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Family Handbook 2014-2015 21 Queen Street, Dorchester, MA 02122 Phone: (617) 825-0703 Fax: (617) 825-1829 www.thenhcs.org
Family
Handbook 2014-2015
21 Queen Street, Dorchester, MA 02122 Phone: (617) 825-0703 Fax: (617) 825-1829
www.thenhcs.org
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English: If you would like a copy of this handbook in Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Vietnamese, or another language, please contact the Main Office. Cape Verdean Creole: Si bu kre un kópia di es manual na Kriolu Kabuverdianu ó na un otu lingua, pur favor, kontakta Sekretaria di skóla. Haitian Creole: Si ou t-a ule ti liv sa-a an Kreyòl, jis rele biro-a epi n-ap ba-ou youn, copi an Kreyòl. Spanish: Si necesitas una copia de este libro en Español, o otro idioma, por favor de llamar a la oficina. Vietnamese: Nếu bạn muốn một bản sao của cuốn sổ tay này tại Việt Nam, hoặc một ngôn ngữ khác, xin vui lòng liên hệ với Văn phòng chính.
The following resources are available on the school’s website (www.thenhcs.org):
2014-2015 Academic Calendar
Staff List
Organizational Chart
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Table of Contents
Letter from the Executive Director ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Mission Statement ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 General Information ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
School Contact Information ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Emergency Contact Information .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 School Hours ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Snow Days and Cancellations ............................................................................................................................................................... 6 Afterschool ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Visitor Policy ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 School Supplies ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Lockers and Cubbies ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 Lost and Found ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Celebrations ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Media/Photo Consent & Release Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 7 Transportation...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 School Meals ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Attendance ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Dress Code ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Admissions ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Accreditations and Affiliations ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Academic Program ................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Academic Progress ............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Homeroom and Advisories ................................................................................................................................................................. 15 MCAS/PARCC ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Field Lessons....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Homework .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Promotion and Retention ................................................................................................................................................................... 16 High School Placement and Transition ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Support for All Learners ..................................................................................................................................................................... 17 English Language Learners ................................................................................................................................................................. 17 Student Support Team Process .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Special Education ............................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Parent Involvement .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20 Family Learning Contract .................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Parent Council .................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Communication from and with the School ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Family Outreach Coordinator ............................................................................................................................................................. 21 Events ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Parent and Student Rights .................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Safety & Wellness .................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Student Support Team ....................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Social Services .................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Fire and Lockdown Drills .................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Health Services and Procedures ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
Code of Conduct ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Community Expectations ................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Banned Items ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Phone Use/Messages ......................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Internet Policy .................................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Academic Honesty .............................................................................................................................................................................. 28 Care of Books/Replacement ............................................................................................................................................................... 28 Hallway Behavior ................................................................................................................................................................................ 29 Stealing and Vandalism ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Fighting ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Respect ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Behavior Consequences ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Board of Trustees ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Immunization Law .................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
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Dear Families, Welcome to the start of the 2014-2015 school year at the Neighborhood House Charter School. Whether you are a new or returning family, there is a lot to know about the NHCS – from start times to attendance policies, events to internet policies and everything in between! This Handbook is designed to answer your many questions. It contains helpful information about school routines and expectations and also outlines school policies and the rights of students and families. Even if you’ve been a part of our community for many years, we hope that all families will read the Handbook carefully, as some policies do change from year to year. Neighborhood House is truly a community and it has been exciting to see how our community has come together, welcoming new families and working hard to provide a safe and healthy place for our children to learn and grow. I encourage all families to work in partnership with the school by participating in the Parent Council, volunteering in the classroom, attending performances and other events, and sharing special skills. We welcome your involvement! On behalf of the entire staff of Neighborhood House, we look forward to working with you and your children and we know it will be an excellent year! Sincerely,
Kate Scott Executive Director PS – From time to time, we do have reason to update the Family Handbook, even sometimes mid-year. The most updated version of the Handbook is always available on the NHCS’ website at the following address: http://www.thenhcs.org/our-school/information-for-families/parent-info-resources/ or you can request a copy at the front desk.
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Mission Statement Neighborhood House Charter School combines rich and structured learning with extensive social/emotional programming to help all our students succeed in school and in life. We strive to develop scholars who seek knowledge, embrace effort, act thoughtfully, and commit to the common good. Many children come to us with significant needs. We don’t give up on them. Our goal is that all of our students thrive at Neighborhood House, graduate from high school, and pursue post-secondary education on the path to life success.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
School Contact Information
Office Hours 7:45AM – 6:00PM
Telephone Number (617) 825-0703
Fax Number (617) 825-1829
Mailing Address
21 Queen Street Dorchester, MA 02122
Reception 617-825-0703, X0
School Website www.thenhcs.org
You are welcome to contact administrators and support staff directly at the extensions listed below. To contact your child’s teacher, call Reception at (617) 825-0703. If you call during school hours, your call will be forwarded to voicemail where you will be able to leave a message. If you call before or after school hours when the teacher is available, your call will be put through to the classroom. We do not give out classroom extensions. In an emergency, please contact the Heidi Lyne, Principal of K - 3 (x3230) or Sean Shirley-Davidson, Principal of 4 - 8 (x3250). You may also call Kate Scott, Executive Director (x3221).
Position Name Extension
Executive Director Kate Scott 3221
Office Manager Pamela Donnellan 3221
Principal of K - 3 Heidi Lyne 3230
Principal of 4 - 8 Sean Shirley-Davidson 3250
Director of Special Education and Student Support Michelle Arons 3220
Afterschool/Summer Program Director and Arts Dept. Chair Maura Jereb 3268
Reception Denise Choukas 0
Nurse’s Office Mary McNulty-Anglin 3271
Dining Hall Supervisor Linda Chapin 3228
Family Outreach Coordinator Nick Shiggs-Quiroga 3276
Director of Student Affairs Jaime-Denee Kimenker 3286
High School Placement Leona Watson 3259
Emergency Contact Information
It is critical that families keep current contact information on file with the school. Please be sure to call the school’s Main Office to notify NHCS in the event that any of the following information changes:
Parent/guardian’s home and work telephone numbers
Current address
Emergency contact person (must be someone other than the parent/guardian) with current phone number and address
Health insurance information
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School Hours
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri Wednesdays
K1 – 5th grade* 8:30 – 3:45 (doors open at 8:15 for breakfast everyday)
8:30 – 12:30
6th – 8th grade 8:00 – 3:35 (doors open at 7:40 for breakfast everyday)
8:00 – 1:00
*There will be supervision for younger siblings of students in grades 6 – 8 beginning at 7:45AM. For others needing early drop-off, arrangements must be made with Heidi Lyne, Principal of K – 3.
Snow Days and Cancellations
Neighborhood House follows the Boston Public Schools decisions regarding school cancellation or closing due to inclement weather or other emergencies. If the Boston Public Schools are closed, so is the NHCS. Parents and guardians should monitor major television or radio stations for announcements about school closings.
Afterschool
NHCS offers afterschool care for students in grades K1 through 8. This is a fee-for-service program that provides structured homework help, project-based activities and the arts. Applications are mailed home at the start of the school year and are also available at the front desk. Afterschool is available from 1 to 5 days per week and rates are on a sliding scale based on income and number of days in attendance. All after school care business (i.e. billing, special arrangements, change in hours, etc.) will be handled by Maura Jereb or her designee. If you have any questions, you may contact Ms. Jereb at ext. 3268. All services end at 6PM.
