MISSION STATEMENT Our Mission at the John F. Kennedy Middle School Is to Provide a Safe and Healthy Learning Community That Fost

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission at the John F. Kennedy Middle School is to provide a safe and healthy learning community that fosters respect and promotes intellectual, social, and emotional growth. We strive to engage and appropriately challenge students of all levels as we value their individual strengths.

JOHN F. KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL

165 Mill Street Natick, Massachusetts 01760

Main Office: 508-647-6650

Absence Reporting: 508-647-6651

Fax: 508-647-6658

Internet Address

http://www.natickps.org/ kennedy/homepage.cfm

Ms. Rosemary Vickery, Principal

Ms. Megan Hatt, Vice Principal

John F. Kennedy Middle School 165 Mill Street Natick, Massachusetts 01760 (508) 647-6650 FAX (508) 647-6658 Building the Future, One Child at a Time

Rosemary M. Vickery, M.Ed. Principal

August 2014

Dear Families,

Welcome to the start of a new school year! We are very excited to begin school this year, and we’d especially like to welcome our new students and families.

Communication between school and home is essential to a student’s academic success. At Kennedy, we use multiple ways to keep families informed about what’s going on at school:  Please feel free to email or call staff with questions or concerns about your child. We will make every effort to follow up with you within a business day.  The Principal Weekly Email Blast is used to communicate important information about school events. Please join the email distribution list by using the link below and following directions on the left side of the page.  The Virtual Backpack is an online repository used to send home information to you. Every Wednesday we post to the Virtual Backpack link on our website: http://www.natickps.org/kennedy/homepage.cfm all the communication notices pertinent to life here at Kennedy. Please be sure to check this link regularly so as not to miss any notices. Of course, if you’re unable to access the Internet, we would be happy to send paper notices home to you. Please contact our front office to arrange for this.  It’s also a good idea to get in the habit of checking our homepage for important announcements. At this site we post our daily student announcements, a link to our PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), links to teacher webpages and a variety of other important information for Kennedy families.

In the past, we have benefited from parent volunteerism in the school. This year we are in need of regular volunteers in our school library. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the front office (508 647-6650) and we will find the best opportunity for you.

Creating and maintaining a safe and healthy school environment is important to us. As many of you are aware, new legislation has been instituted recently that focused on ways to prevent bullying in school. The Kennedy Middle School has always had an anti-bullying plan and we will continue to update and improve our practices in this area this year. Guidance counselors and faculty will work with students throughout the year to develop strategies for seeking support and guidance around any problems students may encounter.

All of us at KMS are looking forward to a wonderful school year. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Rosemary M. Vickery

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Kennedy Middle School Mission Statement 1 Address and phone numbers at Kennedy 2 Welcome letter from Ms. Vickery, Principal 3

GENERAL INFORMATION – KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL Kennedy Faculty Assignments 5 - 6 Kennedy Teams 7 – 8 Important Dates 9 Map of Kennedy 9A

GENERAL INFORMATION – NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOL NPS Mission Statement/Vision Statement 10 NPS School Committee 11

STUDENT LIFE Typical School Day 12 After School Programs MS Activities Fee/Peer Leadership/MIAA sports 13 Breakfast /Lunch/Nutrikids/Birthday celebrations 14 Snacks/Laps at Lunch/Lockers and Possessions 15 Textbooks/Cell Phones & Electronic Devices 16 Forgotten Items/Band Information 17 - 18 Attendance/Dismissal/Delayed Opening 18 – 21 6 Day Cycle Calendar 22 Student Pick-up and Drop-off Information 23 Bus Information 24 - 25 Late Bus/Assemblies/Field Trips/Class Trips/Financial Aid/Bicycles 26 Volunteers/Chaperones/Cori Checks/Dress Code 27

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS Guide to Success 28 NPS Homework Policy/Make up Work 29 - 31 Homework /Academic Progress 31 Progress Reports/Report Cards/Honor Roll 32

IMPORTANT NOTICES Library/ Health/Wellness Notification 33 School Health Services 33 - 35 Guidance/School Psychologist/School Resource Officer 36 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)/School Council/Gifts to Staff 37

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS 38 Discipline Policies/Anti-Bullying Policy/Discipline Rubric 38 - 44 Discipline Policies/Tobacco Policy/Suspensions 45– 50 Student Records/Vandalism/Weapons 51- 53 Hazing/Harassment Policy/Network Policy 53-61 Handbook/Policies Receipt (to be signed and returned) 62

4 2014/2015

KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL FACULTY ASSIGNMENTS

NAME ASSIGNMENT ROOM Vickery, Rosemary Principal Office Hatt, Megan Vice Principal 199

Alagappan, Nandini Grade 8 – Mathematics 233 Andreotes, Colleen Grade 5 – Mathematics & Science 104M Bahde, Jessica Grade 8 – Special Education 235 Bailey, Nicole Cafeteria Manager Bastien, Jeffrey Custodian Bishop, Heather Grade 8 – Language/Literacy 143 Language & Literacy Department Head Brenneman, Ellen Grade 6 – Science 248 Brenneman, Jennifer Grade 5 – Language/Literacy & Social 103M Studies Britton, Mary Ann Grade 7 – Special Education 220 Caccavelli, Robin Pupil Services Administrative Assistant Office Carter, Lauren Grade 6 - Special Education 203 Chakiris, Julia School Psychologist 137 Clark, Marimartha ELL 234 Conley, Sean Grade 7 – Science 246 Connelly, Lauren Speech/Language 136 Cooper, Linda Building Substitute Cotton, Kenneth Grade 5 – Language/Literacy & Social 101M Studies Culkin, Constance Library Assistant Library D’Innocenzo, Cara Grade 5-8 Special Education 214 Dion, Christine Grade 6 – Language & Literacy 122 Doiron, Catherine ELL 234 Drapeau, David Band 149 Dwyer, Megan Physical Education Gym Elliott, Nicole Grade 5 – Mathematics & Science 106M Famania, Carlos Head Custodian Ferrara, Justine Grade 5 – Special Education 111 Fitzgibbons, Matthew Paraprofessional Educator– Grade 8 Forest, Christopher Grade 6 – Social Studies – Curriculum 123 Leader Gauthier, Stacy Grade 8 – Science 244 Gillis, Marilyn Paraprofessional Educator Griffin, Donald Music/Chorus 148 Hacket, Mara Grade 7/8 Spanish 112 Hamm, Michelle Grade 5 – Mathematics & Science 102M Holmes, Diane Educational Team Leader Ives, Laura Assistant Director of Student Services for MS Karian, Sarah Speech/Language 136 Kassap, Beth Art 241 Kittler, Nathan Grade 6 – Science 145

5 NAME ASSIGNMENT ROOM Klecan, Mary Special Education 203 Knapik, Karin Instructional Technology 200 Korhn, Mackenzie Grade 8 – Language & Literacy 231 Lane, J. Casey Drama 145/Aud Lemon, Sandra Grade 6 – Language & Literacy 132 Linton, Sandra Administrative Assistant Office Liuzzo, Julie Grade 7 - Special Education Lockhart, Virginia Paraprofessional Educator Lyth, David Physical Education Gym MacDonald, Melisa Guidance – Grades 5/7 114 MacGregor, Joyce Administrative Assistant Office Mak (Wong), Amy Paraprofessional Educator Marshall, Brittany Grade 7 – Mathematics 213 Mayhew, Joanna Grade 7 – Social Studies 212 McCann, Michelle Grade 7 – Social Studies 222 McMahon, Jeffrey Grade 7 – Language & Literacy 211 Miller, Deirdre Custodian Morin, Kelly Guidance – Grades 6/8– Curriculum Leader 124 Mudarri, Susan Paraprofessional Educator Norris, Adrienne Grade 8– Mathematics 143 Mathematics Department Head Peirce, Daryl Grade 6 – Social Studies 131 Porten, Heidi Grade 6 – Mathematics 121 Power, Paul Grade 7 – Science 245 Presswood, Katherine Grade 7/8 – French 201 Pruski, Christine Grade 7 – Mathematics 223 Raider, Jeffrey Grade 8 – Social Studies 232 Reed, Jennifer Grade 6 – Mathematics 133 Rogers, Kati Grade 5 – Mathematics & Science 108M Rollins, Andrew Grade 7 Paraprofessional Educator Rosenberg, Marilyn School Psychologist 146 Ross, Lori Health/Wellness 240 Roth, Laura Grade 5 – Language/Literacy & Social 105M Studies Rotkiewicz, Katherine Librarian Library Schneekloth, Rebecca Grade 5 – Language/Literacy & Social 107M Studies Sefton, Virginia Grade 5 Paraprofessional Educator Simon, Sarah Grade 7/8 Spanish – Curriculum Leader 113 Smith (Roma), Suzanne Grade 8 – Science – Curriculum Leader 243 Stefanini, Thomas Industrial Technology 144 Steinberg, Betsy Nurse Clinic Tock, Maria Paraprofessional Educator Twiss, Denise Nurse Clinic Vigue, Noel Fitness Instructor – Grades 7/8 142 Wallick, Katherine Grade 7 Language/Literacy 221 Technology 150 Zhu, Nancy Mandarin 219

2014/2015

KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL

TEAMS

GRADE 5 (All Stars) GRADE 8 (Inspire)

Mrs. Schneekloth/Mrs. Rogers (Shooting Stars) Ms. Norris Mr. Cotton/Mrs. Hamm (Shining Stars) Ms. Smith (Roma) Mrs. Brenneman/Mrs. Andreotes (Super Stars) Mrs. Bishop Ms. Roth/Mrs. Elliott (Shimmering Stars)

GRADE 6 (Phoenix) GRADE 8 (Endeavor)

Mr. Forest Ms. Korhn Ms. Dion Mr. Raider Ms. Brenneman Mrs. Alagappan Ms. Porten Ms. Gauthier

GRADE 6 (America) UNIFIED ARTS Ms. Reed Mr. Kittler Ms. Kassap Mr. Peirce Mr. Griffin Mrs. Lemon Ms. Knapik Mr. Stefanini GRADE 7 (Awesome) Mr. Drapeau Mr. Lane Ms. Marshall Mrs. Rotkiewicz Ms. Mayhew Mr. Conley Mr. McMahon

GRADE 7 (Independence) FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Ms. Pruski Mrs. Clark (ELL) Ms. Wallick Mrs. Presswood Ms. McCann Mrs. Hacket Mr. Power Ms. Simon Ms. Zhu Ms. Doiron (ELL .5)

WELLNESS STUDENT SUPPORT FACILITATORS

Ms. Mak-Wong Ms. Ross Mrs. Gillis Mrs. Dwyer Mr. Rollins Mr. Lyth Ms. Mudarri Mr. Vigue Mrs. Sefton Mrs. Tock Mr. Fitzgibbons Ms. Lockhart

STUDENT SUPPORT STAFF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Mrs. Morin Mrs. Bahde Mrs. MacDonald Ms. D’Innocenzo Mrs. Chakiris Mrs. Britton Mrs. Twiss Ms. Liuzzo Mrs. Steinberg Ms. Klecan Mrs. Culkin Ms. Holmes Ms. Rosenberg (shared with WMS) Mrs. Carter Ms. Ferrara

SUPPORT STAFF

Mrs. Cooper Mrs. Linton Mrs. MacGregor Mrs. Caccavelli

CUSTODIAL AND CAFETERIA STAFF

Mr. Bastien Mr. Famania Ms. Miller Mrs. Bailey, Cafeteria Manager

IMPORTANT DATES

August 27 School Opens –beginning of Term 1 September 1 No School – Labor Day September 9 Picture Day September 17 Release Day (11:30 am dismissal) September 25 & 26 No School – Rosh Hashanah September 30 Open House – Grades 5 & 7 (7:00 pm)

October 2 Open House – Grades 6 & 8 (7:00 pm) October 13 No School – Columbus Day October 17 Progress Reports October 29 Early Release (11:30 am dismissal)

November 5 Elementary Early Release Only November 11 No School – Veterans’ Day November 13 Elementary Early Release Only November 26 Early Release (11:30 am dismissal) November 26 End of Term 1 November 27 & 28 No School – Thanksgiving Break

December 1 No School – Technology Day December 2 Beginning of Term 2 December 5 Report Cards for Term 1 December 24 -31 No School – December Vacation

January 1 & 2 No School – New Year’s Day January 14 Early Release – (11:30 am dismissal) January 19 No School – Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 23 Progress Reports

February 5 Early Release (11:30 am dismissal) February 16-20 No School – February Vacation

March 4 Early Release (11:30 am dismissal) March 13 End of Term 2 March 16 Beginning of Term 3 March 20 Report Cards for Term 2

April 3 No School – Good Friday April 7 Elementary Early Release Only April 15 Elementary Early Release Only April 20-24 No School - April Vacation

May 1 Progress Reports for Term 3 May 15 Kindergarten only – No School May 20 Early Release (11:30 am dismissal) May 25 No School – Memorial Day June 22* Last Day of School – Early Release (11:30am dismissal) Report cards for Term 3

NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 13 East Central Street Natick, MA 01760 508-647-6400

Superintendent Peter Sanchioni, Ph.D.

