MPS Informational Handbook
2008-2009

The Montpelier Board of School Commissioners generally meets on the first and third Wednesdays of most months at the Montpelier High School library at 7 p.m. Meetings are televised on Adelphia Channel 16. Montpelier residents who wish to speak to the Board are encouraged to attend.

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Note:  During the summer of 2007, and throughout the 2007-2008 school year, the Montpelier Board of School Commissioners has revisited the mission statement for the schools.  The board also identified "ends" policies that provide guidance to the administration and staff.  Finally, the board has developed "indicators" for each end in order to ensure accountability.  The draft statements of Mission and Ends follow.  The administration will be making regular reports to the board, using the indicators chosen by the board, regarding progress toward the desired ends.  Public input is welcome.  Please send comments to the Superintendent's office at 58 Barre Street or email to heatherm@mpsvt.org.

OUR MISSION:  "Students will be capable, self-directed, and eager participants in the local, national, and world communities."

OUR VALUES:	Student-centered education
	Excellence
	Affordability
	Passion
	Courage
	A Safe, Healthy, and Caring Environment

OUR DESIRED ENDS:

1.    Students master a core body of knowledge and cognitive skills, based on state standards.

2.    Students act as responsible citizens:

3.    Using core knowledge from across disciplines, students think critically, work collaboratively, solve problems, and act creatively.

4.    Individual students at all ages and ability levels are engaged in rigorous, relevant, and inspiring learning which prepares each of them for success as they move through and beyond school.

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MONTPELIER PUBLIC SCHOOLS 58 Barre Street Montpelier, VT  05602 PHONE  802-223-9796 FAX  802-223-9795 WEB PAGE: mpsvt.org

August 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

 

Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year!

This handbook is designed to provide basic information about the school district and each of its three schools.  Please review the sections that apply to your family and keep it where you will be able to refer to it as the need arises.  It contains important information about polices and procedures, including statements regarding your rights and those of your children. 

Please know that we are here to provide the very best education we can to each child.  One of the most important factors in achieving that goal is good communication with our families.  This handbook is a start.  Newsletters also help.  But the key ingredient is for families to feel that their questions are answered and their concerns are heard.  Please communicate with your child's teacher(s) frequently.  If you have concerns about your child's progress or experience in school, please do not hesitate to make an appointment for a conference with your child's teacher(s).  

Although this handbook is fairly comprehensive, if you have trouble finding the answer to your question, please call my office at 223-9796 and we will try to help direct your question to the right person.   

I am personally thrilled to have joined the Montpelier Public Schools.  It's a privilege to be working in such a fine system and with such fine people!

Please visit our website at www.mpsvt.org, subscribe to our "eNews", and give us feedback on our efforts to keep you informed!

Sincerely,

Stephen Metcalf

Superintendent of Schools

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Every effort has been made to provide the school community with current information regarding district and individual school policies. This is current as of the date of publication. Where a conflict exists between State and/or Federal Law, Montpelier School District Policies and this informational handbook, federal and/or state law and district policies will prevail, in that order or as advised by the district's legal counsel.

Plagiarism is the use of the ideas or writings of another person as one’s own. Material taken from the Internet or any other electronic source is considered the same as material from any other source. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.

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Anyone who is unable to access the services in the Montpelier Public School District's office may request that services be relocated to an accessible location in the district. To arrange for a meeting at a different site, please contact either the superintendent's or support services' offices.

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The Montpelier Board of School Commissioners believes that all students have a right to receive an appropriate education in an alcohol- and drug-free environment. Toward that end, the board encourages educational programs that provide every student and employee with an understanding of the physical, psychological, social and legal dangers associated with alcohol or drug abuse.

The Montpelier Board of School Commissioners believes that chemical abuse and dependency are treatable health problems and that they are primarily the responsibility of the home and the community. The school shares this responsibility and sees its role in the areas of prevention (education) and intervention (identification and referral).

Community and schools share in this responsibility because chemical problems often interfere with behavior, learning, and the fullest possible development of each student and with employee job performance.

It is the policy of this school district that no student or employee shall knowingly possess, use, sell, give, or otherwise transmit, or be under the influence of any illicit drug, regulated substance, or alcohol on any school property, or at any school sponsored activity away from or within the school. This policy is not intended to preclude the use of prescription medication by a person for whom such a medication has been ordered by a physician.

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AHERA requires that each of the Montpelier schools have Management Plans for the safe control and maintenance of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Management Plans are available and accessible to the public and are located at each school and at the superintendent's office.

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Attendance is important and required. In order to assure careful attention to attendance requirements, each school has established procedures for communication regarding absence and attendance. Please refer to individual school sections in this handbook for more specific information.

Absences

Regular daily attendance is expected of all students. State law requires that each child between the ages of 6 and 16 must attend school or have completed the tenth grade. Students who are absent from school, whether for excused or unexcused reasons, will be expected to make up all missed academic work.

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BULLYING

The Vermont Legislature and Governor have enacted a law intended to ensure that all public schools in the state adopt and implement a comprehensive plan for responding to student misbehavior. The plan is also to promote the positive development of youth. Our schools work each year to improve their discipline plans.

The new law has a special section that defines bullying as any overt act or combination of acts directed against a student by another student or group of students which is repeated over time; is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and occurs before, during, or after the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity. As we improve our discipline plans, we will be adding this legislated language.

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CHANGE IN RESIDENCE

Parents are requested to inform the school of any change in residence, telephone number, or change in family situation.