Visitor Policy
All members of the school community (parents and other family members, prospective students and families, board members, community partners, funders, alumni, and officials) are welcome to visit NHCS during regular school hours. Visits to particular classrooms should be scheduled with the classroom teacher in advance. All visitors are required to sign in and get a visitor’s pass at Reception, and confirm that permission from the classroom teacher has been granted. It is important to maintain a positive learning environment at all times; therefore, visitors should not disturb classroom or school building activities during their visits.
School Supplies
Students must come to school prepared to be successful, which includes coming with the appropriate supplies. Every student should have a backpack to carry lunches and school materials. Parents are expected to provide some basic school supplies (crayons, pencils, paper, glue, etc.) for their child. A list of required school supplies is determined and distributed by each classroom teacher.
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Lockers and Cubbies
Each NHCS student will be assigned a cubby or locker. Students may use lockers and cubbies to store personal items and are required to keep these areas tidy. Lockers and cubbies remain the property of NHCS, and the school reserves the right to search student lockers and their contents if there is reasonable cause to believe that the locker contains tobacco, drugs, alcohol, weapons, stolen goods, or any other substances or materials prohibited by the school. Middle School students may visit their lockers before and after school or during brief passing periods during the day. The inside of student lockers may be decorated with tape. Stickers and writing are prohibited. Students are financially responsible for any damage to their lockers. Any valuable items, such as cell phones, should be stowed in lockers during the day.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found items are located in clearly marked box on the main level and the 3rd floor by the elevator and delivery exit. These boxes are emptied several times a year and unclaimed items are donated to charity. Parents should put nametags or labels on sweaters, coats, hats, mittens, scarves, lunchboxes, backpacks, and any other easily misplaced items. Labeling clothing is particularly important for Middle School students because of the dress code – all clothing looks very similar. Teachers and faculty are not responsible for students’ hats, coats, gloves and other items lost throughout the year.
Celebrations
Class Parties: Individual classroom teachers will arrange all class parties. Families may be asked to contribute food or other supplies for classroom celebrations. Holidays: NHCS recognizes and appreciates that many students do not observe and celebrate the same holidays. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the individual classroom teachers to determine appropriate holiday celebrations within each classroom. Students are always encouraged to share special family traditions in class. Birthdays: Parents are welcome to arrange with classroom teachers to bring a simple treat such as cookies or cupcakes to celebrate a student’s birthday in class. Families should provide enough treats for all members of the class. Please keep in mind that some children suffer from airborne allergies, so check with the classroom teacher to be safe. Students who wish to invite classmates to birthday parties or other events outside of school may not pass out invitations at school unless they have invitations for every member of the class.
Media/Photo Consent & Release Policy
NHCS is eager to share the work that students and teachers are doing. This means that students can be interviewed, photographed, filmed, or have their work publicly exhibited. If you would prefer that your child not be photographed or filmed, please indicate this on the Media/Photo Consent & Release Form that was included in the Registration Packet.
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Transportation
School Bus
Students in grades K1 – 5 who live more than 1 mile from Neighborhood House are eligible for transportation via school bus provided by the Boston Public Schools. If your child is eligible, the BPS Transportation Department will send a notice with the bus stop location, time of pick-up and drop-off, and bus number. Students who ride the school bus must have a bus tag that lists their bus stop and emergency contact information. Students who ride school buses are generally picked up and dropped off at a stop near home. Parents may request a bus stop near their child’s before or after school program or day care location, with certain restrictions:
The requested stop must be on one of the school’s regular bus routes
There must be a seat available on the bus
Parents should be aware that the BPS Transportation Department does not guarantee that requests for an alternative stop will be granted, and requests can take several weeks to process. The earlier you submit your request, the better your chance of approval. During the summer, please contact the BPS Transportation Office, 26 Court Street, 4th floor or call (617) 635-9520. During the school year, please contact Heidi Lyne or Nat Anglin. Mr. Anglin can be reached at ext. 3270.
If you do not want your child to take the bus after school on a certain day, you must contact and speak directly with your child’s teacher or the receptionist at ext. 0 BEFORE 2:00pm on regular dismissal days or before 10:00am on Wednesdays.
Behavior on the Bus: NHCS considers the school bus to be “an extension of the classroom.” That means the NHCS Code of Conduct also applies on the school bus. Students who violate the Code of Conduct while on the bus may be disciplined and may be denied transportation. Any actions that endanger the health, safety, or comfort of the other students or the driver will not be tolerated. Students who do not follow the rules may be suspended from the bus.
MBTA Passes
Students in grades 6 – 8 who live more than 1.5 miles from Neighborhood House are eligible for an MBTA pass. Mr. Shirley-Davidson distributes passes to students at the start of each month. Students who ride the MBTA are subject to having their “T” pass revoked for violating the Code of Conduct while on the “T” or walking to and from “T” stop.
Cars and the Parking Lot
Families who drive to school must drive slowly through the parking lot yielding to all pedestrians. On-site parking is limited. Parents may use any clearly marked parking spot that is available. If there is no available parking, park on Neponset Street and walk your child up the hill. Do not park in handicapped spaces or in the center lanes of either the lower or upper parking lots, and do not block the fire lane by parking in unmarked locations around the traffic circle. If you are dropping off a child in front of NHCS, your child should be able to exit the vehicle on his/her own. You may not block the flow of traffic. If you need to exit your vehicle, please park your car in an appropriate parking spot. Please follow directions given by NHCS personnel regarding traffic during drop off and pick up.
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Private Transportation Companies
Some families arrange to have their students driven to and from school by a private transportation service or individual. For safety reasons, the school will not release a student to anyone other than the custodial parent or guardian without the parent’s permission. If you are making private transportation arrangements for your child, be sure to sign a release form, which you can get from the school office. This form releases NHCS from any liability if there is a problem with private service.
Early Pick-Up
Students are not allowed to leave school grounds without permission. If you need to pick up your child from school early, please inform your child’s teacher or advisor or the Receptionist at (617) 825-0703. It is important that NHCS has an accurate count of students in the building in case of an emergency. When you pick up your child, you should go to Reception, not to your child’s classroom. If your child returns to school later in the day, he or she needs to check back into school at Reception before returning to class.
Changes to Pick-up Plans
Parents of Lower School students must inform the school in writing or by phone if their child is to be dismissed with another student. Arrangements should be made ahead of time, as students will not be allowed to use the phone to make social plans. NHCS must be notified if there is someone who is specifically prohibited from seeing or picking up a student. This must be noted on the Emergency Contact Card you were given at the start of school. Parents who need to update the Emergency Contact Card should stop by the Main Office immediately. When this person is a natural parent or legal guardian of the child, a court order barring visitation must be on file with the school.
School Meals
Breakfast
NHCS is a universal free breakfast site, meaning that all students are entitled to breakfast each day at no charge. Breakfast begins at 7:40 for students in grades 6 – 8 and at 8:15 for students in K1 – grade 5.
Lunch
Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible for free or reduced priced meals. During the first thirty days of school, students receive meals based on their previous year’s eligibility status. Parents or guardians must submit a completed Free and Reduced School Meals Application on an annual basis with the exception of families that have Direct Certification from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who do not need to do so. Parents or guardians may be asked at any time during the school year to verify their eligibility for free or reduced priced meals. Families that do not qualify for free or reduced priced meals may purchase meals for your child on a monthly basis. A milk program is available for students who bring their own lunch but would like to purchase milk.