Assistant Superintendent Anna Nolin

MISSION STATEMENT

The Natick Public Schools, in partnership with family and community, challenges and supports each student to acquire and apply knowledge, skills, and creativity, and a sense of personal and social responsibility.

Successful students and excellent schools emerge when educators, parents, and community members work together to attain measurable goals to improve our programs. Those goals are articulated in the Strategic Plan for the school district. The goals, and the beliefs that uphold those goals, stress the values that support high standards and expectations for students and educators alike. Education does not begin and end within the school, rather it is the foundation of the community and it involves each of us.

Goals

1. Involve families and community in each child’s education.

2. Foster positive cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in a climate that promotes respect for self and others.

3. Promote critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.

4. Actively engage students in the learning process to achieve high standards.

5. Allocate resources equitably and provide appropriate facilities to promote effective teaching and learning.

6. Infuse technology throughout the school system where appropriate.

7. Provide on-going opportunities for staff development and growth.

VISION STATEMENT

The Natick Public Schools is a community focused on and dedicated to all students achieving high standards in a safe, trusting, respectful environment where learning is exciting, dynamic, and engaging.

Members Ms. Amy Mistrot, Chair Ms. Firkins Reed, Vice Chair Mr. Tom Campbell, Clerk Ms. Anne Blanchard Mr. Dirk Coburn Mr. Paul Laurent Mr. David Margil

2014-2015

SCHEDULED SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS

MEETING START TIME – 7:15 P.M.

August 25 September 8 September 22 October 6 October 20 November 3 November 17 December 1 December 15 January 5 January 12 – Retreat/Mid Year Review January 26 February 9 February 23 March 9 March 23 April 6 – Reorganization Meeting April 27 May 4 May 18 June 1 June 15

All meetings will be in the School Committee Room, Town Hall unless noted otherwise. Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Meeting information can be found at http://natickschoolspublic.novusagenda.com

STUDENT LIFE

TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY

Students are welcome to gather on the patio any time after 7:25 in the morning until entering the building at 7:35. In cases of inclement weather, students gather in assigned cafeterias beginning at 7:25 am. Once the building is open for business, students must go to their lockers, put their things away, and then go to their homerooms.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICY:

“Student lockers and desks are the property of the Natick Public Schools. Students do not have the right to utilize student lockers and/or desks for the storage of illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, weapons, stolen property or inflammable chemicals. The administration and the staff of the school retain the right to inspect lockers and desks periodically for compliance of these rules.”

Student Schedule

The school day is from 7:50 am to 2:05 pm 7:35 Student to lockers 7:45 Hallways cleared (All students must go to their homerooms. This is the time that homeroom teachers coordinate information sharing and carry out housekeeping tasks.) 7:50 Homeroom – Pledge of Allegiance and morning announcements. Students are dismissed from homeroom to attend their first class. (Students not seated in homeroom by 7:50 will be marked tardy.) 7:55 Students attend classes according to the schedule planned by individual teams in coordination with specials (i.e. physical education, health, foreign language, industrial technology, chorus, band, music, art, drama and technology) 2:05 Dismissal Students seeking after school help, taking part in after school programs or who have detentions may remain after dismissal. All others should leave the building at 2:05 pm. Students waiting to be picked up by a parent may sit in the front lobby or wait outside. Students staying after school must be supervised by a teacher until 2:50 (dismissal time for late bus); students may not wander the halls.

After School Programs

The following after-school programs are available to students. There is an announcement prior to the program’s start date and late bus is also available.

Weather Service School Newspaper Yearbook Student Council Musical Speech Club Math Club Walking Club ELNA/Community Service Intramural Sports Literary Magazine Robotics & Future Scientists Chess Club Theater Arts Students as Readers Instrumental Music Lessons Speciality Chorus

Middle School Student Activities Fee

A $50 fee for selected after-school activities has been established for the school year. The fee is a one-time, all inclusive fee and is required only for after-school activities involving drama and clubs. Exemptions to this fee include any club which meets under the direction of a volunteer, any student government or student publication activity. The fee will be collected by the student advisor once the student has been admitted to the activity.

PEER LEADERS

Seventh and eighth students are eligible to become Peer Leaders for our school. Interested students must complete an application which includes questions about why they want to become a Peer Leader and what qualities they have that would make them successful Peer Leaders. Additionally, they must obtain parent/guardian permission and two letters of recommendation from staff members. Applications are reviewed by a team of teachers, administrators and Pupil Services staff, and the strongest candidates are chosen based on their applications, the leadership qualities they have exhibited, and their demonstrated commitment to anti-bullying and strengthening the school community.

MIAA SPORTS TEAMS ELIGIBILITY:

Participation on any school sports team (Basketball, Field Hockey, Track & Field, Cross Country) requires an athletic fee determined by the Natick School Committee. If any fees represent a financial hardship for you, please contact the principal. All requests will be kept confidential. A Financial Assistance Application must be completed and is available on line at www.natickps.org./departments/business Financial hardship should not exclude a student from participating on a sports team.

Representing Kennedy Middle School on a sports team is a privilege that is dependent on each student maintaining a C- in all of his/her classes during the playing season. If a student is in danger of falling below a C-, the teachers will communicate this information to coaches/advisors. Teachers may require students to attend after-school academic help sessions, rather than practices. Students may not return to the team until the teacher communicates to the coach that the student has returned to good academic standing. Additionally, excessive absences and/or tardies to school may adversely impact a student's eligibility to participate in practices and/or games.

Furthermore, all athletes are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior during all school endeavors. Behavioral infractions that lead to Loss of School Privileges may result in the loss of practice and/or game time, or in removal from the team. Any suspensions from school may result in removal from the team. Repeated or egregious behavioral infractions may also result in removal from the team at the discretion of the administration.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served each full school day beginning at 7:30 in the cafeteria. Any student may purchase cereal, milk or juice or bagels and cream cheese or butter. Students who qualify for free or reduced price lunches may also receive free or reduced price breakfasts. Students who eat breakfast at school are responsible for being in homeroom by 7:50 am.

Lunch

There are two periods for lunch: first lunch is at 11:11am for grades 5 & 6 and second lunch is at 12:00 for grades 7 & 8.

There are several choices available in the cafeteria. Students may bring their own lunch from home, purchase a hot lunch or add to any other lunch with items bought from the snack line.

 The cost of a regular lunch is: $2.75  A premium lunch is: $3.25

Families are encouraged to use the online payment system, Nutrikids, to establish prepaid school meal accounts for their children. Use the link at www.natickps.org “For Parents” for more information and to set up your account. Students can also pay at the register when school is in session.

All food choice items, prices, specials and regular a la carte choices are posted on the food service website at: http://www. Natickps.org/kennedy/lunch/main.cfm

Students are encouraged to eat a nutritious lunch. Basic courtesy and good table manners are expected of all KMS students. All students are expected to keep the cafeteria clean. Students are responsible for placing any waste paper, leftover food, etc., in the trash receptacles. If you are asked to clean up your trash by the teacher on duty, please do so. All students use the cafeteria and everyone must share the responsibility for keeping it clean.

************************************************************ There is no provision for charging lunch. Students who do not bring a lunch to school or who have no balance in their online account, should go to the office. Students will be given (2) granola bars and money to purchase milk. This money will need to be reimbursed the next school day. No student is to go without lunch. ************************************************************

BIRTHDAY AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS :

While there are many wonderful reasons to bring in food to share with friends, this practice is not allowed in the cafeteria for a number of reasons. Some students with food allergies may unknowingly eat an item that contains an allergen that causes them to become ill. Similarly, some families may not want their child to eat the type of food that is brought in to share. When students bring sweets for special occasions, it can cause a commotion and lead to hurt feelings when some students are excluded from sharing. Additionally, in-school birthday and holiday celebrations with gift-giving can cause problems if some students feel excluded. Please be mindful that in-school celebrations in the cafeteria are visible to the entire grade. Gift giving and food sharing is best done privately/out of school, and we request that you limit school celebrations to items that are not food-related such as sharing cards, drawings, etc.

SNACKS

Students may bring a healthy, snack and/or beverage to be eaten at school. Teacher teams will designate snack time for each team. Neither candy nor soda is to be brought to school. Students must take responsibility for proper disposal of containers, wrapper, crumbs, etc. Certain foods may be prohibited in areas of the building…i.e., peanuts, peanut and tree products—your teachers will alert you to these areas. No students are permitted to use the drinks machine outside the gymnasium during the school day.

LAPS AT LUNCH

During the fall and spring, when the weather is good and parent volunteers are available, students may walk outside during their lunch period. The teachers on lunch duty will dismiss the students. Students may walk around the perimeter of the building, staying on the paved surface, until it is time to return to the cafeteria for dismissal to their next class

LOCKERS AND POSSESSIONS

LOCKERS

Your homeroom teacher will assign a locker to you on the first day of school. Your locker is large enough to hold your books, notebooks, coat and book bag. It is important that as the year progresses you keep it clean.

LOCKER EXCHANGES

Your team will teach you those times when you may visit lockers during the day. Plan what you need to carry for each class so that there is no need to return to your locker after each class. In order to go to your locker at times other than those agreed upon by your team, you must have a pass from a teacher.

LOCKER ROOM/PHYSICAL EDUCATION POLICY

All students are expected to participate in physical education classes. Students must have a note from their physician in order to be excused from physical education classes as well as return to classes.

All students are required to change for class. They may wear athletic clothing such as sweats, shorts and t-shirts that were not worn to school that same day. Students must wear sneakers (no exceptions). Lockers for your belongings are available in the physical education dressing rooms. During your gym class, place clothing, books and other possessions in the locker.

TEXTBOOKS

The books you receive to use in your classes are loaned to you by the Natick Public Schools, just as a library book is loaned to you by the library. A teacher who records the number of the book and its condition when you receive it will check out each book to you. It is your responsibility to care for the book so that it is returned at the end of the year in the same condition it was given to you. Cover the book, and take care not to force it into your locker or book bag. Lost books are your responsibility. Look in all places you have been where it might have been left. Speak to your teacher about the lost book and check at the shelves near the front office where unclaimed books are brought. You will be provided with a replacement book if possible, but you are responsible for the cost of replacing the lost book.

CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones and other personal electronic devices are a distraction to the learning environment in the Natick Public Schools. As such, the following regulations will apply:

1. All electronic devices and components must be turned off and not visible during the school day, Any contact between parent/guardian and child must occur through the office. 2. Electronic devices necessary for an educational purpose may be used under the direction and with the approval of the supervising teacher/staff member. 3. Violators of this policy will have these items confiscated and turned in to their administrator. Repeat violations will result in the device being held in the office for an extended period, or return of the device only to a parent/guardian. 4. Refusal to comply with the requests of teachers and/or administrators is insubordination and subject to more severe disciplinary action. 5. Phones may not be used as cameras, clocks, calculators, calendars or any other device that may violate previously stated rules. Texting during the school day is strictly prohibited. 6. At the high school level all electronic devices including, but not limited to, cell phone, ipod, itouch, mp3 players etc. must be turned off and not visible in all academic wings (the A Wing, B Wing, S Wing, N Wing) and all classroom spaces (including gymnasiums and fields, auditorium, library, etc). Cell phones may be used responsibly in any non- academic area during non-class time (for example, the cafeteria, front office hallway, etc.)

In addition, all electronic devices shall not be used in any bathrooms in the school regardless of the location.

Any inappropriate use of an electronic device for example, taking unauthorized or improper pictures or offensive texting in any part of the school will result in detention, suspension and/or possible police involvement.

Students not adhering to the rules shall be subject to consequences outlined in the student handbook.

Note: Natick Public Schools will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items under any circumstances.

FORGOTTEN ITEMS

Parents can drop off forgotten items at the office and put the student’s name on the board outside the office. Classes cannot be interrupted to tell students their parents have delivered forgotten items. It is the student’s responsibility to check at the office to pick up items that have been dropped off.

