WYTOPITLOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2007-2008
PARENT AND STUDENT
HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dear Parents and Students:
It is hard to believe that the summer recess has drawn to a close. It is
exciting for both students and staff that a new school year has begun. On
behalf of the Reed Plantation School Committee and our staff I want to welcome
you to a new school year 2007 - 2008. We are very excited to introduce you to
Mr. Bill White, our new K-5 teacher. Returning in Special Education will be
Mrs. Georgina Osgood, Title 1, Cook and School Secretary will be Ellen Mitchell,
Custodian Brenda Hanington and our mini van driver is Sandra Pullen. Staff
being shared with MSAD 30 is Physical Education - Mr. Mark Hayward, Music Mrs.
Eleanor Stratton, and school nurse - Mrs. Kathy Bradford. Jana Stevens will be
doing any technology related work and also updating the school website at
www.pitlock.org again this year. It is a pleasure to be associated with
this staff and they are dedicated to giving your child the best education
possible.
This handbook contains important information about some of
the policies and procedures being used in Reed Plantation. It is our intent to
keep the handbook as brief as possible and still give you the most pertinent
information in order to let you know about our school. Greater detail of these
policies and procedures is available upon request from the Wytopitlock
Elementary School Office or the Superintendent's Office.
The year is new but should you encounter any problem
throughout the year I believe that it is very important that any problems be
resolved at the level at which they occur. If resolution is not possible at one
level, then you should approach the next level. Most problems can be solved by
direct communication. The chain-of-command should be as follows: teacher,
superintendent, school committee It is my belief that if open communication is
maintained among parents, students, teachers, and administration most problems
will be solved quickly and amicably. Concerns about special education can be
directed to Mrs. Patricia Ek, Special Education Director. Her office is located
in MSAD 30 and she can be contacted at 738-3815.
We all feel fortunate to have a school such as Wytopitlock
Elementary School. It is supported by the staff, parents, school committee and
community. Due to the distance from other districts, we view our school as if
it were on an island and we must provide the best teachers, newest technology
and teaching concepts that will help our students become their very best. The
unique learning environment is flexible enough to meet the needs of every
student and our expectations for success are high. We all look forward to
working with you and your children throughout this school year.
Sincerely,
Michael G. Lambert
Interim Superintendent of Schools
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT:
TELEPHONE 738-2665
Michael G. Lambert Superintendent of Schools
Jacqueline Purinton Bookkeeper
Paula Lowell Secretary
WYTOPITLOCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
TELEPHONE 456-7131
Bill White.......................Grades K-5
Georgina Osgood............Special Education Technician
Ellen Mitchell..................Title I Educational Technician/Secretary and
Food Service
Brenda Hanington............Custodian
Sandra Pullen..................Mini Van Driver
Mark Hayward..................Physical Education
Eleanor Stratton...............Music
Patricia Ek.......................Special Education Director
Kathy Bradford R.N...........School Nurse
SCHOOL COMMITTEE:
Larry Cowan, Chairperson
Kathryn Richardson
Jody Moulton
The Reed School Committee meets regularly every second Tuesday of the month at the Wytopitlock Elementary School. The agenda will be posted locally.
8:00 - 8:15 Homeroom Period
8:15 - 9:15 Block 1
9:15 - 9:58 Block 2
9:58 - 10:03 Milk Break
10:03 - 10:18 Recess
10:18 - 11:35 Block 3
11:35 - 12:15 Lunch and Recess
12:15 - 12:45 Sustained Silent Reading
12:45 - 1:30 Block 4
1:30 - 2:15 Block 5
2:15 - 2:30 Home Room
Wytopitlock Elementary School 456-7131
Children or teachers should not be taken from classes to answer telephone calls unless there is an emergency. Messages normally will be taken and delivered to staff if parents need to talk to a teacher. The teacher will return the call as soon as it is possible.
Students at the Wytopitlock Elementary School are grouped into one room (K-5). There is a written curriculum for all the Wytopitlock Elementary School students and this is being revised. Students progress through the curriculum at an appropriate pace. We are committed to Mastery Learning.
We administer achievement tests each spring. The results are used to help keep track of student progress and to fine tune our curriculum. The Maine Educational Assessment Tests are administered in grades 4 and 8.
