Dummerston School
Parent and Student
Handbook
2007-2008
Welcome
to Dummerston School. The information enclosed is provided to
help parents and guardians navigate the basic operations of the school day and provide
information on annual programs and events that happen at the school. In addition, you will find local and
district policies and procedures.
These policies are written to protect your child’s rights as well
as the rights of others to learn and participate in a safe and respectful
school environment.
It
is the policy of the Dummerston Town School District not to discriminate in
educational programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, language,
sex, age or handicapping condition under the provision of Title VI and Title IX
of the 1982 Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or
1973; and the Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975.
Dummerston School Board of Directors
Amy Dews,
Clerk…………………………………………………………….254-8012
Charlotte Neer Annis, Vice
Chair……………………………………………257-3041
Bob Thibault,
Clerk…………………………………………………………..257-8083
Dan
Brown…………………………………………………………………...257-1937
Enid
Wainwright……………………………………………………………..387-4178
Central Office Administration
53 Green Street
Phone:
254-3730 Fax: 254-3733
Ron
Stahley……………………………………………………….Superintendent
of Schools
James
Kane……………………………………………………….....Business
Administrator
Anne Rider/Paul
Smith………………………………………Curriculum
Co-Coordinators
Lyle
Holiday……………………………………………………………Literacy
Coordinator
Marisa
Duncan-Holley……………………………………….Director
of Special Education
Conrad
Dumas……………………………………………...Special
Education Coordinator
Dummerston School Mission Statement
The Dummerston School community works to build and support
an atmosphere of mutual respect and personal responsibility that is safe and
accessible to all children. We strive to meet students’ academic
and social needs in an environment where an individual’s success is seen
as a shared responsibility among all our constituents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2007-2008
Calendar and In-Service
Days…………………………………………………....4
Frequently Asked
Questions…………………………………………………..….5
Meet Dummerston
School………………………………………………….…......8
Learning Opportunities ……………………………………………………........10
Standards of
Behavior……………………………………………………….......11
Educational Support
Team……………………………………………….…......13
Bus Regulations and
Transportation…………………………………………...14
Volunteer
Activities……………………………………………………………...16
Additional Topics You May Have Questions
About…………………………..17
School Sports
Program………………………………………………………….23
Counseling and Health
Services………………………………………………...26
School Board Policies and Procedures……………………………………...28-39
Winter Activities
Program………………………………………………..5,
10, 16
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.
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 can be a one or two
year experience. This year
Kindergarten will be one session beginning Tuesday, September 4, 2007. The Kindergarten day begins at 8:25 and
ends at 12:30 until Friday, September 28th. There is no mid-day, bus transportation
during the month of September.
Beginning Monday, October 1st, the Kindergarten day will be
full day, 8:25 through 2:45. 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 by 9:15
a.m. 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. 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 Reduced 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 17, 2008. The
current calendar represents the last student day, as Friday, June 20th,
which assumes three (3) snow-related cancellations, will occur during the
winter. Additional canceled days
will be made up after June 20, 2008.
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 156, 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
Jen
Brown, Math
Grade 7 Jen
Brown,* Language Arts/Math
Cindy
Daly, Social Studies
Bob
Glennon, Science
Grade 8
Bob Glennon,* Language Arts/Science
Cindy
Daly, Social Studies
Jen
Brown, Math
* 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 Ann
Davis Sandy
Draper
Kathy Evans Kiki
Freed Joan
Momaney
Lois Reed Gwen
Trumbull Judy
Walker
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
W.S.E.S.U. Intensive Service
Program
Teacher/Coordinator Kiersten
McKenney,
Paraeducator Staff :
Deborah Bozetarnik Kelly
Gabriel Sallyanne
Kinoy
Dawn McCormick Karen
Mockler Patty
Sherburn
Elizabeth Wheeler
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.
The
Library/Media center is open daily from 8:30-3:00 and is staffed by a
licensed Library Media Specialist three 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 extracurricular 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
Extracurricular Sports Program Policy on page 23.
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 (bare midriff, exposed underwear,
excessively baggy pants, shorts or skirts that are too short, t-shirts that are
sexually suggestive 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