Student/Parent/Legal Guardian

Handbook

2005-2006

John Read Middle School

Redding, Connecticut

John Read Middle School

2005-2006 Student/Parent/Legal Guardian Handbook

(Policies as referenced in the handbook)

John Read Middle School

486 Redding Road

Redding, CT 06896

Phone: 203-938-2533

Fax: 203-938-8667

Website: www.er9.org/jrms/

John Read Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, mental retardation, mental or physical disability including, but not limited to, blindness, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliations of any kind in any of its programs or activities. (See page 15.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: Academic Information

· Parent/Legal Guardian Permissions 2004-2005.............................................. i

· Board of Education, Administration, Important School Numbers...................... ii

· Principal’s Letter....................................................................................... iii

· Faculty and Staff ................................................................................... iv-v

· Calendar.................................................................................................. vi

· Bell Schedule........................................................................................... vii

· Goals for Redding Public Schools............................................................. 1, 2

· Homework ............................................................................................... 2

· Expectations for Student Work.................................................................... 3

· Interim Reports and Report Cards............................................................... 3

· Weighted Grading ..................................................................................... 4

· Parent Conferences .................................................................................. 4

· Exemption from Instruction ........................................................................ 4

· Testing Programs...................................................................................... 4

· Comparability of Services .......................................................................... 5

· Field Trips ............................................................................................... 5

· Financial Assistance .................................................................................. 5

· Student Record......................................................................................... 5

· Directory Information ................................................................................ 6

Section 2: Student Services and Related Policies

· Guidance Services .................................................................................... 7

· Student Assistance Team .......................................................................... 7

· Special Education Services ........................................................................ 7

· Limited English Proficient Students ............................................................. 7

· Migrant Students ...................................................................................... 8

· Title I Parent Involvement .......................................................................... 8

· Teacher and Paraprofessional Qualifications ................................................ 8

· Promotion/Retention/Placement ................................................................. 8

· Admission Placement Policy ....................................................................... 9

· Tutorial Assistance Program (TAP) ............................................................. 9

Section 3: Student Conduct/Behavioral Expectations/Related Policies

· Code of Conduct and Responsibility 10

· Academic Honesty 11

· Guidelines for Student Dress 11

· Cafeteria Rules 12

· Hallway Behavior 12

· Display of Affection 12

· Student Discipline Guidelines 12, 13

· Violent and Aggressive Behavior 13

Section 3: Student Conduct (continued)

· Detentions Assigned By Classroom Teacher 14

· Conduct on School Buses 14

· Smoking of Tobacco Products 15

· Substance Abuse 15

· Search and Seizure 15

· Discrimination and Harassment 15

· Use of Beepers/Cellular Phones 15

· Personal Property and Valuables 16

· Lockers and School Property 16

· Computer Usage Guidelines 16, 17

· Fines 17

Section 4: School Attendance, Transportation, and Related Policies

· Attendance ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18

· Truancy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

· Tardines ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

· Arrival and Dismissal ………………………………………………………………………………….. 20, 21

· Delayed Opening/Early Dismissal/School Cancellation/Voice Reach.…………………. 21, 22

· Vacations …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

· Homeless Students …………………………………………………………………………………….. 22

· Transportation …………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

· Change in Transportation Plans …………………………………………………………………… 23

Section 5: Health and Safety and Related Policies

· School Health ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 24-26

· Fire Drills ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

· Asbestos Management Plan ………………………………………………………………………… 27

· Integrated Pest Management ……………………………………………………………………… 28

· Psychotropic Drug Use ……………………………………………………………………………….. 28

· Child Abuse Policy …………………………………..…………………………………..…… .. 28

· Suicide Policy…………………………………………..…………………………………………………. 28

Section 6: Communication and Related Policies

· Board of Education Meetings ……………………………………………………………………….. 29

· Specific Communication Channels ………………………………………………………………… 29

· Survey of Students ……………………………………………………………………………………… 29

· Student/Parent/Legal Guardian Communication With Faculty ………..………………… 30

· Visitors ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30

· Survey of Students ……………………………………………………………………………………… 31

Section 7: Miscellaneous Information

· Gifts to School Personnel …………………………………………………………………………….. 31

· Phone Calls/Messages …………………………………………………………………………………. 31

· Videotaping Students ………………………………………………………………………………….. 31

· Website Photography ………………………………………………………………………………….. 31

· Learning Resources and Technology Center – General Information ………………….. 32

· Awards ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32

· JRMS After-School Procedures ……………………………………………………………………… 33

· Pledge of Allegiance ……………………………………………………………………………………. 33

· School Map ………………………………………………………………………………………… 34

Parent/Legal Guardian Permissions 2005-2006

Student ________________________________________ _____Grade________

(First, middle initial, last name. One form per child.)

Photography and Videotaping: I have read the photography and video-taking policy in the JRMS handbook for 2005-2006. I understand that these photos and/or videotapes may be used in school or school system displays at JRMS or around town, the school yearbook, local and area newspapers, Cablevision, and other possible publications. I provide the following permission for my child. (Board of Education Policy #112.6)

q Yes, my child may be photographed and videotaped at JRMS.

q No, please do not photograph or videotape my child for any reason.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

Internet Usage Policy: We have read and understand the Internet Usage Policy in the JRMS handbook for 2005-2006. I have discussed the rules of Internet Usage with my child. I agree that my child will adhere to the policy as stated in the JRMS Handbook 2005-2006.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

Computer Usage Policy: We have read and understand the Computer Usage Policy in the JRMS Handbook for 2005-2006. I have discussed the rules of Computer Usage with my child. I agree that my child will adhere to the policy as stated in the JRMS Handbook 2005-2006.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

JRMS Handbook 2005-2006: We have read the John Read Middle School Handbook for the 2005-2006 school year. Our child has been made aware of rules and policies noted within the JRMS Handbook or on the JRMS website and will abide by these rules/policies. I realize that the Redding Public School Policies are available for review on the JRMS website (www.er9.org/jrms/).

I also realize that I may examine the policies at JRMS or the Mark Twain Library.

__________________________ _____________________________

Parent/legal guardian Signature Student Signature

DATE:________________ DATE:_________________

ITEMS TO BE RETURNED TO JRMS

q This completed Permission Form (by 9/9/05 or sooner)

q Before School Supervision Enrollm ent form (if applicable)

q PTA Membership/Directory Form (if applicable by 9/9/05)

q Enrollment for Student Accident Insurance (if applicable)

q PTA Volunteer Form (if applicable)

i

Redding School District

Board of Education

Mr. Nicholas Simeonidis, Chair Mr. David Lewson

Ms. Julie Gorman Mrs. Ann Marie McCarthy

Mr. James Barickman Mr. Kurt Streams

Mr. Lewis Goldberg

Allen Fossbender, Ph.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Easton, Redding, Region 9 Central Office

605 Main Street

Monroe, CT 06468

(203) 261-2513

FAX (203) 261-4549

The Board of Education meets once a month at 7:30 PM at John Read Middle School. Meeting dates are posted.

Administration

Dr. Allen Fossbender