Tiverton Public Schools,
100 North Brayton Road
Tiverton, RI 02878

This web page was developed by the students of the Graphics IV
Class and members of theTiverton High School Web Team.
 

“EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION”

THE MISSION STATEMENT FOR THE TIVERTON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

 

THE VISION OF THE TIVERTON SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

The Tiverton School Department is committed to providing a foundation for learning that
incorporates the unique talents and abilities of all our students.
We will challenge, guide, and support students on
their journeys to becoming productive members of their community.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

On behalf of our Administration, Faculty and Staff 
I would like to take the time to welcome your child to the Tiverton School system.
With the help of the Graphic IV, Desktop Publishing class,  our staff has put together this
parent’s guide to help answer many of the questions concerned parents often have
regarding the policies, procedures and basic services available to our students. 

If you have any further questions, please utilize the contact information below
and a member of our staff will be glad to help you!

If you have any suggestions to improve this publication, please
contact Mr. Edward Davis, District Webmaster,
via email at edavis@tivertonschools.org

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

CONTACT INFORMATION

Administration
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE
100 North Brayton Road
Tiverton, Rhode Island 02878

Telephone:
(401)624-8475 (76) (Office)
(401)624-4086 (Fax)

 

Telephone Contact Information
Locations                              Phone Numbers 
Fort Barton                            624-6114 (15)
Ranger                                  624-8467 (68)
Pocasset                               624-6654 (55)
High School                           624-8494
        Fax #                            624-8495
        HS Guidance                 624-6621 (22)
Middle School                        624-6668
     Fax#                                624-6669
     MS Guidance                    624-6762
SPED (Elmhurst)                   683-3570

 

School Hours:
Fort Barton - 8:40 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.*
Ranger - 8:40 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.*
Pocasset - 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.*
Elementary Schools Early Release - 11:30 a.m. -
Kindergarten sessions (all elementary schools): 
     a.m. sessions:    8:40 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.   
     p.m. sessions:   12:35 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Middle School - 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.              
Early Release - 11:30 a.m.
High School - 7:34 a.m. - 1:54 p.m
Early Release - 11:30 a.m.


High School Class Periods

Per.1: 7:40 a.m. - 8:36 a.m.
Per.2: 8:39 a.m. - 9:35 a.m.
Per.3: 9:39 a.m. - 10:39 a.m
Per.4: 10:42 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
     Lunch Periods
     1: 10:42 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
     2: 11:07 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
     3: 11:32 a.m. - 11:55 p.m.
Per.5 11:59 p.m. -12:55 p.m.
Per.6 12:58 p.m. - 1:54 p.m

Middle School Class Periods

Per 1:  8:00am - 8:05 am (AM Homeroom)
Per 2: 8:05 am - 9:05am
Per 3: 9:05 am - 10:05am
Per 4: 10:05 am - 11:05am
Per 5: 11:05 am - 12:25pm
     1st Lunch:  11:05-11:32
     2nd Lunch:  11:32-11:59
     3rd Lunch:  11:59-12:25
Per 6: 12:25pm - 1:25pm
Per 7: 1:25pm - 2:20pm

Fort Barton and
Ranger  Schedule

8:30 AM Breakfast Program Begins
8:40 AM School Begins
10:50 to 11:05 Recess Grades 3 and 4
11:25 AM K Dismissal
11:40 to 12:10 Lunch and Recess Grades 1 and 2

12:25 to 12:55 Lunch and Recess Grades 3 and 4
12:45 PM K begins

1:35 to 1:50 Recess Grades 1 and 2

3:05 Walkers Dismissed

3:10 Bus Dismissal

 

Pocasset Schedule
 

8:30 AM Breakfast Program Begins
8:40 AM School Begins
11:25 AM K Dismissal
11:00 to 11:25 Lunch Grades 1 and 2
11:30 to 11:55 Recess Grades 1 and 2
12:00 to 12:30 Lunch Grades 3 and 4
12:30 to 12:55 Lunch and Recess Grades 3 and 4
12:45 PM K begins

12:25 to 12:55 Lunch and Recess Grades 3 and 4

1:35 to 1:50 Recess Grades 1 and 2

3:05 Walkers Dismissed

3:10 Bus Dismissal

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Central Administration Building
Mr. William Rearick, Superintendent
Mr. Douglas Fiore, Director of Finance and Administration
Mrs. Diane Sanna, Director of Curriculum
Mr. Kevin Reynolds,  Director of Facilities
Mr. Alfred Notarianni, Technology Coordinator
100 North Brayton Road (REAR)
Tiverton, Rhode Island 02878
(401) 624-8475
(401) 624-4086
 