Band

(This information is available on the District Website: www.natickps.org click on Departments/ click on Arts)

Natick Public Schools has a proud tradition of offering a Band program to students in grades 4-12. The majority of students in Natick begin instrumental music in an enrichment program available in the fourth grade. Here they learn the fundamentals of playing their band instrument through group lessons. The fourth grade program is a feeder program for the band electives available in grades 5-12.

Students who elect band in Middle School but did not begin band in fourth grade are encouraged to enroll in the district’s Instrumental Music Lesson Program. Due to the fact that the band elective is a performance class where students develop their rehearsal and performance skills, the band teachers have a limited ability to teach students how to play their instruments.

The Instrumental Music Lesson Program is an option that makes lessons available after school at a sharply reduced rate than is otherwise charged at a private studio. Students will receive one 30-minute lesson per week for a total of 15 lessons per semester. Natick Public Schools employs a roster of instrumental music teachers to teach lessons on the various band instruments available. Lessons are not provided for string instruments (violin, viola, cello, etc.). The following are the primary band instruments offered: baritone horn, clarinet, flute, French horn, oboe, percussion, tenor saxophone, trombone and trumpet.

Lessons for Fifth Grade Students:

Students electing band in fifth grade have the option of taking group lessons. Typically no more than five students are placed in a group lesson. Fifth grade group lessons are scheduled in the two 30 minute blocks immediately following the school day prior to the departure of the late bus.

Lessons for Sixth Grade Students:

Students in grades 6-8 may take private or semi-private lessons* (two students). These lessons are scheduled after the fifth grade group lessons. Before electing semi-private lessons, please read the important information about semi-private lessons.

Instrument Lesson Registration:

Registrations and fees must be collected prior to the start of lessons. Once registrations and fees are collected, students will be referred to the appropriate instrumental instructor. The instrumental instructor will contact parents to schedule the day and time of lessons that are mutually agreeable. It is important to be flexible because the instrumental teachers must coordinate lessons at both middle schools and the high school. Instrumental lessons begin in the fall semester for group lessons. Those wishing to start semi-private or private lessons in the Spring semester cannot be guaranteed a lesson assignment and will be put on a wait list. A registration form for the Instrumental Music Lesson Program is available in your guidance department.

Financial assistance is also available. To apply for financial assistance contact the office of the Director of Fiscal & Management Services, 13 East Central Street., Natick, MA 01760 or call 508-647-6493 to request an application.

If you have any questions about the Instrumental Music Lesson Program, please contact the Director of Fine & Performing Arts at 508-647-6400, ext. 1701.

*Semi-Private Lessons

Semi-private lessons are a reduced-cost option for families on a restricted budget and do not qualify for financial assistance. Semi-private lessons allow for two students learning the same band instrument to share a 30-minute lesson. However, semi-private lessons cannot be guaranteed. In order to enroll in semi-private lessons, your child must be matched with another student of comparable abilities. In some cases, semi-private lessons may not be possible for a variety of reasons, such as:

 An odd number of students have requested semi-private lessons  Students’ after school schedules are incompatible  Students’ are not at the same level of ability

If you would like to be considered for semi-private lessons, seek the advice of your child’s instrument lesson teacher and your middle school band teacher to determine if semi-private lessons make the most sense. If you are unable to enroll in semi-private lessons for any of the reasons listed above, private lessons will be your only option. If this creates a financial hardship, contact the Director of Fine and Performing Arts to discuss further options.

NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATTENDANCE PROTOCOL

ABSENCES

All students are expected to attend school and to be on time. In the event that your child is absent from school, please notify the school as soon as possible on the day of the absence. The phone number for the absence line is 508-647-6651. A student is considered absent if they are not present in school for at least half of the school day. The chart below indicates the minimum number of minutes a student must attend school in order to be marked present. Even if a student is tardy to school or has an early dismissal, students who are present in school for less than the minimum number of minutes will be marked absent.

Beginning Time Full Day Early Release Day SCHOOL Natick High School 7:30 204 minutes 113 minutes Kennedy MS 7:50 188 minutes 103 minutes Wilson MS 7:50 188 minutes 103 minutes Ben-Hem Elem. 8:15 180 minutes 103 minutes Brown Elem. 8:30 180 minutes 103 minutes Johnson Elem. 8:30 180 minutes 103 minutes Lilja Elem. 8:30 180 minutes 103 minutes Memorial Elem. 8:50 180 minutes 103 minutes

Absences will be documented excused, unexcused, or truant.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

 A student will be considered as having an excused absence when: o The parent has notified the school on the day of the absence before the end of that school day, AND o The student’s total number of absences has not exceeded 10 in the course of the school year.

Any absence that exceeds a total number of 10 will be considered unexcused. (See Unexcused Absences).

. If a child is absent and there has been no parental contact by the end of the school day, the student will be considered truant. (See Truant)

. If a student is absent for 5 or more consecutive days, parents must obtain a doctor’s note and submit it to the school.

. If the total number of absences (excused or unexcused) exceeds ten (10) a CHINS (child in need of services legal filing) diversionary hearing will be held with a juvenile court representative, parents, student and building administration. This type of hearing is to assist the child and family in improving attendance issues.

 Any absences totaling over 15, unless deemed extraordinary, will result in the filing of a CHINS with the juvenile court.

PROTOCOL FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES:

 After five (5) excused absences, a letter of warning will be issued to parents reminding them of the school’s protocol and that an administrator will contact them to schedule a meeting should the absences approach 10 days.  After eight (8) excused absences, a parent conference will be scheduled with the building administrator to review the school’s protocol around attendance and to reinforce that each subsequent absent will be deemed “Unexcused.”

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

 A student will be considered as having an unexcused absence when a student’s total number of excused absences has exceeded ten (10).

 The building administrator has discretion over deeming “extraordinary circumstances” as being either excused or unexcused absences. “Extraordinary circumstances” may include, but are not limited to: death in the family, religious observances, court appearances, extensive medical circumstances, etc.

TRUANT

 A student will be considered truant when he or she does not attend school without permission from his or her parents.  The school will notify parents if it is suspected that their child is truant (i.e. student is absent from school and the school has received no parental notification).

PROTOCOL FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TRUANCY

 After three (3) Unexcused Absences, Truants, or in combination, the building administrator will schedule a meeting with the parent, student and resource officer or juvenile probation officer.  After 7 Unexcused Absences, Truants, or in combination, the school will file a CHINS with the Juvenile Court.

TARDIES

All students are expected to attend school and to be on time. You must be seated in your homeroom at 7:50 am in order to be marked present/on time. In the event that your child is tardy to school, please notify the school as soon as possible on the day of the tardy. A student is considered tardy if the student enters school after the beginning time for school, AND is present for more than half of the school day (See Attendance). A student not present for more than half of the school day will be considered absent. Tardies will be documented as either excused or unexcused. ABSENCES/ACTIVITIES

Students who are absent from school, with or without a legitimate excuse, may not participate in any after school or evening event. Students on field trips or other school sponsored activities are considered present.

EXCUSED TARDY  A student will be considered as having an excused tardy when: o The parent has notified the school on the day of the tardy before the end of that school day, AND o The student’s total number of tardies (both excused and unexcused) has not exceeded 10 in the course of the school year.

UNEXCUSED TARDY

A student will be considered as having an unexcused tardy when there has been no notification from the parent of the tardy before the end of that school day.

PROTOCOL FOR EXCUSED AND UNEXCUSED TARDIES

 All unexcused tardies are subject to consequence by the building administrator (e.g. lunch detention or after school detention) 20

 After 15 excused tardies, unexcused tardies, or in combination, the building administrator may request a meeting with the parent, student, and attendance officer or juvenile probation officer.  After 20 excused tardies, unexcused tardies, or any tardies in combination, the building administrator may file a CHINS with the Juvenile Court.

EARLY DISMISSAL Parents must write a note indicating the date and time their son or daughter will be dismissed. Students must bring this note to the main office before homeroom. The office will record the dismissal and issue a pass allowing the student to leave class for dismissal.

Students may wait for their parent in the main lobby. When they see their parent has arrived they must let the office staff know they are leaving.

If returning to school later in the day, students must sign-in at the main office before returning to class.

Early dismissal without advance written notice: If a student is to be dismissed early and did not have a written note in advance, parents must come into the main office of the building and sign-out their son or daughter. No child will be released from the building without written consent of a parent. Students will not be released from the building in advance of parent’s arrival or written consent.

When dismissing students, parents are urged to leave plenty of time for unexpected events. During the morning rush, students often forget to bring their notes to the office, need to return to lockers, or must be reminded to report to the office. Traffic and buses in the driveway can be problematic. All of these can cause a student to be delayed and late for an appointment. Please plan for extra time.

NO SCHOOL AND DELAYED OPENING SIGNAL When necessary due to extreme weather conditions or emergency, radio stations WBZ, WHDH, WKOX, WRKO, WSRS, WTAG, WVBF, will broadcast NO SCHOOL and DELAYED OPENING. “No school” announcements will be televised on Channels 4, 5, and 7. Please do not call the police or the fire station.

Important Information Regarding Pick-up & Drop-off for Kennedy Middle School

Occasionally, we have had traffic congestion problems as a result of parents picking up and dropping off students to school, especially on half-days. This can present safety issues and we all want your children to be safe at school. Here are some things you need to remember when you pick-up or drop-off your child:

 All traffic lanes must be kept clear so that buses can travel through to the bus lane (the lane closest to the school).

• Cars cannot enter the bus lane during the following times: 7:30-8:00 am and 1:45 – 3:15 pm

 The middle lane is for dropping off or picking up your child. Cars should pull all the way up to the drop off lane sign, please do not block driveways when you line up. If the line is full - please park your car, do not pull up and start a new line.

 When you drop off your child, please don’t pull out in front of other cars in the drop off line whose children have not yet left their vehicles. Although this may delay you by a few minutes, it ensures the safety of all students.

 If for any reason you need to park your car, you are asked to use the parking lot spaces located at the front & right side of the school. Please do not park in the access lanes leading up to the school, parking in this lane delays bus access to the bus lane.

If you are picking up your child, students will be permitted to cross the bus lane in only two places, at the crosswalk near the flagpole or at the end of the bus lane near the permanent school activity sign. Both of these locations will have a teacher on duty to ensure that students cross safely.

Please keep this important information in mind; we want all children to be SAFE!

NPS - BUS CONDUCT RULES

NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS:

We are pleased to offer school bus privileges for the school year. Please be aware that the school bus is an extension of the school itself, and rules regarding behavior are the same as in the school. School bus safety is a primary concern of the Natick Public Schools and we reserve the right to take whatever action is necessary to maintain a high level of safety. The right of a pupil to school bus transportation is a qualified right, dependent on good behavior. In cases where a pupil seriously or continuously misbehaves, parents will be notified by the principal or designee of the school to which the pupil is assigned. The bus pass will be revoked if, in the opinion of the principal, such action is necessary for the general safety and well being of other students.

In cases where a pupil’s conduct jeopardizes the safety and well being of other students, based upon the assessment of the driver, that pupil may be immediately excluded from the bus. PUPILS WHO RIDE A SCHOOL BUS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THE FOLLOWING:

1. Pupils shall stand on the sidewalk or another designated place while waiting for the school bus. They shall respect other people’s property, respect the right of other people to pass on the sidewalk and display manners that indicate consideration and safety for others.

2. Pupils shall never approach a school bus until it has completely stopped and the door is opened. In boarding the bus, they should proceed in an orderly manner, single file. Younger students should board and alight first from the bus.

3. Pupils shall not open windows without permission. Students shall remain seated at all times. Do not throw anything out of the window. Do not put your hands, arms or any parts of your body out of the window at anytime. Do not open the rear exit emergency door unless there is an emergency or you are directed by the driver.

4. In crossing the roadway after alighting from the bus, cross only in front of the bus when the blinking lights are on and the stop sign is extended. Pass at least 10 feet in front of the bus and look for traffic in both directions before crossing the roadway. Never run beside a bus, chase after a bus or pick up anything that has fallen near the wheels of a bus.

5. The bus driver has full authority as well as responsibility for control of the conduct of pupils while they are on the bus. Pupils should not annoy the operator or distract his/her attention from driving. They should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times.

6. There shall be no pushing, striking or general fooling. Pupils are not allowed to use profane or abusive language. Pupils who witness the destruction of property have a responsibility to report such misbehavior to the driver or school authorities.

