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WELCOME

This year promises to be an exciting year for students at Pennichuck. It is with pleasure that we welcome our new students and welcome back our returning students and all their families. We know that this year will be filled with new challenges.

All of us look forward to working with you while you are here. Your success will depend on how much effort you put forth. Working together we can make it a successful and rewarding experience for you.

Have an outstanding school year!

The Pennichuck Staff

Nashua School District

MISSION STATEMENT

The Nashua School District, in partnership with the community, is committed to providing a quality education to all students in a safe, nurturing, and motivating environment and is dedicated to helping students become lifelong learners and responsible, productive members of a r rapidly changing society.

PHILOSOPHY

Adolescents are unique in their needs and behavior. This transition period is characterized by a variety of growth patterns in physical, personal, social, emotional and cognitive development. Middle School students tend to experience uneven body changes and fluctuating level of self-esteem and peer acceptance. They frequently demonstrate inconsistent behavior and a wide range of interests, needs and abilities.

The adolescent student in this transitional stage of development requires a flexible program of studies designed to meet individual student needs through a variety of meaningful experiences. The staff strives for excellence, working to meet individual needs and stated goals.

In our ever-expanding technological world, the staff also recognizes the need to instill in the student a desire to attain a high school education and encourage continuing education as the basis for future career choices and achievements.

GOALS

1. Develop a positive, healthy self-concept.

2. Develop an environment for mutual respect.

3. Develop an understanding and appreciation of student cultural differences in order to foster community acceptance.

4. Develop a spirit of acceptance in support of mainstreamed students.

5. Develop an acceptance of the responsibility for one’s own learning through the mastery of effective student techniques.

6. Develop reading, writing, oral communication, math and science skills as well as a recognition of how they are interconnected.

7. Develop creative and critical thinking skills that will enable the student to function in a rapidly changing society.

8. Develop sensitivity for the fine and practical arts.

9. Develop awareness for technological change.

10. Develop recognition of and acknowledge the need for life long learning

ARRIVAL ON AND DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL GROUNDS

Students may enter the school by 6:45am. While we do not recommend that students arrive at this hour, students who are transported to school are encouraged to arrive by 7:30am to avoid significant travel delays caused by the large number of cars entering the school grounds shortly before school begins. It is suggested that walkers arrive at school by 7:45am.

All students are expected to leave school grounds at dismissal time unless they are reporting to a teacher for extra help or participating in an after school activity. Students who misbehave while waiting for a ride home will face disciplinary consequences.

BICYCLES & ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Bicycles may be ridden to school, however students must walk their bicycles on school grounds. Bicycle racks are provided for the purpose of parking bicycles. Please use them. Do not lay bicycles on the ground. Bicycles are to be kept locked while not in use. Students are reminded that bicycles not belonging to them should not be tampered with. Bicycles are brought to school at the student's risk. The school will not assume responsibility for bicycle damage. Students are not permitted to ride their bicycles in the schoolyard. Students are to walk their bikes over the footbridge when coming to or leaving school.

Skateboards/roller blades are not allowed to be used in the school building or on school grounds

SAFETY - ARRIVING AT AND LEAVING FROM SCHOOL

Students riding bicycles, walking or riding in automobiles should arrive at school no earlier than 15 minutes before the scheduled time for school opening. No supervision is provided prior to this time.

When discharging or picking up students, please do not use the bus area.

For safety rules while riding the school bus, please refer to the section entitled "Transportation."

HOMEROOM

There will be a homeroom period at the start of each day. Attendance will be taken and announcements made. Homeroom will serve as the advisory program.

On occasion, for the purpose of distributing materials such as report cards, test results, and Parent Newsletter, an afternoon homeroom will be held. Students will be notified when that is to occur.

SILENT MEDITATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Time will be provided at the beginning of each school day for a moment of silent meditation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.

DAILY NOTICES

Daily notices are read over the PA and are posted on the school webpage. These notices are also distributed to all faculty via e-mail by midmorning. A copy of the staff/student notices will be posted in each classroom.

LOCKERS/DESKS

Lockers are assigned to all students. Students may be required to share a locker with another student. Do not share your locker combination with other students not assigned to your locker.

Lockers and desks are school property and use of them is granted to students for securing books, school materials, and personal property. The school retains ownership of the lockers and desks and the right to inspect them or to reclaim them. General or specific searches of school property may be conducted at any time.

Students will be issued locks for their lockers. Only school locks are to be used on student lockers. The custodian may remove ANY PERSONAL LOCKS found on lockers. All locks must be returned at the end of each school year. Lost locks will result in an assessed fee of $4.50.

Lockers are the property of the school and may be opened at any time.

CORRIDOR PASSES/BEHAVIOR

Students are required to have a pass anytime they leave a room. Hall passes are included in the Student Planner which is issued on the first day of school. Students are required to carry their Planners with them at all times while out of their classroom.

No open beverages are to be carried in the corridors – no running in the corridors.

FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE

When the fire alarm rings file quietly out of the classroom. Your teachers will inform you of procedures on these matters, and your assigned area. You will go to your assigned area, WITHOUT RUNNING OR PUSHING. If the teacher is not with you, you will wait at your assigned area until that teacher or any other teacher tells you to return to class.

LOST AND FOUND

Any lost or misplaced article should be sent to the CAFETERIA. All clothing items are stored in the closet adjacent to the cafeteria.

Each year we have boxes of unclaimed sweaters, boots, sneakers, jackets, coats, mittens, gloves, hats, lunch boxes, etc. Over the school year, the number of articles in the lost-and-found increases to the point of creating a storage problem. If articles are not claimed within a reasonable period of time, the school will dispose of these articles as it sees fit.

Parents are invited to come in and check the lost-and-found articles any time.

TELEPHONE REGULATIONS

The pay phone located in the front lobby is for before or after school use only. Students will not be allowed to use the telephone in school except in emergencies.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Textbooks and essential instructional materials are loaned to students without charge.

2. Students are held responsible for the loss of textbooks or for damages beyond normal wear.

3. Musical instruments, which are the property of the school department, are loaned to students on an availability basis. Students to whom these instruments are loaned are liable for their loss or damage.

Students are held liable for loss of classroom or school library materials charged to them and for damage beyond normal wear.

LOST BOOK POLICY

Students are expected to take excellent care of all school and library books, materials and equipment that are loaned or assigned to them. Students must cover their textbooks. All school property should be returned in the same condition, exclusive of normal wear from reasonable use, in which it was received.

Students should report immediately any lost or damaged books, materials and/or equipment to the teacher. Students will be held financially responsible for such loss or damage. The charge to the student will be based upon age and condition of the item at the time of issue. The building Principal or designee will determine the amount of the charge.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

A student’s appearance and dress in school:

· Should not interfere with the education, safety, and health of that student or his/her fellow students.

· Clothing should be worn in such a manner that undergarments are not visible.

· Should be neat and clean and without holes.

· Should be appropriate school attire, (no cigarette, drug, or alcohol advertising, Co-ed naked or inappropriate language or sayings.)

· Hats, headbands, bandanas and gloves are not allowed.

· No halter-tops, bare midriff, tank tops, or overly revealing attire. Straps on tops should be at a minimum, the width of a dollar bill.

· Shorts, skirts and dresses must be a minimum of 15 inches in length measured from the top to the bottom or have a hemline no more than 2 inches above the knee. No cutoffs of any kind allowed.

· No pajama tops or bottoms.

· No chains, spiked collars or bracelets.

· No pins or safety pins hanging on clothes.

We encourage students to wear clothing that identifies them as a member of an athletic team at Pennichuck on the day of an event. The clothing must not violate any of the above dress codes.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

At Pennichuck Middle School, there are many extra‑ curricular activities offered to all students. In the area of sports: boys’ and girls’ soccer, volleyball, cross country, boys’ and girls’ basketball, cheering, baseball, softball, and track are included. A physical is necessary prior to trying out for sports. At all athletic events students’ support is greatly appreciated.

Clubs/organizations include Drama Club, Select Chorus, Student Government, Yearbook, Ski Club and Destination Imagination. Other clubs are sometimes offered depending on student interest.

To participate in any extra‑curricular activity, a student must be present for at least 75% (4 hours) of the school day.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

A student who receives a failing grade in any academic subject in the marking period immediately preceding the start of a listed extracurricular activity shall be ineligible to participate in such extracurricular activity. It is each student's responsibility to take advantage of the resources available to help him/her maintain his/her eligibility for participation.

A student must meet these standards for each marking period throughout his/her participation in the extracurricular activity.

All coaches and advisors shall monitor their students` academic performance and urge them to take advantage of existing opportunities for extra help if they are not maintaining the eligibility standard.

A student may appeal to the Principal for a waiver of these requirements, which shall be granted, if the Principal determines that serious extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control contributed to the academic difficulties and that participation in the desired extracurricular activity is not likely to result in continued academic deficiencies.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are educational experiences planned to correlate closely with grade level curricula. Since these lessons occur away from school grounds, permission slips signed by a parent/guardian are a prerequisite for student participation. Students who do not participate are given course-oriented assignments and are supervised by other instructional personnel.

In order to insure the safety and well-being of all students, any student who is suspended three (3) or more times or receives a singular five (5) day suspension, will not be eligible to participate in any field trips. Parents requesting a waiver of this rule should schedule an appointment with the principal.

The preferred bus passenger ratio for field trips is one adult per ten children. Parents, other than formal chaperones, who might wish to participate, must provide their own transportation.

A parent transporting pupils in his/her own vehicle must complete a Waiver of Liability form, available in the school office. This form ensures that the City of Nashua will provide secondary insurance coverage in the event of an accident. The parent's personal automobile insurance will be the primary source of coverage.

HOMEWORK

Two objectives for the Middle Schools are to provide for the intellectual development of the student and to aid the student in the development of an acceptable level of proficiency in all learning programs. Homework plays an integral part in meeting these objectives. Class grades will reflect homework and class work.

The purpose of homework:

1. The reinforcement of concepts taught in class.

2. The exploration of additional and in depth materials related to the subject.

3. The promotion of the idea that learning is a life long process that is not limited to the span of the regular school day.

4. The development of self-discipline and self-control.

5. The opportunity for parental involvement in the educational development of the child.

GUIDELINES REGARDING HOMEWORK:

Most sections in all grades should be given a reasonable amount of homework. It is recommended that usually no single night’s homework assignment in one subject should require more than 30 minutes to complete.

Long-term assignments may be given in all subject areas. Students must be aware of the need to budget their time so that these assignments are worked on during the span of time given by the teacher.

