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Compassion Courage Responsibility Respect Honesty Narragansett Elementary Gorham, Maine   Parent Handbook   2012-2013 Printable copy of Handbook [Link]Purpose and Policy Governance Statement Welcome Letter School Documents Staff List Essential District Phone Numbers Daily Schedule Arrival and Dismissal Procedures Changes to Narragansett's Schedule Early Release Days Field Trips After School Activities Partners in Education (P.I.E) Comprehensive School Plan K- 5 Student Information K-5 Elementary Vision Statement Lost and Found Extra Student Clothing Telephone Use Dress Code   Homework Conferences   Progress Reports and Report Cards Standards-Based Information   Standardized Assessments Student Grade Placement   Gorham Health Services Accidents Allergies Communicable Diseases   Emergency Card Health Screening Illness/Dismissal Immunizations Physical Exams Student Health Records Allergy Protocol and Procedures Allergy Policy Request for School Personnel to Administer Medication Student Medication Policy Gorham Nutrition Program General Information Free and Reduced Meals Snack Milk (Kindergarten Only) Pre-Pay Nutrition Account Info   Gorham School Nutrition Contact List Menu Planning Point of Sale Account Limits Form   Transportation Services School Bus Safety and Awareness School Bus Discipline Procedure Student Transportation Services Student Conduct on School Buses District Documents and Policies   504 Notice   Adult Education   Attendance Policy Behavior Policies Bullying Child Find Code of Conduct Commitment to Learning Computer and Internet Use Crisis Plan Equal Opportunity Family Links FERPA Forms Available on Request Fund Raising     Gorham School Policy List Gorham School Volunteer Program Parent Involvement in Title I Philosophy of Behavior Management          Prohibition of Tobacco           Referral/Pre-referral Selection of Library and Media Materials Selection and Review of Instructional Materials Staff Conduct With Students Student Drug and Alcohol Use     Student Educational Records Student Surveys and Marketing Information Title II, Americans with Disabilities Act Video Surveillance on School Vehicles Weapons, Violence and School Safety Website Purpose and Policy Governance Statement The purpose of this Student/Parent Handbook is to acquaint you with our school community, its goals, expectations and procedural matters that are of importance to you. It is always our intent to operate in a manner consistent with the policies and procedures established by the Gorham School Committee. In the event that a conflict arises between information presented in this handbook and established policies, the policies govern. General information regarding the Gorham School District can be found at our website www.gorhamschools.org. Narragansett School A Center of Inquiry 284 Main Street Gorham, Maine 04038 Polly Brann, M.S. Ed, CAS Principal Telephone (207) 222-1250 Fax (207) 839-5018 September 2012 Hello Narragansett Families! Welcome to Narragansett School for the 2012-2013 school year.  We are very excited to be back learning with the children.  This handbook is intended to be informational, and includes many of the important policies and procedures we use daily.  This year we are posting the handbook online, but do have a few hard copies if you should need one.   A school is much more than the sum of its handbook entries.  Our school's Mission Statement reads:  The Narragansett School Community creates optimal learning opportunities, empowers personal potential, and cultivates collaborative partnerships to produce engaged, informed 21st Century citizens.  By that we mean that families, volunteers, business partners, and Gorham citizens, along with staff, work together in our endeavor.  We need your time and expertise to help us provide those enriching experiences for the Narragansett children.   We look forward to partnering with you.  You can help us provide your child with engaging and exciting programs, and learning experiences.  We welcome you and your ideas into our Narragansett family. Sincerely, Polly Brann and the Narragansett Staff General Administrative Staff - Narragansett School Principal Polly Brann Kindergarten Kim Wright Lead Teacher Eunice Bentley Grade 1 Stephanie O'Donnell Admin. Asst. Sylvia Hawkes Grade 1 Laurie Kenny School Secretary Nancy Packard   Grade 2 Cheryl Gagnon Nurse Carrie Chasse Grade 2 Jacqueline Durant-Harthorne (Mrs. D-H) Social Worker Jaime Tardif Grade 3 Brian Penley Guidance Counselor Becky Waters Grade 3 Laure' McKeen Speech/Language Cathy Larochelle Grade 3 Tracy Burns Occupational Therapist Gail Trefethern-Kelley (Mrs. TK) Grade 4 Steve Small Physical Therapist Betsy Clark Grade 4 Sue Small ESOL Heather Flanders Grade 5 Susan Adolf Instructional Strategist Jessie Forrest Grade 5 Sherri Simmons K-5 Math Coordinator Cheryl Fotter Art Allie Rimkunas (Mrs. R) K-5 Literacy Coordinator Kim Fadrigon Art Paula Balcom Literacy Specialist Eunice Bentley Music Amy Stewart Gifted & Talented Diane Knott Music Gail Thibodeau Technology Integrator Joanne Gauley PhysicalEducation Mike Fortier Kitchen Manager Diana Blanchard Special Education Jane Seidenberg Kitchen Staff Debbie Bellantoni   Special Education Maryanne Connolly Kitchen Staff Sherry Russo   Gorham School Department Central Office: 222-1000         Superintendent: Ted Sharp        Business Office Manager: Hollis Cobb                                                      Special Services: 222-1002                                       Director: Katie Hawes               Asst. Director: Kathy Hamblen          Department of Facilities Management: 222-1147 Director: Norm Justice Bus Garage: 893-2547             Administrative Assistant: Judy Philbrick   Education (GCVCE)                                        and Adult Education: 222-1095 Coordinator/Director: Kate Rotroff Family Literacy: 222-1096 Coordinator: Heidi McGouldrick School Volunteer Program: 222-1124 Coordinator: Heidi McGouldrick Facilities Use Scheduling: 222-1089 Information Network Services: 222-1005 Director: Dennis Crowe School Nutrition Services: 222-1231 Director: Michael Sanborn GETV: 222-1126 Gorham School School: 222-1100 Principal: Chris Record Assistant Principals: Charlie Tryder & Kim Slipp Auditorium Manager: 222-1110 Guidance Department: 222-1102 Gorham Middle School: 222-1220 Principal: Bob Riley Assistant Principal: Susie Hanley Village Elementary: 222-1300 Principal: Brian Porter Assistant Principal: Jodi Mezzanotte Narragansett: 222-1250 Principal: Polly Brann Lead Teacher: Eunice Bentley Great Falls Elementary: 222-1050 Principal: Jane Esty Assistant Principal: Becky Fortier Narragansett  Elementary Daily Schedule Students in grade 1 through grade 5 will have a forty-five minute lunch/recess period scheduled daily. Please also send a daily snack with your child, as there will be a ten-minute snack break during the day. Kindergarten students will have milk available during snack time. School Hours School starts at 9:00 a.m. Dismissal begins at 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten a.m. Session Starts at 9:00 a.m. Dismissal begins at 11:30 a.m. Kindergarten p.m. Session Starts at 12:30 p.m. Dismissal begins at 3:00 p.m. If your child is out for the day or to makes changes to dismissal, please send a note or call 222-1250. Children who do not take the bus should not arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. Lunch/Recess Blocks First Lunch/Recess 11:45 -12:30 Second Lunch/Recess 12:15 - 1:00 Laurie Kenny Tracy Burns Stephanie O'Donnell Laure' McKeen Jacqueline D-H Brian Penley Cheryl Gagnon Steve Small Sue Small Susan Adolf Sherri Simmons Narragansett  Arrival and Dismissal Procedures - 2012-2013 Changes to "Bus Loop" and Parking at Narragansett School: The entrance from Route 25 will be for buses only, and between the hours of 7:30 and 4:00 will become known as the Bus Loop. Entrance to Narragansett School will now be made from Chick Road, which is the new road created last year that runs past the police/fire departments and connects Rt. 25 with Rt. 202.  Parents dropping off children in the mornings will continue to use the parking lot as a drive thru.  Please continue to use the front door of the school for coming and going.  These features will help with traffic flow and safety. Drop off in the morning: Students should be dropped off in the Narragansett School parking lot only, beginning at 8:30 (we do not have staff in place to monitor students until then). When dropping your child off in the morning, please say goodbye to them from your car and let them walk in the building on their own. If you choose to walk in with your child, please park in one of the ‘side’ spaces in the parking lot, which are intended for those making quick stops at the school. These guidelines help ensure your child’s safety, traffic flow, and help students and teachers get their day started in a timely manner. Calling your student out sick: We need to make sure students are accounted for on a daily basis. If your child is home because of an illness or if they will not be attending for other reasons, we ask that you call the office to inform us of the absence at 222-1250 by 9:00 a.m.   Just a reminder that students need to be fever free without the use of medications for 24 hours before returning back to school. Changing your child’s dismissal: If you need to change how your child will be dismissed at the end of the day and you did not have a chance to send in a note, please make sure to call before noon. This gives us time to provide the teacher written notification of the change. Parent Pick Up: Parent pick-ups begin at 2:55 and will take place in the gym. Parents must sign out their children.  We will call students down to the gym over the intercom; a staff member will lead students down to meet their parents. If your child normally rides the bus but you would like to arrange to pick him/her up instead, please send a note in with your child. If you have not sent in a note, please call the office as early as possible so that we know to send your child to the gym at the end of the day. If your child needs to be picked up regularly, either M-F or on a specific days of the week (i.e.:  a dance class), please notify the office that this is a regular occurrence and we will make sure your child gets dismissed to the gym on those days. Walkers/Bikers: Students in grades 3-5 may walk or bike home with parent permission.  Parents should  fill out the Permission to Walk/Bike form or send a note. Walkers/Bikers are called to the office where they sign themselves out. Changes to Narragansett’s Schedule No School Announcements “No School” announcements are made on the local radio and television stations, or you may check the Gorham website at www.gorhamschools.org. Weather Related Emergency Closings There are times when it is necessary to cancel school, dismiss school early or have a late school start due to poor weather conditions. These changes are announced on local radio, television stations, and through our Blackboard Connect system. During the winter months, the weather should be a signal to listen to your local news and radio stations. School staff will make contact with the parents or guardians of students in K-2.  Since we cannot call all parents, we ask that you discuss with your child what contingency plan he/she should follow.  Students will be allowed to notify home as needed. A form will be sent home so that we may have your plan on file in the office.   Please be aware, if conditions worsen, a delayed start may be changed to a “no school” day announcement.  The final decision will be announced by 6:30 AM.  If any parent or guardian disagrees with the decision to have school, please keep your child home and send a note the next day stating this to the teacher or principal. Please consult your child’s school handbook for each school’s individual early release procedure.  This is the procedure that will be followed each time we are forced to close schools early due to weather and other emergencies.  Please do not call the schools on these days for information as this overburdens the office staff and phone lines. School Hours for Early Release Due to Storms: School Day Start Stop Early Release Storm Great Falls      9:00 am    3:00 pm    12:00 pm 12:00 PM Narragansett     9:00 am    3:00 pm    12:00 pm 12:00 PM Village     9:00 am    3:00 pm    12:00 pm 12:00 PM Gorham Middle School     8:00 am    2:10 pm    11:10 am 11:10 AM Gorham High School     7:50 am                2:00 pm    11:00 am 11:00 AM EARLY RELEASE DAYS There are eight scheduled early release days for Professional development/conferences for teachers and administrators.  They are noted on your school calendar.  A timely reminder will be sent home with your child.  Lunch will be served before dismissal at noon.. THERE IS NO AFTERNOON KINDERGARTEN ON EARLY RELEASE DAYS. On early release days, morning Kindergarten students will have an ‘extended’ morning. Instead of leaving at 11:30 a.m., they will be dismissed at 12:00 noon with all other 1st – 5th graders. There is no lunch available for Kindergarteners, so you may wish to send it an extra healthy snack on those mornings. Please note that Morning Kindergarten will attend the first 4 Extended Mornings on Early Release Days and Afternoon Kindergarten will attend in the morning session for the last 4 Extended Mornings on Early Release Days. We will remind you of this in our newsletters. FIELD TRIPS Each K-5 class in Gorham participates in two field trips or extra-curricular activities a year. These ‘extras’ are supported by funds raised through our fall fundraiser, Meadow Farms. You will receive details from your child’s classroom teacher at the beginning of the school year. All field trips outside of the district will require a permission form signed by parents of students participating in that field trip. Parent Chaperones MUST be registered and go through the appropriate training through the Gorham School Volunteer Program. After School Activities Gorham’s three K-5 elementary schools offer after school activities for students. If an activity is held at a different school, arrangements will be made to bus students to the appropriate location at the end of the school day. Parents will need to pick up their children at the end of the activity.  Information will be sent home to parents as the activities draw near. This year, we will be offering the following: Band, open to 4th and 5th graders, rehearsals held Village School Get Techie, open to 4th and 5th graders, held at Village School Kids’ Klubs, open to 1st-5th graders, 6 week sessions, Narragansett Fall Chorus, open to 3rd -5th graders, rehearsals held at Great Falls Spring Musical, open to 3rd -5th graders, rehearsals held at Great Falls Partners In Education (PIE) Partners In Education (PIE) is a group of interested parents, teachers, building leaders, and Mrs. Brann who work for the benefit of the school. New people and old friends are encouraged to attend. This group meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:00 - 7:30PM in the Staff Kitchen.  The first meeting, however will be on Tuesday, September 11.  The dates for the year are listed below. Each year in the spring, goals are reviewed and developed for the following year by the group. The goals for the 2012-13 school year are: To provide a bridge between home and school. To improve the appearance of the school. To bring more enrichment and cultural diversity to the Narragansett community. To provide support to Narragansett families in need. To encourage parental participation in and communication about PIE and PIE activities. To promote awareness of wellness and safety to the Narragansett community. PIE conducts one fundraiser at the beginning of the year and then determines activities that support the goals. Following are some of the school events or projects that are sponsored by PIE: Great American Opportunity fundraiser, the Spaghetti Supper, visiting artists and authors, Bingo, Winter Swap and Shop, Family Wellness Night, and summer scholarships. Please join us as we enrich school experiences for your children! Meet new friends and have some fun with us!  For more information, call or email Polly Brann, Principal at 222-1253 or pollyb@gorhamschools.org. PIE Meetings and Events Meetings:  6-7:30, Tuesdays, Staff Room September 11th  Last minute details for the Family Picnic on the 13th Meadow Farms fundraiser    October 2 Homework hints, EDM online and ways to support reading at home with Cheryl Fotter & Kim Fadrigon       November 6th            TBD December 4th            TBD January  8th            TBD February 5th            TBD March 5th               TBD April 2nd               TBD May 7th                 TBD June 4th                TBD Events: August 29th             AM-K Orientation, 9 - 9:40 a.m.                         PM-K Orientation, 11:00 - 11:40 a.m.                         1st – 5th Open House, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. September 13th  Back-to-school Family Picnic, 5:30 – 7 p.m. November 15th           Geo/Multicultural Night, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. January 17th            Family Potluck and Bingo Night, 6 - 7:30 p.m. March 14th              Ice Cream Social and Art Show 6 - 7:30 p.m. June TBD                5th Grade Breakfast Buffet Comprehensive School Plan Narragansett School 2011-2013 Focus Area:  Improving student achievement in Literacy Rationale:   The staff at Narragansett School recognizes that society needs educated, active citizens who can communicate clearly through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  This focus area attends to raising the academic performance of all our students. It is a district goal to have 90% of our students meeting or exceeding the standards by 2013.  It demands consistency and high quality in curriculum, instruction, and assessment across classrooms, as well as across the district.  Given this, it is our mission to develop curriculum, instruction, and assessment that enable high quality, continuous progress for all students in the area of literacy. Goal: To raise student achievement in literacy so that 90 per cent of Narragansett students will meet or exceed targets in reading and writing as measured by standardized test data and classroom assessments. Objectives: All professional staff will be proficient in the interpretation and integration of data to inform their instructional practice.  Staff development calendar will include opportunities to allow time for staff to do this after data release periods and will provide professional development as needed.  (NWEA-MAP, MEA, CBM, etc.) All professional staff will be proficient in the use of the Response to Intervention (RTI) model to address differentiation for all students.  This includes training and implementation planned through staff development. All staff will refine personal skill sets and knowledge base regarding best practices in instruction in the area of writing. We will focus on constructed response writing  interventions for struggling writers, writing across the content areas, writing for assessment, common language, and common standards. All staff will be proficient in their use of student grade-level standards for the purposes of instruction, assessment and reporting. Staff will have opportunities to explore the integration of traditional and current literature into the reading program (without compromising the core program) in order to promote reading enjoyment.  This may also include integrating and supplementing science and social studies topics and fostering enjoyable reading/writing activities such as community reads, buddy reading, visiting authors. Responsible Personnel:  Staff / Building Leadership Team / K-5 Literacy Coordinator/ Administration Focus Area:  Improving student achievement in Mathematics Rationale:   The staff at Narragansett School recognizes that society needs educated, active citizens who can “use mathematical processes of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, representation, and connections.”  Students need “adaptive reasoning, strategic    competence, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and productive disposition.”  --Common Core This focus area attends to raising the academic performance of all our students. It is a district goal to have 90% of our students meeting or exceeding the standards.  It demands consistency and high quality in curriculum, instruction, and assessment across classrooms, as well as across the district.  Given this, it is our mission to develop curriculum, instruction, and assessment that enable high quality, continuous progress for all students in the area of mathematics. Goal: To raise student achievement in mathematics so that 90 per cent of Narragansett students will meet or exceed targets as measured by standardized test data and classroom assessments. Objectives: All professional staff will be proficient in the interpretation and integration of data to inform their instructional practice.  