MILL RIVER UNION HIGH SCHOOL 2321 Middle Road, North Clarendon, VT 05759 (802) 775-3451 (802) 775-6447 (fax) Website: www.millriverschools.org

Student & Parent Handbook 2016-2017 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017

Contents Dear Mill River Union Community, Principal’s Message...... 3 School Closings………………..24 Important Phone Numbers ...... 4 School Day……………………..24 I am excited to begin working with the students, teachers, parents and community of Bell Schedule ...... 6 Skateboards, Rollerblades……...24 stakeholders at Mill River Union High School. For me, MRUHS is a dream job. Having worked Snow Day Schedule ...... 7 Student Driving………………...24 in several inner city high schools for the duration of my career as a turnaround-school Bus Pick-Up Schedule ...... 7 Withdrawal From School ……...24 administrator in North Carolina and Georgia, coming to a place like Mill River is a welcomed, School Map ...... 8 Visitors ………………………...25 refreshing change. However, there is much to be done. Academics...... 9 Extracurricular Activities……....25 Recognizing that MRUHS still has its fair share of challenges to negotiate and overcome, I am Academic Honesty ...... 9 Eligibility ……………………...28 ready to roll up my sleeves and get started. The 2016-2017 school year will be a learning Add/Drop Classes ...... 9 Cafeteria ……………………….34 experience for all of us as we grow and learn together. Undoubtedly, there is a clear need for a After School Study Hall...... 9 Health Services ………………..35 collective shift in mindset and practice within our school in order to bring MRUHS into the Class Year Placement...... 9 Lockers ………………………..36 conversation as a premier, 21st Century place of teaching and learning. That is my personal Grading System...... 10 Library ………………………...36 mission. Graduation Requirements .……………………...10 School Publications …………...37 The student and parent handbook was reviewed and revised by a committee of volunteer faculty Honor Roll ...... 10 Hazing, Harras., Bullying ……..37 members on July 21, 2016. Respecting the things that have been working, while revisiting some National Honor Society...... 11 Pupil Privacy Reports …………41 items that were not so effective, there is a new, streamlined feel to the procedures at MRU. FERPA…………………………………………..11 Questioning/Searches …………42 Please take a moment to review this document carefully as a family, and do not hesitate to drop Report Cards ...... 12 Searches and Seizures …………43 in, call, or email if you have any questions. We want to make MRUHS an open, transparent Self Help ……………………………………… 13 School Attendance …………….44 operation fueled by strong communication and consistent leadership. Special Education ………………………………13 Mid. School Philosophy ………45 Stafford Technical Center...... 13 For our students, there are a few basic rules to live by in order to find themselves successful at MRUHS: Student Records ……………………………..…13 Technology……………………………………...13 1. Be in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude. School-wide Behavior Plan……………………..16 2. Respect self, respect others, and respect tradition. Attendance Procedures …………………………20 3. Always try your best. Bus Passes………………………………………22 4. Make smart decisions. Cell Phone ……………………………………...22 Dances ……………………………………….....22 Developing young leaders who have a keen and focused eye on citizenship, creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking is what “doing school with kids” is all about Dress Code……………………………………....23 in the 21st Century. It is time we set higher standards, higher expectations, and see how far we Fire Drill / Clear the Halls ……………………...23 can go as one learning community. Interviewing, Filming, Recording……………....23 Leaving School Building and/or Grounds……...23 I look forward to working with each of you to ensure that we exhaust every effort to make Mill River Online……………………………….23 MRUHS a smashing success moving forward. Office Telephone Use……………………….….24 Respectfully,

Mr. Todd A. Finn, M.S.A. Principal, Mill River Union High School

2 3 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017

Administration and Services Faculty & Staff Voice Mail Extensions: Principal Ext. 215 Todd Finn Anthony, Kayla 264 Principal’s Admin. Assistant Ext. 207 Lynne Patrick Arend, Katy 263 Assistant Principal Ext. 206 Tyler Weideman Baasch, Debra 259 Steere, Laura 270 Attendance/Main Office Ext. 201 Mary Bride Barker, Richard 310 Stewart-Ruck, Jodie 205 Dean of Students Ext. 205 Jodie Stewart-Ruck Bruno, Peter 254 Striglia, Sue 285 Buildings & Grounds Ext. 246 Gary Marcy Cimonetti, Kristin 307 Taylor, Jonathan 234 Athletic Director Ext. 222 Kim Maniery Colvin, Mary 293 Valente, JoJo 226 Registrar Ext. 231 Laurel Gilman Congdon, Marge 275 Valley, George 258 FitzVogt Ext. 217 Brenda Lanfear Cooke, Catherine 260 Webb, Ken 242 School Services Danner, Erin 274 White, Cynthia 342 Darling, Beverly 276 Counselor, Grades 7, 8, & 9 Ext. 212 Shirl Harrington Counselor, Grades 10, 11, & 12 Ext. 211 Tabitha Pohl-Moore Flaherty, Jessica 344 Drop Out Prevention Ext. 302 Don Markie Foley, Tammy 304 Admin. Assistant Ext. 210 Adrienne Tedesco Forrest, Jennica 227 Library Ext. 216 Karen McCalla Gamache, Michael 267 Nurse Ext. 225 Lynn Miner LeVangie, Kristen 291 School Social Worker Ext. 203 Wendy Herrick Greenfield, Brian 303 Resource Officer Ext. 209 Joe Hoffman Hasenohr, Ed 266 School Psychologist Ext. 204 Justin Walker Heflin, James 279 Special Services Team Leader Ext. 239 Maggie Aines Hoyt, Lori 245 School Transportation Ext. 265 Nichole Peterson Johnson DeLear, Roxane 283 Learning Lab Ext. 301 Elizabeth Peterson Kennedy, Judy 232 Lane, Devon 251 Lareau, Annmarie 286 Latkin, L.Dan 250 Little, Jennifer 290 Little, Shane 271 Martin, Jennifer 262 Moreton, Bruce 256 Nerney, Brendan 292 Parker, Andrea 306 Parrish, Annette 233 Perry, Caress 300 Pluta, Mike 249 Pound, Thomas 273 Roach, Peter 224 Roberts, Cindy 230 Robbins, Ed 308 Savery, Wendy 309 See, Peter 282 Severance, Jennifer 280

4 5 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Mill River Union High School Bell Schedule 2016-17 Snow Day Schedule If the snow day falls on a: Monday and Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday- Regular Tuesday-Friday schedule Time Block Time Block Block Time Block Tuesday – No change to the schedule for the rest of the week Wednesday - Thursday will be a Wednesday Block day schedule (A, C, E, F& H) and Friday will be a Academic Academic Academic Academic Thursday Block day schedule (B, D, E, G, & I). 7:35 Areas 7:35 Areas Areas 7:35 Areas Thursday - Friday will be a Thursday Block day schedule (B, D, E, G, & I). Friday - No effect on the following week. Open Open Open Open

7:40 War ning Bell 7:40 Warning Bell 7:40 Warning Bell Approximate Times for Bus Pick-Ups See MRUHS website for bus schedules. 7:45 BLOCK A 7:45 7:45 BLOCK A

8:25 8:25 BLOCK A BLOCK B 8:28 BLOCK B 8:28 BLOCK B

9:08 9:08 9:08

9:11 BLOCK C 9:11 9:11 BLOCK C

9:51 9:51 BLOCK C BLOCK D 9:54 BLOCK D 9:54 BLOCK D

10:34 10:34 10:34

10:37 BLOCK E 10:37 BLOCK E BLOCK E 10:37 BLOCK E

11:10 FLEX 11:10 FLEX FLEX 11:10 FLEX

11 :13 - 11:35 BLOCK F 11:13 BLOCK F BLOCK G 11:13 - 11:35 BLOCK F 7/8 Lunch 11:35 7/8 Lunch 7/8 Lunch 7/8 Lunch 11:35 - 11:57 BLOCK F 11:35 11:35 - 11:57 BLOCK F 9/10 Lunch 11:57 9/10 Lunch 9/10 Lunch 9/10 Lunch 11:57 - 12:19 BLOCK F 11:57 11:57 - 12:19 BLOCK F 11/12 Lunch 12:19 11/12 Lunch 11/12 Lunch 11/12 Lunch 12:22 12:22 BLOCK G BLOCK F BLOCK G 12:22 BLOCK G