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Parents who need to pay for either full price or reduced price lunches have several options: (1) pay for the whole year at once, (2) pay for half the year at a time, or (3) pay month-by-month. With the third option, once parents complete the paperwork, it is their responsibility to remember to send in payment every month. Payment is due a week before the start of the new month. If families do not pay on a timely basis, it may result in lunch service being suspended for their child. Once students are enrolled in the school meals program, their names will be added to a meal service roster. Students will be offered a meal each day; no coupons or tickets are required. Because meals are pre-ordered from a food service company, we are not able to offer lunch to students on a day-by-day basis. Meals must be purchased a month in advance (no exceptions). If your child in enrolled in the school meals program, he/she may bring a lunch from home but you will not be reimbursed the cost of the lunch ordered for your child. Questions about school meals should be directed to Linda Chapin, Dining Hall Manager, at extension 3228.
Menus
Monthly menus are available on the NHCS website: www.thenhcs.org. They are also available at the front desk.
Snacks
Students are allowed to bring a healthy snack to enjoy during a mid-morning break each day. NHCS does not allow soda or candy during snack.
Attendance Excellent attendance and school success go hand in hand. The more frequently a student is absent – even if the absence is unavoidable – the harder it is for the student to keep up with the class.
Parents must send a note or call the school each day their child is absent. The note or phone call must include the date absent, the reason for the absence, a phone number where a parent or guardian can be reached, and, in the case of a note, the parent or guardian’s signature. While we expect communication from families to explain all absences, only the following reasons will result in the absence being excused:
An illness or injury that prevents the student from attending school. If an illness or injury results in an extended absence of more than three consecutive days, it must be verified by documentation from a health care provider.
A death in the immediate family.
Court appearances.
Medical, dental, or psychological appointments during the school day. The parent must show evidence (such as a note from a health care center) that the appointment could not be scheduled after school.
Religious observances.
Approved visits to high schools for Middle School students.
Other extraordinary situations approved by a Principal.
Here are a few examples of absences that will not be excused, even if the parent sends a note:
Repetitive and chronic absence due to illness or injury without documentation from a health care provider.
Student needed to baby-sit.
Family vacation.
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Students are expected to see their teachers and make up work after an absence.
Absence and Tardy Policy and Procedures
If a student has repeated unexcused absences or is chronically tardy, a parent meeting with the appropriate Principal will be required.
After meeting with the Principal, multiple unexcused absences or tardies may result in a referral to the school’s Student Support Team or truancy proceedings.
More than ten unexcused absences or tardies may result in retention and/or mandatory attendance of the Summer Academic Institute.
Any student more than 5 minutes late to school will be required to sign in at reception.
Any student with 5 or more unexcused absences or tardies in a month may: 1. Receive a phone call from school to a parent/guardian 2. If the tardiness or unexcused absences continue, a letter will be sent home to the student’s
parents/guardian outlining possible consequences and a copy of this letter will be placed in the student’s file.
3. Should the student’s tardiness or unexcused absences continue after the phone call and letter, a parent meeting with the Principal will be scheduled to discuss possible consequences of the student’s tardiness and unexcused absences, up to and including student retention.
Tardy Between Classes: Students are expected to arrive to their classes on time. Students in grades 4 - 8 will receive one demerit for every minute they are late to class and signed into office this results in more than 5 demerits in grades 4/5 or more than 3 demerits in grades 6 – 8.
Dress Code Students who do not arrive at school in proper attire will be sent to the office and then will be sent home or required to wait in the office until someone can drop off appropriate clothes for them at school.
Grades K1 - 5
Students are expected to dress appropriately at all times. The following items are not permitted for K1 – 5th grade students:
Any outerwear such as coats or gloves in school.
Hats, baseball caps, or other casual headwear such as bandanas, sweatbands, head-wraps, or do-rags.
Hoods on sweatshirts or jackets in school.
Distracting jewelry or clothing.
Offensive slogans and/or insignia.
Any clothing that is considered revealing.
Parents may purchase gym dress for their children if they wish to do so.
Grades 6 - 8
In addition to the guidelines above, Middle School students (grades 6 – 8) are expected to adhere to the following dress standards. Students not in dress code will not be allowed to attend class.
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Middle School Academic Days (4 days per week)
White or light blue oxford or polo shirts that may be long or short sleeved (must have a collar, must be worn buttoned, and must be tucked in).
Navy blue sweater or sweatshirt (may not have a hood or logo/design other than that of Neighborhood House). NHCS sweatshirts are available for purchase from the school.
Khaki or navy blue pants, skirt, shorts, or jumper (skirts, shorts, or jumpers may not be more than two inches above the knees). Jeans, cargo pants, drawstring pants, athletic pants, and pants with any type of side pocket or loops are not acceptable.
Pants must be worn above the hips.
Belts must be worn if pants or skirt has belt loops.
Shoes must have closed heels (no sandals or flip-flops) and heels may not be higher than 2 inches.
Shoes or solid black sneakers.
Narrow headbands are allowable. Bandanas, sweatbands, head-wraps, and hats or baseball caps are not allowed.
Only white or navy blue undershirts, tights, and leggings are allowed. Middle School Physical Education (PE) Days (1 day per week – specific days for each grade to be announced)
Every student is required to purchase official NHCS PE clothing: o One official pair of PE pants (either wind pants or sweatpants). o One official PE T-shirt. o One official PE sweatshirt (optional).
Entirely navy blue shorts that are no more than 2 inches above the knee may be worn on hot days.
Students may wear any type of sneakers on PE days.
Students are not allowed to wear any clothing that has been defaced in any way including marks, coloring, or tearing.
Middle School Casual Dress All students are eligible to dress down one day per week in appropriate casual attire if they had a good week the previous week. A good week means no tardies, no dress code infractions, and no behavioral incidents including but not limited to trips to the office. Dress down clothing must adhere to the appropriate dress guidelines outlined under “Dress Code – Grades K1 – 5”.
Admissions
The admissions process at NHCS is coordinated by the Office Manager and is overseen by the Executive Director. NHCS is a public school chartered by the state, but children who are Boston residents are given preference over non-residents. The K1 admissions process is done by lottery, which has an application deadline of February 28th and is held at NHCS in March. Exact dates vary from year to year. Applicants for the K1 lottery must be 4 years old on September 1 for the lottery year. Applicants for other grades can apply to the school at any time and are automatically placed on a waitlist for the appropriate grade. Sibling Preference: Enrollment for existing openings is offered first to siblings of current NHCS students. When a child is selected in the K1 lottery and has a sibling on the waiting list for another grade, that sibling is moved to the top of the waiting list.
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Accreditations and Affiliations
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Charter School
Office
NHCS is accredited through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Charter School Office. The Charter School Office reviews NHCS and all other charter schools every five years to determine whether the school’s charter should be renewed. NHCS successfully completed the renewal process in 2009 – 2010 and will be going through its renewal again during the 2014-15 school year. NHCS also submits an annual report to the Charter School Office for review, and this is available to the community on the NHCS’ website: www.thenhcs.org or on the DESE’s website at www.doe.mass.edu/charter/reports. Parents can also request a copy of the annual report from the main office.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The NHCS’ kindergarten programs (both K1 and K2) are also accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Every 5 years, NAEYC conducts a thorough review of NHCS’s kindergarten programs to ensure that we meet their rigorous standards for early childhood education. NHCS’ most recent NAEYC accreditation was earned during the 2013-2014 school year.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Academic Progress
Student Report Forms Grades K1 - 4
In grades K1 - 4, students’ academic and behavioral progress is reported in writing and during goal-setting conferences. Parents receive a full student report in January and June and a progress update in November and April. The written report shows achievements as measured against the benchmark for that grade level with a brief narrative.