Tiverton High School
Mr. Steven Fezette, Principal
100 North Brayton Road
Tiverton, RI 02878
Phone - 401 624-8494
Fax - 401 624-8495

Tiverton Middle School
Mrs. Patricia Aull, Principal
10 Quintal Drive
Tiverton, RI 02878
Main Office: 624-6668
Fax: 624-6669
Guidance: 624-6762

Fort Barton Elementary School
 Mrs. Suzette Wordell, Principal
99 Lawton Avenue, Tiverton , RI, 02878
Phone: 401 624-6114
Fax: 401 624-6115

Pocasset Elementary School
Mrs. Fran L. Blaess, Principal
242 Main Rd
Tiverton, RI 02878
Phone: 401 624-6654
Fax: 624-6655

Ranger Elementary School
Thomas Gastall, Principal
278 North Brayton Road ,
Tiverton , RI 02878
Phone: 401 624-8467
Fax: 401 624-8468

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIP & MEETING INFORMATION

School Board Meetings
The School Committee meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month
@ 7 p.m. in the Tiverton High School Library.
Announcement of all regular School Board Meetings will be made to the Fall River Herald News as least two (2) days prior to the meeting by the Superintendent.

Anyone may address themselves to the subject matter of each item of business appearing on the posted agenda immediately before such matter is taken up for disposition by the School Board. See Policy 741. Since the School Board is a deliberative body, it should consider the input from individuals, but avoid extended debate with them whenever possible.

School Committee Members
Please note: New member installation and appointment of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
took place at the School Committee meeting of November 11, 2008.

Jan Bergandy
Chairmen
68 Indian Point Rd.
Tiverton, RI 02878
(401) 624-8687 (home)
jbergandy@tivertonschools.org

Sally Black
Vice Chairperson
64 Marlynn Drive
Tiverton, RI 02878
(401)624-4706(home)
sblack@tivrtonschools.org

Danielle Coulter
34 Lawton Ave.
Tiverton, RI 02878
(401)525-0469
dcoulter@tivertonschools.org

Carol Herrmann
1106 Main Road
Tiverton, RI 02878
401 625-1606
cherrmann@tivertonschools.org

Leonard Wright
16 Narragansett Avenue
Tiverton, RI 02878
Home: (401) 624-3315
lwright@tivertonschools.org

Terms of Office
Chairperson, Jan Bergandy  was elected in November 2006. 
His term expires in November 2010

Vice-Chairperson Sally Black was elected in November 2008. 
Her term expires in November 2012

Committee Member Leonard Wright was elected in November 2006. 
His term expires in November 2010

Committee Member Danielle Coulter was elected in November 2008. 
Her term expires in November 2012

Committee Member Carol Herrmann was elected in November 2008. 
Her term expires in November 2012

 

Board Committee Members:
Sick Bank Sub Committee:  Mrs. Coulter and Mrs. Herrmann

Policy Sub Committee:  Mr. Bergandy and Mr. Wright

Communications Sub Committee:  Mrs. Coulter and Mrs. Herrmann

Town Council Liaison:  Mrs. Black

There is no longer a Legislative Sub Committee

Public Comment at Board Meetings
At a public meeting of the School Board, no person shall orally initiate charges or complaints against individual employees of the district or challenge instructional materials used in the district. All such charges, complaints, or challenges shall be presented to the Superintendent or Board in writing, signed by the complainant. All such charges, if presented to the Board directly, shall be referred to the Superintendent for investigation and report.

PARENT INFORMATION

Home-School Communications
When parents and teachers stay in touch—through telephone calls, conferences,
notes, and letters—students benefit. Your interest and involvement in your children’s
education is key to their academic success. Please take the initiative to get to know
your child’s teachers. Attend back-to-school nights, open houses, parent-teacher conferences
and other school events and programs.
We realize that the responsibility to maintain active and healthy lines of communication
does not rest solely on parents. The school department has a responsibility to foster
strong home-school communication as well. Your requests for information–through
telephone calls or in writing–must be promptly acknowledged and responded to by
school department staff. If you are experiencing problems getting through or receiving a
response from a school department employee, please notify your child’s principal. If the
problem still persists, call the Superintendent of Schools @ 624-8475.

