Worcester Public Schools Student Handbook 2019—2020
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Worcester Public Schools Student Handbook 2019—2020 Please Note: The form located on the back of this Handbook must be signed and returned to school. www.worcesterschools.org/handbook SCHOOL COMMITTEE Mayor Joseph M. Petty - Chairman Molly O. McCullough —Vice-Chair Dianna L. Biancheria Dante A. Comparetto John L. Foley John F. Monfredo Brian A. O'Connell, Esq. i SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE The Worcester Public Schools is pleased to present the 2019-20 Student Handbook to inform students and parents/guardians of the important policies and procedures that are in effect in our school system. Thank you for reviewing this handbook with your child and for keeping it for future reference. Please note there have been revisions made to some of the policies and procedures from the previous year. We ask that you pay particular attention to those revisions. Best wishes for a successful 2019-20 school year, Superintendent Maureen F. Binienda Handbook Updates Opt-Out Policy for EL Students………………………………………………………………..2 Dress Code Policy…………………………………………………………………………………...8 Access to Students During School Hours……………………………………………….14 Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure……………………………………………..26 Rule #14. Cell Phone Policy…………………………………………………………………...43 Home and Hospital Educational Services……………………………………………...61 Attendance Policy………………………………………………………………………………...66 Student Absence Notification Program………………………………………………...68 Seal of Biliteracy……………………………………….…………………………………………..79 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Registration ................................................................................................. 1 Dr. James L. Garvey Parent Information Center ............................................... 1 Opt-Out Policy for EL Students……………………………………………………………………...2 School Immunization Requirements ................................................................ 3 Registration Policy ............................................................................................ 4 Voluntary Controlled Transfer Policy ............................................................... 4 Policy for Non-resident Foreign Students holding J-1 Visas ............................. 6 School Choice ................................................................................................... 7 Voluntary School Uniform Policy ...................................................................... 8 Students’ Dress Code Policy ............................................................................. 8 Worcester Technical High School Shop and Uniform Policy ............................ 8 Policy Regarding Televised Broadcasts............................................................. 9 Pledge of Allegiance and “Moment of Silence” Policy ..................................... 9 Safety and Behavior .................................................................................... 9 Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy ...................................................... 9 Inappropriate Network Usage ........................................................................ 10 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) ......................................... 11 Science Laboratory Safety .............................................................................. 12 Security Measures ......................................................................................12 Crisis Prevention and De-Escalation ............................................................... 12 Security Cameras in Schools ........................................................................... 13 Emergency Plans ............................................................................................ 13 Student Lockers .............................................................................................. 14 Access to Students During School Hours ........................................................ 14 Visitors in the Schools .................................................................................... 15 Use of Motor Vehicles .................................................................................... 15 Legal Policies ..............................................................................................16 Due Process………………………………………………………………………………………………...16 Nondiscrimination .......................................................................................... 25 Sexual Harassment ......................................................................................... 25 Anti-hazing Law .............................................................................................. 27 Child Abuse ..................................................................................................... 28 Drug-Free Schools Zones ................................................................................ 28 Gun-Free Schools Zones ................................................................................. 29 Education of Homeless Children .................................................................... 29 Policy on Parental Notification Relative to Sexuality Education .................... 30 Annual Notice to Parents/Guardians on the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) ........................................................................ 31 Selective Service ............................................................................................. 31 Sex Offender Registry ..................................................................................... 31 Student Records ............................................................................................. 32 Every Student Succeeds Act ........................................................................... 37 Code of Conduct .........................................................................................38 School-Imposed Discipline ............................................................................. 39 Disruptive Conduct ......................................................................................... 40 Bullying and Harassment ................................................................................ 46 Athletes and Participants in School-Related Activities ................................... 48 Head Injuries and Concussions in Extracurricular Activities ........................... 49 Discipline of Students under Section 504 and ADA ........................................ 50 Students with Disabilities Receiving Special Education Services .................... 51 Resolving School-Related Problems ............................................................... 52 Health Services for Students .......................................................................53 Wellness Policy ............................................................................................... 53 Overview of School Health/Nursing Services ................................................. 53 School Health Advisory Council ...................................................................... 54 Suggested Guidelines for Safe Backpack Use ................................................. 54 iii Access for Pregnant Students ................................................................... …….54 Transportation ............................................................................................... 54 Transportation Program ........................................................................................ 54 Busing Privileges ................................................................................................... 55 Transfer Students .................................................................................................. 56 Homeless Students ............................................................................................... 56 Two Mile Limit ...................................................................................................... 56 School Bus Stops and Routing ............................................................................... 56 Riding School Buses............................................................................................... 56 Student Services ............................................................................................. 57 Social Emotional Learning ..................................................................................... 57 Section 504 - Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act ................................. 58 Special Education .................................................................................................. 60 Employment Information and Procedures ............................................................ 61 Home and Hospital Instruction ............................................................................. 61 Home Schooling .................................................................................................... 62 Instructional Policies .................................................................................. 63 Homework Policy .................................................................................................. 63 Process for Assigning Textbooks ........................................................................... 64 Promotion Policy ................................................................................................... 65 Academic Dishonesty ...........................................................................................