Frequently Asked Questions

When is the first day of school?

The first day of school varies from year to year. Each year, current information about the opening of school is available in the Brattleboro Reformer and The Observer. If you have further questions, you may contact the school, 254-2733 or Central Office, 254-3730.

Kindergarten begins after the first week of school. The kindergarten teacher uses this time to make home visits.

When does school begin and end each day?

The school day begins at 8:25 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. Students arriving by bicycle, walking or private car are asked to arrive at school between 8:15 and 8:20 a.m. Students arriving before 8:20 a.m. should report to the school playground where they will be supervised until the start of school. Indoor supervision is provided when weather indicates the need.

When does Kindergarten begin?

Kindergarten is a one or two year experience. This year Kindergarten will be one session beginning Tuesday, September 5, 2006. The Kindergarten day begins at 8:25 and ends at 12:00 until Friday, September 29^th. There is no mid-day, bus transportation during the month of September when Kindergarten students are dismissed each day at noon. Beginning Monday, October 2^nd, the Kindergarten day will be full day, 8:25 through 2:45. Kindergarten students will be having lunch at school starting Monday, October 2, 2006. The Kindergarten teacher will provide more information during the home visit. Please note that the Kindergarten class does not participate in the Winter Activities Program held each Wednesday afternoon from the beginning of January to February vacation. Kindergarteners will be dismissed at 11:50 and will need to be picked up at school.

When are students dismissed on early release days?

On an early release day students are dismissed after eating lunch at 11:50 a.m. Buses follow their usual schedule departing between 11:50 a.m. and 12 noon. Walkers and riders should be picked up by noon.

What if my child is late or must leave school during the day?

If a student arrives after 8:25 a.m., they must sign in at the office. Signing in and out at the office is also required if a student needs to leave school during the day for any reason. In order to ensure safety while your children are at school all visitors are asked to sign in at the office before going to a classroom.

Must I contact the school if my child is unable to attend school?

Yes, your child’s safety is our utmost concern; therefore we request that you contact the school if your son or daughter will not be attending school. If we fail to hear from you by 9:15 a.m., we will attempt to contact you to verify your child’s absence. Please feel free to leave a message at 254-2733, extension 100, before 9:15 a.m.

Is bus transportation provided and how can I find out when and where my child will board the bus?

Laidlaw Transportation Company provides bus transportation. Bus schedules are published in local newspapers before school opens in the fall. If you have any problems, questions or suggestions, please call Laidlaw Transportation at 257-1761.

The school district provides transportation for students in the district based on Policy F12, which is outlined in the Dummerston Town School District Policy Manual. When extenuating safety or health issues exist for a student, bus stop locations may be adjusted by making a written request to the School Board. Special education transportation is provided when indicated through an I.E.P. process. Further information about bus transportation is located in the handbook under “Bus regulations and procedures.”

What if my child wishes to ride their bike or walk to school?

Students riding bicycles or walking to school must bring a permission slip from their parents to do so. Children arriving by bike or walking should arrive between 8:15 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. Bicycles are not to be ridden at school except as a means of transportation to and from school. Bikes should be parked at the bicycle rack and are stored and ridden to school at the children’s own risk.

Is a hot lunch available? How much does it cost and how can my child purchase lunch?

Hot lunches are provided at school beginning the first day of school and continuing through the last complete week of school. The lunch and beverage program operate on a “pay-in-advance” system. The cost of a hot lunch for students is $2.00 and $4.00 for adults. Students who prefer to bring their lunch may purchase milk at school for $0.40. In addition to hot lunches, students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks such as fruit, crackers, cheese and peanut butter to eat during midmorning snack time. Students may also purchase milk or juice for snack time, again in advance. Snack and lunch milk is $0.40. Juice is $0.30.

Lunch menus are sent home each month with an envelope to return payment for lunch, milk or juice for the following month. Tickets can be used throughout the year and unused tickets are available the following school year. If you have further questions, you may contact the school lunch agent, Mr. Walior at extension 108.

Free and Reduced priced lunches are available. If you do not meet the federal Free and Reduce Lunch criteria and feel you need assistance paying for your child’s lunch you may contact the School Nurse, Mrs. Runge at ext. 102.

