The John Eliot SchoolCommunication Handbook

2007 - 2008

35 Wellesley AvenueNeedham, Massachusetts 02494

781-455-0452

http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/eliot

Table of Contents

Principal’s Letter ........................................................................................................................1

School Directory ........................................................................................................................2

Eliot Calendar ............................................................................................................................3

General Information ............................................................................................................... 4-8

Student Support Services ..........................................................................................................8

Health Policy.........................................................................................................................9-11

School Council and PTC .........................................................................................................12

Central Administration and School Committee ........................................................................13

Peer Aggression and Bullying..................................................................................................14

Needham Elementary Schools Code of Conduct .............................................................. 15-17

Non-Discrimination Notice .......................................................................................................18

School Committee Policy.........................................................................................................19

A Message from The John Eliot Principal

Dear John Eliot Families, If you are new to the Eliot School, we welcome you to our community. Parents support and enrich our school in countless ways. The Eliot School is a caring and inclusive community. The Parent Teacher Council (PTC) is one of the most important elements in creating that spirit, so I urge you to join the PTC. We have an exciting year ahead of us, as we welcome many new teachers and families. We are still a small school and our focus will always be on the individual child. We develop self-confidence and self-esteem by encouraging children to surpass their own previous standards of performance. The foundation of any school centers around the integrity of curriculum and instruction. Using a standards-based approach and building curriculum around essential questions*, we provide instruction that meets the needs of varied learners. Our curriculum asks children to think critically, to solve problems, and to take an active role in their own learning. We encourage all children to discover that learning is a lifelong pursuit and to be inquisitive, confident, and disciplined. During the year, I encourage families to contact us whenever there is a question, request, or concern. We are here to work with families and children; communication ensures that we can work towards our common goal - that of developing the unique abilities and talents of all children. As educators, we want to ensure that your children are prepared to grow with the changing needs of society.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Wilcox, Principal

*The Eliot School Essential Questions

1. How do we prepare students to become proficient and lifelong learners?2. How do we support all of our students as they face social, emotional and academic challenges?3. How do we create a school culture that promotes a sound learning environment for the entire Eliot School community?

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A Message from the John Eliot PTC

Welcome to a new school year! We extend a sincere welcome to our new families and a hearty “welcome back” to our returning families. We hope that you find the John Eliot School to be a warm and welcoming community! The PTC strives to support the success of the John Eliot School. Many parents and family members share their time and talents to make Eliot a special community, and as extraordinary a school as it can be. As members of the John Eliot School community, you are already members of the PTC; we encourage everyone to be active PTC members this year! We welcome all interests: community building; curriculum support; cultural enrichment and fundraising. Just let us know what your interests and talents are and we can find a place for you! A list of our current calendar of events and committees is posted on the John Eliot website. We hope you’ll browse, and let us know which of these events or committees piques your interest! We are always open to new ideas for committees and events; let us know what you’d like to add to the list! We look forward to getting to know our new community members, and working with all of our John Eliot families this year. Our first PTC meeting is Tuesday September 18th at 7:00 PM. Please join us!

Sincerely,

Your PTC Co-Presidents Christine Butchart Rebecca Turner scottandchristine@verizon.net rcturner1@rcn.com (781) 449 – 9938 (781) 449 - 3442

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The JOHN ELIOT SCHOOL Staff Directory 2007-2008

Principal: Suzanne WilcoxSecretaries: Susan Rains, Kim Carroll School Aides: Nanci Carney, Linda McNeillyKindergarten: Erin Gimber, Amanda Houston Grade One: Jo-Anne Bagley, Allison Dick, Gia Kazianis, Nicole Kelso, Anne Mingolelli Grade Two: Jennifer Kaefear, Patricia Schuchard, Mary WolfeGrade Three: Elizabeth Blumberg, Elizabeth Lisciandra, Melanie SullivanGrade Four: Mary Adkins, Jill Cooney, Rita MacDonaldGrade Five: Johanna Murphy, Cynthia Wankowicz, Maria WytheLanguage-Based Classroom: Kimberly HoffmanArt: Betty MorganCustodial Staff: Yustil Mejia, Gary John, Duncan BrockE.L.L: T.B.A.Food Services: Nancy Milliken, Bonnie Simpson, Donna Tramontozzi Guidance Counselor: Emilie Green, Gregory BayseHealth & Physical Education: Craig Brenhiser, Cindy SwartzInstructional Technologist: Kathleen MartellMedia Specialist: Molly MullinMedia Secretary: Marjorie MearlsMETCO Director: Willette ConroyMETCO Teaching Assistant: Sabrena SmithMusic Staff: Dale Jovin, Mark Smith, Heather TryonNurse: Trish FlueckigerOccupational Therapists: T.B.A.Reading Specialist: Robin Lagace0.Special Education Team Chair: Mona MaasSpecial Educators: Lauras Kelly, Stefani Sepinuck, Dorothy Baker, Tracy Baker, Erica Barry, Mardy Claus, Sandi Cohen, Chris Ilsley, Patrick Kerr, Michelle Tapia, Regina Thornton, Sharon WassermanSpeech/Language Pathologist: Lauren KeyesTeacher of Hearing Impaired: Susan BoyleTitle I Coordinator: Steve OrloffTitle I Teachers: Andrea Vargas, June O’NeillPTC Co-Presidents: Rebecca Turner, Christine ButchartKASE: Nancy Lambert

