Oakdale Elementary School Student Handbook

The Oakdale Community

Partners in Our Children’s Future

Jill M. Mazzalupo, Principal

30 Indiana Circle, Oakdale CT 06370

Phone (860) 859-1800 Fax (860) 859-2170

Oakdale Elementary School 30 Indiana Circle Oakdale CT 06370 Phone (860) 859-1800 Fax (860) 859-2170

Superintendent – Laurie Pallin Assistant Superintendent – Dianne Vumback Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent – Jennifer LeMay Director of Special Services – Paula LaChance Special Education Supervisor – Theresa Gouveia Business Manager – Kathy Lamoureux Director of Food Services – Carol Dodson Director of Transportation – Kerry Tetreault Director of Facilities – Steve Carroll Director of Technology – Nic Savoie

Board of Education Members Sandra Berardy, Chair Monica Pomazon, Secretary Joe Aquitante III Carol Burgess Dana Ladyga Sheelagh Lapinski Robert R. Mitchell, Jr. Wills Pike James B. Wood

Telephone Numbers Superintendent’s Office…………………………………………………………………(860) 848-1228 Director of Special Services……………………………………………………………(860) 848-1228 Director of Food Services……………………………………………………………….(860) 848-9208 Director of Transportation……………………………………………………………..(860 848-3878

Table of Contents

Vision, Mission and Health Services – Pages 10-13 Student Expectations – Page 3 Homework – Page 12 Preface – Page 4 Insurance – Page 13 Board of Education – Page 5 Lost and Found – Page 13 Starting School – Page 5 Oakdale PTO – Page 13 Admission Placement – Page 5 Parent-Teacher Conferences – Page 13 Accidents – Page 6 Paw Print Newsletter – Page 14 Attendance – Page 6 Playground Safety Rules – Page 14 Before & After School Activities – Page 7 PBIS – Page 14 Birthday Invitations – Page 7 Report Cards – Page 14 Breakfast/Lunch – Page 7 School Communication – Page 14 Cafeteria/Cafeteria Rules – Page 7 School Schedule – Page 15 Lunch/Recess Schedule – Page 8 School Hours – Page 15 Building Security – Page 8 School Messenger – Page 15 Bullying – Page 8 Snow Days/Early Dis./Late Start – Page 15 Bus Regulations – Page 8 Special Education – Page 15 Care of School Property – Page 9 Special Programs – Page 16 Child Abuse – Page 9 Teacher Requests – Page 16 Curriculum – Page 9 Testing – Page 17 Dress Code – Page 9 Traffic Flow & Parking – Page 17 Electronic Devices – Page 9 Tutoring – Page 17 Early Dismissals – Page 10 Vacations – Page 17 English Language Learners – Page 10 Visitors – Page 18 Fire Drills/Emergency Preparedness – Pg. 10 Walkers (Independent) – Page 18 Food Outside of the Classroom – Page 10

Vision

Oakdale Elementary School is a diverse community of lifelong learners. We provide a safe, nurturing and positive environment in which all members are encouraged and motivated to achieve their true potential. Students are inquisitive and active learners who are provided with multiple opportunities to become successful. We thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect and strong family and community involvement.

Mission

In order to achieve this vision, the school community will:  Maintain high expectations and instill a sense of self-motivation to achieve academic, social and emotional growth  Promote good citizenship by modeling cooperation, mutual respect and kindness  Demonstrate appreciation of diverse student and family needs  Provide opportunities for family and community to be actively involved in the daily education and social growth of the Oakdale community  Promote independence and a love for learning that extends beyond the school and the local community  Provide a curriculum that is continually revised, reflective of research, and responsive to student needs  Foster meaningful collaboration for the promotion of academic, ethical, social, emotional and physical development of each child  Provide a positive, orderly environment to ensure safety for all  Model, guide and support positive decision-making skills  Instill open communication while respecting the confidentiality of student and parent communication  Maintain high expectations for staff members, seeking opportunities for continued professional growth

Student Expectations

Students will:  Demonstrate RESPONSIBILITY for academic success  Communicate ideas clearly and effectively  Utilize technology to further learning goals  Engage in learning opportunities and school activities in and out of the classroom  Demonstrate good decision-making and critical and investigative thinking skills  Set realistic goals for their own learning while practicing self-evaluation, reflections, and higher level questioning

Social/Emotional:  Demonstrate safe and responsible behavior  Demonstrate respect and care for self, others and property  Display self-confidence and a positive attitude  Demonstrate appreciation and understanding for differences in others and their unique needs  Demonstrate positive decision-making and leadership skills  Express themselves and their needs in an appropriate and safe manner

PREFACE The material covered within this student handbook is intended as a method of communicating to students and parents regarding general district information, rules and procedures and is not intended to either enlarge or diminish any Board policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Material contained herein may therefore be superseded by such Board policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Any information contained in this handbook is subject to unilateral revision or elimination from time-to-time without notice.

This booklet is written for our students and their parents. It contains required and useful information. Because it cannot be as personal a communication as we would like, we address students not directly as “you” but rather as “the student,” “students,” or “children.” Likewise, the term, “the student’s parent,” may refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume responsibility for the student. Both students and parents need to be familiar with the District’s Student Code of Conduct which is intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere conducive for learning.

The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect portions of this handbook will be made available to students and parents through newsletters, web pages, and other communications.

