that adult has been submitted to the office.

For early dismissals, a parent/guardian must check into the office and the child will be called down to the office where the parent will sign the child out in the dismissal book.

Any dismissal changes for a parent pick up at end of day must be submitted to the office in a written note. At the end of the day your child will be brought to the cafeteria to meet the designated parent/guardian/adult. Students may not leave the parent pick-up area [cafeteria] without an adult.

6.2. EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL DUE TO EMERGENCY

There may be times, such as sudden inclement weather, when it is necessary to close the entire school early. The Connect-Ed system will notify all parents, via home phone, cell phone and/or email. It is very important that you have filled out and/or updated the Pink Emergency Card with your current numbers and email address.

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7. TRANSPORTATION

7.1. PARENT DROP-OFF and PICK-UP

AM Drop Off: 9:00-9:15

All buses and cars enter the Hemenway driveway on the west entrance to the school.

Buses will drive around the school to unload. No private vehicles are permitted to drive around the school, only authorized school department vehicles are allowed.

“Live” drop-off will be in front of the school adjacent to the sidewalk. It is important to note that this in a SINGLE lane only and staff will be stationed out front to assist students as they exit the vehicle. Drivers must remain in the car in order to allow the flow of traffic to move. Please make sure that you have given your hugs and kisses to your child prior to entering the “live” drop off lane to keep the cars moving.

The front lot has limited parking spaces available for those parents who need to come into Hemenway. Please note that if you park in the front parking lot, you must escort your child into school via the crosswalk in front of the main entrance. Please do not double park in the front parking lot.

Students who walk to school will cross Water Street at the crosswalk on the east side of the driveway where there is a crossing guard. Students will walk up the sidewalk, and cross in the crosswalk in front of the bus lane [east side] and continue on the sidewalk in front of the school and enter through the front door.

Back Path students will walk on the back path. We have staff monitoring the back path; students will be met by another staff member to cross the bus lane at the back of the school.

PM Dismissal 3:15 The Front Doors open at 3:17

Parent pick-up: All parents/guardians who designate their child to be “parent-pick up” will meet their child in the cafeteria. No students are allowed to meet their parent/guardian in the parking lot. Please remember to send a note to the teacher notifying her/him that your child is a parent pick up.

NO private vehicles are allowed to enter the parking lot between 3:00-3:25, with the exception of those vehicles that have a handicapped placard.

No private vehicles are allowed in the lane directly in front of the school during dismissal.

Students who are designated “front path” will be escorted by staff across the bus lane via the sidewalk on the east side of the building and walk on the sidewalk to the crossing guard.

Bicycles Older children, with parent permission, are allowed to ride bicycles to/from school. Bicycles need to be secured in the bike rack in the front of the school. At the end of the day, children riding a bike will be dismissed with “walkers” and they will walk their bike across the crosswalk escorted by a faculty member/parent for their safety. Students who ride bicycles must meet with the Principal or Assistant Principal and their parents to review Hemenway rules for riding bikes on school property. Parents should contact the principal or assistant principal and request a meeting to review these rules before students ride their bikes to school.

Students who are designated “back path” will be escorted by staff across the bus lane at the rear of the building and down the path behind the school. For safety reasons please do not have your child/children play on the grass in the front of the school. We welcome you and your child/children to use the playground and fields behind the school.

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For the safety of our students, No cars are allowed to drive around the school or park in the areas reserved for school staff during the school day.

There is handicapped parking in the front of the school for those who have Handicap Plaques or plates.

BUSING

Students in grades kindergarten through grade 5, living more than two miles from school, will be bused with no fee.

Parents may elect to request transportation for their student by signing up and paying a fee/requesting a waiver through the transportation department.

Students eligible to ride on the bus MAY NOT transfer from one bus to another [visiting friends]. They may, with a note from you to the teacher and the bus driver, get off at a different stop within the SAME bus route.

Buses are equipped with individual seat belts, which are to be used by all students while traveling on the bus.

Students whose conduct is unacceptable will lose the privilege of using the bus. In the event that a student is in jeopardy of losing bus privileges, parents will have been notified and aware of the ongoing issues.

Students who are walkers MAY NOT ride a bus.

Bus routes can be found on the parent portal

7.2. WALKERS

As stated previously, no student should arrive at school prior to 8:50 a.m. Please caution your child to be extremely careful as s/he walks to school. It is recommended no child walks alone to school. Always ensure that your child walks with a “buddy” or an adult. The Crossing Guards are assigned to dangerous intersections and children MUST cross with their assistance.

8. VISITORS

Hemenway School is a locked facility from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the exception of 8:50-9:15 and 3:17 to 3:30 when students and/or parents are entering Hemenway.

You must press the buzzer outside the front door [on right of door]. The front office personnel will buzz you into the school and you must report directly to the main office and sign in.

ALL ADULTS, including parent volunteers and those with appointments, MUST SIGN THE VISITOR BOOK IN THE OFFICE AND OBTAIN A VISITOR'S BADGE.

Parents/guardians who are dropping off forgotten items are to report to the main office to drop off the items. We will ensure that your child receives them. Parents are not to go to the classroom to drop off forgotten items.

Parents may proceed to the classroom only is you have a scheduled appointment and have signed in at the main office.

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9. SCHOOL PROCEDURES

9.1 Expectations of Students

General Expectations Hemenway School is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment which embraces a respect for self and others. Students are responsible to school administrators and teachers for their behavior to and from school, on school grounds, on buses, and during any school-sponsored activity or field trip. Teachers and all school personnel are expected to enforce these behavior expectations at all times and keep an open line of communication with families. Repeated infractions will be handled using the individual school’s discipline procedures. Dress Code The responsibility for the dress and appearance of the students will rest with the individual students and their parents. However, clothing should be clean, neat, meet safety and sanitary standards, not be distracting, offensive, or disrupt the educational process. Students who come to school inappropriately dressed may be asked to cover up, change their clothing, or parents may be called to bring in other clothing. Hats Student’s hats are to be removed before entering the school building. Exceptions may be made by the Principal for religious or medical reasons or designated school “Spirit Days”. In addition, students are not allowed to wear “hoods” inside the school. Footwear Students are required to wear appropriate footwear at all times. Sneakers are required for gym class. For safety and sanitary reasons, closed-toe shoes are encouraged to be worn throughout the school and, most especially, on the playground. Winter Dress We expect students to be dressed for the weather. During cold weather months, students are encouraged to wear warm clothing to school so they are ready for the elements. Please keep in mind that children are outside for a 15-minute recess. Please contact the guidance counselor or social worker if you are in need of additional winter clothing for your child. Items Not Allowed During School The following items are not allowed during school hours at/in school: Exception may be made by the principal/assistant principal for electronic devices: Electronic games or devices, laser pens or pointers, personal music systems, cameras, video cameras. (Taking pictures or videos of students and staff is not permitted in school or on buses.)

1. Squirt guns, water guns, etc.

2. Skateboards/sneakers with built-in wheels. (You may only use the skateboard park

after you have gone home or been picked up by your parent/guardian).

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3. Lighters, matches or other lighting devices, alcohol, illegal drugs, counterfeit drugs, drug

paraphernalia, tobacco (chewing or smoking, such as cigarettes), any weapons, knives

(including pocket or utility knives), fireworks, stink bombs. Bringing any of these items to school

will result in suspension or expulsion, and in some cases reported to the police and/or fire

department.

4. Other devices that may create a disruption or potentially be a safety risk (i.e. shock

delivering devices).

Items located in your locker or cubby are considered to be in your possession and may be confiscated by school administration. Lockers are school property. There is no expectation of privacy for items contained in school lockers. Personal Computing Devices Students using their own personal computing devices as a part of their instructional program, please refer to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Guidelines and FAQs on the Technology Department Web Page. Unauthorized Recordings, Photos and Video The unauthorized distribution of voice recordings, photographs, or videos of staff or students, at school, on buses, or at a school function, will result in a suspension of up to five (5) days and possible notification to the proper authorities.

9.2 DISCIPLINE & BEHAVIOR

The Framingham Public Schools Elementary Handbook is available on-line on the Hemenway School website. It is a reference guide for policies, procedures, expectations and discipline for all elementary schools in Framingham. You and your child are responsible for reading and discussing it together. In addition, we need you as parents/guardians to let us know which language you would like school communication to be sent home in. The Framingham Public Schools has a discipline code entitled WORKING TOGETHER BEYOND THE 3-R'S — RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, RESPECT. The teachers and the principals are responsible for enforcing the policy. At Hemenway, all discipline issues are handled with respect and discretion. Classroom and school expectations are made clear to students at the beginning of the school year and reinforced throughout the year. There are procedures in place to ensure that conflicts, discipline concerns, classroom issues, social issues and differences of opinion are dealt with in a fair manner that leads to a fair resolution. These procedures are explicitly taught and modeled for the children on an on-going basis. The goal is to create a positive learning and working environment for students, teachers and parents. We want all students, parents, and staff to feel welcomed, accepted and heard. Hemenway participates in the Social Competency Program, Open Circle, developed by the Stone Center at Wellesley College. This program serves as the core of our school climate curriculum. As part of the curriculum, the students learn strategies to negotiate and navigate their way through their everyday school lives. Strategies are specifically taught and modeled. Children learn to distinguish "Double D" behaviors [dangerous or destructive] from other, less serious, behaviors.

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Hemenway uses PBIS, Positive Behavior Intervention Supports and provides positive reinforcement of expected behaviors and consequences for unexpected behaviors based upon our core values: Respect Ourselves, Respect Others, Respect Our School and Persevere. All staff refers to the HemenWay Behavior Matrix for clearly defined expected behaviors in all areas of the school (classrooms, bathrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and playground) and on buses. Examples of consequences handled by classroom staff include: a conference with the teacher, verbal or written apology, or missing small increments of recess time. Some unexpected behaviors result in an office referral. The principal/assistant principal follows up with the teacher, all students involved and the parents. The principal and assistant principal provide consequences for unexpected behaviors that result in an office referral. All corrections and consequences support the Hemenway Core Values.

Serious offences includes: physical fights, weapons brought to school, temper tantrums, threats, although rare, will result in an in-school or out-of-school suspension. If any object, brought to school, is construed as a weapon, the school resource police officer will be notified and this will trigger the implementation of the school discipline policy. Parents, who have concerns about incidents at school, are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher first. Concerns may be brought to the attention of the counseling staff and to the principal/assistant principal as well. Serious concerns should be brought to the attention of the principal/assistant principal immediately.

9.3 GIFT POLICY

Teachers welcome your thanks, parental and children's notes of thanks are truly treasured. Gift giving is strongly discouraged by the School Committee unless by permission of the Superintendent of Schools. Donations, in a teacher's name, to the Library, Hemenway Relief Fund, the PTO, and other special funds may be accepted. Many parents inquire about giving gifts to teachers, so we have included the Conflict of Interest Law as it relates to Public School Teachers. We want all families and children to be included and their traditions honored at this time. We encourage children to write a note, compose a poem or draw a picture to let their teacher know that they are thinking of them. If, as room parents, you are collecting money for a teacher gift or classroom gift it is important to abide by the Conflict of Interest Law so that you are not putting the teacher in an uncomfortable /untenable position. If you are collecting money from parents in your child’s classroom please keep in mind that you should not be asking for a specific amount of money, many families are not able to contribute or comfortable with contributing to a class gift. In addition, the gift is from the entire class…not just the people who contributed to the gift. It is very important that we all abide by the same state and local guidelines so that all members of the Hemenway Community are included.

Public School Teacher FAQs on the Conflict of Interest Law

Public school teachers – teachers who work for school districts, regional schools, and charter schools -- are subject to the conflict of interest law, G.L. c. 268A. This information sheet answers some questions about the law frequently asked by teachers. The following topics are covered: teacher gifts;

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Teacher Gifts Question: My students’ parents want to give me an end-of-the-year gift. May I accept it? Answer: It depends on the value of the gift. Public employees, including teachers, are prohibited by §§ 3 and 23(b)(2) of the conflict of interest law from accepting gifts worth $50 or more that are given to them because of the position they hold, or because of some action they could take or have taken in their position. Teachers and other public employees may accept gifts that are worth less than $50, but they have to disclose in writing the fact that that they have done so if, based on the circumstances, a reasonable person would think that the teacher might unduly show favor to the giver or the giver’s child because of the gift. G.L. c. 268A, § 23(b) (3). Therefore, whether you may accept the gift depends on its value, and whether you must disclose a gift you are allowed to accept depends on the circumstances.

A teacher who is offered an end-of-the-year gift worth $50 or more should not accept it, unless it is a permissible class gift. The Commission created an exemption in its regulations at 930 CMR 5.08(14) to permit class gifts to teachers in certain circumstances. Under the exemption, the parents and students of a class, acting together, may give a gift worth up to $150 to a teacher, provided that the gift is identified only as being from the class, and the names of the givers and the amounts given are not identified to the teacher. A single class gift worth up to $150, or several class gifts during the school year with a total value up to $150, may be given. A teacher may not accept any other gift from someone who has contributed to a class gift. Therefore, if an individual gift is offered, before accepting it, the teacher must confirm that the giver did not contribute to the class gift. A gift given to a teacher to use solely in the classroom or to buy classroom supplies is not considered a gift to the teacher personally, and is, therefore, not subject to the $50 limit on personal gifts to teachers. Parents may give gifts to the classroom or the school in accordance with the rules of the school district. A teacher who receives such a gift must keep receipts documenting that the money was used for classroom supplies. Question: I’ve been told that I cannot even accept a plate of holiday cookies from a student without filling out paperwork. Is that correct? Answer: No, it is not correct.. A teacher who is offered an end of the year gift worth less than $50 by someone who did not contribute to a class gift may accept it, after confirming by asking that the giver did not contribute to the class gift. A gift worth less than $50 must be disclosed in writing if, based on the circumstances, a reasonable person would think that the teacher might unduly show favor to the giver or the giver’s child because of the gift. G.L. c. 268A, § 23(b)(3). A gift without retail value, such as a plate of cookies or other homemade food items, hand-picked flowers, handmade gifts, or other items worth less than $10, need not be disclosed, because a reasonable person would not think that a teacher would unduly show favor to the giver. A gift that might create such an appearance of a conflict – for example, a $40 bottle of wine given to a teacher who is going to write a college recommendation for a student – must be disclosed, in writing, to the teacher’s appointing authority. A teacher who accepts a significant gift worth less than $50 from a student or parent during the school year must file a disclosure if she will continue to teach the student during the rest of the year. The form that should be used for such a disclosure is form no. 13d at the following link: http://www.mass.gov/ethics/disclosure-forms/municipal-employee-disclosure-forms/

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9.4 DELIVERING MESSAGES TO STUDENTS

It may on occasion be necessary for you to call the school to ask that a message be delivered to your child. It is difficult to ensure delivery of these messages and almost impossible to see that they are acted upon by your child. Information such as changed dental appointments or reminders of meetings is disruptive to student learning. Every effort should be made before your child leaves in the morning to see that he/she has information about any changes in their after-school routine. Of course if there is an urgent situation, the secretary will give emergency messages to the classroom teacher to deliver to your child. 9.5 STUDENT USE OF TELEPHONES

There are two lines into the school.

The school telephone is reserved for official business only.

Outgoing calls by students are allowed in cases of emergency.

10. Hemenway School Homework Policy

The purpose of homework is to reinforce classroom instruction, develop independent study habits and to encourage parent involvement in their child’s academic program.

Parents can help homework to be effective by implementing some simple guidelines.

Establish a regular time and place for children to do homework.

Provide resources and equipment (dictionary, ruler, pencil, eraser, maps, etc.).

Help children get started, explaining assignments as needed but not doing it for them.

Check every day to make sure homework is being done and support your child to ensure that it is in his/her backpack to be brought back to school.

When students are absent from school, it is their responsibility to make up assignments upon their return. On the third consecutive day a child is absent because of illness, parents may call the school to arrange to pick-up homework. However, it is not the responsibility of the teachers to provide homework assignments in advance for students who take vacation time outside of regularly scheduled school vacations and holidays.

Suggested time allotments per day for homework [Monday-Thursday]:

Kindergarten Read with your child. 15 minutes (optional.) Teachers involve parents in home learning activities, which enhance the kindergarten curriculum.

Grade 1 -15 minutes + Reading

Grade 2 -15-30 minutes+ Reading

Grade 3-15-30 minutes+ Reading

Grade 4 - 30-60 minutes+ Reading

Grade 5 - 30-60 minutes+ Reading

If your child is having difficulty completing their homework assignments in the allotted time please contact your child’s teacher so that adjustments can be made.

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11. MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESMENT SYSETM (MCAS)/Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)

As part of the Education Reform Act of 1993, a system of student assessments has been put in place. These assessments determine whether Hemenway’s curriculum provides students with critical skills. Parents should not plan vacations, doctor's appointments or other appointments on any testing day. All public school students are required to take the state MCAS tests. Schedules will be sent home in the backpacks or can be found on the Hemenway School website. Please make a note of the dates and plan accordingly.

12. ACADEMIC PROGRESS

12.1. REPORT CARDS

System-wide standards have been set for all major subjects at each grade level. These standards are known as "grade level benchmarks." System-wide, teachers have received training and materials on how to assess a student's progress toward these benchmarks. Report cards are based on these benchmarks. As parents/guardians you will be given information on what your child has mastered and what the end of the year goals are for your child. Report cards are sent home twice each academic year, in January and in June. Your child’s report card is sent home in their backpack and you will be advised of the date that they are being sent home. In addition, if your child is on an IEP through special education you will receive a progress report from the special educator[s] with the report card.

