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PERSONNEL
Superintendent J.Michael Wilhelm,Ed.D.(729-9961)
Principal Michael Estes (833-2956)
Coordinator of Special Services Dr. Patrick Moore (729-9961)
Director of Transportation Jim Wilkins (729-1608)
Buildings and Grounds Chris Shaw (729-1548 )
Food Service Maurice St. Pierre (725-0902)
M.S.A.D. #75 Directors from Harpswell Joanne Rogers (833-5576)
Dee Carrier (729-1340)
David Johnson (833-6773)
Jane Meisenbach (833-0509)
Classroom teachers K - Juliana Gaudet (AM)
1/2 - Sarah Roughgarden
2/3 - Whitney Reeves
3/4 - Jennifer Lamson
4/5 - Jean Giberson
Resource room teacher Ange Green
Literacy Teacher Juliana Gaudet (PM)
Speech therapist (1.5 days) Robin Kroc
Music teacher (1.5 days) Allison Chapman
Art teacher (1.5 days) Kathie Dieffenbach
Librarian (1.5 days) Patricia Suthers
Technology Ed. Tech. (10 hrs/wk) Candy Wright
Title I Teacher Michael Estes
Physical education teacher (1.5 days) Barry O'Neil
Secretary Cheryl Card
Teacher aide Sandi Ste. George (am)
KinderStart Ed. Tech. Sandi Ste. George (pm)
Custodian Linda Allen
Bus drivers Jeff MacNaught & Stacey Johns
Kitchen cook Tammy DeMars
School psychologist (as needed) Alina Shumsky
Social Worker (2 days) Anne Heminway
Health Aide Colette Gatchell
Physical Therapist (as needed) Cathy Murphy
Occupational Therapist (as needed) Patty Sullivan
Instrumental Music Teacher (1 day) Dawne-Marie Powers
Ed. Tech./Special Ed. Kayla Marie York
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Aiming For Excellence
M.S.A.D. #75's Gifted and Talented program is called Aiming For Excellence. The program identifies about 5% of students who excel in academic areas. Then the program works to provide a learning environment, enrichment services, and curriculum that challenge these identified students. In addition, Aiming For Excellence works with classroom teachers to provide cooperative planning, advocacy, enrichment services, and staff development to assist in differentiating the curriculum and meeting the needs of the gifted student in the regular classroom. The program offers team teaching, workshops and classroom units and seeks the support of parents and community members in enriching learning school-wide. Students are reviewed annually.
Asbestos Management Notification
Maine School Administrative District #75 has had its schools inspected for asbestos-containing building material. Pursuant to the environmental protection agency Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), an asbestos management plan for each school has been in place since 1988. These management plans are available for review at the Buildings and Grounds Office in Topsham or the Principal’s office in each school. Since the mid-1980's M.S.A.D. #75 has initiated asbestos removal projects in all its schools, along with conducting semi-annual inspections by independent certified inspectors and training custodial staff. This notice does not apply to Woodside Elementary in Topsham, Bowdoin Central School, Mt. Ararat Middle School, and the Transportation Garage which is free of asbestos. For further information contact the Director of Facilities and Projects at 729-1548.
Attendance Policy
There is an obvious and strong relationship between the amount of time students are available for instruction and the amount of progress they make. Our school year in Maine is one of the shortest of the fifty states lasting only 176 days. We urge parents to make every effort to have their child attend school regularly so that we may fulfill our responsibility and provide him/her with the best formal education possible. It is a parent's responsibility to call the office, if their child will not be attending school that day. This will help ensure the safety and whereabouts of the child. If you need to call before 8:00 a.m. the number to call, which reaches the answering machine, is 833-2956. If your child is absent and we do not receive a call, we will contact you for confirmation regarding that absence.
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In compliance with State law, excusable absences are granted for:
1. Personal illness.
2. Appointments with health professionals that cannot be made outside of the regular school day.
3. Observance of recognized religious holidays when observance is required during a regular school day.
4. Emergency family situations.
5. Planned absences for personal or educational purposes which have been approved in advance. Parents should present a written request for a planned absence excusable under #5 above in advance of an absence and must do so when such absence is to be 5 or more school days. The Principal may waive this requirement for cause.
State law also requires that a written excuse be presented for all absences and tardiness. For this reason, even if you have already called in to report the absence, it is important that when the child returns we receive a written excuse note. If a student is absent for reasons other than those listed, the absence will be treated as unexcused. Students will be allowed to make up work missed due to either an excused or unexcused absence at the convenience of the teacher.
Tardiness to School
Any student tardy to school should report immediately to the office with a note explaining the tardiness, before going to the classroom. If lunch tickets are needed, please go to the kitchen and purchase them after checking in at the office.
Family Vacations When School is in Session
Though we discourage the practice, if you are planning a family vacation during a time in which your child should be in school, we need written notification. Families cannot expect the teacher to give them work for the time you are away. Work each day depends on what happened the day before. When your child returns, we will do our best to catch him/her up, but he/she will have missed the in-class learning that takes place daily. If it all possible, please plan trips during designated school breaks.
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Bus Behavior Rules for Students Include:
1. Following the directions of the driver.
2. Sitting in the seat, facing forward and keeping hands, feet and objects to themselves.
3. Maintaining an appropriate noise level.
4. Using good language and not degrading others.
5. Taking good care of the bus.
If a student chooses to break a rule, the following consequences are applied:
1st Step: Driver will verbally warn student, specifying rule.
2nd Step: Driver will assign seat to student.
3rd Step: Driver will phone the parents. The principal will send a conduct report home to the parents with appropriate disciplinary action.
4th Step: If a student receives a third conduct report, the principal will suspend him/her from the bus for three (3) days, giving a days notification.
5th Step: Further disciplinary action will necessitate an administrative review (Principal, Director of Transportation, parent and student) prior to suspension for five (5) days.