7. All Eligible and Fee-Based students will be issued a bus pass which they must show to the driver each day upon entering the bus. The pass entitles students a school bus ride to and from school. In the event a student loses a bus pass, a duplicate pass may be obtained from the Transportation Office for a $5.00 fee (check or money order).

8. A student who allows another student to use his/her bus pass or sells his/her bus pass is subject to having the bus pass privileges revoked. Students are to ride only the bus to which they are assigned.

9. Under no circumstances should drugs, alcohol or related items, firearms, explosives, knives or weapons be brought onto a school bus. Do not bring large art projects or instruments (ex. cello), animals, pets, or large objects on the school bus. Lunch boxes, smaller musical instruments and small athletic equipment (those which can easily be transported on a student’s lap or under the seat) must be kept out of the aisle.

10. Vandalism, destruction or defacing of property will not be tolerated.

11. There is no smoking, eating or drinking on the school bus. The bus must be kept neat without litter.

12. A pupil who pays a fee for transportation and whose riding privileges are suspended because of violation of these rules will not receive a fee refund.

BUS PASS POLICY

For safety reasons, as well as an emergency response tool, and to address possible overcrowding conditions, listed below is the Natick Public Schools Bus Pass Policy:

Morning Pickup –

Driver must allow student to board without a pass, but will encourage student to report to school office and call parent. Driver provides Dispatch with a “no pass” report; Dispatch will fax the report to Transportation Office at Central Administration

Transportation Office faxes a copy of the “no pass” report to the student’s school. The office staff/student will call parent regarding bus pass replacement, or alternate afternoon transportation. Transportation Office also sends a copy of the report to the parent/guardian and will also attempt to contact them regarding pass replacement

Afternoon Boarding –

Students are not allowed to board bus in afternoon without a bus pass. Driver should communicate to the student “You must report directly to the office and let them know you do not have a bus pass”. School Office staff will assist student in calling for an alternate way home. Driver will write a “no-pass” report and dispatch will fax report to Transportation Office. Transportation Office will follow morning procedure.

*** Bus passes are to be replaced as soon as possible, however, a 48-hour grace period will be allowed if parent is unable to get to Central Administration, due to the time and location of their work. Parent should call the Transportation Office to make arrangements for the student to have authorization to ride bus.

*Please note: there is also a School Bus Information Manual available on the Natick Public School website under Transportation.

LATE BUS INFORMATION

Students who take the late bus should be aware of the following:

 Only students with valid bus passes can ride the late bus  Students should first stop in the office and ask what bus number they should take as the there are two late buses.  Late buses do not make the same stops as the morning routes so students need to be aware of where they should get off the bus (the office staff will tell them this)  Students should tell the driver where they are getting off the bus

ASSEMBLIES

Students are exposed to a variety of assembly programs which may be presented to teams, grade levels, or the entire school. The Natick Cultural Arts committee sponsors many of these programs which align with, or tie into, the curriculum.

Assemblies are generally of a civic, cultural, or educational nature. Occasionally an assembly is for entertainment purposes. Students are expected to remain seated with their class and should conduct themselves with the proper decorum so their peers can enjoy the performance and the performers or presenters can be understood.

Appropriate behavior and responses are expected. These activities are an extension of the classroom. Applause and well thought-out questions and comments are encouraged.

FIELD TRIPS/CLASS TRIPS/FINANCIAL AID

Field trips are an extension of the classroom. Although the site of learning changes, all school rules still apply. Pupils must have written permission of a parent/guardian to participate in all field trips and must remain with the adults in charge once the field trip is in progress. Pupils should also understand that financial hardship will not exclude them from participation in any field trip. Arrangement for admission costs can be made through the Principal’s office, and privacy will be respected. If the cost of a field trip presents a difficulty for you, please contact the principal, and arrangements will be made. While field trips complement the instructional program, they are an earned privilege. Students must demonstrate responsible behavior to assure the privilege of participation. Students who have repeatedly or egregiously broken school rules may be denied the privilege of participating in a field trip.

BICYCLES

Bicylces may be ridden to school and locked in the bicycle rack near the gym doors of the school. A lock must be provided by the student to secure the bicycle to the rack. Bikes are to be ridden to the rack before school and locked in place; at the close of school they are to be ridden directly off the school grounds. They are not to be ridden in school parking lots, across the schoolyard, or on any sidewalks on the school property. Please make sure to walk, not ride, your bike when you are on the school sidewalks.

SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, HEELY SHOES AND ROLLER BLADES are not to be used to get to or from school. Their use on school grounds is prohibited for the sake of safety.

VOLUNTEERS/CHAPERONES/CORI CHECKS

We welcome parent volunteers in our school, and call for them frequently to assist with field trips and other special events. In our continued effort to keep all children safe, and to be in compliance with the law sited below, all volunteers must be CORI checked.

If you think you might volunteer in any capacity, please complete a CORI form well in advance of activities and return it to the front office. A CORI check can take up to a month to be processed. A copy of the CORI form is available in the back of this Handbook.

DRESS CODE

We are confident that the good judgment on the part of students and parents will result in the wearing of clothing that will contribute to a respectful academic environment. Each student will be expected to abide by the guidelines of decency, cleanliness and safety at all times. We ask students and their parents to become familiar with our expectations for student dress:

 Hats and hoods should be removed upon entering the building  Shirts are to meet the tops of pants  Pants are to be worn at the waist  Skirts & shorts must be an appropriate length (short lengths not permitted). When standing with arms straight down on thighs, the bottom of the shorts/skirt must meet the tip of your longest finger.  No outerwear (jackets, pajamas, etc.) are to be worn in school  No tank tops for males  Shoulder straps on girls’ tops must be three fingers wide  No suggestive or inappropriate writing on tops  No writing on backsides of pants  All underwear is to be covered  Midriffs are to be covered  No shoes that pose a safety risk can be worn in school (for example: wheely sneakers, extremely high heels or slippers).

As always, clothing advertising or depicting alcohol, tobacco, drugs or sexually suggestive in nature should not be worn to school. Clothing that is disruptive to the educational process is not acceptable at school.

If a student comes to school inappropriately attired, the following are options: 1. The student will be required to change into a school issued shirt. 2. The student may call home for appropriate clothing to be brought in to school. 3. Removal from school for the remainder of the day.

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

GUIDE TO SUCCESS

STUDENTS

Your most important job right now is to be a good family member. After that the most important job you have is to be a good student. Your teachers and your parents can help you with this but in the end you are the person responsible for your success, or failure if you choose not to take this job seriously.

A few tips . . . .

Empty your book bag every day.

Give all the school notices to a parent.

Do your homework – on time. Then pass it in – on time. If you forget to write down your assignments, check the teacher’s website.

Bring the right materials to class – every day.

If your teacher gives you time to put something in the correct place – do it.

When you finish with an assignment, at home, put it in your book right away.

When you are all done with your homework, put all the things you are taking to school in your backpack and put it right in front of the door. That way you’ll trip over it and won’t forget it. If you already have put everything you need in it, getting ready in the morning is much easier.

PARENTS

Your job is to help your son or daughter so he or she can be successful. A few tips . . . . .

Ask to see your child’s assignment notebook everyday.

Ask to see all completed assignments.

Make sure the completed assignment gets into the book bag.

Get a laundry basket, or something large, so your child has a place to dump the contents from the book bag.

NATICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS – HOMEWORK POLICY

The Natick Public School System believes that homework contributes to the understanding of the curriculum and reinforces learning. Homework is a meaningful extension of daily classroom activities.

Homework provides for practice of skills and application of principles based upon work begun in the classroom. It enriches school experiences and promotes a permanent interest in learning. It stimulates individual initiative, personal responsibility, and self–direction. Due to the difference in age levels, learning styles and modes of instruction in the elementary and the secondary schools, homework expectations will necessarily differ.

Respective responsibilities

Teachers will:

1. Assign homework that is meaningful and useful. 2. Allow time for students’ questions to clarify directions. 3. Respond to each assignment by a grade and/or a comment within a reasonable length of time. 4. Provide opportunities for both short–term and long–term assignments. 5. Monitor long–term assignments in order to avoid last–minute student efforts. 6. Limit assigning homework over school vacations. 7. Inform parents of their role in supervising homework. 8. Communicate with pupil and parent when problems concerning homework arise. 9. Will respect the observance of religious holidays when assigning homework.

Students will:

1. Record the directions for homework in an assignment handbook. 2. Make sure the directions are clearly understood. 3. Maintain an appropriate study environment. 4. Accept responsibility for completing assignments and keeping materials in order. 5. Hand in neat, accurate, and meaningful products on time. 6. Budget time properly for long–term assignments.

Parents will:

1. Provide a suitable place for study. 2. Establish a consistent study time. 3. Oversee long–term assignments and assist student in learning to budget time accordingly. 4. Encourage student to accept responsibility for completing homework assignments.

5. Assist with – but do not do – the work. 6. Recognize that homework is not limited to written assignments, but includes studying, reading and/or researching.

Time Allotment Guidelines

Homework should be given at least twice a week and not more than four times a week at the elementary level. It is recognized that flexibility will be necessary at all levels.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Kindergarten: Optional First Grade: 15 minutes Second Grade: 15–30 minutes Third Grade: 30–45 minutes Fourth Grade: 30–60 minutes

**MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Fifth Grade: 45–60 minutes Sixth Grade: 1–1 1/2 hours Seventh Grade: 1–2 hours Eighth Grade: 1 1/2 – 2 hours

HIGH SCHOOL: Expectations for homework are clearly defined within each department and time requirements vary from course to course. At the beginning of each course, teachers will inform students of the required homework policy. Homework, an integral part of the high school curriculum, is averaged into the term grade. The stated Natick High School policy for each individual course is available for parents through the department heads.

MAKE-UP WORK

It is the responsibility of the student who has been absent due to illness to obtain all make-up work from his/her teachers immediately upon returning to school. We encourage students to call a classmate for assignments when he/she is absent. In cases of extended illness of three days or more, assignments may be requested through the office. Students missing school due to family trips or vacations should note the following School Committee Policy on homework:

The Natick School Committee believes strongly in the importance of regular attendance by all students. The Committee adheres to and is in full compliance with Chapter 76 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which defines attendance regulations. Except in cases of illness and other unique circumstances, students are expected to be present when school is in session. Classroom experiences cannot be replicated and progress can be affected when students are absent.

Should a parent choose to keep a student out of school for reasons other than illness or unique circumstances, the school will not assume responsibility for preparing lessons in advance, for providing individual tutoring, or extensive individual help for the student when he or she returns. It will be the responsibility of the student and the parent to identify work that may be missed. While teachers will provide the normal range of assistance, it is the student's responsibility for making up

30 that work. Students who are issued an “incomplete” grade on their report card must complete the necessary work within the first two weeks of the new trimester to receive a grade.

Homework

Over the past year, the faculty at Kennedy Middle School has been discussing the value of homework. While there is great debate in the national press and educational media over how much is too much, the merits of homework and other related topics, the KMS administration and faculty believe that assigning homework to students is a valuable component to the learning process.

When a student does not do his/her homework it is usually for one of three reasons: 1. He/she did not understand the assignment and couldn’t complete it. 2. There is a legitimate reason, due to unforeseen circumstances, i.e. a family emergency that prohibited the student from completing the assignment. 3. He/she chose to do another activity instead.

Reasons 1 & 2 are situations that teachers should be made aware of as soon as possible. If a student is unsure as to how to complete the assignment, it is an opportunity for re-teaching and teachers are happy to work with students to clarify their understanding. As to the third situation, when a student chooses to not do his/her homework assignments, this leaves them unprepared for class the following day and can impact his/her ability to participate in a meaningful way in the lesson. If this occurs often, a student’s understanding of the material is negatively impacted and eventually grades may suffer as well.

When a student does not do the assigned homework, the teacher will ask he/she to stay after school that day so they can complete the assignment. If students are unable to stay, they will need to make arrangements with the teacher to stay after school within one to two days. Failure to complete the assignment and/or stay after school as arranged with the teacher may result in after-school detention.

The purpose of this practice is multi-layered: we want students to understand that completing homework is a valuable step in the learning process; incomplete and missing homework has a negative impact on student performance in class; and that homework is a tool used by teachers to gain insight into student’s understanding of the content. We want to send the message to our students that not doing homework is an unacceptable practice for a KMS student.

