Pine Tree School

FAMILY HANDBOOK

2019-2020

183 Mill Street

Center Conway, NH 03813

Telephone (603) 447-2882

www.pinetreeschool.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message to Parents 1 General Information SAU 9 Directory............................................................................................................... 2 School Board.................................................................................................................... 2 Conway School District Mission Statement..................................................................... 3 Pine Tree School Mission Statement…………………………………………………………………………… 3 Staff Directory……………………………………………................................................................... 4 Conway School District Strategic Plan............................................................................. 5 Nondiscrimination Notice............................................................................................... 6 Authority for School Searches........................................................................................ 6 Student Records............................................................................................................. 7 Behavior Expectations................................................................................................... 8 Student Support Center.................................................................................................. 8 Pine Tree School Behavior Matrix................................................................................ 9 Daily Building Schedule................................................................................................... 10 Daily Recess and Lunch Schedule ................................................................................... 10 Early Release Lunch Schedule ......................................................................................... 10 Recess.............................................................................................................................. 10 Support Services School Counselor.......................................................................................................... 11 Family Support Liaison…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 ESL................................................................................................................................ 11 Paraprofessionals......................................................................................................... 11 Special Education........................................................................................................ 11

Student/Parent Information Attendance................................................................................................................ 12 Tardiness...................................................................................................................... 12 Early Dismissal............................................................................................................ 12 Calling-in Absent......................................................................................................... 12 Extended Leave........................................................................................................... 12 Vacations..................................................................................................................... 12 Emergency Information…………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Bicycles....................................................................................................................... 13 Birthday Parties........................................................................................................... 13 Conway School District Elementary School Choice Program.................................... 13 Discipline..................................................................................................................... 14 Suspensions & Expulsions........................................................................................... 15 Dress Code................................................................................................................... 15-16 Emergency Procedures................................................................................................ 17 Fire Drills..................................................................................................................... 17 Food Services.............................................................................................................. 17 Breakfast Program...................................................................................................... 17 Lunch Program............................................................................................................ 17 Meal Charge Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18-20 Overdue Lunch Account Procedures………………………………………………………………………. 21 USDA Nondiscrimination Statement……………………………………………………………………….. 22 Health Services............................................................................................................ 23 Sick Children................................................................................................................ 23 Medications................................................................................................................. 23

Student/Parent Information (cont’d) Screening.................................................................................................................... 23 Insurance..................................................................................................................... 24 Library Policies.......................................................................................................... 24 Borrowing Books From the Library..................................................................... 24 Lost or Damaged Books....................................................................................... 24 Lost and Found........................................................................................................... 24 Newsletter.................................................................................................................. 24 Non-Academic Materials and Activities (CD, IPOD, Cell Phones, etc.)....................... 25 P.T.A............................................................................................................................ 25 Parent/Teacher Conference........................................................................................ 25 Placement................................................................................................................... 25 Project SUCCEED......................................................................................................... 25 Pupil Progression Plan............................................................................................... 26 Report Cards.............................................................................................................. 26 School Cancellations Delays/Early Dismissals............................................................ 26 State Assessments…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 26 NWEA Assessments……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26 School Pictures........................................................................................................... 27 Showcases................................................................................................................... 27 Telephone.................................................................................................................. 27 Volunteers.................................................................................................................. 27 Visitors…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27 Student Safety Bus Policy and Safety.................................................................................................. 28 Conway School District Bus Discipline Procedures...................................................... 28 Procedures For Implementation of Bully/Harassment Policy..................................... 28 Pupil Safety & Violence Preventions Policy (Bullying)................................................. 28 Complaints................................................................................................................... 29 Dangerous Instruments and Weapons in School......................................................... 29 Substance Abuse.......................................................................................................... 30 Suspected Neglect or Child Abuse............................................................................... 30 Student Security........................................................................................................... 30 Tardy Students...................................................................................................... 30 Early Dismissal...................................................................................................... 30 Change in Routine................................................................................................ 30 Release to Other Adults....................................................................................... 30 Playground........................................................................................................... 30 Student Activities Chorus.................................................................................................................... 31 Drama..................................................................................................................... 31 Instrumental Music................................................................................................ 31 Junior Ski Program.................................................................................................. 31 Recreation Department.......................................................................................... 31 School Store............................................................................................................ 31 Student Leadership Team........................................................................................ 31 WPTS Radio Station................................................................................................ 31 Yearbook................................................................................................................ 31 Building Map...................................................................................................................... 32 2019-2020 School Calendar................................................................................................. 33

Pine Tree School Dr. Aimee Frechette, Principal

183 Mill Street

Center Conway, NH 03813

(603) 447-2882

(603) 447-6838 fax

August 29, 2019 Dear Members of the Pine Tree School Family, Welcome back to another new school year. This year is sure to be filled with meaningful and relevant learning experiences and a lot of fun celebrations of the amazing community we are a part of! The Pine Tree School community has made it our mission to personalize the learning experience for our students in order to uphold the mission of the school district, which is to realize the full potential of each and every one of the children that enter our building. In order to uncover their unique talents, we must focus on real-life application of acquired skills to new and novel experiences and incorporate their voice, interests, and passions into day-to-day instruction. Pine Tree School has begun the implementation of a competency-based model of instruction. When students are learning what they need to learn when they need to learn it, they are more engaged and therefore are more successful in academics and in their future. Our goal is that every child in our school feels valued as an integral part of our school community. This not only occurs within the classroom when personalizing the learning experience, but it is also promoted beyond the classroom walls. Students at Pine Tree School are given voice in the development of new initiatives, creation of clubs, or in acting as panel members who talk to parents, visitors, or other school teams about competency-based education at Pine Tree School. We believe that our children are our greatest resources and we make a conscious effort to include them in any and all aspects of our school. What we have found is that when students are engaged in their learning, feel like they are essential to the daily operations of the school, and are engaged in the school community, they develop necessary skills to be life-long learners and achieve academic success. Our tireless work toward personalization of the learning experience speaks to Pine Tree School’s commitment to realizing the full potential of each and every student through academic initiatives, positive school climate, student engagement and relationship building. We are excited to see what this year brings and look forward to watching our school continue to evolve to meet the needs of our students! Sincerely,

Aimee Frechette 1

2019/2020 SAU #9 Directory

SAU #9 Office 447-8368 Kevin Richard Superintendent of Schools Kathryn Wilson Assistant Superintendent Pamela Stimpson Director of Special Services James Hill Director of Administrative Services Rick Marston Director of Budget and Finance Christine Thompson Grants Coordinator Gail Yalenezian Pre-School Coordinator Rich Girouard Director of Food Services Gredel Shaw Transportation Coordinator

2019/2020 Conway School Board

Joe Lentini - Chairperson lentini@roadrunner.com

Michelle Capozzoli -Vice-Chairperson mcapozzoli.csb@gmail.com

Courtney Burke Jessica Whitelaw courtneyelizabethburke@gmail.com j_whitelaw@sau9.org Joe Mosca Randy Davison joemosca453@gmail.com antiques@roadrunner.com Cheri Sullivan c_sullivan@sau9.org The Conway School Board generally meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Conway

Professional Development Center at Kennett Middle School.

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Conway School District Mission Statement

“Realizing the full potential of each and every student.”

Pine Tree School Mission Statement Pine Tree School is a learning community which is responsive to the intellectual, social, physical and emotional needs of each individual.

Pine Tree School Community Believes:

Everyone should be safe, respectful, and responsible.