The following inappropriate behavior will result in automatic three (3) day bus suspension:
1. Physical harm to student.
2. Physical harm or threat to driver.
3. Property damage.
4. Total disruption of bus.
5. The use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
At any time parents who have concerns about the disciplinary action may request a meeting with a school administrator, bus driver and the Director of Transportation. The students will have the opportunity to explain their behavior before disciplinary action is taken.
Bus Student Dismissal
For safety reasons, bus students are dismissed at the end of the day before the walkers are allowed to leave. Each classroom teacher walks his/her students to the bus and double checks with the driver to ensure that all students are accounted for. We take this responsibility very seriously. Consequently, if a parent wants to make a change in this routine, we must be notified. If, for example, you wish to have your child dropped off at another stop on a particular day, send two notes: one for the driver and one for the teacher. If we do not have a note we will not be able to change the regular bus procedure.
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Emergency Dismissal Information
In the event that we experience an emergency dismissal, your child needs to know what to do in case he/she arrives home and no one is there. This is true every day, but especially if he/she arrives home early. Please understand that we may have only a limited amount of time after the decision is made to dismiss early. Given the limited phone lines, it is impossible to notify everyone of the early dismissal. In some emergencies the phone lines could be down, so having a secretary call you is not an option for your emergency dismissal plan.
Bicycles
An area is provided where bicycles are to be parked. You should always wear a helmet and provide a lock for your bicycle. This will prevent someone from taking your bike without your permission. When riding a bicycle, please obey all traffic rules. They are same as any driver of a car. We require written permission for a student to ride a bicycle to/from school. The school does not take responsibility for bikes that are damaged or stolen.
Bomb Threats
Students who make bomb threats will be subject to disciplinary procedures which may include a mandatory 10-day suspension, expulsion hearing and report to law enforcement. The school principal, superintendent or other disciplinary official may modify consequences depending on the circumstances and the age and developmental level of the student. Making a bomb threat is a violation of Maine Criminal Code (17-A MRSA section 210) which may result in incarceration or a fine.
Cafeteria
Children may bring lunch from home or buy hot lunch. Kindergarten and grade1 children eat lunch at 12:00 p.m. and grades 2-5 eat at 12:45 p.m. There is a 20 minute recess for all grades at 12:20.
1. Purchase of Tickets: School lunch and a la carte milk tickets may be purchased at any time during the school year. We encourage students to purchase tickets on a weekly or monthly basis and suggest that you send your child with a check instead of cash. It is helpful to the student and the ticket seller if the payment is placed in an envelope marked with the number of tickets being purchased. Checks should be made payable to M.S.A.D. #75 School Lunch Program. Tickets are sold every day. If a child is tardy, he/she may need to go to the cafeteria to purchase them.
2. Lost or stolen tickets: Lost or stolen tickets will not be replaced by MSAD #75. Students are encouraged to write their name in ink on each ticket. This will help us return their ticket if it is misplaced.
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3. Lunch and Milk Prices: Please note that milk is part of the school lunch. 100% fruit juice is available for those students who cannot drink milk.
School lunch (full price) $2.00
Student Lunch (reduced price for qualifying students) $0.40
Milk only $0.50
Adult price $3.50
4. Free or Reduced: You may be eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Applications are sent home the first week of school or during new registration. You may apply for free or reduced meals any time during the school year, especially if your income changes, etc. If you do not receive an application, please ask for one at West Harpswell School office or call the Food Service office at 725-0902 to have one mailed to you. Since Title I funds are based on the number of students receiving free and reduced meals, we urge all eligible families to complete and submit the application form, even if you don't plan to participate in the program.
5. The Menu: A menu is published monthly and sent home with students.
6. Contact Person: If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Moe St. Pierre, Director of Food Services, at 725-0902.
7. Additional Information: Lunch is served in two sittings, beginning at 12:00 p.m. We want to promote good eating habits. We ask the children to eat quietly and exhibit good table manners. If a student demonstrates inappropriate behavior, he/she will be warned, have his/her seat changed, or if more than three occurrences happen in a week, a corrective plan will be developed.
Child Find Notice
As a resident of SAD 75, you are notified that you are entitled to certain rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (PL-105-17).
Under Federal law and State regulation, SAD 75 is responsible for locating and identifying and evaluating all resident students in public, private or home school settings who are or may be in need of special 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 MSAD 75 Director of
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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.
Child Study Team
This is a group composed of the child's parents (if at all possible), teacher and other school personnel (principal, special education personnel, social worker, etc.) as deemed necessary. The purpose of this group is to meet upon the request of a classroom teacher, parent or specialist who has a concern about any student and would like the advice and professional opinion of colleagues as to how best to meet that child's needs. Action taken, based on such advice often prevents serious problems from developing. Also, action taken by this team often prevents small problems from being exaggerated and referred to the special education department. (Also see Student Assistance Team).
Civility Code
All members of the school community have the right to expect civility in all words and actions they experience. Similarly, it is expected that each individual must assume responsibility for being civil to others.
Computers
The school has a computer lab with a laser printer. Once a week, groups of students are formally introduced to the basic computer skills that are outlined in our curriculum. Formal instruction is provided by our teachers and technology aide. In addition, every classroom and the library have a computer so that teachers may incorporate the use of technology into their lessons (Also see Student Use of the Internet).
Conferences:
Two conference days have been scheduled for the school year (See school calendar). Conferences may also be arranged by parents or a teacher whenever necessary. Only in a conference situation can many aspects of the child's educational development and growth can be fully explained and discussed between the people who know the child best - the parents and the teacher.
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Conflict Resolution
We at the West Harpswell School believe in teaching students conflict resolution skills in order to help reduce conflicts at school and help students deal more effectively and constructively with conflicts which do occur. Conflicts are usually of three types: conflicts over resources, conflicts of needs, and conflicts of values. Building social and emotional competence for our students is equally as important as academic competence. Briefly stated, the steps for conflict resolution that are taught are:
1. Define the problem
2. Produce solutions together
3. Choose and act on a solution
Teachers find that successfully educating their students about creative conflict resolution provides more instructional time for other parts of the curriculum because they spend less time mediating disagreements. They also report that the classroom climate improves and that people have energy to devote to learning.