12.2. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

The teacher schedules Parent/Teacher Conferences two times each year. At that time your child’s teacher will talk with you about grade level benchmarks, where your child is functioning at the time of the conference, and the academic program s/he has developed to ensure that your child masters the Common Core standards. Teachers consider these conferences to be the most effective means of communication regarding your child's progress. You should make every effort to attend your conferences when scheduled, and you are encouraged to raise questions about your child's strengths and weaknesses, successes and challenges. Please contact the teacher and/or the school office if you would like to schedule any additional conferences.

12.3. ACADEMIC PLACEMENT

A great deal of thought goes into the placement of students in their next year's classrooms. Many factors are considered; learning styles, social-emotional development, and behavior. When building classrooms we work collaboratively to provide the best classroom placement for each student. The principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor, specialists and teachers are all involved in ensuring an appropriate classroom placement for your student. If you have particular concerns about your child’s placement please contact the principal, assistant principal, guidance counselor or social worker. In the spring the principal sends home a letter inviting parents to share their thoughts concerning their child’s placement. Students find out their next year’s classroom placement at the end of the current school year on “Move Up Day.”

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13. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

13.1. PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

All students in kindergarten through grade five have at least one gym class per week for a total of one hour. Sneakers are required for participation in physical education classes. If a student needs to be excused from gym, a one-day only excuse may be approved with a note from the parent. A doctor's note is required to excuse a student from participation for an extended period of time.

13.2. ART REQUIREMENT

All students in grades K-5 have at least one hour of art instruction per week. 13.3. MUSIC REQUIREMENT

All students in grades K-5 have at least one hour of music instruction per week. Students in grade 5 may opt to take a musical instrument as their music instruction. In addition, in the third grade, all students are introduced to the recorder during their general music class.

14. SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

14.1. SCHOOL NURSE and HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Parents are strongly encouraged to communicate any health concerns to the school nurse. The school nurse can assist the student and consult with the staff to help in maintaining wellness for optimum learning in school. The school nurse is a member of the school’s emergency response team. She is also part of the special education evaluation team and provides input into the development of Individualized Education Plans for students with special needs.

Please visit the District Website (see Appendix) for more information on this topic.

14.2. HEALTH RECORDS

The following records must be provided to the nurse:

IMMUNIZATIONS – All immunizations are required to be on file and must be up to date when children enter Kindergarten.

PHYSICAL EXAMS – Physical Exams are required to be on file for all new students, kindergarteners, and 4th graders.

SPECIALIST REPORTS – All specialists’ reports need to be on file.

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14.3. EMERGENCY/DAILY ISSUES

If your child gets hurt at school,

The nurse will provide injury assessment, as well as, routine and emergency first aid.

Parents will be called by the nurse to inform them of the injury.

Non-prescription medications may, with written permission, be provided for pain (see below).

Non-prescription medications- A form will be sent home at the beginning of each school year to ask your permission to administer over the counter medications [Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Claritin] to your child, when needed, during the school day. You must fill the form out and return it, before any over the counter medication can be given to your child by the nurse.

14.4. MEDICATIONS, TESTING and MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Elementary students are not allowed to carry medication on their person; this includes inhalers and/or epi-pens.

Medication must be brought to the school nurse, by a responsible adult, in the original pharmacy labeled bottle. In addition, a doctor’s order and a parent’s consent form must accompany the medication. The licensed provider's order shall be renewed as necessary, including the beginning of each academic school year.

The school nurse is responsible for determining whether the medication to be dispensed falls within the parameters of this policy. A registered nurse shall carry out administration of medication.

Narcotics will not be kept in school. Any student requiring narcotics should remain at home.

Procedures such as gastronomy feedings, catheter care and blood sugar testing are done for students that require these procedures in order for them to attend school. The nurse will work out a schedule with you and your child’s teacher for when the procedures will be done during the school day. Parents need to bring in all supplies needed for these procedures.

14.5. SCREENINGS

The School Nurse must perform a number of state mandated screenings. These screenings provide an invaluable means for early detection of potentially serious medical conditions. The nurse will provide written notification to families if results suggest further evaluation or testing is needed.

HEARING screening is done for students in all grades K-5.

VISION screening is done for students in all grades K-5. If a child wears glasses, it is important that the glasses are worn to the screening.

SCOLIOSIS screening is done for children in grade 5. You will receive a notice prior to the screening.

14.6. ALLERGIES

We have a number of children with life threatening food allergies at Hemenway School. Most food allergies involve various nuts, peanuts, fruit, wheat, milk and fish. However the composition of nuts allows for rapid transmission of life threatening allergens through the air.

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We have peanut free tables available in the cafeteria.

All classrooms are nut free. Please make sure that your child does not bring a snack that contains nuts.

On certain occasions, lunches are eaten outside of the cafeteria either in classrooms or on fieldtrips. On these occasions we ask your cooperation in not sending in lunches/snacks that contain peanuts, peanut butter, or other nut products since most classrooms have students who have nut allergies.

14.7. COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

The School Nurse will provide illness assessment when students show symptoms of a contagious disease. The School Nurse will help to make them as comfortable as possible and contact a family member. Certain infectious diseases have to be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

STREP THROAT -Students who have had a culture for strep throat must remain at home until the culture results are known. If strep is diagnosed, the student must be on medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

CONJUNCTIVITIS -Since this is easily spread in the school setting, students must remain home on medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

PEDICULOSIS - Pediculosis, or head lice, can be a recurrent problem if we do not work together to resolve it. Parents should routinely check their children's hair for any evidence of head lice. In addition, the school nurse checks all students early in the year. The nurse will report any positive results to the child’s parents and the school. Every student with head lice is sent home for treatment. The child CAN NOT return to school until the child’s head is NIT FREE. On the day the child returns to school, the nurse needs to check the child’s head in the morning before the student may return to class. If any NITS, eggs, are found, the student will be sent home.

Remember the treatment kills the live lice, but you must also comb through your child’s hair (with a special comb) to get all of the NITS (or eggs). The treatment does not necessarily kill the eggs. Remind your child not to share hats, combs, brushes and any items, which go on or over their head.

FEVER -Fever above 99.9 degrees is an indication that a student is contagious. To avoid spreading illness, students should remain at home until they are fever-free for 24 hours.

DIARRHEA/VOMITING - A child with diarrhea and/or vomiting should stay at home and return to school only after being symptom-free for 24 hours.

RASHES. -Common infectious diseases with rashes are most contagious in the early stages. A child with a suspicious rash should return to school only after a health care provider has made a diagnosis and authorized the child's return to school.

14.8. ILLNESS

As we approach the winter season of illnesses, including colds and the flu, we find a number of

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students come to school with a variety of symptoms, reactions and complaints. These children must be sent home for their own recovery and to decrease exposure to other students. When your child has severe cold symptoms with cough, sore throat, a rash, or acute gastro-intestinal complaints it is best to keep him/her home to rest and recover. Again if your child has a fever they may not attend school until they are fever free for 24 hours.

15. SCHOOL SERCIVES AND PROGRAMS

15.1. GUIDANCE, SOCIAL WORK and PSYCHOLOGY SERVICES

These services are provided from pre-school through grade 12. Many of the staff are bilingual and provide services in Spanish or Portuguese as well as English. Please visit the District Website (see Appendix) for information regarding guidance, social work and school psychological services:

What are the roles of Guidance Counselors, Social Workers and Psychologists in Framingham Public Schools?

Guidance, Social Work and the School Psychologists work to help students develop skills to enhance their social and emotional functioning and provide support for continued academic progress. In addition, school psychologists provide special education testing through the special education team process.

Tips for Parent’s in dealing with issues/concerns that arise that may impact your child.

Student Centered Groups are provided to promote academic and social-emotional functioning to identified students. Students may be considered for services based upon teacher, staff, parent or student input.

15.2. SAGE- GIFTED and TALENTED PROGRAM

The goal of Sage is to provide different experiences for student learning and to incorporate higher level thinking skills into the curriculum. Please visit the District Website (see Appendix) for more information on this topic.

Resource Pullout

Classroom Integration

Consultation to Hemenway staff and parents

15.3. SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND CLASSROOMS

The Framingham Public Schools are committed to the goal of providing an appropriate education for students with needs in the least restrictive environment. . State and federal special education laws and regulations, namely The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), govern the referral, evaluation and placement procedures in special education programs.

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Please visit the District Website (see Appendix) for information on this topic:

Inclusion Specialist /Resource Rooms

Inclusion Classrooms

Substantially Separate Classrooms

Related Services – Occupation Therapy, Physical Therapy, Adaptive Physical Therapy, Speech/Language services, vision and orientation and mobility.

Hemenway has one Inclusion kindergarten classroom. In grades 1-5 we have grade level special educators, and a school-wide special educator, who work across the grade level[s] in order to ensure that all students get support as needed, or as specified in their Individualized Educational Plan. Currently we have three substantially separate classrooms that provide specialized instruction for students in kindergarten, first and second grade. In addition, we have the above mentioned related services specialists who provide service for students whose Individualized Educational Plan requires their services.

15.4. LITERACY and MATH Coaches

The primary role of the Literacy Coach is to facilitate implementation of a consistent building-wide English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. The ELA curriculum, which is a balanced literacy model, encompasses reading, phonics, spelling, vocabulary and writing. Hemenway uses Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop across all grades to teach students how to read and write. The primary role of the Math Coach is to facilitate the implementation of a consistent building wide Math curriculum. The Framingham Public Schools use the Eureka Math Curriculum which is aligned to the Common Core Math Standards. The Literacy and Math Coaches provide modeling, planning, observation, feedback on instructional practices to all teachers. Additionally, the Literacy and Math Coaches work with administration and teachers to analyze data to inform our instructional practice. The coaches also provide professional development to teachers at Hemenway. 15.5 ESL SERVICES Hemenway has two full time English as a Second Language teachers who provide direct instruction to students and consultation to classroom teachers, staff and parents.

16.0 PARENT PARTICIPATION

16.1 CORI REPORTS

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 38R, ALL persons in the school, employees and volunteers, must have criminal offender record information CORI report on file with the school. A CORI report provides information to the Director of Human Resources and the Principals about any arrests and convictions that have occurred in Massachusetts. The information is kept confidential and will be disclosed to no one. The CORI report must be updated every 3 years, in order to request a CORI report a copy of your license is required. You can find a copy of the CORI form on our Hemenway PTO Website (see Appendix), as well as the FPS District website under Human Resources.

16.2 CLASSROOM VISITS

We understand that you care deeply about your child's education and find it interesting to visit the classroom. However, when visiting a classroom, you should understand that normal classroom

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activity must carry on and that the teacher's primary obligation is to ensure that student learning continues. Although we enjoy visitors, and appreciate your support, we request that you:

Check with the classroom teacher to arrange an appointment that is mutually convenient.

Stop at the office, prior to your visit, for a visitor's pass.

Please leave siblings at home.

16.3 VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH YOUR CHILD’S CLASS

You have talents and skills that can enrich your child's educational experience. There are opportunities for you to participate in your child’s educational program. Volunteers may be needed at various times of the school day. As a parent volunteer there are many opportunities to support student learning including: working in the computer lab, the library and in the art room. Each parent has an opportunity to participate through a detailed volunteer sign-up list that is distributed by the PTO at the start of each calendar year. Each individual teacher determines what his/her needs are in the classroom, and then contacts parents accordingly. If you would like more information, please contact one of PTO officers.

16.4 PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION [PTO]

The Parent-Teacher Organization at Hemenway is an active group of interested people who work hard each year to provide enrichment to the school community. The cooperative efforts of parents and teachers have brought special opportunities and enriching programs to our students. The PTO supports the school by

Providing cultural events for the children. These have included lively and instructional presentations in science, adventure, music, history, theater, dance, and author visits.

Purchasing science/math materials, projectors, computers, state of the art classroom technology, Lego small machines kits, additional Lucy Calkins Reading materials and books for classroom libraries.

Purchasing new books for the Hemenway School library to update current selections and provide a challenging variety of books for all students.

Raising money and physically building a beautiful new handicap accessible playground for our school in 2005.

Furthering the education of our teachers by providing funding for books that support professional development and attendance at professional seminars.

Services provided by the PTO to build a sense of community include:

Scholarships, relief funds and support for our local shelters.

A Hemenway Directory is published each year which includes names and addresses of families who have allowed their information to be shared. The directory to enables parents to contact one another and to assist in children being able to contact their friends from school.

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Information is also communicated via a weekly email loop.

Incoming kindergarteners will receive information about kindergarten play dates that are held during the months of July &/or August. These play dates provide an opportunity for the children to meet and play with children that will be in their classroom in September, as well as for parents to meet each other.

During the school year, the PTO organizes and runs free family focused events that have included: Game Night, Book Bingo, and Science Night.

All of these terrific programs require money. Fundraising, therefore, is an important function of the PTO. Funds are raised through an annual gift wrap/giftware sale, school picture days, the Scholastic Book Fair, a school wide Variety Show, Halloween Spooktacular Night, auctions, and a fun family oriented school-wide fair held in the spring. The PTO has worked hard in recent years to bring in grant money, and other opportunities for “free money” to supplement the PTO budget. Programs, which support the school at no cost to parents, include:

Box Tops for Education, Target Red Card Rewards Program, Staples and Office Depot, Got Books Collection Bin, the collection of ink cartridges from inkjet and laser printers, and a gift card purchasing program that gives a percentage of purchases back to the school.

Every parent/guardian of an enrolled Hemenway student is part of the PTO. There are no membership fees. We welcome and encourage every family to participate at PTO meetings and to support PTO programs.

16.5 VOLUNTEER TO HELP ON A PTO COMMITTE

Parents are a vital part of the committees, which plan/organize and run the fundraisers and events to benefit Hemenway students. At the start of each school year, all parents will be given the opportunity to volunteer on the various committees as either coordinators or helpers. The PTO will distribute a detailed volunteer sign-up sheet. Please fill out the sign-up sheet and send it back to the school. If you would like more information on a committee or event or didn’t get a chance to sign up, please contact one of the coordinators or one of the PTO officers. Please see the Hemenway PTO Website for coordinator names and various PTO committees along with the PTO officers’ email addresses.

16.6 SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The School Advisory Council [SAC] is a group of parents and teachers that assist the principal in developing and implementing a School Improvement Plan. The plan is comprised of goals that steer the direction of the school and is presented to and approved by the School Committee each school year. The council may take on additional responsibilities, including policy making, as granted by the School Committee. The current School Improvement Plan and listing of the SAC members can be found on the Hemenway Website.

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17 SPECIAL INFORMATION

17.1 CLASSROOM PARTIES

Parties are given only with teacher planning and permission. We have a no food policy at Hemenway in keeping with district and statewide wellness initiatives. 17.2 PARTY INVITATIONS

In order to avoid any hurt feelings, it is school procedure that party invitations be sent through USPS mail or emails, not handed out at school. The exception to this rule is if your student is inviting every child in the classroom then the invitations may be given out at school by the teacher. The Right to Privacy Act and School Committee policy prevents us from giving out address and telephone numbers. However, most families list their information in our Hemenway Directory.

17.3 BOOKS, ELECTRONICS AND BELONGINGS

Students are encouraged to use backpacks, to transport books and personal belongings. Please discourage children from bringing much-loved or special items to school as accidents do happen and the school cannot assume responsibility. NO TRADING CARDS OR ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICES, OF ANY KIND, SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.

17.4 LOST AND FOUND

Any article or item of personal property found on school grounds by students or teaching staff will be sent to the lost and found area [in Lobby near cafeteria entrance] to be claimed by their rightful owners. Items such as jewelry, glasses, money or keys will be kept in the main office. Please have your child check with the office if such items re missing. At the end of the school year unclaimed items will be donated to a charity.

17.5 SCHOOL PICTURES

Each fall the PTO arranges a School Picture Day. Approximately three weeks are needed for developing and shipping the pictures back to Hemenway. Individual and classroom pictures are taken at this time. A notice will be sent home, informing you of the date for Picture Day.

17.6 NOTICES

There may be occasions when notices are sent home in your student’s backpack; however we

are sending most notices via e-mail and Connect-Ed.

17.7 FOOD SERVICES

All students may bring a lunch or buy one at school. Students bringing lunch may purchase fruit or milk - whole, skim or chocolate. School meals may be obtained at a reduced price, or free, providing the eligibility requirements are met and an application is approved. Letters are sent to households with all the needed information at the opening of the new school year or at the time of enrollment. The lunch prices and monthly lunch menu can be found on the School District website. The Framingham Public Schools Food Service Department provides parents with a convenient, easy and secure online prepayment service to deposit money into your child's school meal account at any

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time. If you have any questions about these services, please feel free to contact the Framingham Schools Food Service Department. 17.8 PTO E-MAIL LOOP

The PTO e-mail loop is sent out weekly and is filled with important school information. Please contact the current PTO president to get on the e-mail loop.

17.9 HEMENWAY WEBSITE

The Hemenway Website is a great tool for the whole school community to use. It has upcoming evens posted for the school and community. Grade levels and individual teachers provide various resources for students and parents to take advantage of to support student learning. In addition, teachers post newsletters, field trip permission slips, and homework and project details on the grade level/teacher’s website. 17.10 HEMENWAY PTO WEBSITE

All PTO events, announcements and minutes are posted on the PTO website. You can also find the PTO officers’ names and email addresses, PTO activities and fundraisers, along with the coordinators names for each of these projects listed on the website.

17.11 SCHOOL LIBRARY

The school library has books for everyone including picture books, "Just Right Books" for new readers, up to date juvenile fiction and a great selection of non-fiction titles for students to enjoy. Families can access the Family Resource Collection for parenting books and Hemenway teachers will find materials that support the curriculum.

Students will visit the library/media center with their classroom on a regular schedule.

All library books are due on the scheduled classroom day.

If a book is forgotten, the student will not be able to check out a book that day. Please send the forgotten book ASAP so that other students may enjoy it.

If a book is lost or damaged, the Library Media Specialist will send home a statement for reimbursement.