Parental Involvement
Research shows that when schools and families work together to support learning,
children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer and like school more.Tiverton
Schools is fully aware that it will not be successful in reaching its student
achievement goals without actively encouraging and supporting strong parent involvement.
Parent involvement takes on many forms:
• Engaging in learning activities with children at home, including helping with reading
skills and checking homework;
• Supervising children and monitoring how they spend their time out of school
• Talking about school and what children are learning;
• Attending school events, going to parent-teacher conferences, meeting with
teachers, volunteering in the classroom or school;
• Attending district-sponsored workshops for parents to learn more about the district,
curriculum, etc.;
• Joining a school-based, district or community parent group;
• Participating in school and district decision-making groups, such as School
Improvement Teams, PTO's, TEMPO and Sports Boosters, etc.; and
• Working with classroom teachers and principals to determine if there are any other
creative, nontraditional ways to support students and schools.

Volunteering
If you wish to volunteer at your child’s school, please contact your child’s principal or you
may also contact the Superintendent of Schools @ 624-8475.

Parental Concerns/Complaint Procedure
If you have a concern or complaint about your child’s teacher, you should contact the
teacher to resolve the issue. If you do not feel that the teacher has resolved your
complaint or concern, or you simply do not feel comfortable approaching the teacher,
you should contact your child’s principal to resolve the issue.  If the matter is still not
resolved please contact the superintendent’s office @ 624-8475.

Parents may request to be placed on the agenda to speak on specific issues.  In order to place
an item on the agenda parents should contact the superintendent’s office by calling 624-8475

The Superintendent of Schools, under the direction of the Chairperson of the School Board,
shall prepare an agenda for each regular and special meeting of the Board. Items for inclusion on the agenda must be presented to the Superintendent or Board Chairperson, 8 days prior to the scheduled meeting. See Policy #741.  It is the policy of the Tiverton School Committee that all agendas for all meetings shall be set and
approved by the board chairperson. See Policy #742.

Notification of Parental & Family Rights under FERPA
Student Records
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students
over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s
education records. They are:
• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of
the day the District receives a request for access.
• Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request
that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The principal will make
arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and
place where the records may be inspected.
• Parents or eligible students may ask the Tiverton School Department to amend a
record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school
principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify
why it is inaccurate or misleading.
• If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or
eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision
and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the
parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to withhold consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information
contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA
authorizes disclosure without consent.

Right to Withhold Student Directory Information
FERPA requires school districts to provide “Directory Information” about students to
sources (individuals, organizations, etc.) that request this information. The various
purposes of this information include published honor rolls, graduation lists, newspaper
articles, scholarship announcements, other recognitions and use by parent groups.
The items below are designated as Directory Information that may be released.
1. Name of student
2. Address of student
3. Telephone number of student
4. Earned awards and degrees of student
5. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
6. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
7. Degrees and awards received, including honor roll and graduation lists
8. Photographs and video
FERPA gives parents the right to have the directory information withheld, which means
that the school department will not provide any of this information to the public, including
military recruiters. Parents have two options for withholding information. They can
choose to withhold information from all sources or they can choose to withhold information
from the Military only.
Parents should complete and return the Student Directory Information “Do Not
Release” form to their child’s school only if they wish to have Student Directory
information.

FERPA Complaint Process
The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning
alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The
name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance
Office, US Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20202-4605.

STUDENT REGISTRATION & ASSIGNMENT

Eligibility Age for Enrollment
Every child who has attained or will have attained five years of age on or before September
1 of any school year shall be eligible to attend kindergarten during all the days
that the kindergarten is in session during the school year.
Parents may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools

For the 2008-2009 school year, a child must have been born on or before
September 1, 2003 in order to be eligible for Kindergarten.
For the 2009-2010 school year, a child must have been born on or before
September 1, 2004 in order to be eligible for Kindergarten.

Where to Register
Superintendent’s Office
100 North Brayton Road (REAR)
Tiverton, Rhode Island 02878
(401) 624-8475

Eligibility for All Students
To be eligible for registration the child must have proof of a Tiverton address.
Proof of residency is to include:
 1. An automobile registration with a Tiverton address.
 2. A Utility Bill.

STUDENT INSTRUCTION & CURRICULUM

Literacy Learning
Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
Literacy Instruction in our school district has evolved at all levels from a sit-down-and-listen approach to a Workshop Model where students are actively involved in the learning process. Instruction is focused on the five areas of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension and is aligned with the RI Grade Level Expectations for learning.

Teachers model and guide students through experiences to build independence in applying skills and concepts. Grade level Literature Lists have been developed and include "Core Literature" selections and Common Assessments that are used in all classes. Common Assessments are used to monitor student progress towards the Grade Level Expectations and to plan for instructional improvements to support student success.