Note: These procedures are to be used for addressing "routine" issues. Students involved in serious, potentially harmful, conflict situations should always receive the assistance and intervention of a staff member.
Crisis Action Team
The Crisis Action Team is comprised of the administrator, resource teacher, social worker, counselors, nurse and secretary. This group meets regularly to update our school's plan. The Crisis Action Team has four primary goals:
1. to facilitate clear and truthful information to those who need it;
2. to insure order by following established procedures;
3. to dispel rumors;
4. to focus on the primary mission of the school.
Discipline
We are really proud of our students. By and large, they are very well behaved children. However, in the course of a school year, there will occasionally be problems. Our approach to discipline is relatively straightforward. The entire staff enforces the same set of expectations:
1. Respect yourself.
2. Respect others.
3. Respect property.
4. Respect everyone's right to teach and learn.
5. Respect everyone's right to a safe environment.
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Under the "umbrella" of these five rules, teachers may devise and implement their own plan for enforcement within the classroom. It is the teacher's responsibility to inform the students, parents and building principal of their classroom behavior management plan.
Gold Star Program
Students who demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior will have an opportunity to earn a gold star. This gold star will have the child's name, the date, why they earned it, and the staff member's (who gave it) name. These stars will be brought to the office and exchanged for a special gold pencil. At least once a week, they are read during announcements, and the child enters his/her name into the Gold Star Autograph Notebook. The stars will be returned to the classroom teacher to put on display. At the end of the year all students receiving at least one gold star will have a special activity. We hope that all students will earn one or more during the school year. We define ethical and responsible behavior as a person who (without prompting) demonstrates respectful behavior, honesty, compassion, fairness, responsibility, and courage. [ Executive Summary - Taking Responsibility: Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior in Maine Schools and Communities - Commission for Ethical and Responsible Behavior, Feb. 2001, www.state.me.us/education/cep/homepage.htm]
Detention:
Detention is one of several discipline options that we have available. When a staff member decides to exercise this option, it usually indicates a serious problem. Parents will be notified of the situation by phone or by a notice sent home with the student. We hope that parents will support our efforts and be willing to attend a conference with the teacher and student for the purpose of finding a way to ensure that such a situation does not arise again. Parents are expected to take care of their child's transportation if detention has been assigned.
Dismissals
All dismissals are to be made through the office. The child will be released from school only to his parents or to persons authorized by the parents. A sign-out sheet is located at the office. If you are picking up your child after school, please arrange to meet him/her at the office at 3:20 p.m. No student will be called out of class unless it is an emergency. This will help us cut down on classroom interruptions. We would much prefer a note each day your child is participating in an after school activity (such as Brownies, Girl Scouts, piano lessons, basketball etc.) so that we, you, and the child all know your child's plans for the day. However, we realize that some parents find it an inconvenience to write a daily note, so we will accept a blanket permission
slip. If your child has a blanket permission slip, we will follow those instructions unless we receive other instructions from you regarding your child's schedule. (We will not accept Johnny's claim that he has a dentist appointment instead of basketball, because children so often confuse
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appointment dates and times.) Any change in instructions regarding blanket permission slips should be in writing to help alleviate any confusion.
Dress Code
1. Clothes shall not detract from the educational program.
2. Clothing and hairstyles that are detrimental to one's health and safety or the health or safety of others are not permitted. For example, pants should not be so long that a child could trip on them, or so baggy that they will not stay up.
3. Footwear must be worn for health and safety reasons.
4. Clothing shall be modest. Primarily, this is determined by you and your parents, reflecting your moral or 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:
a. 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.
b. the stomach/midriff area should not be exposed.
c. low, spaghetti strap tops are not appropriate for school attire.
5. Clothing must be socially acceptable. We do not support the advertisement of illegal substances, alcohol, obscenity, or nudity in print, iron-ons or patches.
6. Hats should not be worn inside school. It should be removed on entering the building. Coats are not worn inside the building for both health and safety reasons.
We encourage parents to label all clothing so that it can be easily identified if lost or misplaced. We have a "lost & found" table in the lobby. Items not picked up after a period of time will be thrown out, or donated to a charity.
All children should 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.
Due Process
Students in M.S.A.D. #75 schools have rights. They also have the responsibility to respect the rights and property of others. If a student fails to do this, disciplinary action will follow. In disciplinary cases each student is entitled to due process. This means students:
1. Must be informed of accusations against them.
2. Must have the opportunity to accept or deny the accusations.
3. Must have explained to them the factual basis for the accusation.
4. Must have a chance to present an alternative factual position if the accusation is denied.
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Educational Objectives
We believe that it is our responsibility to provide quality education for all of our students. We encourage them to grow to the best of their ability. To achieve these goals, West Harpswell School will provide students with learning experiences which:
1. model and foster a love of and a continuing desire for learning.
2. help them recognize their potential.
3. encourage acceptance of unique differences in themselves and others.
4. encourage respect for themselves and others.
5. help develop a sense of responsibility.
6. promote an awareness of belonging and community.
7. enhance a sense of responsible citizenship.
8. offer opportunities to make intelligent decisions and think logically.
9. cultivate the acquisition, understanding, communication, and constructive use of information.
10. give them opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to live a fulfilling and productive life.
Emergency Information Cards:
On the first day of school all students will be given an Emergency Information Card to take home to be completed by their parents. It is VERY IMPORTANT that these cards are correctly filled out on both sides and returned, SIGNED, to the school. Be sure to complete all portions and remember to contact the school if anything changes (work phone numbers, your address, etc.).
Extra Help:
Students are always welcome to seek extra help from their teachers if they do not understand an assignment, if the work is too difficult, or if they have been absent and have missed assignments and class discussions. Conferences may be arranged with the teacher.
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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Student educational 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 educational records as all records that school or educational agencies maintain about students.
FERPA gives parents the right to review and confirm the accuracy of educational 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 records are restricted; parents rights under the law; procedures for reviewing and correcting records, and how and when student information can be disclosed.