Rank cards go home each quarter one week after ranks close. Progress reports are sent home mid-quarter. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for November. We urge all parents to attend these conferences.
The Wytopitlock Elementary School maintains records of all students. A pupil record is any information concerning a pupil that we maintain and keep on file for other appropriate authorized personal to see. Pupil records are collected to promote the guidance and educational progress of the child.
Federal law requires that parents have the right to review their child's pupil records. Parents may have copies of the records made and any request to have items removed from the records.
Student cumulative records and health records are kept on file in the office of the school. Special education records are kept in the office of the Special Services Director at the Edith Lombard School.
If you want information on pupil records, please contact the head teacher or the superintendent's office.
M.S.A.D. #30 LEE ACADEMY REED SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
"HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL"
Our mission is to foster a love of learning; to provide a safe and caring learning environment in which each individual is respected; to teach essential academic, social, and career skills and concepts to meet the needs of our changing world; to nurture individual excellence; and to promote well-informed, healthy, and active members of the community.
OUR GUIDING BELIEFS AND VALUES
Students need:
● to be challenged and motivated at their own levels so
that they may succeed in life;
● a safe environment for all learners;
● clear behavioral guidelines with clear consequences in a
caring, disciplined environment;
● adequate resources available to facilitate and enhance
all programs;
● effective and active communication and involvement among
themselves, their teachers, parents, and the community; and
● high expectations from all - themselves, the staff and
their parents.
The following statements represent the Shared Vision of the Reed School Department to enhance the education and well being of all learners.
● Our schools will provide a coordinated, student-centered PreK-12 curriculum, which challenges all students and helps them explore their individual interests and strengths.
● Our schools will promote effective communication and active involvement among all stakeholders (students, staff, parents, businesses, and community).
● Our schools will have clear behavioral guidelines that will foster a safe, caring, disciplined learning environment in which each individual is respected and takes responsibility for his/her own actions.
● Our schools will assist learners of all age (students, staff, and community members) to continually achieve higher levels of learning by using all educational resources available to meet their individual talents, needs, and learning styles.
● Our schools will combine a variety of ongoing assessments to ensure student achievement, the effectiveness of instruction, and the appropriateness of curriculum.
● Our schools will provide opportunities for learners of all ages to acquire knowledge, gain skills, and develop attitudes, which will enable them to function as contributing members in a technological society.
● Our schools will seek funding/resources to support the educational process.
Adopted by the Reed School Department on August 14, 1996.
ATTENDANCE - EARLY DISMISSAL - PHONE CALLS
A student must attend school every day to get the maximum from education. When a student is absent, a dated note giving the reason for the absence must be brought to the head teacher. Without this, work missed cannot be made up. One day will be allowed for each day missed to make up work.
The management of time is one of the variables that we can control in education. Our emphasis and focus, in part, will be to maximize the time we have with student for on-task activities. You, the parent and student, are an important part of the team effort needed to improve the time spent on developing educational skills. Parents should encourage and students should set as a goal to be in school every day, all day. Please avoid early dismissal, telephone calls, and other disruptions of the teacher-learning process.
Excused absences are:
1. Personal illness;
2. Appointments with health professional that cannot
be made outside of the regular school day;
3. Observances of recognized religious holidays when
the observance is required during the regular school day;
4. Emergency family situations; and,
5. Planned absences for personal or educational
purposes which have been approved.
Note: The appropriateness of the personal and/or educational purposes will be at the discretion of the head teacher. The request must be in writing.
Definition:
"A habitual truant is now defined as a child who is absent
from school for the equivalent of ten (10) full days or for one-half of a day on
seven (7) consecutive school days within any six month period for other than an
excusable absence."
Responsibilities of parent and guardians -- penalties: All
persons having children under their control shall cause them to attend school.
Any person having control of a child who is a habitual truant as defined above
and being in any way responsible for such truancy, and any person who induces a
child to absent himself from school, or harbor or conceals such child when he is
absent, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $25.00 or by imprisonment
for not more than 30 days for each offense. If the court imposes a sentence of
probation, it may in its sentence, as a condition of probation, require that the
convicted person receive professional counseling by a qualified counselor who
shall be selected by the convicted person, with the approval of the court. The
counselor shall submit a written report of his counseling to the court and to
the person counseled.