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CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

The purpose of these procedures is to protect children whose health and welfare may be jeopardized by abuse or neglect and to ensure that school district employees meet their legal reporting obligations under 33 V.S.A. 4913. It is further the purpose of these procedures to make clear to school district employees that it is not their role to investigate or make a judgment based on the nature of the facts in cases of suspected abuse or neglect. Rather, it is the role of school district employees to be faithful and timely reporters of suspected abuse or neglect so that allegations can be brought to the attention of authorized investigators.

Any school district employee, regardless of whether he or she is a "mandated reporter", shall report suspected child abuse or neglect to the building principal or his or her designee. If the building principal or designee is the person suspected of child abuse or the person who suspects the abuse or neglect, the report shall be made to the Superintendent of Schools. The principal or designee or superintendent, as the case may be, shall then immediately make a report to the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) in accordance with the law.

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COMPLAINTS

If you are unhappy with a school situation, we want to hear from you. We believe that problems are best solved at the level closest to the problem. If you are unhappy with a situation, please follow these steps in order. Discuss the issue with the following people. If the issue is not resolved, please go to the next appropriate person on the list.

(1)    The classroom teacher or appropriate staff member, as applicable

(2)    The appropriate support person, as applicable:

•    Behavior - Behavioral Specialist

•    Attitude or Self-Concept - School Counselor

•    Medical - Nurse

•    Special Education - Your Child's Case Manager

•    Remedial - Support Services Teachers

(3)    Principal

(4)    Superintendent

(5)    School Board

Problems that cannot be resolved within the school building should be brought to the attention of the Superintendent of Schools. If the superintendent cannot resolve the problem to your satisfaction, you may request a hearing with the Montpelier Board of School Commissioners. You may take this request either to the superintendent or directly to the Board Chair. Given the nature of the request, the discussion may take place in either public or executive session.

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COMPUTER USE/SECURITY

Online information access is an integral part of the education for all 21st century learners. The following rules have been developed to ensure student safety and specify appropriate educational use of online information.

1.    The Montpelier Public Schools Wide Area Network (“The Network”) has been established for educational purposes. The term "educational purposes" includes classroom activities, career development, and research. Products or services may not be offered or purchased through “The Network.” “The Network” may not be used for political lobbying. However the system may be used to communicate with elected representatives and to express opinion on political issues.

2.    “The Network” has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. The Montpelier Public School District has the right to place restrictions on the material accessed or posted via the system. Computers are considered a means of communication, and the rules addressing bullying and harassment apply.

3.    Individuals who bring in their personal computer or device for use in the Montpelier Public Schools or on “The Network” must comply with these acceptable use rules. The individual is also responsible for having an anti-virus protection program installed on the machine that is up to date. The Montpelier School District reserves the right to ban any personal computer from our buildings and/or our network.

4.    Students, while on the Montpelier School District computer network, may not access any external e-mail accounts. Students may only use an account provided to them by the district. Teachers may approve and supervise specific exceptions for educational purposes.

5.    Meetings arranged online must have an educational purpose and must be arranged with the knowledge and approval of teachers.

6.    Students may not post personal contact information about themselves or other people, including address, telephone, school, address, or any other information that identifies an individual or group.

7.    Students must promptly disclose to their teacher or other school employee any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

8.    Individuals may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to “The Network” or to any other computer system through “The Network.” This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files. Individuals are responsible for their own accounts and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to access their accounts.

9.    Individuals will not use “The Network” to engage in any illegal act, including making deliberate attempts to damage or disrupt computers or the computer system or destroy data.

10.    Individuals will not use “The Network” to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made for student access of hate literature if the purpose of that access is to conduct research and both the student's teacher and parent have approved. If inappropriate information is mistakenly accessed, students will immediately tell their teacher or another supervising adult. This will protect them against a claim that they have intentionally violated acceptable use rules.

11.    Individuals should expect only limited privacy with the contents of personal files and e-mail on the District system. Maintenance and monitoring of “The Network” may lead to discovery of rule violations.

12.    The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the District system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage suffered, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.

13.    Parents or Guardians who do not wish their children to have access to these resources in whole or in part must submit a request in writing to have the student’s access restricted.

14.    During the summer, all student files may be deleted from the system.

Notice All children and youths, ages 0-21 years who are residents of the City of Montpelier, are eligible to receive an appropriate education at public expense, regardless of any disability they may have. The Montpelier Public School System may be unaware of all resident children and youths with disabilities. If you know of a child who may be eligible for special education services and is not in school or otherwise being educated at public expense, please notify the school system by calling or writing to Jessica Little, Director of Support Services, 58 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 (223-6341).

Educational Support Teams

The Montpelier School District adopts the goal that all students will succeed in school. In furtherance of this goal, the district has established an educational support system, for students who are failing or who are at risk of academic failure. Some of the factors that might indicate a problem are as follows: significant downturn in academic performance, high absentee rate, or recurring behavior problems.

These concerns, in the form of referrals from staff, parents or students, are addressed by the Educational Support Team (EST) comprised of teachers, support services teachers, administrators, guidance counselor, and school nurse. The goals of the educational support team include:

•    providing assessment, support and planning for those students who are experiencing difficulty with their academic program.

•    providing support and consultation for teachers in the delivery of their academic programs.

•    providing an intervention and referral service for students (and parents) who are experiencing problems that are interfering with their ability to be successful in school.

•    creating alternative educational opportunities for students in need of enrichment or for whom a traditional academic program is not working.