Educational 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 number and student pictures. Some information, known as directory information, can be made public. That is information usually found in year books and athletic programs.
Parents have the right to review information designated as "directory" 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 that exercise, it is ultimately resolved through a hearing process.
Schools may release information from student records with the consent of parents. School officials and teachers who work with students have access without parent consent, as do other school personnel who work with students. Educational records must be sent to a school administrative unit to which the 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 in violation 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 #75 policy only includes 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 #75 schools and most recent previous educational institution attended. All other information about students is protected by FERPA.
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Requests by parents to review their child's cumulative record must be granted. The parent must request such a review in writing from the building principal or guidance counselor. The principal or his designee will meet with the parent within ten (10) school days to review the education record. Parents requesting copies of education records will be charged fifteen cents ($0.15) per page copied, plus postage if mailing is required. There will be no charge to search for or to retrieve the education records of a student. No charge will be assessed if it prevents a parent from exercising the right to inspect and review the student's education records.
It should be noted that under Section 99.31 of the FERPA legislation we must disclose student educational records to another school administrative unit where the student seeks or intends to enroll. Prior consent of the parent is not required.
Field Trips
We require parents to complete a permission slip before a child is allowed to go on a field trip. We do not allow a child to leave school without parent's written consent. Students who do not return the permission slip will be reassigned to another classroom for that day. Because of increasing costs (bus, entrance fees, etc.,) we may have to ask for some money from each child participating to support the field trip. If at anytime this presents a financial burden, please let the teacher/ building administrator know, and arrangements can be made to help. We do not want any student to miss a field trip because of financial difficulties. NOTE: Student behavior may prevent a student from participating on a field trip.
Fire/Safety Drills:
Fire/Safety drills are important safety precautions. It is essential that when the alarm is sounded everyone leaves the building promptly in silence following prescribed routes. Students should remain with their class. We are required by law to have ten fire drills each year. Safety drills can be in two forms: a school lock down and evacuation. These procedures will be practiced, and, hopefully, never needed.
Grading:
Report cards are issued three times a year at the end of each trimester. Report cards alone cannot completely describe a student's progress so parents are encouraged to meet with their child's teacher for a more in-depth report. Conferences are required in November and March. Since we are required to work toward State Standards, the traditional A,B, C,... system is in need of an overhaul, to align it in terms of progress toward standards/ performance indicators. We will be reporting progress in terms of how well an individual student meeting a standard. For example, is the student not meeting, partially meeting, meeting or exceeding the standards in all curricula areas.
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Guidance
Our elementary school has a social worker/counselor to help children in the process of reaching their potential. The counselor meets with children in the classroom, in small groups, or individually to help each child develop an understanding of self and to learn to make sound choices and decisions.
A child may see the counselor as a result of: self-referral, teacher referral, parent referral, administrative referral, special services referral, or referral by a friend.
MSAD 75 Board policy On Student Protection from Harassment
The M.S.A.D. No. 75 Board of Directors believes that every student is entitled to respect, as an individual, from all other members of the school community. In support of this belief, the Board of Directors recognizes the right of each student to learn and to participate in an environment free of intimidation, ridicule, and hostility, as provided under state and federal law and District policy.
In support of this right M.S.A.D. No. 75 prohibits harassment or ridicule of students based upon race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, or handicap.
All students should be advised that they may contact any employee of the school district to report instances of harassment or ridicule. Students should also be advised of the importance of informing the harasser that his/her behavior is unacceptable. A staff member who is informed of an instance of possible harassment shall contact the principal of the school as quickly as possible. The principal shall notify the Superintendent and immediately undertake an investigation of the matter and take (interim) action as may be required. This policy was adopted by the M.S.A.D. 75 Board of Directors October 14, 1993.
Harassment Response Procedures
These procedures are referenced to the school district policy and relate specifically to situations of student to student harassment. The responses outlined here are intended to be flexible, able to be adapted according to professional judgment. Each situation is unique, so procedures employed will vary according to the circumstances, age of the child, and nature of the behaviors. In each situation, the procedure is employed with respect to the person alleged to have offended another individual.
First Report
* Information is recorded from the person reporting (counselor/or administrator)
* The 'reporting student' is informed of the harassment procedures. He/she is supported through the process by the school counselor/or administrator. (If the 'reporting student' is not willing to engage in the process, the process will stop.)
* The 'offending student' meets with the counselor/ or administrator to hear about the concerns.
* Fact finding if necessary.
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* The two students meet together, with the counselor/ or administrator present, so that the person offended can verbalize their desire to have the offensive behavior stopped. The offensive behavior is labeled, and the counselor/ or administrator determines that the 'offending student' understands the behavioral expectations.
* Teaching and practice of conflict resolution skills are used if appropriate.
* Inform the student of consequences of subsequent reports.
* The classroom teacher is informed.
* The principal is informed (if he is not directly involved).
The incident is documented.
Second Report
* Information gathered from the person offended.
* The 'offending student' meets with the counselor/ or administrator to discuss concerns.
* The student is referred to the principal (if not already involved).
* Fact finding as necessary.
* Students meet together as in first situation.
* Address conflict resolution skills as needed.
* Inform student of consequences of subsequent reports.
* Inform teacher, parents.
Documentation through discipline reports, as well as through counselor documentation.
Third Report
* Use all of the procedures from second report step, then;
* Referral to juvenile officer, Cumberland County Sheriffs Department.
* Meet with juvenile officer to understand serious nature of behavior and potential consequences for subsequent reports. Parents may be present.
* Continue documentation.
Fourth Report
* Information is gathered from the person offended.
* Fact finding as necessary.
* Report to principal.
* Teacher, counselor, parents notified.
* Team meeting to plan future actions. Team to include parents, principal, teacher, counselor, juvenile officer. Student may be involved.
* Access school and community resources to address student needs.
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* Continue documentation.
Subsequent Reports
* Employ procedures from fourth report steps above.
