Student Handbook

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Under the Massachusetts Education Reform Act, each school is required to have a school council.  The council is mad up of the principal, teachers, parents, and members of the community.  The duties of the council are to assist the principal in adopting educational needs, review the school budget, and formulate a school improvement plan.  Council meetings are held at least four times a year.

PARENT TEACHER GROUP (PTG)

The Clarksburg Elementary School has an active PTG.  The PTG provides information, communication, and through its fund raising efforts, provides financial support for school activities and programs.  The PTG meetings are listed on the monthly school calendar, and notices are sent home before each meeting.  Parents and teachers are encouraged to participate in these meetings so that decisions can be made which best reflect the wishes of the entire PTG membership. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS

Students enter the building at 8:30 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. On early release days, students are dismissed at 12:00 noon.  Since there is no before school supervision, parents are asked to not drop their child off at school before 8:30 a.m.

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS

If school is canceled, announcements will be made on area radio stations and on TV (Channel 10 and 6).  On occasions when the weather or road conditions are expected to improve, school may be delayed for one or two hours.  If it is necessary to dismiss students during the school day, every attempt will be made to contact parents through announcements on the radio and by phone. 

ATTENDANCE

Chapter 76, Section 2 of the Massachusetts State Education Law states that "every person in control of a child...shall cause him to attend school as therein required, and if he fails to do so for seven day sessions or fourteen half-day sessions within any period of six months, he shall on complaint by a supervisor of attendance, be punished by a fine..."  the only acceptable reasons for absence are illness, religious observance, death of a family member, hazardous weather, health treatment, legal business or significant personal reasons judged excusable by the parent/guardian and the administration.

If a student is going to be absent, parents/guardians are to call the school before 9:00 a.m.  This procedure is to insure the safety of the children.  If a parent or guardian does not call, the school will contact them at home or at work.  When a student returns to school after an absence, they must bring with them a note written by their parent/guardian indicating the reason for the absence. 

If students are to be dismissed during the school day, they must bring a note from their parent/guardian.  If possible, medical and dental appointments should be scheduled for after school hours. 

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students entering kindergarten must be five years old by August 31 of the year they enter.  Parents/Guardians of students entering kindergarten must provide evidence of a birth date, as well as a record of current immunizations and lead screening.

TRANSFERS

Parents/Guardians of students transferring from other school systems will be asked to sign a record release form to enable the Clarksburg Elemenentary School to obtain student's records. 

STUDENT RECORDS

Under Massachusetts law, the school may release the following student information:  name, address, and telephone number, date and place of birth, attendance records, participation in activities or sports, and honors or awards.  If parent(s)/guardian(s) DO NOT want this information released, they must contact the school.  School nurses are authorized to obtain from health care providers the immunization records or other immunization related information required for school admission, without the authorization  of a child's parent(s) or guardian(s).

BUS TRANSPORTATION

All students are transported to and from school by bus.  Bus routes and bus stops are determined by the bus company.  Prior to the start of the school year, the bus scheduled is listed in the local newspaper.  Students are assigned a bus route based on the location of their home.  Arrangements must be made with the bus company for students who will be picked up or dropped off at other locations (i.e., daycare homes). The school must also be notified. 

Teachers must be notified in writing of any changes in student's established daily transportation routine (i.e. being picked up by a parent). Such requests must be approved by the principal.    If your child will be attending the YMCA after-school program and will be picked up by the YMCA van, the school must be notified.

FIRE DRILLS

Unannounced fire drills are routinely practiced throughout the school year under the supervision of the Clarksburg Voluntee Fire Company.  During a fire drill, everyone must leave the school building.

OUTDOOR RECESS

Recess is held outdoors except when it is raining or the temperature or wind chill factor is below 10 degrees.  Please send your child properly dressed for playing outdoors with hat, mittens, boots, and snow pants.

SCHOOL PICTURES

Every year, individual and class pictures are taken in the fall.  If parents/guardians would like to choose to purchase individual pictures, payement is required on the day that the pictures are taken.

LOST AND FOUND

Located in the front hallway of the school, there is a large box which holds lost-and-found articles.  Parents are welcome to come to school to search through the box for lost items.  Students are also encouraged to look if they have lost something.  Throughout the school year, objects are placed on a table in the hallway where all items can be viewed.  

NO SMOKING POLICY

State law prohibits smoking in school buildings, on school grounds, and on school buses.

HEALTH SERVICES

Health services are provided by the school nurse.  A school nurse is at the school from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day. 

If a student is not well enough to remain in school, the parent will be called and expected to provide or arrange for the child to be transported home.  Please do not send your child to school if they have had a temperature within the previous 24 hours period.   Each year the students are checked for height, weight, hearing, and vision.  In grades 5-8, students are also checked for scoliosis.  A voluntary fluoride rinse program is available for students in grades 1-5.  Permission slips and descriptive materials are sent home early in the school year.

