Policies: Safety, Drugs, Alcohol || Before and After School Procedures || Attendance || Student Dismissal || School Traffic Guidelines || Absentee Call-in Service || Notes || Telephone Messages to the School || Deliveries || School Cancellation and Delayed Openings || Emergency Care || Medications || Emergency Card Information || School Lunch Program || Homework || Homework Honor Roll: Grades 4, 5, and 6 || Vacation Homework || Instructional Materials || Testing || Pupil Records || Report Cards || Retention || Classroom Placement || Visitors/Volunteers || Field Trips || Use of Telephone || Lost and Found || Fire Drills || School Accident Insurance || Y.W.C.A. After School Program || Instrumental Music Program/Bands || Technology Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Student Services: Notification of Rights (Chapter 622, Title IX; Teacher Assistance Team; Chapter 71B; Special Education; Section 504
Parent Organizations: The Bagnall Education Foundation; The Bagnall PTA
Behavior Expectations: Code of Conduct
SMOKE FREE SCHOOL
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section 37H, the use of any tobacco products within school buildings, school facilities or grounds, or on school buses by students, school personnel or visitors shall be prohibited.
STATEMENT RELATIVE TO SCHOOL SAFETY, INCLUDING DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
It is the legal, moral and social responsibility of the Pentucket Regional School District to establish policies and procedures, and encourage administrative action that will promote a school environment that is safe and free from the use, sale, or transfer of drugs or alcohol.
Student possession, use, sale or transfer of drugs (as defined in the Controlled Substance Act, Massachusetts General Laws 94C, as amended) or alcohol or possession of drug paraphernalia, on school property (including buses) or at school functions is prohibited at all times. If an incident of drug or alcohol abuse occurs on school property (including buses) or any school sponsored activity, the administration shall at all times act in a manner which protects and guarantees the right of students and parents.
The Educational Reform Act of 1993 makes clear that certain serious violations relating to illegal drug involvement, possession of dangerous weapons, or assaults on faculty can result in expulsion from school.
BEFORE and AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES
The circular drive is reserved for buses between 8:10-8:35 AM and 2:15-2:45 PM. CHILDREN SHOULD BE DROPPED OFF OR PICKED UP IN THE PARKING LOT. Kindly follow the established traffic pattern as diagrammed in this handbook.
Students are admitted to the building at 8:20 AM. Prior to this time teachers are engaged in meetings or planning and there is no playground supervision. Parents are asked to see that children are not at school before 8:20 AM. Classes begin at 8:30 AM. Students arriving after 8:30 AM are tardy and should report to the office.
The school day ends at approximately 2:35 PM and children go to their designated bus at that time.
Walkers proceed to the foyer area outside the Main Office during to the dismissal of bus students. They are to walk on the sidewalks and be most cautious of traffic. We ask that students not ride their bicycles to school because of the traffic on Route 97.
"Waiters" are those students who are being picked up by parents or other designated adults as requested in writing. They are to be dismissed with the walkers unless prior arrangements are made in writing with the principal. Parents/adults are requested to wait in the foyer and not go to the classroom.
Students who remain after school for chorus, lessons, scouts, or other such activities are to take their coats and other belongings with them to their designated meeting site. They are not permitted to return to their classrooms for forgotten items without permission of the office. Parents are urged to pick up students promptly at the end of the activity.
Good attendance is necessary for progress in school. Pupils are expected to attend school every day school is in session, unless prevented by personal illness, family emergency, or unless absence has been prearranged with the proper school officials. Parents must make the request for a planned absence and all work for the period should be made up.
Children who are absent from school because of illness or accident on an extended basis are eligible for home instruction. Application for this service is made through the school psychologist.
Parents are to send notes to the classroom teachers if a child is to be dismissed during the day. Please give the requested dismissal time. Parents must report to the office to pick up the child at the designated time.
No student will be dismissed from school in the custody of a person other than the parent or guardian of the child. Exceptions will be made only when the parent informs the school in writing that a person other than the parent will call for the child. Proper identification may be requested.
The safety of our children has been our greatest concern in establishing these rules. Everyone's cooperation will make our school a safer place.