Documentation
Harassment documentation will be maintained annually by counselors. Reports will be cumulative. They will carry over from year to year for the offending student. Students who have achieved the 'third report' stage or more will be reported to the middle school upon transition to that level.
The documentation will include:
* Name of reporting student
* Name of offending student
* Nature of offending behavior
* Date of complaint
* Resolution/action
Health Issues
Students are encouraged to stay home when ill. If your child is in school he/she will be expected to participate in all activities including outdoor recess. If your child has been absent with a communicable disease, please call the school for information concerning readmission to school. A doctor's certificate or note from the health officer may be required before the student may reenter school. The school has the services of a registered nurse on a part-time basis along with daily services from a Health Aide. Health programs include vision and hearing screenings for all pupils K-5 in the Fall. Other screenings are done on an as-needed basis. While in some cases it is a "judgment call" as to whether to send a "sick" child home during the school day. In all cases where there is a fever or vomiting, parents or their designee from the emergency card will be called to pick their child up. Until the parents arrive, the child will be kept as comfortable as possible in the nurse's office.
M.S.A.D. #75 policy states that a teacher or principal's designee may give a child medication if:
A. There is a written order from the child's physician, and
B. There is written permission from the parent and
C. Medicines are in properly labeled medication containers to include the name of the drug, dose and time to be given, which will be stored in a locked
medicine cabinet in the school.
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D. Exception to the above: Students on long-term medication must have a completed form from the physician annually. For long-term medication, the "Permission to Administer Medication in School" form must be completed.
Home-School Communication:
We feel that it is very important that all community members, especially parents, have ample opportunity to be informed about what is going on in their school. To this end, we use the following communication devices:
* A school newsletter is distributed once a month (also posted on the School’s web site)
* Whenever appropriate the principal speaks at PTO meetings on issues of interest
* The school hosts an Open House and two parent conferences each year
* Teachers send home periodic newsletters and post them on the school web site
* Conferences are available upon request
* An active PTO provides ongoing support and holds regular meetings
* The school maintains an informational page on the World Wide Web that may be accessed at www.link75.org/whs
Homework Policy: (grades 2-6)
We believe that homework is the child's responsibility, not the parents. It is assigned to help each child with their daily class work. As a rule, if you add a "0" to the grade they are in (e.g. grade 3 = 30 minutes) you will have the amount of time one should expect a child to do
homework most nights. Occasionally, some projects may take a little more time.
The purpose homework is to:
1. provide practice in basic skills;
2. provide preparation for an assignment the next day;
3. provide enrichment and extension;
4. provide training in budgeting time, keeping track of assignments, assuming responsibility, and meeting deadlines.
Parents may help by:
1. Communicating concerns to the teacher;
2. Monitoring assignment notebooks (where applicable);
3. Limiting after school activities to allow for homework;
4. Monitoring television viewing and encouraging homework time away from distractions;
5. Helping the child to learn how to schedule homework and extra curricula activities in a compatible way;
6. If a question arises about an assignment, or your child struggles to complete the work in a reasonable amount of time, let the teacher know. We do not want children to spend numerous
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hours doing homework. Each teacher should provide information about the expectations concerning homework.
7. Encourage and praise effort. If issues/confusions arise, please encourage the child to speak to the teacher and get clarification.
Immunizations
Maine State Law requires that all children in grades K-4 have the following immunizations:
5 DPT or DT (pediatric) doses (4 if last one given after 4th birthday).
4 Polio (OPV) doses (3 if last one given after 4th birthday).
2 doses of (MMR)Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccines (after the child's first birthday).
Starting in 2007, K-12 Chicken Pox Vaccine (varicella or proof of disease from Dr.)
For Students in grade 5:
3 DPT or DT (pediatric) or TD (adult) vaccine (unless fourth dose is given on or after the fourth birthday, then only three are required).
3 Polio (OPV) if the first dose was given at least six weeks after birth.
2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella after the child's first birthday.
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 whose parents or guardians have submitted a signed exemption form will be released from this requirement.
Instrumental Music
Fourth and fifth graders may choose to begin instrumental music lessons, and have the opportunity to continue those lessons in sixth grade.
KinderStart:
This program provides an extended day experience for kindergarten students. After the first two weeks of school, kindergarten parents have the option of having their child attend school all day (Monday-Friday). If a parent chooses not to have their child attend KinderStart, they will need to arrange transportation home after the regular Kindergarten session. The teacher provides the academic portion of the student's education in the morning as usual. An Educational Technician III will work with the students in the afternoon. The focus of the afternoon will be to provide
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students with activities that will help with the development of literacy, fine and gross motor, and socialization skills.
Lost and Found:
As the year progresses, we accumulate a large collection of misplaced clothing. The items are kept in the front lobby for a period of time. We encourage students and parents to drop by and check if something has turned up. At various times we will display our lost and found collection. All unclaimed clothing will be given to charity.
Library:
Students have weekly visits to the library. We encourage children to sign out materials on a regular basis. All materials damaged or lost will need to be replaced. Payment for replacement cost will be determined by the librarian.
Math Facts:
Many of our children need to focus their attention on math facts. Parents should be aware that the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA) is putting a greater emphasis than ever before on a child's ability to correctly compute. In addition, the state of Maine's Learning Results now demand, for example, that third and fourth graders: Develop proficiency with facts and algorithms of the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) on whole numbers using mental math.
We believe it is important for us to set high standards and have students work towards achieving those standards. Students will be given ample practice in the classroom, but math facts could also be a focus at home. Ask
your child's teacher about the expectations for his/her grade. Flash cards can be purchased at area stores or can be easily made. We appreciate any help you can give.