Group work such as Guided Reading Groups and Literature Circles provide opportunities for small group instruction to address the needs of students working at, above, or below Grade Level Expectations. These approaches allow for a variety of text to be used to capture the interests of students and provide them with challenging text, to increase their success and confidence as readers.

Literacy is at the forefront of all learning in our district and is integrated into in all subject areas. Content-specific literacy strategies are taught by teachers in Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Health, the Arts, and all elective and co-curricular classes. These strategies increase student understanding of content material and promote the application of literacy skills across the curriculum.

Literacy support programs are available for students at all levels who need assistance.
A complete listing of the RI Grade Level Expectations for Reading, and Written and Oral Communication can be found at www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/gle.aspx

Mathematics
Our K-12 mathematics instruction is aligned with the RI Grade Level Expectations. The requirements for teaching and learning in mathematics includes traditional Number and Operations skills and concepts, as well as in-depth studies of Geometry and Measurement, Functions and Algebra, Data, Statistics, and Probability.
At all levels, the focus is on developing basic skills and understanding of mathematical concepts by engaging students in hands-on problem solving activities. Mathematical reasoning, application of knowledge, and communication are important components of student learning. Support programs are available at all levels for students who are experiencing difficulty.

The Everyday Mathematics Program is a research based program used in grades K-6. Information on the program can be found at http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu . A parent website is also available at http://everydaymath.uchicago.edu/parents/index.shtml.

The Connected Mathematics Project also a research based program is used in grades 7-8. In this program, important mathematical ideas are presented in the context of interesting problems. As students explore a series of connected problems, they develop understanding of the skills and concepts and, with the help of the teacher, develop problem- solving strategies, and knowledge that can be applied to a variety of problems. Class time is spent exploring interesting mathematical situations, reflecting on solution methods, examining why the methods work, comparing methods, and relating methods to those used in previous situations. More information on this program can be found at http://connectedmath.msu.edu/. A parent page is also available at http://connectedmath.msu.edu/parents.html.

Algebra I is also offered to eligible grade 8 students. This course has been fully aligned with the course offered at the high school.

High school mathematics instruction includes the following courses: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Statistics and Probability, Trigonometry, Math Analysis, Calculus, and AP Calculus. Additional information is available in the Program of Studies. These courses have been aligned to the RI Grade Span Expectations for Mathematics.
Copies of the RI Grade Level and Grade Span Expectations for Mathematics learning are available at www.ridoe.net/Instruction/gle.aspx
For specific questions related to classroom learning families should contact their child’s teacher for specific

Science
K-8 Science Kit Program
The following kits are used to develop students' understanding of skills and concepts. This program has been developed through our collaboration with the East Bay Educational Collaborative and is aligned with the RI Grade Span Expectations for Science which can be found at www.ridoe.net/Instruction/gle.aspx
Grade Life Science Earth Science Physical Science Reasoning & Technology
K Animals 2*2 Marbles, Tracks, & Ramps
1 Organisms Weather Balance & Motion
2 Insects Pebbles, Sand & Slit Simple Machines
3 Structures of Life Water Sound
4 Ecosystems Earth Materials Electric Circuits
5 Microworlds Floating & Sinking Models & Designs
6 Diversity of Life Mini unit on Earth Science (under development) Magnets & Motors
7 Mini unit on Life Science Weather & Water Properties of Matter
8 Human Body Systems Mini unit on Space Science Energy, Machines & Motion

Science Courses Available in Grades 9-12
Physical Science Physics Oceanography
Biology Environmental Science AP Chemistry
Chemistry Anatomy and Physiology AP Biology

Social Studies
Our K-12 Social Studies curriculum is currently being revised. Teachers will be working to align teaching and learning to the newly released RI Grade Span Expectations for Civics and Historical Perspectives.

A copy of the draft GSEs can be viewed at www.ride.ri.gov/Instruction/gle.aspx

Health/Physical Education
The Tiverton School Department is pleased to be a member of the Healthy Schools Coalition. We are in the process of making improvements to our K-12 curricula to better reflect the new regulations. Our curriculum is aligned to state and national standards to provide rich and well-round experiences for our students. We exceed that state requirements for Physical Education and Health instruction. Elementary students have Physical Education two times per week and Health once. Middle and high school students typically have Physical Education twice during the 6 day cycle and Health once. Families should contact their child’s school for specific information on Health and Physical Education instruction, as well as additional school offerings for physical and health-related activities outside of the school day.

Fine Arts
We are very proud of our award winning music programs at the middle and high school levels, as well as the awards our visual arts programs have received. Our K-12 curricula are aligned with state and national standards and offer many opportunities for students to experience the Arts.