Student Report Forms Grades 5 – 8
In grades 5 – 8, students receive report cards four times a year. Two copies of each report are mailed home. One copy of each report must be signed and returned to the school.
Progress reports are sent home each quarter. These are unofficial reports that do not appear on the official transcript.
Report cards are mailed home at the end of each quarter. These grades do appear on the official transcript.
Core academic classes are graded on the following numeric scale:
97 – 100 = A+ 87 – 89 = B+ 77 – 79 = C+ 0 – 69 = F
93 – 96 = A 83 – 86 = B 73 – 76 = C
90 – 92 = A- 80 – 82 = B- 70 – 72 = C-
Art, music, drama/dance and physical education, which are required classes for students in grades 6 – 8, are graded on the following scale:
Outstanding = O
Satisfactory = S
Needs Improvement = N
Unsatisfactory = U
In addition, students in grades 6 -8 receive a citizenship grade in every class each marking period using the scale above. Citizenship grades are based on teachers’ assessment of students’ conduct, behavior, and demonstration of community values and expectations. Students who have earned at least one “Outstanding” and nothing lower than a “Satisfactory” for all of their citizenship grades in a particular quarter earn Citizenship Honor Roll.
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Final Exams
All students in grades 6 – 8 will complete final exams in the core academic classes during the final week of the school year. Final exams are a culmination of the year’s learning and count as one-fifth of each student’s grade in that course for the school year. Teachers will conduct review sessions for final exams during classes and, on occasion, after school. Students in grades K1 – 5 do not take final exams.
Academic Awards
In the Upper School, NHCS recognizes high academic achievement with the following awards:
High Honors – Awarded to students who have earned an A (90% or above) in each of the core academic classes and an S or an O in all other classes.
Honors – Awarded to students who have earned an A or B (80% or above) in each of the core academic classes and an S or an O in all other classes.
Students who pass all classes at each progress report are allowed to dress down in their SCHOLAR shirt the Friday of the report.
Homerooms and Advisories All students are assigned either a homeroom teacher (grades K1 – 5) or an advisor (grades 6 – 8). The assigned homeroom teacher or advisor is the primary contact for the student and his or her family, and oversees the student’s progress, conducts parent meetings, and provides support and guidance to the student.
MCAS/PARCC
2014-15 marks the first year that NHCS, along with a majority of school districts across the Commonwealth, will be giving the newly developed PARCC Assessments. PARCC stands for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers. PARCC Assessments will be given to all students in grades 3 – 8 in English and in math. Tests are administered in the spring, with results reported the following fall. Students in grades 5 and 8 will continue to take the MCAS Science/Technology and Engineering test in the spring of 2015.
Field Lessons
Individual classroom teachers arrange field lessons as an important part of the curriculum. Attending field lessons is a privilege. Students are expected to participate but if they have difficulty adhering to school rules, they may not be allowed to do so. Occasionally parents will be asked to contribute to the cost of the trip or asked to chaperone. Teachers will send home a permission slip prior to each field lesson. It is imperative that students have a signed permission slip turned in by the deadline. Teachers and school administrators reserve the right to 1) deny field lesson privileges to students who do not turn in a permission slip and 2) obtain oral permission in certain cases.
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Homework
Parental interest and support are very important in developing the study habits that lead to school success and student learning. Parents should provide a quiet place where their child can establish a study schedule, work without interruption, and learn to organize his or her assignments. Students will be held accountable for completing their homework assignments and will receive consequences for failing to do so.
Students in grades 4 – 8 receive homework planners at the beginning of the year from their teachers. Students should use their planners to record their homework assignments on a daily basis. Parents should check their child’s planner each night. The planner should never be blank; if a teacher assigns no homework then “none” will be written in that subject’s box in the planner.
Homework Detention (Grades 6 – 8) Students who miss more than two assignments per week will serve a homework detention on Friday. Students who are failing one or more subjects are required to attend Homework Club from 3:35 until 4:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Students in Homework Club focus on work due for the next day – not on missing assignments. If homework is not complete at the end of detention, the student is sent home and expected to complete the work at home.
Promotion and Retention
Grades K1 – 3
Classroom teachers, support personnel, administrators and parents will make promotion decisions on a case-by-case basis. A student’s academic progress, language development, social development, special needs, and age are factors in making promotion decisions. Discussions about promotion typically begin in early spring and the school will inform parents as early as possible if retention is being considered for their child.
Grades 4 – 8
Students’ final grades will be computed based on an average of their grades for each of the four quarters of the school year as well as their grade on the final exam. Students must have an overall average of 70% in each class to pass and be promoted to the next grade. Alternative Promotion is an option for parents or guardians whose children fail to meet the promotion standards. An application must be submitted in writing to the school for this request to be considered.
If a student fails one class (below 70%), he or she will be required to attend the Summer Institute or a summer school program within the Boston Public School District.
If a student fails two or more classes, he or she will not be promoted to the next grade and may also be asked to attend the Summer Institute or an accredited summer school program.
Eighth grade students in good academic standing will receive a diploma and participate in Commencement. Eighth grade students who fail one class for the year will be allowed to attend Commencement but will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than a diploma. Eighth grade students who fail two or more classes for the year will not be allowed to attend Commencement and are eligible for retention.
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High School Placement and Transition The NHCS High School Placement Program provides a wide variety of support for students and families. Beginning in the sixth grade, and becoming more intensive by the eighth grade, students may participate in the following activities:
Information sessions
School visits
Guest speakers on the topic of high school application and particular schools
Preparation for placement examinations
Workshops on essay writing and interview skills Students from linguistic, racial, and ethnic minorities; males; females; homeless students; and students with disabilities all receive the same information and academic counseling as other students on the full range of general curricular and any occupational/vocational opportunities available to them. Some students at NHCS are provided with mentors who guide students through the application process.
Parents are required to attend high school placement meetings and to respond in a timely fashion when contacted by the high school placement office.
Supports for All Learners
NHCS believes that it is critical to ensure that all possible efforts are made to meet student needs in general education classrooms and to support teachers in analyzing and accommodating the wide range of student learning styles and needs that exist in any school. NHCS offers a wide range of accommodations, instructional supports and strategies within the general education program, and has an established process for determining effective interventions for struggling learners, as documented by the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP). A copy of the DCAP is available upon request.
English Language Learners
The goals of Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) programs are the development of English proficiency, content knowledge, and academic language skills sufficient to prepare students for success in mainstream classes with no ELL services. SEI programs provide two services: 1) English Language development in accordance with a child’s English proficiency level, taught by an ESL-certified teacher; and 2) sheltered content classes taught by a teacher who has completed a minimum of 70 hours of professional development in four specific SEI categories. State Law Chapter 71A requires that all ELLs receive SEI unless they receive a waiver.
Students for whom English is not their primary language have equal rights of access to all courses of study. They also have the right to participate in all school-sponsored activities. The law allows a choice of language learning programs for students ages 10 and older.
The Student Support Team Process
The Student Support Team is a regular education process initiated by any staff member or parent when they have concerns about a student’s progress, either academic or social/emotional. The members of the Student Support Team meet with the classroom teacher(s) and serve as a resource by helping to identify instructional strategies or
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program modifications that might benefit the student. The team meets again after a period of four to six weeks to assess the student’s progress and to make further suggestions. The Student Support Team may make a referral for a special education evaluation if the student continues to have difficulty or a disability is suspected. Parents are informed of a classroom teacher’s concern prior to a referral.
