Mrs. Denise deMedeiros,
Chairperson
Mr. Michael Burk,
Vice-Chairperson
Mr. Leonard Wright
Mr. Jan Bergandy
Mrs. Sally Black
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. William Rearick
Administrators
Mrs. Patricia Aull, Principal
Mr. Patrick Lattuca,
Assistant Principal
Main Office: 624-6668
Guidance Office: 624-6762
Fax: 624-6669
This book belongs to:
Name:
Grade:
Homeroom:
Parent Signature:
The Tiverton School Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, color, or handicap in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
TEACHING STAFF
2007 - 2008
GRADE
5 Mrs.
Bearse
Mrs. Cayer
Mrs. Gabriel
Mrs. Helger
Mrs. Lefebvre
Miss Nogueira
Mrs. Palumbo
Mrs. Pauls
Miss Tillinghast
GRADE 6 Mrs. Bearse
Mrs. Costa
Mrs. Destremps
Mrs.
Kilby
Mr. Lemaire
Mrs. Machado
Mrs. Palumbo
GRADE 7 Mrs. Brower
Mr.
Korney
Mrs. Larson
Mr. Leary
Mrs. Hedges
Miss Petrarca
Miss Remick
Mrs. Scott
Mrs.
Thiboutot
Mrs.
Valcourt
GRADE 8 Mrs. Clarey
Mr. Frerichs
Mr. Furtado
Mrs. Hedges
Mrs. Hallman
Miss
Molloy
Mrs. Peckham
Mrs.
Silvia
Mrs.
Tomis
Mrs.
Valcourt
CO-CURRICULAR
Mrs. Berberick
Ms. Bergeron
Mr. Collins
Mr. Devolve
Mrs. Howland
Mrs. Martin
Mrs. O’Hara
Miss O’Neill
Mr. Point
Mr. Szaro
Mr. Thiboutot
SPECIAL EDUCATION Mrs. Ashton
Miss Bitar
Mr Biancuzzo
Mrs. Fennessey
Mrs. Gauch
Mr. Helfridge
Miss Kane
Ms. Lima
SPECIAL EDUCATION (Cont.) Mrs. Peters
Mrs. Resare
Mrs. Schreiner
Mrs.
White-Wilcox
SCHOOL NURSE Mrs. Frain
GUIDANCE & SUPPORT STAFF Mrs. Adler
Mrs.
Beaupre
Mrs.
Borden
Mrs.
Boulay
Mrs. Cabral
Mrs. Davis
Mr. Dickhaut
Mrs. Lavier
Mrs. Lima
Mrs. Mar
Miss Murphy
Mrs. St. Laurent
Miss Souza
Mrs. Tavares
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Teaching
Staff 1
Title
IX Information 2
Non-Discrimination Policy 2
Benefits
for Integrating Students 3
Non-Disabled
Students 3
Students
with Disabilities 3
Student
Records ________________3
House
Organization 4
Acceptable
Use Policy 4
Search/Seizure
Policy 5
School
Property 5
Substance
Abuse Policy 5
Bullying
Policy 6
Suspension
for 10 Days or Less 6
Suspension
for 10 Days or More 6
Alternative
Placement Program 7
Infractions
Requiring Disc. Action 7
Bus
Conduct 9
Video
Cameras on Buses 9
Switching
Buses 9
Attendance 9
Homeroom 9
Lengthly
Absence 9
Dismissal
Notes 9
School
Closure Announcements 9
Change
of Address/Phone # 9
Late
Buses 10
Homework
10
Honor
Roll 10
Pupil Personnel Services
A. Guidance 10
B. Health Services 10
C. Media Center 11
D. Accelerated Program 12
Co-Curricular Subjects
A. Art 12
B. Music 12
C. Foreign Language 13
D Industrial Technology 13
E. Physical Education 13
F. Health Education 13
Field
Trips/Class Activities 14
Community
Service Learning 14
Out
of Room Passes 15
Lost
and Found 15
Lockers 15
Use
of Telephones 15
Change
of Class 15
Dress
code 15
Care
of Books and Equipment 15
Gum 15
Title IX Information
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities by recipients of federal financial assistance. In an effort to comply with Title IX, the Tiverton School Department affirms that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity. Additional information on Title IX policies and procedures is available in each school building and at our central office. Anyone who believes that discrimination on the basis of sex has occurred should contact the appropriate building representative for information and advice on the complaint procedure:
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Nondiscrimination Under Federal Grants
(Title IX of
the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
Rhode Island General Law 28-5.1, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Congress’ directive to any organization to eliminate discrimination
based on disability from all aspects of school operation. It states: “ No otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Since the Tiverton School Department receives federal dollars, we are required to provide eligible disabled students with equal access (both physical and academic) to services, programs, and activities offered by our schools. Information on the process for reviewing Section 504 eligibility and parent rights is available in each school building. Parents have the right to file a complaint with the district if they feel their child’s rights have been violated. Forms for filing a complaint and additional information on the process for addressing Section 504 parent complaints are available in each school office.