Kindergarten snack is provided by the school and paid for by the parents. During the home visit the kindergarten teacher will discuss the Kindergarten snack program and its cost with the parents.

How do I find out if school is closed due to snow?

School closings due to snow or other emergencies are reported on local radio stations (WKVT 92.7, WTSA 96.7, or WKNE 103.7). These announcements usually begin at 6:00 a.m. Information can also be found on-line at http://www.sover.net . Bus route changes may also occur due to weather conditions and will be announced through local radio stations.

“Snow days” refer to school days canceled because weather conditions are hazardous and bus transportation is not available. Please be aware that the number of weather related closings will directly effect the last day of school. For example, if there are no “snow days” then the last day of school for students will be Tuesday, June 12, 2007. The current calendar represents the last student day, as Friday, June 15^th, which assumes three (3) snow-related cancellations will occur during the winter. Additional canceled days will be made up after June 15, 2007. Information regarding the last student day of school will be announced in late spring. Please keep in mind the fluctuating nature of the school calendar when making summer vacation plans.

What happens if the school is required to close early without prior notification?

In the event of an emergency evacuation due to building related problems or threats to student safety, parents and emergency contacts (as indicated on the Student Information Sheet) will be notified by phone and by local radio stations. Students will board buses and be transported to Putney Central School where they can be picked up by a parent or their designee. No student will be left unsupervised or released to someone not designated on the Student Information Form. If an emergency is declared at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station, students would be evacuated to Bellows Falls Union High School.

What is required for Physical Education Class?

Sneakers are required for Physical Education classes because they allow for flexibility, mobility, agility, speed, traction and safety. Sneakers should have light colored soles or “no mark” soles in order to protect the gymnasium floor from damage during class time and at school sponsored events. During the winter months, students should wear boots to school. Sneakers may be left in the classroom or brought to and from school in backpacks.

Meet Dummerston School

Overview:

Dummerston’s current enrollment for Kindergarten through Grade 8 is approximately 165, which is below the five-year average. Elementary classes (grades 1-5) are self-contained and upper grade classes (grades 6-8) are departmentalized. The average class size is 18 students.

Dummerston School Faculty and Support Staff:

Principal Jo Carol Ratti

Administrative Assistant Stella White

Primary Grades:

Kindergarten Susan McCanna

Primary Grade ½ Sara Ryan/Heidi Gould

Grade 3 Annette Wilson

Intermediate Grades:

Grade 4 Linda Skrzyniarz

Grade 5 Betsy Whittaker

Middle Grades:

Grade 6 Cindy Daly,* Language Arts/Social Studies

Bob Glennon, Science

Linda Ives, Math

Grade 7 Cindy Daly, Social Studies

Jen Brown, Language Arts

Linda Ives,* Math

Bob Glennon, Science

Grade 8 Jen Brown, Language Arts/Social Studies

Linda Ives, Math/Algebra

Bob Glennon,* Science

* indicates Homeroom Teacher

Fine Arts/Library/Media:

Instrumental Music Mary Harvey-Bandish

Art Nancy Clements

Vocal Music Rita Corey

Library/Media Melissa Petroski

Support Service:

Instructional Support Teacher-Math Wynetta John

Literacy Teacher Teri Robinson

Special Educator Mary Goodemote

Special Educator Judy Hawkins

Health Services:

School Counselor Hannah Parker

School Nurse Mary Ann Runge

Physical Education Wendy Scott

Food Service:

Lunch Agent/Cook Mike Walior

Paraeducator Staff:

Kathy Bacon Kiki Freed

Lavon Butts Ann Davis

Sandy Draper Kathy Evans

Joan Momaney Lois Reed

Judy Walker Patricia Walior

Building Operation/Maintenance:

Head Custodian Rick Walsh

Part-time Custodian Larry Lynch

Specialists Contracted Through W.S.E.S.U.