Students at the elementary level have Art and Music once a week. We also offer a before school Strings program for students in grade four. After school programs are offered at Middle School Level to enhance student learning in the Arts.

Students at the middle school level have Art and Music twice in the six day cycle as well as Band, Chorus, Strings and Instrumental classes.

Our high school offers a variety of Fine Arts courses, including Introductory Art, Color and Design, Art II, Advanced Studio, Drawing, Ceramics, Drawing, Photography, AP Art, Music Theory, Fundamentals of Music, Chorus, Marching Band, Color Guard, Jazz, Strings, Guitar and Piano.

We also offer opportunities after school such as the Dance Squad, Drama Club, Anime Club, Web Team and Video Club which also support student learning in the Fine Arts.

More information on offerings at each school is available by contacting the school office or visiting school websites.

World Languages
Our middle school offers Exploratory Spanish for students in grades 6-8, and an advanced Spanish I class in Grade 8.  High School students have a variety of Portuguese and Spanish classes to choose from, including AP Spanish.

Co-Curricular Offerings
In addition to our content courses, we offer several co-curricular courses at the middle and high school levels. The middle school offers Woodworking, Library Media Science, and Technology. Our high school offers courses in these areas and additional courses such as Culinary Arts, Career Pathways, Introduction to Computer Science, Accounting, International Business/Marketing, Desktop Publishing, Electricity and Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Graphic Arts and Web Design, Automotive Technology, Construction/Carpentry, and others.

Guidance
Our K-12 Comprehensive Guidance Program has been recently aligned to the new state regulations. Our counselors focus on Academic, Career, and Personal/Social goals with students, working with them throughout the year individually and in small groups.

State Testing
All students in grades 3-8 and 11 participate in the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP). This state assessment focuses on Reading, Written Communication, Mathematics and Science. During the month of October, students are tested in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. Science is tested in May.

These assessments are based on the RI Grade Level/Span Expectations for learning. The assessment scores are used as part of a state formula for school classifications. We are very proud of our schools which have been labeled as “high performing” and making adequate yearly progress. Information on our school classifications can be found at www.ride.ri.gov/ride/reportcards.aspx

Please contact Diane Sanna, Director of Curriculum and Instruction (624-8494 Ext. 216) for additional information regarding curriculum, instruction, and assessment within our school district. You should contact your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions about what your child is learning or how he/she is being graded

.Your involvement in your child’s education is greatly appreciated. We look forward to working with you in supporting your child’s learning both at home and in school and ensuring a successful educational experience!

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Philosophy & Intent
Every graduate of Tiverton High School will be prepared to successfully enter the work force or to pursue further post-secondary education.  Students will have multiple opportunities to reach proficiency and successfully complete course work which is aligned with the Rhode Island Grade Span Expectations and Applied Learning Standards, and local requirements, as approved by the Tiverton School Committee. 

The Tiverton High School Academic, Social and Civic Expectations for learning as approved by the New England Association for Secondary Schools and Colleges and the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education Diploma System Requirements drive this policy.

REQUIREMENTS

Academic Requirements:
A graduate of Tiverton High School must earn a minimum of 110 credits. 
Specifically, each graduate must successfully complete coursework in the following subjects:

Subject Area                           # of Years              Credits/Year          Total Credits

English                                           4                          5                           20

Social Studies

(including 2 US History)                    3                         5                           15

Mathematics                                   3                         5                           15

Science                                          3                         5                           15

Physical Education                          4                         1.875                     7.5

Health                                             4                           .625                    2.5

Performing/Visual Arts               ½ year or

                                                3x/week full year         2.5                        2.5

Technology                            ½ year or

                                                3x/week full year         2.5                        2.5

Math Related Course             1 (senior year)                 5                           5

                                                                                          TOTAL = 85 Credits

The remainder of credits required will be earned through courses chosen by the student.

• All students will be required to successfully complete the Senior Project for graduation.

• All students will participate in end of the year departmental assessments,
  which include proficiency tasks.
  
   
• Students medically excused from Physical Education must submit proof of limitations
   to the principal in writing.
  
   
• All students graduating from Tiverton High School must have a completed ILP
  (i.e. individual learning plan).

Proficiency-Based Requirements:
1. Successful completion of a Senior Project is required for graduation. Students will choose a topic and complete a project which includes the following: an MLA documented research paper; a physical product or demonstration related to the research; 15 hours of documented time with a mentor (usually an expert in the topic area); a portfolio documenting the process; and a final oral presentation. Specific details and timelines will be provided on the Senior Project web page at www.tivertonschools.org and at an informational assembly at the end of junior year.