Non-discrimination Policy Statement
It is the policy of Maine School Administrative District No. 75 to insure equal employment and educational opportunities regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, or handicap in accordance with all federal and state legislation relative to discrimination. Inquiries and /or grievances concerning the above statement should be directed to any or all of the following:
Affirmative Action Coordinator, M.S.A.D. No. 75,
Karen Koulovatos, Human Resources, 729-9961
M.S.A.D #75 Affirmative Action Officer
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Maine Human Rights Commission,
State House Station 51,
Augusta, Me. 04333
telephone 624-6050
U.S. Department of Education,
Office of Civil Rights,
John W. McCormack,
P.O. and Court House Building,
P.O. Square,
Boston, Ma. 02109
telephone (617) 223-9967
No School Announcements and Early Dismissals:
The determination as to whether or not schools will be closed will be made jointly by the Superintendent and the transportation director after consultation with the Road Commissioner, police department, and other appropriate agencies. In general, the decision to close school will be based on the consideration of the safe transportation of students and accessibility to the schools. The decision will be announced on TV and radio stations. Once in session schools will remain open the entire day except in extreme emergencies. Should an extreme emergency cause the Superintendent to dismiss school early, announcements will be made on local radio
stations. Please avoid calling school if at all possible. Instead, parents are asked to make alternative arrangements as to where they should go in such an emergency if the parents are not at home. Please be sure to let the school know the plan as well so that no child is left unattended. Television and radio stations start reporting school closings around 5:30 a.m. The channels are:
WSCH-TV Channel 6 WGME-TV Channel 13 ABC-TV Channel 8
WBLM FM 102.9 KISS FM 99.9 WYNZ FM 101
WGAN AM 56 WTHT FM 107.5 WCME FM 96.7
WCLZ FM 98.9/ AM 900 WPOR FM 101.9/AM 1490 WWGT FM 97.9
WMME FM 92.3 WABK FM 104.3
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Parental Review of Pupil Records
This is a summary. A complete copy of the school district policy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (PL 93-380) are available upon request at the school office. (See section on FERPA)
The purpose of this legislation is to assure students and parents of students access to their official records so that they may be sure the information contained in their files are accurate. If a parent feels that any portion of their child's record should be removed and school officials are in agreement, it shall be removed immediately. If the request to amend is denied, the parent is entitled to a hearing upon request.
Parental Restrictions
Please note, we cannot deny a non-custodial parent access to his/her child, and/or school records, UNLESS we have a signed and dated court order with language specifically restricting that access.
If a court order does exist, it is important that the office be provided with the original order to copy and keep on file. Also be sure to notify the office of any changes.
Playground Procedures & Rules
These procedures/rules are designed primarily to provide a safe environment in which a large number of students can have fun without inadvertently harming one another. Please learn these rules and obey them at all times when on the playground.
1. Tag or Chase - should be played in the field, not on or around equipment. Tackling is not permitted in any game.
2. The playground equipment must be used as it is intended. We do not want any accidents.
3. Swings - You will be seated on the swing at all times. There is to be no twisting , side to side swinging, jumping off, standing on swings, or running between swings.
4. Slides - Students will be seated with feet going down first. There is no blocking off the end of the slides, climbing up, or stopping in the middle of the slides.
5. The throwing sticks, wood chips, rocks, snowballs etc. is prohibited. These can be dangerous.
6. No bodily contact or pretend fighting. No tackle football.
7. Students are to remain on the field at all times in plain view of the playground supervisors. No one is to go off the playground without permission, or into the woods.
8. Good sportsmanship, appropriate language and polite, respectful behavior are expected at all times.
9. It is not appropriate for groups of students to exclude individuals from team sports such as soccer. If the game has not yet started ANY child will be allowed to join the game, regardless of
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ability. If a game is already in progress, ANY player may join the game as long as he/she brings a friend so that the teams remain equal.
10. Teams need to be balanced and fair.
11. There will be no more than 10 people on any team: soccer, kickball, etc.
Should a student violate any of these rules, he/she will be talked to by one of the playground supervisors. It is possible that the student may be asked to take some "time out" by sitting on the bench for a while in order to get him/herself back under control and think about what he/she did wrong. If a student is sent to the bench for breaking a rule his/her name will be recorded on the Playground Report Sheet. Should a student's name appear on the report sheet 3 or more times within a week, he/she may lose playground privileges. Note: The Playground Report Sheet is used for addressing "routine" misbehavior. Students exhibiting defiant or deliberately hurtful behavior should automatically receive the equivalent of three write ups and be referred to the building principal/ or his designee immediately.
Phone Use by Students
Since we have limited phone lines, students will not be permitted to use the phone to make non-emergency calls. "Emergencies" will be determined by school personnel. Children are asked to make social arrangements before coming to school. It should be noted that if we do not have a signed note by the parent/guardian we will not allow a child to be dropped off at a different location. In emergencies, a note may be written by the school secretary or principal after a phone conversation with a parent/guardian.
Release of Directory Information
SAD 75 reserves the right to make public personally identifiable information from the education records of students if that information is designated as "directory" information (See FERPA section). Directory information includes the student's name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of athletes, dates of attendance, honors and awards received, and the most recent previous school attended. If a parent or adult student does not want the above directory information released, please inform the school principal in writing by the first day of school each year.
Relocation Policy
West Harpswell will make a location accommodation for any student, staff member, or member of the public who has a mobility impairment or challenge. This will be accomplished through the reassignment of classes, the relocation of meeting space, or other reasonable methods to assure access to programs and activities.
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Requests for students to stay inside for recess
Such requests will be honored if they are accompanied by a note from a physician. It is our belief that the fresh air and exercise obtained during recess are rejuvenating. In most cases, if a student is not feeling well enough to go out, they probably shouldn't be in school that day. If a doctor's note is provided, the student will report to a designated area during recess times.
School day - hours
West Harpswell School begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m. Morning kindergarten begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 11:40 p.m. There is a delayed start every Wednesday. On Wednesdays school begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 3:20 p.m. Morning kindergarten begins at 10:00 am and ends at 11:40 pm. Since teachers are expected to use their time prior to school opening to prepare for the day, they are not available for supervising students who arrive early. Therefore, walking students or students brought to school by parents should not arrive at school until 8:50 a.m. (9:50 on Wednesdays).
School Safety Plan
Like other schools in our state and country, we found it necessary to form a School Safety Committee and expand the crisis action plan to a comprehensive school safety plan, which focuses on preventative and responsive measures for dealing with violent and aggressive acts.