Homework should not be given before a one-day school holiday. Homework may be given before a three day weekend. Homework should not be initiated immediately before a school vacation, although long-term assignments may span a school vacation period.

MARKING SCALE

A+	97 - 100	C	73 - 76
A	93 - 96	C-	70 - 72
A-	90 - 92	D+	67 - 69
B+	87 - 89	D	63 - 66
B	83 - 86	D-	60 - 62
B-	80 - 82	F	59 and below
C+	77 - 79

MAKE-UP SCHEDULE

MONDAY: Mathematics, Family & Consumer Science, Tech Ed, Business Education, Computer Education

TUESDAY: Social Studies, Foreign Language, Art

WEDNESDAY English, Physical Education, Media Center, Reading & Writing

THURSDAY: Science, Learning Disabilities, (Remedial Areas), Guidance, Music, Special Education

Make‑Up Sessions begin at 2:45 and end at 3:25 PM

Every teacher will conduct one afternoon session each week. Student attendance at these sessions shall be on a voluntary basis, but teachers may request you to return.

These sessions provide an opportunity for you to make up work if you have been absent. If you are behind in your schoolwork, this will help you in receiving extra help. It is also an opportunity to work on material you do not understand. Students assigned after school office detention may serve their detention in a make-up session with their teacher(s). After completing the make-up session these students must bring a signed note from the teacher to the office indicating the time spent in make-up.

Assignments and textbooks may be obtained during absences due to hospitalization or long-term medical reasons by contacting the Guidance Office at 594-4310. A twenty-four hour notice is required for assignments. When a student is on an extended vacation, arrangements with the teacher can be made to make up work using after school sessions upon return.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are distributed three times a year. The letter grades A, B, C, D and F are used to indicate student's progress. A more detailed explanation of the values of these letter grades will be found on the report cards.

Conduct marks may be entered upon your report card by any teacher in the school or by the office. An incomplete grade indicates the student has not completed all necessary work for the marking period at the time marks closed. Arrangements for make‑up must be made with the subject teacher. It is recommended that the incomplete be made up by the middle of the following marking period.

PROGRESS REPORTS

These reports are given to all students approximately six (6) weeks into each new marking period. These reports assist parents, students, staff and administration in monitoring student performance and behavior.

In addition, a parent may request individual progress reports from teachers to indicate student improvement by contacting the Guidance Office at 594‑4310.

PROMOTION OF PUPILS

At the close of the school year, the majority of pupils progress to the next grade. Occasionally, because of absenteeism, insufficient academic achievement or delayed maturation, it may be necessary that a pupil repeat a grade.

Generally, students must pass a minimum of three subjects in the major areas of Math, English, Social Studies, and Science to be promoted to the next grade.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is a regular part of the school curriculum. Appropriate clothing for physical education classes would include sneakers (for safety and efficiency), tee shirts or cotton shirts, shorts or slacks, and a jacket, as classes are held outside until Thanksgiving. For safety reasons, items of jewelry, such as earrings, chains, and studded adornments, may be requested to be removed by the Physical Education teacher. Children will not be excused from Physical Education class unless they have a medical excuse. They must be seen by the school nurse or, in the case of a prolonged illness, have a written excuse from a doctor.

PROPERTY, LITTER, AND SCHOOL PRIDE

Society provides students with the privileges of a public education. Each student has the responsibility of protecting his/her share of these privileges and, in particular, the use of tax-supported school buildings. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for society by taking pride in their school and not littering school grounds or in any way defacing school property.

From time to time, students may be asked to assist with minor clean-up duties at school. While this may be a consequence for making a mess in school, this activity is not limited to this reason. As good citizens, we must all take responsibility for helping to keep our school clean and presentable. This means that students may be asked to help in picking up litter, particularly in the cafeteria.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Students are encouraged to get involved in Student Government. Student Government gives assistance in such areas as school dances; bake sales, and other school functions. Their hard work, along with student participation adds to the success of the school program.

Within the team, students select the Student Government members. Any student receiving an F in deportment for a marking period is ineligible to serve in the Government during the next marking period.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICIES

No School Signal It is the intent of the Board of Education to keep the schools in session under most weather conditions. The signal that closes ALL SCHOOLS ALL DAY will be sounded at 6:00 AM and at 7:00 AM. This includes the fire alarm signal and radio station announcements on WSMN (1590 on your AM dial), WMVU (900 on your AM dial), WHOB (106.3 on your FM dial), WFEA (1370 on your AM dial), WZID (95.7 on your FM dial), WGIR (101.1 on FM and 610 on AM dial), WQLL (96.5 on your AM dial), and on the following television stations: WMUR (Channel 9), WBZ (Channel 4), WCVB (Channel 5), and WHDH (Channel 7).

Parents of young children, or those in unusual situations are expected to use discretion in sending their children to school on a stormy day. Age of students, location within the city, availability of sidewalks, and distance from school are all factors, which vary for each family. Each family, therefore, should judge whether to send children to school on days when weather conditions are questionable, though not severe enough to close schools.

Students who are kept at home by their parents on inclement days or who are tardy because of severe weather conditions beyond their control will not be reprimanded or suffer any academic penalty which cannot be made up.

Delayed Opening Announcement will be carried by the radio and television stations as listed under the INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICIES, No School Signal section.

A 90-minute delayed school opening is an option that may be used on days when weather and street conditions are projected to improve during the morning hours. All schools will start 90 minutes later than on a regular school day and buses will also follow a 90-minute delayed schedule covering their routes. The school day will end at the regular time. When a 90-minute delayed opening is called, AM Kindergarten is cancelled for the day.

Early Dismissals Announcements will be carried by radio and television stations as listed under the INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICIES, No School Signal section.

It is extremely important that you make arrangements for your child's care in the event school is dismissed early when you are not at home, and it is important that your child knows what those arrangements are.

Severe weather conditions may develop after school is in session and may warrant an early dismissal. Should a decision for early dismissal be made, buses will be ready to begin taking some students home approximately 30-35 minutes after a decision is made, and the general order of dismissal will be consistent with the regular order of dismissals. Conditions could cause the interval between these dismissal times to be lengthened.

GUIDANCE SERVICES

The school counseling program at Pennichuck offers a variety of services. The counselors work with students individually and in small groups supporting the social, emotional and academic needs. Our counselors manage classroom educational programs around healthy decision making skills and career exploration. Also, school counselors are always available as a resource for parents. It is the goal of this department to work with the faculty, parents and students to make each child’s experience the best it can be during their years at Pennichuck Middle School. If you wish to contact Guidance directly please call 594-4310.

LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER

Students who have been assigned specific work to be done in the Library will obtain library permits from their subject teachers (substitutes do not issue permits).

After obtaining a library permit, student will report directly to the Library/Media Center.. Student will remain in the Library for the entire period under the supervision of the Librarian.

CIRCULATION PROCEDURES

Library Media Center uses a computerized automated circulation system. Books are scanned out by a computer for three weeks and may be renewed at any time.

OVERDUE BOOK PROCEDURES

Step 1 – Student will receive an overdue notice.

Step 2 – Student will be sent to librarian.

Step 3 – Student name is sent to Assistant Principal.

During the above steps, library privileges will be suspended. A student who has not returned materials will have his/her report card held.

REACH (RECOGNIZING EXTRAORDINARY ABILITIES IN CHILDREN)

The REACH program is intended to create an environment in which deliberate efforts are made to recognize, identify, and nurture students with extraordinary abilities manifested by a rage to master, precocity, and marching to the beat of a different drummer. Due to their uniqueness, these students require techniques, programs and modifications of regular programs to develop maximum potential. Among the many and varied students in Nashua, we recognize that some excel in a particular area: General intellectual ability, specific academic ability, creative and productive thinking, leadership, affective skills, visual and performing arts, and psychomotor ability. The REACH program will strive to meet the needs of these students through educational instruction, programs and activities.

REACH is available Kindergarten through Grade 12; services are designed to meet individual and group needs.

Areas of emphasis:

1. Direct services to REACH students.

2. Assistance to classroom teachers.

3. Professional development in gifted education

4. Information linking REACH families to in-district and out-of-district resources.

5. Integration of services into curricular areas.

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

Nashua Schools participate in the National School Breakfast, Lunch and Special Milk Programs. In order for you and your child(ren) to benefit from programs offered in all elementary schools, please familiarize yourself with the following information. Any questions should be directed to the Director of Food Services at 594-4300 - X1137.

TENATIVE MEAL PRICES

Breakfast-$.85 Lunch-$2.00

APPLICATION FOR FREE AND REDUCED-PRICE MEALS

Your family may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals for breakfast and lunch. A packet of information will be sent home the first week of school. To apply for financial assistance, please complete the application and return it to the school cafeteria. One application may be used for all children in the household attending Nashua Schools. If your children are eligible to receive food stamps or TANF benefits, you may submit the statement from the Food Stamp Office (ATI statement) in place of the application for free or reduced-price meals. If they are receiving Food Stamp or TANF benefits but are refused free meals, please call the school. These benefits are available throughout the year. Applications may be obtained from any school cafeteria or the school office.

MEAL PREPAYMENT SYSTEM

All Nashua Schools have a computerized payment system for the management of school meals. This system allows us to provide better service to students and parents, as well as account for all meals served at individual schools. This system is also designed to protect the privacy of those students who may be receiving free or reduced-price meals.

Each student is assigned a personal meal account number with four or five digits. A number is issued to each student when enrolled in the school. As long as the student continues to be enrolled at the same school site, the same code number will be utilized. During mealtime, students key in their code number on a keypad located on the cafeteria line. The meal charges are deducted from their account balance at that time. If there are not sufficient funds in the student's account, the meal is automatically charged at that time. The same procedure is used for breakfast, lunch, and milk sales.

RESPONSIBLE USE GUIDELINES – INTERNET

The Nashua School District’s (NSD) computer network and Internet access are available to students to enhance their educational experience and become computer literate in an increasingly technological world.

The purpose of these Responsible Use Guidelines is to foster the appropriate use of that network and the Internet. The following Guidelines apply to all users whenever they access any School District network connection.

EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE

The NSD network has been established for educational purposes limited to classroom activities, career development, and independent scholastic research on appropriate subjects.

The NSD network has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. The School District has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are also expected to follow the School District’s Student Behavior Standards when accessing the NSD network.

You may not use the NSD network for commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through this network.

You may not use the NSD network for political lobbying. But you may use the system to communicate with elected representatives and to express your opinion on political issues.

UNACCEPTABLE USES

Personal Safety

You will not post personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes (but is not limited to) home, school or work addresses and telephone numbers.

You will not agree to meet with someone you have met online without your parent’s approval. A parent or guardian should accompany you to this meeting.