The traffic circle is for buses only.
Cars must enter the school parking lot at the first entrance as shown on the map. Then cars should circle around to the parking lot exit. Please drop off children here only! We are concerned about youngsters going between parked or moving cars.
Please, never drop children off on School Street!
Stay in a single line while waiting to drop off children. This may take a moment or two longer but our children's safety is everyone's priority.
After children are dropped off, drivers should proceed back up the driveway slowly and cautiously and wait for signals from the crossing guard. You should signal as to which direction you wish to go when leaving the school driveway.
STUDENT DROP OFF
We have a call-in service if your child is to be absent from school or tardy. The telephone number for our child safety program is 372-8957.
Please put this number with your emergency telephone numbers. You may call the number any evening or until 9:30 AM each morning and a tape will record your message. Give your child's name, his/her teacher's name, and the reason for the absence/tardy situation.
When sending notes to school about a child's early dismissal or going to another activity after school, please include the following information:
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TELEPHONE MESSAGES to the SCHOOL
If you find it necessary to telephone your child at school, the message will be relayed to him/her. It is most helpful if a message is telephoned in before 2:00 PM. If possible, all instructions should be given to your child before he/she leaves home in the morning.
A message may be taken at any time for a teacher. Unless there is an emergency, teachers will not be interrupted from classroom instruction during the school day.
Should it be necessary to bring articles of clothing, lunches, instruments, or other items to school during the day, they should be left in the school office and NOT brought to the classrooms.
SCHOOL CANCELLATION and DELAYED OPENINGS
It is our policy to close school only in extreme weather or poor travel conditions. Occasionally, in case of inclement weather and based upon road conditions, schools may have a delayed opening as opposed to canceling classes for the day.
There will be morning kindergarten, and preschool program whenever the school opening is delayed.
Parents are advised to listen carefully to the radio to determine whether school will be canceled or delayed. Parents may use their own discretion in determining school attendance during adverse weather conditions.
We ask that you NOT CALL THE POLICE STATION as announcements will be made over the following stations:
Please remember that many of our children are bused to school and delays may be needed for snow removal. DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN AT SCHOOL ON DAYS WHEN ROAD CONDITIONS ARE QUESTIONABLE. Listen to the radio or T.V. stations listed above for announcements or call 372-8856 and press 8.
The school nurse is able to administer first aid as it relates to the immediate and temporary care given in case of accident or sudden illness. There are times when a child becomes ill at school and parents are not able to provide transportation. If a responsible person is at home, the nurse, the principal or secretary, may, at their discretion and with parent's permission, arrange for dismissal and/or transportation home.
Please contact the school immediately if there is a change in the care provider or if parent(s) will be away on vacation. It is imperative that you make arrangements for whomever will assume care should an emergency arise. A sick or injured child cannot be kept in school. Careful planning in advance can prevent a very difficult situation.
We do recommend the children do not come to school if they appear to be ill. It is advisable to keep the child home if he/she has a sore throat, severe cold, rash, or fever. The close proximity of seating in classrooms accelerates the spread of communicable diseases.
Parents are urged to give medication(s) at home before or after school. It is our policy to have all prescribed medications administered by the school nurse. Medications are kept locked in her office.
All prescribed medications must be in a pharmacy container and the prescription must be attached. The parent is required to give a note to the nurse granting her permission to administer the medication as prescribed (i.e. give dosage information and the time and number of days it is to be administered).
All nonprescription medicine such as aspirin, throat lozenges and such, must be accompanied by a note from the child's doctor/dentist to the school nurse with specific instruction for their use.
Psychotropic drugs, such as Ritalin, are governed by law and require State approval in order to be administered by the school nurse. These drugs are to be given only by a registered nurse or the child's parent/guardian if the nurse is absent.
School personnel are notified of students using certain drugs and any potential side effects.
Please contact our school nurse, Ms. Jayne McNulty, at 372-8856 (press 6), if you have any questions.
At the beginning of each school year, parents are asked to provide emergency information for each of their children. This card is vitally important for the well being of the child. In the event of illness or injury the parent will be notified and asked to provide transportation home. Two emergency numbers are requested in case of the parent's absence from home.