All books are the property of the school system.

Parent volunteers are a vital resource to help with shelving books.

17.12 CELL PHONES

Children are allowed to have cell phones turned off and in their backpacks. They may not use them in school or on the school buses. We do not want children calling or texting during the school day; we have phones in the office if students need to contact parents in an emergency situation. Phones are not allowed to be used on school buses. Bus drivers have NEXTELS for emergencies. Absolutely no use of cameras is allowed by students at school or on the school bus. No student has the right to take another student’s picture at school, on a school bus or at any school sponsored activity/trip. In very rare instances, phone use is appropriate. Students may want to use their phones if they get to

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their bus stop or home and no one is there. Phone use also would be fine is a student finds himself on a bus during a snowstorm or traffic jam that causes a long bus delay and s/he wants to give a call to waiting parents . Children who use their phones responsibly will have no problem.

17.13 PLAYGROUND

The Hemenway Playground is a public playground. The playground is handicap accessible. There are basketball courts behind the school along with a huge field for the students to play on. At the beginning of the school year the classroom teachers and the PE teachers review the playground rules and expected behavior with all students. One rule, for safety reasons, is that the monkey bars, zip line, and umbrellas are for students in third, fourth and fifth grade only. Access to the playground, by the public, can only be during non-school hours. Due to the buses and safety concerns please do not use the playground between 8:50 a. m. and 3:45 p. m.

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APPENDIX

A.1 Important Names and Numbers

Hemenway School Main Number (8:15-3:45)

Fax [24/7]

508-626-9150

508-877-2262

Hemenway School Absent or Tardy line (4pm to 8:30am)

508-626-9149

Hemenway School Liz Simon Principal 508-872-6301

Hemenway School Kelly Napierski Assistant Principal 508-626-9150

Hemenway School Maureen Jones Nurse 508-788-9276

Dr. Ed Gotgart Acting Superintendent of Schools 508-626-9117

Town of Framingham School Cancellation Info Number 508-626-9118

Mikaele Neves Parent Information Center 508-424-3420

Brendan Ryan Director of Framingham Food Services

508-626-9109

Judith FriedlandLeavey Gifted and Talented (Sage) Dept. Head K – 12

508-626-9134

Laura Spear Director of Special Education 508-424-3458

Rick Gallagher Director of Transportation 508-626-9179

Shannon Dixon YMCA Out of School Program Director

508-879-4420 x42

A full list of District Staff names, organizations and numbers can be found on the Framingham Public Schools district website: http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/ Hemenway’s Web address: http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/hemenway

http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/


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A.2 Websites

Framingham School District

www.framingham.k12.ma.us

Hemenway School www.framingham.k12.ma.us/hemenway

Hemenway School PTO www.hemenwaypto.com

District Special Education www.framingham.k12.ma.us/sped_programs_elementary

Framingham Special Education Parents Advisory Council

www.f-sepac.org

District Food Service

(find menus for the month)

www.framingham.k12.ma.us/foodservice

District Food Service- online payment program

Sign up, make payments, and monitor funds.

www.framingham.k12.ma.us/foodservice_onlinepayment

www.mynutrikids.com

District Guidance, Social Work and Psychology

www.framingham.k12.ma.us/guidance

District Health Services www.framingham.k12.ma.us/health

Sage- Gifted and Talented Program

www.framingham.k12.ma.us/gifted_talented_programming

Town of Framingham www.framingham.com

YMCA www.metrowestymca.org

http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/


http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/sped_programs_elementary

http://www.f-sepac.org/

http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/foodservice.cfm

http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/foodservice_onlinepayment

http://www.framingham.com/

http://www.metrowestymca.org/

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A.3 School Cancellation Radio and TV Stations

WBZ -1030 AM Boston WSRO-1470 AM Marlborough WROR-105.7 FM Boston WTAG-580 AM Worcester WSRS-96.1 FM Worcester WBUR-90.9 FM Boston WXLO-104.5 FM Worcester Channels 4, 5, 7, Fox 25, WB 56

A.4 Before/After School Program- Provided by YMCA

The Metrowest YMCA’s Out-of-School Time program allows children to be social, to feel empowered and participate in hands-on learning activities. Through their programs, young people have opportunities to test themselves through action and performance, which enables their brains to mature and help them learn how to solve problems, make sound judgments and try on broader responsibilities. By participating in a large variety of engaging activities that support all areas of development, children will be more successful academically. The YMCA programs provide safe and reliable environments for kids to select and develop new interests….while they have fun!!

Each location offers snacks, supervised homework periods, physical activities and a variety of enrichment programs.

The YMCA builds strong kids by focusing on:

Variety: A wide array of activities are delivered by trained staff members.

Social Skills: Elementary school is a social environment in which kids learn chiefly through interactions with peer and teachers. We help kids develop and practice “getting along”.

Emotional Development: Several studies link future success to a child’s ability to deal with daily challenges and “tune in” to others. At the YMCA, we work to build self-esteem and self-concept in all programs.

Nutrition: We serve healthy snacks to build strong bodies.

Physical Activity: In the face of a growing youth obesity epidemic, the YMCA engages children in health and enhancing physical activities on a regular basis.

Partnerships: The YMCA maintains relationships with Framingham Public Schools and other youth development partners so that we can help all children reach their highest potential.

Contact: Shannon Dixon at 508-879-4420 x42. www.metrowestymca.org

http://www.metrowestymca.org/

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Framingham Public Schools Addendum to the Hemenway School Handbook

FPS MISSION AND CORE BELIEFS

Mission

The mission of Framingham Public Schools, a system that understands and values our diversity, is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by a highly-qualified and diverse staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community.

Core Beliefs

Learning is the central purpose of schools

For Framingham, this means that:

● All students can learn. ● Learning is an active, not passive activity. ● The purpose of assessment is to improve instruction. ● All decisions are made to further the academic success of every student. ● Professional conversations/meetings focus on instructional topics.

Human differences are to be respected


● Each person will be made to feel valued, respected and safe within the ● Framingham school community. ● Understanding and respect for diversity is an integral part of the district’s program of study. ● The staff of the Framingham schools will reflect the diversity of our community. ● The schools of Framingham will reflect the diversity of our community.

Collegiality and professionalism characterize the school community


● Frequent, continuous, concrete and precise talk occurs about teaching and between teachers.*

● Teachers plan, prepare and evaluate teaching materials together.* ● Teachers teach each other about the practice of teaching.* ● Everyone in the Framingham school community will be actively engaged in professional

growth through reflective study and professional evaluation. ● Schools actively engage parents/guardians in the child’s education.

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Individuals are responsible for their behavior and decisions


● Each individual is responsible for modeling behaviors consistent with the core beliefs of the district.

● Each individual is accountable for creating a positive and safe learning environment. ● Each individual accepts responsibility for his/her decisions. ● Professional growth is achieved through identifying personal goals, taking appropriate actions

and evaluating the results of these actions. *Courtesy of Judith Warren Little, University of California

Student Health Services and Requirements (Policy JLC)

School Health Services support the school’s academic mission while promoting and improving students’ health. Using a coordinated approach, School Health Services personnel shall deliver a complex range of services, including assessment and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, medication administration, providing care for students with medical technology, providing first aid and emergency care for a range of injuries and health conditions, completing all state mandated health screenings, infectious disease surveillance, prevention and control, health and safety education, and maintenance of a safe, healthy school environment.

School Health Services programs shall be delivered with close collaboration among district support personnel, teachers, administrators, external healthcare providers, and local public health and safety officials.

The district shall provide the services of a pediatric/family school physician who shall render medical and administrative consultative services for School Health Services personnel, excluding athletics. The School Physician provides consultation to all schools and school nurses regarding the medical needs of students. This includes acute medical issues as they impact education, discussing complex conditions with primary care providers, providing information on medical conditions and input into school policies and protocols. Occasionally, this entails direct student/patient care as a medical consultant. It does not include medical supervision or care of students as they participate in school-based athletics. Nor does it entail supervision of the athletic trainers or availability during athletic events. Extracurricular athletics should have its own physician consultant trained in sports medicine.

Procedures for Emergency at School School personnel shall give only emergency care to students who become ill or injured on school property, buses, or while under school supervision.

At the beginning of each academic year and as changes occur, parent/guardians shall provide information to be used in the event of an emergency including: the name, address, and phone number of persons to be contacted if the parent/guardian is not available.

In the event that a significant illness or injury requires emergency transport, any expense incurred as a result, will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:53;54;54A;54B;55;55A;55B;56;57 CROSS REF.: EBB, First Aid

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/section53


http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/section54a

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/section54b


http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/section55a

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/section55b




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School Nurses School nurses promote the health and wellbeing of every student in Framingham Public Schools by providing high quality nursing care in each school during school hours. All school health programs and requirements stated below comply with state and federal laws, Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, and Framingham Public Schools policies which are available from your school nurse or can be accessed on the School Health Services website. Physical Examinations Every student in Framingham Public Schools must provide documentation of a physical examination performed by a healthcare provider, conducted within 12 months prior to entry to school or within 30 days after school entry. Students must also provide documentation of physical examinations in kindergarten, Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10 Immunizations (Policy JLCB) To attend Framingham Public Schools, all students in grades Pre-K-12 must be fully immunized. Official documentation of required immunizations must be provided to your school nurse before your child can begin school at any age. Your school nurse can provide you with a list of required immunizations or you can find it on the School Health Services website. Only medical and religious exemptions from immunization requirements are acceptable. If there are medical reasons why your child has not been immunized, a statement from your healthcare provider must be provided to your school nurse. Please state a religious exemption in writing to your school nurse. Established by law LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 76:15 CROSS REF.: JF, School Admissions The state immunization laws make immunization against the following diseases mandatory before entrance to school: -Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus -Measles, Mumps Rubella -Polio -Hepatitis B -Tuberculosis test within 6 months of entry to the US OR written risk assessment indicating low risk. -Varicella or written documentation of Chicken Pox Disease -Proof of lead testing Medical Screenings Throughout the year, the nurse is responsible for conducting several state-mandated screenings. Additionally outside providers are brought into provide students with dental sealants. Vision and Hearing Screening All students receive regular vision and hearing screenings. Your school nurse will notify you with any concerns or abnormal findings and refer your child to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Postural Screening Postural screening, to assess for scoliosis and/or early signs of spinal problems, is conducted annually for all students in grades 5-9. Your school nurse will notify you with any concerns or abnormal findings and refer your child to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. You may waive your child’s postural screening by stating your preference in writing to your school nurse.



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Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening Schools are required to measure height and weight of students in grades 1,4,7, and 10 and use those figures to calculate each student’s BMI. Your school nurse will provide you with a confidential report of your child’s BMI. You may waive your child’s BMI screening by stating your preference in writing to your school nurse. Medication Administration at School Prescription medication may be given in school only after the school nurse receives written orders from the student's healthcare provider/dentist and signed consent from the parent/guardian. New medication orders are required at the start of the school year and expire at the end of each school year. Only medications in original prescription containers, currently prescribed by a physician and brought to the nurse’s office by a parent or other adult, will be given at school. All medications taken during the school day must be stored in the Nurse’s office and be picked up by a parent/guardian before the close of the school year. Any medications that are not picked up by the close of school will be destroyed. The School Physician allows the nurse to administer Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums, etc… with parent permission. The nurse will send home permission forms and when needed, will administer medications based on assessment findings. The form must be completed each school year. Children are not allowed to self-administer or carry any medications on their person. All medications must be submitted to the nurse in a properly labeled, original prescription container. All medications must be brought to the nurse by the parent. The administration of psychotropic medications within the school will be performed within the mandates of the Massachusetts General laws, Ch. 71, Sec. 54B. The administration of these medicines requires parents signature and physician order in writing. Illness When your child has symptoms of illness such as a severe cough, fever, rash OR acute gastro-intestinal problems (vomiting and/or diarrhea), please do not send your child to school. You may wish to call the nurse to discuss the problem to seek advice on returning to school. If your child has a fever of 100.5 or higher, or they are vomiting, they must remain home until they are fever-free and not vomiting, for 24 hours. They should be able to eat, drink and sustain energy for the full school day before returning. If your child develops a fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, or suspected contagious illness while at school, the nurse will contact you to take your child home. Please be sure she has your accurate phone numbers as well as those of the emergency contacts. Contagious Disease Contagious diseases such as chicken pox, hepatitis, meningitis and pertussis (whooping cough) are controlled by the Framingham Board of Health. Please report the illness the Board of Health at 508-532-5470. Students who have had a communicable disease cannot be readmitted to school without a release card from the Board of Health. The spread of disease is prevented by excluding ill students when needed and maintaining current, up-to-date immunization records. Strep Throat If a physician has taken a throat culture and it is positive, the student should remain at home until antibiotics have been taken for 24 hours. After 24 hours of antibiotic, the child may return to school.

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Rashes Any child who has an undiagnosed rash should remain at home until it has been determined that it is NOT infectious. Pediculosis (Head Lice) An examination for head lice is done whenever a case is found in the school, or at the request of a teacher or parent. Parents should check their own children’s hair twice monthly, to prevent infestation. Please notify the School Nurse if your child has been treated for head lice so that she may check other children. It is also advised to check your child’s hair following overnight stays at other homes, or after camping experiences. Exclusion for Health Reasons Students are expected to participate in all school activities. If they cannot participate for health reasons, verification of illness must be made by a doctor in writing, and submitted to our School Nurse. Requests to Stay in at Recess Written requests from parents for a child to remain inside the school during recess will be honored for legitimate reasons. Students with Special Health Needs Families need to communicate any student health concerns to the school nurse. If your child has asthma, allergies, diabetes, seizures, attention deficit disorder, or any other medical or mental health issue requiring special health services during school hours and/or is assisted by medical technology, please meet with your school nurse prior to school entry. The Framingham Public Schools cannot guarantee to provide an allergen-free environment for all students with life-threatening allergies, or prevent any harm to students in emergencies. The goal is to minimize the risk of exposure to food allergens that pose a threat to those students, educate the community, and to maintain and regularly update a system-wide protocol for responding to their needs. A system-wide effort requires the cooperation of all groups of people within the system. Food Allergies There are many food allergies among children. The nurse will review those allergies with each classroom teacher. The nurse will also be responsible for keeping the student’s physician ordered medications, such as Epinephrine and/or Antihistamines on hand in an easily accessible location. The nurse will also post a food allergy list in the Health Room, at the Cashier’s station and in the Cafeteria, for the staff to refer to. With parent permission, a list may also be posted in the classroom. Injuries It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school nurse of all injuries (i.e., fractures, sprains, stitches, etc.) Guidelines regarding injuries and non-participation in physical education (P.E.) classes and recess are as followed: 1. Students with casts, stitches, or splints may not participate in P.E. class or outdoor recess without written consent from both the parent and the attending physician. All injury notes from the doctor should include the type of injury, any limitations or allowance to participate in such activities and the date the child may return to any restricted activities. Parents’ wishes may not supersede this medical prescription.

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2. Students need a subsequent doctor's note when it is safe to resume normal activity in P.E. and/or recess. 3. Some specified P.E. activities may also require non-participation for the safety of the student and others. 4. If a student is to come to school with a cane, crutches, wheelchair or an assistive device a doctor's note is required for returning to school. If applicable, such doctor’s notes need to indicate if such students can or cannot use stairs. An example of this would be a student with the need to wear a brace that would immobilize a knee. Medications It is the policy of Framingham Public Schools to administer medications during the school day only when necessary. If at any time during the school year your child requires the administration of any medications during the school day, then please refer to the following: Medications in school All medication orders and/or consents must be on file in your child’s health record before we begin to give any medications at school (these orders and/or consents must be submitted every year or at the start or restart of any medication treatment.) Medication consent forms are located on the school website. Each medication must have:

1. Signed consent by guardian to give the medication - This includes prescription

medications as well as non-prescription medications or “over the counter” medications such

as, but not limited to non-prescription eye drops and cough medications.

2. Signed physician medication order - This needs to be obtained and returned to the

school nurse for both prescription medications as well as non-prescription medications.

Short-term antibiotics are the only prescription medications that do not require a separate signed physician medication order. The instructions on the bottle will be sufficient if the current label is intact, and a parent or guardian signed consent is provided for the short-term antibiotics. Note-Students who have had surgery, dental procedures, or injuries and are taking any type of narcotic pain reliever (i.e. Percocet, vicodin, Tylenol #3,) are not allowed to return to school until their pain can be managed with a non-narcotic analgesic such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. Narcotic pain relievers will not be administered in school. Medication Delivery/Pick-up Requirements All medications must be delivered to the school and picked up from the school by a responsible adult. All medications can be picked up from the nurse’s office anytime during the school day. All medications will be disposed of if they are not picked up within one week following termination of the order or if they are not picked up by the last day of school. All prescription medications must be in a pharmacy labeled container that includes the child’s name, name and correct dose of the medication, physician’s name, and current date. Please ask your pharmacy to provide separate bottles for school and home. Not more than a thirty-day supply of medicine should be delivered to the school. All non-prescription medications must be in the original manufacturer’s container. Additional Medication Information

● Students are not permitted to have medicine in the classroom or on their person

without a doctor’s note permitting the student to carry the medication and without informing the

school nurse.

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● No medications that are scheduled to be given after the early release dismissal

time will be given on school half-days unless specifically requested in writing by a parent

and/or guardian.

● In order for your child to receive any medications on a field trip or for any

medications to be sent on a field trip the appropriate field trip consents must be

completed before your child goes on a field trip. Please note that all the appropriate forms

and items must be sent in before the day of the field trip in order for any medication to be sent

on any field trip. If a field trip is approaching and you have not received the appropriate forms,

please contact the nurse’s office immediately.

● It is important for the school nurse to be informed of any medication that your

child might be taking even if your child does not need to receive these medications

during the school day. It is also important for the school nurse to be informed of any

medication changes. Please contact him/her with all this information in a timely manner.

