Pittsfield Middle High School Faculty Handbook 2010-2011

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY HANDBOOK 2010-2011

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION Page SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION 4 MISSION STATEMENT 5 II. FACULTY & STAFF, CALENDARS, DUTIES, MEETINGS & SCHEDULES PROFESSIONAL STAFF 6 FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY 7-8 FACULTY & STAFF TELEPHONE DIRECTORY 9 SCHOOL CALENDAR 10 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDER 11 CO-CURRICULAR STUDENT ACTIVITIES 12 SCHOOL-WIDE TEAMS FOR 2010-2011 13 DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE 15 MASTER SCHEDULE 14 III. GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINES & PROCEDURES ADULT-STUDENT BOUNDARIES 16 ADVERTISING IN SCHOOL 17 ADVISORY 17 ADVISORY PERIOD 17-18 ADVISORY THEMES 18 ANNOUNCEMENTS/DAILY BULLETIN 19 ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS 19 ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE PROCEDURES - FACULTY/STAFF 19-21 ATTENDANCE REPORTING EXPECTATIONS 21 ATTENDANCE – STUDENT GUIDELINES 22-23 BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEM 23-24 BULLYING 24 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY 24 CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT 24 CLASS ADVISORS 25 CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 25 CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY 25 COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/COMPLAINTS/COMMUNITCATION SEQUENCES 25 COMMON PLANNING TIME 26 COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM 27 COMMUNITY SERVICE 27 COMPETENCY BASED ASSESSMENT 27 CONFIDENTIALITY AND FERPA REGULATIONS 28 CONTESTS & AWARDING OF PRIZES 28 COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 28 COURSE AND WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE 29 CRIMINAL ACTIVITY 29 CURRICULUM 29 CUSTODIANS 29 DETENTION 29 DISCIPLINE 29

DRESS – FACULTY AND STAFF 29 DRUG FREE WORKPLACE (School Board Policy ADB) 30 DUPLICATING SERVICES 30 EARLY DISMISSALS, DELAYED OPENINGS & SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS 30-31 EARLY GRADUATION 31 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM 31-32 EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS 32 EMAIL 32 EMPLOYEE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES 32 END-OF-YEAR CHECKOUT FORM 33 EXTENDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 33 FACULTY/DEPARTMENT/ELT MEETINGS 33 FEES & ROYALTIES 33 FIELD TRIPS/EXCURSIONS 34 FIRE SAFETY 34 FOOD SERVICE 34-35 FOOD & DRINK POLICY 35 FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS 35 FRAMEWORK‟S, NH STATE 35 FUNDRAISERS 35-36 GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATIONS (GLE) 36 GRADE REPORTING SCHEDULE 37 GRADE SPAN EXPECTATION (GSE) 39 GRADES AND GRADING 37-39 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 39 GRADUATION 40 GUEST SPEAKERS 40 GUIDANCE SERVICES 40 HEALTH EDUCATION AND EXCEPTION FROM INSTRUCTION 40 HEALTH INFORMATION 40 HOMEWORK POLICY 41 GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF HOMEWORK POLICY 41-42 HONORS STUDY 42 INCLUSION 43 INSTRUCTION MATERIALS 43 KEYS 44 LIBRARY SERVICES 44 MAILBOXES 44 MAKE-UP WORK 44 MONEY COLLECTED 44 NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY 44 NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS 45 OVERTIME, SUMMER WORK AND SPECIAL PROJECTS 45 PAGERS & CELL PHONES 45 PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION 45 PARKING 46 PASSES 46 PASSES FROM STUDY HALLS 46 P.A.S.S. PROGRAM 46 P.B.I.S. BEHAVIOR MATRIX 47-48 PETS IN SCHOOL 49 POLICIES & REGULATIONS 49 PROFESSIONALISM 49

PURCHASE ORDER PROCEDURES 49 REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FROM EXTERNAL INDIVIDUALS OR AGENCIES 49 SAFE SCHOOL ZONE MANDATORY REPORT 49 SAFETY AND SECURITY 50 SAFETY DRILL 50 SPECIAL EDUCATION 52 REFERENCES AND RESOURSES FOR FACULITY AND STAFF 52 STAFF ETHICS 52 STAFF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 53 STUDENT AND FAMILY HANDBOOKS 53 STUDENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS 53 STUDENT INTERVIEWS 54 STUDENT RECORDS 54 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 54 STUDENT SURVEYS 54 STUDY HALLS 54 SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS 55 SUPPLY REQUISITION 55 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 55-57 TELEPHONE USAGE BY FACULTY 58 TESTING OUT 57 21ST CENTURY LEARNING EXPECTATION 57-64 TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES 57 USE OF SCHOOL OWNED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT 64 VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE 64 VIDEO/DVD SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS 64 VISITORS 65

IV. APPENDIX END OF YEAR STUDENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS 66 INVENTORY – FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT 67 INVENTORY – TEXT BOOKS 68 PERMISSION SLIP 69 PURCHASE ORDER 70 SCHOOL DISTRICT DISTRIBUTION OF DUTIES 71 SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES 72-74 SCHOOL MAP & EVACUATION PLAN – LOWER LEVEL 75 SCHOOL MAP & EVACUATION PLAN – UPPER LEVEL 76 WHOSE JOB IS IT, ANYWAY? 77 IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER 78 STUDENT/ATHLETE HANDBOOK 79

Pittsfield Middle High School 23 Oneida Street Pittsfield, New Hampshire 03263

(603) 435-6701 Fax (603) 435-7087 www.pittsfield.k12.nh.us

Superintendent of Schools – Dr. John Freeman [email protected]

Principal – Robert Bickford [email protected]

Director of Student Services – Tobi Chassie [email protected]

Coordinator of Student Services – Lois Stevens [email protected]

Guidance Director – Leslie Bergevin [email protected]

Athletic Director – Peter Tuttle [email protected]

Pittsfield School District Draft Mission

The mission of the Pittsfield Schools is to develop, maintain, and continually improve a cohesive educational program so that our children and youth reach the academic, civic, and social standards established by the State of New Hampshire and adopted by our school board.

To this end, our faculty and staff resolve to engage our children and youth in dynamic learning that is personalized, monitored, and adjusted to promote growth in each and every learner.

We, students and parents, educators and community members, commit to a comprehensive system of support that ensures that our graduates possess direction in life, sound academic skills, commitment to hard work, an ethic of involved citizenship, and thoughtful plans for the next phase of their lives.

Vision

Our schools are… The children, youth, and adults of our school community Our graduates are young people who are… are… Academically diverse; we value the role of academic Capable leaders; they understand how to lead and disciplines, which enable us to understand our world and Active learners; we accept responsibility for our own are prepared to assume leadership roles when express our ideas. learning; we are engaged seekers of knowledge and skills. needed.

Academically integrated; we appreciate the connections Bold and passionate; we express our ideas and thoughts Critical thinkers and creative problem solvers; between and among disciplines. without fear of ridicule or reprisal; we support and they are thoughtful pursuers of truth equipped with encourage each other to take intellectual and creative risks. strategies to identify and address challenges they

Caring and respectful communities; we value strong, will face; they are open-minded. healthy, compassionate interpersonal relationships. Confident; we know our own individual strengths and limitations; we are comfortable with who we are while we Culturally aware; they appreciate people and Cooperative and collaborative; we work in teams; we strive to build our strengths and face our challenges. cultures different from their own. cultivate a sense of connectedness and community. Critical thinkers and effective problem solvers; we Curious and adventurous; they value learning and Diverse social organizations; we recognize, appreciate, and recognize the unpredictability and challenges of life; we are thoughtful and reflective while we are equipped with pursue personal interests. celebrate individual differences. strategies for addressing our challenges. Effective communicators; they are skillful Future oriented; we are aware of the needs of our students; Curious and Self-motivated; we have a thirst for learning, speakers and listeners, readers and writers; they are we engage in the present as we prepare for the future. courteous in their interactions with others. for knowledge, for skills; we ask thoughtful questions; we

Intellectually engaging; we seek deep understanding rather pursue our interests with the support of our peers and colleagues. Emotionally and physically healthy; they are than superficial knowing. equipped with the knowledge and skills to make

Personalized; we address the unique learning preferences, Deeply aware of the world outside of Pittsfield; we seek responsible decisions for their own long-term health. to understand and appreciate those who are different from talents, and aspirations of each student. Flexible and able to adapt to changing conditions ourselves. Rigorous; we hold ourselves and our children to high and situations; they are prepared to adjust strategies Effective communicators; we are both direct and when needed. standards. respectful; we are skillful speakers and listeners, readers and writers; we value open communication in our Globally aware; they understand global issues. Safe places in every regard; physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually; we recognize that basic human needs must relationships and collaborations. Responsible for themselves; they accept be satisfied for healthy development to occur. Hard working; we believe that effort and persistence are consequences and results that follow from their

Welcoming and well-maintained to maximize learning and keys to success; we make the most of our talents by hard decisions; they are accountable. work and practice. support a positive, healthy climate; we take great pride in our Self-directed and self-reliant; they initiate, follow- schools. Healthy; we live our lives in a responsible manner and through, and persevere; they plan and consider seek long-term physical and emotional health. costs and benefits of their actions.

Respectful, responsible advocates; we know how to Technologically skilled; they responsibly use new stand up for ourselves and for causes that are important to technologies; they adjust strategies in a changing ourselves. environment.

Responsible; we have a strong sense of positive social Understanding of American history and values and morality; we exhibit ethical behavior in a variety traditions; they understand their rights and of settings; we hold ourselves accountable for our actions and the resulting outcomes and consequences. responsibilities as citizens.

Socially engaged; we are active and responsible citizens; we participate in our democratic processes; we work to benefit the community around us.

Strong leaders and responsible followers; we recognize the needs to develop skills and attitudes that support responsible, productive group membership and learn to serve in a variety of group roles.

Thoughtful planners; we are forward-thinking and

5 recognize the long-term impact of our decisions; we know how to plan the work and work the plan.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

PMHS Administration Paraprofessional Instructional Support Staff Robert Bickford Principal TBD HS Special Education Aide Leslie Bergevin Guidance Director Andrea Barnes HS Special Education Aide Tobi Chassie Director of Student Services Richard Bertolami HS/MS Youth Specialist Lois Stevens Coordinator of Student Services Liz Deane HS Special Education Aide Jeff Martel Guidance Counselor Claire Drew HS Special Education Aide Peter Tuttle Athletic Director Brenda Fraser MS Special Education Aide Roger Gagnon MS Special Education Aide Michelle Griffin MS Special Education Aide Cheryl Hodgdon HS/MS Sub Cood/Flex Prog 7-12 High School Faculty Jeannie LeGrow HS Special Education Aide Kiza Armour Science Jennifer Massey HS Special Education Aide Anne Banks Special Educ Math Grades 9-12 Tanya O’Brien MS Special Education Aide Barbara Gardner Business Education Tara Pinto MS/HS Special Education Aide Derek Hamilton Social Studies Kurt Poeltl HS Special Education Aide Denise Mason Science Pam Rodgers MS Special Education Aide Susan McTague Special Educ English Grades 9-12 Greta Sarte HS Special Education Aide Herb Moyer Science Emil (Joe) Tucker HS Special Education Aide Carin Plante English Silas St. James English Jessica Segelhurst HS Skills Program Secretarial Staff Stanley Smith Mathematics Kaitlyn White Administrative Assistant to Principal Paul Strickhart Mathematics Gwen Adams Library Secretary Sheila Ward ELO Coordinator Gloria Krochmal Receptionist/Secretary Joyce Roberts Guidance Secretary Louise Sawyer Attendance/Planning Room Middle School Faculty TBA Student Services Secretary Alexandra Briggs Social Studies Shawnda Hopkins Case Manager Grade 7 Custodial Staff Michael Joyce Case Manager Grade 8 James Dawson Head Custodian Katherine Loud English Rick Chatwin Custodian Jennifer Patsos Mathematics Martin Keel Custodian Darlene Roy Science Brian Mott Custodian Linda Schou English Language Arts Ralph Perkins Custodian

MS & HS Shared Staff Food Service Staff Sherry Alie Family & Consumer Science Linda Martin Cafeteria Manager Richard Anthony Physical Education Stephanie Hetu Utility Worker Amy Booth World Languages Michelle Hill Utility Worker Anne Dunn Health Education Sandy McKenzie Assistant Cook Mark Ekberg Technology Education Peter Eklof Speech Pathologist Pittsfield School Board Ronda Fernald Flex Program Grades 7-12 Mary Paradise Chairperson Barbara Gardner Computer Science Elizabeth Adams Board Member MaryAnn Hatab Library Media Specialist Kathy Corliss Secretary Alissa Heppler Social Studies Michael Wolfe Vice Chairperson Susan Hipkiss Music Clayton Wood Board Member Adam Israel Technology Consultant Jane Johnson Social Worker William Mitchell Art SAU #51 Administration & Staff Melissa Pazdon School Psychologist John Freeman, PhD Superintendent of Schools Caitlin Potter Occupational Therapist Sheila Burnette Admin Assistant to Superintendent Pat Serafin School Nurse Sally Blanchette Financial Manager

PMHS FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY 2010-2011

FACULTY/STAFF ADDRESS TEL. # ADAMS, GWEN 23 Kelley Corner Road, Chichester, NH 03234 435-6089 ALIE, SHERRY 28 Parade Road, Deerfield, NH 03037 463-7055 ANTHONY, RICK 98 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-8563 ARMOUR, KIZA 791 Stage Road, Gilmanton, Iron Works, NH 03837 364-4858 BANKS, ANNE 10 Guernsey Court, Chichester, NH 03258 798-5464 BARNES, ANDREA 20 Frank C Gilman Hwy Apt 3, PO Box 632, Alton, NH 03809 973-3944 BERGEVIN, LESLIE 7315 Oak Hill Road, Loudon, NH 03307 225-4149 BERTOLAMI, RICHARD 541 Pembroke Street, Pembroke, NH 03275 224-6653 (u) BICKFORD, ROBERT 62 Main Street, New Durham, NH 038355 859-2611 BOOTH, AMY 80 Leatherstocking Lane, Gilmanton, NH 03237 267-9492 BRIGGS, ALEXANDRA 20 Birch Road, Deerfield, NH 03037 540-7668 CHASSIE, TOBI 446 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246 524-8521 CHATWIN, RICK 145 Thompson Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-6423 DAWSON, JAMES 14 New Road, Center Barnstead, NH 03225 269-6255 DEANE, ELIZABETH 315 Alton Woods Drive, Concord, NH 03301 396-9891 DREW, CLAIRE 25 Wildwood Drive, Pittsfield, NH 03263 219-1809 DUNN, ANNE 84 Warren Street, Apt. #3, Concord, NH 03301 387-7036 (c) EKBERG, MARK 56 Bible Hill Road, Hillsboro, NH 03244 520-6826 EKLOF, PETER 9 Badger Street, Concord, NH 03301 225-9876 FERNALD, RONDA 661 Stockbridge Corner Road, Alton, NH 03809 957-1227 FRASER, BRENDA 25 Winona Shores Road, Meredith, NH 03253 435-0022 GAGNON, ROGER PO Box 78, Epsom, NH 03234 715-4541 GARDNER, BARBARA 1 Fair Street, Franklin, NH 03235 671-7342 GRIFFIN, MICHELLE 171 Eastern Avenue, #201, Manchester, NH 03104 387-9369 (c) HAMILTON, DEREK 46 Turnpike Street, Apt. #6, Allenstown, NH 03275 491-3480 (c) HATAB, MARYANN 108 Allens Mill Road, Gilmanton, NH 03237 267-6931 HEPPLER, ALISSA 18 Loon Cove Road, Northwood, NH 03261 315-5610 HETU, STEPHANIE 17 Wildwood Drive, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-6911 HILL, MICHELLE 5 Warren Avenue, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-6634 HIPKISS, SUSAN 32 Maple Street, Ctr Barnstead, NH 03225 269-3221 HODGDON, CHERYL 147 Ridge Road, Northwood, NH 03261 833-9450 HOPKINS, SHAWNDA 107 Parade Hill Road, Barnstead, NH 03218 369-0022 JOHNSON, JANE 70 Old Portland Road, Freedom, NH 03836 539-9003 JOYCE, MICHAEL 130 Wood Road, Barrington, NH 03825 664-7239 KEEL, MARTIN 7 Crescent Street, #4, Pittsfield, NH 03263 670-4621 KROCHMAL, GLORIA 26 King Road, Chichester, NH 03258 798-5010 LEGROW, JEANNIE 16 B Parade Circle, Barnstead, NH 03218 848-8829 (c) LOUD, KATHERINE 111 Exeter Road, N. Hampton, NH 03862 502-3221 MARTEL, JEFF 905 Second Crown Point Road, Unit 1, Strafford, NH 03884 724-3613 MARTIN, LINDA 145 Thompson Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-6423 MASON, DENISE 1657 Dover Road, Epsom, NH 03234 736-6042 MASSEY, JENNIFER 460 Dowboro Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 340-1866 McKENZIE, SANDRA 338 Africa Road, Alton, NH 03809 776-5302 McTAGUE, SUSAN 46 Birchdale Road, Concord, NH 03301 848-1975 MITCHELL, WILLIAM 102 Watson Road, Dover, NH 03820 749-6339 MOTT, BRIAN 13 Carroll Street, Apt. #2, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-6569 MOYER, HERBERT 51 Westside Drive, Exeter, NH 03833 772-6910 O‟BRIEN, TANYA 102 Deer Meadow Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-0194 PATSOS, JENNIFER 16 Rose Lane, Bedford, NH 03110 641-8486 PAYNE, PATRICIA 71 Catamount Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-7270 PAZDON, MELISSA 176 Long Pond Road, Northwood, NH 03261 866-1607 PERKINS, RALPH 370 Catamount Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-6304 PINTO, BRIAN 1465 Hooksett Road, Unit 1010, Hooksett, NH 03106 360-621-6133 PINTO, TARA 91 Old Colony Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 608-5888 PLANTE, CARIN 58 Metalak Drive, Concord, NH 03303 724-0210 POELTL, KURT 62 Merrimack Street, Hooksett, NH 03106 205-5774 (c) POTTER, CAITLIN 9 Horne Street, Dover, NH 03820 948-2243 ROBERTS, JOYCE P.O. Box 594, Alton, NH 03809 875-3765

RODGERS, PAM 87 River Road, Apt. #4, Box 33, Pittsfield, NH 03263 724-9388 ROY, DARLENE 55 River Front Drive, Unit 320, Manchester, NH 03102 540-7048 ST. JAMES, SILAS 320A Beauty Hill Road, Center Barnstead, NH 03225 524-0436 (c) SARTE, GRETA 22 Hill Top Drive, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-3739 SAWYER, LOUISE 1284 Province Road, Gilmanton, NH 03237 267-6733 SCHOU, LINDA 39 Griffin Road, Deerfield, NH 03037 463-9894 SEGELHURST, JESSICA 130 Vail Road, Center Barnstead, NH 03225 534-3263 SERAFIN, PAT PO Box 109, Pembroke, NH 03275 485-9196 SMITH, STANLEY 4 Herbert Street, Concord, NH 03301 226-0304 STEVENS, LOIS 61 Westwood Drive, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 569-6069 (u) STRICKHART, PAUL 37 Manchester Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-6382 TUCKER, EMIL 25 Main Street, Chichester, NH 03258 798-4884 TUTTLE, PETER 107 Main Street, Pittsfield, NH 03263 470-6696 WARD, SHEILA 680 Tan Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263 738-0791 (c) WHITE, KAITLIN 21 Bedford Avenue, Gilford, NH 03249 387-3569

PMHS Faculty and Staff Telephone/Room Directory 2010-2011

NAME/Subject Ext Room NAME/Subject Ext # Room #

Adams, Gwen – Library Aide 1113 Library Librarian’s Office 1112 Library

Alie, Sherry – FACS 4130 131 Library AV Closet 4230 Library

Anthony, Rick – Physical Education 1120 GYM Library Circulation Desk 1113 Library Armour, Kiza – HS Science 4114 114 Loud, Katherine-MS English 4119 119 Banks, Anne 4222 222 Maintenance Department 1106 138 Bergevin, Leslie – Guid. Dir. (9th–12th) 1107 217 Martel, Jeff – Guidance Counselor 1109 117 Bertolami, Richard – Youth Specialist 1123 125 Martin, Linda – Café. Mgr. 1105 Cafeteria Bickford, Robert-Principal 1104 Main Office Mason, Denise – HS Biology 4216 216 Booth, Amy-World Lang. 4226 226 McTague, Susan-HS Spec. Educ. English 4221 221 Briggs, Alexandra-MS Soc. Studies 4120 120 Mitchell, William – Art 4132 132 Cafeteria Office or 435-6030 1105 Cafeteria MS Seminar Room 4216 126

Chassie, Tobi - Director of Student Services 1111 122 PATCH Office 4139 139

Conference Room 4205 Main Office Patsos, Jennifer – HS Math 4224 224 Copy Room 4206 Main Office Pazdon, Melissa (Wednesday) 4128 128 Dunn, Anne – Health Education. 4113 113 Plante, Carin – HS English 4218 218 Dawson, James – Head Custodian 1106 Maintenance Potter, Caitlin-Occupational Therapist 1123 125 Ekberg, Mark-Tech. Education 4626 I/A Reception Deck 1101 Main Office Faculty Dining Room 4135 135 Roberts, Joyce – Secretary/Guidance 1108 220A Fernald, Ronda-FLEX Program 4127 127 Roy, Darlene - MS Science 4116 116 Gardner, Barbara – Bus/Comp Science 4213 213 Sawyer, Louise – Attendance 1110 137 Genest, Valerie 1115 122A Schou, Linda – MS Reading 4123 123 Hatab, MaryAnn – Librarian 1112 Library Serafin, Patricia – Nurse 1114 121 Hamilton, Derek – HS Soc. Studies 4223 223 Smith, Stan – HS Math 4226 226 Health Office 1114 121 St. James, Silas – HS English 4219 219 Hemingway, Sue – PATCH 4139 120A Segelhurst, Jessica 4221 221 Heppler, Alissa – HS Soc. Studies 4220 220 Stevens, Lois – Student Srvs. Coord. 1111 122 Hipkiss, Sue – Music 4133 133 Strickhart, Paul – HS Math 4124 124 Hodgdon, Cheryl – Sub. Coord. 4127 127 Tuttle, Peter – Athletic Director 1119 Gym Hopkins, Shawnda-Grade 7 Case Manager 4224 124 Ward, Sheila – HS Spec. Ed. 4221 221 HS Seminar Room 4112 112 White, Kaitlyn-Admin. Assistant to Principal 1102 Main Office Israel, Adam – Tech Consultant 1100 228 Johnson, Jane-School Social Worker 4124 124 Joyce, Michael, Grade 8 Case Manager 4120 120 Krochmal, Gloria – Receptionist 1101 Main Office Lecture Hall 4103 103

PITTSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR 2010 - 2011 [ ] Progress Reports Issued ( ) End of Quarter { } Report Cards Distributed AUG / SEP 2010 22 FEBRUARY 2011 19 M T W T F M T W T F 23 24 25 TW TW 08/26 & 27 - Orientation/Teacher Wkshp 1 2 3 4 30 31 1 2 X 08/30 First Day for Students 7 8 9 10 11 X 7 8 9 10 09/03 Labor Day Weekend 14 15 ER 17 18 February 16 PES Early Release 13 14 15 16 17 09/06 Labor Day 21 22 23 24 [25] 20 21 ER 23 24 09/22 PES Early Release X 02/28 - 03/04 Winter Vacation 27 28 29 30 OCTOBER 2010 19 MARCH 2011 19 M T W T F M T W T F [1] X X X X 02/28 - 03/04 Winter Vacation 4 5 6 7 TW 10/08 Teacher Workshop (NEA) 7 8 9 10 11 03/09 PMHS Showcase X 12 13 14 15 10/11 Columbus Day 14 15 16 17 18 No School - PMHS Only 18 19 ER 21 22 10/20 PES Early Release 21 22 ER 24 25 03/22 PES Early Release 25 26 27 28 (29) 10/29 Last day of 1st Quarter 28 29 30 31 NOVEMBER 2010 17 APRIL 2011 15 M T W T F M T W T F 1 2 3 4 {5} 11/11 Veteran's Day (1) 04/01 Last Day of 3rd Quarter 8 9 10 X 12 11/15 P/T Conferences 4 5 6 7 {8} PT 16 ER 18 19 11/17 PES Early Release 11 12 13 14 15 04/18 P/T Conferences PES only 22 23 X X X 11/24 - 26 Thanksgiving Break PT 19 ER 21 22 04/20 PES Early Release 29 30 X X X X X 04/25 - 04/29 Spring Vacation DECEMBER 2010 16 MAY 2011 21 M T W T F M T W T F 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 [10] 9 10 11 12 [13] 13 14 ER 16 17 12/15 PES Early Release 16 17 ER 19 20 05/18 PES Early Release 20 21 22 X X 12/23 - 12/31 Holiday Vacation 23 24 25 26 27 X X X X X X 31 05/30 Memorial Day JANUARY 2011 20 JUNE 2011 12 M T W T F 01/01 New Year's Day M T W T F 3 4 5 6 7 01/17 Martin Luther King Day 1 2 3 10 11 12 13 14 01/19 PES Early Release 6 7 8 9 10 06/11 Tentative HS Graduation* X 18 ER 20 (21) 01/18-01/21 Exams PMHS 13 14 15 ER (17) 06/13-06/16 Exams PMHS 24 25 26 27 {28} 01/21 Last day of 2nd Quarter 20 21 22 23 {24} 06/16 Last Day - Early Release 31 27 28 29 30 Instructional days 180 OTHER DAYS September 3 - 6 Labor Day Weekend Holiday August 30 First Day of School for Students September 6 Labor Day TW Teacher Workshop Days; No Students October 11 Columbus Day ER Early Release Days, November 11 Veterans Day PES only except 06/16 Nov 24 - 26 Thanksgiving Holiday P/T Parent/Teacher Conferences Dec 23 - Jan 2 Holiday Vacation X School Vacation Days January 1 New Year's Day Snow Days January 17 Martin Luther King Day Each snow day will advance the last Feb 28 - Mar 4 Winter Vacation day of school by one day. April 25 - 29 Spring Vacation June 11 Tentative High School Graduation May 30 Memorial Day June 16 Tentative Last Day of School * If more than 1 snow day, Graduation will be moved to June 18th

2010-2011 LATE START WEDNESDAY March 9, 2011-RWAC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE March 16, 2011-SBIA March 23, 2011-SBIA March 30, 2011-Focus Group September 1, 2010-PD-Late Start Wednesday September 8, 2010-PD-Teaming April 4, 2011-COP September 15, 2010-NEASC April 13, 2011-SBIA September 22, 2010-PD Teaming April 20, 2011-Focus Group September 29-COP May 4, 2011-PD October 6, 2010-SBIA/Rob May 11, 2011-COP October 13, 2010-NEASC May 18, 2011-PD October 20, 2010-Focus Group May 25, 2011-FG October 27-2010-SBIA June 1, 2011-PD November 3, 2010-SBIA June 8, 2011-FG November 10, 2010-NEASC June 15, 2011-CO November 17-Focus Group

December 1, 2010-SBIA December 8, 2010-COP December 15-RWAC/Kevin December 22-Focus Group

January 1, 2011-RWAC January 12, 2011-COP January 19, 2011-SBIA January 26-FocusGroup PD-Professional Development COP-Communities of Practice SBIA-Standards Based Instruction and Assessment February 2, 2011-COP NEASC-New England Association of Schools and February 9-RWAC Colleges February 16, 2011-Focus Group FG-Focus Groups February 23-SBIA RWAC-Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum

CO-CURRICULAR STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Student activities are often the most memorable and enjoyable time of your high school years, but you must join and work at doing your part. Student activities do not happen without regular participation.