Please keep this information updated in the school office. An emergency card must be on file for each student. Be certain to return the emergency card you receive. We must have a card on file for each child you have at the Bagnall School.
Hot Lunch $1.25
Milk $ .30
Student lunches may be purchased each day at a cost of $1.25. Students also have the option to prepay for the week on Monday only. The cost for lunch for the week is $6.25. Checks should be made payable to the Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School Lunch. A $25.00 fee will be charged for any returned checks.
Milk bought separately for lunch is $.30 and must be purchased daily.
Snack milk will be served to kindergarten children. The price is $1.50 per week or $.30 per day.
A child is allowed to charge two (2) lunches and then the account must be paid before they are allowed to charge again.
Free or reduced cost lunches are provided for students of families who qualify. Application forms, which are kept strictly confidential, are sent home the first week of school.
Lunch menus will be distributed monthly. The menus will also be printed weekly in the local newspapers and on this website.
With a juice machine in the cafeteria, students may purchase a can of juice for $.70 to have with their lunch. Students will not, however, be allowed to charge their lunch and then use their lunch money to purchase juice.
In order to have an orderly lunch period, classes have been assigned tables and aides are on duty throughout lunch. At school, we will foster table manners that support parents' efforts at home. Because of the large number of students in the cafeteria at one time, we ask that children maintain an acceptable level of conversation.
If you, the parent, ever have any question on our procedures, please feel free to stop in and speak with Mrs. Carey or call the cafeteria office 372-8856, (press 7).
The purpose of homework is to help students become self-directing, independent learners. Homework assignments shall support defined school and classroom objectives and shall be used to reinforce or enhance school experiences.
Homework is a learning activity which should increase in complexity with the maturity of the pupil. With increased maturity, learning should become an increasingly independent activity. This should be established through consistent assignments which encourage students to investigate for themselves and to work independently as well as with others.
The following time frames are simply guidelines for the various grade levels. When this is considered, the amount of time spent on homework daily can vary. Also, accommodations should be made for academic programs and individual needs.
LEVEL and FREQUENCY
* Homework for Kindergarten children would consist of informal activities such as collecting leaves or pictures or simple follow-up activities to the classroom program.
HOMEWORK HONOR ROLL and HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS
GRADES 4, 5 AND 6
Students who meet the following criteria, will be listed on the Homework Honor Roll which is published each marking period.
Students who are on the Homework Honor Roll all marking periods will receive a Certificate of Recognition. Students who maintain Honor roll status all but one marking period will receive a Certificate of Honorable Mention.
Missing Assignments
Failure to complete homework assignments by the designated due date will affect a student's grade. In addition, on the last day of each week, parents will be notified of any missing homework assignments. The students will fill in a "Last Chance Homework Notice" and all listed assignments must by turned in on Monday morning (or the first school day of the week). Failure to complete any missing homework assignments will result in a detention on Tuesday afternoon (or the next day if the first day of the school week is not a Monday).
If it is necessary for a student to vacation at a time other than a designated school vacation, a folder of the work covered during the time of absence will be collected and available to the student upon return to school. While on vacation, we suggest that students read daily and keep a journal. Assignments will not be given prior to the student's absence.
Textbooks, essential instructional materials, and library books are loaned to students. Students are held responsible for the loss of textbooks or damages to any material beyond normal wear. Please have students cover textbooks which go home on a regular basis. Students who lose library books may have their library privileges restricted.
Parents will be responsible for the cost of replacing lost or damaged school books, materials and library books. Notification of fees due will be sent home early in June. The June report card will be held until all fees are paid or the books/materials are returned
Evaluation of students through standardized achievement tests or required state assessments is conducted periodically. Parents will be notified as to dates, results, and educational implications.
Records of school progress, test data, and health issues are maintained for each student. Parents are at liberty to review these records and may do so by making an appointment with the school principal.
Report cards are issued four times a year. The first is in November accompanied by a parent-teacher conference. The second card arrives in early February. The third quarter ends in April and the fourth card arrives home with your child in June. Teachers are willing, at any time during the year, to discuss your child's progress. Please call for an appointment.
