COLEBROOK CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLSTUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of
this booklet is to provide you with some essential information which you should know about your school. Please read it carefully and keep it on hand for future reference. Additionally, feel free to call the school with any
questions that may arise. We want you to feel that you are a vital part of the school, and welcome your assistance in the process of educating your children. With this in mind, we will all work toward a successful school experience
for every child.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY
The Colebrook Board of Education has adopted an Equal Opportunity Policy
which prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin or physical handicap. This policy also covers employment practices, retention, and promotion of employees. It states that
discrimination will not occur in regard to the school's programs, curriculum, class assignments or educational opportunities for students. We are committed to not using materials, library books, or textbooks that might tend to perpetuate
prejudice, intolerance, or negative feelings toward all peoples.
COLEBROOK CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL'SPHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The purpose of education in the Colebrook School is to stimulate, encourage and guide the intellectual, physical,
social and emotional growth of each child so they become well informed and responsible individuals. The intent is to create an opportunity for each student to become a contributing member of society. The philosophy of the Colebrook
School is to provide an environment wherein: 1. Each child is looked upon as an individual, having different capabilities, needs, interests, and backgrounds.
2. Each child will find learning a necessary, enjoyable, and continually desirable experience. 3. Each child can develop competence in the basic skills required to function in a changing society, such as problem
solving.
4. Each child is encouraged to develop self-discipline and respect for the rights and actions of others.
5. Each child may acquire a sense of his/her self-worth through understanding and knowledge of his/herself.
6. Each child will develop an awareness of his/her environment and will accept his/her responsibility therein. 7. His/her parents and members of the community are encouraged to be interested in, involved in
and supportive of education.
SCHOOL GOALS 2. Each child will learn and apply the basic intellectual skills necessary for continued self-development and independent education.
3. Each child will learn to set his/her own goals and direct his/her own behavior. 4. Each child will be encouraged to form his/her own values. 5. Each child will develop a positive self-concept.
6. Each child will develop an awareness of his/her environment and will accept his/her responsibilities therein. 7. Each child will be accepted as a product and a integral part of the total adult community.
8. Each child will find learning a necessary, enjoyable, and continually desirable experience.
1. Each child will be viewed as an individual having different capabilities, needs, interests, and backgrounds of information.
SCHOOL STAFF
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
: James P. Chittum PRINCIPAL: Elizabeth Driscoll OFFICE STAFF: Administrative Assistant: Kitty Winn Bookkeeper: Jodi Ziolkowski NURSE:
Beth Kelley, R.N. CUSTODIAL STAFF: Head Custodian: Gerald Marciano
Night Custodian: DIETICIAN: Dietician: Lynn Smith TEACHING STAFF:
Kindergarten: Sylvia Crunden Grade K Paraprofessional: Toni Winn Grade 1: Sue Canfield Grade 1 Paraprofessional: Lori Rogers
Grade 2: Marian Pastore Grade 2 Paraprofessional: Holly Shackett Grade 3: Virginia Manulla Grade 3-6 Paraprofessional: Kristen Gelormino Grade 4: Amy Helminiak
Grade 5: Judith Oskandy Special Education Grade 6: Katie Ellison Paraprofessionals: Crystal Bogosian
Special Education: Robin Bielawiec Lisa Shackett Toni Winn Language Arts: Vikki Pac
Art: Aleta Dubecky Instrumental Music: Ann Cucia Library: Cathy Andersen Physical Education: Nancy Butler Strings: Ann Cucia
Vocal Music: Linda Hoidalen
Shared Services, 94 Battistoni Drive, Winsted, CT 06098 Phone: 379-8583
Director: Paula Morabito Academic Support: Rachel Hurlbut Language, Speech & Hearing Clinician: Shelly Taddio
Occupational Therapist: Susan Mulligan School Psychologist: Marilyn Cox Social Worker: Lindsey Williams
BOARD OF EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT:
The Colebrook Board of Education is a group of elected representatives who are actively concerned about educating Colebrook's
children. We meet regularly to serve the children, residents and taxpayers by monitoring Colebrook School's educational system and standards, by acting as a liaison between the school and community, and in all ways ensuring the best
program and leadership feasible.