•    providing the necessary supports to assist teachers in accommodating at-risk children in the regular classroom.

Parents will be notified regarding any decisions or recommendations. Referrals should be made to the principal.

If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact the principal or school guidance counselor.

School Counselor Services

Our counseling program is committed to the developmental model of growth. A key component of this model is the belief that human beings throughout their lives experience ups and downs, highs and lows, and periods of rapid change coupled with periods of stability.  One of the functions of education is to provide children with the necessary skills and confidence to successfully manage these different life stages. This philosophy is supported by making available appropriate developmental, preventive, and remedial services that encourage self-awareness and understanding of others. Some of these services include short term one-on-one counseling, small group work, large classroom teaching, consultation, and community outreach. Students are further encouraged to develop programs with the school counselor that will address their specific needs.

Our school counselors invite and encourage parents and community members alike to contact them with any questions or concerns that may arise during the course of the year.

Section 504 Accommodations and Related Services

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal statute that was passed to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not denied the benefits of or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal funds. School districts ensure that any person with a disability  has an equal opportunity to participate in the educational programs and activities. The school district ensures that the programs and buildings are accessible.

Some of the disabilities that may qualify a student for eligibility under Section 504 include communicable diseases, injuries and temporary disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, and physical disabilities. All students who are eligible for special education services are automatically eligible for the protections of Section 504.

Special Education

Special education services are available for children birth to 3 who are developmentally disabled or who have a health condition that is likely to result in their becoming developmentally disabled. Special education is responsible for only part of the broad array of early intervention services that are available. These services are coordinated through the Family, Infant and Toddler Project. To make a referral for these services or to find out more about these services, a parent may call 476-8757 or 1-800-270-4231.

The Montpelier Essential Early Education Program serves Montpelier children, ages 3 to 5 years of age, who have special learning needs or other disabilities. Through the EEE Program, these children and their families may receive a range of early intervention services – speech/language, occupational and physical therapy, individualized assistance in the classroom, and developmental teaching.

Referrals to EEE come from many community sources, including parents, physicians, visiting nurses, and childcare providers. Twice a year, the EEE Program sponsors a Child Development Information Day, where parents are invited to talk with EEE staff about any developmental concerns they may have about their children and participate in a play observation session in the preschool classrooms.

The Montpelier EEE Program is housed at the Family Center of Washington County. Children receiving EEE often attend the Family Center Preschool, where a play-based developmental curriculum and an interdisciplinary teaching team offer opportunities for play with peers and many hands-on activities to build social/emotional, communicative, motor, and pre-academic skills. The Family Center offers many activities for families, including the Montpelier play groups, where EEE staff members are available as well.

Special education for children and youth ages five through twenty-one is specially designed instruction for students who have been identified as having a disability. It includes individualized school programs with direct services in the basic skill areas of oral expression, listening comprehension, basic reading, reading comprehension, math calculation, math reasoning, written expression, or motor skills. It also may include related services such as transportation or counseling if the service is required for the student to benefit from his/her special education services. For more information about these services, call the Director of Support Services at 223-6341.

Discipline for Students with Disabilities

Laws and court decisions governing the disciplining of students with disabilities require that special procedures will be followed prior to action being taken that result in a long-term suspension or expulsion. The student's IEP team may be involved as required by federal and state law. For detailed information regarding the discipline of students with disabilities, contact the Director of Support Services at 223-6341.

If you would like additional information, you may also wish to contact:

Vermont Developmental Disabilities Law Project
12 North Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Telephone: 802-863-2881 or 802-223-6377________________
Vermont Parent Information Center
Chace Mill
1 Mill Street
Burlington, VT 05401
Telephone: 802-658-5315 or 1-800-639-7170______________
Vermont Department of Education
Special Education Unit
120 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05620
Telephone: 828-3141

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EVACUATION/FIRE DRILLS

As required and/or deemed necessary, the schools cooperate with the Montpelier Fire Department and other agencies as appropriate in conducting evacuation drills. These drills enable us to check emergency procedures and provide for the safety of all school occupants in the possible event of a real emergency.

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FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are considered to be a natural extension of the curriculum. They may be taken when they provide for pupils educational opportunities not readily available in the classroom.

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PREVENTION OF HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS

The Montpelier School District is committed to providing a safe and supportive school environment in which all students are treated with respect. This policy involves incident(s) and/or conduct that occurs on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity, or misconduct not on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity where direct harm to the welfare of the school can be demonstrated.

It is the purpose of this policy to ensure that prompt and appropriate remedial action, reasonably calculated to stop harassment, is taken by school district employees.

It is the intent of the District to apply and enforce this policy in a manner that is consistent with and protects students’ rights to free expression under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The District respects and promotes the rights of students and others to speak freely and to express their ideas, including ideas that may offend the sensibilities of others. However, the District does not condone and shall take action in response to behavior that interferes with the learning of students and is not otherwise protected expression.

Examples of behaviors which, if sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent to interfere with a person's ability to participate in or benefit from school programs would be unlawful harassment include but are not limited to physical aggression or force, the threat of physical aggression or force, demeaning comments or behavior, slurs, mimicking, jokes, gestures, name-calling, graffiti, stalking, sexual advances, use of nicknames emphasizing stereotypes, comments on manner of speaking, negative references to customs, and derogatory comments regarding surnames.

