Dear Parents/Caregivers,

 

Welcome to Stark Village School and the 2007-2008 school year.  Your student is a member of one of the best schools in New Hampshire that is both rich in tradition and success.

 

This handbook serves as a valuable tool in opening the lines of communication between both home and school.  It is our goal to provide clear, meaningful, and consistent communication to you in all school issues.  We hope that this handbook serves as the first step in accomplishing that goal.

 

Please read this handbook with your student and discuss its importance as it contains useful information that will answer most questions you may have regarding policy and procedures.  If you have any questions after reading through the handbook, I would be more than happy to answer them and can be reached at 636-1092 or at s_roberts@sau58.org.

 

When you and your student have read this handbook, please sign and return the signature form (found in the back) by Friday, September 7, 2007.  Your student’s teacher will be asking for any unreturned signature forms.

 

Thank you for your help in providing your child with the best possible education.  I am delighted to be on board as the new Stark Village School Principal and look forward to working with you and your student this year in hopes of making it an exciting and successful school year.

 

 

 

Sincerely,

Shelli J. Roberts

Teaching Principal/Student Services Coordinator

 

Chain of Command

If you have suggestions, problems, or concerns to present to others, please go through the proper channels.  Problems can’t be solved if the people who have the power to help are not told there is a problem.  Suggestions can’t be implemented if personnel who have the authority to change things don’t know about the suggestions.  The proper chain of command is:

1.       Support Staff

2.     Teacher

3.     Principal

4.     Superintendent

5.     School Board

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS-SPECIAL EDUCATION CASES

 

The state and federal education laws (New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 186-C and Title 20, United States Code, Sections 1400-1415) require that the school district offer a “free appropriate public education” to all educationally disabled children.

 

These statutes define educationally disabled children as children suffering from certain enumerated disabilities who are between the ages of three and twenty-one and who have not yet obtained a high school diploma.

 

A “free appropriate public education consists of specially designed instruction and educationally related services in accordance with an “individualized education program” developed by the school district in consultation with the student’s parents.

 

If you suspect that your child is educationally disabled and qualifies for such special services, you may make a written referral requesting that the school district determine your child’s eligibility.  Such referrals should be addressed to the special education contact person at your local school.

 Shelli J. Roberts

Principal/Student Services Coordinator

Stark Village School

1192 Stark Highway

Stark, NH 03582

Telephone: (603) 636-1092

Fax:  603-636-1081

E-Mail:  s_roberts@sau58.org

 

 NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with School Administrative Unit No. 58 are hereby notified that the districts of School Administrative Unit No. 58 do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities.

 

Any person having inquiries regarding the compliance of School Administrative Unit No. 58 with the regulations of implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act is directed to contact the Section 504 Coordinator in their district:

 

Shelli J. Roberts

Section 504 Coordinator

Stark Village School

1192 Stark Highway

Stark, NH 03582

Telephone:  603-636-1092

Fax:  603-636-1081

E-Mail: s_roberts@sau58.org

 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Shelli J. Roberts is designated as Section 504 Coordinator for the Stark Village School.  A complaint regarding an alleged violation of law shall be subject to a grievance procedure that provides for the prompt and equitable resolution of disputes.  Upon request, the coordinator will provide a copy of the district’s grievance procedures as follows:

 

Step 1:  The person who believes s/he has a valid basis for a grievance shall promptly discuss the grievance informally with the local Section 504 Coordinator, who shall in turn investigate the complaint and respond to the complainant in writing via certified mail, return receipt requested.  Copies of the coordinator’s written response shall be forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools and retained in the coordinator’s files.  If not satisfied with the response, the complainant may initiate formal procedures according to the following steps:

 

Step 2:  A written statement of the grievance signed by the complainant shall be submitted to the Section 504 Coordinator within five (5) business days of the receipt of written response to the informal complaint.  The coordinator shall immediately forward the statement of grievance to the Superintendent of Schools who will serve as an impartial hearing officer.  In cases where the superintendent is not or may not be impartial, the district may appoint and compensate a person to serve as an impartial hearing officer.  The superintendent shall begin the hearing process by issuing an order of notice which shall:

 

¬     Target a date for a hearing and identify the parties to the hearing.

ü      The order of notice shall be sent to the parties to the hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested, no later than twenty (20) days prior to the first day of oral hearings.

ü      Upon good cause shown, the superintendent may issue a continuance and reschedule the hearing for a date later than that shown in the order of notice.  In no case shall the continuance be granted for more than fifteen calendar days.  Notice of the continuance shall be made in writing to all parties except that if the continuance is granted less than three (3) days before the scheduled hearing date, notice shall be made by telephone followed by notice in writing.