COLEBROOK BOARD OF EDUCATION:
Chairperson: Brad Bremer Vice-Chairperson: Sherri Gray
Secretary: Jeanne Jones Member: Gregory Nichols Member: Susan Read Stanton Member: Lisa Fragale Member: John Rigby
School Board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the school library, unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome to attend.
PTO
President: Erik Shaffer 738-7665
The PTO serves the school community through its support of local programs. The PTO actively supports parent and student education programs and strives to maintain and
increase community interest and involvement in the school. Every family is automatically a member and is encouraged to participate in these activities. For further information, please contact one of the following:
Vice President: Tammy Johnson 379-8366
Treasurer: Sue Bremer 738-4238
Secretary: Stacy Galpin 379-9191
Board of Directors: Sue Bremer, Stacy Galpin, Amy Gardner, Sherri Gray,
Paula Jessen, Tammy Johnson, Vikki Pac, Tracy Quinn, Erik Shaffer, Tom Stanton, and Wendy Swartley
GENERAL INFORMATION SCHOOL HOURS
TELEPHONE NUMBER Kindergarten 8:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. (860) 379-2179
Grades 1 - 6 8:30 A.M. - 3:15 P.M. Early Dismissal, Kindergarten 8:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. FAX NUMBER
Early Dismissal, Grades 1 - 6 8:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. (860) 379-9506
The
following information will provide you with the day-to-day information that will help you understand how the Colebrook Consolidated School functions.
www.colebrookschool.org
ABSENCE
If your child is absent from school due to illness or any other reason,
the child must bring a written note to school on the day he/she returns. Parents may be requested to present a doctor's letter in cases of prolonged or persistent absence. Report of Absence: If your child will be
absent, please call the school office (379-2179) before 9:00 A.M. that morning.
ARRIVAL
Children should arrive no earlier than 8:20 A.M. Classroom supervision is not available until this time.
ATTENDANCE
Good attendance is a
necessary part of the educational process and is closely related to successful performance in school. If a student has been absent for 12 days, parents will be notified in writing that attendance may become a serious academic
problem. If a student is absent for 24 days, he or she will be considered for retention. A hearing will be held to discuss the problem, which will include the parents, the child's teacher, the school nurse and the school principal.
BICYCLE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Students in Grades 4 - 6 are permitted to ride their bikes to school with
their parent's permission. A signed note, indicating that the child has their parent's permission to ride a bike to and from school, must be given to the school secretary prior to riding the bike to school for the first time. One
note may be written to cover the entire school year. It is strongly recommended that students obey the rules of the road and the state helmet law when riding their bikes.
BULLYING
See Appendix A.
BUS COMPANY
In the event of bus problems or questions, please call the bus company directly:
Laidlaw Transit Company 379-0020.
DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
See Appendix B.
DISMISSAL
Regular dismissal is 3:15 P.M. Parents are asked not to
have children dismissed from school early except for very important reasons. If you need to have your child dismissed early, you must notify the office with a written note. Parents who pick up their children before dismissal time
must come to the school office and sign their child out. Children will not be allowed to meet parents in the parking lot, for obvious safety and security reasons.
DRESS CODE Cold Weather
– When winter sets in, it is important to make sure that children are appropriately dressed for outdoor recess. Recess will be outdoors unless it is raining, snowing, or the temperature is below 20 degrees.
Children who are not appropriately dressed for the weather will be required to spend recess indoors.
A student's attitude toward learning is directly impacted by the manner in which they dress. Therefore, all students are expected to come to school dressed
appropriately. T-shirts with obscene slogans and/or illustrations, profanity, or racial slurs are not considered appropriate attire for school. Students arriving at school with inappropriate attire will be sent to the school
office. Their parents will be contacted and requested to bring alternate attire for the student to wear during the school day. The following attire is considered inappropriate attire at the Colebrook School. Please review
this dress code with your child(ren).
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL
Parents should make certain that their children know what to do in the event of an unscheduled early dismissal due to inclement weather or other
emergencies. Arrangements should be made with neighbors/friends for the care of children at these times and/or the children should be provided with house keys. This will help to relieve some of the anxiety which children might
experience under these stressful conditions.