Staff development calendar will include opportunities to allow time for staff to do this after data release periods and will provide professional development as needed.  (NWEA-MAP, MEA, CBM, etc.) All professional staff will be proficient in the use of the Response to Intervention (RTI) model to address differentiation for all students.  This includes training and implementation of Tier 1 interventions planned through staff development. All staff will refine personal skill sets and knowledge base regarding best practices in instruction in the area of mathematics.   We will focus on pacing, incorporating fact fluency instruction, and on sufficient and reasonable assessments to monitor effective instructional practices.   Professional staff will become familiar with the Common Core Standards and how they interface with the Everyday Math program. Responsible Personnel:  Staff / Building Leadership Team / K-5 Math Coordinator/ Administration Focus Area:  Improving staff and student achievement in Technology Rationale: Our vision is to cultivate responsible, literate, digital citizens. “Scientific inquiry, problem solving, and the technological method provide insight into and comprehension of the world around us. A variety of tools, including emerging technologies assist the inquiry processes.” –Parameters of Essential Understanding Students will be provided with equity of opportunity in each of the three K-5 schools regardless of home background experiences.  Access to technology invites inquiry and enables intellectual productivity.   The Gorham curriculum and the Parameters for Essential Understanding are the foundation of the program. Goal: To cultivate responsible, literate, digital citizens as measured by increased staff use of technology and authentic projects completed by the students. Objectives: All K-5 students and staff will be actively engaged in attaining technology awareness and skills through a model that includes a computer lab, pods of computers in each classroom, and a well-equipped and technology-rich library in each school to the extent that we are fiscally capable. Professional development for staff needs to be ongoing, embedded, and authentic. The classroom teacher will accompany the class to technology labs in order to expand professional skills, and to enable transfer of student acquired skills to classroom projects. Students will be taught discrete and sequential technology skills that are not used in isolation, rather that support and enhance the classroom curriculum.   Professional staff will learn how technology complements/enhances science and social studies unit instruction.  Time will be built into the Professional Development calendar. The role of the Technology Integrator is to collaborate with teachers – plan, co-teach, and follow-up- in order to help integrate technology into classroom work.  The role of the technology/media specialist is to provide oversight and direct instruction with Gorham’s Library and Technology curricula to K-5 students. Responsible Personnel:  Staff / Building Leadership Team / IT/ Administration Focus Area: School Culture and Wellness Rationale: This focus area highlights the importance of building relationships and staying healthy within our school community.  We work toward having children and adults engage in positive interaction and communication.  We find it imperative that our school community members share a feeling of belonging and purpose, in an environment that is focused on wellness.  It is our mission to promote personalization, to increase communication, to provide time for reflective practice, to involve stakeholders in decision-making, and to make connections to a larger network of supports and resources, to raise awareness of general wellness. Goal:   To develop a rich school culture in which students and staff can grow and learn in a safe and healthy environment. Objectives: The school will have a designed comprehensive information system that keeps everyone informed and involved. We will develop a plan for sharing responsibilities in the implementation of our decisions, initiatives and agreements The adults will engage as individuals, administration, and staff, as well as jointly to consider ways to improve teaching and learning and the delivery models of our educational program.  We will use a learning cycle that involves reflection, dialogue, inquiry and action.  We will join other schools, both inside & outside the district, to enrich our programs, pedagogy, and to secure constructive feedback of our work. We will keep our vision / mission organic and relevant by reviewing it regularly to be reminded of our path on the educational journey. All staff will encourage positive student to student, student to staff, and staff to staff relationships, and develop activities and celebrations that honor our hard work in academics and in the affective realm. All staff will determine norms and protocols for student behavior in order to keep our school safe for everyone.  This includes instruction on anti-bullying, the code of conduct, and the school rules. We will foster active family partnerships through volunteering, Partners In Education, special events and activities, community service, and holiday celebrations.    Responsible Personnel:  Staff / Building Leadership Team / Administration K-5 Elementary School Vision The Gorham K-5 school community stands united in the pursuit of physical, intellectual, and emotional wellness and safety. Positive attitudes, humor, trust, and a love of children are at the heart of our culture. Success for all learners, adults and students alike, is by design. Hard work and engaging activity, result in achievement and pride. Effective leadership encourages high expectations that are clear and attainable. A shared language and explicit standards of behavioral and academic excellence are cornerstones of our school. In an environment that is collaborative and respectful, staff members skillfully advance the academic, social and emotional growth of our students. Our students are served best as we join forces with our parent community and the community at large. Our work with parents assists us in knowing each child as best we can. Partnerships with the larger community offer rich resources and present opportunities for our students to be engaged citizens. Together, we celebrate and honor diversity, and ensure that our students have access to experiences that promote inquiry and authentic learning activities. With the use of technology, our students are accessing the world outside of our school walls, and understanding themselves as members of a much larger national and international community. Without compromise, we live by our Code of Conduct - honesty, courage, compassion, responsibility, and respect. INTRODUCTION TO THE GORHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITMENT TO LEARNING The Commitment To Learning was created by a representative group of school and community members to describe Gorham Schools in the year 2000 and beyond. Guided by values and beliefs and an understanding of how our world is changing, it seeks to envision our school and community. Gorham Schools recognize that it is a practical vision that contains elements of what we are doing now as well as the ideas that will lead us into the future. Climate and Conditions for Learning Respect is at the core of Gorhams positive learning environment. Our culture of mutual respect among students, staff and parents recognizes and celebrates diversity. You see this in: Strong, interpersonal connections at all levels Open mindedness Appreciation and honoring of diverse opinions A sense of “social spirit” Consistency in expectations Appreciation of each persons unique gifts Our school climate is emotionally, intellectually and physically safe. It embodies the common values of honesty, trust, responsibility and self-motivation. Every student has an adult in the school who knows him/her well. Teacher relationships with students make a difference. Teacher passion sparks student interest. Teacher enthusiasm, skill, caring, humor and subject knowledge encourage all students to reach their full potential. Classroom organization, innovative techniques, individualized instruction, and appropriate space create a sense of classroom community and connect the student to his/her teacher, peers and learning. Teaching and Learning Our K-12 curriculum establishes expectations for students habits, understandings, knowledge and skills in all content areas. There are high standards and clear expectations for student achievement. The curriculum requires application in real-world experiences and situations that students encounter. We provide engaging and hands-on learning opportunities for our diverse student body. School is more than a physical space. Students have enrichment opportunities beyond the school walls and outside the school day. Students develop and demonstrate their unique skills and talents through local and global interactions. Adults and students learn from each other's lives and work. Learning is supported with a rich variety of materials that meet the varied learning needs of all students. Technology facilitates learning. Systems are in place for attracting, rewarding and retaining exceptional staff members. Systems are also in place to encourage improved performance when staff members are not meeting student needs. School and Community Commitment to Learning Gorham is a community whose citizens are committed to high quality education. Our schools are community centers of learning where children, educators, parents and citizens come together as learners. Gorham school environments support the educational, recreational and social needs of all citizens. Our facilities are modern, clean, functional and safe. The Gorham community respects and values students as contributing members. We seek and consider students ideas and perspectives. Students come to school ready to learn. A positive family-school connection results from parents feeling welcome at school and teachers caring about what is happening at home. Families actively participate in their students educational experiences. Families and teachers support each other on developing each childs potential. Code: JICDA Code: JICDA CODE OF CONDUCT Policy Statement The Gorham School Committee is committed to maintaining a supportive and orderly school environment in which students may receive and staff may deliver a quality education without disruption or interference and in which students may develop as ethical, responsible and involved citizens. The School Committee believes that each member of the school community should take responsibility for his/her own behavior. To that end, the School Committee recognizes the need to model and teach ethical and responsible behavior, to define unacceptable student conduct and its consequences, and ensure that discipline is administered appropriately. Having considered the input of staff, parents, students, and the community, the School Committee adopts this Code of Conduct (“Code”). Community Core Values With rights come responsibilities. Members of the school community are expected to demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior consistent with its core values. Such conduct is fundamental to a supportive, safe and orderly school environment and civil society. The Gorham School Committee has established five core Values. RESPECT A person who is respectful of oneself, others and the environment Does Not… Verbally abuse self or others. Physically abuse self or others. Cause damage to property. Does… Demonstrate polite and appropriate interactions with others. Value themselves and others. Care for surroundings. HONESTY A person who is honest in all endeavors Does Not… Plagiarize the work of others. Engage in deceptive, blaming or sneaky behavior. Take the property of others. Does… Seek to tell the truth. Accept ownership and responsibility for actions and words. Maintain trust in all relationships COURAGE A person who is courageous in the face of ethical challenges Does Not… Submit to peer pressure. Avoid challenges. Sacrifice aspirations when confronted by setbacks. Does… Stand up for what is right, even when its not popular. Take appropriate risks. Seek advice when making difficult decisions. COMPASSION A person who is compassionate Does Not… Ignore anothers pain, suffering or needs. Hurt others feelings. Take advantage of others. Does… Show empathy by being sensitive to the perspectives, needs and feelings of others. Care about others and help them. Reach out to those in need. RESPONSIBILITY A person who is responsible as an individual and as a member of a community Does Not… Project blame onto others. Exploit others. Ignore assumed duties or neglect obligations. Does… Demonstrate accountability. Take initiative to do the things that are expected Follow through with commitments. Unacceptable Behavior and Consequences This Code unifies the Gorham School Departments disciplinary policies, as cross referenced below. Each school also has a student-parent handbook with detailed information about unacceptable behaviors and consequences. The Code applies to students who are on school property, who are in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the peace and usefulness of the school. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to: Behavior that puts the student or others in danger, such as – Violence Threatening or using a weapon Using or furnishing alcohol and other drugs Behavior that fosters disrespect or a negative school climate, such as – Disrupting class or the school Harassment/Hazing Stealing Vandalizing Lying Using foul language Behavior that has a negative impact on the students or others learning, such as – Cheating Plagiarism Class-cutting Unexcused absence or tardiness Generally, the Gorham School Department uses the following range of consequences: Warning Classroom time-out or referral to the office Loss of Privilege (e.g. recess, transportation, co-curricular activities) Detention Suspension Expulsion Removal of Disruptive/Violent/Threatening Students Students who are disruptive, violent, or threatening death or bodily harm to others may be removed from classrooms, school buses, or other school property when necessary to maintain order and safety. The staff member who orders the student removed should arrange to have the student escorted to the office or other designated area. If a student does not comply with a staff members order to leave, the staff member will contact an administrator, or, if not available, another suitable person, who shall respond promptly. Staff members should not use force or restraint, except only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm. Staff members are not required to take action that puts them at risk of serious injury. The responding administrator will take appropriate action. If the student fails to obey verbal directions, force or restraint may be used only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm or to quell a disturbance. Whenever practicable, law enforcement should be called to restrain or physically remove the non-compliant student. The administrator may invoke the school departments crisis plan if appropriate. If a student is restrained or physically removed the parent will be contacted as soon as practicable. The staff member on duty will submit a written description of the incident to the principal before leaving for the day. Interventions to Promote Positive Behavior Through the way the staff responds to unacceptable behavior and models, teaches, and responds to acceptable behavior, students will learn how to behave appropriately. Therefore, the following approaches to discipline will be used Hearing each side of the story Seeking the support and involvement of parents Helping students resolve difficulties with each other through mediation or facilitation (except when a student feels unsafe) Implementing the principles of restorative justice such as apology, restitution, and community service Assigning logical consequences When intervening, the staff will consider the: Developmental level of the student Nature of the infraction including the harm done Students prior behavior and disciplinary record Likelihood that the consequence would lead to an unreasonable or unjust result Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA Section 1001(15) The following policies contain more detail about specific unacceptable behaviors and consequences. JI Student Rights and Responsibilities ACAA Harassment and Sexual Harassment ACAD Hazing ADC Tobacco Use and Possession JICH Drug and Alcohol Use by Students JICIA Weapons, Violence and School Safety JIH Questioning and Searches of Students JICA Student Dress JICB Care of School Property By Students JICC Student Conduct on Buses IJNDB Student Computer Use and Internet JK Student Discipline JKB Detention of Students JKD Suspension of Students JKE Expulsion of Students IHBAA Identification of Students With Disabilities JKF Disciplinary Removal of Students With Disabilities JKF-R Disciplinary Removal of Students With Disabilities Procedures KFA Public Conduct on School Property KI AC JEB JEC KLG KLG-R EBCC Visitors to Schools Nondiscrimination Referral Screening (Child Find) Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities - Procedures     Bomb Threat/Commitment to Learning/Student/Parent handbook at each school/Athletic Code Adopted: June 26, 2002 Reviewed: November 12, 2003 Attendance Policy The regular attendance to school is considered important for the healthy intellectual and emotional development of children. We believe that children with significant attendance issues are at a distinct disadvantage as compared to their peers. It is the law that if a child is not being formally home-schooled, that they attend school. What follows is the Narragansett School Attendance Protocol. The following protocol is developed for school-based use, but is in general accordance with the Maine Statute and Rules, Chapter 211, subchapter 1, “Attendance.” At the start of the school year administration, school counselors and school-based social worker will develop and review a “watch list” of students with previous attendance concerns. 1) Online reports are checked regularly as a universal attendance screening. 2) Those students who have accumulated 10 absences by or before December 30th of that school year, or 15 days after March of that school year, will be identified and parents/guardians will receive a letter of notice with a request for improved attendance. 3) Attempts are made to improve attendance. This may be a collaborative effort between school and parents/guardians. 4) If absences continue to accrue to 15 days prior to March of that school year, a second letter is sent. In addition, the school-based attendance officer makes parent/guardian contact by phone. A plan for improving attendance is designed by school staff and the district-based attendance officer along with parents/guardians. The interventions and strategies for improving attendance are documented and tracked. 5) The district-based attendance officer contacts the superintendents office. 6) Continued absences may result in parent/guardian contact from the superintendent's office for fact-finding and/or problem solving. 