Special Education
Services
NHCS strives to be an inclusive school placing all students in the least restrictive learning environment. Federal and state laws guarantee every student the right to a free and appropriate public education regardless of disability. Classroom teachers and special education staff work together to ensure that each student’s education is appropriate to meet his or her needs and that all students with special needs have access to the general education curriculum. Accommodations are made to allow students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to be successfully included in the general education classroom. NHCS employs a range of educational professionals with specific qualifications to meet the needs of students of students with special needs. These staff members include learning specialists, an occupational therapist, a speech/language pathologist, and a school psychologist.
Process
If a student is having continued difficulty in school and if accommodations have not proved to be effective, a special education evaluation may be requested. A teacher or specialist, an administrator, the Student Support Team, or a parent may request that a student be evaluated. Parents should contact the Director of Special Education and Student Support if they would like an evaluation. NHCS is responsible for responding to the request within five school days and completing the evaluation upon signed parental consent within 30 school days. Upon completion of the evaluation, the school will convene a team meeting to review the results and determine if the student meets the eligibility criteria for special education services. If it is appropriate for the student to receive services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed. Parents are important members of the decision-making team and their input is critical. It is essential that parents attend these team meetings. Parents may invite individuals from outside the school who play a valuable role in their child’s education to attend this meeting.
Eligibility
A student must meet all of the following criteria in order to be eligible for special education services:
The student must have a disability.
The disability must lead to a lack of effective progress in regular education.
The student must need specially designed instruction and/or related services (OT, Speech-Language and/or counseling) to make effective progress.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
The IEP is the legal document that identifies the services and accommodations that are necessary for a student to make effective progress. Parents play an important role in the development of this document because they often know how their child learns best.
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The IEP is reviewed yearly by the team – the student’s teachers, any specialists such as the Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist, the parents, anyone that the parents invite, and, quite often the student depending on his or her age. At this meeting, the team will discuss the student’s progress, map out future goals, and determine appropriate services and accommodations for the upcoming year. Parents have the right to accept or reject parts of the IEP or the entire IEP. No services can be provided to the student until his or her parent or guardian signs the IEP. Re-evaluations of eligibility for special education services occur every three years.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a group of parents who discuss the special education services in the school. Parents work closely with the Director of Special Education/Student Support to advise the school about services, education, and the well-being of students with disabilities at NHCS. We welcome all parents to attend the PAC meetings.
504 Accommodation Plan
Upon completion of an evaluation, the IEP team will meet and may recommend that a 504 Accommodation Plan be written for a student rather than an IEP. A 504 Plan is a legal document, which is primarily a classroom accommodation plan. It is not an IEP. In order to be eligible for a 504 Plan, a student must have a disability which “substantially limits one or more major life activities,” such as learning. However, the student may still be making effective progress in the general education curriculum. There may only be a need for some classroom accommodations and/or consultation with the classroom teacher to address the disability. A 504 Accommodation Plan is reviewed annually by the team.
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PARENT INVOLVEMENT
A strong partnership between families and school is critical to students’ success and an important part of building a positive school community. Research has shown that the most important things parents can do to support their children’s academic success are 1) monitor homework; 2) make sure their child gets to school; 3) reward their child’s efforts; and 4) talk up the idea of going to college. Our goal is to encourage parents to be as involved as possible with the life of the school and their children’s learning.
Family Learning Contract By choosing to send your child to NHCS, you have decided to be an active participant in your child’s education. The Family Learning Contract outlines responsibilities for participation in this partnership. The Family Learning Contract is an agreement between you and the Neighborhood House Charter School. Parents receive a copy of the Family Learning Contract along with a Volunteer Resource Form at the beginning of each school year.
Parent Council The Parent Council mission statement is “to build a community of families actively involved in our children’s education.” The Parent Council welcomes all parents. The Parent Council is a volunteer, parent-run organization that meets regularly throughout the year to organize social and fundraising events and to discuss issues affecting NHCS. A variety of committees give parents many ways to be involved. Parent Council meetings are held in the evening, and a light dinner and childcare are provided.
First Fridays: The Parent Council will host a dinner/activity night on the first Friday of every month starting in October. It is a potluck dinner organized by the family event committee. First Fridays are a time for students and their families, as well as teachers and staff, to get together for food, fun and organized activities such as games, art activities and simply socializing.
Communication from and with the School
It is the responsibility of parents to stay informed about all school activities. NHCS communicates with parents in many different ways. Written communications such as newsletters, field lesson permission slips, and notices of upcoming events are sent home in your child’s backpack. Therefore, it is your responsibility to check your child’s backpack each day. We strongly encourage parents to join the parent listserv. Please contact the Family Outreach Coordinator at Ext. 3276 to sign up for the listserv or reach out to one of the co-chairs of the Parent Council. This is a great way for you to receive regular information via email. Important reminders about meetings and school activities are also sent through this listserv. When parents receive a phone message from their child’s teacher, it is very important that they return the phone call as soon as possible. If parents wish to contact a teacher, they may leave a voicemail message and should expect to be contacted within one school day.
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We are unable to pull students out of class to take phone calls and students are unable to call home from reception during school hours. NHCS encourages parents to share important information such as a death in the family, the loss of a pet, moving, changes in family situation, and changes in employment with classroom teachers and advisors. These changes can affect a student’s performance in the classroom as well as their interactions with their classmates. Please contact your child’s teacher or the appropriate Principal to discuss this type of information.
Family Outreach Coordinator
The Family Outreach Coordinator serves to promote the partnership between school, families, and the community. In an effort to achieve this partnership, The Family Outreach Coordinator will focus on the following this year: attending Parent Council and Executive Parent Council meetings as the school liaison; notifying families of school and community events; supporting parents to be included in the listserv; helping to linking families in need to appropriate resources; and acting as NHCS liaison for various agencies pertaining to family involvement.
Events
There are many events throughout the year that give families an opportunity to learn about and celebrate what goes on in our classrooms and hallways. Some examples include Arts Solstice, Kindergarten Museum Night, and Eighth Grade Commencement. Parents and relatives are invited and encouraged to attend. Town Meeting: Town Meeting is held on Fridays at 2:45 pm and is an opportunity for students to gather to celebrate NHCS and each other. Parents and relatives are welcome.
Parent and Student Rights
Title I
The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds a number of grants. The largest of these is Title I, which aims to improve basic education for low-income students. Under this law, NHCS parents have the following rights:
1. The NHCS must inform you on an annual basis about the school’s accountability level. Possible accountability levels range from 1 – 5 with the highest performing schools earning a Level 1 rating and the lowest performing schools in Level 5. Neighborhood House remains a Level 1 school.
2. At your request, the school must provide information about the qualifications of the professional staff in your child’s school.
3. The school must inform you when your child will be taught by an unqualified teacher for longer than four consecutive weeks.
In addition, the school holds an annual Title 1 parents meeting to inform parents about the rights and responsibilities associated with having their child enrolled in a school wide Title 1 program. Finally, parents are encouraged to be involved with updating and evaluating the Title 1 Parent Involvement Policy on an annual basis.
Student Records
A student’s record consists of his or her school transcript and temporary record. As the parent or guardian of your child you have the right (as mandated in The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act [FERPA]) to inspect all
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portions of your child’s student record upon written request to the Executive Director. You may also request copies of any part of the record. Any student who is at least 14 years old has the right to view and receive a copy of his or her student record.
