BOWDOINHAM COMMUNITY SCHOOL
HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS
2007 – 2008
PEOPLE YOU MAY NEED TO CONSULT
Our school highly values communication with parents. Please feel free to contact any of the following people if you have a question or concern. It is important that the school be notified of unusual circumstances at home or in the close family circle. We are in a better position to be of assistance if we are kept well informed.
School Telephone: 666-5546 (We do have Voice Mail)
FAX: 666-3160
District Office Telephone: 729-9961
Transportation Office Telephone: 729-1608
Web Site: http://www.link75.org/bhm
E-mail address (all staff addresses will follow this format):
Principal Diane Stahl
School Secretary Jackie Dube
Nurse/Health Coordinator Ellen Martel
Clerical Aide/Health Aide Patricia Stratton
Guidance Counselor Barbara Moskol
Special Services Cathy Curtis, Krista Varney
Ed Techs Debbie Avery, Daria Burns, Deb Butler,
Marlene Oliver, Betty Wallace
Speech and Language Therapists Martha Lentz, Sandra Garner, Robin Kroc
Librarian Trish Suthers
Library Ed Tech Susie Reinheimer
Kindergarten Jennifer Johnson, Donna Thivierge
Kinderstart Ed Tech Whitney Anderson
Grade 1 Sandy Petteruti, Doreen Young
Grade 2 Tricia Fletcher, Rebecca West Cahill
Grade 3 Mel Banton, Karen Black
Grade 4 Ryan Patrie, Donna Therriault
Grade 5 Steve Howe, Diana Marc-Aurele
Volunteer Coordinator Jen Leech
Literacy Teacher Leslie Lemieux
Title I Teacher Betty Hartley
Art Liz Bouchard
Music Amy Cote
Instrumental Music Dawne-Marie Powers
Physical Education Bruce Jones, Barbara Linnehan-Smith
Physical Therapist Kathy Murphy
Occupational Therapist Diane Wallace
ESL Teacher Jill Snyder
Behavior Specialists Jennifer Cotreau
Clerical Aide/Duty Aide Susie MacDonald
Consulting Psychologist Syd Alberg
Social Worker Anna Agell
Computer Lab Ed Tech Helen Brawn
Food Services Sherri Card, Shirley Allen
Custodians Joanne Mitchell , Guy Brawn
Bus Drivers T. Bisson, D. Richardson, B. White, R. St.Pierre, Y.Elwell
GT Specialist Seth Berry
Technology Specialist Bill Congdon
SCHOOL INFORMATION
SCHOOL DAY
The school day begins at 9:10 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m., except on Wednesday when the day begins for students at 10:10 a.m. Because there is no playground supervision in the morning, students not using school bus transportation should arrive no earlier than 8:50 a.m. and 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday. All students should report to their classrooms upon arrival.
9:10 Classes begin – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
10:10 Classes begin – Wednesday
11:50 – 12:50 Grades K-2 Lunch/Recess as scheduled
12:05 – 12:50 Grades 3-5 Recess/Lunch as scheduled
2:00 Grades 3-5 afternoon recess
2:35 Grades 1-2 recess
All children are required to leave the school grounds upon their dismissal, as there is no playground supervision after school hours (unless involved in an organized activity).
If a child needs to arrive at school before 8:50, he or she must be enrolled in the Before School program run by Family Focus (386-1662). Supervision begins 20 minutes before the start of the school day. It is not acceptable to drop you child off before 8:50 or (9:50 on Wednesdays)
ATTENDANCE
ABSENCES
Please call the school office (666-5546) in the morning on the day(s) your child will be absent from school. You may leave a message on the school answering system if you call before school is open. If we have not heard from a parent when a child is absent, we will call home or try to reach parents at work. If we fail to reach a parent, we will call people listed on the emergency card. Please help out by calling us. If a student will be absent for a family event or a trip, please let both his/her teacher and the office know well in advance. While teachers are not required to prepare work in these situations, they will generally offer suggestions if they receive sufficient notice.
DISMISSAL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Parents who come to school to pick up their child are required to come to the office. If a student must leave school for an appointment or any other reason, a parent should send in a note. Parents or visitors picking up a student must report to the office to sign them out and wait for them there, or obtain a dismissal pass to be given to the teacher before the student can be released from the classroom. A student may be dismissed only when a parent or designated adult signs him/her out. Parents picking up their child from school are also required to sign out the child. We will not release the child to a person we do not know without prior arrangements and will ask the adult to wait while parents are called for verification.
NOTES FROM HOME WHEN PLANS CHANGE
Social and child-care plans need to be made prior to your child’s arrival at school. When your child is going to do something after school that differs from his/her usual routine, written confirmation is required. This will ensure that you know where your child will be and will eliminate the necessity of calling you at work.
PARENTS AWAY FROM HOME
If parents are to be away from home, they should inform the office how to reach them in case of an emergency, and give the name, address, and phone number of the person who will be responsible for their child.
TARDINESS
A student who is late for any reason must come to the office to check in before going to class. Chronic tardiness will be addressed with the parents by the principal.