---------
SAMPLE FORM TO BE USED IN REPORTING AN ABSENCE
(This note becomes a part of the student's school record)
____________________
Date
_________________________________ was absent _____________________________________
(child’s name) (date)
The reasons for the absence being:
________________________________________________________________________________.
_____________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian
The Reed School Committee approved the following administrative rules. These rules outline what will be done when certain student misbehavior occurs.
General Student Rules:
Fighting:
Physical fighting is a negative activity that is not
appropriate in or around the school and is grounds for suspension.
1. Playground Rules:
It is important, both for safety purposes and to maintain
good conduct, that we practice good behavior on the playground and in other
areas around the school. Students shall practice good safety habits while using
all playground equipment so that they or others will not get seriously hurt.
Students should play in areas designed by the head teacher. Bicycles brought to
school can be placed in the provided bike racks and should only be removed from
those racks at the close of school. The school cannot be responsible for missing
or forgotten bikes.
2. Schoolhouse Behavior:
In order to be good school citizens, it is necessary to
maintain proper conduct in the schoolhouse. Students should walk not run, in the
hallways. Bathrooms should be used for their intended function, not as social
gathering places. Gum chewing and snacking are inappropriate in school. In
addition, we should all keep from making unnecessary noises in the building that
could disturb others from working.
3. Throwing of Objects:
Due to the hazard of serious injury to people or property,
students should refrain from throwing objects of any kind, including rocks,
snowballs, gum, food, dirt, spitballs, etc. We wish to make sure that everyone
has a safe school environment in which to work and play.
The above three situations are penalized by a one-to-five
after-school detention, to be determined by:
a. the severity of the offense, and,
b. the discretion of the teacher or head
teacher
Students who are penalized under said circumstances will be entitled to a twenty-four hour notice. Parents will be expected to provide transportation from the detention hall. If a situation exists where a parent cannot for some reason provide transportation for the student, the school should be contacted so that some other staff member can transport the student to their home. However, we do not encourage parents to take advantage of this situation as it is a PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY to provide the transportation. This detention, if it consists of two or more hours, can be served over a period of several days.
Abusive language or actions:
In order to be good school citizens, it is necessary to
maintain proper use of language and actions at all times. The good school
citizen practices self-control at all times and does not swear, curse, or issue
any vulgar comments or actions.
The penalty for an infraction of this rule will be a detention for the first offense, a one-day suspension for the second offense, and a parent-head teacher conference to review the situation should the problem persist. The teacher reserves the right to pass over steps in the penalty process should the situation be severe enough to warrant it. (For smaller youngsters, the teacher should use discretion in this situation.).
Student vandalism:
It is vital that we take good care of all school property at
all times. Examples of actions that are considered to be improper care of school
equipment and property would be:
a. misuse of books and material
b. improper treatment of desks (including
writing, carving, etc.)
c. misuse of playground equipment
d. writing on walls in any school area
e. improper use of bathroom facilities
f. destruction of floors, walls, sideboards,
etc. of school building
g. any other types of activity that
deliberately defaces or destroys school property
The penalties for violation of this section are dependent on the severity of the offense. If the damage, in the opinion of the head teacher, is irreparable or permanent in some manner, then a one-to-five day suspension may be issued. In addition, a bill for the equipment damaged will be sent to the child's home. Habitual offenders may receive a longer suspension subsequent to a parent-head teacher conference.
Off-limits places:
The following places in the school are set aside for certain
people to work in. Unless a student is given permission by a staff member, he or
she should refrain from entering them. These places include:
a. principal's office
b. kitchen
c. custodian's room
d. clinic
e. cellar
Students violating this section may be given a one-hour after-school detention.
Dress Code:
A student's clothing is expected to be neat and clean and not
cause disruption to the process of education at school. While the school will
not recommend clothing styles, students are expected to exercise good taste and
judgment in their personal attire.
Shirts, jackets or other garments which promote drugs or
alcohol, tobacco or bear writing that is offensive, suggestive, obscene, or
inappropriate to school health teachings or rules are not allowed.
Styles that may present a safety problem or attract undue
attention are prohibited. This includes large chains, nose, lip, brow rings,
and baggy pants worn below the waist.
Habits/Hygiene, which are contrary to sensible standards
of health, are prohibited.