Everyone is valued and respected.

Strong home, school, and community partnerships are essential.

Each child is entitled to an education that meets his/her unique needs.

Students thrive in a child-centered environment.

Teaching the whole child encompasses academics, social, and emotional learning.

Inquiry and hands on learning creates problem-solvers.

Integration of Unified Arts is essential to learning.

Use of current technology is necessary to prepare students for their future.

Working collaboratively toward common goals is crucial.

Effective communication is fundamental.

Adults are positive role models.

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Pine Tree School Staff List 2019-2020

Aimee Frechette Principal Deborah Riendeau Administrative Assistant Sarah Learn Kindergarten Amy Cote Kindergarten Kate Jenkins Grade 1 Rachael Fellows Grade 1 Julia Marchetti Grade 2 Gabriella Anderson Grade 2 Abigail Calitri Grade 3 Sheila Sanfilippo Grade 3 Ryan Doonan Grade 4 Sally Smith Grade 4 Christa Biche Grade 5 Jessica Royer Grade 5 Heidi Belle-Isle Grade 6 Peg Horan Grade 6 Lisa Brown DPT Anne Longver School Counselor Holly Preece Art Teacher Matthew Liebenow PE Teacher Jennifer Bradeen Music Jodi Eastwood Librarian Terry Stanton OT Emilie Infinger Speech/Language Gina Astle Speech/Language Anne Trumbull Nurse TBD TBD Psychologist Suzanne Hill Spec. Educator Erica Desmond Spec. Educator Eric Tonkery Spec. Educator Mark Milligan Spec. Educator Tracy Vokey Family Support Liaison Bernie Friberg Reading Specialist Kaaren Whitley Title 1 Teacher Linda Bittner Title 1 Teacher Marge Morrison Secretary Krista Ames Paraprofessional Christina Coates Paraprofessional Maureen Coffin Paraprofessional Pam Dethlefs Paraprofessional Brenda Drew Paraprofessional Kristine Foster Paraprofessional Kelly Lee Paraprofessional Leah Kelsch Paraprofessional Jeff Millett Paraprofessional Christine Grzesik Paraprofessional Alice Jones Paraprofessional Shiloh Tibbetts Paraprofessional Cheryl Cote Paraprofessional Diane Smith Paraprofessional Daniel Maxfield Custodian Jeff Maxfield Custodian Stephanie Maxfield Cook Megan Heon Cashier

Jill Anderson Cashier 4

CONWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN 2015 – 2020

1. Focus Area 1: We will recruit, recognize and develop the most effective personnel.

2. Focus Area 2: We will strive to continuously improve each student’s level of

achievement and growth.

3. Focus Area 3: We will utilize appropriate technology to enhance student

achievement and improve operational efficiency.

4. Focus Area 4. We will promote a school community that enhances educational

opportunities and increases involvement in our schools.

5. Focus Area 5. We will provide the appropriate facilities and physical resources

to support the current and future needs of the district.

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Nondiscrimination Notice

The Conway School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap, sex, or age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Kevin Richard Superintendent of Schools SAU #9 176A Main Street Conway, NH 03818 Inquiries concerning the application of nondiscrimination policies also may be referred to the Regional Director, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 222 J.W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109-4557.

Authority for School Searches Policy CA The School Board attempts to provide a safe, healthy educational environment for all students. Therefore, the Board has authorized student conduct codes to limit anti-social behavior on the part of students. The administrators are charged with implementing effective, appropriate preventive and disciplinary measures to assure a good learning environment. The lockers, desks, and all furniture and equipment in the school are considered property of the school district; therefore, the principal or designated administrator has the right to inspect and search any part of the school or its property at any time. Persons on school property or participating in school activities are subject to search and may have their backpacks, book bags, handbags, or other similar items, including but not limited to vehicles driven or parked on school property, searched by the school principal or designee when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the individual has violated, or is violating, either the law or school rules. A cell phone may be searched with permission of the student if there is reasonable suspicion that it contains information relating to student safety or that a school policy or law has been violated. If a student refuses to comply with the cell phone search, a parent/guardian will be called and asked to meet with the administrator and the student. The phone will be secured and stored in a secure location by the administrator until the parent/guardian and law enforcement arrives. When a cell phone search is undertaken, two school administrators will be in attendance and only those phone applications relating to the questionable activity may be opened and viewed. If it is determined by school and law enforcement officials that the cell phone must be searched and the student and parent/guardian have refused to allow access to the phone, the phone will be secured and stored in a school administrator’s office and will only be released to law enforcement officials when the appropriate warrant is provided by the courts and law enforcement officials. If no warrant is obtained within 72 hours, the phone will be released to the parent/guardian. The administration will develop guidelines for implementation of this policy including procedures for those who refuse search until proper law enforcement authorities can be summoned. The use of “sniffer” dogs trained for the identification of illegal substances will be permitted in the school to inspect the premises upon request by the building administrator or superintendent, and with approval of the superintendent. Such inspection shall be conducted by a qualified law enforcement agency and the principal or designated building administrator shall accompany the law enforcement officer. This policy will be published annually in the student handbooks. Adopted by Conway School Board – October 28, 1996 Reviewed with no change – April 1999 Revision Adopted – November 25, 2002 Reviewed with no change – November 20, 2003 Reviewed by Policy Committee with change to procedures – May 12, 2006 Reviewed with no change – October 27, 2014 Revision Adopted – January 11, 2016

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Student Records

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are: (1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal or District a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the Conway School District to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. (3) The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. [Optional] Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school or school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records re­quest unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request or the disclosure is initiated by the parent or eligible student.] (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202

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Behavior Expectations

Pine Tree Citizens are: Respectful Responsible & Safe

All student behavior is based on respect, responsibility and safety. Students have the responsibility to know and respect the rules and regulations of the school. Students are responsible for the proper care of all school material. Payment will be expected for lost or damaged school property and materials. Students have the further responsibility to behave in a manner appropriate to good citizenship everywhere. Mild-intensity behaviors can and should be handled in the classroom. These are behaviors that are inappropriate to the learning situation, but do not constitute a major interference with instruction or a potential threat of danger. Moderate-intensity behaviors might be handled in the classroom, the Student Support Center or the Principal’s Office. These are behaviors that interrupt and/or seriously compromise instruction. Severe-intensity behaviors can be handled in the Student Support Center, in the Principal’s Office, or by the Core Team. These are behaviors that halt instruction or compromise safety or are blatantly insubordinate to adults. The Core Team includes staff who are trained in crisis intervention strategies and techniques.

STUDENT SUPPORT CENTER If a student continues to use behaviors that interfere with their own or the class’s learning he/she would be asked to visit the Student Support Center. The S.S.C. provides assistance in processing what has been happening, why it’s been a problem, and how the student could better handle the situation in a way that is acceptable and aligned with Pine Tree School’s expected behaviors. The Student Support Center provides a positive discipline approach.

Procedure for Accessing the Student Support Center Staff member contacts the office to assure that the Student Support Center is staffed Staff member fills out a classroom referral form Staff member sends/escorts student to the Student Support Center Upon return to the classroom, student is welcomed back. A brief processing between teacher and

student occurs, and student is returned to task. Student Support Center supervisor and teacher may meet to discuss incident.

On the next page we have included a copy of our school-wide Behavior Expectations.