TRUANCY
Consistent attendance at school is essential for a student’s success in school. When a student is absent from school or class without prior permission of his or her parent or guardian or a school official, that student is considered truant. Habitual truancy under Maine State Law occurs when a student “has the equivalent of 10 days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year”. The school will attempt to resolve all habitual truancy issues in an informal way with the student and his/her parents. Formal means, involving the Superintendent of Schools, School Board and Law Enforcement, may be employed if informal means are not successful in resolving issues of truancy
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS/SNOW DAYS
Periodically the school is closed due to inclement weather. If the announcement is made before the start of school in the morning, all schools will be closed for the entire day, and all after-school activities will be canceled. Cancellation or late start notification will be announced over the following radio and television stations:
WCSH – TV CHANNEL 6 WGAN AM 560 WTHT FM 107.5
WMTW – TV CHANNEL 8 WYNZ FM 100.0 WCSO FM 97.9
WGME – TV CHANNEL 13 WMGX FM 93.1 WJTO AM 730
WBLM FM 102.9 KISS FM 99.9 WKRH FM 105.9
WCLZ FM 98.8/AM 900 WCME FM 96.7 WPOR FM 101.9/AM 14.9
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
AIMING FOR EXCELLENCE
Purpose: To ensure that M.S.A.D. 75 meets its legal (Maine’s Chapter 104) and ethical obligations to students extraordinarily ahead of peers in core academic subjects.
Identifications: At present, Maine law limits this group to 5% of total enrollment. For this reason, M.S.A.D. 75 typically selects fewer than 2% of students in each core subject. Identification is reviewed annually.
Core Commitments: Work at an appropriate level of challenge
Time to work with intellectual peers
Information and guidance regarding additional opportunities
Programming: Student needs are defined and matched to each school’s resources through a collaborative planning process. The G & T teacher is a case manager, consultant, advocate, and facilitator of this process.
Contact: Seth Berry,
Gifted and Talented link from district website:
ART
The art program is designed to teach the art elements (line, shape, color, form, and texture), and art principles (balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, movement, pattern, and unity), as well as art vocabulary and art history. Through this program, students work with drawing, painting, weaving, fiber art, puppetry, clay and glazing, sculpture, print making and collage work. Within this program, students learn and practice working with materials safely and are taught to respect and value works of art.
CHORUS
Fourth and fifth graders are invited to join Chorus. They will rehearse once a week on Thursday during the school day. These students will perform both in announced concerts and the annual May all-district choral concert. When a student makes the commitment to join the chorus, it is expected that he/she will participate for the entire year.
CLASSROOM TEACHERS
Each child’s classroom teacher is the primary liaison between the child, his/her parents, and the rest of the faculty and staff. If you have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to call your child’s teacher. Messages may be left for teachers on our voice mail system. Your call will be answered as soon as possible. Please do not leave an urgent call on Voice Mail. Please call the office and leave a direct message for your child’s teacher or Mrs. Stahl If you would like to contact a staff member by e-mail, please type the last name, first initial @ link 75.org Here is an example.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Bowdoinham Community School expects all its members to share responsibility for the well-being of the school community. To be a member of this diverse community means making a commitment to honesty, respect, compassion, fairness, responsibility, and courage.
In order to have a school environment that is safe and conducive to learning, all students are expected to follow the basic rules and procedures established for the building. It is our intent to follow common health and safety procedures at all times. At the beginning of the school year, teachers will talk with their students about expectations for behavior. Classroom teachers develop rules for their classrooms, which are appropriate for the age of the students and the type of activity being conducted. Students are expected to follow these classroom rules. All faculty and staff members take responsibility for the safety and well being of all Bowdoinham students. Students are expected to treat all adults with respect.
In recognition of outstanding student achievement in these areas, the school has instituted the Falcon Choice Awards. These are green and white slips of paper that staff members can use to identify individuals and groups of students that have shown exceptional behavior in the following areas of our
Core Values of:
Honesty
Respect
Compassion
Fairness
Responsibility
Courage
Demonstrated by the following behaviors:
Being a Kind Friend
Helping & Caring About Others
Being a Great Team Player
Respecting Others and the Environment
Following Directions
Doing Your Best Work
These slips of paper are awarded by the classroom teacher and staff. Students will be recognized at assemblies and in various other ways. It has proven to be a very popular and effective reward system.
While our emphasis in the classroom is on rewarding a positive behavior, there are behaviors that have a negative impact on the community and will not be tolerated:
If a child is involved in fighting or harassing another student, he or she will be disciplined and parents will be called and asked to come to school to meet with the principal. If a child is involved in a physical fight; he or she will be sent home – unless there are extenuating circumstances. A student with severe behavior problems may be referred to the district behavior specialist and/or referred for special services through the Pupil Evaluation Team process.
If a child is sent to the office from a classroom or the playground for a serious issue, parents will be asked to come in to meet with the principal.
COMPUTERS
Each class has a scheduled time in the computer lab each week. In addition, each classroom has a computer and scheduled access to our lap top cart which is now able to be used anywhere in the building via a wireless connection.
HOMEWORK
The Bowdoinham Community School faculty believes that homework is a student’s personal responsibility. Parents can help their child see it as a valuable activity by helping them to organize a study area, providing a quiet, well-lit place for the student to complete homework assignments, and setting a regular time each day for study purposes. The amount of time spent daily on homework varies by grade level. Each classroom teacher will inform parents about homework expectations. If there is a concern or question regarding homework, please contact your child’s teacher.
This year we will be offering Homework Support/Academic Study after school from 3:30 – 4:30 on most Wednesdays. Dates will be listed in the Falcon Flash. This is an opportunity for students to get caught up on homework or classroom assignments. This can be voluntary or a mutually assigned by a student’s teacher and parent as a solution to incomplete homework or class assignments. Parents will need to sign a form for attendance by Wednesday morning and promptly pick up a student at 4:30 P.M.