ü      Any party, to who notice has been served in accordance with this procedure, which fails to appear and fails to obtain a continuance from the superintendent or the designated hearing officer prior to the scheduled time of the hearing, shall have decision rendered against her/him if the interest of justice will be served by such action.

ü      Any party to the hearing may be represented by counsel at the hearing and any pre-hearings scheduled by the Superintendent of Schools or his designated impartial hearing officer.

 

¬     Briefly summarize the subject matter and identify the issues to be resolved.

ü      Each party may offer evidence as it desires, but irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence will be excluded.  The superintendent or designated hearing officer shall determine the relevance of the evidence offered.

 

¬     Specify the date and address for submission of written materials.

ü      Within a reasonable time but in any event no less than five (5) days before the hearing, the parties shall give notice to the hearing officer and each other of the character of the evidence to be presented at the hearing.  Such disclosure shall state whether or not new evidence, the same evidence, or legal argument will be presented at the hearing.

 

¬     Direct that a verbatim recording be made available for all parties, and exhibits, and that such verbatim recording be made part of the official record of the hearing.

 

          The superintendent or designated hearing officer shall render a decision within thirty (30) days of the hearing.  The decision shall reiterate the pertinent facts and shall take effect immediately unless an appeal is made.  A copy of the decision shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to all parties named in the order of notice.

 

Step 3:  If the complainant remains dissatisfied, s/he may appeal through a signed, written statement to the local School Board with five (5) business days of her/his receipt of the response in step two (2).  In an attempt to resolve the grievance, the School Board, serving as a board of appeal, shall meet with the concerned parties and their representatives within thirty (30) business days of the receipt of such an appeal.  A copy of the board’s disposition of the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within ten (10) business days of this meeting.  In cases where the School Board is not or may not be impartial, the district may appoint and compensate one or more persons to review the decision of the superintendent or alternative hearing officer from step two (2).  A copy of the regulations on which this notice is based may be found in the Section 504 Coordinator’s office.

 

Step 4:  If at this point the grievance has not been satisfactorily settled, further appeal may be made to the Office for Civil Rights, Region 1, U.S. Department of Education, John W. McCormack Post Office and Court House Square, Room 222, 01-0061, Boston MA 02109.  Telephone 617-233-9662 or TDD 617-223-9695.

 

Complaints Under Related Law

          Complaints regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and those not otherwise covered under the special provisions of the Educational Disabilities Act of 1990, shall be handled under the same grievance procedure as otherwise provided for above on behalf of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

 

Title IX Grievance Procedure

         

          Any student or employee of this district who believes s/he has been discriminated against, denied a benefit, or excluded from participation in any district education program or activity, on the basis of sex in violation of this policy, may file a written complaint with the compliance administrator.

          The compliance administrator shall cause a review of the written complaint to be conducted and written response mailed to the complainant within ten (10) working days after receipt of the written complaint.  A copy of the written complaint and the compliance administrator’s response shall be provided to each member of the School Board.  If the complainant is not satisfied with such response, s/he may submit a written appeal to the School Board indicating with particularity the nature of disagreement with the response and his/her reasons underlying such disagreement.

          The School Board shall consider the appeal at its next regularly scheduled board meeting following receipt of the response.  The School Board shall permit the complainant to address the Board in public or closed session, as appropriate and lawful, concerning his/her complaint and shall provide the complainant with its written decision in the matter as expeditiously as possible following completion of the hearing.

          The Superintendent of Schools, 15 Preble Street, Groveton, New Hampshire 03582 (636-1437), has been designated as the compliance administrator

 

 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

 

          The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires that the Stark School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, the Stark School District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures.  The primary purpose of “directory information” is to allow the Stark School District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

• A playbill, showing your student’s role in drama productions
• The annual yearbook
• Honor Roll or other recognition lists
• Graduation programs

          Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiter, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.*

          If you do not want the Stark School District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the building principal in writing by the end of the first full week of school.  The Stark School District has designated the following information as directory information:

                             -Degree, honors and awards received

 

*These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESA (20U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the educational bill and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-110), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s Armed Forces.

 

 

 

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA

 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.  They are:

1)    The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives request for access.

 

2)    The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parents believe are inaccurate or misleading.

Parents may ask the Stark School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading.  They should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

 

If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents, the District will notify the parents of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parents when notified of the right to a hearing.