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John Eliot School 2007-2008 Calendar

2007Sept. 5 Wed. All schools open full day & Open house for Kindergarten students 6 Thurs. First Day of Kindergarten 10 Mon. Curriculum Night for parents of students in Grades K-2 @ 7 p.m. 11 Tues. School Picture Day 11 Tues. Curriculum Night for parents of students in Grades 3-5 @ 7 p.m. 13 Thurs. Schools Closed - Rosh Hashanah 15 Sat. PTC - Bingo Night 18 Tues. PTC Meeting - morning 25 Tues. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m. 28 Fri. PTC - AHA Hoops for HeartsOct. 8 Mon. Schools Closed - Columbus Day 16 Tues. PTC Meeting - morning 20 Sat. PTC - Pumpkin Walk and Stop & Swap 24 Wed. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m.Nov. 3 Sat. PTC - Fashion Show 9 Fri. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m. 12 Mon. Schools Closed -Veteran’s Day 17 Sat. PTC - Art In 21 Wed. Early Release @ 12:05 p.m. for Thanksgiving recess 22-23 Th-F School Closed - Thanksgiving Recess 26 Mon. Schools Closed - Professional Day 29 Thurs. PTC Meeting - eveningDec. 11 Tues. Winter Concerts for School - Instrumental @ 9 a.m. & Choral @ 1:30 p.m. 13 Thurs. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m. 14 Fri. Winter Concert for Parents - Instrumental & Choral @ 9 a.m. 24-31 M-M Schools Closed - Winter Recess2008Jan. 1 Tues. Schools Closed - New Year’s Day 2 Wed. Classes Resume 10 Thurs. PTC Meeting - evening 11 Fri. PTC - Pizza & Games 21 Mon. Schools Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day 26 Sat. PTC - Check It Out! ScienceFeb. 5 Tues. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m. 9 Sat. PTC - Celebrating Cultural Diversity 12 Tues. PTC Meeting - morning 18-22 M-F Schools Closed - February Recess 25 Mon. Classes ResumeMarch 8 Sat. PTC - Auction 11 Tues. PTC Meeting - morning 12 Wed. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m. 15 Sat. PTC - Babson Skate 21 Fri. Schools Closed - Good Friday April 10 Thurs. PTC Meeting - evening 12 Sat. PTC - Lip Sync 15 Tues. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m. 21-25 M-F Schools Closed - April Recess 28 Mon. Classes ResumeMay 3 Sat. PTC - Recycle Day @ R.T. S. 7 Wed. PTC - 4th and 5th Grade Spelling Bee 13 Tues. PTC Meeting - morning 13 Tues. Eliot/Mitchell Bands “Open Rehearsal” @ 7 p.m. 15 Thurs. Early Release Day @ 12:05 p.m. 20 Tues. Spring Concerts for School - Instrumental @ 9 a.m. & Choral @ 1:30 p.m. 21 Wed. PTC - Staff Appreciation Luncheon 22 Thurs. Spring Concert for Parents - Instrumental & Choral @ 7 p.m. 29 Thurs. Honors Band/Honors Chorus/NESO Spring Concert @ 7:30 p.m. 26 Mon. Schools Closed - Memorial Day June 10 Tues. PTC Meeting - morning 11 Wed. PTC - Picnic 25 Thurs. Last Day of School (Includes 5 snow/emergency days)

General Information

John Eliot School135 Wellesley Avenue

Needham, Massachusetts 02494

Telephones: John Eliot School Office 781-455-0452 Fax Number at the School 781-455-0852

Children should not carry cell phones to school. Children may use the school telephone if needed.

Safe Arrival Telephone:In order to ensure that all children are accounted for, we ask that if you anticipate your child will be tardy or absent, that you please call the school: 781-455-0452, between 8:35 - 9:05 a.m. A note should be sent in with your child upon his or her return to school explaining the reason for the absence. This will be care-fully monitored.