Students being considered for retention are reviewed by a team consisting of the principal, teacher, school psychologist and other appropriate personnel. Parents will be notified promptly of such a review and will be requested to attend a conference to discuss the matter and reach a decision regarding the child's placement for the following academic year.
Classroom placement is determined by the team of grade level teachers and other staff members such as the reading specialist and special education personnel. There are many factors that go into student placement. We need to strive for a reasonable balance of boys and girls, a balance of student abilities, a mixture of students that stands a good chance of succeeding in terms of interpersonal dynamics, and class sizes that are balanced at each grade level. In addition, consideration is given to the placement of special needs students, the learning styles of children, and the teaching strategies used by staff. This process begins immediately following April vacation.
Whenever you visit the school, please make your presence known to the Main Office, sign into the Visitor/Volunteer Log located outside the Main Office and pin a Visitor/Volunteer button onto your clothing. All individuals not wearing a Visitor/Volunteer button will be asked to return to the Main Office, sign in and obtain a Visitor/Volunteer button. This policy insures the safety of the students and minimizes interruptions in the classroom.
Please sign out and return the button upon leaving the school.
All field trips are of an educational nature and directly related to what is happening in the classroom. We ask that each student have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian. No student will go on a field trip without a permission slip on file. All students who go on a field trip MUST return to the elementary school with the group. There should be no exceptions. No group should travel by private automobile without the permission of the principal and parent.
Students are permitted to use the telephone in the Main Office in emergency situations.
Any found items should be brought to the office. If the owner cannot be identified, items such as clothing will be put on our clothing tree located in the cafeteria. It is a good idea to clearly mark items with the child's name and room number.
Fire drills are held to insure the safety of all should there be an emergency. In case of fire, the signal to evacuate the building will be a continuous sounding of the emergency alarm. An evacuation plan is posted in each classroom or special area.
The school district offers a voluntary insurance plan that provides benefits for school accidents at a minimal cost. Information is distributed at the beginning of the school year and that is the only time the insurance policy may be purchased.
Once again the Haverhill Y.W.C.A. will offer an after school LATCHKEY program at the Bagnall School. Child care services are provided from 2:35 PM to 6:00 PM. Special programs will be provided during school vacation weeks. For additional information contact the Y.W.C.A. at 374-6121.
BAGNALL SCHOOL BANDS
Instrumental music lessons, which now include violin, are offered to students in grades four through six on a weekly basis. Two school bands, which also practice weekly, are an integral part of the program. You are able to purchase or rent musical instruments. In addition, there are several school-owned instruments available at no cost to any fourth grade student who has a strong desire to enroll in the program, but cannot afford to buy or rent at this time.
In September, parents will receive written information about the program. An evening presentation is also planned at which time you will register your child for lessons and band, have the opportunity to rent or purchase instrument(s), and discuss any questions you might have.
It is anticipated the yearly cost for lessons and band practices will be $150 per student. If you have more than one child involved in the program, the fee for the second student is $120. Payments are made in two installments in September and January. Checks should be made payable to Bagnall Instrumental Music Program.
The Bagnall PTA has established a scholarship program to provide financial assistance. More information, along with requested application forms, will be available in September. Scholarship applications are made directly to the school principal.
The following school-owned instruments are available, at no cost, to any fourth grade student who has a strong desire to enroll in the Instrumental Program but cannot afford to buy or rent an instrument at this time. The only requirement is that the student commit him/herself to the program for 3 years after the initial 4 month trial period. Instruments available to students are: 1 Trumpet, 1 Trombone, 2 Flutes and 1 Baritone Horn.
TECHNOLOGY - ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Technology programs will enhance the curriculum and be integrated as a component in all areas of the curriculum.
The Pentucket Regional School District has an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in place. An AUP is a legal document agreed to and signed by students and staff in a school or school district to prevent illegal or inappropriate use of the computer network, particularly the Internet. It is a contract that describes user rights and responsibilities in using the networks. In addition, it details measures that will be taken if users fail to meet the agreement (Massachusetts Department of Education).