We are also instituting a Homework Detention on Friday Afternoons as a last resort to unresolved homework/class work issues. Parents will be notified of the Detention. Students will make up work from 3:30 to 4:30 with Mrs. Stahl and a parent and child will have a meeting at 4:45 with Mrs. Stahl to form a plan to ensure there will not be a need for a future Detention.
LIBRARY
The library contains both print and non-print materials and provides stimulating areas for students and teachers alike. The library, staffed by a librarian and aide is open during normal school hours. Books are checked out for one week and the due date is stamped in the back of the book. No fines are charged for overdue books, but students will not be allowed to check out additional books until those books are returned. There will be a charge for lost or damaged books. Parents are welcomed and encouraged to use the library.
MUSIC
The general music program at Bowdoinham Community School will focus on the joy of movement to music and the creativity of music making through singing. With the wonderful diversity of today’s world and the wealth of available materials, we will explore the music and dance of many different cultures. All students will present at announced times, sharing their musical knowledge and performance skills.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Instrumental music is available to students in grade 5. Students who participate receive a weekly 30-minute lesson and participate in a band rehearsal. If students do not have their own instruments, they are available through a “rent to own” rental program from American Music Group. If your child wishes to play an instrument and you cannot afford a rental, please contact Mrs. Powers. Performances are held throughout the year. If you have an instrument to donate, or need more information, contact Mrs. Powers.
PARENT CONFERENCES
Conferences between parents and teachers play a significant role in a child’s education. Communication between home and school serves to clarify expectations, assesses progress, and aids in understanding the child. Bowdoinham Community School takes seriously its responsibility to bring important information to the attention of parents and, in turn, to respond to parents when they have questions regarding the program or a student’s progress. Conferences are scheduled for late fall and spring; however, additional conferences will be held whenever parents or the teacher feel it would be helpful. It is in your child’s best interest that you contact us whenever you have a question about his/her schoolwork or behavior.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is an integral part of a child’s schooling. It offers a variety of experiences for each student to develop physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally. The curriculum will enable each student to take pride in his/her own physical well being, skill development, and social relationships. Based on the concept of “learning by doing,” physical education affords the student an equal opportunity for group and individualized instruction. Activities are designed to increase each student’s skill development, gross motor skills, physical fitness, self-esteem, fair play, and interpersonal skills within a safe environment. Ultimately, the program will enable students to apply their knowledge and experience to a lifetime of physical activity and exercise, including health-related fitness, sports, and leisure pursuits. Sneakers and comfortable clothes are the necessary items for participation in class.
SUPPLIES AND TEXTS
Students are asked to provide certain school supplies such as pencils, folders, colored pencils, etc. Their teachers will inform them about these items. All textbooks and many supplies are provided by the taxpayers and loaned to the students at no cost. Each student is responsible for loss or damage other than normal wear and tear. Parents may be billed for the replacement costs of such materials. Please check your student’s supplies throughout the year to assess needs.
WORK FOR ABSENTEES
The school makes every reasonable effort to provide necessary work for absent students. Teachers are not able, however, to prepare work for absent students before the end of the school day. Books and assignments should be picked up at the office by the parent after 4:00 p.m., or they can be sent home with a neighboring student, if such arrangements can be made.
OTHER INFORMATION
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Students will have the opportunity to buy school insurance (accident) which will cover them during school hours or longer, depending on premium chosen. These insurance forms are sent home during the first week of school and should be returned promptly
AFTER SCHOOL USE OF SCHOOL GROUNDS
Treat school grounds with respect
Respect school property
Smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages is not allowed
Children/visitors should leave the playground one half-hour after sundown.
Bowdoinham students are to leave school grounds after dismissal. With parental permission, students may return to the playground.
Any Bowdoinham student who exhibits inappropriate behavior such as threatening others, harassment, fighting, vandalism, etc. will lose the right to be on school grounds after hours.
Middle or high school students are not to be in the school building or on the school grounds during the school day without the permission of the principal.
Any middle or high school student exhibiting inappropriate behavior will lose the right to be on school grounds. If a student who has lost the privilege to be on the school grounds returns, the police will be called and a complaint filed.
Motorized recreational vehicles, including but not limited to ATVs and dirt bikes, are not allowed on school property at any time.
ASSEMBLIES
There will be all-school assemblies on scheduled Friday mornings at the start of the school day. A different grade level will be responsible for planning an assembly connected to classroom curriculum.
BICYCLES
Bicycles must be walked on school property. Children who ride to school are required to wear bike helmets as required by state law. For reasons of safety, bike riders may not leave school property until after the buses have departed. Children who do not observe safe bike practices may be asked not to ride their bikes to school and parents will be called.
Skate boards and scooters are strongly discouraged as a means of transportation to and/or from school.
BREAKFAST (INCLUDING INFORMATION FOR FREE AND REDUCED MEALS)
This year we will continue a voluntary breakfast program. Breakfast may be purchased each morning except on Wednesday. The cost is $1 per student, 30 cents for reduced price and free for students who qualify for free lunch. Students will be given a breakfast in a bag which they will eat during snack time. Breakfast will not be available on Wednesdays.
BUILDING USE FORM
Any community member or organization may reserve areas of the school for use for meetings, events, family occasions, etc. The school secretary has a building use form that must be filled out in advance of the planned event and is subject to approval by the school principal. Non-profit organizations may use the building free of charge. All others must pay a fee that has been determined by MSAD 75. Reservations are on a first come first served basis, so the sooner the form is filled out, the more likely the date needed will be available. School functions and educational considerations have first priority and will supersede any building use requests.