You will promptly disclose to your teacher or another school official any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.

Illegal Activities

You will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the NSD network or to any other computer system through the NSD network. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of “browsing.”

You will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses.

You will not use the NSD network to engage in any illegal act, including but not limited to arranging for the purchase or sale of drugs or alcohol, engaging in criminal activity, or threatening the safety of another person.

System Security

You are responsible for your individual user account, and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use your account. Under no conditions should you provide your password to another person.

You will immediately notify a teacher or other school official if you have identified or witnessed a possible security problem. Do not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.

Inappropriate Language

Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages.

You will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful forms of communication. This applies to verbal and written language, diagrams, photographs, representations, videos, or any other forms of communication. You will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption.

You will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.

You will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If you are told by a person to stop sending them messages, you must stop.

You will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

Respect for Privacy

You will not re-post a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent you the message.

You will not post private information about another person.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

You will not plagiarize works that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.

You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright without authorization. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, you should follow the expressed requirements. Copyright law can be very confusing. If you have questions, ask a teacher.

Inappropriate Access to Material

You will not use the NSD network to access material that is profane or obscene (pornographic), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination toward other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made for hate literature, if the purpose of your access is to conduct research, and both your teacher and parent or guardian approve.

If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you should immediately tell your teacher or another school official. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this policy.

Your parent or guardian should instruct you if there is additional material that he or she thinks would be inappropriate for you to access. The School District fully expects you to follow your parent’s or guardian’s instructions in this matter.

Your Rights

The NSD network is considered a limited forum, similar to the school newspaper, and therefore the School District reserves the right to regulate that forum for valid educational reasons. The District will not restrict your speech on the basis of a disagreement with opinions you are expressing.

You should expect only limited privacy of the contents of your personal files on the District system. This situation is similar to the rights you have in the privacy of your locker.

An individual search will be conducted, if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated these Guidelines, the Nashua School District Student Behavior Standards, or the law.

Disciplinary Actions

Students who violate the Responsible Use Guidelines may be denied future Internet and/or network privileges for a defined period of time, or be subject to other disciplinary measures as set forth in the Nashua School District Student Behavior Standards, or other rules of the District which may be applicable.

STUDENT-BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

Mission Statement

The primary purpose of the public school is education. In order for students to learn and teachers to teach, an atmosphere conducive to learning must be maintained.

Goals

Discipline is

· A process through which individuals learn and demonstrate expected, appropriate behaviors.

· An orderly and structured environment.

· Achieved when students, parents/guardians, teachers, Principals, administrative and support personnel, Superintendents, and the community, as represented by the Board of Education, accept responsibility for their own behaviors and respect the rights of others.

Expectations

The entire community has a vested interest in the discipline program within our schools. Successful implementation of a thoughtfully constructed discipline policy is a benefit to the entire community both for the present and for the future. Habits of self-discipline developed in the educational setting…

· Will have a positive influence on building stronger family bonds;

· Will enhance the opportunity for better relationships within the workplace and the community.

Core Responsibilities

It is everyone's responsibility to:

· Teach and model self-discipline

· Respect the rights of others

· Cooperate with one another

· Learn the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards

· Recognize that absenteeism is a classroom disruption

· Provide a safe and positive educational environment at school and at home

It is a student's responsibility to:

· Be in charge of his/her own behavior

· Comply with school rules at all times

· Arrive at school and to class on time

· Be prepared to learn

· Honor the teacher's duty to teach and other students' right to learn

· Attend school daily

· Tell school staff about any discipline concerns they may have

It is a parent's responsibility to:

· Communicate to the school their child(ren)'s concerns or needs

· Encourage child(ren) to do his/her best

· Contact school if child(ren) will be absent

· Be available for conferences

· Assure that child(ren) attend school daily

· Help child(ren) learn about the Nashua Schools' behavioral expectations and the consequences of breaking rules

· Ensure that adult supervision is provided should a child's behavior cause him or her to be suspended out of school

It is a teacher's responsibility to:

· Manage classroom behaviors

· Inform and post classroom rules and behavioral expectations

· Report to parents regularly

· Enforce the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards

· Provide students with a safe school environment

· Encourage and model good attendance

It is a Principal's responsibility to:

· Enforce the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards

· Maintain high visibility in and around the school

· Communicate school rules to students, staff and parents

· Communicate to parents and involved staff the discipline action taken

· Maintain discipline and attendance files

· Report any suspected illegal activities to police and Superintendent's office

· Assume overall responsibilities for school rules being followed

· Encourage and model good attendance

It is the Superintendent's responsibility to:

· Ensure that all school principals consistently enforce the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards

· Give support and advice to school staff

· Maintain quarterly discipline reports (excluding students' names) of incidents requiring principal's involvement

It is the Board of Education's responsibility to:

· Adopt a fair and consistent discipline policy

· Ensure, through the Superintendent of Schools, that the Student Behavior Standards are consistently implemented by all school employees

OVERVIEW: STUDENT BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

Good behavior and classroom discipline are mandatory if learning is to take place. The purpose of the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards is to ensure that a safe and orderly environment is maintained for everyone. These rules are in effect for all Nashua School students at any school function, school-sponsored event, school bus stop or bus ride.

As students grow and mature, they are expected to accept greater behavioral responsibilities. These standards are designed to guide students through the process of learning good discipline and to outline the consequences of disruptive behavior. There are situations which will warrant minor disciplinary responses at the elementary level (grades K-5), while the same situation will result in a more severe response at the middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) levels. Although the responses may differ, the Student Behavior Standards remain constant. Students should be aware that, in addition to the violations listed, other infractions may be included as part of the individual school rules and regulations. These rules and regulations will be communicated to parents and students in writing annually.

In addition, anyone who is a student in the Nashua School District, who commits an act of vandalism involving school property outside of the normal school day, or during non-school days, shall be held accountable under this policy. Any perceived threatening act towards any employee of the Nashua School District after normal school hours and days, will fall under the Student Behavior Standards.

The violations are divided into three classes -- minor, intermediate, and major.

Class III Offenses (Minor)

Class III Offenses will generally be dealt with through in-school disciplinary actions, such as detentions and other teacher-initiated strategies.

When an after-school detention is assigned to a middle or high school student, a 24-hour notice is required.

Class II Offenses (Intermediary)

Class II Offenses will generally require more severe discipline actions such as in-school or out-of-school suspensions issued by Principals.

All suspensions will be handled as outlined in the charts at the end of this handbook.

Class I Offenses (Major)

Class I Offenses are of an extremely serious nature and generally will warrant out-of-school suspensions by Principals and the Office of the Superintendent and/or expulsion by the Board of Education.

All suspensions and expulsions will be handled as outlined in the charts at the end of this handbook..

At the secondary level, all suspensions will result in an automatic "F" grade in Conduct, in the quarter that it occurs, on the report card.

By implementing uniform student behavior standards, the Nashua School District can provide a safe, educational environment that is consistently maintained throughout all schools and enforced by all teachers and administrators.

CONDITIONS FOR ACADEMIC MAKE-UP

Linking academic grades to behavioral discipline is not an effective method of modifying the behaviors of suspended students. For this reason, this policy includes a provision for making up schoolwork missed due to a suspension.

Within one week of returning to school from an out-of-school suspension of ten (10) days or less, it is the student's responsibility to meet with his/her teacher during the subject teacher's after school make-up time. Failure to make and to keep this appointment with the teacher may jeopardize the make-up option. The purpose of this meeting will be to determine the extent of the schoolwork and to establish a timeline for its completion. Students will be granted a minimum of one day's time per each day of suspension to make up their schoolwork, not to exceed a maximum of ten school days from the date the assignment was provided by the teacher.

Schoolwork will not be provided by teachers while a student is serving an out-of-school suspension. However, when suspensions of more than five (5) days are assessed, the student, with administrative permission, will arrange to meet with teachers during the period of suspension. This meeting will occur only during the subject teacher's after school make-up time.

The only exception to this academic make-up policy is when a student cuts a class or is truant from school. In those instances, students will not be allowed to make-up schoolwork for credit. However, if a student is disciplined for truancy with an out-of-school suspension, the make-up provision will be allowed.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

During the time that a middle school student is suspended out-of-school he/she loses the privilege of participating in all school sponsored athletic, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for that period. During the first in-school suspension, a middle school student will be allowed to participate in all school sponsored athletic, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities during the time of the suspension. However, for any subsequent in-school suspension(s), participation will not be allowed in all school sponsored athletic, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for that period (see POPPS 10214-Student Extracurricular Expectations).

Procedures for Student disciplinary action

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all students subject to disciplinary procedures have been afforded due process, and that all disciplinary actions conform to RSA 193:13, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, New Hampshire Rules for the Education of Children with Disabilities, policies of the Nashua Board of Education, and the Safe School Zone Act. Whenever a student is suspended or expelled, he or she shall receive a copy of his/her rights.

A school administrator may suspend a student for up to ten (10) days for disciplinary reasons. The principal may request the Office of the Superintendent to suspend the student up to an additional ten (10) days. The principal may request the expulsion of a student from school for disciplinary reasons.

Definitions

Expulsion: the denial of a student’s attendance at school for of the reasons listed in RSA 193:13, II and III. Ed317.02(a) for a period of time in excess of 20 days.

In-school suspension: removal of a student from the regular class schedule.

Out-of-school suspension: the temporary denial of a student’s attendance at school for a specific period of time for neglect or refusal to conform to announced, posted, or printed school rules. Ed 317.02 (j).

Short-term Suspension: one (1) to ten (10) days

Long-term Suspension: eleven (11 to twenty (20) days.

Disciplinary Review Team (DRT): a group of administrators and teachers who are responsible for reviewing the cumulative folder of a regular education student when the student is suspended for more than ten (10) days.

Student with an Educational Disability: "educationally disabled child as defined in RSA 186-C:2 1, is any person three years of age or older but less than 21 years of age who has been identified and evaluated by a school district" according to the provisions of Ed 1107 and determined to have autism, deafness, deaf-blindness, developmental delay, hearing impairment, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, serious emotional disturbance, a specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury or visual impairment and who, because of such impairment, needs special education and educationally related services, according to the provisions of Ed 1102.47.

SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION

A school administrator shall meet with the student to discuss the student's conduct and shall:

A. Inform the student of the nature of the violation;

B. Inform the student of the nature of the evidence and facts upon which the administrator is making his/her decision;

C. Receive information and evidence from the student on his/her behalf; including presentation of any mitigating factors; and,

D. Inform the student that his/her parents or guardian may request a meeting with the principal to review the disciplinary action.