1:02 1:02 1:02

1:05 BLOCK H 1:05 1:05 BLOCK H

1:45 1:45 BLOCK H BLOCK I 1:48 BLOCK I 1:48 BLOCK I

2:28 2:28 2:28 6 7 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 BuildingBuilding Map Map ACADEMICS 101A - Mail/Copy Room 104 - Ms. Savery 112 - Mrs. Baasch 107 – Think Tank 101B - SRO, Deputy101A Hoffman - Mail/Copy Room 105 - Mr. See 201 - Ms.113Pohl-Moore - Ms. Cooke / Mrs. Harrington / Mr. Markie 108 - Mr. Bruno 101C - Mrs. Gilman101B – SRO, Deputy Hoffman 107 - Think Tank 202 – Ms.114 Arend - Ms. Lane Academics 109 - Teacher’s Room 101D - Mrs. Stewart-Ruck101C – Mrs. Gilman 108 - Mr. Bruno 203 - Mrs.115 Ant -hony Ms. Martin Grades 7 - 12: The academic year is divided into two semesters with two nine-week 110 - Mr. Moreton 101E - Ms. Maniery101D – Mrs. Stewart-Ruck 109 - Teacher’s Room 204 - Ms.106AJohnso -n Mrs. DeLea Patrickr 102 - Mr. Pluta 110 - Mr.11 Moreton1 - Mr. Valley 106B - Asst. Principal, Mr. Weideman marking periods in each that culminate with a semester exam. Classes meet for 9 weeks 101E – Ms. Maniery 205 - Dr. Hasenohr 103 - Mr. Latkin 111 - Mr.112 Valley - Mrs. Baasch 106C - Principal, Mr. Finn (Unified Arts), 18 weeks, and/or 36 weeks. One unit of credit represents two semester's 102 - Mr. Pluta ** - Tech Support Room 113 - Ms. Cooke 103 - Mr. Latkin 206 - Mr. Gamache work. 114 - Ms. Lane 104 - Ms. Savery 207 - Teacher’s Room 115 - Ms. Martin 105 - Mr. See 208 - Ms. Parker 106A – Mrs. Patrick Academic Honesty 106B – Asst. Principal, Mr. Weideman Cheating and plagiarism are theft. Aiding someone else in cheating is as wrong as actually 106C – Principal, Mr. Finn stealing. Plagiarizing other students’ work on graded material is considered cheating. Plagiarism, using someone’s words and/or ideas as one’s own, is a serious offense. Plagiarism includes copying another student’s work, as well as copying and using audio, video, online and other printed matter. The use of help notes such as Cliff, Monarch, or 301 – Ms. Colvin301 - Ms. Colvin Sparks on line without crediting that source is considered plagiarism. A writer is required to 302 - Mrs. Se302vera - nceMrs. Severance 303 - Mr. Heflin303 - Mr. Heflin put quotation marks around words and sentences borrowed directly and to credit them A 304 - Mr. Barker accordingly. If you paraphrase a passage or use ideas which are not your own, you must B 305 - Mr. Greenfield indicate the source. B 304 - Mr. Barker 305 – Mr. Greenfield306 - Mr. Nerney 306 - Mr. Ner307n ey- Mrs. Little Academic dishonesty is considered a Level B offense (see below). Consequences may 307 – Mrs. 308Little - Mr. Robbins include no credit given for the assignment, a parent conference, and a report to the - - 30308 – Mr. Robbins310 - Mrs. Kennedy 403 administration. It is administration’s discretion if credit can be restored through restorative A 310 – Mrs. 312Kennedy - MRUUSD 403 312 - MRUUSD practices. SR 313 - MRUUSD M O 313 - MRUUSD SRO 313A - MRUUSD 313A - MRUUSD E 313B - MRUUSD313B - MRUUSD Add/Drop Classes E D C 314 - MRUUSD314 - MRUUSD Students may add/drop a class during the two (2) week period following the beginning of D 315 - MRUUSD C A AB 315 - MRUUSD each semester. B 316 - MRUUSD316 - MRUUSD 317 – Mrs. 317Pecor - Mrs. Pecor After the deadline, appropriate forms and administrative approval are required. B 106C 318 - Mrs. 318LeVangie - Mrs. LeVangie 319 – Mrs. Forrest 319 - Mrs. Forrest 320 - Mrs. Foley A 320 - Mrs. Foley 1st semester – until 9/9/2016 2nd semester – until 2/3/17 B 321 - Computer Lab 400 - Mrs. Aines 106C 322 - Mrs. 321McC -a Computerlla Lab 322 - Mrs. McCalla 401 - Mrs. Miner rary After School 402 – Special Education Office 323 - Library Students are expected to leave the building at the end of the day. If a student is in the 404 – Mrs. Roberts * building after school waiting for transportation and/or athletic practice, the student is to 405 – Mrs Lareau * 406 - Mrs. Striglia either be in the library or in the After School Self Help program. Students are not permitted 407 - Cafeteria to be in any other areas of the building. The library will be open until 4:30. 408 - Ms. Valente 409 - Maintenance Class year placement 412 – STEM Room 420 - Mr. Webb 209 - Ms. Steere 413 – Mr. Taylor 421 - Mr. Roach 210 - Mr. Little In order to be advanced, students must obtain the following credits (must pass all core 211 – Conference Room 400 - Mrs. Aines 415 - Ms. Perry 422 - Mrs. Cimonetti classes): 416 - Ms. Hoyt 423 - Auditorium 212 - Mr. Pound 401 - Mrs. Miner 416 - Ms. Hoyt 213 - Ms. Danner 402 - Special Education417 – Mrs.OfficeFlaherty 424 - Stage 40 Tech 417 - Mrs. Flaherty 214 - Mrs. Congdon Class of 2016 & 2017 Class of 2018 & 2019 404 - Mrs. Roberts418 - Wrestling Room418 - Wrestling Room425 - Ms. White 201 - Ms. Pohl-Moore, Mrs. Harrington 208 - Ms. Parker 215 – Mrs. Darling 405 - Mrs. Lareau 420 - Mr. Webb 426 - Learning Lab & Mr. Markie 209 - Ms. Steere Grade Credits Grade Credits 406 - Mrs. Striglia 421 - Mr. Roach 428 - Ms. Parrish/Mr. Farnum202 - Ms. Arend 210 - Mr. Little 407 - Cafeteria 422 - Mrs. Cimonetti 203 - Mrs. Anthony 211 - Conference Room 11 19.5 9 7 408 - Ms. Valente 423 - Auditorium 204 - Ms. Johnson DeLear 212 - Mr. Pound 12 26 10 14 409 - Maintenance 424 - Stage 40 Tech 205 - Dr. Hasenohr 213 - Ms. Danner 412 - STEM Room 425 - Ms. White ** - Tech Support Room 214 - Mrs. Congdon 413 - Mr. Taylor 426 - Learning Lab 206 - Mr. Gamache 215 - Mrs. Darling 415 - Ms. Perry 428 - Ms. Parrish/Mr. Farnum 207 - Teacher’s Room 8 9 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 If your year-end report card indicates that you have earned fewer credits than listed above, High Honors - Awarded to students who achieve a grade of “A-” or above in all subjects. please contact your school counselor to make an academic recovery plan. Honors - Awarded to students who achieve a grade of “A” in at least two classes and a grade of nothing less than a “B” in all other classes. Although not currently required, below is a listing of high school credits required to Merit - Awarded to students who achieve a grade of “B” or better in all courses. compete in NCAA Division I & II sports and activities: The Honor Roll for each marking period is posted in the Main Office and published in the DIVISION I-A/ DIVISION 1-AA --- 16 core Courses Rutland Herald and on Peg TV. 4 years of English 3 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher) National Honor Society 2 years of Natural or Physical Sciences with lab The Mill River chapter of the National Honor Society is a service organization. 1 extra year of English, Math or Science Appointment to membership means school recognition of the high personal standards set by 2 years of Social Studies the student. Members design and implement an individual ongoing service project outside 4 years of extra core courses (these include, Math the school and participate in many activities undertaken by the group as a whole. English, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, non-doctrinal religion or philosophy) In addition to the academic benchmark of having to attain a grade point average of 3.5 or DIVISON II --- 14 Core Courses above, the criteria of character, service and leadership are considered as equally important 3 English aspects desirable in potential initiates. These standards are required by the national 2 Math credits (Algebra 1 or higher) organization. Selection is an honor bestowed on a student; it is not a right. At Mill River, 2 Science Credits administration, faculty and staff are surveyed concerning potential members’ strengths and Additional Credit - English, Math, or Science weaknesses in these areas. Students being considered fill out an information form where 2 Social Studies Credits they may list their various activities which show, for example, their willingness to 3 Additional Credits from any area above, Foreign serve others and their ability to lead. The National Honor Society Advisory Council, Language, or non-doctrinal religion/ philosophy composed of five administrator and/or faculty members, meets to discuss the staff survey and student information sheets. After their review of each candidate’s eligibility, the NHS Grading System: Advisory Council may then accept, defer or deny each student admission as a member of A 95-99 B- 80-82 D+ 67-69 F=Fail P=Pass the Mill River chapter of the National Honor Society. A- 90-94 C+ 77-79 D 63-66 I=Incomplete * W=Withdrawn B+ 87-89 C 73-76 D- 60-62 IN=Attendanc e WF=Withdrawn Notification of Rights under FERPA B 83-86 C- 70-72 F below 60 NG=No Grad e EX=Exempt 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 student’s education *Note: All Incompletes are to be made-up within three weeks of the end of the previous records. These rights are: marking period. (1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the Graduation Requirements: day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the Mill River Union High School Principal a written request that identifies the record(s) Subject Area Credits they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent English 4.0 or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Social Studies (incl. Civics & U.S. History) 3.5 Math 3.0 (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or Science 3.0 eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the Physical Education 1.5 student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the Fine Arts 1.0 State Street School to amend a record should write to the principal, clearly identify the part Computer Technology 0.5 of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If Mill River Union Health 0.5 High School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, Electives 9.0 the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their Total Credits 26.5 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 Honor Rolls the right to a hearing. Students who achieve high scholastic standing in their classes will be recognized in the following honors classifications: 10 11 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 (3) The right to consent disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the communication skills, problem solving skills and academic achievement are the primary student’s education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure focus of the program. without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed Special Education by Mill River Union High School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support Special Education services are provided to students and are available to students in grades staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a 7-12 who are eligible. Special Education services include evaluation, specialized person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has instruction, support services and accommodations as determined by an Evaluation and contacted as its agent to provide a service instead of using its own employees or officials Planning team. (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another For further information regarding special education services, please contact the Special school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational Services Team Leader, Maggie Aines at 775-3451 ext. 239. interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Stafford Technical Center Those students attending the Stafford Technical Center are required to attend their program Upon request, Mill River School District discloses education records without consent to every day that STC is in session. Students must have approval of both the STC and MRU officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [Note: administration to drive to the Technical Center. FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that intends to Student Records forward records on request. All academic and personal records pertaining to individual students are confidential and can only be inspected by the student, parents and school officials. The entire record is to be (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged made available for review by the student and parents (parents until the student reaches the failures by the Rutland South Supervisory Union to comply with the requirements of age of 18) or to the parent of a dependent eligible student after the age of 18. FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Parents shall have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of their child’s school record to ensure that the records are accurate. The hearing provides an opportunity Family Policy Compliance Office for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading or otherwise U.S. Department of Education inappropriate data contained therein. 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920 Schools cannot release student records without the written consent of the parent to an individual, agency or organization other than the following: Report Cards • Other school officials within the school Report Cards are emailed home within two weeks of the end of the marking period. Grade • Officials of other schools or school systems in which the student is enrolled averages are determined as follows: or intends to enroll. Semester1: MP1(40%) + MP2 (40%) + Mid-term exam (20%) = Sem 1 average • Where circumstances are required by law Semester2: MP3 (40%) + MP4 (40%) + Final exam (20%) = Sem 2 average Technology Resources Passing a year-long class and receiving credit is determined by averaging the first and In accordance with MRUUSD’s Electronic Resource Policy, and other policies and laws of second semester averages. the State of Vermont, any activities and behaviors that threaten the integrity of computer networks or systems are prohibited on both MRUUSD owned and privately owned Self Help Program equipment operated on or through MRUUSD resources. These activities and behaviors The Self Help Program provides additional academic and social support for students who include but are not limited to: are not eligible for special education. Referrals to the program are made by contacting • Interfering with or disrupting computer systems and networks and related School Counselors. services, including but not limited to the propagation of “worms,” “viruses” and “Trojan horses.” Students attend Self Help during their regular study hall time on a short-term basis or as a • Failing to comply with authorized requests from the Technology Department to permanent part of their schedule. discontinue activities that threaten the operation or integrity of computers, systems or networks. The Self Help instructors and peer tutors guide students to improve skills that have • Negligently or intentionally revealing passwords or otherwise permitting the use been presented in the regular classroom by helping them with assignments, research for by others of MRUUSD assigned accounts for computer and network access. The projects and test preparation. Providing a nurturing atmosphere for building self-esteem, user is responsible for all uses of their accounts independent of authorization. 12 13 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 • Altering or attempting to alter files or systems that affect the MRUUSD Another way to do this is to randomly flip through your book, pick out a problem, network. and see whether you can solve it cold. • Unauthorized scanning of ports, computers and networks. 6. Take breaks. It is common to be unable to solve problems or figure out concepts in • Attempting to circumvent data protection programs or uncover security math or science the first time you encounter them. This is why a little study every vulnerabilities. day is much better than a lot of studying all at once. When you get frustrated with a • Connecting unauthorized equipment (iPods, phones or other plug and play math or science problem, take a break so that another part of your mind can take items) to the MRUUSD network or computers. over and work in the background. • Attempting to alter any MRUUSD computing or network components including 7. Use explanatory questioning and simple analogies. Whenever you are struggling but not limited to server, routers, hubs, wiring and connections. with a concept, think to yourself, How can I explain this so that a ten-year-old • Using MRUUSD computers or the network to harass any other person, under could understand it? Using an analogy really helps, like saying that the flow of any circumstances. electricity is like the flow of water. Don’t just think your explanation—say it out • Using computer resources to defame, slander or libel. loud or put it in writing. The additional effort of speaking and writing allows you to • Knowingly and/or intentionally making, acquiring or using illegal copies of more deeply encode (that is, converted into neural memory structures) what you are computer software. learning. 8. Focus. Turn of all interrupting beeps and alarms on your phone and computer, and Studying then turn on a timer for twenty- five minutes. Focus intently for those twenty- five 10 Rules of Studying minutes and try to work as diligently as you can. After the timer goes off , give yourself a small, fun reward. A few of these sessions in a day can really move your These rules are excerpted from the book A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel in Math and studies forward. Try to set up times and places where studying—not glancing at Science (Even if You Flunked Algebra), by Barbara Oakley, Penguin, July, 2014. your computer or phone—is just something you naturally do. 9. Eat your frogs first. Do the hardest thing earliest in the day, when you are fresh. 10 Rules of Good Studying 10. Make a mental contrast. Imagine where you’ve come from and contrast that with the dream of where your studies will take you. Post a picture or words in your 1. Use recall. After you read a page, look away and recall the main ideas. Highlight workspace to remind you of your dream. Look at that when you and your very little, and never highlight anything you haven’t put in your mind first by motivation are lagging. This work will pay off both for you and those you love! recalling. Try recalling main ideas when you are walking to class or in a different room from where you originally learned it. An ability to recall—to generate the 10 Rules of Bad Studying ideas from inside yourself—is one of the key indicators of good learning 2. Test yourself. On everything. All the time. Flash cards are your friend. Excerpted from A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel in Math and Science (Even if You 3. Chunk your problems. Chunking is understanding and practicing with a problem Flunked Algebra), by Barbara Oakley, Penguin, July, 2014 solution so that it can all come to mind in a flash. After you solve a problem, rehearse it. Make sure you can solve it cold—every step. Pretend it’s a song and Avoid these techniques—they can waste your time even while they fool you into thinking learn to play it over and over again in your mind, so the information combines into you’re learning! one smooth chunk you can pull up whenever you want. 4. Space your repetition. Spread out your learning in any subject a little every day, 1. Passive rereading—sitting passively and running your eyes back over a page. Unless just like an athlete. Your brain is like a muscle—it can handle only a limited you can prove that the material is moving into your brain by recalling the main ideas amount of exercise on one subject at a time. without looking at the page, rereading is a waste of time. 5. Alternate different problem-solving techniques during your practice. Never practice 2. Letting highlights overwhelm you. Highlighting your text can fool your mind into too long at any one session using only one problem-solving technique—after a thinking you are putting something in your brain, when all you’re really doing is while, you are just mimicking what you did on the previous problem. Mix it up and moving your hand. A little highlighting here and there is okay—sometimes it can be work on different types of problems. This teaches you both how and when to use a helpful in flagging important points. But if you are using highlighting as a memory technique. (Books generally are not set up this way, so you’ll need to do this on tool, make sure that what you mark is also going into your brain. your own.) After every assignment and test, go over your errors, make sure you 3. Merely glancing at a problem’s solution and thinking you know how to do it. This is understand why you made them, and then rework your solutions. To study most one of the worst errors students make while studying. You need to be able to solve a effectively, handwrite (don’t type) a problem on one side of a flash card and the problem step-by-step, without looking at the solution. solution on the other. (Handwriting builds stronger neural structures in memory 4. Waiting until the last minute to study. Would you cram at the last minute if you than typing.) You might also photograph the card if you want to load it into a study were practicing for a track meet? Your brain is like a muscle—it can handle only a app on your smartphone. Quiz yourself randomly on different types of problems. limited amount of exercise on one subject at a time.