Styles which are blatantly immodest (belly-shirts, tank
tops, short-shorts, or excessive holes) showing bare skin inappropriately
are prohibited.
Coaches and advisors may set more stringent standards for
players and performers.
Hats, bandannas, or any head coverings may not be worn in
the building at anytime without permission.
Outdoor jackets are not to be worn in the classroom, and
kept in their appropriate place.
The administration reserves the right to send a student home
whose dress is inappropriate.
Clothing should also be weather appropriate. Students should
be dressed appropriately to be outside for recesses even during the winter
months.
RULES OF CONDUCT
1. I will at all times try to be clean in thought,
word, and appearance.
2. I will show respect for teachers and other adults
in the building.
3. I will finish all assignments to the best of my
ability and hand them in on time.
4. I will refrain from fighting or other violent
behavior.
5. I will be respectful of classmates and teachers in
the classroom.
6. I will stay seated unless permitted to go
elsewhere by my teacher, and I will walk in an orderly fashion in the
building.
7. I will respect school property.
8. I will be polite at all times to my fellow
schoolmates.
9. I will try, to the best of my ability, to be the
best possible citizens of Wytopitlock Elementary School that I can.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
1. The instructional staff has the authority to give
a detention to any student who does not follow the above rules.
2. Detention may be after regular school hours. If
after school, the detention must be for at least 30 minutes.
3. Parents shall be notified in writing of all
detentions and the reason(s) for the detention.
4. The assignment of the fourth detention during one
marking period may result in a suspension from school for one day.
5. If extreme misbehavior occurs the principal has
the authority to suspend a student immediately. Parents will be
contacted about each suspension.
6. If a child has three suspensions, the child and
the parent must appear before the school committee for appropriate
action.
7. An act that affects or threatens the safety or
health of anyone in the school community subjects the student to
suspension from school.
8. Students suspended from school will be required to
make up all work missed.
Bus Student Notes
If a student comes to school in the mini van, the student is expected to return home in the van. Students are not permitted to walk home, or to ride with anyone else unless written and signed permission request is received from home and presented to the driver and/or teacher in the morning. These requests must be kept to a minimum and may be refused if abused. Do not put the driver in the position of deciding that a pupil should get off at a neighbor's or friend's home on the pupil's word only.
Student must have a note if there is any transportation change or if the student is walking. Once a child has left, but needs to return for some reason, he will not be allowed on school grounds until the bus has left.
Behavior
Riding in the mini van is a privilege that can be discontinued for any disruptive student. The bus driver will consult with the head teacher and/or principal regarding disciplinary action. Disciplinary action can take many forms depending upon the severity and/or frequencies of inappropriate behavior. Possible disciplinary actions include:
● cleaning the bus
● restitution for damages
● conferences with head teacher and principal
● suspension of riding privileges. The
suspension of riding privileges does not excuse a student from
attending school.
Students must be ready to board the van at the time of arrival as the van will be on a tight time schedule and will not wait for passengers.
Rules
Conduct for Pupils Transported
:1. All pupils must be on time.
2. Pupils walking on the highway to a stop should always walk on the left, on the shoulder of the road, facing traffic.
3. Pupils, when crossing the highway, should walk not run.
4. Pupils shall not run alongside the van when it is moving.
In the Van:
1. Pupils shall obey the driver who has full charge of the van.
2. Pupils shall not extend arms, legs, or heads out of the van.
3. Pupils shall go to assigned seats, without crowding or pushing and remain seated while the van is in motion.
4. Pupils shall refrain from talking with the driver except in an emergency.
5. Pupils shall not tamper with the windows or doors.
6. Pupils shall not mar or deface the van. Damage done to the seats or other equipment must be paid for by the pupil.
7. Pupils shall not open windows unless verbal permission from the driver is given.
8. Pupils shall not fight or scuffle in the van or create any disturbance.
9. Pupils must not shout or wave to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles, or throw objects out or within the van.
10. Previous to alighting from the van, pupils shall remain seated until the van stops.
11. Pupils shall not place lunch boxes or other objects in the way of the doors.
Some students from time to time accidentally destroy books or other property. If this happens, the student or students responsible will have to pay for the damages done. This includes textbooks, library books, or furniture belonging to the school.