BUSES
Bus students are expected to ride the bus every day unless a note has been sent from home. Kindergarten and first grade students getting off the bus alone must have an adult meet them at their bus stop or they will not be dropped off. They will be returned to the school and parents will be notified by phone so arrangements can be made to pick them up at the school.
Children who are transported on a school bus must have written permission from their parent/guardian if they intend to get off or on at a different place other than where they are usually picked up.
The school’s standards of behavior apply to the school bus as well; all students are expected to follow the basic rules established at the transportation department in order to insure the bus is a safe and civilized place. At the beginning of the school year, both classroom teachers and bus drivers will talk with students about expectations for behavior that are listed below. The right of students to ride the bus is conditional on their behavior and observance of the rules
Rules:
Follow the directions of the driver
Sit in the seat, facing forward and keeping hands, feet, and objects to yourself
Maintain an appropriate noise level
Use appropriate language. No name calling, swearing, or threatening
Take good care of the bus
Failure to comply with the rules will result in the following consequences:
First step: Driver will verbally warn the student, specifying the rule being broken
Second step: Driver will assign a seat to the student
Third step: Driver will phone the parents. The principal will send the conduct report home to parents with the appropriate disciplinary action.
Fourth step: When the student receives a second conduct report, the principal will address the bus misconduct via a variety of disciplinary options, including but not limited to:
Loss of recess
Bus cleaning and other forms of restitution
Suspension of bus transportation privileges
Fifth step: Further disciplinary action will necessitate an administrative review (principal, director of transportation, parent, and student) prior to suspension for five (5) days from bus transportation.
Severe Disruption
The following inappropriate behavior will result in an automatic three (3) day suspension of transportation privileges:
Physical harm to another student
Physical harm or threat to the driver
Property damage
Disruption of the bus
Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
If a student is suspended from the bus, parents will need to arrange for alternate transportation to and from school. Any time the parents have a concern about disciplinary actions, they may request a meeting with the school administrator, the bus driver, and the director of transportation; the student will be invited to the meeting as well.
CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS AND BOX TOP FOR EDUCATION CERTIFICATES
Please save and donate Campbell Soups Labels and Box Top for Education Certificates for the Bowdoinham Community School. Please drop off in the office, in collection cans or send in with your students. The money and equipment from these will help us provide field trips and equipment for our students.
CHILD FIND
As a resident of SAD 75, you are NOTIFIED that you are entitled to certain rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL – 105-17).
Under Federal law and State Regulation, SAD 75 is responsible for locating, identifying and evaluating all resident students in public, private or home school settings who are or may be in need of special education services. This responsibility is called “Child Find” and includes this notification.
If you are a parent of a resident student or know of any resident student who does or may have a disability which may require special education, please contact either the SAD 75 Director of Special Services at 729-1557, or the Principal of your local public school. SAD 75 will initiate a referral process for an individual comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a student is eligible to receive special education.
All contacts are kept strictly confidential.
CONCERTS/ MUSIC PERFORMANCES
This year students will be sharing the music that they are learning in their general music classes. Dates and time to be announced in advance. Our goal is to provide every student the opportunity to show his/her learning to community members who wish to see it in small presentations that afford everyone to hear and appreciate an age appropriate high quality program.
The Chorus and Instrumental Music students will have concerts to showcase their hard work. Dates to follow.
D.A.R.E.
As part of the Health Curriculum the MSAD #75 the fifth grade students participate in the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. Our students learn important life problem-solving and refusal skill. For more information please contact the principal.
DRESS CODE
Clothing shall not detract from the educational program.
Clothing or hairstyles that are detrimental to one’s health and safety or the health and safety of others are not permitted. For example, pants should not be so long that a child may trip on them, or so baggy that they will not stay up.
Footwear must be worn for health reasons, inside the building and out. Heelies are not allowed to have wheels down in school or on the playground. High heels are not safe at school. Students may be asked to call home if footwear is deemed unsafe by Mrs. Stahl.
Clothing shall be modest. Primarily, this is determined by parent and student, reflecting your moral and personal convictions. In some cases, however, it may be necessary for the teacher and/or administrator to make a determination within the limits of current community practices. Some guidelines:
When trying to determine the correct length for shorts, stand up straight with your arms at your side. The shorts should not be shorter than where your fingertips end.
The stomach/midriff area should not be exposed.
Shirts that have straps less than two inches wide are inappropriate.
Any clothing that allows underwear to be seen is inappropriate.
Long pants that extend to the floor and beyond (these are unsafe since the student could trip and fall.)
Clothing must be socially acceptable. We do not support the advertisement of illegal substances, obscenity, or nudity in print, iron-ons, or patches.
Hats, caps, and coats are not to be worn in the classroom. In fact, hats are to be removed on entering the building.
Hats may be worn for special occasions as determined by teachers or administrators. Details will be sent home as needed. Coats are not to be worn inside the building for both health and safety reasons. We encourage parents to label all of their child’s clothing so that it can be easily identified if lost or misplaced.
All children must wear sneakers during physical education periods. We ask parents, also, to consider the need for a safe, appropriate shoe that will allow the child to play and run freely in the playground area.
FALCON FRIENDS
Falcon Friends are Bowdoin College Mentors that spend time with some of our students during lunch and recess times on scheduled dates. Mrs. Moskol and Mrs. Stahl supervise this program and do our best to match students based on the availability of Bowdoin Students.
