HUGH MERCER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2019 – 2020
2100 Cowan Boulevard Fredericksburg, VA 22401 www.cityschools.com/hughmercer
Telephone: (540) 372-1115 Fax: (540) 372-6753
Marjorie R. Tankersley, Principal [email protected]
- 1 - PATRIOT PLEDGE I pledge to: Do my best at all times Respect school property and the property of others Show respect to everyone at all times Keep my hands and feet to myself Treat other people the way I want to be treated. PATRIOT PRIDE
Assembly Pride: Sit criss-cross on your mat, be a quiet listener, pay attention to guest Recess Pride: Play safely on equipment, be kind and share, stay with your class Restroom Pride: Respect others’ privacy, wash hands when finished, keep restroom clean Hallway Pride: Walk on the right side quietly, keep hands off walls, keep eyes straight ahead School Bus Pride: Respect your bus driver, stay seated facing the front, talk quietly Cafeteria Pride: Talk quietly, use your manners, clean up your area
The Patriot Pledge is stated daily, and Behavior Assemblies are held quarterly to remind students of the importance of good behavior. Patriot Pride Fun Days are held once each quarter to celebrate students who maintain good behavior and who do not receive more than one discipline referral per designated period. Please review rules and regulations with your child so he/she will make good behavior choices at HMES. OUR SCHOOL SONG
Written by Suzanne Lemoine (Hugh Mercer music teacher 1971 - 1992)
We love our school, Hugh Mercer School, And we’ll cherish her forever. The things we’ve learned, the friends we’ve made, And the good times that we’ve had. We love our school, Hugh Mercer School, And the mem’ry will live on Of beauty, truth and honor, the things for which she stood.
Mission Statement F.C.P.S. Mission Statement: Fredericksburg City Public Schools will provide a quality education that assures opportunity and equity for each student. Our motto “Excellence in Education” embodies a commitment to empower students to develop personal responsibility for meeting high standards and to become productive citizens in a global society.
Hugh Mercer Mission Statement: Our mission is to instill in our students the academic and social skills necessary to become productive citizens who are motivated to learn and who care about themselves and others.
Mental Health Wellness Position Statement Fredericksburg City Public Schools recognizes the link between student health and learning and desires to provide a comprehensive program promoting health lifestyles. One aspect of a healthy lifestyle is the area of mental health. Mental health is an integral component of students’ overall well-being and it plays a major role in their academic successes. FCPS has school counselors and registered nurses in every school to help support students. Additional supports for students include programs and services related to bullying prevention, drug and alcohol prevention, and self-destructive behavior assessments. Community counseling service resources are also made available to staff and parents to assist students and families with various mental health issues. Students and staff have access to school counselors, nurses, school psychologists, and school social workers throughout the division to help promote positive mental health and well-being. Various resources and programs are available in schools and in the community to provide assistance to individuals requiring mental health support (i.e. groups, referrals to community agencies, referrals to individual counseling, etc.). Individual schools have implemented various bully prevention programs or campaigns. Outside agencies provide in-school (therapeutic day treatment) support to qualifying students at all levels within the school day.
- 2 - MESSAGE FROM THE HMES ADMINISTRATORS
The rest and relaxation of summer is now replaced with the excitement and enthusiasm of a new school year. Our staff returns rested, renewed, and ready to serve your children and you.
Your support is key to the success of your child. You were your child’s first teacher and you continue to be his/her most important teacher. We are your partners in the education of your child. We have an open-door policy, welcome your questions, and will address your concerns.
We look forward to a productive and rewarding new year. We pledge to work cooperatively with you as we strive to fulfill our commitment to provide “A Foundation of Excellence” for the students at Hugh Mercer Elementary School. Have a wonderful year!
Mrs. Marjorie R. Tankersley, Principal Dr. Kimberly K. Doucette, Associate Principal Mrs. Kisha T. Frye, Assistant Principal
PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Hugh Mercer School exists to serve the The first day of school can be one of the educational needs of the children in this most exciting in your child’s life. It can also community. Our responsibility is to provide be a day in which your child may experience a quality education in the basic academic much anxiety. There are several things you skills to enable a child to succeed as an can do to make your child’s transition from adult. home to school as painless and happy as possible. In order to accomplish this goal we must provide an educational program for each Please follow these procedures for the child on his/her individual level. In addition first day of school: to academic skills, we have a responsibility to provide experiences that will enable our Be sure to give your child a name students to grow physically, socially, tag or write his/her name on the emotionally, and artistically. book bag.
The academic objectives of Hugh Mercer Elementary School conform to the goals of DO NOT plan to walk your child to public education as set forth in the state’s class. If your child is a car rider or walker, Standards of Learning. Generally, our he/she will be escorted to class by school objectives are to ensure each student will: personnel from the drop-off site in the rear of the building. ❑ Become competent in the fundamental academic skills Assure your child he/she will have a great ❑ Participate in society as responsible day and you will see him/her at the end of citizens the day. ❑ Qualify for further education or employment FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR ❑ Develop ethical standards of behavior and a positive self image Preparation for school requires more than and new clothing and purchasing school ❑ Practice sound habits of personal supplies. It is essential for parents to health. alleviate their child’s fears and help them
3 adjust to an exciting school career. Some Note: If your name does not appear on the suggestions for an easy transition are to: lease/mortgage agreement of the residence in which you reside, you must provide a ✓ Attend all school functions. verification letter from the tenant/owner ✓ Volunteer at school. indicating that you reside with him/her. In ✓ Always send your child each day addition, you must provide proof of the with a nutritious breakfast. It is tenant’s/owner’s city residency difficult for a child to concentrate at (mortgage/lease agreement, utility bill,) school when he/she is hungry. Breakfast is served daily from 8:00 – ✓ Immunization Record/Physical 8:30 A.M. Exam (dated within 1 year of ✓ Send your child each day with a entering school for the first time) hug, a smile, and words of encouragement. Remind him/her Prior to any child entering a public school that school is a place where within the state of Virginia, a comprehensive everyone can meet success. physical examination (administered by a physician) is required within one year of the SCHOOL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS child’s first day of enrollment. Immunizations and documentation of a physical KINDERGARTEN ENTRANCE AGE: examination must be recorded on a State 5 years old on/before September 30, 2019 Health Form (available with your physician, the Health Department, or in the school REQUIREMENTS: office) with physician’s signature and date.
Birth Certificate - Original, not photocopy According to Virginia State law, the following (hospital certificates not accepted) or immunizations are required prior to any child Passport (if not U.S. citizen) ** Driver’s entering a public school within the state of license not accepted ** Virginia for the first time:
th Proof of City Residency - A current utility o 3 doses DPT (one after 4 birthday) th bill with the parent’s name and or 6 doses before 4 birthday th Fredericksburg address listed and a current o 3 doses Polio (one after 4 birthday) th lease or mortgage identifying the family as or 4 doses before 4 birthday the lessee o 2 doses Measles (rubeola received after 12 months of age) If the student’s family is living with another family o 2 doses Measles, 1 dose Mumps, 1 within the city limits, the requirements above dose Rubella, or 2 doses MMR must be presented from the resident. In addition, o 3 doses Hep B form JEC-R-1 must be completed and notarized o 1 dose Varicella Vaccine stating the family/student who is registering is living with them within the Fredericksburg City REQUIRED SCREENINGS: boundaries. If the family of the student who is registering is homeless, the McKinney-Vento Anemia (Hemoglobin or Hematrocrit), legislation and the Fredericksburg City Public Urinalysis Schools policies related to them will go into effect. Vision Hearing Tuition Form (if out of city resident) Lead Level Emergency Contact Information TB
4 STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND in our regular school day to ensure a safe RESPONSIBILITIES school environment.