School Hours*: Grades 1-5 8:35 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. A.M. Kindergarten 8:35 a.m. - 11:05 a.m. P.M. Kindergarten 12:05 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

*Students may arrive at school as early as 8:20 a.m. and report directly to their classrooms. Children are not allowed on the playground before school because there is no supervision. If you need morning childcare, please contact Mrs. Jolly at N.E.D.P. at 781-455-0400, ext. 214.

School AttendanceSchool attendance is very important for a student’s success in school. Children who do not attend regularly have difficulty keeping up and also miss out on being part of the social fabric of the school. There may be times when your child is ill. If your child is too ill to attend school, you should contact the school first thing in the morning and keep the school informed if the absence continues. If your child is having difficulty attending school for any reason, please contact the school so that we can see if there is any way we can be of assistance to you.

Massachusetts General Laws are very explicit about the need for students to attend school and about the obligation of schools to account for the attendance of all children. Students who fail to attend school without parent or school permission are considered truant, and school districts are required to notify the attendance officer and court system whenever truancy is a problem. Students who miss more than seven days of school or fourteen partial days in a six-month period without documentation of a medical illness may be asked to provide medical documentation for any future absences. Again, undocumented absences must be reported.

Recess and School Lunch Schedule: KASE 11:00 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. Grade 1 11:20 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Grade 2 11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Grade 3 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Grade 4 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. Grade 5 12:20 p.m. - 1:05 p.m

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Needham School Food Service

2007-2008 School yearThe school cafeteria is open every school day (except early release days), serving many choices of nutritious hot and cold lunch, with lots of fruits and vegetable options.

The school lunch menu is sent home with your child at the end of each month, for the following month.

Elementary Lunch Prices:Full lunch $2.00 (includes choice of milk)Milk only $ .50Ice cream (Fridays only) $ .50Assorted healthful snacks $ .25 - .756 oz 100% juice pack $ .75Bottled water $1.00 16 oz or $ .50 for 8 oz

Free or reduced priced lunch are available upon completion of written application, and determination of need, each school year or at any time the financial situation in a home changes. Additional information and meal applications are available from the principal.

How the automated cafeteria payment system works:1. No tickets 2. Every enrolled student automatically has their own personal lunch account (whether they ever use it or not, it’s there)3. Parents deposit money into the student’s account by check (preferred) or cash, in advance (see below). 4. Sales are automatically deducted from the student’s account; and account use is tracked in the system.5. Paying with cash is always an option, but pre-payment into the account is strongly encouraged- as it is much faster in line.6. Students who qualify for free or reduced price lunches are processed just as for all other students, avoiding any potentially uncomfortable situation for the student.7. All students access their accounts at the cash register by entering their 4-digit PIN number on the PINpad located at the register. Each child’s unique PIN number stays the same from year to year, school to school, and should memorized, but not shared. However, if they do not remember it, we are able to access it through the computer register by entering their name. 8. Older students will be notified at the cash register when their lunch account is getting low.9. A brightly colored “low balance notice” will be placed in the elementary child’s backpack on Tuesdays or Wednesdays if the child’s account goes below $10.00. This will ask you to send in another deposit.10. Parents are notified by U.S.mail (mailed Fridays) when/ if their student’s account goes into a negative balance, with a request (and a form) to replenish the account balance. Our preference is to avoid notices home, by keeping a positive balance in the account. 11. Un-paid negative account balances will be allowed to go to a maximum limit of -$10.00 . Further attempts to receive a meal with a negative account balance greater than this, will result in the student getting an “alternate” meal consisting of a cheese sandwich, a serving of canned fruit, and a white lowfat milk. There is no charge to the account for this alternate meal.

To deposit money into your child’s account:1. Please send or bring a check (payable to “Needham School Food Services”) to your school, in an envelope marked “Cafeteria”. A suggested minimum deposit is $50.00. 2. Record on the face of the check: Student’s full name, grade, and4 digit PIN number, if you know it.

No School AnnouncementsSchool may be canceled for exceptionally inclement weather or by reason of emergency. Information will be broadcast over radio stations: WBZ, WEZE, WEEI, WRKO, and WBUR: TV channels: 4, 5 and 7. Needham channel 13 will also carry information regarding school closings and delayed openings. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE NEEDHAM FIRE OR POLICE DEPARTMENTS OR NEEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS for school information.

Parents and VisitorsParents and visitors are always welcome at the Eliot School. For the children’s safety and to minimize disruptions, visitors need to report to the main office when they enter the building. Please do not go directly to your child’s classroom. The office staff will gladly assist you by calling your child to the office, or dropping off items in the classroom. If you are helping out with classroom activities or volunteering, please sign in and wear a guest badge. When leaving the school, sign out and return the badge.