General School Information BOARD OF EDUCATION Board members are unpaid elected public officials evidence from physical and psychological with the responsibility for governance of the school examinations. district. In order to perform its duties in an open and public manner and in accordance with state law, the Children who apply for initial admission to the Montville Board of Education holds regular business district’s schools by transfer from non-public schools meetings on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 or from schools outside the district will be placed at p.m. in the Montville High School library. Parents, the grade they would have reached elsewhere students and other community members are pending observation and evaluation by classroom encouraged to attend. By calling the Board of teachers, guidance personnel, and the school Education office (860-848-1228), you may learn how principal. After such observations and evaluations to obtain an agenda, and the date, time and location have been completed, the principal will determine of the next board meeting. The Board’s main purpose the final grade placement of the children. is policy setting designed to improve student learning. Board members are interested in the public’s opinion The parent or person having control of a child five on district issues, which can assist them in years of age shall have the option of not sending the formulating policy which reflects community values child to school until the child is six years of age. The and expectations. parent or persons having control of a child six years of age shall have the option of not sending the child to STARTING SCHOOL school until the child is seven years of age. There are state and district requirements that must be completed before your Kindergarten or transfer The parent or person shall exercise such option by student may be admitted to Montville Schools. personally appearing at the Board of Education Parents and guardians should contact the school central office to sign an option form. The district shall office as soon as possible after moving to the district. provide the parent or person with information on the Children whose 5th birthday falls on or before educational opportunities available in the school December 31 may be admitted to Kindergarten. Early system. registration of your child for Kindergarten will allow them to participate in orientation and visitations. If According to the Connecticut General Statute 10- your child has a late fall birthday, you may want to 76d(b2), special education will be provided for contact the principal or one of the Kindergarten children who have attained the age of three and who teachers in your school to discuss your child’s have been identified as being in need of special developmental readiness to begin Kindergarten. education, and whose educational potential will be irreparably diminished without special education at ADMISSION PLACEMENT an early age. If a special education student is being District schools shall be open to all children five years considered for an exception, the Planning and of age and over who reach age five the first day of Placement Team (PPT) will notify the administrator in January of any school year. Each such child shall have, charge of special education. and shall be so advised by the appropriate school authorities, an equal opportunity to participate in the Each child entering the district schools for the first program and activities of the school system without time will be requested by the Building Principal to discrimination on account of race, color, sex, religion, provide a birth certificate and legal proof of national origin or sexual orientation. Students who residence. The parent or person having control of a are classified as homeless under federal law, and child 16 or 17 years of age may consent to such child’s therefore do not have a fixed residence, will be withdrawal from school. The parent or person shall admitted pursuant to federal law and Policy #5118.1. exercise this option by personally appearing at the Exceptions from routine admission may be made by Board of Education central office to sign a withdrawal the school principal on the basis of supporting form. The district shall provide the parent or person

with information on the educational opportunities Any child being dismissed early must be met in the available in the school system and in the community. office by the parent/guardian and signed out on the Children who have attained the age of 16 and who dismissal log. Should someone other than the have terminated enrollment in the district’s schools parent/guardian come for the child, please send with permission as previously described and note to the school stating the name of the person subsequently seeks readmission may be denied picking up the child. This person should have photo readmission for up to 90 school days from the date of ID available. While the school realizes that such termination. emergencies are unavoidable, parents/guardians are requested to make appointments outside of regular ACCIDENTS school hours whenever possible. Parents are reminded that school is generally NOT liable for accidents and injuries incurred by their child We are concerned about our number of early during school hours, nor are they able to pay the dismissals. These dismissals result in lost medical and other costs of an accident occurring at instructional time for the students who are school (SEE INSURANCE). dismissed. When the secretary calls the classroom for a student, it is disruptive to the other students ATTENDANCE and the teacher, so it is a two-fold problem. Our Good teachers and the best curriculum are of little instructional time runs until 3:15 pm. consequence if the students do not attend school on a regular basis. Time lost from the classroom is If a student is not prompt and regular in attendance, essentially irretrievable; the experiences, discussions, proper measures shall be taken to encourage regular and the uniqueness of the classroom learning process attendance. If such encouragement is not successful require school attendance. Students, in improving the situation, a review of assessment of parents/guardians, and school staff must work student learning shall be conducted and a range of together to take full advantage of educational interventions up to and including retention shall be opportunities. Failure to attend school on a regular instituted. The final intervention plan or decision to basis will likely lead toward long range problems. retain rests with the school principal. Establishing good attendance habits early will better equip young people in becoming productive Board Policy #5113 states: members of society. Classroom attendance is Elementary School Attendance Procedures considered to be an integral part of a student’s course 1. The homeroom teacher is responsible to of study. take daily attendance with the district-wide student information system. School administrators are required to check the 2. A doctor’s note may be requested for attendance records of all elementary students and to contagious illnesses, accidents, and follow established procedures to ensure regular extended school absences of a medical attendance. If your child is going to be absent from nature. A certificate allowing a child to school, please call the school at (860) 859-1800 return to school may be required following before 9:00 am. Calls may be made earlier leaving an illness of three (3) consecutive school your child’s name, grade, and reason for absence on days for reasons of illness or injury. If the the school’s voice mail. Please follow up the next day child has been sick, a doctor’s certificate is with a note to the office as to the reason for the preferred. If a doctor has seen the child, the absence. If a phone call is not placed to the office by school nurse can meet with the 9:00 am, an automated call will be placed through our parent/guardian and certify the child’s School Messenger System. You will then need to call return to school. the office with the reason for your child’s absence. 3. The school secretary will provide written Occasionally it is necessary for a child to be dismissed notification to parents/guardians at two (2) from school early for family emergencies, doctor unexcused absences per month and/or five appointments, etc. At these times, a note stating the (5) unexcused absences in a year. The school date, time, reason and person picking up the child secretary shall send written notification of should be given to the teacher. A note should be total absences to parents/guardians written regardless whether a phone call was made beginning at five (5) absences and at each to school.