REPORTING Report any incidents of harassment or hazing to any teacher, coach, nurse, guidance counselor, administrator or another adult working at the school. Individuals assigned to investigate harassment or hazing complaints: EEE    Director of Support Services Jessica Little UES    Principal Timothy Francke, Counselor Shannon Baker MSMS    Principal Pam Arnold, Counselor Lissa Knauss MHS    Principal Peter Evans, Assistant to the Principal Jen Wall Howard

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HAZING

Hazing has no place in the District's schools and will not be tolerated.

Definitions

"Hazing" means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with the District; and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of the student. Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above acts. Hazing may occur on or off school grounds.

Examples of hazing include:

1.    Any type of physical brutality such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electrical shocks, placing a harmful substance on or in the body, or other similar activity; or

2.    Any type of physical activity such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, or other activity that creates or results in an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; or

3.    Any activity involving consumption of food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm; or

4.    Any activity that induces, causes, or requires a student to perform a duty or task, which involves the commission of a crime or an act of hazing.

Notification of Hazing Policy

Annually, the student handbook, which shall be presented to students prior to the commencement of any academic courses, shall contain: (1) a description of this hazing policy in age-appropriate language, (2) examples of hazing, and (3) a listing of those persons whom the board has designated to receive reports of hazing. The schools of the District also shall effectively inform students about the substance of this hazing policy and its procedures by assembly and/or classroom presentations as determined by the principal.

Each student who participates in a co- or extra-curricular activity that begins prior to the commencement of any academic courses shall be provided by the coach or supervisor of the co- or extra-curricular activity a copy of the excerpt from the student handbook regarding the hazing policy prior to the first practice session. Each coach or supervisor of a co- or extra-curricular activity shall orally explain to participants the prohibition against hazing, the reasons for the prohibition, and the potential consequences to participants and, in the case of a club or an athletic team, to the club or team itself.

Annually, custodial parents and guardians of students shall be provided a copy of this hazing policy prior to the commencement of co- or extracurricular activities.

Annually, staff members shall be provided with a copy of this hazing policy prior to the opening of school. Coaches or supervisors of co- or extra-curricular activities shall be provided a copy of this hazing policy upon employment by the District.

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It is the policy of the Montpelier School System to have procedures in place to provide appropriate health services to students and to protect the health of the population of the school community. School-based health services are not provided to employees, except in emergencies.

The school nurse handles routine illnesses and accidents occurring at school. Severe cases of illness or accident are brought to the immediate attention of parents.

It is necessary that parents complete and return the health information forms distributed each fall. It is equally important that parents whose children have disabilities or whose children are required to take medication during the school day inform the school nurse.

If a child is sick before school, he or she should not be sent to school. Once a child is in school, he/she is expected to attend all scheduled classes for that day. This includes all routine activities, including outside recess and physical education. If a child needs to be excused from any part of the school program, he/she will need a note from the doctor. Children who become sick while in school will be sent home as soon as a parent or guardian can be notified and arrangements for dismissal have been made. Please be sure that we have a daytime phone number where someone can be reached in case of illness or emergency.

Vermont law states that "no child shall enter as a student of a Vermont school unless the appropriate school official has received a record or certificate of immunization issued by a licensed physician or health clinic that the child has received required immunizations appropriate to age, unless exempted from immunizations for medical, religious or moral reasons".

During the school year, the school nurse does screening for vision, and hearing. If you have a concern, you may request that additional screenings be provided. If there is a concern with any the screenings, the student’s parent or guardian will be notified.

Medication Policy

Whenever possible, medication shall be administered in the home. However, there are provisions for those occasions when medication at school is required.

Under normal circumstances, no medication may be taken by a student at school except as administered by the school nurse.

In such cases, the school shall assure that the following are provided:

•    Written orders from a physician detailing the name of the drug, dosage, time interval the medication is to be taken, diagnosis, and reason for giving.

•    Written permission from the parent or guardian requesting that the school district comply with the physician’s order.

•    Medication brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.

•    A locked cabinet for storage of medication.

•    Opportunities for communication with the pupil, parent, and physician regarding the efficacy of the medication administered during school hours.

•    Non-prescription medication must be accompanied by a written request from the parent or guardian. The request must contain an assurance that the student has suffered no previous ill effects from the use of the medication. The medication must be left in the custody of the school nurse.

•    Your child may bring in throat or cough drops as needed. Parents of children at Union Elementary School and Main Street Middle School will need to send a note to the nurse giving permission for them to be at school. The nurse will provide a cough drop pass.

•    Aspirin substitutes, such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen, are available from the school nurse as long as there is parent permission on record on the Medical Questionnaire. If your child needs chewable or liquid medications, they need to be supplied by parents due to cost of those products.

•    If your child needs to have juice or a snack available for a medical condition, make sure to inform the nurse and send in the needed products.

•    On the advice of the school district physician, our nurses will not administer homeopathic treatments.

Life-Threatening Diseases or Allergies

It is extremely important for the school to be informed of any life-threatening diseases or allergies so that proper precautions can be taken to ensure that we are ready to respond appropriately to your child’s needs.

If a child suffers from a life-threatening disease or food allergy and is deemed capable of carrying and administering his or her own medication, Act 175 of 2008 provides guidance to parents, schools, and physicians.

Please contact the school nurse for further guidance if your child suffers from such a disease or allergy.

Communicable Diseases & Nuisances

Part of the school's responsibility is to keep everyone safe. One way that we do that is to alert people to health risks.

