STUDENT INFORMATION
HANDBOOK
2016-2017
860-570-2300 Voice
860-570-2293/860-570-2201 Fax
American School for the Deaf
139 North Main Street
West Hartford, Connecticut 06107
August 2016
Contents
Welcome Letter...... 5
Campus Contact Information...... 6-7
Staff Email...... 7
American School for the Deaf...... 8
Mission...... 8
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Mission...... 8
Communication Mission...... 8
Educational Philosophy and Services...... 8
Title IX...... 9
Profile of Graduate...... 10
Parent/Family Information...... 11-12
Responsibilities...... 11
Parent Advisory Committee...... 11
Family Education Services...... 11
Services Offered...... 12
General Information...... 13
Accreditation and Approval...... 13
Administrators...... 13
Elementary...... 14
Middle School...... 14
High School...... 14
Vocational...... 15
International Students...... 15
PACES...... 15
Admissions/Family Education Services/Student Management...... 15
Learning Resources Center...... 16
Residential Life Services...... 16
Audiological Services...... 17
Behavior Reporting Procedures/Harm to Self or Others...... 18
Campus Map...... 18
Child Abuse and Neglect...... 18
Daily Class Schedule...... 18
Dining Area...... 18
ID Cards...... 19
Individual Education Plan (IEP)...... 19
Library/Media...... 19
Parent Newsletters...... 20
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)...... 20
Student Acknowledgment Form Evaluation (SAFE)...... 21
PBIS Flowchart...... 21
PPT Liaisons...... 21
School Calendar...... 21
School Counseling...... 21
School to Home Communication...... 21
Senior Trip...... 21
Spending Money...... 22
Student Driving...... 22
Student Health Center...... 23
Student Records...... 24
Student Use or Receipt of Mail...... 25
Transportation...... 25
Visiting ASD...... 26
Weekend Visitation Procedures...... 26
Wellness Policy...... 26
Attendance Policy...... 27
Attendance...... 27
Questions and Answers...... 28
Academic Information...... 30
Elementary Grades PK-5...... 30
Absences and Tardiness...... 30
Care of Books and School Materials...... 30
Clothing for the Weather...... 30
Homework...... 30
Parent-Staff Communication...... 30
Report Cards/Progress Reports...... 30
Middle School Grades 6-8...... 31
Course Offerings...... 31
High School Grades 9-12...... 31
Academic Probation (AP...... 32
Achievement Awards Celebration...... 33
Community Service...... 33
Course Sequence...... 34
Driver Education Program...... 35
GPA...... 35
Graduation Requirements and Credits...... 36
Incompletes...... 37
Monte Scholarship...... 37
Student Transition Services (Workplace Experience)...... 37
Transition Planning Agency Information...... 38
Tutorial Services...... 39
School-Wide Extended School Year (ESY)...... 39
Athletics/Clubs...... 41
Athletics...... 41
Class and Organizations...... 42
Residential Life...... 44
After School Programs...... 44
Keys...... 44
Movie Policy Viewing On and Off Campus...... 44
Request for Dormitory Placement...... 45
Residence Halls...... 46
Videophone Rules in the Dormitory...... 46
Work Study Program...... 46
Student Behavior Expectations...... 47
Code of Conduct...... 47
Consequences...... 50
Cheating/Plagiarism...... 52
Classroom Rules...... 52
Disciplinary Terms and Definitions...... 49
Early Departure from Classes...... 52
Lockers...... 52
Non-Disciplinary Intervention Procedures...... 53
Outstanding Fees...... 53
Right and Responsibilities...... 47
Safe School Climate – Anti-Bullying (Policy)...... 54
School Bus Rules and Conduct...... 54
Search and Seizure...... 54
Sexual Harassment/Sexual Activity/Display of Affection...... 54
Smoking (including E-Cigarettes)...... 55
Student Dress Code...... 55
Student Passes...... 57
Student’s Access to Networked Information Resources...... 57
Under Jurisdiction...... 60
Violations and Disciplinary Procedures...... 60
Weapons and Illegal Behavior ...... 50
PACES (Positive Attitude Concerning Education and Socialization)...... 64
Expected Student Behavior at PACES...... 64
[7 Day] Weekend – Holiday Residential Program...... 64
Appendix...... 65
- PBIS Lesson Plans ...... 66-103
- Community Service Form...... 104
- Student Handbook Response Form...... 105
Dear ASD Students and Parents/Guardians:
Welcome to a new school year. The Student Information Handbook is a guide of general information and regulations.
Our first special event is Curriculum Night which is September 22, 2016.
Our Parent Open House is November 11, 2016.