additional five absences, i.e., 10, 15, 20 Meal Prices for Students absences. Breakfast $1.75 Milk $ .50 4. An administrator or designee shall track Hot Lunch $3.00 Orange Juice $ .50 attendance regularly. Any student with ten Salads $3.00 Fresh veg/fruit: $ .50 (10) or more excused or unexcused absences Snacks, water bottle, low fat frozen treats – $1.25 shall be the focus of a parent meeting where Cookie - $ .75 a plan to improve student attendance is formulated; or earlier at the discretion of the HOW TO BUY LUNCH principal. Students may prepay the cashier in the café before 5. If attendance does not improve, the school class the first day of the week. Pay by cash or check to may see further assistance through a Family Montville Schools Nutrition Program or MSNP. with Service Needs Referral and/or the Please list payment amount if only for meals. We ask School Resource Officer or D.A.R.E. Officer. parents to prepay so their child will always have 6. Continued absences may also be reported to money for a lunch or breakfast. Parents are able to the Division of Children and Families (D.C.F.) prepay at www.mypaymentsplus.com. as educational neglect per DCF Policy 37-7-7 Parents may look up their child’s account online. of four unexcused days per month or ten Students will key in their ID# (students use their ID unexcused days per year if the number in the library and to save files on computers circumstances are warranted. at school). Student’s name, account ID#, and photo 7. A letter will be sent to the parent/guardian will be displayed on the cashier’s terminal. for habitual tardiness or early dismissals from school. Students may be required to CAFETERIA serve after school detention with his/her The district participates in the National School Lunch teacher to make up missed work. Program and offers to students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced priced lunches are Parents have the responsibility to assist school available based on financial need. Information on this officials in remedying and preventing truancy. The program can be obtained from school secretaries, our Superintendent of Schools will file a written cafeteria manager, or on the district’s website. Food complaint with Superior Court Juvenile Matters if the and beverages offered for sale to students will meet parent fails to cooperate with the school in trying to federal and state standards and guidelines. Sodas and solve the student’s truancy problem. sports drinks will not be available for sale.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Rules of cleanliness are to be observed at all times. Announcements of before or after school activities Misconduct in the cafeteria may be cause for will be made in advance. We offer Math Olympiads receiving an assigned set or forfeiting the right to eat and a community club, made up of students from in that location or such other disciplinary action grades 3-5, which meets on a monthly basis. There deemed appropriate for the misconduct. may be opportunities for other activities throughout CAFETERIA RULES the year. Notices and our school newsletter, The Paw  Students should plan to use the bathroom Print, are sent home via email and posted on our facilities BEFORE lining up to leave for the website. cafeteria.  Each student will be assigned an eating area BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS and will be responsible for its cleanliness. Invitations may not be handed out in classrooms.  After students have obtained their hot lunch and/or milk, they are to be seated and BREAKFAST/LUNCH remain seated unless given permission to do Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase. It is otherwise. preferable that meals are purchased in advance for  Any student who is yelling or using the week or month on the first school day of the inappropriate table manners (throwing week. In an emergency, such as leaving home without food, littering the eating area, spitting, etc.) lunch or money, students may charge their lunch. will be disciplined for their actions. Parents are to send in the money for such charges the  Soda is not allowed in school. following day.

LUNCH AND RECESS SCHEDULE 3. Threats and intimidation. KDG LUNCH 11:05 TO 11:31 4. Extortion or stealing of money and/or RECESS 11:31 TO 11:57 possessions. 5. Exclusion from peer groups within schools. GR 1 RECESS 11:05 TO 11:31 LUNCH 11:31 TO 11:57 Student and/or parent may file a written report of conduct they consider bullying. Students may also GR 2 RECESS 12:05 TO 12:31 make an informal complaint of conduct that they LUNCH 12:31 TO 12:57 consider to be bullying by verbal report to any staff member, who will promptly transfer the complaint to writing and forward it to the Building Principal for GR 3 LUNCH 12:05 TO 12:31 review and action. RECESS 12:31 TO 12:57

Students and parents are permitted to make GR 4 LUNCH 1:05 TO 1:31 anonymous reports of bullying. Parent written RECESS 1:31 TO 1:57 reports and student anonymous reports will be investigated by the school administration but no GR 5 RECESS 1:05 TO 1:31 disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of LUNCH 1:31 TO 1:57 an anonymous report.

BUILDING SAFETY The district’s pupil services personnel and THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN AT OAKDALE IS OF administrators are responsible for taking a bullying UTMOST IMPORTANCE! All visitors during school report and investigating the complaint. Parents of hours must enter the building through the main doors students involved in a verified act of bullying will be and report to the office. Visitors are required to show invited to attend at least one meeting at school. photo ID, sign in and pick up a visitor pass before going anywhere within the school. We ask parents The district’s computer network and the internet, who are picking up students who do not usually whether accessed on campus or off campus, during or “walk” home at the end of the day to sign their child after school hours, may not be used for the purpose out and wait in the front lobby for them. If a student of harassment. All forms of harassment over the rides a bicycle to school, please provide a bike lock. internet, commonly known as cyberbullying, are The school cannot be responsible for lost or stolen unacceptable, a violation of district policy and of the bicycles. NOTE: Law requires a helmet be worn. district’s acceptable computer use policy and procedures. BULLYING Bullying of a student by another student is prohibited. BUS REGULATIONS Such behavior is defined as any overt acts by a Each child is designated by school district guidelines student or groups of students directed against as a walker or bus rider. All children will be dismissed another student with the intent to ridicule, harass, according to their regular bus route each day, and humiliate or intimidate the other student while on walkers will be dismissed at 3:20 pm unless we have school grounds, at a school sponsored activity or on a a detailed note which states otherwise. Many buses school bus which acts committed more than once are at or near capacity; therefore, changing of buses against any student during the school year. Bullying MUST be approved beforehand. Parental permission which occurs outside of the school setting may be notes also need to be submitted if a student plans to addressed by school officials if it has a direct and go a friend’s house, either on a bus other than the one negative impact on a student’s academic to which he/she is assigned or to an alternate bus performance of safety in school. Such behavior will stop. Such notes should be turned in to the student’s result in disciplinary action. Examples of bullying teacher by 9:00 am. include, but are not limited to: 1. Riding the bus is a privilege not a right. 1. Physical violence and attacks. Students not accepting this responsibility 2. Verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs, will have their names turned in to the school including ethnically-based or gender-based administrator. Consequences for put-downs. inappropriate behavior while on the bus can