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Daily Building Schedule 2019/2020

Students Arrive: 8:30 – 8:55 a.m. Students in Classroom: 8:50 a.m. WPTS Radio Broadcast: 8:55 a.m. School Start Time: 9:00 a.m. School Dismissal Time: 3:15 p.m. Students will not be supervised until 8:30 a.m.

The school's side entrance is for parents who drop off or pick up their children before or after school. The school's front entrance is used for buses only.

Daily Lunch and Recess Schedule 2019/2020 Grades K & 1 Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Grade 6 Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Grades 2 & 3 Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Grades 4 & 5 Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Grades K & 1 Recess 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Grades 4 & 5 Recess 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Grades 2 & 3 Recess 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Grade 6 Recess 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Early Release Lunch Schedule (No Recess) - 12:30 p.m. Dismissal 1st Lunch - Grades K & 1 10:50 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. 2nd Lunch - Grade 6 11:15 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. 3rd Lunch - Grades 2 & 3 11:40 a.m. - 12 Noon 4th Lunch - Grades 4 & 5 12:05 p.m. -12:25 p.m.

Recess Our daily schedule provides for a supervised recess. Teachers also may take their classes out for a short recess break either in the morning or in the afternoon. Recess is an important time for students, providing a break from academics and allowing students to socialize and engage in physical activity. All students in attendance are expected to go outside at recess time unless otherwise instructed by their teacher. Children with health concerns will be allowed to remain inside at recess time only upon request of a physician. New Hampshire weather is often unpredictable. Recess is held indoors only on rainy or extremely cold (below zero with wind-chill) days; otherwise, children go outside for the benefits of fresh air and activity. It is essential that children come to school properly dressed for the weather! Hats, mittens, and boots are required during snow season, and students must have snowpants if they wish to slide.

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SUPPORT SERVICES

School Counselor

There is a counselor in our school providing services to all children, their parents, and their teacher. Since academic success is recognized to be dependent on positive self-esteem, the counseling program is designed to meet the effective needs of each child. The counselor will provide whole group activities, small group sessions and individual therapy, as well as interact with parents, teachers and outside social services to meet the need of each child. Through group activities and individual sessions, students will learn more about themselves, their needs and feelings, and ways to express themselves appropriately. School counseling is a regular education service and is provided to all students.

Family Support Liaison

Our family support liaison is available and ready to help during school hours. All conversations are confidential and respect is given to the needs of all families on an individualized basis. Below are just a few things she can help you with: ~ Provides support to students and families in the community to help enhance the school and family connection ~ Communicates and collaborates with families to facilitate connections with community, state, and federal services (both in and out of school). For example: transportation, fuel assistance, and accessing medical supports combined with food and nutritional needs~ ~ Collaborates with families and teachers by utilizing creative and collaborative problem-solving strategies ~ Coordinates community-based supports and resources for students and families ~ Provides family support for day-to-day events, life transitions and crises

ESL

ESL support services are provided for limited English speaking students who qualify based on need. The instruction includes in-class and out-of-class help with oral skills, reading and writing. The ESL teacher uses interpreters and translators if they are necessary, to help students and their parents understand enrollment forms, permission slips and student report cards. Interpreters may also be used at parent/teacher conferences.

Paraprofessionals

Paraprofessionals, or instructional aides, are partners with teachers in education, working together to provide the best education possible for each child.

Special Education

Some children demonstrate special learning needs which require individual help in order for them to fulfill their educational potential. State and Federal laws prescribe that these children be identified, referred by their parents or teachers, evaluated and provided with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP describes what skills are to be taught and the methods and materials to be used for accomplishing educational goals. Each step in the identification and planning process requires and encourages parental involvement. Our special education program is comprehensive and incorporates related services such as speech therapy, counseling, and physical/and or occupational therapy. It is the responsibility and the intent of the District to provide special needs students with a "free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. " If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your child, we encourage you to contact your child's teacher, special education case manager, the principal or the Director of Special Services. 11

STUDENT/PARENT INFORMATION

Attendance - Regular and punctual patterns of attendance will be required of each student at Pine Tree Elementary School. It is recognized that absence from school may be necessary under certain conditions. However, every effort should be made by students and parents to keep absences and tardiness to a minimum. Students who are absent 20 or more days in a single school year will be retained unless a waiver is given by the principal and superintendent. School hours are: 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Students should not arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. and should not remain at school after 3:15 p.m. unless they are involved in a supervised activity. WPTS Radio broadcasts our school announcements every day at 8:55 a.m. Students should be in their classroom by 8:50 a.m. to begin class promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Tardiness - Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. are considered tardy. Students arriving at school after 9:00 a.m. must report to the office where the late arrival is recorded and a "late pass" is issued, to be given to the teacher.

Early Dismissal - If students must leave school before the end of the day, a note from parents is requested. Parents picking up children are asked to report to the office upon entering the building! The office staff will send for your child and record the early dismissal.

Calling-in Absent - students who are absent from school are noted on our daily attendance roster. Through our S.0.S. Program (Student Out of School) a phone call is made to the parents' home, verifying the absence of their child. S.O.S. calls are made between 9:30-10:30 a.m. each morning. In order to help our S.O.S. procedure to run smoothly, we ask parents to notify the school by 9 a.m. whenever their child will be absent. If we do not receive a phone call, we will initiate the process and attempt to contact parents. The school does have an answering machine. This allows for you to call and leave messages before and after school hours.

Extended Leave - If for some reason students will be out of school for an extended period of time, an "Extended Leave Form" should be requested from the teacher. With a week’s advance notice the teacher will be able to provide a week’s worth of school work for the student on extended leave. All absences from the classroom affect learning. Lesson introductions, reinforcements, guided practice, interactions, and numerous learning activities take place every day. There is no way to replace the experiences of a school day once missed. Make up work is not the same as the classroom experiences of the day. We ask that parents recognize the potential impact to learning from missed classroom instruction and avoid vacations that do not align with the school calendar.

Vacations - We encourage families to align their vacations with the school-scheduled vacations. (A copy of the current School Calendar is included in the back of this handbook).

Emergency Information – Each student/family shall be provided with directions on how to complete Emergency Information Card through the PowerSchool link on the SAU9 website at the beginning of the school year. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep the school informed of a current address and telephone number at all times and to notify the schools promptly of any changes in address or emergency procedures. 12

Bicycles Bicycles ridden to school must be parked in the bike racks along the side of the building. It is a good idea to lock your bike while in school. Pine Tree Elementary School expects all students who ride a bike to school to wear a bike helmet!

Birthday Parties

We ask that parents holding birthday celebrations for their children use the mail for invitations. We are happy to address pre-stamped invitations. Please do not distribute invitations at school, since exclusion is a very difficult emotion for some students. If you are planning a general sharing with all classmates, please consult with the teacher to make arrangements.

Elementary School Choice Program

Policy JECC

Conway will remain divided into three elementary attendance zones.

Each elementary school will be rated for optimum capacity level. (Optimum levels will be determined by: actual building capacity calculated at 90% and adjusted for the space/capacity required for special programs located at the school and any other physical or programmatic limitations.)

Parents/guardians within the attendance zone will have the first opportunity to request the zone school.

Parents/guardians requesting a transfer will be responsible for transportation of their children to and from school; except, if transportation is readily available without adjustments to existing routes, students may be transported on a space available basis.

Transfer requests will be considered on a space available basis. Priority will be given to siblings of students currently enrolled.

Once granted, a transfer will be for the entire school year, unless circumstances arise that would cause the transfer to be revoked by the Board.