We are asking for your support of this practice. Ideally, we want our students to complete their assignments at home. When they do not, we will give them the opportunity the very next day to complete them. It is our hope that by instituting the this practice, we are better able to support our students in the learning process.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS (HOW ARE YOU DOING?)

It is your responsibility to keep track of your progress in each class. You will be provided an assignment notebook so that you can record what work is assigned and when it is due. Keep track of your grades so that you have a good idea of how you are progressing. If you do not understand something or feel you need extra help, speak to your teacher. All teachers are available to provide additional help after school on their scheduled days (teachers publish these on their team calendars located in their wings). iPass is the district’s Student Information System to which parents and students in grades 6-8 can have access. You will receive a letter in the fall explaining how you may sign up for access to

iPass, and you will also be able to sign up online through the district’s home page and the Kennedy web page, follow the “For Parents” link on the website

MIDTERM PROGRESS REPORTS:

Students in grades 6-8 and their families are encouraged to review student grades through the iPass Parent Portal half way through each term (although they certainly can be viewed more frequently). These reports tell if you are doing well, or need to work harder to improve in some area. Take the advice it provides and let it help you. If the report is unclear to you, ask your teacher to help you understand. Many teachers list assignments that must be completed. It is your responsibility to complete the work and turn it in within the assigned time. Grade 5 families will enjoy the same type of standards-based progress reports as in elementary school, reported three times per year.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued three times a year. The report cards for grades 6, 7 and 8 utilize the letter grades: A, B, C, D and F, with Plus (+) or Minus (-) where appropriate. Occasionally, "P" is used for passing, "N" is used for no grade or for courses not taken for credit, and "I" is used for incomplete. Any “I” (incomplete) grade must be completed within two weeks of the term ending. Progress reports are issued halfway through each term. Grade 5 students will receive a standards based report similar to the one used by the elementary schools which will be mailed home.

The dates for 2014/2015 are as follows:

Term I August 27, 2014 - November 26, 2014 Term II December 2, 2014 – March 13, 2015 Term III March 16, 2015 – June 22, 2015 (pending snow)

Progress Reports: October 17, 2014 January 23, 2015 May 1, 2015

Report Cards issued: December 5, 2014 March 20, 2015 June 22, 2015

HONOR ROLL

The High Honor Roll and Honor Roll identify students in grades 6, 7 and 8 who have achieved academic distinction. To make High Honors, student must have A- or higher in every subject. to make Honors, students must have B- or higher in all subjects.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

LIBRARY

All students are welcome in the Estelle Hite Library. Students are expected to comply with the following library rules:

Books may be borrowed for 2 weeks and renewed for longer. The overdue fine is 5 cents a day, including weekends and vacations.

Reference books may be borrowed overnight and are due back before the first period of the next school day. The overdue fine for reference books is 10 cents.

Students are responsible for the materials they use and must pay for the replacement of lost or damaged materials.

HEALTH/WELLNESS PARENT NOTIFICATION

Kennedy Middle School provides a comprehensive Wellness/Health program in grades five through eight. In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, section 32A, parents and guardians are notified of curriculum involving sexual education or human sexuality issues. This law also permits parents to exempt their children from all or any portion of the curriculum without penalty.

In grades five and six, issues of puberty are presented. Each spring these students are shown an age appropriate film around this topic. Parents will be informed ahead of time and have the opportunity to preview the films prior to the student viewing. This material is part of the Health curriculum and we recommend all students attend the viewings.

The eighth grade curriculum covers issues of sex and sexuality, male and female anatomy, birth, birth control, sexual harassment, sexually transmitted diseases and date rape. The grade eight curriculum and materials are available to parents and guardians to review.

Parents may exempt their children from any portion of these curricula with written notification to the school principal. The full law may be found at the following website: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/71-32a.thm

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

Ms. Betsy Steinberg is Kennedy Middle School’s nurse. Her direct phone line is: (508) 647-6652.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION POLICY

IMMUNIZATIONS:

Students entering Kennedy for the first time will be required to provide the school with a physician’s certificate from the Board of Health attesting to immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and other such communicable diseases as specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Grade 7 students are also required to have three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. Students will be excluded from school if immunizations are not up to date.

Exemptions to these regulations will be made for medical and religious reasons upon receipt of documentation from a physician for medical reasons and from the parent/guardian for religious reasons.

Mandatory Health Screening Programs

1. Physical Examination (Grades K, 4, 7, 10)  Due at the beginning of the school year: All students must pass a physical examination within one year before participating in any sport.

2. Lead Screening:  The Department of Public Health regulations require that all children entering kindergarten present documented evidence of lead screening.

3. Vision Testing - Done annually in the fall (Grades K-5, 7, & 10)

4. Hearing Testing - Done annually in the fall (Grades K-3, 7, & 10)

5. Postural Screening - Done annually in the spring (Grades 5 – 9)

*A notice will be sent to parents of students who fail any of the screening tests.

NURSE’S HOURS AND FUNCTIONS The school nurse is available from 7:35 AM to 2:35 PM. Pupils who are ill should be sent directly to the nurse. The nurse does not function as a physician and is not allowed to dispense aspirin or medication without written permission from a parent or guardian. If a child is ill before leaving for school, the child should remain at home. The nurse is not responsible for the transportation of pupils. If an ill pupil must go home, transportation is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

The nurse is obliged to follow the medication policy outlined below for dispensing pharmaceutical prescriptions and/or over the counter drugs. Pills, aspirin, or other medication should not be taken without the supervision of the nurse.

PLEASE NOTE: NO MEDICATION, INCLUDING ASPIRIN, WILL BE DISPENSED AT SCHOOL UNLESS THE FOLLOWING PROTOCOL IS FOLLOWED.

1. “Authorization for Dispensing Medication” form must be filled out completely and signed by the parent/guardian and the physician or licensed prescriber.

2. For short term prescription medication, i.e. those requiring administration for ten school days or fewer, the pharmacy labeled container may be used in lieu of a licensed prescriber’s order. The parent must complete the Authorization for Dispensing Medication” form.

3. The medication must be in a pharmacy labeled container with the following information:  Name of student  Name of the prescribed medication  Dosage  Route - how administered  Time of administration in school  Name of physician or licensed prescriber  Date of prescription

4. Over the counter medication must be in a sealed container.

5. The school nurse will:

 Complete the Medication Administration Plan.  Have a picture of the student on his/her page of the medication log.  Store the medication in a locked secure cabinet.  Administer the medication at the appropriate time.  Evaluate the student for the effectiveness of the medication.  Document appropriate information in the medication log book.  Have a current list of all daily medications and PRN medications posted on the inside of the medicine cabinet drawer.  At the end of the school year, the Authorization for Dispensing Medications will be sent home in case the student will be receiving medication the following school year. There will be a cover letter regarding medications and collecting them at the end of the year. 6. Asthma inhalers may be carried by students in the middle and high schools. The “Authorization for Dispensing Medications” should be completed and on file in the clinic.

7. Any school with a student with a known severe allergic reaction requiring emergency administration of adrenalin must have an Epipen or Anakit for the child supplied by the parent/guardian, as well as the “Authorization” form completed by the parent/guardian and the physician.

8. All medications administered in school must be prescribed by a physician. This includes Acetaminophen, which is prescribed as a standing order by the school physician.

9. All medication should be delivered by the parent/guardian to the nurse in the appropriate container.

GUIDANCE

Mrs. Melisa MacDonald, Guidance Counselor (508) 647-6656 Grades 5 & 7

Mrs. Kelly Morin, Guidance Counselor (508) 647-6657 Grades 6 & 8

Often the first faculty member a student meets before entering Kennedy is the guidance counselor. Mrs. MacDonald and Mrs. Morin coordinate the orientation program to middle school and assist the students as they transition to Kennedy.

The counselors are available to any student with an academic, social or emotional concern. They meet with students individually and in small groups depending on the presenting issue.

The counselors consult with teachers and frequently are the contact person should a parent have a question or concern.

They assist students with course selections throughout their middle school experience and work closely with students as they finalize their programs for Natick High School.

They handle registrations, transfers and chair 504 meetings. They are also members of the A. C. T. Team (Alternatives for Children and Teachers) and Case Management Team, two groups whose purpose is to help Kennedy students have a successful middle school experience.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Mrs. Julia Chakiris 508-647-6400 X2406

The role of the school psychologist is to help students, teachers and parents with academic, behavioral, emotional and social issues. The psychologist is a resource for parents and teachers with significant concerns about students. The school psychologist also provides direct support to students with needs in any of these areas.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER:

Natick Police Officer Elizabeth (Beth) Heffler

The School Resource Officer provides an important support to students and staff in terms of promoting health, security, and safety. She works in coordination with administrators and health instructors to educate and support students.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

PTO is the Kennedy Middle School parents’ group which usually meets once a month (no December meeting) and works for the benefit of the school. Members of PTO also organize school fundraisers.

All members of the Kennedy community are invited to attend the meetings and participate in PTO activities. PTO welcomes speakers who have experience dealing with middle school children, who have diverse backgrounds, or who have new insights and perspectives to share.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The Kennedy School Council is comprised of members of the faculty, representatives of the community and parents. The group meets to discuss policies and issues related to the school. Annual elections are held to elect teacher and parent members. The school principal is the administrator on the school council. This is a working committee and requires attendance at monthly meetings.

Gifts to staff members (A note from our superintendent)

Recently, many of you may have seen reports in the media relative to the state conflict of interest law that governs the receipt of gifts by public employees. This is receiving attention this year due to a new state law requiring all Massachusetts public employees to receive a copy of conflict of interest regulations and to receive mandatory training on this topic. While it is unlikely that teachers receiving tokens of appreciation from students and their families was the impetus for the state government’s recent emphasis on conflict of interest legalities, it is important that our employees comply with their legal responsibilities. The purpose of the law and accompanying regulations is to avoid any perception that a public employee might display some type of favoritism due to the influence of a gift. While parents often give gifts to our teachers and aides at holiday time and/or the end of the year as an expression of gratitude for their hard work, I would appreciate it if parents who choose to do so would adhere the following guidelines in order to avoid putting our educators in an awkward position:

• Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A and State Ethics Commission rules prohibit all public employees from receiving personal gifts of “substantial value,” which according to the regulations is $50 or more. This includes meals, tickets, services rendered, holiday gifts, etc.

• The Ethics Commission has recently ruled that the $50 or more restriction applies even when a group of people pools their funds to contribute to a gift. Therefore, if multiple parents of students in the same class chip in to purchase a gift for the teacher, the teacher cannot accept it if it is worth $50 or more.

• The law and regulations apply to any single, personal gift to a public employee from an individual or group. An employee may accept multiple gifts from different parties, as long as each individual gift complies with the regulations. Contributions for educational supplies, the purchasing of books or curriculum materials for the classroom, or a donation to a PTO or organization such as the Natick Education Foundation in the educator’s name are not subject to the limit.

Natick families traditionally have been generous to our educators, and all of us in the School Department appreciate all of the time, effort, and financial support that you provide. I ask that you please follow these guidelines so that our educators do not need to politely decline a gesture of appreciation. If you have questions about the law and regulations, please contact your principal or me. Thank you.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

DISCIPLINE POLICIES

As recommended in the 1992 report from the Department of Education: Magic in the Middle: A Focus on Massachusetts Middle Grade Schools:

Effective middle schools recognize that as students begin the task of defining who they are in relation to others, they need opportunities to learn self-discipline and determine the rules and procedures that affect the school community. Discipline will be positive and corrective to promote skills of self-discipline and encourage students to develop an awareness of how their actions affect others in the school community.

The following will be considered when determining a consequence for undesirable behavior:

1. Age and grade level of the student 2. Frequency of misconduct by the student 3. Level of seriousness of the particular misconduct 4. Attitude evidenced by the student 5. Any other relevant factor, including but not limited to, handicapped children and children with educational plans under Chapter 766 of the General Laws.

In the fall of 2004, the staff at Kennedy Middle School collaborated with a national consultant, Stan Davis, to help develop a systemic response to bullying. Throughout the school year, expectations and consequences were introduced to students in each grade level. A rubric outlining how discipline would be handled in the event of bullying was developed and has been in practice since this time. The rubric on the following pages outlines specific behaviors and the consequences that follow as a result.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

The Natick Public Schools has and will continue to employ multiple layers of involvement in the development of our Plan as required by M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O. Under the direction of the Superintendent, Natick’s Plan was developed in consultation with teachers, school staff, professional support personnel, school volunteers, administrators, community representatives, local law enforcement agencies, students, parents, and guardians. Natick has established a Bully Prevention Committee that meets on a monthly basis to review and evaluate our progress. In addition, at all eight of our schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention is an objective in the School Improvement Plans and thus, is discussed and reviewed by all School Councils. Consultation will also include a public comment period before the Plan is to be adopted by the School Committee. The Natick Public Schools have partnered with Metrowest Community Health Care Foundation to survey our students for baseline data on bullying and harassment.