include, but will not be limited to, emotional abuse, cruel punishment, or neglect are suspension of bus privilege for up to 10 also considered child abuse. school days. 2. Students are expected to wait at their CURRICULUM designated bus stop in an orderly fashion. For information about curriculum, please consult the 3. Any change in bus assignment or bus stop district’s website. www.montvilleschools.org requires written parental request for approval by the school administrator or the DRESS CODE school bus coordinator. Students should be clean and neatly dressed in order 4. The drivers are in charge of their buses and to maintain a safe and proper educational must be treated with respect. environment. Often student behavior and 5. Students must remain seated and the driver performance have a direct relationship to the type of determines the seating arrangement. clothing being worn. The following clothing styles are 6. Throwing of objects, yelling, not listening to not permitted: the driver’s instructions, fighting, name 1. Clothing and accessories shall not display calling, etc., which interfere with the letters, words or pictures which reference concentration of the driver and endanger any of the following: the students will not be tolerated.  Drugs or alcohol  Tobacco CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY  Offensive signs, symbols or words All materials, property, and storage areas are the 2. Flip flops, thong sandals, sneakers with property of the Montville Board of Education and are rollers on the bottom, slippery-soled shoes, loaned free of charge. Students are expected to care and untied shoelaces are not allowed in for all materials issued to them and return them in order to provide for the safety of our similar condition at the end of the school year. students. Textbooks are very expensive. Parents may be 3. Jackets, coats and windbreakers normally responsible for the cost of lost or damaged materials worn as outdoor wear should not be worn in or property. school. 4. Hats, kerchiefs or caps should not be worn CHILD ABUSE anywhere in the school building by either Teachers, superintendents, principals, coaches of boys or girls. intramural or interscholastic athletics, Note: Shorts are permitted in the classroom in warm paraprofessionals and other professional school staff weather. Please stay conscious of the cooler weather including guidance counselors, social workers, conditions. We want to have students get outside for psychologists, and licensed nurses are obligated by recess whenever possible. If students do not come to law (C.G.S. 17a-101) to report suspected child abuse, school properly dressed, it makes it impossible to do neglect, or if a child is placed in imminent danger of so. Please check the weather forecast each morning. serious harm to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families Services. Specific procedures Students whose dress or grooming are judged by staff governing the reporting of abuse and neglect are in to disrupt the educational process, and/or are effect, and staff members receive yearly training in dangerous to personal safety, will be subject to their use. administrative action. Parents will be contacted about any violations of this code and in some cases it Reporting of child abuse and neglect is a responsibility may be necessary to bring in a change of clothes which is taken seriously. If there is any doubt about before the student is allowed to return to class. reporting suspected abuse or neglect a report will be made. The school will work with the parents and ELECTRONIC DEVICES appropriate social agencies in all cases. Devices such as handheld games and cell phones are Child abuse is defined as any physical injury inflicted not allowed to be used in school. They are expensive by other than accidental means or injuries which are devices and there is a risk they could be broken or not in keeping with the explanation given for their misplaced, and the school cannot be responsible for cause. Improper treatment such as malnutrition, this. In addition, they can act as a distraction from our sexual molestation, deprivation of necessities,

learning process. Your cooperation with this matter is posted in each classroom. The school will also greatly appreciated. Devices should be kept in the conduct crisis response drills. Such crisis response student’s backpack and turned off. Students using drills will be planned and conducted with the local law devices in school will have their devices kept in the enforcement agency. school office until the end of the day. Repeated offenses will require a parent/guardian to pick the Students are expected to follow the direction of device up at the office. teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly and in an orderly manner. The signal for a fire drill is a voice EARLY DISMISSALS command and an alarm sound. When the alarm Occasionally it is necessary for a child to be dismissed sounds, students are to proceed along the posted exit from school early for family emergencies, doctor routes in a quick, quiet and calm manner. Students appointments, etc. At these times, a note stating the should not return to the building until the return date, time, reason and person picking up the child signal is given. should be given to the teacher. A note should be written regardless whether a phone call was made FOOD OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM to school. Any child being dismissed early must be With the exception of snack and lunch, no outside met in the office by the parent/guardian and signed food may be brought into school from outside out on the dismissal log. Should someone other than sources. This is to assure consistent procedures the parent/guardian come for the child, please send across the school district, to align our procedures with note to the school stating the name of the person the Child Nutrition Programs, the Dietary Guidelines picking up the child. This person should have photo for Americans, and federal, state, and local ID available. While the school realizes that requirements. Furthermore, our Wellness Policy No. emergencies are unavoidable, parents/guardians are 6142 states: Foods and beverages made available on requested to make appointments outside of regular campus during the school day are consistent with the school hours whenever possible. current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and also states ALL foods prepared on campus adhere to food We are concerned about our number of early health and safety guidelines. This would include all dismissals. These dismissals result in lost birthday and classroom celebrations. Please work instructional time for the students who are with your child’s teacher to find alternative dismissed. When the secretary calls the classroom celebration ideas outside of food choices. for a student, it is disruptive to the other students and the teacher, so it is a two-fold problem. Our HEALTH SERVICES instructional time runs until 3:15 pm. A registered nurse is available during the school day to assess illnesses, administer first aid when needed ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS and administer prescribed medication. Throughout When registering a child for school, if a parent the school year, certain health-related tests and indicates that the child’s primary language is other examinations are carried out during school time (ex. than English, permission to assess English proficiency Vision, hearing, etc.) will be secured. Students will be administered the LAS Links assessment, and the performance on this test Students should arrive at school prepared to attend will determine if English language services are class. Please feed your child(ren) a healthy breakfast indicated. The test evaluates four areas of English and tend to minor health problems. (ex. cough and proficiency: reading, writing, speaking and listening. cold medication if needed, calamine lotion on bug Parents will be notified of the results of this bites and poison ivy, Band-Aids covering all areas of assessment and permission will be obtained for broken skin) tutorial services. Students participating tin the English Language Learner program are assessed annually in ILLNESS the spring to determine whether tutorial service are Children occasionally complain of illness during necessary for student success. school hours and are sent to the nurse’s office. Usually a rest of 10 to 15 minutes, after having a FIRE DRILLS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS temperature check, is sufficient and the child is sent Fire drills are held at regular intervals as required by back to class. The child who has more serious state law. Students must follow the exit directions symptoms (temperature of over 100 degrees,