Parents/guardians who exercise choice and transfer their child(ren) will have the opportunity to remain for the following year in the same manner as students assigned to the school.

“Room” at a school will be determined by the principal and superintendent. A school with available “room,” but grade level classrooms at capacity, may be considered full. The School Board will determine the capacity for each grade level for the purposes of this policy.

Any transfer of students identified as educationally handicapped must be approved by the students’ child study teams.

Any transfer will be assumed to be cost neutral. Transfers that increase educational costs to the district will not be approved.

Adopted by Conway School Board - March 14, 1996 Revision Adopted – December 13, 1999 Reviewed with no change - May 6, 2004 Revision Adopted – August 11, 2008

Revision Adopted – November 13, 2013 13

Discipline

The Conway School District promotes and maintains a safe and orderly environment which allows all students to realize and learn the benefits of mutual respect, responsibility, and honesty. These guiding principles form the basis for a uniform code of conduct for all students. The code of conduct insures several critical goals. 1. That all school environments will be safe and free from threat. 2. That expectations for all members of the school community are clearly understood. 3. That the school community be a cooperative model for society in general. 4. That procedures and consequences are equitable for all members of the school community. A BASIC CODE OF CONDUCT A basic code of conduct is present in all of the Conway Schools to insure the rights and safety of all members of the educational community. Although some variation is inevitable in the overall implementation of this code across four schools, it is the intent of this policy to define specific procedures and a range of consequences used by all schools for serious disciplinary occurrences. Behaviors are categorized into three levels of seriousness with appropriate actions and consequences at each level. Procedures and consequences for the most serious level III occurrences are based on Safe School Legislation ED 317 and NH RSA 193:13. All students and parents will be informed of these procedures and consequences at least annually by school officials. LEVELS OF INFRACTIONS LEVEL ONE - MINOR: Level I infractions are minor in scope, first time, or one time in nature, and do not create major disruption in the classroom or safety concerns in the school environment. They often involve procedural violations or behaviors that are rude and problematic to an orderly environment. Consequences for Level I behaviors are teacher driven. LEVEL TWO—MAJOR: Level II infractions involve chronic Level I behaviors that create significant disruption to instruction or safety concerns in the school environment. Level II infractions necessitate intervention and parental notifications. Level II infractions are recorded on the student’s record. LEVEL THREE-MAJOR: Level III infractions cause significant disruption to the school programs, or create serious threat to the safety or wellbeing of an individual or individuals or cause serious injury to another. Level III infractions are often illegal, involve drugs, alcohol, weapons, explosives or other dangerous items. They can include vandalism, destruction of property, or creating false emergencies. Infractions at this level warrant office action, can include local law enforcement, and are often governed by Conway School Board Policy. (In the event of any omissions in this behavioral code, the building principal retains the authority to assign the specific infraction level and consequences on a case-by-case basis.) 14

Suspensions & Expulsions There shall be the following levels of discipline available to school officials enforcing RSA193:13 relative to the suspension and expulsion of pupils in a safe school zone: 1. A suspension for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to reasonable rules of the school under RSA 193:13-I, shall be considered a short-term suspension and shall be administered by a superintendent or designee for a period not to exceed 10 school days; 2. A suspension for an act of theft, destruction or violence as defined in RSA 193-D, or for possession of a pellet or BB gun or firearm under RSA 193:13 II shall be considered a long-term suspension and shall be administered by the school board or designee in order to continue the short term suspension for a period in excess of 10 school days, provided the designee is not the person who suspended the pupil for 10 school days under (1) above, and that the designee provides a due process hearing under (d) (2) below; 3. An expulsion by the school board for a period determined in writing by the board under RSA 193:13, II; and 4. An expulsion by the school board for a period of not less than 12 months under RSA 193:13, III. Prior to initiating any disciplinary action listed in paragraph (a), each school board shall adopt a policy under RSA 189:15 which prescribes the manner in which the student body shall be informed concerning the content of RSA 193:13 through announced, posted, or printed school rules. All appeals to the state board allowed under RSA 193:13, II or III shall be filed within 20 calendar days of receipt of the written decision of the local school board and shall be in accordance with RSA 541 -A and Ed 200.

Student Dress Code

Policy JFCA

Concern for personal appearance is an indication of self-respect and of courtesy toward others. The following list details what can be worn during the school day. Failure to comply with the dress code will be treated as insubordination. If a student is not sure if something may or may not be worn, he/she should check with a faculty member or administrator before wearing it to school. Overall Expectations for All Students:

All students are expected to be neat and clean.

All should be modestly dressed in attire appropriate to the classroom. (Modesty means that no stomachs, breasts, buttocks, backs, or underwear should be showing.) This should be true when climbing stairs, sitting at a desk, as well as standing. Garments should not be transparent or sheer, without a dress code appropriate garment underneath.

Shirts, Blouses, Tops, Dresses: Acceptable Shirts; full button down or polo style shirt, buttoned, sweaters, sweatshirts, turtlenecks, jersey dress shirts, or T-shirts

o Appropriate fit and adherence to modesty as previously defined o Covers midriff – must be "tuckable" in length o All tops must be held up by some type of supportive strap or sleeve that holds up the top as well as covers any and all undergarments o All tops must be tight under the armpit o Free from writing or graphics deemed offensive or in violation of school policy

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Unacceptable

Sheer (see-through) material

Low neck lines (cleavage)

Shirts that hang low under the armpit

Visible undergarments

Holes, rips, tattered, unsanitary clothes

Tube tops and camisoles

Pants/Skirts/Shorts/Dresses: Acceptable

Dress/khaki pants, jeans, cargo pants, corduroy, shorts and skirts must be modest as previously defined and fall no shorter than mid-thigh.

o Appropriate fit o Free from offensive writing or graphics of any kind

Unacceptable

Visible undergarments, sheer material

Pants/skirts/shorts worn lower than the hips

Unsanitary clothes

Holes and rips above mid-thigh

Sweat pajamas Shoes:

Foot apparel must be worn at all times for safety purposes. For safety reasons, school administrators will use their discretion in prohibiting anything that interferes with safety.

Accessories:

Hoods, hats, and sunglasses cannot be worn in any building unless it is attire required as part of a specific program or curriculum.

Kennett High School Only: o Hats may be worn in hallways, cafeteria, and library by all students. o Hats will not be allowed to be worn in any classroom or in the auditorium during any class or event. o Hats will not cover the wearer’s eyebrows. o Hats deeming images or graphics in violation of school policy are not acceptable. o Hoods are not acceptable.

No materials that could pose a safety hazard including, but not limited to chains, spiked clothing and accessories.

Other Issues:

Gang-related apparel, including insignias, bandanas, colors, mottos, or symbols, is considered inappropriate for school attire and is prohibited. School administrators have the authority to prohibit any other messages that they determine to be disruptive to the school's learning environment.

At school-sponsored events, students must dress appropriately. Adopted by the Conway School Board - February 24, 1997 Reviewed with no change - October 1999, February 26, 2003 Revision Adopted – June 21, 2005 and May 14, 2007 Reviewed with no change – March 11, 2009 Revision Adopted – August 23, 2010 Reviewed with no change – November 26, 2012 Reviewed with no change – January 7, 2013 Reviewed with no change – June 13, 2013 Revision Adopted – February 8, 2016 Revision Adopted – June 27, 2016

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Emergency Procedures

The school maintains a set of procedures for school emergencies. These range from emergency building evacuations to in school security (safe in place) measures. Students practice these procedures throughout the year including winter. All evacuations include communication and transportation plans. If the building were to be unavailable for a safe return, children will be temporarily housed or transported to a safe holding environment. Local radio announcements and School Messenger Communicate (email/voice mail system alerts) will be made to alert parents of the situation and further announce plans for their safe return to the home. It is very important that the school always have a usable emergency phone contact were we can reach you.