FIELD TRIPS
Written permission is required for all field trips. Parents may be asked to pay a small amount for transportation and admission fees. Scholarship help is always available. We highly recommend you provide sun screen and/or insect repellent for outdoor field trips. Any allergies to these products should be included on the Health Information Update form filled out at the beginning of each school year.
“FOOD FREAKS”
The Bowdoinham Community School has a wonderful extra-curricular activity which allows students to garden, cook and do special projects. This group meets on scheduled Wednesdays. (Delayed Start) Please watch the Falcon Flash for dates. This group also meets in summer to plant a garden that supports a free Harvest Community Dinner. Please watch the Falcon Flash for details.
FRIDAY ELECTIVES
One of Arts Alive wonderful programs is the Friday ELECTIVES program. Volunteers from the community are paired up with Bowdoinham Community School Staff to offer students in Grades 3-5 some six week “ courses” to broaden their experiences. These electives have included knitting, clay, line dancing, fly tie fishing, cooking, storytelling, Latin, Spanish, hiking to mention just a few. Please contact the school office if you have a skill, talent, etc. to share with our students.
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LOST AND FOUND
A lost and found box is located near the front door and gym. Last year hundreds of dollars worth of lost clothing was given to charity. Parents are requested to sew labels or mark clothing, boots, gym apparel, and lunch boxes with your child’s name. Unlabeled items not claimed in a reasonable time will be given away.
LUNCH
All children are expected to eat something for lunch. We have become increasingly concerned about children who do not buy or bring lunch. This year, if children do not have a lunch, they will have the option of charging a school lunch. The school nurse may be consulted.
A nutritionally balanced hot lunch is available, or a student may bring his/her own bag lunch. Hot lunch is $2 per meal for students (reduced lunch 40 cents), and $3.50 for adults. A la carte milk is 50 cents.
Students need to purchase tickets for hot lunch or milk as they enter school. Whenever possible, children are encouraged to pay for their lunches for the week at the beginning of each week. Students should write their names on the back of each ticket so they can be returned if they are lost. Lunches are prepared at Mt. Ararat Middle School and re-heated before being served.
Your family may be eligible for free or reduced meals. Applications are sent home the first week of school or during new registration.
For your convenience, a weekly lunch menu is included in the school newsletter, the Falcon Flash, as well as a monthly menu sent home with notices.
All children eat lunch in the cafeteria. In the cafeteria, students are expected to use good manners and follow the directions of the person on duty.
In the lunchroom, children are expected to follow manners that would normally be found in the home. Entry to and exiting from the lunchroom will be done in an orderly fashion. Food is to be eaten only in the lunchroom. For safety reasons, drinks in glass bottles are not allowed. Talking is permitted in a normal voice. Tables and surrounding areas are to be left as clean as possible.
MORNING MESSAGE
Each morning Mrs. Stahl or Mrs. Dube will read a thought-provoking message from Project Wisdom – a program designed to have students and staff reflect on making good ethical and responsible choices during the day and for life.
MSAD # 75 & COMMUNITY BULLETINS BOARDS
Directly outside the school office door there is one bulletin board for MSAD #75 news and notices and one for Bowdoinham Community news and notices. Upon approval of the principal notices will be appropriately posted for the applicable time.
NO PEANUTS/ NUT PRODUCTS
More and more school-aged children are being diagnosed with food-related allergies-- there is at least one student in every school in the district with a serious food allergy. Anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction that can be fatal) is the most extreme result of a food allergy.
M.A.S.D. No. 75 strives to provide a safe learning environment for all students. Peanuts and derivative products are the allergens most often identified with potential anaphylactic events in the school setting. Although the District and the families of allergic children acknowledge that despite best efforts, we cannot guarantee an absolutely allergen-free environment, we ask that everyone to their part to create a peanut/nut aware District.
If you do send in a treat for a special occasion for your child’s class, we require you to check with your child’s teacher for all allergies and the healthy snack choice. Students may bring nut products for snacks or lunch if there are no issues.
Remind your students not to eat food while riding on the school bus.
If you do any baking or donating for any school event, please do not include peanuts or nut products. We do not want to accidentally affect the health of one of our students or visitors. (This is a good practice for all your donations!) We appreciate the support of these procedures. We know you want all children to be safe.
PEER MEDIATORS
To our benefit Mrs. Moskol trains all our fifth graders in conflict resolution and peer mediation skills in the fall. We are proud and please that our students learn these lifelong problem solving skills. These well trained mediators then help resolve students’ issues at recess.
PLAYGROUND RULES
School staff members supervise our playgrounds, and children are expected to follow their direction. For reasons of safety, hardballs, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, and other potentially dangerous equipment should be left at home. Likewise, playground equipment must be used in a safe manner; e.g., walk up steps on the slide and slide down on your bottom; hand over hand on the crossbars in one direction; one person sitting in a swing at a time with no jumping from the swing. Tackle football, fighting, wrestling, etc., is not to be allowed at any time. Bats may not be used unless a teacher on duty feels that they may be used safely. In the winter, sledding is allowed only if there is enough snow and it is not icy. Because the snow conditions are so variable, daily decisions about sledding will be made by the staff on duty. Students who do not respect playground rules will be asked to leave the playground and go to the office. They will lose later recess time as a consequence. Safety is our number one concern.