Guidelines to Appropriate DressSchool attire should be neat, clean, comfortable and appropriate to our learning environment. In a desire to help parents make decisions about school clothing and to plan for children’s success both in the classroom and during periods of active play, we have developed the following guidelines. Here are some specifics to guide you and your child when considering what to wear to school. The responsibility for its enforcement should be shared by students, parents, faculty, and administration.Shirts: Must cover the midriff and meet pants, even when sitting If sheer, clothing must be layered Wording on shirts must always be appropriateSkirts. Shorts and Skorts: Should be long enough to provide “coverage”. Remember children are active.Hats and Head wear: May be worn only outside of the buildingOuterwear: During the winter months, we do go outdoors as often as possible so children should come to school with jackets, hats, mittens, and boots.

Classroom CelebrationsThe Wellness Policy of the Needham Public Schools states that all foods and beverages available to children during the school day, outside of the school meals program, should promote healthy eating patterns. This means that any food served in a classroom must be consistent with the school lunch program nutrition guidelines with regard to sugar and fat content. Fresh fruit, vegetables with low fat dip, pretzels, low fat popcorn, are just some examples of healthy food choices. Teachers have developed several non-food alternatives for birthday and holiday celebrations.

Early Dismissal and VacationsSchool attendance is very important so that children receive continuous instruction. The reason the calendar is published so far in advance is to help you plan your vacations to coincide with school vacations. It is recommended that you comply with the school calendar. In order to eliminate classroom disruption, if you anticipate that your child must leave school earlier than the regular dismissal time, please notify the school office.

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Progress Reports and ConferencesKindergarten: There will be two parent conferences, which will include a written assessment of the student’s progress. The first conference will be in October or November and the second will be in April or May.Grades 1 - 4: There will be two Report Cards and two Parent-Teacher Conferences each year. In November there will be a scheduled Parent-Teacher Conference for each student. Another Parent-Teacher conference will be scheduled in April or May. During this conference, the teacher will review the student’s portfolio and discuss the student’s progress.Grade 5: The timing of assessments in Grade 5 is the same as for grades 1-4, above, but the Report Card will display letter grades rather than check marks.

Report Cards are sent home with the children in early February and on the last day of school in June. If you feel it necessary to speak with your child’s teacher at any other time during the year, please notify him or her and a time will be arranged. Communication is essential; therefore, we encourage our parents to get involved with their children’s education.

Media CenterThe John Eliot School Media Center, with a collection of over 8,000 print and non-print materials, is staffed by our Media Specialist, Mrs. Molly Mullin, and a supporting group of parent volunteers. If you are interested in being a volunteer in our Media Center, call Nina Swartz at 781-449-8999.

All students visit the Media Center once a week during a scheduled class time. Program of study includes lessons, which encourage reading development, viewing and listening. All students will have the opportunity to borrow books from our Media Center. However, the child’s borrowing privileges may be suspended if materials are not returned on a time basis.

Musical OpportunitiesChildren have an opportunity to play a string instrument starting in third grade and to play other band instruments in the fourth and fifth grades.Strings meet on Monday from 7:45-8:30 a.m.Band: Grade 4 - Thursday, 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. Grade 5 - Wednesday, 7:45 - 8:30 a.m.

KASE ProgramKASE, Kindergarten After School Enrichment, is a program for kindergarten students who would like to spend the entire school day at Eliot. KASE is a fun-filled, non-academic program, an enriching experience for your child, designed to complement the kindergarten experience.

The hours of KASE are 8:35 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. or 11:05 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. For information on availability and fees, contact the KASE Director, Connie Leonard at 781- 444-0492.

Eliot WebsiteThe John Eliot School Website is intended as a resource for students, teachers, parents, and the world. All of the information within this handbook can also be found on the website, as well as class work, special events, awards, curriculum links, and fun educational activities.

You can view the John Eliot website at. http://www.needham.k12.ma.us; then click on the Eliot picture. You can also look at other Needham Public School websites from this location. The Technology Committee is responsible for content and oversight.

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METCOThe METCO program grew out of an effort in the Boston African-American community to address the inequalities in education that were a result of segregation. In May 1965, a plan was made to bus African-American students to certain schools in the suburbs. In the past several years, METCO’s mission has expanded to include all minority students. Needham has citizens who were active in the movement from the beginning. Needham remains supportive and is one of 35 communities involved with METCO. METCO provides an opportunity for us to grow stronger and wiser and enrich the lives of not only the children but also the parents who participate. The METCO Committee serves to facilitate the development of friendships. We assign each child from Boston to a friendship family. We welcome your interest and involvement. For more information, please contact Martha Barrett, Sandy Jacobs and Melissa Patz.

Student Support ServicesCounseling and Guidance Services attend to the feelings, sensitivities, thoughts, and viewpoints of the children. Issues vary from age-related concerns (e.g. peer relationships) to home-related issues that may be affecting academic performance or self-esteem. Counseling and guidance services take place in individual, small group, and classroom settings; consultations with parents and teachers are also offered.