Students have the right to: BUILDING SECURITY: All outside doors to 1. have equal opportunity to participate the school are locked at 8:30 A.M. each day, in any special program. except the front door, which will be locked at 2. feel safe, secure and not 9:00 A.M. The school is equipped with a threatened. video secure system. Visitors must push an 3. be challenged to their fullest outside intercom button and be buzzed-in by potential. school personnel to gain entry inside the 4. ask questions, be respected for their school building. opinion. 5. be provided with bus transportation. CRISIS PREVENTION: The school 6. expect parent participation. engages in fire drills, periodic lockdown, and 7. obtain an education satisfying all tornado drills. Each teacher also has a state requirements. crisis manual, and the school has a viable 8. learn without being interrupted. Threat Assessment Team. 9. have ample opportunities to use school resources. VISITOR POLICY: Visitors must enter 10. be treated fairly and know rules are through the front doors at the main entrance consistent. of the school. At 9:00 A.M., the front doors 11. be nurtured. will be locked and visitors will be required to use an outside intercom button and state Students have the responsibility to: their name and the purpose of their visit 1. come to class prepared to learn prior to gaining entry into the school. School and work. staff will make a visual and verbal 2. recognize they are a part of a determination prior to granting visitors cooperative group. access inside the building. In addition, all 3. respect others and their visitors will continue to be required to property. provide photo identification, sign-in, and 4. abide by school rules. wear a Visitor Badge while in the school. 5. complete all assignments. 6. work to their fullest potential. GENERAL INFORMATION 7. be in the classroom on time. 8. accept punishment deemed In order to make the transition to Hugh appropriate. Mercer smooth, parents are discouraged 9. be responsible for the safety of from coming into the building to eat lunch or self and others. to take students to classrooms during the 10. work toward goals. first two weeks of school. 11. take advantage of educational opportunities and pursue BUILDING HOURS: The school building independent learning. opens daily at 8:00 A.M. The school office is open until 4:00 P.M. SCHOOL PROCEDURES CLASSROOM VISITATION: So that SAFETY REGULATIONS: One of the main instructional time is not interrupted, visitors concerns of the entire faculty and staff of may not go to classrooms and visit without Hugh Mercer School is the safety of our prior approval from the teacher. students. We have incorporated procedures
5 CLASSROOM OBSERVATION: Parents or NUTRITION: No commercial fast foods or designees are asked to adhere to the food deliveries from outside food sources following guidelines – are allowed in the cafeteria during breakfast or lunch. No soft drink bottles or cans are 1. A written request to observe your allowed in the student dining hall. child’s classroom must be submitted to an administrator one week in DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICATION: The PTA advance. and school will sponsor fund raising 2. The purpose of your observation activities. Students are only allowed to sell must be clearly stated in the written items to family and friends. No door-to-door request. solicitation is permitted. 3. During the observation, the parent or designee must remain seated LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS: quietly. Students are not allowed to leave school 4. The parent or designee cannot grounds during the school day without interrupt instruction during his/her written permission from the parent/guardian. observation. Written permission must be submitted to the 5. The parent or designee cannot administration prior to dismissal. interrupt the teacher for the purpose of discussion (an appointment to DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS: Deliveries to meet with or conference with the students (flowers, balloons, gifts, food, etc.) teacher may be scheduled at a are not allowed. different time). 6. Classroom observations are limited CLASS PARTIES: Unless you have been to 30 minutes or less. invited by the teacher to help with your child’s classroom party, parents are asked to VOLUNTEERS: In order to be considered refrain from coming. We have school for volunteering, a Volunteer Application parties for the children in the class. This is a must be completed and submitted. You will special time for them. We ask that, in be assigned to a teacher who will make a respect for this, no younger siblings come to schedule for you. Volunteers must not have classroom parties. We have many other been convicted of any crimes, especially events throughout the year that include the against minors, and must pass a entire family. Students with 5 or more background check. referrals can be restricted from participating in class parties. SNACKS: Parents are requested to provide a nutritional snack for their children each BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND BIRTHDAY day. Kindergarten teachers will provide a INVITATIONS: No birthday parties, cakes, list of suggested snack options. or cupcakes, etc, in classrooms. Sweet treats (no foods cooked in peanut oil or RECESS: Students are scheduled for containing peanuts or nuts are allowed) outside recess daily when the temperature is may be brought in during your child’s above 32 degrees or the heat index is below regularly scheduled lunch time. No outside 90 degrees. Exceptions to this are when a food (pizza, hot dogs, burgers, etc.), soft weather alert has been issued, it is raining, drinks, party favors, or party decorations are snowing, sleeting, unusually windy, the wind allowed. No photos or videos may be chill (“feels like”) temperature is below 32 taken of any student other than the degrees, or if the ground is extremely wet. parent’s child. Teachers may not distribute In these instances, indoor recess (physical birthday party invitations in the classroom. activity) will take place.
6 ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR: Parents are consent. All prescription medications must asked to help us enforce our “good be in the ORIGINAL CONTAINER with assembly behavior” policy by turning off cell pharmacy label attached. Medicine must be phones and/or pagers during school brought to the school nurse by an adult. programs. If you bring toddlers, be sure Medicine MUST NOT BE SENT IN A they remain seated and quiet so everyone CHILD’S BACKPACK. When the supply of can enjoy the program. If you’re taking medication is running low, the nurse will pictures or video, please do not block the send home a letter with the child asking for view of others. additional medication.
APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR AND Over the counter medicines (OTC) may be OUTERWEAR: Parents are asked not to given for a period of 3 days with the parent’s send students to school wearing flip flops written permission. If more than 3 days are because of safety concerns. On days when needed, a written physician’s order is your child is scheduled for P.E., please send required. The medication must be received him/her to school wearing sneakers or any in its original container. other shoe appropriate for physical activity (no flip flops or sandals). Please be sure HEAD LICE: When a student is found with your child wears appropriate outerwear head lice, the parent/guardian will be (coat, hat, gloves) for outside activities notified, and the student will be dismissed during cold or inclement weather. from school. The nurse will provide literature on how to treat the lice. Once STUDENT ILLNESS: Students with treated, the student must be brought to symptoms of acute illness (persistent cough, school by the parent/guardian and runny nose, body aches, vomiting or accompanied to the clinic where the nurse diarrhea) should be kept home from school. will check the child’s scalp/hair for the Students who have had a fever must remain presence of eggs (nits). All nits that are home until they are fever free without attached to the hair shaft must be removed. medicine for 24 hours. Students who have a positive throat culture for strep may return ATTITUDE CONTROL CENTER: The to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment Attitude Control Center (ACC) is a has begun. If strep is suspected but the supervised classroom environment where results of a throat culture have not been students are placed for various lengths of received, the child should be kept home time for both disciplinary and supervisory from school. situations. If a student has an individual educational plan (IEP), his special education Students who become ill at school will be services are provided as long as the student sent to the nurse’s clinic. If the school nurse is able to participate appropriately. The determines it is necessary for a student to special education staff monitors and be sent home due to illness, she will contact supports the student’s educational goal his/her parent. If she is unable to reach the progress and accommodations on a regular parent/guardian, she will call one of the basis. All students are expected to work emergency contacts for that student. quietly on assigned educational tasks Students with pink eye will be sent home related to their instructional level. from school and may return 24 hours after medication has begun. Students whose misconduct has not resulted in a discipline referral may be sent MEDICATION: No prescription medications to the Attitude Control Center for “time out” may be dispensed to a student without a to receive a T-Talk. written doctor’s order and written parental
7 T-Talks are limited to once daily and less not expect to attend more than one field trip than 30 minutes. A second incident during per classroom per school year as teachers the same day that a student has already use a rotating system to include as many received a T-Talk would result in a discipline parents who wish to be considered as referral. possible.
FIELD TRIPS: Field trips enhance the Guidelines for Chaperones: classroom curriculum and are an extension ▪ Arrive at school 15 minutes prior to of the activities being studied. They are the scheduled field trip departure worthwhile and beneficial to a child’s time (no earlier, no later). academic program. There is a minimal fee ▪ Usual visitor sign-in procedures (usually under $10) for most field trips. apply (present photo ID and sign-in Often, fees must be paid in advance. If your with the hall monitor). child will not be attending the field trip, you ▪ Children, relatives, or friends not must notify the teacher at least 3 days in already approved MAY NOT attend advance to receive a refund. (No refunds will the field trip. be made after this time.) If your child is ill on ▪ As a field trip chaperone, your job is the day of the field trip and a charter bus to supervise a group of students, not was secured for the trip, that portion of the just your own child. Remain in your fee will not be refunded. designated group only and follow the guidelines given to you. Notify If bag lunches from the school cafeteria are the teacher of any behavior to accompany students on a field trip, it will concerns. consist of a sandwich (menu choice), juice, ▪ Wear appropriate clothes as fresh fruit, and chips. outlined in this handbook. Your outfit should be appropriate to the Students are expected to follow all school field trip destination (i.e. sneakers rules and will not be allowed to attend a field for the Pumpkin Patch, nice pants trip if they have displayed consistent, for the theatre, etc.) unacceptable behavior in school. Students ▪ The field trip is an extension of the who have been placed in ACC on the day of school day, so guidelines apply (no the field trip may not participate in the smoking, no junk food, no day’s activities and no refund will be made. purchasing of alcoholic beverages, Also, students with 6 or more referrals will no purchasing souvenirs for any be restricted from attending field trips. child including your own, no cell phone use). Students will be transported to and from field ▪ Students may not be transported by trips by school transportation (school or private car to or from a field trip. charter bus). ▪ Everyone must return to school after the field trip. If you are taking your Students are required to wear yellow school- own child home with you, you must provided T-shirts on the day of the field trip. sign him/her out in the office at the Parents who are not chaperoning a field end of the field trip. Taking your trip cannot meet the bus at the field trip child out of school early after a field site and join the class group. trip is considered an unexcused early dismissal. FIELD TRIP CHAPERONES: A limited ▪ A signed Chaperone Agreement number of chaperones per classroom are must be on file at school before you chosen on a first come, first served basis to will be considered to chaperone a attend a given field trip. Chaperones should field trip.