The Reed School Committee and the Drew School Committee pay for all student lunches. However, the applications for free and reduced meals need to be on file as it's a State requirement. Therefore, please send the applications back to school as soon as possible.
Students may choose to take only three of the five foods served. In order to eliminate waste, we encourage you to ask your child not to take servings that they don't plan to eat. We do, however, like to see students at least try foods they may not eat at home.
Milk may be brought for 25 cents per carton. Those students eligible for free or reduced meals must pay for milk when bringing a bag lunch. Students who wish may buy a carton of milk in addition to the one served with lunch to have for lunch or at recess.
The student insurance program is not a school sponsored program but is offered to parents through the school as a convenience to parents. Please contact the insurance company directly on any claim that you might have. The school will provide the necessary forms for you to make a claim. All students who participate in our athletic and cheerleading squads must either have school insurance or show evidence that they are covered by some appropriate policy.
Wytopitlock Elementary School will be contracting nursing services with Mrs. Kathy Bradford, R.N. from M.S.A.D. #30 to help us comply with health regulations. Mrs. Bradford, R.N., can be reached at 738-2866 at Mount Jefferson Junior High School.
Maine law requires that all children in grades K-12 (unless qualified for an exemption) be immunized against the following diseases before entering school: polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, and German measles (rubella).
MEDICINE - ADMINISTERING
Any student who must take medicine during school hours shall bring signed instructions from their parent stating what the mediation is for, what purpose it is prescribed, and what the dosage is. Taking such medication is to be supervised by the nurse or her designee. No medication can be given without parent's permission.
SAMPLE FORM TO BE USED IN AUTHORIZING ADMINISTERING MEDICINE
Date:___________________________
I, ____________________ (parent's name), authorize school officials to administer _________________ (medication) to my child for _____________(number) of days. Following are the directions on the medication container:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The prescription was written by ____________________ (doctor's name).
_____________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian
SCHOOL VISITATION AND PARENT CONFERENCES
All parents are encouraged to visit school at least two times during the year. Teachers will welcome your visit and will be happy to talk to you about the school and its program. However, parent-teacher conferences should be by appointment and not during school hours. Some parents will be asked to come and talk with teachers when a student is in academic difficulty or when a student consistently refuses to follow school rules and regulations. If this happens, please come at the appointed time bringing with you the student concerned. Our experience has been that this often brings about the desired changes in student behavior or achievement. Face-to-face discussion brings much better results than telephone conversations.
Title I services is a program that is designed to assist students who need additional assistance to keep up on their school work. In our regular Title I program this assistance is offered by educational technicians. These education technicians work under the direction of a classroom teacher.
Parents will be notified if students are participating in any Title I programs. We welcome parent questions and concerns about the program.
We recognize that not all student's needs can be served by our regular program. Therefore, the Reed School Committee makes use of both state and federal funds to assist these students. This is done through our basic education program (Title 1) and our Special Education Program (94-142). We are committed to providing appropriate education to all students.
The Wytopitlock Elementary School has a Pupil Evaluation Team (P.E.T.) which meets to evaluate special needs students and to provide an appropriate educational program for these students.
Questions on these programs may be referred to Patricia Ek, Special Education Director, at 738-3815.
We extend an open invitation to all of you to attend our plays, open house, other programs that may develop as the year progresses, and our athletic events. It is especially important that parents of students involved in activities show interest by attending the event.
Wytopitlock Elementary School has a physical education program.
ASBESTOS
The Wytopitlock Elementary School has been inspected for the presence of asbestos-containing materials has been developed. A written plan for the management of these materials has been developed. This plan is available for inspection at the office of the Wytopitlock Elementary School. Copies may be made on request at a cost of 10 cents per page.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)
Union #110 does not discriminate in the education and employment policies that it operates and will honor all appropriate laws relating to discrimination.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
Pupil records are collected and maintained to promote the instruction, guidance, and educational progress of the pupil and for legitimate educational research.
The Reed School Department wishes to remind all parents and/or eligible students (age 18 years or older) of their rights and protection under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. A complete copy of Reed School Department's Student Record Policy may be obtained by contacting the head teacher. However, the following items outline your rights:
The parent and/or eligible student has a right to:
1. Inspect and review the student's education records. (The parent must visit the school and formally request to review or inspect records. An appointment will then be made to review the records and school official will be present if so requested).