English Language Learners (ELL) serves students in Grades K-12 system-wide each year. Its goal is not only to teach English but also to acquaint students with the cultural aspects of living in the United States.

Health Screening and Safety services are provided by the school nurse who assists in identifying students with special needs and in providing appropriate specialized care. This includes hearing and vision screening for each student every year, scoliosis screening for fifth graders, emergency care and medication administration.

Occupational Therapy (O.T.) helps children with learning, language, emotional or physical difficulties function more independently and successfully in school. The occupational therapist offers sensory motor experiences through goal-directed activities to help fill in gaps or lags in the child’s total development.

Special Education assists students in implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Services are provided both in the classroom and in the Resource Room.

Supportive/Remedial Reading facilitates better reading skills and strategies for all grades. Services are provided in small groups within and outside of the classroom.

The Teacher Support Team (TST) was established in 1997-98 to provide support for teachers who need assistance in developing, expanding and implementing strategies in the regular classroom to meet the learning needs of students. The team uses a collaborative brainstorming and problem-solving approach to special challenges. The TST consists of the Principal, classroom teachers, specialists, supportive reading teacher, the guidance counselor and, of course, the teacher who requests assistance.

The Title I Program is a federally funded program that provides targeted assistance to children experiencing academic difficulties. Services to children are provided in-class by certified teachers.

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HEALTH SERVICES

“School nursing today is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well being, academic success, and life-long achievement of students. To that end, school nurses facilitate positive student responses to normal development; promote health and safety; intervene with actual and potential health problems; provide case management services; and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy and learning.” ~National Association of School Nurses~

Health Services ProgramThe School Health Services program is provided on a full-time basis in every school and includes the following: • Individualized health care planning and case management for students with special health care needs • Illness assessment and care • Injury prevention, triage and care • Medication administration and monitoring • Health counseling and health promotion • Communicable disease prevention and control • Health screenings in compliance with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. o Hearing and vision o Postural o Height, weight and BMI measurementsThese annual screenings are initial health screenings. Parents/guardians are notified when a student does not meet the passing criteria, and are advised to seek further medical evaluation. • Environmental health and safety • Access to health care services and insurance • Management of student health record data • Emergency preparedness and response • Intercommunication between/among students, parents, the school community and health care providers • Selected health services are also provided for school staff

CommunicationThe school nurse can be reached by telephone, email or via a dedicated fax line. She is also generally available in the Health Office fifteen minutes before the start of school and thirty minutes after dismissal. The nurse may also be reached by: Phone: 781-455-0452, ext 2 FAX: 781-455-0852 Email: trish_flueckiger@needham.k12.ma.usWe encourage parents/guardians to call any time they have concerns and specifically for the following reasons: • A new medical diagnosis or a change in your child’s health status • A newly prescribed medication • A change in a current medication • A serious injury, illness or hospitalization • A fracture, sprain, stitches, or a cast • A contagious disease such as chicken pox, flu, strep throat, whooping cough • If a child is absent for an extended period of time • If there are any recent changes in your family that may affect your child, such as a birth, recent loss or sudden illness

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To allow sufficient time to recover from an illness or injury, and to minimize the spread of an infectious illness, your child should be kept home from school if he/she has: • A communicable disease • Fever greater than 100 degrees F within the last 24 hours • Vomiting/diarrhea within the last 24 hours • Pain that requires the use of narcotic medications • An upper respiratory illness with significant coughing and/or nasal discharge

Physical Education exemption:When it is necessary to excuse your child from Physical Education, written documentation is required from your child’s physician. Written documentation is also required to resume participation in Physical Education.

Health Insurance CoverageMassachusetts offers free or low-cost health and dental insurance for school-age children. Every child in Massachusetts should have access to a primary care provider. If you have any questions or need any information about health insurance coverage, please speak with your child’s school nurse.

Health Data RequirementsThe Needham Public Schools, in accordance with the regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, requires the following health information before a student enters school.

Required Immunizations Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulation 105 CMR 220 requires students to be immunized before starting school. An immunization certificate/record that includes the month, day and year the immunizations were administered needs to be submitted to and reviewed by the school nurse before the student begins school. Exemption If there are medical reasons why your child has not been immunized, a certificate must be obtained from your physician and forwarded to the school nurse. For religious exemption, please write a note to the school nurse. Physical Examination The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Regulation 105 CMR 200 requires a physical examination for all new students within six months of entrance to school or during the first year after entrance. A current physical examination is also required for students entering the third, sixth and ninth grade.

At the high school level, a student participating in interscholastic athletics must submit a current physical examination. According to Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Guidelines to qualify for each sport season, the physical must be dated within thirteen months of the first day of practice. If a student’s physical expires during the current sport season, a new physical needs to be submitted.