RECESS
All students are expected to go outside during recess times. When weather conditions or cold temperatures make it necessary to stay inside (when temperature is below 15 degrees F, including wind chill), all classes will be informed. Exceptions are granted for those who have written medical excuses from a doctor. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
RECYCLING PROGRAM
Mrs. Curtis and her student recyclers have created a wonderful awareness and promoted recycling at the Bowdoinham Community School. Awards are given to classrooms at the Friday Assembly. This effort was given an award by the Maine Waste Management & Recycling Program. Stay tuned for some special activities planned for this year in our effort to save the earth
ROLLER SKATING
The Bowdoinham Community School has occasional roller skating parties at Roller World. This is a fundraiser and well–supervised fun!
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The school board usually meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Exact dates will be published in the Falcon Flash weekly newsletter. Joanne Reinhart and Rebekah Stimpson are Bowdoinham School Board Representatives.
SCHOOL TELEPHONE
Students may use the school phone when a teacher has requested them to stay after to complete work or in the case of an emergency. We strongly request that social plans be made from home and that children check to make sure they have lunch tickets and homework before leaving the house. Student phone calls may be made only from the office phone. Cell phones are not allowed in school. If you need your child to carry a cell phone for after school arrangements, it must be left turned off in his/her backpack.
SNACK FOOD/CARBONATED SODA/GUM
We request that parents not send carbonated soda or candy for snack or lunch. Gum may not be chewed at school. Please read the information about the new M.S. A. D No. 74 Wellness Policy.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE TEAM (SAT).
The Bowdoinham Community School has a Student Assistance Team (SAT) which meets biweekly to handle referrals concerning students “at risk.” Please contact Barbara Moskol or Diane Stahl for more information.
STUDENT DIRECTORY
A student directory will be published each fall to provide an easy way to connect Bowdoinham Community School families. Inclusion is voluntary.
TOYS
Children are asked to leave toys at home. Often, treasured items are lost, causing considerable upset. Pokemon cards may not be brought to school. CDs, Game Boys, etc. need to remain in back packs during the school day. Exceptions may be granted for school/classroom projects.
VIDEO CAMERA
The Bowdoinham Community School was fortunate to be the recipient of a grant sponsored by the Sagadahoc Emergency Management Agency and Bowdoinham Fire Department. We now have a digital video camera that tapes all people entering our front door and playing on the playground.
VISITORS
Parents are welcome to visit the school. In the interest of safety and the welfare of our students, all parents, and other visitors are required to stop at the office to sign in before going to the classroom. You will be given a badge to wear while in the building identifying you as a visitor or a volunteer. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
SCHOOL NURSE
Bowdoinham Community School has the services of a school nurse or health aide to conduct selected health services in school. Anyone wishing to discuss health matters should call during school hours.
STUDENT ILLNESS AND RECESS
Parents of pupils should be mindful of both their health and that of a group. A pupil who feels ill should stay at home. Many cases of severe illnesses and spread of epidemics can be prevented in this way. Cooperation on the part of all will keep our health at the highest level possible. If, in the opinion of school officials, a pupil does not seem physically able to remain in school, you will be requested to come for your child. Parents are asked to furnish the school with the name, address, and telephone number of a person with whom the child may be left in an emergency in case the parents cannot be reached. All children are expected to go outside for brief play periods. These play periods are supervised and occur only in suitable weather. Please remember that no child will be allowed to remain inside at recess without a doctor’s note. Exception to the rule will be asthmatics that are triggered by cold air. Going outside in the fresh air for such a brief period is healthier for a child than remaining indoors. We monitor the temperature closely, and do have indoor recess if the weather is inclement or very cold. PLEASE BE SURE YOUR CHILD IS DRESSED PROPERLY FOR THE WEATHER. Hats, gloves or mittens, boots, and snow pants are a must when winter weather hits. It is also a good idea to send extra socks and other clothing items when those puddles are just too good to be ignored!
Your child should be free of the following symptoms for 24 hours before he/she returns to school:
fever 100 degrees or higher, nausea and/or vomiting (sick stomach), diarrhea, uncontrollable cough, and runny nose. Good hand washing is the most important thing all of us can do to prevent spreading germs and illness.
ANNUAL HEALTH HISTORY
Parents are asked to notify the school nurse of any medical conditions concerning their child, such as current or chronic illnesses, allergies, medication, or physical handicaps. Each fall a health questionnaire is sent home for you to complete and return to school. Such reports are kept confidential by school personnel and are of great help in meeting your child’s needs here at school.
CHILD ABUSE
Maine law requires that school personnel report to the Department of Human Services all cases of actual or suspected child abuse. Bowdoinham Community School complies with this law.
EMERGENCY CARDS
Emergency cards are sent home at the beginning of each school year. It is very important to fill these out on both sides and return them to school as quickly as possible. Please advise us of any changes as soon as possible.
HEARING AND VISION SCREENING
Hearing and vision screening tests are performed annually by the school nurse on all students in grades k, 1, 3, and 5. Parents are notified of any suspected problems. Please note that these tests are for screening purposes only and do not take the place of a professional hearing or vision exam by a doctor.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Students with any contagious disease or infectious condition must be kept at home until such condition is completely cured. Certain contagious conditions require a doctor’s note before returning to school. The following communicable disease chart can be used as a guide.