Confidentiality of Student Records
No individual or organization other than the parent, guardian, eligible student, or school personnel who works directly with the student is allowed access to a student’s record without specific written consent of the parent, guardian, or eligible student.
Transfer of Student Records
It is the responsibility of parents to make sure that their child’s academic records from a previous school are transferred to NHCS. Parents have found that the best way to do this is to go to your child’s former school in person and pick up the records and bring them to NHCS. Records for graduating eighth grade students will be forwarded to the students’ high school by NHCS.
Homeless Education Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is the federal law that entitles children who are homeless to a free, appropriate public education, and requires schools to remove barriers to their enrollment, attendance, and success in school. All homeless children have a right to receive an equitable level and quality of services provided to other children, including transportation, educational services, and nutritional and health services. Please contact the Director of Special Education/Student Support if you have any questions.
Grievance Procedures
Students or family members who have a grievance with regard to discrimination on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, proficiency in the English language or a foreign language, or prior academic achievement should submit a complaint to the Executive Director. The Executive Director will address complaints either verbally or in writing. Any individual who believes that the school has violated any provision of the charter school law or regulations may file a complaint in writing to the NHCS Chair of the Board of Trustees. The Chair will respond to the complaint in writing.
Anti-Discrimination
NHCS does not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); on the basis of gender, in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; on the basis of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); or on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1974 (ADEA). In addition, no person shall be discriminated against in admission to NHCS on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age, proficiency in the English Language or a foreign language, or prior academic achievement, as required by M.G.L. c.71, §89(l); 603 CMR 1.06(1).
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Finally, no person shall be discriminated against in obtaining the advantages, privileges, or access to the courses of study offered by NHCS on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation as required by M.G.L. c. 76, §5. The Executive Director of NHCS oversees compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1974.
Freedom from Harassment
All NHCS students and staff members are entitled to work and learn in an environment that is free from verbal, physical, or emotional harassment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or proficiency in English. Harassment can consist of, but is not limited to, the following: jokes, name-calling, gestures, the display of pictures or symbols, written notes, innuendoes, comments, or other behavior that offends or shows disrespect to a student or staff member including but not limited to the following: race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or proficiency in English. This includes all face to face, internet, or written infractions whether direct or through a third party. Sexual harassment can consist of, but is not limited to, the following: sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. NHCS has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is a comprehensive approach to addressing bullying and cyber bullying, and the school is committed to working with students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent issues of violence. In consultations with these constituencies, we have established this plan for preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents bullying, cyber bullying and retaliation. The Executive Director is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan, which can be found on our website at http://www.thenhcs.org/our-school/information-for-families/parent-info-resources/ or upon request at the front desk. Appropriate disciplinary action (including trips to the office, suspension, or expulsion) will be enacted in cases where students are found to be harassing or bullying other students or staff members or treating them in a discriminatory manner. Students, family members, or staff members who have a concern about harassment should make a written complaint to the Executive Director. The Executive Director or designee will respond to concerns verbally or in writing within 48 hours.
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SAFETY & WELLNESS
The Neighborhood House Charter School is deeply invested in the safety and wellness of our students and believes that these are prerequisites to student learning. The Student Support staff provides health and social services on-site and works in partnership with a variety of agencies and organizations to provide different educational, health, and social service programs.
Student Support Team
The Student Support Team works to identify students and families in need and to provide individualized supports and services on a case-by-case basis. This interdisciplinary team is made up of the Director of Special Education and Student Support, Principals, Director of Student Affairs, Family Outreach Coordinator, social worker, school psychologist, and the school nurse. The team consults with classroom teachers and specialists to address the needs of students and families. In addition to providing direct services to students and families on-site at NHCS, Student Support staff advocate on behalf of individual students and their families. The staff works with pediatricians, behavioral health providers, and other specialists as well as with health and social service agencies to ensure the best care possible.
Social Services
Students and families have access to social and health services professionals who provide services and supports to individual students and families. Staff provide support for families in crisis, lead support groups (friendship, anger management), access resources and supports in the community, support effective communication between families and health and social service providers, and work with teachers to develop classroom strategies and curriculum (conflict resolution). NHCS works closely with several agencies to provide health/mental health services for our students and their families. Students can access the following services during the school year:
Families can request a consultation with any member of the Student Support Team.
Families in crisis are encouraged to contact the Director of Special Education and Student Support, the Principal, or the Family Outreach Coordinator for support and guidance.
Families with health insurance can apply for individual counseling for their child, which is provided on-site at NHCS by a Licensed Mental Health Clinician.
Families can access grief counseling and support through NHCS, which works closely with experts in the field from the organization Good Grief.
Fire and Lockdown Drills NHCS has documented fire and lockdown procedures which will be practiced by students and staff multiple times each year.
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Health Services and Procedures
NHCS employs a full time registered nurse. The nurse’s office is open between 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday. The nurse provides in-school care for students, implements required screenings, manages health records and forms for all students, and contacts parents regarding health problems. Please be sure to contact the nurse and your child’s teacher if your child has any unusual health concerns or if your child is absent from school due to a contagious disease as precautions may need to be taken to protect the other children.
Required Health Forms
Physical exam forms
A copy of the student’s insurance card
Proof of immunizations
Emergency health form These and other forms found in the Registration Packet must be handed into the nurse before the first day of school. Parents should submit updated copies of health information to the nurse as they are received.
Immunizations
According to state law, students must be up-to-date on immunizations before they enter school. Parents must submit a doctor’s record stating students’ immunizations. The record must include the day, month, and year that the immunizations were given. (See Appendix L: Immunization Law.)
Absence Due to Illness
For the safety and welfare of all students, it is important to keep your child at home if he or she has the following:
A fever over 100 degrees for the past 24 hours
Taking cold- or fever-reducing medication
A sore throat and/or swollen neck glands
An undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions
Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
Head lice that have not been treated If your child is absent due to illness, please call the Main Office by 9 AM.
Medications
As much as possible, students should take medication at home. If students must take medication at school, parents (not students) must provide the nurse with the medication, a signed physician’s medication instruction form, and a signed parent consent form. All medication, including over-the-counter medication (i.e. Tylenol, Sudafed, etc.) and prescription medication, must be administered by the nurse. In the case that the nurse is not available, another staff member will be designated to administer medication. The nurse and/or designated staff person will call parents prior to administering the medication. In the case of an emergency related to allergies, the nurse and any other trained personnel can administer an Epi-pen. On field trips, the nurse may delegate another adult to administer medication to the student.
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Medical Emergencies
If a student is sick or injured at school, the school will make every effort to reach the parent or the emergency contact person named on the student’s emergency card on file in the office. The Executive Director and the nurse will decide what action to take. School personnel will only provide first-aid treatment. Most illnesses and injuries that occur during the school day are minor and can be treated by the nurse. If the student’s condition is serious as determined by the nurse and/or Executive Director, the Executive Director or his/her designee will call for an ambulance. A school employee will stay with the student in the ambulance and at the hospital until the parent arrives.