Medication PolicyThe Needham Public Schools Medication Policy complies with state guidelines. The following statements highlight the main points of the policy. The entire medication policy is available for review in each Health Office.

• The Health Services policy encourages that medication be administered before and after school hours, if possible.

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• All medications, prescriptions or over-the-counter medications require a physician’s order, completed parental permission form, and parent-signed administration plan. Medication will not be administered until all three documents are complete and received by the School Nurse. These required forms are available in the health office or may be downloaded from the health services website: http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/ss_health_service.htm

• Medications must be delivered to the School Nurse in a correctly labeled pharmacy or manufacturer’s medication container by the parent, guardian or responsible adult. (Medications are not accepted in containers such as plastic bags.) Students are not permitted to bring medication to school.

• All medication orders expire at the end of each school year. New medication orders are required at the start of the school year.

• All medications must 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.

Guidelines for Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in the Schools In compliance with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Needham Public Schools have developed the “Guidelines for the Management of Life-Threatening Allergies in School.” These Guidelines are available in the Health Office and on the Health Services website. The following statements reflect the important highlights of these guidelines.

1. Parents should notify the School Nurse and the classroom teacher of their child’s allergy and schedule an appointment with the nurse to discuss the specifics of their child’s allergy.

2. The School Nurse will develop an Individual Health Care Plan and an Allergy Action Plan/ Emergency plan for each student with life-threatening allergy to ensure his/her safety at school.

3. Room Parents must check with the teacher when planning classroom parties and activities. Parents must also check with teachers before sending any food into the classroom.

The Health Services section of the Needham Public School’s website is also a good source of information. Many of the frequently requested health forms are available for downloading and the site provides links to a number of health reference websites. http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/ss_health_service.htm

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The John Eliot School Council

As required by the 1993 Education Reform Law, all schools must have a School Council, which is composed of parents, teachers, a community representative, and the principal. The purpose of the Council is to identify educational needs of the students, review the annual school budget, and formulate a school improvement plan. Every October there is an election of new members to the Council. The 2007-2008 Council members are: Suzanne Wilcox, Scott Butchart, Allison Dick, Beverly Marks, Marilyn Mendelson, Pamela Rosin and Mary Wolfe.

The John Eliot School Parent Teacher Council (PTC)

The purpose of the PTC is to:• Foster cooperation and understanding between parents, students, administrators, and teachers.• Provide a means for parents to meet with school representatives to consider matters of common interest affecting the students and the school. (The School Committee and administration have the power to establish policies on academic and administrative matters.)• Provide support to the administrative and teaching staff in planningand running extra-curricular activities.

PTC meetings are held monthly, and all parents and staff are welcome to attend.

The PTC is committed to providing funds each year to the classroom teachers to purchase supplies and to fund transportation costs for class field trips. Each full-time teacher is given $100 at the beginning of the school year for supplies. Other activities funded by the PTC may include special programs and purchasing equipment. Each PTC committee is budgeted funds for its event or project.

The PTC depends on parent donations to fund its programs. All parents are encouraged to support the fall fundraising drive, Keep Eliot Extraordinary, our primary fundraiser.

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Needham Public SchoolsCentral Administration

Superintendent of Schools Daniel E. Gutekanst 781-455-0400 ext. 203Director of Personnel Resources Thomas F. Campbell 781-455-0400 ext. 209Director of Program Development Theresa Dugganand Implementation (Pre-K-12) 781-455-0400 ext. 226Director of Student Development George W. Johnsonand Program Evaluation 781-455-0400 ext. 213Director of Financial Operations Anne Gulati 781-455-0400 ext. 207Director of Special Education Christine BrumbachPreschool - Primary 781-455-0400 ext. 231Director of Special Education Valerie A. FlynnIntermediate - Middle School 781-455-0400 ext. 231METCO Coordinator Willette Conroy 781-455-0400 ext. 1915Director of Fine and Performing David NevesArts 781-455-0400 ext. 1440Director of Food Services Ruth Griffin 781-455-0400 ext. 216Director of Health and Physical Kathy M. PinkhamEducation 781-455-0400 ext. 1140Director of Media Resources Linda Conneely 781-455-0471

Needham School Committee

Donald Gratz ('09), Chair 781-444-2272 Donald_Gratz@needham.k12.ma.us Michael Greis (’08), Vice-Chair 781-449-8007 Michael_Greis@needham.k12.ma.us Marianne Cooley ('10) 781-449-7458 Marianne_Cooley@needham.K12.ma.us Laura J. Flueckiger (‘09) 781-444-7285 Laura_Flueckiger@needham.k12.ma.us Joseph P. Barnes (’10) 781-453-9002 Joe_Barnes@needham.k12.ma.us Connie Barr (’10) 781-444-4645 Connie_Barr@needham.k12.ma.us John O’Leary (’08) 781-449-5031 John_O’Leary@needham.k12.ma.us

School Committee meetings are scheduled for the first and third Tuesday evenings of every month. Live coverage is available through Needham TV Channel 13. Meetings are held at the Newman School, School Committee Room and are open to all members of the community.