Clubs/Organizations Advisor(s) PMHS Site Base Council Students Drama Club Sue HIpkiss 7th Grade-TBA Environmental Club Carin Plante 8th Grade-Morgan Corliss Meet the Challenge (Middle School) Tara Pinto 9th Grade-Austin Harrison National Honor Society (High School) Silas St. James 9th Grade-Maxwell Tuttle Panthers for Change (High School) Denise Mason 10th Grade-Anna Colon-Pagan School Newspaper Katherine Loud 10th Grade-Elizabeth Cyr Ski Club (Middle and High School) Paul Strickhart 11th Grade-Bobby LeBel Student Council (High School) Derek Hamilton 11th Grade-Jennifer Tyrell Student Council (Middle School) Alexandra Briggs 12th grade-Emily Koulouras Yearbook Club Barbara Gardner 12th Grade-Brendon Norton

Class Advisors Educational Leadership Team Faculty Grade 7/Class of 2016 Rick Anthony Rick NAthongy Cheryl Hodgdon Kiza Armour Kiza Armour Linda Schou Leslie Bergevin Derek Hamilton Grade 8/Class of 2015 Robert Bickford Alissa Heppler Darlene Roy Tobi Chassie Darlene Roy Mike Joyce MaryAnn Hatab Silas St. James Grade 9/Class of 2014 Derek Hamilton Community TBD Alissa Heppler TBD TBD Carin Plante TBD Grade 10/Class of 2013 Linda Schou TBD Rick Anthony Stan Smith Administrators (non-voting) Tara Pinto Lois Stevens Bob Bickford Jo Anne Ward (volunteer) Silas St. James Lois Stevens Grade 11/Class of 2012 Sheila Ward Alissa Heppler Technology Coordinator Katherine Loud MaryAnn Hatab Grade 12/Class of 2011 Staff Development Members Derek Hamilton Amy Booth Barbara Gardner Cheryl Hodgdon Advisory Council Chairperson Silas St. James Co-Op Program Teacher MaryAnn Hatab

Athletic Coaches FALL Coach WINTER Coach SPRING Coach MS Boys Soccer Gerald Forand MS Boys Basketball Laura Smith MS Softball Tara Pinto MS Girls Soccer Chuck Corliss MS Girls Basketball Peter Tuttle MS Baseball Kyle Gingras MS Volleyball Trisha Cate JV Boys Basketball Derek Hamilton JV Baseball Darrell Elliot JV Boys Soccer Norm Tuttle JV Girls Basketball TBD Varsity Softball TBD JV Girls Soccer Tara Pinto Boys Varsity Basketball Jason Darrah Varsity Baseball Rob Stockman Varsity Boys Soccer Derek Hamilton Girls Varsity Basketball Gary Colby Varsity Girls Soccer Peter Tuttle

Varsity Volleyball John Rodgers Varsity Cross Country Christine Hinckley

2010-2011 SCHOOL-WIDE TEAMS

7/8 Team 9/10 Team 11/12 Team Math Jen Patsos Paul Strickhart Stan Smith Science Darlene Roy Kiza Amour Herb Moyer Science Maryann Hatab Denise Mason Language Arts Katie Loud Silas St. James Carin Plante Social Studies Alexandra Briggs Derek Hamilton Alissa Heppler SpEd Mike Joyce Susan McTague Jessica Segelhurst SpEd Shawnda Hopkins Anne Banks

Specials: Reading Linda Schou PE Rick Anthony Health Ann Cote World Languages Amy Gardner Booth Bus. Ed./ICT Barbara Gardner FACS Sherry Allie Art Bill Mitchell Music Susan Hipkiss Tech Ed TBD Media Mary Hatab Flex Ronda Fernald ELO Sheila Ward

DEPARTMENT TEAMS

Science Math ELA/World Languages Kiza Armour, Department Head Stan Smith, Department Head Carin Plante, Department Head Anne Dunn Anne Banks Amy Booth Denise Mason Jen Patsos Katherine Loud Herb Moyer Paul Strickhart Susan McTague Darlene Roy Silas St. James Jessica Segelhurst

Social Studies Technology Education Unified Arts Alissa Heppler, Department Head MaryAnn Hatab, Department Head Rick Anthony, Department Head Alexandra Briggs Barbara Gardner Sherry Alie Derek Hamilton Mike Joyce Sue Hipkiss Shawnda Hopkins William Mitchell TBD

Department heads will assure that there is an agenda for each meeting that includes “special education information, questions or concerns”, and that a copy of the minutes is sent electronically to the Principal, Director of Guidance, Director of Student Services, and Coordinator of Student Services.

Formatted Table

DAILY CLASS SCHEDULE 2010-2011

Formatted Table Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Wednesday Gr. 7-8 Gr. 9-12 Grades 7-8 Gr. 9-12

1 7:57 AM 1 7:57 AM Adv. 7:57 AM

8:52 AM 8:52 AM 8:03 AM

2 8:55 AM 2 8:55 AM A 8:06 AM 90 Min. Delayed Opening

9:50 AM 9:50 AM 8:45 AM

3 9:53 AM 3 9:53 AM B 8:48 AM

10:48 AM 10:48 AM 9:27 AM

Lunch 10:51 AM Adv-4 10:51 AM 1 9:30 AM 1 9:30 AM

11:16 AM 11:24 AM 10:10 AM 10:10 AM

Adv-4 11:19 AM Lunch 11:27 AM 2 10:13 AM 2 10:13 AM

11:52 AM 11:52 AM 10:53 AM 10:53 AM

5 11:55 AM 5 11:55 AM 3 10:56 AM 3 10:56 AM

12:50 PM 12:50 PM 11:36 AM 11:36 AM

6 12:53 PM 6 12:53 PM Lunch 11:39 AM Adv-4 11:39 AM

1:48 PM 1:48 PM 12:04 PM 12:09 PM

7 1:51 PM 7 1:51 PM Adv-4 12:07 PM Lunch 12:12 PM

2:46 PM 2:46 PM 12:37 PM 12:37 PM

5 12:40 PM 5 12:40 PM

1:20 PM 1:20 PM

6 1:23 PM 6 1:23 PM

2:03 PM 2:03 PM

7 2:06 PM 7 2:06 PM

2:46 PM 2:46 PM

8:45 AM - 1st Voc. Bus Dismissed 10:21 AM - 2nd Voc. Bus Dismissed 11:30 AM - 1st Voc Bus returns to Period 4 classes 1:05 PM - 2nd Voc. Bus returns

GENERAL OPERATING GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 2010 - 2011

ADULT-STUDENT BOUNDARIES

A) It is important for those staff members who are B) In order to clarify the lines that need to be closely involved with students to understand the maintained, we have provided the following difference between friendly and overly-friendly guidelines developed by NEA New Hampshire. behaviors that cross the line between appropriate and inappropriate conduct with students. APPROPRIATE INAPPROPRIATE Respect for personal space. Invading personal space/too close. Reasonable eye contact. Maintaining intense eye contact that causes student to become uncomfortable. Appropriate comments regarding academic and social Compliments more personal or physical in nature, e.g., environment. "you have great legs," "you should wear that sweater more often:" condoning inappropriate topics for discussion; condoning verbal comments with sexual overtones. Students assigned to assist teachers work in an Students assigned to assist teachers given duties that environment structured to support learning, with duties meet personal need of teachers. appropriate to the academic environment. Conversations with students support learning and growth Conversations with students become personal in nature for students. and confidential. Staff member shares personal or confidential information with student. Appropriate use of student conferences in a manner Pattern of spending time alone with student in consistent with educational purpose. conferences beyond educational expectations. Student-teacher relationship centered on school events. Student-teacher relationship maintained outside school events, taking student(s) to lunch, gifts, out-side social activities, consistent rides home or receiving or writing personal notes. Staff member maintains fair and equal treatment of all Pattern of covering for or providing excuses for special students. students, writing passes repeatedly for favored students to cover tardiness or absences. Student-teacher communication appropriate and Student-teacher communication has implied messages understood by general population. and inside understandings not commonly understood by the general population. Staff members set standards and show by example that Staff members encourage an atmosphere of loose and they will not tolerate harassment. inappropriate boundaries around gender and harassment issues. Exercising good judgment on when and whether to touch Touching students who may misinterpret the touch due students; for example, whether to pat on the back, to individual circumstances, cultural standards or shoulder or arm, or whether to hug a young child; being developmental stage. Examples of inappropriate sensitive to individual and cultural preferences. behavior include shoulder massage, lingering touches, and requesting affection. Referring serious student problems to guidance Staff members acting as helpers for serious student counselor or school psychologist. problems without appropriate training in effective advising.

Note: The word 'teacher' is used frequently in this chart, but the relationships and behaviors described apply to all school staff and adult volunteers

ADVERTISING IN SCHOOL Students, staff members, or the facilities of the school may not be utilized in any manner for advertising or promoting the interest of any community or non-school agency or organization without the approval of the principal and in accordance with Board policy. ADVISORY

The Advisory Statement of Purpose reads: “Advisories provide time for students and staff to connect through shared experiences encouraging personal, social, and academic growth.” To help further explain, the Advisory Council has created a list of what students can learn and develop through advisories:

Academics Diversity Values Independence Support Open Communication Respect Your Future

Middle School: All middle school students will be assigned to an advisory group as seventh graders and will work with that group of students and their advisor during their middle school years. The advisory groups will meet each day.

High School: Students will be assigned to an advisory group as ninth graders and will spend the next four years working with that group of students. Advisory is scheduled for all high school students during period before lunch. If a student is late to advisories, it will be counted as a “late to class.” No senior release will be accepted during this period.

ADVISORY

The Advisory period is designed to create stronger bonds between advisors and students in their advisories. Advisory activities might include team building, community service, learning skills to improve academic success, taking time to plan and work toward individual and group goals, and preparing for future career paths. In addition to working in advisory groups, activities may also take place that bring all members of a grade level or across grade levels together. It is a time when advisors can work one-on-one with students in acquiring good study skills including using a planner, budgeting time, managing short and long term projects, preparing for exams, or on other academic-related skills and assignments. Advisors will be aware of their students‟ assignments and academic progress and will work with students so they can achieve the highest possible level of academic success.

ADVISORY PERIOD

Advisory period happens day either just before lunch or just after lunch depending on the grade level team schedule. Every student is assigned to an advisory group. Every effort will be made to have students remain in the same advisory group throughout all grade levels during their school enrollment with the same advisor for the two years of each grade level team; 7/8, 9/10 & 11/12.

Your Advisory Period will provide the following for your advisees: YOU as a caring and concerned adult advocate who is knowledgeable about your students‟ academic and social success and progress. An opportunity to develop a sense of belonging, security and trust in you and in the advisory group. An opportunity for development of skills about their course work, their relationships and themselves. An opportunity to behave responsibly and to understand consequences. An increased communication both within the school and to the home concerning over-all development and progress. A positive environment emphasizing student achievement and all-school spirit.

The following are some guidelines for supervising your advisory group:

Advisory should have a relaxed feel to it. However, it is not a social time and appropriate classroom management must be maintained. You should be an in-school advocate for each of your advisees. You should be continual contact with the guidance office relative to the academic and/or social well-being of your advisees. 21

You should call home on occasion when an advisee shows a positive attitude and/or uses his/her time well. You should periodically discuss general student issues and bring general student concerns to a faculty meeting for further discussion. You should regularly talk with your advisee how their studies, standardized testing, the general school environment relates to and pertains to what their experiences are going to be outside of school. You should help students understand the importance of having goals along with how the goals of the school relate to them. You should assist your advisees academically, and you should discuss with the appropriate teacher the difficulties students may be encountering. You should take attendance at the beginning of advisory and then report any unaccounted for advisees. On occasion advisory periods will dedicated to single topic issues. All advisees that leave your advisory must have a signed pass from the teacher who they are going to. This should have been obtained in advance of the advisory period. Advisory period is a time for you to give full attention to your advisees. It is not a time for you to use as an additional preparation period.

ADVISORY THEMES

Grades 7 & 8 Each student in a 7th or 8th grade Advisory will:

have the opportunity to participate in activities that are designed to build group spirit and develop a sense of community within their Advisory group; have an Advisor who advocates for students with teachers and parents, and who develops a one-to-one relationship with the student which is characterized by warmth, openness, concern and understanding; be supported academically through conferencing with the Advisor as the student navigates a new kind of schedule, learns the skills of organization and time management, and adjusts to more rigorous coursework; experience a family-like environment in the Advisory group; develop social and behavioral skills that promote personal responsibility and building healthy relationships with others; and transition successfully from elementary school and into high school.

Grades 9 & 10 Each student in a 9th or 10th grade Advisory will:

have an Advisor who advocates for students with teachers, parents, and develops a one-to-one relationship with the student which is characterized by warmth, openness, concern and understanding; have the opportunity to participate in activities that are designed to build group spirit and develop a sense of community within their Advisory group; experience a family-like environment in the Advisory group; participate in non-academic activities, including community service, that develop a sense of community spirit while strengthening individual civic responsibility; and engage in self-exploration and goal-setting activities and focus on career development, problem solving, and decision making skills as outlined in the Personalized Learning Plan.

Grades 11 & 12 Each student in an 11th or 12th grade Advisory will:

have an Advisor who advocates for students with teachers and parents, and who develops a one-to-one relationship with the student which is characterized by warmth, openness, concern and understanding; have the opportunity to participate in activities that are designed to build group spirit and develop a sense of community within their Advisory group; experience the advisory group as a “family” within the school where students can support and be supported by other Advisory group members in discussing and facing common problems and concerns; work together on a common project to benefit the advisory group, school, and/or community; compile a portfolio of student work for student-led conferences and refine personal plans for school progress, career development, and post-secondary goals; and support each other in completing academic work.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/DAILY BULLETIN Notices for the day will be given over the intercom system at the beginning of each day and will also be written in the daily bulletin. Announcements concerning activities must be submitted to the Receptionist. All notices should be turned in the day prior to the announcement. All announcements are subject to the approval of the administration.

ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS

Teachers will be notified in advance of all assembly programs. Teachers are expected to accompany and sit with their class during the assembly. Teachers who have a prep period during an assembly are expected to attend the assembly to assist with supervision. The following guidelines will be utilized when a faculty member desires to schedule an assembly program: 1. Requests for assembly programs should be made via the appropriate Assembly Request Form submitted to the Principal at least three (3) weeks prior to the assembly program. 2. The person(s) responsible for the assembly program will check preparations the day before the assembly. 3. On the day of the assembly, students will report to their classes for attendance. 4. Class by class, students will be called, via the intercom, to report to the assembly. 5. Anyone creating a disturbance during the assembly will be escorted to the planning room. During the planning stage for an assembly, every effort will be made to assure the assembly will end as 6. close as possible to passing time.

ATTENDANCE – FACULTY/STAFF

Faculty Arrival at School: All faculty members should report to school by 7:45 AM and arrive at their first period teaching or duty station by 7:50 a.m. Faculty is to remain at school until after students are dismissed or until after school duties are completed. If a teacher must leave school during the school day, he/she should check with the administration, sign out and then sign in upon returning. The sign out sheet will be in the receptionist‟s office. Leaving School During the School Day: Except for purposes related to their school role, faculty/staff members are respectfully requested to minimize occasions of leaving our school building during the school day. When leaving the building, staff members use a sign-out log in the office; when returning, staff members indicate their return by signing back in.

FACULTY/STAFF ABSENCE PROCEDURES:

Sick Leave

1. Purpose. Sick leave is provided for absences caused by personal or family illness or physical disability. The amount of sick leave is specified in the Master Agreement for teachers and in work agreements for support staff. For purposes of sick leave, “family” is construed to mean spouse, children, staff member‟s parent, or the following when living in the home of the staff member: grandparents and parents-in-law.

2. Notice. In the event of absence due to illness, medical appointments, etc., including arriving late, leaving early, full day absences, and long-term absences, staff members notify the substitute coordinator as follows: a. As soon as possible in advance of the day of absence when the absence involves an appointment. b. By 2:00 p.m., if possible, on the day of absence if the absence is expected to continue to a subsequent day. c. By 10:00 p.m., if possible, on the day prior to absence or between 5:00 and 6:30 a.m., if possible, on the day of absence. If a message is left on the night prior to absence, staff members are asked to leave a phone number on the message or call again in the morning between 5:00 and 6:30 a.m. to confirm that the message has been received.

3. Documentation. On the day of return, staff members provide documentation of the absence. a. Sign Payroll Log, maintained by the substitute coordinator. Indicate the reason for absence. The Payroll Log is forwarded to the Financial Manager at the SAU office on a bi-weekly basis. b. For anticipated or planned long-term medical leave, the employee will follow the notification procedure for FMLA leave (to be developed in 2009-2010).

4. Accumulation. Sick leave may be accumulated up to 110 days for teachers and 36 days for support staff in Category I or II.

Emergency Leave (principal approval required for support staff)

1. Purpose. Emergency leave is provided for absences in the case of unforeseen emergency situations involving the individual staff member or a member of the staff member‟s immediate family. Staff members whose employment is

governed by the Master Agreement are entitled to three days emergency leave per year with pay; other support staff members in Category I or II are entitled to two days emergency leave per year with pay. For purposes of emergency leave, the term “immediate family” is construed to mean spouse, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brothers, sisters, or others living in the home of the staff member.

2. Notice. Same as Sick Leave #2 above.

3. Documentation. Documentation is provided by the Leave Request form and verified by signing the Payroll Log, maintained by the Substitute Coordinator, on the first day of return to school. The Payroll Log is forwarded to the Financial Manager at the SAU office on a bi-weekly basis.

4. Accumulation. Emergency leave is not accumulative.

Personal Leave (principal and superintendent approval required)

1. Purpose. Personal leave is provided to professional staff and support staff members in Category I and II for personal or family matters such as those of a legal or medical nature; these include, but are not limited to, court appearances, medical appointments, and legal transactions. Staff members are entitled to two days personal leave per year. Those staff members whose employment is governed by the Master Agreement are not required to provide detailed reasons for the request for leave; however, by applying for personal leave, the staff member assures the School Board that the matter in need of attention cannot be handled on a non-school day. Other staff members must provide a statement of reason for the request for personal leave.

Personal leave is granted only under emergency circumstances during the first two and last two weeks of the school year and immediately preceding and following school vacations and holidays.

Unpaid personal leave may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for unpaid personal leave will follow the notice and documentation procedure below.

2. Notice. Notice must be provided by submitting Leave Request form to the Substitute Coordinator at least five school days prior to the date for which personal leave is requested, except in the case of emergencies. This form is forwarded to the principal and superintendent for consideration.

4. Accumulation. Personal leave is not accumulative.

Professional Leave (principal and superintendent approval required)

1. Purpose. Professional leave is provided for the purpose of attending professional or educational meetings or conferences. Those staff members whose employment is governed by the Master Agreement are entitled to two days of professional leave per year. Professional Leave is leave that is typically initiated at the request of and to the benefit of the individual.

2. Notice. Same as Personal Leave #2 above.

3. Documentation. Same as Personal Leave #3 above.

4. Accumulation. Professional leave is not accumulative.

District Assignment Leave (principal approval required)

1. Purpose. District assignment leave is provided for the purpose of participating in off-site activities to support the educational aims of the school district; for example, accompanying students on field trips. District Assignment Leave is leave that is typically initiated at the request of and to the benefit of the school district.

2. Notice. Same as Personal Leave #2 above.

3. Documentation. Same as Personal Leave #3 above.

4. Accumulation. District assignment leave is not accumulative.

Vacation (applies only to employees with twelve-month contracts; does not apply to others, including teachers, educational assistants, etc.) (principal and superintendent approval required)

1. Purpose. Vacation.

2. Notice. Same as Personal Leave #2 above.

3. Documentation. Same as Personal Leave #3 above.

4. Accumulation. Unless specified in individual work agreement or contract, vacation time is not accumulative, with the exception that unused vacation time may be carried forward to a new fiscal year for up to 90 days.

Substitute Plans: Teachers are required to prepare three types of substitute plans in advance of absences from school.

Emergency Plans: A set of emergency plans must be submitted and kept on file at the principal‟s office in case an emergency situation arises and the teacher cannot provide a set of plans for a substitute teacher. These plans should be for a period of three days to one week for each course that is taught. Teachers should update these plans periodically to make sure they are applicable to existing instructional situations.

Daily Substitute Plans: A teacher absent from school for an approved reason should endeavor to provide a set of plans for their substitute teacher that allows for continuity of their educational program. These plans should be provided for each day that the faculty member is out of school.

Substitute Packet: Every teacher must prepare a sub packet placed in a readily available and noted location in or on their desk. Each packet must contain the following:

Complete copy of schedule and room numbers. Seating charts for each class taught. After school activities to be canceled and who is to be notified. Special instructions about specific classes and students (including name of handicapped students). Current, detailed lesson plans appropriate for any sub to follow. The substitute packet should be updated when the teacher returns to school after the absence. Daily teaching schedule and assigned duties

Substitute Teachers: Substitute teachers will be required to carry out the normal functions of the classroom teacher including before and after school bus duties and/or duties designated by the principal. Substitutes will refer to the teacher‟s substitute packet and lesson plans as their teaching guide. Substitute Teacher Shortage: The faculty is advised that we have a shortage of substitute teachers. Therefore, all faculty and staff are encouraged to limit their absences as much as possible. This will provide better continuity of instruction for students. Professional and support staff will be called upon during prep or other non-instructional time to cover classes when substitute teachers are unavailable. If classes cannot be covered by available substitutes, another colleague's professional leave or field trip may be cancelled. Sick Leave Bank – Support Staff A committee composed of four (4) members, one employee from each school and the SAU office, shall administer the sick leave bank. The committee shall meet as needed. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum and a majority of those present and voting shall decide all questions. Each qualified employee wishing to be covered agrees in writing to donate one (1) or two (2) days each year to be deposited in said bank; such days to be deducted from the employee‟s accumulated sick leave. Members may enroll as soon as they have a sick leave day to contribute. Each succeeding school year shall be a new enrollment period and days contributed to the bank shall not accrue in excess of three hundred fifty (350) days. A member shall become eligible to request extended benefits from the sick leave bank after an incapacitating illness or disability provided the member has exhausted all accrued sick leave. Upon presentation of satisfactory medical evidence of disability or illness to the Committee and approval by said Committee; the Committee shall forward its recommendation to the Superintendent. Upon recommendation of the Superintendent and the Committee, a member may be granted up to fifteen (15) days in addition to the regular sick leave; provided however, that under extenuating circumstances additional days may be requested and processed as heretofore set forth. During such additional sick leave, any and all benefits normally provided an employee should continue.

ATTENDANCE REPORTING EXPECTATIONS Teachers are expected to record and report accurate attendance for every class period. The procedure is as follows: Teachers of first period classes will electronically submit the full names of absent students on attendance list by 8:10 AM. A written report of all absent and 'to be dismissed' students will be compiled and available on-line during period 2. Attendance for periods 2-8 25 will be submitted electronically or called in to the attendance office (ext. 1110). Teachers should leave a voice mail message including ONLY those students who are missing and whose names are NOT on the absence list.

ATTENDANCE – STUDENT GUIDELINES

Good school attendance is essential for personal and academic growth. PMHS students are expected to attend school every day.

Arriving At School: Bus students may enter the building when dropped off by the bus. Non-bus students should arrive no earlier than 7:30 A.M. Students are to remain in assigned areas (main lobby, cafeteria, outside) until 7:50 A.M., and are not permitted to leave school grounds. At this time a bell will signal and students will go to their lockers and proceed to their period 1 class. Students must arrive at their period 1 class no later than 7:57 A.M. or they will be marked as tardy to school.