Warm Clothing for Winter Months
During the winter months, it is important that children be dressed appropriately. Warm jackets with hats and gloves are necessary as recess is an important part of our school day. Children go out for recess every day with the exception of extreme cold or inclement weather; sending in a second set of clothes for our younger students (K1 – grade 2) would be helpful.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct applies to the behavior of students while they are in school, on school grounds (before school, at recess, and after school), at school-sponsored activities, and on their way to and from school (on the school bus, at the bus stop, on the MBTA, etc.). Parents are urged to help students understand the expectations set forth by NHCS. The purpose of the behavior guidelines is to ensure a happy, cooperative, respectful, safe, and effective environment for learning. Students at NHCS are responsible for their personal behavior at all times.
Community Expectations
All NHCS students are expected to adhere to the following Community Expectations at all times:
Make Good Choices
Make Things Better, Not Worse
Respect Yourself, Others, and the Community
Banned Items NHCS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items. Items brought to school without permission from the Principal will also be confiscated and returned only to a parent or guardian. Electronics (mp3 players, video games, cellphones, etc.) may never be used during school hours or in the school building. Students are discouraged from bringing these items to school. Students are responsible for turning off and locking up these items during the school day. Toys of any kind are not allowed. Candy, soda, and gum are not allowed on school grounds, at the park, or on field trips, except during special events approved in advance by the classroom teacher. Alcohol and Drugs: Possession, use, or selling of any drugs, including tobacco, alcohol, controlled illegal drugs, or the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter medication is strictly prohibited. Student use or possession of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco is a violation of both federal and state laws. Students who are found in possession of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco are subject to suspension or possible expulsion. Teachers are instructed to immediately report any possible alcohol or drug related behavior to the Main Office.
Weapons: In accordance with the federal Gun Free Schools Act, NHCS does not allow weapons of any kind on school grounds at any time. Possession or use of any item reasonably used or perceived as a weapon is grounds for immediate suspension or possible expulsion.
Phone Use/Messages
Parents are encouraged to have students leave cell phones at home. If it is absolutely necessary to have cell phones when traveling to and from school, students must understand that they may not use them in the school building.
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Cell phones may be carried by students but must be turned off (not just put on vibrate) prior to entering the building. They may not be turned on again until the student leaves the building at dismissal. Any student found with a cell phone that is on or visible during the day will receive two trips to the office. Any student using a cell phone in school may have the phone confiscated until the following school day and returned only to a parent or guardian. Students are permitted to use the phone only with teacher permission and supervision. Parents who need to leave a message for their child should call Reception.
Internet Policy
NHCS provides Internet access to enhance classroom learning. Access to the Internet will be provided only to those students who act in a responsible manner. Use of the internet is a privilege, not a right. Responsible, ethical, and legal behavior is expected from each student. A responsible user of the internet:
Only uses the internet for educational purposes approved by a teacher.
Does not tamper with the system, alter, delete, or destroy anyone else’s files or data.
Does not play games or download files from the Internet without permission from a teacher.
Does not visit questionable sites such as chat rooms, or violent or obscene sites – students who accidentally enter unacceptable sites must immediately close the window and report to the teacher.
Students are not allowed to write disparaging remarks about teachers, peers on social networks or sites used by school. Consequences for doing so are severe.
Academic Honesty
It is expected that all work completed by NHCS students is their own. Academic dishonesty, or cheating, is unacceptable and consequences may include receiving a zero on the work involved, a parent meeting with the relevant Principal, detention, or suspension. These consequences are contingent on the circumstances and age of the student. Repeated offences may result in expulsion from the school. Some examples of academic dishonesty include:
Looking at notes or books during a closed book test or quiz.
Showing work to another student or looking at another student’s work during a test or quiz without a teacher’s permission.
Copying another student’s class-work or homework or allowing another student to copy your class-work or homework without a teacher’s permission.
Using the thoughts or words of another author (from a book, the internet, or any other source) without properly attributing them.
Care of Books/Replacement Students are expected to treat all school materials with respect. In many classes, students will be issued at least one text or workbook and often borrow reading books from the class library. Students need permission to borrow books and materials, and they should be returned in the same condition as they were borrowed. These books are costly and important to student learning. Students will be expected to replace lost or damaged materials or pay a fine. Parents are held responsible for payments due to lost or damaged books.
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Hallway Behavior
When walking through the halls, students should walk in an orderly fashion. All students should be quiet and respectful of nearby classrooms. Students should keep their hands to themselves and be careful to not disturb student work on the walls or personal items stored in lockers and cubbies. Running or using loud voices is not acceptable. Students are required to have a Hallway or Bathroom Pass in order to enter the hallways unaccompanied. Students should not loiter in the hallways or enter other classrooms without permission.
Stealing and Vandalism
NHCS students are expected to be respectful of both NHCS property and other students’ property. Students who steal or damage the property of others may be suspended or expelled. All valuable items should be left at home. If there is a reason to bring a valuable item to school, students must lock the item in their locker. NHCS assumes no responsibility for personal items brought to school that are stolen or damaged.
Fighting
NHCS strives to create a safe community for all students. Accordingly, any manner of fighting or rough behavior is totally unacceptable and grounds for suspension or possible expulsion. The precipitating behavior is irrelevant. All physical infractions will be grounds for suspension.
Respect
NHCS students are expected to be respectful to all members of the community. Demonstrating respect includes the following: tone of voice, language, gestures and following directions. Further, students must adhere to the school rules. Failure to do so may result in a trip to the office, suspensions or expulsion (depending on the frequency and severity of the offense).
Behavioral Consequences
Teachers will administer logical consequences when appropriate. For instance if a student is running in the hallway they may be asked to go back and walk. If a student litters in the room they may be asked to pick up trash around the classroom. Classroom teachers and the Principal will decide on appropriate consequences for students who do not follow the Code of Conduct. They will notify parents about serious or repeated infractions. If students do not improve their behavior, they can be removed from the classroom community, suspended or expelled. The student will meet with the School Counselor as determined by the appropriate Principal or the Director of Student Affairs in collaboration with parents.
Approach to Student Behavior (Grades K1 – 3)
We view the K1 to 3 years as a learning time not only for academics but for behavior. We use a three-tiered approach to help children with this. When a child is having a difficult time following the rules in class s/he is given 3 reminders. If s/he continues to have trouble following the expectations, s/he is asked to spend some time reflecting in a reflection chair in the class but apart from the group, and to fill out a reflection sheet, which is later processed with the teacher. If the child continues to have a hard time s/he is asked to go to another classroom to
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sit quietly and get some work done. When a child reaches this stage, or when something happens that is aggressive or otherwise unsafe behavior, the child is given a “Make Good Choice” sheet to take home, and the parent is informed. A member of the Student Support Team is called to process with the child. In the event of multiple issues of this severity, the SST member will call the parent and together they will plan an individualized approach to help the child. We ask that parents fill out and sign the “Make Good Choices” sheet whenever it is sent home, to maintain communication between school and home.
Merits and Demerits (Grades 4 – 8)
Teachers give merits for positive behavior such as helping another student; picking up a piece of trash, holding a door, etc. Students can redeem merits at the merit store monthly. Teachers will attempt to use warnings and logical consequences to modify behavior prior to giving demerits. Students may receive demerits for willfully and repeatedly not adhering to basic expectations or minor behavioral offenses such as being rude, disruptive, and disrespectful.
Trips to Office (Grades 4 – 8)
Students are sent to the office if they have lost all chances in the class through accumulated demerits, or for a major offense. Major offenses include swearing, peer insults, disrespect to a teacher, etc. When a student is sent to the office the incident is recorded on a student process sheet, which includes asking the student what he/she did, what lead to the behavior, and what he/she could do next time. A phone call is then made home to inform the parents of the trip to the office. If a student receives four trips to the office in one week the result is Friday detention until 5:30. Failure to report to a behavior detention will result in a suspension. If the student receives 8 trips to the office in a week the result is suspension.