As noted on the emergency form, the school physician, Dr. Eric Kaplan, has approved after a nurse’s assessment and if deemed appropriate for the safety and welfare of a student the use of acetaminophen/Tylenol, Caladryl, Benadryl, Oragel, Vaseline, Sting Relief Wipes, saline eye solutions, Bacitracin, Silvadene Cream, hydrocortisone cream, Motrin, Tums and First Aid Cream. Students showing signs of a life threatening allergic reaction or anaphylaxis may be given epi pen and Emergency Medical Services will be summoned. Guardians are to contact their school’s nurse if they do not want any of the listed medications or ointments used. Students entering Framingham Public Schools are required at the time of student registration to provide a copy of a physical examination dated within one year of entrance to school or within 30 days after school entry and at intervals of either three or four years thereafter. A student transferring from another school district shall be examined as an entering Framingham Public Schools student. In compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health state laws, our district requires physicals for students in kindergarten, third grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade. Any student who wishes to participate in the sports screening physical exams should call the high school or visit the web site to confirm dates and times. We follow Massachusetts General Law with regard to the vaccination and immunization of students. An up to date physician-signed vaccination and immunization record must be provided at the time of student registration. Failure to have proper documentation of mandated immunizations will result in the student’s exclusion from school. Please see reference below: Chapter 76: Section 15. Vaccination and Immunization No child shall, except as hereinafter provided, be admitted to school except upon presentation of a physician’s certificate that the child has been successfully immunized against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles and poliomyelitis and such other communicable diseases as may be specified from time to time by the department of public health. A child shall be admitted to school upon certification by a physician that he has personally examined such child and that in his opinion the physical condition of the child is such that his health would be endangered by such vaccination or by any of such immunizations. Such certification shall be submitted at the beginning of each school year to the physician in charge of the school health program. If the physician in charge of the school health program does not agree with the opinion of the child’s physician, the matter shall be referred to the department of public health, whose decision will be final.

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In the absence of an emergency or epidemic of disease declared by the department of public health, no child whose parent or guardian states in writing that vaccination or immunization conflicts with his sincere religious beliefs shall be required to present said physician’s certificate in order to be admitted to school. This must be submitted annually to the nurse. Emergency Health Forms Health information forms must be filled out and returned to the Nurse’s Office each year. Forms provide important phone numbers and contact persons for dismissals, emergencies, and signed permission for some over the counter medications including Tylenol. Forms will be sent home at the beginning of each school year and are available online or at your school nurse’s office. Sports Physical and Screenings All students who are candidates for interscholastic athletic teams at Framingham High School must have a physical examination on file before participating in any try-outs or practice. We do offer screening sports physical exams four times a year. There is a nominal fee for this, required to be paid for at the time of the screening. This is not meant to take the place of a physical with your child’s private care physicians. These screening sport physicals are provided as service to allow the students easy access to a screening physical that would allow them to play sports. Contact the high school or visit the web site for dates and times. Hearing/Vision/Postural Screenings and Height and Weight Checks Vision and hearing screening, postural screening and height/weight checks will be conducted on students as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Wellness Policy (Policy ADF)

Students are the first concern of the district and must receive the primary attention of the School Committee and all staff members. In pursuit of this primary goal, it is imperative that the health and wellness of the individual student, and the student body as a whole, be considered an important part of the educational process. Good health fosters student attendance and education. Children need access to healthful foods and opportunities to be physically active in order to grow, learn and thrive. To this end, the School Committee will work with the Health Advisory Council, staff, students and community members to initiate and implement the Wellness Policy. I. Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods on Campus Framingham Public Schools will provide students with access to a variety of "affordable, nutritious and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students: will incorporate ethnic and cultural foods into the meal plan that reflect the Framingham Public School's diverse student body; and, in collaboration with the building principals, will provide clean, safe and pleasant settings and adequate time for students to eat.

1. All foods made available on campus will comply with the current USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

2. The following will also comply with the current Massachusetts A La Carte Food

and Beverage Standards: food and beverages sold in vending machines and school stores; a la carte items; beverage contracts; and food and beverages offered as school incentives and at school celebrations.

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3. Nutrition information for products offered in snack bars, a la carte, vending machines and school stores will be readily available near the point of purchase.

4. Nutritional information on all school foods will be provided to each school and

made available either in hard copy or in electronic form. 5. Food Service Directors are recommended to have a background in nutrition. II. Physical Activity and Fitness offered by the Framingham Public Schools The following list contains statements and goals for physical activity for students in the Framingham Public Schools.

1. All elementary school students in the Framingham Public Schools will have 60 minutes of formal physical education class every week and a minimum 15-minute recess period each day.

2. All middle school students will receive a consistent amount of time in formal

physical education class, with two 45-minute classes per cycle. Framingham Public Schools recognizes the importance of offering physical education instruction throughout the entire school year.

3. The district will strive to increase present physical education offerings at the high

school and to increase participation in all four years. Opportunities for physical activity shall be incorporated into other subject lessons when possible.

4. The district will broaden opportunities for physical activity for students at all levels

through a variety of before and/or after school programs including, but not limited to, intramurals, interscholastic athletics and physical activity clubs. Framingham Public Schools, along with the Massachusetts Department of Education, recognizes that the above named activities are not to be used in place of formal physical education classes, which are part of structured learning time.

5. A state license is required for all teachers of physical education classes.

6. The district will support walk-to-school initiatives.

7. Schools will encourage parents and guardians to support their children's

participation in physical activity; to be physically active role models; and to include physical activity in family events.

III. Nutrition Education statements and goals for the Framingham Public Schools

1. Students will receive nutrition education that teaches the skills they need to adopt and maintain healthy eating behaviors.

2. Nutrition education will be taught within the comprehensive health education

program taught in the Framingham Public Schools. The district will strive to develop an organized, sequential, system-wide nutrition education program to be implemented in grades pre-K through 12, as outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

3. The Family and Consumer Science Department at Framingham High School will

also teach nutrition education.

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4. Nutrition education will be offered in the school cafeteria as well as in the classroom, with collaboration between the food service staff and other school personnel including teachers.

5. Staff who provides nutrition education will have appropriate training.

6. Students will receive consistent nutrition messages from all aspects of the school

program. IV. Evaluation

1. The Health Advisory Council will collaborate with building principals to ensure that faculty and

staff are in compliance with this Wellness Policy.

2. The Health Advisory Council will provide necessary updates and report annually to the Superintendent References: Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004; Action for Healthy Kids: Massachusetts A La Carte Food and Beverage Standards; USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans; National Association for Sport & Physical Education (NASPE); School Nutrition Association Wellness Policy Guidelines; Massachusetts Association of School Committees Wellness Policy Guidelines LEGAL REFS.: The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Section 204, P.L. 108-265; The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 - 1769h; The Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1771 - 1789 CROSS REFS.: EFC, Free and Reduced-Cost Food Services; IHAMA, Teaching About Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs; KI, Public Solicitations/Advertising in District Facilities

Bus Transportation

Eligibility for school busing requires a student to reside more than a 2-mile radius from the school. If you have any questions about transportation, you should call the Transportation Office of the Framingham Public Schools at 508-626-9179. Bus schedules are not exact. On any given day, a child’s school bus can be early or late. It is recommended that children be at their pick-up point 5 minutes earlier than scheduled. If a child misses the bus, parents are responsible for bringing him/her to school on-time. Students will be transported to and from a designated bus stop. Only students assigned to a bus may ride that bus. When children wish to visit other children after school, it is the parent’s responsibility to arrange for their own transportation. Please note: Kindergarten students will not be dropped off at a bus stop unless there is an adult waiting to receive them. If an adult is not present children will be returned to their assigned school and parent/guardians will be notified. Repeated offenses may result in the loss of bus transportation privileges and parent/guardians will be responsible for transporting their children to school.

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School bus transportation is a privilege rather than a right. As such, students are to conduct themselves properly on the bus. Children need to remain seated, talk softly, and not disturb others. If a student is distracting to the bus driver, the driver will submit a discipline report. Student misconduct (interfering with the safe operation of the bus or causing damage) can result in suspension of school bus services for a given amount of time. Parents have the option of requesting a hearing with the driver and principal regarding any discipline report about their student. The principal may require a parent conference for any student reported for bus discipline infractions. (See policy JFCC for complete policy.) Bus Rules It is important to follow bus rules to ensure the safety of the driver and all students. The bus rules are as follows: - Wait at the bus stop in a safe and orderly manner. - Follow the instructions of the bus driver. - Stay seated at all times when the bus is in motion in your assigned seat - Keep your hands and feet to yourself. - Do not throw anything out of the windows. - Do not eat food or chew gum on the bus. - Do not damage the bus in any way. - Do not shout or use abusive language. - Take your personal belongings with you when you get off the bus. All school buses are equipped with video camera surveillance systems. Student Conduct on School Buses (Policy JICC-R (also EEAEC-R) When serious incidents occur which result in interference with the safe operation of a school bus, or which cause damage to the bus, or which infringe upon the rights of others, or cause personal injury, the following procedures will be used:

1. The operator of the bus will report the serious incident to the Director of Transportation and the Principal, as soon as practical.

2. The operator will file a written report of all such incidents including names, dates, time, and nature of incidents.

3. A copy of the report will be furnished to the Director of Transportation and the Principal. The Director of Transportation will provide any help or information available upon request of the Principal.

4. The Principal will notify the Resource Officer of the Framingham Police Department when the reported incident causes personal injury to others or causes damage to the bus.

5. The Principal will inform the driver and the Director of Transportation of the final disposition of the incident.

6. At the conclusion of each run, all bus drivers will make a visual inspection of the interior of the bus for children or their belongings, and note any indication of damages on forms provided for that purpose.

7. If damage is found, the Director of Transportation will inform the Principal, whose responsibility it will be to see if the offender can be determined.

8. The district shall provide the capability for a video monitoring system to be used as necessary to enforce the disciplinary policy.

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Student Conduct on Buses – District Practice Students utilizing school bus transportation enjoy a privilege by the Town rather than an inherent right to transportation. As such, students are to conduct themselves in such a way as to conduct themselves in such a way as to not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle, cause personal injury to others, cause damage to the vehicle, or infringe upon the rights of others as set forth by the school administration. As parents, it is incumbent upon you to discuss with your child your expectations for his/her behavior while on the bus. We encourage you to urge your child to always remain seated and buckled while riding the school bus. If a student’s conduct is determined by the operator to be detrimental to the safe operation of the vehicle, or if it is determined that a student has caused personal injury to others or damage to a vehicle, a conference will be arranged with the student and principal or his/her designee, after which the parents and student will be notified in writing and by telephone, that future incidents will result in curtailing of bus privileges. Subsequent offenses may carry the following penalties: First Offense – Bus privileges suspended for one day. Second Offense – Bus privileges suspended for three days at the middle school and high school levels and up to three days at the elementary level. Third Offense – Bus privileges suspended for up to ten days. Fourth Offense – Bus privileges suspended for up to twenty days. Fifth Offense – Bus privileges will be suspended for up to the remainder of the school year. This policy and its implementation were reviewed in June 1999 by a school and transportation administrators and parents. It was determined that, in order to ensure the safety of all bus riders, the above penalties must and will be consistently enforced by the school administration. Parental Transportation Concerns If a parent is concerned about any matter related to transportation such as schedules, behavior on the bus, policies, or complaints, first contact the Transportation Office at 508-626-9179. Of course, sometimes interpersonal student differences that erupt on the bus are really not “bus problems.” In these instances, parents can call the school directly.

Student Conduct (Policy JK)

The Massachusetts General Laws require the School Committee to adopt written policies, rules and regulations not inconsistent with law, which may relate to study, discipline, conduct, safety and welfare of all students, or any classification thereof, enrolled in the public schools of the District.

The Framingham Public Schools is committed to partnering with parents and guardians in order to promote optimal, safe learning environments.

The safety of student and staff is of paramount importance, effective teaching and learning is based on respect and consideration for the rights, property, others and of self. Students will be expected to

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conduct themselves in a way that the rights and safety of others are not violated. They will be required to respect constituted authority, and to conform to school policies, rules, and provisions of law that apply to their conduct.

The implementation of the general rules of conduct is the responsibility of the Principal and the professional staff of the building. In order to do this, each school staff in the District shall develop specific rules not inconsistent with the law nor in conflict with School Committee policy. These building rules shall be an extension of the District policies by being more specific as they relate to the individual schools.

The purpose of disciplinary action is to restore acceptable behavior. When disciplinary action is necessary, it shall be administered with fairness and shall relate to the individual needs and the individual circumstances. In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed, a Principal shall consider ways to re-engage the student in learning, and avoid using long-term suspension from school as a consequence until alternatives have been tried. Alternatives may include the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and positive behavioral interventions and supports.

Students violating any of the policies on student conduct and control will be subject to disciplinary action. The degree, frequency, and circumstances surrounding each incident shall determine the method used in enforcing these policies. Most of the situations which require disciplinary action can be resolved within the confines of the classroom or as they occur by reasonable but firm reprimand, and/or by teacher conferences with the student and/or parents or guardians.

If a situation should arise in which there is no applicable written policy, the staff member shall be expected to exercise reasonable and professional judgment.

All student handbooks shall contain the provisions of M.G.L. c. 37H, 37H1/2 and 37H3/4. Copies of the student handbooks will be distributed to each student entering school in September and to any student enrolling during the school year. Parents of students in grades K - 12 will acknowledge receipt of said handbooks.

SOURCE: MASC

In addition, copies of the Hemenway Student Parent Handbook will be posted on the school website in September for parents and students to access.

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:37H1/2; 71:37H3/4; 71:37L; 76:16; 76:17; 603 CMR 53.00

Items Not Allowed In/During School: The following items are not allowed during school hours at school without permission: Electronic games or devices, laser pens or pointers, personal music systems, cameras, video cameras. (Taking pictures or videos of students and staff is not permitted in school or on buses.)

5. Squirt guns, water guns, etc.

6. Skateboards/sneakers with built-in wheels. (You may only use the skateboard park

after you have gone home or been picked up by your parent/guardian).

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter71/Section37h

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter71/Section37l

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76/Section16

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76/Section17

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7. Lighters, matches or other lighting devices, alcohol, illegal drugs, counterfeit drugs, drug

paraphernalia, tobacco (chewing or smoking, such as cigarettes), any weapons, knives

(including pocket or utility knives), fireworks, stink bombs. Bringing any of these items to school

will result in suspension or expulsion, and in some cases reported to the police and/or fire

department.

8. Other devices that may create a disruption or potentially be a safety risk (i.e. shock

delivering devices).

Items located in your locker or cubby are considered to be in your possession and may be confiscated by school administration. Lockers are school property. There is no expectation of privacy for items contained in school lockers. Phone Usage During School If students need to contact home they should see their teacher/administrator to receive permission to use the phone in the classroom or office. Conversely, if a parent needs to speak with a student, the parent should call the school office. All cell phones should be off while in school, unless in use for instructional purposes. Personal Computing Devices Students using their own personal computing devices as a part of their instructional program, please refer to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Guidelines and FAQs on the Technology Department Web Page. Unauthorized Recordings, Photos and Video The unauthorized distribution of voice recordings, photographs, or videos of staff or students, at school, on buses, or at a school function, will result in a suspension of up to five (5) days and possible notification to the proper authorities.

Student Discipline (Policy JIC)

The School Committee believes that all students deserve every opportunity to achieve academic success in a safe, secure learning environment. Framingham Public Schools is committed to partnering with parents and guardians in order to promote optimal, safe learning environments. Good citizenship in schools is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others, as well as respect for self and respect for property. Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a way that the rights and privileges of others are not violated. They will be required to respect constituted authority, to conform to school rules and to those provisions of law that apply to their conduct.

Each Principal shall include prohibited actions in the student handbook or other publication and made available to students and parents.

Principals and staff shall not use academic punishment of any form as a consequence to inappropriate behaviors/actions by students. The expectation is for all students to receive equitable treatment from staff.

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The Principal may, as a disciplinary measure, remove a student from privileges, such as extracurricular activities and attendance at school-sponsored events, based on the student's misconduct. Such a removal is not subject to the remainder of this policy, law, or regulation.

General Principles The goal of student discipline is to teach students to behave in ways that contribute to academic achievement and school success, and to promote a school environment where students and staff are responsible and respectful. When disciplinary action is necessary, it shall be administered with fairness and shall relate to the individual needs and the individual circumstances. Successful school discipline is guided by the following principles:

∙ Effective and engaging instruction and classroom management are the foundation of effective discipline.

∙ School discipline is best accomplished by preventing misbehavior before it occurs, and using effective interventions after it occurs.

∙ School safety and academic success are formed and strengthened when all school staff and personnel build positive relationships with students.

∙ School staff should promote high standards of behavior by teaching, modeling, and monitoring behavior, and by fairly and consistently correcting misbehavior as necessary. ∙ School discipline that is paired with meaningful instruction and guidance offers students an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and contribute to the school community, and is more likely to result in getting the student re-engaged in learning.

∙ Effective school discipline maximizes the amount of time students spend learning and minimizes the amount of time students are removed from their classrooms due to misbehavior.

∙ If a situation should arise in which there is no applicable written policy or rule, school staff will exercise reasonable and professional judgment.

Strategies in Using Interventions Teachers and administrators should consider utilizing different types of strategies, or multiple strategies simultaneously, to deal with misbehavior, especially for 2nd or 3rd instances of the same misbehavior. Reasonable Consequences Students violating any of the policies on student conduct will be subject to disciplinary action. The degree, frequency, and circumstances surrounding each incident shall determine the method used in enforcing these policies. In all instances, school discipline should be reasonable, timely, fair, age-appropriate, and should match the severity of the student’s misbehavior. School staff will make reasonable effort to correct student misbehavior through school-based resources at the lowest possible level, and to support students in learning the skills necessary to enhance a positive school environment and avoid misbehavior. Most of the situations which require disciplinary action can be resolved within the confines of the classroom or as they occur by reasonable but firm reprimand, and/or by teacher conferences with the student and/or parents or guardians.