Absence Procedure: Parents should call the school between 7 A.M. and 9 A.M. to inform the school if their child will be absent. If parents do not notify the school of their child's absence, phone calls will be made to the home and/or the parent's place of employment to verify the absence.

Students are responsible for all work missed during a period of absence and must make all arrangements to complete this work promptly. For each day missed, including suspensions, students have one day to complete make-up work. The teacher will decide what make-up work is appropriate. Doctor‟s notes are NOT automatically waived. Students with chronic medical conditions, extended illnesses or unusual circumstances will request a meeting with the administration.

Attendance/Truancy Protocol: New Hampshire State Law on school attendance states: "Every child between six and eighteen years of age shall attend public school within the district or a public school outside the district or an approved private school during all the time the public schools are in session, unless he/she has been excused from attending on the grounds that his physical or mental condition is such as to prevent his attendance or make it undesirable."

Governor John Lynch recently signed into law House Bill 154, revising the truancy laws. Included in HB 154 are some important provisions to the law that will affect school and district policy and practice.

The primary changes in the truancy law, as posted by the NH Board of Education, include:

1. Truancy will now be defined as ten half days of unexcused absence, instead of the twenty that was allowed previously. 2. The Pittsfield School Board and District will now adopt a policy that will define what an “excused absence” is and a process for considering exceptions to absences not otherwise excused.

The truant officer for the school shall not file a petition alleging that the child is in need of services (CHINS) until all steps in the school district‟s intervention process have been followed.

The law and its changes take effect on Tuesday, July 6, 2010.

***Please note that there will be changes in regards to the school attendance procedures pending the School Boards adoption of a new Attendance Policy as a result of the change to the State Law on School Attendance. Students and families will be notified of any changes when they occur.***

Level One: Automatic Monitoring Students who have: Three absences prior to the end of first quarter Six absences prior to end of second quarter Nine absences prior to end of third quarter, or Ten absences at any time after that

Students reach Level One and are entered into and monitored on Attendance/Truancy Tracker. Students on the Attendance/Truancy Tracker are reviewed weekly by the Attendance/Truancy team. The team will consist of the principal, the designated truancy personnel and other administrator(s) as needed.

When a student reaches Level One the following happens: 1. The Coordinator of Student Services notifies the child‟s teacher advisor to make a call. 2. The teacher/advisor makes a call and reports back date of call and any information regarding the family‟s circumstances to the coordinator. 3. The call date and notes are recorded in Attendance/Truancy Tracker. The Attendance/Truancy team discuss if any further intervention is needed.

Level Two: Code Yellow Students reach Level Two, Code Yellow, when they have further absences as monitored by the Attendance/Truancy team. Students‟ names are highlighted on the Attendance/Truancy Tracker, and additional steps and possible interventions are indicated.

These steps could include: 1. Phone calls from the teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or coordinator of student services (a letter confirming the conversation will be mailed home and a copy placed in the cumulative file). 2. Letter sent to set up a meeting with the child‟s parent. 3. Send a registered letter outlining the law and offering support (copy placed in cumulative file). 4. Request the school social worker visit the child‟s home.

Level Three: Code Red Students reach Level Three, Code Red, when attendance continues to be a problem and the Attendance/Truancy team determine that contacts and interventions have not sufficiently improved attendance. 1. Parents are sent a registered letter from the principal; the letter clarified the law and requests that parent contact the school to set up a meeting. 2. Attendance/Truancy team meets to determine final intervention steps if necessary (DCYF intervention, CHINS, etc.).

Early Dismissal from School: Students who need to be dismissed from school prior to the end of the day must present a note from a parent or guardian to the Attendance Secretary before the start of classes on the day of the dismissal. The note must contain the reason for the dismissal, the date and time of dismissal, a phone number and a signature of a parent or guardian. The Attendance Secretary will issue an early dismissal slip to the student who is then responsible for obtaining the signature of the teacher whose class the student leaves. The student is responsible for leaving the dismissal slip with the Attendance Secretary and for signing out before leaving the building.

Students who are determined to be ill will remain in school until the parents/guardians are contacted. If the parents/guardians are not home and cannot be contacted, the student will remain in school.

Parents who call the school and request that their son/daughter be dismissed will receive a call back from the school to verify the dismissal. If we are unable to contact the parent to verify the dismissal, the student will not be dismissed from school. All dismissals will be verified by the attendance or main office

Parents are urged to make appointments either during school vacation times or after school. Note: Students leaving school without permission will be considered truant and in violation of school policy.

Late/Tardy to School: Students are expected to be in their first period class by 7:57 A.M. Arrival after that time will be considered late to school. If a student arrives after 7:57 A.M., he/she is required to report immediately to the attendance office to get an admit slip.

If a bus arrives at school late, the students riding that bus are required to report to the Attendance Secretary for an admit slip. However, this lateness will not count as tardiness or be recorded on a student's record.

Lateness to school will generally not be excused except for a dentist or doctor appointment with a note signed by the dentist or doctor at the time the student is tardy. In this case, the student will not be counted late. Reasons indicating car trouble, overslept, or family obligations will not be excused. A parent signature on a note explaining the tardiness will not necessarily excuse the tardiness.

Saturday morning detention (SMD) or Wednesday morning detention (WMD) will be assigned to all students who are late to school as follows:

1. First lateness each quarter: Warning 2. Second lateness each quarter: One demerit 3. Third lateness each quarter: Two demerits 4. Fourth and any additional tardies each quarter: SMD/WMD

Late/Tardy to Class: Students are expected to arrive at their classes on time. Three minutes is provided between classes for students to pass from one class to the next. Beyond this three minute period students will be charged with class tardy. Excessive tardiness may result in a class cut, or be recorded as absent from the class for the day.

BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEM

PMHS is equipped with a security system. The system is composed of surveillance cameras, panic alarms, and motion detectors. The panic alarms and surveillance cameras are utilized in specialized areas of the building. Individual staff members involved with monitoring and using these security devices are trained in their use.

Motion alarms are activated to monitor the building during non-use hours. Anyone entering the building on weekdays from approximately 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM or at any time on weekends, holidays or vacation days will trigger the motion alarm system. Once the system has been triggered, an alarm will sound and police will automatically be summoned.

Any staff member desiring to enter the building during non-school hours must enter through the front entrance to the building and enter a personal security code on the alarm system keypad to deactivate the alarm system. Keys are available for staff to sign out in the main office. Persons entering the building during non-school hours are required to sign in and out on the board provided next to the security panel just inside the front door. The last person leaving the building must reactivate the alarm system when they leave. While in the building during non-school hours, staff members must endeavor to be cognizant of whoever else may be in the building. If the alarm system is reactivated while someone else is in the building, the alarm system will sound and police summoned when a person moves through the building.

If the alarm system sounds, the Pittsfield Police dispatcher (435-7211) should be called immediately. The caller should identify him/herself, indicate that the alarm was accidentally triggered, and meet the responding officer at the front entrance.

BULLYING

Definition: Bullying occurs when a student has been subjected to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal, written, pictorial, electronic, or physical, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response. Factors that shall be considered when identifying the potential of bullying include: patterns of a student‟s behavior; imbalance of power; context of event; gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation; severity of the incident; and the intention of the alleged bully.

PROCEDURE:

The protocol for reporting and consequencing suspected bullying is as follows:

1. Report verbally the suspicion of bullying to the principal or designee. 2. The principal or designee will investigate circumstances and gather information in order to determine if the bullying has occurred. When the suspicion is reported to the designee, the designee will immediately inform the principal. 3. If the incident is not substantiated, the principal or designee will enter the details of the incident into a Bullying Log, which will be kept at a location designated by the principal. 4. If the incident is substantiated, a written Incident Report will be completed by the reporter and/or the principal or designee. The incident will be entered into the Bullying Log 5. The principal or designee will administer discipline according to the school discipline practices in consultation with another administrator. The discipline will be documented according to the school discipline practices. 6. The principal or designee will complete the Incident Report to include consequences of behavior. A copy of the report will be sent to the Superintendent of Schools, the Pittsfield Police Department, and the student‟s discipline file. 7. The principal or designee shall, within 48 hours of the incident, notify the parent(s) of all students involved, in person or by telephone, and in writing.

FOLLOW-UP:

1. The principal or designee will inform the reporter and all other appropriate parties of the status of the report, while maintaining necessary elements of confidentiality. 2. The Superintendent of Schools will inform the School Board of the incident using the Reporting Form.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

It is imperative that every teacher takes effective measures to insure that school furniture and property are cared for properly. Please be sure that the following recommendations are observed: A.) Seating charts indicating the daily assigned seat of each student are developed. B.) No one is permitted to sit on desktops or table tops. C.) Students are not to adjust opening and closing of windows due to the cost of damage to interior storm windows. D.) Prior to leaving school each day, teachers are responsible for having shades adjusted uniformly in their home-base area (to top of first panel). Window shades should be raised and lowered by teachers only, in order to minimize wear and abuse.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

All faculty and staff share a moral and legal responsibility to be aware of and report to state authorities any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. In fact, suspicion of abuse or neglect – not certainty – is all that is required for reporting to be mandated. All employees are mandatory reporters of suspicion of any level of child abuse or neglect. Our school guidance director has been designated as our school‟s chief contact person with state authorities responsible for investigating suspected cases of child abuse or neglect; staff members should discuss suspicions immediately with our guidance counselor.

CLASS ADVISORS The 'advisor' concept is one designed to improve the quality of education at PMHS. Any class advisor must be a full time staff member, must have a minimum of two (2) years‟ experience at PMHS, and must be a staff member in “good standing” as determined by evaluations. Each grade level class is assigned to two co-advisors. These individuals are responsible for assisting with the facilitation of effective class meetings, providing guidance to the class in long-range activities, or assist in resolving student problems. The 'Class Advisor Job Description‟ provides a detailed list of responsibilities for each class advisor.

CO–CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Class Functions and Co-Curricular Activities: A list of available clubs and organizations is indicated in Part II of this handbook. All students and staff members are encouraged to get involved in some aspect of school life beyond the regular classroom. All requests to hold class, club, or organization activities must be submitted and approved by the Principal who is responsible for facilitating all such organizations. Copies of minutes of all class, club, and committee meetings are to be submitted to the Principal and made available to students, teachers, parents, administrators, board members and others upon request.

Athletic Programs: Participation in our athletic programs is an important part of student life. All students are encouraged to take part in these activities. Athletes are ambassadors for the school. Their actions and conduct are closely watched by the community and directly reflect on the school. A separate student athletic handbook will be presented to each student participating in athletics. A list of athletic program offerings is listed in Part II of this handbook. The Student/Athlete Handbook is included in the Appendix.

CO-CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY

Participation in certain co-curricular activities demands a large segment of a student‟s out-of-school time. It is necessary for students to demonstrate that they can afford to spend the time necessary for participation in these activities. These activities include:

1. Athletics 2. Designated co-curricular clubs and student organizations, i.e., those co-curricular activities that are provided with a paid advisor and that meet on a regular basis for a significant portion of the school year

The guidelines indicated below apply to all participation on athletic teams and designated co-curricular activities.

Academic Eligibility:

A. Full Eligibility: to be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at PMHS student/athletes must meet the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association guidelines which include passing at least four (4) credits of work. In addition, students may have

B. No more than one (1) failing grade the preceding grading period. C. Athletic Academic Probation: If the student/athlete meets the NHIAA guidelines of passing at least four (4) credits of work the previous grading period but has failed two (2) credits of work, they may still participate in interscholastic athletics, but they are on Athletic Academic Probation. A student/athlete on Athletic Academic Probation may practice with the team, but may not participate in any games or scrimmages, travel with the team, sit on the bench during games, or be issued a uniform until they become fully eligible to participate. A student/athlete on Athletic Academic Probation can become eligible if they meet Full Eligibility requirements on the PMHS school progress reports. If the student/athlete still has two (2) or more failures they are removed from the team.

D. Ineligible: If a student has three (3) or more failures the previous marking period, they are ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics until the next quarter grades satisfactorily meet the standards.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS/COMPLAINTS COMMUNICATIONS SEQUENCE

In order to avoid any misunderstandings, student and/or parental questions, suggestions, or complaints should be made in the following order:

1. Teacher and/or Staff Member 2. Principal 3. Superintendent 4. School Board

If after discussing the situation with the teacher or staff member and the issue is not resolved to the student and/or families‟ satisfaction, then the issue should be brought to the attention and discussed with the school administration. If the student and/or their family are still not satisfied with the outcome of the situation, then the matter should be brought to the Superintendent‟s attention. Only if the matter is not resolved through the first three steps should it be brought to the attention of the Pittsfield School Board.

COMMON PLANNING TIME

Common planning time (CPT) is being provided to everyone to work together as a team with the primary purpose of improving student learning both for individual students as well as the students as a whole within a grade level team. CPT is an opportunity for professional collaboration focused on teaching and learning. Time is provided for CPT every day and all members of each team are expected to be active participants. Please don't expect to use this time for individual preparation or organizational tasks.

The following are some basic expectations for the implementation of common planning time for the 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and unified arts teams. They are intended to serve as a common starting point for all teams and can be modified over time for specific teams and universally for all teams. CPT occurs every day and all members of each team are expected to be an active participant.

Make good use of the time by being punctual, engaged and purposeful Work collaboratively Encouraging positive conversations Bring issues (vent) to people who are capable of addressing them Maintain Confidentiality Work off an agenda, and set next agenda prior to closing each meeting Establish and adhere to team norms and roles Keep notes and archive what was done (accountability & organization) Distribute notes to all members of the team and the principal at least weekly, more frequently if needed.

Sample Agenda:

1. Edits needed for the agenda 2. Old Business; items continued from previous sessions 3. New Business; new agenda items 4. Other:

Sample Reporting Out Form:

Team: Date:

Team Members Present:

End Time: Start Time:

Date of Expected 30

Agenda Item Discussion Notes Action/Follow Up Person Responsible Completion

Agenda Items for next time:

Administrative support requested for:

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM A communication system exists throughout the building. Each classroom has a phone and a room speaker. The office can call each classroom phone or page the classroom over the speaker. Each classroom can call the office, and any other classroom using the appropriate phone number. Outside calls can be made by using the room phones and appropriate phone codes. If there is an emergency in the classroom you can let the office know by pressing * twice. The office is able to view the classroom extension and the word „emergency.‟ The office will page the classroom on the speaker. This will allow you to drop the phone and talk to office personnel from anywhere in the classroom.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Completing 37.5 hours of community service awards each student with one-quarter credit towards graduation. Community service is therefore considered part of the PMHS course of studies. It is a course that is required for a student to graduate from Pittsfield High School. The requirements for this course must be completed independently by all students. The PMHS Principal is considered to be the teacher of the course because s/he must approve, and in some cases pre-approve, all community service work. Advisors will regularly monitor student completion of community service and will report on a quarterly basis.

Guidelines for completing PMHS Community Service coursework:

1. Community service is work performed in service to your community while enrolled in the high school grades of 9 through 12 at Pittsfield Middle High School. 2. Generally students are required to perform at least three different kinds or types of service. One of these can be service that is done at school. The other two may be performed outside of school. 3. Generally the maximum amount of work time that will be credited to one kind of service - including service performed at school - is 15 hours. 4. The most common type of service is performed under the direction of a non-profit community group or service organization. Special projects designed by one or more students can also be used, but these require pre- approval by the principal. 5. Simply working for someone for free does not qualify as community service. Work performed solely for the benefit of family or friends will not be counted as community service. 6. A service performed for an individual or business requires pre-approval by the advisor. Approval will be based on whether or not there is some intrinsic reason why this work should be considered service to your community. 7. If service requires pre-approval, the student must make an appointment to see the advisor before the work is completed. The student must be able to justify why his/her work should be considered service to the community. 8. To receive credit for Community Service, a student must complete a Community Service Verification Form, sign it, and have it signed by the person supervising the Service and turn it in to the principal‟s office. 9. Community Service Verification forms must be completed and turned in to the principal‟s office within two months of completion of the service. 10. Students may complete a Service Learning Project for part or their entire community service requirement. A Service Learning Project is defined as service that will have a lasting effect that benefits the Pittsfield Community. Students desiring to complete a Service Learning Project must submit a written proposal to the principal.

Competency Based Assessments

High schools across the state have been required to move to a new assessment process in order to determine how high school students earn credits toward their diploma. This new assessment process is call Competency Based Assessment (CBA) and

31 requires that a high school credit will be earned by a student when they have demonstrated mastery of required competencies for a course, as approved by certified school personnel.

The CBA process is a three-tiered approach to assessment: 1) looking at student work in relation to the written, approved, standard of performance, 2) professional judgment of trained, experienced teachers, and 3) Exemplars of student work in the area being assessed. A CBA gives a picture of student learning over time, takes advantage of student strengths, initiative, and learning styles, and is concise and portable.

Competency Based Assessment will be developed during the 2010-2011 school year, piloting of competencies will be in the 2011-2012 school year with full implementation in the 2012-2013 school year. During the upcoming school year competencies will be written and validated along with performance assessments and assessment rubrics. The following year a combination of the traditional grading process and competency based assessment will be used but the following year students will only be able to earn credit for a course when they have demonstrated proficiency in all the competencies that have been identified for that course.

Ed 306.27 High School Curriculum, Credits, Graduation Requirements, and Co-curricular Program. (d) By the 2008-2009 school year, the local school board shall require that a high school credit can be earned by demonstrating mastery of required competencies for the course, as approved by certified school personnel.

As the high school moves forward with this requirement competency based assessments (CBA‟s) need to be developed for every course that we award high school credit for. Every course offered at PMHS, core content or not, must have CBA‟s developed and implemented. More information can be found at http://www.education.nh.gov/innovations/hs_redesign/index.htm

CONFIDENTIALITY AND FERPA REGULATIONS

All district employees have a moral and legal responsibility to respect student‟s and families‟ confidentiality. Specific students and their personal issues – progress, strengths, needs, problems, family issues and changes, etc. – should be discussed only by and with appropriate personnel with a direct, role-related interest in the student involved. Please take appropriate precautions so conversations about students and families – both face-to-fact conversations and telephone conversations – are not overheard by students or others. Care must also be taken to protect documents containing student information, including individual student work. All faculty and staff members must be familiar with, and observe all local, state, and federal regulations concerning student confidentiality rights.

CONTESTS AND AWARDING OF PRIZES

The principal must approve all contests and activities involving student participation.

“A copyright is a legal creation that provides the creator of literature, design, art, or any other product of one‟s intellect, skill, or creativity the right to control how that work or art or literature will be used. The author owns the copyright and has exclusive rights over control and use of their work.” Copyright laws provide protection; rights include the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, adapt, and perform. Copyright materials can include worksheets, paintings, photographs, music, poetry, etc. Beginning in 1989, it has not been necessary to include the copyright symbol (©) to indicate that a copyright exists; it is always safe to assume that a copyright does exist. “There are two ways to copy the work of an author without permission: A. If the work is in the „public domain.‟ This means that the copyright has expired and the work can be copied without restriction… B. If the „fair use rule‟ applies. This means that „if you are using only a small portion of another‟s work and the use is to benefit the public and it is used in a non-competitive manner, there is probably no copyright violation… When applying the „fair use rule:‟

1. Don‟t be a glutton. The more you take, the less fair your „use‟ becomes. The teacher who regularly and routinely copies from a copyright protected math worksheet booklet is violating a copyright. The teacher who inadvertently copied one page of the workbook for a one-time use is probably not violating the copyright. Numbers do matter. Copying one page from a 100-page workbook doesn‟t violate the copyright. Copying 80- 90 pages of a 100 page workbook is a violation… 2. Copying vs. creating. Your intended use of the material copied is crucial to determining your fair use. Verbatim copying is a copyright violation. If you are using copyright protect5ed work to create something new, you are not violating the copyright.

3. Commercial benefit. Without the express permission of the author, as a rule, you cannot use another person‟s copyrighted work product for your commercial gain and his commercial detriment. For example, a teacher who copies math worksheets from a publisher without permission is impairing the publisher from a commercial benefit; i.e., the sale of the worksheet. 4. Mentioning the author‟s name. Merely acknowledging the author does not excuse your copying. Some hold the mistaken belief that they can freely copy the protected work of another simply by attributing the copied material to the author. Acknowledgement and fair use are not the same. 5. Quality vs. quantity. If you copy the most important excerpt of a work, the less likely your use will be considered fair use. For example, if you copy a key chapter from a book and that chapter was the heart of the book, more pivotal than the remaining chapters, more fascinating and essential than the rest, your copying could diminish sales of that book.”

(Adapted and printed by permission of Jeffrey P. Murray) See Board Policy EGAD

COURSE AND WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE

Course and workshop attendance for which resources are requested – including payment for the course or workshop, provision of a substitute teacher, etc. – requires the advance approval of the principal and the superintendent; approval is granted in accordance with the current practice within our school district.

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Along with the requirement of providing for a criminal background check at the time of employment each employee shall, in a timely manner, advise the Superintendent of any criminal charges brought against the employee as well as any conviction of any crime. Failure to do so shall be grounds for disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension and termination from employment. See Board Policy GBCD for more information.

CURRICULUM

Teachers and responsible adults are expected to adhere to our school curriculum as adopted by our Pittsfield School Board.

School Board Policy IFE addresses curriculum guides. Curriculum guides – both the New Hampshire Curriculum Frameworks and school district guides – are made available to all faculty/staff members.

CUSTODIANS A school custodian is on duty from early morning to late evening. Your rooms should be neat and clean. Concerns and requests should be submitted to the Head Custodian in writing.

DETENTION Teachers may assign students to after school detention as a result of academic or behavioral problems. We encourage teachers to take this first step to help students resolve the problem before the Code of Student Conduct & Discipline is utilized. Students will be given 24 hours notice of the detention. The purpose of this time is to conference with the student to resolve problems in the classroom. Parents will be notified if students fail to report to a teacher‟s detention.

DISCIPLINE Our PBIS Code of Student Conduct & Discipline allows for and encourages teachers to interact with students to manage inappropriate behaviors. Teachers are responsible for maintaining an orderly and purposeful classroom environment. Teachers are encouraged to plan their own interventions as a way to teach acceptable social and academic behaviors in the classroom. This is particularly important with students who frequently violate the rules for acceptable behavior. The PMHS adopted PBIS Code of Conduct is included in student handbooks and should be posted in all classrooms and common areas of the school. Teacher interventions could include: 1. Warning cues 2. After school conference (24 hour notice)

3. Behavior contract 4. Parent phone call 5. Parent conference 6. Weekly progress report 7. Provide alternative assignments 8. Provide alternative seating or time out

DRESS, FACULTY AND STAFF

According to educators Harry Wong and Rosemary Wong, “Clothing may not make a person, but it can be a contributing factor in unmaking a person. Whether we want to admit it, our appearance affects how we are perceived and received in definite ways. Clothing has nothing to do with students liking a teacher. But clothing definitely has an effect on a students‟ respect for a teacher, and respect is what a teacher must have is learning is to take place.

Research reveals that the clothing worn by teachers affects the work, attitude, and discipline of students. You dress for four main effects: (1) respect, (2) credibility, (3) acceptance, and (4) authority.

The effective teacher uses these four traits in relating to students, peers, administrators, parents, and the community … You can be sure that students notice how their teachers are dressed, in the same way that they notice the appropriateness of their own and each other‟s dress … when you dress, you are making a statement about yourself to the world.”

Faculty and staff members are expected to present ourselves as positive role models for our children. We are expected to be neatly groomed, clean, and appropriately dressed. Jeans and shorts are not appropriate clothing for school wear, except on specially designated days (for example, certain Fridays) and thongs are not appropriate footwear, due to safety concerns.

DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE (School Board Policy ADB)

In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, it is the intent of the Pittsfield School District to provide employees with a working environment that is free of the problems associated with the use and abuse of illegal drugs* and alcohol. The use of illegal drugs and alcohol in the workplace is inconsistent with the behavior expected of employees and subjects the District to unacceptable risks of workplace accidents or other failures that would limit the District's ability to effectively and efficiently carry out the responsibility of educating its students. To comply with the intent of this law, the Pittsfield School District will:

1. Notify all employees in writing that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs and or alcohol is prohibited on school premises or at school district directed activities. The term illegal drugs does not include controlled substances used pursuant to and in accordance with a valid prescription.

2. Establish a drug and alcohol free awareness program to inform employees about the dangers of substance abuse in the workplace; the school district's policy of maintaining drug and alcohol free workplace; any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and the sanctions that may be imposed on employees for substance abuse violations occurring in the workplace.

3. Initiate appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination from his or her job for an employee determined to be in violation of the law and this policy.

4. Make a good faith effort to continue and maintain a drug and alcohol free workplace through the implementation of all the provisions of this policy.

5. Distribute copies of this policy and other relevant information used in the implementation of this policy to all employees of the Pittsfield School District.

* Illegal drugs refers to the controlled substances in schedules I and II of 21 USC, 802(6) and includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, (including crack and other cocaine derivatives), morphine, and heroin. The term does not include controlled substances used pursuant to and in accordance with a valid prescription.

DUPLICATING SERVICES

Two photocopiers are located in the staff workroom. These are to be used for school-related copying needs only!

Any mechanical or jamming problems should be reported immediately to a secretary in the main office. Students are not to use the duplicating machines unless given special permission by the administration or under direct supervision of a staff member. EARLY DISMISSALS, DELAYED OPENINGS AND SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations of school for snow or other emergencies will normally be made by 6:00 a.m. and called in to the media as indicated in the last paragraph of this section. All days that are canceled during the school year must be made up later in the year as indicated on the school calendar.