Speech/Language Pathologist Fran Swanson

Occupational Therapy Maxine Stent

Physical Therapy Diana Lange

English Language Learner Deb Coombs

Learning Opportunities

Dummerston School, as a member of the Windham Southeast Supervisory Union (WSESU), adopted the WSESU Learning Framework and Comprehensive Assessment Plan as the standards against which student performance is measured. The WSESU’s curriculum and assessment model guides our educational decisions regarding instructional programs, student assessment, resource allocation and professional development opportunities for teachers and students. Annual Yearly Progress and other pertinent school data are reported annually to the community.

Literacy, math, science, social studies, technology and social skills instruction is stressed at all grade levels with high expectations for student performance.

Algebra instruction is offered to eighth grade students who meet the criteria to participate.

The Library/Media center is open daily from 8:30-3:00 and is staffed by a licensed Library Media Specialist four days a week. The Friends of the Library organization provides the library/media center with volunteer support. In addition, they donate a significant amount of books and audiotapes to the school’s collection each year. Students are responsible for the books and materials they take out of the Library/Media center. Lost books and tapes will be billed at the market value replacement fee. Unpaid bills carry over each year and affect the number of books a student may check out. See Volunteer Activities for more information.

The Fine Arts Department provides art and music opportunities for all students at all grade levels. Each grade participates in weekly Art classes. Vocal Music is taught weekly to grades K-5. Students in grades 6-8 may choose to participate in the school chorus. Instrumental Music instruction is available to students from fourth grade through eighth grade. Lessons are given during the school day and are free of charge. Parents are required to furnish an instrument. If needed, the instrumental teacher will arrange rentals through Ellis Music Company. Jazz Band and Concert Band are also offered.

Students in grades K-4 participate in Environmental Learning for the Future (ELF) Program offered to our students by parent and community volunteers. See Volunteer Activities for more information. The Environmental Citizenship Program is sponsored by the VT Institute of Natural Science (VINS) and is designed for students in grades 5-8 and based on the same model as the ELF program. See Volunteer Activities for more information.

Students in grades 6-8 are invited to participate in interscholastic team sports. Dummerston has a boys’ and girls’ soccer team and a boys’ and girls’ basketball team. Boys’ baseball and girls’ softball are offered in the spring. The school teams represent Dummerston in games with surrounding towns in VT and NH. Specific team related information and requirements are given out prior to the beginning of the season. Permission forms and medical documentation must be signed and returned before students may participate. See Sports Procedures in the Appendix A.

The Winter Activities Program is a time honored community sponsored program dedicated to giving all Dummerston students the opportunity to participate in some form of winter activity. Parent Coordinators, with the help of community and parent volunteers, arrange numerous outdoor and indoor activities for students, one afternoon a week during the months of January and February. See Volunteer Activities for more information.

Standards of Behavior

Appropriate student and adult behavior is expected in all academic settings and at all school related events. Mutual respect, personal responsibility and school safety is modeled and encouraged. Students learn and practice these behaviors in a variety of settings both in school and in the community. A clearly articulated system of school discipline provides the foundation for positive social and intellectual growth and development. Our Standards of Behaviors preserve the dignity and integrity of all. The Standards are:

Mutual Respect, Personal Responsibility, Emotional and Physical Safety

Procedures for governing student behavior exist on a continuum beginning with preventative strategies that reinforce the concept of personal responsibility and self-discipline to alternative, out of school placements for disruptive behaviors that require interagency support.

Many of the behaviors that are not allowed in school or on school grounds are covered in the Policy section of the handbook as they relate to federal and civil law. In addition, Dummerston School requires that students not wear hats in the building, chew gum, use profanity or vulgarity, wear clothes that are provocative or communicate inappropriate messages and/or behave in a manner which disrupts the educational process. Electronic devices, such as cell phones, radios, computer games, CD players and beepers should not be brought to school.

The consequences for students who choose to not comply with Dummerston’s Standards of Behavior may vary depending on the type behavior displayed. The classroom teacher plays a major role in determining logical consequences for maintaining appropriate classroom management. No student has the right to disrupt the learning process or endanger others. However, in order to bring a greater sense of fairness and equity in our response to student behavior issues, we have divided student offenses into three (3) levels.