I. GOALS

The Natick Public School Department is committed to providing our students equal educational opportunities, and a safe learning environment free from bullying. This will be possible when all members of the Natick school community treat each other with respect, appreciating the rich diversity in our schools. This policy is an integral part of the Natick Public Schools’ comprehensive effort to promote optimal learning and eliminate all forms of violent, harmful and disruptive behavior. All students require this support to achieve their personal and academic potential.

The Natick Public Schools will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including bullying, in our schools or during school-related activities including on school buses. All reports of bullying will be promptly investigated by Natick Public Schools’ administrators. Bullying is defined as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; (ii) places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for the target; (iv) infringes on the rights of the target at school; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. For the purposes of this section, bullying shall include cyber-bullying. It is equally important for all members of the school community to understand that conflict is not automatically synonymous with bullying. Arguing, bantering back-and-forth, ignoring, roughhousing and fighting, while potentially serious forms of conflict, are not necessarily instances of bullying. Bullying is characterized by intention, repetition and power imbalance. Not every conflict meets these criteria.

“Cyber-bullying” - is defined as bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, cell phone text messaging, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying shall also include (i) the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or (ii) the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying. Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying.

The Natick Public Schools response to bullying actions will include, when appropriate, referral to a law enforcement agency. The Natick Public Schools will support this policy in all aspects of its activities, including its curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities and parental involvement.

II. RATIONALE

The Natick Public Schools prohibits all forms of harassment, discrimination and hate crimes based on race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. The civil rights of all school community members are guaranteed by law. The protection of those rights is of utmost importance and priority to our school district. The Natick Public Schools also prohibits bullying of school community members for reasons unrelated to their race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability. Further, the Natick Public Schools will also not tolerate retaliation against persons who take action consistent with this policy.

III. APPLICATION

This policy applies to all sites and activities under the supervision and control of the Natick Public Schools, or where it has jurisdiction under the law. The policy applies to all students, school committee members, school employees, independent contractors, town employees, school volunteers, visitors, parents and legal guardians of students, whose conduct occurs on school premises or in school-related activities, including school-related transportation. Nothing in this policy is designed or intended to limit the District’s authority to discipline or take remedial action under General Laws Chapter 71, §37H, or in response to violent, harmful, or disruptive behavior, regardless of whether this policy covers the conduct. It is the responsibility of every employee, student and parent to recognize acts of harassment and take every action necessary to ensure that the applicable policies and procedures of this school district are implemented.

IV. DISCIPLINARY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

Violation of this policy is a serious offense. Violators may be subject to appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective action to stop the conduct and prevent its reoccurrence. The District is committed to protecting a complainant, and other similarly-situated individuals, from bullying in the future. Procedural manuals containing responsibilities of staff and students, reporting procedures, complaint process, resolution, and protection against retaliation shall be in place at each level. This policy shall be printed/listed in each school handbook/web page.

• It is a violation of this policy for any administrator, teacher or other employee, or any student to engage in or condone harassment in school or to fail to report or otherwise take reasonable corrective measures when they become aware of an incident of harassment.

• This policy is not designed or intended to limit the school’s authority to take disciplinary action or take remedial action when such harassment occurs out of school but has a link to school, or is disruptive to an employee’s or student’s work or participation in school related activities.

• Reports of cyber-bullying by electronic or other means, occurring in or out of school will be reviewed and, when a link to work or school exists, will result in discipline. Parents of students alleged to have engaged in cyber harassment will be invited to attend a meeting at which the activity, words or images subject to the complaint will be reviewed. A student disciplined for cyber-bullying will not be re-admitted to the regular school program until his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) attend such meeting.

• The Building Principal/Designee shall be responsible for assisting employees and students seeking guidance or support in addressing matters relating to any form of harassment.

• Strategies for protecting the target: Each school will employ clear procedures for restoring a sense of safety for a target and assessing that target’s need for protection including but not limited to strong disciplinary procedures, parental contact and availability of administration/counselors for support.

• Any student who knowingly makes a false accusation of bullying shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Student Disciplinary Remediation Actions Target Safety Actions [ · Admonishment, warning · Meetings between · Guidelines for avoiding · Parental Contact/Letter parents further unnecessary · Student Apology/Think · Counseling contact with the target About it Form · Education including · Clarification about who · Temporary removal from strategies to repeating will be notified the classroom behavior · Notify staff about · Loss of privileges · Revision of IEP, if incident and danger of · Classroom or applicable further contact administrative detention · Individual Behavior Plan · Strategies to avoid · In-school suspension (for repeat offenders) further bullying during the school week or · Identifying trusted adults the weekend for students and “safe areas” · Out-of-school suspension · Education about rights to · Student Re-entry Plan be free of retaliation and · Legal action reasonable expectations · Expulsion or termination about social consequences · Consequences for repeat for being part of a bullying offenses investigation · Periodic check-ins · Whole community meetings · Identification and empowerment of bystanders · Education about technology

V. REPORTING

Students, who believe that they are the target of bullying, observe an act of bullying, or who have reasonable grounds to believe that these behaviors are taking place, are obligated to report incidents to a member of the school staff. The target shall, however, not be subject to discipline for failing to report bullying. To assist in this matter the Natick Public Schools has created an online bullying reporting form. The form is available for students, parents and community members. Internally, the Natick Public Schools has created reporting and documentation forms for staff members and administrators. Annual training on the use of these forms will be provided.

Upon investigation and determination that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the principal shall promptly notify the parents of the target and the aggressor of the determination and the school district or school’s procedures for responding to the bullying or retaliation. The principal shall inform the target’s parent of actions that school officials will take to prevent further acts of bullying or retaliation. Each school shall document any incident of bullying that is reported per this policy and the Principal or designee shall maintain a file. A report shall be provided to the Superintendent upon request.

Confidentiality:

The regulations also speak to confidentially at 603 CMR 49.07 which states:

1. A principal may not disclose information from a student record of a target or aggressor to a parent or guardian unless the information is about the parent’s or guardian’s child.

2. A principal may disclose a determination of bullying or retaliation to a local law enforcement agency under 603CMR 49.06 without the consent of a student or his or her parent. The principal shall communicate with law enforcement officials in a manner that protects the privacy of targets, student witnesses, and aggressors to the extent practicable under the circumstances.

3.A principal may disclose student record information about a target or aggressor to appropriate parties in addition to law enforcement in connection with a health or safety emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals as provided in 603 CMR 23.07(4)(e) and 34 CFR 99.31(a)(10) and 99.36. 603 CMR 49.07(3) is limited to instances in which the principal has determined there is an immediate and significant threat to the health or safety of the student or other individuals. It is limited to the period of emergency and does not allow for blanket disclosure of student record information. The principal must document the disclosures and the reasons that the principal determined that a health or safety emergency exists.

VI. RETALIATION

Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying shall be prohibited.

VII. TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Annual training will be provided for school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with students in preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying. Training will include staff duties, an overview of the of the steps that the building Principal or designee will follow upon receipt of a report of bullying or retaliation, and an overview of the bullying prevention curricula to be offered at all grades throughout the school. Our goal is to build the skills of staff members to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying. Age-appropriate, evidence-based instruction on bullying prevention has been incorporated into the curriculum for all K to 12 students.

In addition, at both middle schools and at the high school, students who elect or are selected to be part of a student leadership team will receive intensive training around bystander intervention into bullying situations. It has been our experience that the most powerful solution to help prevent bullying is to empower peer leaders to use their influential voice to interrupt the cycle of bullying.

VIII. PUBLICATION AND NOTICE

Annual written notice of the relevant sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan will be provided to students and their parents or guardians, in age-appropriate terms. All school handbooks will include relevant sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan.

Annual written notice of the bullying prevention and intervention plan will be provided to all school staff. The faculty and staff at each school will be trained annually on the bullying prevention and intervention plan applicable to the school. Relevant sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan relating to the duties of faculty shall be included in the school employee handbook. The bullying prevention and intervention plan as well as reporting forms will be available for all community members as a link from our district web page.

IX. REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

For students identified with a disability the IEP Team must consider and specifically address the skills and proficiencies needed to avoid and respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.Whenever the IEP Team evaluation indicates that a student’s disability affects social skills development, or when the student’s disability makes him or her vulnerable to bullying, harassment, or teasing, the IEP must address the skills and proficiencies needed to avoid and respond to bullying, harassment or teasing. These provisions apply to IEP’s convened from May 3, 2010 on.

DISCIPLINE RUBRIC FOR BULLYING

BEHAVIOR 1ST TIME 2nd TIME 3rd TIME

Teasing/Name Calling* Call parent and/or Call parent Call parent send letter 1 detention 3 detentions

Physical Contact Call parent and/or Call parent 3 day suspension send letter 1 day suspension 3 detentions (in or out of school)

Harassment (verbal, Removal from class Call parent Call parent physical, emotional, Call parent 3 day suspension 1 week suspension sexual) 1 day suspension

Teasing – includes but not limited to making fun of another student and excluding children

Physical Contact – includes but not limited to shoving, tripping, hitting, pushing, slapping, punching

Harassment – repeated (more than once) mistreatment of another

Examples: Verbal: repeatedly saying unkind things to another Physical: repeatedly shoving, tripping, hitting, pushing, slapping, punching Sexual: repeatedly touching another inappropriately Emotional: repeatedly hurting the feelings of another through acts such as looks, exclusion, written notes *teasing the same person two or more times constitutes harassment as does teasing random people four or more times

Discipline Policies Offenses & Consequences (continued)

Major Offenses

The following offenses may result in up to three after-school detentions for the first offense and a suspension for repeated major offenses. In the instance of a major offense - parents will be notified via behavior referral form.

Major Offenses Range of Consequences

 Three or more minor violations on the same day (monitored by faculty and/or  Conference with the administrator & up to administration) three after school detentions  Unexcused absence from class, teacher detention, homeroom or lunch period.  Community service requirement  Throwing or misuse of food or excessive (Assigned at the discretion of the horseplay in the cafeteria administration & in consultation with  Throwing or shooting objects that may parent) cause injury, e.g. ice, snow or snowball, pens, paper clips, lasers, pencils, rubber bands, etc.  Multiple infractions may result in an  Defacing/damaging school extended after school two-hour detention. property/vandalism (Assigned at the discretion of the (Damage that cannot be adequately administrator after consulting with the repaired by student.) teacher.)  Cheating, copying or plagiarism (Academic consequences of the cheating  Restitution of destroyed/damaged property incident are determined by the classroom teacher, and may include a failing grade for  Suspension for a period of one to ten days. the assignment(s) in question. Most suspensions are for 1 – 3 days  Lying to avoid punishment for infractions depending on the severity of the infraction. of this policy (See Suspension guidelines section)  Gambling of any kind during school hours  Misbehaving during any emergency drill *In some cases a student cannot stay for detention (lockdown, fire drill, medical/shelter in due to a major commitment, such as a doctor’s place) appointment. When this happens, the student must  Using profane language or obscene make the conflict known to the teacher and provide gestures – this includes the use of foul a note from his/her parent or guardian so that other language, either directed at a peer or a arrangements may be worked out. If the student staff/faculty member does not communicate this with his/her teacher  Forging parent signature on any school about the conflict, it will be considered a violation document of the discipline policy.  Selling goods, such as candy, etc. to other students during school hours and/or on school property including the school bus

Suspension Offenses The following offenses are considered serious enough to warrant a suspension for the first and each subsequent offense. Parents will be notified of the suspension by phone or letter. The Superintendent of Schools will be notified of the reason(s) for the suspension. The student who is suspended is responsible for making up all missed work. Students on suspension at home must remain at home during school hours. After a suspension, the school may request a conference with a parent before the student may return to his/her school program.

PLEASE NOTE Items marked with * are also covered by sections of the Massachusetts Education Reform Bill of 1993. Please refer to that section later in this handbook.

Suspension Offenses Suspension Framework * 1.Tobacco, alcohol or other drugs a. Use of tobacco on school property, school buses  Depending on the severity of the and field trips infraction, suspension can range from 1 to b. Possession, use or sale of alcohol or other 10 days prescription, illegal drugs or controlled substances on school property, school buses and field trips.  Repeated occurrences of the same The police will be notified. infraction will result in a more lengthy suspension 2. Any act of vandalism to school property – such as furniture, books, equipment, lavatories that cannot be satisfactorily corrected by the student.

