Town-Wide Elementary
Parent/Student Handbook
2015-2016

danverspublicschools.org

Danvers is a dynamic community of independent learners
dedicated to respect, responsibility, creativity
and the pursuit of academic excellence.

- Mission Statement of the Danvers Public Schools

September 2015

Dear PreK-5 Parents and Students:

On behalf of the Danvers Public Schools, we wish to welcome both new and returning parents and students. It is with great pleasure that we present to you the 2015/2016 District-Wide Elementary Handbook. This handbook provides you with an overview of the district’s PreK-5 policies, procedures, curriculum, and contact information.

Our school system is committed to providing a quality education for all students in a caring and collaborative environment. During your child’s elementary school experience, he/she will master essential knowledge, develop critical and creative thinking skills, and develop strategies for managing his/her life both personally and socially. It is our goal that, at the end of his/her time with us, your child will be optimistic, confident, self-reliant, and realistic about his/her strengths and challenges.

As we begin another school year, we encourage you to become familiar with the information provided in this handbook. Upon your review, please complete the handbook sign-off form found on page 23 and return it to your child’s classroom teacher.

We thank you in advance for your support, and wish your family a successful learning year!

Sincerely,

Lisa Dana, Ed.D. Susan Ambrozavitch

Superintendent of SchoolsAssistant Superintendent of Schools

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

I. DISTRICT-WIDE GOALS

II. DISTRICT INFORMATION

ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS

SCHOOL COMMITTEE INFORMATION AND POLICIES AVAILABLE ONLINE

III. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE

ABSENCES / ILLNESSES

ABSENCES / FAMILY VACATIONS

DISMISSALS, MEDICAL AND DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

MAKE-UP WORK

SCHOOL HOURS – REGULAR AND EARLY DISMISSAL

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS, SCHOOL OPENING / CLOSING,
IN-SERVICE, NO SCHOOL DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

CELL PHONES & ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

CONNECT-ED

CULTURAL ENRICHMENT

EMERGENCY FORMS

FIELD TRIPS

FINANCIAL WAIVERS

GRADE FIVE END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION

HOMEWORK

LOST AND FOUND

LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM AND CHARGING PROCEDURE

IV. NEW AND TRANSFER STUDENTS

KINDERGARTEN SCREENING

REGISTRATION (KINDERGARTEN AND NEW FIRST GRADERS)

TRANSFERS (TO ANOTHER COMMUNITY)

V. PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

DANVERS EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT PARTNERSHIP (DEEP)

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC)

SCHOOL COUNCIL

SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SEPAC)

VI. SAFETY

SECURITY

FIRE DRILLS AND BUILDING SAFETY

ENHANCED LOCKDOWN PROCEDURE

CONTRABAND (ITEMS NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL)

VII. SCHOOL HEALTH

HEALTH SCREENINGS

PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE)

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

TYLENOL/ACETAMINOPHEN ADMINISTRATION PROTOCOL

VIII. GENERAL INFORMATION

COMMUNICATIONS / DISTRIBUTIONS POLICY

PARENT USE OF E-MAIL

RELEASE OF STUDENT’S NAME POLICY

REPORT CARD POLICY

RIGHTS OF HOMELESS STUDENTS

SCHOOL STORE HOURS

SOCIAL WORK

STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENT

STUDENT DRESS CODE

VISITORS

IX. TRANSPORTATION

BICYCLES / SKATEBOARDS / ROLLER BLADES / SCOOTERS

BUS ELIGIBILITY AND FEE

X. REGULAR EDUCATION SERVICES

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI)

STUDENT STUDY TEAM (SST)

XI. SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

PRESCHOOL through GRADE 5

PRESCHOOL

BASIC SKILLS

LEARNING CENTERS

RELATED SERVICES

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

XII. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND DISCIPLINE

ASSEMBLY BEHAVIOR

BULLYING

PROCESS FOR RESPONDING TO A REPORT OF BULLYING

DISCIPLINARY AND CORRECTIVE ACTION

HARASSMENT

OLWEUS BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM

CAFETERIA BEHAVIOR

CORRIDOR BEHAVIOR

RESPECT FOR THE FACILITY

CONDUCT (TIME-OUT PROTOCOL)

SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

SUSPENSION POLICY

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OR
SECTION 504 ACCOMMODATION PLANS

CIVIL RIGHTS Title IX and Chapter 622

DANVERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2015/2016 CALENDAR

2015/2016 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT TO DANVERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
UTILIZATION OF THE TOWN-WIDE INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

DANVERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2015/2016 TOWN-WIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK
SIGN-OFF FORM

C.O.R.I. Request Form

ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

DANVERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CENTRAL OFFICE
Lisa Dana / Superintendent / 978-777-4539 /
Susan Ambrozavitch / Assistant Superintendent / 978-777-4539 /
Keith Taverna / Business Manager / 978-774-4800 /
DIRECTORS
Mary Wermers / Director of K-12 and Curriculum / 978-774-8590 /
Peggy McElhinney / High School Curriculum Director / 978-777-8932 /
Ellyn Feerick / Interim Middle School Curriculum Director / 978-774-8590 /
Julie Posternack / Elementary Curriculum Director / 978-777-8932 /
Jeffrey Liberman / Director of Technology / 978-777-4539 /
Mary Tatem / Director of Student Services / 978-774-6112 /
Andrew St. Pierre / Director of Athletics / 978-774-7133 /
Thomas Powers / Director of Food Services / 978-777-8925 /
CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF
Eileen Davarich / Secretary/Superintendent’s Office / 978-777-4539 x2431 /
Colleen Heaphy / Secretary/Assistant Superintendent’s Office / 978-777-4539 x2437 /
Jonell Glass / Secretary/Support and Personnel / 978-777-4539 x2433 /
Patty McGinley / Secretary/Support and Personnel / 978-777-4539 x2434 /
Diane Thibault / Secretary/Payroll and Finance / 978-777-4800 x2435 /
Ann Curley / Operations Coordinator/Transportation / 978-777-4800 x2219 /
Pamela Crum / Grant Account Manager / 978-774-4800 x2438 /
Maria DiChiara / Title I Coordinator/Homeless Liaison / 978-777-4539 x2441 /
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Eric Crane, Chairman / 13 Trinity Street / 978-777-8158 /
David Thomson, Secretary / 9 Drummond Court / 978-774-1669 /
Jeffrey Kay / 9 Congress Avenue / 978-777-6258 /
Connie Pawlak / 60 Summer Street / 978-337-4835 /
Arthur Skarmeas / 10 Thomas Road / 978-774-2661 /

I. DISTRICT-WIDE GOALS

Achievement

Goal 1: Curriculum, instruction and assessment necessary to support 21st century learning and effectively meet the needs of all students are consistently used in all classrooms.

Objectives:

  1. The needs of all learners across the spectrum of abilities and backgrounds are consistently anticipated, planned for and addressed by all staff.
  2. A rigorous, research-based, aligned curriculum that integrates real world applications is employed across the district.
  3. Highly effective instruction using diverse and targeted strategies to address the learning needs of all students is in evidence in every classroom.
  4. A balanced system of assessments and related data is in use by all teachers to inform instructional decisions.
  5. Every teacher and all students effectively use technology tools in teaching and learning.

Family and Community Engagement

Goal 2: Productive partnerships are established and sustained with families and the community to support the district’s mission.

Objectives:

  1. A welcoming, inclusive environment where diversity is appreciated, valued and celebrated is evident in all schools.
  2. Communication systems and strategies are skillfully used to establish trust and to cultivate parent and community understanding and support of the district’s goals and practices.

Human Resources Management and Development

Goal 3: A well-qualified, highly effective staff is employed by the district and provided meaningful professional growth opportunities that support them in meeting the needs of all students.

Objectives:

  1. Performance expectations are clearly communicated through consistent and systemic implementation of the new educator evaluation system.
  2. A range of professional development opportunities is provided to keep staff up to date with the district’s learning priorities and to support the professional growth of all staff.
  3. Teacher collaboration, teacher leadership and inclusive decision-making practices are cultivated and maintained.
  4. District hiring policies and practices reinforce continuing employment of a well-qualified, highly effective staff.

Management and Operations

Goal 4: District and school leaders effectively use all resources available to them to consistently and cohesively ensure a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.

Objectives:

  1. The district’s staffing and organizational structures complement strategic plan priorities.
  2. Communications systems and strategies between and among schools are effective.
  3. All school environments enhance student engagement and learning.
  4. Stability is provided to the budgeting and planning process and alternate sources of funding are expanded.
  5. The district’s technology resources adequately support student learning expectations and district requirements.