 

3)    The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent the FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health staff); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or assigning another school official in performing her or his tasks. 

 

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

 

Upon request, the District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.  Stark Village School forwards records at the request of the receiving school.

 

Directory information may also be provided without the consent of the parents.  Directory information includes the name of student and the student’s address.

 

4)    The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

 

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

600 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-4605

 

 

 

 

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

 

This is the federal legislation passed in January 2001 that is being implemented in schools throughout the United States.  It includes a number of components that are designed not to leave any child behind.  This legislation emphasizes the important role of parents and our responsibility as a school district to not only keep you informed, but also actively encourage your participation in your child’s education.  You have the right to know if your child’s teacher is highly qualified and you can do this by contacting the SAU office.  In addition, there are federally mandated assessments requirements for students in grades 3-8 that will begin during the 2004-2005 school year.  If you would like further information about this legislation please feel free to contact the SAU office or you can go on line to the New Hampshire Department of Education web site (www.ed.state.nh.us/ESEAinfor.htm).

 

 Athletic Policy

 

Introduction

 

Stark Village School encourages and sponsors pupil participation in extra-curricular athletics as a means of instilling values important to the total educational process.  The activities, both intramural and inter-school, provide opportunities for skill development, personal growth, socialization, and competitive experience.

 

The student participation and involvement in athletics is a privilege with accompanying responsibilities and expectations.  Elementary students are expected to display high standards of behavior, exemplify good sportsmanship, show respect for others, and demonstrate self discipline, cooperation, and responsible team play.

 

The following document contains information, rules, and expectations for the athletic program.  It is intended to assist and facilitate the efforts of the elementary principal, elementary athletic director, pupils, parents, and coaches toward meeting the goals of the athletic program.

 

GUIDELINES

1. Competitive athletic activities shall be an integral part of the total school education program.  It will strive to provide educational experiences in conjunction with those provided in the curriculum.  Both intramural and inter-school competitions will be available.
2. The administration of the athletic program shall be under the control and direction of the elementary school administration and the elementary athletic director.
3. Qualified personnel shall be provided for coaching and supervising such programs.  The selection of the coaches should be based on their knowledge of teaching the sport to elementary youngsters, their understanding of the elementary sports program, and knowledge of safety practices.
4. All of the participants in the program must have medical insurance.  No pupil may start practice for and athletic team until he/she has on file:

·         Signed permission form

·         Parents consent/health information form

5. Student participation in the athletic program is a privilege with accompanying responsibility.  The student athlete must meet the eligibility requirements and abide by the behavioral expectations and sportsmanship guidelines.

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

Stark Village School believes it is very important that sportsmanship and ethical behaviors are followed by our athletes.  Unsportsmanlike conduct toward an opponent, official, coach, or teammate during a practice or game will not be tolerated.

 

GUIDELINES FOR SPORTSMANSHIP

 

FOR THE PLAYER AND PARTICIPANT IN THE PROGRAM:

1. Behave in a manner which makes parents, school, and community proud of their effort.
2. Win without boasting, lose without excuse, and never quit.
3. Respect official and accept their decisions without question.
4. Cooperate with coaches and teammates during practice sessions and games.

 

AS A SPECTATOR OF SPORTING EVENT:

1. Never “BOO” a player or official.
2. Appreciate a good play, no matter who makes it.
3. Refrain from making negative remarks to opponents, officials, or spectators in any aspect of a sporting event.

 

VIOLATIONS:

1. Unsportsmanlike conduct toward an opponent, official, coach, or teammate during practice or a game will not be tolerated by the Stark Village School.
2. A second offense will result in the player being suspended from playing in one game.
3. Any player who is disqualified from a game (intramural or inter-school) for unsportsmanlike conduct, shall not participate in the next scheduled game.

 

 

 

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

                                       

Student athletes are expected to follow the School Discipline Policy and adhere to high standards of behavior.  Examples of behavior that are considered violations of the expectations include, but are not limited to, the following list:

·         Smoking or use of tobacco in any form

·         Drinking or possession of alcoholic beverages

·         Use of illegal drugs

·         Vandalism in school, gym, or bus

·         Stealing of school property

·         Neglect or refusal to conform to the reasonable rules of the school

·         Any other behavior by an athlete, that the principal, athletic director or coach believes is detrimental to Stark Village School is subject to disciplinary action.