Suspensions (Grades K1 – 3)
Suspension is not being allowed to attend school for a limited number of school days. We make every effort to avoid suspension as a consequence for students in grades K1 – 3. In the event that a suspension is unavoidable for serious violations of the Code of Conduct, suspensions may be in or out of school. If a student is given an out of school suspension, a parent or guardian must meet with the Principal of K - 3 at 7:30 am on the day that the child is scheduled to return to school (unless other arrangements have been made). Suspensions may be appealed to the Executive Director either by appointment or in writing, within two school days of the suspension. The Executive Director or his or her designee will address appeals either verbally or in writing within five school days of receiving the appeal.
Suspensions (Grades 4 – 8)
Suspensions primarily occur due to one particularly egregious act such as fighting, vandalism, extreme rudeness or foul language. When a student receives a suspension the parents are notified directly over the phone. If they request the suspension in writing then it is provided. The suspension is usually served the following day out of school. For more egregious actions or patterns of behavior the number of suspension days increases. In-school suspensions can be granted at the request of the parent or the school administration. The suspended student is required to write a letter and have a reentry meeting the following morning meeting with an administrator, the student, and the parent. The purpose of this meeting is to determine if the student is ready to reenter the community and has learned from the experience and is willing to change their behavior.
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Suspensions (Students with Special Needs)
Students with special needs who are suspended for more than ten days are entitled to services from NHCS to ensure that they continue to receive a free and appropriate public education. In addition, students with special needs are entitled to additional procedural safeguards prior to any suspension beyond ten consecutive days or more than ten cumulative days (if there is a pattern of suspension) in any school year. If students are suspended for more than ten days, NHCS will, as required by law, and with parental participation, conduct a functional behavioral assessment, develop and implement a behavior intervention plan, and conduct a manifestation determination that determines if the behavior was a manifestation of the student’s disability. In order for the team to make a manifestation determination, the following factors will be taken into consideration:
Is the IEP/placement appropriate?
Are supplementary aids and services provided?
Were behavioral interventions and supports provided?
Did the student understand the behavior and could the student control it? Parents may request a hearing if they disagree with the determination that their child’s behavior was not a manifestation of the child’s disability, or with any decision regarding placement. If a student is in the process of receiving an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education, or if NHCS had prior knowledge that the student may have a disability, the student is protected under the same regulations as a student with special needs. In disciplining Section 504 disabled students, the procedure discipline of regular education students shall be used with the following exceptions: Whenever a section 504 disabled student, or a student who is in the process of being evaluated, is considered for long-term suspension or expulsion, certain procedures must be followed. A suspension or expulsion for more than ten consecutive days constitutes a significant change in placement which triggers due process requirements. A series of suspensions, each fewer than ten school days, may create a pattern of exclusion that constitutes a significant change in placement. Among the factors considered in determining whether a series of suspensions results in a significant change of placement are the length of each suspension, the proximity of the suspensions to one another and the total amount of time the child is excluded from school. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that a school district conduct a re-evaluation prior to a significant change in placement.
Expulsions (all grades)
Expulsion is not being allowed to attend school for a minimum of eleven school days and a maximum of one full calendar year. The Executive Director may recommend that a student be expelled from school only in the most serious cases.
A student may be subject to an expulsion hearing for these violations:
Possessing a firearm
Using a dangerous weapon or object of no reasonable use in a threatening manner
Assault and battery on school staff resulting in physical injury
Sexual assault
Selling or distributing a controlled substance (including illegal drugs) or possessing a controlled substance with intent to sell or distribute
Excessive suspensions
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A student may be suspended or subject to an expulsion hearing for serious offenses, including:
Assault and battery on school staff or another person – this means harming, attempting to harm, or threatening to harm another person, with or without a weapon or dangerous object
Bullying or harassment
Possessing a controlled substance
Bringing a weapon to school
Threatening another person with a mock gun or a dangerous object
Damaging or stealing private or school property (or threatening to do so)
Sexually harassing another person
Using racial or ethnic slurs or obscene language
Breaking the rules for acceptable use of e-mail or the Internet
Disrupting school or classroom activity
Tampering with school records
Leaving the school without permission or cutting classes excessively In certain circumstances, a student may be indefinitely suspended or expelled for conduct unrelated to school or school activities, such as when the student is charged with or convicted of a felony and the Executive Director determines the student’s continued presence would disrupt the school. This list is meant as a guide only. The Executive Director will use discretion when assigning suspensions and expulsions. The Executive Director or his or her designee will, on occasion, consult with the Student Support Team to seek counsel on appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.
The Expulsion Process 1. In some cases, when a student commits an expellable offense, the Executive Director may order an
emergency suspension for safety reasons. Families will be notified before this suspension is to take place. 2. Next, in most cases, the Executive Director or another administrator holds a suspension hearing and
suspends the student. The purpose of the suspension is to remove the student from school while the Executive Director prepares for the possible expulsion hearing. Therefore, a suspension hearing does not need to take place if the student is already out of school for legal or medical reasons.
3. During the suspension, the Executive Director begins procedures to hold a formal expulsion hearing. The parent must receive notice of the expulsion hearing in writing, in the language of the home. If the parent is not able to attend, he or she may request one postponement.
4. At the expulsion hearing, the Executive Director listens to witnesses and examines the evidence. The student or parent/guardian may bring an advocate or lawyer to the hearing. If needed, the school will provide an interpreter for parents who have limited English-speaking skills.
5. If the Executive Director decides to expel a student, the student and parent/guardian must be notified in writing.
Appealing an Expulsion If the student and the parent/guardian disagree with the expulsion, they may appeal the decision to the President of the Board of Trustees, or someone named as his or her designee, within ten school days. They may also ask the President of the Board of Trustees to review the case within ninety school days.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees sets policy for NHCS. The Board is elected. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees.
Deedie Bouscaren* Sherry Leventhal
Linda Cabot Robert Melzer*
Joseph Corrado* Michael Owens
Susan Donahue DeWayne Pursley
Carol Downs Patricia Simboli
Pamela Everhart, Parent Austin Smith
Charles Grigsby Elissa Spelman
David Guadagnoli* Connie Walkingshaw
Lee Kennedy Fred Wittmann, Chair*
Rob Perriello
* Executive Committee
** Not a trustee Lindsey Getz**, Clerk
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APPENDIX L: IMMUNIZATION LAW
It is the policy of NHCS to enforce the School Immunization Law, chapter 76, Section 15, of the Massachusetts
General Laws.
Section 15 of the Massachusetts Laws states:
“No child shall, except as hereinafter provided, be admitted to school except under presentation of physician’s
certificate that the child has been successfully immunized against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles and
poliomyelitis and such other 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/her opinion the physical condition of the child is such that his health would be endangered by such a
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.”
“In 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.”
Certification provided by physicians must contain at a minimum the month, year, type of immunization, or
occurrence of clinical disease. Successful immunizations include four or more doses of DPT, three or more doses
of Polio, two doses of MMR, three doses of Hepatitis B and one dose of Chicken Pox.
All Executive Directors and Principals are mandated to enforce the Immunization Law by:
Examining all Student Health Cards to ascertain if immunization has been administered; and informing
parents/guardians of their obligation regarding immunization.
All students new to the school system must present proof of immunization and a copy of a physical examination on
the first day of school or they may not be admitted.
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