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Use of Out-of-School Suspensions Should Be Minimized All students have a right to a high quality education. Punitive measures that result in the loss of valuable instructional time should be reserved for infractions that cannot be appropriately addressed through other interventions and disciplinary responses. Suspension

In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed, a Principal shall consider ways to re-engage the student in learning, and avoid using long-term suspension from school as a consequence until alternatives have been tried. Alternatives may include the use of evidence-based strategies and programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and positive behavioral interventions and supports.

Principals shall ensure that students who are suspended from school for ten or fewer consecutive days, whether in or out of school, shall have an opportunity to make academic progress during the period of suspension, to make up assignments and earn credits missed including, but not limited to, homework, quizzes, exams, papers and projects. Students shall receive full academic credit, according to the quality of their work, for made-up assignments. Relevant Factors in Making Discipline Decisions When choosing consequences for students’ misbehavior, teachers, administrators, and staff must consider the following factors: ∙ Age, health, and disability or special education status of the student; ∙ Student’s academic program; ∙ Student’s prior conduct and record of behavior; ∙ Student’s willingness to repair the harm and accept responsibility ∙ Seriousness of the offense and the degree of harm caused; and ∙ Impact of the incident on overall school community.

Notice of Suspension

Except for emergency removal or an in-school suspension of less than 10 days, a Principal must provide the student and the parent oral and written notice, and provide the student an opportunity for a hearing and the parent an opportunity to participate in such hearing before imposing suspension as a consequence for misconduct. The Principal shall provide both oral and written notice to the student and parent(s) in English and in the primary language of the home if other than English. The notice shall include the rights enumerated in law and regulation. To conduct a hearing without a parent present, the Principal must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the parent.

Emergency Removal

A Principal may remove a student from school temporarily when a student is charged with a disciplinary offense and the continued presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property,

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or materially and substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the Principal's judgment, there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger or disruption.

The Principal shall immediately notify the Superintendent in writing of the removal including a description of the danger presented by the student.

The temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency removal, during which time the Principal shall: Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and the student's parent of the emergency removal, the reason for the need for emergency removal, and the other matters required in the notice; provide written notice to the student and parent as required above; provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the Principal that complies with applicable regulations, and the parent an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the two (2) school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed to by the Principal, student, and parent; render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than the following school day, which meets the requirements of applicable law and regulation.

A Principal shall also ensure adequate provisions have been made for the student's safety and transportation prior to removal.

In School Suspension – Not More Than 10 Days Consecutively or Cumulatively

The Principal may use in-school suspension as an alternative to short-term suspension for disciplinary offenses.

The Principal may impose an in-school suspension for a disciplinary offense under this provision, provided that the Principal follows the process set forth in regulation and the student has the opportunity to make academic progress as required by law and regulation.

Principal’s Hearing – Short Term Suspension of up to 10 Days

The hearing with the Principal shall be to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction.

At a minimum, the Principal shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information.

The student also shall have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts, that the Principal should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate as set forth in law and regulation.

The Principal shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.

The Principal shall, based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, what remedy or consequence will be imposed.

The Principal shall notify the student and parent of the determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up

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assignments and such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal, as required by law and regulation. The determination shall be in writing and may be in the form of an update to the original written notice.

If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the Principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the Superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school suspension, before the short-term suspension takes effect.

Principal’s Hearing – Long-Term Suspension of more than 10 days but less than 90 days (consecutive or cumulative)

The hearing with the Principal shall be to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction.

At a minimum, in addition to the rights afforded a student in a short-term suspension hearing, the student shall have the following rights: In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student's record and the documents upon which the Principal may rely in making a determination to suspend the student or not; the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student's choice, at the student's/parent's expense; the right to produce witnesses on his or her behalf and to present the student's explanation of the alleged incident, but the student may not be compelled to do so; the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school district; the right to request that the hearing be recorded by the Principal, and to receive a copy of the audio recording upon request. If the student or parent requests an audio recording, the Principal shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made and a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request.

The Principal shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.

The Principal shall, based on the evidence, determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, after considering mitigating circumstances and alternatives to suspension as required by law and regulation, what remedy or consequence will be imposed, in place of or in addition to a long-term suspension. The Principal shall send the written determination to the student and parent by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the Principal and the parent.

If the Principal decides to suspend the student, the written determination shall: Identify the disciplinary offense, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants at the hearing; set out the key facts and conclusions reached by the Principal; identify the length and effective date of the suspension, as well as a date of return to school; include notice of the student's opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the period of removal from school as required by law and regulation; inform the student of the right to appeal the Principal's decision to the Superintendent or designee, but only if the Principal has imposed a long-term suspension. Notice of the right of appeal shall be in English and the primary language of the home if other than English, and shall include the following information: The process for appealing the decision, including that the student or parent must file a written notice of appeal with the Superintendent within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar days,

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the student or parent may request and receive from the Superintendent an extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar days; and that the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the Superintendent decides to reverse the Principal's determination on appeal.

If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the Principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the Superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school suspension before the suspension takes effect.

Superintendent’s Hearing

A student who is placed on long-term suspension following a hearing with the Principal shall have the right to appeal the Principal's decision to the Superintendent.

The student or parent shall file a notice of appeal with the Superintendent within the time period noted above (see Principal’s hearing – Suspension of more than 10 days). If the appeal is not timely filed, the Superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in his or her discretion, for good cause.

The Superintendent shall hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student's request, unless the student or parent requests an extension of up to seven (7) additional calendar days, in which case the Superintendent shall grant the extension.

The Superintendent shall make a good faith effort to include the parent in the hearing. The Superintendent shall be presumed to have made a good faith effort if he or she has made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the parent and Superintendent to participate. The Superintendent shall send written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

The Superintendent shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence shall be. The Superintendent shall arrange for an audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which shall be provided to the student or parent upon request. The Superintendent shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made of the hearing and a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request. The student shall have all the rights afforded the student at the Principal's hearing for long-term suspension.

The Superintendent shall issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing which meets the requirements of law and regulation. If the Superintendent determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the Superintendent may impose the same or a lesser consequence than the Principal, but shall not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the Principal's decision. The decision of the Superintendent shall be the final decision of the school district with regard to the suspension.

Expulsion Expulsion is defined as the removal of a student from school for more than ninety (90) school days, indefinitely, or permanently as allowed by law for possession of a dangerous weapon; possession of a controlled substance; assault on a member of the educational staff; or a felony charge or felony delinquency complaint or conviction, or adjudication or admission of guilt with respect to such felony, if a Principal determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school.

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Any student alleged to have committed one of these acts shall be afforded the same due process rights as for a long term suspension. Any student expelled from school for such an offense shall be afforded an opportunity to receive educational services and make academic progress.

Academic Progress

Any student who is suspended or expelled shall have the opportunity to earn credits, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of his or her removal from the classroom or school. The Principal shall inform the student and parent of this opportunity in writing, in English and in the primary language of the home, when such suspension or expulsion is imposed.

The Principal shall develop a school-wide education service plan describing the education services that the school district will make available to students who are expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days. The plan shall include the process for notifying such students and their parents of the services and arranging such services. Education services shall be based on, and be provided in a manner consistent with, the academic standards and curriculum frameworks established for all students under the law.

Any student who is expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in school or out of school, shall have an opportunity to receive education services and make academic progress toward meeting state and local requirements, through a school-wide education service plan.

The Principal shall notify the parent and student of the opportunity to receive education services at the time the student is expelled or placed on long-term suspension. Notice shall be provided in English and in the primary language spoken in the student's home, if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate. The notice shall include a list of the specific education services that are available to the student and contact information for a school district staff member who can provide more detailed information.

For each student expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in-school or out-of-school, the school district shall document the student's enrollment in education services. For data reporting purposes, the school shall track and report attendance, academic progress, and such other data as directed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Reporting

The school district shall collect and annually report data to the DESE regarding in-school suspensions, short- and long-term suspensions, expulsions, emergency removals, access to education services, and such other information as may be required by the DESE.

The Principal of each school shall periodically review discipline data by selected student populations, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, English language learner status, and student with a disability status in accordance with law and regulation.

Disciplining a Student with a Disability- 34 CFR 300.530 Any student may be suspended or removed from school for disciplinary reasons for a short time, which is no more than 10 days. Once a student with a disability has been removed from the school placement for more than 10 cumulative days during the school year the student must receive

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educational services that will allow the student to continue to participate in the general education curriculum and to progress toward the goals set out in his or her IEP. The student’s IEP Team must meet within 10 days of the school’s decision to impose the discipline. At this meeting, called a “manifestation determination,” the IEP Team will determine if the misbehavior was caused by or had a direct relationship to the student’s disability, or was the direct result of the school’s failure to provide the services required by the student’s IEP. If the Team determines that the student’s behavior was caused by or directly related to the student’s disability or the failure to properly implement the IEP, then the student must be returned to the last approved IEP placement unless the IEP Team decides on a different placement. The IEP Team, however, must determine the interim alternative educational setting (IAES) where the student will be placed and the educational services that will be provided If the team determines that the student’s behavior was not caused by or directly related to the student’s disability or the failure to properly implement the IEP, then a student with a disability can be disciplined in the same manner and for the same length of time as other students are disciplined for the same offense. Note that if your student possessed or used a weapon or drugs, or caused serious bodily injury to another person on school property or at a school event your student may be placed by the principal in an IAES for up to 45 school days without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability. The IEP Team will determine the IAES and the appropriate educational services that will be provided to the student while he or she is in the IAES. If a parent disagrees with any decision regarding placement of his or her student under the disciplinary provisions or disagrees with the manifestation determination, or if the school district believes that maintaining the current placement of the student is substantially likely to result in an injury to the student or to others, either the parent or the school district may appeal the decision by requesting a hearing with the BSEA.

SOURCE: MASC

LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:37H ½; 71:37H3/4; 76:17; 603 CMR 53.00

Protective Regulations

The Framingham Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, veteran’s status or any other status protected by law. Grievance Procedures for the district can be found on the Framingham Public Schools website: http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us

As related to disabilities, the District complies with the following two Federal Civil Rights Laws:

Americans with Disabilities Act

Program applicants, participants, members of the general public, employees, job applicants and others are entitled to participate in and benefit from all Framingham Public Schools’ programs, activities, and services without regard to disability.

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter71/Section37h

http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section37H1~2

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Copies of this notice are available, upon request, in alternative print formats (large print, audio tape, Braille, computer disk, etc.) Our grievance procedure, self-evaluation, as well as ADA policies, practices and procedures are also available. Inquiries, requests, and complaints should be directed to: Dr. Frank Tiano, Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools, 73 Mount Wayte Avenue, Second Floor, Framingham, MA 01702, 508-626-9118 or [email protected].

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The Framingham Public Schools complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding. Section 504 regulations require the provision of free and appropriate public education to eligible students, reasonable accommodations and procedural safeguards. Grievance procedures are available upon request. Inquiries concerning the application of Section 504 may be referred to Dr. Frank Tiano, Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools, 73 Mount Wayte Avenue, Second Floor, Framingham, MA 01702, 508-626-9118, [email protected] or to the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, D.C. 20201.

Chapter 622 0f M.G.L and Title IX of the Federal Education Amendments of 1972

Regulations governing the application of Chapter 622 of the Massachusetts General

Laws, Acts of 1971, were issued in June of 1975. Chapter 622 states “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 in such public school on account

of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.” These regulations focus on

the services, programs and opportunities offered to students.

The Chapter 622 Regulations address five areas of school policy: school admissions, admission to courses of study, guidance, course content, and extra-curricular and athletic activities.

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 became effective in July of 1975 and concerns discrimination on account of sex, while extending protection against sex discrimination to the employment practices of a school or school district. 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 education program or activity receiving federal assistance.” Title IX rules and regulations require education institutions receiving federal assistance to adopt a notification policy concerning Title IX.

A copy of this policy and/or any regulations or inquiries regarding Title IX or Chapter 622 may be obtained by contacting Dr. Frank Tiano, Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Title IX Coordinator for the Framingham Public Schools, 73 Mount Wayte Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702, 508-626-9118 or [email protected].

The Title IX Coordinator is the responsible district employee who provides leadership and direction in expediting full compliance with the provisions of Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Chapter 622 of Massachusetts General Law and Title IX of the

mailto:[email protected]

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Educational Amendments of 1972, all of the above state and federal regulations require equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion in curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Any student or employee who believes that he/she has been discriminated against or harassed should report their concern promptly to the school principal or the relevant The Title IX Coordinator listed.

Dr. Frank Tiano, Assistant Superintendent, Civil Rights Coordinator for Disability Related Complaints and Civil Rights Coordinator for Complaints Based on Race, Color, National Origin, Age, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Religion.

Policy and Grievance Procedures for Discrimination, Including

Harassment and Retaliation

General Statement Policy

It is the policy of the Framingham School Committee to maintain a work and education environment in the Framingham Public Schools that is free of discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender, identity, religion, disability, veteran’s status, or any other status protected by federal or state law. The Framingham Public Schools will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. The Framingham School Committee also treats retaliation as a form of discrimination. Retaliation as defined by this policy is prohibited.

The Framingham School Committee takes allegations of discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, seriously. The District will respond promptly and equitably to all complaints or reports that a violation of this policy has occurred. Where a violation is found, the Framingham Public Schools will take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action to eliminate the conduct and prevent its reoccurrence.

This policy sets forth our goals of promoting a school and workplace environment free of discrimination, including harassment and retaliation. The policy, however, is not designed or intended to limit the authority of the District or its schools to take disciplinary, corrective or remedial action for school or workplace conduct that otherwise constitutes a violation of an applicable code of conduct. Nor does this policy limit the authority of the District or its schools to take immediate interim disciplinary action as set forth in applicable disciplinary codes or policy. The Superintendent, District Title IX/Equity Coordinator and school principals are authorized to delegate their responsibilities under this policy to a designee.

Policy Definitions

For purposes of this Policy and Grievance Procedure:

1. “DISCRIMINATION” means interfering with or preventing a student from enjoying the advantages, privileges or courses of study of a school, or discriminating against an employee in compensation or in terms, conditions or privileges of employment, because of that person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion, or any other status as protected under state and federal nondiscrimination laws.

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2. “HARASSMENT” means unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion that creates a hostile environment for the individual. A hostile environment is created when the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive so that it interferes with or limits the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the district’s programs, or the ability of an individual to work in the Framingham Public Schools.

Below are examples of violations of this Policy in circumstances where the verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile environment:

A. “SEXUAL HARASSMENT” is unwelcome or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, non-verbal, electronic or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

“SEXUAL HARASSMENT” also means any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such advances, requests or conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or education by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive work or educational environment.

“SEXUAL HARASSMENT” also includes acts of verbal, non-verbal or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

B. “RACE OR COLOR HARASSMENT” includes but is not limited to unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct that denigrates, demeans or stereotypes a person based on his/her actual or perceived race or color, including characteristics of a person’s race or color, such as racial slurs or insults, racial graffiti or symbols, nicknames based on racial stereotypes, negative comments about appearance, imitating mannerisms, taunting, or invading personal space to intimidate.

C. “NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ANCESTRY HARASSMENT” includes but is not limited to unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct which denigrates, demeans or stereotypes a person based on his/her actual or perceived national origin, ancestry, or ethnic background, such as ethnic slurs or insults; negative comments, graffiti or symbols about surnames, country of origin, customs, language, accents, immigration status, or manner of speaking.

D. “DISABILITY HARASSMENT” includes but is not limited to unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct which denigrates, demeans or stereotypes a person based on his/her disability or perceived disability, including damaging or interfering with use of necessary equipment, imitating manner of movement, using slurs like "retard," or invading personal space to intimidate.

E. “RELIGIOUS HARASSMENT” includes but is not limited to unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct which denigrates, demeans or stereotypes a person based on his/her religion, including derogatory negative comments, graffiti or symbols about religious beliefs, traditions, practices (including non-belief), or religious clothing.

F. “SEXUAL ORIENTATION HARASSMENT” includes but is not limited to unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct which denigrates, demeans or stereotypes a person based on his/her actual or perceived sexual orientation, such as anti-gay slurs or insults, graffiti or symbols, imitating mannerisms, taunting, or invading personal space to intimidate.

G. “GENDER IDENTITY HARASSMENT” includes unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct which denigrates or demeans a person based on gender identity, appearance or behavior, including anti-transgender slurs or insults, or taunting for gender nonconforming behavior or expression, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice or mannerisms.

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3. “QUID PRO QUO SEXUAL HARASSMENT” means any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

(1) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the provision of the benefits, privileges or placement services for a student or as a basis for evaluation of academic achievement; or

(2) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or as a basis for employment decisions.

4. “OTHER PROHIBITED CONDUCT” means any unwelcome or inappropriate verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion that does not involve severe, persistent or pervasive behavior, but will likely create a hostile educational or work environment if it persists, by interfering with or limiting the ability of a student(s) to participate in or benefit from the district’s programs or activities, or the ability of an individual to work in the Framingham Public Schools.

5. “RETALIATION” means retaliating against any person for opposing any act or practice reasonably believed to be discriminatory as prohibited by applicable law and/or this policy, or for reporting or filing a complaint, for aiding or encouraging the filing of a report or complaint, or for cooperating in an investigation of discrimination, including harassment or retaliation. Retaliatory acts include overt or covert acts of reprisal, interference, punishment or harassment against an individual or group.