*3. Disrespectful or threatening behavior directed toward a staff member. A staff member is any adult in the building connected with the school departments, e.g. administrator, teacher, substitute teacher, volunteer, secretary, nurse, custodian, guest speaker, or bus driver.

4. Stealing

*5. Possession, use or sale of any dangerous or illegal devices, e.g.: fireworks, knives, or firearms etc.

6. Leaving school property without permission. Once students arrive on school property, they cannot leave without permission.

7. Extorting money from others.

8. Causing a fire, false alarm or bomb scare.

9. Causing a fight, fighting and/or willfully causing injury to another person.

10. Two major offenses in the same day.

11. Making racial or derogatory remarks to another student, staff person, or adult in the building or on school grounds.

12. Engaging in any threatening behavior directed towards any student or adult in the building or on school grounds.

13. Violations of Mass. Chapter 655 An Act Increasing the Penalties of Hazing

TOBACCO POLICY

The Massachusetts Educational Reform Act of 1993 prohibits the use of tobacco products in school, on school grounds, on school buses, and or school facilities.

Natick Schools are committed to having a smoke free/tobacco free environment for its students, adults, and guests. Smoking, use or possession of tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco and any other vapor producing product that is used to inhale alcohol or tobacco products and or paraphernalia (i.e. lighters, rolling papers etc) on school property and at school sponsored activities, regardless of location, is prohibited.

Violation of this smoking policy will result in the following consequences:

First Violation: 1. $50 fine issued by the Board of Health 2. 1 day of in-school-suspension 3. Participation in a smoking cessation program will be recommended. 4. Parental notification Second Violation: 1. $50 fine issued by the Board of Health 2. 2 days of in-school-suspension 3. Mandatory participation in The TEG (Tobacco Education Group). 4. Participation in a smoking cessation program will be recommended. 5. Parental Notification Third Violation: 1. $50 fine issued by the Board of Health 2. 3 days of out-of-school-suspension 3. Participation in a smoking cessation program will be recommended. 4. Parental Notification

Violation of the policy against the use of smokeless tobacco or possession of tobacco products will result in the above mentioned consequences absent the monetary fine.

Violation of the policy against the use and/or possession of smoking related paraphernalia will result in one day of in-school-suspension. Smoking related paraphernalia include, but are not limited to cigarette lighters, matches, cigarette holders, tobacco pipes, packages, cigarette papers, and electronic smoking devices of any kind.

LENGTH OF SUSPENSION

A suspension from school may be for up to ten days; most suspensions are for 1 to 3 days in length depending on the scope and severity of the infraction. Chronic offenses or situations that result in the violation of federal, state or local laws or property damage or bodily injury, can cause suspension up to ten days.

*Note: In Goss v. Lopez (419 U.S. 565:1975), the United States Supreme Court held that before a student is temporarily suspended from public school for ten days or less, the student has the constitutional right to receive: 1. Oral or written notice of the charges against him/her. 2. An explanation of the evidence against him/her; and 3. 3. The opportunity to present his/her side of the story to an impartial decision maker (who may be a school administrator).

Right of Appeal A student has the right to appeal a suspension decision. The appeal must be made first to the building principal. If the student wishes to pursue his/her appeal, it is taken to the Superintendent of Schools and then if it is still unresolved, to the School Committee for resolution.

EXPULSION/SUSPENSION

UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATION REFORM ACT OF 1993

The Natick School Committee, having conducted two public readings for the following policy, voted to adopt it at its meeting of June 28, 1993. The Education Reform Act of 1993 required all school committees in the Commonwealth to promulgate such a policy among its personnel, student body and to other individuals: ‘ a. Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in Chapter Ninety-four C, including, but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal. b. Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher assistant, or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal. c. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal.

After said hearing, a principal may, in his/her discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b). 49

d. Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of his/her appeal. The student has a right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student violated any provisions of this section. e. When a student is expelled under the provisions of this section, no school or school district within the commonwealth shall be required to admit such student or to provide educational services to said student. If the student does apply for admission to another school or school district, the superintendent of the school district to which the application is made may request and shall receive from the superintendent of the school expelling said student a written statement of the reasons for said expulsion.

DISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in this handbook. Chapter 71A of the Massachusetts General Laws, known as Chapter 766, requires additional provisions be made for students who have been found by an evaluation TEAM to have special needs and whose program is described in an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). The following additional requirements apply to discipline of special needs students:

DEFINITION: Suspension shall be defined as any action which results in the removal of a student from the program which is prescribed in his / her Individualized Educational Plan. This includes in-school suspensions as well as any exclusion from transportation services which prohibits the student’s participation in his / her prescribed program.

PROCEDURE

1. The IEP for every special needs student will indicate whether the student can be expected to meet the regular discipline code or if the student's handicapping condition requires modification. Any modification will be described in the IEP.

2. The principal (or designee) will notify the Special Education Office of the suspendable offense of a special needs student and a record will be kept of such notices.

3. When it is known that the suspension(s) of a special needs student will accumulate to ten days in a school year, a review of the IEP as provided in Section 333 of the Chapter 766 Regulations will be held to determine the appropriateness of the student's placement or program. The team will make a finding as to the relationship between the student's misconduct and his/her handicapping condition and either: a. Design a modified program for the student or: b. Write an amendment to provide for the delivery of special education services during the suspension and any needed modification of the IEP relative to discipline code expectations. In addition, the Department of Education will be notified by a SPED administrator as required by law, and the procedures promulgated by the Department of Education for requesting approval of the alternative plan will be followed.

STUDENT RECORDS Massachusetts Department of Education Summary of Regulations

PERTAINING TO STUDENT RECORDS:

The Student Record Regulations adopted by the Board of Education apply to all public elementary and secondary schools in Massachusetts. (They also apply to private day and residential schools that have state approval to provide publicly funded special education services.) The regulations are designed to insure parents’ and students’ rights of confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of student records, and to assist school authorities in carrying out their responsibilities under state and federal law.The regulations apply to all information kept by a school or school district on a student in a way that the student may be individually identified. The regulations divide the record into two parts: the transcript and the temporary record. The transcript includes only the minimum information necessary to reflect the student’s educational progress. This information includes name, address, course titles, grades, credits, and grade level completed. The transcript is kept by the school district for at least sixty years after the student leaves the system. The temporary record contains the majority of the information maintained by the school about the student. This may include such things as standardized test results; class rank; school-sponsored extracurricular activities; evaluations and comments by teachers, counselors, and other persons; disciplinary records; and other information. The temporary record is destroyed within five years after the students leave the school system.

The following is a summary of the major provisions of the Student Record Regulations concerning the rights of parents and eligible students. Under the regulations, “eligible students” are at least 14 years old or have entered the ninth grade; they may exercise these rights just as their parents may:

INSPECTION OF RECORD

A parent or an eligible student has the right to inspect all portions of the student record upon request. The record must be made available within two days after the request, unless the parent or student consents to a delay. The parent and eligible student have the right to receive a copy of any part of the record, although the school may charge a reasonable fee for the cost of duplicating the material. The parent and eligible student may request to have parts of the record interpreted by a qualified professional from the school, or may invite anyone else of their choice to inspect or interpret the record with them.

RECORDS FOR NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), both custodial and non-custodial parents have the right to receive school records for his/her child, unless otherwise specified by the custodial parent. The school is required by law to provide the non-custodial parent with information about their students 21 days after receipt of the written request unless the custodial parent provides us with documentation indicating…. • the parent has been denied legal custody or has been ordered to supervised visitation • the parent has been denied visitation • the parents’ access to the student has been restricted by a temporary or permanent protective order • there is an order of a probate and family court judge which prohibits the distribution of student records to the parent. 51

CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORD

Except where the regulations specifically authorize access by third parties, no individuals or organizations other than the parent, eligible student and school personnel working directly with the student are allowed to have access to information in the student record without the specific, informed written consent of the parent or eligible student.

TRANSFERRING OF RECORDS

The School System is now authorized to send student records directly to a public school to which a student seeks or intends to transfer, without the consent of the eligible student or parent, provided that the school the student is leaving gives notice, by letter to all parents, that it follows this practice.

AMENDMENT OF RECORD

The parent and eligible student have the right to add relevant comments, information, or other written materials to the student record. In addition, the parent and eligible student have a right to request that information in the record be amended or deleted. They are entitled to meet with the principal (or the principal’s designee) to discuss their objection or information that is in the record, and to receive a written decision. A parent or eligible student who is not satisfied with the principal’s decision may appeal to higher authorities in the school district.

DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS

The regulations require school authorities to destroy a student’s temporary record within five years after the student transfers, graduates or withdraws from the school system. School authorities are also allowed to destroy misleading, outdated, or irrelevant information in the record from time to time while the student is enrolled in the school system. In each case, the school must first notify the parent and eligible student and give them the opportunity to receive a copy of any of the information before it is destroyed.

SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records, consisting of Individual Education Plans (IEP's), progress reports, and other data, are part of the temporary record. A copy is kept in the school currently attended and in the central Special Education Office. These records are destroyed within a certain time period after a student has graduated or left school. Therefore, it is recommended that parents retain a full set of all records pertaining to their child, as this data is not easily replaceable. Requests for Special Education records must be made through the central office of the Natick Public Schools.

VANDALISM

Section 85G of Chapter 231 of the General Laws of Massachusetts states that “Parents of an unemancipated child under the age of eighteen and over the age of seven years shall be liable in a civil action for any willful act committed by said child which result in injury or death to another person or damage to the property of another, damage to cemetery property, or damage to any state, county, or municipal property. This section shall not apply to a parent who, as a result of a decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, does not have custody of such child at the time of the commission of the tort. Recovery under this section shall not exceed one thousand dollars for any such case of action. 52

WEAPONS AND FIREARMS

An act relative to weapons carried on school grounds. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Section 10 of chapter 269 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 1988 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out paragraph (j) and inserting in place thereof the following paragraph:

(j) Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by him under the provisions of chapter one hundred and forty, carries on his person a firearm as hereinafter defined, loaded or unloaded or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of such elementary or secondary school, college or university shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. For the purpose of this paragraph, "firearm" shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be discharged by whatever means.

Any officer in charge of an elementary or secondary school, college or university or any faculty member or administrative officer of an elementary or secondary school, college or university failing to report violations of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.

HAZING LAW RECEIPT

Each student is required to receive a copy of the Massachusetts Law 655, "An Act Increasing The Penalties Of Hazing". When a student signs a receipt that states he/she has received a Handbook, the student is indicating that he/she has received a copy of that law. The law is printed at the end of this handbook.

HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

Preamble

The Natick Public Schools, in accordance with the provisions of state and/or federal law, prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, language preferences, national origin, sexual orientation, language preference, religion, handicap, and all other protected characteristics in education programs and activities of the public schools.

The Natick Public Schools also prohibits other harassment (any pattern of intimidation or ridicule for any mean spirited, irrelevant or invidious reason). This policy applies to both education and employment opportunities.

The Natick School Committee is committed to maintaining an educational atmosphere in which each and every student can pursue scholastic achievement and personal fulfillment. All harassment is a destructive behavior which interferes with the education process and will not be tolerated.

The purpose of the following policy is to define sexual harassment, establish appropriate standards of behavior and set guidelines for recognizing and dealing with sexual harassment for the student 53

body. The provisions of this policy may also be utilized to deal with issues of other kinds of harassment.

I. Definition

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct unreasonably interferes with school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive education environment.

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to: a. Assault, inappropriate touching, intentionally impeding movement, continuing comments, gestures, or written communication of a suggestive or derogatory nature involving or because of sex. b. Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome. c. Leering or voyeurism: d. Displaying lewd or sexually explicit photographs or other materials,

Sexual harassment is a violation of an individual's right to privacy and personal dignity. It may exist whenever inappropriate conduct relating to or involved with sex offends, shocks, or is otherwise distasteful to someone.

II. General Guidelines

1. Problems and complaints regarding sexual discrimination and harassment should be resolved in a prompt and equitable manner. When possible, such problems and complaints should be resolved in an informal manner. Students who need help or wish to talk about harassment should see an advocate immediately.

2. The administration may determine that this complaint procedure is not applicable to situations in which other appeal and adjudication procedures have been provided by state law or other specific Natick Public School policies.