An appropriate education for a Section 504 disabled student may require the provision of specific accommodations and related services in order to meet the needs of the student. Section 504 focuses on assuring access to educational services and the learning process that is equal to that given students who do not have disabilities.
For a student to qualify for Section 504 protection the student must meet three criteria. The three criteria are (1) a mental or physical impairment (or has a record of an impairment or is regarded as having an impairment), (2) which substantially limits, (3) one or more major like activities. It is important to understand that all three criteria must apply to a student before that student is eligible for Section 504 protection. In addition, this disability must be why the student cannot equally access or receive benefit from the school’s programs and services.
The Tiverton School Department shall not discriminate in admissions, treatment, or access to educational programs, activities, and facilities or in regard to employment opportunities on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.
Inquiries regarding activities relating to ensuring nondiscrimination should be directed to:
Diane E. Sanna
Tiverton Administration Office
(401) 624-8475
Benefits
for Integrating Students
There
are many reasons to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to
learn and socialize with their non-disabled peers. Integrating students is beneficial for all
students, as well as their parents and teachers. Providing positive experiences in integrated
educational settings allows non-disabled students and adults to learn about
disabilities and to become more accepting of individuals who are disabled. Students with disabilities have the
opportunity to develop their full potential and to become an integral part of
society. Therefore, integration expands
and enhances the personal experiences of students, parents, and teachers.
Non-Disabled
Students
Through
positive interactions with students with disabilities, non-disabled students
become more sensitive to the need of others.
They will learn to appreciate individual differences at an early age and
bring these values home. In integrated
settings, non-disabled students may have more chances to become leaders and
teachers, thereby increasing their self-confidence. The students also have the opportunity to
form friendships with students who are disabled, and maintain these
relationships throughout life.
Students
with Disabilities
When
students with disabilities are educated with their non-disabled peers they
learn age-appropriate social skills by imitating non-disabled students. Integrated settings provide a challenging
environment for the student who is disabled.
Therefore, the students learn more independent and developmentally
advanced skills. Also, by being with
non-disabled students, the student who is disabled may develop a more positive
self image by having the
opportunity
to do what other students do. Special
education teachers, occupational therapists, physical
therapists,
and speech pathologists provide services in the school and all students may
benefit from this support. Successful
integration is a team approach involving parents, students, teachers, and
support staff. They shape the emotional
and social climate of a classroom. An
appreciation of the value and uniqueness of every student will help make integration
a positive experience.
Student Records
The
Tiverton School Board has adopted regulations pertaining to student records
which are in accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley
Amendment) and as amended on December 31, 1974.
The following is a summary of some of the more important provisions of the Regulations Pertaining to Student Records related to student and parent rights. For more detailed information, contact the school principal.
Inspection of
Record
A parent, or a student who is 18 years old, has the right to inspect all portions of the student record upon request. The
record must be made available to the parent or student within a reasonable time but no later than 45 days after the request.
The parent and student have the right to receive copies of any part of the record, although a reasonable fee may be charged for the cost of duplicating the materials.
The parent and student may request to have parts of the record interpreted by a qualified professional of the school, or may invite anyone else of their choosing to inspect or interpret the record with them.
Confidentiality
of Record
With a few exceptions, no individuals or organizations but the parent, student, and school personnel working directly with the student are allowed access to information in the student record without the specific, informed, written consent of the parent of the student.
Amendment
of Record
The parent and student have the right to add relevant comments, information, or written materials to the student record. In addition, the parent and the student have a right to request that information in the record be amended or deleted. The parent and student have a right to a conference with the school principal to make their objections known. Within a week after the conference, the principal must render a decision in writing. If the parent and student are not satisfied with the decision, the regulations contain provisions through which the decision may be appealed to higher authorities in the school system.