6. “COMPLAINANT” means an individual who is the alleged victim of conduct covered by this policy and grievance procedure, or if a student, his/her parent(s)/guardian(s).

7. “COMPLAINT” means an individual’s oral or written report to a school or district employee alleging that s(he) is the victim of conduct covered by this policy, or if a student, his/her parent(s)/guardian(s).

8. “REPORT” means an oral or written report by anyone other than the alleged victim (or the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the alleged student victim) alleging a violation of this policy.

Policy Application

This policy applies to all sites and activities the Framingham Public Schools supervises, controls, or where it has jurisdiction under the law, including on school grounds; on property immediately adjacent to school grounds; at school-sponsored or school-related activities; at functions or programs whether on or off school grounds; at school bus stops; on school buses or other vehicles owned, leased or used by the school district; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by the Framingham Public Schools. This policy also applies to conduct at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the Framingham school district if the act or acts in question create a hostile environment at a school; infringe on the rights of others at a school; and/or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school or school-sponsored activity or event. 1 1 Nothing in this policy and grievance procedure should in any way create or should be construed to create an express or implied contract. All time frames may be extended for good cause, documented in the investigative file.

How to Make a Complaint or Report

STUDENT REPORTING

1. Any student (or his/her parent/guardian) who believes s(he) or another student has been the victim of any act(s) in violation of this policy is strongly encouraged to promptly report the alleged act(s) to

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the principal or designee, or the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator. The student, however, shall report the act(s) within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days of the alleged occurrence, or from the date the student reasonably becomes aware of the occurrence. The reporting time may be extended for good cause. The principal or designee shall immediately notify the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator of the complaint or report. If the student is more comfortable reporting the alleged act(s) to a person other than the principal or designee, or the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator, the student (or his/her parent/guardian) may report the alleged act(s) to any school or district employee. That employee shall report that information to the principal or designee. Where requested or needed, students, or his/her parents)/guardian(s), will be provided assistance in preparing and filing a complaint or report.

2. If the complaint or report is against a building principal, it shall be filed directly with the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator or designee.

3. The District encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report/complaint form available from the principal or designee of each building, from the Superintendent's office, or on the district’s Website. Use of the formal reporting form, however, is not mandatory.

STAFF REPORTING

4. Any Framingham Public Schools employee, volunteer or independent contractor who witnesses, receives a complaint or report of, or has knowledge or belief that a student, employee or volunteer has been the subject of discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, or other prohibited conduct, under this policy, (a) shall inform the principal or designee, or the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator, as soon as possible, but by no later than the end of that school day, and (b) shall also transmit a written report to the principal or designee by no later than the beginning of the next school day. If the complaint or report involves the building principal, it shall be filed directly with the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator.

RECEIPT OF COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS

5. SCHOOL-LEVEL: The principal or designee is the person responsible for receiving oral or written reports or complaints at the building level for discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, or other prohibited conduct, under this policy and grievance procedure.

6. DISTRICT-LEVEL: The Superintendent or District’s Title IX/Equity Coordinator is the person to receive reports or complaints of discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, or other prohibited conduct, under this policy, against the District, a district-level employee, or a building principal. If the report or complaint involves the Superintendent, it shall be filed directly with the School Committee.

1. COMPLAINTS AGAINST STUDENTS: Upon receipt of a complaint or report against a student under this policy, the principal or designee shall commence an investigation consistent with the provisions of Section VI of this Policy and forward a copy of the written complaint or report to the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator within one school day.

2. COMPLAINTS AGAINST SCHOOL EMPLOYEES: Any report or complaint against a school employee volunteer, contractor or adult visitor, shall promptly be referred to the District’s Director of Human Resources, with a copy to the principal or District Title IX/Equity Coordinator.. The Human Resources Director will conduct the investigation, in consultation with the principal, in accordance with this policy. Complaint resolution may include but is not limited to training, counseling, transfer of the employee, and progressive discipline (including a written reprimand, suspension and dismissal).2

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2 Where the Human Resources Director or District Title IX/Equity Coordinator conducts the investigation, s(he) shall have the same authority and shall adhere to the same grievance procedures as a principal under this policy.

3. CIRCUMSTANCES FOR REFERRING INVESTIGATION: In the event of a conflict or other circumstance that prevents the principal and designee from investigating the report or complaint, including where the principal and designee are directly and personally involved with a complaint or are closely related to a party to the complaint, then the Superintendent or District Title IX/Equity Coordinator shall direct another district employee to conduct the investigation. If the report or complaint is against the principal, the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator or designee shall investigate the report or complaint.

4. NON-COOPERATION OF ALLEGED VICTIMS: After receipt of a complaint or report, the principal or designee will attempt to identify and obtain the cooperation of the person who is the victim of the alleged conduct, if there is one. An investigation shall proceed even if an alleged victim chooses not to fill out the written complaint or reporting form. Even where the principal or designee does not obtain the identity of or cooperation by the alleged victim(s), the principal or designee will investigate the allegations, to the extent feasible.

5. NOTIFICATION OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Within 48 hours (not including weekends or holidays) of receiving a complaint or report under this policy, the principal or designee shall notify the parents/guardians of a student who has been reported as a victim and to the parents/guardians of a student who has been reported as a perpetrator. Such notification may be made by telephone, writing or in-person. The date, time, method, and location (if applicable) of such notification and communication shall be noted in the investigative report. All notifications shall be consistent with the student privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

6. WAIVER OF NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: The Superintendent or District Title IX/Equity Coordinator may, within a 48 hour time period (not including weekends or holidays), grant the principal or designee a waiver from the requirement that the parents/guardians of the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator be notified of the filing of a complaint or report. A waiver may only be granted if the Superintendent or District Title IX/Equity Coordinator deems such a waiver to be in the best interest of the victim or perpetrator. Any waiver granted by the Superintendent or District Title IX/Equity Coordinator shall be in writing to the principal.

The Formal or Informal Procedure

A. SELECTING APPROPRIATE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

1. After the principal or designee receives a complaint or report, (s)he shall determine whether to resolve the complaint or report through a Formal or Informal Resolution Procedure.

2. The INFORMAL RESOLUTION PROCEDURE is applicable only where it involves an allegation of “other prohibited conduct,” as defined in Section II, and where the parties agree to voluntarily participate. Informal Resolution is optional. If the parties do not agree to voluntarily participate, or an Informal Resolution Procedure is not deemed appropriate, the principal or designee shall determine whether to address the matter under the Formal Resolution Procedure or the Student Code of Conduct.

3. The principal or designee shall commence a FORMAL RESOLUTION PROCEDURE and investigation under Section C, if any one of the following apply:

(1) the complaint or report involves an allegation of severe, persistent or pervasive harassment, or other serious form of discrimination or retaliation;

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(2) there is a pending Formal Resolution Procedure against the alleged perpetrator;

(3) the alleged perpetrator has previously been found to have violated this policy after a Formal Resolution Procedure;

(4) the alleged conduct involves physical harm to a person or is serious enough that it may place a person at physical risk;

(5) the incident has resulted in a criminal charge;

(6) the alleged perpetrator is an employee, volunteer or independent contractor;

(7) the incident involves a referral to the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families; or

(8) where a Formal Resolution Procedure is otherwise deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

B. INFORMAL RESOLUTION PROCEDURE

1. MEETING SEPARATELY WITH PARTIES: Where an Informal Resolution Procedure is initiated, the principal or designee will promptly meet separately with the complainant and the alleged perpetrator (by no later than 2 school days from receipt of the complaint or report), to review and explain the informal resolution procedures, answer any questions, and explain the prohibition against retaliation.

2. VOLUNTARY RESOLUTION: If appropriate, after completing any initial information gathering or investigation the principal or designee deems necessary to reach a voluntary resolution, (s)he will propose a resolution. The principal or designee shall invite the parents/guardians of the complainant and the alleged perpetrator to attend the resolution meeting. If the complainant, the alleged perpetrator and their parent(s)/ guardian(s) agree with the proposed resolution, the principal or designee will write down the resolution, and the complainant and the alleged perpetrator, and their parent(s)/guardian(s), if present, will sign it, and each person will receive a copy. At the meeting, the principal or designee will again explain the prohibition against retaliation. The primary focus of the voluntary resolution is to effectively correct the problem and end the reported conduct, which may include and result in disciplinary action.

3. FAILURE OF VOLUNTARY RESOLUTION: If the complainant and alleged perpetrator cannot agree to an informal resolution, or if at any time after the informal resolution, the principal or designee determines that the problem is not corrected, the principal or designee will apply the Student Code of Conduct or initiate a Formal Resolution Procedure.

C. FORMAL RESOLUTION PROCEDURE INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION PROCEDURES

1. MEETING SEPERATELY WITH PARTIES: The principal or designee will promptly meet separately with the complainant and the alleged perpetrator (by no later than 2 school days of receipt of the complaint or report), to inform them about the formal resolution procedures and explain the prohibition against retaliation. The principal or designee shall also ask the complainant what (s)he believes may help make him/her feel safe from discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, or other prohibited conduct, pending the conclusion of the investigation. A student complainant may request that a meeting concerning his/her complaint be held with the District’s Title IX/Equity Coordinator. The alleged perpetrator is expected to cooperate with the investigation.

2. PROMPT INVESTIGATIONS: Upon receipt of a complaint or report, the principal or designee shall promptly (by no later than 2 school days), initiate an investigation into the alleged act(s). The nature and duration of an investigation will depend on the circumstances, including the type, severity and frequency of the alleged conduct. The principal or designee will complete the investigation as soon as practicable, generally not to exceed ten (10) school days after receipt of the complaint or report, except for good cause (as documented in the investigatory file). If the principal or designee needs

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more than ten (10) school days to complete the investigation, the Superintendent or District Title IX/Equity Coordinator may grant an extension of time, with a specific completion date. In the event such extension is granted, the principal or designee shall notify in writing all parties involved in granting the extension.

A. Law Enforcement’s Request To Delay A School Investigation

Where the police chief or designee makes a request for deferral of an investigation pending a law enforcement criminal investigation, the principal, upon approval of the Superintendent, shall delay the investigation temporarily, for a limited period of time, until notified that the police department has completed its gathering of evidence. Any such delay, however, does not limit the responsibility of the principal or designee to promptly take interim measures (s)he determines are necessary and/or advisable to ensure the safety and well-being of the complainant and the school community, to the extent practicable, while the police department’s fact-gathering is in progress.

3. INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES: The investigation may consist of documented personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint or report. The parties shall have the opportunity to identify witnesses and other evidence. The investigation may also consist of a visit to the incident site and review of documents and physical evidence deemed pertinent by the investigator, including information regarding any prior incident(s) committed by the alleged perpetrator. The alleged victim and alleged perpetrator will be interviewed separately. Interviews will be conducted in a manner that protects the privacy of individuals to the extent practicable under the circumstances.

4. COMMUNICATION DURING INVESTIGATION: The principal will make reasonable efforts to regularly inform the complainant and the alleged perpetrator(s) and their parents/guardians of the status of the complaint, the anticipated conclusion of the investigation, and the determination.

5. INTERIM MEASURES TO PROTECT SAFETY: The principal or designee shall promptly take reasonable steps (s)he determines are necessary and/or advisable to protect the complainant, other students and employees, to the extent practicable, from further incidents or from retaliation pending the outcome of the investigation. This may include separating the parties, issuing a stay-away order, providing counseling or making academic adjustments. Interim measures should not penalize the alleged victim. The principal or designee shall document the interim measures taken.

6. VICTIM ASSISTANCE: The principal or designee will make appropriate referrals for victim assistance, including counseling and crisis intervention, if requested, or as needed.

7. CONFIDENTIALITY: The District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the alleged perpetrator(s), and the witnesses to the extent possible, consistent with this policy, federal and state civil rights laws and confidentiality laws and regulations, and with the District’s Education Records Policies.

8. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Upon completion of an investigation, the principal or designee will evaluate the evidence and determine whether the allegations have been substantiated and whether the policy has been violated by a preponderance of the evidence; that it is more likely than not that a violation of this policy has occurred. The principal or designee will prepare a final investigative report that includes his or her findings, and when a violation is found, recommend appropriate disciplinary, corrective and remedial measures. At the conclusion of the investigation, the principal or designee will obtain the signature of the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator indicating his/her knowledge of the investigation, and its findings and recommendations.

9. BASIS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER POLICY VIOLATED: In making a determination of whether it is more likely than not that a violation of this policy has occurred, the principal or designee

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will consider all the facts and surrounding circumstances, including, for example, the context, nature, frequency and severity of the behavior, how long the wrongful conduct continued, where the incident(s) occurred, the number of persons involved in the wrongful conduct, the ages of and relationships between the parties, past incidents or patterns of behavior, and the extent to which the conduct adversely affected the education or school environment of the victim and other school community member(s).

10. REPORTING SUBSTANTIATED INCIDENTS TO SUPERINTENDENT: Upon completion of the investigation, the principal or designee shall report all substantiated incidents under the Formal Resolution Procedure to the Superintendent and the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator.

11. COMMUNICATION WITH PARTIES UPON COMPLETION OF INVESTIGATION: Once the investigation concludes, and a determination made, the principal or designee shall promptly notify the students involved of the findings and the result of the investigation. Within twenty four (24) hours of making the determination, the principal will attempt to notify via telephone the parents/guardians of the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator of the results of the investigation, and will also send a letter to the parents/guardians notifying them of the results of the investigation, and, as appropriate, any action taken.

The principal shall offer a meeting to the parents/guardians. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) requests, the principal shall schedule a separate meeting with the parties to further explain his/her findings and reasons for his/her actions. Any information provided under this policy shall be provided in accordance with the confidentiality requirements of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) and other laws concerning student privacy, and the Framingham Public Schools Education Records policy.

Post-Investigation Response

A. TAKING APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY, CORRECTIVE AND REMEDIAL ACTION

1. TAKING APPROPRIATE ACTION: If a complaint or report is substantiated, the principal or designee shall promptly decide on the appropriate action, based on the investigative findings. Such action shall include imposing discipline and/or corrective and remedial action reasonably calculated to end the conduct, deter future conduct, and remedy the effects of the discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, or other prohibited conduct, on the student victim(s) and the school community, as applicable. Should the Human Resources Director or principal recommend discipline more serious than a written reprimand for a school employee, such discipline is subject to review by the Superintendent.

B. DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES AND RELATED ACTIONS FOR VIOLATING POLICY

1. IMPOSING DISCIPLINE ON STUDENTS: The District reserves the right to impose disciplinary measures or other consequences against any student who violates this policy, intentionally falsely accuses another student of violating this policy, or retaliates against any student or witness in violation of this policy. Discipline of a student may include, but is not limited to, a written warning; short-term or long- term suspension, or expulsion, or any other action authorized by and consistent with the school handbook and student code of conduct. Students facing discipline will be afforded due process as required by law.

2. DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: The District complies with federal and state law requirements that apply to disciplining students with disabilities, including the federal “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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3. ACTION CONCERNING EMPLOYEES: Disciplinary and corrective action concerning an employee may include, but is not limited to, an oral or written warning or reprimand, providing supervision and training, and suspension or termination of employment.

4. ACTION CONCERNING SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS: Disciplinary and corrective action concerning a school volunteer may include, but is not limited to, supervision and training, a written warning, limiting or denying access to school premises or school-related programs or activities, and suspending or terminating the volunteer relationship.

5. ACTION CONCERNING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS: Disciplinary and corrective action for an independent contractor may include, but is not limited to, a request to the employer to train, warn, suspend or terminate its employee; limiting or denying the individual contractor access to school premises or school-related programs or activities; and terminating the contract.

6. ACTION CONCERNING OTHER SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Corrective action concerning any other school community member, including parents/guardians, and visitors to Framingham Public Schools, may include, but is not limited to, a warning; counseling; and limiting or denying the parent, guardian or visitor access to school premises or school-related programs or activities.

C. APPLYING CORRECTIVE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES FOR STUDENTS

1. APPLYING CORRECTIVE ACTION: Corrective action concerning a student victim may include, but is not limited to, adopting a written safety plan to identify protective measures. Corrective action for the perpetrator may include, but is not limited to, classroom transfer; 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; increased adult supervision on school premises; complying with a non-contact order, parent/guardian conferences; a voluntary apology to the victim; counseling for the perpetrator; awareness training (to help the student perpetrator understand the impact of the behavior); and/or any other action consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.

2. PREVENTION AND REMEDIATION: The District will employ prevention and mediation strategies reasonably calculated to remedy the effects of the discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, or other prohibited conduct, on the victim and the school community and to provide a safe school climate. Remedial action may include providing or referring the student complainant for counseling or victim assistance services and/or tutoring; or special educational support for students with disabilities. Remedial action may also include modifying school-wide policies or practices and sponsoring anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, or related training for school staff and/or students. It may also include informing the broader school community of issues that affect it as a whole.

Appeals

1. FIRST LEVEL APPEAL FOR THE COMPLAINANT: The complainant may appeal the investigative determination, or the corrective or remedial action taken for him/her, if any, to the principal or designee within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of notice of the determination. The principal or designee will review the case and determine whether to reopen the investigation. Written notice of the principal or designee’s decision shall be provided to the complainant within ten (10) calendar days of the filing of the appeal, except for good cause, as documented in writing.

2. SECOND LEVEL APPEAL FOR THE COMPLAINANT: The complainant may appeal, in writing, the principal or designee’s decision to the Superintendent or designee within ten (10) calendar days. The Superintendent or designee shall review the case and determine whether to reopen the investigation. Written notice of the decision shall be provided to the complainant within ten (10) calendar days of the filing of the appeal, except for good cause, as documented in writing.