The school administrator shall make every reasonable effort to contact the parent as soon as possible after the disciplinary action. If the administrator cannot contact the parent, then the administrator shall provide the student with a notice of suspension; the student shall sign the notice of suspension upon receiving it to acknowledge his/her responsibility for delivering it to the parent/guardian; and the student is then responsible for delivering the notice of suspension to the parent/guardian, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

If a student is suspended for ten (10) or fewer days, the principal or designee shall immediately send the parent/guardian a letter explaining the disciplinary action. The letter shall set forth:

A. An explanation of the charge(s) against the student and a summary of the evidence supporting the charge(s);

B. The disciplinary action taken by the school administrator;

C. The period of time covered by the disciplinary action;

D. Notice of the school administrator’s intention to request further disciplinary action either by the Superintendent of Schools, the Assistant Superintendent, or the Nashua Board of Education; and,

E. Notice that the parent/guardian may request to meet with the Principal to review the discipline.

The Principal or designee shall send this letter to the parent/guardian by regular U.S. mail to the last known address.

Special education students may be subject to short-term suspensions consistent with the procedures afforded non-disabled students under this section. When any suspension of a special education student results in an accumulative suspension during a school year in excess of ten (10) days, then the procedures for long-term suspension of a special education student are applicable.

LONG-TERM SUSPENSION

The Superintendent or the Assistant Superintendent, upon receiving a request from a Principal for a long-term suspension (a suspension beyond ten days), shall schedule a hearing. If practical, this hearing shall be scheduled prior to the end of the initial ten-day suspension imposed by the Principal. If the hearing is not held prior to the expiration of the initial ten-day suspension, the student shall be allowed to return to school until the hearing is held.

Notice of hearing before the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent shall be provided to the student and the student’s parent/guardian. The written notice shall include:

A. An explanation of the charge(s) against the student and a summary of the evidence;

B. The date, time, and location of the hearing;

C. Notice of the right to be represented and to present evidence and call and examine witnesses;

D. Notice that should the student/parent/guardian fail to appear at the hearing, that the finder of fact will rely on the information/evidence presented by the school’s witnesses;

E. The Superintendent’s recommendation for student action to correct the disciplinary problem.

Written notice of the hearing before the Superintendent or the Assistant Superintendent shall be delivered in person or sent by the Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent to the student and the student’s parent/guardian by regular U.S. mail to the student’s last known address.

A hearing on the request for a long-term suspension shall be conducted in accordance with the hearing procedures afforded a student during an expulsion hearing (see Expulsion section).

Following the hearing, the finder of fact shall promptly provide a written decision to the student and the student’s parent/guardian. The notice of the decision shall include:

A. A summary of the evidence presented;

B. The facts and evidence relied upon in making the decision;

C. If the request for the long-term suspension is granted, the period of time covered by the disciplinary action;

D. Notice of the right to appeal, in writing, this decision to the Nashua Board of Education within ten (10) days of the issuance of the written decision; and,

E. Notice that the long-term suspension will be effective even if appealed unless the long-term suspension is stayed by the Nashua Board of Education.

The Superintendent’s or the Assistant Superintendent’s written notice of decision to the student and the student’s parent/guardian shall be delivered in person or by regular U.S. mail to the student’s last known address.

If the parent/guardian appeals the decision of the Superintendent or the Assistant Superintendent, a formal hearing before the Board of Education will be scheduled as soon as practical.

The appeal hearing may be postponed at the request of the parent/guardian for good cause or if the parent/guardian needs additional time to prepare for the formal hearing.

The Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent shall provide the student’s parent/guardian written notice of the appeal hearing. This notice shall include:

A. Date, time, and location of the hearing;

B. The right to be represented and to present evidence and to call and examine witnesses; and,

C. Notice that should the student/parent/guardian fail to appear at the appeal hearing, that the appeal will be dismissed.

The Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent shall send written notice of the appeal hearing to the student and the student’s parent/guardian by regular U.S. mail to the last know address.

The Nashua school board shall hold a hearing on the appeal, but it shall have the discretion to hear evidence or to rely upon the record of the hearing conducted by the Superintendent or the Assistant Superintendent. If the Nashua Board of Education elects to hear evidence, the appeal hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the same hearing procedures afforded a student during an expulsion hearing.

If a regular education student is suspended for more than ten (10) days, then a disciplinary review team (DRT) from the student's school shall review the student's cumulative file and the disciplinary action before the beginning of the tenth day of suspension in order to consider additional education services in accordance with applicable state and federal law. The team will notify the principal and the Superintendent of its findings.

If a special education student’s cumulative total days of suspension equals or exceed ten (10) days in a school year, the administrator shall contact the special education case manager to convene an IEP team meeting prior to the commencement of the eleventh days of suspension. A functional behavioral assessment and behavior intervention plan will be completed. The team will determine if the behavior is or is not manifestation of the student’s educational disability. Disciplinary action will occur in accordance with all federal and state laws, regulations and rules for the education of children with disabilities.

If a special education student is recommended for a long-term suspension, the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall receive the same written notice as non-disabled students. This written notice shall also advise the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including notice that a long-term suspension is a change of placement to which they may disagree and invoke the “stay-put” provisions of the IDEA. The student’s I.E.P. Team and other qualified personnel shall meet prior to the imposition of a long-term suspension to determine whether the conduct causing the disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the student’s conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, the disciplinary action shall proceed. The student’s I.E.P. shall be delivered during the period of suspension. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the student’s conduct was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, the long-term suspension shall not be imposed.

The student’s I.E.P. Team shall also conduct a functional behavioral assessment and develop and implement a behavioral intervention plan within ten (10) business days of the eleventh (11^th) day of suspension or after causing a removal constituting a change of placement. If a behavioral intervention plan already exists, the I.E.P. Team must review and, if appropriate, modify that existing plan.”

EXPULSION

If the Principal or the Assistant Superintendent requests that a student be expelled from school, the Superintendent shall determine prior to the end of the student’s initial ten- day suspension whether to submit the request to the Nashua Board of Education. A formal hearing shall be held prior to any expulsion. Except in situations involving a student bringing or possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, an expulsion hearing may be held either before or after the expiration of the initial ten-day suspension. If the hearing is scheduled to be held after the expiration of the initial ten-day suspension, the student shall be allowed to return to school until the hearing is held. In situations involving a student bringing or possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, the Nashua Board of Education shall hold the expulsion hearing within ten days of the commencement of the student’s ten-day suspension imposed by the Superintendent.

Upon receipt of a request for expulsion, the Nashua Board of Education shall provide written notice to the student and the student’s parent/guardian, which shall include:

A. The date, time and location of the hearing;

B. A statement of the charges against the student and a summary of the evidence supporting the charges;

C. The Superintendent’s written recommendation for Board of Education action and a description of the process used by the Superintendent to reach his/her decision;

D. Notice that the student together with a parent (parental consent is not necessary if the student is 18 years or older unless the student is subject to a guardianship) may waive the right to a hearing and admit to the charges;

E. Notice that the student has a right to be represented by counsel;

F. Notice that the student, parent/guardian or counsel has the right to present any defense or reply and to call and examine witnesses; and,

G. Notice that the hearing may be either public or private and the choice shall be that of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.

The written notice shall be delivered to the student and the student’s parent/guardian, in person or by mail to the student’s last known address, at least five days prior to the hearing.

The decision of the Nashua Board of Education to expel a student shall be based on substantial evidence that the student committed the act(s) charged and that the act(s) is, in fact, a proper ground(s) for expulsion.

The decision, which shall be reduced to writing, shall state whether the student is expelled; the legal and factual basis for the decision if the student is expelled; the length of the expulsion; any action the student may take to be restored by the Nashua Board of Education; and, notice that the student has the right to appeal the decision to the State Board of Education within twenty days of receipt of the written decision.

The mandatory 12-month expulsion from school for bringing to or possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the Superintendent of Schools.

The requirement of an expulsion hearing for other Class I offenses may be modified on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent for circumstances including, but not limited to, the student's age. If the Superintendent in his/her discretion determines that the circumstances are such that the sanctions are inappropriately severe, he/she may impose or request the Board of Education to impose such lesser sanction(s) as he/she determines is appropriate. In all such cases, the Superintendent shall make a written report to the Board of Education detailing his/her reasons for taking or requesting such action.

Prior to the start of each semester, an expelled student may petition the Nashua Board of Education to review its decision to expel, so long as the expulsion occurred at least sixty (60) days prior to that request.

The petition shall:

A. Be submitted in writing to the Nashua Board of Education no later than three (3) weeks prior to the start of the semester;

B. Set forth the reasons for the request for readmission and any information and facts which the student believes supports the petition; and,

C. Indicate whether the student requests a hearing on the matter.

The Nashua Board of Education shall consider the petition within two (2) weeks of its receipt and provide the student written notice of its decision immediately thereafter. If a hearing is requested, the Nashua Board of Education shall schedule a hearing within three (3) weeks of receipt of the petition for review. The student may be present at said hearing along with his/her parent/guardian or other adult advocate. The student may present facts and evidence in support of his/her petition for readmission. The Nashua Board of Education shall render a decision within one (1) week of the hearing and provide the student with written notice of its decision.

If a special education student is recommended for expulsion, the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided with the same written notice as non-disabled students. This written notice shall also advise the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the right to disagree with any change of placement and to appeal decisions of the student’s I.E.P. Team and the Nashua Board of Education.

In cases involving possession of or sale of drugs or the possession of a weapon, the student’s I.E.P. Team shall be convened no later than ten (10) business days after the event giving rise to the request for expulsion for the purpose of conducting a manifestation determination review, a functional behavioral assessment and to make a determination of an appropriate forty-five (45) day interim alternative educational placement. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the student’s conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, the Team’s report shall be forwarded to the Superintendent for further disciplinary action. Should the special education student be expelled following a hearing before the Board of Education or its subcommittee, the I.E.P. Team must then propose and offer an alternative long-term placement where the student’s I.E.P. can be delivered. The recommendation for the long-term placement must be made prior to the expiration of the forty-five (45) interim alternative educational placement. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the conduct giving rise to the request for expulsion was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, then no discipline in excess of the initial ten (10) day suspension shall be imposed.

When a student’s conduct does not involve a drug or weapon violation, but the school determines that the student presents a potential danger to themselves or to others in their current placement, the school may request a forty-five (45) day interim alternative educational placement. No change of placement shall occur without the consent of the parent/guardian after the convening of the I.E.P. Team or, if the school obtains an order from a Hearings Officer granting permission for such a placement.