Early Dismissal Notification due to emergency or adverse weather conditions will be announced as indicated in the last paragraph of this section. Buses will be available to transport bus students home. Early dismissal will normally not occur before 1:15 P.M. (unless the decision to dismiss early is made prior to 10:30 A.M.) in order to accommodate students from the Concord Regional Technology Center. Delayed Openings will occur when weather conditions and forecast warrant. The delayed opening will be announced by the media as a 90 minute delay. If a delayed opening is announced, school will start 90 minutes later than scheduled. School bus schedules and arrivals at school will also be scheduled for 90 minutes later than normal. Class Schedules which endeavor to include all classes for shortened periods of time will be initiated on days when there are delayed openings and early dismissals. Concord Regional Technology Center students will be transported to Concord when school is delayed as follows:

● When school is delayed 90 minutes, only the second vocational bus will operate. ● Students who take the first vocational bus will be assigned to a study hall during Regional Technology Center time.

Concord Regional Technology Center Cancellation can take place independent of PMHS. If the Concord Vocational Center cancels school because of bad weather conditions in Concord, Pittsfield vocational students who have obtained prior parental permission, may be allowed to sign out of school if the road and weather conditions in Pittsfield are acceptable. If a significant number of PMHS vocational students elect to stay on campus, the administration will close the library so that these students may have a supervised study hall. If Concord Regional Technology Center cancels school because of bad weather conditions in Concord, and the Pittsfield Administration decides that it is unsafe to allow students to sign out to leave campus, the administration will close the library and announce that all vocational students are to report to the library for a study hall. During these conditions NO students will be allowed to sign out of school. Cancellations, Delayed Opening and Late Start announcements due to emergencies or adverse weather conditions are broadcast on WMUR - Channel 9 and on radio stations WKXL 102.3 in Concord, and WJYY 105.5 in Concord, WWEM 96.7 in Rochester, WOKQ 97.5 in Dover, WASR 96.7 in Wolfeboro, WNNH 99.1 in Concord, WZID, 95.7 FM and WLKZ 105 in Gilford. If conditions dictate and school is canceled after a delayed opening is announced, the no-school announcement will be made by the same radio stations. Please do not call the school for no-school information. School staff will be notified by telephone. Cancellation information will also be posted on the school website http://pittsfield-nh.com/sau.

EARLY GRADUATOIN

Students contemplating early graduation must first discuss these plans with the principal. If, in the opinion of the principal, parent, and student, this option is feasible, the following process should occur:

The student will submit a written request to the guidance office detailing why early graduation is being considered, explaining how graduation requirements will be met, and indicating future plans. The parent/guardian will submit to the guidance department written approval of his/her child‟s request. Upon receipt from guidance, the principal will forward the requests to the superintendent of schools with the school‟s recommendation. The superintendent will grant or deny the request. The student and parent/guardian will receive written notification from the guidance department. Students who are approved to graduate early are invited to attend all senior class activities and to march in the graduation ceremony with their graduating class.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM 35

A. Membership

1. The Educational Leadership Team (ELT) shall consist of the members listed below who are recommended by the constituencies whom they represent, and appointed by the Principal. (To be eligible for membership, faculty members must have been at Pittsfield Middle High School (PMHS) for one school year.):

a. Middle School Team Leader or MS representative b. Science department head c. Mathematics department head d. Social Studies department head e. English Language Arts department head f. Unified Arts department head g. Technology department head h. Representative of Special Education Department i. PMHS Administrators (Principal, Guidance Director, Director of Student Services, Coordinator of Student Services)

2. If a member must be absent from any meeting, s/he will arrange for another member of the same constituency to take his/her place.

B. Operating procedures

1. Standard procedures shall be employed to conduct Educational Leadership Team meetings.

2. The ELT will meet once monthly as indicated on the school calendar.

3. All meetings are open to any interested persons.

4. The ELT members „a‟ through „g‟ ** will facilitate department meetings, serving as liaisons for communication between the ELT and the faculty in general.

**These members of the ELT will receive an annual stipend as provided by the school district budget, since they have the added responsibility of department leadership roles.

5. The ELT may form ad hoc committees where necessary, and/or make recommendations to pre-existing groups.

6. A quorum is constituted by six (6) members.

7. Any action must have six (6) affirmative votes to be adopted regardless of the members present.

8. The ELT may recommend action to be taken by the principal and/or staff in any of the areas listed below:

a. Issues assigned to the committee by the school board and/or the PMHS administration b. Content of the Program of Studies c. Curriculum review and revision d. Class trips and special event arrangements (distance, location, calendar, etc.) e. Instructional budget formation f. Assessment of student achievement g. Assessment of program effectiveness h. K-12 continuity efforts i. Parent involvement j. Professional development k. Dispersal of Project Create funds

C. All decisions made by the ELT are subject to review, amendment, adoption, or rejection by the School Board.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There is no charge for materials used as part of regular instruction. The school district is responsible for providing an equal opportunity to each student. Lab breakage, unless it is excessive or deliberate, is part of the regular budget. Students should not be charged lab fees. An accurate record of books issued is needed at all times, and students are to sign receipts for books and materials issued to them on the appropriate form. These receipts are to be returned to the student when the material is returned.

All faculty and staff members are provided with a school-based email account. Since the school email system is a primary means of communication, all faculty and staff members are expected to check their email at least twice per day, at the beginning and at the end of the school day.

EMPLOYEE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES

The School Board strongly discourages school district staff from socializing with students on social networking websites or through any electronic means, including but not limited to MySpace and Facebook.

All school district employees, faculty and staff who participate in social networking websites, shall not post any school district data, documents, photographs, or other district owned or created information on any website. Further, the posting of any private or confidential school district material on such websites is strictly prohibited.

School district employees are prohibited from engaging in any conduct on social networking websites that violates the law, school board policies, or other standards of conduct. Employees who violate this policy face discipline and/or termination, in line with other school board policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, if applicable.

Nothing in this policy prohibits employees, faculty, staff, or students from the use of educational websites if such sites are used solely for educational purposes.

Access of social networking websites for individual use during school hours is prohibited.

END-OF-YEAR CHECKOUT FORM

End-of-Year Checkout forms are provided to each faculty/staff member in June. It is expected that each staff member complete the checkout procedure prior to June 30.

EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

PMHS encourages students to pursue extended learning opportunities (ELO) as a means of acquiring knowledge and skills through instruction or study that is outside the traditional classroom methodology. Extended learning opportunities may include, but are not limited to, independent study, private instruction, performing groups, internships, community service, apprenticeships, online courses/distance education, or other opportunities approved by the Principal, in conjunction with Pittsfield School Board policies.

The purpose of extended learning opportunities is to provide educational experiences that are meaningful and relevant, and that provide students with opportunities to explore and achieve at high levels. In order to maximize student achievement and meet diverse pathways for learning, this policy permits students to employ extended learning opportunities that are stimulating and intellectually challenging, and that enable students to fulfill or exceed the expectations set forth by State minimum standards and applicable board policies.

Extended learning opportunities may be taken for credit or may be taken to supplement regular academic courses. Extended learning opportunities may also be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements for advanced classes. If the extended learning opportunity is taken for credit, the provisions of Policy IHBI, Alternative Credit Options, will apply. The granting of credit shall be based on a student‟s mastery of course competencies, as defined by Policies ILBA, Assessment of Educational Programs and ILBAA, High School Competency Assessments. Highly qualified teachers must authorize the granting of credit for learning accomplished through extended learning opportunities by approving required competencies and assessing the mastery of the approved competencies. For more information on Extended Learning Opportunities contact the school‟s Extended Learning Opportunities Coordinator.

FACULTY/DEPARTMENT/ELT MEETINGS

To ensure effective communication, to provide a structure for school growth and development, and to provide a variety of forums for collaborative involvement in school governance, faculty and team meetings are held monthly.

In addition to being a member of our school staff, each person is also assigned to an academic department. Each department and the ELT meet monthly.

Faculty members are expected to set aside Monday afternoons (from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.) for faculty meetings. Meetings are generally held on a monthly cycle as follows (consult our school master calendar for specific dates):

one Monday afternoon per month – department meetings;

one Monday afternoon per month – ELT meetings;

one Monday afternoon per month – faculty meetings

Faculty members who need to miss a scheduled meeting must be excused by the principal.

FEES AND ROYALTIES

No employee may charge a fee for any service rendered on school premises or for any teaching service connected with the school system unless arranged through the guidance office. Tutoring one‟s own students for pay is prohibited. No employee may sell any goods or equipment of any kind to students, or render any commercial service to the school system on a commission basis, nor may any employee receive royalties on books or materials which s/he has written and which have been purchased for use in the school system, during her/his tenure or office in the organization. All such materials developed and used by an employee are considered property of the Pittsfield School District. Authorized sale of all merchandise to students shall be on a cost basis; all such costs shall be as low as possible without incurring a financial loss to the school district. In the case of indigent students, fees for laboratory and shop materials and other like fees may be abrogated at the discretion of the Principal.

FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

All field trips and excursions must be pre-approved in writing by the appropriate administrator. Approval for field trips will be based on course relevancy, number of students and teachers involved, cost, time of year, and other factors. Field trip request forms must be made out in duplicate and submitted to the principal at least 2 weeks prior to the requested date. Bus availability must be checked with the Administrative Assistant prior to submission. There will be no field trips during the last two weeks of school. Field trips are an important supplement to a student's learning experiences when used judiciously and effectively. A field trip is defined as a visit to a site off school grounds that school personnel have determined to be an important part of a group of students' educational program.

Field trips have to be educationally relevant, consistent with goals and objectives of the curriculum, and offer experiences not available through direct classroom instruction. Participation on a field trip does not excuse students from submitting school work on the designated due date. All field trips must have the approval of the principal.

An excursion is defined as an overnight, out-of-state, or foreign travel. All excursions must have the approval of the School Board.

CHAPERONE RESPONSIBILITIES: Faculty, staff, and community chaperones play an important role in insuring safe, enjoyable, and successful field trips and excursions. A PMHS faculty member will be designated as the trip coordinator. This person will be in charge of the trip and will be responsible for securing and training chaperones as well as assigning their duties. The primary responsibility of a chaperone is to supervise students as assigned to the faculty member in charge of the field tip or excursion. Student misbehavior and any safety issues should be addressed directly and immediately by the chaperon who observed the problem, and reported without delay to the faculty member in charge.

Students are subject to school rules from the beginning to the end of the field trip or excursion. A copy of the Code of Conduct for students is attached for your reference. The faculty member is charged with discretion in applying disciplinary consequences and insuring safety during the field trip or excursion.

Faculty, staff, and community chaperones represent the school district to the public and are role models for the students. The entire field trip or excursion time is to be considered "school time." Chaperones should not engage in any activity which would be inappropriate for students. This includes the use of alcohol or tobacco products at any time during the field trip. Proper dress, appearance, and decorum are expected.

FIRE SAFETY

The Office of the State Fire Marshall provides us with the following regulations for the safety of our students and staff:

1. Keep all stovetops clear of combustibles at all times. 2. Keep doorways between classrooms unblocked at all times. 3. Maintain storage at least eighteen inches below the level of sprinkler heads. 4. Do not store cleaning materials under classroom sinks; store cleaning materials in secure closet areas 5. Keep hallways completely clear of furniture – desks, chairs, etc. – at all times 6. Streamers, paper chains, etc. may not be hung from ceilings; material hanging from ceilings may not exceed six square inches of material for every three square feet of ceiling space 7. Combustible materials are not to cover more than 35% of wall area 8. The use of wedges, bricks, etc. to keep interior doors open is not permitted.

FOOD SERVICE

Students may purchase a complete meal, snacks, or milk to supplement a lunch brought from home. Students will conduct themselves in an orderly manner in the cafeteria and respect the rights of others. Any student not able to behave appropriately will be assigned to an isolated lunch table. Breakfast Program: Students can get a breakfast when they arrive in the morning. Breakfast is also served during the morning breaks. The price for breakfast is $1.75, $.30 for a reduced breakfast, and free for those who qualify. There usually is a choice of a hot or cold breakfast. Milk is $.35.

Lunch Program: The price for the type “A” lunch is $2.70, $.40 for reduced lunches and free for those who qualify. The cafeteria offers a type “A” hot lunch, as well as an 'a la carte' lunch. Any 'a la carte' lunch consists of a $2.70 sandwich, chips and milk. Both the type “A” and 'a la carte' lunch meet Federal Government requirements. The salad bar qualifies for a type “A” lunch. Federal regulations provide for lowering fat content and increasing amounts of breads, grains, fruits and vegetables. Parents who have any questions or concerns about the Food Service Department should call 435-6030. Faculty: Lunch is $3.20, and breakfast is $2.20. Requests for special events require a 30-day notice. Please advise the Cafeteria Manager of upcoming field trips allowing at least five (5) days notice; two (2) days for bag lunches. Free & Reduced Lunch: Students who were eligible for free and reduced meals last year in the Pittsfield School District are still eligible until the middle of October. This includes both breakfast and lunch. Forms can be picked up at the guidance office or from Mrs. Martin in the kitchen. If financial status changes during the school year, a form can be filled out at any time. Jackets & Backpacks: Jackets and backpacks will not be allowed in the kitchen area during breaks and serving time. Breakfast and Lunch Tickets are now available for all students. It is mandatory for free lunch students to pick up their tickets the first day of each week between 7:30 and 8:00 AM from Mrs. Martin. Reduced meal students are encouraged to pick up their tickets during the same time for $1.50 a week for breakfast, $2.00 a week for lunch or $3.50 a week for a combined ticket. All other students may purchase their tickets from 7:30 - 8:00 AM on Monday mornings for $8.75 a week for breakfast, $13.50 a week for lunch or $22.25 a week for a combined ticket. The students may pay for tickets with cash or a check made payable to the PMHS Lunch Program.

FOOD AND DRINK POLICY

1. Individual teachers have agreed to accept responsibility for food and drink in their rooms, but agree to WATER ONLY for beverage.

2. If food is an integral part of the curriculum, the practice of eating in that particular classroom may continue.

3. No food or drink is allowed in the library, computer lab or in the lecture hall. No water, food or drink is allowed in the science room during experiments.

4. It is permissible to eat in the halls if finished before class.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS

A foreign exchange student is subject to the same rules and regulations that govern all other students. The host family adult(s) will act in place of the exchange student‟s parent(s) during the exchange student‟s enrollment at PMHS.

The acceptance of foreign exchange students to PMHS is subject to the policies and limitations specified by the Pittsfield School Board. FRAMEWORKS‟, NH STATE

Information concerning 6-8 and 9-12 NH State Curriculum Standards Frameworks can be found on the NH DOE website on the Grade Level Expectations (GLE) page for grades 6-8 and on the Grade Span Expectation (GSE) page for grades 9-12. There are also a number of copies of CD‟s from NH DOE available from the office if requested. There is more information below under the GSE and GLE sections of this handbook.

FUNDRAISERS

Students shall not be requested to participate in any organized campaign to raise funds for any purpose other than school– related activities, nor will any teacher permit such campaigns or drives within their classroom. The intent of the rule is to eliminate all fund raising drives that may be discriminatory or coercive. Planned school fund-raisers are to have the necessary documentation and forms completed in advance and submitted to the Principal for approval. This process will normally be completed by the Class/Activity Advisors.

Fund Raising In order for fund raising to be effective there needs to be a specific need for the funds and the students involved have to want to do the activity. All fund raisers must be pre-approved in writing 2 weeks prior to the activity taking place. Fund raising approval forms may be obtained in the school office. If funds are being raised to support any school sponsored group or activity, then written approval must be obtained for the activity.

All funds that are raised are to be deposited in the student activities account and all original invoices for product are to be paid through the student activities account. No purchases are to be made or invoices paid directly from the funds raised.

The faculty or staff member who is overseeing the fund raising activities must follow these procedures:

1. Supervise all activities in which the group is involved in. Students cannot be left unsupervised during any school sponsored activity. 2. Organize and conduct meetings with officers/representatives and/or the entire group. 3. Work closely with school administration throughout the fundraising activity from planning to the expenditure of the funds raised. 4. Facilitate the fund raising projects for the group but do not be solely responsible for the project. Fund raising should be a learning experience for the students involved. 5. Be responsible for all necessary approvals, forms and procedures related to the activities being under taken. 6. Do not sign any contracts with any one or any company. Only the Superintendent can enter into agreements with others. 7. Gain written approval for and schedule at least two weeks in advance from the Principal for all activities. 8. Do not deal with companies who require an advance count and/or who will not take back unsold product without the school paying shipping costs. 9. Be sure to secure a date or span of dates for your fundraiser from the Principal. The activity must be entered into the school activity calendar. 10. Be sure to keep copies of invoices, receipts and other paperwork related to the activity. 11. No funds, of any amount, are to be left in classrooms or taken home overnight. All funds are to be placed in an appropriately labeled container/envelope and placed in the school‟s safe. Any exception to this must have the Principal‟s approval.

GRADE LEVEL EXPECTATIONS (GLE)

The New Hampshire Department of Education, Rhode Island Department of Education, and Vermont Department of Education have developed a common set of Grade-Level Expectations, known as the New England Common Assessment Program Grade- Level Expectations (NECAP GLEs), and test specifications in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. These expectations were developed in response to the requirements of the federally mandated No Child Left Behind Act, 2001 to test all students, beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year, in each of grades 3-8 in mathematics and reading/language arts. Although these sets of GLEs were developed for this purpose the partner states were committed to building coherent sets of expectations that would focus, not narrow, the curricula, and would support good instruction.

The NECAP GLEs do not represent the full curriculum in mathematics or reading/language arts. Rather, they serve as an assessment framework for the development of the testing blueprints for common assessments to be administered in NH, RI, and VT, beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year. Each of the partner states intend to develop revised curriculum frameworks to 40 accompany the NECAP GLEs. The revised frameworks will support good instruction and local assessment by modeling concepts and skills not easily assessed in an on-demand large-scale assessment (e.g., mental mathematics, self-correcting while reading).

Throughout the development process, each of the NECAP partners has relied upon the expertise of educators in their states. These educators have helped to guide the development of these documents and have made numerous insightful contributions in an effort to help support meaningful instruction in mathematics and reading/language arts. We are grateful for their contributions.

Resource information and materials can be found on the NH DOE website: http://www.ed.state.nh.us/education/doe/organization/curriculum/NECAP/GLEs.htm

GRADE REPORTING SCHEDULE 2010-2011

Teacher Submissions – 8 AM September 28, 2010 Progress Reports - First Quarter October 1, 2010 First Quarter Ends October 29, 2010 Teacher Submissions - 8AM November 2, 2010 Report Cards - First Quarter Grades November 5, 2010 Teacher Submissions - 8AM December 7, 2010 Progress Reports - Second Quarter December 10, 2010 Second Quarter Ends January 21, 2011 Teacher Submissions - 8AM January 25, 2011 Report Cards - Second Quarter Grades January 28, 2011 Progress Reports - Third Quarter February 25, 2011 Third Quarter Ends April 1, 2011 Teacher Submissions - 8AM April 5, 2011 Report Cards - Third Quarter Grades April 8, 2011 Progress Reports May 13, 2011 Fourth Quarter Ends June 16, 2011 Teacher Submissions - 3PM June 16, 2011 Report Cards - Fourth Quarter & Final Grades June 24, 2011

GRADES AND GRADING

Auditing: Students may attend classes on a non-credit basis with the approval of the teacher, guidance director, and principal. High School Class Standing: Students are required to accumulate a specific number of credits and courses in order to be considered for promotion from one grade to another. In general class, standing requirements are as follows:

Freshman = Less than 5.5 Credits Sophomore = 5.5 - 11 Credits Junior = 11 – 16.5 Credits Senior = More than 16.5

Individual courses may also have an effect on class standing. Students need to have passed their grade level age appropriate English course in order to advance their class standing. Students will, however, stay in their advisory groups regardless of class standing.

Incomplete Grades A mark of incomplete (I) is given at the end of each quarter when work has not been completed for legitimate reasons. After two weeks, an incomplete automatically becomes an “F” unless a longer make-up period has been approved by the Principal.

Mid-Terms: A mid-term exam schedule will be established and distributed by January 1st each school year. Final Exams: A final exam schedule will be established and distributed by the beginning of June. Students will be allowed to leave the building when they are not scheduled for exams. A supervised study area will be open during exam days for students who wish to stay on campus and study for final exams. Students who are absent for a mid-term or final exam are expected to make arrangements with the principal for a make-up exam. Only those students who are absent for a legitimate and unavoidable reason will be allowed an opportunity to make-up a mid-term or final exam. Students who do not report for final exams will be given a final grade of „Incomplete.‟ Incomplete grades will change to failures if exams are not made up within two weeks time. Special arrangements must be approved by the administration. Once a student has attempted a mid-term or final exam there will be no re-take of the exam allowed. Final Examinations: All teachers should expect to administer and all students should expect to take mid-term and final examinations. Teachers may use a traditional assessment tool or an authentic assessment tool, including projects and class presentations. At a recent meeting, the school board voted to accept a one-year trial period of waiving final exams for seniors who have maintained an A average in a particular course. This school board approval was based upon a recommendation from the Educational Leadership Team. The specifics of the plan are as follows:

1. The waiver only applies to an actual exam period written summative test; it does not excuse seniors from final class projects, presentations, journals, group work, etc. that may be counted as a final exam grade.

2. This only applies to seniors who have earned an A average for a particular course through the end of quarter three.

3. The exam waiver is not subject to individual teacher discretion, but is to be applied uniformly to all eligible senior students.

Grading Procedures: Students will receive letter grades on tests, quizzes, class work, homework, projects, etc., and on quarterly report cards according to the following guidelines:

A = 93 - 100 A- = 90 - 92 B+ = 88 - 89 B = 83 - 87 B- = 80 – 82 C+ = 78 - 79 C = 73 - 77 C- = 70 – 72 D = 65 - 69 F = 0 - 64

All grades below 55 will be recorded as 55 on the report card for all but the final quarter. Final quarter grades will be recorded as the actual mathematical grade earned.

Teachers are reserved the right to “scale” individually graded items, or to assign point values to individually graded items that can later be converted to percentage and letter grade scores, and to weight certain types of grades according to their relative importance. Teachers are also reserved the right to adopt alternative grading procedures to meet the individual needs of students.

Grading Procedures – Final grades: Middle School – Year-long High School - Semester grades; final grade will be average of two semesters.

A final grade in a specific course is determined by implementing the following formula:

A full year course - The grade for a full year course will be determined by giving each quarter grade a weight of 20%, and the mid-term and final exam will each count for 10%.

A semester course - The grade for semester curses will be determined by giving each quarter grade a weight of 40% and the final exam will count for 20%.

Grade Reporting: For specific information on grade reporting, please refer to supplemental material in this handbook in reference to Power School procedures.

Grade Point Average for Class Rank: is determined according to guidelines recommended by the National Association of Secondary School Principals:

● Each quarter mark is given the appropriate non-weighted numerical value. The total of quarter marks is divided by the number of quarters to ascertain the grade points for that year. ● An 'F' earns '0' and still is counted in the sum total of quarter marks. ● Final marks are not used. ● Satisfactory and unsatisfactory courses will not be computed. ● The grade points for each year are totaled when class rank is determined, and the highest grade point average determines the highest ranked student. Class members are placed in order from highest to lowest to determine each student‟s rank and class. ● Concord Vocational Center grades will be placed on the Pittsfield High School grading scale. Students and parents are advised that each student taking a vocational course must earn a "65" or higher to receive the appropriate letter grade from the Pittsfield High School grading system.

Honor Roll: A student must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) courses, (5 for seniors) and have satisfactory 21st Century Learning Expectation grades (4 or 3), and meet minimum requirements as follows:

● Highest Honors: A‟s in all courses ● High Honors: A‟s in four (4) courses, no grade lower than B- in other courses ● Honors: No grade lower than B-

Honorable Mention: No more than one C (C-, C+, C). All other grades must be B- or better and satisfactory 21st Century Learning Expectation (4 or 3). This category is to recognize and encourage those students whose grades are close to honor roll level.

Mid-Quarter Progress Reports: Progress reports will be issued in accordance with the reporting schedule indicated in Section I of this handbook. All teachers will complete a Progress Report for all of their students. During progress report week, progress

43 reports are completed during class on Wednesday and distributed to students and mailed home to parents on Friday. In the first and third quarter Parent-Teacher Conference information will mailed home with Progress Reports.

Course Requirements: minimum of six (6) courses (5 for seniors) must be taken each semester unless a student has permission from the principal and there are extenuating circumstances. Students who fail required courses may be allowed to schedule such courses during the next summer school according to summer school guidelines or may be required to take the course during the next school year. Any alternative plans for credit recovery must be pre-approved by the Guidance Director and have administrative pre-approval

Report Cards will be issued approximately five to eight (5 - 8) school days after the closing date of each quarter. See the reporting schedule for closing dates and issue dates of each quarter in Part II of this handbook and on the school calendar. The report cards will consist, at a minimum of the following for each subject each quarter:

● A letter grade ● Attendance ● 21st Century Skill Expectations

The final report card, which is mailed home to students and parents several days after the last scheduled final exam day, will indicate the final examination grade, final grade, and credits received when the course is completed. Students who have not returned all their textbooks and materials will not be able to participate in graduation events until they have returned or paid for the school property. Teachers must advise the guidance office of this situation each marking period.