8 SUMMER PROGRAMS: principal’s secretary, and it will be sent home with your child or mailed if necessary. ▪ Pre-K Camp is designed to help prepare rising kindergarten students SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITIONS: At for their upcoming kindergarten year their monthly meetings, the School Board through a variety of learning will recognize the academic achievements of experiences including story time, students who place first and second at the music, art, library visits, and school level. computer time. ▪ Summer Scholars is an enrichment AWARDS ASSEMBLY: In recognition of program designed to provide students’ achievements (perfect attendance, students with a variety of cultural, reading, good citizenship, etc.) an Awards geographical, and historical Assembly will be held at the end of the experiences through classroom school year. Parents of students receiving activities, guest speakers, and field awards will be notified by letter prior to the trips. Awards Assembly. Criteria for receiving a ▪ Summer School is an academic Perfect Attendance award: program emphasizing reading and math skills. The program will utilize • Students who are present every day individual and small group without accumulating more than instruction. 3 tardies and/or early dismissals during the course of the school year Students who meet two or more of the will be awarded a medal and a following criteria will be required to attend certificate. Summer School: HOMEWORK POLICY ❑ Received a grade of Needs Improvement (N) on at least two We have a child-friendly/family-friendly report cards in reading and/or math. homework policy. Our goal in the ❑ Reading 6 months below grade elementary school is to instill in each student level. a love of learning. After a hard day’s work at ❑ Did not pass his/her cumulative school, we feel it is counterproductive to reading/math year-end test. force piles of homework on a student to complete at home each night. Homework Additional students will be recommended by should be a reinforcement of what a child teachers if space permits. Parents will be learned at school or something he/she can notified regarding Summer School do independently that will enhance learning. requirements. Homework should be done every night, NEWSLETTER: A newsletter, The Patriot’s Monday through Thursday. A check-off Press, will be posted on our website once sheet will be provided. As activities are monthly. Extra copies are available in the completed, check them off and return the school office. The newsletter will contain sheet to the teacher on Friday. Please important dates, and information for parents adhere to the prescribed maximum and students. Also included will be homework times. important information from the PTA, the breakfast/lunch menu, and news clips. Kindergarten 15 minutes maximum If you wish to receive a print copy of the 1st grade 25 minutes maximum monthly newsletter, please contact the 2nd grade 30 minutes maximum
9 Monday through Thursday: A courtesy call to report the absence on the day of is appreciated; however, a written READING note or email to the classroom teacher and I read to an adult or they read to me. office personnel from the parent/guardian or MATH physician must provided within 2 days of the K: practice counting from 1-25, as student’s return to school for that absence to needed be excused. A parent/guardian note is 1st: practice counting from 1-100, as accepted for up to 4 absence occurrences needed per marking period. Thereafter, a note from 2nd: practice counting from 1-100 a physician is required. and identify numbers, as needed INQUIRY ACTIVITY Students will be permitted to make up work Complete one item taken from the missed during absences, but the Inquiry Activity List parent/guardian must request assignments WORDS FOR THE WEEK through the teacher. Spelling, Literacy, Math, Science/Social Studies Special requests (out of town family trip, This is for parents’ information – this is NOT etc.) must be made in writing to the principal an assignment. Your child may practice at least 3 days prior to the absence. these words or write them in sentences. Parents/guardians are responsible for requesting make-up assignments from the Focus on the things your child enjoys most: teacher, and students are expected to interaction with you, the parent, is one of the complete make-up assignments. NOTE: It most beneficial components of our new is Virginia State law that students with 15 policy. consecutive unexcused absences will be withdrawn and must be re-enrolled. ATTENDANCE Excessive unexcused absences can lead to School attendance is critical for academic ▪ a conference with parents achievement and the preparation of students ▪ a referral to Social Services, or for the world of work and personal success. ▪ retention. Student attendance is a joint effort between the school and the home. Students are The following actions will apply: expected to arrive to school on time and ▪ 5 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: attend class for the full instructional day. Letter to the parents/guardian with notification of the number of The only absences that may be excused absences include the following: ▪ 6 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: A conference will be scheduled with ▪ student’s illness parent and administrator, and a ▪ student’s medical/dental social worker to discuss a plan to appointment resolve the non-attendance. ▪ student’s court appearance ▪ 7 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: ▪ death in the family Parent/guardian will be scheduled to ▪ observance of religious holiday, and meet with an administrator and ▪ possibly extenuating circumstance social worker. If absences continue determined by the school to accrue, the social worker will take administration court action. ▪ 25 OR MORE ABSENCES (EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED):
10 The principal will meet with the encouraged to leave students in school until Promotion/Retention Committee to 3:15. Parents who frequently sign out determine possible retention for the students before dismissal at 3:15 will be following year. reported to administrators and the school social worker. TARDINESS RETENTION/PROMOTION School starts (first bell) at 8:25 A.M. The tardy bell rings at 8:30 A.M. Students who Promotion to the next grade is achieved by are not in class at that time will be acquiring the skills necessary to be considered tardy to school. academically successful. Students must be When a child arrives late to school, he/she is performing on grade level in reading and missing critical instruction. Our teachers math, which is considered no more than one work very hard to create meaningful semester behind the current grade level. lessons. When a child misses a lesson, or even part of a lesson, it leaves a gap in When there is an appeal regarding his/her learning. promotion, the principal will make the final decision on each student based on the Tardiness will be excused for the following recommendation made by the Promotion reasons only: Committee. The principal will notify the student’s parents/guardian of the decision. ▪ student’s illness (maximum of 3 times per 9-week period with a note IN ORDER TO BE PROMOTED, A from parent/guardian) STUDENT MAY ACCUMULATE NO MORE ▪ students’ medical/dental THAN 25 ABSENCES, EXCUSED OR appointment (doctor’s note required) UNEXCUSED. ▪ student’s court appearance (documentation required) CODE OF CONDUCT
Tardiness to school will be addressed in the Fredericksburg City Public Schools believes following manner: that the individual behavior of one student should not disrupt the entire learning TH 5 TARDY: A letter will be sent to the environment. Each year, the FCPS parent/guardian community receives the division code of TH 7 TARDY: A second letter will be sent conduct that details the potential areas of to the parent/guardian discipline that will be a focus for school TH 10 TARDY: A conference will be administrators for the upcoming year. The scheduled with the Code of Conduct also includes a discipline parent/guardian and the matrix that serves as a guide for the principal or designee. frequency of disciplinary infractions Students with excessive throughout the school year. School tardies can also be referred administrators will thoroughly investigate to Social Services. each discipline infraction and determine consequences based on the severity of the EARLY SIGN-OUTS infraction, previous disciplinary incidents, etc. Additional information regarding Students are engaged in instruction until student discipline can be found in Policy 3:15. Signing out students early will result in JFC-Student Conduct. loss of instructional time, so parents are
11 Division administrators participate in bully, what they should do if they are being professional development workshops bullied, and what will happen if they bully. designed to review discipline data and develop strategies to reduce discipline in If a student is referred for bullying the first schools. Fredericksburg City Public Schools offense results in a warning and a telephone will continue to develop programs to address call to the parents. A second referral results character development at all levels with the in limited time in ACC and a call to the overarching goal of reducing student parents. A third referral results in extended discipline and increasing student time in ACC and a call to the parents. A achievement. fourth referral results in out of school suspension. At parents’ request, the School BULLYING PROGRAM Resource Officer can be invited to talk to students if they continue to bully. All Hugh Mercer is pro-active in bullying reported incidents of bullying are prevention. Following our school mantra, documented. “Nice Counts!” we place special emphasis on being respectful and “nice” to everyone: DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES our fellow students, friends and families, and (Standards of Conduct) our teachers and staff. Students are reminded of this positive behavior at each of RULES AND CONSEQUENCES our quarterly Behavior Assemblies. Fredericksburg City Public Schools believes Our Bully Prevention Program begins with that the individual behavior of one student education. During the month of October, should not disrupt the entire learning lessons that focus on bullying and why it’s environment. Each year, the FCPS unacceptable behavior that will not be community receives the division code of tolerated are provided by the guidance conduct that details the potential areas of counselors. The guidance counselors then discipline that will be a focus for school meet with students in class guidance administrators for the upcoming year. The sessions in the fall and begin to educate Code of Conduct also includes a discipline students tin depth in each grade level about matrix that serves as a guide for the what bullying is, why bullying is not allowed, frequency of disciplinary infractions what to do f the student or anyone else is throughout the school year. School being bullied, and what happens if students administrators will thoroughly investigate are the bully. In November, teachers and each discipline infraction and determine administrators submit a list of names of consequences based on the severity of the students who have displayed aggressive infraction, previous disciplinary incidents, behaviors that have resulted in them bullying etc. Additional information regarding students. The counselors then meet in student discipline can be found in Policy small groups with those students and JFC-Student Conduct. Division provide lessons, teaching them how to have administrators participate in professional positive interaction with peers, how to be a development workshops designed to review friend, and how to play fair. These students discipline data and develop strategies to meet once a week for six weeks and then reduce discipline in schools. Fredericksburg are monitored closely after the sessions. City Public Schools will continue to develop Again, in March, the counselors revisit the programs to address character development lessons on bullying, making sure that at all levels with the overarching goal of students understand why they shouldn’t be a reducing student discipline and increasing student achievement.