AIDS and Hepatitis B

Both of these diseases are spread through blood. Everyone needs to be careful about coming in contact with the blood of others. You don't have to run away from someone who is injured, but you do have to know what to do.

If someone hurts himself/herself or gets sick at school, try to get help. School staff has been trained to take care of situations such as this. You shouldn't try to handle the situation yourself unless you have had some training. The school nurse will be glad to help you.

Detection of Communicable Diseases & Nuisances

School personnel should notify the school nurse under the following conditions:

•    Any person absent from school for three consecutive days, or in a recognizable pattern of absence, other than as excused by the parent or guardian.

•    Any person who develops a questionable skin rash.

•    Notification by family or a community member of the possibility of a communicable illness involving a student, students, or school personnel.

•    Frequent or severe colds.

•    Eye or ear conditions suggesting infection.

•    Any student affected by pediculosis (head lice).

A list of diseases/health nuisances considered to be communicable will be posted in each school nurse’s office.

Exclusion: Selected diseases/health nuisances having a high communicability rate may require exclusion from school. Any person suspected of having such a communicable disease/health nuisance in its contagious state will be excluded from school by the school principal upon the recommendation of the school nurse in accordance with guidelines in the Procedures Manual: Communicable Diseases/Health Nuisance.

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

Treatment of pediculosis is work-intensive. The nurses in the Montpelier Public Schools encourage and recognize the need for schools and families to work together in the spirit of cooperation. 

Procedure

The school nurse may check heads for lice as recommended by the Vermont Standards of Practice.

Students are not allowed in the classroom if they have head lice or nits.

Upon verification of lice by the school nurse, parents and guardians will be called and are expected to take the student home for treatment. All siblings and close contacts that attend Montpelier Public Schools will be checked by the school nurse for lice.

The school nurse will use the principles of professional confidentiality when assisting in the treatment and follow-up of pediculosis.

Parents are responsible for and highly encouraged to notify extended family and friends who do not attend Montpelier Public Schools who have been exposed to their child while contagious. 

The school nurse will provide the parent or guardian with information on the treatment of pediculosis. 

After treatment (by parent or guardian), and before returning to class, the school nurse will recheck the student’s head. If no lice or nits are found, the student may return to class.

The parent or guardian is expected to check for nits daily for 7-10 days to ensure there are no nits/lice. It may be necessary to retreat after 7-10 days depending upon evidence of nits/lice and the recommendations on the product used. 

If the parent or guardian is the first to discover the presence of lice, it is important that they notify the school nurse.

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INSURANCE

Generally the school system assumes no liability for injuries resulting from an accident in school buildings, on school grounds, or on an authorized school trip.

Parents who feel that the provisions of their own family insurance program are not adequate may purchase a so-called school accident insurance policy. Information and applications are distributed to the students in the fall. Such policies are not sponsored by the school system. In effect, they are contracts between a private insurance company and the insurer.

All school district employees/volunteers are covered by the school district's liability insurance if an accident should occur when the employee/volunteer is transporting students on school business. In the event of an accident, the employee's/volunteer’s own insurance would be primary, with the district's insurance taking effect when the limits of the employee's/volunteer’s insurance have been reached. The employee/volunteer needs to have proof of insurance and valid driver’s license on file with the appropriate building.

The Montpelier School District requires that all students who participate in athletic activities be covered by medical accident insurance. The school district does not provide such coverage on students except when negligence on behalf of the school district can be demonstrated. The district does, however, make available to parents and students the opportunity to purchase low-cost, student accident insurance from a private insurer. Coverage for some contact sports, such as football, frequently requires a supplemental premium charge.

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NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Under the federal law, No Child Left Behind, school districts are required to report to the community the percent of teachers not meeting the definition of “highly qualified”. In Montpelier 2.17% of our teachers in core academic classes did not meet the definition in 2006-2007. We are also required to report that none of our teachers had emergency credentials in 2006-2007. All of our teachers are licensed by the State of Vermont.

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NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the Montpelier School District are hereby notified that this district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, creed, ancestry, marital/civil union status, or disabling condition in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the Montpelier School District’s compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI or Title IX is directed to contact the Superintendent of Schools and for Section 504 to contact the Director of Support Services. The Superintendent and the Director of Support Services have been designated by the Montpelier School District to coordinate the district’s efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.

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NUTRITION SERVICES

The Food Service Department for Montpelier Public Schools is what is referred to as “self-operated”. This means that we are employees of the school district. Our purpose is not to make profits for large corporations. We are local people, your friends and your neighbors, providing the most nutritious food we can to your children, at the most reasonable price the program can afford in a friendly and respectful way. We vow to do our part to help teach the importance of taking good care of our bodies and our environment. We not only have respect for each other, we respect our commonly used space by teaching students to clean up after themselves. We respect the environment by composting and recycling.

We serve as many local and school made or grown products as we can. In season we have wonderful greens from the high school greenhouse, grown by our students. We buy vegetables and apples from local growers, bread and rolls from Manghi’s, bagels from Waterbury, and yogurt and cheese from just up the road. We not only want our children to eat healthy, we want them to learn to make the healthy choices for themselves. Education is such a big part of this, and we are proud to play an integral part in your child’s school day.

If you think your family may qualify for free or reduced price meals, please complete and return the application included in the back to school packet. If you have children in more than one school in the district, please return only ONE application per family, with all of the children listed.  If you have any questions about the form or the school meals program, please contact Betty Hammond, Food Service Director, at 225-8016 or Betty@mpsvt.org. 