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Needham Elementary SchoolsCode of Conduct

Section I - Principles of Good Practice at the Elementary Level:The goal of the Needham Public Schools is to help students develop self-responsible behavior. While in the regular classroom, teachers have complete charge of student behavior and may establish classroom rules for behavior to complement those set by the school.

All students shall have a simple set of rules governing behavior. Students are expected to demonstrate behavior appropriate to specific settings. Teachers are asked to communicate clearly the rules of the school and classroom to the students.

Primary school children need appropriate adult models both at school and at home to develop acceptable social behavior. School rules should be simple and few and emphasize a spirit of cooperation and contribution. They shall be stated in the affirmative wherever possible.

Behavior expectations shall be in keeping with each child’s developmental readiness. Children shall be guided to:1. Develop sound decision-making skills2. Exhibit self-responsible behavior3. Cooperate with teachers and peer group

Inappropriate (but not dangerous) behavior shall be pointed out and, if repeated, will bring about a consequence. Teachers are urged to contact parents early in the process of solving behavior problems to create a strong home/school partnership.

Strategies to Help Children Modify Behavior:1. Parent conference - At the first sign of repeated infractions or a serious incident2. Behavior planning and contracting for improvement3. Involvement of the principal, behavior resource teacher and/or counselor (incident report filed)4. Application to the Teacher Support Team5. Referral for Ch. 766 evaluation - to be made for a student who exhibits dangerously assaultive or self-abusive behaviors or if the principal suspects there is a disability.

When a child does not respond to the direction of the classroom teacher, or an incident is considered serious, referral to the principal is both appropriate and necessary. All members of the school community have the responsibility to conduct themselves with respect for all individuals, their rights and their property in school and during all school-sponsored activities, including those times when they are riding school buses. Students are expected to behave in accordance with these rules and regulations and to remove themselves from situations which involve inappropriate activity. Every effort will be made by school personnel to help students solve problems or correct behavior without interrupting the daily program of studies. Whenever appropriate, school personnel will also modify environments to help prevent the likelihood of misbehavior.

Section II - Rules of Behavior - Level of the Principal:The following behaviors may serve as grounds for suspension or other disciplinary action including loss of student privileges.1. Use of obscene, abusive or profane language or gestures2. Possession of a dangerous weapon* or object3. Harassment or intimidation of another student especially on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, handicap or sexual orientation4. Behavior which endangers persons or property or disrupts the educational process or school activity5. Fighting or any assault or act of violence committed against another student or school personnel

The Needham Public Schools shall suspend a student for the following behavior:1. Use or threatened use of a weapon*2. Possession of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages

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*The term ‘dangerous weapon’ shall include, but not be limited to, any type of firearm, knife or martial arts equipment, explosive devices or a realistic replica of a dangerous weapon. Any dangerous weapon in the possession of a student shall be removed from the student’s custody, and any illegal weapon shall be turnedover to the Needham Police Department. Any student who brings a firearm to school must be expelled for a minimum of one school year, with exceptions granted only by the superintendent.

Due ProcessSuspensions of 10 Days or LessThe procedural rights to which all students in the Needham Public Schools are entitled as part of “due process” are as follows:For the violation of any school rule or regulation which is grounds for suspension, the following shall occur:

1. Any student faced with suspension must be given an informal hearing in the form of a conference between the student, the student’s parent(s) if available, and the principal. At this conference, that student shall be informed of the reason for the conference, shall be given the opportunity to present his or her side of the story and shall be given a decision within a reasonable amount of time.2. Prior to putting a suspension into effect, the principal or his or her designee shall make a reasonable effort to telephone and inform the student’s parent or guardian of the impending suspension; this shall include attempts to contact the parent at home and at work. All attempts should be documented. Parents may contact the principal or his or her designee for additional information regarding the suspension prior to a readmittal conference.3. Within 24 hours of the informal hearing referred to above, the principal shall mail a notice to the parent or guardian of the suspended student and shall send copies of the notice to the Superintendent of Schools. The notice shall contain: a) the reason for the suspension b) the school rule violated by the student c) a statement of the effective date and duration of the suspension4. The parent or guardian shall be asked to attend a student readmittal conference with the principal as soon as possible after the date of the suspension. At the principal’s discretion, the readmittal conference may be held by telephone.5. For suspension longer than ten days or expulsion, the student will receive written notices of the charges; the right to be represented by a lawyer or other representative; and the opportunity for a formal hearing.