II. DISTRICT INFORMATION

ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

An overview of our K through 5 curriculum is available on our website. Please visit danverspublicschools.org for more information.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOURS

The Danvers Public Schools Administrative Offices are located at 64 Cabot Road in the Field House wing of Danvers High School. Enter through the main high school entrance and the greeter will direct you to Room G116, the Central Office. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. See page 1 for specific contact information.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE INFORMATION AND POLICIES AVAILABLE ONLINE

Policy information is available on our website. Visit danverspublicschools.org, click onABOUTat the top of the home page, and select DPS Policy Manualfrom the right-hand column of the drop-down menu. You will find information on the following:

Administering Medicines to Students (File: JLCD)

 C.O.R.I. Requirements (File: ADDA)

English Language Learners (File: IHBEA)

 Entrance Age (File: JEB)

 Fundraising Policy (File: JJE)

Grades K-8 Drugs and Alcohol Substance Abuse Policy (File: JICHA)

Inoculations of Students (File: JLCB)

Internet Acceptable Use Policy (File: IJNDB)

Non-Custodial Parents’ Rights (File: KBBA)

Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Handicap (File: ACE)

Policy for the Treatment and Care of Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies (File: JLCEA)

Promotion and Retention of Students (File: IKE)

Regulations and Policies Regarding the Use of All School Properties (File: KF-R)

Safe Schools Policy for Danvers Public Schools (File: ADD)

School Bus Safety Program (File: EEAE)

School Ceremonies and Observances (File: IMD)

School Councils (File: BDFA)

Security Policy (File ECA)

Sexual Harassment Policy (File: ACAB)

Student Admission Policy (File: JF)

Student Conduct on School Buses (File: JICC)

Student Placement Policy – Grade K-8(File: JGBA)

Student Study Teams (File: IHBAA)

Vandalism (File: ECAC)

III. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is crucial for children’s success in school. There is no replacement for the instruction and interaction that takes place in the classroom. Danvers Public Schools expect its students to attend school all day, every day, except in instances of illness, death in the family, court appearances, religious holidays and/or family emergencies. Documentation for excessive absences is required.

ABSENCES / ILLNESSES

We strongly encourage parents to keep sick children at home. The school office should be notified prior to the start of the school day if your child will be absent. We will call home to check on a student’s absence if we do not hear from you. Parents or guardians are asked to inform the school office whenever the student stays with another designated person for a period of time in the event of an emergency at school.

STUDENTS WHO ARE ABSENT OR SUSPENDED FROM SCHOOL MAY NOT ATTEND OR PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL EVENTS ON THE SAME DAY UNLESS PERMISSION HAS BEEN GRANTED BY THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OR DESIGNEE PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE.

ABSENCES / FAMILY VACATIONS

THE DANVERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS DO NOT CONDONE OR ENCOURAGE FAMILY VACATIONS DURING SCHOOL TIME, SINCE THERE ARE SPECIFIC VACATION PERIODS DESIGNATED A YEAR IN ADVANCE.

What is missed from the classroom experience cannot be replicated through make-up work or after-school help. In the event that it becomes necessary, from the parent’s point of view, to remove a student from school for an extended number of days, the parent is required to contact the Principal in writing at least three weeks prior to the potential absence. A conference with the Principal may be required. Make-up work will be givenafterthe student returns from an absence, andnot before.

DISMISSALS, MEDICAL AND DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

Parents are encouraged to make all dental and medical appointments for times that do not conflict with school hours. If an appointment necessitates a dismissal, the parent/guardian must send in a note including name, reason for the dismissal, time of dismissal and time of return. The student should give the note to the classroom teacher. For security and safety reasons, parents must come into the office to sign their child out of school.

MAKE-UP WORK

Teachers require work to be made up after any student absence. It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work when he/she returns from an absence. If the student is to be out of school with a prolonged absence (2 or more days), parents are encouraged to check with their child’s classroom teacher before 8:15 AM to arrange pickup of missed assignments. Assignments may be picked up between 2:30-3:10 PM in the office.

SCHOOL HOURS – REGULAR AND EARLY DISMISSAL

School hours for Grades K through 5 are: 8:20 AM to 2:30 PM.

Extended Block hours for Grades 4 and 5 are: 7:30 AM to 8:20 AM.

Early drop-off: 7:30 AM (students may not be dropped off prior to this time as there is no staff on-site to provide supervision)

Early Release Day dismissal at the elementary schools is at 1:15 PM. Lunches will be served on Early Release Days. Check monthly calendars for up-to-date dismissal information.

The instructional day begins promptly at 8:20 AM.

Excessive tardiness will result in referral to the School Attendance Officer.