12 Rules: tripping, scratching, spitting, or pushing. Students will treat staff members, peers, and 2. verbally harassing, taunting property with dignity and respect because it another student. creates a positive learning environment. 3. stealing from staff members or All students will come to school prepared another student. each day in order to be an active learner. 4. willfully causing the destruction All students will practice safe behaviors of school property. because it creates a comfortable learning 5. using profanity. environment. 6. inappropriate notes or drawings. 7. using threatening language or Students can be referred to the office for the drawing threatening pictures. following: 8. using a laser pointer 9. cheating (repeated incidents) 1. physically attacking a staff 10. incidents of disrupting class. member by biting, hitting, kicking, tripping, scratching, The following consequences will be spitting, or pushing. considered: 2. verbally attacking a teacher by using threats or profanity. ▪ Time in the Attitude Control Center 3. defiantly leaving an assigned (ACC) and communication with room or area. parent by administrator 4. bringing a toy or look-alike ▪ Extended time in ACC and a weapon on school property. mandatory parent conference 5. bringing a cigarette lighter or with the building administrator other incendiary device on ▪ Out-of-school suspension and a school property. mandatory parent conference 6. exposing themselves. with the building administrator. 7. urinating or defecating in undesignated areas. Additionally, students with 5 or more 8. repeated incidents of using referrals or at the discretion of threatening language administrators, will be restricted from 9. disruptive behavior that disturbs participating in special events or field learning and/or poses a danger trips due to misbehavior. Students with to persons or property (School 3 or more referrals can be suspended Board Policy JGD/JGE) from school. 10. repeated incidents of stealing from students or staff BUS PROCEDURES
The considered consequence will be out- It is our policy that a parent/guardian or of-school suspension and a mandatory someone designated by the parent/guardian parent conference will be scheduled with (at least 12 years old) accompany their the building administrator. child(ren) to the bus each morning. The adult must remain with the child(ren) until Students can also be referred to the office the bus has arrived. In the afternoon, the for the following: designated person must meet his/her child9ren) at the bus stop. If no one is there 1. physically attacking another to meet a child, the bus driver will not student by biting, hitting, kicking, release the child and will return him/her to
13 school. You will be notified and will need to ▪ Removal of the student from the bus pick up him/her from school immediately. for the remainder of the school year. All bus students are under school jurisdiction until he/she leaves the bus stop each day. TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES Students are reminded of the importance of proper behavior on the school bus and that it No written notice is required for your child’s is a privilege to ride the bus. Bus service is morning transport to school. However, provided for all students who live more than students may not report to school before one-half mile from school. Students may be 8:00 A.M. given assigned seats on the bus and all bus rules are to be adhered to each day. Car riders are dropped off and dismissed to General bus safety regulations are: the gym. Parents must line up their cars in the rear parking lot and remain in their ✓ All students are to remain seated vehicles as they move to the front of the line until the bus has arrived at their bus to drop or pick-up their child(ren). Parents stop and has come to a complete of students who are permanent car riders stop. will be given a display sign to hang from the ✓ Students must respect and follow all rearview mirror of their cars indicating their directions given by the bus driver or children’s names, etc. Car riders must be monitor. picked up no later than 3:30 P.M. Please ✓ Students shall refrain from loud help us by adhering to the following talking. guidelines: ✓ Students shall not stick their head or arms out of the bus window. A.M. Car Drop-Off Guidelines ✓ No objects shall be thrown from the bus. Staff members are on duty in a supervisory ✓ Students will not eat while riding the capacity. With the growing number of bus. students who are car riders, it is not possible ✓ Students shall cross 6 feet in front of for staff members to offer valet service. a school bus. Staff members will not open doors to let ✓ Students shall never go behind a students out of cars. Students need to open bus or between buses. the door to let themselves out. ✓ Students must call on the bus driver or monitor if assistance is needed • Pull around the circle lot and into the and respect all requests of the driver yellow curbed area (by the and monitor. sidewalk). Come to a complete ✓ Students are subject to all stop and remain in your vehicle at state/local regulations while riding a all times. school bus. • Have your child open the car door and get out quickly. The following procedures will be considered • Make sure your child exits the car in the event of bus discipline referrals: on the curb side only.
▪ A conference is held with the If you need special assistance, pull all the student and communication is made way up and blow your horn or flash your with the student’s parent/guardian. headlights, and a staff member will assist ▪ The parent will be contacted and the you or your child as needed. student will serve time in ACC (in- school suspension). ▪ Suspension of bus privileges.
14 If you need to go inside the school, park in a parents of walkers can come into the gym parking space, then walk to the front of the and sign their child out. Your cooperation school to be buzzed in. You must have a will allow us to move quickly and safely. photo ID. LATE PICK-UP: Students picked up late After dropping off your child(ren) and more than 3 times will be referred to Social ensuring they are safely on the sidewalk, Services. please quickly pull forward so the cars behind you may drop off their child(ren). If parents/guardians cannot be contacted Please cooperate with and support staff by 4:30 P.M., the school will contact members that are on duty. Their job is to FCPD to get assistance contacting ensure the safety of all students. parents.
The car rider line is open until 8:20 A.M., BUS STOP POLICY: An adult after which you will have to bring your child (parent/guardian, babysitter, grandparent, to the front of the school and sign him/her in. big brother/sister – at least 12 years old) Staff members on car rider duty close the must be at the bus stop to greet your child. gym door promptly at 8:20 A.M. Do not sit in your car or stand at the door or on the porch/balcony/deck of your home. P.M. Car Pick-Up Guidelines You or your designee must be AT THE BUS ▪ Pull around the circle lot to ensure STOP AND VISIBLE TO THE BUS cars do not back up into the DRIVER. intersection on Cowan Boulevard. ▪ Remain in your car at all times. If an adult is not at the bus stop to greet your ▪ Turn off your cell phone while in child, he/she will not be allowed to depart line. the bus and will be returned to school. You ▪ Only pick up the student if you are will then be contacted to pick up your child listed on the contact list as “having without delay. Based on the situation, an permission to pick up.” administrator will contact Social Services at ▪ Have the child’s name written on the 4:00 P.M. if there are children who have not green or yellow car ID card and been picked up. display it in the right-hand window of the car. Parents of students who are not picked up ▪ Move your car forward as directed. by 5:00 P.M. and/or returned from the bus ▪ Follow all directional commands will be referred to Social Services and/or the given by the staff member on duty. police. ▪ Be prepared to present photo identification if asked by a staff CHANGES IN AFTERNOON TRANSPORT: member. If there is a change in your child’s after ▪ Do not park your car and walk to school transport, a written note is required the gym to collect your child. on the day of the change. If this is a ▪ Do plan to cooperate with staff permanent change, please indicate so. members. Parents who fail to cooperate will be referred to You may fax (372-6753) or e-mail your FCPD. child’s transport change to office personnel (by 2:30 P.M, please), but no changes will Students will be escorted to the car by a be accepted by telephone, and no changes staff member as quickly as possible. Drivers will be accepted after 2:30 P.M. except in must remain in their car at all times. Only the case of an emergency.