EMERGENCY DRILLS (School Lockdowns)
Emergency drills are held on a regular basis to ensure that
students and staff are aware of the correct procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
(Code Red Declared)
See Appendix C.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are regarded as a valuable extension to classroom
learning. Parents will be notified in advance of field trips. Written parental permission must be granted before a student will be allowed on a field trip. Parents will be asked to contribute to the cost of field trips,
unless they are funded by the PTO or a specific fundraiser. No child shall be excluded because of the cost of the field trip. Should such a problem arise, please notify the school principal or the classroom teacher. Funds are
available to insure each child's participation. All inquiries will be handled on a confidential basis.
FIRE DRILLS
HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES
Fire drills are held on a routine basis to ensure that students and staff are well aware of the correct procedures to
follow in the event of an emergency.
HOMELESS STUDENTS
See Appendix D.
INTERNET USE
See Appendix E for policies on the following
Acceptable Use of the Internet, Computer Safety and Internet Safety
Code of Conduct for Internet and Other Computer Network Access
PARENT/ TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent/teacher conferences will be scheduled three times each school year. These
conferences will provide each parent with the opportunity to discuss a child's progress on a personal basis. The conference will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time of the day or evening. In addition, either parents or
teachers are encouraged to request a conference whenever the need arises. It is the aim of the Colebrook School to maintain a free and open dialogue with parents at all times.
PARKING 1. Please park only in designated areas.
2. Children are to be picked up at the office and escorted to the car by an adult. 3. Cars are not to leave the parking lot at 3:15 while students are boarding the buses and/or being picked up. Please wait
until after the buses leave the parking lot or arrange to leave before 3:15, if necessary, in order to make an appointment.
Our school parking lot is small and can be congested at times. Parents are, therefore, requested to exercise due caution and to observe the following rules when picking up
children.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
Since hats and gloves are always getting lost, it is a good idea to put your child's name in or on all personal property that will be
brought to school. The school cannot be held responsible for personal property that is lost or damaged. Should your child be missing some article of clothing, etc., please check the Lost and Found. It is located in the
hallway next to the office. Permission should be obtained from the teacher or principal before students bring in materials from home such as trip souvenirs, toys and other non-school materials.
PESTICIDE USE
Pesticides are not used anywhere in the Colebrook School nor anywhere on the school grounds. All pesticide use was discontinued in 1998. Prior to that time, a
Department of Environmental Protection approved pesticide was used to control an infestation of ants in the multi-purpose room. Although Colebrook School does not plan to use pesticides in the future, Connecticut statutes require that we
offer parents the opportunity to be registered with the school and notified if pesticides are to be used. Please notify the school office if you wish to be registered.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Colebrook Board of Education directs that time be set aside in each classroom on every day that school is in session for the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Students may be excused from participation in the recitation of the Pledge by written request from a parent or guardian. It is expected, however, that all students will stand.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION When retention is considered, the classroom teacher, the parent, the special education team and the principal will meet to discuss the situation. Pertinent information including test results will be
provided. Specialists' information will also be included. The final decision regarding retention will ultimately rest with the Principal. See Appendix F for the policy.
It is the school's policy to recommend retention when it has been determined that it is in the best interest of the child to do so. Retention is viewed as a means
to allow a child to mature socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Retention should enable the child to take advantage of instruction so that his/her highest potential can be achieved. The school accepts the
responsibility to discuss retention when there appears to be a serious gap between the child's potential and performance. The parents will be notified of possible retention as early as possible in the school year, preferably before the
spring conference.
PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG USE
See Appendix G.
RECESS
Children have outdoor recess unless it is raining or the temperature is
20 degrees or below. If the child is well enough for school, he/she is considered well enough to go outside, unless a doctor's note to the contrary is presented. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for health,
safety, and recess purposes, including hats, gloves, and boots as necessary.
REPORT CARDS
Progress reports are issued 4 times during the school year in
Grades 1 - 6. Kindergarten progress reports are issued 4 times during the school year. The dates of issue are included in the School Calendar and Newsletters.
REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE
See Appendix H.