MEDICATION

If a student must receive medication while in school, the medication must be brought to school by a parent/guardian.  All medication must meet the following conditions:

  1. Must be in original pharmaceutical container.

  2. Must have prescription label indicating name of medication, child's name, dosage directions, doctor's name, and date.

  3. Must be accompanied by a dated note from a doctor containing instructions for administering medication

  4. Must be kept in the nurse's office.

THE ABOVE CONDITIONS ARE STATE LAW AND APPLY TO ALL MEDICATION INCLUDING INHALERS AND OVER-THE-THE COUNTER MEDICATION SUCH AS TYLENOL, COUGH SYRUPS, AND COUGH DROPS.

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

The school lunch program is a self-supported division of the school district.  Menus are planned by the cafeteria manager in accordance with federal guidelines.  The school lunch menu is sent home monthly with each student.  An application for free or reduced lunch is sent home on the first day of school.  All families are asked to fill out the form regardless of income.  In the past, the completion of this form by families has increased school funding.  If family circumstances change, forms can be requested throughout the school year.

To facilitate the collection money, parents are encouraged to send lunch or milk money on the first day of each week.  Payement can be made by cash or a check made payable to the Clarksburg School Cafeteria. 

COST:

Lunches    1.75                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Milk           .35   

Snacks are also available.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

SPECIALISTS

Art-Students in grades kindergarten-8 have one period of art instruction each week with an art teacher.  They also have an opportunity to participate in the Three Museum fall semester with visits to the Williams College Museum, the Clark Art Institute, and MASS MoCA and with Kidspace at MASS MoCA in the spring.  Students come away from these activities with a greater appreciation of art.

Health-Students in grades 6-8 have health on a regularly scheduled basis taught by the physical education teacher. 

Music-Students in grades kindegarten-8 have music instruction each week with the music teacher.  Students perform in musical concerts for family members in December and June of each school year.

Physical Education-Students in grades kindergarten-8 have two physical education classes each week with the physical education teacher.

Spanish-Students in grades kindergarten-8 are exposed to instruction of the Spanish language.

Special Needs/Speech-Students identified as special needs students receive support in area(s) of need from the special education teacher and/or other specialists.

Counseling-An adjustment counselor is at the school two days a week to meet with students individually or in small groups.  Any student may talk with the counselor on a one time basis.  Children may be referred to the adjustment counselor by teachers, the school nurse, principal or parent(s)/guardian(s).  To meet on a regular basis with the adjustment counselor, parental/guardian permission is necessary.

Technology-The administration is making every effort to continue to update technology at the Clarksburg Elementary School.  A technology coordinator is available for instruction, teacher training, and support.  In support of the Massachusetts Department of Education Technology Standards, the staff is committed to making technology an important tool to support learning.

MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (MCAS)

Each spring, students in grades 3-8 are requried to take various sections of the MCAS test.  A schedule of these test will be distributed to parent(s)/guardian(s) on the February newsletter.

LIBRARY

Students in grades kindergarten-8 have one library period a week to check-out books from the Clarksburg Town Library.

HOMEWORK

Teachers assign homework to provide drill and practice, to extend work being done in the classroom, and to build independent work habits.  Parents can assist students by arranging a specific time for homework and by providing a quiet work area. 

At the beginning of the school year, assignment books are handed out to students in grades 3-8.  Please encourage your child to use his/her assignment book and periodically ask your child to see it.  

After-school homework tutorial sessions are held at the school at the beginning of the second trimester until late spring.  Certified teachers are available to help students during these sessions.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued three times a year (December, March, and June) for grades kindergarten-8.  Progress reports are issued at midterm or on an as needed basis.  Connect with individual teachers may be made though the school web site, Teacher ease, or/and e-mail.  

HONOR ROLL CRITERIA

An honor roll is published each trimester for students in grades 6-8.  The criteria are as follows:

High Honors    A1, A2, S, 1

Honors            A, B, S, 1, 2

Honorable Mention    A, B, (1) C, S, 1, 2

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS

Each year the school participates in the President's Physical Fitness Program and the President's Education Excellence Program.  To receive a Presidential Physical Fitness Award, students must meet or exceed qualifying standards in endurance strength, and flexibility for their age and sex. 

To receive the President's Award for Education Excellence, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Earn a grade point average of 90 for grades 6-7 and the fall and winter trimesters of grade 8.

  2. Achieve in the 85th percentile or higher n math and reading on standardized achievement tests.

Awards are presented to grade 8 students at graduation.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE

Regularly scheduled parent/teacher conferences are held in December for grades kindergarten-8.  Parents and teachers are encouraged to schedule additional conferences as needed.  If you feel your child is having difficulties in any area, do not hesitate to contact the principal. 