15 If you fax or e-mail a transportation change, BREAKFAST & LUNCH it is required that you call the school office to confirm your request has been received. “Grab and Go Breakfast” is served daily You may access the office email via our web from 8:00 A.M. until 8:15 A.M. Students are site: www.cityschools.com/hughmercer to report to their homeroom class first, then proceed to the cafeteria if they are eating SCHEDULED EARLY DISMISSALS: On breakfast, and take it to their classrooms to scheduled early dismissal days, students will eat. be dismissed at 12:45 P.M., and normal dismissal procedures will apply (lunch Lunch is also served daily. Each class will served 40 minutes earlier). have a 20-minute lunch period. Our cafeteria program is an “offer versus serve” On scheduled early dismissal days, students program. This means a student may elect who are not picked up by 2:00 P.M. will be not to include an item in his/her lunch. referred to Social Services and/or the police. Three of the five items being offered must be selected in order to meet the basic INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES requirements of a “Grade A” lunch.
LATE OPENINGS (2 hour delayed opening): Hugh Mercer participates in the National When school opens late due to inclement School Lunch and School Breakfast weather, classes will begin at 10:35 A.M. Programs called the Community Eligibility and dismiss at the usual time (3:15 P.M.). Provision, which means all enrolled students SCHOOL CANCELLATION OR EARLY are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at CLOSING: When it is necessary to cancel no charge to your household. No action is school or alter the regular opening/closing necessary on your part in order for your times due to inclement weather or an child to participate. There is no fee, and you emergency, the following FM radio and TV do not need to submit an application. stations will make an announcement: If your child has any food allergies or TV: Channels 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 83 medical condition, please contact our FM Radio: 101.5, 93.3, 95.9, 99.3, 104.5, 96.9 school nurse so that necessary AM Radio: 1230 provisions may be made.
The information will also be sent out via our CHANGES IN CONTACT INFORMATION alert system and posted on our web site (www.cityschools.com) and It is important to notify school officials if www.fredericksburg.com. there are changes in emergency contact information for your child. Please notify To receive notice of weather-related school school office personnel of changes as soon closings/delayed openings/early closings via as possible. text and/or email, sign up for alerts at www.fredericksburgalert.com. For your REPORT CARDS/INTERIM REPORTS convenience, a link is also on our web site
(www.cityschools.com). Reports Cards and SOL Checklists are sent
home each nine weeks. Report cards are a On days when school closes early due to way to share with parents the progress their weather conditions, dismissal times will be child has made during a specific time period dependent upon weather conditions and while at school. arrival of buses.
16 It is important for parents to share the Parents/guardians are responsible for information with their child, talk about how ensuring their children come to school each they are doing and praise them for their day, on time, and prepared to learn. successes. Also, it is a good time to talk Students are responsible for coming to about improvements, if any, that can be school and class prepared and on time, made for the next reporting period. committed to strive for success, and willing Concerns can be shared with the classroom to contribute to the school environment in a teacher by setting up a conference call, positive and responsible manner. emailing, or sending a note. This promotion policy has been developed to compliment the expectations and Interim Reports will be sent home mid-nine responsibilities set forth in the Virginia weeks. This is a report to let you know how Standards of Learning. This policy: your child is doing and any area that may need improvement before the report cards ✓ ensures promotions are earned and are sent home. based on academic achievement ✓ diminishes grade retentions to the PROMOTION/RETENTION REGULATIONS greatest extent possible ✓ ensures students will enter Fredericksburg City Public Schools are classrooms with the skill and committed to ensuring every student be knowledge necessary to do grade exposed to an environment that promotes level work, and grades will possess lifelong learning, encourages responsible the academic competencies citizenship, endorses productive work necessary for higher education or habits, and supports an understanding and the world of work acceptance of the diversity in our ✓ establishes a process that supports community. We strive to graduate students students and reinforces the need to that are proficient readers and critical have them work hard thinkers who can demonstrate sound ✓ recognizes that students learn at academic and social behaviors in order to different rates and puts into place be productive citizens in the world of work educational procedures that as well as in the community. Every teacher, respond to a differentiated administrator, and parent involved in the instructional program, and lives of our students shares in the ✓ defines the parameters of learning responsibility to ensure that all students for which teachers, administrators, meet these expectations. parents, and students are accountable. Fredericksburg City Public Schools are committed to ensure every student will have Promotion to the next grade at the the opportunity to work in an environment elementary level is achieved by that is safe, clean, healthful, and supportive. acquiring the skills necessary to be The school system will provide students a academically successful. The following quality educational program that is general requirements will be utilized in responsive to individual strengths and grades K-2 to determine a child’s weaknesses. Parents/guardians will receive promotion to the next grade level. timely information about their child’s progress.
17 Course Requirements: Progress reports (interims) will be sent home every 4.5 weeks. Reading – students must be reading on Report Cards will be sent home grade level and pass a cumulative every 9 weeks. reading test at the end of the year. Parents are required to have Math – Students must take and pass their child in school each day. If grade level math and pass a cumulative a child is absent from school, it math test at the end of the year. is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school of the absence. Science and Social Studies – If it is determined by a teacher Students must take science and social that a student may not be studies and successfully pass these promoted to the next grade classes. level, the teacher must notify the parents of this recommendation Assessment Requirement: no later than March 15 of the school year. All students will be administered Istation In May of each school year, a assessment monthly to assist in promotion/retention committee determining instructional reading level. will be developed to study the data on students recommended Attendance Requirement: for retention.
In order to be promoted, a student may Students who are promoted but still in need accumulate no more than twenty-five of remediation based on their academic (25) absences, excused or unexcused. performance will be required to attend Summer School. When there is an appeal regarding promotion, the principal will make the The principal of HMES shall make the final final decision on each student based on decision on each student based on the the recommendation made by the recommendation by the Promotion Promotion Committee. The principal will Committee. The principal will notify the notify the student’s parents of the student’s parents of the decision. decision. Parental Appeal: If a parent strongly Guidelines for Promotion disagrees with the promotion recommendation made by the principal, then Successful student promotion is the parent must appeal the decision with the the primary focus at HMES. All Superintendent or designee. methods of remediation should be utilized prior to any PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES discussions regarding retention. A student may only repeat the Parent/teacher conferences are an same grade level once during important aspect for a child’s success during his/her academic career in his/her academic career. Conferences are grades K - 2. designed to discuss a student’s academic Parents will be notified at the and social progress at school. end of the first semester of their child’s academic status A conference may be scheduled by either a regarding achievement and parent/guardian or teacher. We ask that you success.
18 contact the teacher by phone or written note SCREENING FOR 504 AND SPECIAL to set a time and date for the conference. EDUCATION We do want to meet with you and will make (504 Accommodations & Special Education) every arrangement to meet your schedule. If your child has any sort of learning or Teachers are not available to conference physical problem, he/she may qualify for during the school day unless it has been accommodations under a 504 Plan or pre-arranged. special education services. Please call to discuss your concerns with the classroom For your convenience, we have scheduled teacher, guidance counselors, and/or several conference sessions throughout the administrator at 372-1115. school year. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of ATTENDANCE CONFERENCE 1973: The Rights of Individuals with Handicaps Under Federal Law: No Attendance conferences are scheduled otherwise qualified handicapped individual in when students have excessive absences or the United States shall, solely by reasons of tardies. These conferences are scheduled his/her handicap, be excluded from the with an administrator and the school’s social participation in, be denied the benefits of, or worker. When these conferences are be subjected to discrimination under any scheduled, it’s important that parents attend. program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. (Before any psychological TITLE I SCHOOL-WIDE PROGRAM testing will be done on any student, parental permission will be obtained). Hugh Mercer receives funding as a Title I School-Wide Program. These funds are The U. S. Department of Education, Office used to provide additional support staff, for Civil Rights (OCR), enforces Title IX of training for teachers and parents, the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title instructional materials and programs for all IX). The provisions of these civil rights laws students. The Title I school-wide plan may apply to any programs or activities receiving be viewed at any time through our website or benefiting from Federal financial or by contacting the school for a paper copy. assistance.
Through our Title I plan, parents and other Title IX states: “No person in the United stakeholders are encouraged to provide States shall, on the basis of sex, be feedback about the school, the programs excluded from participation in, be denied the offered, and the materials used. This benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination feedback is welcomed through an annual under any education program or activity survey, quarterly School Committee receiving Federal financial assistance.” meetings, and individual meetings with staff. VISION AND HEARING SCREENING If you wish to set up a meeting with our administrative team or teaching staff to All kindergartners (in compliance with the provide feedback or ask questions, please Commonwealth of Virginia law) will have contact the main office. their hearing and vision screened within 60 days of their initial enrollment at Hugh Mercer. Screenings will be administered by the school nurse.