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS/LATE OPENINGS
In the event of bad weather, please listen to
the following radio and TV stations to find out whether school has been cancelled or whether school will start 90 minutes late (all delays will be 90 minutes). If children are already in school when the bad weather starts and we need to
send them home at 1:00 PM, these stations will also make this announcement during the day. The stations to listen to are: Radio: WTIC (1080 AM), WDRC (1360 AM) and WZBG (97.3 FM). TV: Channels 3 and 8
(abbreviated school listings will appear under Regional #7).
STUDENT INSURANCE
A low cost insurance program is available to all
students. Enrollment forms for this purpose will be provided early in the school year. The school does not provide accident insurance to cover students.
STUDENT RECORDS
Students' records are on file in the school office. These materials are open to the student's parents or legal guardians. When parents/guardians wish to review these,
it is advisable to call for an appointment. This will insure the availability of the teacher or administrator to discuss the contents of the records. Parents are required to sign a form confirming the review.
STUDENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE
See Appendix I.
STUDENT SUICIDE PREVENTION
See Appendix J.
TARDY TO SCHOOL
If your child is late for
school, a parent must accompany the child to the office and sign the student into school. Otherwise, your child will be marked absent for the entire day.
TRANSFERS INTO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM
In addition to requesting records from the previous school, students transferring into the Colebrook School may be given placement tests in reading and math. The
results of these tests will be used to ensure proper academic placement of the student.
TRANSFERS OUT OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM
If your family is moving
out of Colebrook, please let us know. We will ask you to sign a release form which allows us to send your child's school records to the new school. You can also sign this release form while registering your child at the new school,
and they will forward the request to us.
TRUANCY
The Colebrook Board of Education recognizes the need for early
intervention for students exhibiting truant behavior. A "truant" student is one who is enrolled in a grade and has four unexcused absences in one month, or ten unexcused absences in one year.
VISITORS
Parents who wish to visit their child's classroom are encouraged to do so. Grandparents, etc. are also welcome. However, as a courtesy to the teacher, one day's prior
notice is requested. All visitors, including classroom visitors, must check in at the office upon entering the building.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers
provide valuable resources to the school by assisting in classrooms, the library, etc. Volunteers contribute to the learning process by improving instruction, enriching curriculum, building school/community relations, and helping to
close the generation gap. Please call our school office or a classroom teacher if you would like to join our volunteer team.
NUTRITION Parents may prepay lunches for an entire week as follows: On Mondays, send in the exact amount of money for the week (or a check payable to "Colebrook School Lunch") in an envelope. On the outside of the
envelope, indicate the child's name and which dates he/she is buying lunch and/or milk. Families with limited income may be eligible to receive free or reduced lunches for their children. Applications are sent home the
beginning of each school year. For further information and/or an application during the school year, please contact the school office. This information is kept confidential.
LUNCH PROGRAM
The Colebrook Consolidated School offers all students the opportunity to enjoy a healthy and nutritious lunch every day that school is in session. School lunches
are prepared in the school kitchen by our dietician.
Students may purchase a hot lunch (which includes milk) in the school cafeteria for $2.00. Lunch money is collected daily unless otherwise prepaid. The menu for the
week will be listed in the weekly Newsletters and on our school website (www.colebrookschool.org). Milk or juice may also be purchased. An 8 oz. carton of milk costs 45 cents, and juice costs 30 cents. Juice may only be
substituted for milk with the purchase of a hot lunch with a note from a physician stating that the child is allergic to milk. In an emergency, a child may borrow lunch or milk money for the day, but this money must be repaid the
following day.
MORNING JUICE, MILK AND/OR SNACK
All children are encouraged to bring a healthy, nourishing snack or nutritious snacks may be purchased for 50 cents in the morning. Students may purchase milk or
juice to go with their snacks. Milk is 45 cents and juice is 30 cents per day. Milk and/or juice may be purchased on a weekly basis and may be paid for by check. Children may not borrow morning milk, juice or snack money.
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES FOR THE CAFETERIA
1. Follow directions of the staff members who are in charge. 2. Be courteous and use good manners 3. Clean up their place at the lunch table.
Children are expected to:
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following rules and regulations have been established to promote student safety and responsibility. All students, without exception, are expected to abide by them.