GRADE SPAN EXPECTATIONS (GSE)

As part of the New England Compact‟s (www.necompact.org) plan for an assessment system, a team of NH and RI educators have developed Grade-Span Expectations (GSEs) for high school students in Mathematics, Reading and Writing for grades 9- 10 and 11-12. The GSEs include expectations that intend to be assessed on the large scale assessment and others that will be a local curriculum and assessment option. Those GSEs that are a local curriculum and assessment option are shaded and include on the NH DOE website GLE webpage following (Local Option). Each file on that webpage contains an introduction to the GSEs, along with appendices outlining the definition of a GSE, the criteria for development, and guiding prioritization questions.

Resource information and materials can be found on the NH DOE website: http://www.ed.state.nh.us/education/doe/organization/curriculum/NECAP/HS_NECAP.htm

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Total Credits Curriculum Area Prescribed Courses 1/2 Arts Education 1/2 credit (music or art) * see below 1/2 Information & Communication 1/2 credit Technologies 4 English/Language Arts 4 credits 3 Mathematics 3 credits of course work to include algebraic concepts (Algebra I) 3 Science 1 credit (Biology) 1 credit (Physical Science) 1 credit science electives (1/2 credit of Earth Science is strongly recommended) 3 Social Studies 1 credit (Geo-Political Studies) 1/2 credit (American Government) 1/2 credit (Economics) 1 credit (U.S. History) 1 Physical Education 1 credit (grade 9 and 10 1/2 credit) 1 Health Education 1/2 credit HE 1 & 1/2 credit HE 2 6 Open Electives Credits selected from any of the course offerings 1/4 Community Service 1/4 credit (37.5 hours) 22 1/4

*Graphic Arts I at the Concord Regional Technology Center is included.

To earn 1/4 credit of Community Service a student must be involved in an approved activity for 37.5 hours. (See also Community Service.)

GRADUATION

Graduation is the highlight of a successful educational experience at PMHS. It is a formal occasion. Formal graduation activities consist of Baccalaureate, the Senior Awards Ceremony, and Commencement. Only Baccalaureate is optional; the Senior Awards Ceremony, commencement practice, and Commencement are required of all graduating seniors. All graduation requirements must be met prior to commencement rehearsals. Seniors who have not met all graduation requirements will not be allowed to practice or participate in graduation exercises. Faculty and staff are invited to participate in the Graduation ceremony through the academic procession and wearing of academic gowns and degree hoods.

Graduation ceremonies are held in the Greenleaf Auditorium. The 2011 graduation events are tentatively scheduled as follows:

Baccalaureate (Thursday) June 9, 2011 7:00 PM Senior Awards Ceremony (Friday) June 10, 2011 7:00 PM Commencement (Saturday) June 11, 2011 10:00 AM

GUEST SPEAKERS

Authorization must be obtained from the principal to invite and utilize non-staff personnel in your classroom. Requests should be made in writing at least 5 days in advance of the scheduled guest appearance. Such requests should specify the name, topic, date, classes, and justification for the guest speaker.

GUIDANCE SERVICES

The principal aim of the programs at PMHS is to help the students realize the greatest satisfaction from their high school life and to aid their own decisions in educational, vocational and social development.

Students who have clear and challenging educational and career goals for the future are destined to do well in high school and beyond.

The guidance department works with all students beginning in the 8th grade to help them explore career interests and develop career and educational goals.

This goal setting will intensify in the freshman advisory curriculum where students will be helped by guidance counselors and teachers to solidify plans for further education and training beyond high school. Throughout the high school curriculum students will continue to refine, adjust and obtain further understanding that will refine and further develop career goals.

HEALTH EDUCATION AND EXCEPTION FROM INSTRUCTION

Parents /guardians have the right to inspect the health education curriculum and may do so by contacting the principal to make those arrangements. Parents/guardians who wish to have their child opt-out of such instruction are required to make their request in writing to the principal and state the particular unit of curriculum or lesson of instruction in which the student is not to participate. Opt-out requests must be submitted annually and are valid only for the school year with they are submitted. Please see Board policy IHAM for more information.

HEALTH INFORMATION Health Office:

The Health Office is available to anyone requiring medical attention. 1. Students must receive a pass from their teacher to the Health Office. If the nurse is unavailable, the Guidance Secretary will decide the appropriate referral. 2. Students will be sent from the Health Office to class if symptoms do not require dismissal from school.

Medication During School Hours:

New Hampshire State Policy advises that: physician prescribed medication should be taken at home either before school or after school. In cases where a student requires medication during the school day, the following procedures must be followed:

● A written statement must be on file from the physician detailing the amount of medication the student is to receive, the method of administration and the time it is to be given. ● A signed request form must be submitted to the Health Office authorizing the school nurse, principal or designee to administer the medication. The request form also releases the school from liability when administering medication. Request forms are available in the Health Office. ● The medication must be presented in a properly labeled container from the prescribing pharmacy. No container improperly labeled will be accepted. ● No student will be given prescription medication without the physician's statement and the Parental Release Form on file in the Health Office. ● Students who use asthma inhalers and/or epinephrine auto-injectors are allowed to possess and use these medications in school if they have written approval from the parent and physician. Also there must be written physician verification that the student has the knowledge and skills to safely possess and use an asthma inhaler and/or epinephrine auto-injector in a school setting. ● Students in the seventh and eighth grades must, by regulation, have physician prescribed medication kept in the Health Office and be assisted by the school nurse, principal, or designee when taking medication except as indicated in the paragraph above. Ninth through twelfth grade students do not have to be assisted when taking medication. However, if the student elects to have the nurse assist in administering medication, the above steps must be followed. All students must have a physician's signed statement on file in the Health Office when taking prescribed medication during school hours. ● No over the counter, non-prescription medication (including Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough medicines, etc.) can be administered to your child at school without a signed Parental Consent Form. These forms are available in the Health Office. ● The non-prescription medication should be delivered to the school nurse directly. It should be in the original container, and should include the student‟s name, name of medication, and reason and times it should be given.

Health Clinic:

Since September 1999, doctors from NH/Dartmouth Family Practice Residence Program at Concord Hospital have been providing medical care on site at PMHS to students whose parents have given consent. The Health Clinic is called P.A.T.C.H. (Pre-adolescent to Teen Center for Health). Services provided include immunizations, sports physicals, sick care, health education, injury prevention, assessment and referrals to other services if needed. Students with no medical provider are especially encouraged to use P.A.T.C.H. services. The P.A.T.C.H. coordinator can help families find a doctor in the community and also help qualified families apply for health insurance.

Student Disability:

Teachers are notified of students with disabilities at the beginning of the year and thereafter as necessary. This is privileged information. These disabilities may involve loss of hearing, epilepsy, etc. Should you recognize a problem notify the school nurse.

Accident Procedure:

1. Give immediate comfort to the injured person. 2. Notify the nurse first. If not available notify the main office. Send a student if you are not near a call unit. 3. Remain with the student until relieved by an administrator or Health Office personnel.

HOMEWORK POLICY

The PMHS endorses a policy of providing students with homework on a regular basis. It is believed that homework provides opportunities to practice and reinforce classroom learning, enhances the student‟s understanding of the subject, and increases student skill mastery. Successful completion of homework assignments requires the assumption of certain responsibilities and collaboration between students, teachers and parents.

GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF HOMEWORK POLICY

Student Responsibility:

1. It is the student‟s responsibility to know the date that assignments are due and to ask for clarification of any other pertinent details necessary for the successful completion of the assignment. 2. Students are required to note assignments in assignment books as prescribed by general practices followed at each grade/level and as indicted by individual teachers. 3. Students are required to complete assignments to the best of their ability in a timely and legible manner. 4. When a student is absent from school for one or two days due to illness, it is the student‟s responsibility to secure homework assignments from another student or see the teacher for make-up work upon returning to school. All assignments missed must be made up according to individual teacher‟s classroom procedures. 5. Students are advised to attend to general homework guidelines as taught by faculty members and indicated in the Teacher‟s Responsibility section of this policy statement.

Teacher/School Responsibility:

1. Each teacher will explain homework expectations relative to his/her class during the first week of classes each year/semester and review these expectations periodically. 2. Teachers will provide students with information about the relative value of homework, due date(s), and other expectations in writing at the beginning of the school year. 3. When a student is absent for an extended period (3 days or more), the main office will expedite a request for homework at parent/teacher request. 4. Additional Guidelines for Teachers in Making Homework and Other Assignments are as follows:

● Preparing and distributing a written document at the beginning of each year/course containing a clear statement of expectations ● Providing homework that will reinforce, enrich, or give practice related to academic skills ● Providing assignments clearly and at the appropriate level of difficulty, which can be completed within reasonable time limits. ● Evaluating assigned homework in a timely and appropriate manner and returning it to the student ● Being aware of other demands on the student‟s time ● Encouraging each student to spend time reading and studying independent of assigned work ● Making certain that the purpose of each assignment is clear to the student and providing adequate direction so that a student will be able to proceed independently with the completion of homework ● Notification to parents in a timely manner by phone and/or in writing regarding the completion of homework and other assignments. ● Cooperation with team members, colleagues, and/or administrators in communication with parents and/or students about student successes and concerns relative to homework completion.

5. Homework Guidelines which teachers will share with students in developing good study habits should include but not necessarily be limited to the following:

● Have a definite time and location for study every day. ● Select a quiet place, away from disturbance ● Concentrate-give all your attention to the work at hand ● Organize the contents, relating details to major topics. ● Take notes on important points. ● On long term assignments, organize early enough so that you can have a conference with the teacher before the project is due ● Use an assignment book and write down each assignment accurately as given. ● Use a definite method of studying. Survey the lesson as a whole and review it by parts and learn the main points. Finally, review the whole lesson rapidly. Make written outlines for difficult and lengthy lessons. ● Memorization: Learn the contents as a whole and go over it rapidly first, then more carefully again and again until it is firmly and accurately fixed in your memory. ● Reading: Look for central ideas in every paragraph and concentrate on remembering these ideas.

Parent Responsibility:

● Parents will provide daily opportunities for their children to complete homework assignments by providing an appropriate time and location within the home for this purpose. ● Parents will communicate with teachers on a regular basis regarding the progress of their children with respect to both homework and other school assignments. Such communication may be either teacher or parent initiated. ● Parents will communicate with their children on a regular basis regarding the completion of homework and 47

other school assignments. ● Parents will regularly examine their children‟s assignment book or Planner as a strategy to keep informed about student progress with respect to homework and other school assignments.

HONORS STUDY

Sophomore and junior students who earn report card grades of „A‟ and „B‟ with no more than one „C‟, as well as behavior and 21st Century Learning Expectations effort ratings of „four‟ or „three‟ (4 or 3) are eligible for honors study privileges. This program allows for qualified students to spend their study hall time in the seminar room in the media center to work independently or in groups, or socialize.

Requirements are that students let the attendance office secretary know where they are in case we need to find them in an emergency. If the student relocates during the class period, s/he must let the attendance office secretary know their destination. A pass is required.

Continued involvement in the program is contingent upon maintaining this academic and social level and following the notification procedure.

INCLUSION

Students with disabilities will continue to receive the support services identified in their Individual Education Plan (IEP) that will allow them to meet their potential to learn. Whenever feasible these students will be in regular classrooms with support services provided there by special education teachers and/or aides. Teachers are responsible for obtaining copies of the disabled student‟s IEP and implement it within the context of regular instruction. Inclusion students are the responsibility of the regular classroom teacher. The special education teacher or aide is provided as a resource to assist the teacher in instructing and assessing the handicapped student. However, the special education teacher and/or aide are under the direction of the regular teacher. The following are the responsibilities of regular classroom teacher, special education teacher and instructional aide:

Classroom Teacher:

● Content area specialist. ● Designs/implements curriculum. ● Plans sequence of instruction. ● Establishes classroom policy and behavior management procedures. ● Directs academic activities of special education personnel assigned to his/her classroom.

Special Education Teacher:

● Instructional specialist. ● Modifies instruction/materials/assignments to meet needs of educationally disabled students. ● Works directly with the classroom teacher by discussing units of study (weekly/monthly) with enough advance time to jointly determine necessary modifications and support services needed. ● Allocates human resources (who will be where and when) based on knowledge of instruction taking place in classrooms in relation to individual student needs. ● During instructional class periods, works with the classroom teacher to provide individuals and small groups with appropriate assistance.

Special Education Paraprofessional:

● Works under the direct supervision of the special education teacher to implement IEP‟s and modify instruction/materials/curriculum. ● Provides support in academics, implementation of classroom policies and procedures, and behavior management as determined jointly by the special education and classroom teacher. ● During instructional class periods, works under the immediate direction of the classroom teacher to provide individuals and small groups of students with appropriate assistance.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The Board is responsible for all instructional materials used in the District. All instructional materials will be selected based on their ability to provide quality learning experiences for students in that they:

o Enrich and support the curriculum; o Stimulate growth in knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic value, and ethical standards; o Provide background information to enable students to make intelligent judgments; o Present opposing sides of controversial issues; o Represent the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups that contribute to our American heritage; o Depict in an accurate and unbiased way the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of the American society; and o Match the appropriate skill and developmental levels of students.

Administrators and teachers may select instructional materials from a variety of media including, but not limited to books, online/internet materials, equipment, newspapers, other media, and instructional technologies. Selection of such materials should be made only after a determination that such materials are age appropriate, provide quality learning experiences, and fit within the District‟s educational goals and philosophies. Board Policy IJ

KEYS

Requests for room keys should be made to the Coordinator of Student Services. Classrooms should be locked before and after school. Keys issued will be collected at the end of the year and at the end of each coaching season. Keys to the main building will be issued to staff for temporary periods (overnight or weekends) on an as needed/requested basis. School keys are not to be duplicated or loaned to anyone, especially students. Such actions will be considered a breach of security and subject to disciplinary action. Lost keys should be reported immediately. The cost of duplication and lock replacement must be borne by the individual losing the keys.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Library hours are 7:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. The library is an academic area providing research facilities and curricular and recreational reading materials. Its collection contains books, magazines, pamphlets, and audio-visual materials, and access to computer networks. Students may elect to go to the library instead of study hall by reporting immediately to the library at the beginning of their study hall period. Materials are loaned for a three-week period and may be renewed twice. Students with overdue books of three weeks or more will lose their library privileges. No material may be signed out, and use of the library will be restricted to before or after school or in the company of their class. Report cards will be issued to students when all library materials are returned or paid for if they are lost. If you have any questions regarding use of the library or need help in using the library, do not hesitate to ask the librarian. Audio-visual equipment will be issued on a first come/first serve basis. Teachers should reserve equipment in advance to insure its availability. Teachers are responsible for picking up and returning equipment. All teachers are invited to consult with the librarian regarding special research needs of their students and any activity that may be enhanced by library services.

MAILBOXES

Staff mailboxes will contain all notices, letters, and material for the attention of staff members. It should be checked two times daily, each morning before period 1, and after school. Outgoing mail should be placed in the appropriate receptacle in the main office.

MAKE-UP WORK

Student work missed must be made up in a period of time equal to the number of days absent. As an example, a student who was absent for one day has one day to make up the work after returning; a student who was absent for 5 days has 5 days to make up work, etc. A student who refuses to do class-work or who comes to class unprepared should be dealt with through interventions such as student conferences and parent conferences.

MONEY COLLECTED

Faculty/staff members who collect money from students for trips, fund raising or other projects are required to properly account for such funds. Such money is not kept in classrooms during unsupervised times or overnight. Rather, the money is to be turned in to the main office to ensure that it is deposited or otherwise secured. Disbursements from such funds are to be requested through the administrative assistant. In no case, should disbursements for expenses be made on a cash basis.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the School Board that there will be no discrimination on the basis of age, gender, or disability for employment in, participation in, admission/access to, or operation and administration of any educational program or activity in the School District. The Superintendent or his/her designee will receive all inquiries, complaints, and other communications relative to this policy and the applicable laws and regulations concerned with non-discrimination. The policy of non-discrimination is applicable to all persons employed or served by the District. Any complaints or alleged infractions of the policy, law, or applicable regulations will be processed through the grievance procedure. This policy implements PL 94-142, Section of The Rehabilitation act of 1973, Title II of The American with Disabilities Act, Title VI or VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, and the laws of New Hampshire pertaining to non- discrimination. Inquiries or complaints regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to the office of the Superintendent of Schools. Grievances will be processed as follows: 1. Any complaint from or on behalf of any person employed or served by the schools shall be submitted in writing to the office of the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent shall, without delay, forward it to the person immediately responsible (i.e., department head, coach, supervisor, etc.). 2. The immediately responsible person will investigate the complaint and report his/her findings and recommend remediation in writing to the grievant within five (5) school days. A copy of the report shall be sent to the Superintendent who will maintain a file on all grievances. 3. If the grievance has not been remedied to the satisfaction of the grievant, he/she may then submit the complaint, with all previous communications attached, to the following parties, in the order given. Each party will have the time indicated in which to investigate and report its findings and recommended remediation:

a) Responsible Building Principal (5 school days); b) Superintendent of Schools (10 school days); c) School Board (20 school days).

4. If all else fails, the grievant may appeal to the Federal Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20201. All reports submitted throughout the grievance procedure must be made out in duplicate, with all previous correspondence attached, one copy going to the grievant and one to the designated employee who shall maintain a file on all grievances.

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

School Board Policy JECB and R.S.A. 193 address residency requirements for attendance. Faculty/staff members who may become aware of possible unapproved school attendance by a non-resident should notify the school principal.

OVERTIME, SUMMER WORK, AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

Prior administrative approval is required for overtime payments, participation in summertime curriculum development projects, and participation in other special projects for which compensation is expected that exceeds the terms of individual contracts or work agreements. Such approval may be requested using the appropriate forms.

PAGERS AND CELL PHONES

Faculty and staff are permitted to carry and use pagers and cell phones in limited circumstances. However, should problems arise; the faculty and administration reserves the right to impose restrictions and/or a ban for individual faculty, staff, or the whole school. The main lobby of the school next to the school office is the only area where cell phones, and other similar electronic devises, can be used by students/

Faculty and staff are advised that pagers and cell phones are to be turned off during class time. It is inappropriate for these devices to activate and disrupt instruction. If pagers or cell phones cause a disruption to the instructional program an administrator may prohibit further use during school hours.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Board Policy KM requires that all teachers communicate with parents about student performance on at least a quarterly basis. This communication must be in addition to the quarterly report card.

The purpose of parent contact is to provide information about the successes and needs of students. Parent contact may be made through face-to-face discussion, letters home, home visits, or by telephone. Teachers are expected to contact parents more frequently when grades drop or when other concerns need to be addressed.

Principals are required to develop procedures to implement required communications. At PMHS, our guidelines are as follows:

● Every PMHS teacher is advised to maintain a 'parent communication log'. Log forms are available in the principal‟s office or copy room. ● A mid-quarter progress report is also provided for communication with parents of all students. Teachers are required to complete a Progress Report for each student each quarter according to the established format and schedule. ● A Parent-Teacher Conference schedule has been established for the fall of the year. All teachers are required to participate in conferences with parents according to this schedule unless the principal approves an alternative conferencing program. ● Coordinated use of Agenda Books, notes/letters home, phone calls home and other means of communication should be utilized for regular and frequent communication with parents as established by individual teachers, teacher teams and when parents request frequent communication. ● Teachers and administrators should establish other opportunities for teachers to communicate with the parents of their students.

PARKING Parking for staff will be in the Berry Avenue parking lot. Each staff member should complete a Parking Request Form available at the Attendance Office. A parking permit will be issued to each staff member. This permit must be displayed behind the rear view mirror. Vehicles parked at school without a permit may be ticketed pursuant to local ordinances.

PASSES Students should not be routinely dismissed from class for bathroom, locker or phone use. A written pass must be used when a student leaves your class. Printed pass books with NCR copies are provided for this purpose. Teachers are to save the NCR copy paper as a travel log.

PASSES FROM STUDY HALLS

1. Students assigned to study halls who wish to spend the class period in the library will go there directly. Students wishing to go to any other area must report to study hall for attendance, and present a pass written by a staff member to go to another area. That staff member is then accountable for that student. 2. Teachers in charge of study halls will mark those students absent, and send the list to the Attendance Office 3. Librarians will write a list of those in attendance and send it to the Attendance Office. 4. Students who choose to go to the library will stay the entire period. 5. If too many students arrive at the library, the supervisor will send them back to study with a pass. 6. Students who qualify for the sophomore/junior release honors study are exempt from these guidelines. See Honors Study on page 39.

P.A.S.S. PROGRAM

The P.A.S.S. (Pittsfield After School Support) Program provides a quiet and supervised place for students at PMHS to study, get assistance with assignments, and utilize computers after school. The program is staffed by PMHS Staff from 3:00 – 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Any student is welcome to attend the P.A.S.S. program, and some students are requested to attend by their teachers. An attendance log is kept and parents can check on their children‟s attendance at the program. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to improve their academic performance.

PBIS Matrix Contribute to Area Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe Community Arrival/ Keep hallways quiet Clean up after yourself Stay out of doorways & stairways Keep front walk to school clear Arrive on time Use electronics responsibly Allow flow of traffic Return lost & found items to main office Dismissal Refrain from Public Displays of Affection Use cell phones in designated areas Respect others’ personal space (P.D.A.) Leave snow alone Remain quiet Take off hats/ hoods Stay in designated areas

Hallways Keep traffic moving Arrive to class on time Be careful of others Warn others of liquid spills or hazardous areas Remain quiet between classes Go where you need to go without loitering One locker per student Be courteous Refrain from P.D.A. Use appropriate language Refrain from horseplay Be respectful Use electronics responsibly Clean after yourself Respect others’ personal space Use appropriate language Keep hallways quiet Use cell phones in designated areas Respect all property Take off hats/hoods Bathrooms/ Clean up after yourself- flush toilets, throw Keep all belongings in your own locker and keep Be aware of any potential hazards- Help keep facilities clean and graffiti free away paper towels it locked such as water spills, blocked sinks, Report any potential hazards to staff Locker These are “Judgment Free Areas-” please Wash hands every time after using the facilities clogged toilets, etc. Be caring of others in need of assistance Rooms be respectful of others using these facilities Take care of your own trash Use shower and shower area Use cell phones in designated areas Help keep area clean safely Help keep the facilities graffiti free Only use facilities for intended purposes Value everyone’s belongings & privacy Be caring of others in need of assistance Refrain from P.D.A. Report graffiti to staff Cafeteria Be nice to others Clean up after yourself Walk, don’t run Provide a comfortable atmosphere for all Use appropriate language Be prepared in line Keep hands and feet to self Place trash in proper receptacles Keep volume of electronic devices low (food choice, money) Sit on benches appropriately Talk with everyone, be inclusive, and reach Use cell phones in designated areas Be accountable for your own actions out to people who need it Use good manners Use cafeteria only at designated times Keep voices at an appropriate level (observe personal space, voice level, courtesy in line, taking turns) After-School Use appropriate language Clean up after yourself Have fun Participate Display good sportsmanship Stay in designated areas Display good sportsmanship Cheer at the games Activities Follow the rules Use appropriate language Follow school rules & laws Be kind Appropriate voice level Maintain academic standards Use the proper gear Dress appropriately Show consideration for others Remember your things Refrain from use of illegal Respect your school & other school property Be on time substances Display good sportsmanship Bring what you need Help with fundraisers Work hard Do your best Emergency Follow instructions Be serious Move with purpose but safely Stay on school grounds Listen to the adults Look after your peers Respect others’ personal space Take drills seriously Drills Stay calm Follow all procedures Be organized Stay out of the way of emergency personnel & Stay in the nearest designated area Encourage positive behavior of peers Walk, don’t run equipment Use common sense Stay calm & quiet Help others Leave things where they are Shut the windows Stay calm Find a place-stay there Follow procedures Refrain from using any electronic devices Refrain from horseplay Stay in the nearest designated area Field Trips Use appropriate language Remember to bring what you need. Stay with the group as assigned. Represent the Pittsfield school and Speak at an appropriate volume and at Be on time Use the buddy system community well appropriate times Listen to your chaperones and guides Know the location and time to Smile and have fun! Show consideration and appreciation for Ask permission before going somewhere or meet, and how to contact your Display a genuine interest in the destination hosts, chaperones and presenters doing something chaperone and the material Listen attentively Leave every place you go better than you found Be prepared for weather and other Use the knowledge you gain and your Treat the places you go appropriately it conditions where you are going experiences within the community Refrain from P.D.A. Ask questions to learn more Outside Park in designated areas Dress appropriately for weather conditions for Follow all rules of the road Help keep area clean & graffiti free Be aware that classes may be going on & scheduled outdoor activities Check twice before exiting parking Report any potential hazards to staff be considerate to the learning process Return all borrowed items to where they belong spots Be caring of others in need of assistance Use appropriate language and a courteous Refrain from P.D.A. Walking to and from school; walk Include others in activities whenever possible voice tone Leave snow alone facing traffic, use sidewalks when Show consideration of others entering & possible, and stay in single file exiting parking lot area when walking on roads Clean up after yourself- throw all trash in Play safely and in designated appropriate receptacles areas Value other people’s property Use designated crosswalks

Assemblies Show consideration for the speaker and/or Refrain from using any electronic devices during Know your surroundings- where Provide appropriate feedback performance- remain seated, quiet, assembly emergency exits are & procedures Be prepared to participate appropriately during appropriate responses, etc. Use cell phones in designated areas Enter & exit in an orderly fashion assemblies and in follow-up activities Be attentive & engaged to speaker and/or Finish all food, beverages & gum before entering Use caution while entering or Display an example of positive attitude .performance assembly exiting the bleachers Use appropriate language & tone Be an active listener & try to learn or gain Value everyone’s personal space & something from the experience belongings Be on time Make space available on bleachers & Get involved & participate when prompted seating areas so that everyone may sit Refrain from P.D.A. Instructional Listen to who is speaking Come to class prepared and on time Be aware of all safety drills and Lead by example Be considerate in what you say Be organized rules for that classroom Be helpful and supportive of everyone Areas Tolerate all ideas and view points Recognize that teachers are there to teach, Be mindful that what you say and Integrate real world activities from the Follow school as well as classroom students are there to learn do affects those around you community into the class expectations for that room Make your best effort Use classroom materials correctly Be open to change Value others’ personal space Buses Use appropriate verbal & body language Clean up after yourself Remain seated while the bus is in Be a good role model Keep your voice at a reasonable volume, Deposit all trash in the proper place motion Exhibit appropriate behavior to other drivers, including when on the phone Be on time Keep all body parts inside the passengers, and pedestrians Show consideration and appreciation for Keep the volume on your music device low windows of the bus Help make the buses a safe and comfortable the driver enough so that only you can hear it Keep your hands and belongings mode of transportation for everyone Treat everyone as you want to be treated Refrain from P.D.A. to yourself Be considerate of others’ comfort Follow school as well as bus expectations Leave things better than you found them Respect passengers’ and the driver’s space Let the driver concentrate on driving Media Center Use the media center for working quietly Leave all food & drinks outside or put away Refrain from horseplay Seek out new and interesting reading Treat books and materials appropriately Return all reading material promptly and to the Walk safely materials Treat everyone as you want to be treated proper location. Keep private information private Share ideas about books and materials others Keep all cell phones on silent; allow others Use time wisely Be considerate for the might enjoy to focus Keep the volume of your music device low well-being of others Make the media center a comfortable place to Communicate in positive ways enough so that only you can hear it study with friends Use cell phones in designated areas Follow technology guidelines Help promote appropriate and effective use of Follow school as well as media center Ask for help when unsure of how to use or find the media center expectations something Leave things better than you found them

PETS IN SCHOOL Due to potential allergic reactions of staff and/or students, household pets should not be brought into the school building.