 

Violations to the above will result in:

1^st offense – suspension of three (3) games (intramural or inter-school)

    2^nd offense – Suspension for the remainder of the season

 

Since the athletic programs are school sponsored, it is also expected that students adhere to the following regulations and procedures:

 

• Regulations, rules, and procedures for the use and care of the High School facility and gym and the rules of the host school
• School bus rules and procedures for away games
• School dress code

         

Disciplinary actions for the above are outlined the Discipline section of this handbook.

                           

EXPECTATIONS FOR TEAM ATTENDANCE

 

All athletes are expected to attend practices and games.  Limited participation is unacceptable.  The athlete must notify the coach in advance if s/he is unable to attend a practice or game.  If the coach is not available, the athletic director should be notified.  If notification is not made, then the absence is unexcused.  The athlete is also expected to attend the full day of school following a weekday athletic contest unless the absence is an excused absence.

 

The coach has the discretion in determining excused or unexcused absences.  The following is a guideline for excused absences.  It would be determined by the coach as they arise.

 

          *School Activities       *Funerals          *Illnesses

                   *Religious Commitments        *Family Commitments

 

• An unexcused absence from a game will result in dismissal from the team
• An unexcused absence from a practice will result in suspension for one game
• Two unexcused absences from a practice will result in suspension for two games
• Three unexcused absences from a practice will result in dismissal from team

 

TRAVEL TO AWAY GAMES

 

1. All athletes are required to travel to and from away games on the Groveton school bus.
2. No athlete will be allowed to ride to an away game other than on the Groveton school bus without prior approval of the principal or the athletic director.
3. Any athlete who wishes to go home with his/her parents must present a written note from the parent to the coach.  In addition, parents must contact the coach at the game to confirm the transportation arrangements.
4. Any player riding home with someone other than his/her parents will be suspended from one game.

 

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

 

1.       In order to represent the school in an inter-school contest, a student cannot have more than two (2) failing grades during the previous marking period.  No more than one (1) of those failing grades may come from Category I.

 

              Category I                      Category II

              Reading                          Physical Education

          Language                        Music

          Spelling                          Art  

          Social Studies                   Handwriting

          Science                          Assignment Books

          Mathematics                    Computers

 

2.     Special Education students are eligible for athletic programs, providing they pass ¾ of the work assigned to them at their level and they meet all other eligibility regulations.

3.     No student will have a detention date changed or be dismissed early from detention to make the bus or attend a game.  This absence is unexcused, even if player notifies the coach beforehand.  Further sanctions for missing games and/or practices for disciplinary reasons will be the coach’s prerogative.

4.     On a school day, an athlete must be present in school to participate in a contest, unless otherwise excused.

5.     An athlete will only be moved up to the next level of play if there is a need for more players at the higher level.  That will not be determined until after tryouts have started.  Students cannot be cut to bring up younger players.  If a student moves up to a higher level of play, they will no longer be eligible to play at the lower level.

 

9/18/97 (Revised)

 

 ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

 

The first bus arrives at school at 7:00a.m. and the second bus at 7:25a.m.

Walkers and students driven to school on a daily basis by parental choice should arrive by 7:40a.m.  Once a student arrives on the playground the student must remain on the playground until class begins.  Kindergarten students should arrive by 7:45 a.m. to begin class at 7:50 a.m.  Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 10:50 a.m.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  In order to prevent interruptions in the teaching of classes, parents are asked not to call the school to speak with their child unless absolutely necessary. 

 

ATTENDANCE, ABSENTEEISM,TARDINESS, and DISMISSAL

 

Regular school attendance is very important if a student is to experience success in school.  Illness of a student, severe illness or death in the family, exposure to a contagious disease, religious holidays, or extremely inclement weather will be considered the only legitimate excuses for absences or tardiness.  When a student is absent from school a written excuse must be given to the teacher when the student returns.  If the student has been out for 3 consecutive (sick) days, a doctor’s note must be given to the teacher when the child returns to school. 

 

Parents are asked to call the school between 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. to advise us when a child will not be in attendance.

A telephone check of absent students will be done daily between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.  This will be done to ensure that a child who is not in attendance is safely home and the parent is aware of his/her absence.

 

Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. must report to the office before going to class.  A note explaining the reason for the late arrival is required from a parent.  Persistent tardiness will be reported to the principal who will take appropriate measures that may include detention or making up work/time.

 

Students wishing to leave school early must bring a note from their parents.  Parents are asked to stop in the office and sign the student out if they wish to pick them up early.