Fire Drills We hope there will never be a fire in our school, but precautions must be taken to guarantee safety. Each student will be notified by his/her classroom teacher at the beginning of the school year of the proper exit path in the event the fire alarm sounds. Students will exit the building with their teacher in a quiet and orderly manner. No one will be allowed to re-enter the building until notified to do so by a school administrator.

Food Services Pine Tree School provides both a breakfast program and a lunch program. All students in grades K-6 are eligible to participate in the breakfast program. Students in grade K-6 are eligible to participate in the lunch program. Free and reduced breakfast and lunch are available to students whose family meets the Federal Income Guidelines. Free and Reduced Lunch Applications are sent home with all students at the beginning of the school year and are available at any time during the year. Breakfast Program - The breakfast program serves students in grades K-6. Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 8:50 a.m. The price for breakfast is: Regular price $2.00 Reduced meals price No Charge Free meals price No Charge Lunch Program -The lunch program serves students in grades K-6. (See Building Schedule for specific times. Regular price $3.00 Reduced meals price $0.40 Free meals price No Charge Please note there is a $.50 charge for extra “snack” drinks. This includes Free & Reduced Lunch Students. Students who forget or lose their lunch money on a particular day are allowed to "Charge" a lunch. This allows the child to eat lunch and pay the following day. Please note that students who do not pay their charges in a timely manner or who have accumulated more than two outstanding charges will not be allowed to continue to charge for a regular lunch. An alternate lunch (peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk) will be provided until all charges have been paid. Students will not be allowed to charge for breakfast.

Parents are encouraged to pay for meals by the week or month. This helps alleviate the need for daily payments and transportation of money from home to school.

Milk is included in the cost of breakfast and lunch. It is also available for purchase during morning snack and lunch. The cost for milk is $.50. 17

MEAL CHARGE POLICY

Policy DFI

The Conway School District (“District”) encourages all parents and guardians (“parents”) to provide a healthy breakfast and lunch for their student(s). Parents are welcome to send students to school with a “brown bag/lunch box” meal. The District provides the opportunity to purchase breakfast and lunch, as well as a la carte items, from the school cafeteria. Each meal meets or exceeds federal nutrition standards. Payment is expected no later than when the meal is served. Payment may be in cash, check or as a debit against funds deposited into an established school lunch account.

Student Meal Accounts

The District uses a point-of-sale computerized meal payment system that has an account for all students. Parents of students who will be purchasing meals using this system are required to establish and maintain a positive balance in the students’ meal account. Funds may be deposited into a student lunch account by cash, check or on-line payment. Checks should be made out to Conway Food Service Program. The Conway School District utilizes EZSchoolpay.com for electronic payments. To access this option, you will need your student’s ID number, which is available from his or her school office. There is a fee of $2.50 per deposit for adding funds using a debit or credit card. There will be no processing fee for deposits made to a student meal account made by cash or check.

A fee of $25.00 will be charged to the parents for each check returned for insufficient funds. In accordance with RSA 358-C:5, notice of the fee charged for a check that is returned for insufficient funds shall be included in any letter sent to a parent seeking payment because the student meal account has a negative balance.

Parental Restrictions on Use of Student Meal Accounts

Parents are responsible for establishing with their student any restrictions the parent chooses to place on the account. Unless restricted by the parent, a student may purchase a la carte items in addition to the regular meal choices. Students may purchase more than one meal at one sitting, as well as snacks. Parents must monitor the student’s use of the meal account to ensure that a sufficient balance is available at all times for the student to purchase meals. (Parents may access information about their student’s lunch account by logging on to EZSchoolpay.com.)

The District’s policy is to ensure that all students have access to healthy meals and that no student will be subject to different treatment from the standard school meal or school cafeteria procedures. Therefore, the District allows students to purchase a meal, even if the student’s meal account has insufficient funds. This policy’s provisions pertain to regular school breakfast and lunch meals only. Students may not borrow money to pay, nor will schools permit use of the meal fund, for a la carte lunch items. Federal policy prohibits the withholding of meals from a child as a form of discipline. The Superintendent shall develop regulations and procedures to support this policy.

Balance Statements The District will work proactively with parents to maintain a positive balance in their student’s meal account. The Superintendent or designee shall establish a procedure at each school requiring that a notice be sent to parents whenever the balance in a student’s meal account falls into a negative balance. 18

The notices will be sent by email when practical, otherwise by a note in a sealed envelope with the student. Only those District staff who have received training on the confidentiality requirements of the federal and state law, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA) guidance for school meal programs, and who have a need to access a child’s account balance and eligibility information may communicate with parents regarding unpaid meal charges. The District recognizes that unexpected financial hardships occur and will work with parents in this circumstance to limit the amount of accumulated debt. Free or Reduced Price Meals The District participates in the federally supported program to provide free or reduced priced meals to student from families whose economic circumstances make paying for meals difficult. Income guidelines for eligibility are based on family size and are updated each year by the USDA. The District will ensure parents are informed of the eligibility requirements and the application procedures for free or reduced cost meals as well as the requirements of this policy. Parents shall be provided with a copy of this policy and an application for free or reduced cost meals annually at the start of the school year, upon enrollment or transfer during the year. Information regarding free and/or reduced lunch applications as well as this policy will be a component of all notices sent to parents seeking payment to correct a negative balance in the student meal account. The policy and links to application materials for the free or reduced price meal program will be posted on the school website and made available to parents at each school. As required by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and USDA guidelines, parents with Limited English Proficiency (“LEP”) will be provided with information on this policy and the free and reduced price meal program in a language the parents can understand. Students Without Cash in Hand or a Positive Account Balance Regardless of whether a student has money to pay for a meal or a negative balance in the student meal account, a student requesting a meal shall be provided with a meal from among the choices available to all students. The only exception to will be where the student’s parents have provided the District with specific written direction that the student not be provided with a school lunch program meal, the student has a meal from home or otherwise has access to an appropriate meal. It is the parents’ responsibility to provide their student with a meal from home or to pay for school prepared meals. If a student with a negative balance in his or her meal account seeks to purchase a meal with cash or check, the student will be allowed to do so. There is no requirement that the funds be applied first to the debt. Initial efforts to contact parents will be by e-mail or phone, however if those efforts are unsuccessful, letters to parents may be sent home in sealed envelopes with the student. Should the student’s meal account balance fall below zero, a balance statement requesting immediate payment shall be sent to parents no less than once each week. If the student’s meal account balance debt grows to $25.00 or more, a letter requesting immediate payment shall be sent by US mail to the parent, or the parent shall be contacted by the Food Service Director or Principal/designee by phone or in person. Where warranted, the principal may arrange a payment schedule to address current meal consumption and arrearages while the school continues to provide the student with meals.