SCHOOL RULES
The student shall:
1. Refrain from damaging, defacing or destroying school and personal property. 2. Practice good citizenship. 3. Be regular and punctual in attendance. 4. Dress appropriately and neatly.
5. Practice habits of good health and cleanliness. 6. Be honest and courteous. 7. Use only acceptable language. 8. Walk in hallways and travel quietly at all times.
9. Remain on the school grounds until dismissed or given permission to leave. 10. Use drinking fountains, play equipment, and lavatories with safety and cleanliness in mind. 11. Not throw any object which may injure another person.
12. Not push, trip, or fight with students at school nor on the way to or from school. 13. Complete all assigned work on time. 14. Respect other students and their feelings. 15. Respect teachers, principal, and other staff members. 16. Never bring dangerous materials (i.e., weapons, fireworks and other dangerous materials) to school or onto the school bus.
TELEPHONE
The office telephone is for school
business. Children should come to school prepared for the activities of the day. Parents can help their children by establishing regular morning routines which allow ample time to prepare and get ready for the day. However,
in an emergency situation, the principal will grant permission for student telephoning as necessary.
PLAYGROUND RULES
1. Supervision - It is the responsibility of the student to be seen at all times by the supervisor on duty.
2. Use of equipment: a) Use all equipment in a safe manner. b) If classroom equipment is brought outside, the child is to return it after recess.
c) Skateboard, in-line skates, pogo balls, and hard balls are not permitted during school hours for safety reasons.
3. No food, candy, gum or beverages are allowed during recess. 4. No student is permitted to leave school grounds without permission.
5. The school playground closes at sunset. No one will be permitted to use the playground facilities after that time. BUS SERVICE
The majority of the students attending the Colebrook School are transported
to and from school by bus. Bus service to Colebrook School is provided under contract by Laidlaw Transit Company. In the event of a transportation problem, please call Laidlaw at 379-0020. The driver is in complete
charge of the bus and is expected to enforce reasonable standards of behavior on the part of all persons riding that bus. Children who disregard the directions of the driver or who misbehave so as to endanger others may be denied the
privilege of riding the bus. Children are assigned to a bus at the beginning of each school year and they are expected to ride that bus to and from their regular stops. A note to the school is required if a change from this
procedure is necessary. Students in Grades 4 through 6 may ride a bicycle to and from school, in the spring and early fall, provided a note from parents is received by the school prior to their bicycling to school. State law
requires all children to wear a helmet when riding a bike. When riding the bus, students are expected to remain seated, to use quiet voices, and behave in a manner which will insure the safety of all passengers. Students who
misbehave on the bus may be assigned a seat by the driver or a school administrator. In the case of repeated or severe behavior problems, a student may be suspended from the bus and the parents held responsible for transportation.
CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR Second Offense: Assigned seat. Parents contacted.
Third Offense: Bus suspension (Parents are responsible for transportation). In-person conference required. Grade Average Homework Assignments K 10 - 15 Minutes, once or twice a week.
1-3 20 - 30 Minutes, daily. 4-6 30 - 60 Minutes, daily. Teachers may assign missing work as homework in addition to planned assignments. If homework
is not completed on time, the child will be assigned a detention. Parents will be notified by phone regarding detentions. If you are looking for a constructive use of time at home, as a supplement to learning, we urge you to
encourage pleasure reading. A sustained period of reading from 10-45 minutes daily, depending on age and readiness, would be beneficial to every child. Reading aloud to children in grades K-6 is also most beneficial.
Homework is a vital part of each child's learning
experience. Please encourage your child to complete his/her homework assignments on a daily basis. Provide him/her with a place to work that is free from distractions and well lit. Don't hesitate to help your child complete
his/her assignments, but do not do the work for them.
THE ARTS All students in the Colebrook School
participate in a musical production that is staged by the general music teacher and the classroom teachers. The grades are often divided (K-3 and 4-6) and alternate between performing in the Winter and Spring Programs. The School
Band performs in both programs as well as in Promotion Night in June. Violin students also perform in either or both of the musical programs. In addition to musical activities, Colebrook students will also participate in an
annual Art Show. The show will be held each spring at the Colebrook School.