A copy of Pentucket's AUP is provided with the handbook. You can also view a copy here.
Click here to view a
copy of the AUP.
Parents, students, and staff members must sign and return the enclosed AUP User Agreement. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in disciplinary action.
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, a federal law, prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of sex. Chapter 622 of the General Laws, Act of 1971 for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts prohibits discrimination in the schools on the basis of race, color, sex, religion or national origin. These laws are somewhat different in scope and coverage and are therefore explained separately below.
Chapter 622 is referred to as "An Act To Prohibit Discrimination in the Public Schools." The law reads as follows:
"No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin."
This law makes it clear that all aspects of public school education must be fully open and available to members of both sexes and of minority groups. The regulations for Chapter 622 addresses five areas of school policy: school admissions, admissions to courses of study, guidance, extra curricular activities and athletic activities.
The Title IX regulations, effective July, 1975, cover all aspects of sex discrimination in schools with regard to admissions, treatment of students and employment. Specifically, Title IX states: "No persons in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under an educational program of activity receiving federal financial assistance."
TEACHER ASSISTANT TEAM
The Teacher Assistant Team, (TAT), which is a function of regular education, enables staff members to meet as a team to address the individual special needs of children. Classroom teachers and resource personnel/specialists explore program options and instructional modifications within regular programming to help address the student's need. If needed, testing or a TEAM evaluation may be initiated after consultation with the child's parent(s) and written permission has been received.
CHAPTER 71B
Chapter 71B of the Massachusetts General Laws, known as Chapter 766, requires that additional provisions be made for students who have been found by an evaluation TEAM to have special needs and whose program is described in an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.). The following additional requirements apply to the discipline of special needs students:
The I.E.P. for every special needs student will indicate whether the student can be expected to meet the regular discipline code or if the student's handicapping condition requires discipline modifications. Any modification will be described in the I.E.P.
The Principal (or designee) will notify the Special Education Office of the suspendible offense of a special needs students and a record will be kept of such notices.
When it is known that the suspension(s) of a special needs student will accumulate to ten days in a school year, a review of the I.E.P. as provided in Section 333 of the Chapter 766 Regulations will be held to determine the appropriateness of the student's placement or program.
The TEAM will make a finding as to the relationship between the student's misconduct and his/her handicapping condition and either:
In addition, the Department of Education will be notified as required by law and the procedures promulgated by the Department of Education for requesting approval of the alternative plan will be followed.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Special Education Program at the Bagnall School has been designed so as to comply with Massachusetts Law Chapter 766 and Public Law 94-142. A full range of programs are available to provide assistance to children who may be experiencing difficulties in school. An Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.), signed by the parent/guardian, is required for service delivery. Services are offered through an inclusion model and individual and/or small group lessons. Specialists are actively involved in diagnosing and prescribing for individual student needs, sharing of instructional materials/techniques with classroom teachers, and providing consultation to teachers and parents.
Support services provided by trained specialists may include academic support, speech/language therapy, counseling services, occupational and physical therapy.
SECTION 504
It is the practice of the Pentucket Regional School District to provide a free and appropriate public education to each handicapped student within its jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the handicap.
It is the intent of the Pentucket Regional School District to ensure that students who are handicapped within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be handicapped under this policy even though they do not require services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA - 97) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Special Education Act known as Chapter 766.
Due process rights of handicapped students and their parents under Section 504 will be enforced. Each school has a designated school-based Coordinator of Section 504. Robert M. Belmont Jr. is Coordinator of Section 504 activities for the Pentucket Regional School District. He can be reached at (978) 363-2280 Ext. 5.
THE BAGNALL PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The Bagnall Education Foundation and the Bagnall Parent Teacher Association (PTA) are organization of our school that consist of parents, teachers, school administrators and community members whose main focus is our children.
We, as individuals, each bring a gift to the school partnership. Our children's education and personal success are OUR BUSINESS.