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If the student’s meal account debt grows to $50.00 or more parents will be requested to meet with the school Principal or designee. When appropriate, the Principal or designee should explore with the parents whether an application for free or reduced cost meals is warranted. Where extenuating circumstances of financial hardship exist and the family is not eligible for free or reduced cost meals, the District will work with the parents to identify and engage governmental and charitable resources that are available to assist the family. If the Principal determines that the best available information is that the parents are able to pay for the expenses of the student’s meals and the parents decline to cooperate with resolving the debt in a timely manner, the Principal shall send a letter to the parents directing them to have their student bring meals from home and cease using the school meal program. The student may resume using the school meal program when a positive account balance is restored. If the student continues to use the school meal program without a positive balance, a second letter shall be sent to the parents using certified mail. If the parent refuses to provide payment to address the negative balance in a student’s lunch account, the Superintendent or designee may pursue payment through civil legal action, including filing a claim in small claims court pursuant to RSA Chapter 503. The Superintendent is delegated authority to assess the likelihood that claim action will lead to payment, the resources required to pursue collection, and to pursue such action only when doing so is in the best interest of the District. If a student who has been determined to be ineligible for free or reduced cost meals or whose parents have refused to complete an application for free or reduced cost meals is consistently not provided with meals either through a meal sent from home or the payment for a meal through the school meal program, the Principal will assess whether a report of child neglect is warranted to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, & Families, as required by RSA 169-C:29-31 If at the end of the fiscal year uncollected debt in student meal accounts must, as a last resort to fulfill federal requirements, be paid to the school meal program from other District funds, the parents’ debt for unpaid meal charged shall be owed to the District. Any payments collected on debt that has been offset with District funds shall be credited to the District. All debt collection efforts shall comply with RSA Chapter 358-C, New Hampshire’s Unfair, Deceptive or Unreasonable Collection Practices Act. Staff Enforcement of Policy/Training A copy of this policy and refresher training shall be provided annually to all food service and school staff responsible for service student meals or enforcing this policy. New staff with those responsibilities shall be provided with a written copy of the policy and training on the policy during their initial training/orientation. In accordance with federal requirements, all trainings shall be documented. Students with Special Dietary Needs Nothing in this policy prohibits providing an appropriate meal to a student with special dietary needs such as, but not limited to, diabetes, provided those needs have been documented in a health plan, Sec 504, or IEP. If the meal is medically required, and the student has a negative student meal balance, or do not have cash to purchase the meal, the necessary dietary needs will be met. Nondiscrimination It is the District’s policy that in the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability. 7C.F.R. 245.5(a)(1)(viii). Adopted by the Conway School Board – December 12, 2011 Revision Adopted – November 9, 2015 Revision Adopted – July 10, 2017 20

OVERDUE LUNCH ACCOUNT PROCEDURES

1. The food service department will send out weekly reminders to parents regarding students who have a negative balance on their lunch accounts via email, phone call or note home with the student in a sealed envelope.

2. The food service director will communicate with building principals on a monthly basis. If a student’s account reaches a negative balance of $25.00, the Food Service Director or Principal will call the parent, documenting the dates and times of the call, or send a letter using U.S. Mail. The principal may work with the parent to establish a payment plan if appropriate.

3. If the account exceeds a $50.00 balance, the principal or designee will request a meeting with the parent.

When appropriate, the Principal or designee should explore with the parents whether an application for free or reduced cost meals is warranted. Where extenuating circumstances of financial hardship exist and the family is not eligible for free or reduced cost meals, the District will work with the parents to identify and engage governmental and charitable resources that are available to assist the family.

4. If the Principal determines that the best available information is that the parents are able to pay for the

expenses of the student’s meals and the parents decline to cooperate with resolving the debt in a timely manner, the Principal shall mail a letter to the parents directing them to have their student bring meals from home and cease using the school meal program. The student may resume using the school meal program when a positive account balance is restored. If the student continues to use the school meal program without a positive balance, a second letter shall be sent to the parents using certified mail.

5. If the parent refuses to provide payment to address the negative balance in a student’s lunch account,

the Superintendent or designee may pursue payment through civil legal action, including filing a claim in small claims court pursuant to RSA Chapter 503. If a student who has been determined to be ineligible for free or reduced cost meals or whose parents have refused to complete an application for free or reduced cost meals is consistently not provided with meals either through a meal sent from home or the payment for a meal through the school meal program, the Principal will assess whether a report of child neglect is warranted to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, & Families.

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Health Services

Pine Tree Elementary School has a full time nurse. She handles all of the accidents and illnesses that occur during the school day, referring children for follow-up care as needed. She administers medications as required. The nurse is responsible for the health and wellness of all of the students. She reviews the health histories and physical exams of all new students and implements and monitors students’ compliance with NH immunization law. The nurse is also a member of the student evaluation and placement team and serves as a resource for parents and staff. She serves as a liaison with area doctors and various community agencies. The nurse provides health counseling in the area of chronic illnesses, nutrition, disease prevention and positive life styles. She also works with the classroom teacher in conducting health related classroom presentations.

Sick Children - All children who come to school sick, or who become sick here at school, will be sent home. Please make sure we have up-to-date emergency numbers to reach parents, or other responsible person, in case of emergency. Please DO NOT send sick children to school because we do not have facilities to care for them. If your

child has been vomiting, it is recommended that your child not return to school unless the vomiting has stopped for at least 24 hours. If your child has been running a fever, please keep him/her home until the temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Medications - Children are not allowed to take any medications (prescriptions or non-prescription), unless NH regulations are followed. A detailed explanation of the medication policy is available from the nurse’s office. The important things to remember are: The parent and your child’s doctor must request, in writing, that the medication be given during school

hours. The medication must come to school in the original pharmacy’s bottle. Do not send medication in

baggies. Parent/guardian should drop off medication to teacher, nurse, or principal whenever possible. Your child will be allowed to carry his/her own asthma inhaler and/or Epi-pen only with a written

permission from a parent and your child’s doctor to do so at school. Inhalers and Epi-pens must be properly labeled with pharmacy label, including student name and medication.

Screening Vision and hearing screenings are conducted on school children in grades K-6. These tests are recommended by the state and are an effective means of identifying children with hearing or vision problems. Often, early intervention with these children can minimize or resolve hearing or vision losses. Scoliosis screening is generally performed in grades 5 & 6. Height, weight and body mass index will be assessed on all students.

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Here are some online resources for families: Parent Information Center: http://www.parentinformationcenter.org/ Advocates for Families of Children with Disabilities: http://www.afcnh.org/ NH Department of Education: www.education.nh.gov/

Insurance The Conway School District provides limited ‘school day’ student accident insurance. Individuals can purchase voluntary 24-hour coverage from our carrier for a fee. If you’re interested in purchasing this coverage, please contact the S.A.U. #9 office (447-8368) and they will mail you further information.

Library Policies

Borrowing Books From The Library - Students may borrow and bring books to the school library at any time during school hours. To make sure each child has a chance to get books, every grade will have a scheduled opportunity to borrow books to take home from the school library once a week. Kindergarten - One book per student due in one week. Grades 1-6 - Three books per student due in two weeks Lost or Damaged Books - The librarian requests that any lost or damaged material be paid for at replacement cost. In some extenuating circumstances, other arrangements can be made with the librarian. These policies have been developed to allow maximum use of these important materials. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Lost and Found Each year we have boxes of articles left behind by students. As the year progresses these items become a storage problem. Please label all of your child's belongings so that they may be returned. Parents are welcome to look through the "Lost and Found" box located at the entrance of the cafeteria. Items not claimed in a reasonable time from the "Lost and Found" box will be donated to Planet Aid.