Disease & Incubation & Symptoms Symptoms/Exclusions from school
Chicken Pox 2-3 weeks 7 days onset of rash
(fever, mild feeling of illness, skin eruptions) -until lesions are dry
Common cold 12-72 hours (general feeling not required, but recommended
of illness, nasal discharge, sore throat
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) 24-72 hours during acute stage
Redness of eye, discharge of pus
Gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) until released by physician
Hepatitis, infectious 10-40 days until released by physician
Fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, later jaundice
Impetigo 2-5 days – Red spots or pustules often until lesions have healed
with discharge and scabs
Influenza 24-72 hours – fever, chills until recovery
Pediculosis (Lice) - Lice in hair, sometimes until proper measures have been
on clothing taken in accordance with state
requirements and all the nits are
removed
Mumps 12-26 days – Fever, swelling and soreness one week from onset of disease or
in throat until swelling has subsided
Ringworm 10-14 days – scaly, red-ringed itching until released by physician
patch
Scabies – several days to weeks until healed
Severely itching rash, especially between fingers
Scarlet Fever & Strep Throat 24 hours after start of antibiotics
Sore throat, fever, sometimes a rash
Whooping Cough 7-21 days 3 weeks after onset of “whoop”
Cough at first followed by “whoop”
IMMUNIZATIONS
Title 20, Section 1191-1196, Maine State Law, stipulates that all school children K-12 are required to have the following minimum immunization levels prior to entering school.
Four doses of polio vaccine – one dose administered after the first birthday. If the third dose was administered on or after the fourth birthday, then only three doses are required.
Five doses of DPT, DT, or TD vaccine. If the fourth dose was administered on or after the fourth birthday, then only four doses are required.
Two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR), administered after the first birthday.
Children entering kindergarten are also being required to have the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine.
Adequate proof in the form of a note or certificate signed by a physician, nurse, or public health agency must be submitted to the school upon registration and prior to admission by the parent or guardian.
Only children having a signed exemption form will be released from this requirement. Exemptions must be completed annually.
MEDICATION POLICY
It is the policy of M.S.A.D. 75 schools that, whenever possible, the schedule of medication administration should allow a student to receive all prescribed doses at home.
I.
If it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours and the registered nurse is not available, the Principal or designee(s) will administer the medication in accordance with the following:
A. permission form, “Permission to Administer any Medication (Prescription or Non-prescription),” is completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian and the physician or nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. The pharmacy prescription label may serve as a written physician’s prescription, and obtaining a one-time telephone permission from parents will be allowed for students per standing orders at the school.
B. The medication must be sent to the school office in the original, unbreakable container that is properly labeled with the name of the medication, date, dosage and the name of the student who is to receive it.
II.
Any person administering medication in the District (i.e. school day, field trips) will comply with
Participate in appropriate training or instruction given by a school nurse annually with documentation of the training filed in the District Human Resources Office.
Refer to this medication policy as necessary.
Verify that a permission form (See Section I.A above) is on file.
Follow the prescription instructions.
Record the administration of each medication.
Store medication in a locked cabinet.
Consult with the school nurse as appropriate.
Allow inhalers to be kept by students as directed by a physician/parent if the school nurse has determined that the student uses the inhaler appropriately.
III.
Parents or legal guardians should be advised that:
The Principal’s designee(s) will assist with administration of medication based on label directions.
Changes in medication administration will be according to a doctor’s prescription. A one-time telephone order from the physician is acceptable and must be followed up by a written prescription.
Medication permission forms must be completed yearly.
Parents must supply all medications and administration equipment needed by a student in school, including, but not limited to, glucose tablets, glucagons, glucose monitoring equipment, Epipens, and nebulizer equipment.
Parents are responsible for authorizing the removal of the medication from school at the end of the school year or on the last days of the student’s enrollment. Medication will be discarded appropriately by the school nurse if not removed by the parent or guardian by the end of the school year.
IV.
Anaphylactic Emergencies
Parents or legal guardians will be responsible for providing precise instructions from their physician for action to be taken when a student contacts an allergen which may cause anaphylaxis (bees, wasps, nuts, other foods, latex, etc.)
The school nurse will complete an individualized health plan for each student who has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis.
The parent is responsible for providing the appropriate medication for those students who require immediate treatment.
In some cases emergency epinephrine and inhaler medication may be kept with the student. The student must demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills and judgment to carry and use to the school nurse.
V.
Asthma/Diabetes Mellitus
Parents and physicians are expected to complete an asthma or diabetes management plan annually, if students are medicated for persistent asthma or diabetes.
VI.
No child with a potentially life-threatening illness will be allowed to attend school without providing the school with unexpired emergency medication. This includes but is not limited to Epipens, glucagons, and albuterol inhalers.
VII.
M.S.A.D. No. 75 reserves the right to refuse request for administering medications to students if any of the criteria outlined above are not met.
PHYSICAL EXAMS
Physical exams are required before entering kindergarten and grade 7 at Mt. Ararat Middle School. Parents are given the necessary forms at kindergarten and seventh grade registrations. October 15th is the deadline for obtaining the physical exam.
STUDENT SERVICES
COUNSELING
The school counselor and social worker help children in the process of reaching their potential. They meet with children in the classroom, in small groups, or individually to help each child develop an identity and learn to make sound choices and decisions. Parents, teachers, administrators, friends, or special services may request that a student see the counselor. The school counselor works with teachers, administrators, and parents to provide assistance in working with children
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
MSAD No.75 is responsible for locating, identifying, and evaluating all students with disabilities, including students attending private schools. State law requires that all such children be given a free and appropriate education.
