THE FOLLOWING ARE POLICIES ADOPTED BY THE WATERTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION:
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Recognizing that absenteeism reflects negatively upon the quality of education received by students, the Board of Education has adopted the following policy:
1. Any student who is absent from school or a course for more than fifteen (15) days in any one school year will lose credit for the course or repeat the grade unless valid evidence is presented to the school administration explaining the absence. In the case of one-half year courses, the total number of absences permitted would be eight (8).
2. If a student has ten (10) unauthorized absences, a conference or telephone contact will be held with the parent to discuss the situation and to take corrective action. The conference and/or telephone conversation will be followed by a letter to the parent from the school administration. If a student taking a one-half year course has five (5) unauthorized absences, the procedures will be the same as specified in this section for students taking full year courses.
3. The parent may request a meeting with the school administration at any time to discuss attendance problems. In the event a student is absent fifteen (15) days for unauthorized reasons, the administration will notify the parent by phone, and will follow up in writing, that the maximum number of days has been reached. This notification is to be in writing and will include the information outlined in #1 above.
4. It is the responsibility of the parents to call the school each morning to indicate the absence of their child and the reason for it. It is important upon returning to school that the student must bring a written note for excused absences. Otherwise, the student's absence will be considered as an unauthorized absence.
5. Authorized absences shall include medical reason, bereavement, family obligations, legal reasons and other legitimate reasons as approved by the administration.
6. The Watertown School District will accept a statement signed by a parent/guardian which indicates a specific medical problem which precluded a student from attending school as an approvable absence.
7. Item six (6) was approved by the Board of Education in an effort to support its existing policy and procedures and to indicate its belief in parent responsibility regarding student attendance.
DRESS CODE POLICY
The responsibility for the appropriate appearance of students rests with the parents and the students themselves. They have the right to determine such student’s dress providing that such attire is not destructive to school property, does not endanger the safety of students, complies with the health code of the State of Connecticut, and does not distract from the educational process. This right may be restricted by the school administration in order to provide the best educational environment for the student.
Regulations:
The following restrictions have been made by the administration after much discussion with teachers, parents, and students. The administration reserves the right to restrict any other attire that is considered detrimental or distractive to the educational process.
K-12
No tank tops.
No halters or tube tops.
No footwear that can endanger the safety of the student can be worn.
No shorts which are torn, ragged, or have holes, no short shorts (defined as gym length or less), no Spandex shorts worn as outer garment, and no skirts shorter than mid-thigh.
No inappropriate jewelry that can be dangerous or highly distractive.
No shirts with suggestive or inappropriate writing.
No unlaced sneakers or shoes.
No hats in school.
No bare midriffs.
It must be understood that the Board and/or Administration reserves the right to periodically review these regulations; and if, at their sole discretion, they determine that there is significant abuse of the guidelines, they will impose appropriate changes.
PHILOSOPHY FOR PROMOTION AND RETENTION
The curriculum in the Watertown Public Schools is constructed as closely as possible to permit students to proceed from year to year in classes designated to meet their needs and abilities.
FRAMEWORK FOR PROMOTION AND RETENTION
On the elementary and middle school level (K - 8) students are assigned to a particular instructional level. The criteria for determining this level are the following:
a) past performance at a level
b) achievement testing
c) teacher recommendation
d) parents' perceptions and attitudes
In the elementary and middle school, a student’s promotion or retention is determined by the teacher(s), other professional staff, principal, and parents.
Consideration is based upon:
a) chronological age
b) intellectual ability-based on tests and teacher observation
c) academic achievement and results of achievement tests
d) physical, social and emotional development
e) teacher evaluation of student progress
f) attendance record
g) remedial resources available
h) parents' perceptions and attitudes
Generally, it is not deemed educationally sound to retain a student more than once in the elementary schools (K-6) and once in the middle school (7-8), even though the student may not have mastered the skills of a grade. The student may be transferred to the next grade with the recognition that more varied programs and additional help will benefit the student. A parent conference will be held whenever a student is to be transferred rather than promoted. If a student has to be retained at the elementary level, preferably that retention would be in the primary grades.
TRUANCY POLICY
Connecticut law requires that the Watertown Public Schools provide you with this written notice of your obligations under Connecticut General Statute 10-184. This law provides that each parent or other person having control of a child seven years of age and older and under sixteen years of age is obligated to cause the child to attend school regularly during the hours and terms school is in session, unless such parent or other person shows that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction. Connecticut General Statute S10-185 provides that each day's failure to comply with these requirements is a separate offense, punishable by a $25.00 fine.