We look forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
Jeff Bravin
Executive Director /
Cindy A. Paluch
Director of Admissions/Family Education Services/ Student Management
Tommy Meehan
Director of Education /
Karen Wilson
Director of PACES, Coordinator of Psychological, Counseling and Evaluation Services (PCS)
Luisa Soboleski
Principal – Vocational & PACES /
Jennifer DelConte
Principal – CORE PK-12Elementary, Middle School & High School
CONTACT / EMAIL / PHONE (Voice) / VOICE/VP
ADMINISTRATORS
Executive Director / / 860.570.1816 / 860.516.8291
Assistant to the Executive Director / / 860.570.2206 / 860.578.4883
Executive Coordinator / / 860.570.2351 / 860.578.4774
ADMISSIONS/FAMILY EDUCATION SERVICES (FES)/STUDENT MANAGEMENT
Director of Admissions/Family Education Services/Student Management / / 860.570.2335 / 860.899.1603
Senior Administrative Assistant / / 860.570.2209 / 860.899.1604
School Compliance Specialist/
Data Analyst (Registrar) / / 860.899.1595 / 860.899.1595
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
Director of Education / / 860.899.1082 / 860.899.1082
Administrative Assistant / / 860.899.1203 / 860.899.1203
Call In Sick (school hours) /
CORE
Principal / / 860.570.2266 / 860.956.3904
Administrative Assistant, Gr. PK-8 / / 860.570.2304 / 860.956.3910
Administrative Assistant, Gr. 9-12 / / 860.570.2340 / 860.837.0143
Coordinator of Student Support Services, Gr. PK-8 / / 860.570.2276 / 860.944.7938 CELL
Coordinator of Student Support Services, Gr. 9-12 / / 860.899.1209 / 860.899.1209
PACES & VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Principal / / 860.899.1592; 860.899.1438 / 860.899.1592; 860.899.1438
Administrative Assistant / / 860.570.2399 / 860.899.1234
POSITIVE ATTITUDE CONCERNCING EDUCATION AND SOCIALIZATION (PACES)
Director / / 860.570.2298 / NA
Crisis Intervention Specialist / ; 860.944.4596 Text / 860.570.2220 / NA
Crisis Intervention Specialist / / 860.944.4273 / NA
Clinical Coordinator / / 860.570.1805 / NA
Clinical Services Case Manager / / 860.570.2225 / NA
PSYCHOLOGICAL, COUNSELING AND EVALUATION SERVICES (PCS)
Clinical Coordinator / / 860.570.2298 / NA
Senior Administrative Assistant / / 860.570.2223 / NA
RESIDENTIAL LIFE PROGRAM
Director of Student Affairs / / 860.944.9365 Text / 860.566.9460
Associate Director of Student Affairs / / 860.944.4081 Text / TBD
Administrative Assistant / / 860.570.1845 / 860.899.1594
RESIDENTIAL LIFE PROGRAM-Assistant Deans
Assistant Dean – Weekday - 2nd shift
PACES/CORE Butterworth, Cogswell, Holt / / 860.944.6569 / 860.952.2162
Assistant Dean – Weekday – 2nd shift
Clerc, Cottage E, Lodge / / 870.944.8430 / 860.899.1212
Assistant Dean -Weekday – 3rd shift / / 860.944.4081 / 860.952.2154
CONTACT / EMAIL / PHONE (Voice) / VOICE/VP
Assistant Dean
Weekend - Day / / 860.944.6493 / 860.899.1212
Assistant Dean
Weekend 3rd shift / / 860.970.9650 / 860.952.2154
STUDENT HEALTH CENTER (SHC)
Student Health Center Director / / 860.570.2362
860.570.2363
860.570.2364 / 860.415.4205
CAMPUS SAFETY SECURITY
School Receptionist / / 860.570.2300 / 860.899.1217
1st shift
Security / 7:30 am - 4:00 pm ; 860.944.6221 Text / 802.345.8050 / 860.899.1217
2nd shift
Interim Security Chief / 4:00 pm – 12:00 pm
/ 860.944.1253 / 860.899.1217
Security
Weeknight 12:00 am – 8:00 am and
Weekend 8:00 am – 12:00 pm / / 860.944.6221 / 860.899.1217
If Overnight Assistant Dean is not available, call Operator 911 / NA / 860.570.2250 / NA
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Extended School Year and PACES Summer School Director / / 860.899.1082 / 860.899.1082
CORE Principal / / 860.570.2266 / 860.956.3904
PACES Principal / / 860.899.1592; 860.899.1438 / 860.899.1592; 860.899.1438
Director of Student Affairs / / 860.944.9365 Text / 860.566.9460
Camp Isola Bella Director / / NA / 860.899.1209
Camp Isola Bella Registrar / / 860.570.2351 / 860.578.4774
OTHER SERVICES
Athletic Director / / 860.899.1584 / 860.899.1584
Audiology Department Coordinator / / 860.570.2321 / 860.856.6029
Learning Resource Center Coordinator / / 860.570.2370 / NA
Transportation (school) / ;
860.944.4032 Text / 860.570.1833 / NA
Transportation (parent/bus transportation during school hours) - Core / ;
860.944.7938 Text / 860.570.2276 / 860.944.7938 CELL
Website Address (ASD) / / 860-570-2300 / 860.899.1217
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American School for the Deaf Student Information HandbookAll telephone numbers are voice except as noted. If the person you wish to contact is not listed, you may call the main number 860.570.2300 and access the automated directory.