The Bagnall Education Foundation
Welcome to the 1998/1999, school year at Bagnall. For those of you who are new to the Bagnall community, the Bagnall Education Foundation would like to introduce itself. The Foundation (a nonprofit corporation) was formed in the summer of 1992 by a group of concerned parents, educators, and community members in response to several years of education funding cut backs. The goals of the Bagnall Education Foundation are simple:
This fund now exceeds $18,000.
One of the Foundation's greatest successes has been the Sponsor-A-Classroom program which matches businesses with Bagnall classrooms. The business provides funds for the classroom teachers to purchase supplemental leisure reading and research books for the students. Sponsors are encouraged to visit their assigned classrooms over the course of the school year and teachers are encouraged to have students communicate with the sponsors through newsletters, scrapbooks, thank you notes, etc. Over the past four years, $8,000 worth of books have been purchased with Sponsor-A-Classroom funds.
During the 1998/1999 academic year, the Foundation provided $14,000 in funding to help purchase new computer hardware and software, walkie-talkies for playground monitors (in partnership with the PTA), support for the sixth grade trip to Sargent Camp (also with the PTA) and the Pentucket Science Fair.
Membership of the Foundation is open to all parents, teachers and community members. As children move onto the middle school and families relocate, we always need new members. While a huge time commitment is not necessary, we need a variety of talents and degrees of availability. We need parents to help with our Winter Mathathon fund-raiser, Sponsor-A-Classroom and the yearbook layout. Our meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the library and you are always welcome to attend. For more information regarding the Foundation and its activities, please call the school and speak with Beth Kline, Assistant Principal.
With the help of Bagnall parents and staff, The Bagnall Education Foundation can make an even greater contribution to our children's future in the 1998/1999 school year.
The Bagnall Parent Teacher Association
CHILDREN FIRST - YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE !
The Bagnall Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is made up of parents, teachers and school administrators. As a school PTA we are also members of the state and national PTA organizations.
We believe "the primary reason for developing membership in the PTA is to build an informal team of individuals to work on behalf of all children and youth. A PTA member that is willing to get involved is a valuable resource for starting and maintaining programs and projects to benefit children and the community.
The following is a sampling of the PTA sponsored activities:
Fall Fund-raiser - Our school's major fund-raiser will again take place in September. The moneys raised pay for most of the activities we sponsor. Each classroom is also given funds for field, trips, books, etc.
Cultural Arts Programs - Throughout the school year a committee of parents, working with teachers and the principal, plan curriculum related programs that benefit children at every grade level in our school.
Parent Programs - Each year a separate committee of the PTA sponsors adult programming. These programs are aimed to meet adult needs and interests.
Family Activities - We all like to have fun. Join us at the
Teacher Appreciation
- The PTA provides a buffet dinner for the teachers on Conference Day, and a breakfast for all teachers and staff at the end of the school year.Volunteer Program - A form is sent home at the beginning of the school year listing opportunities for parents to help both during the school day and outside of school. Examples of volunteer opportunities include working in the Computer Lab, the Media Center, and Parent Partners in Science.
PTA Sponsored Scholarships:
Because of the multifaceted programs the PTA is involved with, we need a variety of people to help. We have a job for everyone! Please participate in ANY way you can. Our PTA goal this year is to reach 100% membership. The cost is $5.00 per family or $3.00 for an individual.
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 PM, in the Media Center.
We have one golden rule for all individuals at our school and that is to BE KIND! In addition, we believe in the disciplined caring of our students. Therefore, there exists a set of reasonable school and classroom regulations by which all students are expected to abide. The following are student guidelines and expectations at the Bagnall School:
Dress Code
Parents are encouraged to send students to school dressed appropriately. A neat appearance, appropriate clothing and good health habits help to instill a serious attitude toward education.
Good Manners
Good manners need to be practiced and exhibited both verbally and symbolically.
Verbal examples include saying "Thank you", "Excuse me", "I'm sorry"; addressing adults by their proper title Miss, Mrs. and Mr.; and cheering rather than booing and/or hooting.
Symbolic manners are expressed in many different ways such as holding doors for others, not walking between two people when they are talking and showing concern for others.