Regular student attendance is essential to the educational process. So that we may seek to inform you if your child is absent without explanation, the law also requires that we obtain from you a telephone number or other means of contacting you during the school day. Please be sure to return the Emergency Information Card and keep it updated throughout the school year.
An Excused Absence is when a child does not attend school due to illness or injury, death in the immediate family, religious obligation, an emergency or other legal or exceptional circumstance as approved by the child's building Principal and attested to by the child's parent or legal guardian.
An Unexcused Absence is any and all other absences, with or without written explanation by the parent or legal guardian.
USE OF INTERNET POLICY
The Watertown Board of Education permits the use of electronic information resources in the schools, under staff supervision, to permit students to reach out to human resources, to share information, learn concepts, and support research. The use of on-line services must be in support of education and consistent with the education objectives of the Watertown School District.
It is the responsibility of the students, parents, and staff to abide by the Board's Electronic Information Resources procedures to ensure that the resources provided by the District are not abused and potential inappropriate materials are not accessed. Failure to abide by the Board's policy and agreement signed by parents and students will lead to loss of privileges to use the Internet and disciplinary action including assessment of cost caused by willful misuse.
(An Internet contract will be sent home by the school; student and parent both sign that the use of the Internet will be appropriate.)
ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCE ACCESS POLICY
Violations of the Policy
It is the opinion of the Internet policy committee that it would be appropriate for the student’s population to be divided into two segments for disciplinary purposes, K-6 and 7-12.
It is understood that no student should be on a computer that can provide Internet service without staff supervision. Close supervision is recommended, and the staff member should be able to see the computer screen. It is planned that filtering software will be evaluated and installed on Internet capable computers.
At this time, any reference to "system administrator" should be interpreted as the building principal.
In addition to school rules which address a student's suspension, etc., the following will be enforced:
K-6
1st offense - Loss of Internet privileges for two weeks. Notification of the offense is sent to parents.
2nd offense - Loss of privileges for 10 weeks (equivalent to one marking period). Notification of the offense is sent to parents.
3rd offense - Loss of privileges for 10 school months from the date of the offense (equivalent to one school year). Notification of the offense is sent to parents.
7-12
1st offense - Loss of privileges for 10 weeks (equivalent to one marking period). Notification of the offense is sent to parents.
2nd offense - Loss of privileges for 10 school months from the date of the offense (equivalent to one school year). Notification of the offense is sent to parents.
While it is always the prerogative of the building administrator to set disciplinary action, it is important that there is a consistent disciplinary policy throughout the district.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Sexual harassment will not be tolerated among students of the school district. It is the policy of the Board of Education that any form of sexual harassment is forbidden whether by students, supervisory or non-supervisory personnel, individuals under contract, or volunteers subject to the control of the Board. Students are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful and courteous to employees, to fellow students and to the public.
1. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of academic decision affecting the individual.
2. The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual's academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
3. Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution.
4. Suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations, derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, epithets, assault, touching, impeding or blocking movement, leering, gestures, display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or cartoons.
5. Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome.
6. Coercive sexual behavior used to control, influence, or affect the education opportunities, grades, and/or learning environment of students, including promises or threats regarding grades, course admission, performance evaluations, or recommendations; enhancement or limitation of students benefits or services (e.g. scholarships, financial aid, work study job).
7. Inappropriate attention of a sexual nature from peer(s), i.e., student to student, employee to employee.
PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS TO FOLLOW:
It is the expressed policy of the Board of Education to encourage victims of sexual harassment to report such claims. Students are encouraged to promptly report complaints of sexual harassment to the Vice Principal or Principal of the school. Complaints will be investigated promptly and corrective action will be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality will be maintained by all persons involved in the investigation and no reprisals or retaliation will be allowed to occur as a result of the good faith reporting of charges of sexual harassment. A copy of the Sexual Harassment Policy, Grievance Procedure, and Grievance Form can be obtained from your Principal or from the Title IX Coordinators, Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent (945-4802) or from Mrs. Marylu Lerz (945-4830).