2. Request the amendment of the student's education records on the grounds that it is inaccurate, misleading or violates privacy rights.
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent allowed in accordance with 34 CFR, Section 99.
4. File a complaint for failure to comply with the U.S. Department of Education.
5. Obtain a copy of the Reed School Department's Student Records Policy by contacting the head teacher.
The three types of student records maintained by the school include:
* academic information such as grades, progress reports, student work samples, achievement test data, etc.;
* statistical information including aptitude scores, mental ability, permanent school health records, etc., and
* directory information on students, such as name, age, address, telephone number, grade, field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports and awards received.
All Directory Information may be made public without notice, unless the school is notified in advance that such information is to be withheld. Information from academic and statistical records will not be released to persons other than authorized school personnel without prior written consent.
ACAA
HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS
Harassment of students because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability is prohibited. Such conduct is a violation of the School Committee and may constitute illegal discrimination under state and federal laws.
Harassment
Harassment includes but is not limited to verbal abuse based on race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, or disability. Harassment that rises to the level of physical assault, battery and/or abuse is also addressed in the School Committee Policy JICI - Weapons in School.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or pressure to engage in sexual activity, physical contact of a sexual nature, gestures, comments, or other physical, written or verbal conduct that is gender-based that interferes with a student’s education. School employees, fellow students, volunteers and visitors to the school, and other persons with whom students may interact in order to pursue school activities are required to refrain from such conduct.
Harassment/sexual harassment of students by school employees is considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. Harassment/sexual harassment of students by other students is considered grounds for disciplinary
action, up to and including expulsion. The Superintendent will determine appropriate sanctions for harassment of students by persons other than school employees and students.
The Superintendent or the employee designed as the Affirmative Action Officer will investigate complaints of harassment in accordance with the Student Harassment Complaint Procedure. School employees, students, and parents shall be informed of this policy/procedure through handbooks and/or other means selected by the school administration.
Legal reference; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ( 20 USC & 1681,et seq.)
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC & 2000(d) )
5 MRSA & 4602;4681 et seq.
20 MRSA & 6553
Cross Reference: ACAA-R - Student Harassment Complaint Procedure
AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
ACAD - Hazing
JICI - Weapons in Schools
Affirmative Action Plan
Adopted:
REED PLANTATION SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
ACAA-R
STUDENT DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
This procedure has been adopted by the School Committee in order to provide a method of prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints of discrimination and harassment as described in policies AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action and ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of School Students.
How to Make a Complaint
Students who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against in violation of this policy should report their concerns to the Head Teacher. Students are encouraged to discuss concerns with the Head Teacher if they are not sure whether discrimination or harassment has occurred. If a student is uncomfortable reporting concerns to the Head Teacher, then the report should be made to the Affirmative Action Officer or to his/her classroom teacher who will in turn contact the Affirmative Action Officer. Students shall not be retaliated against for reporting suspected discrimination or harassment. In the absence of a Head Teacher, the Superintendent shall appoint another staff person to receive complaints and to carry out the responsibilities of the Head Teacher in this procedure.
Students should also be advised of the importance of informing the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcome, offensive, in poor taste, or highly inappropriate. However, if a student feels uncomfortable with confronting the harasser, the student is encouraged to inform the Affirmative Action Coordinator at the earliest opportunity. Students who believe that they are victims of harassment should report such occurrences to the Affirmative Action Coordinator.
Complaint Handling and Investigation
1. The Head Teacher shall promptly inform the Superintendent and the parents of the complaining student that a complaint has been received. The Head Teacher shall also promptly inform the individual who is the subject of the complaint (and/or the parents of such individual, where applicable) except where prompt notification would hamper or otherwise jeopardize investigation of the complaint. In such circumstances, notification to the individual who is the subject of the complaint (and/or the parents of such individual) shall be given as soon as is practicable.
2. The complaint will be investigated by the Head Teacher, unless the Superintendent appoints another person to investigate the complaint.
3.The Head Teacher shall keep a record of all parts of the investigation. The confidentiality rights of students and employees shall be observed.