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3. APPEAL FOR THE PERPETRATOR: A student disciplined under this policy is referred to the Student Code of Conduct, and for employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements; and for students and employees, to applicable federal and Massachusetts state laws.

Other Legal Remedies

1. At any time, whether or not an individual files a complaint or report under this policy, an individual may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, or with other governmental agencies, or may initiate a civil action. If a complaint is filed with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, it must be filed in writing no later than 180 days after the alleged act(s) of discrimination. OCR may waive its 180 day time limit based on OCR policies and procedures.

A. Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (“OCR”) 5 Post Office Square, Suite 900, 8th floor, Boston, MA 02109 Website: www.ed.gov/ocr; Email: [email protected] Tel: (617) 289-0111; Fax: (617) 289-0150; TTY/TDD: (877) 521-2172; B. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) John F. Kennedy Federal Building 475 Government Center Boston, MA 02203 Tel: 800-669-4000; Fax: 617-565-3196; TTY: 1-800-669-6820 C. Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”) One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 Tel: (617) 994-6000; Fax: 617-994-6024 D. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Program Quality Assurance Services 75 Pleasant Street, Malden MA 02148; Email: [email protected] Tel: 781-338- 3700; Fax: 781-338-3710; TTY: N.E.T. Relay: 1-800-439-2370

2. Notwithstanding any other remedy, any person may contact the police or pursue a criminal prosecution under state or federal criminal law.

Policy Dissemination

In September of each school year this policy will be disseminated to all employees and students of the Framingham Public Schools, and their parent(s)/guardian(s).

Any concern related to the implementation of this policy, or a request for a copy of the full policy may be addressed to the building principal, the Superintendent or the District Title IX/Equity Coordinator.

Legal References

Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42

U.S.C. §2000e; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42

U.S.C. § 12134; M.G.L. Chapter 151B; M.G.L. Chapter 151C.





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Bullying Prevention and Intervention

The Framingham Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, positive and productive educational environment where students can achieve the highest academic standards. No student shall be subjected to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying.

“Bullying” is the repeated use by one or more students or by a member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

● causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; ● places the target in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself, or of damage to his/her

property; ● creates a hostile environment at school for the target; ● infringes on the rights of the target at school; or ● materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a

school.

For purposes of this section, bullying shall include cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a:

● wire ● radio ● electromagnetic ● photo-electronic or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail,

internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications, and social media

Cyber-bullying shall also include the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or knowingly impersonates another person as author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Bullying and cyber-bullying may occur in and out of school, during and after school hours, at home and in locations outside of the home. When bullying and cyber-bullying are alleged, the full cooperation and assistance of parents and families are expected.

For the purpose of this policy, whenever the term bullying is used it is to denote either bullying, or cyber-bullying. “Perpetrator”, a student or member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional who engages in bullying or retaliation.

Bullying is prohibited:

● On school grounds;

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● On property immediately adjacent to school grounds; ● At school-sponsored or school-related activities; ● At functions or programs whether on or off school grounds ● At school bus stops; ● On school buses or other vehicles owned, leased or used by the school district; or, ● Through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by the

Framingham Public Schools;

Bullying and cyber-bullying are prohibited at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the Framingham school district if the act or acts in question:

● create a hostile environment at school for the target; ● infringe on the rights of the target at school; and/or ● materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a

school. Prevention and Intervention Plan The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall oversee the development, adherence to and updating of a bullying prevention and intervention plan, in consultation with all district stakeholders, which may include teachers, school staff, professional support personnel, school volunteers, administrators, community representatives, local law enforcement agencies, students, parents and guardians, consistent with the requirements of this policy, as well as state and federal laws. The plan shall apply to students and members of a school staff, including, but not limited to, educators, administrators, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to an extracurricular activity and paraprofessionals. The consultation shall include, but not be limited to, notice and a public comment period. The bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be reviewed and updated at least biennially.

The Principal is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the bullying prevention and implementation plan within his or her school.

Reporting Students, who believe that they are a target of bullying, observe an act of bullying, or who have reasonable grounds to believe that these behaviors are taking place, are obligated to report incidents to a member of the school staff. The target shall, however, not be subject to discipline for failing to report bullying.

Each school shall have a means for anonymous reporting by students of incidents of bullying. No formal disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

Any student who knowingly makes a false accusation of bullying shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Parents or guardians, or members of the community, are encouraged to report an incident of bullying as soon as possible.

A member of a school staff shall immediately report any instance of bullying the staff member has witnessed or become aware of to the school principal or their designee.

Investigation Procedures The Principal or their designee, upon receipt of a viable report, shall promptly contact the parents or guardians of a student who has been the alleged target or alleged perpetrator of bullying. The actions being taken to prevent further acts of bullying shall be discussed.

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The school Principal or a designee shall promptly investigate the report of bullying, using a Bullying/Cyber-bullying Report Form which may include interviewing the alleged target, alleged perpetrator, staff members, students and/or witnesses.

Support staff shall assess an alleged target’s needs for protection and create and implement a safety plan that shall restore a sense of physical and emotional safety for that student.

Confidentiality shall be used to protect a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or is witness to or has reliable information about an act of bullying.

If the school Principal or a designee determines that bullying has occurred he/she shall take appropriate disciplinary action and if it is believed that criminal charges may be pursued against the perpetrator, the principal shall consult with the school’s resource officer and the Superintendent to determine if criminal charges are warranted. If it is determined that criminal charges are warranted, the local law enforcement agency shall be notified.

The investigation shall be completed within fourteen school days from the date of the report. The parents or guardians shall be contacted upon completion of the investigation and informed of the results, including whether the allegations were found to be factual, whether a violation of this policy was found, and whether disciplinary action has or shall be taken. At a minimum the Principal or his/her designee shall contact the parents or guardians as to the status of the investigation on a weekly basis.

Disciplinary actions for students who have committed an act of bullying or retaliation shall be in accordance with district disciplinary policies.

Each school shall document any incident of bullying that is reported per this policy and a file shall be maintained by the Principal or designee. A monthly report shall be provided to the Superintendent.

Confidentiality shall be maintained to the extent consistent with the school's obligations under law.

Retaliation: Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying, shall be prohibited.

Target Assistance: The Framingham Public Schools shall provide counseling or referral to appropriate services, including guidance, academic intervention, and protection to students, both targets and perpetrators, affected by bullying, as necessary.

Training and Assessment: Annual training shall be provided for school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students in preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying.

Age-appropriate, evidence-based instruction on bullying prevention shall be incorporated into the curriculum for all K through 12 students.

Publication and Notice: Annual written notice of the relevant sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be provided to students and their parents or guardians, in age-appropriate terms.

Annual written notice of the bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be provided to all school staff. The faculty and staff at each school shall be trained annually on the bullying prevention and intervention plan applicable to the school.

Relevant sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan relating to the duties of faculty and staff shall be included in the school employee handbook.

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The bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be posted on the Framingham Public Schools website.

LEGAL REFS.: Title VII, Section 703, Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended Federal Regulation 74676 issued by EEO Commission Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 603 CMR 26.00 M.G.L. 71:37O; 265:43, 43A; 268:13B; 269:14A M.G.L. 70:37O, subsection (d) CROSS REFS.: AC, Nondiscrimination ACAB, Sexual Harassment JBA, Student-to-Student Harassment JICFA, Prohibition of Hazing JK, Student Discipline Regulations REFS.: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Model Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan

Prohibition of Hazing (Policy JICFA)

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 536 of the Acts of 1985, the School Committee hereby deems that no student, employee or school organization under the control of the School Committee shall engage in the activity of hazing a student while on or off school property, or at a school sponsored event regardless of the location. No organization that uses the facilities or grounds under the control of the School Committee shall engage in the activity of hazing any person while on school property. Any student who observes what appears to them to be the activity of hazing another student or person should report such information to the Principal including the time, date, location, names of identifiable participants and the types of behavior exhibited. Students and employees of the District are obligated by law to report incidents of hazing to the police department. Any student who is present at a hazing has the obligation to report such an incident. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the school. Any student who participates in the hazing of another student or other person will be disciplined. Any student determined by the Principal to be the organizer of a hazing activity may be recommended for expulsion from school but will receive no less disciplinary action than that of a participant. In all cases relating to hazing, students will receive procedural due process.

Equal Educational Opportunities (Policy JB)

In recognition of the diversified characteristics and needs of our students and with the keen desire to be responsive to them, the School Committee will make every effort to protect the dignity of the

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students as individuals. It also will offer careful consideration and sympathetic understanding of their personal feelings, particularly with reference to their race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or physical and intellectual differences. To accomplish this, the Committee and its staff will make every effort to comply with the letter and the spirit of the Massachusetts equal educational opportunities law which prohibits discrimination in public school admissions and programs. The law reads as follows: No child shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and course of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. This will mean that every student will be given equal opportunity in school admission, admissions to courses, course content, guidance, and extracurricular and athletic activities. All implementing provisions issued by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in compliance with this law will be followed.

LEGAL REFS.: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375; Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972; M.G.L. 76:5; 76:16; BESE regulations 603 CMR 26:00; BESE regulations 603 CMR 28.00 CROSS REF.: AC, Nondiscrimination

Network Access/Acceptable Use (Policy IJNDB)

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 The Framingham Public Schools (FPS) provides employees and students with access to the District-Wide School Network (hereinafter referred to as "The Network"), which also serves as our gateway to the Internet.

1.3 The Network has been developed for educational purposes. It is intended to assist in preparing students for success by providing access to a wide range of information resources and the ability to communicate with people throughout the world. The term "educational purposes" includes use of The Network for curriculum activities, and professional or career development activities related to education.

1.4 Additionally, The Network will be used to enhance productivity through increased communication within the District, and assist its employees in upgrading their skills through greater exchange of information with their peers. The Network will also assist the District in communicating with parents, social service agencies, government agencies, businesses, etc.

1.5 The Network may not be used for personal or commercial purposes, such as, but not limited to, offering, providing, or purchasing goods and/or services for personal use.

2.1 DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES

2.2 The Director of Technology will oversee access to The Network and will establish processes for setting up: user accounts; authorization for installation of all software; quotas for disk usage on the system; backup, retention and archival schedules; virus protection; web content filtering, and other necessary activities.

2.3 The Building Administrator or designee will serve as the building coordinator for The Network. The building coordinator, in partnership with the Director of Technology, will approve building-level





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activities. Together they will ensure employees receive proper training in the use of The Network and the requirements of this policy. In addition, they will establish a system to ensure that students using The Network receive adequate supervision and network orientation. The Technology Department will maintain signed user agreements. The building administrative team will be responsible for interpreting and enforcing the District Network Access Policy at the building level.

2.3 When using the Internet for class activities, teachers will select material appropriate to the students and relevant to the course objectives. In order to determine the appropriateness of the material contained on or accessed through the site, teachers will preview materials and sites they require or recommend to students. Teachers will assist their students in developing the skills to ascertain the reliability of information, distinguish fact from opinion, and engage in discussions about controversial issues while demonstrating tolerance and respect for those who hold divergent views.

2.4 The Framingham Public Schools will establish a World Wide Web presence and will develop Web pages that will present information about the District and Community.

2.5 Schools and classes may establish Web pages that present information about the school or class activities. Building Administrators will monitor the content of these pages, assisted by the Director of Technology.

3.1 USERS AND ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM

3.2 The Network Access Policy will govern all use of The Network. Student use of the system will also be governed by applicable sections of the Framingham Public Schools School Committee Policy Handbook and applicable school or student handbooks.

3.3 All District employees and students will have access to the World Wide Web through the District’s networked computers. Parents/Guardians may specifically request that their children not be provided such access in writing. Upon receipt of that request, Framingham Public Schools will make its best effort to restrict all Internet access. However, there can be no guarantee that such a student can be restricted at all times.

3.4 E-mail access will be provided to employees only. All employees are provided e-mail access through their own network account.

3.4 A guest, such as a visiting teacher or student, may receive an individual account at the discretion of the Director of Technology if there is a specific, School or District related purpose requiring such access. Use of the system by a guest must be specifically limited to a School or District related purpose. An account agreement will be required and a parent/guardian signature will be required if the guest is a minor.

4.1 PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

4.2 The Framingham Public Schools Acceptable Use (Section 8.0) contains restrictions on accessing inappropriate material. There is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some of which may not be in concert with the particular values of the families of students. It is not practically possible for the Framingham Public Schools to monitor and enforce a wide range of social values in student use of the Internet. Further, the District recognizes that parents/guardians bear primary responsibility for communicating their particular set of family values to their children. The district will encourage parents/guardians to specify to their children what material is and is not acceptable for their children to access through The Network.

4.3 Framingham Public Schools will provide students and parents with guidelines for the student’s personal safety while using the Internet.

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5.1 DISTRICT LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

5.2 Framingham Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, that the functions or the services provided by or through its Network will be error-free or without defect. The district will not be responsible for any damages users may suffer, including but not limited to loss of data, interruptions of service, or physical, psychological, or monetary damages. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations arising through the use of the system.

6.1 DUE PROCESS

6.2 Framingham Public Schools will cooperate fully with local, county, state, and federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any illegal activities conducted through The Network.

6.2 Violations of Acceptable Use (Section 8.0) can carry serious consequences and could result in the immediate suspension of the user’s privileges. Further disciplinary action may be taken by the Administration of the Framingham Public Schools and/or Towns, County, State or Federal authorities. Disciplinary actions will be tailored to meet specific concerns related to the violation.

6.3 The Technology Director or Building Administrator may terminate the account privileges of a user by providing notice to the user. Guest accounts not active for more than 30 days may be removed, along with the user’s files, without notice to the user.

7.1 SEARCH AND SEIZURE

7.2 The Network is the property of the Framingham Public Schools and its storage systems are therefore subject to inspection by the administration at any time. System users have a limited privacy expectation in the contents of their personal files on The Network.

7.3 Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that the user has violated or is violating the Acceptable Use (Section 8.0), District policy, or the law.

7.4 An individual search will be conducted if there is suspicion that a user has violated the Acceptable Use (Section 8.0), the law or the district policy. The nature of the investigation will be in the context of the nature of the alleged violation.

8.1 ACCEPTABLE USE

8.2 Existing copyright law will govern the use of material accessed through The Network. Because the extent of copyright protection of certain works found on the Internet is unclear, users will make a standard practice of requesting permission from the holder of the work if their use of the material has the potential of being considered a copyright infringement. Users will respect copyright and request permission when appropriate.

8.3 When using The Network, the user agrees to take full responsibility for his or her own actions. The Framingham Public Schools will not be held liable for the actions of anyone connecting to the Internet through this network. Therefore, all users shall assume full liability, legal, financial, or otherwise, for their use of The Network.

8.3 Access to the Internet provided by The Network is provided for classroom activities, professional or career development, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities in line with the educational goals of the district (Section 1.0).

8.4 The Internet connection is not to be used for any non-educational purposes including, but not limited to, commercial solicitations.

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8.5 The user of The Network Internet connection becomes an extension of the Framingham Public Schools and is expected to abide by the rules of conduct set forth by the District. Students should reference their school’s handbook where applicable. Inappropriate behavior will not be allowed.

8.6 The user will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language or images.

8.7 The user will not post information that could cause damage or disruption. This includes, but is not limited to, the posting of broadcast messages or other actions that cause congestion of the network or interfere with the work of others.

8.8 The user will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.

8.9 The user will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

8.10. The user will not install unauthorized software or download unauthorized software and/or files from a remote location without prior permission from the Office of Technology.

8.11. Users will not attempt to go beyond their authorized access, make deliberate attempts to disrupt system performance or destroy data (by spreading computer viruses or by any other means), or engage in other illegal activities.

8.12. All users of The Network are issued individual network accounts and passwords with specific network privileges. All users are expected to keep these credentials private and confidential. Sharing or disseminating of passwords, access codes, access telephone numbers, or account numbers to unauthorized persons are not allowed.

8.13 The user will not use The Network to access material that is profane or obscene (e.g., pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (e.g., hate literature).

9.1 DATA STORAGE AND BACKUP

9.2 The district has the right to reimage (erase and restore to original, district-assigned configuration) any FPS-owned computer as necessary.

9.3 No personal data or files should be stored on the local machine (typically the “C” drive or Desktop).

9.4 The school district provides all network users network accounts to save data and conducts regularly scheduled backups. The school district cannot guarantee all information can be recovered in the event of catastrophic failure.

9.5 Responsibility for backing up data on any mobile device issued to a school district employee falls on the employee. The district is not responsible for backing up these devices.

9.6 All email records sent or received through the FPS email system including personal emails are property of the Framingham Public Schools and will be archived. Furthermore, the emails may be accessed, monitored, and scanned at any time at the discretion of the Framingham Public Schools.

10.1 USE AND CARE OF HARDWARE

10.2 Any and all equipment issued by the school district for use by students, faculty or staff must be treated with due care. We are all responsible for ensuring equipment is not damaged or stolen. Abuse or improper use should be reported immediately to your building administrator.

10.3 Any and all issues related to hardware problems must be promptly reported to the Technology Helpdesk.

10.4 The school/district does not support equipment brought in from the outside by any user.

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10.4 No network equipment (e.g., wireless access points, hubs, switches, etc.) may be installed on The Network without prior written approval from the Director of Technology.

10.5 The district has the right to remove or disable any outside equipment that interferes with operation of the system/network.

10.6 The school/district is not responsible for damage to or loss of equipment brought in from the outside.

Student Rights and Responsibilities (Policy JI)

The School Committee has the responsibility to afford students the rights that are theirs by virtue of guarantees offered under the federal and state constitutions and statutes. In connection with rights, there are responsibilities that must be assumed by students.

Among these rights and responsibilities are the following:

1. Civil rights--including the rights to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others.

2. The right to attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school.

3. The right to due process of law with respect to suspension, expulsion, and decisions the student believes injure his rights.