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS Faculty and staff are required to become familiar with and to follow policies and regulations as described in the Board Policies manual. Copies of the manual are located in the principal‟s office and the library. A master copy is located at the SAU office. Individuals are permitted to make copies of any or all pages of the Board Policies manual. A list of “Pittsfield Policies” is contained as an appendix of this handbook. PROFESSIONALISM

All faculty and staff members represent the school district and the education profession. Proper dress, appearance, decorum, and preparation are expected.

PURCHASE ORDER PROCEDURES

All purchase order requests are to be submitted through the principal‟s office. All orders are to be within the scope of the current budget. Special requests must be made directly to the principal. Teachers are responsible for submitting purchase order requests to the administrative assistant for items designated in their respective budgets prior to leaving for summer break. The PMHS and the Pittsfield School District will not be responsible for individual teacher purchases unless they have prior approval of the principal (i.e., book clubs, book orders on approval, and paperbacks for the class). No books, supplies or any other item are to be ordered by telephone without the approval of the principal. Unless a purchase is pre-approved, reimbursement may not be permitted. Approved leave requests involving district funds require submission of a purchase order. If pre-payment of a professional activity is requested, a purchase order and documentation must be submitted well before the registration deadline.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION FROM EXTERNAL INDIVIDUALS OR AGENCIES

We are occasionally asked to provide information about individual children by attorneys, evaluators, physicians, and others with an interest in the welfare of our children. In most cases, such requests are appropriate and should be addressed in a timely manner; in other cases, a request for information about a child may be inappropriate. Please consult with the appropriate school administrator when you receive a request for information from an external individual or agency.

SAFE SCHOOL ZONE MANDATORY REPORTING

School employees are required to report the following to the Principal if they observe or are aware of any of the activities below that occur on school property or at any school sanctioned event:

Possession of alcohol by a minor, including internal possession. Possession, selling or distributing of any controlled substance, including paraphernalia Possession, sale or use of firearms Engaging in the act of arson Entering an unauthorized area Engaging in the act or planning for the act of burglary, robbery or theft Engaging in homicide, first or second degree assault murder Engaging in sexual assault or any sexual contact with anyone under the age of 13. Engaging in criminal mischief resulting in damages over $50. Engaging in threatening behavior

It is agree that every school employee who has witnessed or has information from the victim of an of theft, destruction or violence is a safe school zone (in or on school property or within 1,000‟ of school property) shall immediately forward such act to a supervisor. A supervisor receiving such a report shall immediately forward such information to the principal. The principal will file a report both verbally and in writing to the police department within 48 hours of the reported incident. Please see policy JICD and JICD-R for more information.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The following are reminders and information on procedures that must be followed on an ongoing basis by all faculty and staff based on NH DOE School Standards Requirements:

1. Make all students aware of the school safety procedures as described in Faculty/Staff Handbook. This should be done at least once per quarter by every teacher in every class:

a) Building Evacuation b) Safety alert c) Shelter in place d) Drop and cover e) Reverse evacuation

2. Never leave students unsupervised. 3. Rooms that can be secured are to be locked when not occupied and supervised. This includes windows and doors. Report any malfunctions immediately upon their identification to administration. 4. All egress routes must have a 36” wide path without any obstructions. The egress path must allow for access from the entire room. If there are two modes of egress from a room, the egress route must be from one to the other. 5. There must be a 30” wide path between all rows of desks or tables leading to a 36” egress route. 6. Egress routes may never be blocked. 7. All electrical panels must have unobstructed access at all times and nothing can be placed within 36” of any electrical panel. 8. Power strips may be used but they must have overload protection, have a switch and be plugged directly into an outlet. Extension cords are not allowed, except for temporary situations lasting less than 24 hours. 9. If any type of electrical cable must cross any area where there is any foot traffic the cable(s) must be protected with an approved cable cover. 10. All appliances located in classroom spaces must be curriculum related, UL approved and owned by the School District. 11. Any and all chemicals used and/or stored in any part of the building must have an Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) readily available in the room that it is in as well as there must be an MSDS in the school office on file as well. Any time any type of chemical is ordered an MSDS must be requested in writing from the vendor at the time the order is made. 12. Anything that is fabric or is covered with fabric or fabric is a part of must have fire retardant certification, have been treated with a fire retardant or be removed from the building. If a fire retardant treatment has been applied a record of the treatment must be available in the room where it is located as well as on file in the school office. The record shall include the name of the item treated, the date it was treated, the complete name of the product used and the person who applied the fire retardant to the item. 13. Nothing can be stored above a plane 18” below all sprinkler heads in any given room. There will be no exceptions. 14. Not more than 50% of the wall space in any given room can be covered with combustible materials.

SAFETY DRILLS

There are five (5) different types of building safety drills. They are:

1. Building Evacuation 2. Safety alert 3. Shelter in place 4. Drop and cover 5. Reverse evacuation

Whether an actual emergency exists or a practice drill is being conducted, all students are required to follow the supervisor‟s directions. The administration will announce drills and give directions over the public address system. Teachers are the immediate supervisors of students in the classrooms and students are to follow the teacher‟s directions during all emergency drills.

The general procedures for safety drills are as follows:

BUILDING EVACUATIONS: Each classroom must have a written notice and diagram posted with Fire Drill Instructions located on the wall near the doorway. 55

General Instructions: When the alarm sounds, teachers and staff will: 1. See that students leave the building quickly and quietly and accompany them to the assigned area: The far end of the student parking lot. *Students are to stay off the paved areas around the school, as these will be used by responding fire trucks. 2. Shut off classroom lights and close doors and windows. 3. Take your Rank and Attendance Books. 4. Once outside you should take attendance and send a student with the attendance to Mrs. Sawyer. She will be at the light post next to the student parking lot closest to the main entrance of the school. The attendance report should have your name on it and should list the names of the students who are missing. The attendance report should only include the name of those students who are not accounted for from that class. Not accounted for means those students who should be in class but are not present who attendance is taken in the assembly area. 5. All other staff members who do not have a class must check in with Mrs. Sawyer without delay.

Exiting Procedures: At the sound of the alarm, students are to exit the room quickly and quietly and follow the posted exit directions. Students are to move off the pavement surrounding the school if possible.

TECH ED: Exit front or rear doors and proceed to the far end of the student parking lot.

CAFETERIA HALL: Cafeteria, Kitchen, Music, Art, Lecture Hall, & HS Science 114 - Exit by Cafeteria to the far end of the student parking lot.

ROOMS 112 & 113: Proceed up stairwell to exit by 212 to the far end of the student parking lot.

ROOMS 116, 131, 118, & 119: Proceed to Tech Ed exit and proceed to the far end of the student parking lot.

MIDDLE SCHOOL HALL: 117, 128, 127, 120, 121, 122, & 123: Proceed to main exit by Nurse's office and proceed to the far end of the student parking lot

ROOMS 126, 124, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, & 117: Stairwell exit, proceed outside to the far end of the student parking lot.

ROOMS 217, 218, 219, & 220: Take stairwell to first floor Tech Ed exit - proceed outside to the far end of the student parking lot.

ROOMS 214, 216, LIBRARY & OFFICE: Exit by main doors to the far end of the student parking lot.

ROOMS 212, & 213: Take stairwell exit outside to the far end of the student parking lot.

GYM, LOCKER ROOMS & STAGE: Exit by side doors and proceed to the far end of the student parking lot.

* If a building evacuation occurs between classes, before school or at break, students and staff should exit the building by the closest exit and proceed to the areas they would be in their NEXT class. ** If a building evacuation occurs during the lunch period or an assembly, the teachers will direct students out of the cafeteria or assembly area and exit to the grass area behind the building. The Attendance Secretary will send attendance lists to the duty teachers.

SAFETY ALERT: To protect students and staff from dangerous situations i.e., intruder in the building or severe weather conditions.

1. An announcement will be made that a “Safety Alert” is in progress. 2. Students should report to the nearest classroom. 3. Teachers will lock doors and direct all windows to be closed. 4. Lights and all equipment will be turned off.. 5. Everyone is to stay away from doors and windows, move to an interior wall, and sit in a safe location. 6. There is to be NO noise and NO ONE is to leave the room for any reason. 7. Await further instructions over the Public Address System.

SHELTER IN PLACE: To protect students from exposure to severe weather conditions, hazardous materials emergency, etc.

1. Students will follow announcement on Public Address System. 2. Everyone will move to classrooms and make them as safe as possible by closing doors and sealing gaps with tape, close and tape all windows, OR 3. Moving to an internal Hallway away from windows, closing all classrooms, and emergency fire doors, sit against interior wall quietly. 4. Teachers will take attendance and make not of any missing students. 5. Emergency bathroom use only – Buddy System. 6. Await further instructions.

DROP & COVER: To protect students in immediate danger from severe unpredicted weather conditions (tornado-earthquake)

When “DROP & COVER” command is given:

1. DROP and take cover under a desk, table, etc. and face away from windows. 2. COVER your eyes by leaning your face against your arm. 3. HOLD onto the table or desk legs.

REVERSE EVACUATION: To move students back inside the building when an emergency condition exists.

1. At announcement or on teacher direction, students will move back inside the school building in a quick and orderly manner. 2. Students will go to an empty classroom, gym or area directed by the teacher in charge. 3. Teacher will take attendance. 4. Wait for further instructions over the Public Address System.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special Education programs and services are available to students with disabilities. A parent, teacher, or student may contact the Director of Student Services to determine a student‟s eligibility for services.

SECTION 504 - Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section 504 of the above act prohibits discrimination against handicapped individuals by school programs and requires that handicapped students be provided a “Free and Appropriate Public Education”. This includes a barrier free environment for all pupils and personnel in the district. Parents, students, and teachers are advised to report any concerns regarding these matters to the Director of Student Services.

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

In addition to this handbook, all staff should make themselves familiar with the following resources: Power School Grading Procedures (classroom teachers only)* Master Plan for Staff Development * Student and Family Handbooks (MS and HS) - revised yearly* PBIS Behavioral Expectations* Course Offerings Book – revised yearly** Special Needs Teacher‟s Handbook – revised yearly** School Board Policy Manual – located in the Principal‟s Office and PMHS EAP Master Agreement (teachers only) Handbook on Teacher Evaluation ** Crisis Intervention Plan Athletes Handbook - revised yearly Curriculum Documents and Course Competencies

*A copy of this document accompanies the Faculty Handbook within the Faculty Manual binder ** Each Faculty member is provided a separate individual copy of this document

STAFF ETHICS

An employee speaking or writing as a citizen should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but his/her special position in the community carries special obligations. The employee must remember that the public may judge the professional and institution by his/her utterances. Hence, the employee should, at all times, be accurate, exercise appropriate restraint, show respect for the opinion of others, and make every effort to indicate that he/she is not a school spokesperson.

Employee Conflict of Interest Employees will not engage in, or have a financial interest in, any activity that raises a reasonable question of conflict of interest with their duties and responsibilities as employees. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Employees will not participate for financial remuneration in outside activities wherein their position on the staff is used to sell goods or services to students or their parents; 2. Employees will not engage in any type of work where the source of information concerning customer, client, or employer originates from information obtained through the District; 3. Employees will not solicit or sell for personal gain any educational materials or equipment within the District; nor will employees make available lists of names of students or parents to anyone for sales purposes. To avoid nepotism in the supervision of personnel, the Board directs that no employee be assigned in any position where the employee would be responsible to a relative.

STAFF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff members have the responsibility to and shall become familiar with the laws of the state, the policies of the Board and the regulations designed to implement them with respect to the affect they may have on their work.

All staff members shall carry out their assigned responsibilities with conscientious concern. The first responsibility of the instructional staff is the education of the student.

Also essential to the success of ongoing school operations and the instructional program are the following specific responsibilities, which shall be required of all personnel:

1. Faithfulness and promptness in attendance at work. 2. Support and enforcement of policies of the Board and regulations of the school administration in regard to students. 3. Diligence in submitting required reports promptly at the times specified. 4. Care and protection of school property. 5. Concern and attention toward their own and the Board's legal responsibility for the safety and welfare of students, including the need to ensure that classes are under supervision at all times. In their association with students, all school employees shall set examples that are an important part of the educational process. Their manner, appearance, courteousness, industry, and attitudes establish models that affect the development of young people. The Board expects its staff members to set exemplary models, as well as provide exemplary instruction.

(School Board Policy GBE)

STUDENT AND FAMILY HANDBOOKS

Faculty and staff are required to become familiar with and to implement procedures and regulations as described in the Student/ Family Handbook. A copy of the handbook is contained within each Faculty and Staff Manual.

STUDENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS Books and/or Money Owed All school property assigned to students must be appropriately recorded. Textbooks must be numbered and assigned to students. The practice of having classroom sets of textbooks that are available for student use without being assigned to students is not a responsible method of managing the resources made available to us.

Any missing school property is to be reported to the principal in writing. Include the name of the student, the item missing (ex: textbook name, publisher, edition and book number), the condition of the item when assigned to the student and the replacement cost.

A student will not be allowed to attend or participate in any extra-curricular activity while owing monies for lost or damaged books, supplies, equipment and/or school property. This includes participation in athletic activities, school dances, outside of school time field trips, graduation, etc. Students who claim a financial hardship must meet with the principal and provide a written plan on providing reimbursement to the school.

STUDENT INTERVIEWS

Students may not be interviewed by non-school personnel (including the police) without the approval of the principal or his/her designee. The school has the legal responsibility to inform parents of minor children that their child is being questioned and to provide parents the opportunity to be present during questioning.

STUDENT RECORDS

Student records are highly confidential. Records are available to professional staff members only for the conduct of legitimate school business. Grades of individual students, either specifically or generally, may not be shared with other students. School records pertaining to the individual student may be used only for the promotion or welfare of the student, and shall not be made available to any outside person or agency unless a written release of information is obtained from the student‟s parents. No employee of the school may furnish lists of names and addresses of students to anyone other than school personnel.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The PMHS provides services for identification and early intervention with students having academic, behavioral, or other problems that may interfere with a successful school experience. In some instances, parents/guardians may know of conditions at home that, while not currently affecting school performance, present a risk factor requiring assistance. The Parents/guardians are encouraged to make use of these services as part of the Pre-referral Intervention process prior to requesting a referral to the Special Education Team. Further information about programs available at the school may be obtained by contacting the Director of Student Services.

STUDENT SURVEYS

Feedback from students can be extremely useful and constructive. The faculty is required to give an end-of-course survey to each student. The surveys themselves are the teacher's property. The administration does, however, require that each teacher write a short synopsis of what was learned from the process. In general, the synopsis should indicate what, if anything, a teacher might change or expand upon, depending upon student responses. Examples can be found in the library, in the principal's office, and in the appendix of this manual.

STUDY HALLS

Instructional Study Halls: Students who register for a study hall in their schedule will be expected to utilize their study hall period for academic purposes. Study halls are supervised by members of the professional staff who are present to assist students with organizational skills and/or academic concerns. During most periods of the day the library and computer laboratories are also available to assist students with research papers and other projects. A study hall is an assigned class scheduled to facilitate learning. Attendance is required and students are expected to bring material so they are prepared to study. Study halls provide students the opportunity to complete assignments, readings, research, homework, and projects during the school day. The atmosphere in the study hall must be quiet and purposeful. No activity will be allowed which interferes with other students‟ rights to quiet and uninterrupted study time. Students may elect to go to the library by registering with the library beforehand. Students are encouraged to use good judgment regarding their use of study hall time.

Advisory Study Halls: Every morning for 45-minutes, all high school students will be assigned to an "Advisory Study" class. The Advisory Study period is designed to create stronger bonds between advisors and students in their advisories. It is a time when advisors can work one-on-one with students in acquiring good study skills including using a planner, budgeting time, managing short- and long-term projects, preparing for exams, or on other academic-related skills and assignments. Advisors will be aware of their students' assignments and academic progress and will work with students so they can achieve the highest possible level of academic success.

Study Hall Procedures: 1. Students should report to study halls on time with appropriate materials, and prepared to study. Assistance with assignments or homework is available from the Study Hall Supervisor. 2. Students are expected to stay in their assigned seats until attendance is taken and all passes are signed. At this time the Study Hall Supervisor will dismiss students with passes. 3. Any activity which could interfere with another student‟s right to quiet and uninterrupted study time will not be permitted. No walkman devices or games of any kind are allowed in study halls. Students who consistently fail to observe the rights of others will be removed to the Planning Room. 4. One student at a time will be allowed to leave the Study Hall with a bathroom pass.

SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS

Supervisory duties are a necessary aspect of student safety and school management. Good supervision is an important part of the school picture, ensuring that students are provided with a safe, orderly school environment and ensuring parents/caregivers that their children are cared for while in our charge. General supervision guidelines include:

Be on time To exchange a supervisory duty with another person, notify the office of the arrangements made Resist the temptation to remain stationary and engage in lengthy conversations with children or other adults. Never leave your post unsupervised; if you are called away, arrange for a substitute. Some spots seem to invite trouble; give regular and vigilant attention to any location that is out of your direct line of vision. In case of serious accident, send a child to the nurse‟s office; the supervising adult stays with the injured person; keep others away from the injured person. For all events that require written parental permission to attend, a parent/guardian must be contacted before a student is allowed to leave the event early.

It is every teacher‟s professional and legal responsibility to supervise students adequately in every situation. Whenever supervising students, each teacher should take a position so that all students for whom the teacher is responsible are in full view. The full and undivided attention of the supervising teacher should be given to students. Teachers will supervise cafeteria, bus loading areas, corridors, etc., as assigned and as conditions warrant. Any condition that appears to be unsafe should be reported to the principal. At no time are students allowed to remain in a classroom or on school property except when they are under the supervision of a teacher.

SUPPLY REQUISITION

Cheryl Hodgdon is the designated person to fill supply requests. Email supply requests to Mrs. Hodgdon or leave your requests in the „Supplies‟ mailbox in the main office. Students in the Life Skills class will deliver your supplies on the next school day.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Acceptable Internet Use Procedures School District Services The School District provides resources for teaching and learning, communication services, and business data services by maintaining access to local, regional, national, and international sources of information. The School District information resources will be used by members of the school community with respect for the public trust through which they have been provided and in accordance with policy and regulations established by the School District. These procedures do not attempt to articulate all required for proscribed behavior by its users. Successful operation of the network requires that all users conduct themselves in a responsible, decent, ethical, and polite manner while using the network. The user is ultimately responsible for his/her actions in accessing network services.

Guidelines 1. Access to the networks and to the information technology environment within the District is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of the network and its associated systems. 2. Information networks will be used for the purposes of research, education, and school-related business and operations. 3. Any system which requires password access or for which the District requires an account, such as the Internet, will only be used by the authorized user. Account owners are ultimately responsible for all activity under their accounts. 4. The resources of the District are limited. All users must exercise prudence in the shared use of this resource. 5. All communications and information accessible via any District network should be treated as private property.

Unacceptable Use The District has the right to take disciplinary action, remove computer and networking privileges, and/or take legal action for any activity characterized as unethical and unacceptable. Such disciplinary action may include penalties up to suspension or expulsion for students and up to termination for employees. Unacceptable use activities constitute, but are not limited to, any activity through which any user:

1. Violates such matters as institutional or third-party copyright, license agreements, or other contracts. The unauthorized use of and/or copying of software is illegal. 2. Interferes with or disrupts other network users, services, or equipment. 3. Seeks to gain or gains unauthorized access to information resources. 4. Uses or knowingly allows another to use any computer or computer system to devise or execute a scheme to defraud or obtain money, property, services, or other things of value by false pretenses, promises, or representations. 5. Destroys, alters, dismantles, or otherwise interferes with the integrity of computer based information and/or information resources. 6. Invades the privacy of individuals or entities. 7. Uses the network for commercial or political activity. 8. Installs unauthorized software for use on District computers. 9. Uses a network to access inappropriate materials. 10. Submits, publishes, or displays any defamatory, inaccurate, racially offensive, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or threatening materials or messages either publicly or privately. 11. Uses a District network for illegal harassing, vandalizing, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities.

District Rights The District reserves the right to:

1. Monitor all activity. 2. Make determinations on whether specific uses of a network are consistent with these acceptable use procedures. 3. Log network use and monitor storage disk space utilization by users. 4. Determine what is appropriate use. 5. Remove a user‟s access to the network at any time it is determined that the user engaged in unauthorized activity or violated these acceptable use procedures. 6. Cooperate fully with any investigation concerning or relating to the District‟s network activity.

School District Code of Conduct Use of the Internet by students and staff of the District shall be in support of education and research that is consistent with the mission of the District. Internet use is limited to those persons who have been issued District-approved accounts. Use will be in accordance with the District‟s Acceptable Use Procedures and Code of Conduct.

1. Protect your Internet log from information from others. 2. Respect the privacy of users. Do not use others‟ passwords. 3. Be ethical and courteous. Do not send hate, harassing, or obscene mail, discriminatory remarks, or demonstrate other antisocial behaviors. 4. Maintain the integrity of files and data. Do not modify or copy files and/or data of other users without their consent. 5. Treat information created by others as the private property of the creator. Respect copyrights. 6. Use any network in a way that does not disrupt its use by others. 7. Do not destroy, modify, or abuse the hardware or software in any way. 8. Do not develop or pass on programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or damage the software components of a computer or computing system, such as viruses, worms, “chain” messages, etc. 9. Do not use the Internet to access or process pornographic or otherwise inappropriate material. 10. Do not use the Internet for commercial purposes.

The District reserves the right to remove a user‟s account if it is determined that the user is engaged in unauthorized activity or is violating this Code of Conduct. School District Internet Access Release Form As a condition of my right to use the School District network resources, including access to the Internet, I understand and agree to the following:

1. To abide by the District Acceptable Use Procedures and Code of Conduct. 2. That District administrators and staff have the right to review any material stored on District computers in files and to edit or remove any material which they, in their sole discretion, believe may be unlawful, obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable, and I hereby waive any right of privacy which I may otherwise have to such material. 3. That the School District will not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages due to information gained and/or obtained via use of the District‟s network resources.

4. That the School District does not warrant that the functions of any District network, or any network accessible through District resources, will meet any specific requirements you may have, or that the network resources will be error-free or uninterrupted. 5. That the School District shall not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential (including lost data or information) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use District networks and resources. 6. That the use of the District networks, including access to public networks, is a privilege which may be revoked by network administrators at any time for violation of the Acceptable Use Procedures and Code of Conduct. The School District will be the sole arbiter of what constitutes violation of the Acceptable Use Procedures or Code of Conduct. 7. In consideration for the privilege of using the School District network resources and in consideration for having access to the public networks, I hereby release the School District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use, the District network resources.

Name of User: School: Assignment (grade/subject/position/etc.): Home Phone: I hereby certify that I will abide by the conditions set forth in this document, the Acceptable Use Procedures and the Code of Conduct. Signature of User: Signature of Parent/Guardian (for students under age of 18) Date: Authorized Staff Member Signature: Date: See Board Policy EGA & EGA-R for more information.

TELEPHONE USAGE BY FACULTY A private telephone line is provided in the faculty room for staff use. This phone is limited to calls within the State of New Hampshire. A telephone log is located next to the phone on which must be recorded all non-local outgoing calls as indicated on the log. Personal long distance calls in or out of New Hampshire can be made from this phone using the employee's own calling card. School-related long distance calls outside of New Hampshire need to be made from a phone connected to the school's phone system. To make such a long distance call, you must use your personal three digit calling code. Staff will receive a monthly report of long distance calls made with their code. Staff is expected to reimburse the school for personal long distance phone calls. TESTING OUT

In accordance with NH RSA ED 306 “Each high school shall offer maximum student opportunities, in and out of the classroom, while at the same time specifying a basic number of courses that each high school shall offer. If a student demonstrates knowledge and abilities on a placement pre-test developed by the local school district for a particular course, the student shall not receive credit for the course, but shall be allowed to take a more advanced level of the subject or an elective.”