7) If the attendance issues are still unresolved, the superintendent may refer the issue to the school committee and parents may be contacted for a hearing. The school committee has the right to make referrals to DHHS and/or civil court. Please note: ~ Students with more than three consecutive days out due to illness are required to return to school with a note from a doctor stating the reason for the absence and confirmation that the child should not have been in school for medical reasons. ~ All letters are kept on record in student cum files and school-based and district-based attendance officer files. ~ Excessive attendance issues may affect promotion to the next grade. ~ At any time during this protocol, DHHS referrals may be made if there is a suspicion of harm or neglect. STUDENT INFORMATION Lost and Found Each school will have an area for. Please encourage your child to check here for any lost items. It is very helpful if lunch boxes, book bags, clothing, boots, balls, gloves and toys are marked with your childs name. Periodically, lost and found is cleaned out and items are given to Good Will. Extra Student Clothing During the winter it is likely that students will get clothing wet or muddy while at outdoor recess. An extra pair of pants and socks kept at school will avoid student discomfort and phone calls home. Telephone Use In case of illness or emergency, students may use the classroom telephone with teacher permission. Students will not be allowed to use the phone for personal business or without supervision. Students Dress Code Please make sure your child is properly dressed for school. If weather permits, all students go outside for recess. Students are asked not to wear hats inside the building during the school day or wear clothing that would be distracting to others in their work environment. Examples of inappropriate clothing are as follows: A. Clothing with reference to tobacco drugs or alcohol. B. Clothing with suggestive language or graphics C. See-through shirts or blouses D. Shirts or dresses with spaghetti straps or deep arm holes E. Clothing that exposes the students waist or midriff F. Open toe “flip flop” types of sandals, or platform high-heeled shoes (these can be very dangerous while at recess) G. Shorts or skirts whose hems come well above the students knee. Code: IKB HOMEWORK The Gorham School District defines homework as work or studying completed outside of the classroom. The District identifies the purposes of homework as the following: To serve as one tool for teachers, students, and parents to monitor student progress and indicate the need for further support in either content understanding or skill. To enhance overall student achievement by setting the stage for content understanding or serving as practice of a previously taught skill. To reinforce important lifelong work habits which are actively taught and supported in school, including, but not limited to preparation for work, time management, independence, personal responsibility, organization, and study skills. For the overall advancement of literacy and numeracy. It is the position of the Gorham School District that first and foremost teachers, students and parents share the responsibility to maximize instructional time during the school year. The Gorham School District affirms the importance of homework as supporting and extending the regular curriculum. We acknowledge research that underscores homework as a potentially important instructional tool that raises overall achievement in school only when well designed, reasonable in amount, and supported in school and at home. Given this, the following guidelines provide a framework for the designing and assigning of homework in the Gorham Schools. Homework Guidelines The Gorham School District values home-school relationships and recognizes that the partnership is a necessary element in the educating of our students. It is acknowledged that homework extends beyond the school day and brings the work of the schools into the home. It affects family life, extra-curricular activities, and parent-child interactions. In order for the Gorham School District to endorse this extension of schooling it is imperative, therefore, that homework be well-designed, meaningful and beneficial to overall student achievement in school. It is agreed that the following must be acknowledged and considered in the design of any homework assignment: It is important that the design and length of homework is sensitive to a healthy balance of academics, home life, and extra-curricular activities. Homework should be designed to enrich learning, aid in the mastery of skills, offer opportunity for creative expression, and/or stimulate further learning. It is understood that as students grow and mature, the nature of their homework will evolve in length and complexity. Homework will not be used as a punishment nor is it intended to be busy work. All homework must be appropriate, purposeful, and provide added value to learning. In order to acknowledge the differences in learning needs, abilities, and degrees of support in the home, the differentiation of homework is necessary to ensure that the assigned homework is within reach of each student and can be completed independently. The exception to “independently” might be assignments that are intentionally designed to be group work or a family activity. Teachers have the responsibility to provide adequate and clear expectations, directions, and availability of materials for all homework assignments. It is expected that teachers provide students timely feedback on homework assignments. In an assessment system based on progress toward standards, the passing or failing of coursework should not depend upon the completion of homework. Parents are expected to consider homework as an important extension of their childs learning experience. Parents and school staff are expected to work collaboratively to ensure successful completion of homework, being respectful of each others input. In the spirit of a genuine two-way partnership, this communication is critical to keeping the best interest of the student as a top priority. Any summer homework assigned to students must reflect the Gorham School Department Homework Policy. Adopted April 29, 2009 Academic Progress Conferences The Gorham Schools define conferences as the presentation and sharing of student work and habits by student, teacher and parent. These forums are intended to provide time for reflection and goal setting toward continuous individualized progress. Often parents have insight concerning their childs needs that are not apparent to the teacher, and teachers may be aware of issues that parents can assist with in order to support optimal learning for the student. These forums are intended to provide time for reflection and goal setting toward continuous individualized progress. There are two parent/teacher/student conferences scheduled during the school year, one in October and one in March. These conferences give the teacher, the student, and the parent(s) an opportunity to review student work in relationship to the goals established at the beginning of the year. Goals may be redefined or newly created for each individual student. If, however, you have a question or concern about your child’s progress, you may certainly contact your child’s teacher at any time. Progress Reports and Report Cards Gorham K – 5 schools are accountable for student growth in the knowledge, skills and understanding framed by Maines Learning Results, Gorhams Content Standards, and the Commitment to Learning. The progress and report cards reflect the teachers assessment of that growth. Progress reports may be sent home midway through each trimester (at teachers discretion). Standards-Based Report cards are given out three times a year at the close of each trimester, in December, mid- March and June. Standards-Based Information Our state has adopted the Common Core Standards in Literacy and Math. These, along with district curriculum, identify the knowledge and skills that students are to possess. The primary purpose of our reporting system is to provide accurate information to parents and students about achievement in relation to these learning standards. What is a reporting system? Teachers use several methods in communicating with parents. These include: Informal communications, such as notes or emails Phone calls or meetings about specific concerns Newsletters or classroom letters Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences Portfolios or samples of student work Progress Reports Achievement Reports Attendance Data All of these are part of a comprehensive reporting system. The reporting system provides a variety of information about academic, work habits and social development. Attendance, effort and work habits are reported separately…and are not factored into the students academic score. How will we report on student performance? The new Achievement Reports for Kindergarten through Fifth Grade will use a 4-point scale of individual achievement in relation to the standard. Progress is measured using a variety of formal and informal assessments. Progress is measured to the end-of-year standards, as opposed to comparing students to one another. The Achievement Report measures academic progress in the different subject areas as: 4 = Exceeds Standard 3 = Meets Standard 2 = Partially Meets Standard 1 = Does Not Meet Standard We have identified a set of work habits entitled: Skills for Life. These skills include listening, following rules, working well in groups and other skills essential for learning. These are marked as follows: 4 = Consistently Demonstrates 3 = Usually Demonstrates 2 = Sometimes Demonstrates 1 = Rarely Demonstrates Remember….the Achievement Report is completed in relation to the end-of-year standards! Parents should expect, that each trimester, students would be given a score based on their individual achievement of standards at that point in time. Do these 4-points mean the same as a letter grade, such as A, B C or D? The simple answer is “No”. In a traditional system using letter grades, teachers often include homework, effort, class participation, attitude or other factors. In a standards based system, those factors are not a part of the Achievement score. Letter grades have also been used to compare students to one another. Again, a standard based system defines progress toward end-of-year standards. Standardized Assessment A variety of assessments will be given to students. In addition to numerous formal and informal classroom assessments to monitor student progress and inform instruction, several standardized assessments are given. Standardized Tests Kindergarten DIBELS   (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) Grade 1 CBM   (Curriculum Based Measurement) Grade 2 CBM   (Curriculum Based Measurement) Grade 3 NWEA    (Northwest Evaluation Assessment) NECAP   (New England Common Assessment Program) CogAT   (Cognitive Achievement Test) Grade 4 NWEA   (Northwest Evaluation Assessment) NECAP  (New England Common Assessment Program) Grade 5 NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Assessment) NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program) Student Grade Placement The Gorham K-5 elementary schools, recognize the fact that placement in a new classroom requires thoughtful review of the students’ academic, social and emotional needs that impact learning. The teacher must work with a global classroom population that is balanced in terms of gender and academic learning needs. In addition, there may be rooms that require small groupings in order that specialists may effectively and efficiently team for the benefit of students. Due to the complexity of placement, individual parent requests for specific teachers cannot be honored; however, parents will have an opportunity to share with their childs new teacher thoughts and opinions about their children and specific academic needs and social considerations. Additionally, specific requests for students to be placed with specific friends cannot be honored. Our goal is to create classroom communities in which all students can be successful learners and all teachers can be successful teachers. In order for this to happen, a careful balance in which we have a fair distribution of children is our intention. This includes the following: - an even distribution of boys and girls in the classroom - a heterogeneous balance of academic achievement - a sense of balance, harmony and community within the class - behavior concerns (current and potential) - learning styles and necessary modifications and - a mix of students who can work together cooperatively To that end, teachers will provide information to the administrative team in each building who will work together to create optimal learning groups and balanced classroom communities. Teachers and Specialists will review the groups to double check that they have the potential to provide optimal learning for all. Teacher assignments will be made by administrators in each building. As the school year begins in the fall, any negative issues which impact individual student learning will be dealt with on a case by case basis in consultation with the teacher, parent(s) and the administrator. The following criteria will be used for granting a change of placement: parents have a demonstrated prior negative history/experience with another child demonstrated evidence of significantly negative peer relationships between students in the same classroom confidential information shared with the principal that may impact on placement and should be reviewed We are confident that this approach will provide an opportunity for beginning a strong and harmonious relationship between teachers, parents and students at the onset of the new school year. We appreciate your support in our efforts to provide equal learning opportunities for all children and classrooms that provide a workable mix of personalities and learning styles. Code: GBEB STAFF CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS The Board expects all staff members, including teachers, coaches, counselors, administrators and others, to maintain the highest professional, moral and ethical standards in their conduct with students. For the purposes of this policy, staff members also include school volunteers. The intent of this policy is to ensure that the interactions and relationships between staff members and students are based upon mutual respect and trust; that staff members understand the importance of maintaining appropriate professional boundaries between adults and students in an educational setting; and that staff members conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the educational mission of the schools. It is understood that staff members may interact with and have friendships with students’ families outside of school. This policy is not intended to prohibit such interactions and friendships, provided that professional boundaries are maintained at all times. A. Prohibited Conduct Examples of unacceptable conduct by staff members that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following: • Any type of sexual or inappropriate physical contact with students or any other conduct that might be considered harassment under the Board’s policy on Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students; • Singling out a particular student or students for personal attention and friendship beyond the normal teacher-student relationship; • For non-guidance/counseling staff, encouraging students to confide their personal or family problems and/or relationships. If a student initiates such discussions, staff members are expected to be supportive but to refer the student to appropriate guidance/counseling staff for assistance. • Sexual banter, allusions, jokes or innuendos with students; • Asking a student to keep a secret; • Disclosing personal, sexual, family, employment concerns, advancing one’s own political or religious beliefs or other private matters to one or more students; • Addressing students with terms of endearment, pet names or otherwise in an overly familiar manner; • Permitting students to address you by your first name, nickname or otherwise in an overly familiar manner; • Communicating with students on non-school matters via computer, text message, social networking sites, phone calls, letters, notes or any other means. Before engaging in the following activities, staff members are expected to review the activity with their building principal or supervisor, as appropriate: • Being alone with individual students out of public view; • Driving students home or to other locations; • Inviting or allowing students to visit the staff member’s home (unless the student’s parent approves of the activity, such as when a student babysits or performs chores for a staff member); • Visiting a student at home or in another location, unless on official school business known to the parent; • Exchanging personal gifts (beyond the customary student-teacher gifts); and/or • Socializing or spending time with students (including but not limited to activities such as going out for meals or movies, shopping, traveling, and recreational activities) outside of school-sponsored events or organized community activities. Staff members are expected to be sensitive to the appearance of impropriety in their conduct with students. Staff members are encouraged to discuss issues with their building administrator or supervisor whenever they are unsure whether particular conduct may constitute a violation of this policy. B. Reporting Violations Students and/or their parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to notify the Principal [or other appropriate administrator] if they believe a teacher or other staff member may be engaging in conduct that violates this policy. Staff members are required to promptly notify the Principal or Superintendent if they become aware of a situation that may constitute a violation of this policy. C. Disciplinary Action Staff violations of this policy shall result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Violations involving sexual or other abuse will also result in referral to the Department of Health and Human Services, the District Attorney and/or law enforcement. D. Policy to be Included in Handbooks This policy shall be included in all employee, student and volunteer handbooks. Cross Reference:        ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students JLF - Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Adopted: March 14, 2012 Philosophy of Behavior Management We value ethical, safe and responsible behavior and attitudes. Respect, honesty, compassion, fairness, and courage are among the behavioral hallmarks by which teachers and students abide. These values are considered core to a productive and safe school. Adults model the behaviors we expect for our students and, accordingly, students gain knowledge and skills about appropriate behavior from them. These behaviors are intentionally taught and are supported in all our interactions. Discipline is not a one-time event when children are merely punished, but rather a teachable moment that will inspire children to change and will give them the tools and strategies to do so. Children are encouraged to problem-solve with their peers in a cooperative manner and can count on adult guidance in that process. A sense of community is established in classrooms, as well as within the larger school community. Through building mutually respectful relationships, our students and staff care about each other and value contributing to a healthy, safe learning environment. Violence and bullying are not accepted in the Gorham schools, and the presence of such behaviors result in immediate action. The staff members rely upon open communication with our parent community. Common expectations and supportive actions regarding appropriate behavior enables students to access a larger adult community for the teaching and learning of responsible, ethical, and safe behaviors, and attitudes that will serve them well in school and beyond. Student safety, physical and emotional, is of utmost importance. Aggressive behavior is NOT tolerated. To ensure physical safety, we ask that students abide by the following guidelines: Safety A) Outdoors, we ask that students DO NOT: Run on the playground equipment or wood chipped area Engage in sports or other activities that require rough physical contact, such as tackle football or “Red Rover” for example Throw rocks, snow, ice or other harmful objects Bring bicycles, skateboards or bats to recess. Plastic bats or lacrosse sticks are permissible by special arrangements. Lacrosse balls and or hard baseballs are NOT permitted at recess. Bicycles, scooters or skateboards are NOT permitted on the school playground between the hours of 8:30 and 3:30 Bring gameboys, cd players/ipods, cell phones or other electrical devices to school unless with special permission from school staff Involve themselves in a physical altercation. B) Indoors, we ask that students DO NOT: Dress in conflict with the student dress code Chew gum Run in the hallways Deface or misuse the bathrooms in any manner Engage in aggressive physical contact with another student or an adult C) To insure emotional safety, we ask that students DO NOT: Use hurtful words to mock, degrade or offend other students or adults Engage in any behavior that is considered bullying (defined as repeated unkind or unsafe actions toward another individual). Engage in behaviors that are in conflict with the K-5 Code of Conduct D) Given the infraction of any of the above physical or emotional safety guidelines, students will abide by the behavior management systems of each classroom. Additional consequences may include time-outs at recess, loss of recess, visits to the Principal or Assistant Principals offices, parent contact, detention or suspensions. Code: IJNDB STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE The Gorham School Committee believes that the resources available through the Internet are of significant value in the learning process and preparing students for future success. At the same time, the unregulated availability of information and communication on the Internet require that schools establish reasonable controls for lawful, efficient and appropriate use of this technology. The School Department provides computers, networks and Internet access to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff. Student use of school computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Students are required to comply with this policy and the accompanying procedures (IJNDB-R). Students who violate the policy and/or procedures may have their computer privileges limited, suspended, or revoked and may be subject to disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement, and/or legal action. This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to laptops issued directly to students, whether they are used