4. The right to free inquiry and expression; responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these rights.

5. The right to privacy, which includes privacy with respect to the student's school records.

It is the School Committee's belief that as part of the educational process students should be made aware of their legal rights, and of the legal authority of the School Committee to make and delegate authority to its staff to make, rules regarding the orderly operation of the schools.

Students have the right to know the standards of behavior that are expected of them, and the consequences of misbehavior.

The rights and responsibilities of students, including standards of conduct, will be made available to students and their parents through handbooks distributed annually.

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:82 through 71:86

Homeless Students: Enrollment Rights and Responsibilities (Policy JFABD)

To the extent practical and as required by law, the district will work with homeless students and their families to provide stability in school attendance and other services. Special attention will be given to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless students not currently attending school. Homeless students will be provided district services for which they are eligible, including Head Start and comparable pre-school programs, Title I, similar state programs, special education, bilingual education, vocational and technical education programs, gifted and talented programs and school nutrition programs.

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Homeless students are defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including:

1. Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship;

2. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;

3. Living in emergency or transitional shelters;

4. Being abandoned in hospitals;

5. Awaiting foster care placement;

6. Living in public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;

7. Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, transportation stations or similar settings;

8. Migratory children living in conditions described in the previous examples.

The superintendent shall designate an appropriate staff person to be the district’s liaison for homeless students and their families.

To the extent feasible, homeless students will continue to be enrolled in their school of origin while they remain homeless or until the end of the academic year in which they obtain permanent housing. Instead of remaining in the school of origin, parents or guardians of homeless students may request enrollment in the school in the attendance area in which the student is actually living, or other schools. Attendance rights by living in attendance areas, other student assignment policies, or intra and inter-district choice options are available to homeless families on the same terms as families resident in the district.

If there is an enrollment dispute, the student shall be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute. The parent or guardian shall be informed of the district’s decision and their appeal rights in writing. The district’s liaison will carry out dispute resolution as provided by state rule. Unaccompanied youth will also be enrolled pending resolution of the dispute.

Once the enrollment decision is made, the school shall immediately enroll the student, pursuant to district policies. If the student does not have immediate access to immunization records, the student shall be admitted under a personal exception. Students and families should be encouraged to obtain current immunization records or immunizations as soon as possible, and the district liaison is directed to assist. Records from the student’s previous school shall be requested from the previous school pursuant to district policies. Emergency contact information is required at the time of enrollment consistent with district policies, including compliance with the state’s address confidentiality program when necessary.

Homeless students are entitled to transportation to their school of origin or the school where they are to be enrolled. If the school of origin is in a different district, or a homeless student is living in another district but will attend his or her school of origin in this district, the districts will coordinate the transportation services necessary for the student, or will divide the costs equally.

The district’s liaison for homeless students and their families shall coordinate with local social service agencies that provide services to homeless children and youths and their families; other school districts on issues of transportation and records transfers; and state and local housing agencies responsible for comprehensive housing affordability strategies. This coordination includes providing public notice of the educational rights of homeless students in schools, family shelters and soup

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kitchens. The district’s liaison will also review and recommend amendments to district policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless students.

LEGAL REFS.: Title I, Part C

Student Records

The Massachusetts Student Record Regulations address all issues associated with parents’ and eligible students’ rights of confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of student records, as well as the District’s responsibilities with regard to the maintenance of such records. The following information is a basic summary of those regulations and should not be considered as providing any rights or imposing any responsibilities in excess of the actual Student Record Regulations; such regulations may be found at 603 CMR 23.00. The regulations apply to all information kept by a school committee on a student in a manner such that he or she may be individually identified. The regulations divide the student record into two sections: the transcript and the temporary record. The transcript includes only the minimal information necessary to reflect the student’s educational progress and to assist the District in operating its educational system. This information may include the student name, address, phone number(s), and date of birth; name, address, and phone number(s) of the parents or guardian; course titles, grades, course credits, grade level completed, and the year completed. The transcript is kept by the District for at least sixty years after the student leaves the school system. By contrast, the temporary record contains all of the information in the student record that is not in the transcript. This may include such things as standardized test results, class rank, extra-curricular activities, and evaluation and comments by teachers, counselors, and other persons, as well as other similar information. The temporary record is destroyed no later than seven years after the student leaves the school system.

1. Inspection of Records

A parent, or a student who has entered the ninth grade or is at least fourteen years old (eligible

student), has the right to inspect the student record upon request. The record must be made

available to the parent or eligible student no later than ten days after the request, unless the parent or

eligible student consents to a further delay. The parents or eligible student has the right to receive

copies of any part of the student record. The District may charge a reasonable fee for such copying,

not to exceed the costs of reproduction, unless the charging of such fee would effectively prevent the

parents or eligible student from exercising their federal rights to inspect and review the records.

Finally, the parents or eligible student may request to have the record interpreted by a professionally

qualified school employee or a 3rd party of their choosing, who may thereafter inspect and interpret

the records following their production of specific written consent from the parent or eligible student.

2. Confidentiality of Records

Subject to specific exceptions enumerated in the regulations, no individuals or organizations are allowed to have access to information in the student record without the specific, written consent of the parent or eligible student. In addition, subject to specific exemptions enumerated in the regulations, any person inspecting or releasing information contained in the student record must note in a log kept as part of the temporary record, which portion of the record was inspected or released, and for what purpose.

3. Amendment of Records

The parent and the eligible student have the right to add relevant comments, data, information, or other relevant written materials to the student record. In addition, the parent and eligible student have

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the right to request that certain information in the record be amended or deleted. Parents or eligible students should refer to the specific requirements contained within the Student Record Regulations with regard to the appropriate procedure to follow with regard to any such requested amendment or deletion of a student record.

4. Destruction of Records

The regulations require that the student record and transcript be destroyed within a certain period of time after the student leaves the school system. In addition, school authorities are allowed to destroy misleading, outdated, or irrelevant information in the student record from time to time while the student is enrolled within the school system. Before any such information may be destroyed, the parent and eligible student must be notified and have an opportunity to receive a copy of any of the information before its destruction.

Parents Right to Know - Teacher Qualifications

Several schools in Framingham receive Title I funds from the federal government. These funds support funding for the early intervention reading program providing supportive reading services to grade 1 students. Federal law has established the right of parents at schools served by Title I funding to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Please be assured however, that the Framingham Public Schools have been very successful in obtaining highly qualified certified teachers for teaching positions.

In compliance with federal regulations, we would like you to be aware that federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers, and requires us to give you this information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:

1. Whether the Massachusetts State Department of Education has licensed or

qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.

2. Whether the Massachusetts State Department of Education has decided that the

teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations

because of special circumstances.

3. The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees

and, if so, the subject of the degrees.

4. Whether any teachers’ aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to

your child and, if they do, their qualifications.

If you would like to receive any of this information, please call the Human Resource Office at 508-626-9107

Video Surveillance

The Framingham Public Schools utilizes video surveillance equipment to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all students, staff, and visitors, and to safeguard District facilities and equipment.

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Search and Seizure

The Supreme Court of the United States of America has ruled:

1. A warrant is not required before a teacher or school administrator conducts a search of

a student suspected of violating a school rule or criminal statute.

2. Probable cause is not required before a student may be searched; rather before

conducting a search, the teacher must have “reasonable grounds for suspecting that the

search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the

rules of the school.”

3. The search must be reasonable in its scope as well as its inception.

The Principal, Assistant Principal or the principal’s designee are entitled to conduct a search of a student’s person, assigned locker and immediate possessions, including, but not limited to, backpack, personal property (wallet, pocketbook, etc.) and vehicle on school grounds whenever the school administrator has a reasonable suspicion that the student has violated or is violating the law or the rules of the school relating to drug and/or alcohol/tobacco and/or student safety. Regarding lockers and desks:

1. Master keys and copies of combinations for lockers are retained by the school

administration.

2. The school administration retains the right periodically to conduct locker and desk

searches, when warranted, in compliance with these rules.

3. All students should be aware that the school administration will permit specially trained

“search dogs” to patrol the schools upon occasion, under the supervision of law enforcement

officials and completely at the discretion of the administration, and that the administration shall

cooperate completely with all law enforcement officials relative to the results of any searches

that may be performed during such dog patrols including, without limitation, delivering any

contraband discovered to said officials.

4. All students should also be aware that school lockers and desks assigned to individual

students by the school’s teachers or administration remain the property of the school and that

the administration reserves the right to open and inspect any locker or desk and its contents at

any time. In the event that any illegal substances, weapons, tobacco products, or other

contraband are found in the locker or desk assigned to a student, that student shall be

presumed to possess that contraband and shall be subject to immediate and appropriate

discipline. Students have no right to privacy in the lockers or desks assigned to them or in the

belongings students store in those lockers.

Directory Information

(603 CMR 23.07 (4) (a) A school may release the following directory information: a student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of members of athletic teams, class, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, degrees, honors and awards, and post-high school plans without the consent of the eligible student or parent;

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provided that the school gives public notice of the types of information it may release under 603 CMR 23.07 and allows eligible students and parents a reasonable time after such notice to request that this information not be released without the prior consent of the eligible student or parent. Such notice may be included in the routine information letter required under 603 CMR 23.10. Student images are also photographed or recorded for use including, but not limited to, the district and school websites or school-sponsored websites and social media, school yearbooks, team and club photos, class pictures, and local cable and regional television programs. If parents or students do not desire to have particular information or images released, they should put their decision in a letter addressed to the Principal on or before Oct. 1 of each year.

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity is Framingham Public Schools’ commitment to responsibility, honesty, trust, and respect. Academic Integrity essentially means being responsible for one’s own work, it is held in high regard in our schools. Students can take pride in work they have produced from their own efforts; they have worked honestly and fairly.

Academic Integrity also means upholding values and beliefs that are considered important, not just by our schools, but also by society, including sports teams, employers, friends and family. Violating our policy on Academic Integrity is cheating. For more specific Middle School Information on the Academic Honor Code, please visit the McCarthy or Parker School Website. For more specific High School Information on the Academic Honor Code, please see the High School Handbook Addendum.

What are some examples of cheating? ▪ Copying another student’s answers on a test or quiz, with or without their permission

▪ Sharing questions from an exam with another student who has not yet taken the exam

▪ Copying another student’s answers on a homework assignment

▪ Copying some other student’s work and claiming it as your own

▪ Allowing another student to copy your work or giving your work to them to turn in as their own

▪ Forging (signing) your parent’s/guardian’s name on a note or permission slip

▪ Plagiarism (copying another’s words/work without giving credit)

▪ Changing grades on midterm or report card

▪ Use of electronic devices for unauthorized sharing of information.

Why is cheating wrong? ▪ It breaks a bond of trust — we become suspicious of others

▪ It is against the rules and there are serious penalties. People have been thrown out of college,

lost jobs, and ruined their careers over cheating.

What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Alexander Lindey has defined plagiarism as: “...the wrongful act of taking the product of another person’s mind and presenting it as one’s own…To use another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source is to plagiarize. Plagiarism, then, constitutes intellectual theft.” (Lindey, Alexander. Plagiarism and Originality) The following will be considered plagiarism:

1. Buying or downloading a paper from a research service or a term-paper mill and

offering it as your own.

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2. Turning in another student’s work, with or without that student’s knowledge, as your

own.

3. Copying any portion of another’s work without proper acknowledgement.

4. Paraphrasing ideas and language from a source without proper documentation.

Consequences for Cheating or Plagiarism 1. The student will receive a zero for the entire assignment/assessment. A student will not

be allowed the opportunity for make-up of any kind.

2. A conference may be held with the student, teacher, and the student’s Dean.

3. Parents/guardians will be notified of the offense.

4. Students will be required to attend an after school session on cheating and plagiarism.

Exception: The definition of plagiarism given above includes “Paraphrasing ideas and language from a source without proper documentation” (definition number 4). In violations that pertain to this type of plagiarism, the teacher, in consultation with the student’s administrator, will determine the consequences. The purpose of the consequence in this case will be to teach the proper way to attribute sources in academic work. The teacher will use his or her professional expertise to determine whether or not the offense relates to definition number 4.

Emergency Management

The Framingham Public School District has a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. It is expected that all students participate in the prescribed emergency drills in their schools as instructed by the school administration and staff. It is imperative that students understand the importance of engaging in these procedures in a serious manner so as to be fully prepared should an emergency arise during the school day. There are four types of drills that are required for all staff and students in all school buildings during the school year: Evacuation Drill – is used when it is important to move away from the building to a secure location away from the building. This drill will take places at least three times per year under the direction of the Framingham Fire Department. Safety Drill – is used when a bomb-type threat is made to the safety of building. These drills will take place at least two times per year. Hold in Place – is used to protect staff and students from incidents and/or distractions that are taking place in the hallway. A hold in place implies that instruction should continue within the classroom, and that students should remain in the classroom until further notice. These drills will take place at least two times per year. Lockdown – is used to protect staff and students from a threat inside the building. It is to be used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate the building than it is to stay in a secure classroom within the school. These drills will take place at least two times per year. Emergencies are unexpected, unpredictable, and take many forms. No one can ever be fully prepared for everything that may happen as each situation happens in its own unique context. However, the district Incident Management Plan is designed to provide a proven framework within

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those unique situations on which leaders and staff can rely. When a school’s procedures are well rehearsed and automatic, the opportunity for a school leader to assess the situation and make appropriate immediate decisions is greater.

Abbreviations for Federal and State Laws

These abbreviations denote the following laws and regulations:

Federal:

(Note: “U.S.C.” refers to the United States Code, available at http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/. “CFR” refers to the Code of Federal Regulations. “Et seq.” means “and following.”)

Title VI: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits based on race, color or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Title VI is codified at 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.; regulations have been promulgated under it in the Code of Federal Regulations at 34 CFR Part 100 (available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr100.html).

EEOA: the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974

Prohibits the denial of equal educational opportunity in public schools on account of race, color, sex, or national origin. The EEOA is codified at 20 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq.

Title IX: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits based on sex in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Title IX is codified at 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.; regulations have been promulgated under it at 34 CFR Part 106 (available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr106.html).

Section 504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits based on disability in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Section 504 is codified at 29 U.S.C. 794; regulations have been promulgated under it at 34 CFR Part 104 (available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr104.html).

Title II: Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits on the basis of disability in public entities. Title II is codified at 42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq; regulations have been promulgated under it at 28 CFR Part 35 (available at http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-28cfr35.html).

IDEA 2004: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:h.1350.enr:)

Governs special education. Most of IDEA 2004 is codified at 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.; regulations have been promulgated under it at 34 CFR 300 (available at http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2006-3/081406a.html), effective October 13, 2006.

Title X, Part C is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001: information on this act is available in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Homeless Education Advisories at http://www.doe.mass.edu/mv/haa

FERPA: the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/

http://www.ed.gov/policy/rights/reg/ocr/edlite-34cfr100.html




http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c108:h.1350.enr:

http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2006-3/081406a.html

http://www.doe.mass.edu/mv/haa

http://www.doe.mass.edu/mv/haa

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Protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents certain rights with respect to those records. FERPA is codified at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; regulations have been promulgated under it at 34 CFR Part 99 (available at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/34cfr99_04.html)

Massachusetts: (Note: Massachusetts education laws are available at http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/statelaws.html; Massachusetts education regulations are available at http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/stateregs.html.)

Mass. Const. amend. art. 114: Article CXIV of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution

Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits on the basis of disability in any program or activity in the Commonwealth. http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr27.html

M.G.L. c. 69: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 69

Establishes the powers and duties of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Section 1G requires the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to set the minimum length for a school day and the minimum number of days in the school year for Massachusetts public schools. Regulations have been promulgated under Section 1G at 603 CMR 27.00. http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr27.html


Governs public schools. Section 34D requires promulgation by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education of student record regulations. Such regulations have been promulgated at 603 CMR 23.00. Section 34H concerns the provision of information by schools to noncustodial parents. Section 37G provides for the use of reasonable force to protect pupils, school personnel, and other persons from assault by a pupil and requires the promulgation by the Board of regulations regarding the use of physical restraint on students. Such regulations have been promulgated at 603 CMR 46.00. Section 37H relates to codes of conduct and handbooks. Section 38Q ½ requires every school district to adopt and implement a curriculum accommodation plan. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section71

M.G.L. c. 71A: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71A

Governs the education of English learners. Regulations have been promulgated under it at 603 CMR 14.00. http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr14.html

M.G.L. c. 71B: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71B

Governs the education of children with special needs. Section 6 relates to the assignment of children to special education classes. Regulations have been promulgated under c. 71B at 603 CMR 28.00. http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr28.html

M.G.L. c. 71, s. 37H, as amended by Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010. M.G.L. c. 71, s. 37O(e)(1) & (2). M.G.L. c. 71, s. 370(d).

Governs bullying prevention and intervention. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section37H


Governs school attendance. Section 5 prohibits discrimination in all public schools on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. Regulations have been promulgated under section 5 at 603 CMR 26.00. Section 18 requires notice to students permanently leaving school. 603 CMR 26.00 was further amended by Chapter 199 of the Acts of 2011. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76

St. 1965, c. 741: Chapter 741 of the Massachusetts Acts of 1965

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/34cfr99_04.html

http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/statelaws.html

http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/stateregs.html





https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section71

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section71





https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section37H


https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter76

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Established the maximum age for compulsory school attendance as sixteen.https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/1965/Chapter741

M.G.L. c. 269 sections 17-19: An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Hazing. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section17 https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section19

M.G.L. c. 71, section 34A

Governs noncustodial parents, receipt of information for child enrolled in elementary or secondary schools; notice to custodial parent. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapter71/Section34H

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/1965/Chapter741

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/1965/Chapter741

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section17





hemenway elementary school student and parent handbook ......b nondiscrimination policy statement...

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