Suspension of Bus PrivilegesA student’s bus privileges may be suspended or revoked if the behavior violation occurs on a school bus or while waiting to board, boarding or exiting the school bus. A student may also be suspended or expelled from school for inappropriate conduct which occurs while riding, boarding, or exiting the school bus. Such discipline shall be handled in the following manner: 1. For the first and second violations, a written warning shall be issued from the student’s principal to the student and parent that a violation has occurred, stating the violation, and that school bus privileges will be suspended if any further violation occurs. 2. For the third violation, school bus privileges may be suspended for a defined period of time as determined by the principal by written notice to the parent(s).

Discipline of Special Needs Students:The disciplining of special needs students is governed by state and federal Special Education law and by the regulations that were created to implement these laws. These laws include the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C., Section 1400, et. seq.; 34 C.F.R., Section 300.519-529 et. seq., and Massachusetts General Laws c.71B. Special needs students who violate school rules are subject to removal from their current placement for up to ten (10) consecutive school days, to the extent that such a removal would be applied to students without disabilities, without a prior determination as to whether the conduct is related to the student’s disability. Additionally, in certain circumstances, special needs students may be removed for additional periods of up to ten (10) consecutive school days in the same school year

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for separate incidents of misconduct.

A suspension of longer than 10 consecutive days or a series of suspensions that are shorter than 10 consecutive days but constitute a pattern are considered to represent a change in placement. Prior to a suspension that constitutes a change in placement of a student with disabilities, the TEAM convenes (a) to develop or review a Functional Behavioral Assessment of the student’s behavior in order to modify a behavioral intervention plan or to development an assessment plan; (b) to identify appropriate alternative educational setting(s); and (c) to determine the relationship between the disability and the behavior – a “manifestation determination.” The parents as well as the student’s Team shall review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the IEP, teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine if the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to the child’s disability; or was the direct result of the school’s failure to implement the IEP.

If the Team determines that the behavior IS NOT a manifestation of the disability, then the school may suspend or expel the student consistent with the policies applied to any students without disabilities, except that the district must still offer an appropriate education program to the student with disabilities that may be in some other settings. If the Team determines that the behavior IS a manifestation of a disability, the Team shall conduct a functional behavioral assessment and implement a behavioral intervention plan, provided that such an assessment was not conducted prior to the determination. In the situation where a behavioral intervention plan has been developed, the Team shall review the plan and, if necessary, modify it to address the behavior. The student will be returned to the placement from which the child was removed, unless the parent and school agree to a change in placement as a part of the modification of the behavioral intervention plan.

Regardless of the manifestation determination, school personnel may also order a change in the placement of a student with a disability to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than forty-five (45) days if a students: (1) carries a weapon to school or to a school function; (2) knowingly possesses, uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school or a school function; or has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function. Additionally, a Massachusetts Department of Education Hearing Officer, under certain circumstances, may order a change in the placement of a student with a disability to an interim alternative education setting for up to forty-five (45) days if the hearing officer determines that maintaining the current placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or others.

For more details on these procedures, parents may contact the special education department.

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Non-Discrimination Notice

The Needham School System offers all programs, activities, and employment opportunities without regard to age, race, status, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, and disability. (Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, MGL 76 Section 5)

Non Harassment Notice Harassment is in direct contradiction to the philosophy and policy of the Needham Public Schools. The Needham Schools expects all adults and students to treat one another with dignity and respect. Harassment also violates state and federal laws including Title VII, Title IX, MGL 119, 151, and 214.

Any person may bring to the attention of the compliance coordinator any concern or incident, which appears to be in violation of the discrimination or harassment policies. All grievances will be processed as rapidly as possible. The Non-Discrimination Coordinators are:

For Staff For Parents or Students

Thomas Campbell Thomas Denton Director of Personnel Resources Director of Guidance Services Needham Public Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue 609 Webster Street Needham, MA 02492 Needham, MA 02192 Tel: 781-455-0400, 208 781-455-800, 1130 TTY: 781-455-0424 TTY: 781-455-0424 Fax: 781-455-0417 Fax: 781-455-0408

These individuals have responsibility for accepting, investigating, and resolving complaints of discrimination or harassment. They shall also be responsible for ensuring that all staff and students are trained and/or notified annually about these requirements and procedures. Violations of the discrimination and harassment policies will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension.

The parent, guardian or custodians of a child refused admission to or excluded from the public schools or from the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of such public schools shall on application be furnished with a written statement of the reasons. The parent has the right to appeal any decisions by the School System to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals, the Office for Civil Rights, or the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

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NOTES

NOTES