The procedure here at PMHS is that those students who would like to take advantage of this opportunity to test out of a course in order to take a higher level course within that curriculum area would be administered the previous year‟s mid-term and final exam for the course and if they were to receive an 80% or better on the first attempt on that exam, then they could go on to the more advanced class without receiving credit for the class that they tested out of. Demonstration of mastery of course competencies can replace the successful completion of course summative exams where applicable.

TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS IN PRIVATE VEHICLES

The Board forbids employees from transporting students with private vehicles, except their own children, to and from school, on field trips, to athletic events or other school functions, without prior written approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Individuals providing unauthorized student transportation do so at their own expense and liability.

In order to obtain written permission to transport students on an incidental basis to a school authorized activity the employee must provide a copy of a valid driver‟s license; the vehicle must have a valid NH inspection sticker and proof of minimum auto insurance with minimum liability limits of $100,000/$300,000. A second adult must be in the vehicle anytime there is written permission to transport a student and the driver must have written permission of the parent/guardian to transport each child to be transported. See Policy EEAG for more information.

21ST CENTURY LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

During the 09-10 school year, every faculty member and paraprofessional had the opportunity to help collaboratively generate these expectation statements and rubrics. During the Spring of 2011, once all members of the school community have had some experience working with these statements and rubrics, we expect to re-evaluate them, and revise as necessary for the 2011-2012 school year.

The rubrics help teachers use a common language when discussing expectations with students. No teacher should expect to use any of these rubrics “as is” to assess a class project. Rather, every teacher should incorporate criteria and wording from them as they develop their individual course assignment rubrics. Naturally, teachers developing assignment rubrics should expect to elaborate on specific criteria emphasized in a specific project, and to add criteria related to course-specific content and skills. Teachers should expect to address only a few of the school-wide criteria in any individual assignment rubric.

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), is the organization that accredits PMHS, used to require assessment of school-wide Social, Civic, and Academic Expectations. Now, NEASC requires assessment of 21st Century Learning Expectations. The PMHS 21st Century Learning Expectations are as follows:

Students will be able to effectively collaborate within diverse teams.

Students will be able to effectively communicate in a variety of forms.

Students will be effective problem solvers.

Students will be engaged and responsible citizens.

Students will be productive, self-directed learners.

On every progress report and report card, teachers will assess each student on each 21st Century Learning Expectation. Teachers will use the rubric for the expectation, scoring students on a scale of 1 to 4. Rubrics are included in Appendix …

4 Proficient with Distinction 3 Proficient 2 Partially Proficient 1 Substantially Below Proficient

In order to earn senior release, undergraduate honor privileges, or honor roll status, a student must have a 3.0 average grade on each of the five expectations.

21st Century Learning Expectation: Students will be able to effectively collaborate within diverse teams 4 Proficient with 2 Partially 1 Substantially Below Criteria Distinction 3 Proficient Proficient Proficient Teamwork Consistently Usually demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates limited ability to demonstrates the the willingness and limited willingness work effectively with self- willingness and ability to work and ability to work selected group members ability to work effectively and effectively and Rarely incorporates ideas effectively and respectfully with all respectfully with from others respectfully with all members of a diverse members of the members of a group group diverse group (e.g.: Willingly solicits and Selective in good listener; incorporates ideas incorporating ideas shares ideas; from all members of from group supportive) the group members Actively solicits and incorporates ideas from all members of the group Goal-oriented Consistently Consistently Sometimes Rarely establishes goals and establishes goals establishes goals and establishes goals seldom sees them through and is able to see is often able to see and is able to see Rarely encourages and/or them through; them through them through holds self and group members Encourages and Does their share of the Sometimes accountable for task at hand; holds self and work and may hold self encouraging, but often requires others to keep group members and group members usually requires them on task accountable for accountable for task at others to hold them task at hand hand accountable Shared While clearly stating While clearly stating Either states own Either unwillingness to Responsibility and defending one‟s own ideas, ideas and is rarely compromise causes group one‟s own ideas, usually compromises willing to division OR acceding to group also compromises and concedes for the compromise, OR decisions without acceptance and concedes for betterment of the accepts of responsibility the betterment of group responsibility for Rarely assumes group- the group Usually assumes group decisions assigned responsibilities or Assumes group- group-assigned without contributing completes assigned tasks assigned responsibilities and Sometimes responsibilities and completes assigned assumes group- completes assigned tasks assigned tasks responsibilities and completes assigned tasks Respect Demonstrates an Demonstrates an Shows a basic Does not adequately show an understanding of understanding of and understanding of understanding of and respect and respect for respect for individual and respect for for individual differences; individual differences, sometimes individual makes some insensitive or differences, prompting others to differences, but derogatory statements and consistently examine intolerant rarely prompts often encourages others to prompting others to statements; rarely others to examine make discriminatory remarks. examine intolerant uses insensitive or their intolerant statements; rarely derogatory terms, but statements; makes uses insensitive or may encourage others few, if any, derogatory terms to appreciate diversity insensitive or and actively seeks and respect derogatory to educate others to differences. statements appreciate diversity and respect differences.

21st Century Learning Expectation: Students will be able to effectively communicate in a variety of forms 4 Proficient 1Substantially Criteria with Distinction 3 Proficient 2 Partially Proficient Below Proficient Purpose Demonstrates a strong Demonstrates a Demonstrates a limited Demonstrates a weak understanding and ability to general understanding and ability to understanding and ability to identify the purpose of understanding and identify the purpose of identify the purpose of communication and to tailor ability to identify the communication and to tailor it to communication and to tailor it to it to the audience. purpose of the audience. the audience. communication and to tailor it to the audience. Listening Demonstrates strong active Usually demonstrates Listens for understanding, but Requires assistance to focus listening skills by active listening skills responses show limited attention on what is being said responding appropriately in by responding comprehension and reflection. and responses show limited context, showing appropriately in comprehension and reflection. comprehension and context, showing objective reflection. comprehension and objective reflection. Visual tools Creates clear, accurate, Creates clear, Creates visual tools (charts, Creates visual tools (charts, effective, and engaging accurate, and graphs, art) that have minimal graphs, art) that are vague and visual tools (charts, graphs, effective visual tools clarity or ability to effectively leave the viewer confused about art) to express ideas and (charts, graphs, art) express ideas and convey the ideas represented convey information. to express ideas and information convey information. Specialized Correctly interprets and Interprets and Interprets most content-specific Has difficulty interpreting and Vocabulary appropriately uses content- appropriately uses vocabulary, symbols, and visual using content-specific & Symbols specific vocabulary, most content-specific tools, but rarely uses them. vocabulary, symbols, and visual symbols, and visual tools. vocabulary, symbols, tools. and visual tools. Writing Writes with strong clarity, Usually writes with Produces writing that has some Writes with minimal clarity and focus, and organization clarity, focus and moments of clarity, focus and focus, weak organization Uses appropriate voice and organization organization Uses inappropriate voice or style style Uses appropriate Uses appropriate voice and style Errors in conventions create Applies conventions voice and style most some of the time confusion accurately of the time Errors in conventions create Makes few errors in confusion at times conventions Response to Always responds to praise Usually responds to Seldom responds appropriately Rarely responds appropriately Feedback and criticism with objective praise and criticism and thoughtfully to praise and and thoughtfully to praise and emotions and insightful with appropriate criticism. criticism. adjustments emotions and thoughtful adjustments Reading Reads a wide variety of Generally reads a Fluently reads and comprehends Reads but lacks fluency and materials fluently and with wide variety of materials for mass consumption struggles to comprehend what is strong comprehension. materials fluently and (i.e. newspapers) but struggles to read. with reasonable comprehend higher level content comprehension material Speaking Speaks clearly, articulately Speaks clearly and Speaks clearly and articulately on Speaks unclearly, inarticulately, and uses language articulately most of some occasions and at times, and uses language that is appropriate for the purpose the time and uses uses language that is not inappropriate for the purpose and audience language appropriate appropriate for the purpose and and audience. for the purpose and audience. audience.

21st Century Learning Expectation: Students will be effective problem solvers 4 Proficient with 1 Substantially Below Criteria Distinction 3 Proficient 2 Partially Proficient Proficient Define the Problem Poses significant, insightful Asks relevant questions to Asks clarifying questions Asks questions to clarify a questions to identify and identify and clarify a and sometimes seeks to problem, but rarely seeks to clarify a problem problem identify a new problem identify a new problem Independently identifies Identifies and understands Needs some clarification Needs significant explanation of and understands the the problem from others to identify and the problem before getting started problem within an Identifies the most understand the problem Needs significant assistance to ambiguous context significant related variables Identifies some variables recognize most variables &/or Independently identifies &/or parts of the system &/or parts of the system, parts of the system related variables &/or parts has difficulty understanding of the system, which are most significant understanding the relative importance of each Investigate/ Uses prior knowledge to Brainstorms limited Brainstorms limited Designs a single strategy, which is Research the brainstorm several high- strategies; able to evaluate strategies and then requires sometimes inadequate or Problem quality, creative strategies; each in order to select the assistance to select the questionable evaluates the practicality most appropriate strategy most appropriate strategy Able to effectively acquire a large of each in order to select to pursue Usually accesses breadth of information, but usually the most appropriate Independently accesses information efficiently and requires assistance to identify strategy to pursue information efficiently (time) effectively, but may need appropriate depth, credible Independently accesses and effectively (sources), assistance identifying sources and relevant details. information in a wide range selecting the most relevant appropriate, credible With minimal assistance, can of formats efficiently (time) evidence. sources and irrelevant apply the strategy to solve the and effectively (sources), Independently applies the details. problem adjusting depth and strategy to arrive at a Solves the problem using breadth of research reasonable solution the chosen strategy Manages the flow of information from a wide variety of resources to solve the problem. Analyze and Designs own criteria to Usually designs own criteria If the criteria are provided, If the criteria are provided, can Interpret Data evaluate the effectiveness to evaluate the solution and can evaluate the solution but evaluate the solution in simple of the solution and make applies those criteria to rarely suggests terms necessary adjustments make necessary improvements / adjustments Often needs assistance to use Fluently uses a variety of adjustments Critically evaluates data analysis tools tools to critically and Critically and competently information, using analysis Makes superficial evaluations of competently evaluate evaluates information tools as directed information information Uses various types of Given the method Often requires assistance to draw Selects and applies reasoning (inductive, appropriate to the situation, appropriate conclusions various types of reasoning deductive, etc.) as able to independently reason Needs significant assistance to (inductive, deductive, etc.) appropriate to the situation inductively or deductively to identify and analyze trends in data as appropriate to the to draw conclusions draw conclusions Tends to make conclusions that situation to draw insightful Usually independently Needs some guidance to are not directly supported by conclusions identifies and analyzes identify and analyze trends in evidence Always independently trends in data data identifies and analyzes Frequently supports Supports conclusions with trends in data. conclusions with evidence weak or unsubstantiated Independently identifies evidence significant evidence to support conclusions Reflect Critically on Able to generalize the Able to generalize the Often needs assistance to Often needs assistance to Process and solution and to suggest solution enough to suggest generalize the solution and generalize the solution and apply it Learning applications to other some other applications apply it to other situations to other situations Experiences situations Usually makes valid Makes limited suggestions Rarely able to independently make Makes a range of valid suggestions for adjustments for adjustments or suggestions for adjustments or suggestions for or extensions extensions extensions adjustments and extensions

21st Century Learning Expectation: Students will be engaged and responsible citizens Criteria 4 Proficient with 3 Proficient 2 Partially 1 Substantially Below Distinction Proficient Proficient Respect Always sensitive to Usually sensitive to Sometimes Rarely or never sensitive to &Tolerance the feelings of others the feelings of sensitive to the the feelings of others Always respectful of others feelings of others others‟ rights and Usually respectful of Rarely or never respectful of property others‟ rights and Sometimes others‟ rights and property property respectful of others‟ rights and property

Leadership Demonstrates the Does not actively Reluctant to Does not seek or accept desire to assume seek leadership assume leadership leadership roles. position of roles, but accepts roles Rarely or never participates in leadership leadership role Prefers to follow the the decision making process. Makes autonomous when called upon actions and advice Relies on peer group when choices and Active participant in of peers when required to make a choice or decisions and is any decision making making a decision; decision. always willing to process, willing to reluctant to express respectfully express express his/her his/her opinion his/her opinion opinion Democratic Demonstrates a Demonstrates a Demonstrates some Demonstrates little knowledge Process depth of knowledge general knowledge knowledge of the of or interest in the workings of the workings of of the workings of workings of the of the democratic process the electoral process the electoral electoral process Minimally engaged in at least and the functions process and the and shows interest one community; occasionally and institutions of functions and in the political participates in a way that is democratic institutions of campaigns for considerate of the interests of government. democratic major offices. that community Highly engaged and government. Engaged in at least Sees little purpose in voting invested in Engaged in multiple one community; as a citizen‟s responsibility communities of communities; usually participates various purposes usually participates in a way that is and compositions; in a way that is considerate of the responsibly considerate of the interests of that participates in a way interests of those community that enhances the communities Shows little interests of those Does not yet knowledge of or communities articulate a concern interest in the Understands and about participation importance of articulates the in voting as every voting at any level importance of active citizen‟s participation in the responsibility voting process at all levels of government Media Literacy Actively seeks Primarily uses Forms opinions Relies on opinions of peers information from public media based on limited and families multiple sources and sources to inform information sources Rarely recognizes the bias a variety of opinions Usually recognizes caused by the inclusion or perspectives to form Evaluates bias caused by the exclusion of perspectives or opinions information bias inclusion or information Evaluates and caused by the exclusion of articulates how inclusion or perspectives or messages are exclusion of information biased through the perspectives or inclusion or information exclusion of perspectives or information

21st Century Learning Expectation: Students will be productive, self-directed learners 4 Proficient with 1 Substantially Criteria Distinction 3 Proficient 2 Partially Proficient Below Proficient Initiative and Consistently identifies, Consistently completes Usually completes Often requires assistance to Self Direction prioritizes, monitors, assigned tasks without assigned tasks remain focused on most and completes tasks direct oversight; without direct tasks; rarely identifies tasks without oversight, occasionally identifies and oversight; identifies Rarely seeks additional seeking feedback and prioritizes tasks and prioritizes tasks experiences to supplement assistance as Demonstrates curiosity with support classroom learning appropriate and initiative to go beyond Demonstrates Rarely uses prior Frequently basic mastery of skills curiosity and knowledge to guide future demonstrates and/or curriculum occasionally seeks progress curiosity and takes Usually reflects on past additional initiative to advance experiences in order to experiences to skills and inform future progress supplement understanding toward classroom learning a professional level Occasionally uses Consistently critically prior knowledge to reflects on past guide future progress experiences in order to inform future progress Flexibility and Seeks varied roles, Adapts to varied roles, job Adapts to limited Has difficulty adapting to Adaptability job responsibilities, responsibilities, schedules, changes in role, different roles, schedules, and and contexts responsibility, responsibilities, schedules, contexts in order to Usually evaluates and schedule, and / or and/or contexts help a group adapt identifies priorities as context Identifies priorities in a Independently conditions change Sometimes identifies clearly defined situation or evaluates and Readily accepts and priorities, but does context, but does not identifies priorities as effectively incorporates not readily adjust to readily adjust to change conditions change feedback change Rarely accepts feedback Effectively seeks and Usually handles setbacks, Usually accepts Often demonstrates incorporates feedback and criticism effectively feedback frustration in response to Deals positively with Comprehends and Sometimes setbacks and criticism criticism; anticipates balances diverse views demonstrates Often needs assistance to and manages and beliefs to reach frustration in understand diverse views setbacks workable solutions response to setbacks and reach compromise Consistently seeks to or criticism understand, negotiate, Usually and balance diverse comprehends views and beliefs to diverse views and reach compromise beliefs, but occasionally has difficulty negotiating workable compromises

Leadership Seeks to establish Seeks to join, and actively Willingly works with Usually willing to work with And and lead teams to participates in team others to accomplish others to accomplish tasks Responsibility accomplish tasks environments tasks Sets goals with assistance; Balances tactical Usually able to set both Able to set short- has limited success (short-term) and short and long term goals term goals, but meeting goals in the face of strategic (long-term) Independently sets and requires assistance obstacles and competing goals meets goals, even in the to set longer term pressure Uses interpersonal face of obstacles and goals, or vice versa Usually completes given and problem-solving competing pressure Independently sets team assignments skills to influence and Effectively prioritizes and and sometimes Recognizes social and guide others in setting manages own time to meets goals, having cultural differences among and meeting goals complete tasks difficulty in the face team members, but may Prioritizes, plans, and Uses the strengths of of obstacles and have difficulty working with manages work to others, including social competing pressure differences achieve the intended and cultural differences, to Reliably completes Assigns blame for short- results increase quality of work assigned tasks in a comings on other factors; Leverages the Usually accepts team environment does not see consequences strengths of others, as responsibility and Works effectively as expected results of well as social and consequences with people from actions cultural differences, to different social and increase both cultural backgrounds innovation and quality Often accepts of work responsibility but Inspires others to does not always reach their best by connect actions with setting examples and consequences demonstrating selflessness Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, especially when using influence and power Accepts responsibility and consequences

USE OF SCHOOL-OWNED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

School equipment and materials may not be used for any purpose other than school, school-related, civic or educational purposes per Board Policy EDC.

Equipment may be loaned to staff when it is to be used for activities related to their employment and to students when the equipment is to be used in connection with their studies or for school approved extra-curricular activities.

Those who borrow equipment will have a written agreement which specifies the borrower‟s responsibility to return the equipment in the condition that it was received and his/her financial responsibility for any loss or damage, which will meet the requirements of all applicable insurance. The process of borrowing school equipment will be through the Principal‟s office.

VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE

The Pittsfield School Board authorizes, through Policy ECAF, the use of video and audio surveillance equipment on district property to ensure the health welfare and safety of all students, staff and visitors District property and to safeguard District buildings, grounds and equipment. The Superintendent has authorized the placement and locations of all surveillance devices. Placement of surveillance devices will be based on the presumption and belief that students, staff and visitors have no reasonable expectation of privacy in areas or at events that occur in plain view.

VIDEO/DVD SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

Discretion must be used in deciding how much of a full-length feature video/DVD should be shown during class. Using an entire period for video presentation is discouraged. Segments of 12 minutes or less, previewed by the teacher, preceded and/or followed by discussion or other forms of student feedback should be used.

Any movie rated other than general may not be shown to students without consulting with the principal. All supplemental video/DVD material used with students should have obvious relevance to the subject being studied, and must be previewed by the teacher. Having viewed a program on television does not constitute previewing, since many programs are edited for 69 television. If the teacher has questions regarding the appropriateness of any audiovisual material, he/she should confer with the principal.

Federal legislation clearly states that videotape must be used in a classroom setting as part of an instructional activity. In other words, the use of a video/DVD in the classroom solely for entertainment purposes or the use of a video/DVD for a group of students in other than a face to face teaching setting would not fit within this category.

VISITORS

All visitors must enter the building through the main entrance in the front of the school and report to the receptionist in the main office to obtain permission to visit in the school. Once permission is obtained to enter the building, the visitor will be issued a visitor‟s pass. This pass must be displayed at all times while in the building.

Students are not to open or leave open any entrance to the building for any purpose. Anyone encountering visitors without an authorized Pass should direct them to the main office to gain permission to be in the building and a visitor‟s pass.

Students wanting to bring visitors to school must receive prior written approval from the Director of Student Services or the Principal at least one day before the day of the visit. Student visitors are generally not allowed. There must be a legitimate educational reason for the visit. Student requests for visitors for social/family or personal reasons will generally be denied. Only age-appropriate students will be allowed to visit. There will be a limit to the number of visitors allowed per day and a limit to the number of visits allowed. The school administration has the right to refuse a visitor pass to any student visitor. The sponsor student will be responsible for his/her guest following all rules and procedures of the school.

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL

END-OF-YEAR STUDENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS 2010-2011

Please submit this list to guidance secretary prior to leaving for the summer. Students whose names appear on this list will not receive their final report cards when they are mailed to other students. These students will instead receive a letter that indicates a financial obligation that must be satisfied prior to receiving the report card.

Student's Name: Grade:

Amount of Financial Obligation: $

Brief Explanation of Financial Obligation:

Student's Name: Grade:

Amount of Financial Obligation: $

Brief Explanation of Financial Obligation:

Student's Name: Grade:

Amount of Financial Obligation: $

Brief Explanation of Financial Obligation:

Student's Name: Grade:

Amount of Financial Obligation: $

Brief Explanation of Financial Obligation:

W:\PMHS_Faculty\FacultyPaperwork\EndOfYear\Student Financial Obligations.doc

SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS REQUIRED

2010-2011 Key: G=Good F=Fair P=Poor Pittsfield Middle High School Furniture & Equipment (to all secretaries/faculty) Please electronically complete inventory form and submit to the Administrative Assistant by email (as an attachment) or on disk.

Teacher: Room: Subject:

Date Original Cost Replacement Condition Item Description Serial Number Acquired Cost G F P

2010-2011 Key: G=Good F=Fair P=Poor Pittsfield Middle High School Text Book Inventory Please electronically complete inventory form and submit to the Administrative Assistant by email (as an attachment) or on disk.

Teacher: Room: Subject:

Publish Room Replacement Condition Title ISBN # Publisher Date Stored Cost G F P

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL

PERMISSION SLIP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF WARNING AND CONSENT AGREEMENT

I/We, ______am/are the parent(s) or guardian(s) of ______, a minor, who desires to participate in the following school activity: ______.

Date of Event: Cost to Student: $

Departure Time: Return Time:

Teacher(s) in charge:

I/We acknowledge that I/we have been informed as to the nature of the activity, and that this activity has risks of injury associated for those who participate, including transportation from and to the school campus. Although the school staff will endeavor to provide each participant with due care, the school cannot ensure that my/our child will remain free of injury. If the returning time is after school hours, I will be responsible for my child‟s transportation home from the school. On rare occasions, private vehicles may be used, with staff and/or parent volunteers as drivers. Students will not drive. Proof of insurance should be on file at the SAU office. If the class is very small and a private car is to be used in place of a bus, seatbelts must be worn.

I/We understand the school cannot ensure the safety for children and that the school‟s obligation is to take reasonable precautions for safety and well being. Our child also has a responsibility for his/her safety and the safety of others.

I/We acknowledge that I/we must provide the staff with any medical or other information which I/we feel is important for the school to know about our son/daughter. This information must be kept confidential. I/We will provide medical and any other information on our child prior to the start of this activity. The School District will rely on me/us to provide this additional information.

I/We acknowledge my/our child must adhere to all rules, regulations, and instructions pertaining to the safety and protection of the participants, and that failure to comply could exclude my/our child from participation in this activity.

Parent(s) or Guardian(s) Signature Date

Address:

Telephone (Home):

Telephone (Work):

Instructions: 1. Please read entire form. If there is anything about this form or the described activity that you do not understand, do not sign the form until you have obtained a complete explanation. 2. Fill in all the blanks. 3. If you have more than one child participating, complete one form per child.

PURCHASE ORDER Ship To/ Pittsfield Middle High School Bill To: 23 Oneida Street Pittsfield, NH 03263 Tel. 603-435-6701 Fax # 603-435-7087

Vendor: Purchase Order #

Tel: Your invoice must show Fax: This order number Website:

MARK ALL PACKAGES ATTENTION OF: School Administrative Unit #51 Date Requisitioned By Pittsfield, NH 03263

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SHIPPING & HANDLING TOTAL

1. All goods received with privilege to inspect and return at shipper’s expense if defective or not as specified. 2. Our order number must appear on all packages, including materials shipped against this order by parties other than primary vendor. 3. Prepay all shipments. Do not ship by Railway express. 4. Price differences must be confirmed by vendor before shipping or delivery will not be accepted. 5. By agreeing to deliver the materials marked with “NIMAS” on this contract or purchase order, the publisher agrees to prepare and submit, on or before / / , a NIMAS file set to the NIMAC that complies with the terms and procedures set forth by the NIMAC. Should the vendor be a distributor of the materials and not the publisher, the distributor agrees to immediately notify the publisher of its obligation to submit NIMAS file sets of the purchased products to NIMAC. The files will be used for the production of alternate formats as permitted under the law for students with print disabilities.