Level 1 offenses are considered minor in severity. Teachers and/or Paraeducators are responsible for redirecting and/or assigning consequences for these behaviors. Examples of Level 1 offenses are:

ž Eating food at inappropriate times or sharing food with classmates

ž Gum chewing

ž Wearing hats/hoods inside the building

ž Violating dress code guidelines

ž Being unprepared for class (i.e. homework)

ž Disruptive classroom or hallway behavior

ž Disruptive playground or cafeteria behavior

Level 2 offenses are more serious behaviors or repeated Level 1 offenses. These offenses may result in a student being temporarily removed from an activity or permanently revoking a student’s participation in class sponsored events, class trips or sports programs. After school detentions and/or in-school or out-of-school suspensions are also considered for Level 2 offenses. Detentions are served after school for one hour (2:45-3:45). Students who serve after school detentions are expected to work on classroom assignments during the detention period. During in-school suspensions students are isolated from peers and supervised by an adult while they serve their suspension. When a student serves an out-of-school suspension, they are required to make up all missed assignments while they are out of school. Examples of Level 2 offenses are:

ž Repeat offenders of Level 1 behaviors

ž Inappropriate physical contact such as: pushing and rough physical play

ž Throwing objects

ž Damage to school property including marking walls/marking desks, etc.

ž Unacceptable language

ž Repeated Lunch and Recess offenses

ž Rude behavior

ž Lying

ž Chronic absenteeism and/or tardiness

ž Clothing that disrupts the learning environment

Level 3 offenses are the most serious. These offenses will always be handled by the building administrator. Level 3 offenses usually result in program or placement changes, suspension, restitution, and/or other consequences deemed appropriate by the Principal and/or Superintendent. Examples of Level 3 offenses are:

ž Repeat offenders of Level 2 behaviors

ž Swearing/Foul language directed at someone

ž Open defiance of authority

ž Stealing

ž Destroying school property

ž Dangerous behavior toward self or others

ž Possession of a weapon or other dangerous object (such as cap gun, razors)

ž Leaving school grounds without permission

ž Physical and/or verbal harassment

ž Repeated disruptive classroom behavior

ž Fighting and/or serious physical altercations

ž Bullying and/or Spreading Rumors

ž Tobacco, drugs and alcohol possession or suspected use

ž Unlawful activities

Educational Support System Information

What is the Educational Support System?

The Educational Support System is a school based system designed to help all students improve their school performance and help them grow academically, socially, emotionally and physically. The system provides a way for faculty and staff to address students' varying needs in school. Each Vermont school is required, by law, to develop an Educational Support System (ESS) and Educational Support Team (EST). Dummerston’s Educational Support System insures that all students, to the greatest extent possible, succeed both educationally and socially in the regular classroom environment.

What Is the Educational Support Team?

The Educational Support Team is a group of school staff who meet to review individual student referrals. They may or may not recommend needed changes in the student’s program. Teams usually have classroom teachers, a school counselor, the school nurse, special education teachers and others as members. Parents are often invited to be members of their child’s team. Schools have many different names for these teams such as Teachers Assistance Teams, Instructional Support Teams, etc.

Why would I need to know about the Educational Support Team?

You may need to know about the Educational Support Team because it can help your child if s/he is having difficulty in school. Parents may want to refer their child to the Team or the child may be referred to the Team by school staff. If you have concerns, you may refer your child to the EST by contacting the classroom teacher, the school counselor or the building principal.

What will the EST do for my child?

The EST may develop a plan to assist your child. In order to do this effectively, parents are considered active partners with the school. Your child’s teacher may invite you to attend an EST meeting to discuss the concerns raised by the EST referral. At the meeting, the EST will discuss services or accommodations that might assist your child in the school setting. Examples include extended time to complete tasks, an after school homework group, a behavior plan, tutoring, a peer buddy and/or the services of a paraeducators, the school nurse or a community service provider. Assistance may also be useful from the special educator. If you or the Team suspects a disability, a comprehensive evaluation which is part of the special education process can be initiated.

Will others know about the concerns the school or I have?

Others may need to know about the concerns the school or you have. In order to contact community agencies and service providers, you would need to give the school your permission by signing a Release of Information form. The school is required by law to keep personally identifiable information about your child confidential.