 

BICYCLES

 

Bicycles may be ridden to school during the appropriate times of year.  The Stark Village School assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY for bicycles.  However, provisions have been made to safeguard bikes by requiring them to be properly parked and locked in the school bike rack.  Bikes should not be ridden around school grounds while students are still in attendance.  The office requires a written note from the parents if a student is to ride their bicycle to and from school.  Students who normally walk home, or take the bus will also be required to supply of note from their parents stating they have permission to ride their bicycle to and from school.

 

 

BULLYING

 

1. General Statement of Policy

          The Stark School Board is committed to providing all individuals a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect.

          This policy is intended to comply with RSA 193-F, which specifically identifies “bullying” as a form of pupil harassment.  Conduct constituting bullying will not be tolerated, and is prohibited by this Policy, in accordance with RSA 193-F.

 

2. Bullying Defined

          Bullying is conduct which subjects an individual to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which is likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the person being treated in this manner.

 

3. Reporting Procedures

          Any school employee, or employee of a company under contract with the Stark School District, who has witnessed or has reliable information that an individual has been subject to “bullying” as defined in b above, shall report such incident to the principal, or his/her designee, who shall in turn report the incident to the Superintendent.

The Principal is initially responsible for receiving oral or written reports of violations of this Policy.

After receiving any such report, the Principal shall report the incident to the Superintendent.  If the Principal received the information verbally, s/he shall reduce the report s/he received to writing by no later than the end of the following school day, and forward it to the Superintendent.  If the Principal received the information in writing, s/he shall forward what s/he received to the Superintendent by no later than the end of the following school day.

 

4. Investigation

          The Superintendent shall direct an investigation to be made of reports of bullying in accordance with adopted school procedures.

 

5. Notice of Policy

          The Superintendent shall provide notice to students and staff of this Policy through appropriate references in the student and employee handbooks, or through other reasonable means.  The Superintendent shall also make all contractors with the District aware of the Policy.

 

6. Discipline

          If it is determined, after investigation, an individual had engaged in bullying conduct prohibited by the Policy, the individual shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include but not be limited to, suspension, expulsion and dismissal.  Any such disciplinary action shall be taken in accord with applicable school board policy and legal requirements.

 

 

1^st reading – 5/01/01

2^nd reading & adoption – 6/12/01 (revised)

BUS INFORMATION

 

RULES FOR BUS STUDENTS

The School Board and school staff members are very concerned about safety as we transport pupils.  Cooperation from both the students and parents is requested as we attempt to keep the buses safe for all concerned.

 

1. Pupils must take their seats and remain there until the bus reaches either the school or the student’s home.
2. The driver may assign seats to any student at any time, for any reason s/he deem necessary.
3. Pupils are not allowed to throw anything out of the bus windows.  Pupils should not throw any type of object as they ride on the bus.
4. Pupils are not allowed to have their hands or heads out of the bus windows at any time.
5. Pupils must cooperate and not distract the bus driver either while the bus is in motion or standing still.
6. We will not tolerate any swearing or abusive language, loud shouting, whistling, or any major disturbances.
7. Aisles are to be kept free from books, lunch boxes or other objects.
8. Pupils who must cross the road after leaving the bus should cross in front of the bus and upon the signal from the bus driver.
9. Pupils must be ready to take the bus when it arrives.  Because of the very tight schedule, drivers have been instructed not to wait for pupils who are not ready.

10.     The bus driver is in complete charge of all the children while s/he is taking them to and from school.  Strict attention must be paid to the instructions at all times so as to insure the safety and welfare of our students.

11.     Students are urged to make an effort to keep the bus as clean as possible.  Students will be held responsible for any and all damage to the bus perpetrated by them.

12.      When the school bus stops at a railroad crossing, all pupils should stop talking and remain quiet while the driver checks the crossing.

13.      Once a student has boarded the bus, s/he may not get off except at his/her destination.  (Exceptions will be made only with a note from the principal.)

14.      Only authorized riders will be permitted on the buses.

 

It must be remembered that permission to ride the bus may be taken away at any time at the discretion of the School Board and recommendation by either the school principal or the bus driver.  This bus service is provided for your welfare and convenience.  As long as you do not abuse this privilege you will be transported to and from school.  These rules are subject to revision at the discretion of the Board.

 

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUS

 

The students in the Stark School District who ride the district transportation are subject to the following regulations and procedures.  Students using the district transportation are under the jurisdiction of the school from the time they board the bus until they are deposited at school or the stop nearest their home.