14 15 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 5. Repeatedly solving problems of the same type that you already know how to solve. Rules for student behavior will be clearly stated, understood by staff, students, and parents If you just sit around solving similar problems during your practice, you’re not or guardians, and enforced by consistent disciplinary procedures, in compliance with due actually preparing for a test—it’s like preparing for a big basketball game by just process requirements. The discipline code will be enforced while a student is on school practicing your dribbling. property, while riding a bus or at the bus stop, and while attending school-sponsored events 6. Letting study sessions with friends turn into chat sessions. Checking your problem or activities. All students, regardless of age, are subject to all school policies, procedures, solving with friends, and quizzing one another on what you know, can make and standards. learning more enjoyable, expose flaws in your thinking, and deepen your learning. But if your joint study sessions turn to fun before the work is done, you’re wasting Actions Taken in Response to Inappropriate Behavior your time and should find another study group. (* denotes further detailed information can be found elsewhere in the handbook) 7. Neglecting to read the textbook before you start working problems. Would you dive into a pool before you knew how to swim? The textbook is your swimming Level A Behaviors: instructor—it guides you toward the answers. You will flounder and waste your Behavior (Managed by teacher/staff member): time if you don’t bother to read it. Before you begin to read, however, take a quick * Classroom disruption (including cell phones and electronic devices) glance over the chapter or section to get a sense of what it’s about. Failure to return to class in timely manner 8. Not checking with your instructors or classmates to clear up points of confusion. Inappropriate language Professors are used to lost students coming in for guidance—it’s our job to help you. * Inappropriate display of affection The students we worry about are the ones who don’t come in. Don’t be one of those * Inappropriate clothing students. Refusal to do work in class 9. Thinking you can learn deeply when you are being constantly distracted. Every tiny Tardiness to class pull toward an instant message or conversation means you have less brain power to Lack of preparation for class devote to learning. Every tug of interrupted attention pulls out tiny neural roots Being in an unauthorized location before, during or after school before they can grow. Turn of your headsets/music, your phones, your email alerts. These all tug at your attention. Staff action may include: 10. Not getting enough sleep. Your brain pieces together problem-solving techniques Meeting with student Communication with parent (record) when you sleep, and it also practices and repeats whatever you put in mind before Communication with special educator or counselor and planning room personnel you go to sleep. Prolonged fatigue allows toxins to build up in the brain that disrupt Verbal indication by student of actions to avoid such behavior the neural connections you need to think quickly and well. If you don’t get a good Written action plan by student sleep before a test, NOTHING ELSE YOU HAVE DONE WILL MATTER. Detention Brief removal from class Loss of extracurricular eligibility form signature PROCEDURES Student Expectations: School-wide Behavior Plan The student is expected to understand and identify the behavior that contributed to the It is the philosophy of Mill River Union High School to maintain a safe, orderly and problem and, if necessary, meet with a counselor or other school personnel. The student respectful setting. Adults and students will interact as constructive members of the school will meet with the teacher to develop a behavior improvement plan and should miss not community for the creation of a productive learning environment. All members will more than one class period while this step is in progress. practice self-discipline, good judgment, and good citizenship. Level B Behaviors: Individuals will conduct themselves in a manner which represents the rights of others. Repeated Level A violations Expectations include courtesy at all times, the protection of public and private property, a * Academic dishonesty/cheating clean and orderly school, use of appropriate language, and an environment conducive to Disrespect to any staff member learning. Cutting class or Advisory Cutting detention Effective discipline provides learning opportunities for students to foster the essential Dishonesty with a staff member internal controls to be successful in all aspects of their lives. Establishing, maintaining and Inappropriate behavior with another student restoring relationships are essential parts of the discipline process. In conjunction with Extreme disruption logical consequences, restorative practices may be employed, and cooperative dialogues * Misuse of technology resources with parents or guardians will be maintained. Inappropriate language directed toward someone * Late arrival to school sixth offense

16 17 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 improve the behavior, and a timetable to implement the behavior changes. The Staff action may include: administrator, counselor or special educator, Restorative Justice supervisor, parents, and Communication with student Communication with parent (record) appropriate teachers will be involved in the reentry plan. Communication with special educator or counselor Mandatory notification of administration Level D offense: Record with planning room personnel Repeated violations of Level C In case of academic dishonesty, no credit given for assignment * Alcohol use, possession or distribution Removal from class to administrator Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia Loss of privilege to participate in extra-curricular activities Extreme insubordination Restorative practice * Second offense of hazing, harassment or bullying Intimidation or threats of violence Administrative action: Obstruction of an investigation Detention(s) Distribution of pornographic materials**, in any form Placement in planning room Extreme or repeated vandalism or thefts Development of improvement plan * Possession of weapon, fireworks, stink bombs, or incendiary devices False reporting of fire or bomb threat Student Expectations: Other unlawful conduct The student is expected to understand and identify the behaviors which contributed to the problem and, if necessary, meet with a counselor or other school personnel. The student Staff action: will meet with the planning room supervisor to develop a student behavior improvement Immediate notification of administration plan. The plan will be shared with administration. Administrative action: Level C Behaviors: Report of all violations to parent, counselor or special educator, and School Resource Repeated Level B violations Officer Threatening behavior toward staff or students Meeting with student Suspension for 5 – 10 days * Hazing, harassment or bullying Referral to Educational Support Team * Leaving campus or the building without permission Development of improvement plan with student, parent and appropriate staff Theft or possession of stolen property Reentry meeting with student, parent(s), administration, appropriate staff Behavior disruptive to school operation Restorative practices if appropriate, collaborative decision with those involved, including Second violation of cutting a class, advisory or detention staff * Second violation of academic dishonesty Refusal to comply Possible expulsion hearing (automatic after third suspension) * Tobacco violation Vandalism Student expectations: *Late arrival to school ninth offense The student will develop a reentry (student behavior) plan. This will include a clear Accessing of or possession of pornography identification of the problem behavior, the student’s role, steps to improve the behavior, and a timetable to implement the behavior changes. The administrative team, parent(s), Staff action: appropriate teaching staff, counselor and special educator, as needed, will be involved in Notification of administration as soon as possible the reentry plan. This plan will be submitted to the School Board for final approval before the student is allowed to reenter. Parents may be required to provide transportation to and Administrative action: from school. Reporting of all violations to parents, counselor or special educator, and School Resource Officer Meeting with student Suspension for 1 – 5 days Development of **The definition of pornography, as used here, is not necessarily the same as the definition improvement plan (including restorative action when appropriate) Referral to Educational used in VT statute, but, rather will conform to our community standards. Support Team when appropriate Definitions and Procedures Student Expectations: Detention: If a student’s behavior warrants it, a detention may be assigned by a teacher or When student behavior is serious and detrimental to the student’s success and the success of administrator. In all cases an effort will be made to contact parents or guardians 24 hours others, administrative intervention will occur. The student will make a plan for reentry before the detention. Detentions will be 45 minutes in length. Failure by a student to attend which includes clear identification of the problem behavior, the student’s role, steps to the detention will result in additional consequences.

18 19 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Pupils who frequently arrive late to class or who are often absent from school disrupt the Suspension: Before a student is suspended, a conference will be held with the student and continuity of the classroom instructional process. The interdependent nature of classroom the student’s parents or guardians to discuss charges/infractions, either in person or by learning and a student’s participation in well-planned instructional activities are vital to this phone. This conference will serve the purposes of: process. When students are absent or tardy, the benefit of regular classroom instruction is • Ensuring that all details and factors related to the inappropriate behavior are understood lost or reduced and cannot be easily regained. • Providing the student an opportunity to explain and /or acknowledge the behavior • Providing an opportunity to develop a plan to improve the student’s behavior Mill River Union High School will keep accurate records of student attendance to comply with the law and to ensure the safety of the student each day. While schools have the After this conference, the decision to suspend shall rest with the school administration. consistent obligation to require their students to attend school and to be present for the full Students who are suspended may not be on school grounds or participate in school school day, it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure their student arrives on time and is in activities. attendance regularly.