4. The Head Teacher may take interim remedial measures to reduce the risk of further harassment or discrimination while the investigation is pending. The Head Teacher may consult with the Superintendent concerning any issue relating to the investigation, conclusions and remedial and disciplinary actions.
5. If, after completing the investigation, the Head Teacher determines that discrimination or harassment has occurred, the Head Teacher will:
a. Determine what, if any, remedial action is required; and
b. Determine what, if any, disciplinary action should be taken against the individual(s) who engaged in the discrimination or harassment including referring the matter to the Superintendent. Disciplinary action against students and employees shall be kept confidential to the extent required by applicable state and federal law.
6.If the complaint is against the building Head Teacher, the Superintendent of Schools will handle the investigation, and will determine whether remedial and/or disciplinary action is appropriate. The Superintendent’s decision may be appealed to the School Committee, whose decision shall be final.
7.If the complaint is against the Superintendent of Schools, the Affirmative Action Officer will consult with the chairperson of the School Committee. The School Committee chairperson will seek legal counsel, who will guide the investigation and resolution of the complaint.
8.If the complaining students or his/her parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the Head Teacher's conclusions and/or remedial action, an appeal may be made to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall review the report of the investigation and may conduct further investigation if he or she deems it appropriate. The Superintendent’s decision may be appealed to the School Committee, whose decision shall be final.
Students also have the right to report incidents of discrimination or harassment to the Maine Human Rights Commission, State House Station 51, Augusta, Maine 04333, telephone (207) 624-6050; or to the federal Office for Civil Rights, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Education, S.W. McCormack POCH Room 222, Boston, MA 02109-4557, telephone (617) 223-9622.
HAZING
(approved by the Reed School Committee on March 8, 1994)
JFCF
Maine statute defines injurious hazing as "any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student enrolled in a public school."
It is the policy of the Reed School Committee that injurious hazing activities of any type, either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with this school department, are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times.
No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the Reed School Department shall encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate injurious hazing activities. No student, including leaders of students organizations, shall plan, encourage, or engage in injurious hazing activities.
Persons not associated with the Reed School Department who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to ejection from school property and/or other measures as may be available under the law.
Administrators, faculty members, students, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate measures.
In the case of an organization affiliated with the Reed School Department which authorizes hazing, penalties may include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on school property or to receive any other benefit of affiliation with the Reed School Department.
These penalties shall be in addition to any civil or criminal penalties to which the violator or organization may be subject.
The superintendent shall assume responsibility for administering this policy. In the event that an individual or organization disagrees with an action--or lack of action--on the part of the superintendent as he/she carries out the provisions of this policy, that individual or organization may appeal to the full school committee. The ruling of the Reed School Committee, with respect to the provisions of this policy, shall be final.
A copy of this policy shall be included in all school, parent, and faculty handbooks or otherwise distributed to all school employees and students.
Legal Reference: TITLE 20-A MRSA SEC. 6553.2
The superintendent is responsible to call off school on days of inclement weather and poor traveling conditions. If you suspect that there will be no school, turn on your radio or television to the following stations: WQCB (Q106.5), Channel 2, or Channel 5. The school will attempt to have all announcements for no school or for late bus schedules will be heard over these stations.
Under Chapter 130 of the State Law parents in Union #110 may make plans to teach their children at home. This instruction has to be equivalent to what they would receive at the Wytopitlock Elementary School. The State has very specific rules and regulations about home instruction including having a qualified person to supervise the program. Any person interested in home instruction may get appropriate application forms from the Department of Education.
1. Use of the school photocopier is restricted to:
a. school personnel for materials related to the school (includes student assignments, readings, schedules, office documents, etc.).
b. Plantation officers for materials related to plantation business.
2. Individuals or organizations wishing to make SINGLE COPIES of documents for purposes not described in number 1 may do so at no charge with permission of the head teacher.
3. Individuals or organizations wishing to make MULTIPLE COPIES of documents for purposes not described in number 1 may do so at a charge of 10 cents per copy. Permission for such use must be granted by the school head teacher. The final charge will be computed by using the meter readings prior to and after use.
4. Policy may be subject to change.
Action on complaints should go through the chain of command. Please attempt to resolve all problems at the point at which they occur (teacher--superintendent--school committee). All staff members are committed to resolving problems at the level of which they occur. The Reed School Committee should only have to resolve major problems.