USE OF CHARTS

The charts at the end of this handbook outline student violations and the proper responses to those violations. The charts are made up of two columns. When more than one response is available, the school administrator will use the most appropriate choice according to the severity of the offense(s) and all other factors involved in the incident.

When a regular education student is recommended for a long-term suspension or expulsion and the staff has reason to believe that this student has an educational disability, an I.E.P. team meeting shall be immediately convened. If the I.E.P. team determines that this student does have an educational disability, the team shall also determine whether the event causing the disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability. A full explanation of the procedures related to suspensions and expulsion is found procedures for student disciplinary action.

PARENTS’ INFORMATION

TEACHER - PARENT - SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP

Some helpful strategies:

1. Get acquainted with your child's teacher.

2. Feel free to communicate with the teacher at school concerning your child's progress and welfare. Make an appointment for a conference simply by calling the school.

3. Show interest in your child's daily work. Unless you are interested, your child will not be.

4. Work closely with the teacher. Misunderstandings can be avoided when all the facts are known.

5. Problems at home cause problems at school. The teacher has a better opportunity to help your child overcome difficulties if he/she is aware of home problems that are stressful for the youngster.

6. Please check with the school if your youngster reports any school incident that you find disturbing.

7. Since reading is a very important function in our curriculum, every effort should be made to provide the pupil with a "positive reading atmosphere" at home.

VISITS AND APPOINTMENTS

Please feel free to visit school often. Become acquainted with what your children are doing and what learning opportunities are offered to them. When a parent visits the school, you help your child to recognize the importance of their school experience. When entering school for a visit, please make your presence known to the principal's office before going to other areas of the building. All schools, according to Nashua School District Policy 1110, will ask you to sign in and out and to wear a visitor badge.

VOLUNTEERS - PARENT(S)

Each year parents are encouraged to become volunteers at the school. Help is needed in a variety of tasks, such as assisting in the library, duplicating materials, and working with individual children or with small groups of children under the supervision of a teacher.

You may volunteer as little as one hour a week or more. Interested? Try it you'll like it.

Interested individuals should contact the School Volunteer Coordinator or the District Volunteer Coordinator at 594-4311—X127.

PUPIL RECORDS

Records of school progress, test data, and health information are maintained for each student. Parents are at liberty to review these records and may do so by making an appointment with the guidance office.

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Public law allows the Nashua School District to disclose certain personally identifiable information from the education records of a student if the information has been designated as directory information.

The Nashua School District has defined directory information as follows: student and parent(s) names, student and parent(s) address, telephone number, date of birth, place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees, awards, most recent educational institution attended, and other similar information.

Effective December 15, 1980, the Nashua School District will continue to release such directory information at its discretion to external sources upon receipt of a request for such information unless a parent or student eighteen years of age or older requests such information be withheld.

Parents, legal guardians, or students 18 years of age or older, may refuse designation of any or all of the aforementioned directory information for a specific student provided that a written request to that effect is received by the Superintendent of Schools, 141 Ledge Street, by September 15 of each ensuing school year.

Complaints regarding alleged violations may be filed with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Office, Department of Health and Human Services.

Public notice of this policy shall be given by publication in a newspaper by September 1 of each ensuing school year. This policy shall also be published in student handbooks.

Copies of this policy and additional information may be obtained from the Director of Human Resources, Nashua School District.

TRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Parents who elect to drive their child to school should expect to drop off in the front of the school. A traffic monitor may direct parents to the rear in the morning if traffic conditions warrant.

When picking students up after school the traffic pattern is reversed. Parents should meet their child in the rear of the school.

ABSENCE, TARDINESS, AND DISMISSALS

When a child is absent from school, the following procedures will be followed:

Parents should contact the school by a 8:30 AM the morning of a child’s absence, informing school personnel of the child's anticipated absence. Parent may call 594-4308 anytime and leave a message.

1. When school personnel are not notified by the designated time, and a child does not arrive at school on time, school personnel will contact the parent at either the home telephone number or their business number. If unsuccessful in contacting a family member, a friend or neighbor identified on the emergency card will be called. If no responsible adult can be reached, public safety authorities will be notified.

2. Upon returning to school after an absence, pupils must present a parent-signed acknowledgement indicating the date(s) and cause of the absence, including absences due to religious observances.

3. If a pupil is absent three or more days, a note from a physician is requested.

When a child is tardy from school, the following procedures will be followed:

1. Parents should follow the same procedure (as noted above for absences) in notifying the school when a child will be tardy from school.

2. Upon arriving at school when tardy, pupils must present a parent-signed acknowledgement indicating the date and cause of the tardiness, or must bring this acknowledgement in the next school day.

Students who arrive to school late (after 7:55) 9 times during a marking period will be given a one hour office detention on the ninth tardy and each time he/she is tardy for the remainder of the marking period. Students who are late due to a doctor appointment, court appointment, students who arrive late on a school bus, will not be penalized. Students who are late 12 times in a term will receive a 1 day In-School Suspension. At 19 tardies they will receive a 3-day Out-of-School Suspension.

Classroom tardiness – the classroom teacher will be responsible for student being tardy to class.

When it is necessary to dismiss a youngster during the school day, the following procedures will be followed:

1. A student should come to school with a dismissal note specifying who will pick up the student at the dismissal time.

2. The parent, guardian, or other individual who has been given permission to pick up the child will be asked to report to the school office.

3. If the school personnel do not know the designated person who arrives to pick up a child, he/she must show identification before the child is released.

4. If the student is to walk home, the student must check into the office before leaving the school.

5. Whenever a question arises about a student dismissal, school personnel will attempt to verify the dismissal by contacting the parent or guardian, or by questioning the child.

Please note: Patterns of absence, tardiness, or dismissal, not ascertained by the school to be caused by sickness or other justifiable reason, shall be reported by the Principal to the District’s Attendance Officer/Court Liaison.

NEWSLETTER

On or near the 15^th of each month, from October through June, a school newsletter is sent home with each child. This school-home communication serves as an effective means to inform parents of "what's happening" in the upcoming month. The monthly newsletter will be posted on the school web page. Parents wishing to receive a copy via e-mail should contact the school to be added to the distribution list. Please read our newsletter and use it for reference throughout the month.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

Our school enjoys an active Parent/Teacher Organizations. This organizations play an important supportive role to staff and students. Parents are encouraged to become active members of this organization.

PARENTS CONFERENCES

If your parents or guardian would like a conference with your teachers concerning your educational progress, they are to contact the school office. An appointment will be made to try to coincide with the teacher's planning period.

Your parents will be notified the day and time for their conference.

Parent conference day is held once a year. Parents are encouraged to use this day for specific conferences.

Parent Conferences will be held on Nov 23rd from 4‑7:30 PM and Nov 24th from 8‑11:30 AM.

OPEN HOUSE

Once every school year, in September, Pennichuck Middle School holds its annual Parents’ Night. The purpose of this open house evening is to enable parents to meet teachers, exchange greetings, and inspect the facilities. The purpose of this program is to allow parents to better understand the general school program their child(ren) follow each day. Unfortunately, individual student/parent concerns will not be able to be addressed during this evening. However, parents may schedule a conference with their child’s teacher at any time.

PARKING

Parents are advised to at all times park in designated areas only. The police regularly patrol our parking areas and will issue tickets to vehicles illegally parked.

CURRICULUM GUIDES

Each school library has a copy of all District curriculum guides, which are available for review in the library. Copies may be requested at the cost of 10 cents per page.

EARLY RELEASE DAYS

The early-release days for the 2006-2007 school year are as follows (Please note that, generally, children are released two hours early on those days – 12:38):

September 20, October 18, December 6, January 10, March 21, April 11, and May 9**.

**May 9^th is typically a full day of school at the Middle Level as generally, our students are dismissed at the Early Release time or slightly earlier the following week (May 16) in order to facilitate the Orientation Process for next year’s in-coming sixth graders.

EMERGENCY CARDS

A properly completed and up-dated emergency card for each student must be on file in the school office. In order to be prepared to respond promptly to student-related emergencies, the school must be notified immediately of any new address, telephone number, or other changes, which must be made on the emergency card.

INSURANCE

The Board of Education has arranged, through a local insurance agency, a student accident insurance program for all students and staff members in the school department, at the expense of the individual. The program offers students two options: a "school time" or a "twenty-four hour plan," each at a different premium.

The student accident insurance coverage shall be limited to the maximum medical coverage stated in the policy in the aggregate, for each accident, with specific limits for hospital and professional services as stated in the policy. Information about this coverage will be sent home at the beginning of the school year and may be purchased annually. Any student trying out for school sports is strongly urged to have school insurance or other insurance to cover accidents. All sports participants will be required to have parent/guardian signature on waiver of liability.

ADMISSION/ATTENDANCE POLICIES

All children between the ages of six and sixteen, whose parents are residents of Nashua, must attend public school unless enrolled in an approved non-public school or are otherwise legally excluded. The regulations cited below apply to the attendance of children in the Nashua Public Schools.

1. Pupils beginning school may be admitted directly by the neighborhood school.

2. Pupils seeking admission to school must present an immunization form, signed by the child’s physician, indicating the completion of the set of immunizations prescribed by the State of New Hampshire.

3. Pupils must attend the school in their respective district unless assigned elsewhere by the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services.

ATTENDANCE VARIANCES

Most research shows that children who change schools frequently are often not successful students. As the classroom and school environment change, instruction for the teacher and learning for the student become more difficult. Students who attend the same elementary or secondary school for an entire school year have a better chance of graduating.

The Nashua School District has a procedure for parents to request that their child be allowed to stay at the school in which they began the school year. If class size, student discipline, or poor attendance are not issues, Attendance Variances are granted with the provision that the parent provide transportation to and from school daily. A blank Attendance Variance Request form may be obtained either at any school or at the Administration Building, 141 Ledge St., Nashua, NH.

RESIDENCY

Students attending Nashua Public Schools must be legal residents of the City. Legal residence can be verified by producing two current utility bills and any other documentation deemed necessary by the administration. If a student moves out of Nashua during the school year and wishes to continue attending school in Nashua, the School District must be notified by the student’s parents and/or by the student if over the age of 18. If space is available, student will be allowed to remain in the Nashua School District at a prorated tuition. Families who do not reside in Nashua, or move out of Nashua, but send their children to Nashua Public Schools without giving proper notification to the School District and receiving written permission for their child’s enrollment in the Nashua Public Schools, will be assessed the cost of tuition for the period of time in question and may face appropriate civil and criminal sanctions, including, but not limited to, complaints for Theft of Services.