vomiting, etc.) is deemed too ill to function in class, assistant, in addition to parents/guardians’ may be endangering the health of others and will be permission. dismissed if possible. Such children must be picked up in the office by the parent/guardian, or by someone The medication must be delivered to the school authorized by them. nurse by the parent/guardian. Forms for physician’s orders are available in the nurse’s office. Do not Requirements for communicable diseases: send any medication (prescribed or over-the- MEASLES – remain home for 5 days after appearance counter) with your child. Medication must be of rash delivered in the original and properly labeled bottle. MUMPS – remain home until all swelling has disappeared In accordance with Public Act 90-85, the Montville CHICKEN POX – remain home for 6 days and until Board of Education has a written policy regarding scabs dry the administration of medications to students. This STREPTOCCAL INFECTION – remain home until 48 policy covers not only prescribed medications to be hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy has been taken during the school day (or at a school- instituted sponsored event) but also includes: aspirin, aspirin substitutes and all other over-the-counter After a child has been examined by his doctor medications such as cough drops, protein following a communicable disease, she/he may substitutes, sprays, medicated gums, creams, return to school with a statement from the doctor. antihistamines, vitamins, lotions, patches, inhalants. INJURY The policy states that students may take mediations In the event of a serious injury, every effort is made at school only after: to contact the parents/guardians immediately. If a 1. The district’s authorization form, which parent/guardian cannot be located, the decision is includes the doctor’s written order, has made to transport the child to a medical facility by been completely filled out. ambulance. Continuing effort will be made to locate 2. The form is signed by the student’s them even if the child has left the school. physician/dentist. 3. The form is signed by a parent/guardian. It is imperative that the school has correct telephone 4. The form is on file at the school. numbers on file at all times for both the home and 5. The written order is valid for the current place of business. If a number is changed or the school year. phone disconnected, please notify the school immediately and provide instructions for the school Permission forms for the administration of to follow to locate a parent/guardian in case of medications may be obtained at each school. emergency. Questions regarding procedures should be directed Students shall not return to school after an absence to the school nurse. due to illness unless they are able to participate in the entire school program, including outdoor recess and The school nurse will administer medications when other outdoor activities. A written doctor’s statement on duty. In the absence of the nurse, principals or is required allowing a child to return to school with teachers may give medications. Medications must be restricted recess or physical education class activity. delivered to the school by an adult and must be in Make sure the note specifies how long the particular the original container labeled with the: activity is to be restricted. 1. Name and strength of the medication 2. Name of the patient MEDICATION 3. Name of the prescribing physician Administration of medication by school personnel is 4. Directions for taking the medication a program designed to meet student health needs. The administration of any medication, including No more than a 45-day supply of medication can be over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and cough kept at the school. Medication will be destroyed at drops, must be done under an order from a the end of the school year unless an adult retrieves physician, dentist, nurse practitioner or physician’s them by the last day of school.

Epinephrine for Purpose of Emergency First Aid school when completely free of nits. Examination by without Prior Authorization the school nurse is required before the child is 1. The school nurse shall maintain epinephrine readmitted. in cartridge injectors for the purpose of POSTURAL SCREENING emergency first aid to a student who Postural screening is done in the fifth grade because experiences allergic reactions and does not curvatures of the spine rarely start to show before the have prior written authorization of a preadolescent years. Screening is done to check for parent/guardian or a prior written order of signs of scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis. a qualified medical professional for the administration of epinephrine. HEALTH PROGRAMS 2. The parent/guardian of any student may A growth and development film will be shown to all submit in writing, to the school nurse or fourth graders with parental permission. The boys will school medical advisor, if any, that see their film with a male teacher, administrator, or epinephrine shall not be administered to health professional. The girls will see their film with a such a student pursuant to this section. female teacher, administrator, or health professional. a. The school nurse shall notify selected All parents/guardians are welcome to attend this and trained personnel of the students viewing with their child. whose parents or guardians have refused emergency administration of All other health programs will be part of the epinephrine; classroom curriculum. b. The Board shall annually notify parents/guardians of the need to Oakdale School is a Smoke-Free environment. provide such written notice. Students shall not possess or use alcohol, drugs (including look-alike drugs) or drug paraphernalia on TESTING PROGRAMS school property. Any student found in violation of the Heights, weights, vision and hearing tests are tobacco-alcohol-drug policy will face immediate administered to each student annually. The school suspension and, where applicable, be remanded to department has up-to-date equipment for this the proper authorities. testing. Passing standards for vision and hearing are set by the state. EMERGENCY HEALTH FORMS Emergency health forms are sent home annually and If a child fails to meet passing standards in either are to be returned at the beginning of the school year. vision or hearing, a notice is sent to the It is imperative that the nurse and appropriate parent/guardian, referring students to a doctor. personnel be aware of health needs of individual Parents/guardians are requested to take the form students such as bee sting or food allergies requiring provided at the time of referral to the doctor and immediate intervention. Please contact the school request that he/she complete the form; it should be nurse whenever a change in information occurs such returned to the school nurse. Recommendations of as a change in authorized people in case of the doctor are communicated to those who work emergency or new medical diagnosis. with the child. HOMEWORK If the parent/guardian is already aware of the Homework is an important dimension of an effective problem and if the child is already under care, a note study skills program and is an extension of classroom to that effect should be written on the bottom of the work to help students become self-directed, referral and the form should be returned to the independent learners. nurse. Primary reasons for homework are: EXAMINATIONS  Reinforce classroom work Head Lice: In many schools the problem of pediculosis  Practice particular skills (head lice) has reached epidemic proportions. Head  Develop initiative, independence, self- checks are done on all students during the first two or direction, and responsibility three weeks of school. If a child is found to have head  Develop good study skills lice, immediate dismissal is mandatory and treatment instructions are given. Children will be readmitted to