IMPORTANT DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS, SCHOOL OPENING / CLOSING, IN-SERVICE,NO SCHOOL DATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

School Opening and Closing Dates

September 8: / Staff Meetings
September 9: / School Opens for Students
September 9, 10, 11: / Early Release @ 1:15 PM
June 23, 2016: / Last day of school (tentative)

Early Release Days – 1:15 PM Dismissal (Lunch is served on all Early Release Days):

September 9, 10, 11 / November 4 / January 6 / March 2 / May 4
October 7 / December 2 / February 3 / April 6 / June 1

Early Dismissal Days – 12:05 PM Dismissal (Lunch is NOT served):

November 25 / Last day of school

No School – Holidays & Vacations

September 23: / Staff Development / January 18: / Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
October 12: / Columbus Day / February 15 - 19: / Winter Vacation
November 11: / Veterans Day / March 25: / Good Friday
November 26 - 27: / Thanksgiving recess / April 18 - 22: / Spring Vacation
December 7: / Conference Day / May 27: / Staff Development
Dec. 24 - Jan. 1: / Holiday Vacation / May 30: / Memorial Day

No School Announcements

School will be closed only in cases of extreme weather conditions that would jeopardize the students' safety. Students will be notified of school closings viaConnect-EDand over the following channels:

WBZ-TV Channel 4; WCVB-TV Channel 5; WHDH-TV Channel 7 and WFXT FOX25

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Invitations to birthday parties are not to be distributed at school unless every student in the class is invited to the celebration. Similarly, please do not send in food items to share with the class. Non-food items – such as pencils, erasers, etc. – are permissible.

CELL PHONES & ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES

CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE NOT ALLOWEDIN ANY CLASSROOM, UNLESS APPROVED BY THE PRINCIPAL AND CLASSROOM TEACHER. All students must leave their cell phones/devices in their lockers or backpacks for the entire school day. Cell phones/devices will be confiscated from students bringing them to class or carrying them throughout the building. Parents will be required to pick up cell phones of repeat offenders. Any misuse of cell phones or electronic devices such as texting, cheating, unauthorized use of photographs, etc., may result in suspension and/or other consequences to be determined at the discretion of the school administration.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

The following protocol should be followed when seeking clarification about your child’s progress:

  1. Talk with your child.
  2. Send one e-mail or place a telephone call to the teacher(s).
  3. Request to meet with the teacher(s).
  4. Contact your building Principal.

CONNECT-ED

The Danvers Public Schools utilize the Connect-ED parent notification system. The Connect-ED service enables school administrators to send personalized voice messages to all of our students, parents and staff in minutes.

The Superintendent and Principals use Connect-ED to convey important information such as school cancellations, upcoming events, and emergencies to our families.

CULTURAL ENRICHMENT

Cultural Enrichment is a cooperative effort among the town’s public schools to enhance the educational experience of its students. By bringing a wide variety of cultural programs directly into the schools, it is hoped that the students will be exposed to many new and enriching ideas. Programs focus on art, music, drama, literature, science, and other areas of the arts. The regular curriculum is expanded upon through the input of authors, illustrators, and storytellers. Children may be involved in active, hands-on activities that enable them to develop and nurture creative pursuits, and also gain the experience of being attentive and appreciative listeners as members of an audience.

Cultural events are paid for with funds donated by each school’s Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Grants to help defray the cost of some of the programs may be applied for through such sources as the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Members from each school’s cultural enrichment committee meet regularly to discuss and plan for future events. They learn about specific programs by previewing them in other schools and in other towns. They also attend bi-monthly meetings of the North Shore Creative Arts Council. Here, ideas and critiques of available cultural programs are shared among ninety schools. In addition to the four programs shared by all of the elementary schools, grade levels at individual schools may request one program that is geared specifically to its curriculum. Teachers are asked for suggestions and evaluations following each performance. Their input is instrumental to the success of the entire process.

EMERGENCY FORMS

In September of each school year, every child will bring home an Emergency Form with information from the previous year. This form should be checked over carefully to make sure all information is accurate, and returned to your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Any student who does not have an Emergency Form from the previous school year will bring home a blank enrollment form to be filled out. Emergency Forms are confidential, and are kept in the office.

Please make sure the person you choose for first and second emergency contacts is someone who will be available during the day and has transportation in case you can’t be reached or are unable to pick up your child. If any changes are made during the school year (i.e. new phone number for home or work, new address), please contact the school immediately so that the office has accurate, up-to-date information on file. Adding area codes to phone numbers, and extension numbers for your place of employment, will help to speed up the calling process in trying to reach the parent.