NON-RESIDENT PUPILS - TUITION WAIVER

Children whose parents or legal guardians are not residents of Nashua shall not be entitled to free school privileges in the Nashua Schools. The School District, through the Superintendent, may waive this requirement under the following circumstances:

1. High school seniors whose parents move from Nashua during the second semester of the year may be permitted to finish the year and to be graduated with their class with the understanding that the parents will be responsible for transportation.

2. All other students, whose parents move out of the Nashua School District after the commencement of the fourth quarter, may be permitted to complete the school year with the understanding that the parents will be responsible for transportation.

3. Students from other countries or states who are the guests of District residents under exchange programs recognized by the National Association of School Principals (NASP) for purposes of school attendance.

4. Children of non-resident parents, who will be moving into the District during the school year, may enroll prior to actual establishment of residency, provided a written request and verification of the anticipated date of residency are submitted to and approved by the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. Such request shall be supported by appropriate documentation (lease, purchase agreement, etc.). The Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services may waive tuition if residency is established within 45 school days of the date the student is enrolled.

A waiver shall be granted for regular education students placed in Nashua in accordance with RSA 193:27-30 and POPPS 3212 Nashua Residency. However, no waiver shall be granted when a student is placed in Nashua "solely for the purpose of enabling a child to obtain an education" or to attend Nashua schools due to having been expelled or suspended from another school.

WITHDRAWALS

Parents of pupils transferring out of a school should notify the office and the classroom teacher as soon as possible so that proper forms can be promptly processed.

CUSTODIAL/GUARDIANSHIP INFORMATION

If there are legal guardianship and/or custodial implications of which the school should be made aware, please be sure a copy of the legal document is made available to the school for the child's protection. Parent rights cannot be denied without legal documentation to support this action. For more information, see the Non-Resident Pupils-Tuition Waiver section.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Official birth certificates (with raised seal) shall be required of all pupils enrolled in the Nashua School District. A pupil enrolling in school must present a birth certificate to the principal at the time of enrollment. The child must enroll under his/her full legal name. After being entered in the school records, the birth certificate shall be returned to the parent.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT - MANDATORY

New Hampshire Law (RSA 169-C; 29-30) requires that any person who has reason to suspect that a child under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected MUST report the case.

TUTORS

After ten (10) days of absences due to illness or injury, verified by a physician in writing, tutoring services are available.

The School District will provide for up to five (5) hours of tutoring per week for a period not to exceed 45 days, and for not more than one 45-day period per year.

When tutoring services are required, the school principal should be contacted. The Principal will then make the necessary arrangements with the Special Education Office.

WEBPAGE

Visit the District and Pennichuck webpage at www.nashua.edu. This page includes inks to all of the schools in the district, Board of Education policies, curriculum, school e-mail contacts, adult education news, hot lunch menus, upcoming events, daily school announcements and general news about the school community. This page is updated regularly.

NASHUA BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES

The Nashua Board of Education has policies in place to protect the rights of parents and students. Included below are several of these policies that could be of interest. For a complete copy of Board policies, contact the school office or you may find them on-line at www.nashua.edu.

BULLYING

The Nashua School District will not tolerate bullying and is committed to providing its students with an educational setting that is safe, secure, peaceful, and free from bullying.

Bullying for the purposes of this policy is defined as: insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, which are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response. Bullying can be further defined as deliberate and repeated negative action targeting a specific victim and causing psychological or physical harm; it can be sexual or non-sexual in nature. Examples include: physical aggression or contact such as hitting, pushing, poking, hair pulling, beating, biting and excessive tickling; social alienation such as separating a person from friends or social groups; verbal aggression such as using words for hurtful name calling, teasing and gossiping or using inappropriate body language (gestures); intimidation and causing fear; sexual and ethnic harassment; making unwelcome comments about body parts; and unwelcome racial or ethnic comments.

Bullying may or may not rise to the level of unlawful harassment or discrimination under Title IX of the Education Acts of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VI, or the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, or New Hampshire Child Abuse Reporting Act, or the Nashua School District's Sexual Harassment Policy.

Reporting Procedure

Any student who believes (s)he has been the victim of bullying shall report the incident(s) to the school principal, the assistant principal, a teacher, or a guidance counselor. Any school board member, administrator, faculty member, school employee or volunteer, or employee of a company under contract with the school or Nashua School District, who has witnessed a bullying incident or has reliable information that a student has been bullied, shall immediately report the incident to the student's principal or the principal's designee. The principal or designee shall provide written reports of all incidents of bullying to the Superintendent of Schools.

Investigation and Response

1. The principal or designee shall act on all complaints of bullying and shall inform all legal guardians of any students involved in bullying incidents within 48 hours in writing and by telephone unless this requirement is waived by the superintendent. All reports of bullying incidents shall be promptly investigated and kept confidential to the best of the ability of the investigators without hampering the investigation.

2. The district/school administration shall take such action, including training/education, and/or disciplinary action, as deemed necessary and appropriate in each case.

3. If an investigation concludes that a student has engaged in bullying, that student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards (Policy 3244), which may include but not be limited to suspension and expulsion. This will include discipline for any retaliatory action that the accused person might try to take against the victim. A student who has engaged in bullying, depending on the type of bullying, may also be subject to criminal action.

4. If an investigation concludes that a school board member, administrator, faculty member, school employee, or volunteer has engaged in bullying or has failed to report an incident of bullying as required by this policy, that person shall be subject to disciplinary action and may be subject to civil and criminal penalties as allowed by law.

Appeals Process

Under RSA 193-F Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention Law (bullying statute), parents or guardians of a student who is a victim of bullying or harassment may appeal a decision of the local School Board to the State Board for review, provided that such appeal is filed within 10 days of receipt of the written decision of the local Board. Such appeal shall be in writing and filed with the Commissioner of Education, with a copy to the Superintendent of Schools and mailed to Stephen Berwick, NH, Department of Education, 101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301. The request for review shall state in detail the reasons for the appeal, and the State Board shall conduct a hearing in accordance with the procedures in Ed 200.

Training

The Nashua School District will continue to develop age-appropriate methods of discussing the meaning, substance, and application of this policy with district employees and students in order to minimize the occurrence of bullying and so that district employees may effectively respond to any such incidents of bullying.

Notice of Policy

Each year, the Superintendent shall provide notice of this policy and the appeals process through appropriate references in student/parent handbooks, employee and volunteer orientation, and other reasonable means. The Superintendent shall make all contractors contracting with the District aware of this policy.

R/Bd approved 9/13/04

HAZING

Hazing activities are contrary to the Nashua School District's educational goals and objectives and will not be tolerated in our Schools. Hazing activities are prohibited at all times. Hazing is also a violation of the NH Criminal Code section 631:7, Student Hazing. Hazing is defined as:

Doing an act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into, admission into, continued membership in or association with any organization that causes or creates substantial risks of causing mental or physical harm to any person. Permission, consent, or assumption of the risk by an individual subjected to hazing is not a defense to the prohibitions contained in this Policy. Examples of behavior that could be considered hazing include being forced to:

1. Destroy or steal property

2 Be tied up, taped or confined in a small space

3. Be paddled, whipped, beaten, kicked or beat up by others

4. Do embarrassing, painful or dangerous acts

5 Be kidnapped or transported and abandoned

6. Consume spicy or disgusting concoctions

7. Be deprived of sleep, food or hygiene

8. Participate in drinking contests

9. Engage in or simulate sexual acts

10. Be tattooed or pierced

No school board member, administrator, faculty member, school employee, or volunteer of the Nashua School District will encourage, commit, condone, or tolerate hazing activities. No student will plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing.

Reporting Procedure

1. It is a crime to (1) participate in any student hazing, (2) knowingly submit to hazing and fail to report it to the school authorities or law enforcement, or (3) be present at or have direct knowledge of hazing and fail to report such hazing to school authorities or law enforcement. Every member of the school community must report hazing to the school principal or an assistant principal. In addition, the school is required by law to report to the local police any reports of hazing or any awareness of hazing incidents.

2. Any student who believes (s)he or another student(s) has been the victim of hazing shall report the incident(s) to the school principal, assistant principal, a teacher or guidance counselor

3. School board members, administrators, faculty members, other employees, and volunteers of the Nashua School District will be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances, and events which may include hazing. If hazing or planned hazing is discovered, involved students will immediately be informed of the prohibition contained in this policy by the person discovering the prohibited activity and will be required to end all hazing activities immediately. All hazing incidents shall be reported immediately to the principal or the principal’s designee who shall provide written reports of all incidents to the Superintendent of Schools.

Investigation and Response

1. The principal or designee shall act on all complaints of hazing. All reports of hazing incidents shall be promptly investigated.

2. The district/school administration shall take such action, including training/education, and/or disciplinary action, as deemed appropriate in each case.

3. If an investigation concludes that a student has engaged in conduct prohibited by this Policy, that student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the Nashua School District’s Student Behavior Standards, which may include, but not be limited to, suspension and expulsion.

4. If an investigation concludes that a school board member, school employee, or volunteer has engaged in conduct prohibited by this Policy or has failed to report an incident of hazing as required by this Policy, that person shall be subject to disciplinary action and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties as allowed by law.

Training

The Nashua School District will continue to develop age-appropriate methods of discussing the meaning, substance, and application of this Policy with district employees and students in order to minimize the occurrence of hazing and so that the district employees may effectively respond to any such incidents of hazing.

Notice of Policy

The Superintendent shall provide notice of this Policy through appropriate references in student/parent handbooks, employee and volunteer orientation, and other reasonable means.

R/Bd approved 3/31/03

STUDENT-PARENT COMPLAINT PROCEDURE FOR TITLES VI & IX

Students or parents who have a complaint concerning the alleged violation of the provisions of Title VI (race, color, national origin discrimination) or Title IX (sex discrimination/harassment) may follow the procedure as provided below.

A. Within thirty (30) school days of the date of an alleged violation covered under this policy, the alleged violation shall be reported to the building principal. Students/parents are encouraged to make their complaints directly to the building principal or assistant principal, however, students/parents may make their complaints to any staff member of their choice. Staff members are required to immediately report any disclosure of a potential violation of the policies covered by this procedure to the building principal. If the alleged perpetrator is the building principal, the complaint shall be reported to the applicable assistant superintendent. The principal (or assistant superintendent) shall attempt to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the parties through mediation. The principal (or assistant superintendent) shall complete the Interview Intake Form a copy of which shall be forwarded to the District Discrimination Complaint Manager.