ANTI HAZING POLICY
The Board of Education has adopted the following anti-hazing policy: The district strictly prohibits students from engaging individually or collectively in any form of hazing or related initiation activity on school property, in conjunction with any school activity or involving any person associated with the school. Any student who participates in hazing or related initiation activity, or conspires to engage in hazing, will face immediate disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, exclusion and loss of participation in extracurricular activities. In addition, students who participate in hazing may be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities and may face subsequent prosecution.
DANGEROUS WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS POLICY
It is the policy of the Board of Education to ensure the safety of its students and personnel by forbidding the possession or use of any dangerous weapon or any implement that can be deemed a dangerous weapon on school property, on a school vehicle or at a school-related function.
Any student who is in possession of, threatens with or uses any dangerous weapon or any implement that can be deemed to be a dangerous weapon will have the weapon/potential weapon confiscated by the building administrator and held as evidence.
The building administrator will promptly conduct an informal hearing, affording the student his/her rights as protected by law.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Board of Education is committed to comply with nondiscrimination practices to the end that no person in its employ or under its jurisdiction shall, on grounds of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, handicap, sexual affinity, marital status, present or past history of mental disorder or physical disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity.
The Board designates the Assistant Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, Watertown School Department, 10 DeForest Street, Watertown, Connecticut (Telephone, 945-4802) as compliance officer (hereinafter, "Equity/Title IX Officer).
All outside agencies and organizations given assistance by the Board shall be required to abide by this policy.
Any person who believes themselves to have been discriminated against in violation of this policy may file a grievance in accordance with the Equity/Title IX Grievance Procedures.
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
Anyone wishing to know more about the Asbestos Management Program or the asbestos-containing materials found in the Watertown schools, may ask to read the Asbestos Management Plan which is on file in the office of the Business Manager.
PESTICIDE POLICY
At the beginning of the school year, the Board of Education will provide the staff of each school and the parents or guardians of each child enrolled in each school a written statement of the Board policy on pesticide application on school property and a description of any pesticide application on school property. This will also include a description of any pesticide applications make on school property during previous school year.
Please return the registration letter if you wish advance notification of all pesticide applications at Judson School.
NON-USE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS POLICY
PREFACE: This policy including its rules, regulations, and guidelines is a coordinated effort by the Watertown School District to openly and effectively respond to the potential and current use and abuse of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and mood altering substances by students and employees.
STATEMENT OF POLICY: STUDENTS
No person may use, possess, sell or distribute alcohol or other substances, nor use or possess paraphernalia for the purpose of illicit/inappropriate drug use on school grounds or at school-sponsored events. The terms "alcohol, drugs and other substances" shall be construed throughout this policy to refer to the use of all substances including, but not limited to: alcohol, all forms of tobacco, inhalable substances (including gases, solvents, butane, propane, adhesives), marijuana, cocaine/crack, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, methadone, scheduled narcotics, steroids, herbal stimulants, herbal euphoriants, look-a-likes and any substance commonly referred to as "designer drugs".
The inappropriate and/or illegal use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs shall also be prohibited. Prescription medication for personal use shall be allowed only under the supervision of school medical personnel, with written orders from a physician. State and local ordinances apply to students and employees alike.
Through the use of approved curricula, classroom activities, community support and resources, a strong and consistent administrative and faculty effort, and rehabilitative and disciplinary procedures, the Watertown School District will work to educate, prevent, and intervene in the use and abuse of all tobacco, drug, alcohol, and mood altering substances by the entire student population. (Section 10-19a)
Recognizing that drug use and abuse may be indicative of serious, underlying problems, every effort will be made to offer a student help and assistance, including early identification, referral to the parents for treatment and aftercare support by appropriate school staff.
A student, who on school grounds or off school grounds during a school session, or anywhere at a school-sponsored activity is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or mood altering substances or possesses, uses, dispenses, sells or aids in the procurement of alcohol, narcotics, restricted drugs, mood altering substances, or any substance purported to be a restricted substance shall be subjected to discipline pursuant to the provisions and procedures listed in guidelines.
Smoking is prohibited in all school buildings and on all school grounds at all times. Violation of this policy will result in discipline pursuant to the provision and procedures listed.
RADIOS, BEEPERS, OR CELLULAR PHONES IN SCHOOLS POLICY
Students are not permitted to bring radios (of any kind), beepers, or cellular phones to school. Students who bring radios, beepers, and cellular phones to school will have them confiscated. |