In-school suspension: Part or all of a student’s assigned suspension may be scheduled as in- All students are expected to remain in school during school hours, including their study school. In school suspension is served under supervision in the Restorative Justice room. halls and lunches. On occasion, a student must be dismissed from school during the day for Students will be given the opportunity to complete assignments during this time. a family emergency or for a specific appointment (i.e., doctor or dentist). The student must return to school with a note from that appointment in order to be allowed to return to Appeals Process classes. In cases of emergency, the parent must have the dismissal approved by an If a parent or guardian feels that the steps outlined above were not followed, or that the administrator. Once the student enters the building, the student can only leave the building student was in some way denied appropriate due process, an appeal may be made to if their parent/guardian signs them out in person. Phone calls will not be accepted to sign a the superintendent of schools for review. student out.

Smoke-Free and Substance-Free Campus Attendance Procedure: In compliance with Vermont state law and to promote positive role modeling for our Any student in grades 7 – 12 arriving to A block after 7:45 will be marked late by the students, Mill River Union School maintains a smoke-free and substance-free rule on the teacher. Students arriving after 7:45 will report directly to the main office to check in to campus-at-large, which includes all school grounds. school. The administration will be notified via the attendance procedure. The administration will meet with the student on the student’s third late arrival to discuss consequences. This is Prohibited Substances considered a Level B offense; administrators will initiate contact with parents or guardians. Substance abuse refers to the possession, use and/or distribution of prohibited substances in the school as well as on school property and at any school function. The range of prohibited Students who accumulate nine tardy arrivals per year will serve a one-day in-school substances includes tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, prohibited drugs, other drugs, suspension. This is considered a Level C offense and will necessitate a meeting with “look-alike” substances and drug paraphernalia. parents. Students in this situation who drive to school will also lose their parking privilege Cases involving substance abuse will be treated seriously because they usually indicate a for two weeks. These consequences apply to all additional accumulations of nine day tardy. student’s clear disrespect for authority or for the safety and/or rights of fellow students. Students who have accumulated three tardy arrivals will serve a detention for each Consequences administered for substance use and abuse may include but are not additional tardy arrival for the remainder of the school year. limited to: • Suspension (1 or more days) A student must arrive at school by 7:45 in order to participate in after-school activities • Referral to the Student Assistance Counselor (mandatory) unless arrangements are made with an administrator. A verified medical appointment would • Referral to law enforcement agencies (mandatory) be considered a reasonable request for suspension of this rule. • Referral to other agencies for assessment or counseling A student who misses half of a class will be marked absent for that class. This absence will Attendance Procedures & Information count toward the accumulated absences that determine loss of credit for that class. Mill River Union High School expects that all enrolled students, regardless of age, attend school for the full number of days that school is in session, in accordance with Vermont The administration is authorized to implement the student attendance procedure. A student law. Student achievement is directly related to consistent school attendance. Developing accumulating absences in excess of ten unexcused class periods (a block period is the good habits regarding attendance and punctuality will prepare students for meeting career equivalent of two class periods) in a semester course or in excess of twenty class periods in and job expectations and allow them to possess the skills and knowledge necessary to be a full-year course will not be awarded credit. Classes for which no credit is given will show lifelong learners and productive citizens. a grade of IN. Parents will be notified by the administration after the fifth absence.

20 21 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Further school intervention will take place as necessary. Students absent from school must present a written note signed by their parent or guardian and obtain an attendance slip from Dance Rules the main office. Students are expected to make up all work for all class absences. If the • All regulations pertaining to student conduct and dress while in school absence is anticipated, students should get work ahead of time. Absences due to family are in effect. Anyone suspected of being under the influence will not be vacations outside of normal school vacation periods will count as unexcused absences. admitted. Offenders are subject to disciplinary action. • No one is to loiter on school property before, during, or after a dance. A student who is absent from school may not participate in nor attend a school activity or • Once admitted to a dance, students who leave will not be re-admitted. event without prior approval of the administration and/or their coach or activity advisor. • Students may not bring beverages into a dance. All containers will be confiscated. • A student may not attend a dance if he or she has an unexcused absence or late arrival on the day of the dance. If a dance is schedule for a Bus Passes weekend, the student must have been in school all day on the previous Any student who wishes to ride a different bus, for a given day, needs to present the most recent school day in order for a student to attend. administrative office with a written parent/guardian permission note (phone calls will not be accepted). If a student wishes to go to another student’s house, a note from both sets of Dress Code Philosophy / Dress Code parents will be required. Whenever, in the opinion of the MRUHS faculty, staff, or administration, attire inhibits teaching and learning, students will be required to alter that attire. Parents may be required Cell phones, iPods and Other Electronic Devices to bring alternate clothing if needed, or the student will be sent home. Repeated offenses Students are free to carry their phones and other electronic devices in bags or keep them in may result in other consequences as outlined under Level B behaviors. their lockers; however, cell phones and other electronic devices are permitted during change of class and lunch. Headphones are not permitted in the hallway and must be kept in a Hats are not permitted to be worn inside the building at any time. They are to be put in your backpack or locker. A teacher may specifically authorize use of such devices as a locker or backpack when in the building. supplement or aid to classroom instruction. Cell phones may be used in the library and in study halls with the permission of the person in charge. Students give up some of their Fire Drills / Clear the Halls privacy rights when bringing personal communication devices to school. A principal or All schools are required to have monthly fire drills. Posted in each classroom is a diagram their designee, upon reasonable suspicion, may search the digital device for evidence of any showing the nearest exit route to a safe designated area outside, located 100 feet or more harassment/bullying or violation of school policy or the law. from the building. • Leave the driveways and roadways open to emergency Unauthorized cell phone use vehicles. • Students should leave the building walking as rapidly as 1st Offense: cell phone or media device will be confiscated and held by a school staff possible without running. Students in transition (hall passes, member for the remainder of the class or the remainder of the day. lunch, etc.) should exit at the nearest door and report to the Chronic Misuse: cell phone or media device will be held in an office until a parent picks up closest teacher supervised group. the device. Any refusal to surrender an electronic device will be considered • Students must not enter any classroom when teacher is not insubordination, and further discipline will be imposed. present. • Students must be quiet in order that all may hear directions. Dances Guests may be admitted if accompanied by an MRUHS student. A guest must be registered Interviewing, filming, videotaping or recording of students in the main office before 2:30 the day before the dance. All guest requests are subject to The need for the public and media to be informed about school programs and activities administrative approval. Guests must be students in grades 7 – 12 at another school. Any must be balanced by the privacy interests of students and the responsibility of the school to MRUHS student bringing a guest is responsible for the conduct of his/her guest. operate with a minimum of disruption. Parents/guardians are asked to alert the school if they wish that their student not be interviewed, filmed, videotaped or recorded. The proper All dances are chaperoned by the class advisor(s), five (5) or more staff members, and an form will be distributed to parents/guardians. If parent/guardian does not respond, the administrator and/or a law enforcement officer. Dances may be canceled if chaperones are school will assume that permission is granted to interview, film, videotape or record. not designated by the beginning of the week of the dance. Leaving the School Building and/or School Grounds During School Hours: The dance, the times, details and the music providers (DJs or musicians) must be pre- Any time a student needs to leave the school building and/or school grounds, he/she must approved by the administration. The organization sponsor must fill out a dance permission first report to the office and request permission to leave. Any student leaving the building form that is sent to the administration for approval. and/or grounds without parental and administrative permission will be suspended for five 22 23 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 (5) days for the first offense (a Level C offense). A second offense (a Level D offense) will Any of the above infractions will result in disciplinary action. The severity and amount of result in a ten (10) day suspension (See School Board policy 5114.) Additional offenses will damage caused will dictate the consequences. Particularly egregious violations could result in additional consequences. include suspension or expulsion.

Mill River Online Withdrawal from School Mill River Online features daily announcements, sports schedules, and the lunch menu. When a student withdraws from school, the registrar in the Main Office should be informed as soon as possible of the last day of attendance. You will find Mill River Online to be the home page on all school computers this year but feel free to visit the site from home by navigating to www.millriverschools.org then The school office will provide a form to be taken to the teachers. Parents will need to sign a following the link to Mill River. “Release of Records” form at the new school to authorize a transfer of records. All books must be returned and all outstanding fees paid before leaving. Office Telephone Use Students may, with permission, use the telephone for emergencies or school related Visitors business. All guests and visitors must register upon entering and leaving in the main office. Student visitors on a school related visit, must have pre-approval from the office a day in School Closings advance. All approved visitors must display their visitors pass. Passes will be assigned in In the event of severely inclement weather or mechanical breakdown, school may be closed the main office. or starting time delayed. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. School closings, delayed starting time or early dismissal will be announced through an Alert Now EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES / ATHLETICS phone message, on the school’s website, and over local radio stations. Reports in the A Note to All Our Student Athletes & Parents morning will be between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Radio: WSYB – 1380 AM: WCAT – 94.5 FM; WZRT – 97.1 FM; WJJR – 98.1 FM; Interscholastic athletics provides an opportunity for students to participate in the total WEQX– 102.7 FM educational experience. What you do to succeed in sports reflects what you need to Television: Rutland Community Television Channels 15 & 20: WVNY – (cable 4); WPTZ succeed in life. Sportsmanship and respect are both components of character. Respect is – (cable 5) given not just for success or failure but for effort, attitude and how you treat others. People see and judge the school community by the students and parents that represent it, wherever School Day they may be. Students entering the building before 7:45 must wait in the cafeteria until the 7:35 bell unless they are under the direct supervision of a staff member. This handbook is written to help you better understand and appreciate the purpose and goals of the athletic programs at Mill River UHS. Skateboards, Rollerblades, Sneakers with Rollers, etc. Due to insurance regulations use of such devices is not permitted on school grounds. If you are uncertain about anything, please feel free to ask us. Good luck to all the athletes this season! Student Driving Kim Maniery Student driving and parking at Mill River Union High School is a privilege. The school Athletic Director administration reserves the right to regulate use of cars and to enforce driving rules on the school grounds. Students who drive or park in violation of the rules listed below will be prohibited from driving on school property. Extracurricular Activities/Athletics • Students driving to school must register their vehicle and be issued a parking Each student at Mill River Union High School is actively encouraged to participate in as permit. many extracurricular activities as possible, without sacrificing academic priorities. The • All students will park in the student parking lot in designated areas. benefits of participation are many and lifelong (ie: teamwork, leadership, community • Ask permission of any front office staff member if you need to go to your car service, self-esteem, friendships, health). Each student participating in a extracurricular during the school day. activity must, along with their parent or guardian, read the Extracurricular Activities • Failure to drive responsibly on school grounds will result in the loss of Policy & Regulations and sign the permission slip in order to participate. Students parking privileges. who create discipline problems before, during or after activities may be dropped from • In case of special events, students will be warned about alternate parking on a activities programs. given day. Any Mill River student participating in an athletic activity must have a current • Parking privileges may be limited or revoked due to attendance issues and/or health physical and accident insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, insurance is discipline issues. 24 25 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 available at the school through an independent insurance company. Insurance forms are given to all Mill River students at the beginning of the academic year. INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM

The following activities are available to Mill River Union High School students: Baseball, Fall Basketball, Cheerleading, Class Officer, Cross-Country, Football, Geo-Bee, Golf, Key Boys & Girls Cross Country Fall Cheerleading Club, MathCounts, Model United Nations, Peer Tutor, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Varsity Football JV Boys Soccer Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Stage 20, Stage 40, Student Council, Track and Field, JV Football MS Boys Soccer Unified Bowling, National Honors Society, Unified Basketball, Wrestling, and Yearbook Varsity Girls Soccer MS Cross Country (credited class). JV Girls Soccer MS Football Varsity Boys Soccer MS Girls Soccer If a student is interested in an extracurricular activity not listed above, please see the Athletic Director or an Administrator. Winter Varsity Boys Basketball Wrestling Mill River Union High School wishes to maintain a reputation for excellence that is JV Boys Basketball MS Cheerleading reflected in the behavior of the students who represent the school during all extracurricular Varsity Girls Basketball MS Boys Basketball activities. The school wishes to encourage a sense of pride and responsibility in all JV Girls Basketball MS Girls Basketball participants. People see and judge the school by the students who represent it, wherever Varsity Cheerleading MS Wrestling they may be. The following rules govern all extracurricular activities. Parents and students Snowboarding Skiing should be familiar with them. No student should expect to participate in an extracurricular activity unless he/she is willing to follow these rules. All rules must be followed in order to Spring maintain eligibility. Varsity Baseball Track & Field 1. Eligibility for athletic games and extracurricular performances will be based off the prior JV Baseball Golf semester’s grades. For example, students must be in good academic standing from the Fall Varsity Softball MS Baseball semester in order to be eligible during the Spring semester. A student is permitted to be JV Softball MS Softball failing one class and still be eligible. However, that student cannot participate in games or Unified Basketball performances until that failing grade becomes a passing grade. A student in this situation would be considered to be on probation and allowed to attend practice/rehearsal during this Travel to Games time period. All athletes are expected to travel with the team both to and from away games. Exceptions 2. If a student is late to school, it will be the extracurricular activity advisor’s or coach’s may be requested by a parent by contacting the Athletic Director with a written note that discretion on whether or not that student participates that day in a performance, game, or needs to be signed by the Principal and Athletic Director. practice/rehearsal. If a student is absent from school, that student cannot participate in after-school performances, rehearsals, practices, and/or athletic events. Mill River Parent/Coach Communication Plan 3. A student who uses, consumes, possesses, buys, sells, or gives away any illegal drug, Communication you should expect from your child’s coach: alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or misuses or involves other students in the misuse of 1. Philosophy of the coach. regulated substances such as prescription drugs, or non-regulated substances such as 2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as the players on the squad. over-the- counter medications, shall be ineligible to participate in any co-curricular 3. Locations and times of practices. activity for a minimum of three weeks. This penalty can be increased at the discretion of 4. Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, out of season conditioning. the school administration and/or School Board. If less than three weeks remains in an 5. Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation. activity in which the student is currently participating the penalty shall be carried over to 6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation. whenever the next scheduled activity begins, including into the next school year if the violation occurs with less than three weeks remaining in school. For the second and Communication Coaches expect from parents: subsequent violations of this rule students will be ineligible to participate in all co- 1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach. curricular activities for a minimum of one full calendar year from the time of the infraction. 2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well ahead of time. That penalty can be increased at the discretion of the school administration and/or School 3. Specific concerns with regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations. Board. (See also Policy No. 5144 Alcohol and Drug Abuse) 4. Students and parents or guardians must sign the Extracurricular Policy and Regulations As your child becomes involved in the programs at Mill River, they will experience Permission Slip indicating they understand these eligibility rules and are willing to abide by some of the most rewarding times of their lives. It is important to understand that them before the student can participate in a co-curricular activity. This form will be signed they also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At online via the MRU Athletics website. these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.

26 27 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 school in which he or she is officially enrolled. Students may participate in meets as Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches: individuals but may not participate as a member of another team. 1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically. • A student who competes in any VPA sanctioned activity must be under nineteen (19) 2. Ways the parent(s) can help your child improve. years of age, except that a student whose nineteenth (19th) birthday occurs on or after 3. Concerns about your child’s behavior. August 1 is eligible for all activities in the ensuring school year. Students who have attained the age of nineteen (19) prior to August 1 shall be ineligible for all VPA Mill River Union High and Middle School Parent/Coach Communication Plan….. sanctioned activities. It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe • During a sports season players who have participated in competition as a member of a to be best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list on the previous school group shall not compete as members of a non-school organized group in the page, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other same sport. Violation of this rule will be handled as follow: things, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach. • For the first infraction, a warning to students will be given that the choice of participation in one or the other group must be followed. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches: • For the second infraction, students will be dropped from the school group. 1. Playing Time 2. Team Strategy • Transfer students are eligible at once provided they were bona fide students in good 3. Play Calling standing in the school from which they transferred according to the definition in Item 4. Other Student-Athletes A above and there is a bona fide change is residence. If the transfer is the result of any coercion, recruiting or inducement to move in order to participate in interscholastic There are situations that may require a conference between coach and parent. These activities, students will be ineligible for a period of 365 calendar days from the date of are to be encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear the infraction. understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue or • If there is no bona fide change in residency, students are eligible to participate concern. immediately up to the first play date of that sports season. If a student transfers, and does not change residence, after the first play date of that sports season, the student Parent/Coach Communication Plan must wait 20 calendar days after the transfer to be eligible, and must participate in at If you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow: least 60% of the season competitions (at the new school) to be eligible for post season 1. Call to setup an appointment. competition. 2. The Mill River UHS number is 775-3451. 3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director, Kim Maniery, at • If there is no bona fide change in residency, a student who transfers twice or more during 775-3451 ext. 222. A meeting will be set-up for you. a 365 day period will not be eligible at the new school(s) after his or her subsequent 4. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice. transfers until one calendar year after the date of the first transfer. These can be emotional times for both parents and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote a resolution. • The VPA may grant a waiver of the 20 calendar day waiting period or the 60% eligibility requirement or the 365 calendar day waiting period for multiple transfers upon request The Next Step by the school if the school establishes that the transfer was made for reasons not related What a parent can do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution: to activities. 1. Call and setup an appointment with the Athletic Director, Kim Maniery, 775-3451 ext. 222 to discuss the situation. • The principal of any receiving school shall check carefully to determine the reasons for the transfer. Reports of suspected violations of transfer student’s eligibility rules must ELIGIBIITY– VPA (Vermont Principals’ Association) be made to the VPA immediately. Eligibility rules and activities policies apply to all students, both boys and girls, in grades 7- 12 in affiliated schools. Eligibility rules and activities policies apply to all activities, both • A school shall be deemed in violation of the rule against recruitment for directly or athletic and non-athletic, sanctioned or sponsored by the VPA. indirectly supporting or sanctioning recruitment if a representative or agent of the school, or any individual or group associated with the athletic programs of that school, • Contestants or participants must be enrolled in their school and must meet the school's approaches a student athlete in another school, apart from a publicized meeting for all prescribed academic and eligibility rules. Students may only compete on school teams prospective students in that school, and directly or indirectly attempts to persuade or sponsored by their own school during the season, and may only compete for the one induce a student athlete to enroll in his/her school. A school may also violate this rule by failing to take adequate steps to control recruitment by third parties. 28 29 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Concussion Information Continued… • Students are ineligible if they have lost their amateur standing, i.e., they have accepted Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a remuneration, gifts or donations directly or indirectly for participation in an athletic concussion must be removed from competition or practice and will not be contest, or they have participated under an assumed name, or they have competed on a allowed to train or compete with a school athletic team until the athlete has been team for which the player was paid for his participation, or they have entered into a examined by and received written permission to participate in athletic activities from a playing contract with a professional club or agent. Reference to "gifts or donations" is health care provider. (per Act 68, approved by the VT Legislature in 2013) not intended to preclude the acceptance of playing apparel and equipment that is Both the Head Coach and the school Athletic Trainer have been designated as individuals presented by the sponsoring organization. who can make the initial decision to remove a student athlete from play when it is suspected the athlete may have suffered a concussion. The trainer will be used whenever he is present • Any athlete ejected from a game will not be allowed to compete in the next two contest, at at an activity. a minimum. The school must notify parents/guardians within 24 hours if student sustains a concussion. Students who violate one of the eligibility rules listed above become immediately ineligible. The head coach or the school ATC is the individual assigned to inform parents/guardians that their student/child may have sustained a Concussion Information concussion. Mill River Union has developed this protocol to address the issue of the identification and management of concussions for students who participate in school sports. Act 68 was Return to Learn Protocol (RTL): The following steps are required before the student can passed into law in 2013 and requires that schools have an action plan. A safe return to return to academic activity. The student is required to complete the RTL protocol and be activity protocol is important for all athletes following any injury, but it is essential after a symptom free for 24 hours before beginning the RTP protocol. concussion. The goal of this concussion protocol is to ensure that concussed athletes are • The return to play plan should start only when you have been without any identified, treated and referred appropriately for return to learn and return to play. symptoms for 24 hours. Consistent use of a concussion management protocol will ensure that the athlete receives • It is important to wait for 24 hours between steps because symptoms may develop several appropriate follow-up and/or academic accommodations in order to make certain that the hours after completing a step. athlete is fully recovered properly before returning to full athletic play activity. • Do not take any pain medications while moving through this plan (no ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve or Tylenol.) This protocol will be reviewed annually by Matt Howland, ATC, the MRU athletic • This program should be supervised by an athletic trainer, school nurse or health care trainer. Changes and modifications will be reviewed and written notifications will be professional trained in management of concussions. provided to athletic department staff, coaches and other appropriate school personnel. Step 1: Aerobic conditioning—Walking, swimming or stationary cycling All coaches’ are required to certify concussion management training annually. Step 2: Sports specific drills—Skating drills in hockey, running drills in soccer/basketball. Parents and athletes must be educated about concussions annually. The written Step 3: Non-contact training drills—include more complex training drills (passing in documentation of coach’s annual training documents shall be kept in the coaches personnel soccer/ice hockey/basketball. Running specific pattern plays). file and the student/parents in the student file and be tracked by Kim Maniery, Athletic Step 4: Full contact practice. Director. Step 5: Full clearance for return to play.