While no plan could ever prevent all violence, a comprehensive approach to security safeguards, early detection, enhanced communication with parents and community, and greater tolerance of individual differences are the steps that M.S.A.D. #75 is taking to provide a safe learning environment for students, teachers and staff.
Some components of the plan which need to be stressed are:
a. All exterior doors, with the exception of the main door, will remain locked. Parents and and other visitors must enter through the main door.
b. All parents and visitors are required to report to the main office. There are to be no exceptions. We request that parents do not go directly to a classroom, since we must know who is in the building. We hope that you can respect the intent of the safety plan and understand that it is designed to enable all students to feel safe in our building.
c. Dismissal of students must be managed from the school office. Parents and other authorized persons must sign out students who will then be called to the office by school staff.
d. The school must limit student access to hours when there are adults to assume responsibility for direct supervision.
e. The school must enforce the dress code as stated in this handbook.
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f. We will conduct regular faculty and student drills to familiarize all personnel with crisis response procedures.
g. It is imperative that we have a photograph of each child. If the students enroll after the school photographs have been taken, the secretary will use a school camera to take that child's photograph.
h. Any group using the building after school hours must ensure that all children are supervised and kept in their designated area(s). Failure to do so will result in the loss of the building use privilege.
Smoking
Parents and visitors should note that smoking is prohibited in the building or anywhere on school property. Please note that this policy is in effect 24 hours a day.
Student Use Of The Internet
The Board of Directors of M.S.A.D. #75 has adopted the following policy for internet use.
Acceptable Use Policy
Preamble:
The Community of Learners Electronic Network will bring many resources to our school communities, and allow communication on a previously unheard scale. While being novel in its method of facilitating this access and this communication, it will exist as an extension of these existing school communities. As such, it will be a place in which students, parents, teachers and community members will pursue learning with the same standards for behavior and intellectual effort that define the traditional school roles.
Educational purpose:
The primary purpose of the Community of Learners Electronic Network is educational. Users are responsible for ensuring that their activities adhere to generally accepted educational standards.
Privilege:
The use of the Network is a privilege and not a right. Inappropriate use will result in restriction or cancellation of access privileges. Commonly accepted guidelines for developmentally appropriate skills will be used in determining access levels.
Copyrighted and other proprietary materials:
All users shall respect copyrighted and proprietary interest of any materials accessed through the Community of Learners Electronic Network.
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Privacy:
The Community of Learners Network will be maintained and managed by the system administrator in such a way as to insure its availability and reliability in performing its educational mission. This will require the ability and authority to inspect any and all materials transferred by, or stored within the network by any and all users. Because of this, users will have no reasonable expectation of privacy, with respect to access by the system administrators or their designee, to any materials transferred by or stored within the Community of Learners Electronic Network. This inspection can occur at any time and without any cause.
While it is not the intention of the system administrators to use this access in an intrusive manner, it is critical that the authority for such access be reserved in order to prevent any abuse of the Community of Learners Electronic Network and to allow the network to recover from disaster.
Responsibility:
Responsible use of the Community of Learners Network requires that users not:
- interfere with the normal and proper operation of this network or the Internet
- adversely affect the ability of others to use Network equipment or services
- conduct themselves in ways that are harmful or deliberately offensive to others.
All users shall assume full liability, legal, financial or otherwise, for their actions. No individual shall become a user of the Community of Learners Electronic Network without completing and signing the Network Use Contract.
Special Services
The Maine Special Education Law of 1973 states that all exceptional students be provided equal educational opportunities and that “exceptional students” be educated with students in regular programs to the maximum extent possible. The Pupil Evaluation Team (P.E.T.), which includes members from the instructional, administrative and student services staff, along with the parents or legal guardians, is responsible for determining the special education needs of students and for developing an appropriate educational program for all students with special education needs.
Student Assistance Team
Most staff members were trained in a process to assist students. The Student Assistance Team (SAT) is a regular education initiative with the purpose to help students become more effective learners as they strive to achieve the Learning Results. This process would not require special education identification. The team consists of staff members, but may involve community agencies, whose role is to advise/help the individual and, perhaps, develop action plans to assist individual students. Action plans build on the strengths of the student on a case by case basis after students are identified and referred as being in need of such interventions. The student may need: social/emotional support, attention from caring adults, conflict resolution, modifications in the classroom, etc., Parents would be notified if a student is referred to the
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S.A.T. and invited to attend the meeting. The Student Assistance Team may serve as a pre-referral mechanism for special education (see also Child Study Team), as a link to community resources, as a support system for families, and as a means to increase collaboration between schools. They also provide support for school personnel. This increased collaboration provides a vehicle to assist all students in achieving high academic, social, emotional, psychological, and behavioral standards.
Student Registration During the School Year
In general, during the school year we require a one day grace period between the time when a new student is registered and when he/she begins to attend classes. We need to have time to prepare materials/space for the new students.
Swimming
All students will have the opportunity to have swimming instruction. This activity takes place at Bowdoin College on Fridays. Classes are run by community volunteers. The swimming program is paid by the PTO. Notification and details prior to each grade's session will be sent home.
Textbooks and Supplies
All textbooks and paper is provided by the school district. If students lose or damage any school texts, the student responsible will be charged for the cost of replacement. Teachers may have other items that may need to be purchased. They will alert you to any special supplies.
Toys and Sports Equipment in School
Though it is not encouraged, children may bring toys to school except: weapon-like toys, trading cards, sleds or sledding equipment. Toys must fit comfortably into a backpack and are for use during recess time only. The child will be responsible for his/her own toy. The school will assume no responsibility for toys/equipment that are lost, broken, damaged or stolen. Therefore, if the toy is something that is valued highly, it may be wiser to leave it at home. Sports equipment such as bats, skateboards, hardballs and erratic flying objects that have great potential to cause injury on a crowded playground are prohibited. Soccer balls may be used on the designated fields. Likewise, in season, students may practice their catching on the baseball diamond. However, for safety reasons, no hardballs are allowed. Any other equipment that meets the guidelines established for toys and group safety should be acceptable. However, if there are any doubts about the appropriateness of a piece of equipment please check with the teachers or the building principal.