Will any community agencies be involved with my child?

The Team may provide you with information about community agencies that may be helpful to you and your child. Community services might include assistance with health care, counseling, housing, financial assistance, parenting issues, child care, etc. The Team may decide to refer your child and family to one of the community agencies that assist with these issues.

Bus Regulations and Transportation

The school district voluntarily provides bus transportation to Dummerston students. Students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with transportation safety standards. School buses are equipped with video cameras; therefore, riders should have no expectation of privacy. Videotape is used for business purposes only, such as student discipline disputes.

Bus schedules are published in local newspapers before school opens each August. If you have problems, questions or suggestions you may call Laidlaw Transportation at 257-1761.

The following safety rules are in place for the safety of the students and must be followed by all passengers. Laidlaw Transportation provides the following safety regulations for riding privileges:

1) Students shall arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus arrives.

2) Students shall wait in a safe place, clear of traffic and away from where the bus stops (at least 10 feet from roadway).

3) Students shall wait in a safe place and avoid horseplay at the bus stop.

4) Students must walk 10 paces in front of the bus before crossing the road and only cross after the driver signals you to do so.

5) Students are not allowed to cross behind the bus or walk along the sides of the bus.

6) Students shall carry/wear their backpacks in front, when boarding and exiting the bus.

7) Students shall go directly to the first available seat or to his or her assigned seat when entering the bus.

8) Students shall remain seated and keep aisles and exits clear.

9) Students shall observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.

10) Students shall refrain from throwing or passing objects on the bus or from the bus.

11) Students are prohibited from using profane language or gestures to the driver or other students on the bus.

12) Students are prohibited from using or carrying tobacco products, alcohol, drugs, any controlled substance, weapons of any kind (guns, knifes, explosives, etc.), objects that shoot projectiles, or items that could cause a fire on the bus (matches, lighters, etc.). Offenses relative to this item will result in the student being removed from the bus and/or indefinite suspension.

13) Students shall refrain from eating or drinking on the bus.

14) Students shall not carry hazardous materials, nuisance items or animals onto the bus.

15) Students shall respect the rights and safety of others (keep hands to yourself and no name calling).

16) Students are prohibited from leaving or boarding the bus at locations other than their assigned bus stop without a bus pass (see bus pass procedures below). *

17) Students are prohibited from extending head, arms, or objects out the windows.

18) Students are prohibited from hitching rides via the rear bumper or other parts of the bus.

19) Students can not transport any of the following on a school bus: any sports equipment- hockey sticks, bats, balls of any kind, skates, snow boards, skis, ski poles, roller boards, or any loose items. These items fall under Federal regulation FMCSR Law 392.62 (loose items in passengers’ compartment).

20) Students are prohibited from wearing sneakers with rollers on the bottom.

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Any violation of the above regulations will be reported to the building principal and disciplinary action will be taken.

Disciplinary:

ž The first refusal to comply with these regulations will result in a written warning with a copy sent home to parents.

ž The second offense will result in a 3-day suspension from riding the bus.

ž The third offense will result in indefinite suspension from riding the bus.

* Changing assigned bus stop:

ž Parent/guardian must sign a note for a student to ride a bus other than the student’s assigned bus.

ž The note should be sent to the school’s office where a bus pass will be filled out and given to the bus driver.

ž This same procedure is used if a student will be leaving the bus at a different bus stop.

LAIDLAW EDUCATION SERVICES

857 Putney Road, Brattleboro VT 05301 Tel: 802-257-1761 Fax 802-258-2639

Volunteer Activities:

There are numerous ways for volunteers to contribute to the school. Parent and community volunteers are an integral part of the Dummerston School. Volunteers may participate in a variety of ways from weekly support in classrooms to occasional help with field trips and other special events. Parents are also encouraged to discuss with their child’s teacher additional ways they may contribute to the educational program. In addition to requests for help from your child’s classroom teacher, the following activities and groups welcome volunteer participation. People interested in more information about any of the following should contact the school office.