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RULES and EXPECTATIONS
School Grounds and Building
These rules apply to the general school setting and ensure a safe and respectful relationship among the members of our school community. Children should have respect for property and person. School is not the place for gum, bikes, skateboards or roller blades.
The following are unacceptable; fighting; swearing; scapegoating such as bullying, name-calling, teasing and exclusion; verbal abuse; theft; cheating; defacing and/or destruction of school or personal property; and other such actions.
Before School
Students who arrive by bus will remain on the bus until the front doors are opened at 8:20 AM. Students who walk to school are expected to leave the playground area and enter school when the front doors are opened at 8:20 AM. Please walk quietly to your classroom.
Classroom
In addition to the general school rules, students are expected to respect and follow the rules of their classrooms.
Playground
Rules that apply to the playground are to ensure a safe, respectful environment in which students can play.
The following are unacceptable: rough play, hard balls and bats, throwing snowballs or sand, the deliberate interruption or disruption of games, climbing and swinging on trees, and other such actions.
Hallways
Rules that apply to the hallways ensure safe and orderly passage and a respectful observance of quietness for those in classrooms and other work settings in the school. Please walk in orderly lines, stay to the right and hold or pass the door to the person behind you.
The following are unacceptable: running, jumping and batting the door frames, pushing or shoving, cutting lines, scuffing of feet, and other such actions.
Bathrooms
Rules that apply to the bathrooms ensure the safe and orderly use of the facilities. Please turn the lights ON and OFF, remain orderly and quiet, and clean up after you are finished.
The following are unacceptable: playing and loitering, throwing towels or toilet paper, climbing over or under the stalls, sitting on the sinks, deliberate flooding of the bathroom, hanging on the stall doors, destruction of toilet paper and paper towel receptacles, and other such actions.
Cafeteria
Rules that apply to the cafeteria ensure a safe, orderly, respectful eating environment. Children are responsible for cleaning up their own area, remaining in their seats, using moderate voices, quietly lining up and filing out of the building for recess.
Field Trips
Rules that apply to field trips ensure the safe, orderly passage of children to and from selected events. Children should remain seated on the bus ride and voices should not be loud. School rules are still in effect and students should stay with the group leader and follow his/her directions.
Truancy
Students are expected to attend school and actively participate in the classroom activities. Students who have unexcused absences or leave school grounds will be considered truant. Parents will be notified and consequences will be determined.
Infringement of Civil Rights
No student shall, by behaviors and/or remarks, interfere with the civil rights of others. This includes reference to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and ethnic background.
The following behaviors are examples of sexual harassment; inappropriate touching, inappropriate gestures, inappropriate communication, and other such actions.
Substance Abuse
It is the legal, moral and social responsibility of the Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School to establish policies and procedures, and encourage administrative action that will promote a school environment free from the use of drugs.
Student possession, use, sale or transfer of drugs (as defined in the Controlled Substance Act, MA General Laws 94C, as amended) or alcohol or possession of drug paraphernalia, on school property ( including buses) or at school functions is prohibited at all times. If an incident of drug or alcohol abuse occurs on school property (including buses) or any school sponsored activity, the administration shall at all times act in a manner which protects and guarantees the right of students and parents.
Weapons
This rule ensures the safety of each student. Dangerous weapons are prohibited at the Bagnall School. We consider the following to be dangerous; fire arms, knife, razor blade, explosives/fireworks, mace, or the possession of a dangerous object which is of no reasonable use to the student such as a mock gun, brass knuckles, sharpened stick, and other such objects.
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CONSEQUENCES WHEN THE RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED
Our teachers are knowledgeable with regard to behavior that can reasonably be expected from children, considering age and basic personalities. Most discipline problems are handled by the classroom teacher in concert with the parents.
The Principal and Assistant Principal are responsible for establishing or approving general school and classroom rules and regulations. They serve as a resource to both teachers and parents in improving student behavior. In instances where the teacher and/or parent have been unable to effect a positive change, the Principal/Assistant Principal will become more directly involved in the disciplinary process.
THE PRINCIPAL AND THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RESERVE THE RIGHT TO BYPASS ANY OF THE LEVELS DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVED.