19 First and second graders will be screened at status. Educational programs shall be the parent’s or teacher’s request. designed to meet the varying needs of all students. GIFTED EDUCATION SERVICES No student, on the basis of gender, shall be If you feel your child may be gifted and in denied equal access to programs, activities, need of gifted education services, please services or benefits or be limited in the contact your child’s teacher, gifted resource exercise of any right, privilege, advantage, teacher, or guidance counselor for referral or denied equal access to educational and forms. Referral due dates are listed in the extracurricular programs and activities. school’s newsletter. The School Board shall:
SCHOOL COUNSELORS Provide facilities, programs, and activities that are accessible, usable and available to
qualified disabled persons; FCPS provides a comprehensive school counseling program in each of our schools. Provide a free, appropriate education, FCPS counselors collaborate with parents, including non-academic and extracurricular teachers, administrators, and other school services to qualified disabled persons; and community members to foster, to promote, and to improve student success Not exclude qualified disabled persons, and achievement. They conduct individual solely on the basis of this disabilities, from and small group counseling and any preschool, daycare, adult education, or developmental group guidance sessions for career and technical education programs; students in the areas of academic and development, career development, and personal/social development. As Not discriminate against qualified disabled personal/social counselors, they assist persons in the provision of health, welfare or students to develop an understanding of social services. themselves and the rights and needs of others, how to resolve conflict, and to define Complaint Procedure: individual goals reflecting their interests, File Report: abilities, and aptitudes.
Any student who believes he or she has POLICY MANUAL been the victim of prohibited discrimination should report the alleged discrimination as The FCPS Policy Manual is available for soon as possible to one of the compliance public review on our web site officers designated in this policy or to any (http://www.cityschools.com). other school personnel. The alleged discrimination should be reported as soon EQUAL EDUCATIONAL as possible, and the report generally should OPPORTUNITIES/NON-DISCRIMINATION be made within fifteen (15) school days of School Board Policy JB the occurrence. Further, any student who has knowledge of conduct which may Policy Statement: constitute prohibited discrimination should report such conduct to one of the Equal educational opportunities shall be compliance officers designated in this policy available for all students, without regard to or to any school personnel. Any employee race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, who has knowledge of conduct which may religion, disability, or marital or parental constitute prohibited discrimination shall
20 immediately report such conduct to one of investigation. If the compliance officer the compliance officers designated in this determines that more than 14 days will be policy. required to investigate the compliant, the complainant and the person or persons The reporting party should use the form, allegedly responsible for the discrimination Report of Discrimination, JB-F, to make will be notified of the reason for the complaints of discrimination. However, oral extended investigation and of the date by reports shall also be accepted. The which the investigation will be concluded. complaint should be filed with either the building principal or one of the compliance The investigation may consist of personal officers designated in this policy. The interviews with the complainant, the person principal shall immediately forward any or persons allegedly responsible for the report of alleged prohibited discrimination to discrimination, and any others who may the compliance officer. Any complaint that have knowledge of the alleged involves the compliance officer shall be discrimination or the circumstances giving reported to the superintendent. rise to the complaint. The investigation may also include the inspection of any The complaint and identity of the documents or information deemed relevant complainant and of the person or persons by the investigator. The school division shall allegedly responsible for the discrimination take necessary steps to protect the will not be disclosed except as required by complainant and others pending the law or policy, as necessary to fully completion of the investigation. investigate the complaint or as authorized by the complainant. A complainant who wishes Whether a particular action or incident to remain anonymous will be advised that constitutes a violation of this policy requires such confidentiality may limit the school a case by case determination based on all division’s ability to fully respond to the the facts and circumstances revealed by a complaint. complete and thorough investigation.
Investigation: Upon receipt of a report of The compliance officer shall issue a written alleged prohibited discrimination, the report to the superintendent upon compliance officer shall immediately completion of the investigation. If the authorize or undertake an investigation. The complaint involves the superintendent, then investigation may be conducted by school the report shall be sent to the School Board. personnel or a third party designated by the The report shall include a determination of school division. The investigation shall be whether the allegations are substantiated, completed as soon as practicable, which whether this policy was violated and should generally be not later than 14 recommendations for corrective action, if calendar days after receipt of the report by any. the compliance officer. Upon receiving the complaint, the compliance officer shall All employees shall cooperate with any acknowledge receipt of the complaint by investigation of alleged discrimination giving written notice that the complaint has conducted under this policy or by an been received to both the person appropriate state or federal agency. complaining of discrimination and the person or persons allegedly responsible for the Action by Superintendent: Within 5 discrimination. Also upon receiving the calendar days of receiving the compliance complaint, the compliance officer shall officer’s report, the superintendent or determine whether interim measures should designee shall issue a decision regarding (1) be taken pending the outcome of the whether this policy was violated and (2)
21 what action, if any, should be taken. This impartial investigator who is trained decision must be provided in writing to the in the requirements of equal complainant. If the superintendent education opportunity, and has the determines that prohibited discrimination authority to protest the alleged occurred, the Fredericksburg School victim and others during the Division shall take prompt, appropriate investigation. action to address and remedy the violation as well as prevent any recurrence. Such Retaliation: Retaliation against students or action may include discipline up to and school personnel who report discrimination including expulsion or discharge. or participate in the related proceedings is prohibited. The school division shall take Appeal: If the superintendent or designee appropriate action against any student or determines that no prohibited discrimination employee who retaliates against another occurred, the student who was allegedly student or employee who reports alleged subjected to discrimination may appeal this discrimination or participates in related finding to the School Board within 5 calendar proceedings. days of receiving the decision. Notice of appeal must be filed with the superintendent Right to Alternative Complaint who shall forward the record to the School Procedure: Nothing in this policy shall deny Board. The School Board shall make a the right of any individual to pursue other decision within 30 calendar days of receiving avenues of recourse to address concerns the record. The School Board may ask for relating to prohibited discrimination including oral or written argument from the aggrieved initiating civil action, filing a complaint with party and the superintendent and any other outside agencies or seeking redress under individual the School Board deems relevant. state or federal law. Compliance Officer and Alternate Prevention and Notice of Policy: Training Compliance Officer: The Fredericksburg to prevent discrimination should be included School Board has designated a Compliance in employee and student orientations as well Officer responsible for identifying, preventing as employee in-service training. and remedying prohibited discrimination. This policy shall be: Complaints of discrimination may be made to the Deputy Superintendent at 372-1130 or (1) displayed in prominent areas of to the Alternate Compliance Officer, who is each division building in a location the Director of Operations and Construction, accessible to students, parents and at 372-1092. (Note: This individual must be school personnel, of the opposite gender of the Compliance (2) included in the student and Officer.) The Compliance officer shall: employee handbooks; and (3) sent to parents of all students within o receive reports or complains of 30 calendar days of the start of discrimination; school. All students and their o oversee the investigation of any parents/guardians shall be notified alleged discrimination; annually of the names and contact o assess the training needs of the information of the compliance school division in connection with officers. this policy; o arrange necessary training to False Charges: Students or school achieve compliance with this policy; personnel who make false charges of o ensure that any discrimination discrimination shall be subject to disciplinary investigation is conducted by an action.
22 TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOL FOR STAFF sponsored activity. It shall be a violation of AND STUDENTS this policy for any student or school personnel to harass a student or school Smoking, chewing, or any other use of any personnel sexually, or based on race, tobacco products by staff, students, and national origin, disability or religion. Further, visitors is prohibited on school property. it shall be a violation of this policy for any “School property” means: school personnel to tolerate sexual harassment or harassment based on a ▪ all interior portions of any building or student’s or employee’s race, national origin, other structure used for instruction, disability or religion by students, school administration, support services, personnel or third parties participating in, maintenance, or storage. observing or otherwise engaged in school ▪ Any indoor facility or portion of such sponsored activities. facility owned or leased or contracted for and used for the For the purpose of this policy, school provision of regular or routine health personnel means School Board members, care, day care, or early childhood school employees, agents, volunteers, development (Head Start) services; contractors or other persons subject to the ▪ All vehicles used by the division for supervision and control of the School transporting students, staff, visitors, Division. or other persons. The School Division shall: “Tobacco” includes cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, and all (1) promptly investigate all complaints, other kinds of forms of tobacco prepared in written or verbal, of sexual such manner as to be suitable for chewing, harassment and harassment based smoking, or both. “Tobacco” includes cloves on race, national origin, disability or or any other product packaged for smoking. religion,
“Smoking” means the carrying or holding of (2) promptly take appropriate action to any lighted pipe, cigar, or cigarette of any stop any harassment and kind, or any other lighted smoking equipment, or the lighting, inhaling, or (3) take appropriate action against any exhaling of smoke from a pipe, cigar, or student or school personnel who cigarette of any kind. violates this policy and take any other action reasonably calculated SEXUAL HARASSMENT to end and prevent further harassment of school personnel or Policy Statement students.
