2018-19 134 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT 06040 860-647-3521 Table of Contents Message from Administration 4 Accreditation Statement 5 Mission Statement 6 Mission of Manchester Public Schools 8 Quick Contact Guide: Main Office 11 Grade 9- Freshman Center 11 EPSA Academy 11 Global Studies Academy 12 PAC Academiey 12 MCA, STEMD Academies 12 Instructional Support 12 Student Behavior Management- Gr. 10-12 12 Guidance Director’s Office 13 Special Education 13 Bentley Academy 13 Student Support Services 13 School Resource Officers 13 Athletics 14 Department Curriculum and Instructional Leaders 14 Miscellaneous- Quick Guide to Important Numbers 15 Manchester High School Administrative Structure 16 Manchester Public Schools District Calendar 17 Major Religious Holidays During the 2018-19 Academic Year 18 Daily Schedule and ABCD Calendar (Semester 1) for 2018-19 19 School Cancellations 20 Meeting Dates 21 Professional Responsibilities 22 Absence Procedures 22 Accidents, Reports, and Workmen’s Compensation 23 Alternative Leaning Activities/Dissection Policy 23 Announcements 24 Building Use 24 Communication 24 Dress Code- Staff 26 Duties and Supervision 26 Field Trips 26 Hi5 Recognition 26 Identification Cards for Staff 27 Keys 27 Mandated Reporting 27 Parking 29 Speakers and Community Resources 29 Student Activities 29 Teacher Evaluation 29 Responsibilities Toward Students 31 Assemblies 31 Attendance Policy 31 Bullying Policy 32 Classroom Management Guidelines and Positive Behavioral Support 32 Dress Code- Student 33 Flex Time 33 Grading Policy/System 35 Make-up/Extra Help 37 Pass Regulations 37 School Property and Financial Obligations 38 Student Identification Cards 40 Use of Technology 40 School Counseling 40 Change of Coursework/Level 41 Course Selection Guidelines 41 Naviance 41 Homebound Instruction/Tutoring 42 Testing for School Counseling Purposes 43 School Library Media Center 43 Available Services 43 Library Rules for Students 43 Special Education Program 44 Services Provided 44 Educational Program 44 Placement in Special Education 44 Planning and Placement Team (PPT) 44 Section 504- Related Services 44 Appendix A- Copyright Laws and Guidelines 47 Appendix B- Procedures for Emergencies and Evacuation of Building 51 Appendix C- SWIPE Quick Access Guide 55 Appendix D- Substitute Resources- Kelly Staffing 58 Appendix E- Field Trip Information 61 Appendix F- Non-discrimination Title IX Statement 64 Appendix G- Personnel/Harassment 65 School Map 69 Note: This handbook should be used in conjunction with the Student/Parent Handbook and the Manchester High School Course Catalog. Updated 9/27/2018 3 Message from Administration Congratulations! You are a member of the staff of a caring and innovative community that takes collective responsibility for all students. This handbook is intended to provide you with a quick resource that compiles important information in one location to quickly find answers to common questions, procedures, and protocols expected to be followed at MHS. In this digital age, information changes daily and you will be notified by email, the Internet, or your Google Drive as changes occur or new initiatives are implemented. Your department leader or administrator is always available to clarify any information you need to help you achieve your maximum potential as a member of the MHS learning community. First, please explore the MHS Website, which is updated regularly. There are also a number of resources available on the district website, many of which are specifically linked throughout this document. Also, this handbook should be used in conjunction with the resources listed below which are accessible on the Staff Portal or Student/Parent Portal of the MHS webpage. Often, this handbook will refer you to these resources rather than repeating information: The Student/Parent Handbook The Manchester High School Course Catalog Student Activities Policy Guide and Building Use Procedures Athletic Handbook SWIPE attendance link and resources Teacher Evaluation Handbook E-School link (Grading System) Unit Planner Link (Course Curricula) Manchester Board Of Education Policies o Manchester Board of Education Bullying Policy Naviance Link and Training Resources MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL HAS A POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION. FOR THE FULL STATEMENT OF THE POLICY AND THE CONTACT INFORMATION OF THE TITLE IX COORDINATOR, PLEASE SEE APPENDIX F. 4 Accreditation Statement Manchester High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., a non-governmental, nationally recognized organization whose affiliated institutions include elementary schools through collegiate offering postgraduate instruction. Accreditation of an institution by the New England Association indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality periodically applied through a peer group review process. An accredited school or college is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation. Accreditation by the New England Association is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of the quality of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution. Accreditation of public secondary schools by NEASC indicates that the educational institution has conducted a self-evaluation of all of its programs and hosted a visiting committee to evaluate the institution in terms of its own stated educational goals and the standards for accreditation of the commission of public secondary schools. Inquiries regarding the status of an institution's accreditation by the New England Association should be directed to the administrative staff of the school or college. Individuals may also contact the Association: NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES 209 Burlington Road Suite 201 Bedford, MA 01730-1433 Tel (781) 271-0022 Fax (781) 271-0950 Email: www.neasc.org Click here to read the May 14, 2014 Letter from NEASC 5 Mission Statement MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL VISION All students will develop the tools necessary to become productive, responsible members of society MISSION As a school community we are committed to: Living our Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Kindness and Perseverance Ensuring a high quality education for all Continuously improving practices to maximize learning for all Fostering positive partnerships among students, parents, families, school personnel and the community Maintaining a safe and inclusive school where equity is the norm and excellence is the goal CORE VALUES, BELIEFS, AND LEARNING EXPECTATIONS (Summary of the competencies and core values) Manchester High School is a diverse and inclusive community. We believe every student can achieve excellence through unique learning experiences. We are committed to engaging students in a rigorous curriculum that fosters collaboration, supports individual growth and promotes authentic learning. Furthermore, our community encourages respect, integrity, perseverance and responsibility as students develop the mindset and character needed to be contributing members of our global society. The Manchester High School community has identified the following learning expectations for all students: Academic, Civic, and Social Expectations 1. Critical Thinking: Analyze and evaluate ideas, claims, evidence and/or representations to construct meaning. 2. Problem Solving: Define problems and work through processes to determine solutions, draw conclusions, evaluate the reasonableness of solutions, and/or have a better understanding of problems. 3. Creative and Innovative Thinking: Explore idea(s) through a meaningful, intentional process that inspires the development of a product, performance, or solution. 4. Collaboration: Work together to share and evaluate knowledge and ideas by asking questions, listening actively, and respecting and considering the opinions of others in order to achieve a common goal. 5. Communication: Express ideas and share information to effectively engage an audience for a given purpose and task. 6. Self-Direction and Process Monitoring: Develop strategies and plans to manage time, accomplish goals, and monitor progress through feedback and reflection. 7. Cultural/Global Competence: Examine how culture and conditions impact perspective, identity, and action. 8. Civic and Social Behavior: Contributes positively to the school and global community. 6 Core Values Respect: Being considerate of people, their ideas, your community and your school through your actions and words. Responsibility: Taking ownership of and being accountable for your actions and choices. Integrity: Doing the right thing, especially when it’s difficult. Kindness: Appreciating the feelings of others through your actions and words. Perseverance: Challenging yourself to overcome obstacles to achieve success. 7 Mission of Manchester Schools -- BOE POLICY #6120 (October, 2015) MANCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Mission Statement The mission of the Manchester Public Schools is to engage all students in the highest 21st Century education from preschool through graduation. Through an active partnership with students, school