 Acquaint parents/guardians with work provided by the efforts of the PTO. See the website pupils do in school for meeting dates.  Foster good school/home communication  Teach the importance of utilizing time at PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES home for study PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BECOME PARTNERS  Spark students’ curiosity and creativity IN THEIR CHILD’S EDCUATIONAL SUCCESSES. Parents/guardians are requested to provide an Conferences with teachers may be held at any time appropriate time and place for students to complete during the school year. Parents/guardians and homework. students, as well as teachers, counselors, or administrators may initiate a conference. TIME GUIDELINES FOR HOMEWORK Kindergarten: 10 minutes, 4 nights per week A parent or student may arrange a conference with Grades 1 & 2: 20 – 30 minutes, 4 nights per week an individual member of the school staff or a group Grades 3 & 4: 30 – 40 minutes, 4 nights per week conference with school staff members. Conferences Grade 5: 45 – 60 minutes, 4 nights per week are held during school hours but every effort will be made to accommodate parent/guardian schedules. Students in grades 4 and 5 should have experience Formal conferences are held on the Monday and working on long-term projects. This may entail Tuesday preceding the Thanksgiving break. An completing assignments over a weekend or during a Additional conference will be offered in the spring. If holiday period; however, if students budget their it is not possible to attend the scheduled time wisely, this may not be necessary. parent/teacher conference, due to the date or time, please phone the school or email the teacher to INSURANCE reschedule. School insurance is made available to families through a specific program. Brochures are distributed The following tips are from the National Education to all students at the beginning of each academic Association for parent/teacher conferences. These year. While the program is not mandatory, it is tips will help to ensure a successful conference. suggested that parents take advantage of the 1. Relax. Teachers want to help your child do opportunity to provide adequate protection for their his/her best. Working together will produce children while in school. Any such arrangement is success during the school year. contractual between the parent and insurance 2. Bring notes on things that the teacher should carriers and Montville Public Schools assumes no know; your child’s personality, problems, liability from disputes arising from such contract. home life, habits and hobbies. Write down Failure to return the form signifies that there is a concerns about the school programs or denial of insurance. policies. 3. Talk to your child before the conference. LOST AND FOUND Find out what he/she thinks are his best Any articles which are found in the school or on subjects and what he/she likes the least, and school grounds should be turned in at the main office. why. Ask if there is anything that he/she Every Friday the lost and found items are displayed by would like to have you, as the parent, talk the monitors during each lunch time for each grade about with the teacher. Make sure he/she level. Unclaimed articles will be disposed of at the end does not worry about the meeting. Tell of the school year. Loss of personal or school property him/her you are meeting because you are should be reported to the main office. Found items interested in his/her school life, and you are located in the hallway next to the school store. want to know if there are ways you may help. OAKDALE PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO) 4. Be on time, and try not to run over the ALL parents/guardians are invited to become involved allotted time. Request another time to at Oakdale School. The PTO sponsors numerous continue the conference if need be. functions each year. Events such as the book fair and 5. Ask questions about your child’s family fun nights are just a couple of the many PTO participation in class, readiness, and changes sponsored happenings. Cultural assemblies are in study habits, group discussions and activities.

6. End the conference by summing up decisions is the norm. Positive Behavior Intervention Support you’ve made together. If need be, meet (PBIS) is based on a problem-solving model and aims again. to prevent inappropriate behavior through teaching 7. After the conference, start on the action and reinforcing appropriate behaviors. PBIS is a plan that was worked out. Stay in touch process that is consistent with the core principles of regularly with the teacher to discuss Response to Intervention (RTI). Similar to RTI, PBIS progress. offers a range of interventions that are systematically applied to students based on their demonstrated PAW PRINT level of need, and addresses the role of environment The Paw Print, Oakdale School’s electronic as it applies to the development and improvement of newsletter, and important fliers/notices will be behavior problems. emailed to families on Wednesdays. REPORT CARDS PLAYGROUND SAFETY RULES Report cards for Grades K-5 are issued in November, 1. No fighting, teasing, or rough play is allowed. March and June. Students involved in inappropriate behavior will receive a suitable consequence. SCHOOL COMMUNICATION 2. Food items are not allowed on the Written communication – when to send a note: playground.  When your child returns to school after an 3. Students are to be responsible for safe use illness or extended absence of all equipment.  When you need to pick up your child from 4. Students are not to leave the school grounds school or have him/her dismissed early without permission from a monitor.  When a change of bus stop on your child’s regular route is necessary POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SUPPORT (PBIS)  When events or situations occur that may A major advance in school-wide discipline is the affect your child’s behavior or progress emphasis on school-wide systems of support that  When a medical or physical condition exists include proactive strategies for defining, teaching, of which the teacher should be aware and supporting appropriate student behaviors to  When a change of address or phone number create positive school environments. Instead of using occurs a patchwork of individual behavioral management  To request a parent/guardian – teacher plans, a continuum of positive behavior support for all conference students within a school is implemented in areas  When your child is going home with another including the classroom and non-classroom settings student, it is necessary for both students to (such as hallways, restroom). Positive behavior bring a note support is an application of a behaviorally-based Notes should include your child’s full name, grade systems approach to enhance the capacity of schools, level, teacher’s name, and the date. See the school’s families, and communities to design effective website for a generic note that can be printed and environments that improve the link between used to send to school. research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs. Attention is Education succeeds best when there is a strong focused on creating and sustaining primary school- partnership between home and school. wide), secondary (classroom), and tertiary Parents/guardians are urged to encourage their (individual) systems of support that improve lifestyle children to put a high priority on education and to results personal, health, social, family, work, make the most of their educational opportunities recreation) for all children and youth by making available. Parents/guardians should become familiar problem behavior less effective, efficient, and with all of the child’s school activities and with the relevant, and desired behavior more functional. district’s academic programs. Attendance at parent- Teaching behavioral expectations and rewarding teacher conferences, attendance at Board of students for following them is a much more positive Education meetings and being a school volunteer are approach than waiting for misbehavior to occur strongly encouraged. Families are encouraged to before responding. The purpose of school-wide PBIS is to establish a climate in which appropriate behavior

provide optional means of communication with their SPECIAL EDUCATION child’s teacher (notes, telephone calls, email). Montville’s elementary schools provide a variety of classrooms/programs designed to assist students SCHOOL SCHEDULE with special education needs. Teachers who are Through a great deal of research and a number of site trained in special education provide direct visits, the Montville district has instituted a block instructional services and indirect services such as schedule for the elementary schools. The primary assisting or providing consultation to the regular advantages of the block schedule are that by its classroom teachers through Special Services. design it creates “blocks” of uninterrupted instructional time for students and teachers, and Oakdale Elementary School is committed to a system allows teachers longer periods of shared planning of inclusion for our students with disabilities. We time. Students have each special subject are class believe that all children can learn and that students once a week for forty-five minutes. We are on a five- with disabilities have the right to be educated with day rotating schedule. This cycle eliminates the non-disabled peers to the maximum extent problem of students frequently missing their special appropriate. We therefore practice the following classes such as Art, Music, P.E., and Library/Media characteristics of responsible inclusion. Center. Characteristics of Responsible Inclusive Practices: SCHOOL HOURS AND TARDINESS  The faculty believes inclusion is a valued Grades K – 5: 8:45 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. practice for all students. After 8:45 a.m., students are considered tardy and  The general education class and curriculum must be signed in at the main office by an adult. is the reference point for all instructional planning. SCHOOL MESSENGER  Students are in age-appropriate general Our ability as a school district to communicate with education classrooms. our students, students’ parents, faculty and staff has  An array of instructional strategies for certainly been enhanced through changing diverse learners is used effectively in each technology. Through our relationship with School classroom. Messenger and their school communication system,  Special education support is provided for we inform you through personalized telephone students with disabilities in the general messages, emails or texts, regarding important dates, education classroom when appropriate. parent or student events, etc., as well as  Special education and support services emergencies. personnel are on grade level or subject area teams with their fellow general educators. SNOW DAYS – EARLY DISMISSALS – LATE STARTS  All educators regularly plan together to meet Snow days are inevitable. School may be closed, have the needs of students they serve. a late start or an early dismissal. Any late starts will be a 2-hour delay. School will start at 10:40 a.m. When The identification of children requiring special these situations occur, announcements are education and/or related services and the delivery of broadcasted on the following TV and radio stations: these services is a process requiring cooperative participation between parents/guardians and staff. TV: WFSB Ch. 3; WTNH Ch. 8; WVIT Ch. 30 This process may be initiated in a number of ways, and if you have any question at all about any Radio: WSUB 980 AM; WICH 1310 AM; WCTY 97.7 procedure or process relative to special education FM; WILI 98.3 FM; WNLC 98.7 FM; WKNL 100.9 FM; and available services, you should call the Director of WVVE 102.3 FM; WQGN 105.5 FM Special Services at 860-848-1228.

NOTE: In the event of early dismissal due to inclement Special Services addresses the needs of those weather, parents are advised to have made students who may fall into one or more of the PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS for students to follow following categories: Autism, Deaf-Blindness, when the parent will not be home. All late openings Developmental Delay (ages 3-5), Emotional will be a 2-hour delay. Parents will be contacted via Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual School Messenger in the event of an early dismissal.

Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic to provide educational interventions where Impairment, Learning Disabilities, Speech or indicated. Language Impaired, Traumatic Brain Injury, Visual Title I is a remedial reading program that supports the Impairment, Other Health Impairment, OHI- teaching of reading skills taught in the classroom. ADD/ADHD. Students who are recommended by the classroom teacher and reading consultant are given diagnostic SPECIAL PROGRAMS tests to confirm a need for remediation. Results of the The district provides special programs such as but not tests are shared with the classroom teacher and limited to, gifted and talented, bilingual, and special parents/guardians. First grade students who education services. A student or parent with experience difficulty with learning to read may questions about these programs should contact the become involved in the Early Intervention Reading school principal. The coordinator of each program is Program. In grades 1 - 5, students receive support available to answer questions about eligibility from reading consultants and paraprofessionals both requirements, programs, and services offered in the in and out of the classroom. district or by other organizations. Teacher and parent/guardian concerns may be The district utilizes the Response to Intervention (RTI) addressed through the Planning and Placement or Scientifically Based Research Intervention (SRBI) Team (P.P.T.) process. If deemed appropriate, model which combines systematic assessment, specialized tests may be administered by the reading decision-making and a multi-tiered delivery model to consultants, school psychologist, special educations improve educational and behavioral outcomes for all teachers, speech and language pathologist, students. Academic and behavioral support and occupational therapist, and physical therapist on an targeted interventions will be provided for students individual basis when recommended by the P.P.T. who are not making academic progress at expected levels in the general curriculum. Teacher and parent/guardian concerns are addressed through the Collaborative Intervention Team (C.I.T.) Montville’s elementary schools provide a variety of process. Specialized tests are administered by the classroom programs designed to assist students. reading consultants, the math coordinator, the school Teachers who are trained in special areas provide psychologist, the special education teachers, the direct instructional services and indirect services such speech and language pathologist, the occupational as assisting or providing consultation to the regular therapist, and the physical therapist on an individual classroom teacher. basis, as needed. Speech and language services are available to any Enrichment Program supplements and enriches the child whose educational success is impacted by a regular school program for students who possess disorder. This could include speech problems, many academic talents. The enrichment teacher works with types of language problems or stuttering. students recommended by their teacher. A formal Counseling services are available to any child whose program is offered to students in grade 4 and 5. educational success is impacted by his/her social/emotional functioning. TEACHER REQUESTS Physical/Occupational therapy is provided to While the school wants, and needs, to know about students who display gross/fine motor delays that your child (needs, strengths, areas of concern, and affect their abilities to benefit from the educational specific parent/guardian concerns), we cannot honor experience. Mobility issues which relate to safety and requests for a specific teacher. In the spring, parents access to the school building and playground area as are encouraged to share their child’s strengths and well as performance in P.E. classes are addressed. areas of concern or needs with the principal. In Adaptive physical education is provided in a small determining placement from one year to the next for group setting to students who need to improve their all our children, the following factors are taken into movement, motor, and special area skills. The teacher consideration: works with paraprofessionals to help each student  Academic functioning learn the skills necessary to be a part of the regular  Social/emotional development physical education class.  Individual needs District-wide screening of 3- and 4-year-olds helps to  Class size identify children at risk for educational difficulties and

 English language availability All new students entering the district for the first time  Gender make up of class are given a reading and mathematics assessment as  Peer interaction needed.  Student/teacher compatibility  Parent input Reading and math assessments are administered informally and formally by classroom teachers and Class assignments are done in the spring and summer. specialists to measure educational progress. Families will receive a placement letter prior to the start of the school year. Pre and post assessments enable teachers to focus

instruction in areas most in need and allow them to TESTING monitor student and class progress over the course of Each year all Montville elementary students in a year. grades K through 5 participate in a district-wide testing program designed to provide information TRAFFIC FLOW AND PARKING concerning their proficiency on tests of academic Please read this section on policies for entering the achievement and aptitude. This testing program was school grounds to drop-off and pick-up students. organized by a committee of school personnel and approved by the Board of Education. All traffic must ENTER the Oakdale School grounds

from Indiana Circle and then EXIT onto Carolina Drive, The primary purpose of testing is to determine the then take a left onto Maryland Road. Traffic flows achievement or readiness level of the student in a ONE WAY ONLY. given subject of skill. In addition, large group standardized tests have the added value of providing All students being transported to school by bus will a rough measure of how well-suited the curriculum is use the middle entry doors of the school where to the students. Test information is utilized by monitors are stationed. Parents dropping their child classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators in off in the morning should use the drop-off location at meeting the learning needs of the individual student. the back of the school. Students may be dropped off It should be noted that test scores are only one between 8:30 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. Again, a monitor will measure of a student’s ability to perform in a be stationed at that location. After 8:40 a.m., parents classroom. The teacher’s knowledge of each must park and walk their students across the parking individual student is considered when interpreting lot to the entry door. After 8:45 a.m., students are test scores and developing educational programs. considered tardy and must be signed into the office

by the accompanying adult. Individual student reports of all group test results become part of the student’s school record and, as DO NOT PARK IN THE FIRE LANES. Please observe all such, are subject to the provision of the student posted signs, directional arrows, and respect record policy. Parent/guardian copies of each test are handicap parking spaces. sent home in the report card envelope.

The following achievement and intelligence tests are TUTORING administered system-wide to all elementary Teachers may not teach privately (tutor) students of students: the school in which he/she teaches. This does not 1. Otis-Lennon Ability Test – Gr. 3 apply to teachers of homebound children employed 2. Smarter Balanced Asses. – Gr. 3 - 5 by the Board of Education. 3. Benchmark/Progress Monitoring Assess.

(Reading and Math) – Gr. K – 5 VACATIONS 4. State of CT Physical Fitness Assess. – Gr. 4 School policy strongly encourages the scheduling of

family vacations and trips during times which coincide with school vacations.

VISITORS (BOE Policy #1250) observations of student programs in light of NOTICE: ALL VISITORS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID AND the above criteria. RECEIVE A VISITOR PASS AT THE OFFICE 6. If a building principal or responsible 1. Any person wishing to visit a school building, administrator approves a request to visit a and/or observe any student program, must school building and/or observe a student obtain prior approval from the principal or program, arrangements must be made in responsible administrator of the respective advance to ensure that the visit will not school building or program. disrupt educational programs. Upon arrival, 2. A visitor to any school building or program all visitors must report directly to the must be able to articulate a legitimate visitors’ reception area of the school office. reason for his/her proposed visit and/or All visitors must sign in and out of the observation. Where the visitation involves building and shall be accompanied by direct contact with district students, or appropriate school personnel while in school observation of an identified student or buildings. student program, the visitor must have a 7. The length and scope of any visit shall be sufficient education nexus with the district, determined by the building principal or its educational programs, or the student to responsible administrator in accordance support such request. with these regulations and accompanying 3. All visits must be reasonable in length and Board policy. conducted in a manner designed to minimize disruption to the district’s educational UNAUTHORIZED VISITORS programs. Visits shall not be permitted if their duration or 4. When determining whether to approve a frequency interferes with the delivery of instruction request to visit and/or observe student or disrupts the normal school environment. programs, the building principal or Unauthorized persons shall not be permitted in responsible administrator shall consider the school buildings or on school grounds. School following factors: principals are authorized to take appropriate action a. The frequency of visits to prevent such persons from entering the building or b. The duration of the visit loitering on the grounds. Such persons will be c. The number of visitors involved prosecuted to the full extent of the law. All visitors are d. The effect of the visit on a particular expected to demonstrate the highest standards of class or activity courtesy and conduct. Disruptive behavior will not be e. The age of the students permitted. f. The nature of the class or program g. The potential for disclosure of WALKERS confidential, personally identifiable Independent walkers are dismissed when student information announcements are made at 3:15 p.m. Students must h. Whether the visitor/observer has a have a note to walk home if they are not normally legitimate educational interest in dismissed as a walker. visiting the school i. Whether the visitor/observer has professional ethical obligations not to disclose any personally identifiable student information j. Any safety risk to students and school staff 5. The building principal or responsible administrator has the discretion to limit, or refuse, requests for visits and/or