Matt Howland, ATC is the individual who makes the final decision regarding the student’s return to athletic activity. Recognition of Concussion Signs (observed by others) Symptoms (reported by athlete) Tryout Policy Procedure Forgets plays 1. Choosing the members of the various athletic teams is the responsibility of the coach. Appears dazed or stunned Headache 2. Before tryouts begin, coaches will provide the team information to all candidates and Exhibits confusion Fatigue parents of the team at a preseason meeting. Such information shall include: Unsure about game, score, opponent Nausea or vomiting • Length of tryout period—a minimum of five days. Moves clumsily Double vision, blurry vision • Objectives used to select the members of the team. Balance problems Sensitive to light or noise • Approximate number of team members that will be selected and criteria involved Personality change Feels sluggish in selection– positions needed, etc. Responds slowing to questions Feels “foggy” • Distribution of practice and game schedule. The coach will explain the Forgets events after the hit Problems concentrating commitment necessary to join the team. Loss of consciousness (not required) Problems remembering • Clear notification that tryouts are based on performance during the selection period. Tryouts are not based on summer participation or coaching camps the 30 31 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 athletes participated in previous to selections. 3. Sub-varsity coaches will follow the criteria for selection that have been established for the Home Study Eligibility particular sport. Head coaches will be involved in sub-varsity selections to aid these coaches. Home study students are permitted to participate in public school co-curricular activities. 4. When lowering numbers on teams becomes a necessity, a coach will provide the To be eligible, home study students must satisfy all of the following criteria. following opportunities for each player: • The student must be enrolled in a home study program registered with the Vermont • Lists or rosters of team membership will not be posted. Each coach will meet with Department of Education. each candidate individually to discuss strengths, weaknesses, and squad • The student must have a legal residence in the school district or a legal residence in a membership or reason for non-membership. district that does not maintain a school and pays tuition on behalf of its students to the • Coach will discuss options or alternatives for those individuals who do not make district where the student wishes to play. the team. Such alternatives could include participation in a team support • A copy of the Vermont State Department of Education enrollment letter for the student’s position. home study program must be presented to the principal. • A parent or guardian must review the student’s academic progress on the same schedule Cut Policy as the school. The standard should be consistent with those for enrolled students to 7th/8th Grade – Cuts will occur only if absolutely necessary and only after a conversation determine academic progress. Although this review is conducted by the parent or with the Athletic Director and Principal about alternatives. Junior Varsity– all efforts will guardian, the parent or guardian must certify the review to the principal. be made to retain a reasonable number of players, however, cuts may occur. Varsity– cuts • The student must comply with all general Vermont Principals’ Association eligibility are more likely in some sports. requirements, such as physical examination, insurance and age. • The student must comply with all school rules. Playing Time The individual’s ability, attitude, and the team situation determine playing time at the Athletic Philosophy varsity level. At the 7th/8th grade level, every effort will be made to ensure each athlete Interscholastic athletics are a vital part of our secondary school education program. They participates in every event. It is expected that members of the JV level team will see action provide a unique opportunity for students to achieve their full potential, as athletes and as in each game as long as they fulfill all of their team’s responsibilities and expectations, and people, in a setting which is both demanding and rewarding. Athletes are encouraged to that their participating does not constitute a potential danger to their physical well being as excel and to win, but the principle of good sportsmanship must prevail at all times. determined by the coaching staff. Prerequisites for Athletes Uniforms and Equipment Physical Examination Students are responsible for all uniforms and equipment issued to them. They are A physical examination is required every two years. The form is available from the athletic responsible for keeping them clean and in good repair and returning them at the end of the director or the school nurse. It is the responsibility of the athlete to complete and return it respective season. They will be liable for lost and damaged items and will be charged as to the coach or athletic director. A copy will be kept at school. determined by the respective coach and administration. For all students, future Permission Form & Accident/Health Insurance participation in co-curricular (athletic, non-athletic, etc…), will be denied, and seniors will Each student participating in a sport must, along with their parent or guardian, read the Athletic not be allowed to participate in senior activities (Prom, Graduation, etc..), if uniforms, Handbook and sign the permission slip in order to participate each season. Any Mill River equipment, or its face value are not returned or reimbursed. student participating in an athletic activity must have accident insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, insurance is available at the school through an independent insurance company. Insurance forms are given to students at the beginning of the academic year. Awards Criteria & End of Season Awards Nights The recognition for successful participation in an activity is important to the participants, NCAA and Collegiate Eligibility the school, and the community. End of Season Sports Banquets will take place within each Students may wish to participate in intercollegiate athletic activities upon completion of team. Dates and locations of banquets will be posted prior for those interested in attending. high school. In order to be academically eligible, the NCAA requires certain minimums on 1. All sub-varsity and varsity participants will receive a certificate of participation. A high school core courses, grades, and SAT/ACT standardized test scores. It is the participant who is a member of a varsity level activity for the entire duration of the responsibility of the student to monitor his/her status with regard to meeting NCAA respective season may be awarded the appropriate varsity letter or pin if a varsity letter requirements. Any questions in this area may be directed to the guidance department. has already been received for that sport.

Change of Sport Policy No athlete may quit or be suspended from a sport and try out for another after the season has begun (first practice to last game, dates set by VPA), without mutual consent of both coaches, and the approval of the Athletic Director. 32 33 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 NCAA Clearinghouse phone numbers: FACILITIES

Customer service hours - 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday. Cafeteria/FitzVogt FitzVogt Group, at extension 217, provides Mill River Union High School with a high Toll-free phone number (U.S. callers) - Customer service line - 877/262-1492 quality professionally managed cafeteria. The goal of The FitzVogt Food Service Group is to provide delicious, nutritious, high quality meals to all students and staff of every school Phone number (international callers) - Customer service line - 317/223-0700 we represent. The meals are provided at very reasonable prices for those who pay the full price and are subsidized by the USDA for families qualifying free or reduced meal benefits. Fax number: 317/968-5100 We enforce the following guidelines to ensure a sound fiscal program. 1. We notify each student when they have less than one meal left on their meal account. We If you want to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, you must first register will allow up to two meals charged. Charges are not permitted on A la carte items. and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Refer to the NCAA 2. We recommend using the My School Bucks online payment feature or send in a check Academic Eligibility section to determine the initial-eligibility standards that apply to you. payable to the school meal program with the student’s name and account ID number clearly If you don’t register you will not be eligible to play or practice during your freshman year. marked. 3. A transaction history is available at anytime. Please call the cafeteria (extension 217) or Athletes who want to compete at College level must file a form with the NCAA email the kitchen staff at [email protected]. Clearinghouse. This form is available from your high school counseling office. 4. Money in accounts is not carried over from one year to the next. International students can Email me for free advice on how to register. Registration is a one-time fee of $65 US or $75 US for international students. Hours of cafeteria operation are 7 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. Student Breakfast- $1.50 Student Lunch $2.75 Adult Lunch $3.75 Athletes basically have 5 “College years” to complete 4 years of athletic eligibility Students Student Reduced Breakfast- Free Student Reduced Lunch - Free who do not meet the minimum academic requirements or fail to register with the NCAA Adult Breakfast $2.25 Clearinghouse will almost certainly lose one of those years. Applications for free and reduced lunch are given to each student at the beginning of the academic year. If your circumstances change you may, at any time, obtain an application Initial Eligibility Requirements: The NCAA Clearinghouse will verify your eligibility. from the main office.