 

The bus driver will have the responsibility to maintain orderly behavior of students on school buses and will report misconduct to the student’s principal.  Each school will supply students and parents with the Basic Rules for Bus Students through the student handbook.  (See attached list.)  Each school bus driver will have a School Bus Incident Report which reflects the rules of bus conduct.

 

Students will be cited for the following activities:

 

• Failure to Remain Seated – Refusing to Obey Driver – Fighting
• Profanity
• Lighting Matches or Lighters – Smoking on the Bus – Other Behavior Relating to Safety, Well-Being and Respect for Others
• Throwing Objects on the Bus – Hanging Out of the Windows – Spitting
• Disobeying the Bus Driver – Bothering Other Pupils – Vandalism

 

          If a pupil is reported for any of the above incidents, the principal will take disciplinary action.  Special circumstances may warrant a variance from the usual procedures.

 

GRADES K – 6

 

First Offense:      Will result in the issuance of a warning and a Bus Incident Report sent to the parents.

 

Second Offense:   Will result in after-school detention for one school day and a Bus Incident Report sent to the parents.

 

Third Offense:     Will result in suspension of riding privileges for three school days and a Bus Incident Report sent to the parents.

Each additional offense will result in suspension of riding privileges for three school days and a Bus Incident Report sent to the parents.

 

Suspension of bus privileges shall not begin until the next school day following the day notification of suspension is sent to the pupil’s parent or legal guardian.  The parent or guardian has the right to appeal within 10 days of suspension to the authority that suspended the pupil’s bus privileges. (RSA 189:9a)

 

ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL HEARING

 

The original intent of this policy was that it be strictly adhered to, with exceptions being made only under extraordinary mitigating circumstances.  Under the law, an appeal may be made to the School Board and must be held within ten (10) days of the appeal for action which removes a student’s bus privileges for more than twenty (20) days.  Other appeals may be made to the School Board at any regular meeting.  In an effort to provide due process in a timely manner, an administrative appeal may be requested prior to an appeal at the Board level.  This administrative appeal will conform to the following guidelines:

 

1. Upon receipt of notification of a bus suspension, the parent or pupil if eighteen years of age, may request an administrative appeal hearing in writing, and specify in the request reasons why the appeal is being made, and the remedy sought.
2. The request must be to the building administrator responsible for bus discipline.
3. The administrator will convene a meeting consisting of the parent, the student, the bus driver and the building administrator.
4. This meeting will take place at the earliest practical time after receipt of the appeal request.  The intent of this statement is to hold such meeting within two school days.
5. The suspension from the bus will take effect immediately upon the school’s receipt of a disciplinary report, notwithstanding requests for an appeal.
6. The building administrator, after hearing both sides of the issue, will make one of the following decisions with 12 hours of the meeting, and so notify all parties:
   1. The suspension will stand as ordered according to policy.
   2. The suspension may be increased for proper cause or justifiable reasons.
   3. The suspension may be reduced or terminated for proper cause or justifiable reason.  If the suspension is reduced or terminated, it may be expunged from the student’s records as an offense at its submitted level.
7. If the parent, student, or bus driver is still aggrieved at the administrator’s decision, the decision will stand, but the aggrieved party may next appeal in writing to the Superintendent of Schools.  In this event, the Superintendent will review the building administrator’s decision within the time limits of items 4, 5, and 6 above, and may decide according to item 6, a –c above.
8. If the parties are further aggrieved at the Superintendent’s decision, they may appeal directly t the School Board at its next regular meeting.  Board action will be final and binding.

 

 

 

AUDIO/VIDEO CAMERA ON THE BUS

 

The audio/video camera installed on the Stark bus has been placed there for the safety and welfare of the student riders.  A warning will be posted on the bus notifying all passengers that they are subject to being recorded and videotaped while on the bus.

 

The camera will be in use on a random basis for at least one morning and one afternoon run per week.  The regular bus drivers also have the discretion of using the camera when they feel it’s warranted.  Substitute drivers will keep the camera on at all times.  Two tapes will be kept on the bus at all times.  Tapes will be kept in the principal’s office and reused unless needed to verify a disciplinary incident.  Tapes kept for this purpose will be saved until the issue is resolved.  Only the bus driver, principal, School Board members, SAU personnel (when appropriate) and the individual involved in an incident (and their parents/guardians) will be allowed to view the tape and only that part of the tape pertinent to the issue at hand.

 

 

 1^st Reading – 5/10/01

2^nd Reading & Adoption – 6/12/01 (REVISED)

Revised – 10/2/01

 

 CAFETERIA

 

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

 

The cafeteria makes available a breakfast program for all our students.  The cost of a breakfast is $.80 per day or $4.00 per week.  Any student who qualifies for a free/reduced lunch also qualifies for a free/reduced (.40) breakfast.