Friends of the Library This group assists the school library by providing a variety of services. They donate books and audio tapes to the school’s collection through community fund raising events and the “Adopt a Book” program held annually in the school library during Town Meeting Day. The “Friends” also provide weekly clerical help; periodic book talks and read-aloud programs.

Environmental Learning for the Future (E.L.F.) (K-4) and Environmental Citizenship (5-8) Groups of volunteers provide monthly environmental science education to individual classrooms. Volunteers attend a monthly training session to prepare to teach one lesson to a specific classroom each month. Each classroom needs at least two volunteers to run the program.

Winter Activities Our Winter Activities Program offers students a variety of sports and extracurricular activities each Wednesday afternoon for six weeks during the months of January and February. The Winter Activities Program is coordinated and maintained entirely by parent volunteers. Activities always include skiing, skating and snowboarding and, depending on availability, bowling, cooking, drama and dance. The success of this program is entirely dependent on volunteer participation. The program requires numerous volunteers to run smoothly. Time commitments can vary for each scheduled afternoon during January and February.

PTFO The Parent Teachers and Friends Organization The PTFO is a volunteer group that works together to support the special relationship between school and home. The PTFO promotes and conducts a variety of activities that benefit the school and the students. Such activities have included educational discussions, ice cream socials and similar events. Generally, the PTFO sponsor the end of year teacher appreciation breakfast.

Additional Topics You May Have Questions About

Arts Night

Under the direction of the Fine Arts Department, Dummerston students provide vocal and instrumental entertainment while parents and community members enjoy the many visual art displays throughout the hallways.

Birthdays

Please mail invitations for private birthday parties to students’ homes. The school cannot distribute birthday invitations in the classroom.

Class Trips

Curriculum related trips are taken throughout the school year. Information regarding trips is provided by individual classroom teachers. Parents may be asked to chaperone or provide transportation. Since chaperones have specific responsibilities on class trips, we request that siblings and other family members not attend. The school’s insurance liability only covers teachers, chaperones and students. Field trips for younger children require car seats. The law requires students to be 80 pounds or 8 years old before students can travel without a car seat. The local School Board Policy governing the Eighth Grade Class Trip is included in the Policy section of the Handbook.

Credit Union

To provide students with an opportunity to save money, a River Valley Credit Union representative is at the Dummerston School each week (generally beginning in late September) to receive deposits of any amount from students in grades one through eight, and to give the children new envelopes for the following week’s deposit.

Family Vacations

We recognize that family travel can be a worthwhile experience. We have also learned that when students miss school for a period of time, it can have negative consequences as well. It is impossible to duplicate classroom learning through out-of-school assignments. Student should recognize that when they return they may find themselves behind their classmates and become frustrated trying to make up missed assignments along with current assignments. In order to ensure a positive education experience for you child, we offer the following guidelines when an extended absence is anticipated.

ž If possible, schedule family travel during regularly scheduled school vacations. If this is not possible, parents should notify the office in advance of the planned absence.

ž Although it can be helpful for students to get assignments beforehand, the teaching and learning that happens in the classroom may not be easy to duplicate in your child’s absence; nor is it always possible for teachers to give assignments weeks in advance.

ž In addition, our experience has been that lengthy assignments often are not completed during the vacation despite everyone’s best efforts.

ž Depending upon the length of the absence, the child’s progress to date and the current topic of study; assignments may be general in nature (reading, journal entries, flash card drills, etc.)

Fire Drills/Evacuations

Procedures to follow in the case of fire or other emergency are reviewed in each classroom at the beginning of each school year. Directions for evacuation of school (including an alternative route) are posted in each classroom. Fire drills are held monthly to practice safe procedures. Students are expected to remain silent and orderly throughout the drill so that any emergency instructions from staff or firefighters may be heard and responded to immediately.

Due to circumstances surrounding schools today, other types of emergency evacuations will also be practiced, including Bomb Threat evacuations, which require students to board buses and move to Putney Central School.

Fund Raising

Starting in the 5th grade, fund raising is used to support curriculum-based class trips and/or other functions. In grade 6 students start the major fund raisers towards their 8th grade class trip and other graduation activities. Fund raisers involve non-school time and need parent and community support. Prior administrative approval is required before all fund raising. Forms are available in the office.