School
Records normally include:
Directory Information Health Card
Attendance Record Standardized Test Scores
Academic Record
House Organization
HOUSE/TEAMS– Students of each grade are divided into two Houses, the red house and the white house. The team of teachers plan together to meet the instructional needs of all students in the house.
Core Academic Subjects Grades 5 - 8
1. English Language Arts
2. Mathematics
3. Science
4. Social Studies
5. Academic Spanish I (grade 8 only)
Co-Curricular Subjects
1. Art
2. General Music
3. Band
4. Chorus
5. Orchestra
6. Computer Technology
7. Health & Physical Education
8. Technology Education
9. Library Science (grade 5 only)
10.Exploratory World Language (grades 6 – 8)
School Policies
Acceptable Use Policy
* The Acceptable Use Policy must be signed by a parent/guardian and student, in grade 5 or upon entering the middle school, in order to be able to use the Internet. Forms are distributed to students in homeroom on the first day of school. The signed form will be kept on file for the four years you attend the middle school. Please read this policy carefully.
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 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 information and also offers the opportunity for the exchange
of ideas and for 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 which is 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
Precautions and Information
1. Do not use Internet access unless a teacher
is supervising.
2. Do not reveal your personal address or phone
number or those of others.
3. Notify my teacher if you come across information that makes you feel
uncomfortable.
4. Electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to
be private. People who operate the system (Computer System Administrators) do have access to all
mail.
5. Users must alert the computer system
administrators of questionable activities and communications, both incoming and
outgoing.
To maintain order and discipline in the schools and to protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, school authorities may search a student, student lockers, or student automobiles when parked on school property under the circumstances outlined below and may seize any illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search. School officials are empowered to conduct reasonable searches of students and school property when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that students may be in possession of drugs, weapons, alcohol, and other materials (“Contraband”) in violation of school policy or state law. Students suspected of bringing contraband on the school grounds may be searched in order to secure the school environment so learning can take
place and to protect other students from any potentially harmful effects stemming from the contraband. School property shall remain under the control of school officials, and shall be subject to search. The Administration may utilize canines as provided in the Administrative Procedures.
School Property
Student’s lockers, desks, and other such property are owned by the school. The school exercises exclusive control over the school property, and students should not expect privacy regarding items placed in school property. School property is subject to search at any time by school officials.
Students are responsible for whatever is contained in desks and lockers issued to them by the school.
Substance
Abuse Policy
(School
Committee Policy #1136 - Education)
The substance abuse policy of the Tiverton School System has the primary focus of prevention through education. Available for grades K-12 is a comprehensive health curriculum which includes substance abuse education (including wellness, building skills in the areas of decision making, self-concept, positive self image, and avoidance
skills). A K-12 Health Council acts on curricular and offers staff development opportunities through awareness workshops, which are concerned with issues related to substance abuse.
Bullying
(School
Committee Policy #1169)
A student is being bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed, repeatedly, and over time to negative actions on the part of one or more students.
Some examples of bullying include hitting, kicking, stealing, threatening/obscene gestures, name calling, taunting, teasing, excluding from group, etc.
Allegations of bullying will be investigated by the Principal/Asst. Principal. If the allegation is found to be true appropriate disciplinary action will be imposed.
Procedures for Student Suspension
The procedure to be employed in the exclusion of any students shall provide as minimum, the following:
Suspensions of ten (10) days or less:
a. that the student be given oral or written notice of the charges against him/her;
b. that if the student denies the charge, the student be given an explanation of the evidence the authorities possess;
c. that the student be given an opportunity to present his/her version;
d. that notice and hearing generally should precede
the student’s removal from school since the hearing
may almost immediately follow the incident but if
prior notice and hearing may not be feasible, as where
the student’s presence endangers persons or property
or threatens disruption of the academic process, thus
justifying immediate removal from school, the
necessary notice of hearing shall follow as soon
thereafter as possible;
e. the parent/guardian shall be informed that his/her presence is required at school. The parent/guardian will be informed for the reasons and duration of the suspension. Such notice shall be given in the parents/guardian spoken language, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so;
f. no later than seventy-two (72) hours after the removal of the student from school, the student and his parents must be given the opportunity to be present at a hearing before the Principal who shall determine if the suspension should be continued on a day-to-day basis, up to a total of ten (10) days;
g. within twenty-four (24) hours after the suspension hearing, the Principal shall notify in writing the Superintendent of Schools and the student and his/her parents and/or legal guardian of the reasons for his/her decision; and
During the suspension, a student will not be allowed to participate in any school-related activity (i.e. school dances, interscholastic league events, etc.)