at school or off school premises. All Gorham School Department computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of the Gorham School Department at all times. The Gorham School Department reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers whether they are used on school property or elsewhere. While reasonable precautions will be taken to supervise student use of the Internet, including filtering technology designed to block materials that are obscene or harmful to minors, parents should be aware that the Gorham School Department cannot reasonably prevent all instances of inappropriate computer and Internet use by students in violation of School Committee policies and rules, including access to objectionable materials and communications with persons outside of school. The Gorham School Department is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that students obtain through the Internet. In the interest of Internet safety, the Gorham School Department also provides information to students and parents about online behavior, including interacting with other people on social networking sites and in chat rooms and other unlawful online activities and issues attendant to cyber-bullying awareness and response. The Superintendent/designees shall be responsible for providing age-appropriate Internet safety training and “digital citizenship” as part of the educational program and for documentation of Internet safety training. Before a student is allowed to use school computers and Internet services, the student and the student’s parent/guardian must sign and return the Computer/Internet Access Acknowledgment. The signed acknowledgment will be retained by the school. The Superintendent shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and accompanying procedures, and for advising the Committee of the need for any future amendments or revisions to the policy. The Superintendent may develop additional administrative procedures governing the day-to-day management and operations of the Gorham School Department’s computer system as long as they are consistent with the Committee’s policy. The Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities to building principals and others as he/she deems appropriate. Cross Reference:        IJNDB-R – Student Computer and Internet Use Rules         GCSA – Employee Computer and Internet Use Adopted:                January 9, 2002 Reviewed:               May 14, 2003 Amended:                June 27, 2012 Code: IJND SCHOOL WEB SITE The Gorham School Department maintains an official web site to provide general information about our school system as well as information about educational programs, extracurricular activities, school events, and student and staff achievements. This web site is intended to support the educational mission of the schools, to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and staff, and to provide valuable information to the larger community about our schools. The web site does not create, nor is it intended to create a public or limited public forum. The Committee recognizes that the schools must establish reasonable controls to protect the privacy of students and staff, to ensure that the web site is in compliance with applicable laws, and to ensure that it meets the highest educational and quality standards. The Superintendent shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy and the accompanying guidelines, and for advising the Committee of the need for any future amendments or revisions to the policy or guidelines. The Superintendent may develop additional administrative procedures and/or rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of the School Departments web site, consistent with the Committees policy and guidelines. The Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities to the Technology Director as he/she deems appropriate. Legal References: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99 20-A M.R.S.A. § 6001 17 U.S.C. § 101 et. Seq. P.L.106-554 Cross Reference:        IJND-R – Web Publishing Guidelines IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use GCSA – Employee Computer and Internet Use Adopted: January 9, 2002 Reviewed: May 14, 2003 Code IJJ SELECTION AND REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS The Gorham School Committee, though it is finally responsible for all school purchases, delegates the responsibility for the choice of classroom materials to teachers and building principals. The School Committee recognizes the students' right to free access to many different types of educational materials and reaffirms “The Student's Right to Read.” The School Committee also recognizes its need to have teachers and administrators select and make available in the classroom books and other educational materials which intend to: 1. support the school's educational program; 2. interest students, stimulate their growth, and reflect community values; 3. explore the problems and issues of our times and enable students to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives; 4. be appropriate to the ability levels at which they will be used. Selection of educational materials will be nondiscriminatory and in accordance with the School Committee policy. Procedures for Review 1. Teachers shall have alternate selections available which will be provided to any student when requested in writing by the parent. The School Committee recognizes the right of an individual parent to request that his/her child not have to use educational materials offensive to the parent, provided a written request is made to the appropriate building principal. However, no persons have the right to determine the educational materials for students other than their own children. 2. In the event of a request for review of classroom material, the first step shall be a conference between the inquiring party, the teacher directly involved, and the building principal. The inquiring party must fill out the proper form prior to this first meeting. 3. If the issue is not resolved at the first meeting, a conference of the above-mentioned parties and the Superintendent shall be scheduled as soon as possible. 4. If no resolution has been reached during the first two conferences, the issue may then be referred to an Educational Materials Review Committee appointed by the Superintendent and composed of one principal from the appropriate grade level, one librarian/media specialist, one classroom teacher, the department head in the subject area, two parents and other members the Superintendent deems advisable. The Educational Materials Review Committee shall submit a copy of its recommendation to the School Committee for final action. 5. The use of challenged educational materials will not be restricted prior to completion of the review process. Adopted: April 10, 1985 Reviewed: May 14, 2003 Code: IJL SELECTION OF LIBRARY AND MEDIA MATERIALS The Gorham School Committee recognizes that it is the primary objective of the library media centers in our schools to implement, enrich and support the educational programs of the schools. It is the duty of the library media centers to provide a wide range of materials on all levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal and the presentation of different points of view. To this end, the Gorham School Committee reaffirms the Bill of Rights for School Library Media Programs and asserts that the responsibility of the School Library Media Center is: To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the students served. To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical standards. To provide a background of information that will enable students to make intelligent their daily life. To provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop under guidance the practice of critical analysis of all media. To provide materials representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contribution to our American heritage. To place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the library media center. Library and media materials shall include all items, both print and non-print of an instructional or recreational nature, purchased for the libraries and/or media centers of the Gorham School Department. Responsibility for Selection of Library Materials The Gorham School Committee is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the schools. The responsibility for the selection of instructional materials is delegated to the  trained personnel employed by the Gorham School Department. Selection of materials for the library media centers involves many people: principals, teachers, department heads, students and community members. The responsibility for the coordination of the selection of library and media materials and the recommendation for purchase rests with the school department administration as delegated to the professionally trained, certified library media people. Criteria for Selections The needs of the individual school based on knowledge of the current and the existing collection are given first consideration. In addition, materials for purchase are considered on the following basis: overall purpose, timeliness or performance, importance of the subject matter, quality of the writing/production, readability and popular appeal, authoritativeness, reputation of the publisher/producer, reputation and significance of the author/ artist/composer/producer, etc., and format and price. Gift materials are judged by the same standards and are accepted or rejected on those standards. Multiple copies of outstanding and much-in-demand materials are purchased as needed. Worn or missing standard items are replaced periodically. Out-of-date or no longer useful materials  withdrawn from the collection. Procedures for Selections In selecting the materials for purchase, the library media center personnel will evaluate the existing collection by consulting reputable, unbiased, professionally prepared selection aids and specialists from all departments and/or grade levels. Whenever possible, purchase of non-print materials shall be done only after personal evaluation librarian/media specialist or other professional staff. Reviewing aids may be used in lieu of personal valuation. Books and other print items should be purchased only if favorably reviewed in one or more of the selection aids or if they have been personally reviewed. Challenged Materials Despite the care taken to select materials for student and teacher use and the qualifications of the persons who select the materials, it is recognized that occasional objections may be raised  community members, students, or school staff. However, at no time will the wishes of one child's parents to restrict his/her reading or viewing of a particular item infringe on another parent's right to permit their child to read or view the same materials. In the event a complaint is made, the following procedures will apply: 1. The complaint shall be heard first by the person providing the materials in question. 2. The complainant shall be referred to the building principal and requested to fill out the “Request for Review of Library Materials” form. A copy of the form will be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools. 3. The Superintendent shall appoint a committee composed of the following persons to review the complaint: one principal at the appropriate grade level, one librarian/media specialist, one classroom teacher, the department head in the subject area, if applicable, of the challenged materials, and such other members as the Superintendent deems advisable. 4. The review committee shall: read and examine the materials referred to them, check general acceptance of the materials by reading reviews, weigh values and faults against each other and form opinions based on the materials as a whole and not on passages or portions pulled out of context, meet to discuss the materials to make a decision, and to report. 5. The report of the committee shall be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools who will inform the complainant of the results. 6. The book or materials involved will be suspended from general use pending a decision in writing by the above committee. Appeals from their decision may be made Superintendent to the Gorham School Committee. Adopted: April 10, 1985 Reviewed: May 14, 2003 Code: IHBAC Child Find The Gorham School Department seeks to ensure that all children, are age 3 and continuing through the school year in which they turn 20, who are in need of special education and supportive assistance within its jurisdiction are identified, located and evaluated. This includes homeless children, state wards, state agency clients, students who have been suspended or expelled, children attending private schools receiving home instruction, children incarcerated in county jails, children who have the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year, highly mobile children (including migrant or homeless), and children who are suspected of being disabled and in need of special education and supportive assistance even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The school units child find responsibility shall be accomplished through a unit-wide process which, while not a definitive or final judgment of a students capabilities or disability, is a possible indicator of special education needs. Final identification of students with disabilities and programming for such students occurs only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination by a special education, individualized education program (IEP) Team. This child find process shall include obtaining data on each child through multiple measures, direct assessment, and parent information regarding the childs academic and functional performance, gross and fine motor skills, receptive and expressive language skills, vision, hearing and cognitive skills. The Gorham School Department may schedule child find activities during its annual kindergarten enrollment to assist in planning for necessary special education and related service at the start of the school year. If screening occurs prior to school entry, the Gorham School Department will refer the child to the regional Child Development Services (CDS) site within 10 school days. If the child find process indicates that a child may require special education and supportive services in order to benefit from regular education, the student shall be referred to an IEP Team to determine the students eligibility for special education services. School staff, parents, or agency representatives or other individuals with knowledge of the child may refer children to an IEP team if they believe that the student, because of a disability, may be in need of special education and supportive services in order to benefit from regular education. Such a referral should follow the school units pre-referral and referral policy and procedures. Legal Reference:        34 C.F.R. § 300.111 (2006); Maine Department of Education Reg. ch. 101, IV(2)  (2007). Adopted:                September 27, 2000       Reviewed:               November 12, 2003 Amended:                April 29, 2009 Adult Education The Gorham School Department has an active Adult and Community Education program located at the Gorham Center for Volunteers and Community Education office (GCVCE) at Gorham Middle School. Course Catalogs are distributed throughout the community each spring and fall. GCVCE provides a wide variety of life-long learning opportunities to spark the interest of all adults in the community. Courses range from academic offerings which lead to high school diploma; vocational classes including a number of computer classes that help workers gain new skills: college brush up courses; opportunities for parents and children to learn together while having fun; arts, crafts and music classes as well as variety or other general interest topics. This is something for everyone at Adult Community Education! For more information regarding opportunities offered, please call GCVCE at 222-1095 and speak with the Director. Gorham School Volunteer Program The Gorham School System has an active volunteer program that provides thousands of hours of volunteer time to the school system each year. At elementary level, volunteers may work at home preparing materials or at school helping in the classroom. At the middle and secondary level, volunteers may be asked to help out in the library or assist with one-on-one tutoring, for example. Volunteers may also participate in special projects such as story time, field trips or concerts. Volunteers are always needed. Volunteering provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your childs school. Volunteers are requested to complete a registration form each year before beginning to volunteer, attend an annual volunteer orientation, sign in the school office and wear a name tag each time they volunteer. Please call 222-1095 for more information. The Gorham School Volunteer Program is housed in the Gorham Center for Volunteers and Community Education office at Gorham Middle School. Family Links Do you have a child under the age of 8? Do you want to get your GED or high school diploma? Do you need to brush up on your job readiness or career skills? Family Links will help you with your own educational goals as well as those of your children. We offer adult education classes, parenting classes, early childhood support in the home and at school and fun family group activities. Contact the Family Literacy Coordinator at 222-1117 for more information. Equal Opportunity The Gorham School Department is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Gorham Schools Policies Copies of the following policies are available via the school principal's office and on our website should you wish to attain a copy of the complete, board approved policy:        ACAD Hazing ADC Smoking on School Premises ACAA Student Discrimination EBCC Bomb Threats ECBA Pest Management IHBAA Referral Pre Referral Policy IHBAC Child Find IJJ Selection of Instructional Materials IJL Selection of Library Materials IJND School Web Site IKE Student Progress Through the Grades JIH Questioning and Searches of Students JJE Student Fundraising KBF Parent Involvement in Title 1 In addition, the following policies and procedures are in this handbook for your convenience:                  IBK Homework             JICDA Code of Conduct                 EEAEC Student Conduct on Bus         EEA Student Transportation                 JICH Student Drug and Alcohol         JICIA Weapons                 JICK Bullying         JLCD Student Medication                 JRA Student Educational Record                 EEAEF Video Surveillance on School Vehicles                 IJNDB Student Computer Internet Use                 ILD Student Survey                 KBF Crisis Plan PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN TITLE I The Gorham School Committee endorses the parent involvement in the goals of Title I and encourages the regular participation by parents/guardians in all aspects the school districts  Title I programs. For the purpose of this policy, “parents/guardians” includes other family members involved in supervising the childs schooling. In compliance with federal law, the school district will develop jointly with, agree on, and distribute to parents of children participating in the school districts Title I programs a written district-level parent involvement policy. Annually, parents/guardians will have opportunities to participate in the evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the school districts parent involvement policy and in using the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent involvement and to make revisions to the policy. As required by law, the Gorham School Department shall jointly develop with parents of children served in the program, a school parent/guardian involvement policy including “School-Parent Compact” outlining the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement in meeting State standards. The school policy will be distributed to parents/guardians of children participating in the schools Title I programs. The “School-Parent Compact” shall: Describe the schools responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment enabling children in the Title I program to meet the States academic achievement standards; Indicate the ways in which parents will be responsible for supporting their childrens learning, such as monitoring attendance, homework completion, monitoring television watching, volunteering in the classroom and participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to their childrens education and positive use of extra-curricular time; and Address the importance of parent-teacher communications on an on-going basis, with at a minimum. Parent/teacher conferences, frequent reports to parents and reasonable access to staff. Each school receiving Title I funds shall convene an annual meeting, to which all parents/guardians of eligible children shall be invited to inform them about the schools participation in Title I and to involve them in the planning, review and improvement of the schools Title I programs and the parent involvement policy. In addition to the required annual meeting, other meetings shall be held at various times of the day and/or evenings for parents/guardians of students participating in Title I programs. These meetings shall be used to provide parents with: Information about programs the school provides under Title I; A description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress and the proficiency level students are expected to meet; Opportunities to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children; and The opportunity to submit comments to the district level if they are dissatisfied with the school-wide Title I program. Title I funding, if sufficient, may be used to facilitate parent/guardian attendance at meetings through the payment of transportation and childcare costs. Parents/guardians of children identified for participation in a Title I program shall receive from the building principal and Title I staff, and explanation of the reasons supporting their childs selection, a set of objectives to be addressed and a description of the services to be provided. Parents will receive regular reports on their childs progress and be provided opportunities to meet with the classroom and Title I teachers. Parents will also receive training, materials and suggestions as to how they can assist in the education of their children at home. The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for ensuring that the school districts Title I plan, programs and parent involvement policies comply with applicable law and regulations and for developing administrative procedures, as needed, to implement this policy. Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. Section 6318 Adopted: June 10, 1987 Amended: December 13, 1989 April 14, 2004 Code: IHBAA REFERRAL/PRE-REFERRAL It shall be the policy of The Gorham School Department to refer all school-age students suspected of having a disability that requires special education to an IEP Team for an evaluation in all suspected areas of disability. Referrals of students to the IEP team may be made by parents at any time, and by professional school staff and by other persons knowledgeable about the child's educational needs. Any such referral should be made in accordance with procedures that may be approved by the Superintendent of Schools. Regardless of the source of the referral, a referral will be considered received by the school unit on the date that the written referral is received by the office of the Director of Special Education. It shall be signed and dated by Special Education Director or designee, thereby indicating the date of the receipt of that referral. The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Director of Special Education, may develop procedures for referral and the use of pre-referral interventions within the local school unit, and may from time to time amend those procedures as necessary. Legal Reference: Maine Department of Education Reg. ch. 101, §§ II(23), III, IV(2)(D), (E), V(4)(A) (August 2007) Cross Reference: IHBAA – Referral/Pre-Referral Procedures Adopted: September 27, 2000 Amended: October 10, 2001 Reviewed: November 12, 2003 Amended: April 29, 2009 Student Educational Records It shall be the policy of the Gorham School Committee to provide for the confidentiality of all student education records that are maintained by the Gorham School Department as required by Maine law and the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). The Gorham School Department shall provide annual notification to the parents of students currently in attendance and to eligible students (18 years or older) of their rights in relation to the student education records being maintained by the Gorham School Department. The Gorham School Department designates the following information about students as directory information: name, the students participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight of student athletes and grade level in school of students in extracurricular activities, date of attendance at the Gorham schools, and honors and awards received. Also included in the designation are any audio or visual recordings of school-sponsored events that are open to the public, and any other audio or visual recording of school activities when such a recording would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy for the student if disclosed. The Gorham School Department may disclose directory information about students in attendance if it has given the notification required by FERPA to parents of the students and to eligible students and has not received timely written notice refusing permission to designate some or all of the types of information about a student as directory information. Under Maine law, the Gorham School Department shall not publish on the Internet, without written parental consent, any information that identifies a student. The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with other school administrators of the Gorham School Department, may develop and promulgate procedures for implementing this policy, and may from time to time amend those procedures as necessary. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the students education records. They are as follows: The right to inspect and review the students education records within 45days of the day of the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parents or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The right to request the amendment of the students education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask Gorham School District to amend the record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identifying 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 consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the students education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. On exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and an enforcement personnel); a person service on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform to special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest in the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility: 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 are: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 600 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605 504 Notice The VI of the Civil Rights act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.34 CFR, 106.8(b), and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 34 CRF, 104.7(a) requires that an annual notice be given to all citizens that the Gorham School Department provides public educational services through a comprehensive program of educational and co-curricular activities for pupils in grades K-12 and an adult education program that are open to all eligible citizens of the Town of Gorham. The Gorham School Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, age, or handicap in employment, educational offerings and programs, co-curricular programs or vocational programs. The Gorham School Department does not provide any course or otherwise carry out any of its educational activities separately on the basis of color, sex, creed, handicap, marital status, national origin or socioeconomic status. No student is denied a course offering on the basis of his/her career or educational goals, nor is any person denied admissions to our vocational program. Parents, pupils and employees are advised that a grievance procedure has been established to provide for a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging discrimination. Inquiries and/or grievances can be made to the Section 504 Coordinator: Ms. Katie Hawes Office of the Superintendent of Schools 75 South Street, Ste. 1 Gorham, ME 04038 Or to: Director, Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education Washington, D.C. Title II, Americans with Disabilities Act The Gorham School Department does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. The Gorham School Department does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. This notice is provided as required by Title 11 of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to the Gorham School Department designated ADA Compliance Coordinator. Individuals who require auxiliary aids or services for effective communication in programs and services of the Gorham School Department are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA compliance Coordinator. This notice is available in large print, and will be made available in Braille, on audio tape or computer disk within three business days following request form any person requiring such auxiliary aid or service. GORHAM SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM Michael Sanborn, Director Tel. 207-222-1375/207-839-4092 fax MichaelS@gorhamschools.org The Gorham School Nutrition Program is self-supporting, meaning it operates without local funds. However, due to the rising cost of everything from food to health insurance, it becomes more challenging every year to raise sufficient income from the sale of meals, ala carte items and subsidy from the state and federal government to balance a budget which is over $1,000,000.00! We continue to seek ways to maximize revenues and minimize expenses through sound fiscal management and the procurement without sacrificing quality meals for our students. The School Nutrition Program employs eighteen people, including a director. Every day we offer a nutritious breakfast and delicious lunch to our students. Our meals exceed the nutrient standards set by the Federal Government. Menus are sent home with all elementary students and are also posted on the website. The Gorham School Nutrition Program serves healthy, nutritious meals to students, staff, and visitors in 5 locations.  Each day over 2000 meals are served.  All school menus meet USDA requirements for Calories, Fat, Protein, Calcium, Iron, Vitamins A and D.  Calories are based upon the age group of the school while fat is limited to 30% of all calories coming from fat.  The nutrient content is reflective of what the average student selects and not what any one student chooses.  It is still very important to review meal selections with your students/children and work towards a balance on a weekly basis. All students have the option to purchase breakfast, lunch, and milk. Elementary breakfast and lunch menus are printed monthly and sent home the last week of each month, and are also posted on the Food Services page of our school website, www.gorhamschools.org.  Menus include choice of 1 entrée, fresh vegetable, fruit, dessert when available, and 8 oz. milk.  Middle and High School menus are posted daily.  All menus must meet US Department of Agriculture standards, be highly acceptable for all students, be tasty, be prepared in a safe manner, and be served with a smile. Students are given choices for entrees at breakfast and lunch.  At our Elementary schools, teachers take a count each morning to see who is eating lunch, not to see who wants which meal.  This way, students are free to choose any entree at mealtime.  There is a full salad bar with fruits, vegetables, and condiments.  Milk is offered with all meals - 1% white, skim, and 1% chocolate (at lunch only). Breakfast is available to students each morning for $1.25 at all schools and includes milk.  You must PRE-PAY to cover the week or more.  For Elementary School students, please send in a note to allow your student to get breakfast.  Breakfast is now FREE for both reduced and free families. ***Need to earn some extra cash?*** Come work for the Gorham School Nutrition Program!  Work while your children or grandchildren are in school and be home before they get off the bus.  We are currently looking for substitutes district-wide.  Please complete an application (available in the “Employment Opportunities” page at www.gorhamschools.org) and submit directly to: Rhonda Warren Gorham School Department 75 South Street, Suite 2 Gorham, ME 04038 FREE AND REDUCED MEALS Applications for free and reduced meals must be completed each year by September 25th, and are processed in the Nutrition Office.  Applications are sent home with students the first week of school, mailed, and are also available in every school office and on the school district website any time during the school year in case family finances change.  The free/reduced meals benefit applies to breakfast and lunch meals only, not snack milk, a la carte foods, vending, etc. As students take a meal, their PIN will be recorded and their account charged.  Each purchase must be tracked by federal regulations.  No child ever needs to reveal whether they are free/reduced/paid.  This is confidential information. SNACK MILK (KINDERGARTEN ONLY) Snack milk is the traditional, low-fat white or chocolate.  Federal regulations do not allow schools that have free and reduced lunch programs to participate in a free *milk* program.  Please note that due to increased costs to the nutrition program, there was a change in snack milk pricing as of FY12.  Snack milk is now $35 per year for all kindergarten students. PLEASE NOTE: Students may not receive milk until payment *in full* of $35 has been received. Pay on-line with NO ADDED CHARGE at www.paypams.com, or pay by check made out to GSNP for $35.00 and your student will receive snack milk every school day.   Please pay by September 29th.  PLEASE NOTE: Students may not receive milk until payment *in full* of $35 has been received. Be sure to include your child’s name and PIN in the memo area if paying by check. PRE-PAY NUTRITION ACCOUNT All students and staff have a PRE-PAY Nutrition Account.  Students use a PIN for the Point of Sale System and their pre-pay account.  This system speeds up the lines, maintains confidentiality of Meal Benefits and provides better accounting. When students enroll in any Gorham school, they are assigned a 4-5 digit Personal Identification Number.  It is important that each student memorize their PIN as this number will be used daily.  The PIN is confidential.  Therefore the number should not be given to other students.  Safeguards are built into the system to eliminate guessing numbers or using someone else's PIN.  Using someone else's PIN is the same as stealing their lunch ticket and must be discouraged.  When your child transfers to a new school within our district, a new PIN will be issued at that school.   Student information will go home the first day of school for students moving into new buildings.  The PIN will be different at each building, last year’s number will not work if they change locations.  PIN numbers will be handed out during homeroom.  Students will be responsible to memorize the PIN and keep track of their account balance.  The PIN is printed on a slip. This can be kept in a safe place or destroyed once the number is memorized. At the cashier, they enter their PIN on the keypad, and pay with money from their prepay account, with cash, or both.  Students may have their names checked from a classroom roster instead of entering their PIN if needed. If students have enough money in their account, the price of the meal will be automatically deducted from the balance. Students eligible for free or reduced priced meals will also have to enter their PIN and will be provided with a meal at the proper charge and without identifying them as being free or reduced. Parents are responsible for the PRE-PAY account – charging is limited for Grades K-5 to $10.  Students are told when their account is below $2.00.  Parents may check all balances on-line for free (www.paypams.com) or call the kitchens for the information.   Parents are expected to pay each Monday for the meals the child will eat during the week. The account is only charged if they take the meal or item.  If they don’t eat, there is no charge.  Any funds left over at the end of the year roll-over for the next year.   Please do not send money daily – it wastes valuable classroom time for everyone.   PREFERRED PAYMENT METHOD:  FREE ON-LINE PAYMENT OPTION:   All parents can view account balances, make deposits, see menus, view lunch purchases, even sign up for Automatic E-mail Alerts for low balances, and/or make automatic payments with any personal computer through the www.paypams.com web site.  PayPAMS is now FREE; on-line payments can now be made at no charge!   PREPAYMENT DISCOUNTS STOP THE MONDAY MORNING LUNCH MONEY MADNESS!! Deposit $75.00 in any one account and receive a free Meal!  Any balances left in June will be rolled into the next school year. Refunds will be made only for families leaving the district or upon graduation. Prepaying for meals by PayPAMS online is highly recommended   Students may also drop off prepayments by cash or check in the school café any morning by 9:00 a.m.  Payments can be made by check, payable to GSNP, with the student name and PIN in the memo area.   All cash deposits must be in deposit envelopes with the same information.  Students may also prepay in cash at the register during lunch only at Gorham Middle and Gorham High.   All returned checks are charged a fee of $20.00 from the student’s account. A letter is mailed home. The check amount and the fee are automatically deducted from the student account in 7 days.   ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MEAL PAYMENTS Students at Narragansett, Village and Great Falls Elementary Schools are limited to $10.00 in charges before they will be limited to a sandwich and milk meal.  Students are told verbally when the account is low and each Friday, statements are sent home with any student with a low balance.  Parents may call any school day to find out this balance:  Village – 222-1316, Narragansett – 222-1259, Great Falls – 222-1200 Prices for September, 2012, Grades K-5 Eligibility:    Full    Reduced          Breakfast -     $1.25   FREE             Lunch -         $2.50   $.40     1%White or Skim Milk - $.50     1%Chocolate Milk - $.50 Kindergarten Snack Milk:  $35 PER YEAR (Please pay by September 29th) PLEASE NOTE: Students may not receive milk until payment *in full* of $35 has been received. STAFF AND VISITORS:  $1.50 Breakfast, $4.00 Lunch (adult portion) In order to speed up service in the café, it is encouraged to prepay each Monday for meals to be eaten during the week or longer. The account is only charged if a student takes a meal. The best deal is a Value Meal.  As part of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, in addition to the entrée, students will be required to choose a fruit and/or vegetable component for both breakfast and lunch as part of a reimbursable meal. Under Offer vs. Serve, students must take 3 out of 4 components at breakfast and 3 out of 5 components offered at lunch. These components are: Protein, Grain, Fruit, Vegetable and Milk. Therefore, some items offered (i.e. Breakfast Sandwich, protein & grain components) will qualify as two components. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL MEAL PAYMENTS Students at the Middle School may charge up to 2 Value Meals before they will be limited to a sandwich and milk meal.   **NO ALA CARTE ITEMS MAY BE CHARGED.**   **There is NO CHARGING in the High School.**   Menus at these schools are posted daily and include 6 to 10 entrée choices.  In order to speed up service in the café, it is encouraged to prepay each Monday for meals to be eaten during the week or longer. The account is only charged if a student takes a meal. The best deal is a Value Meal.  As part of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, in addition to the entrée, students will be required to choose a fruit and/or vegetable component for both breakfast and lunch as part of a reimbursable meal. Under Offer vs. Serve, students must take 3 out of 4 components at breakfast and 3 out of 5 components offered at lunch. These components are: Protein, Grain, Fruit, Vegetable and Milk. Therefore, some items offered (i.e. Breakfast Sandwich, protein & grain components) will qualify as two components. Prices for September, 2012, GORHAM MIDDLE, Grades 6-8 Eligibility:    Full    Reduced          Breakfast:      $1.25   FREE Lunch -         $2.50   $.40     Extra 1%White or Skim Milk - $.50       1%Chocolate Milk - $.50 STAFF AND VISITORS:  $1.50 Breakfast, $4.00 Lunch (adult portion) Prices for September, 2012, GORHAM HIGH, Grades 9-12 Eligibility:    Full    Reduced          Breakfast -     $1.25   FREE             Lunch -         $2.75   $.40     Extra 1%White or Skim Milk - $.75       1%Chocolate Milk - $.75 STAFF AND VISITORS:  $1.50 Breakfast, $4.00 Lunch (adult portion) A la carte Pricing is posted at all schools. GORHAM SCHOOL NUTRITION CONTACT LIST Michael Sanborn         Director        222-1375        michaels@gorhamschools.org Sara Kourinos           Gorham High     222-1196        sarak@gorhamschools.org Lynn Erickson           Gorham Middle222-1217   lynne@gorhamschoools.org Cindy Arsenault Village         222-1316        cindya@gorhamschools.org Nancy Aceto             Great Falls     222-1200        nancya@gorhamschools.org Diana Blanchard Narragansett    222-1259        dianab@gorhamschools.org   Melissa Wilson  Admin.Asst.     222-1375        melissaw@gorhamschools.org MENU PLANNING All menus and foods served in Gorham School Nutrition are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture, the Maine Department of Education, and Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The goal of GSNP is to provide healthy, highly accepted, affordable meals to students, staff, and the community.  