In-Service Days

To allow for the coordinated development of programs and curriculum, in-service days (or early release half-days) will be scheduled during the year by the WSESU School District. These times are designed to allow staff to attend planning or training sessions and workshops, special conferences or presentations and/or district-wide grade level meetings. They are crucial to the continued development of our school’s effort to provide the best possible up-to-date program for students.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration is held each spring at Dummerston School. Any child who will be 5 years old on September 1 is requested to participate in the screening. The registration gives parents and children the opportunity to meet the kindergarten teacher and see the classroom and school; and it provides teachers with information about the children, in advance, so we are better prepared the following school year.

Lost and Found

The school provides a location for lost and found objects and clothing. These accumulate quickly. Students and parents are urged to check the lost and found box to claim personal belongings. Items not claimed will be donated to local agencies in November, March, and at the end of the school year.

Money and Valuables

Students are discouraged from bringing valuables or large sums of unneeded money to school. Students do so at their own risk.

Newsletter

Newsletters are an important vehicle to keep parents informed concerning important school events. They will be sent home on a regular basis. Please look for them and ask your child about them. In addition, classroom teachers send newsletters throughout the year.

Open House

Each fall parents are invited to school to hear a presentation about their child’s classroom program. Parents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and join the discussion. Please see the weekly newsletter for information on the date and time.

Parental Involvement

The academic and social success of students is largely determined by a positive, supportive relationship among staff, administration, parents and community members. New educational initiatives mandate and encourage a strong parent/school/community relationship. Every attempt is made to provide opportunities for all parents, including those with limited English proficiency or with disabilities, to participate in every aspects of their child’s school career. Each year, Dummerston School provides a number of occasions for parents and community members to get actively involved in school.

Whenever you have questions about events or shortcomings in the school, or problems with school personnel, both courtesy and school board policy dictates that these concerns be discussed directly with the teacher or staff person involved. You will likely get an informed response and resolve the matter faster when you talk with the person directly. If you cannot reach a satisfactory solution with this person, you are then urged to speak with the Principal. If this does not result in a satisfactory resolution, you can direct your concerns to the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Ron Stahley at 254-3730.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences are scheduled on teacher in-service days in November. This year conferences will begin on Thursday, November 9^th. You do not need to wait for a formal conference to discuss your son or daughter’s progress. Parents are urged to set up conferences with teachers throughout the year if you have questions or concerns.

Peer Mentoring

Throughout the school year opportunities for students to participate in peer mentoring may arise. These opportunities are monitored by the school counselor and are meant to benefit all students involved. Often younger students that are new to the school are paired with an older student. Please contact the school counselor if you have questions regarding this program.

Photographs

School photographs of individual students and classes are taken in the fall and individual student photographs are offered again each spring. Every possible effort is made to have the completed photographs available before December vacation.

School Board Policy (H5) outlines the guidelines that Dummerston School uses in the event that school activities and/or students can be photographed or interviewed for the newspaper or The Views. Periodically, students’ names and grade level may accompany a photograph in the newspaper or accompany an article submitted to The Views.

Promotion/Retention

Teachers and administrators will work with parents when questions of retention are raised. The District recognizes that a mutual decision is important before retention is considered a positive educational option for a child. Information about retention and procedures that guide this process are available by contacting the school.

Student Attire

Students should come to school appropriately dressed, which enables them to participate in all school activities. Students shall not be allowed to wear clothing that presents a health or safety problem (such as rubber flip flops) or clothing that is revealing or suggestive. Tank tops, skirts, shorts and shirts that expose the midriff and/or underwear are not allowed. Pants cannot be excessively baggy or worn far below the waist. Clothing that is intended for outdoors should be removed for the school day. Parents will be contacted to bring other clothing for their child if the student is not able to remedy the situation him or herself-or proper clothing will be provided by the office.

School Attendance

Dummerston School believes that students who attend school regularly and arrive on time each day have a better chance of success at school, therefore we expect consistent student attendance and for students to arrive at school before 8:25 a.m. each morning unless health or special circumstances dictate otherwise. Protocol for attendance is available in the policy section of this handbook.