For
suspension for (10) days or more:
When the student's presence endangers persons or
threatens disruption of the academic process thus
justifying immediate removal from school, the
necessary notice or hearing shall follow as soon
as possible.
The student shall be afforded:
(1) a clear, written statement of the reason for suspension or expulsion;
(2) notice of the right to prompt public or private hearing, at the student's election, and the right to be represented by counsel at such hearing; and
(3) if a hearing is requested, the student shall be given prompt notice setting the time and place of such hearing, said time and place to be reasonably set so as to allow sufficient time for preparation, without undue delay. In the event a student has not attained the age of majority (18 years), the parent or guardian shall be afforded the procedures stated in 1 – 3 above. Such notice
shall be written in the parent's spoken language, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so.
a. The student shall be afforded a hearing at which
the student shall have a right to: (1) representation
and participation by counsel; and (2) cross-
examination of witness(es) and to present
witness(es) in his/her behalf.
b. There shall be a complete and accurate (stenographic or electronic) record of the hearing including all exhibits. The record shall be preserved for transmission to the Commissioner of Education as soon as possible in the event of an appeal.
c. The student shall be furnished a copy of the
record without cost.
d. A written decision shall be rendered, within a
reasonable time, based exclusively on the record
detailing the reasons and the factual basis
therefore.
e. The student shall promptly be provided with a
copy of the decision.
f. A copy of the decision, together with the record,
shall be promptly forwarded to the Commissioner
of Education if there is an appeal.
*Students who are involved in behaviors of suspendable
offenses will be afforded an opportunity to write his/her version of an
incident, following the prescribed informal hearing by the administrator. This will be included in the record, and be
part of any appeal to Administration or to the Superintendent or the School
Board.
_____________________________________________________
Alternative Program
Placement
DESCRIPTION OF
PROGRAM:
The Alternative Program Placement (APP) is a program where students are re-assigned for the school day. Academic work is provided by the classroom teachers to offer the student access to the day’s curriculum. All social interactions are removed, including eating lunch in the cafeteria.
APP RULES:
1. Report to the APP
room by
homeroom).
2. All materials must be brought to the APP room.
3. While in APP, students must:
a. sit in assigned seat and
b. complete classroom assignments in silence.
4. Failure to follow the APP rules will result in, at a
minimum, a 2 day out-of-school suspension.
(The following infractions/consequences are not inclusive.)
*At the discretion of the administration, students who are sent out of class two times during a given school day may be sent home and could receive, at a minimum, an out of school suspension the following day.
SMOKING______________________ __1stOffense
Students are not permitted to Parent Conference smoke on the grounds, in 3-day Suspension
school, or in the buses, Referral to SAC Counselor
at bus stops, 2ndOffense
or at any of the Parent Conference
student activities. 5-day Suspension
3rd Offense Referral to
Superintendent 10-day Suspension
INSOLENCE/INSUBORDINATION 1st Offense
Parent Conference
2nd Offense
Parent Conference
Referral for counseling
3rd Offense
Referral to Superintendent and/or
School Board and Suspension
TRUANCY 1st Offense
Parent Contact
Referral to Truant Officer
1-day APP
2nd Offense
Police Contact
3-days APP
Excessive Truancy will lead to Court Referral
TARDINESS TO SCHOOL (PER SEMESTER)
6-9
days tardy____________________________ Parent Contact
10-14
days tardy Office Detentions
15+ days tardy
____________________________________APP
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR 1st Offense
(After appropriate teacher interventions have Parent Contact not succeeded- teacher
detention(s), parent
1-day APP
contact(s), etc.)
2nd Offense
3rd Offense
Parent
Conference
Referral
for counseling
Up
to 3-days Suspension
INDECENT EXPOSURE
Up to 10 day suspension
Parent Conference
TARDINESS TO CLASS
PASS VIOLATION 1st Offense
(After appropriate teacher interventions have Parent Contact not succeeded)
Office Detention
2nd Offense (within 4 weeks)
Parent
Conference
2-days APP
BREAKFAST/LUNCH DISRUPTION
*In conjunction with consequences for the specific infraction, a student
will receive additional consequences including:
breakfast removal for 1 week or lunch in APP for one week. If the disruption continues, the student may
be removed from the breakfast program for the remainder of the year or may
receive additional APP weekly lunch detentions.
LEAVING BUILDING/
CUTTING CLASS/HOMEROOM_____1st Offense
Parent
Contact