The Fredericksburg City School Division is Definitions committed to maintaining a learning/working environment free from sexual harassment Sexual Harassment and harassment based on race, national origin, disability or religion. Therefore, Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome Fredericksburg City School Division sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, prohibits sexual harassment and sexually motivated physical conduct or other harassment based on race, national origin, verbal or physical conduct or communication disability or religion of any student or school of a sexual nature when: personnel at school or any school submission that conduct or communication
23 is made a term or condition, either explicitly hostile or offensive working or educational or implicitly, of obtaining or retaining environment; or substantially or employment or education, or unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work or education; or otherwise is submission to or rejection of the conduct or sufficiently serious to limit an individual’s communication by an individual is used as a employment opportunities or to limit a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s student’s ability to participate in or benefit employment or education; or from the education program. that conduct or communication substantially or unreasonably interferes with an Examples of conduct which may constitute individual’s employment or education, or harassment based on race, national origin, creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive disability or religion if it meets the employment or educational environment (i.e. immediately preceding definition include: the conduct is sufficiently serious to limit a student’s or employee’s ability to participate ▪ graffiti containing racially offensive in or benefit from the educational program or language. work environment). ▪ name calling, jokes or rumors. ▪ physical acts of aggression against Examples of conduct which may constitute a person or his property because of sexual harassment if it meets the that person’s race, national origin, immediately preceding definition include: disability or religion. ▪ hostile acts which are based on ▪ unwelcome sexual physical contact. another’s race, national origin, ▪ unwelcome ongoing or repeated religion or disability. sexual flirtation or propositions, or ▪ written or graphic material which is remarks. posted or circulated and which ▪ sexual slurs, leering, epithets, intimidates or threatens individuals threats, verbal abuse, derogatory based on their race, national origin, comments or sexually degrading disability or religion. descriptions. ▪ graphic comments about an Complaint Procedure individual’s body. Formal Procedure - File Report ▪ sexual jokes, notes, stories, drawings, gestures or pictures. Any student or school personnel who spreading sexual rumors. believes he or she has been the victim of ▪ touching an individual’s body or sexual harassment or harassment based on clothes in a sexual way. race, national origin, religion or disability by ▪ displaying sexual objects, pictures, a student, school personnel or a third party cartoons or posters. should report the alleged harassment to one ▪ impeding or blocking movement in a of the compliance officers designated in this sexually intimidating manner. policy or to any school personnel. The alleged harassment should be reported as Harassment Based on Race, National soon as possible, and the report generally Origin, Disability or Religion should be made within fifteen (15) school days of the occurrence. Further, any Harassment based on race, national origin, student who has knowledge of conduct disability or religion consists of physical or which may constitute prohibited harassment verbal conduct relating to an individual’s should report such conduct to one of the race, national origin, disability or religion compliance officers designated in the policy when the conduct creates an intimidating, or to any school personnel.
24 Any school personnel who has notice that a person complaining of harassment and the student or other school personnel may have person accused of harassment. Also upon been a victim of prohibited harassment shall receiving the complaint, the compliance immediately report the alleged harassment officer shall determine whether interim to one of the compliance officers designated measures should be taken pending the in this policy. outcome of the investigation. Such interim measures may include, but are not limited The reporting party should use the form, to, separating the alleged harasser and the Report of Harassment, JFHA-F, to make complainant and, in cases involving potential complaints of harassment. However, oral criminal conduct, determining whether law reports and other written reports shall also enforcement officials should be notified. If be accepted. The complaint should be filed the compliance officer determines that more with either the building principal or one of than 14 days will be required to investigate the compliance officers designated in this the complaint, the complainant and the policy. The principal shall immediately accused shall be notified of the reason for forward any report of alleged prohibited the extended investigation and of the date harassment to the compliance officer. Any by which the investigation will be concluded. complaint that involves the compliance officer or principal shall be reported to the If the alleged harassment may also superintendent. constitute child abuse, then it must be reported to the Department of Social The complaint and identity of the Services in accordance with Policy JHG. complainant and alleged harasser will be The investigation may consist of personal disclosed only to the extent necessary to interviews with the complainant, the alleged fully investigate the complaint and only when harasser, and any others who may have such disclosure is required or permitted by knowledge of the alleged harassment or the law. circumstances giving rise to the complaint.
Additionally, a complainant who wishes to The investigation may also consist of the remain anonymous shall be advised that inspection of any other documents or such confidentiality may limit the School information deemed relevant by the Division’s ability to fully respond to the investigator. The school division shall take complaint. necessary steps to protect the complainant and others pending the completion of the Investigation investigation. In determining whether alleged conduct Upon receipt of a report of alleged prohibited constitutes a violation of this policy, the harassment, the compliance officer shall division shall consider, at minimum: immediately authorize or undertake an investigation. The investigation may be (1) the surrounding circumstances; conducted by school personnel or a third (2) the nature of the behavior; party designated by the school division. The (3) past incidents or past or continuing investigation shall be completed as soon as patterns of behavior; practicable, which generally should be not (4) the relationship between the parties; later than 14 calendar days after receipt of (5) how often the conduct occurred; 0the report by the compliance officer. (6) the identity of the alleged Upon receiving the complaint, the perpetrator in relation to the alleged compliance officer shall acknowledge receipt victim (i.e. whether the alleged of the complaint by giving written notice that perpetrator was in a position of the complaint has been received to both the power over the alleged victim);
25 (7) the location of the alleged harassment occurred, the Superintendent or harassment; designee may determine that school-wide or (8) the ages of the parties and division-wide training be conducted or that (9) the context in which the alleged the complainant receives counseling. incidents occurred. Appeal Whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires If the Superintendent or designee a case by case determination based on all of determines that no prohibited harassment the facts and circumstances revealed after a occurred, the employee or student who was complete and thorough investigation. allegedly subjected to harassment may appeal this finding to the School Board The compliance officer shall issue a written within 5 calendar days of receiving the report to the superintendent upon decision. Notice of appeal must be filed with completion of the investigation. If the the superintendent who shall forward the complaint involves the superintendent, then record to the School Board. The School the report shall be sent to the School Board. Board shall make a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving the record. The report shall include a determination of whether the allegations are substantiated, The School Board may ask for oral or written whether this policy was violated and argument from the aggrieved party and the recommendations for corrective action, if Superintendent and any other individual the any. School Board deems relevant. If the Superintendent or designee determines that All employees shall cooperate with any prohibited harassment occurred and investigation of alleged harassment discipline is imposed, the disciplined person conducted under this policy or by an may appeal the disciplinary sanction in the appropriate state or federal agency. same manner as any other such sanction would be appealed. Action by Superintendent Employees may choose to pursue their Within 5 calendar days of receiving the complaints under this policy through the compliance officer’s report, the relevant employee grievance procedure Superintendent or designee shall issue a instead of the complaint procedure in this decision regarding whether this policy was policy. violated. This decision must be provided in writing to the complainant and the alleged Compliance Officer and Alternate perpetrator. Compliance Officer
If the Superintendent or designee The Fredericksburg School Board has determines that prohibited harassment designated the Deputy Superintendent as occurred, the Fredericksburg School the Compliance Officer (372-1130) Division shall take prompt, appropriate responsible for identifying, preventing and action to address and remedy the violation remedying prohibited harassment. as well as prevent any recurrence. Such Complaints of harassment may also be action may include discipline up to and made to the alternate Compliance Officer, including expulsion or discharge. who is the Director of Administrative Services, at 372-1092. [Note: This Whether or not the Superintendent or individual must be of the opposite gender of designee determines that prohibited the Compliance Officer.]