Students must graduate from High School and have a grade point average {GPA} of 2.00 in Please file an application even if you do not plan to take advantage of the program as many a core curriculum of 16 academic subjects for Division I and 14 for division II. federally funded programs are based on the numbers of students eligible. • Monthly lunch menus are posted in the cafeteria and on Mill River online. NOTE: Division II incoming college freshmen from 2013 and beyond will require 16 core • Various a-la-carte items are also available for purchase. classes. • Food items will not be available during class passing times. • Students may not be in the cafeteria during class time without adult supervision. It is recommended that student athletes should register with the NCAA clearinghouse at the start of their junior year in high school, There is no actual registration deadline, but you Health Services must be cleared by the clearinghouse before you can receive a scholarship or compete in The nurse’s office is open on a daily basis during school hours. In order to make the office your sport. available to all students and to avoid students missing class time, all students are requested to be familiar with and abide by the following guidelines: “TOUGH DECISION” ….. From the Minnesota State H.S. League Bulletin • Students are required to have a pass signed by their classroom or “It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make” study hall teacher to provide to the nurse Too often we hear the above comment from a school official following an incident resulting • Illness with sudden onset and injuries will be given immediate in disciplinary action against a student. This is especially true when it has been necessary attention without a pass required. to suspend a student from participation in school activities because the student violated one • Other concerns, such as minor illnesses and injuries and other health of the rules relating to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Now is the time to set the related questions, should be brought to the nurses’ attention during record straight: it is a mistake for a school official to assume that his action to suspend a study hall time if possible. student for violation of the rules was a tough decision. The student knows the penalty for • Concerns about physical education class participation should be the violation cannot be waived. Therefore, when a student makes the decision to violate the discussed with the nurse prior to the PE class period. The nurse will rules— that student had already agreed to accept the penalty as prescribed. It is at that then assess and determine if modified participation would be moment that the tough decision has been made. acceptable. To be excused from a phys. ed. class for medical reasons 34 35 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 the student should have a written note signed by their parent or Library guardian stating the reason that they feel the student will be unable to The library is your portal to 21st century information gathering. Come to the library to participate. If a student will not be able to participate for more than check out the newest fiction, read the current issue of your favorite magazine, type a paper, two or three days, a note signed by a physician stating the reason and find resources for a report, or to study in a small group. the duration will be needed. • Make sure you get a pass from a content-area teacher and put the pass in the • The nurse will inform the Athletic Director of limitations if basket on the library desk. The library is also open before and after school – appropriate. from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. • If it is determined that a student is too ill to remain in school, parents • Access library information, resources and tools from home through the will be contacted to take the student home for convalescence and library website. Click on the library link from the MRU homepage. follow-up medical attention if necessary. Students with a temperature • The library is one open space, so we all need to respect other’s needs as of 100 degrees and above will be sent home and should not return to we use the space; the library can only be as quiet as the loudest group. school until their temperature has been normal for 24 hours. No Students who don’t respect library materials, staff or the space will be sent student will be excused to go home until the nurse has had contact back to study hall. with a parent or guardian for permission and arrangements have been • Repeat offenders will have their library privileges suspended. While in made for transportation. If parents/guardian cannot be reached, a the library, please sign out and take a pass if you need to go to your locker student may be excused to go home with the neighbor/relative that has or use the bathroom. been listed on the emergency information form that is mailed to We are responsible for you in case of emergency. parents in late summer with the student schedules. • Any student who is required to take medication during the regular School Publications school day or during school sponsored activities must comply with the Spirit is the school yearbook. The Yearbook is a part of the MRUHS course offerings. following regulations: Interested students should see their guidance counselor to register for the credited Yearbook 1. The school nurse (or designee) may give medication Course. Students 7-12 wishing to be involved in the Yearbook without receiving credit upon written orders from a physician, and upon written should see the Yearbook Adviser for more information. Content in all school publications request of a student’s parent or guardian. The physician’s will be reviewed by administration. orders must identify the name of the drug, dosage, and time interval. SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES 2. Medication must be brought to school in a container labeled by the pharmacy or physician and stored in a The complete text of all policies can be obtained at the office of the Superintendent, the secure, locked storage place in the nurse’s office. Mill River Union main office, or on Mill River online: www.millriverschools.org 3. Non-prescription medication must be in its original container and be accompanied by a written request from the F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students parents or guardian of a student bringing such medication Date Warned: 6/11/16 Date Adopted: 6/22/16 to school. Medication must be left in the custody of the school nurse or designee. Statement of Policy The district is committed to providing all of its students with a safe and supportive school environment in Lockers which all members of the school community are treated with respect. It is the policy of the district to prohibit the unlawful harassment of students based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, sex, • All lockers, personal and P.E., are the property of Mill River Union High sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Harassment may also constitute a violation of Vermont’s School and their use is a privilege. Public Accommodations Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act • All lockers are subject to inspection and search. of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and/or • Students are responsible for the contents of their assigned locker(s). Students Title IX of the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972. It is also the policy of the District to prohibit the unlawful hazing and bullying of students. Conduct which constitutes hazing may be subject to civil penalties. shall not share lockers. The District shall address all complaints of harassment, hazing and bullying according to the procedures • All lockers have permanent locks. For safety reasons all lockers must be accompanying this policy and shall take appropriate action against any person - subject to the jurisdiction of locked at all times when not in use. the board - who violates this policy. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit punishment of a student for • Student locker combinations are filed in the office for any student needing conduct which, although it does not rise to the level of harassment, bullying, or hazing as defined herein, otherwise violates one or more of the board’s disciplinary policies or the school’s code of conduct. The assistance. Procedures are expressly incorporated by reference as though fully included within this Policy. • Students are only allowed to go to their locker at designated times. The Procedures are separated from the policy for ease of use as may be required. • Students may not enter a class in session to go to their locker. I. Implementation The superintendent or his/her designee shall: 1. Adopt a procedure directing staff, • Students are to report any damage or problems with their lockers to the parents and guardians how to report violations of this policy and file complaints under this policy. (See Procedures on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students.) 2. office. Annually, select two or more designated employees to receive complaints of hazing, bullying 36 37 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 and/or harassment at each school campus and publicize their availability in any publication of implementation of the district’s Preventing and Responding to Harassment of Students and the District that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for the Harassment of Employees policies. This role may also be assigned to designated employees. school. 3. Designate an Equity Coordinator to oversee all aspects of the implementation of this policy as it relates to obligations imposed by federal law regarding discrimination. This role may G. “Harassment” means an incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct, be also be assigned to one or both of the designated employees. 4. Respond to notifications of including any incident conducted by electronic means, based on or motivated by a student’s or a possible violations of this policy in order to promptly and effectively address all complaints of student’s family member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, hazing, harassment, and/or bullying. 5. Take action on substantiated complaints. In cases where disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, that has the purpose or effect of objectively hazing, harassment and/or bullying is substantiated, the district shall take prompt and appropriate and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student’s educational remedial action reasonably MRUUSD Policy F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, performance or access to school resources or creating an objectively intimidating, hostile, or Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 2 of 6 calculated to stop the hazing, harassment and/or offensive environment. Harassment includes conduct as defined above and may also constitute bullying, prevent its recurrence, and remedy the impact of the offending conduct on the victim(s) one or more of the following: Sexual harassment, which means unwelcome conduct of a sexual where appropriate. Such action may include a wide range of responses from education to serious nature that includes sexual violence/sexual assault, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, discipline. Serious discipline may include termination for employees and for students, expulsion and other verbal, written, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature, and includes situations or removal from school property. It may also involve penalties or sanctions for both when one or both of the following occur: (i) Submission to that conduct is made either explicitly organizations and individuals who engage in hazing. Revocation or suspension of an or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s education, academic status, or progress; or (ii) organization’s permission to operate or exist within the district’s purview may also be Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as a component of the basis for considered if that organization knowingly permits, authorizes or condones hazing. decisions affecting that student. Sexual harassment may also include student-on-student conduct or conduct of a non-employee third party that creates a hostile environment. A hostile II. Constitutionally Protected Speech It is the intent of the district to apply and enforce this policy in a environment exists where the harassing conduct is severe, persistent or pervasive so as to deny manner that is consistent with student rights to free expression under the First Amendment of the or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program on the basis U.S. Constitution. The purpose of this policy is to (1) prohibit conduct or communication that is of sex. Racial harassment, which means conduct directed at the characteristics of a student’s or a directed at a person’s protected characteristics as defined below and that has the purpose or student’s family member’s actual or perceived race or color, and includes the use of epithets, effect of substantially disrupting the educational learning process and/or access to educational stereotypes, racial slurs, comments, insults, derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti, resources or creates a hostile learning environment; (2) prohibit conduct intended to ridicule, display or circulation of written or visual material, and taunts on manner of speech and negative humiliate or intimidate students in a manner as defined under this policy. references to cultural customs. Specific symbols or slogans known to have been historically associated with hate groups or hate speech (ex: Ku Klux Klan symbols, Confederate flags, or III. Definitions For the purposes of this policy and the accompanying procedures, the following Nazi/Neo-Nazi symbols) shall be prohibited from being worn or displayed in a way that is definitions apply: visible to others in or on school grounds or at off-campus school activities. Harassment of members of other protected categories, means conduct directed at the characteristics of a A. “Bullying” means any overt act or combination of acts, including an act conducted by student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived creed, national MRUUSD Policy electronic means, directed against a student by another student or group of students and which: F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 4 of 6 a. Is repeated over time; b. Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and c. (i) origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and includes the use occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school sponsored of epithets, stereotypes, slurs, comments, insults, derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti, activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity; or (ii) display or circulation of written or visual material, taunts on manner of speech, and negative does not occur during the school day on school property, on a school bus or at a school references to customs related to any of these protected categories. sponsored activity and can be shown to pose a clear and substantial interference with another student’s right to access educational programs. H. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student in connection with pledging, being B. “Complaint” means oral or written report information provided by a student or any person to initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization an employee alleging that a student has been subjected to conduct that may rise to the level of which is affiliated with the educational institution; and which is intended to have the effect of, or hazing, harassment or bullying. should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, endangering the mental or physical health of the student. Hazing shall not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate curricular, C. “Complainant” means a student who has provided oral or written information about conduct extracurricular, or military training program goals, provided that: (1) The goals are approved by that may rise to the level of hazing, harassment or bullying, or a student who is the target of the educational institution; and (2) The activity or conduct furthers the goals in a manner that is alleged hazing, harassment or bullying. appropriate, contemplated by the educational institution and normal and customary for similar programs at other educational institutions. With respect to hazing, “Student” means any person D. “Designated Employee” means an employee who has been designated by the school to who: (A) is registered in or in attendance at an educational institution; (B) has been accepted for receive complaints of hazing, harassment and bullying pursuant to subdivision 16 V.S.A. admission at the educational institution where the hazing incident occurs; or (C) intends to attend 570a(a)(7). The designated employees for each school building are identified in Appendix A of an educational institution during any of its regular sessions after an official academic break. this policy. MRUUSD Policy F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 3 of 6 I. “Notice” means a written complaint or oral information that hazing, harassment or bullying may have occurred which has been provided to a designated employee from another employee, E. “Employee” includes any person employed directly by or retained through a contract with the the student allegedly subjected to the hazing, harassment or bullying, another student, a parent or district, an agent of the school, a school board member, a student teacher, an intern or a school guardian, or any other individual who has reasonable cause to believe the alleged conduct may volunteer. For purposes of this policy, “agent of the school” includes supervisory union staff. have occurred. If the school learns of possible hazing, harassment or bullying through other means, for example, if information about hazing, harassment or bullying is received from a third F. “Equity Coordinator” is the person responsible for implementation of Title IX (regarding sex- party (such as from a witness to an incident or an anonymous letter or telephone call), different based discrimination) and Title VI (regarding race- based discrimination) for the District and for factors will affect the school’s response. These factors include the source and nature of the coordinating the district’s compliance with Title IX and Title VI in all areas covered by the information, the seriousness of the alleged incident, the specificity of the information, the implementing regulations. The Equity Coordinator is also responsible for overseeing objectivity and credibility of the source of the report, whether any individuals can be identified who were subjected to the alleged harassment, and whether those individuals want to pursue the 38 39 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 matter. In addition, for purposes of violations of federal anti-discrimination laws, notice may Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys occur when an employee of the district, including any individual a student could reasonably #5113 believe has this authority or responsibility, knows or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known about potential unlawful harassment or bullying. Warned: 2/4/06 Adopted:2/15/06 J. “Organization” means an athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group whose members primarily are students at an educational It is the intent of the Mill River Union High School Board to comply with the provisions of institution. the federal Pupil Privacy Rights Amendment (PPRA) governing the administration of K. “Pledging” means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization. student surveys, analyses or evaluations. MRUUSD Policy F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 5 of 6 L. “Retaliation” is any adverse action by any person against a person who has filed a Definitions: As used in this policy, the following terms shall mean: complaint of harassment, hazing or bullying or against a person who assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing related to the harassment complaint. Such adverse action “Invasive physical examination” means a medical examination that involves the exposure may include conduct by a school employee directed at a student in the form of intimidation or of private body parts or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, reprisal such as diminishment of grades, suspension, expulsion, change in educational or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision or scoliosis screening. conditions, loss of privileges or benefits, or other unwarranted disciplinary action. Retaliation “Personal information” means individually identifiable information including a student’s or may also include conduct by a student directed at another student in the form of further parent’s name, address, telephone number, or social security number. harassment, intimidation, and reprisal. M. “School administrator” means a superintendent, principal or his/her designee, assistant principal, technical center director or his/her designee “Instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless and/or the District’s equity coordinator. N. “Student Conduct Form” is a form used by students, of format. It does not include tests or academic assessments. staff, or parents to provide, in written form, information about inappropriate student behaviors “Parent” means a natural or adoptive parent, a legal guardian or other person standing in that may constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying. loco parentis (such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a person ______who is legally responsible for the welfare of a child).

Student Rights The rights provided to parents under the Pupil Rights Amendment and this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor under applicable Vermont law.Policy 1) No student shall be required, without parental consent, to take part in a survey, analysis or evaluation concerning: a) political affiliations or beliefs of a student or a student’s parents; b) mental or psychological problems of a student or student’s family; c) sex behavior or attitudes; d) illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior; e) critical appraisals of other individuals with whom student respondents have close family relationships; f) legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians or members of the clergy; g) income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program for receiving financial assistance under such program; h) or religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents. 2) Parents shall have the right to inspect any survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to a student. Requests for inspection shall be in writing, and shall be made in sufficient time to allow a response at least two weeks in advance of any survey to be given. 3) Parents shall be notified at least annually, at the beginning of the school year or when enrolling students for the first time in district schools, of this policy. The notification shall explain that parents/guardians or students 18 years of age or older, have the right to “opt out” of the following activities: a) the collection, disclosure and use of personal information gathered from students for purpose of marketing or selling that information. This does not apply to the collection,