By Federal regulations, the average meal eaten over a week, must meet certain guidelines that are printed on the menu each month.  Approved software takes into account the ingredients, the recipes, the serving size, and determines what the average serving contains. The guidelines are determined by the age of the students in each school.   As featured in the Dietary Guidelines, the terms GOOD or BAD foods are no longer used. There is the recognition that the amount consumed and frequency is the foremost issue.  Therefore, it is still possible to offer a chicken nugget or hot dog as long as other choices are lower fat choices that bring the menu into balance.  This indicator relies on the group average and not necessarily an individual’s choice on a given day. New, innovative meal choices keep the program interesting for students, introduce new foods, and insure that all students participate in the program.  Otherwise, the program would tend to only serve the free and reduced students.  This is overt identification of lower income students, a violation of Federal Discrimination Policies. No matter how healthy a choice, if it isn't eaten, it doesn't do anyone any good.  Unless there is a demand for certain items through exposure at school and home, the waste goes up and cost goes up.   There are also constraints as to what can be served - many of the commodity items the USDA sends to schools are still the traditional high fat meats and nuts.  It can be hard to make these into a healthy meal.  With classroom support, modeling from staff and parents, newer, healthier items can be brought into the cafe with a higher success rate.   Conversations with the staff and parents will give all parties the understanding of our nutrition goals and program constraints and hopefully provide positive changes for the future. As part of meeting the demands of the Maine Learning Results, the Nutrition program and the Community Health Advisory Committee offer support and resources to classroom staff.  In a community transitioning from rural to suburban, there is a great need to keep the students linked to farms as the source of their food.  This can be through seed sprouting in classes or other similar projects, a school garden, guest visits by local farmers, and field trips to the kitchen, the dairy, and the farm so kids know where food starts and why farms are an important part of our community. Parents may request limits on student accounts with the form below.  Please sign and return this to the kitchens or the Director. GORHAM SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM POINT OF SALE ACCOUNT LIMITS Student Name:  __________________               PIN:  _____ Write in amounts you wish to limit your student to spend in the following areas from their prepayment accounts.  Students may still spend cash above these limits, but will not be able to use money you intend for a value meal to be used for snacks, for example. Breakfast:  $_________          Lunch:  $_________       Maximum daily spending:  $______ CIRCLE ONE ONLY Value Meals only                Value Meals and a la carte items Signed:  _______________________________  Date:  _____/ ______/______ Gorham School Department Health Services There are many important health needs recognized in school-age children, therefore many state laws and Board of Education policies have been developed to promote the health and safety of these children. It is the goal of the Gorham Health Services Department to carry out these policies and to identify preventative measures to promote wellness in the school community. The School Health Dept. is staffed by professional nurses, who cover Gorham High School, Gorham Middle School, Narragansett, Great Falls, and Village Schools. Please contact the school nurse at your childs school for any health concerns or questions. Accidents Parents will be notified of all accidents occurring at school, except those requiring basic first aid. If the student needs follow up care at home or at the hospital, the parent is responsible for transporting the student (or their designated emergency contact person). For serious medical emergencies, the rescue department will be called. Allergies The school nurse will ask parents of students with allergies to complete an allergy action plan in collaboration with the childs physician on an annual basis. Students who require emergency medications, such as inhalers or Epipens, may self-carry with the written permission of their physician and parent. Parents will work with the nurse to set up instructions regarding snacks, meal choices, and field trip concerns at the start of each school year. There are students in the district who are latex allergic; therefore the only balloons allowed in the school building are Mylar balloons (NO LATEX BALLOONS). Communicable Diseases Students with diseases that are contagious/infectious shall be excluded from school until signs of contagion are past. Exclusions are as follows: Chicken Pox - until all lesions have crusted over or are dry, usually 5-7 days, or longer Conjunctivitis - 24 hours after medication started or MD note Impetigo - 24 hours after medication started or MD note Pertussis - MD note needed Measles - MD note needed Scabies - may return after treatment has been completed Strep - 24 hours after medication started Ringworm - 24 hours after medication started Fifth Disease - No exclusion necessary, but notify the Health Office of the illness Head Lice - In Accordance with guidance from the Center for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the National Association of School Nurses regarding head lice infestations, the following guidelines will direct our actions: Children who are symptomatic (scratching persistently) will be referred to the school nurse. The nurse will evaluate the case and take appropriate action, maintaining confidentiality for the child. If the school nurse is not present, the student will remain in class and the nurse evaluates the student at the next available visit. The school nurse will develop a plan with the student, family, and staff members, as appropriate, with the goal of limiting missed class time. PLEASE REPORT ALL COMMUNICABLE DISEASES TO US! Emergency Card Each year every students parent or guardian must complete an emergency form, during the first week of school. This form includes names, phone numbers of emergency contacts, medical information such as allergies or chronic conditions, physicians to contact, and rescue information. The information you provide annually will be shared with school personnel as appropriate to ensure the safety of your child. Health Screenings Each year the Health Service Department will complete the following health assessments: Grade K,1,3,5,7 - Hearing, Vision, Height, Weight Grade 9-Vision Parents may notify our department if they do not want these screenings done. All students who do not pass the first screening will be re-screened at a later date. Once the second screening is completed, the nurse will send written notification to parents of those who did not pass the second screening. Illness/Dismissal Please notify the school office if your child is ill and will not be attending school. When you call the school office please state the childs symptoms and whether or not there is a fever over 100 degrees. Students who become ill at school will be dismissed only to the specific people listed on the emergency card unless the school is instructed by the parent to make other arrangements. All students who are ill at school should be seen by the school nurse or school secretary in the nurses absence prior to dismissal. Students may not notify parents they are ill via text or cell phone call during school hours. The phone call home should be made from the main office or nurses office. Following this procedure allows us to track common illnesses. Students who have a fever and/or a sore throat or cough should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of anti-fever medicine). Students with diarrhea or vomiting should also stay home for 24 hours after diarrhea or vomiting has stopped, before returning to school. Immunizations Current Maine State Law for children attending public schools requires: 5 Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis doses (4 doses if dose 4 after 4th birthday) 4 Oral Polio doses (3 doses if dose 3 after 4th birthday or 4 doses of IPV) 2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella doses (dose 1 must be on or after first birthday) 1 Varicella vaccine or a health record from your Primary Care Provider showing proof of chickenpox disease or a blood test showing immunity to chickenpox. Immunization dates or an annual exemption letter for medical or philosophical reasons must be on file as follows: Kindergarten - upon registration Transfer students - upon registration Additionally, the current recommendation from the Center for Disease Control for adolescents includes: Td at age 11(tetanus), pertussis, meningococcal meningitis vaccine, and HPV vaccine Hepatitis B series (if not already done) Medications Please note the medication policy and permission form located in this handbook. Physical Exams Health Services encourages parents to forward physical exam records to the school nurse when a student has been seen by his/her primary care provider. We will routinely send home reminder notices in grades K, 4, 7, 10 if we do not receive documentation of an exam for our health records. A physical examination provides the school with valuable information about the health status of your child and is an important part of the health record. The Gorham School Department is not responsible for providing physical examinations for students. The Athletic Department requires a physical every 2 years in grades 6-12 for any student who is playing a school sport. Please keep a copy on hand of your childs physical exam report so that it is readily available for any sports season. Student Health Records Student health information both written and oral is confidential. The information will only be shared to enhance the educational process of the student by understanding any underlying health problem. Throughout the school year, medical alert lists are distributed to faculty and staff listing allergies, medications, and chronic conditions of the students meeting these guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the health of your child please contact your school nurse. 6/10 tmrn CLASSROOMS OF STUDENTS WITH KNOWN ALLERGIES 1. A letter will be sent home to the parents of all students at the beginning of the school year and again in January (by the school nurse) to remind parents to review the handbook for allergy information. 2. No obvious nuts, peanuts or peanut butter foods will be consumed in the classroom of students with known food allergies in grades K-5. 3. Students may consume nuts, peanuts and peanut butter foods in the cafeteria or other designated area followed by surface cleaning and hand washing. 4. In the classroom with a known allergy student: The classroom adult is responsible for monitoring that the environment is cleaned after food consumption in grades K-5. All tables in the classroom will be cleaned immediately after food consumption. An adult will spray surfaces with a school approved cleaner and the area will be wiped dry after. Students will wash their hands with soap and water. Hand washing by all students after eating. 5. All students will wash their hands with soap and water upon arriving at school in grades K-5 6. Snacks provided for an entire class should not contain obvious nuts, peanuts, or peanut butter foods. 7. No food trading, touching or sharing ever. 8. The classroom teacher is responsible for including the allergy plan of the allergy student in the sub packet. 9. Teachers will notify parents of allergy students about lesson plans or activities involving the use of any food. 10. Epi-pens will be kept in a case on a hook by the classroom door in grades K-5. Students in grades 6-12 may self-carry-see medication policy. 11. If the building is evacuated the adult in the classroom is responsible for carrying the students Epi-pen or other emergency medicine with them. BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 1. The school nurse is a resource for activity leaders to discuss any health concerns related to students in their activity or sport. 2. It is the parents responsibility to notify the adult in charge about the health conditions related to their child for any before or after school activity including the location of all medicines (Epi-pen, inhalers etc.). 3. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide emergency medicine for before and after school events and to be sure that any required medication is in the students personal back-pack or sports bag. 4. The activity leader will include a place on the registration sheet for parents to complete any information related to health conditions. 5. As part of any activity sign-up, health concerns including allergies must be communicated by the parent to the adult in charge consulting with the school nurse when necessary. FIELD TRIPS 1. Teachers must notify the school nurse and parent one week in advance of any trip. 2. It is the parents responsibility to provide the school with an updated field trip permission form annually. 3. A medication permission form must be completed and signed by the parent and the students physician annually. 4. It is the parents responsibility to provide an Epi-pen and/or emergency medications for students with known allergy reactions. 5. Teachers will be aware of the students in their care that have histories of known severe allergic reactions by reviewing the medical alert list and individual allergy plan(s). 6. The teacher will bring: The field trip permission forms Allergy plan First aid kit containing an Epi-pen and/or Epi-pen Jr. and Medical Alert list Any medication the student requires must go with them, including inhalers 7. It is the classroom teachers responsibility to be sure all students with Epi-pens and inhalers have them available for any field trip. CAFETERIA 1. Allergen safe tables (specific to known allergen) will be clearly marked (responsibility of cafeteria manager). 2. Allergy posters will be on display in cafeteria and throughout the school. 3. Children with allergies will not assist in cleaning assignments. 4. There will be no cross cleaning of tables. All allergy safe tables will be cleaned with separate equipment by the custodial staff. Adults will monitor the allergy safe tables in grades K-5. 6. Allergies from the med alert list will be listed on the cafeteria computer (data input by cafeteria staff). 7. An Epi-Pen will be available in an unlocked area of the cafeteria. 8. Parents and food service directors will review labels and keep the allergic student informed. 9. In buildings where the cafeteria is also used for class, the floors will be washed after any eating event that has occurred. TRANSPORTATION 1. Parents will introduce child with allergy to the bus driver or sub bus driver. 2. NO eating on the bus during routine bus trips to and from school unless it is medically necessary. 3. Students will be instructed about bus protocols related to food with the annual student bus training. 4. At the parents request, preferential seating to the front of the bus may be arranged with transportation department. 5. Parents must inform the bus driver, if a student has emergency medicine such as an inhaler, Epi-pen, glucagon in the outside pocket of their backpack. Any concerns with the transportation of students will be directed to the transportation director. MEDICATIONS 1. The school physician will issue an annual order for Epi-pens and Benadryl to be available for use by any school staff in an emergency (see Physicians Standing Orders Anaphylaxis Protocol). 2. The school nurse team leader will be responsible for obtaining annual orders from the school physician. 3. Each school will have a limited supply of Epi-pens for emergency use and/or field trips. 4. Parents are responsible for supplying Epi-pens and other medications for students with known allergies. The parent of any student who may self-carry a medication is responsible for tracking the expiration date and replacing the medication when needed. 5. The school nurse will check expiration dates and replace school supplied Epi-pens as needed. 6. Students will not be allowed to carry medications except under the conditions outlined in the school medication policy. 7. Students who self-carry medications are responsible for proper storage and availability of Epi-pens and other emergency medications. Staff must be aware that Epi-pens will be available in the school office, cafeteria and other designated areas to provide quick access in an emergency. 8. Epi-pens will be stored at 59-86 degrees, room temperature. They may not be left in a hot or cold vehicle/bus or stored in sunlight. This is the responsibility of the adult on duty. 9. It is the responsibility of the adult on duty during outdoor activities including recess, to carry the Epi-pen(s) in an insulated fanny pack in all K-5 locations. 10. The fanny pack for recess (K-5) and building evacuations will be located in the main office. 11. For elementary (K-5) students whose IHP requires the Epi-pen to follow the student to classrooms, unless there is a self-carry order in place, the adult will move the Epi-pen from room to room and hang the Epi-pen on a hook near the door of the classroom. Gorham School Health Services Department Dear Parents, Due to the increasing number of students with severe allergies to foods and other products that are life-threatening, we are asking you to review with your child the allergy procedure located in the school handbook. We need your co-operation in speaking with your child regarding the importance of NOT sharing food with others here at school or on the bus in order to avoid inadvertent exposure to a food which could cause a severe allergic reaction. Students may choose to sit at an allergy safe table available in the cafeteria to reduce the risk of exposure to known allergens. Please let your childs teacher know ahead of time if you want to send in a snack for the entire class so that arrangements can be made for the child with allergies to bring in an alternative snack. Please do not send in snacks intended to be shared with the class that may contain obvious nuts, peanuts or peanut butter. We appreciate your help in this matter. Please contact your school nurse with any concerns. Sincerely, Gorham School Nurses Code: JLCE ALLERGY POLICY The Gorham School Committee is committed to providing a safe environment for students who have an allergy history. In the event of an allergic reaction, the students individual physician orders will be followed. In the absence of individual student orders, the anaphylaxis procedure in the Health Policy and Procedure manual will be followed. The decision to carry and self-administer epinephrine and inhalers should be made jointly by the students physician, family, the student and school nurse. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities to Provide: Physician documentation of the allergy Signed medication permission forms or allergy plan to administer medication Epi-pens or other allergy medications Information about students allergy Emergency contact information Physician contact information School Responsibilities: All staff will be trained annually in the care of students with allergies. An Epi-pen will be readily available in the office and cafeteria of every school building. All reasonable efforts will be made to avoid student exposures to allergens. With this in mind, latex balloons will not be allowed in any school buildings and allergy safe eating areas will be provided in every school. The district will continue to review measures that will improve the safety and well-being of students. Cross Reference: JLCD – Student Medication Adopted: April 6, 2011 Student Medication The following procedures are an adjunct to the policy and reflect a process intended to safely implement administration of medications in the school setting. Procedures 1. Students will not be permitted to carry and self-administer any medication (including over the counter meds) in school except under very special circumstances (see #2) with a written order from the physician. 2. Students with asthma or allergies may be permitted to carry inhalers, Epipens, or other medications if the school nurse receives written permission from the parent and the students physician that the child is able to manage the medication administration independently. Students must demonstrate to the school nurse the ability to safely administer the prescribed medication. 