For NON-ENGLISH speaking parents, when calling ASD, make your request for a foreign language interpreter and we will contact you with one for a three way conference call.
STAFF EMAIL:
You may email staff. Staff email addresses are consistent with the following format: first Example:
American School for the Deaf
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American School for the Deaf Student Information Handbook1
American School for the Deaf Student Information HandbookMISSION
The American School for the Deaf is dedicated to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed, lifelong learners.
POSITIVE BEHAVIORIAL INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS (PBIS) MISSION
The American School for the Deaf will be a Life-long learning community built on a foundation of Respect, Responsibility and Safety for each individual.
COMMUNICATION MISSION
At the American School for the Deaf, our goal is to educate students so they can communicate effectively with individuals with hearing loss and those with normal hearing and develop competency in English. We work toward providing full access to communication in an environment where each student's skills are developed to the highest level of his/her abilities. ASD recognizes the possible use of a variety of communication modes. All means of communication are used including American Sign Language (ASL), written and spoken English. Within the ASD community, students and staff use ASL and English. Every student, staff and visitor to ASD has the right to open and accessible communication. Staff members at the American School for the Deaf have an obligation to achieve those receptive and expressive skills to assure full access for clear communication throughout the campus.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY AND SERVICES
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is a nonprofit residential/day program operating as a State-aided private school, governed by a board of directors which is elected by the school’s Corporate Board. Founded in 1817, it is the oldest permanent
school for the deaf in America, offering a comprehensive educational program for deaf and hard of hearing infants, preschoolers, primary, elementary, middle school, high school, and postsecondary students, utilizing a Total Communication philosophy. In addition to serving Connecticut’s deaf and hard of hearing children, youth, and adults, and their families, the school enrolls students and clients from other states and from foreign countries.
The educational program is designed to serve students with a diversity of needs, employing individualized instruction; counseling; educational assessment; audiometric, speech, and psychological evaluations; parent education; and the latest developments in educational technology. ASD provides comprehensive educational programming for college-bound academic, cochlear implanted, deaf with special needs, and behaviorally/emotionally disordered deaf and hard of hearing children. The school offers a childcentered program, addressing the needs of the individual child.
ASD operates a comprehensive vocational/technical education program; an afterhours program of extracurricular activities; and junior varsity and varsity athletics.
The school believes in community education and makes frequent and effective use of community and state resources. It considers itself a resource facility for the entire Connecticut deaf education community, offering and sharing services in audiometric, psychological, and educational evaluation; curriculum development; inservice training; consultation; deaf awareness; teacher recruitment; professional development; and public relations. The school cooperates with colleges and universities as a research facility and a practicum site for undergraduate and graduate students.
TITLE IX
Non-discrimination on the Basis of Sex Policy (Equal Opportunity)
Consistent with the mandates of the federal law, specifically Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, it shall be policy of the American School for the Deaf to provide every student with equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age economic status, marital status, or disability. No student will be excluded on such basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, employment assistance, extracurricular activities or other school resources. Programs and activities shall be accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities as prescribed by law.