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The following extracurricular activities are offered at the Clarksburg Elementary School:

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are taken by classes throughout the school year to enrich the school curriculum.  A general field trip permission form is sent home at the beginning of the year to cover all field trips.  Parents will be informed of field trips through the monthly newsletter or notes from individual teachers.  From time-to-time, parents will be asked to chaperone field trips.  While on field trips, students are expect to follow the rules and regulations of the Clarksburg Elementary School.

SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PLAN

The purpose of the school-wide discipline plan is to make the school a safe and welcoming place where everyone can learn and to help students develop the self-discipline necessary to become productive members of the school community.   The goals in establishing a school-wide discipline plan are as follows:

  1. To provide students with a list of expected behaviors and a list of consequences if these expectations are not met.

  2. To inform parents of behavioral expectations and solicit their support.

  3. To communicate behavioral expectations to all staff members so as to assure consistency in all areas and throughout the school day.

In implementing the plan, the following will occur:

  1. Homeroom teachers will be informed and/or involved in all incidents of misbehavior.

  2. Consequences will be based on the serious of the incident and the grade level of the student.

  3. Consequences will relate logically to the misbehavior. 

  4. Parents will be involved in incidents that are persistent or deemed necessary.

The  Clarksburg Elementary School staff always prefers to reinforce appropriate behavior and the respect for others, but when disciplinary action is necessary, the focus will be on helping the student understand the problem and make a commitment to change his/her behavior.  In discipline, as in other areas, we greatly need and appreciate the support of parents.  Before determining any consequences, there will be a concerted effort to assure that the student's perspective has been heard and investigated fairly.  Parents who have concerns about any disciplinary action, should contact the teacher, principal, or superintendent, who will follow-up on those concerns. 

Bullying and harassment intimidates students, severely disrupts the learning process, and destroys the sense of safety and community within the school.  Bulling and harassment at the Clarksburg Elementary School will not be tolerated and treated severely.  If your child is being bullied or harassed, notify the principal immediately. 

In cases of continued behavior problems or severe misbehavior, the school retains the right to withdraw a student's privilege to participate in activities such as junior high dances, field trips, class trips, class picnic and field day.  Parents will be notified prior to such action being taken. 

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

CONSEQUENCES

Consequences will match with misbehavior whenever possible.  Consequences may not necessarily be administered in the following order:

The following behaviors are UNACCEPTABLE and will receive appropriate consequences:

CELL PHONES/CD PLAYERS/I PODS/MP PLAYERS

The use of cell phones and music players are prohibited during school hours. 

ELECTRONIC GAMES

Electronic games are prohibited from use on the school bus and during school hours.

DRESS

Students should dress in a respectful manner at all times.  Underwear should not be seen, clothes should not be ripped, and hats are not to be worn in the school building or in buildings visited on field trips. Shorts should be worn at arms length.  Shirts with sexual and/or drug related slogans or advertising (including alcohol and cigarettes) should not be worn to school.  Please make sure that your child does not wear clothing that is distracting, distasteful, or unsafe.  In cold weather, please dress your child in a hat, gloves, coat snow pants, and boots for protection on the way to school and at recess.

BUS RULES

Because of the importance of keeping the  children safe, especially when riding the school buses, we ask that you frequently remind your child of the seriousness of breaking bus rules.

CONSEQUENCE FOR BREAKING BUS RULES

First Offense:             Warning                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second Offense:         Detention                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Third Offense:            Bus privileges will be suspended for 2 days                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Fourth Offense:          Bus privileges will be suspended for 1 week                                                                                                                                                                                                          Additional Offenses:   Bus Privileges may be suspended for an indefinite period of time.

For all school bus offenses, students will receive a BUS CONDUCT REPORT which must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to school.

LEGAL POLICIES

SAFE SCHOOL POLICY       

The State of Massachusetts requires all public schools to comply with the following:

NON-DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT

Clarksburg School strives to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all of its students without distinction based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.  Discrimination, sexual and bias motivated harassment, and Violations of civil rights disrupt the educational process and will not be tolerated.

Harassment shall be defined as conduct or speech that is unwelcome, intimidating, hostile, and or offensive which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's ability to learn or an employee's ability to work.  This inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to, gestures, physical contact, writing, pictures or drawings.

It shall be a violation for any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel.  The school will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual or bias-related harassment or violations of civil rights and to take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel who is found in violation. 

FEDERAL AND MASSACHUSETTS LAWS BEARING ON CIVIL RIGHTS AND ON HARASSMENT AND BIAS CRIMES IN SCHOOL SETTINGS

Title I of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of  benefits on the basis of disability in the areas of employment.

Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities. 

Title VI of the Civil Right Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits based on race, color, religion, and nation origin.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits  in educational programs on basis of sex.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits based on disability.

Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5 prohibits discrimination in all public schools on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, and sexual orientation.

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