 

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM

 

Hot lunch is available to all students in grades 1-6.  The price for lunch is $1.20 per day or $6.00 per week.  Any unpaid lunch charges will result in your student’s report card being detained until the balance is paid in full.  A notice will be sent home should this occur.

 

Meals cannot be charged for more than 5 days.  Starting on the 6^th day, students will not receive a meal.

 

Provisions for free/reduced lunches are available to parents who qualify with information being sent home at the beginning of the school year.  You are allowed to submit an application at any point during the school year. 

 

Lunch menus will be sent home on a monthly basis.

 

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING

 

According to New Hampshire RSA 169:C, all education personnel are mandated to report suspected child abuse and neglect to the NH Division of Children and Youth Services (DCYS).  Specifically, RSA 169:C requires school officials, or any person having reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected, to make a report to the NH Division of Children and Youth Services.

 

 

CONFERENCES

 

Parents are encouraged to call the school to arrange for conferences with their student’s teacher whenever concerns arise with behavior or academic progress.  It is not necessary to wait for a regular conference time if a parent or student has a concern.

 

 

 

 

 

DANCE PROCEDURES

 

1.    Purpose:      The purpose of the Stark Village School dance is to raise money for the 6^th Grade Class Trip.

 

 

2.    Amount:       The 6^th Grade will be allowed to hold up to four (4) dances during the school year.

 

 

3.      The 6^th Grade Teacher (or his/her designee) will oversee the planning of the dance(s) – procuring chaperones, planning the refreshments, etc. AND being the staff person in charge.

 

 

4.    Who May Attend?

 

·         Stark Village School students.  If a student wishes to bring a guest

(friend/relative), the Stark student must obtain prior written approval from the Principal one week in advance of the scheduled dance.

 

·         Groveton Elementary School students – only if they sign – up at the

                   Groveton Elementary School one week prior to the dance and

                   approved by the Stark Village School Principal.

 

 

 

All students attending the dance will be required to sign in to enter the dance and sign out to leave the dance.

 

 

 

Any deviations from these guidelines must be approved by the principal.

 

 DISCIPLINE POLICY                                                        JGD

 

The School Board recognizes that students do not surrender their rights of citizenship as they pass through the schoolhouse door.  The School Board further recognizes that students within the school setting are not entitled to any special rights, privileges, or immunities not enjoyed by citizens in the larger community.  The school is a community with rules and regulations, and those who would enjoy the rights and privileges it provides must also accept the responsibilities that membership demands, including respect for and obedience to school rules.  The School Board expects that students will conform to reasonable standards of speech and conduct, refrain from violating or impairing the rights of others, and not engage in any conduct that deprives other students of an orderly school atmosphere.

 

Most discipline problems are handled by the classroom teacher in concert with the parents.  There exists a set of appropriate school and classroom rules by which all students are expected to abide.  All students are generally expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner in and around the school.  They are encouraged to accept responsibility for the consequences of their behavior.  Teachers are responsible and have the authority to maintain order and discipline in the school.

 

The Principal serves as a resource person to both teachers and parents in improving student conduct.  The Principal will become more directly involved in instances where the teacher and/or parents have been unable to affect a positive change.  In no way shall the list of misconducts or discipline options be considered all-inclusive.  The Principal is responsible for determining whether a misconduct not specifically outlined is prejudicial to good order and what action is necessary.  Violations or infractions of the rules may lead to suspension or expulsion.  New Hampshire State law gives the Principal, or designee, the authority to discipline students that violate school rules or School Board policies.  This discipline code shall apply at all times at any school-related activity, either on campus or off, or while being transported to or from school or a school-related activity.

 

If a student is requested to remain after school for disciplinary reasons, i.e. detention, parents will receive 24 hours notice.  Students are expected to remain after school on the date specified on the notice and parents are obligated to transport them home.        

          Physical punishment will not be used as a disciplinary action.

 

SEVERITY CLAUSE

 

In instances where violations are severe enough to warrant doing so, the Principal may choose to by-pass one or more of the preliminary steps in the discipline policy.