AFTER SCHOOL DISCIPLINE PROGRAM
The teachers volunteer their time to enforce the concept that our school is a place for learning and that we all have a responsibility to be kind and considerate of everyone in our school community.
o Students who are being disruptive will be given a detention after school. There needs to be consequences for behavior that is unacceptable or harmful to others.
o The Discipline Program will be held daily from 2:45 to 3:45 PM.
o Parents will be given at least 24 hours written notice that the student will remain after school. Parents will need to arrange transportation. If the student is absent on the day of the scheduled detention he/she will remain after school on the day he/she returns.
o Please do ask us to make exceptions for baseball practice, scouts or other such activities. Students should be picked up promptly at 3:45 PM. Your cooperation in this program is needed. This will ensure a supportive team effort between home and school.
IN-HOUSE SUSPENSION
Students receiving an in-house suspension will report to the office of the Principal or the Assistant Principal at 8:20 AM and will remain until dismissal. Classroom assignments will be provided.
PARENT CONCERNS / GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Any parent, following a disciplinary conference with a teacher; the Principal or Assistant Principal, may appeal the decision to the next highest administrative level. The initiative for any appeal must be made with in 24 hours.
o If the action taken is by the classroom teacher, the first appeal will be to the Principal or Assistant Principal.
o If the action taken is by the Assistant Principal, the first appeal will be to the Principal who will render a decision within one day.
o If the parent disagrees with the decision of the Principal, he/she may appeal to the Superintendent of Schools who will render a decision within one day.
o The decision of the School Committee will be final.
Bus transportation routes are published at the beginning of each school year. Once a child has been assigned to a bus, there shall be no changing of buses for personal reasons unless approved by the principal.
Children CANNOT TAKE ANOTHER SCHOOL BUS to play at a child's house, attend a birthday party, or other such activities as our buses are quite crowded. Parents with children going to after school day care/sitters must contact the office in order to make specific arrangements.
Riding the school bus is a privilege. This privilege may be temporarily denied or permanently revoked if misconduct of a student would jeopardize the safe operation of the school bus or safety of the students riding the bus. Each bus driver is responsible for maintaining discipline on the school bus.
BUS REGULATIONS
The following rules and regulations are to be observed by students who ride the school bus:
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DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Bus drivers have been instructed to prepare Formal Bus Conduct Reports in the event of student misconduct aboard the bus. After the report has been received by the Assistant Principal, and parental acknowledgment has been made, the following procedures shall be strictly adhered to:
The bus driver will be notified, in writing, of any disciplinary action taken and the driver will forward the report to the bus contractor.
STUDENT RIGHTS
Prior to any disciplinary action being taken as a result of a formal Bus Conduct Report from a bus driver. Should the Assistant Principal have any questions and/or concerns, students will be given the opportunity to express their views to the Assistant Principal the bus driver will be contacted.
Students will be transported until such time that disciplinary action is taken. Students will be transported to their designated destination. No arbitrary decision can be made by the driver to discharge a student at a location other than the student's authorized destination.
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APPEAL
Parents may appeal a disciplinary decision if a satisfactory resolution is not reached at the parental conference. If a parent or legal guardian is dissatisfied with the disciplinary action decided upon by the Assistant Principal, a conference may be requested with the Principal. The bus driver may be requested to attend this conference.
o If a satisfactory solution is not reached at the Principal's level, the parent or legal guardian may request a conference with the Superintendent. A written report of the Principal's conference and the Principal's recommendations will be forwarded to the Superintendent.
o If a satisfactory solution is not reached at the Superintendent's level, the parent or guardian may request a conference with the School Committee. The School Committee shall make the final determination of the resolution. The Superintendent shall prepare a written report and recommendation after the parental conference. The Principal's report and recommendation and the Superintendent's report and recommendation, will be forwarded to the School Committee.
o In all cases, the decision of the School Committee shall be final.
At each level, written reports and recommendations for action will be completed and forwarded. Copies of these written reports and recommendations at each level, shall be forwarded to the bus contractor, who in turn, shall inform the driver of the results at each level.
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