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PARENTS, GUARDIANS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The role of parents, guardians and the community in our children's education is crucial, and Montpelier Public Schools encourages you to become an active participant in our school community. There are a number of ways to become involved in our children's school life.

•    Attend parent conferences and meetings

•    Attend Parents’ Group, PTO and Boosters meetings

•    Volunteer

•    Attend School Board Meetings & Budget Hearings

•    Attend the Principal's Round Table gatherings

•    Join School and District Committees

•    Offer a site for a service learning or community based learning project

•    Subscribe to the eNews at www.mpsvt.org

The official Parent Involvement policy follows:

The Montpelier School District will maintain programs, activities, and procedures for the involvement of parents in its schools under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The school district will be governed by the following statutory definition of parental involvement:

Parental involvement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring –

(A)    that parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;

(B)    that parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school;

(C)    that parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child;

(D)    the carrying out of other activities, such as those described in section 118 of the ESEA

Parent:  Includes an individual acting in the place of a natural or adoptive parent (including a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative) with whom the child lives, or an individual who is legally responsible for the child’s welfare, 20 USC §7801(31).

The Montpelier School District will ensure, to the extent practicable, full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency or parents with disabilities. Information and school reports will be provided in an understandable and uniform format, including alternate formats upon reasonable request, and in a language that parents understand. 

This policy will be included in the Montpelier School District’s handbook, which will be distributed to each parent in September of each year. Parents of students transferring during the school year into the district will receive a copy of the handbook upon the student’s registration.

The district will build a partnership among the schools, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement by:

1.    Providing an annual description and explanation of Montpelier’s curriculum objectives, the academic assessments used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels all students are expected to achieve.

2.    Providing timely student academic progress reports to parents. 

3.    Encouraging all parents to participate in two parent-teacher conferences each school year. 

4.    Providing timely information about school activities and programs through eNews and principal newsletters. 

5.    Providing reasonable access to faculty.

6.    Providing parents reasonable opportunities to volunteer in their child’s school. 

The Montpelier School District will, with the assistance of each of its schools, provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement. This will be accomplished by:

1.    Conducting workshops (i.e., literacy, mathematics, technology) for parents.

2.    Sending home course and academic information to parents as necessary.

3.    Holding annual orientation meetings for parents of incoming kindergarten students, 6th grade students, and 9th grade students.

4.    Scheduling annual “Open House Nights” at each of its schools. 

This policy will be reviewed annually with parents in order to determine the program’s effectiveness in improving the quality of the schools and identifying actions necessary to improve parent involvement. All requests by parents for parental involvement activities will be documented, as will any resulting activity. The superintendent, or his designee, will be primarily responsible for the procedures for administering an effective home/school partnership. 

The school district, with the assistance of parents, will educate teachers, administrators, and other staff in the value and utility of contributions of parents; in how to reach out, communicate, and work with parents; and in how to build ties between parents and schools by annually either conducting an in-service workshop at each of its schools or providing written materials to all teachers, administrators, and staff.

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PERSONAL ITEMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Bicycles

Students may ride their bicycles to and from school; however, bicycles are kept at school at the owner's risk. THE SCHOOL SYSTEM ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE OR THEFT.

•    On arrival at school, students will leave their bicycles in the bicycle racks provided.

•    Bicycles may not be used during the school day.

•    Students may pick up their bicycles at the end of the day and depart for home.

Skateboards/Scooters/Roller Blades/Hockey/Lacrosse Sticks and Other Personal Sports Equipment

Students who bring their skateboards, roller blades, hockey or lacrosse sticks or any other personal sports equipment to school are not permitted to ride or play on the main walk leading into the main doors of the school, in the paved parking areas, or on the playground.

On arrival at school, skateboards, roller blades, hockey and lacrosse sticks will be taken to the gym area or office where they will be stored at the owner's risk. THE SCHOOL SYSTEM ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE OR THEFT. Students will pick up skateboards, roller blades, hockey and lacrosse sticks at the end of the school day and depart for home.

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It is the belief of the Montpelier School District that children receive the most benefit from their educational experience when in a balanced setting representative of the greater community in which they live. For this reason, the assignment of children to individual teachers takes into account several factors to assure that each class is organized in a way that best maximizes the intellectual, psychological and social development of each child.

Further, it is the belief of the district that the professional staff members are most familiar with each child and the school resources and are in the best position to recommend individual student/teacher placements following review of the placement team. The final decision regarding the placement of each child will rest with the building principal.

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POLICY MANUAL

The Montpelier Board of School Commissioners adopts policies. Copies are available for reading in the  Superintendent’s Office and can also be found on the District’s website (www.mpsvt.org).

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PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS

Federal law sets forth certain rights of students with respect to the administration of federally funded educational programs. See 20 U.S.C. §1232h. The law provides:

Inspection of instructional materials by parents or guardians  All instructional materials, including teacher's manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material, which will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any applicable program of the federal Department of Education, shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of the children.

Limits on survey, analysis, or evaluation  No student shall be required, as part of any applicable program, to submit to a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning the following without the prior consent of the student (if the student is an adult or emancipated minor), or, in the case of an unemancipated minor, without the prior written consent of the parent.

•    Political affiliations

•    Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or his family

•    Sex behavior and attitudes

•    Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior

•    Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships

•    Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers

•    Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program)

Notice  Educational agencies and institutions shall give parents and students effective notice of their rights under this section.