Alyssa Pecorino, Title IX officer,is the designated district compliance officers, who will coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Alyssa PecorinoCoordinator of Student Support Services
PROFILE OF GRADUATES
The American School for the Deaf graduate will be empowered to demonstrate competency in:
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American School for the Deaf Student Information HandbookFoundational Knowledge and Skills by-
- Employing skills in literacy and signacy
- Thinking critically and solving problems
- Thinking creatively
- Seeking and retrieving resources for self-advocacy
- Understanding their rights as deaf and hard of hearing individuals
- Understanding the components of a healthy life style
- Possessing independent living skills
- Using and employing technology efficiently and effectively
- Developing a career plan and goals
- Achieving IEP goals, and passing appropriate assessments
Language and Communication Skills by-
- Using both American Sign Language and English language effectively
- Demonstrating effective communication skills in a variety of settings
- Demonstrating active listening skills
- Using effective conversational skills
Individual and Community Awareness by-
- Understanding their personal identity
- Possessing knowledge about the Deaf community and Deaf heritage
- Possessing knowledge about the community-at-large
- Practicing open-mindedness and sensitivity to diversity, various communication modes, and different perspectives
- Respecting individual differences
Personal Qualities by-
- Demonstrating positive self-esteem and confidence
- Setting and meeting goals
- Striving for personal excellence and wellness
- Possessing a strong work ethic
- Respecting self and others
- Being safe and responsible
- Understanding and using social etiquette
- Adapting in a variety of situations
- Being a team player
- Contributing to the community
- Valuing lifelong learning
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American School for the Deaf Student Information HandbookParent/Family Information
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American School for the Deaf Student Information HandbookPARENT/FAMILY INFORMATION
The American School for the Deaf (ASD) strongly encourages family participation in activities designed for parents and students. Family Education Services (FES) provides information on parent activities. Parents are encouraged to visit their child's classroom and dormitory. We do ask that parents call in advance when they plan to visit.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Complete and return all permission forms;
- Notify the school of changes of address (including e-mail), telephone, emergency contact information and health insurance;
- Report any developmental, medical, behavioral changes or issues in your child;
- Attend parent conferences as requested;
- Attend your child’s annual IEP meeting; and
- Inform the bus company if transportation is/is not needed.
PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Parents are encouraged to become a member of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). If you would like to participate, please contact the Director of Family Education Services.
The purpose of PAC is:
- To advise the school on educational matters;
- To provide assistance to the school in securing regional, state, community and parent support;
- To assist the school in developing and implementing beneficial programs for parents and families;
- To assist the school in fulfilling its mission; and
- To assist parents through involvement in their child's education by promoting networking.
FAMILY EDUCATION SERVICES
ASD provides many opportunities for parents to get involved in both their child’s education and in the general programs of the school. The mission of FES is to cultivate and maintain parent/family involvement and to provide services and resources to parents thereby bridging the gap between home and school. Our goals, as a family-focused department, are to:
- Educate parents on all aspects of deafness;
- Empower parents to become advocates for their deaf child;
- Facilitate better communication at home between child and parent; and
- Help families feel comfortable in the school environment.
FES offers a variety of services to meet the needs of families. Childcare is provided during our evening programs and limited transportation is available for all programs. We encourage parent and family participation and we welcome feedback and suggestions.
SERVICES OFFERED
- Parent Day Sign Language Classes
This class is offered to parents, family members, and friends on Wednesday morning. (adults only)
- Parent/Sibling/Children Sign Language Classes(adults and children)
These classes are offered to all family members on Thursday evenings. Child care provided.
- Regional or Home-based Sign Language Classes
Classes may be available in the home of families who cannot attend our on-campus classes due to distance or other circumstances.
- Summer Family Sign Classes/Open Swim
Early evening classes are offered to family members. After each class, the pool is open to everyone to socialize and enjoy.
- Parent/Family Events
Parent Open House
Family Learning Weekend
Family Bingo Night
Pizza Socials
Fish-a-thon (Family Fishing at Isola Bella)
End-of-the-Year Picnic
Mothers’ Weekend at Camp Isola Bella
Fathers’ Weekend at Camp Isola Bella
Holiday Party
Parent Curriculum Night
Together We Read This is a program where a trained tutor is sent to the home to teach parents/guardians how to read to deaf/hard of hearing children. It is designed to make book sharing more effective.
Parent Center
Located in the Gallaudet-Clerc Education Center, the center allows parents to gather and socialize in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Parents are welcome to use computer programs on our parent-friendly computer; view our extensive collection of videotapes on sign language; and look over our resource library with its vast collection of children’s and informational books, sign language dictionaries, and many other materials related to deafness.
Family Lending Library
This special family library, located in the Parent Center, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout the school year, and during evening and summer family activities. All materials are available for a two-week loan period. (all materials/resources must be signed out).
General Information
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American School for the Deaf Student Information HandbookACCREDITATION AND APPROVAL ASD is fully accredited by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD). In addition, ASD is licensed as an Approved Private Special Education School by the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, the Massachusetts Department of Social Services and by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The Positive Attitude Concerning Education and Socialization (PACES) program is licensed by the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families as a residential treatment facility. Additionally, PACES is approved by the State of New York as an Emergency Interim Placement, the State of New Jersey (NJ) Department of Children & Families as a residential treatment program; the NJ Department of Education; the State of Massachusetts Department of Education, Delaware Department of Education, Rhode Island Department of Education and Department of Social Services, and the state of Virginia as a residential treatment facility.