Role of State Assessments

All students must participate in the state assessment program. State assessments will be administered in accordance with a timeline established by the Rhode Island Department of Education. All state assessment results shall be included on student transcripts. Students who achieve the predetermined proficiency level on the state assessment shall be exempted from the mid-year common assessment in the appropriate content area. (This exemption does not apply to semester courses.) To earn an exemption, students must maintain a 70% average in the class in addition to the predetermined proficiency level on the NECAP. Students who perform below proficiency on the state assessment must demonstrate proficiency on at least 70% of the GSEs for that subject area, as measured on local assessments and end of course assessments. The state assessment shall not represent more than 10 percent of the factors used to determine proficiency and eligibility for graduation for students graduating in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Beginning with the class of 2012, as required by the RI Department of Education, the state assessments will be valued at 33% of the graduation requirements. Students must perform at a minimum level of "partially proficient" on both the math and English NECAP exams. Students who score below this level will have the opportunity to retake the test in the senior year, submit other approved test scores or present evidence of achievement in these areas in additional coursework.

Community Service Requirements:

Students will complete 75 hours of approved community service learning beginning in grade 7.  Students must also successfully complete all required reflective writings based upon their community service.
 

Waivers to Requirements:

Students requesting alternate means of meeting the above graduation requirements, such as credit for prior experience or dual enrollment shall have their transcripts and other evidences of proficiency reviewed by a Graduation Review Committee that shall include members from the school administration and the Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements Team.

Individual situations not addressed within this process will be handled on a case-by-case basis at the school administration level.  Students and families wishing to appeal the Graduation Review Committee’s decisions must cite the reasons, in writing to the Superintendent within ten business days. Students and families will be notified of the outcome of the Superintendent’s review within ten business days.

Transferring Students

The following guidelines shall apply to students who transfer into Tiverton High School:

1.  A Senior Project must be successfully completed during the senior year.   Senior Project requirements for students entering after the first term of their senior year will be prorated as outlined in the Senior Project Handbook. 

2.  Students who have completed a proficiency-based requirement of their previous high school, comparable to Senior Project will be exempt, so long as that requirement of their previous high school was approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education. 

3.  Community service requirements for all transfer students will be prorated as outlined in the Student Handbook and Community Service Handbook.

Communication & Progress Monitoring

Starting with the 2007-08 school year, all students entering the eighth grade of Tiverton Middle School shall be notified of the proficiency based graduation requirements.  Written notice will be provided to their families and posted on the district web site.  The same information shall be shared with students and families of those entering Tiverton High School.

Advisory teachers for 8^th grade students will review all graduation requirements with their advisees.  The same will occur in all advisory sessions at Tiverton High School.  THS advisory teachers will monitor their advisees’ progress toward successful completion of a Senior Project, Community Service, and other graduation requirements throughout their four-year experience.

As part of a comprehensive guidance program, all Tiverton Middle School and Tiverton High School students shall complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that guides course selection, academic preparation, and planning toward all proficiency based graduation requirements.   High school guidance counselors in cooperation with advisors will review the ILP and communicate progress toward successful completion of all graduation requirements.  A parent signature is required at the semester and final review.

Families will receive ongoing communication from teachers and school counselors regarding their children’s progress towards these graduation requirements through quarterly, mid-year, and end-of-year progress reports.  School administrators and school counselors will meet with seniors who are making insufficient progress towards graduation requirements at the end of the first semester of the senior year to review opportunities for successful completion of all diploma requirements.  Final determination of ineligibility for graduation will be conveyed to students and families five business days prior to the graduation ceremony.

Appeals

Students who have been denied a diploma may appeal the decision in writing to the Principal of Tiverton High School.  The appeal shall cite specific reasons for disagreement, and if the student is under the age of 18, it must be co-signed by a parent/legal guardian.  A response to the student/legal guardian appeal will be made within 2 business days.

If the appeal is due to unsuccessful completion of the Senior Project the written letter of appeal must be filed to the Principal of Tiverton High School within 2 business days of the Senior Project presentation.  An independent Appeals Panel that will include members from the school administration and Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements Team will consider the appeal.  No member of the Appeals Panel will have participated in the appellant’s Senior Project presentation.  If the Appeals Panel is presented with substantial evidence supporting the appeal, then the panel may authorize another Senior Project presentation to be conducted by a new team of evaluators.