Enforcement  The Secretary shall take such action as the Secretary determines appropriate to enforce this section, except that action to terminate assistance provided under an applicable program shall be taken only if the Secretary determines that (1) there has been a failure to comply with such section; and (2) compliance with such section cannot be secured by voluntary means.

Office and Review Board  The Secretary shall establish or designate an office and review board within the Department of Education to investigate, process, review, and adjudicate violations of the rights established under this section.

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PUBLIC PRESCHOOL

The Vermont Legislature has approved state support for publicly funded preschool on a limited basis. The Montpelier School District has entered into an agreement with the Family Center of Washington County to provide publicly funded preschool of up to ten hours per week. The district is also willing to contract with other preschools who meet the state criteria. For more information on this program, please call the superintendent’s office.

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RETENTION & PROMOTION OF STUDENTS

The Montpelier School District believes that for retention to be a positive growth experience, both parent and school need to be in agreement and work cooperatively to support and encourage the child. When it is determined to be in the best interest of the child for reasons of lack of appropriate growth in academic achievement, social development, and/or maturation, a child may be retained.

The decision to retain the child will be made jointly by the principal and the child's parent or guardian after consultation with appropriate staff. Retention of a pupil with a disability will follow procedures required by federal and state regulations regarding the disability (i.e., this is regarded as a "change in placement" and as such will involve an IEP meeting).

At Montpelier High School, the number of credits that a student has earned determines promotion to the next grade level. To be promoted to the sophomore class, students must have earned a minimum of 5 credits. To be promoted to the junior class, students must have earned a minimum of 10 credits. To be promoted to the senior class, students must have earned a minimum of 15 credits. To graduate, students must have earned a minimum of 22 credits.

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ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE SCHOOLS

Statement of Policy and Purposes

The primary mission of the public school is education. The proper role of religion in the public school lies in its academic value and not in the appropriation or endorsement of any particular religion or belief system, nor of religion over non-religion. By “academic value” is meant the meaning of religious systems and the role they have played in the development of human history and culture. 

This policy preserves the school’s role of deepening understanding of humanity as a whole, while preserving the family’s role of guiding children in a particular belief system if it chooses to do so. This policy also safeguards the function of school as a meeting place for children and families of different backgrounds and beliefs, recognizes the increasing diversity of religious faith and expression present in our community, and prevents the effect of the marginalization of minority members of the school community. The application of this policy will enhance our understanding of and respect for differences in religious beliefs and practices, and deepen our understanding of our common humanity.

In furtherance of this policy:

1.     All engagement with religion, whether in the form of teaching about a religious holiday, the role of religion in history, school programs, or the academic study of religion itself, must be done solely with education and understanding as its goal.

2.     Curriculum planning should include the study of religions, where appropriate, as an important part of a complete education, which can enhance student understanding and appreciation of diverse religious beliefs and practices. It is incumbent on teachers to teach about religion broadly and inclusively.

3.     Teaching about religious holidays, which is permissible, is different from celebrating religious holidays, which is not. There shall be no school-initiated or -sanctioned formal or informal celebration or observance of religion, religious holidays or religious festivals.

4.     Our schools shall be sensitive and responsive to the experiences of those whose religious cultures or traditions are in the minority.

5.     Staff shall be provided training, guidance and specific advice regarding the implementation of this policy.

Religious Holidays, Festivals and Observances

1.     Care must be taken in planning and presenting the academic topics of religious holidays, festivals and observances. Teaching about such events is different from celebrating the event. Teaching serves the academic goals of educating students about history and cultures as well as about the traditions of particular religions. Celebrating religious holidays in the schools is unconstitutional. Instruction must be objective; it should not be weighed in favor of one religion or in favor of religion over non-religion.

2.     The significance of holidays, festivals or observances may be explained or discussed as an academic unit and/or as questions or comments arise from the students. Aside from this instruction, religious holidays, festivals and observances have no other place in the school program. Permitting any observance or celebration would destroy the delicate balance that allows a community of plural beliefs to remain cohesive.

3.     School staff must act carefully and sensitively to minimize feelings of exclusion, isolation, or discomfort among students who do not celebrate any or all of the particular holidays. Utmost care must be exercised to do nothing that would belittle any religious or non-religious beliefs. No child should ever be put in an embarrassing or uncomfortable position because of his or her family’s religious or non-religious beliefs.

4.     When teaching about a religious holiday, festival or observance coincides with the observance of that holiday, teachers and administrators must asses whether this coincidence creates an atmosphere of valuing one tradition or belief system over another.

Religious Symbols and Signs

1.     A religious symbol is any object that both portrays and participates in a supernatural object or referent such as an image of Shiva, a statue of Buddha, or a Christian cross.

2.     A religious sign is cultural. It is an object or image that is so closely associated with a religion or religious celebration that it is often perceived as religious in nature. The dreidl, Christmas tree, Easter Bunny and Yule log are religious signs.

3.     Religious signs or symbols may be included in educational activities as long as they are an integral part of the academic curriculum. They may be displayed as a part of an academic program and left on display only for the time their presence is necessary to the study. Children should not be discouraged from expressing themselves through the use of religious signs or symbols in art or craftwork. Religious signs or symbols may not be used as decoration.

Music, Assemblies and Programs

1.     In all public school programs and study, care must be taken to avoid presentation of music as a celebration of a particular religion or religious holiday, and to ensure that there is no bias shown toward or against any religion or non-religion. Faculty must be sensitive to the words of the music chosen so as not to promote or discourage religion. In creating music programs, teachers must be careful to include a wide variety of music -- sacred, perceived-to-be religious and secular -- to maximize diversity and not emphasize the music of any one tradition or religion over another.

2.     For the purpose of this section, “sacred” music is music that recognizes the existence of a supernatural referent or music that points to or embellishes the supernatural referent. “Perceived-to-be religious” music is not sacred; it is music that has become so closely associated with a religion or religious holiday that it is looked upon by a segment of the population as being of a religious nature.

3.     Sacred and perceived-to-be religious music may be sung or played as part of the school’s academic and co-curricular program. School concerts that present a variety of selections may include sacred and perceived-to-be religious music. These genres may be included in a music appreciation course or as a part of a study of various lands and cultures. The use of art, drama, or literature with religious themes is permissible as long as it serves a sound educational goal in the curriculum, but not if used as a vehicle for promoting religious belief. School assemblies and special events can include religious art, music or drama but only if they are a part of a secular, objective program of education. The event may not promote, denigrate or focus on any one religion or religious observance.

4.     Given the potential for personal conflict, students should not be required to sing sacred or perceived-to-be religious music nor placed in a position where they experience pressure or expectation to do so. Student participation in such events should be voluntary. Whenever possible, students and parents/guardians will be given prior notice of any programs that will include sacred or perceived-to-be religious music so that they may, if they wish, elect not to participate.

5.    Teachers and administrators must assess whether the proximity of a program to a religious holiday may tend to emphasize that tradition over another.

Religion in the Curriculum

1.     References to or the study of religion or religious music, art or drama may be a legitimate component of courses such as history, sociology or literature at any grade level in the school curriculum. When the subject occurs naturally in studying other topics, religion should be treated as part of that study. For example, the study of Native Americans, the Pilgrims, Greek mythology, or the Crusades may include the religious aspect of the topic.

2.     High school courses in the comparative study of religion must be non-theologically based and directed toward a cross-cultural understanding of the human capacity for religious experience or expression. As such, these courses must not seek to evaluate the truth claims of various religions, but rather seek to achieve an understanding of the structures that underlie the diversity of religious expressions.

3.     Courses in comparative religion should employ an interpretive method that focuses on the distinctly religious content, in addition to secular analytic categories such as politics, social needs and structures, economics, or literary criticism.

The School Calendar

1.     The school calendar shall include dates of significant and diverse religious holidays, festivals and observances, along with a brief explanation of such events. With this information, teachers will be prepared to lead exploration and discussion that may further students’ understanding and respect for differing beliefs and religious expressions.

2.     Classroom and school-wide activities and scheduling shall be planned to minimize conflict with the religious festivals, observances, or holidays of all faiths. Where conflicts are unavoidable, care should be taken to avoid tests, special projects, introduction of new concepts, and other matters that would be difficult to make up by children absent due to a religious holiday. Teachers will be flexible in facilitating students’ making up missed assignments or examinations due to such excused absences. Conversely, the students attending school should continue to have meaningful learning experiences.

Training of Staff

There shall be specific training and qualifications for faculty teaching courses or units substantially about religion, including competency in understanding and applying this policy. Staff at all levels will receive relevant diversity training to make them aware of the sensitive nature of discussing religion in the public schools.

Tips for Planning Activities Teaching about Religious Holidays, Festivals or Observances

Teachers planning such activities are encouraged to answer the following questions:

•    Is this activity designed to, or might it have the effect of, either promoting or inhibiting a particular religion or religion in general?

•    How does this activity serve the academic goals of the course or the educational mission of the school?

•    Will any student or parent be made to feel like an outsider, not a full member of the community, by this activity or the way it is being taught or presented?

•    Do I include activities to teach about religious holidays at various times of the year?

•    Am I prepared to teach about the religious meaning of this holiday in a way that enriches students’ understanding of religion, history or cultures?

•    When I display student work that contains religious symbols or signs, do I include an explanation of how this work connects with current studies? Which Vermont Standard, Vital Result or Learning Opportunity is addressed by this activity?

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SCHOOL CLOSINGS, DELAYED OPENINGS, AND  EARLY DISMISSALS

School closings, delayed openings and early dismissals will be announced over WCAX TV (VAB System), WDEV Radio (550 AM), WSKI, WNCS (104.7 FM), and on the school website (www.mpsvt.org).

Because we do not transport students from many back roads and rural areas, it is our policy to keep the Montpelier Schools open whenever possible. We understand that parents may decide to not send their child to school because of inclement weather in their particular locale.

If school opening is delayed because of inclement weather, lunches will be served as usual. Students should not be sent to school early on delayed start days as school personnel may not be available for adequate supervision.

If it becomes necessary to close school once school has opened, announcements will immediately be made over the above radio stations.

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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Corporal Mark Moody of the Montpelier Police Department is the School Resource Officer for the Montpelier Public Schools. The School Resource Officer performs the following duties within the school system: group conferencing, truancy, and assisting in instruction of safety and investigations.

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STAFF AVAILABILITY

Students may seek out any member of the school staff for individual assistance. If students have been absent or if they are having trouble understanding their work, they are encouraged to make an appointment with their teachers for help.

Parents/guardians who wish to speak to a teacher should contact the teacher directly if at all possible. If not, please work through the school counselor or the office secretary. We will be glad to assist you in making an appointment.

The principal, the school counselor and the school nurse are also available for parent conferences. Appointments can be made by calling the school.

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