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Transfer
Students planning to transfer are requested to notify the principal at least one week in advance. This will give the staff ample time to retrieve school books and materials. In addition, this allows time for parents or the legal guardian to complete a "Request to Transfer Records to another School" form. Under new legislation (Title 20-A, Section 6001-B, Transfer of educational records) we must send records "to a school administrative unit to which a student applies for transfer." [Also see Federal Law changes in "FERPA"]
Vandalism
Any student who damages school property will be required to pay for the damage, or repair of the damage, depending on the judgment of the principal.
Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit classes. Frequent short visits, rather than one long one, will give a truer picture of the variety of work carried on at school. If you wish to visit, please schedule an appointment with the classroom teacher so that you may check to insure that it will be an appropriate time for a visitation. We request that all visitors take a few moments to check in at the main office prior to going to the classroom.
Visitors : Pets
Unfortunately, we no longer can have pets visit inside the building. Due to allergies, asthma, and other health issues we need to prohibit their visits. This policy has come from health officials in the state. Pets may visit a class outside.
Weapons
No student shall have in his/her possession any weapon, or other object that could reasonably be considered a weapon, which could be used to inflict injury on anyone present in, or on the grounds of a public school in M.S.A.D. #75. This would include knives, sticks, guns, rocks and other facsimile objects that could be described or considered as a weapon. This policy applies on school buses, activity buses, and all co-curricular activities before, during or after regular school hours. Please be aware that if anyone is seen with a weapon, the Cumberland County Sheriffs Department will be contacted. Our role is to educate the children to understand that even threatening to use a weapon in front of others is inappropriate. Some of the incidents may appear to be insignificant, but we will treat any conversation about 'weapons' very seriously. Our major objective is to ensure that all students feel safe, and are safe, at West Harpswell.
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NCLB Parents Right To Know
Part of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation requires school units to notify parents of teaching staff who are not meeting the Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) standards. The law requires that the school system provide parents (if asked) with:
1. notice of certification of the teacher,
2. Baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degrees held,
3. whether the child is provided services by a paraprofessional and if so, their qualifications.If you have any questions, please contact Karen Koulovatos at 729-9961.
All teachers at West Harpswell meet the Highly Qualified Teacher standards.
September 4, 2007
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the West Harpswell School! The faculty and I are here to assist you in whatever way possible. The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize you with our school's rules, policies and routines. Clearly, education must be a shared responsibility between home and school. Your involvement is essential if a successful and well-rounded education is to be acquired. This HANDBOOK is one way to help students work successfully. Students will be responsible for knowing the rules of the school and for following them. We will be here to help them in any way that we can.
We are excited that you are part of our school community and we expect that you will work with us to maintain a learning environment that is happy, friendly, respectful, orderly, clean, and attractive. The entire staff and I look forward to a very successful and productive school year. We encourage parents to visit at any time, and welcome volunteers. Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions, concerns or comments.
Have a great year!
Michael Estes
Principal
Philosophy
Our philosophy at West Harpswell School is one of a school devoted to nurturing and encouraging all students to work to their potential. The school commits itself to the concept of life-long learning, communicating to our students the excitement of discovering new knowledge while maintaining a caring environment. As well as fostering the childís innate desire for learning and experience, we hope to provide a foundation for the skills and knowledge needed to obtain an education which will be a source of strength and satisfaction throughout the studentís life. Furthermore, we encourage spontaneity of creative and independent thinking as individuals develop both self-awareness and respect for one another.
We believe education is a cooperative venture. We expect parents and faculty will have high expectations of students, resulting in students themselves having high aspirations.
Our school is a part of the community and, therefore, reflects the interests and beliefs of our unique neighborhood. By stressing respect of self and others, we aim to guide our students to become valuable, contributing and concerned members of society.
Core Values
Our core values were developed with imput from the entire faculty. We are totally committed to these core values, believing that they influence all decisions and provide us with a focus.
They are:
1. “A commitment to learning while celebrating diversity.”
2. “Attainment of wholeness through mutual respect, support and teamwork.”
3. “A positive/secure climate.”
Vision Statement
West Harpswell School
We share a vision, a collective sense of purpose and direction, understood as one understands a journey and the necessity to move beyond the limitations of the present. Our journey speaks to us, as do all new adventures of the mind, imagination, and creative spirit; of self, of others, and of the sharing of purpose and reality between the two.
Our journey begins with an inner landscape, requiring only that we listen to children, who center our vision. Along the route of this journey we invision a school within community, a community within the school. We see children, parents, grandparents, community members, and teachers living inside and outside the traditional walls defining school, engaged in the sense of wonder and joy that rewards true learning.
We see children sharing this joy with mothers and fathers, grandparents, community and teachers. For in the child’s desire for self-knowledge, the parent shall know the child. In the parent’s longing for future, the child may value knowledge and love. In the communityís dreams for prosperity, family, child and teacher may better comprehend the potential of our collective future.
Our vision invites you to share this journey with others. For in that sharing we may move outward beyond the walls to discover others’ gifts, and inward along the track of self-discovery, so that we may lovingly return to our place of origin, the heart and dreams of a child.
District Mission Statement
The four communities of M.S.A.D. No. 75 are united in our dedication to develop confident, life-long learners. It is our mission to work together to ensure a community of fluent learners, critical thinkers and creative contributors to our society.
District Goals of 2007-2008
1. Focus on and achieve a high level of learning for all students
2. Increase our capacity for learning:
* increase opportunities for personalized and engaged learning
* improve student readiness through enhanced student wellness
* increase our capacity by supporting staff wellness
3. Increase the number of students applying for and successfully attending post-secondary training and decrease the number of disaffected students
4. Increase the involvement of parents and community in our schools and our schools in the community
5. Emphasize character development that sets high standards for tolerance, diversity and democracy education. |