Newsletter The Pine Tree School weekly newsletter is available online. This newsletter contains news from classrooms, school-wide news, and a calendar of upcoming events and activities. Parents will be able to request a copy to be sent home but are encouraged to access it from their home computer to help us continue to go green and save paper. Pine Tree School web site: http://www.pinetreeschool.org 24

Non-Academic Materials and Activities (CD, IPOD, Cell Phones, etc.)

The non-academic use of any electronic equipment or materials is not allowed during the school day or on the school bus. Students using such devices in school, for non-academic purposes will have the items confiscated. Cell Phones: Many students possess cell phones to facilitate communications with their families. We ask that cell phones remain off and in a child’s backpack or locker during the school day to avoid disruptions, distraction and confusion.

P.T.O. (Parent-Teacher Organization)

The Pine Tree School has a Parent-Teacher Organization that actively supports our school. The primary purpose of the P.T.O is to be another forum of communication and support between home and school. Membership is open to all families and members of the community. Check the newsletter for meeting times. Meetings provide an opportunity to work cooperatively with the school in a variety of ways. We urge all parents to become involved in our P.T.O. activities.

Parent/Teacher Conference Report cards alone are not sufficient for the home and school to work closely together for your child's best education. A minimum of two conferences are scheduled each year. We expect all parents to be involved in these conferences as we work together to provide the best program for your child. The better we know you and your child, the better we can meet the needs of the child. Other conferences may be scheduled during the year at the parent's, the teacher’s or the student’s request.

Placement Class assignments are made carefully and with considerable thought to ensure the most successful year possible for each child. Student, class and teacher assignments are made through team decisions, with the approval of the principal. The team includes appropriate class teachers and any other professional staff considered helpful to the process. Assignments are made individually and based on the needs of the child, learning styles, social context and personalities. Notification of class assignments will be sent home with the last trimester report card.

Project SUCCEED Project SUCCEED provides a before and after school program for Pine Tree Students. We have a Before School program from 7:45-8:30 a.m. five days a week. Our After School program runs from 3:15-5:15 p.m. five days a week. Students must be pre-registered. Applications are sent home in the beginning of the year. They are also available in the office. Parents may call the school at 447-2882 for further information. No bus service will be provided for the after school program. 25

Pupil Progression Plan A detailed Pupil Progression Plan was adopted by the Conway School Board on October 1996 (Policy IKEA). This plan outlines entry and attendance requirements, health and immunization requirements, kindergarten and transition/first grade age entry requirements, placement of transfer students, academic program descriptions, promotion requirements, and a description of the marking system and grading criteria used on District report cards. The Pupil Progression Plan is available for review by parents at any time in the main office at the school. Due to the length of this document, it has not been included in its entirety in this handbook; however, certain important elements have been summarized at various points in this handbook.

Report Cards At the end of each trimester, a formal report of progress for each student is provided to parents. Grades K-6: A competency-based report card will be sent home 3 times a year. Parent/Teacher Conferences are held within the 1st and 3rd trimester. Each report card includes teacher's comments as well as marks for various skills in different subject areas. Report cards must be signed by parent or guardian and returned to the school.

School Cancellations / Delays/Early Dismissals There are times when it is necessary to cancel, delay or to close school early due to unforeseen and/or dangerous conditions. When this happens, a message via the School Messenger Communicate will be sent to notify all parents. There will be information sent home with students on the first day of school regarding procedure. Parents will be asked to call the school if the child needs to have a change made to their usual dismissal procedure. An announcement will also be made on our local radio/TV stations WMWV 93.5 FM… MAGIC 104.5 FM… WCSH TV Channel 6… WMTW TV Chanel 8… WMUR Channel 9 and http://www.wmur.com… and WGMW TV Channel 13.

State Assessments The State of New Hampshire has adopted the Common Core State Standards. The Smarter Balanced Assessment is administered to assess achievement of these standards. All New Hampshire students in Grades 3-6 take this assessment between March and May. All Grade 4 students take an additional assessment in science. The results of these assessments are used to measure adequate yearly progress for all schools.

NWEA Assessments Pine Tree School administers the NWEA assessment in Reading and Math to all students in Grades K-6. All K-6 students complete the NWEA in the fall. All K-2 students complete the assessment again in the spring (students in Grades 3-6 complete the Smarter Balanced assessment, which is why they do not do the NWEA in the spring). This assessment is taken on the computer and ties students’ performance to a nationally accepted curriculum sequence. Teachers are able to establish a curriculum baseline with appropriate growth goals in the fall. A final assessment is given in the spring allowing each student, each classroom, and the overall school to measure growth and progress during that year. Results for individual students are plotted over time and parents are given annual reports of that progress. 26

School Pictures Each fall we have a school photographer who comes in to take every child's picture. You have an opportunity to purchase a package of these pictures at a minimal cost. Information regarding packages and pricing is sent home prior to picture day. This year the pictures will be taken by LifeTouch.

Showcases During the school year assemblies/showcases will be presented. The purpose of our assemblies is to recognize and showcase our students’ accomplishments. Parents are invited to attend. Dates and times will be announced in our newsletters.

Telephone The telephones in the school are for school use only. In certain situations the principal may allow a student to use the school phone, but this will be reserved for emergency purposes. Plans for after school activities and transportation must be made before leaving home in the morning. A voice mail system has been setup for teachers.

Volunteers

Student safety is part of our primary effort. The Conway School Board Policy (IJOC) tries to insure that anyone working with our students is indeed a safe and trusted volunteer. Volunteers who work with children at school or at school related activities are required to undergo a Background Investigation and Criminal Records Check by Policy (GBBA). Procedures for this are available upon request. Adopted by the Conway School Board - March 10, 2008 A number of parents and community members volunteer their time and/or service throughout the school year. Some work as room parents, helping to chaperone or plan special events. Others work for teachers making teaching materials, assembling projects or organizing materials. Still others may read with or help individual students with lessons. There are some parents who come to school to share their skills with our children. Your contribution of time and talent adds greatly to our overall education. Volunteers must sign in at the office and pick up an identification badge before going to the classroom.

Visitors

Pine Tree School is very welcoming to all. Visitors must sign in at the office and pick up a visitor identification badge before going to the classroom. 27

Student Safety Bus Policy and Safety - At the close of school, all bus students will board their assigned buses. A child must have a signed permission slip to board a different bus or to get off their own bus at a different stop. No one will be allowed to leave with anyone other than a parent or guardian without permission from their parents. All students are expected to behave appropriately while on the bus. Riding the bus is a privilege that can be revoked if poor and/or unsafe behavior interferes with the driver's ability to safely drive the bus. The bus drivers will review and enforce rules for safe transportation with all students. Disregard for these rules will be reported to the principal and parents for disciplinary action. Conway School District Bus Discipline Procedures In order to establish consistency within the school district the following procedures are to be followed when dealing with "bus slips" handed in on students.

First written bus discipline slip: Warning with contact made with parents. Behavior slip/detention.

Second written bus discipline slip: May be suspended from bus privileges for 3 days, contact made with parents.

Third written bus discipline slip: Suspended from bus privileges for at least 3 days, contact made with parents.

Fourth written bus discipline slip: Suspended from bus privileges for at least 5 days, contact made with parents.

Fifth written bus discipline slip: Loss of all bus privileges with request made to school board to make such actions permanent for remainder of said school year, contact made with parents.