B. If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily within fifteen (15) school days after the building principal receives the complaint, the complainant shall submit the complaint in writing to the Superintendent of Schools with a copy to the District Discrimination Complaint Manager. The complaint shall set forth the nature of the alleged violation, the date of the alleged violation, the parties involved, the action requested, and the results of the mediation effort. The Superintendent shall attempt to resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the parties. If the alleged perpetrator is the Superintendent of Schools, the procedure described under C below shall be followed.

C. If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily within fifteen (15) school days after the Superintendent receives the written complaint, the complainant shall submit the complaint in writing to the Board of Education with a copy to the District Discrimination Complaint Manager. The complaint shall set forth the nature of the alleged violation, the date of the alleged violation, the parties involved, the action requested, and the results of the Superintendent's resolution.

D. At the request of the complainant, the Board will conduct a hearing on all allegations. The hearing will be confidential unless the complainant chooses otherwise. All parties will have the right to representation, to present witnesses, and to conduct examinations. The Board shall conduct such a hearing within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the request for said hearing unless an extension is agreed to by both parties. Within twenty-one (21) calendar days following the next meeting of the Board of Education after the appeal is filed or, if a hearing is held, said hearing is concluded, the Board of Education shall submit in writing its resolution of the alleged violation to the complainant and the Discrimination Complaint Manager. The determination of the Board of Education shall be final. The Board of Education at its discretion may join this proceeding with any other arising out of a common body of facts. At any time during this procedure complaints may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights, U. S. Department of Education, McCormack POCH P. O. Square, Boston, MA 02109 provided that such filing occurs within 180 calendar days of the alleged incident. The appointed District Discrimination Complaint Manager shall provide information on the complaint procedures; maintain records of any complaint filed; and ensure that the proper complaint procedure is followed by all parties.

Reviewed/Bd. Approved 03/25/02

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Nashua Board of Education reaffirms its position of compliance with applicable State and Federal laws of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in the services, programs, and activities of the Nashua School District.

Reviewed/Bd Approved 03/25/02

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Acts of sexual harassment by employees or students of the Nashua School District or persons doing business with the District with whom a student or employee may interact in order to fulfill job or school responsibilities is a violation of Nashua School District policy and subjects the offending individual to sanctions and/or disciplinary measures including expulsion of students and termination of employment.

For purposes of this policy sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic standing; or

Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual; or

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment.

Sexual harassment may include but is not limited to: sexual innuendo; verbal harassment, including epithets, derogatory comments or slurs; physical harassment, physical interference with movement or work, or visual harassment such as derogatory cartoons, drawings, posters or graffiti.

Sexual harassment is prohibited against members of the same sex as well as against members of the opposite sex. Sexual harassment is determined solely from the perspective of the recipient as determined by the standard of how a reasonable person of the same gender/position would interpret the incident.

Individuals shall not be retaliated against, reprimanded or discriminated against in any way for initiating an inquiry or complaint or testifying, assisting or participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing conducted by an authorized investigative body. The rights of an individual against whom a complaint is brought will also be protected.

Some forms of sexual harassment are considered violations of criminal law and as such must be referred to legal authorities.

Employees are required and students shall be encouraged to immediately report any disclosure of a potential violation of this policy or any suspicion of a violation to the building principal and/or assistant superintendent and/or superintendent of schools.

All formal complaints may be processed in accordance with POPPS policies 3441 Student-Parent Discrimination Complaint Procedures For Titles VI & IX, 8410 Procedure for Conducting Impartial Due Process Hearings Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 8420 Grievance Procedure for Addressing Student/Parent and Employee Complaints Alleging Discrimination or Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Disability, or Age which are non exclusive. Complainants are not required to exhaust administrative remedies in processing complaints. Nothing herein limits the authority of the District to take disciplinary action or otherwise address instances of sexual harassment consistent with its management rights and obligations.

This policy shall be considered in conjunction with POPPS policy 1215 Non-Discrimination.

Reviewed/Bd. Approved 03/25/02

NOTIFICATION OF PARENTAL AND STUDENT RIGHTS

The following statement shall be included in all parent and student handbooks which shall be distributed annually: The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and regulations adopted by the U. S. Department of Education grant parents of students, along with "eligible students" (students who have attained eighteen years of age or who are attending institutions of post-secondary education), certain rights relative to education records maintained by the Nashua School District. The District shall provide for the need to notify parents of their rights in a language other than English.

These rights include the following:

First, parents may inspect and review the education records of their children, and eligible students may inspect and review their own education records. Upon request, parents or eligible students will receive reasonable explanations and interpretations of records.

Second, a parent of a student, or an eligible student, may request that the student's education records be amended and may request a hearing if the records are inaccurate, misleading, or invade the privacy or other rights of the student.

Third, the statute and regulations forbid the disclosure of personally identifiable education records without prior written parental consent, or prior written consent by the eligible student, except in certain specified situations as stated in this policy.

In order to implement the statute and regulations, the Nashua School Board has adopted a written policy which is available to parents and eligible students in the Nashua School District's Planning, Organization, Policies, Procedures and Staff Manual (POPPS). Copies of POPPS are available in the office and library of each school, at the Administrative Office located at 141 Ledge Street and at the Nashua Public Library. The federal statute and regulations are enforced by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office, U. S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20202, which is empowered to investigate timely written complaints.

HEARINGS

Persons desiring a hearing before the School Board must apply in writing to the Board for a hearing at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled meeting, stating definitely and clearly the reason for the request and the action desired on it. No hearing shall be granted without a vote of the Board. Persons at hearings shall not comment on any matters before the Board nor address the Board unless they are invited to do so.

Bd. Reviewed and Re-approved 08/19/03

COMPLAINTS

1. Any complaints shall be presented or referred in writing to the Superintendent of Schools, who may at his discretion refer the complaints to the Board of Education.

2. In cases of discipline or other school matters relating to their children, parents or guardians shall first discuss the matter with the teacher concerned. , If the matter is not resolved, parents or guardians may further discuss the matter with the following persons in the following order as necessary: (1) the Principal of the building (2) the Superintendent of Schools or his designee. If the matter is not resolved at the Superintendent level, the Superintendent shall report the matter to the Board for consideration and action.

3. Complaints to the Board, or appeals on the rulings of the Superintendent, shall be presented to or referred to the Superintendent in writing for presentation to the Board.

R/Bd. Approved 9/13/04

TRANSPORTATION

Parents are responsible for the safety of their children from the time they leave home in the morning, until the time they board the school bus; and at the end of the school day, from the time the school bus departs the bus stop and the children reach home. Once the child enters the school bus, the responsibility generally lies with the bus driver and the bus contractor.

Parents should be aware that the right to ride a school bus may be temporarily or permanently revoked if the “Transportation Rules for Pupils” are violated.

Buses are allowed to leave the bus stop if they arrive five minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. If buses arrive later than five minutes from the scheduled time, or if you have other transportation concerns, you are welcome to call the Transportation Department at 594-4300 X1122 or X1146. When the Transportation Department is notified that a bus is running more than 15 minutes late, they will notify the appropriate school principal.

Middle School and senior high school students must have their bus permits with them when boarding the school bus. Students not having a bus permit will not be allowed to board the bus. Bus permit replacement costs is $.25 per permit.

I. Student Eligibility

A. Transportation shall be furnished by the Nashua School District to:

1. Middle School and senior high school students living more than two miles from their assigned schools.

2. Elementary school students, grades five through six, living more than 1 1/4 miles from their assigned schools.

3. Elementary school students, grades one through four, living more than 1 mile from their assigned schools.

B. Senior High students eligible for bus transportation shall be charged a fee established by the Board of Education. Fees shall be non-refundable, unless the student has officially withdrawn from school. Transportation shall be furnished free of charge to all other students.

C. Space available transportation requests shall be considered using the criteria of grade and distance. The privilege of Space Available transportation shall not be approved before October 1 of the school year and will terminate at the close of that school year.

D. Distance, in all disputed cases, shall be measured from the end of the pupil’s lane to the nearest driveway or walkway of the school by the most direct, traveled route. This traveled route may be roads or walkways.

E. Parents or other adults who are designated as chaperones may ride the bus during the school day for an educational field trip. Parents may not ride school buses when they are being used to transport children to and from school on their normal runs.

II. Bus Routes and Stops

A. Routes will be planned so that a maximum number of children are picked up and discharged at the nearest spot to their home. Whenever possible, school buses are routed into developed areas so that large numbers of children will not be exposed to traffic flow along the main highway, provided that the bus can enter and leave the developed area without backing up at any time. Buses have very limited vision to the rear, and should therefore never back up in a heavily populated area.

B. Request for extension of existing routes should be submitted to the Director of Transportation. Criteria for granting such requests are as follows:

1. The distance between the home and the closest designated bus stop must exceed one mile. This traveled route may be roads or walkways.

2. If the bus must turn around, a safe and adequate turning place must be available.

3. The road must be a paved public road and must be satisfactory to carry the weight of the bus involved.

4. The turn from the existing route and entrance back onto the existing route must be safe.

5. Dangerous embankments must be protected with adequate guardrails.

C. Exceptions to the distance a pupil must live from the school or an established route may be made for disabled and special education pupils, or where the safety of the pupil is jeopardized by an exceptional hazard. Exceptional hazards include vertical banks on both sides of a road which limit children to walking upon the traveled portion of the road, and temporary extensive road construction.

D. Bus stops shall be located, whenever possible, at points where vision is unobstructed in both directions and room is available for children to stand off the traveled portion of the road while waiting for the bus. To provide minimum obstruction to traffic flow and minimum time to complete the run, the bus stops for all children shall be designated at least a quarter of a mile apart. Exceptions may be made, at the discretion of the Director of Transportation, where unusual conditions exist.

III. Transportation Rules for Students

The following transportation rules apply to all students riding school buses to and from the Nashua District Schools. In addition, the policies adopted by the Board of Education regarding student smoking; student possession, use, or distribution of controlled dangerous substances and alcohol; assault and/or battery; malicious burning of property; and possession of dangerous weapons on school property will also be strictly enforced on Nashua School District buses.

A. The driver shall be in full charge of the school bus and students.

B. Students violating the transportation rules will be reported to the Director of Transportation and transportation services may be restricted or withdrawn.

C. If requested, pupils must sit in the seats that have been assigned to them by the driver, the Director of Transportation or the Principal. Students must remain in their seats at all times when the bus is in motion. Changing seats any time during the run is prohibited.

D. Pupils may converse in a normal manner, but loud, profane, or obscene language will not be permitted.

E. With the exception of their books or other school equipment, pupils may not transport other items on the bus without the permission of the driver. Sports equipment and musical instruments may not be placed on the floor in the front of the bus nor in the bus aisle, and must fit easily on the seat.