26 The Compliance Officer shall: school personnel who retaliate against any student or school personnel who reports 1. receive reports or complaints of alleged harassment or participates in related harassment; proceedings. 2. oversee the investigation of any alleged harassment; Rights to Alternative Complaint 3. assess the training needs of the Procedure school division in connection with this policy; Nothing in this policy shall deny the right of 4. arrange necessary training to any individual to pursue other avenues of achieve compliance with this policy; recourse to address concerns relating to 5. ensure that any harassment prohibited harassment including initiating investigation is conducted by an civil action, filing a complaint with outside impartial investigator who is trained agencies or seeking redress under state or in the requirements of equal federal law. employment/education opportunity, including the authority to protect the Prevention and Notice of Policy alleged victim and others during the investigation. Training to prevent sexual harassment and harassment based on race, national origin, Information Procedure disability and religion should be included in employee and student orientations as well If the complainant and the person accused as employee in-service training. This policy of harassment agree, the student’s principal shall be: or designee may arrange for them to resolve the complaint informally with the help of (1) displayed in prominent areas of counselor, teacher, or administrator. each division building in a location accessible to students, parents and If the complainant and the person accused school personnel, of harassment agree to resolve the (2) included in the student and complaint informally, they shall each be employee handbooks, and informed that they have the right to abandon (3) sent to parents of all students within the informal procedure at any time in favor 30 calendar days of the start of of the initiation of the Formal Procedures set school. forth herein. Further, all students and their The principal or designee shall notify the parents/guardians and employees shall be complainant and the person accused of notified annually of the names and contact harassment in writing when the complaint information of the Compliance Officers. has been resolved. The written notice shall state whether prohibited harassment Students or school personnel who knowingly occurred. make false charges of harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action as well as any Retaliation civil or criminal legal proceedings.
Retaliation against students or school FCPS School Board Meetings School personnel who report harassment or Board meetings are held on the first Monday participate in any related proceedings is of each month at 7:30 P.M. at the Walker- prohibited. The School Division shall take Grant Center (210 Ferdinand Street) unless appropriate action against students or noted otherwise.
27 School Board Members CUSTODIAL
Reverend Jarvis Bailey Lawrence Krofah, Head Custodian Jennifer Boyd, Chairperson Godfred Amofa Jannan Holmes, Vice Chairperson Gema Cortes Kathleen Pomeroy Barbara Robinson Elizabeth Rehm Nancy Villatoro Sanchez Malvina Rollins-Kay, Chairperson Sonia Siguenza Michael Simmonds Walker-Grant Center Administrative Office 372-1130 SPECIAL AREA, SPED, SPECIAL SERVICES
Dr. Marceline R. Catlett, Interim Superintendent Tera Addair, Reading Specialist Dr. Jonathan D. Russ, Norma Bourne, Librarian nd Interim Deputy Superintendent Katy Cicholski, 2 Grade Inclusion Amy Clark, Math Specialist SCHOOL PRINCIPALS Marylise Cobey, K – 2 Kim Comerford, K – 2 Dr. Taneshia H. Rachal Shemika Cooper, Psychologist nd James Monroe High 372-1100 Michelle Dempsey, 2 Grade Resource Justin S. Woodside Elizabeth Dominguez, ESL Walker-Grant Middle 372-1145 Tristan Fidler, New Teacher Mentor Courtney L. Wheeler Catherine Geukgeuzian, K Lafayette Upper Elementary 310-0029 Denise Griffin, K – 5 SPED Coordinator st nd Marjorie R. Tankersley Melinda Hood, 1 /2 Combo Hugh Mercer Elementary 372-1115 Margaret Howe, Music Julie Huff, Autism/Behavior Specialist HMES ADMINISTRATION Thomas Johnson, ESL Jolene Jonas, PE/Health Mrs. Marjorie R. Tankersley Jill Kankam, Reading Specialist Aude Mann, World Language Principal Cristina Mitchell, Inclusion (1st Grade) Dr. Kimberly K. Doucette Laura Mungo, Counselor/Community Associate Principal Responsibility Through Future-Based Learners Mrs. Kisha T. Frye Pat Paquette, Speech/Language Assistant Principal Michele Phillips, GE and Inquiry Through Play Becky Slominski, PE/Health OFFICE Ryan Smith, Autism Karen Szafranski, Kindergarten Inclusion Kristina Abel, Assistant Principal’s Secretary Stephanie Teri, IB Coordinator Lita Brown, Attendance/Guidance Secretary Christine Tucker, 1st Grade Resource Sonja Coulon, Nurse Tony Wishard, PE/Health Jamie Deane, Nurse Elizabeth White, Counselor/Community Madeline Diggs, Clerical Assistant Responsibility through Future-Based Learners Cindy Hurley, Secretary to the Principal Latasha Wooden, Social Worker Doris Symm, Financial Secretary Heather Wright, Art
NURSE
Sonja Coulon Jaime Deane
28 KINDERGARTEN INSTRUCTIONAL PARAPROFESSIONALS
Dawn Anderson Afshan Ahmed, Instructional Alexis Barnikel Leatrice Banner, Instructional SPED Katelynn Bullock Heela Barakzai, ELL Brittany Carter Laura Barnett, Instructional SPED Christina Chaney Pam Beasley Instructional SPED Tom Hayden Brenda Carter, Library Wendy Hughes Angela Delfi 1:1 SPED Tremellia Lavalliere Regenia Fortune, ACC Christie Montgomery Virginia Holland, Instructional SPED Amanda Padgett Hermann Emmanuel Janjo Edimo, 1:1 SPED Allyson Schumacher Fred Jerman, 1:1 SPED Desiree Suggs Susan Johnson, Instructional SPED Jennette Taylor Julie Kaulius, Instructional Courtney Weeks Connie Lane, Instructional SPED Kathy Weller Mary Lanford, Instructional Melissa Winderl Michelle MacNeil, Instructional SPED Beth Murray, Instructional 1st GRADE Lori Payne, Instructional SPED Janett Prohaska, Inquiry Through Play Para Rob Anne Inez Regi, Instructional SPED Maricruz Baker Cynthia Riedl, Instructional Megan Beaulieu Leslie Sanker, Computer Jenna DiGiacomo Kendall Shelton, Instructional Julie Downer Susan Sompayrac, Instructional Jodi Ehlen Lakisha Taylor, Instructional SPED Rebecca Firth Jean Treblic, Instructional Karynn Henry-Alexander Teresa Williams, Instructional Megan Joslin Jonathan Williamson, Instructional SPED Tina Mathews Genevra Meyer CAFETERIA HOSTESSES Kadie Obert Jordan Reynolds Zandrai Coles Kristen Swisher Betty Warwick Carlee Whitmore CAFETERIA STAFF 2nd GRADE Sandra Sauceda, Site Supervisor Deborah Castle Alma Cruz Marie Cunningham David Laskowski Nicholas De Rosa Joann Minor Kimberly Hamilton Emilia Osorio China Hickman Geraldine Pepper Natalia Izaguirre Patricia Woolfrey Eva McKinney Sarah Oley Sarah Peterson Denise Phipps Jason Stives Laura Thomson Kurt Whitmoyer Katharine Wilson
29 Virginia Department of Education Parent Notification Letter Right to Request Information on Teacher Qualifications As Required Under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended
FREDERICKSBURG CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
July 2019
Dear Parent,
On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law. Section 1112(e)(1)(A) states that a parent of a student in any school receiving Title I funds has the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers instructing their child. Hugh Mercer Elementary School, Lafayette Upper Elementary and Walker-Grant Middle School receive Title I funds. Under this federal law, our school division will provide you this information in a timely manner if you request it. Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:
• Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. • Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status because of special circumstances. • Whether the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification or degree he/she received • Whether paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications.
If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact me either by phone at 540-372-1130 or in writing at 210 Ferdinand Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401.
Sincerely, Andrea F. Bumbrey Andrea F. Bumbrey, Ed.D. Director of Preschool Programs
30 Fredericksburg City Public Schools Pupil Personnel Services 210 Ferdinand Street Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401 540-372-1127 Fax: (540) 371-9843
Re: Special Dietary Needs in the School Menu
Dear Parent/Guardian,
I would like to welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year!
If your son/daughter has a food allergy that requires a change of menu and/or the need to have food texture modified (chopped, mashed, pureed, etc.) you will need to follow the Virginia State Guideline. Your doctor must complete the attached form and bring it (or fax it) to the school prior to the school cafeteria making the change.
Students are allowed to purchase lactose free milk without a doctor note.
If you misplace this form it is on the school website under Health Services and the school nurse has a copy. We hope you understand our need to follow state guidelines and comply with our desire to give your child a nutritious meal.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either your school nurse or me at the above phone number and address. Thank you.
Sincerely, Sue D. Keffer Sue D. Keffer Director of Pupil Personnel Services cc: School Principal Brian Kiernan, FCPS Foodservice Director School Nurse (Forms available in the school nurse’s office)
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