If the Appeals Panel denies the appeal, the student may further petition the decision to the Principal.  If denied by the principal, the appeal may be presented following the normal appeal procedure through the Superintendent, the School Committee, and, the State Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

SPECIAL SERVICES

Special Education
provided by:  Newport County Regional Special Education Program

Mrs. Trish Martins, Director
Sarah Kraeger-Psaras Assistant Director
Leslie Brow Assistant Director

Newport County Regional Special Education Program is a highly trained team with the local personnel
to meet the federal and state mandates for special educations services.

In 1970 The Newport County Regional Special Education Program was established as a legal collaborative for the towns of Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton. The purpose was to join together in providing the full continuum of special education services for children identified with disabilities.

Parents are encouraged to work with their child's Principal, Guidance Counselor, Teachers and Related Service Personnel thru this process. The stages include:

1. Response to Intervetion Team – R+1
2. Referral to the Evaluation Team - ET
3. Determine necessary Evaluation Assessments
4. Determine eligibility for services - Case Conference
5. Development of Individual Education Plan - IEP

As special education services continue to expand and change, Newport County Regional Special Education is
committed to continue our mandate of providing appropriate services for children with special needs.
If you have any questions, please call 683-3570.

TECHNOLOGY

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Introduction
The Tiverton Public Schools (TPS) are providing students and faculty with access to the Internet. The Internet is a rich resource of information and fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the Internet enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources, while exchanging messages with people around the world. Students will be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to curriculum, and learning objectives. Students will conduct their Internet work in a supervised environment. However, access to the Internet also has the potential to be abused and made inappropriate for a learning community. Just as in the greater world, it is possible to come across information that may be offensive, morally objectionable, or pornographic. Attempts will be made to install security software to diminish this possibility. Users will not find inappropriate material unless they look for it. Just as students and adults are responsible for their behavior away from a computer, they are responsible for their behavior while working with one.

Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and the purpose of this Agreement is to define acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet by the TPS community. Unacceptable use, as defined by this Agreement may result in restriction or cancellation of the access privilege. These sanctions will be at the discretion of the Library Media Specialist (elementary), Technology Coordinator or Library Media Specialist (middle school), or the Library Media Specialist (secondary).

Acceptable Use
Acceptable use of the TPS Internet access is any use which is consistent with the educational objectives of the Tiverton Public Schools. The Internet offers a wealth of Internet also offer the opportunity for the exchange of ideas and information and collaborative work. All communications should be polite with appropriate language use.

Unacceptable Use
Illegal Activity. It is unacceptable use to in any way promote or engage in any activities which are deemed criminal under federal, state or local laws, including but not limited to copyright laws.

Hacking and Other Vandalism. It is unacceptable use to maliciously attempt to harm or destroy the hardware or data of another user, whether at TPS or at any site connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation and spreading of computer viruses. It is also unacceptable use to attempt to use another's account, including the Computer System Administrators' accounts, without written permission of the other person.

Offensive and Obscene Materials. It is unacceptable use to send or receive any data that are offensive and/or obscene according to TPS standards and purposes.

Private Commercial Gain. It is unacceptable use to engage in activity for private or financial gain.

No Warranties
TPS will work with its service provider (RINet) to make Internet service reliable and secure. TPS will also work with every user to promote technical skills and acceptable use. However, TPS makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. TPS will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries or service interruption from whatever cause.

SAFETY, HEALTH & WELFARE


Emergency Contact Information
It is important that parents provide the school with up-to-date telephone numbers,
addresses and the names of people to contact in case of emergency. If any of the
information changes during the course of the school year, including those people with
permission to pick up a child from school, parents must contact the school office
immediately. School personnel will require photo identification from anyone who comes
to school to pick up a child.

Emergency School Closings, Early Dismissals and Late Openings
Schools may be closed or school schedules may be changed due to inclement weather
or a building emergency, such as a fire, a boiler failure, or a water problem
Closings, early dismissals, and late openings will be made through the following media:
WJAR Channel 10 TV, WSAR (AM 1480) radio, WHTB (AM 1400) radio,
WPRO (AM 630) radio, www.turnto10.com, and Connect Ed Phone System.
We will also try to post SUCH announcements on this web site if possible. 
There is a "Inclement weather Link on the Main page of the website. 
This Inclement Weather Page includes a active link for the turnto10 webpage.

TRANSPORTATION

Bussing
Bus transportation is contracted through First Student. If parents have any questions pertaining to transportation they should call the Bus Manager, Mrs. Lynn Lord at 625-5562. If parents still have questionsor concerns they can call the Superintendent’s Office at 624-8475.