Every child at the Colebrook School is scheduled for at least one class per week in music, library, art and physical education. Violin lessons
are provided for those students in Grades K-5 who are interested in learning to play the violin. Recorder lessons are also offered by the general music teacher for students in Grade 3.
BAND AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS
All students in Grade 4 are
required to take a musical instrument. They may choose between the recorder or the violin. During the school year, the instrumental music teacher will demonstrate the various band instruments to the Fourth Graders. Opportunities
for lessons and participation in the school band will be presented at this time. Information on rental instruments and lessons will also be sent home to parents. All Fifth and Sixth Grade students are eligible and are encouraged to
participate in the band. Membership is contingent upon the students' adherence to the "Band Membership Standards".
BAND MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS
To
be eligible to play in the Band, each student must show satisfactory proficiency on their particular instrument. In most cases, it takes several months of group lessons to reach this point. In addition to the group lessons, it is
necessary for the students to practice their instruments at home each day. It is recommended that the students practice 30 minutes per day. This time is needed to develop the skills necessary for good musicianship.
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to this process. Most beginning students are not ready to perform in the School Band by the Winter Concert. In general, beginners are ready to join the Band by the Spring Concert, provided they
have practiced regularly.
LIBRARY Book Renewal Policy: Books should be returned to have date cards re-stamped to renew books. Any books not returned by the end of the school
year will result in the withholding of that student's report card. The report card will not be released until the book is returned to the library or the child has paid for the book.
The same standards of behavior that apply to all other school activities, apply in the library.
All Colebrook students have at least one scheduled library period each
week. The period will include time for an activity and/or research as well as time to check out books. During the regularly scheduled library time, students will be allowed to select 2 books each. They will be able to borrow
these books for one week with the option of renewing them for a period of up to four weeks. Students needing materials for classroom related research will be allowed to select additional books. They will be allowed to borrow these
books for two weeks with an option to renew for as long as they are needed.
SCHOOL TESTING
SCREENING: PRE-SCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN Should a child be diagnosed, via the screening process, with an identifiable exceptionality, an individualized program will be developed to help minimize the effects of the exceptionality on the developmental process.
Questions regarding the availability of special programming or the appropriateness and/or adequacy of such programming should be directed to the Director of Shared Services at 379-8583, or the Colebrook School Principal at 379-2179. A
packet, "Due Process", explains the rights of the parent and is available in the school office.
STANDARDIZED TESTING PROGRAM
Connecticut Mastery Testing is conducted by the State Department of Education in Grades 3 through 6 during the Spring. It is the policy of the Colebrook School to include all students in the testing situation.
End of book tests in
subject areas and/or teacher made tests are also used to measure a student's day-to-day progress. The result of this testing is reflected in the grades students receive on their report cards.
SPECIAL SERVICES The purpose of the PPT is to plan
a learning program for the special needs student that will optimize his/her educational experience. The PPT includes the parent(s) or legal guardian, the classroom teacher, the school principal, the Special Education teacher(s) and all
other appropriate specialists. The PPT may be convened by any of the team members, including the parents. A PPT must be held annually to review each special needs student's progress and/or when any modifications are made to the
students prescribed program.
A wide range of special services is available to children with special needs. Supplementary diagnostic testing is provided for those students suspected of having a
specific educational need.
Special services are available to children who have been identified as having special needs. Identification is accomplished through a referral and testing process. Once a child has been
referred, a child study team meeting is convened with school staff. If the team identifies a need, the parents are asked to attend a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting where parental permission for further testing is
requested. The referred child is evaluated and modifications appropriate to his/her program are recommended at a second PPT meeting. Parents' input is required throughout this process.
CHANGE IN FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES
Any major change in family circumstances may have an adverse effect on a
young child. Divorce, a death in the family, the death of a pet or a prolonged business trip can all have a negative effect on a child's behavior and consequently, his/her ability to learn. Should a situation of this nature occur
in your family, please make your child's teacher and/or the school principal aware of it. This will enable the school to take whatever steps are necessary to provide the student with additional support to foster a positive school
environment and decrease the possibility of a major disruption of the learning process. Please be assured that all such information will be held in strictest confidence.