3. Unlicensed trained personnel or the school nurse will administer medications in the school setting. 4.The medication permission form must be completely filled in and signed by the parent and physician. One form is required for each medication, and a new form must be received at the beginning of each school year and when any changes are made to the original physician order. 5. All medications must be delivered to the school by a parent or other designated adult. Medications must be in a pharmacy labeled bottle or the original over the counter container. 6. All medications will be secured in a locked space within the nurses office. 7. Up to one months supply of medication may be delivered to school at one time. Parents are responsible for removing the medications from school once a medication has been discontinued, or at the end of the school year. Medications left in the clinic after students are dismissed on the last day of school will be discarded. 8. Arrangements should be made in advance of field trips to alter the administration time of medication for the day. If a medication is necessary for the health of a child during a field trip, a plan will be developed in collaboration with the students parents. 9. Parents will supply the school with all medications including Tylenol, Advil, allergy medicine, and Epipens. 10. School personnel administering medication shall document the date, time, and amount of medication administered. Updated 8/05 tmrn Request for School Personnel to Administer Medication To be completed by the physician/dentist: Students Name____________________ Telephone__________________ Allergies____________________ Name of Medication_________________________ Dosage___________________________________ Time to Administer__________________________ Physicians Name___________________________ Telephone_________________________________ Reason for Medication_________________________________________________ Side Effects________________________________________________ Termination Date______________________________________________________ I understand that school employees are not medically trained personnel and that a school nurse is not available to give individual nursing attention at all times during the school day. However, the above-named student is in need of the medication during school hours to maintain his/her health. In my opinion, his/her need for the medication is so important that, if the school nurse is not available, I advise and request that non-medical school personnel dispense this medication in accordance with the above instructions. In the event of side effects, school officials should take the following action: ____________________________________________________________________________ Physician Signature___________________________________Date________________ To be completed by a parent/legal guardian: I understand that school employees are not medically trained personnel and that a school nurse is not available to give individual nursing attention at all times during the school day. With full knowledge of this, I hereby request and give my consent to have the medication specified above administered by the school nurse or by other non-medical personnel designated by the school principal in accordance with the instructions of the physician as stated above. Parent Signature ________________________________Date__________________ Revised 8/05 tmrn File: JOC STUDENT MEDICATION POLICY The Gorham School Committee is committed to ensuring the safety of all students who may require medications at school. To ensure safe practice this medication policy was developed with the intention of keeping students requiring essential medications in school without placing undue burden upon those responsible for their care. Medications will not be administered without the written consent of both the parent and the students physician. The physician should concur that the administration of a medication during school hours is necessary for the health of the student. The physician order must include: • the medication, route, and dosage • frequency • the length of time to administer the medication (no longer than the current school year) • medication side effects • the medical personnel to notify in case of an untoward effect of the medication In the interest of maintaining students health, nurses may ask the parent to seek a physician's advice if the use of over-the-counter medication is prolonged or may be inappropriate. Adopted: December 8, 1999, revised 8/05 School Bus Safety & Awareness At Home and at Your Bus Stop When leaving your home, go directly to your bus stop Respect the property of people who live at or near your bus stop. Use your assigned bus stop each day. Be at the bus stop five minutes before your bus is scheduled to arrive.  This will help keep your bus on schedule. Stand on the sidewalk or on the shoulder of the road. Wait until your bus comes to a complete stop before moving to board it. If you must cross the street to board the bus, wait until it has stopped, the red school bus lights are flashing and the driver signals that it is safe.  Then, look both ways and cross ten feet in front of the bus. Please note:  In an effort to ensure student safety and reduce student behavioral violations, video cameras may be used to monitor students during transport to and from school and co-curricular activities.   Boarding and Riding the Bus Please note:  Student must have a note to ride on a bus other than their regular bus     Board the bus in an orderly manner Listen to the driver at all times.       Take a seat and stay seated until the bus reaches your destination. Talk in a normal tone so that you do not distract the driver. Keep the aisle and the emergency exits clear of all belongings. Drinking and eating are not permitted on the bus.   Pointed or sharp objects such as pens, pencils, or scissors should be carried in a case or container. Glass containers are not allowed on the bus. Skateboards are not allowed on the bus.  Flammable materials, lighters, matches, and other such paraphernalia are not allowed on the bus.         Do not throw objects from the bus.       Do not put your head or hands out of the windows.        Do not deface, damage, or tamper with any of the bus equipment, including emergency exits.  Anyone found doing so will not only lose transportation privileges, but will be required to pay for repairs.         Be courteous, use appropriate language.  Stay in your seat at all times when the bus is in motion.        Keeps your hands to yourself.    Respect others' personal space and property.     Students are not allowed to hang items, such as key chains or trinkets from their backpacks as they may damage the bus seats and may also potentially be caught on the bus handrail, causing danger to students when entering and exiting the bus. When you leave the Bus... Get off at your designated stop.         Assist younger children when leaving the bus. If you must cross the street, walk ten feet in front of the bus and then look up at your driver for his/her okay to step into the street.  Then, walk only to the outside edge of the bus, stop and look both ways to be certain all traffic has stopped and then proceed to the other side of the street. Go directly home. Extra Curricular Activities On a field trip or sports trip, the teacher accompanying you is responsible for student’s behavior, and will expect you to follow the rules and regulations. The same rules and regulations apply any time you ride a school bus. Riding the school bus is a privilege.  Repeated and/or serious misconduct could result in loss of riding privileges. Late Buses Because of varied rider ship, late buses do not automatically stop at each bus stop listed on the schedules.  It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the driver is aware of the bus stop that the student wishes to use. Late run buses take students to a stop in the general area of their home rather to student's regularly assigned bus stop. Other Safety Information Live animals, firearms, explosives or anything of a dangerous nature are not permitted in school buses.  Also, gym bags, band instruments, school projects, and other similar items are not permitted on the school bus unless they can be held on the student's lap without endangering the safety of other pupils. For the safety and convenience of others on the bus, it is suggested that students with large musical instruments should attempt to sit in the front seats of the bus, if available. The following musical instruments are too large to be transported on buses to and from school:  baritone sax, baritone horn, brass trombone, cello, drums, electric bass, electric piano,  marimba, mellophone, sousaphone, string-bass, tuba, vibraharp, and xylophone amplifier system.  Parents should make arrangements to transport these instruments and any large projects or items to school and back. Parents and school staff should watch for and be aware that drawstrings on students' clothing and backpacks can become caught on bus handrails, etc. when exiting the bus.  Students are not allowed to hang items, such as key chains or trinkets from their backpacks. Violation of the Rules The bus driver will reprimand the student for minor violations.  The bus driver will report serious or repeated violations to the school principal in writing.    The school principal will notify the student and the parent or guardian of the violations and of the disciplinary action which must be taken. Student Bus Discipline Procedure The bus driver may assign seats.         The bus driver may give a warning.       Students are expected to follow the school bus safety and awareness rules outlined by the Transportation Department and included in the student handbook. Our goal is to provide a safe bus ride for all students. »  1st slip--written warning/detention/meet with administrator »  2nd slip--suspended from bus privileges for two (2) days »  3rd slip--suspended from bus privileges for five (5) days »  4th slip--suspension to be determined from ten (10)days to remainder of school year. »  Serious safety infractions or unlawful acts may result in immediate loss of bus riding privileges at any time. * Suspension is an option at any time depending on the situation. ** Exceptions to these rules include children with special education needs and learning/behavioral plans. *** All of the rules and safety issues listed above apply to the late bus. Bus regulations should be reviewed by parents and students together.  Questions concerning transportation of students should be directed to the Director of Transportation, Norm Justice at 893-2547 or 893-2578. Code: EEA STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES School busses shall be owned, operated, and maintained by the Gorham School Department for the transportation of eligible resident children within the district. These busses shall be operated within the limits of the laws of the State of Maine. Transportation to scheduled school events will normally be provided by school department owned vehicles. In the event that use of such vehicles is impossible or impractical, students may be transported in private cars, provided that proof of insurance is on file with the School Department, a minimum of one week in advance of said event. Definition of Terms: Assigned Vehicles: The vehicle assigned to a geographic area for the transport to and from the area. Bus Stop: The pick up and drop off location determined to be a safe, accessible, and central location for a student or a group of students. Care Provider: A parent, guardian, relative or assigned child-sitter or day care center that is responsible for the care and well-being of a student. Walking Distance: The distance determined to be safe and reasonable for a student to walk to school or to a designated (pickup/discharge) location used as a central stop. Attendance Area: The area within which the student resides and attends school. Walking Distances: K-5: Students in grades K-5 will not be required to walk more than .3 of a mile to school or the nearest central bus stop. 6-12: Students in grades 6-12 will not be required to walk more than 1 mile to school or the nearest designated central bus stop. Required walking distances may exceed distances stated due to safety concerns, remote locations, or near proximity (+/- 500 feet) to actual distances stated. Considerations: Safety: Safety and not sidewalks will be the determining factor for a student to walk to school or to a central bus stop. Responsibility: It shall be the responsibility of a student’s care provider to ensure the safety and proper behavior of students to, from, and at designated bus stops. Limitations of Bus Access: No Gorham school bus shall enter any private way. No Gorham school bus shall enter any public way that is determined to be unsafe for bus passage or does not provide adequate turnaround facilities. No route change shall be altered to accommodate student care providers, but students may be picked up or discharged in the following circumstances: 1. The pickup or discharge location is on existing bus route that normally serves the student’s school; and 2. The determination as to whether or not a Gorham school bus will pickup or discharge students at a location other than the nearest central bus stop shall rest solely with the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, specifically the Director of Facilities & Transportation. 3. Special Education Transportation: Special Education Students shall be provided bus transportation in accordance with Chapter 310, Title 20-A MRSA Transportation guidelines. Assignment of Busses: Bus Assignments: The student’s place of residence designates their school attendance area. Request to Ride Alternative Busses: Any student requesting to ride on a bus (pickup and discharge) may do so only if the location is on an existing bus route that normally serves the student’s school attendance area. The student’s care provider must contact the Transportation Department in a timely manner, in advance, to request permission for their student to ride on an alternative bus. The care provider must also provide written permission to the student’s school prior to final approval for alternate transportation. Right of Refusal: The Transportation Department reserves the right to refuse a request for alternate bus transportation for students if such transportation may infringe on the mission of the Transportation Department. Any student(s) alternate transportation needs are the sole responsibility of the student’s care provider. Appeal Protocol, Request for Variance/Exception: A request for a variance/exception to the established policy governing transportation of students to and from school must be made in writing to the Director of Facilities and Transportation. Each request must demonstrate that it is a unique circumstance and/or a hardship that cannot easily be resolved through other options. The decision of the Director of Facilities and Transportation and the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee will be final. Further, each Request: 1. will be reviewed and assessed on a case-by-case basis. 2. if granted, be for a maximum of that present school year. 3. if granted, will be “locked-in” for that present school year 4. will be dependent upon availability (educational program & capacity/load of bus route). Legal Reference: Title 20-A MRSA Section 5401 Cross Reference: EEAI-R – Accident Reports and Procedures Adopted: August 27, 1973 Amended: November 29, 1978 May 21, 1980 August 13, 1980 January 11, 1984 June 23, 2010 Reviewed: May 8, 200270 Code: EEAEC STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES Supervision of riders on buses will be the prime responsibility of the bus driver. Discipline problems shall be reported directly to the Director of Transportation and the Principal of the school the child attends. The Principal and the Director of Transportation, on the basis of the bus drivers report and after investigation, will then administer what, in their opinion, is the measure of disciplinary action necessary, including denying bus privileges to a student, after informing both the students parents and the bus driver of his/her proposed action. Warning notices will be sent to parents by the Director of Transportation or Principal to inform them that continued irregular behavior on school buses by their children will terminate their privileges to ride the Town of Gorham buses. Adopted:        August 27, 1973 Amended:        November 29, 1978 May 21, 1980 August 13, 1980 January 11, 1984 Reviewed:       May 8, 2002 Code: JJE Student Fund-Raising Activities Policy Statement The Gorham School Committee recognizes the value of participation in public service projects, which may include the raising of funds. The School Committee believes that the goal of any fund-raising activity must be enrichment of the learning process for students. The School Committee recognizes the school systems responsibility to avoid excessive solicitation. Guidelines 1. All fund-raising activities and community service projects which require solicitation are subject to this policy whether they are classroom-based or school-wide, including school sponsored activities and athletic teams. 2. The principal must approve all fund-raising activities in advance, before the activity is announced to students or families. All approved activities must address the policy statement above and these guidelines. 3. Teachers/advisors will inform students and families in writing of the activitypurpose, the intended use of the receipts, and the expectations given to students for participation. 4. No student will be required to participate in any fund-raising activity. All activities will be designed to avoid embarrassment to any student who chooses not to participate. Rewards and prizes for participation are not allowed for classroom-based activities. 5. No fund-raising activity may compete with the School Nutrition Program. 6. All funds will be handled in accordance with the Student Activities Fund Management Policy (JJF). 7. The Superintendent will review this policy and coordinate fund-raising activities with the administrative team each fall. Cross Reference: JJF – Student Activities Fund Management Adopted: August 27, 1973 Reviewed: May 21, 1980 Amended: December 11, 1985, March 15, 1989, June 26, 2002 Code: ILD STUDENT SURVEYS AND MARKETING INFORMATION From time to time, the Gorham School Department may administer surveys to students in the course of developing and evaluating programs and services offered in the schools. The school department will comply with the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Act and applicable regulations concerning the administration of surveys and the use of personal information about students for marketing purposes as outlined in this policy. Parental Consent to Surveys No student shall be required to participate in a survey receiving funding under U.S. Department of Education programs that reveals the following information without prior notice to and the written consent of parents/guardians: 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent; 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family; 3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; 7. Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent; or 8. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program). In the case of surveys not funded under U.S. Department of Education programs, parents/ guardians will receive prior notice of the survey and their right to opt-out. Parents/guardians may request that their child not participate in a particular survey by submitting a written request to the Superintendent within ten days of receiving the notice. Notice to Parents Regarding Surveys Parents/guardians will be provided with a copy of this policy at the beginning of each school year, and within a reasonable time if substantive changes are made to the policy by the School Committee. If actual or expected dates of survey have been scheduled when the policy is distributed, parents/guardians of affected students will be notified at that time. If surveys are scheduled after the start of the school year, parents/guardians will be provided with reasonable notice before the survey is administered. Procedure for Inspection or Surveys/Instructional Materials Parents/guardians have the right to inspect any survey created by a third party before it is distributed or administered to students. Parents may also inspect any instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any survey. Parents/guardians may request to inspect surveys or related instructional materials by submitting a request in writing to the Superintendent within ten days of receiving notice that a survey is being administered. The Superintendent shall make arrangements for the parent/ guardian to inspect the survey and/or materials within reasonable time prior to the scheduled date for the survey. Use of Student Personal Information for Marketing Purposes The Gorham School Department does not collect, use or disseminate personal information about students for marketing or commercial purposes. This policy does not prevent the collection, use or dissemination of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for or to students or educational institutions. The Gorham School Department shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and all other federal and state laws and regulations concerning confidentiality and maintenance of student records and information. Students Over 18/Emancipated Students In the case of emancipated students or students over the age of 18, the parent/guardian rights described in this policy transfer to the student. Complaints The United States Department of Education maintains an office that handles complaints about alleged violations of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment by local school districts. Complaints regarding violations may be submitted in writing to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. Section 1232h; 34 C.F.R. Part 98 Cross Reference: JRA – Student Educational Records Adopted: December 10, 2003 Code JICK BULLYING It is the intent of the Gorham School Committee to provide all students with an equitable opportunity to learn and all staff with the opportunity to perform their professional responsibilities. To that end, the School Committee has a significant interest in providing a safe, orderly and respectful school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. Bullying is detrimental to student learning and achievement. It interferes with the mission of the schools to educate their students and disrupts the operations of the schools. Bullying affects not only students and staff who are targets but also those who participate and witness such behavior. The School Committee also believes that promoting ethical and responsible behavior is an essential part of the school district’s educational purpose. Ethics, responsible behavior an “character” are important if a student is to leave school as a “responsible and involved citizen” as described in the Guiding Principles of Maine’s system of Learning Results. Bullying interferes with the accomplishment of this goal. Finally, the School Committee recognizes the well-publicized incidents of violence and threatened violence that have occurred nationally in the past several years. As research suggests a link between bullying and school violence, the School Committee seeks to avoid such incidents and instead take a systemic approach to bullying prevention and intervention. It is not the School Committee’s intent to prohibit students from expressing their ideas, including ideas that may offend the sensibilities of others, or from engaging in civil debate. However, the School Committee does not condone and will take action in response to conduct that interferes with students’ opportunity to learn, the ability of the staff to teach, the educational mission of the Gorham schools, and the operation of the schools. Bullying Prohibited Bullying as defined in this policy is not acceptable conduct in Gorham schools and is prohibited. Any student who engages in conduct that constitutes bullying shall be subject to disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension and expulsion. A student’s bullying behavior may also be addressed through other behavioral interventions. Bullying Defined For the purpose of this policy, “bullying” means any physical act or gesture or any verbally, written, or electronically communicated expression. This includes cyber bullying defined herein as any harassment that occurs via the internet, cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices that: A reasonable person should expect will have the effect of: 1. Physically or psychologically harming a student; or 2. Damaging a student’s property; or 3. Placing a student in reasonable fear of harm or damage to his/her property; or 4. Substantially disrupting the instructional program or the orderly operations of the school; or B. Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, hostile educational environment for the student who is bullied. Application of Policy This policy applies to bullying that takes place at school or on school grounds, using school property (ex: computers) at any school-sponsored activity or event, or while students are being transported to or from school or school-sponsored activities or events. Examples of conduct that may constitute bullying include, but are not limited to: A. Physical contact or injury to another person or his/her property: B. Threats of harm to a student, to his/her possessions, or to other individuals, whether transmitted verbally, in writing or through cyberspace: C. Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money, or involuntary loans or donations; D. Non-verbal threats and/or intimidations such as use of aggressive or menacing gestures; E. Stalking; F. Blocking access to school property or facilities; G. Stealing or hiding books, backpacks, or other possessions; H. Repeated or pervasive taunting, name-calling, belittling, mocking, put-downs, or demeaning humor relating to a student’s race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics, whether or not the student actually possesses them, that could reasonably be expected to result in disruption of the instructional program or operations of the schools, or that results in a hostile educational environment for the student. This policy does not preclude teachers or school administrators from setting and enforcing rules of civility, courtesy, and/or responsible behavior in the classroom and the school environment. The determination whether particular conduct constitutes bullying requires reasonable consideration of the circumstances, which includes, but is not limited to, the frequency of the behavior at issue, the location in which the behavior occurs, the ages and maturity of the students involved, the activity or context in which the conduct occurs, and the nature and severity of the conduct. Delegation of Responsibility The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures for: A. Student and parent reporting of bullying to staff and school administrators; B. Staff reporting of bullying to school administrators; C. Review of reports and investigation of bullying incidents; D. Intervention with and/or discipline of students who engage in bullying; E. Support for students who are victims of bullying; F. Training staff and students in bullying prevention; and G. Periodic evaluation of bullying prevention, intervention, and training efforts in Gorham schools and reporting to the School Committee upon request. Reporting Students who have been bullied or who observe incidents of bullying are encouraged to report this behavior to a staff member or school administrator. All incidents of bullying will be reported by staff to the administrator. Acts of reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an incident of bullying are prohibited. Any student who is determined to have falsely accused another of bullying shall be subject to disciplinary consequences. Responding to Bullying In determining the appropriate response to students who engage in bullying behavior, school administrators should consider the ages and maturity of the students involved, the type of behaviors, the frequency and/or pattern of behaviors, the context in which the incident occurred, and other relevant circumstances. Consequences may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or reports to law enforcement officials. Dissemination of Policy Notice of what constitutes bullying, the School Committee’s prohibition against bullying, and the consequences for students who bully shall be communicated to students and parents through the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A, Section 1001(15)(H) P.L. 2005, Chapter 307, Section 4-5 Cross Reference: AC – Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students ACAD – Hazing ADF – School Commitment to Learning Results JI – Student Rights and Responsibilities JICC – Student Conduct on Buses JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JK – Student Discipline JKD – Suspension of Students JKE – Expulsion of Students Student Code of Conduct Adopted: November 8, 2006 Amended: March 9, 2011 Code: ADC PROHIBITION OF TOBACCO Tobacco use in any form, or the sale or exchange thereof is prohibited on all school property, and by extension, at all school sponsored or school approved activities, on or off school property. Legal Reference: Goals 2000 Educate America Act, Fed. P. L 103-227 22 MRSA Section 1578-B, 22 MRSA Section 1580(A)(3) Adopted: September 14, 1994 Reviewed: February 13, 2002 Amended: January 11, 2012 Code: JICH STUDENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE In order to promote the highest possible standards of learning, as well as the physical, social and emotional well-being of students, this policy is designed to: aid students in abstaining from the unlawful use of alcohol and drugs; provide for early intervention when use is detected; and, provide disciplinary action when necessary. Accomplishing this requires a cooperative effort among students, parents, school staff and law enforcement. Any school staff member who has reason to suspect that a student has violated this policy is expected to report the incident to an appropriate administrator immediately. Compliance with this policy is mandatory. A. Prevention The Gorham School Department will provide students with information and activities focused on abstaining from the use of alcohol and drugs. Such information and activities will address the legal, social and health consequences of drug and alcohol use and will provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs and alcohol. The Gorham School Department will work in partnership with students, parents/guardians and local  law enforcement officials to eliminate these risks for students. B. Intervention The Gorham School Department has a Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator to provide non-clinical chemical health assessments, assist students in addressing their harmful involvement with chemicals and in continuing their educational program. Information will be provided, as appropriate, about drug and alcohol counseling and treatment, and programs that are available to students. C. Rules and Sanctions Students are prohibited from consuming, possessing, furnishing, selling, receiving, buying, manufacturing or being under the influence of prohibited substances before, during and after school hours, at school, in any school building, on any school premises, in any school owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities, off school property at any school-sponsored or school-approved activity, event or function (such as a field trip or athletic event) where students are under the jurisdiction of the school unit, or at any time or place if the conduct directly interferes with the operation, discipline or welfare of the schools. The term “prohibited substance” shall include, but not be limited to: 1.       Alcohol; 2.      Scheduled drugs (as defined in 17-A MRSA § 1101); 3.      Controlled substances (as defined in the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC § 812); 4.      Any performance-enhancing substance listed on the Maine Department of Health and Human Services' banned substances list and any other substance which is illegal in Maine or the use of which is illegal for minors; 5.      Prescription drugs not prescribed for the student and/or not in compliance with the Board's policy on administering medications to students (see Board policy JLCD); 6.      Any substance which can affect or change a student's mental, physical or behavior pattern, including but not limited to volatile materials such as glue, paint or aerosols (when possessed for the purpose of inhalation); 7.      Paraphernalia - implements used for distribution or consumption of a prohibited      substance; or 8.      Any look-alike drug or substance that is described as or is purported to be a prohibited substance defined in this section. Any violation of the terms of this policy shall constitute sufficient grounds for student discipline, including suspension or expulsion from school, at the appropriate discretion of the administration and the Board. The School Resource Officer or other appropriate law enforcement authority shall also be notified of violations of this policy. Students who participate in athletics and co-curricular activities may be subject to additional rules and sanctions. This policy shall be disseminated to students and parents/guardians through means selected by the administration. Legal References:       21 USC 812 (Controlled Substance Act); 21 CFR Part 1300.11-15 20 USC 7101 et seq. (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act) 17-A MRSA 1101 42 USC 290dd-2; 42 CFR 2.1 et seq. 20-A MRSA 1001(9); 4008; 6621 et seq. Cross References:       JIC - Student Code of Conduct JICH-R - Student Drug and Alcohol Administrative Procedures JICIA - Weapons, Violence, Bullying and School Safety JKD - Suspension of Students JKE - Expulsion of Students JLCD - Administering Medications to Students JRA - Student Records Adopted:         December 14, 2011       Code: JICIA WEAPONS, VIOLENCE AND SCHOOL SAFETY The Gorham School Committee believes that students and staff are entitled to learn and work in an environment free of violence, threats, and disruptive behavior. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for others and in accordance with Committee policies, school rules, reasonable unwritten behavior expectations, and applicable state and federal laws. School staff members are required to immediately report incidents of prohibited conduct by students to the building administrator/designee for investigation and appropriate action. Prohibited Conduct Students are prohibited from engaging in the following conduct on school property, while in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with operations, discipline or general welfare of the school: A. Possession and/or use of articles (except as provided by law) commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, any other kind of gun, ammunition, explosives, cross-bows, brass knuckles, switchblades, knives, chains, clubs, Kung Fu stars and numchucks; B. Use of any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict bodily harm and/or threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to bats, belts, picks, pencils, compasses, objects capable of ignition (e.g., matches, lighters, CO2 cartridges), files, laser pointers, tools or any sort and replicas of weapons (including toys); C. Violent or threatening behavior, including but not limited to fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property (e.g., verbal or written death threats, threats of bodily harm, bomb threats); D. Verbal or written statements (including those made on or through a computer) which threaten, intimidate or harass others, which tend to incite violence and/or disrupt the school program; E. Willful and malicious damage to school or personal property; F. Stealing or attempting to steal school or personal property; G. Lewd, indecent or obscene acts or expressions of any kind; H. Violations of the Gorham School Department's drug/alcohol and tobacco policies; I. Violations of state or federal laws; J. Any other conduct that may be harmful to persons or property. Disciplinary Action Principals may suspend and/or recommend expulsion of students who violate this policy based upon the facts of each case and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Conduct which violates this policy is deliberately disobedient and deliberately disorderly within the meaning of 20-A MRSA Section 1001(9) and will be grounds for expulsion if found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school. Such conduct may also be grounds for expulsion under other provisions of 20-A MRSA Section 1001(9 and 9-A) that specifically prohibit the use and possession of weapons, infractions or violence, and possession, furnishing and trafficking of scheduled drugs. Students who are found to have brought a firearm to school (as defined by federal law), shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year, unless this requirement is modified by the Superintendent on a case-by-case basis. All firearm violations shall be referred to law enforcement authorities as required by law. Other violations of this policy shall be referred to law enforcement authorities at the discretion of the Superintendent. Students with disabilities shall be disciplined in accordance with applicable federal and state laws/regulations and School Committee policy JKF. Psychological Evaluation/Risk Assessment The Committee authorizes the Superintendent to request an immediate psychological evaluation of a student who violates this policy when, in the Superintendent's opinion, such an evaluation will assist in assessing the risk the student poses to school safety if the student were to remain in school. The Superintendent is also authorized to request psychological evaluations of students who have been identified as posing a substantial risk of violent behavior. All such evaluations shall be performed at the expense of the Gorham School Department. If the parents/guardians and/or student refuse to permit a requested psychological evaluation, the Superintendent and the Committee may draw any reasonable inferences from the student's behavior concerning the risk the student poses to school safety for purposes of determining appropriate action. Legal Reference: 20 USCA Section 8921 (Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994) 5 MRSA Section 4681 et. Seq. 17-A MRSA Section 2(9); 2(12-a) 20-A MRSA Section 1001(9); 1001(9-A); 6552 Cross Reference: ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Student ADC – Tobacco Use and Possession JICH – Alcohol and Other drug Use by Student JK – Student Discipline JKF – Removal of Students With Disabilities JIH – Questioning and Searches of Stud KLG – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Adopted: April 11, 2001 Reviewed: November 12, 2003 Code: EEAEF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE ON SCHOOL VEHICLES The Gorham School Committee recognizes the School Departments responsibility to maintain order on school buses and other vehicles used to transport students to ensure the safety of staff and students. After carefully balancing the need for discipline and safety with students interests in privacy, the School Committee supports the use of video cameras on school vehicles. In an effort to reduce student behavior violations, the cameras may be used to monitor student behavior during transport to and from school and co-curricular activities. When the resulting videotapes are used as a basis for discipline, parent/guardians(s) will be notified in writing and given the opportunity to view the tape of their child. Students in violation of school discipline and conduct codes shall be dealt with in accordance with established School Committee policy, administrative guidelines and school practices. Notice of use of video cameras for disciplinary purposes in school vehicles will be provided to all students, parents and staff on an annual basis. Moreover, notice that video observation may take place will be posed in each transportation vehicle. The Director of Transportation will maintain all tapes. The Director may provide access to tapes only upon request by a Gorham School Department administrator. Students and/or parents may view tapes under the supervision of a School department administrator. Only segments of the tape relevant to the student conduct will be reviewed. Tapes will be erased at the end of each school year unless there is an unresolved discipline issue for which an individual tape is relevant. Adopted: June 13, 2001 Reviewed: May 8, 2002 Crisis Plan/Bomb Threats/Biohazards In conjunction with local town, fire and police departments, the Gorham School Department has worked extensively to put into place a Crisis Plan for responses in emergency situations. Depending on the type of incident that may arise, a different response protocol may be enacted. We treat each of these events separately as we decide on a response. Safety issues, health issues, communicating security and deterrence are all discussed as public safety commanders and school administrators decide whether or not to move students, where they should be put if they are moved, and under what conditions school can resume. Some incidents may evolve over time. We may take a step or two before deciding what to do next. In all cases, the Crisis Plan will be followed. In any event, keeping students safe is always our most important consideration. Extensive training as well as staff professionalism and flexibility serve to fulfill this purpose. The following forms are available upon request: • Request For Reconsideration of Educational Material • Request For Review of Library Materials • Notification For Specific Pesticide Application

Last Modified: May 16, 2013