Bus Rules
1. Do not distract driver.
2. Driver may assign seats.
3. Maintain respect to all present.
4. Remain seated, facing forward at all times.
5. No eating or drinking allowed.
6. No writing utensils allowed out at any time.
7. All reasonable noise level is expected at all times.
.8 Usage of improper language is not allowed at any time.
9. Maintain bus cleanliness.
10. Do not destroy school bus property.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROGRAM

School Meals are an extension of a school’s health and nutrition program and help
children develop a taste for nutritious foods. Tiverton Schools offers breakfast and
lunch daily to students at full price, reduced price, and at no cost, depending upon
eligibility standards established by the federal government.
The breakfast meal includes a half pint of milk, a half cup serving of fruit or juice, and
two servings of a bread product. The lunch meal includes a half pint of milk, two or
more servings of fruit or vegetable, one or more servings of bread, and a serving of a
protein food such as chicken, fish, beef, or cheese.

Free and Reduced Price Meals
If you believe your child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals, you are encouraged
to complete a Meal Benefit Form and return it to your child’s school. The information
provided on the application is confidential. All children are treated the same regardless
of ability to pay. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated
against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, economic status, or
disability.
Families may apply for free or reduced price meals any time during the school year by
requesting an application from their child’s school. Parents will be notified when the
application is approved or denied.

HEALTH
 

State of Rhode Island Immunization Requirements

Kindergarten
 By the time children enter kindergarten they should have a total of : 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine; 5 doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine with the last dose after the fourth birthday; 4 doses of polio vaccine with the last dose after the fourth birthday; 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vacine with the first dose after the first birthday, second dose after the fourth birthday; l dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine I dose on or after the first birthday, or documentation by a health care provider of a history of chickenpox disease; evidence of lead screening.

7^th Grade
In addition to the above, by the time children enter 7^th grade they should have 1 dose of Td/Tdap if it has been 5 years or more since the last tetanus-containing vaccine.  Additionally, students entering the 7^th grade are required to provide an updated physical prior to enrollment in that school year. 

Tiverton Schools Medical Policies
 

Hearing Tests
Hearing screenings will be administered to students in grades K through 3, and to any new student without a hearing screening history. Additionally, school nurse/teachers can refer students for hearing tests based concerns of the student’s teacher(s).  The purpose of such testing is to address possible hearing problems that might impact upon student academic progress
 

Vision Tests
Kindergarten students must present documentation that a vision screening has been completed by a licensed health care professional.  Every student in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 shall be screened by the school/nurse teacher annually.

Additionally, school nurse/teachers are able to administer initial vision test and/or refer students for vision tests based upon concerns of the student’s teacher(s).  The purpose of such testing is to address possible vision problems that impact upon student achievement before the student falls behind academically.
 

Home & Hospital Instruction
Home and hospital teaching services are provided to a student who is temporarily unable to attend school for certified medical or emotional reasons.  Home/hospital teaching is a short-term, itinerant instructional service with specific guidelines.  Home/hospital teaching is provided to a student who is convalescing or receiving treatment at home, in a therapeutic center, or in a hospital.  Requests must be submitted to the school guidance office for secondary students and the school principal for elementary students.
 

Medical Conditions
If your child has a chronic health condition, such as asthma or diabetes, you should notify the school nurse immediately so that an individual health plan or proper procedures can be developed to assist your child.  For more information, call your school principal.

School & Sports Physicals
All students enrolling in the Tiverton Public Schools are required to present an up-to-date written physical administered by a physician or licensed health professional.  One sports physical a year is sufficent.  Prior to trying out for a school sport, all athletes must provide a sports physical administered by a doctor, or a licensed health professional. Forms for the physicals may be obtained from the student’s coach or school nurse/teacher, or link www.health.state.ri.us/topics/schoolphysicalform.php.
 

Administration of Medications
Parents must provide written authorization for school nurse/teachers to administer prescription medications, and over the counter medicine, including Tylenol or similar medicines.  All forms must be completed by a physician with a diagnosis and directions for dispensing the medication.  The authorization form must also be signed by the parent/guardian.  All medication is dispensed by the school nurse/teacher unless where specified on the form that older students can self-medicate and/or self-carry.  Authorization forms may be obtained from the school nurse/teacher.  All such medications must be turned in directly to the school’s nurse/teacher by the parent or guardian prior to the start of school. 
 

Dental Screening Programs
A dental screening is provided by school dentists for grades 1-4 and grades 5 & 9.  A student may provide documentation from their private dentist in lieu of the annual school screening