HEALTH PROGRAM MEDICATION
POLICY ON AIDS AND OTHER LONG-TERM COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The Colebrook Public School System will monitor the information made available through the State of Connecticut, Department of Education and
Department of Health Services, as well as through the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, relative to children diagnosed as having any long-term communicable disease.
Based on the most recent medical and educational information, the
school system will review each case on an individual basis to recommend the most appropriate educational program and the school medical advisor will recommend appropriate in-school health procedures.
Parents must notify, in writing, the
building principal if they do not wish to have their child/children participate in AIDS instruction.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Discipline problems are
normally dealt with at the level at which they occur (i.e., classroom, cafeteria, bus, etc.). In cases that warrant office intervention, a referral system is used. Our referral system is designed to provide us with documentation as
well as an opportunity for the child to discuss the incident. These forms are maintained during the school year as an informal record and are not part of the child's official school file.
CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR Second Offense: Parents contacted.
Third Offense: After-school detention and/or school/community service. Parent conference required.
First Offense: Warning. Parents contacted dependent upon the severity of the infraction.
SUSPENSION / EXPULSION
1. Conduct which endangers persons or
property or is seriously disruptive of the educational process. Included within such prohibited conduct are the following acts:
a. Conduct causing a threat of danger to the physical well-being of himself or other people. b. Physical assault on another person on school premises or buses or at school-sponsored
events which is not reasonably necessary for self-defense. c. Taking, or attempting to take, personal property or money from another person, or from
his presence, by means of force or fear. d. Taking school property.
e. Willfully causing, or attempting to cause, substantial damage to school property. h. Possession, use, transmission or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine,
barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind. i. Knowingly being in the presence of those who are in possession of, using, transmitting, or being under the influence of any
narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind. j. Possession or transmission of any
firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object of no reasonable use to a student at school.
k. Using or copying the academic work of another and presenting it as his/her own without proper attribution. l. Possessing or consuming tobacco products. m. Violation of any Federal or State law which would indicate that the violator presents a danger to any person in the school community or to school property. 2. Open defiance of the authority of any teacher or person having authority over the student, including verbal abuse.
3. Repeated unauthorized absence from school.
4. Intentional and successful incitement of truancy by other pupils. The administration may suspend a pupil for cause, provided that "no student shall be suspended without an
informal hearing before the building principal or his/her designee at which time such pupil shall be informed of the reasons for the disciplinary action and given an opportunity to explain the situation, provided nothing herein shall be
construed to prevent a more formal hearing being held if the circumstances surrounding the incident so require". The Board may expel any pupil for cause, provided that "no student be expelled without a formal hearing" conducted in
accordance with procedures governing hearings as established by statute. The parents or guardian of any pupil, either expelled or suspended, shall be given notice of such disciplinary action within twenty-four (24) hours of time
such action takes place.
In accordance with Section
10-233 (revised) of the Connecticut General Statutes, all students are to be notified annually of Board policies governing student conduct. This statute also provides that pupils may be suspended or expelled from school "when such
pupil's conduct endangers persons or property or is seriously disruptive of the educational process and which conduct is violate of a publicized policy of the Board".
Suspension is defined as exclusion from school for a period of time not
to exceed ten school days. Expulsion is defined as exclusion from school for more than ten days. A pupil may be expelled or suspended for one or more of the following reasons:
f. Participation in an unauthorized occupancy by any group of pupils or others, of any part of any building or school premises, and failure
to leave such school premises promptly after being directed to do so by the principal or other person then in charge of the building.
g. Intentional incitement which results in an unauthorized occupation by any group of pupils or
others of any part of the school or grounds.
n. Violation of any other Board policy dealing with student conduct, including that dealing with conduct on school buses, a copy of which is incorporated in this Handbook.
PARENTS' RIGHT TO KNOW 1. Whether the teacher has
met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. 3. The
baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
As a requirement of the Title 1 statute, the school office will provide
to any parent who makes a request to the Principal information regarding the professional qualifications of the child's teacher(s). The following information will be provided in a timely manner:
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status.
4. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.
Please note that the school ensures that all students provided Title 1 services receive instruction from school staff(teachers and/or
paraprofessionals) who possess appropriate qualifications and/or degrees.
For additional information, contact the school office at 379-2179.
Colebrook Consolidated School