3. Retaliation in any form for the filing of a complaint or the reporting of sexual harassment is prohibited and will result in serious disciplinary actions, as will gossiping about or otherwise revealing confidential information learned in connection with a harassment investigation.

III. Procedure for Dealing with Sexual Harassment

1. Any individual subjected to sexual harassment may, if he or she chooses, confront the harasser informally in order to resolve the complaint on a personal level.

2. If the complainant does not want to deal directly with the harasser, or if the matter is not resolved informally, the complainant should immediately report the conduct to an advocate. The advocate must always take every report of sexual harassment seriously. It must be responded to immediately. In appropriate circumstances, the advocate may choose to sit down with the harasser and the complainant together to work out any informal resolution.

54 3. If the complainant does not agree to meet with the harasser, the complainant should write a letter with an attached response sheet listing:

a. The exact description of the behavior, including when and where it happened; b. A description of how the behavior made the complainant feel at that time; c. A request that the behavior stop; d. Where appropriate, a promise that if the behavior stops, the complaint will be dropped.

4. The advocate will assist the complainant in drafting the letter to the extent necessary or requested.

5. The letter should be signed and dated by the complainant. The complainant or the advocate should deliver one copy of the letter to the harasser and retain a copy in the advocate’s office.

6. The alleged harasser should have an opportunity to respond in writing. The advocates will be available to assist the alleged harasser as well.

7. If the problem continues, the school administration will conduct a formal investigation.

8. In the case of serious or repeated allegations of sexual harassment or other cases requiring a formal investigation, the school administration shall;

a. Provide the complainant and the alleged harasser a supportive faculty member at all discussions regarding the case.

b. Keep the investigation group as small as possible to protect the rights of both parties and to prevent the investigation from becoming overly publicized;

c. Complete the investigation promptly. If the complaint is not supported, the administration shall carefully explain to complainant and harasser the decision. If the complaint is supported, the staff shall take such action as is necessary to admonish the harasser, alleviate the complaint's concerns and prevent further harassment.

d. In serious cases, or in cases where harassment does not stop after warning, the advocate should coordinate with the Administration in order to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions, and for referral to police, district attorney, DSS or other appropriate authority.

9. The preceding is a guide for use in most anticipated situations. Harassment claims and resulting related issues (e.g., concerns over confidentiality, retaliation etc.) can come in many different forms. No one procedure can be detailed in advance to best deal with every such claim or issue. Above all, every student remains free to bring his/her claim or concern to any staff member or administrator of the student's choice if the student is more comfortable doing so.

CHAPTER 665: AN ACT INCREASING THE PENALTIES OF HAZING

Be it enacted the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Chapter 269 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out sections 17 to 19, inclusive, and inserting in place thereof the following three sections:

Section 17

Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment.

The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method in initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action. Section 18

Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such a crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

Section 19

Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution's compliance with this sections' requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicant for membership. It shall be in the duty of such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgment stating that such group, team or organization

understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution's policies to its students. The board of regents and in the case of secondary institutions the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

Natick Public Schools Network Access Policy

1.0 PURPOSE

1.1 The Natick Public Schools (NPS) provides employees and students (hereafter referred to as “Users”) with access to the District-Wide School Network (hereafter referred to as “The Network”), which also serves as our gateway to the Internet.

1.2 The Network has been developed for educational purposes. It is intended to assist in preparing students for success in life in the 21st century by providing access to a wide range of information resources and the ability to communicate with people throughout the world. The term "educational purposes" includes use of The Network for curriculum activities, and professional or career development activities related to education.

1.3 The Network will be used to enhance productivity through increased communication within the District, and assist its employees in upgrading their skills through greater exchange of information with their peers. The Network will also assist the District in communicating with parents, social service agencies, government agencies, businesses, etc.

1.4 The Network may not be used for personal or commercial purposes, such as, but not limited to, offering, providing, or purchasing goods and/or services for personal use.

2.0 DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 The Director of Technology will oversee access to The Network and will establish processes for setting up: user accounts; authorization for installation of all software; quotas for disk usage on the system; backup, retention and archival schedules; virus protection; web content filtering, and other necessary activities.

2.2 The Building Administrator or designee will serve as the building coordinator for The Network. The building coordinator, in partnership with the Director of Technology, will approve building-level activities. Together they will ensure employees receive proper training in the use of The Network and the requirements of this policy. In addition they will establish a system to ensure that students using The Network receive adequate supervision and network orientation. The building administrative team will be responsible for interpreting and enforcing the District Network Access Policy at the building level.

2.3 When using the Internet for class activities, teachers will select material appropriate to the students and relevant to the course objectives. In order to determine the appropriateness of the material contained on or accessed through the site, teachers will preview materials and sites they require or recommend to students. Teachers will provide guidelines and resource lists to assist their students in channeling research activities effectively and properly. They will assist their students in developing the skills to ascertain the reliability of information, distinguish fact from opinion, and engage in discussions about controversial issues while demonstrating tolerance and respect for those who hold divergent views.

2.4 The Natick Public Schools will establish a World Wide Web presence and will develop Web pages that will present information about the District and Community.

2.5 With the approval of The Director of Technology and Building Administrator, schools and classes may establish Web pages that present information about the school or class activities. Content of these pages will be monitored.

3.0 USERS AND ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM

3.1 The Network Access Policy will govern all utilization of The Network. Employee and student use of the system will also be governed by applicable sections of the Natick Public Schools Employee Handbook and Student Handbook.

3.2 All District employees and students will have access to the World Wide Web through the District's network. Internet activity in all schools is filtered by the district’s content filter based on policies established by the district. In addition, students in our 1 to 1 program are also filtered in the same way when they are outside of school. Any attempt to bypass or disable this filter is a violation of our Acceptable Use (Section 8.0). Parents/Guardians may specifically request that their children not be provided such access by indicating so on the Parent Request to Restrict Access Form and returning that document to their child's school. Upon receipt of that form, Natick Public Schools will make its best effort to restrict all Internet access. However, there can be no guarantee that such a student can be restricted at all times.

3.3 E-mail accounts are provided to all employees and students and in grades 8-12. All employees are required to use their school issued email accounts for all communications with students or when conducting any school business. This will ensure compliance with e-mail archiving regulations which are required by law. E-mail accounts issued to students are also archived to ensure student safety. All users are provided e-mail access through their own network account.

3.4 A guest, such as a visiting teacher or student, may receive an individual account at the discretion of the Natick Public Schools Administration if there is a specific, School or District related purpose requiring such access. Use of the system by a guest must be specifically limited to a School or District related purpose.

4.0 PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

4.1 The District will notify parents/guardians about The Network and the policies governing its use at least once annually. Parents/Guardians have the option to restrict access to The Network for their children by following the steps outline above in section 3.2

4.2 The Natick Public Schools Acceptable Use (Section 8.0) contains restrictions on accessing inappropriate material. There is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some of which may not be in concert with the particular values of the families of students. It is not practically possible for the Natick Public Schools to monitor and enforce a wide range of social values in student use of the Internet. Further, the District recognizes that parents/guardians bear primary responsibility for communicating their particular set of family values with their children. The district will encourage parents/guardians to specify to their children what material is and is not acceptable for their children to access through The Network.

4.3 Natick Public Schools will provide students and parents with guidelines for the student's personal safety while using the Internet.

5.0 DISTRICT LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

5.1 Natick Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, that the functions or the services provided by or through its Network will be error-free or without defect. The district will not be responsible for any damages users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service, or personal physical, psychological, or monetary damages. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations arising through the use of the system. 59

6.0 DUE PROCESS

6.1 Natick Public Schools will cooperate fully with local, county, state, and federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any illegal activities conducted through The Network.

6.2 Violations of Acceptable Use (Section 8.0) can carry serious consequences and could result in the immediate suspension of the user's privileges. Further disciplinary action may be taken by the Administration of the Natick Public Schools and/or Towns, County, State or Federal authorities. Disciplinary actions will be tailored to meet specific concerns related to the violation.

6.3 The Technology Director or the Building Administrator may terminate the account privileges of a user by providing notice to the user. Guest accounts not active for more than 30 days may be removed, along with the user's files, without notice to the user.

7.0 SEARCH AND SEIZURE

7.1 The Network is the property of the Natick Public Schools and its storage systems are therefore subject to inspection by the administration at any time. System users have a limited privacy expectation in the contents of their personal files on The Network.

7.2 Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that the user has violated or is violating the Acceptable Use (Section 8.0), the disciplinary code, or the law.

7.3 An individual search will be conducted if there is suspicion that a user has violated the Acceptable Use (Section 8.0), the law or the disciplinary code. The nature of the investigation will be in the context of the nature of the alleged violation.

8.0 ACCEPTABLE USE

8.1 Existing copyright law will govern the use of material accessed through The Network. Because the extent of copyright protection of certain works found on the Internet is unclear, users will make a standard practice of requesting permission from the holder of the work if their use of the material has the potential of being considered a copyright infringement. Users will respect copyright and request permission when appropriate.

8.2 When using The Network, the user agrees to take full responsibility for his or her own actions. The Natick Public Schools will not be held liable for the actions of anyone connecting to the Internet through this network. Therefore, all users shall assume full liability, legal, financial, or otherwise, for their use of The Network.

8.3 Access to the Internet provided by The Network is provided for classroom activities, professional or career development, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities in line with the educational goals of the district (Section 1.0).

8.4 The Internet connection is not to be used for any non-educational purposes including, but not limited to, commercial solicitations.

8.5 The user of The Network Internet connection becomes an extension of the Natick Public Schools and is expected to abide by the rules of conduct set forth by the District. Employees and students should reference the Employee and Student Handbook where applicable. Inappropriate behavior will not be allowed.

8.6 The user will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language or images.

8.7 The user will not post information that could cause damage or disruption. This includes, but is not limited to, the posting of broadcast messages or other actions that cause congestion of the network or interfere with the work of others.

8.8 The user will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.

8.9 The user will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

8.10 The user will not install unauthorized software or download unauthorized software and/or files from a remote location without prior permission from a representative of the school district.

8.11 Users will not attempt to bypass, disable or go beyond their authorized access, make deliberate attempts to disrupt system performance or destroy data (by spreading computer viruses or by any other means), or engage in other illegal activities.

8.12 All users of The Network are issued individual network accounts and passwords with specific network privileges. All users are expected to keep these credentials private and confidential. Sharing or disseminating of passwords, access codes, access telephone numbers, or account numbers to unauthorized persons are not allowed.

8.13 The user will not use The Network to access material that is profane or obscene (e.g., pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (e.g., hate literature).

9.0 DATA STORAGE AND BACKUP

9.1 The district has the right to reimage any computer as necessary.

9.2 No personal data or files should be stored on the local machine.

9.3 The school district provides all network users with Google accounts to save data. The school district can not guarantee all information can be recovered in the event of catastrophic failure.

9.4 Responsibility for backing up data in your Google account or any device issued by the school district falls upon the user. The district is not responsible for backing up these devices.

10.0 USE AND CARE OF HARDWARE

10.1 Any and all equipment issued by the school district for use by any user must be treated with due care. We are all responsible for ensuring equipment is not damaged or stolen. Abuse or improper use should be reported immediately to your building administrator.

10.2 Any and all issues related to hardware problems must be reported to the Technology Help Desk x5555 promptly.

10.3 The school/district does not support equipment brought in from the outside by any user.

10.4 Permission to set up any outside equipment not owned or provided by the school district on school premises must be given approval in advance by the Technology Director.

10.5 The district has the right to confiscate or disable any outside equipment that interferes with operation of the system/network.

10.6 The school/district is not responsible for damage to or loss of equipment brought in from the outside. (Approved by the Natick School Committee on March 24, 2014) 61

PLEASE DETACH, SIGN AND RETURN

STUDENTS, PARENTS / GUARDIANS: PLEASE READ, SIGN, AND RETURN THIS RECEIPT TO YOUR CHILD’S HOMEROOM TEACHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

KENNEDY MIDDLE SCHOOL

HANDBOOK/BULLYING/HAZING LAW RECEIPT

Each student is required to read a copy of the Massachusetts Law 655: “An Act Increasing the Penalties of Hazing.” WHEN A STUDENT SIGNS THIS RECEIPT IT INDICATES THAT HE / SHE HAS READ THE HANDBOOK AND HAS ALSO READ A COPY OF THAT LAW. The law is printed on page 56 in the handbook.

STUDENT SIGNATURE ______HOMEROOM ______

PARENT / GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ______DATE ______