It is the responsibility of the school department to conduct Child Find activities. To assist us in this project, we ask that you report to the office of the Superintendent of Schools the names of any children with disabilities between the ages of one and twenty who are out of school and not receiving any special services. You may do so by calling 729-9961.
Maine Special Education Law requires that all students be provided equal education opportunities and that exceptional students be educated with students in regular education programs as much as possible.
Parents or a guardian who believe their child may require special education services should ask to meet with their child’s teacher and request that their child be referred for an evaluation. The I.E.P. TEAM includes the child’s teacher, building administrator, parent, and special educator. The guidance counselor, resource teacher, speech and language pathologist, and other staff who provide special services are invited as needed.
The I.E.P. TEAM is responsible for determining the special education needs of students and for developing an appropriate educational program. Special education services include consultation, direct instruction, and support services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, and counseling.
The Speech and Language Therapy Program provides evaluation and therapy services to students who are identified with receptive and/or expressive language problems, auditory processing difficulties, hearing loss, voice problems, speech fluency, and moderate to severe articulation problems. These services may be provided through direct instruction and/or consultation.
STUDENT RECORDS
Student education records are official and confidential documents protected by one of the nation’s strongest privacy protection laws, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA defines education records as all records that school or education agencies maintain about students.
FERPA gives parents the right to review and confirm the accuracy of education records. This law ensures that information about citizens collected by schools and government agencies can be released only for specific and legally defined purposes. It protects both paper and computerized records. Consequently, school districts have policies that explain how the release of student records is restricted; parents’ rights under the law; procedures for reviewing and correcting records; and how and when student information can be disclosed.
Education records, as defined by FERPA, include personal information like age and address; school data like grades, courses taken, activities; official school letters regarding the student; special education, medical, and health information; attendance and disciplinary records and determinations; and personal information such as social security numbers and student pictures. Some information, known as directory information, can be made public. That is information usually found in yearbooks and athletic programs.
Parents have the right to review information designated as directory information and to ask that it not be made public. Parents also have the right to review educational records and to request changes, if the information is inaccurate. If a dispute arises regarding this exercise, it is ultimately resolved through a hearing process.
Schools may release information from student records with the consent of the parents. School officials and teachers who work with students have access without parent consent, as do other school personnel who work with the students. Education records must be sent to a school administrative unit to which a student applies for transfer.
It is critical that all teachers understand the confidentiality and protections that accompany the information they work with daily. Seemingly innocent statements of fact about students that can be made to other colleagues or in front of other students may be violations of the law. Information that is going out across the Internet must be carefully considered in light of FERPA.
Directory information as defined by MSAD No. 75 policy includes only the student’s name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of athletes, dates of attendance at MSAD No. 75 schools and most recent previous institution attended. All other information about students is protected by FERPA.
Parents may review their child’s records by making an appointment with the principal.
PARENTS AND COMMUNITY
ARTS ALIVE
Bowdoinham Arts Alive is a group of parents and other local people who are working to integrate the arts into school and community life. In the last school year, Arts Alive brought performing artists, writers, craftsmen, and visual artists to the school to work with and perform for our students. Arts Alive welcomes the participation of parents. For more information, please call our volunteer coordinator here at school.
FALCON FLASH
The Falcon Flash is the official newsletter of Bowdoinham Community School. The Flash is published weekly with distribution to all students on Thursday or Friday. Announcements of community interest to be included in the Flash should be dropped off at the school office by Wednesday morning for publication that week. The final content of the Flash is at the discretion of the principal. Please ask your child for the Flash each week so you don’t miss important information.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
All parents are welcome at school and invited to participate in a variety of activities and events. Please sign in at the office and receive a visitor or volunteer badge before going to the classroom or other areas of the school. APT (Alliance of Parents and Teachers) meets monthly. APT is planning a Fall Festival in October. Please call our Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Leech, if you would like to be involved.
ROOM PARENTS
This year each class will have two room parents. Their responsibilities include:
Acting as a liaison between other parents and the school
Assisting teachers by helping to plan for activities to enhance and support curriculum
Contacting other parents in the classroom for assistance with class projects, field trips, and parties
Attending the parent meetings, when possible, and recruiting volunteers for events
Meeting with the principal when needed
Establishing a class phone chain for meetings and important information
VOLUNTEERS
At Bowdoinham Community School, volunteers are very special people. By sharing their time, talents, and interests with students and teachers, volunteers enhance the learning process for all of us. Please sign in at the office and receive a visitor or volunteer badge before going to the classroom or other areas of the school.
As the school year gets under way, please be thinking of ways you might be able to help, whether in one-on-one situations or with small groups; at home or within the school; daytimes, evenings, or any time at all; on a continuing basis, or for special programs and projects. We welcome the involvement of parents, grandparents, friends, and community members – although we reserve the right to request references for a volunteer who does not have a child enrolled here at the school. We are looking for any person or group with a positive attitude toward children, education, and enrichment.
If you would like to volunteer at Bowdoinham Community School, you may contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Leech.
Walking Trails
We are proud to announce the Bowdoinham Community School has both an inside and outside walking trail. The inside trail is sponsored by the Bowdoinham Recreation Committee and Bowdoinham Biking, Walking, Paddling Group. The hours are 6-8 p.m. Monday – Thursday. Please sign in at the desk outside the Office and follow the directions. The outside trail, Route 75, was created by the Techni-Kids on the Move grant sponsored by The University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Route 75 starts at the Playground and loops around the recreation fields. The trail is well marked with bright red Route 75 signs. One loop = 4/10 mile.