These are guidelines. Serious problems or safety issues can result in immediate bus privilege suspension with previous warning. Procedures for Implementation of Bullying/Harassment Policy Any student who believes that she/he has been the target of unlawful bullying as defined in this policy may bring their complaint to the attention of any school employee or the harassment complaint official. Any student who believes that any corrective action taken by a school employee was ineffective may bring their complaint to the attention of the harassment complaint official. The complaint may be made either orally or in writing. All complaints of sexual harassment are investigated according to federal guidelines. Complaints can be student-to-student, student-to-employee or employee-to-employee. Concerns and complaints should be reported directly to the building principal who will initiate an appropriate investigation. Pupil Safety & Violence Prevention Policy (Bullying) The Conway School Board is committed to providing all pupils a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect. Conduct constituting bullying will not be tolerated and is prohibited by School Board Policy, ACAC & JICK in accordance with RSA 193-F. 28

Complaints When concerns arise over certain situations or problems, please consult the classroom teacher. They are in the best position to know the facts and put events in context. If a parent remains dissatisfied with a situation after initial consultation with the teacher, they may contact the principal and discuss the problem further. Parents are encouraged to bring their concern forward. Many times, simple adjustments correct problems that may be occurring.

Dangerous Instruments and Weapons in School

Policy JFCJ 1. The Conway School Board, cognizant of its responsibilities to provide for a safe and healthy environment

where students can learn, sets forth and establishes a policy prohibiting dangerous instruments and weapons in school.

2. No student, staff member, or visitor shall possess upon school premises any dangerous instrument, firearm,

dangerous chemical, explosive device, or weapon. 3. Any student, staff member, or visitor possessing any dangerous instrument, firearm, dangerous chemical,

explosive device, or weapon will be reported to the local law enforcement officials and to the District Superintendent by the building administrator.

4. For the purpose of this policy, a firearm is any weapon, including a starter gun, which will, or is designed to, or

may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of such weapon; any firearm muffler or silencer; or any destructive device.

5. A weapon is defined as any instrument capable of inflicting bodily harm. Included within the definition of

weapon, but not intended as a limitation on the definition, are switchblade knives, gravity knives, pilum ballistic knives, cane swords, electronic dart guns, chukka sticks and Kung-Fu stars. The aforestated enumeration of weapons is not intended to be exhaustive but merely illustrative. Dangerous instruments are defined as items or implements which under the circumstances in which such instruments are used, attempted to be used, threatened to be used are readily capable of inflicting bodily harm or threat of same.

6. School premises shall mean school grounds, buildings and/or facilities, whether owned by the School District or a lease to the School District and shall also include school buses and vehicles parked on the school grounds.

7. An exception to the prohibition set forth in this policy may be made with prior approval and arrangements

made with the principal, in an instance where a weapon is part of a dramatic or music performance, or is used as an artifact in an instructional unit.

8. New Hampshire State law enforcement officers are the only individuals permitted upon school premises to

have a weapon, dangerous instrument or firearm in their possession. 9. After a hearing pursuant to New Hampshire RSA 193:13, any student having been found guilty of bringing a

firearm or dangerous instruments and weapons upon school premises shall, as a penalty, be suspended for a period of one year, provided that the Superintendent, after considering the totality of the circumstances surrounding the offense, and the student’s previous record, shall have the authority to modify the one year penalty on a case by case basis. Further, nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit any rights possessed by students classified as disabled. Adopted by the Conway School Board—11/3/94

Revision Adopted—3/23/95 and 8/9/99 Reviewed with no change—October 1999 Revision Adopted—January 12, 2004 29

Student Substance Abuse Policy

Policy JFCH The Conway School District is committed to a school environment that is free from use, possession and/or distribution of alcohol and other drugs. For the purpose of this policy, the term drug means any addictive mood and/or body altering substance including, but not limited to, alcohol and substances purported or represented as mood and/or body altering. The Superintendent and administrative staff shall develop procedures to implement this policy. Note: Tobacco restrictions see policy ADC Adopted by Conway School Board – 7/15/93 Revised 8/4/94, 6/6/96, 10/27/97, 8/11/03 Reviewed with no change - July 1999 Revised – March 8, 2004 Revised – March 9, 2009 Reviewed with no change – January 9, 2012

Suspected Neglect or Child Abuse The Child Protection Act (RSA 169-c) requires all school employees to report suspicions or evidence of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate investigation authority (Department of Children and Families). Further, school personnel must cooperate with the confidential investigation. The school is not allowed to notify parents of any of these actions. Employees who fail to report can be subject to prosecution for a misdemeanor.

Student Security

In order to protect students through accountability & supervision, we ask that the following procedures be followed:

Tardy Students - Students check in at the main office upon arrival with a written excuse or accompanied by their parent. The student will receive a “Tardy Pass.” Students will not be admitted to their classrooms without the pass. Please try and have your children arrive at school on time. Thank you!

Early Dismissal - If students must leave school before the end of the day, a note from parents is requested. Parents picking up children are asked to report to the office upon entering the building! The office staff will send for your child and record the early dismissal.

Change of Routine - Students who must deviate from their normal routine need a written note indicating such, by a parent (i.e. - usually take the bus, but going to the Rec. Center today).

Release to Other Adults - If another adult is picking up your son or daughter from school, a written note indicating such is required before the school can release your child.

Playground - The school playground is supervised during the school day only (8:30 a.m. —3:15 p.m.). Students arriving at school early or staying later are not supervised by school personnel.

For parents, the following procedures help strengthen the plan.

Call in all absences. Be sure emergency contacts on the student are accurate. Enter the school by the main door only. Check in at the office for all visits. Wear your visitor or volunteer badge. Report any unusual activity or information to the school.

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Student Activities Chorus - Students in grades 4-6 may participate in the chorus. The chorus presents three music concerts during the school year. The holiday concert in December, the district-wide Louis Fuchs concert in March, both of which are in conjunction with the school band. A spring vocal concert is also held in May. Chorus meets once a week during the school day. Drama - There are several opportunities throughout the year for students to showcase their talents. Instrumental Music - Instrumental music lessons are available for all students in grades 4-6. An elementary band rehearsal is scheduled once a week and an opportunity to perform in several concerts is also part of the instrumental music experience. Junior Ski Program (Gr. 1-6) - Students will have an opportunity to participate on Thursday afternoons, from the first week in January to early March. The Junior Ski Program offers cross-country skiing in Whitaker Woods, downhill skiing at Mt. Cranmore and snowboarding for students in the fifth and sixth grades. Rental equipment is available for a small fee. Students are expected to participate in this program. Adult volunteers are always needed, and receive a volunteer ski pass. For students not interested in the ski program, Pine Tree also offers snowshoeing at Whitaker Woods Recreation Department (447-5680) - There will be a schedule for recreation activities offered by the Conway Recreation Department from floor hockey to arts & crafts. Permission slips are sent home at the beginning of each activity. Written permission must also be given to the student’s teacher in order to stay after school for these activities. All students will take the bus provided to the Rec. Dept. Students are encouraged to explore the many different after-school programs and activities offered by the Recreation Department. School Store - The Student Leadership Team runs and manages a School Store. A variety of school supplies and assorted items are sold. Student Leadership Team - The Student Leadership Team allows our students the opportunity to become involved in the democratic process for the benefit of all members of the school community. Class representatives meet to discuss common concerns, develop strategies for handling problems, plan, and carryout both service projects and special school-wide "Spirit Days." WPTS Radio Station - Students in grades 5 and 6 can apply to become a disc jockey for our in house radio station. Yearbook - Students in grade 6 throughout the year design pages and publish a school yearbook. Look for order forms in the spring newsletter to purchase.

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