 

 

ACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOR CHOICES

 

In order to create a safe and comfortable, orderly and disciplined learning environment, students are encouraged to be considerate of others and caring for themselves.  Following are examples of acceptable behavior choices for students:

 

1. Follow directions (the first time given).

 

2. Treat other people’s personal space, work, and property with respect.  Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

 

3. Be careful and thoughtful of school materials, equipment, and the building.

 

4. Use appropriate and courteous language.

 

5. Walk from place to place in the building.

 

6. Wait your turn.

 

7. Complete assignments on time.  Work carefully.

 

8. Students in grades 3 – 6 must have their school books covered at all times.

 

9. Do not disturb others.

 

10.     Follow general classroom rules, school regulations, and School Board Policies.

 

 

 

 

UNACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOR CHOICES

 

Student behaviors, which interrupt the orderly operation of school procedures or contribute to a less comfortable, safe, and disciplined learning environment are unacceptable student behavior choices.  The following are examples of unacceptable student behavior choices, which must be avoided:

 

1. Ignoring or refusing to follow directions.  Not listening and not paying attention.

 

2. Breaking or taking other people’s property without asking.  Not keeping hands, feet, or objects to yourself.

 

3. Misusing the bathroom, water fountain, furniture, equipment or school building.

 

4. Using offensive language, yelling, screaming, hurtful sarcasm, put-downs, rumors, verbal attacks, gossip, innuendoes, and making up stories in order to get someone else in trouble.

 

5. Running, jumping, climbing, crawling, or otherwise not walking from place to place inside the building.

 

6. Interrupting, shoving, talking out, or otherwise not waiting your turn.

 

7. Completing assignments late, not doing homework at all, or doing careless work.

 

8. Not covering school books.

 

9. Disturbing other people.

 

10.     Ignoring or refusing to follow general classroom rules, school regulations, or School Board Policies.

 

EQUALITY CLAUSE

 

Fair and equal treatment will be given to all students during the implementation of the school discipline policy.  Before imposing consequences for violations at any level, the teacher or principal should be guided by the principles of fundamental fairness.  The principal will make, at the very least, a rudimentary inquiry into the incident.  The principal will assure that the offender is accurately identified, understands the nature of the offense, and is given an opportunity to present his/her views.  Federal regulations may require some provisions of the discipline policy be applied differently to educationally disabled students.

 

LEVELS OF MISCONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE ACTONS

A.    Minor Misconduct:  Behaviors which interrupt the learning environment or prevent the discipline and orderly operation of school procedures.

Ø      Inappropriate class, lunch, or playground behavior.

Ø      Misuse of school property

Ø      Violation of other’s personal space, work, or property.

Ø      Minor safety violation.

Ø      Failure to carry out directions.

Ø      Disrespect toward an adult or another student.

Ø      Refusal to clean up a mess the student made or repair/replace the damaged item.

Discipline Actions

First Offense:     

1. Remind student of the rule, and
2. Counsel student in correct conduct.

Second Offense:

1. Reprimand, stating consequences, and
2. Time-out.

Third Offense:

1. Loss of recess (length will depend on grade level, infraction, or how many times the infraction occurred previously), or
2. Loss of privilege/activity, or
3. Temporary dismissal to a supervised, isolated area, and
4. Parent contact, written and/or verbal.

*The fourth minor offense elevates the misconduct to intermediate status.

 

B.  Intermediate Misconduct:  Behaviors whose frequency interrupts, impedes, or prevents school procedures but does not present a direct threat to the health and safety of others is considered intermediate misconduct infractions.  This includes misconducts for which administrative action may be required to correct the serious educational consequences of the misbehavior.

Ø      Continued or excessive minor misconduct.

Ø      Offensive/abusive language or gestures.

Ø      Using forged notes.

Ø      Lying and dishonesty

Ø      Cheating.

Ø      Leaving a class or the school building without permission.

Ø      Bullying (see policy JICBB).

 

Discipline Actions

First Offense:

1. Counsel student(s) involved, and
2. Possible temporary removal from the activity, and
3. Written notification to parents, and
4. One-hour detention.
5. If behavior warrants, dismissal from school for the remainder of the day.

Second Offense:

1. All of a, b, and c above, and
2. One-day, in-school suspension, and
3. Parent conference.

Third Offense:

1. All of a, b, and c above, and
2. Two-day, out-of-school suspension (see policy JGD), and
3. Parent conference, and
4. Referral to Superintendent, and
5. Possible referral to an appropriate professional or outside agency.

 

*The fourth intermediate offense elevates the misconduct to major status.

 

C.    Major Misconduct:  Violations which endanger the health, safety, and

security of others or the school.  This includes acts which may be considered criminal, but can generally be handled by implementing school disciplinary options.

Ø      Continued or excessive intermediate misconduct.