F. Pupils must not extend any part of their bodies through bus windows.

G. Pupils must not attempt to board or to get off the bus while it is in motion.

H. Pupils should cooperate in keeping the bus clean and must not damage it. Any malicious or willful damage to a school bus may result in the immediate withdrawal of transportation services, with the student or parents asked to reimburse the School District for the cost of repairing the bus.

I. Pupils may not eat, drink or chew gum on the bus.

J. Pupils may not play radios, tape players, or other such devices on the bus.

K. Pupils may not bring animals, caged or otherwise, on the bus.

L. Pupils suspended from school may not ride on any bus while they are on suspension.

M. It is the responsibility of the pupil to board the proper bus. Pupils are permitted to ride only the bus to which they are assigned.

N. Pupils should be at the bus stop at least eight to ten minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus. The school bus will not wait for tardy pupils.

O. Pupils may not leave the bus at any stop other than the one to which they have been assigned unless the Director of Transportation has granted proper authorization.

P. Pupils must wait quietly in an orderly fashion at the bus stop. Running into the roadway, horseplay and throwing objects at the bus stop compromises student safety and can be disturbing to residents living in the area.

IV. Responsibilities of Bus Drivers

All school bus drivers must meet qualifications prescribed by state laws and regulations. The Director of Transportation must approve all regular drivers and substitute drivers for the Nashua School District, provided through Ryder Transportation Services.

The driver’s influence extends beyond the routine driving function. Students may learn many of the qualities of good citizenship, including courtesy and respect for law and authority, from the example of their school bus driver. The school bus driver shall:

A. Be in full charge of the school bus and the pupils.

B. Establish an atmosphere that is conducive to good discipline during the first days of the school year. Making sure all pupils who ride the bus are aware of all “Transportation Rules for Pupils” will accomplish this.

C. Be alert to pupil conduct on the bus and correct minor infractions of the rules immediately. This action shall include the reporting of potential problems or disturbances to the Director of Transportation.

D. Report misconduct or violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils” to the Director of Transportation.

E. Assign pupils to seats in cooperation with the Director of Transportation.

V. Procedures for Address Changes and New Pick up/Drop-Off Location

A. Whenever a student lives within his/her official school district, regular transportation provisions will apply.

B. All transportation for newly registered students will go into effect five school days after the Transportation Department receives written notification from the student’s school office.

C. Any address change requiring a new pick-up/drop-off point will require five school days after written notification is received from the student’s school office.

D. All address changes shall be arranged through the student’s school office.

E. Only the area of the legal address shall be used as a pick-up/drop-off point. That address will be used for any correspondence to parents from the Transportation Department. In cases of extreme need, a written request may be submitted to the Director of Transportation requesting different A.M. and P.M. addresses. Although individual needs will be taken into consideration, it is imperative that all routes be kept as short in duration as possible for the safety and well being of each child. Therefore, it must not be assumed that such a request will be approved. Only the Director of Transportation has the authority to make a decision on such a request.

VI. Discipline Procedures

A. Pupils who are assigned to ride the Nashua public and parochial school buses must assume certain responsibilities. Misconduct, carelessness and thoughtlessness are hazards to the safe operation of the school bus. The bus is an integral part of the total school program; and the driver, who is an adult in a position of authority, must insist on appropriate behavior. When the Director is advised of a violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils”, and determines as a result of his investigation that a violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils” has occurred, he may suspend transportation services for a time. In the event of a suspension, the Director of Transportation will notify the parent or guardian of the student, stating the reason for and the duration of the suspension in accordance with the state statute (N.H.R.S.A.-189:9a).

B. RSA 189:9a - Pupils Prohibited for Disciplinary Reasons

Not withstanding the provisions of RSA 189:6-8, the Superintendent, or his representative as designated in writing, is authorized to suspend the right of pupils from riding in a school bus when said pupils fail to conform to the reasonable rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the school board. Any suspension to continue beyond twenty school days must be approved by the Board of Education. Said suspension shall not begin until the next school day following notification of the suspension sent to the pupil’s parent or legal guardian.

C. If a pupil has been denied the right to ride a school bus for disciplinary reasons, the parent or guardian of that pupil has a right to appeal within ten days of suspension to the authority that suspended the pupil’s rights. Until the appeal is heard, or the suspension of the right to ride the school bus is upheld, it shall be the parent or guardian’s responsibility to provide transportation to and from school for that pupil for the period of the suspension.

D. The following steps may be taken in the event of any violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils”:

1. The Director of Transportation may assign seats if acceptable behavior cannot be maintained. Students can regain the privilege of seat selection when they have demonstrated improvement. The punishment for each offense will be decided upon individually, depending upon its seriousness, by the Director of Transportation.

2. In the event the Director of Transportation finds a serious violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils,” which is detrimental to the safety of persons and/or property on the bus, he will make an effort to determine those responsible.

This effort may include interviewing the bus driver, requesting the principal to interview all students who ride that bus, and requesting parental information.

3. In rare instances, if responsibility for the violation cannot be determined, the Director of Transportation shall request approval from the Board of Education to pursue any or all of the following steps:

a. Engage special police personnel to ride the route from time to time.

b. Issue a bill to the parents of each rider for the pro-rata cost of repairing any damage caused by the students, or furnishing police personnel.

c. Issue identification cards to each rider on the bus.

4. If the Board of Education finds that violation of the Transportation Rules for Pupils“ continue to be detrimental to the safety of persons and property on the bus route, it may, after giving written notice to the parents of the bus route, suspend the bus route for a period of time. The suspension shall commence no earlier than five calendar days from the date of notice to the parents.

5. Smoking is not permitted on school grounds, including school buses. If infractions occur, appropriate disciplinary action must follow, in accordance to Board-approved Smoking Policy and New Hampshire RSA 155:64 and RSA 78.

VII. Transportation Disciplinary Guidelines

In order to insure a uniform disciplinary policy, these guidelines have been broken down into three levels: minor, serious, and major offenses. These guidelines will be applied in conjunction with the Nashua School District’s Student Behavior Policies

BUS BEHAVIOR INFRACTIONS

The Nashua Board of Education has approved the following guidelines for managing student behavioral issues. It is impossible for any teaching or learning to take place in a classroom unless good order is maintained. Students are reminded that they must adhere to this code of conduct. This is not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well. Good behavior is a distinguishing feature of good citizenship.

Class III Offenses usually occur in the classroom or other settings under the teacher's supervision. Occasionally, the teacher will have to call on other people for assistance, but the responses at this level usually do not require the intervention of a building administrator.

By their nature, these acts are considered as significant violations of the student behavior standards. Class II Offenses require that a building administrator be involved in the disciplinary action.

Violence, weapons, and crime will not be tolerated on Nashua School District property or at any Nashua School District sponsored event. These acts are the most severe violations of the behavior code. Offenses at this level usually go beyond the school discipline system and almost always draw upon law enforcement authorities. All students involved in Class I Offenses will be removed from school immediately.

	Consequences
	1^ST REPORT	2^ND REPORT	3^RD REPORT	4^TH OR MORE REPORTS
LEVEL II INFRACTIONS · Improper boarding/departing procedures · Unnecessary noise · Refusing to obey the driver · Improper bus line behavior · Failure to remain seated · Riding another bus route without authorization from the building Principal and/or Director of Transportation · Other Level II infractions as reported by the bus officials.	Warning	Warning or 1-3 day bus suspension	Warning or 1-5 day bus suspension	Warning or up to a 20 day bus suspension
LEVEL I INFRACTIONS · Smoking · Lighting matches or playing with hazardous items on the bus · Fighting, pushing, tripping · Vandalism · Other behavior relating to safety · Bullying/harassment behaviors · Tampering with bus equipment · Throwing object in or out of the bus · Spitting · Use of obscenities or abusive language toward bus occupants · Misuse of the bus permit/ticket · Other Level I Infractions as reported by the bus officials	Warning or up to a 20 day bus suspension	Up to a 20 day bus suspension	Up to a 20 day bus suspension Possible loss of bus service for the remainder of the year	20 day minimum bus suspension Possible loss of bus service for the remainder of the school year

STUDENT OFFENSES		MIDDLE SCHOOL PROCEDURAL RESPONSE
· Truant from class · An inappropriate behavior or improper act Academic dishonesty, cheating · Deliberately disrupting or distracting others · Deceiving or lying to a staff member · Possession or use of electronic devices · Leaving class without the teacher's permission · Failure to follow any staff member's reasonable request to carry out school rules · Any inappropriate display of affection · Pushing/shoving or running in hallways · Littering · Any other violations which the principal considers reasonable to fall within this category		A. Discuss the matter with the student, and warn the student that the continued misbehavior will result in the loss of certain privileges. B. The teacher may then proceed, as appropriate, with any of the following corrective actions: · Isolate the student within the classroom. · Contact parent/guardian by telephone/note. · Have the student present when calling a parent/guardian at home or work to explain misbehavior. · Have student write a letter to parent/guardian explaining his/her misbehavior: require parent/guardian to sign the letter. · Develop a student behavioral contract. · Assign an after school detention. · Withhold privileges (no student may be denied the right to have lunch or snack). · Initiate a pre-arranged alternative classroom setting for up to an hour · Consult with principal, guidance counselor, case managers, or other appropriate staff concerning future strategies · Any other acceptable action as adopted by the school staff · In situations where academic dishonesty is the issue, students will not be given credit for the work presented
STUDENT OFFENSES	MIDDLE SCHOOL PROCEDURAL RESPONSE (Cont. from previous page.)
	C. If the student does not respond to the above attempts, the student shall be removed from the classroom for at least the remainder of the class period and/or up to the remainder of the school day, and the parent/guardian will be called immediately. D. When a student is sent to the principal's office, a discipline referral form will be submitted to the principal by the teacher as soon as is practical. The principal will maintain these forms as part of the student's disciplinary files. When necessary, teachers will be responsible for providing summary information of corrective actions attempted prior to referring the student to the office. E. At the secondary level, after a student is referred to a school administrator three times during a quarter, the school administrator will communicate with the parent/guardian. This communication may be initiated by the administrator or by the teacher/team. F. Use student demerits where applicable. G. Repeated Class III Offenses as reviewed by appropriate staff may be treated as Class II Offenses. H. A singularly severe incident may be treated as a Class II Offense by the principal.
Possession of tobacco products, 1st offense, either in school or on school grounds or other campus areas which are under the jurisdiction of the Nashua School District	· Confiscation of tobacco products · Notification of parent/guardian and conference · Notification of Nashua Police of first offense · Enrollment in a Tobacco Education Program. The fee is the responsibility of the student/parent/guardian · Ten (10) hours of community service