40 41 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose 6. If a student is removed from the school by legal authority, the student’s parent(s) or of developing, evaluating, or providing educational services for, or to students guardian(s) should be notified of this action by school officials as soon as possible. b) the administration of any survey that includes the subject areas listed above; or c) the administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening Legal Reference(s): 33 V.S.A. 4915 (Child Welfare Services) Cross Reference: Search that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school and not necessary and Seizure (5116) to protect the immediate health and safety of a student or other students and not otherwise Student Conduct and Discipline (5100) permitted or required by State Law. SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY 4) In addition parents shall be notified, through U.S. Mail, email or other direct means, # 5116 at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of any activities described in subparagraphs 1-3 above, and shall be provided an opportunity to It is the policy of the Mill River School District to maintain school property to assure the opt out of participation in these activities. safety and enjoyment of students, school employees and the general public and to extend 5) Parents shall have the right to inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as the useful life of the school facilities. part of the educational curriculum. To carry out this policy the school retains the right to examine all its property and to carry 6) The superintendent or his or her designee shall develop administrative procedures as out searches or to seize property under the guidelines provided in this policy. required to ensure implementation of this policy. Guidelines for Searches and Legal Reference: Protection of Pupil Rights, 20 U.S.C. § 1232h Seizure 1. Desks, lockers, textbooks and other materials or supplies loaned by the school to Questioning or Searches of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School students remain the property of the school, and may be opened by school employees for Personnel cleaning, maintenance or emergencies. When prohibited items are found in the course of #5117 routine cleaning or maintenance, or in the case of emergency, they will be confiscated and Warned: June 8, 2002 a report will be made to the Principal who will determine whether further investigation is Adopted: June 19, 2002 warranted. 2. School property may also be searched by school employees upon reasonable School employees are not the agents of law enforcement officials. For purposes of law suspicion on the part of the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Superintendent that a law or enforcement questioning, searches and/or seizure may occur on school property under the school policy is being violated. guidelines outlined in this policy. 3. Searches of students’ persons, personal effects or vehicles may be conducted if there is reasonable cause to believe that such search will produce evidence of a breach of Guidelines: school policy or law. Search of a student’s person will be conducted by a school employee 1. Search and/or seizure by law enforcement officials on school property may occur when of the same sex whenever possible and in the presence of another school employee. a warrant or other legal basis authorizing such search and/or seizure. 4. School employees are not the agents of law enforcement officials. Search and/or 2. No questioning by non-school personnel of a student under the age of eighteen who seizure by law enforcement officials on school property may occur when a warrant or other may be accused of an offense shall occur without the knowledge of a school administrator legal basis exists authorizing such search and/or seizure, and when the requirements of the and the knowledge and permission of the parent(s) or guardian(s) who will have been given Board’s policy on interrogations by law enforcement officers have been complied with. the opportunity to be present at the time of the questioning. Questioning may, however, 5. Copies of this policy will be distributed to students when they enroll in school, take place without notification of parents if such question is 1) part of a child abuse, and will be included in the student handbook given to students and parents at the beginning neglect or other investigation conducted by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation of each school year. Services in accordance with Chapter 49 of Title 33 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated; or 2) required due to an emergency or urgent potential danger to life, or property, as Legal References(s): New Jersey v. T.L.D., 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985) Vernonia School determined by the Principal, and reasonable efforts to notify the student’s parents are District v. Acton, 115 S.Ct. unsuccessful. 2386 (1995) M.M. v. Anker, 607 F.2d 588 (2d 3. Any questioning by non-school personnel must be conducted in private with the Cir. 1979) Principal or his or her designee present. Cross Reference: Interrogation or Searches of Students by Law Enforcement Officers or 4. The School Resource Officer is not considered a school employee for the purpose of Other Non-School Personnel (5117) Student Conduct and Discipline (5100) questioning; therefore, students may decline at any time to be interviewed by the School Resource Officer. A student may also decline to be interviewed by outside law enforcement personnel. 5. A student may not be released to the custody of persons other than a parent or legal guardian, unless placed under arrest by legal authority. See #2.2

42 43 Mill River Union High School Mill River Union High School Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 Mill River Union High School The student’s parent/guardian is also responsible to see that the student arrives on time to District Administrative Procedures school. The parent/guardian is required to provide a note explaining the late arrival either on the day the student is late or the next school day. School administrators will determine if a late Title: School Attendance Procedures No. 5110 arrival can be excused. Failure to provide a note, except in extenuating circumstances, will result in an unexcused late arrival. Absent from School - Student Responsibilities and Consequences The student is responsible to be in attendance for all days that school is in session, unless Loss of Course Credit he/she is excused. When a student is absent, he/she is required to make up all 1. Students who are absent more than 10 days in a half-year course and 20 days in a full-year work. For excessive absences (either excused or unexcused) the student may be subject course may be denied credit toward graduation and assigned a grade of to the following consequences: incomplete for all such courses. This also means that credit for an individual course may be lost if the student is absent from a class but present for the balance of the day. 1. Assignment of after-school time after school in order to make up academic work; 2. All absences will count toward the total number of absences per semester/year except 2. Suspension of eligibility to participate in co-curricular activities; where the following conditions apply: . 3. Loss of course credit; a. Doctor’s written statement has been provided; 4. Juvenile court affidavit; b. Student is on school-sponsored trip or participating in a school-related activity; 5. In school suspension. c. The absence is approved by the administration. 3. Notification to Parents - To keep parents informed, notices will be sent after the 5th and 10th Late to School - Student Responsibilities and Consequences absences in a half-year course and following the 8th, 16th, and 20th absences in a full-year The student is responsible for arriving on time to school. When a student is tardy to school, course. he/she is required to make up work missed. For excessive late arrivals (either excused or 4. Appeals Procedures - The student and parent/guardian may request a hearing when loss of unexcused) a student may be subject to the following consequences: credit is imminent due to excessive absences. An application must be completed and submitted 1. After-school detention; to the administration within 30 calendar days of a lost of course credit notification. This hearing 2. Suspension of driving/parking privileges; procedure may include the following: 3. Suspension of eligibility to participate in co-curricular activities. a. Completion of a request documenting concern b. Meeting with school administration to review request; Late to Class - Student Responsibilities and Consequences c. Meeting with superintendent to review request; The student is responsible for arriving on time to class. When a student is tardy to class, d. Hearing with School Board; he/she is required to make up work missed. For excessive tardiness (either excused or e. School Board decision. unexcused) a student may be subject to after school detention. Additionally, when a student arrives so late to class that more than half of the class is missed the student will be MILL RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL Social Curriculum Philosophy Adopted: 2/15/95 considered absent, not tardy. The purpose of the social curriculum is: to teach, model and provide opportunities for the Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians practice of socially responsible skills that provide the foundation for academic endeavors; to It is the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian to see that he/she is in attendance for create a community of learners whose members, through respectful and cooperative efforts, all days that school is in session, unless excused for legitimate reasons. The design and implement their educational goals; to recognize and affirm the importance of the parent/guardian is required to notify the school by no later than 9:00 a.m. the morning of individual within the community through appropriate practices. the absence. A note from the parent/guardian must be brought by the student within 24 hours of his/her return to school. For excessive absences, the parent/guardian may be: Each middle level learner has intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs that require 1. required to substantiate absences with a doctor’s certificate; responsive school programs and practices. The administration and faculty of Mill River Union 2. required to meet with the School Board; Middle School recognize the importance of providing developmentally appropriate learning 3. reported via an affidavit submitted to the State’s Attorneys Office. opportunities for adolescents.

Our social curriculum is designed to create a school climate conducive to purposeful work, creativity and cooperation. By learning and modeling social skills we believe that our students will develop values that will make them successful members of society.

44 45 Mill River Union High School AUGUST/SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY Student & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017 M T W TH F MRUUSD CALENDAR M T W TH F 2016-2017 School Year Middle School Philosophy (CES, MRU, SMS, TES & WES) Because each middle level learner has intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs that 1 2 3 require responsive school program and practices, the administration and faculty of Mill River 22 23 24 25 {26} {Professional Development Days} 6 7 8 9 10 Union High School recognize the importance of providing developmentally appropriate {29} {30} 31* 1 2 [Parent Conference Days] 13 14 15 16 17 Holiday/Vacation learning opportunities for adolescents. 5 6 7 8 9 20 21 22 23 24

12 13 14 15 16 {8/26} Professional Development 27 28 We believe learning experiences for adolescents should: 19 20 21 22 23 Cumulative • Address their varied intellectual, physical, social and emotional development 26 27 28 29 30 {8/29} Professional Development Teacher 15 114 • Be highly integrated and connected to life Cumulative Student Days 15 110

• Value the dignity and diversity of all individuals Teacher 25 25 {8/30} Professional Development • Engage students in problem solving through a variety of experiential learning opportunities Student Days 22 22 OCTOBER 8/31 School Begins * MARCH

M T W TH F M T W TH F Such learning experiences require environments in which: 9/5 Labor Day • Students and staff are safe, understood, trusted and respected 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 • Each young adolescent can experience success 10 11 12 13 14 [10/21] Parent Conferences – No School 6 7 8 9 10 • Faculty is empowered and supported in developing responsive curriculum and instructional 17 18 19 20 [21] 13 14 15 16 [17] approaches 24 25 26 27 28 11/11 Veterans’ Day 20 21 22 23 24

• 31 27 28 29 30 31 The family is actively involved in students’ educational endeavors 11/23-11/25 Thanksgiving Break Cumulative Cumulative Because of these convictions, we believe the following conditions should be evident: Teacher 21 46 12/22-1/2 December Break Teacher 23 137 • The staff is organized in ways that encourage ongoing collaboration Student Days 20 42 Student Days 22 132 • All areas of knowledge and skill are viewed as important and integrated throughout the NOVEMBER 1/16 Martin Luther King Day APRIL M T W TH F M T W TH F student’s school experience 2/20-2/24 Winter Recess 1 2 3 4 • Facility promotes a variety of instructional methods, groupings and opportunities to appropriately meet developmental needs. 7 8 9 10 11 [3/17] Parent Conferences – No School 3 4 5 6 7 In support of this philosophy we continue to develop and support initiatives in: 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 21 22 23 24 25 4/17-4/21 Spring Break 17 18 19 20 21 Teaming / common planning / Social curriculum / alternative program 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 Integrated curriculum / interdisciplinary units Block schedule / varied instruction 5/29 Memorial Day Cumulative Cumulative Teacher 18 64 6/12 Tentative Last Elementary Student Teacher 15 152 Student Days 18 60 Student Days 15 147 Middle School Academic Criteria Day * DECEMBER MAY Students with more than 20 absences will be required to make up hours in school through a plan M T W TH F 6/13-6/14 Professional Development M T W TH F created by the administration and guidance team. 1 2 (Elementary Only) 1 2 3 4 5 • Report cards of all 7th and 8th grade students will be reviewed at the end of the first 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 semester. If a student is in danger of failing for the year the parents will be notified in writing. 6/14 MRU Graduation 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 • Students who do not achieve a passing grade in any of the core classes (English, 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies) will need to meet with the academic team to discuss 6/15 Tentative Last MRUHS Student Day 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 grade-level promotion. The decision to promote or retain a student rests ultimately with school Cumulative 6/15 Last Professional Day Floats * Cumulative personnel. Teacher 15 79 (Elementary Only) Teacher 22 174

Student Days 15 75 Student Days 22 169 ½ Day Early Release Days 9/19, 10/24, 11/14, 12/19 JANUARY JUNE 1/23, 2/13, 3/20, 4/10, 5/15 M T W TH F M T W TH F 2 3 4 5 6 Snow/emergency days will 1 2 9 10 11 12 13 extend school year as needed in order to 5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 20 meet statutorily required # of days 12* 13 14 15* 16**

23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 Total Student Days 177 (Elem) 30 31 180 (MRUHS) 26 27 28 29 30 Cumulative Total Teacher Days: 185 (Elem)* Cumulative 46 Teacher 20 99 186(MRUHS)** Teacher 11 185/186 Student Days 20 95 Student Days 10 177/180