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PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL

DISTRIBUTION OF DUTIES

TASK PERSON RESPONSIBLE Catastrophic Aide T. Chassie/L. Stevens 402 Court Aide T. Chassie/L. Stevens Special Education T. Chassie/L. Stevens Hiring special education staff T. Chassie/L. Stevens Special education transportation T. Chassie DOE reports relative to student services T. Chassie Collaboration with outside counselors M. Curtin @ PES/J. Martel @ PMHS Medicaid billing T. Chassie/L. Stevens Evaluation of special education teachers T. Chassie Evaluation of special education paraprofessionals L. Stevens Facilitate interagency team of Pittsfield T. Chassie Out-of-district case management S. Bradley Home education T. Chassie Section 504 T. Chassie Substitute training and supervision D. Kilmister @ PES/R. Bickford @ PMHS Budget – ESOL/Special Education T. Chassie IDEA/Preschool grant T. Chassie/L. Stevens Annual report for student services T. Chassie ESOL T. Chassie Child Find T. Chassie Special education management team T. Chassie Extended school year programs T. Chassie PES summer school C. Teague PMHS summer school L. Stevens Court representation T. Chassie/L. Stevens GED program L. Bergevin/M. Hatab PASS L. Stevens Novanet L. Stevens Discipline (reports, drug/alcohol, bullying, review board) D. Kilmister @ PES/L. Stevens @ PMHS Attendance L. Stevens Master schedules C. Teague @ PES/L. Bergevin @ PMHS Study hall supervision R. Bickford/L. Stevens Advisories R. Bickford Duty schedules M. Curtin @ PES/R. Bickford @ PMHS Safety alerts D. Kilmister @ PES/R. Bickford @ PMHS Ordering agenda books L. Stevens Youth Specialist (Mr. Bertolami) L. Stevens Student activities R. Bickford/L. Stevens Monitoring graduation status L. Bergevin Faculty handbooks D. Kilmister @ PES/R. Bickford @ PMHS Student family handbooks D. Kilmister @ PES/R. Bickford @ PMHS Facilitate district crisis team T. Chassie Program of studies L. Bergevin Planning of mid-term and final exams R. Bickford Senior awards R. Bickford/L. Bergevin Baccalaureate R. Bickford/L. Bergevin Graduation R. Bickford Supervision of L. Sawyer L. Stevens Supervision of library assistant R. Bickford Attendance/enrollment P. Miller @ PES/L. Bergevin @ PMHS Working papers L. Stevens Senior release L. Bergevin Honor Roll D. Kilmister @ PES/R. Bickford @ PMHS Work release L. Stevens

PITTSFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES

As of September 1, 2005

A. FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED ACA Sexual Harassment 08/15/85 AH Interim Policy on Assurances 02/14/91 AHA Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace 04/16/92

B. BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED BBAA Board Member Authority 03/01/80 BBFA Board Member Conflict of Interest 03/01/80 BCF Advisory Committees to the Board 03/01/80 BD School Board Meetings 03/01/80 BDD Board Meeting Procedures 03/01/80 BDDG Minutes of Board Meetings 05/10/90 BDDH Public Participation at Board Meeting (Also KD) 04/14/82 BF Board Policy Development 09/09/81 BFA Policy Development System 09/09/81 BFC Policy Adoption 02/23/83 BFCA Board Review of Regulations (Also CHB) 09/09/81 BFD Policy Dissemination 09/09/81 BFE Administration in Policy Absence (Also CHD) 09/09/81 BFG Policy Review and Evaluation 09/09/81 BFGA Policy Manual Accuracy Check 09/09/81

C. GENERAL SCHOOL MANAGEMENT CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED CCB Line and Staff Relations 11/10/82 CD Management Team 11/10/82 CF School Building Administration 11/10/82 CH Policy Implementation 11/10/82 CHB Board Review of Regulations (Also BFCA) See BFCA CHCA Approval of Handbooks and Directives 11/10/82

D. FISCAL MANAGEMENT CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED DBK Budget Transfer Authority 11/02/83 DG Depository of Funds 05/10/90 DJC Bidding Requirements 02/03/94 DK Payment Procedures 05/24/90 DL Payroll Procedures 03/01/80 DN Disposal of Material and Equipment 11/03/97

E. SUPPORT SERVICES CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED EBBA First Aid 03/01/80 EBBB Accident Reports 03/01/80 EBCC Bomb Threats 12/04/86 ECAA Access to Buildings - Keys 10/15/92 ECAB Vandalism 03/01/80 ECAC-R Searches and Inspections 01/25/90 ECDA-E Application For Motor Vehicle Permit 01/25/90 EEA Student Transportation Services 03/01/80 EEA-R Bus Rules and Regulations Pittsfield School District 03/??/85 EHB Records Retention & Disposition Schedule 05/29/98 EPS Safety Program 10/11/90

F. FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT

G. PERSONNEL CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED GBCA Staff Conflict of Interest 03/01/80 GBCB Staff Conduct 04/11/84 GBE Staff Rights and Responsibilities 04/11/84 GBK Smoking Policy and Rules 09/22/89 GBL Personnel Records 03/01/80 GCA Prof. Staff Positions--Principal's Duties 03/01/80 GCB Salary Determination 03/01/80 GCBB Professional Staff Supplementary Pay Plans 03/01/80 GCBD Leave GCBD-E Family & Medical Leave Act of 1993 GCE P/T and Substitute Professional Staff Employment 03/01/80 GCKA Professional Staff Extra Duty 03/01/80 GCL Prof. Staff Development Opportunities 12/09/81 GD Support Staff 03/01/80 GDA-AAP Administrative Assistant to Principal 08/ /00 GDA-AAPPES Administrative Assistant to Principal PES 08/ /00 GDA-AAPPMHS Administrative Assistant to Principal PMHS 08/ /00 GDA-C1 Cook I 08/ /00 GDA-C2 Cook II 08/ /00 GDA-CT Certified Therapeutic Assistant 08/ /00 GDA-CUSTI Custodian I 01 GDA-CUSTII Custodian II 01 GDA-EPC Enrichment Program Coordinator 08/ /00 GDA-FSM Food Service Manager 08/ /00 GDA-HC Head Custodian 01 GDA-LT Literacy Coordinator, Elementary School 05/05/05 GDA-PCCL Program Coordinator - Computer Lab 08/ /00 GDA-PCBPS Program Coordinator - Behavior Planning Specialist 08/ /00 GDA-PCLMG Program Coordinator - Librarian / Media Generalist 08/ /00 GDA-RS1 Receptionist / Secretary 08/ /00 GDA-S1 Secretary I 08/ /00 GDA-S2 Secretary II 08/ /00 GDA-TA1 Teacher Assistant I 08/ /00 GDA-TA2 Teacher Assistant II 08/ /00 GDC Criminal Checks & Investigations for Employees 09/15/97

H. MASTER CONTRACT - NEGOTIATIONS This section consists exclusively of the current Master Agreement between the Pittsfield School Board and the Pittsfield Teachers Association.

I. INSTRUCTIONS) CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED ICA School Calendar/Work Year 03/01/80 IF Curriculum Development 03/10/82 IFD Curriculum Adoption 03/10/82 IFE Curriculum Guides and Course Outlines 03/10/82 IGB Programs for Students Who Come Under the Provisions of Section 504 05/10/90 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 IGBA Programs for Handicapped Students 02/28/83 IGBB Programs for Gifted Students 03/01/80 IGBG Home Education 02/18/93 IGC Extended Instructional Programs 03/01/80 IGDG Student Activities Funds Management 03/27/91 IGDJ Interscholastic Athletics 11/12/80 IIAC Library Materials Selection and Adoption 11/02/83 IIBD School Libraries 03/01/80 IJ Guidance Program 03/01/80 IJND Internet Safety 08/09/01 IJOA Field Trips and Excursions 09/26/02 IJOA-R(E) Rules and Regulations (Excursions) 09/26/02

IJOA-R(FT) Rules and Regulations (Field Trips) 09/26/02 IKB-E Homework - Elementary School 08/19/93

IKB-HS Homework - Middle High School 10/19/95 IKE Grade Retention 08/19/93 IKF Graduation Requirements 03/01/80 IND School Ceremonies and Observances 03/01/80

J. STUDENTS CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED JEA Compulsory Attendance Ages 03/01/80 JEB Entrance Age 06/09/80 JECA Admission of Resident Students 03/01/80 JECB Admission of Non-Resident Students 03/01/80 JECBA Admission of Foreign Exchange Students 06/15/95 JECB-E Admission Applications JECB-R Admission Applications for Non-Resident Students JED Student Absences and Excuses 03/01/80 JEF Released Time for Students 03/25/81 JF Student Rights and Responsibilities 03/01/80 JFCA Student Dress Code 03/01/80 JFCG Smoking by Students 03/01/80 JFCH Alcohol by Students 03/01/80 JFE Married Students 03/01/80 JFG-E Application for School Locker 01/25/90 JG Student Discipline 03/01/80 JG-App 1 Disciplinary Procedures 08/05/99 JG-App 2 Special Education Procedures for Student Discipline 08/05/99 JGA Corporal Punishment 03/01/80 JHC Student Health Services and Requirements 03/01/80 JHCA Physical Examinations of Students 02/23/83 JHCCA HIV/Aids 02/18/93 JHCCA-R Universal Precautions & Infection Control 02/18/93 JHCD Administering Medicines to Students 03/01/80 JHFA Supervision of Students 03/01/80 JHFD Student Automobile Use 03/01/80 JICK Pupil Safety & Violence Prevention 05/21/09 JICI Weapons & Dangerous Implements on School Property 12/01/94 JJIF Daily Physical Activity 05/19/05 JO Student Records 03/01/80

K. SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS CODE TITLE DATE ADOPTED KB Public Information Program 03/24/90 KBC Communication Protocol 05/02/98 KCB Elementary School Family Involvement 07/27/00 KDF Drake Field Use 12/09/04 KG Community Use of School Facilities 03/01/80 KG-E Contract for Use of School Facilities KG-R Community Use of School Facilities - Regulations 03/01/80 KH Public Gifts to Schools 05/05/97 KI Public Solicitations in the Schools 03/01/80 KK Visitors to the Schools 02/23/83 KKA Visits to the Schools by Citizens 01/25/90 KKB Visits to the Schools by Officials 01/25/90 KKB-R Visits to the Schools by Officials 01/25/90 KL Public Complaints 03/01/80 KM Parent - Teacher Communication on Student Performance 07/07/97

L. EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS

WHOSE JOB IS IT, ANYWAY?

Each member of the staff can be reached by telephone, email, or through notes placed in mailboxes. Please access through email whenever possible.

TOPICS PERSON ROOM NUMBERS

Athletic Schedules Peter Tuttle AD's office in Gym Attendance Issues Lois Stevens Main Office Class Rosters Leslie Bergevin 217 Classroom Supplies Cheryl Hodgdon 127 Club (co-curricular) Positions Robert Bickford Main Office Coaching Positions Peter Tuttle AD's office in Gym) Computer Problems/Issues MaryAnn Hatab Media Center Concerns About Student Wellness Leslie Bergevin 217 Pat Serafin School nurse, 121 Conflict Resolution Jeff Martel 117 Discipline Issues Lois Stevens Main Office Driver Education Classes Information Gloria Krochmal 122A Education Leadership Team Robert Bickford Main Office Fund Raisers Robert Bickford Main Office GED MaryAnn Hatab Media Center Grading Issues/Procedures Leslie Bergevin 217 Joyce Roberts (secretary) 220A Keys Lois Stevens Maintenance Office Lockers Louise Sawyer Attendance Office – 137 Mail (in and out), Faxing Gloria Krochmal, Main Office Receptionist Main Office Maintenance Work Order forms Jim Dawson Mailbox in main office Media Supplies/Requests MaryAnn Hatab Media Center Morning Announcements Gloria Krochmal, Main Office Receptionist Main Office New Teacher info/Assistance Robert Bickford Main Office Newsletters Barbara Gardner (HS, MS) 213 Parking Louise Sawyer Attendance Office – 137 Problems with Main Office Copier Gloria Krochmal, Main Office Receptionist Main Office Professional Development Plans Silas St. James 227 Amy Booth 226 Cheryl Hodgdon 127 Purchases Pat Payne Main Office Reservations for School Facilities Gloria Krochmal/Pat Payne Main Office Scheduling Dances Lois Stevens Main Office Security Codes Pat Payne Main Office Special Education issues Tobi Chassie 122 Lois Stevens Main Office Kaitlin White (secretary) 122A Substitute Coordinator Cheryl Hodgdon 127 Teacher Evaluation Process Robert Bickford Main Office Teacher Schedules Leslie Bergevin 217 Technology Hardware Reservations MaryAnn Hatab Library Telephone Code for Long Distance Pat Payne Main Office Working Papers Gloria Krochmal, (receptionist) 122A Yearbook Barbara Gardner 213

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER 2010-2011

PMHS DEPARTMENT MEETINGS September 20, October 4, November 1, December 6, January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6

PMHS FACULTY MEETINGS (Faculty meetings will be held at 3pm in the media center) September 27, October 25, November 22, December 20, January 24, February 21, March 28, April 20, May 23

PMHS ELT MEETINGS (ELT meeting will be held at 3pm in the media center) September 13, October 18, November 8, December 13, January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13

PMHS SITE COUNCIL MEETINGS (Will meet in the media center the 1st Thursday evening of every month at 6pm and the 3rd Thursday afternoon at 10:51am in a to be determined location)

PMHS UNIVERSAL TEAM (will meet in the media center at 3pm, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month) September 21, October 5 &19, November 2 & 16, December 7 & 21, January 4 & 18, February 1 & 15, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, June 7

PMHS TARGETED TEAM (will meet in the conference room at 2pm, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month) September 21, October 5 &19, November 2 & 16, December 7 & 21, January 4 & 18, February 1 & 15, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, June 7

PMHS NEW TEACHER SEMINAR (will meet in the media center at 3pm, every month on the 3rd Wednesday ) September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15

PMHS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT MEETINGS (will meet in the media center at 7:30am) September 22, October 20, November 17, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 23, April 20, May 18

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL TENATIVE MID-TERM EXAM SCHEDULE

JANUARY 18, 2011 JANUARY 19, 2011 TUESDAY: 8:00 AM-10:00 AM PERIOD 1 EXAM WEDNESDAY: 9:30 AM- 11:30 AM PERIOD 3 EXAM 10:15 AM-12:15 PM PERIOD 2 EXAM

JANUARY 20, 2011 JANUARY 21, 2011 THURSDAY: 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM PERIOD 6 EXAM FRIDAY: 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM PERIOD 8 EXAM 10:15 AM- 12:15 PM PERIOD 7 EXAM 10:15 AM-12:15 PM MAKE UP EXAM

Pittsfield Middle High School

Student/Athlete Handbook

2010-2011

Pittsfield Middle High School Athletic Department

Athletic Contract

PHILOSOPHY OF MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

The mission of our athletic department strives to develop: sportsmanship, leadership, integrity, a competitive spirit, a winning attitude and team and school loyalty. Student-athletes are expected to be model students throughout the community as well as in the classroom through their effort and their respect shown to everyone.

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY

Pittsfield Middle High School is a member of the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association (NHIAA). The NHIAA sets forth rules and regulations for participation in interscholastic athletics. Eligibility regulations of the NHIAA apply to each category of participation: varsity, junior varsity, freshman, and middle school.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY:

A.) Full Eligibility: To be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at PMHS student/athletes must meet the NHIAA guidelines of passing at least four (4) credits of work and have no more than one (1) failing grade the preceding grading period.

B.) Athletic Academic Probation: If the student/athlete meets the NHIAA guidelines of passing at least four (4) credits of work the previous grading period but has failed two (2) credits of work, they may still participate in interscholastic athletics, but they are on Athletic Academic Probation. A student/athlete on Athletic Academic Probation may still practice with the team, but may not participate in any games or scrimmages, A student/athlete on Athletic Academic Probation can become eligible if they meet the Full Eligibility requirements on the PMHS school progress reports. If the student/athlete still has two (2) or more failures they are removed from the team.

B.) Ineligible: If a student has three (3) or more failures the previous marking period, they are ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics until the next quarter grades come out.

PHYSICALS:

All student/athletes must have a current sport/camp physical on file at the school before they can participate in any practices or games. Physicals must be renewed every year within 1 year and 3 months from the previous physical. Student/athletes are responsible for arranging and paying for their own physicals. All physical forms and information will be kept on file in the school nurse’s office with copies on file with the athletic director.

STUDENT ATHLETE CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

Being a student athlete at Pittsfield Middle High School is a privilege that carries certain responsibilities. Student athletes represent the school in an environment outside the classroom and should conduct themselves in a way that best represents the school and the community. Student athletes should display good sportsmanship and act responsibly at all times. Each coach may set forth additional team rules. The Pittsfield Middle High School athletic program is also governed by state (NHIAA) and national (NFHSA) policies that may not be listed in this handbook, but may be reviewed at Pittsfield Middle High School athletic director’s office. Each student athlete is required to follow the team rules as well as the rules below. Student athletes are expected to follow these standards:

1. Athletes are expected to turn in all pre-season paperwork, including a physical form, before participation in athletics. 2. Athletes are expected to stay physically fit and maintain a balanced diet. 3. Athletes are expected to attend all practices, games and team functions. Athletes may only be excused for personal, family, or school commitments that cannot be rescheduled. 4. Athletes are expected to act responsibly in the care of equipment and uniforms. 5. Athletes should appear neat and dressed according to team rules at all team functions. No jeans or T-shirts should be worn. Student/athletes are ambassadors of PMHS, the Town of Pittsfield, and should dress appropriately. 6. Athletes are expected to maintain eligibility requirements stated in the NHIAA Eligibility Rules. 7. Athletes are expected to maintain appropriate citizenship, character and personal conduct, inside and outside the school environment. 8. Athletes are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play. 9. Athletes are expected to show respect and courtesy to opponents, coaches, officials, and spectators 10. Athletes are expected to follow all school policies as set forth in the Student/ Athlete Handbook.

DISCIPLINARY POLICY

All athletes will be afforded due process in any situation that may require disciplinary consequences. Due process is the right of the student athlete to be verbally presented with evidence and testimony regarding the incident and the student athlete’s right to present his/her testimony regarding the incident.

Level One Athlete Misconduct

Level one athlete misconduct is any failure to follow the standards above, including but not limited to, unsportsmanlike behavior that results in referee taking action (e.g., yellow or red card, flagrant or technical foul, and ejection). The coach is responsible for handling the misconduct and notifying the athletic director of any misconduct resulting in suspension. Any student athlete committing a level one misconduct may be suspended from playing for up to two regular or postseason contests starting at the time of the misconduct. If the coach feels more than a two contest suspension is necessary the matter shall be brought to the athletic director. During any level one suspension the student athlete is required to participate in all practices and attend all contests. Failure to do so will be considered a level one athlete misconduct and the student athlete will be suspended accordingly. Repeat level one athlete misconducts shall result in longer suspensions and possible expulsion from the team. Any level one suspension is considered a coaching decision and cannot be appealed.

Level Two Athlete Misconduct

Level two athlete misconduct includes the following offenses which happen within the school year: use of tobacco, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages, hazing, gambling on PMHS athletic events, fighting, and any violation of the above standards found to be severe by the coach. Any level two misconduct will be reviewed by

88 the principal (or designated representative), athletic director, and head coach. If deemed necessary, the student athlete will be given a ten day suspension (Saturdays and Sundays included) from athletic participation, but not to exceed three games. The athlete will not be allowed to participate in any practices or games but will be expected to attend all practices and games. If the offense includes a tobacco or alcohol related offense, the athlete must seek substance abuse counseling before the end of the suspension, if deemed necessary. The suspension shall be carried out immediately and will be carried over to the next sport, in the same or next school year, if the season ends before the suspension is served (e.g., if the softball season ends on the sixth day of the suspension and the student athlete chooses to play volleyball, they have four days left on the suspension to be served starting the first day of volleyball). Repeat or severe level two misconducts, within the same school year, shall result in longer suspensions and possible expulsion from the team. Any level two athlete misconduct will result in the parent/guardian being notified.

Level Three Athlete Misconduct

The following are considered level three athlete misconducts: illegal use or illegal possession of drugs or mind- altering chemicals (including the use of household products as a drug), the use of steroids or other illegal performance enhancing drugs, and conviction of a misdemeanor or felony.

If the student athlete is found in violation of a level three athlete misconduct by the Athletic Disciplinary Review Board (ADRB) they will be suspended from any athletic participation for up to one calendar year and are subject to additional disciplinary consequences according to the Code of Student Conduct & Discipline in the Pittsfield Middle High School Student/Family Handbook. If the offense is drug-related, the athlete must seek substance abuse counseling before the end of the suspension. Any level three athlete misconduct will result in the parent/guardian being notified.

Athletic Disciplinary Review Board

The Athletic Disciplinary Review Board is made up of at least two of these administrators (principal, coordinator of student services, and athletic director), the head coach directly involved, and one other coach selected by the administration. Parents/guardians will be notified of any ADRB meeting involving their student athlete. The ADRB shall meet no later than one and a half weekdays after the misconduct is reported. If any of the required members cannot attend within that time, other coaches or appropriate faculty may attend in their absence. The student athlete and his/her parents/guardians will have the option to speak to the ADRB at the time of the meeting. It is the ADRB’s responsibility to determine whether the student athlete is in violation of a level three athlete misconduct. If the student athlete is found in violation, the ADRB will determine the appropriate length of suspension within the above guidelines. The ADRB will notify parents/guardians of any decision.

Appeal

Should any student athlete feel there has been a misapplication or miscarriage of the athlete misconduct policy they should contact the Athletic Director immediately. Any athlete misconduct level two or three is subject to appeal. A level two appeal should be submitted in writing to the Principal. If the appeal is denied by the Principal, it can be brought to the Superintendent. If the appeal is denied by the Superintendent, the appeal can be brought to the School Board for a final decision. A level three appeal should be submitted in writing to the Superintendent. If the appeal is denied by the Superintendent, the appeal can be brought to the School Board for a final decision. The student athlete will not participate in athletics during the appeal process according to the stipulations of his/her suspension.

Revised 11/12/2008 Approved 11/13/2008, Pittsfield School Board

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE:

Student athletes are required to attend a full day of school the day of and the day after a game. An unexcused absence or tardy will result in sitting out the first half of the current or next schedule game.

(*1) Soccer & basketball: 1st half of next contest. Volleyball: 1st game of the next match. Cross country and track: cannot score in next meet. Spirit: cannot participate in halftime routine. Baseball & softball: must sit out 1st 3 innings.

(*2) Soccer & basketball: 1st half of next contest. Volleyball: 1st game of the next match. Cross country and track: cannot score in next meet

TRAVEL:

Buses are provided for all away scrimmages and games. All student/athletes are required to ride to and from games on the bus. A student/athlete will be allowed to travel on other transportation to away games only under extenuating circumstances with prior approval from the administration. Student/athletes may travel home from away games with their parents/guardians provided the parents speak with the coach and sign the student out.

INJURIES: By its nature, participation in interscholastic athletics includes risk of injury, which may range in severity from minor to disabling to death. Although serious injuries are not common in supervised school athletic programs, it is impossible to eliminate the risk.

Student/athletes are required to report all injuries they sustain before, during, or after games or practices to their coach. Student/athletes who sustain any type of injury, which requires missing school, practice, or a game, must have a signed doctor’s note before being allowed resuming play or practice. The doctor’s note should clearly state the degree of participation allowed for the student/athlete.

Resolving Problems

If an athlete or parent encounters a problem, the following “chain of command” must be used to solve the problem.

1. Coach 2. Athletic Director 3. Principal 4. Superintendent 5. School Board

Pittsfield Middle High School

Rules and Policies Acknowledgement

We have read the Student/Athlete Contract. We understand and agree to comply with the rules and Policies governing participation in Athletics at Pittsfield Middle High School.

Parent/Guardian Name: ______Address: ______

Parent‟s Signature Student/Athlete Name: ______Address: ______

Student‟s Signature

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF WARNING AND CONSENT AGREEMENT

I/We, am/are the parent(s) or guardian(s) of , a minor,

Who desires to participate in athletics at Pittsfield Middle High School during the current calendar school year. I/We acknowledge that I/We have been informed as to the nature of the activity, and that this activity has risks of injury associated for those who participate, including transportation from and to the school campus. Although the school staff will endeavor to provide each participant with due care, the school cannot ensure that my/our child will remain free of injury.

I/We represent that my/our child is physically fit to participate in this activity and, if required, that he/she has been examined by a licensed physician who verifies that my/our child is physically fit to participate in this particular activity. The school district will rely on this representation.

I/We understand the school cannot ensure the safety for children and that the schools obligation is to take reasonable precautions for safety and well being. Our child also has a responsibility for his/her safety and the safety of others.

I/We acknowledge that I/We must provide the staff with any medical or other information which I/We feel is important for the school to know about our son/daughter. This information must be kept confidential. I/We will provide medical and any other information on our child prior to the start of this activity. The School district will rely on me/us to provide this additional information.

I/We acknowledge and understand the risks and requirements for our child to participate in the activity of . I/We consent to my/our child‟s participation in this activity.

Parent‟s Signature Date Address:

Telephone (Home): (Work):

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARD

Name: First Middle Last

Address: Tel.

Parent/ Guardian Home Tel.

Work Tel.

ALLERGIES/MEDICAL CONDITIONS/MEDICATIONS:

Type of Insurance: Policy #

Name of Family Doctor: Tel.

Parent or Guardian Authorization: If I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby consent for a qualified physician or surgeon to examine, diagnose, and to prescribe or perform treatment, including surgery that is deemed advisable for the welfare of the above named participant.

Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

STUDENT/ATHLETE “PAY TO PARTICIPATE” INFORMATION

Payments for PMHS sports programs need to be submitted prior to the first game. Uniforms will not be distributed/issued until athletic “user fees” have been paid. Your child will not be allowed to participate on a team if the fee is not paid by the due date. Please make checks payable to the Pittsfield School District, and returned to Pat Payne, Administrative Assistant, at the Pittsfield Middle High School main office. Please submit all payments with the enclosed payment slip. Coaches will not collect any money.

Below are the amounts for participation in sports at Pittsfield Middle High School:

Middle School $25 per sport High School $50 per sport

The school board, PMHS administration, and the PMHS athletic department are aware that these fees may cause hardship for some families. It is our hope that if a family is unable to pay their child‟s participation fee, that they will contact the Athletic Director at Pittsfield Middle High School so that other payment arrangements may be available.

RETURN THIS SLIP WITH PAYMENT TO THE MAIN OFFICE PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FEES

SPORT & SEASON:

STUDENT NAME:

PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME:

PAYMENT TYPE Cash Check PAYMENT AMOUNT: $

PITTSFIELD MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB

If you would like to be informed of Booster Club Happenings. Please fill in the following Information:

Athlete Name:______

Sports: (List Middle School, JV or Varsity)______

Parent/Guardian Name:

Telephone:______

Email Address: