Please sign and return by September 9, 2022.

 

Student’s Name:__________________________   Teacher:_________________

 

Walking Field Trip Permission Form

 

During the school year, the teachers may take the students to the public library, the town hall, the police station,or other study areas within walking distance of the school. By signing this slip, please give permission for the students to visit these areas under the supervision of teachers and chaperones.  Your child cannot participate in these trips without your permission.

 

I give my child permission to take a trip within walking distance of the school.  

 

Parent’s Signature:_______________________________

 

Parent and Student Handbook Receipt

 

We have read and understand the information provided in this handbook.  We have read the “Governor Wentworth Regional School District Policies Section” and understand the legal procedures described there.

 

Parent’s Signature:___________________________  Date:____________________

 

Student’s Signature:__________________________  Date:____________________

 

Video and Picture Release

 

From time to time, we take pictures or videos of children in our school.  The pictures may be for public view, published in the newspapers for PR purposes, shown in class or used to help train teachers.  In order for your child’s picture to be used in any of these ways, we need your permission. 

 

I give permission for my child’s picture to be used in the ways listed above.   YES    NO

 

Parent’s Signature:_____________________________________________

 

Please sign and return by September 9, 2022

 

Internet Acceptable Use Policy – Permission for Student Use

I understand that the use of the GWRSD Internet access is a privilege and will abide by the Governor Wentworth Regional School District Acceptable Use Policy contained in this agenda book.  I understand that the Internet contains material inappropriate for school use; therefore, I will take personal responsibility not to access this material. I recognize that it is impossible for the GWRSD to prevent access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold the GWRSD responsible for materials found or acquired on the Internet. I further understand that any violation of the regulations in this policy is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense.  Should I commit any violations, my access privileges may be revoked and an appropriate school discipline and/or legal action may be taken.

 

Student’s Name:_______________________  Student’s Signature:________________

 

Date ___________________________

 

Permission for Student Use of the Internet

 

I give my permission for _______________________ to participate in the use of the Internet, a worldwide telecommunications network. I realize that he/she may be able to access major networks throughout the world using the Internet. I understand that this access is designed and intended for educational purposes only. I also understand that he or she will receive instruction in the appropriate use of this resource. I realize that the Internet contains material that is inappropriate for school purposes. I support the school district’s position that students are responsible for not accessing such material. Such unacceptable use of the Internet will result in the suspension of all privileges. I will not hold the GWRSD accountable for unsuitable materials acquired by her or him through Internet usage at school. I acknowledge that ________________  and I have read the Governor Wentworth Regional School District Acceptable Use Policy and this authorization form.

 

Parent’s Name:_______________________  Parent’s Signature:__________________

 

Teacher’s Name_______________________    Date______________________

 

 

Principal/DPT                                                  Kathryn Small

Kindergarten                                                   Nina Fullerton

Grade 1                                                            Ashley Russell

Grade 2                                                            Rebecca Coyner

Grade 3                                                            Melissa McClare

Grade 4                                                             Wendy Iffland

Grade 5                                                             Dayna Thompson

Grade 6                                                             Kristen Clark

Special Education Teacher                             Janice Jesberger

Reading Specialist                                            Adriana Brown

Reading Specialist                                            Jenna MacPhee

Health                                                                Elizabeth Bronson

Art                                                                       Amy Ahn

Music                                                                  Kristin Johnson

Physical Education                                           Brian Swinerton

Librarian/ Media Specialist                             Christopher Tibbetts

School Counselor                                             Matthew Tetreault

School Nurse                                                     Steve Jones (Tues.-Fri)

School Nurse

Instructional Assistant                                     Patti Austin

Instructional Assistant/SSC                             Penny Pelletier

Instructional Assistant                                    Stephanie McWhirter

Instructional Assistant                                    Michelle Libby

Reading Associate                                           Jane Meagher

Speech Pathologist                                         Deb Yeaton

Occupational Therapist                                 Ashley LaRochelle

Administrative Assistant                               Debra Chrysafidis

Special Education Clerk                                Theresa Pickle

Kitchen Manager                                            Karen Pollini

Food Service Assistant                                  TBA 

Head Custodian                                             Dave Cash

Custodian                                                      Ned Schwartz

Custodian                                                      Shirlee Hayford

Bus Driver                                                      Tizzy Burke

Bus Driver                                                     Adam Riley

 

Governor Wentworth Regional School District

SAU No. 49

PO Box 190, 140 Pine Hill Road

Wolfeboro Falls, New Hampshire 03896-0190

569-1658

secretary@govwentworth.k12.nh.us

 

Superintendent of Schools Caroline Arakelian

Assistant Superintendent Heather Cummings

Dir. of Spec Ed & Counseling Services Kelly Mask

Director of Transportation Maryanne Belanger

Director of Food Services Karen Michalski

District Maintenance Supervisor Phil Custeau

 

Governor Wentworth Regional School District 

School Board Members

 

The Governor Wentworth Regional School Board meets as a full board once per month.  The meetings alternate between the Kingswood Regional High School Lecture Hall and the other district schools.  For a complete schedule, contact the SAU office at 569-1658 or go to the district website.  Non-public sessions will be held prior to each regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 PM.  Public session begins at 7:00 PM.

 

John T. Widmer, Chair 515-7218

James Pittman, Vice-Chair 859-0129

Wendy Fenderson 859-0129

Dr. James B. Manning 957-2004

Stefanie King 833-3334

Charlene Seibel 455-1953

Dan Streeter 539-4163

Kelly Tivnan 755-4406

Brody Deshaies                             ​387-4210

 

Non-Discrimination

The GWRSD does not discriminate regarding access to our participation in its facilities, programs or practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital status, veteran status or physical or mental disability.  Persons with questions or concerns about such issues should contact Superintendent Caroline Arakelian.

 

Superintendent Caroline Arakelian

 Office of the Superintendent

 Post Office Box 190 

Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896

 Phone: 569-1658

 

School Day

 

School begins at 8:45 AM. Students should not arrive before 8:25 AM.  

 

Arrival/Departure

Students can enter the building at 8:25am.  Bus students and car riders enter from the gymnasium entrance prior to 8:45 AM.  If a parent or other caregiver would like to come into school at any time, please park in the front lot overlooking the Davis Memorial Field and enter through the main entrance.  After 8:45 AM, parents are required to check into the office for a tardy slip, and students are to walk directly to their classrooms.  The bus area on Ledge Hill Road is not for parking during school hours. Unattended cars interfere with safe and efficient use of the loop.

 

Walkers should obey all safe pedestrian rules and regulations on the way to and from school, including walking on the left facing traffic and crossing carefully.

 

Bicycle riders must obey all rules of the road (wear helmets, ride single file on the right with traffic, use hand signals, stop at stop signs etc.). Riders are to enter from Route 109A (Middle Road) and park their bike along the ball field fence. They should then walk across the field to the crosswalk by the Main Entrance.

 

Skateboards and rollerblades are not legally allowed on state or town roadways; therefore, they cannot be used to get to school. The use of skateboards and rollerblades are not permitted during the school day.

 

At 3:15 PM, walkers, bikers and car riders are dismissed to the drop-off/pick-up gymnasium entrance. Parents park in line beside the school building to receive their child at the gymnasium entrance. Students are to remain inside until a staff member is outside. Students will be called to Ledge Hill Road entrance when buses arrive. If parents wish to enter the building prior to the end of the school day to pick up your child, please use the main (office) entrance to check-in.

 

Recess

Comfortable, safe and weather appropriate clothing and footwear (no flip-flops, open backed shoes, or wheeled sneakers) is expected (hats, boots, mittens in the winter).  All students are expected to wear a coat outside during the cold months, as well.  If your child is well enough to be in school, he or she is expected to go outside at recess with rare exceptions.  Fresh-air, outdoor recesses are scheduled every school day except during rain or extreme wind chill conditions.  Hoverboards, skateboard and rollerblades are not permitted during recess time.

 

Attendance

Regular and punctual patterns of attendance will be required of each student enrolled at Tuftonboro Central School. Student attendance is the responsibility of the parents and students.  Students are expected to have a documented reason for their absence.  Such documentation can be in the form of a call to the school by the parents or a note from the parents explaining the absence.  

 

Tardies & Dismissals

A student who is tardy must also document the reason. If a student is tardy, (anytime after 8:45 AM) they must check in through the office. Early dismissal from school should be requested only when absolutely necessary and will only take place through the school office.  A signed note from the parent/guardian is required. Students will be released to the parents/guardians unless otherwise instructed in the note of release. In an emergency, a parent’s verbal request will be honored. Students are to be dismissed through the office.

 

Vacations

If a student’s family plans to take a vacation during the academic year, the student must bring a note signed by a parent or a guardian pertaining to the vacation. This note must be brought to the office at least one week or five school days in advance to receive a vacation request form, which must be completed and returned to the principal for consideration and disposition for an excused absence. Students granted approval for vacation time are responsible for making up all missed assignments. It should be noted that absences for vacation could have a negative effect on grades and/or course credit.

 

Truancy 

Truancy is any unexcused absence from school or class.  Absence is computed in half days; half-days are defined as missing more than two hours and less than 3 ½ hours of instructional time.  Ten half-days of unexcused absence during a school year shall constitute habitual truancy (per RSA 189-35-a). Please refer to the following District policy JHB, Student Absences & Truancy for complete policy:

 

STUDENT ABSENCES AND TRUANCY   

The Board requires that school-aged children enrolled in the District attend school in accordance with all applicable state laws and Board policies. The educational program offered by the District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress.

 

Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the District during the days and hours that school is in session, except that the Principal may excuse a student for temporary absences when receiving satisfactory evidence of conditions or reasons that may reasonably cause the student’s absence.  The Board considers the following to be excused absences:

1. Illness

2. Recovery from an accident

3. Required court attendance

4. Health care appointments

5. Death in the immediate family

6. Observation of celebration of a bona fide religious holiday

7. Such other good causes may be acceptable to the Principal or permitted by law.

 

Any absence that has not been excused for any of these reasons will be considered an unexcused absence. 

 

School Cancellations 

In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, school may be canceled for the day.   Should the schools in our district be closed, delayed or be dismissed due to weather or other emergencies, the SCHOOL MESSENGER system will be activated and the following radio/television stations will be notified:

Television: WMUR (Channel 9)

WCSH (Channel 6)

FM Radio: WMWV – Conway 93.5 FM

WOKQ – Dover 97.5 FM

WSCY – 106.9 FM

 

If school is only delayed in opening (not canceled), it will be for a period of two (2) hours.  Buses should arrive at your bus stop 2 hours after the usual time. School will begin at 10:45 AM. Keep listening, however, since a delayed opening may later change to a cancellation. If we have a cancellation, that day may become a Blizzard Bag day.  A School Messenger message will indicate if it is a Blizzard Bag day.  Rarely, it becomes necessary to close school early.  In such an event, the decision is usually made by 11:00 AM, and the media is notified.  If an early dismissal is called, the School Messenger system will be activated.  Please sit down with your children to discuss and develop an action plan should there be an early dismissal.  This will help ease your child’s mind.  

 

Additional Information

 

Cell Phones

We recognize that cell phones help parents and students maintain contact, but while in school, student cell phones need to be off and away.

 

Emergency Information 

If any change has occurred in your address, telephone number, work number or emergency name of a neighbor or relative, please write a note to the school or enter it into InfoSnap. Then our office files may be kept up-to-date in case of any emergency.

 

Field Trips

The school encourages field trips as a means of helping enrich students’ knowledge about the world in which they live and to reinforce curricula taught in school.  Before each trip, permission slips will be sent home to parents. These are to be signed and returned to the school before a student will be allowed to go on a trip.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to sign-up as chaperones for your child’s trips.  Because chaperones are responsible for supervising a group of students, we ask that siblings do not attend school-sponsored trips.  All parents/guardians who wish to chaperone will need to be approved through the SAU and fingerprinted.

 

Health Education

Health is taught as part of the 4th, 5th and 6th grade curriculum.The district’s elementary health teacher travels to each school for one day during the whole year.  Topics such as nutrition, safety, first aid, growth and development, disease process and prevention, consumer health and substance use and abuse are taught in an age appropriate, sequential format.

 

Interim Reports/Report Cards/Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are scheduled each fall at the end of the first marking period. Interim reports are prepared each trimester half way through each marking period. Conferences for the 2020 – 2021 school year will be on November 8th and 9th or at the convenience of the parents and classroom teacher after the close of the 1st trimester. 

 

Library/Media Center

All students have access to a wide variety of books, magazines, and various non-print media for study, enjoyment and research in our Library/Media Center.  Most books may be checked out for a two-week period. Use of some reference books and non-print materials may be restricted to the library or for use within the building.  Please responsibly care for and promptly return all books and materials borrowed so that others may also use and enjoy them.

 

Students are also encouraged to borrow books from the Tuftonboro Free Library, 569-4256, and to visit this family resource regularly.  

 

Newsletter

A monthly newsletter including classroom news, community information, and calendar will be on our school website. If you would prefer a paper copy, please contact the office.

 

Open House

The Open House for the 2022 – 2023 school year will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022.  More information will be sent home.

 

Parent, Teacher, and Community Organization (PTCO)

Our PTCO is composed of parents, teachers, community members, and administrators working together in support of student programs and activities.  They meet on a recurring day each month, September through June.  Please contact the TCS PTCO for more information at tcsptco@gmail.com.

 

School Pictures

Student pictures will be taken in the fall.  More information will follow on the exact date of this year’s picture day.

 

VIDEO AND AUDIO SURVEILLANCE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

The GWRSD Board authorizes the use of video and/or surveillance on District property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to District property and to safeguard District buildings, grounds, and equipment.  The Superintendent will approve appropriate locations for surveillance devices.

 

Video cameras may be used on school buses to monitor student behavior. Audio recordings in conjunction with video recordings may also be captured on school buses, in accordance with the provisions of RSA 570-A:2.  The Superintendent shall ensure that there is a sign informing the occupants of school buses that such recordings are occurring.

 

Visitors

Visitors are always welcome at the school.  Visitors must sign in at the office. Our intentions are to keep the school a safe place of uninterrupted learning.

 

HOMEWORK

Homework is a constructive tool in the teaching/learning process when geared to the needs and abilities of students. Purposeful assignments not only enhance student achievement, but also develop self-discipline and associated good work habits. As an extension of the classroom, homework must be planned, organized, purposeful, and should provide feedback to students in a timely manner.

 

Teachers may give homework to students to aid in the student's educational development. Teachers may assign homework as part of their curriculum. [If homework is to be used by teachers as part of a student's grade, the teacher will explain to students how such homework assignments relate to the evaluation of their performance.] Homework should be an application or extension of a classroom experience, and should not be assigned for disciplinary purposes (Governor Wentworth Regional School District Homework Policy, IKB).

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM 

Breakfast, lunch, and milk are available at each school in the Governor Wentworth Regional School District (GWRSD). The menu can be found on each school website by clicking on the parent link. Please prepay for all lunches, breakfasts, and milks. 

 

Information on free/reduced meals will be sent home with students. Please send the forms back to the school, and they will be forwarded to the director. Any child approved for either free or reduced meals is eligible for both breakfast and lunch; however, this does not include extra milk. If a student who is eligible for free or reduced lunch brings his/her own lunch, the student is charged for the milk. 

 

Please note: If you are experiencing financial hardship, the District does participate in the National Free & Reduced Lunch and Breakfast program. You may apply at any point during the year. Applications are available at the school office or online from each school website. You may also go directly to https://www.myschoolapps.com.

 

 

Meal Charge Procedure – Parents are responsible for providing their children with lunch money or to provide a packed lunch from home. Parents are encouraged to put money “on account” for each of their children in the district. This can be done directly through the MySchoolBucks website or by sending a check to the food service. 

 

Collection of funds – The procedures for meal charging, which is discouraged, are set in place by the district. They are intended to outline the parameters of charges for school meals and to set a process for collection of funds owed to the district when extenuating circumstances exist and a balance is owed. Parents/Guardians of students will be alerted of a negative balance once a student’s account is overdue by five days, or is over $10. If not collected at that point, the debt is delinquent. At this point, notification to parent/guardians will be sent requesting immediate payment. If the debt is not paid after letters are mailed, the principal and/or Food Service Director will contact the parent/guardian to seek payment. If the debt is not paid by the end of the current fiscal year (June 30th), the food service account must be made whole by the school district by the end of the following fiscal year. However, the family still remains responsible for the debt. Therefore, please be sure to take care of any outstanding charges immediately. 

 

MySchoolBucks – makes paying for school lunches easy! With MySchoolBucks, the service is easy-to-use, convenient, private, and secure. Simply go to www.MySchoolbucks.com

 to enroll and start using the site to deposit funds into your child’s lunch account. Once the account is established, you can check balances and fund the account any time from your home computer or phone. Your personal and card payment information is protected by the most advanced Internet security. You may log into PowerSchool to obtain your child’s District ID#, or feel free to call the Food Service Office at 569-2433. If you have any other questions, or wish to receive an update on your child(ren)’s breakfast/lunch balance, feel free to contact your building principal or Karen Michalski, Food Service Director, at  603-569-2433.

 

 

Emergency Cards

The information requested on the emergency cards is indispensable to the school in providing for your child in the event of an emergency situation, illness, or an accident.  Please complete both sides, sign, and promptly return it to school on the second day of classes.

 

Physical Examination & Immunizations

State law and School Board Policy require the parents of children entering the school system to present evidence of a complete physical examination which has been performed within the previous 12 months. Mail or fax updated physicals to the school each year.

 

All new students entering the school system must, prior to entrance, present a certificate stating that they have had the required immunizations or that they are currently undertaking a program according to NH Law, following current recommendations of the State Public Health Agency.  NH State Law requires:

 

Varicella	K – 5 2 Doses	6th Grade 2 Doses
DTaP, DT/DTP, Td/Tdap	6 years & under: 4 or 5 with the last dose given on or after 4th birthday 7 and older: 3 or 4 with the last dose given on or after 4th birthday 11 and older: a one time Tdap when more than 5 years have passed since the last tetanus toxoid containing vaccine, if a child turns 11 on or after the 1st day of school, they are required to have Tdap prior to the first day of the next school year
Polio	K – 2 : 3-4 with one dose after age 4, last 2 separated by 6 months Grades 3 - 6: 3 doses with the last dose given on or after 4th birthday or 4 doses regardless of age at administration
MMR	Grades K – 6: 2 required at least 1 at or after 12 months of age
Hepatitis B	Grades K – 6: 3 doses at acceptable intervals

 

Forms to be completed by the physician regarding exams and immunizations are available from the schools in the District or can be found on the GWRSD website under the Family Resources tab. Notice from the Superintendent, or a five-day exclusion, will be issued to parents for those children who have not met the above requirements.

 

Screening for vision, hearing, and scoliosis (curvature of the spine) are carried out during the school year at various grade levels. Referral notices will be sent home if screening results indicate a possible concern. Students will also be routinely checked for pediculosis (head lice). If a student has been diagnosed with pediculosis, they must be re-checked by the school nurse before riding the school bus.

 

Medication

When a pupil is required to take medication prescribed by a physician during the school day, the parent or guardian must present:

• A written statement from the prescribing physician, detailing the dosage method, schedule and possible side effects.

• A written authorized request from the parent or guardian permitting the school to assist the pupil in the manner set forth in the physician’s statement, including a hold harmless release signed by the parent or guardian.  Forms may be obtained from the schools.

• The medication must be in a container properly labeled from the pharmacy with the student’s name, the date of the prescription, name and strength of medication and directions for taking.The medication should be delivered directly to the school nurse, principal, or teacher by the parent/guardian.

• Over-the-counter medications to be administered in school also require written parental authorization.

• Any student requiring an inhaler or EpiPen should leave one in the health office in case of an emergency.

 

Concussion and Head Injuries

 

The School Board recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The Board acknowledges the risk of catastrophic injuries or death is significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed. The Board recognizes that the majority of concussions will occur in "contact" or "collisions" sports. However, in order to ensure the safety of all District student-athletes, this policy will apply to all interscholastic sports.

 

Consistent with the National Federation of High School (NFHS) and the New Hampshire

Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), the District will utilize recommended

guidelines, procedures and other pertinent information to inform and educate coaches,

student-athletes, and parents/guardians of the nature and risk of concussions or head

injuries, including the dangers associated with continuing to play after a concussion or head injury.

 

Annually, a concussion and head injury information sheet shall be distributed to the student- athlete and the athlete's parent/guardian prior to the student-athlete's initial practice or competition. This information sheet will be incorporated into the parent permission sheet that allows students to participate in extracurricular athletics as well as incorporated into athletic registration for interscholastic sports.

 

For purposes of this policy, "student-athlete" means a student involved in any intramural

sports program conducted outside the regular teaching day or competitive student sports program between schools in grades 7 through 12, including all NHIAA sanctioned activities, including cheer/dance squads, or any other district-sponsored sports or activities as determined by the board or administration.

 

All coaches of students in grades 7-12, including volunteers, will complete training in

concussion management as recommended and/or required by NHIAA, and/or other

pertinent organizations. Additionally, all coaches of competitive sport activities will comply with NHIAA recommended procedures for the management of head injuries and

concussions.

 

Suicide Prevention and Response

Protecting the health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance to the school district. The school board has adopted a suicide prevention policy which will help to protect all students through the following steps: 

 

• Students will learn about recognizing and responding to warning signs of suicide in friends, using coping skills, support systems, and seeking help for themselves and friends. This curricular content will occur in all health classes throughout the school year, not just in response to a suicide, and the encouragement of help-seeking behavior will be promoted at all levels of the school leadership and stakeholders

• Each school or district will designate a suicide prevention coordinator to serve as a point of contact for students in crisis and to refer students to appropriate resources 

• When a student is identified as being at-risk, a risk assessment will be completed by a trained school staff member who will work with the student and help connect the student to appropriate local resources 

• Students will have access to national resources that they can contact for additional support, such as: — 

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) suicidepreventionlifeline.org 

  • The Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now — Trevor Lifeline Text/Chat Services, available 24/7 Text “TREVOR” to 678-678

  • Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 crisistextline.org 

 

All school personnel and students will be expected to help create a school culture of respect and support, in which students feel comfortable seeking help for themselves or friends. Students are encouraged to tell any staff member if they or a friend are feeling suicidal, or are in need of help. 

 

While confidentiality and privacy are important, students should know that when there is risk of suicide, safety comes first. 

 

For a more detailed review of policy changes, please see the district’s full suicide prevention policy.

 

Athletic Director or Administrator in Charge of Athletic Duties

Updating: Annually, the athletic director or designee shall review any changes that have

been made in procedures required for concussion and concussion management by

consulting with the NHIAA or other relevant professionals (i.e. physician) or organizations, if applicable. If there are any updated procedures, they will be adopted and used for the upcoming school year.

Coach's Responsibility: A student-athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall be immediately removed from play, and referred to the appropriate medical provider.

 

Administrative Responsibilities: The Superintendent or his/her designee will keep abreast of changes in standards regarding concussion and concussion management, explore staff in professional development programs relative to concussions, and will explore other areas of education, training and programs.

 

Removal from Play and Protocol For Return To Play

Any coach, official, or health care provider who suspects that a student-athlete has

sustained a concussion or head injury in a practice or game shall immediately remove the student-athlete from play. A student-athlete who has been removed from play shall not return to play until he/she is evaluated by a health care provider and receives medical clearance and/or written authorization from that health care provider to return to play. The student-athlete shall also present written permission from a parent/guardian to return to play if not returned on the same day.

 

The District may limit a student-athlete’s participation due to number of concussions,

severity of injury, etc.

 

Concussion Awareness and Education

To the extent possible, the District will implement concussion awareness and education into physical education and/or health education curriculum.

 

Academic Issues in Concussed Students

In the event a student is concussed, regardless of whether the concussion was a result of a school-related or non-school-related activity, school district staff should be mindful that the concussion may affect the student's ability to learn. In the event a student has a

concussion, that student's teachers will be notified and “Return to Learn” guidance may be offered by the school. Teachers should report to the school nurse if the student appears to have any difficulty with academic tasks that the teacher believes may be related to the concussion. The school nurse will notify the student's parents and treating health care

provider, as appropriate. Administrators and district staff will work to establish a protocol

and course of action to ensure the student is able to maintain his/her academic

responsibilities while recovering from the concussion.

Section 504 accommodations may be developed in accordance with applicable law and

board policies.

 

STUDENT WELLNESS ACTIVITY

 

Introduction

The Governor Wentworth Regional School District (the District) recognizes the

importance of promoting the physical well-being of students and staff. Scientific

research indicates a positive relationship between adequate nutrition and physical

activity as they relate to academic success. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity

can place students at a higher risk for diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and other

health ailments. Federal and state laws mandate that school districts provide students

with healthy food choices while in school, whether the students are obtaining food

and/or beverages from the Food Service Program, school stores, vending machines,

snack bars, fundraisers, or other sources.

 

The District will provide students and families with educational opportunities regarding

healthy choices in nutrition. Educational opportunities will include formal academic

instruction in health, physical education, family and consumer science and science

classes. Other opportunities could include individual counseling by school nursing

personnel, dietary direction by athletic coaches and an explanation of food choices

provided by the school food service. While healthy food choices brought from home are

encouraged, food for individual consumption is excluded from this policy.

 

An assessment on the implementation of this policy will be completed every three

years, and will include a summary of adherence to the policy as well as progress in

attaining the nutrition and wellness goals set forth by the District.

 

Nutrition

All foods available during the school day will meet or exceed the district's nutrition

standards, as required by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010. Such

offerings will meet or exceed the regulations and guidance issued by the US Secretary

of Agriculture as applicable to schools. Schools in the district will offer food choices that

are nutrient dense per calorie, have low fat and low sugar content, are of a moderate

portion size, and include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Foods should be served with

consideration toward variety, appeal, taste, safety and packaging to ensure that

students will participate in consuming high quality meals. Students shall be provided

with adequate time to consume meals in accordance with the New Hampshire

Department of Education Minimum Standards Section 306.11. During the school day,

the New Hampshire School Nutrition Guidelines will apply to the school lunch and

breakfast programs, all food and beverages sold in vending machines, school stores,

classroom parties/celebrations, communal snacks, meetings, fundraising activities that

exceed the three allowable exemptions per school, or any school sponsored activities

on school grounds. When the Culinary Arts program is selling or providing food to the

community at the Lakes Region Technology Center, it is exempt from this policy (USDA

memo dated April 22, 2014; code SP 40-2014).

 

Nutrition Goals

The District Food Service Department will strive to:

1. Enhance the online menu to allow individuals to click on each item to

receive the nutrition and allergy information

 

Each school will strive to:

1. Promote healthy food and beverage choices through health education

2. Ensure that any promotional materials for food or beverages meet the

criteria of this policy

 

Physical Activity

The purpose of the District’s physical activity policy is to promote daily participation in

physical activity for all students. The goal is to promote and maintain physical fitness

and to provide students with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to

understand the short and long term benefits of physical activity. Physical activities

offered may include, but are not limited to, recess periods, physical education classes,

walking programs, the integration of physical activities into the academic curriculum and

after-school programs, including intramurals, interscholastic athletics, and physical

activity clubs.

 

The District recognizes that sixty (60) minutes of moderate to vigorous daily exercise is

a reasonable goal for students. The goal may be accomplished through a combination

of the following:

 

1. A sequential physical education program;

 

2. Time in the elementary school day for supervised recess with physical

activities encouraged;

 

3. Opportunities and encouragement for students to initiate and voluntarily

participate in before- and after-school physical activity or programs, such as

intramurals, clubs, etc.; and

 

4. School support for community recreation, youth sports programs, and

agencies that complement physical activity programs.

 

Wellness Committee

The District shall establish a District Wellness Committee (DWC) with representation

from parents, students (at grade levels where appropriate), food service, the school

board, building administration, school nurses, classroom teachers, and health/physical

education teachers that will meet monthly and report to the administration and school

board as appropriate.

 

At the last meeting of each year, a review of this policy will take place and feedback

from all stakeholders will be considered for any necessary revisions.

 

The assistant superintendent, as a member of the DWC, will monitor compliance with

all nutrition, wellness, and physical activity components of this policy. The DWC will

publicize activities, events, and programs that support healthy lifestyle, nutrition

education, and physical activity. These activities could include, but are not limited to:

 

1. Quarterly outreach to parents/guardians that provides tips for living healthy,

active, and nutritionally sound lifestyles through websites, school newsletters,

etc.;

 

2. Providing resources and programs that provide parents/guardians with

strategies to support their children;

 

3. Adopting a student reporting system, such as the Fitnessgram Program, that

annually illustrates a student’s physical growth and is practiced in all physical

education classes and serves as the tracking mechanism to monitor student

growth and progress;

 

4. Ensuring that student/parent/guardian handbooks contain specific reference

to this policy; and

 

5. Developing and sharing a list of healthy snacks and party ideas.

Safe School Zone

 

It is the policy of the GWRSD to provide students with an environment that is free of the problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse.  Alcohol and drug abuse is inconsistent with the behavior expected of our students.

 

Any student found selling, giving, possessing, or having used alcohol or any controlled drug or look-alike drugs or being under the influence of anywhere on district property or at school functions shall be liable for suspension and expulsion.

 

Drug-free school zone signs have been posted to mark the boundaries of an area within 1000 feet of school property.  These signs are intended to deter sellers and/or drug users and remind the community of our commitment to combat drug abuse.

 

Please review the school board policy with regard to alcohol, drug, and tobacco use below:

 

Smoking/Tobacco Products

To promote further health and safety of all students and staff and to promote the cleanliness of all facilities, the Board bans the use of all tobacco products in all school buildings in the district, on all school vehicles by all persons, including students, at all times, and on the grounds of any public educational facility. Tobacco products mean cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smokeless tobacco, products containing tobacco, vaporizers, and tobacco in any other form.

 

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE BY STUDENTS

Any student found selling, giving, possessing or having used alcohol or any controlled drug or look-alike drugs or being under the influence thereof anywhere on school district property, in any district owned vehicle, or in any other district-approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities shall be liable for suspension and/or expulsion following the completion of investigation and consultation with parents or guardians. Look-alike drugs means any substance other than a controlled substance or prescription drug, or combination of such substances which is marketed, sold, or distributed to encourage recreational drug use or abuse or any similar non-medical use and 

 

1. by representation or appearance (including color, shape, size, and markings) would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is a controlled substance; or

2. purports to act, either alone or in multiple doses, or in combination with a substance or substances, like a controlled substance, whether stimulant or depressant as defined in the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812 (c) or RSA 318-b, controlled Drug Act.

 

The use, sale, transfer, or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also prohibited. Students may be in possession of medication as detailed in Policy JLCD.  Searches of persons reasonably suspected to be in violation of this policy will be conducted in accordance with Policy JIH.  Any student who is found by the administration to be in violation of this policy shall be referred for prosecution and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion.

 

Tuftonboro Central School Behavior Code

All school citizens are expected to:

• Be respectful and courteous to adults and schoolmates

• Properly use public property

• Use the property of others only with permission

• Follow specific rules and requests of staff, volunteers, and bus drivers

• Be kind and polite to others in action and speech

• Take responsibility for actions and words

• Be honest and truthful

“School” includes in the building, on the field, playground, school buses, bus stops and field trips.

Please see the Policies and Procedures Section for the full Student Conduct Policy below:

 

LEVEL I	Misbehavior that interferes with the orderly operations of the school.
OFFENSES (Examples)	CONSEQUENCES (Probable)
Late to school                       Being tardy to class           Repeated failure to bring in note for absences                         Throwing food, snowballs, or other inappropriate objects           Running in the halls            Littering            Transporting students off campus in a vehicle without permission while school is in session Being in off-limits areas Being in the halls without permission Leaving food at cafeteria table Using the bathroom facilities inappropriately Using a phone without permission	Warning  publications/notices/posting of rules student      assembly  verbal discussion  student-teacher conference student-team conference time out loss of privileges apology parental notifications

            

 

LEVEL II	Serious misbehavior or frequently repeated Level I offenses
OFFENSES (Examples)	CONSEQUENCES (Probable)
Language or gestures which are rude, disrespectful, vulgar, or disruptive to the          educational process Disobeying a reasonable request Disobedient/disrespectful behavior Cheating Forging notes, passes, signatures, official Lying to a staff member Stealing school or personal property Harming school or personal property Being truant or excessively absent without cause Leaving school grounds without permission Pushing, hitting, tripping, shoving Possession of matches, lighters, etc. Cutting class Failure to attend a detention Causing a disruption to the educational process Repetition of Level I offenses	Parental notification Detention Search and confiscation Loss of academic credit Restitution Administrative referral Conference In-school suspension Out-of-school suspension   NOTE: Consequences for offenses at this level may include any of the Level I or Level II consequences

 

LEVEL III	Illegal or dangerous behaviors
OFFENSES (Examples)	CONSEQUENCES (Probable)
Possession, sale, passing on or use of an illegal, the substance or apparatus         Possession of dangerous objects in school, on school property or in school vehicles           Smoking Violence against self or another person Possession of firearms Setting off a fire alarm Calling in a bomb threat Violation of good driver safety on school grounds Intimidation, harassment, bullying, threats Robbery, theft             Sexual harassment  Purposeful destruction of school or personal property Fighting, assault Arson Repetition of Level II offenses	In matters that violate the Safe School, the police must be notified. Otherwise, the administrator may exercise discretion asking for assistance in investigating a crime.   suspension extended suspension board review retention expulsion   NOTE:   Consequences for offenses at this level may include any of the Level II or Level III consequences. Students found in possession of a firearm must be expelled for 12 months.

            

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process

The GWRSD endorses the following principles of student conduct:

1. Respect for the law and those given authority to administer it shall be expected of all students. This includes conformity to school rules as well as to general provisions of the law regarding minors.

2. Respect for the rights of others, consideration of their privileges and cooperative citizenship shall be expected of all members of the school community.

3. Respect for the real and personal property, pride in one’s work and exemplary personal standards of courtesy, decency, honesty and wholesome attitudes shall be maintained.

4. Respect for individual worth and diversity is the obligation of the school community.  Diligence and a desire to benefit from the opportunity is the obligation of the student.

The Board expects student conduct to contribute to a productive learning climate. Individual rights are to be honored and protected in all instances; however, the rights of one individual shall not take precedence over those of another individual or the group itself and all students shall have equal rights and equal responsibilities in the classroom or at any school-sponsored activity. Due process shall be afforded to any student involved in a proceeding that may result in suspension, exclusion, or expulsion. Students expelled from school may be reinstated by the Board under the provisions of RSA 193:13. The Superintendent may modify expulsion requirements as provided by RSA 193:14, IV.  In addition, the District shall comply with the provisions of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act when disciplining students.

Please see Policies and Procedures Section for complete Student Conduct, Discipline and Due Process Policy below: 

 

STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE, AND DUE PROCESS, cont:

   It is the policy of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District that all school buildings, premises, bus stops and routes and associated areas shall be safe environments for students, free of danger posed by the presence of weapons or conduct that threatens harm by means of weapons or objects used as weapons. It is the District’s policy that the provisions of RSA 193-D:2, the “Safe School Zone Act,” will be carried out in all respects. 

 

I. DEFINITIONS:

1. Expulsion means the permanent denial of a pupil’s attendance for the reasons listed in RSA 193:13, I, II, III.

2. “Weapon” means (1) a firearm [as defined in section 921 of Title 18 of the US Code], to include a pellet or BB gun; (2) any object prohibited, licensed, or regulated under RSA 159; (3) a knife and/or any other substance or object which, in the manner it is used, intended to be used, or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of producing serious injury.

3. “Gross misconduct” means an act or acts which (1) results in violence to another’s person or property; or (2) poses a direct threat to the safety of others in a safe school zone; or (3) is identified in RSA 193-D:1, I; or (4) involves repeated instances of misconduct or inappropriate behavior for which the pupil has been previously warned or disciplined.

4. “Neglect” in the context of RSA 193:13, I and II means the failure of a pupil to pay attention to an announced, posted or printed school rule.

5. “Possession” shall include, but not be limited to, having control over a weapon during any part of a school day or during any part of a school-related activity, including transporting the weapon to school or to a school-related activity, and storage of the weapon anywhere on school premises. Possession is also deemed to include doing any other act whereby the actor knowingly contributes to causing a weapon to be on school premises or contributes to causing use of a weapon on school premises.

6. “Pupil” means a child through age 21 in attendance at a school during the school day.  (If the pupil is age 18 or older and not under guardianship, the written notices required below to be issued to a parent shall issue instead only to the pupil and, further, all consents or decisions required in the suspension or expulsion process will issue from the pupil.)

7. “Refusal”, in the context of RSA 193:13, I and II means the willful defiance of a pupil to comply with an announced, posted, or printed school rule.

8. “Safe school zone” means “safe school zone: as defined in RSA 193-D:I, II.

9.  “School day” shall include not only the instructional portion of the day, but may also include travel to and from school or a school-related activity, as well as the time spent as a participant or spectator at a school-related activity.

10. “School premises” shall include the school and surrounding school property, including, without limitations, parking areas, athletic fields and playgrounds; school busses or other vehicles furnished by the District or its agents for transportation to or from school or a school-related activity; school bus stops; and/or those premises and surroundings being used for a school-related activity.  For purposes of this procedure and without intending to interfere with the rights and duties of the police and/or private property owners, school premises shall also be deemed to include streets and exterior property in the school neighborhood during the course of travel to and from school or a school-related activity.

11. “Superintendent” means the school superintendent or in the absence of the superintendent, the assistant superintendent or a representative designated in writing as authorized under RSA 193:13, I.

12. “Suspension” means the temporary denial of a student’s attendance at school for a specific period of time for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to announced, posted, or printed school rules.

13. “School employee” means any school administrator, teacher, or other employee of any GWRSD school or School Administrative Unit #49 or any person providing or performing continuing contract services for the school district.

14. “Day” with respect to the number of days, shall refer to school days, unless there is specific reference to “calendar” days.

 

II STANDARD FOR EXPULSION BY THE SCHOOL BOARD:

a.  If the School Board expels a student, it shall state in writing the act or acts leading to the expulsion, which may include the following:

1. Homicide under RSA 630;

2. Assault: any first or second degree assault under RSA 631; any simple assault under RSA 631:2-a.

3. Any felonious or aggravated felonious sexual assault under RSA 623-A;

4. Criminal mischief under RSA 634:2;

5. Unlawful possession or sale of a firearm or weapon as defined in JICD-R, I-b

6. Arson under RSA 634:1;

7. Burglary under RSA 635;

8. Robbery under RSA 636;

9. Theft under RSA 637;

10. Illegal sale or possession of a controlled drug under RSA 318-B;

11. Gross misconduct or neglect or refusal to conform to the reasonable rules of the school under RSA 193:13, II;

12. Possession of a pellet or BB gun or rifle under RSA 193:13, II.

   Any pupil who brings or possesses a firearm in a safe school zone without written authorization from the superintendent or designee shall be expelled from school by the School Board for a period of not less than 12 months.

 

III DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

   There shall be the following levels of discipline available to school officials in enforcing RSA 193:13 and/or RSA 193-D relative to the suspension and expulsion of pupils.

1.  A short-term suspension is not to exceed 10 days. The Board designates that the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and each Principal and Assistant Principal shall have authority to issue a 10-day short-term suspension. The Board designates that the Student Coordinators shall have authority to issue a 5-day short-term suspension.

2. A long-term suspension is the extension of a short-term suspension for an additional 10 days. Following a hearing, the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent for the GWRSD shall have the authority to extend a short-term suspension to a total of 20 days.  This hearing shall be conducted and the decision shall be issued by a different administrator than the administrator who suspended the pupil for the first ten days.

3. Any expulsion by the school board for a period determined in writing by the board under RSA 193:13, II.  An expulsion by the School Board whereby conditions are established for reinstatement.  An expelled student has the right to request a review of the expulsion prior to the start of each school year. A request for review should be directed by the pupil to the Superintendent and should be received by the Superintendent before the beginning of the next school year. The request shall set forth each and all reasons why the pupil’s right to attend school should be reinstated. Of particular importance would necessarily be such information as might convince school authorities that the conduct which led to the expulsion would not be repeated. The Superintendent or designee shall direct a written recommendation to the Board with a copy to the pupil. The expulsion may be continued; the pupil may be reinstated without conditions; or the pupil may be required to meet certain conditions prior to reinstatement.  A code of conduct and consequences may be established for reinstated pupils that are stricter than for the general student population.

4. An indefinite expulsion by the School Board whereby no conditions are established for reinstatement. However, the student has the right to request a review of the expulsion prior to the start of the school year.

   Due process in disciplinary proceedings shall include, at a minimum, the following:

   1.  In a short-term suspension of a pupil:

        a.  The pupil shall be informed of the purpose of the meeting.

2. At or before the meeting, oral and/or written explanation of the evidence against the pupil shall be provided to the pupil.

3. The pupil shall be provided an opportunity to present his/her side of the story.

 d.    Written notice shall be issued to the pupil and at least one of the pupil’s parents or   

       guardian explaining any disciplinary action taken against the student.

5. A short-term suspension may be appealed to the school board under RSA 193:13, I.         

   2.  In a long-term suspension of a pupil:                              

        a.  Written communication shall be issued to the pupil and at least one of the pupil’s 

parents or guardians, delivered in person or by mail to the pupil’s last known address, of 

the charges and evidence against the pupil;

        b.  The superintendent’s written or oral recommendation for student action to correct the 

discipline problem;

        c.  A full and fair hearing, including the right to be represented by counsel; the right to 

object, cross examine and introduce evidence; the right to have the proceedings 

recorded or transcribed, the statutory right of appeal.

        d.  A written decision which includes the legal and factual basis for the conclusion that the pupil should be suspended;

6. Within 10 calendar days of the decision, this decision may be appealed to the state board. If the hearing was conducted by the school board’s designee, the decision may be appealed to the school board; if the hearing was held by the School Board, the decision may be appealed to the state board. The Board may or may not stay the suspension while the appeal is pending. The Board reserves the right to issue a decision without hearing any evidence or all proffered evidence, but may instead rely upon the record as it has been developed during the suspension process.

   3.  In an expulsion held by the school board, due process shall include the following minimal 

        requirements:

1. A formal hearing shall be held before any expulsion;

2. Such hearing may be held either before or after the short-term suspension had expired for expulsions under RSD 193:13 II, but shall be held before the short-term suspension has expired for expulsions under RSD 193:13 III;

3. If the hearing is held after the expiration of a short-term suspension, the pupil shall be entitled to return to school after the short-term suspension has expired and pending the expulsion hearing. The School Board reserves the right to deny a request for postponement of a scheduled hearing if the request for postponement is objected to by either the pupil or the administration recommending expulsion.

4. The school board shall provide written notice to the pupil and at least one of the pupil’s parents or guardians delivered in person or by mail to the pupil’s last known address, of the date, time and place for a hearing before the board;

5. The written notice required by (d) above shall include: a written statement of the charges and the nature of the evidence against the pupil; the superintendent’s written recommendation for school board action and a description of the process used by the superintendent to reach her/his recommendation; this notice shall be delivered to the pupil and at least one of the pupil’s parents or guardians at least 5 days prior to the hearing;

6. The following hearing procedures shall apply: the pupil together with a parent or guardian, may waive the right to a hearing and admit to the charges made by the superintendent; if the pupil is 18 years of age or older, the concurrence of a parent or guardian shall be unnecessary unless the pupil is subject to guardianship which would prevent the pupil from waiving the right to a hearing; formal rules of evidence shall not be applicable, however, school officials shall present evidence in support of the charge(s) and the accused pupil or her/his parent or guardian shall have the opportunity to present any defense or reply; in accordance with GWRSD policy JIC, all hearings involving student discipline shall be brought before the Board in non-public session; and during the hearing, the pupil and/or parent or counsel representing the pupil, shall have the right to examine any and all witnesses.

7. The decision of the school board shall be based on a dispassionate and fair consideration of substantial evidence that the accused pupil committed the act for which expulsion is to be imposed and that such acts are, in fact, a proper reason for expulsion;

8. The decision shall state whether the student is expelled and the length of the expulsion.  If the decision is to expel the pupil, the decision shall include the legal and factual basis for the decision;

9. A statement of the time period for which the student is expelled and any action the student may take to be restored by the board

10. A decision shall include a statement that the pupil has the right to appeal the decision to the state board of education.

   All appeals to the state board allowed under RSA 193:13, II or III shall be filed within 20 calendar days of the receipt of the written decision of the local school board and shall be in accordance with RSA 541-A and Ed 200.

   In all cases, appropriate adjustments shall be made to account for the age and grade level of the pupil being disciplined.

 

IV NOTIFICATION OF STUDENTS

   In accordance with RSA 193:13 the following notification procedures will be followed:

1. The student handbooks for all school pupils shall contain a summary of RSA 193:13 and a summary of this policy. Copies of the statutes and this policy shall be available in the principal’s office. Notice of this policy and the location of copies shall be displayed in a prominent place on each school’s notice board.

2. Summaries of the policy will be given to teachers 

3. Copies of the statutes and school policy will be given to any student being disciplined pursuant to its terms.

 

V WAIVERS, APPEALS AND REVIEWS

  In accordance with RSA 193:13 the following waiver, appeal and review procedures shall be followed:

1. In the case of short or long-term suspension by the superintendent, the appeal rights shall be contained in RSA 193:13, I;

2. In the case of expulsion pursuant to RSA 193:13, I, II and this policy, written application may be made to the board through the superintendent’s office before the beginning of each school year. The application shall contain a statement in the pupil’s own words explaining why he/she should be considered for readmission. The application shall be accompanied by at least one recommendation from a member of the community, such as a counselor, minister or employer who has observed the pupil’s behavior during the period of expulsion.  The application shall also be accompanied by the superintendent’s and building administrator’s recommendation to the board, which may include conditions for phased readmission;

3. The superintendent may, upon written application of an expelled pupil and on a case-by-case basis, recommend to the board modification of such expulsion.  Prior to consenting to such modification, the pupil shall be required to submit to the superintendent sufficient evidence in the form of letters, work history or other documents or testimony demonstrating that it is in the school’s best interests and the pupil’s interests to allow a modification. In making such a decision, due regard will be given to other pupils and staff whose safety and well being shall be of paramount importance.

 

VI REPORTING PROCEDURES

1. In accordance with RSA 193-D:4, each written report by a supervisor to the principal relating to an act of theft, destruction or violence in a safe school zone shall be on standardized form Ed 317.

2. Form ED 317 shall contain all the statutory information required by RSA 193-D:4, including a specific citation to the law listed in RSA 193-D:1, I, which has been violated, and shall include as an attachment a copy of the memorandum required by RSA 193-D:4, I(c).

3. Form #ED 317 shall be completed and filed with the Commissioner of Education on or before June 30 of each school year

 

VII STUDENT WITH AN EDUCATIONAL DISABILITY

1. Any suspension or expulsion of a student with an educational disability as defined in Ed 1102.31 shall be in accordance with Ed 1119.11;

2. If, under the provisions of Ed 1119.11(c), the special education placement team determines that the behavior leading to the suspension or expulsion is not a direct result of the student’s educational disability, Sections Ed 327.01 through Ed 317.05 shall apply;

 

3. In the case of a student with an educational disability who is determined to have brought a firearm or other dangerous weapon into a safe school zone, the federal requirements of section 615(e) of Public Law 101-487 shall apply, and the student may be placed in an interim alternative education setting for the time period determined by that Public Law.

 

 

Weapons on School Property

Weapons, whether visible or concealed, are not permitted on school property, in school vehicles or at school-sponsored activities.  This policy applies to students, faculty, staff and members of the public alike.  

Please see Policies and Procedures Section for complete Weapons on School Property Policy below:

 

WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY POLICIES:

Student, faculty, and staff violations of this policy will result in both school/school district disciplinary action and notification of local law enforcement authorities. A student violation of this policy will result in immediate confiscation of the weapon and notice to the student’s parents or guardians. If the student violation involves a firearm, the police will be notified and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the mandates of RSA 193:13 III, which states that any pupil who brings or possesses a firearm in safe school zone without written authorization shall be expelled from school for a period of not less than 12 months.  This expulsion may be modified by the Superintendent upon review of the specific case in accordance with other applicable law.  Members of the public who violate this policy will be reported to local law enforcement authorities.

 

The term “weapons” includes, but is not limited to firearms (rifles, pistols, revolvers, pellet guns, BB guns, etc.), knives, slingshots, metallic knuckles, firecrackers, Billy clubs, stilettos, switchblade knives, martial arts weapons or self-defense weapons (as defined by RSE 159:24 and RSA 159:20 respectively) or any other substance, object or thing which, by appearance or function, is known, or thought to or is capable of producing death or bodily injury.

 

The superintendent of schools, or designee, shall have the authority, pursuant to RSA 193:13 III, to grant written authorization to a student or others to possess a firearm or other weapon on school property. Any such authorization shall be requested in writing; any such request by a student shall also be signed by a parent or guardian. The authorization shall be issued in advance of possession.  Any such authorization shall identify the student or others, the weapon or firearm, the purpose of the possession, and time frame(s) of the authorization. The only persons who are exempt from this policy are law enforcement personnel.

 

The school district does not discriminate on the basis of sex or other protected categories in its  education programs and activities, as required by federal and state laws/regulations. 

Discrimination against and harassment of school employees because of age, sex, gender  identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, ancestry or national origin, marital status, familial  status, physical or mental disability, religion, or genetic information are prohibited.  

Discrimination against and harassment of students because of age, sex, gender identity, sexual  orientation, race, creed, color, ancestry or national origin, marital status, familial status, physical  or mental disability, religion or economic status are prohibited. 

The Board directs the school administration to create and implement a continuing program  designed to prevent, assess the presence of, intervene in, and respond to incidents of  discrimination against all applicants, employees, students and other individuals having access  rights to school premises and activities.  

The school district has designated and authorized the Title IX Coordinator who is responsible  for ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements relating to nondiscrimination,  including sexual harassment. The Title IX Coordinator is a person with direct access to the  Superintendent.  

The school district has implemented complaint procedures for resolving complaints of  discrimination/harassment and sexual harassment under this policy. The school district  provides required notices of these complaint procedures and how they can be accessed, as  well as the school district’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and regulations to  all applicants for employment, employees, students, parents and other interested parties. 

 

Harassment of students because of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed,  color, ancestry or national origin, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability,  religion or economic status is prohibited. Such conduct is a violation of Board policy and may  constitute illegal discrimination under state and federal laws.  

School employees, fellow students, volunteers, visitors to the schools, and other persons with  whom students may interact in order to pursue or engage in education programs and activities,  are required to refrain from such conduct. 

Harassment and sexual harassment of students by school employees is considered grounds for  disciplinary action, up to and including discharge. Harassment and sexual harassment of students by other students is considered grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. The Superintendent will determine appropriate sanctions for harassment of students  by persons other than school employees and students. 

A. Harassment  

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, verbal abuse and other offensive conduct based on  of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, ancestry or national origin,  marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, religion or economic status.  Harassment that rises to the level of physical assault, battery and/or abuse and bullying  behavior are also addressed Board Policies JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety and  JICK – Bullying. 

B. Sexual Harassment 

Sexual harassment is addressed under federal and state laws/regulations. The scope and  definitions of sexual harassment under these laws differ, as described below.  

1. Title IX Sexual Harassment 

Under the federal Title IX regulations, sexual harassment includes the following conduct on the  basis of sex which takes place within the context of the school district’s education programs and  activities: 

a. “Quid pro quo” sexual harassment by a school employee: Conditioning a school aid,  benefit or service (such as a better grade or a college recommendation) on an  individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct; 

b. “Hostile environment” sexual harassment: Unwelcome conduct based on sex that a  reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive  that it effectively denies an individual’s equal access to the school unit’s education  programs and activities; or 

c. Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking as these terms are  defined in federal laws.

 

2. Other Forms of Sexual Harassment  

Some forms of sexual harassment may not meet the definition under Title IX (see paragraph 1,  above) but is still prohibited under New Hampshire law.  

The District defines other forms of “sexual harassment” as unwelcome sexual advances,  requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature  in the following situations: 

a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition  of a student’s educational benefits; 

b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for  decisions on educational benefits; or 

c. Such conduct has the purpose and effect of substantially interfering with a student’s  academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. 

C. Reports and Complaints of Harassment or Sexual Harassment 

All school employees are required to report possible incidents of harassment or sexual  harassment involving students to the Title IX Coordinator. Failure to report such incidents may  result in disciplinary action. 

Students, parents/legal guardians and other individuals are strongly encouraged to report  possible incidents of harassment or sexual harassment involving students to the Title IX  Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator is also available to answer questions and provide  assistance to any individual who is unsure whether harassment or sexual harassment has  occurred. 

All reports and complaints of harassment or sexual harassment against students shall be  addressed through the Student Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual  Harassment Procedures (ACAA-R). 

 

Bullying: Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention

   The Governor Wentworth Regional School Board is committed to providing all students a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect.

   This policy is intended to comply with RSA 193-F, which specifically identifies “Bullying” as a form of pupil harassment. Conduct constituting bullying will not be tolerated, and is prohibited by the policy, in accordance with RSA 193-F.

   Bullying, including cyber bullying, is conduct which subjects a student to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal, or physical in nature, which is likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the student being treated in this manner.

   Students and staff shall be notified of this policy through appropriate references in students and staff handbooks, or through other reasonable means. The superintendent shall also make all contractors contracting with the district aware of this policy.

   If an investigation of a bullying incident concludes that a student engaged in bullying conduct prohibited by this policy and implementing regulations, that student shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include, but not be limited to, suspension and expulsion. Please see District Policy JICK, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention see complete policy.

 

  The District is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment. Any form of harassment using electronic devices, commonly known as “cyber bullying,” by students, staff, or third parties is prohibited and will not be tolerated in the District.  Cyber bullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, or video) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner. In addition, any communication of this form which disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.  Students and staff will refrain from using personal communication devices or district property to harass or stalk another.

 

The District will take any report of cyber bullying seriously and will investigate reports promptly.  Students are encouraged to report an incident immediately to a teacher or principal, who will take appropriate action. Students who make a report should also preserve evidence of the cyber bullying. For example, a student may save or bring a copy of an email, text message, picture or other electronic transmission that the student believes was intended to harm, insult or humiliate.

  Students, whose behavior is found to be in violation of the above, will be subject to loss of privileges, discipline, up to and including expulsion. Any perceived criminal conduct will be reported immediately to local law enforcement. Please see District Policy JICK, Pupil Safety and Violence Prevention see complete policy.

The Board has adopted these student procedures in order to provide prompt and  equitable resolution of reports and complaints of unlawful discrimination and  harassment of students, including sexual harassment, as described in policies AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Human Rights and ACAA – Harassment and  Sexual Harassment of Students.  

Complaints alleging harassment or discrimination against employees or third parties  based on a protected status should be addressed through the Board’s Employee &  Third Party Discrimination/Harassment and Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint  Procedures (ACAB-R). 

Any individual who is unsure about whether unlawful discrimination or harassment has  occurred and/or or which complaint procedure applies is encouraged to contact the Title  IX Coordinator. 

Heather R. Cummings 

Title IX Compliance Officer 

PO Box 190, 140 Pine Hill Road 

Wolfeboro Falls, New Hampshire 03896 

(603) 569-1658 

hcummings@sau49.org 

Section 1. Definitions 

For purposes of these complaint procedures, the following definitions will be used. The  Title IX Coordinator shall assess all reports and complaints to ensure that they are  addressed under the appropriate policy and complaint procedure. 

A. Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure Definitions 

1. “Discrimination or harassment”: Discrimination or harassment on the basis of an  individual’s membership in a protected category, which, for students, includes  age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, ancestry or  national origin, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, religion  or economic status are prohibited. 

2. “Discrimination”: Treating individuals differently, or interfering with or preventing  them from enjoying the advantages or privileges afforded to others because of  their membership in a protected category.

3. “Harassment”: Oral, written, graphic, electronic or physical conduct relating to an  individual’s actual or perceived membership in a protected category that is sufficiently  severe, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or limit that individual’s ability to  participate in the school district’s programs or activities by creating a hostile, intimidating  or offensive environment.  

4. Other forms of “sexual harassment”: this means unwelcome sexual advances, requests  for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in  the following situations: 

d. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition  of a student’s educational benefits; 

e. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for  decisions on educational benefits; or 

f.Such conduct has the purpose and effect of substantially interfering with a student’s  academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. 

5. “Sexual orientation”: Under New Hampshire law, this means “having or being perceived  as having an orientation for heterosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexuality.”  

6. “Gender identity”: Under New Hampshire law, this means “a person's gender-related  identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity,  appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's  physiology or assigned sex at birth.”  

7. “Complaint” is defined as an allegation that a student has been discriminated against or  harassed on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion,  ancestry, national origin or disability (and not otherwise addressed in the Title IX  regulations and Section 3 of ACAA-R).  

8. Complaints of bullying not involving the protected categories or definitions described  above may be addressed under Board Policy JICK – Bullying and Cyberbullying of  Students. 

B. Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure Definitions 

1. “Sexual Harassment”: Under the federal Title IX regulations, sexual harassment  includes the following conduct on the basis of sex which takes place within the context  of the school district’s education programs and activities: 

d. “Quid pro quo” sexual harassment by a school employee: Conditioning a school aid,  benefit or service (such as a better grade or a college recommendation) on an  individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;

e. “Hostile environment” sexual harassment: Unwelcome conduct based on sex  that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive and  objectively offensive that it effectively denies an individual’s equal access to  the school district’s education programs and activities; or 

f.Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking as these terms  are defined in federal laws. 

2. “Report”: Under the Title IX regulations, any individual may make a report of  sexual harassment involving a student, whether the individual is the alleged  victim or not. School employees are required to report possible incidents of  sexual harassment involving a student. A report must be made to the Title IX  

Coordinator. A report triggers certain actions by the Title IX Coordinator for the  alleged victim of sexual harassment, but an investigation is not conducted unless  a “Formal Complaint” (as defined below) is filed. 

3. “Formal Complaint”: Under the Title IX regulations, the alleged victim of sexual  harassment can file a written complaint that triggers the complaint procedure in  Section 3 of ACAA-R. Only a student and/or their parent/legal guardian (and in certain circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator) may file a formal complaint. 

4. “Student”: For the purposes of this procedure, a student is an individual who is enrolled or participating in the school district’s education programs and activities, or is attempting to enroll or participate. 

Section 2. Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Procedure 

This procedure should be used for any complaint of unlawful harassment or  discrimination complaint based on a protected category which does not involve Title IX  sexual harassment.  

A. How to Make A Complaint 

1. School employees are required to promptly make a report to the Title IX  Coordinator if they have reason to believe that a student has been  discriminated against or harassed. 

2. Students (and others) who believe that they, or another student has been  harassed or discriminated against should report their concern promptly to  the Title IX Coordinator, or to the building principal (who will report the  matter to the Title IX Coordinator).  

3. The individual making the report must provide basic information in writing  concerning the allegation of harassment or discrimination (i.e., date, time,  location, individual(s) who alleged engaged in harassment or discrimination, description of allegation) to the Title IX Coordinator.

4. If an individual is unsure as to whether unlawful discrimination or  harassment has occurred, or who need assistance in preparing a written  complaint, they are encouraged to discuss the matter with the Title IX  Coordinator.  

5. Individuals will not be retaliated against for reporting suspected  discrimination or harassment, or for participating in an investigation.  Retaliation is illegal under federal and state nondiscrimination laws, and  any retaliation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including  discharge for employees, and expulsion for students.  

6. Individuals are encouraged to utilize the school district’s complaint  procedure. However, individuals are hereby notified that they also have the  right to report incidents of discrimination or harassment to the New  Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, 2 Industrial Park Drive,  Concord, NH 03301, and/or to the federal Office for Civil Rights, U.S.  Department of Education, 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA  02109-3921 (telephone: 617-289-0111). 

B. Complaint Handling and Investigation 

1. The Title IX Coordinator will promptly inform the Superintendent and the  person who is the subject of the complaint (respondent) that a complaint  has been received. 

2. The Title IX Coordinator may pursue an informal resolution of the  complaint with the agreement of the parties involved. Any party to the  complaint may decide to end the informal resolution process and pursue  the formal process at any point. Any informal resolution is subject to the  approval of the parties and the Superintendent, who shall consider  whether the resolution is in the best interest of the school district and the  parties in light of the particular circumstances and applicable policies and  laws. 

3. The Title IX Coordinator may implement supportive measures to a student  to reduce the risk of further discrimination or harassment to a student  while an investigation is pending. Examples of supportive measures  include, but are not limited to ordering no contact between the individuals  involved or changing classes. 

4. The complaint will be investigated by a trained internal or external  individual designated by the Superintendent and the Title IX Coordinator.  Any complaint about an employee who holds a supervisory position shall  be investigated by a person who is not subject to that supervisor’s  authority. Any complaint about the Superintendent should be submitted to the Chair of the Board, who should consult with legal counsel concerning  the handling and investigation of the complaint. 

5. The investigator shall consult with the Title IX Coordinator as agreed  during the investigation process. 

6. The respondent will be provided with an opportunity to be heard as part of  the investigation. The complainant shall not be required to attend  meetings with the respondent, but may choose to do so as part of an  informal resolution process. 

7. The complainant and the respondent may suggest witnesses to be  interviewed and/or submit materials they believe are relevant to the  complaint. 

8. If the complaint is against an employee of the school district, any rights  conferred under an applicable collective bargaining agreement shall be  applied.  

9. Privacy rights of all parties to the complaint shall be maintained in  accordance with applicable state and federal laws. 

10.The investigation shall be completed within 40 business days of receiving  the complaint, if practicable. Reasonable extensions of time for good  reason shall be allowed.  

11.The investigator shall provide a written report and findings to the Title IX  Coordinator. 

C. Findings and Subsequent Actions 

1. The Title IX Coordinator shall consult with the Superintendent concerning  the investigation and findings. 

2. If there is a finding that discrimination or harassment occurred, the Title IX  Coordinator, in consultation with the Superintendent shall: 

i. Determine what remedial action, if any, is required to end the  discrimination or harassment, remedy its effect and prevent recurrence; and 

ii. Determine what disciplinary action should be taken against  

the individual(s) who engaged in discrimination or  

harassment, if any.

3. Inform the complainant and the respondent in writing of the results of the  investigation and its resolution (in accordance with applicable state and  federal privacy laws). 

D. Appeals 

1. After the conclusion of the investigation, the complainant or respondent may  seek an appeal of the findings solely on the basis of either: (a) prejudicial  procedural error or (b) the discovery of previously unavailable relevant  evidence that could significantly impact the outcome.  

2. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent within five  business days after receiving notice of the resolution.  

3. Upon receipt of a valid appeal, the Superintendent shall provide notice to the  other party, along with an opportunity to provide a written statement within  five business days. 

4. The Superintendent shall review the available documentation and may  conduct further investigation if deemed appropriate.  

5. The Superintendent’s decision on the appeal shall be provided to the parties  within 10 business days, if practicable. The Superintendent’s decision shall  be final.  

E. Records 

The Title IX Coordinator shall keep a written record of the complaint process.  Section 3. Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure 

This section should be used for complaints as defined in Section 1.B.1.  A. How to Make A Report  

1. School employees who have reason to believe that a student has been  subjected to sexual harassment is required to promptly make a report to the Title IX Coordinator. 

2. Students, parents/legal guardians or other individuals who believe a  student has been sexually harassed are encouraged to make a report to  the Title IX Coordinator.

3. If the individual making the report is the alleged victim, or if the alleged  victim is identified by the individual making the report, the Title IX  

Coordinator will meet with the alleged victim to discuss supportive  

measures that may be appropriate in the particular circumstances and  explain the process for filing a formal complaint. 

a. Supportive measures are individualized measures designed to  

ensure the student can continue to access educational programs  

and activities (such as requiring no contact between individuals or  

changing classes).  

b. Supportive measures may be continued even if the alleged victim  chooses not to file a formal complaint, if appropriate under the  

particular circumstances. 

4. The school district cannot provide an informal resolution process for  resolving a report unless a formal complaint is filed. 

5. Individuals will not be retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment,  or for participating in an investigation. Retaliation is illegal under federal  and state nondiscrimination laws, and any retaliation will result in  

disciplinary actions, up to and including discharge for employees, or  expulsion for students.  

6. Any student (or their parent/legal guardian) who believes they have been  the victim of sexual harassment is encouraged to utilize the school  district’s complaint procedure. However, students (and their parents/legal  guardians) are hereby notified that they also have the right to report  sexual harassment to the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights,  2 Industrial Park Drive, Concord, NH 03301 and/or to the federal Office for  Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921 (telephone: 617-289-0111). 

7. The Superintendent shall be informed of all reports and formal complaints  of sexual harassment. 

B. How to Make A Formal Complaint 

1. An alleged student victim and/or their parent/legal guardian may file a formal  written complaint requesting investigation of alleged Title IX sexual harassment.  The written complaint must include basic information concerning the allegation of  sexual harassment (i.e., date, time, location, individual(s) who allegedly engaged  in sexual harassment, description of allegation, etc.). 

Students who need assistance in preparing a formal written complaint are encouraged  to consult with the Title IX Coordinator. 

2. In certain circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator may file a formal complaint even when  the alleged victim chooses not to. Examples include if the respondent (person alleged  to have engaged in sexual harassment) has been found responsible for previous sexual  harassment or there is a safety threat within the school district. In such cases, the  alleged victim is not a party to the case, but will receive notices as required by the Title  IX regulations at specific points in the complaint process.  

3. In accordance with the Title IX regulations, the Title IX Coordinator must dismiss a  formal complaint if: a) the conduct alleged in the formal complaint does not constitute  sexual harassment under the Title IX regulations and this policy; or b) if the conduct  alleged did not occur within the scope of the school district’s education programs and  activities, or c) did not occur in the United States. 

4. In accordance with the Title IX regulations, the Title IX Coordinator may dismiss a  formal complaint if: a) a complainant withdraws the formal complaint, or withdraws  particular allegations within the complaint; b) the respondent is no longer employed by  or enrolled in the school district; or c) there are specific circumstances that prevent the  school district from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding the  formal complaint. 

5. If a formal complaint is dismissed under this procedure, the Title IX Coordinator will  promptly and simultaneously send written notices to the parties explaining the reasons.  Parties have the opportunity to appeal dismissals in accordance with subsection I below. 

6. If the conduct alleged in a formal complaint potentially violates other laws, Board policies  and/or professional expectations, the school district may address the conduct under the  applicable policy/procedure.  

C. Emergency Removal or Administrative Leave 

The Superintendent may remove a student from education programs and activities on an  emergency basis, or place an employee on administrative leave during the complaint  procedure: 

1. If there is a determination (following an individualized safety and risk analysis) that  there is an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of an individual arising  from the allegations of sexual harassment. Examples of such circumstances might  include, but are not limited to, a continued threat of violence against a complainant  by a respondent, or a respondent’s threat of self-harm due to the allegations. 

2. The respondent (and in the case of a student, their parent/legal guardian) will be  provided notice of the emergency removal or administrative leave, and will be  provided an opportunity to challenge the decision following the removal 

(this is an opportunity to be heard, not a hearing). The respondent has the  burden to demonstrate why the emergency removal or administrative leave  was unreasonable. 

3. Any such decision shall be made in compliance with any applicable disability  laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of  the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

D. Notice to Parties of Formal Complaint 

1. The Title IX Coordinator will provide to the parties written notice of the  formal complaint and allegations of sexual harassment potentially  constituting prohibited conduct under the Title IX regulations and this  procedure. The notice shall include: 

• Notice regarding the complaint procedure and the availability of an  informal resolution process; 

• Sufficient details known at the time (including identities of parties, if  known; the conduct alleged; and the date and location of the alleged  incident, if known), with sufficient time to prepare before any initial  interview (not less than five business days). 

• As required by the Title IX regulations, a statement that the 

respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged 

conduct and that a determination of responsibility will be 

made at the conclusion of the  complaint); and that the parties 

may inspect and review evidence;  

• Notice that the parties may each have an advisor of their 

choice (who  may be an attorney), and that the parties may inspect and review  evidence; 

• Notice that knowingly making false statements or submitting false  information during the complaint process is prohibited and may result in  disciplinary action; 

• Notice of the name of the investigator, with sufficient time (no 

less than  three business days) to raise concerns of conflict of interest or bias. 

2. If additional allegations become known at a later time, notice of the  additional allegations will be provided to the parties. 

3. The Title IX Coordinator will discuss supportive measures with each party  and implement such measures as appropriate.

 

E. Informal Resolution Process 

After a formal complaint has been filed, and if the Title IX Coordinator believes the  circumstances are appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator may offer the parties the  opportunity to participate in an informal resolution process to resolve the complaint  without completing the investigation and determination process. Informal resolutions  cannot be used to resolve a formal complaint where a student is the complainant and  the respondent is an employee. 

Informal resolutions can take many forms, depending on the particular case. Examples  include, but are not limited to, facilitated discussions between the parties; restorative  justice; acknowledgment of responsibility by a respondent; apologies; disciplinary  actions against a respondent or a requirement to engage in specific services; or  supportive measures. Both parties must voluntarily agree in writing to participate in an  informal resolution process, and either party can withdraw from the process at any time.  The Superintendent must agree to the terms of any informal resolution reached  between the parties. If an informal resolution agreement is reached, it must be signed  by both parties and the school district. Any such signed agreement is final and binding  according to its terms.  

If an informal resolution process does not resolve the formal complaint, nothing from  the informal resolution process may be considered as evidence in the subsequent  investigation or determination. 

F. Investigation 

1. The complaint will be investigated by a trained internal or external individual  designated by the Superintendent and Title IX Coordinator. Any complaint about  an employee who holds a supervisory position shall be investigated by a person  who is not subject to that supervisor’s authority. Any complaint about the  Superintendent should be submitted to the Chair of the Board, who should  consult with legal counsel concerning the handling and investigation of the  complaint. 

2. The investigator shall consult with the Title IX Coordinator as agreed during the  investigation process. 

3. If the complaint is against an employee of the school district, rights conferred  under an applicable collective bargaining agreement shall be applied, to the  extent they do not conflict with the Title IX regulatory requirements.  

4. Privacy rights of all parties to the complaint shall be maintained in accordance  with applicable state and federal laws. 

5. The investigator will:

a. Meet with each party after they have received appropriate notice of any  meeting and its purpose, with sufficient time to prepare. 

b. Allow parties to have their advisor at all meetings related to the complaint,  although advisors may not speak on behalf of a party or interfere with the  process. 

c. Allow parties a reasonable opportunity to identify witnesses and submit  favorable and unfavorable evidence. 

d. Interview witnesses and conduct such other activities that will assist in  ascertaining facts (site visits, review of documents, etc.). 

e. Consider evidence that is relevant and directly related to the allegations in  the formal complaint. 

f. During the course of the investigation, provide both parties with an equal  opportunity to inspect and review any evidence that is obtained in the  investigation that is directly related to the allegations in the formal  complaint (including evidence which the school district does not intend to  rely upon in reaching a determination of responsibility), and favorable and  unfavorable evidence.  

g. Prior to completion of the investigation report, provide each party and  advisor (if any) the evidence subject to inspection and review, and provide  the parties with ten business days to submit a written response. 

h. Consider the parties’ written responses to the evidence prior to completing  the investigation report.  

i. Create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence and send the report to the parties and advisors (if any), for their review.  The Parties may submit written responses to the report within ten  business days of receipt.  

j. After receipt of the parties’ written responses (if any), forward the  investigation report and party responses to the assigned decision maker. 

6. The investigation shall be concluded within 40 business days if practicable.  Reasonable extension of time for good reason shall be allowed.

G. Determination of Responsibility 

1. The decision maker shall provide the parties with the opportunity to submit  written, relevant questions that the party wants asked of another party or  witness within five business days of when the decision maker received the  investigation report and party responses.  

a. The decision maker shall explain to a party proposing questions if the  decision maker excludes a question as not relevant. 

2. Each party shall be provided the opportunity to review the responses of  another party and/or witness, and to ask limited written follow-up questions  within five business days of receiving the answers. 

3. Each party will receive a copy of the responses to any follow-up            questions. 

4. The decision maker shall review the investigation report, the parties’  responses and other relevant materials, applying the preponderance of the  evidence standard (“more likely than not”).  

5. The decision maker shall issue a written determination, which shall include  the following:  

a. Identification of all the allegations potentially constituting sexual  harassment as defined in the Title IX regulations and this policy; 

b. A description of the procedural steps taken from receipt of the formal  complaint through the determination, including notifications to the  parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used  to gather other evidence, and meetings held; 

c. A determination regarding responsibility as to each allegation and  findings of fact supporting the determinations; 

d. A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation,  including a determination regarding responsibility, any disciplinary  sanctions the school district imposes on the respondent, and whether  remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the school  district’s programs and activities will be provided to the complainant; 

e. The school district’s appeal procedure and permissible bases for the  parties to appeal the determination.

6. The written determination shall be provided to the parties simultaneously.  The determination concerning responsibility becomes final either on the date  that the school district provides the parties with the written determination of  the results of the appeal, if an appeal is filed, or if an appeal is not filed, the  date on which the appeal would no longer be considered timely. 

H. Remedies, Discipline and Other Actions 

1. Remedies 

Remedies are measures used to ensure that the complainant has equal access to the  school district’s education programs and activities following the decision maker’s  determination. Such remedies may include supportive measures, and may include  other appropriate measures, depending upon the determination and the needs of the  complainant. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for implementing remedies and  providing any needed assistance to the Complainant. 

2. Discipline and Other Actions - Students 

The following are of the types of discipline and other actions that may be imposed on a  student when there is a determination that they are responsible for one or more  violations involving sexual harassment: 

• In or out of school suspension. 

• Expulsion. 

• Restorative justice. 

• Requirement to engage in education or counseling program. 

3. Discipline and Other Actions – Employees 

The following are examples of the types of disciplinary actions that may be imposed on  an employee when there is a determination that they are responsible for one or more  violations involving sexual harassment: 

• Written warning. 

• Probation. 

• Demotion. 

• Suspension without pay. 

• Discharge.

The following are examples of other types of actions that may be imposed on an  employee when there is a determination of responsibility: 

• Performance improvement plan. 

• Counseling. 

• Training. 

• Loss of leadership/stipend position.  

I. Appeals 

The parties have the opportunity to appeal a determination regarding responsibility, and  from dismissals of formal complaints. Under the Title IX regulations, appeals are  allowed on the following grounds: 

1. A procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter; 

2. New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination  regarding responsibility or dismissal of the formal complaint was made, that  could affect the outcome of the matter; or  

3. The Title IX Coordinator, investigator, or decision maker had a conflict of  interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally, or the  individual complainant or respondent that affected the outcome of the matter. 

An appeal must be filed in writing within five business days of receiving the  determination, stating the grounds for the appeal and including any relevant  documentation in support of the appeal. Appeals submitted after this deadline are not  timely and shall not be considered. 

1. Appeals must be filed with the Superintendent, who will consider the appeal.  

2. The Superintendent shall notify the other party in writing of the appeal and  will allow both parties to submit a written statement in support of, or  challenging, the determination of the decision maker. 

3. The Superintendent shall conduct an impartial review of the appeal, including  consideration of the written record of the matter, and may consult with legal  counsel or other school district officials in making their decision. 

4. The Superintendent shall issue a written decision describing the result of the  appeal and rationale for the result, and provide the written decision  simultaneously to the parties. The decision will either deny the appeal; grant  the appeal and remand to the decision maker for further consideration; or  grant the appeal by revising the disciplinary or other action(s). 

J. Records 

Records in connection with sexual harassment reports and the complaint process shall  be maintained for a minimum of seven years. 

 

 

  It is the policy of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District that hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and will be prohibited at all times. For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization sanctioned or authorized by the School Board. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.

 All students are entitled to a safe and healthy educational environment. Therefore, the school has the responsibility to protect students from antisocial behavior on the part of irresponsible classmates. Furthermore, school administrators must take preventive and disciplinary measures that are both swift and informal in order to be effective.

   School administrators have the authority to immediately, upon reasonable suspicion, search students, student’s handbags or backpacks.

   The school district retains ownership and possesses control over student lockers and desks and therefore reserves the right to inspect lockers and desks at all times.

 

 The right of all students to ride the school bus is conditional on their good behavior and observance of the rules. The driver is in full charge of the bus and the students. Students shall obey the driver promptly. Since the school bus is considered an extension of school, students are subject to all school rules once they board the bus. The district reserves the right to video/audio tape school buses.

 

LEVEL I	Misbehavior which interferes with the orderly operation of the bus
OFFENSES (Examples)	CONSEQUENCES (Probable)
Riding on unassigned bus Sitting in the wrong seat Moving seats Eating on bus Body in aisle Getting off at the wrong bus stop Crossing the road behind the bus Littering	warning parent notification referral to administration suspension of bus privileges

 

LEVEL II:	Serious misbehavior or frequently repeated Level I offenses
OFFENSES (Example)	CONSEQUENCES (Probable)
Defacing the bus or bus property Being disrespectful, uncooperative, disobedient Throwing objects Using vulgar, rude or improper language on bus Smoking on bus Fighting Having any body part out of the window Causing a disruption to safe driving Repeat offenses of Level I misbehaviors	warning parent notification referral to administration suspension of bus privileges

 

Level III	Dangerous or illegal behaviors
OFFENSES (Examples)	CONSEQUENCES (Probable)
Destroying bus property Possession of weapons or dangerous objects Possession, sale or use of illegal objects or materials Causing serious disruption to safe driving conditions  Repeat offenses of Level I or II misbehaviors	Parent Notification Referral to administration Suspension of bus privileges Suspension from school Policies referral Expulsion

 

 

Student Dress Code

 

The Board recognizes that student individual dress is primarily a parental responsibility that should reflect concern for health and safety of students, staff, and others. When the dress of an individual student constitutes a health problem, is unsuitable for school wear, is a danger to any person, or causes a substantial and material disruption or substantial disturbance, the principal or their designees, shall take appropriate action to correct the situation. The following apparel is not to be worn during the school day: clothing with offensive, lewd, vulgar, or racist language or pictures, tops that do not properly cover the upper body and mid-section, bottoms that do not properly cover the lower body, or clothing that glorifies, encourages, or promotes the use of alcohol or other drugs. 

 

Caps, hats, or hoods may be worn but must be removed if they interfere with the educational process or limit identification with exceptions for health, religious, or safety reasons. Principals, or their designees, are authorized to interpret this policy in their respective buildings as appropriate and necessary. Students who violate this policy will be given an opportunity to correct the situation by either changing the clothing, removing the clothing (if appropriate), wearing it inside-out, or other means as determined by the principal, or their designees, so the student is in compliance with this policy. Students who repeatedly violate this policy may face more disciplinary action including, but not limited to detention, or suspension. 

 

Approved: 9/27/99 Revised: 8/14/00, 4/2/07 Reaffirmed: 6/1/09 Revised: 02/07/22 

SECTION 504 & SPECIAL EDUCATION

 

Section 504

The GWRSD does not discriminate regarding access to our participation in its facilities, programs or practices on the basis of handicap in violation of Section 504. The Assistant Principal of Kingswood Regional Middle School has been designated as the Coordinator for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to hear and review any issues, complaints, grievances or matters pertaining to the educationally disabled in GWRSD.  Persons with questions or concerns about such issues should contact Kerry Hunt, Kingswood Regional Middle School, 404 S. Main St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, 569-3689.

 

NOTICE OF RIGHTS PURSUANT TO RSA 186C:16b

THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION CASES

   The State and federal special education laws (New Hampshire revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 186C and Title 20, United States Code, Sections 14001415) require that the school district offer a free appropriate public education to all educationally disabled children.  

   These statutes define educationally disabled children as children suffering from certain enumerated disabilities who are between the ages of three and twenty-one and who have not yet obtained a high school diploma.

   A free appropriate public education consists of specially designed instruction and educationally related services in accordance with an individualized education program developed by the school district in consultation with the student’s parents.

   If you suspect that your child is educationally disabled and qualifies for such special services, you may make a written referral requesting that the school district determine your child’s eligibility.  Such referrals should be addressed to the Special Education Dept. of your child’s school or GWRSD Special Education Director, PO Box 190, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896.

   The special education laws confer many rights and obligations upon parents and school districts regarding educationally disabled children. These include, but are not limited to, the following, which are listed in Title 20, United States Code, Section 1415(b):

1. Parents may examine all relevant records with respect to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child, and the provision of a free appropriate public education.

2. Parents may obtain an independent educational evaluation.

3. The school district must adopt procedures to protect the rights of the child whenever the parents of the child are unknown or unavailable or whenever the child is a ward of the state. Such procedures may include the assignment of an individual who is not an employee of the school district or the state department of education to act as a surrogate for the child’s parents or guardian.

4. The school district must give the child’s parents or guardian prior written notice whenever the district proposes to initiate or change, or refuses to initiate or change, the identification, evaluation or educational placement of the child or the provision of a free appropriate public education.The school district must adopt procedures designed to assure that this notice fully informs the parents or legal guardian in their native language of all procedures available under Section 1415, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so.

5. The school district must adopt procedures, which include the opportunity to present complaints with respect to any matter relating to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of free appropriate public education to such child.

6. Whenever a school district receives such a complaint, the child’s parents or guardian shall have the opportunity for an impartial due process hearing which shall be conducted by an administrative hearing officer appointed by the state department of education. The hearing officer’s decision may be appealed to U.S. District Court or to the New Hampshire Superior Court.

   State law establishes short deadlines for requesting an administrative hearing for an appeal from the hearing officer’s decision in the courts.

 

According to New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Section 186C:16b, which became effective on May 1, 1992:

1. Any action seeking to enforce special education rights under state or federal law shall be commenced by requesting an administrative hearing from the state department of education within two (2) years of the date on which the alleged violation was or reasonably should have been discovered. However, any action against a school district to recover the costs of a unilateral special placement shall be commenced by requesting an administrative hearing from the state department of education within ninety (90) days of the unilateral placement.

2. Where the parent, legal guardian, or surrogate parent has not been given proper notice of special education rights pursuant to Title 20, United States Code, Section 1415(b), including notice of the time limitations in NH Revised Statutes Annotated Section 186C:16b, such limitations shall run from the time notice of those rights is properly given.  The state department of education shall make available a model notice of rights which school districts may use as one means of complying with this notice requirement.

3. An appeal from the state department of education administrative hearing officer’s decision to a court of competent jurisdiction shall be commenced within 120 days from receipt of the decision.  All such decisions shall be sent certified mail, return receipt requested.

4. Any action under Title 20, United States Code, Section 141 5(e), seeking reimbursement from the school district for attorney’s fees related to a request for any administrative hearing, shall be commenced within 120 days from receipt of the state department of education administrative hearing officer’s decision.

5. Where a unilateral placement was made without the school district or residence being offered a reasonable opportunity for the following: evaluate the child and develop an individualized education plan, reimbursement may not be sought from the school district for any costs incurred until the school district is given an opportunity to evaluate the child and to develop an individualized education plan.

   For additional information regarding special education and the special education laws, please contact Susan Merrel, GWRSD Special Education Director, PO Box 190, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896 (569-1658). 

 

CHILD FIND

   Identification of children with disabilities, birth to age 21, is ongoing.  If there are parents living in the district who suspect that their child has an educational disability, they should contact their local school, the office of the superintendent, or the special education director for referral information.

 

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT OF 2001-PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW

Section 111(h)(6)(A-C)

The GWRSD is a recipient of Title 1 funds.  As required by law, we are hereby notifying parents that they may request, and that schools will provide the parents on request in a timely manner, information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers.  This includes at a minimum the following information: Whether the teacher has met NH requirements for the grade levels and subject areas taught; whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other professional status that the state has waived; the degree and major of the teacher; and if a child is provided services by paraprofessionals, the paraprofessional’s qualifications. Each school must also provide parents with the following information: The level of achievement that their child has made on all state assessments; and timely notice if a child has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

 

EDUCATIONAL RECORDS

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides certain rights to parents and eligible students (18 years of age or older) with respect to the student’s education records.  

1. Inspection of Records: Parents/eligible students may inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of making a request. Such requests must be submitted to the Superintendent or building principal in writing and must identify the record(s) to be inspected. The Superintendent or building principal will notify the parent/eligible student of the time and place where the record(s) may be inspected in the presence of school staff.  Parents/eligible students may obtain copies of education records at a cost of 10 cents per page.

2. Amendment of Records. Parents/eligible students may ask the school district to amend education records they believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s right to privacy. Such requests must be submitted to the Superintendent or building principal in writing, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the Superintendent or building principal decides not to amend the record as requested, the parent/eligible student will be notified of the decision, their right to request a hearing and information about the hearing process. 

3.  Disclosure of Records.  The School District must obtain a parent/eligible student’s written consent prior to disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records, except in circumstances permitted by law or regulations as summarized below. 

 1.Directory Information.  The School District designates the following student information as directory information that may be made public at its discretion: the student’s name, grade, grade level/year of graduation, age, activity participation, school, honors and awards, weight and height for athletic teams at secondary schools, and parent/guardian name.  Parents/eligible students who do not want the School District to disclose directory information must notify the building principal in writing by October 1 or within thirty (30) calendar days of enrollment, whichever is later. This opt-out request will remain in effect until the beginning of the next school year. 

2. Military Recruiters/Institutions of Higher Education.  Military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled to receive the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary school students, and the School District must comply with any such request, provided that parents have been notified of their right to request that this information not be released without their prior written consent. Parents/eligible students who do not want the School District to disclose this information without their prior written consent must notify the Superintendent in writing by October 1 or within thirty (30) days of enrollment, whichever is later.  

3. School Official with Legitimate Educational Interests.  Education records may be disclosed to school officials with a “legitimate educational interest.” A school official has a legitimate educational interest if he/she needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. School officials include persons employed by the School District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); members of the School District’s School Board; persons or companies with whom the School District has contracted to provide specific services (such as attorneys, auditors, medical consultants, evaluators or therapists): and volunteers who are under the direct control of the School District with regard to education records.  

4. Health of Safety Emergencies.  In accordance with federal regulations, the School District may disclose education records in a health or safety emergency to any person whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals without prior written consent.  

5.Other Entities/Individuals.  Education records may be disclosed to other entities and individuals as specifically permitted by law. Parents/eligible students may obtain information about other exceptions to the written consent requirement by request to the Superintendent or building principal.

4. Complaints Regarding School District Compliance with FERPA.  Parents/eligible students who believe that the School District has not complied with the requirements of FERPA have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education. The Office that administers FERPA is:

 

Family Policy Compliance Office

US Department of Education

400 Maryland Ave. SW

Washington, DC 20202

 

DIRECTORY INFORMATION  AND SCHOOL RECORDS- JRB

 

Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.  In this act, directory information is defined as information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. The Governor Wentworth Regional School District has the right to release “directory information” without the parent/guardian’s prior written consent, unless the parent/guardian or student of age informs the principal that any or all of the information designated below should not be released without prior consent.

 

Student’s name, grade, grade level/year of graduation, age, activity participation, school, honors and awards, weight and height for athletic teams (secondary schools), and parent/guardian name

 

Each year the Governor Wentworth Regional School will give public notice of the categories of information it considers directory information. The Governor Wentworth Regional School District will allow parents/guardians until October 1, or 30 calendar days after enrollment in the district, to notify the building principal in writing of specific directory information that should not be released without prior consent of the parent/guardian or student of age, except as provided by law.  If no objection is received within the designated time period, the information will be classified as directory information until the beginning of the next school year.

 

In addition to directory information, the Governor Wentworth Regional School District may disclose student records, including special education records (if applicable), and other student information without consent to the following parties or under the following conditions:

 

1. School officials with a legitimate educational interest. “Legitimate educational interest: refers to school officials or employees who need to know information in a student’s education record in order to perform the employee’s employment responsibilities and duties”.

2. Other schools into which a student is transferring or enrolling.

3. Officials for audit or evaluation purposes.

4. Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid or financial reimbursement.

5. Accrediting organizations.

6. Judicial order or lawfully issued subpoenas.

7. Health and safety emergencies.

 

Two federal laws require that local education agencies receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters, under request, with three specific directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the local agency that they do not want their child’s information disclosed without prior consent. Additionally, the district will release information to any public or private educational institution to which a pupil has made application for purposes of enrolling in the school or to any agencies to which the pupil has applied for scholarships or other educational aid. The release of said designated school or agency may include information that is not considered part of the directory information, including, but not limited to: address, telephone number, social security number, date and place of birth, grades, test scores, reports, recommendations and immunization records. Written permission must be obtained from the pupil’s parent/guardian prior to releasing non-directory information.

 

GOVERNOR WENTWORTH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT – JRB-E

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Notice for Directory Information (NDI)

 

Parent Response Form

 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, allows parents or students 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) the right to request that certain directory information not be disclosed without written consent.  The purpose of this form is to provide parents or eligible students with the opportunity to opt out of the release of such information in accordance with the provisions of FERPA.

 

OPT IN

If you decide to allow the directory information to be released (for example, you want your child’s name to appear on the playbill for the holiday concert, and in the local newspaper for Honor Roll), then you may discard this paper or recycle it. It does not need to be returned to school.

 

OPT OUT

If you decide you do not want directory information to be released (for example, you do not want you child’s name to appear on playbills for school concerts, or in the local newspaper for Honor Roll), then please check the box below, sign and date the form and return the form to the school.

 

Students’ Name: _______________________ School:_________________________________

Grade: ________________

 

Please exclude the above named student from any and all district releases of directory information including the military.

 

_______________________________________ _________________________

Parent or Eligible Student Date

 

Parents/Students opting out of the release of directory information assume sole responsibility for providing the school with written authorization whenever and to whomever they wish said information to be released. The school is not responsible for any advance notice or reminders regarding this parental responsibility.

 

For School Use Only

 

Date Stamp When Received Received By:_________________

 

GOVERNOR WENTWORTH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT FOR STUDENTS

 

PURPOSE:

The use of technology is integrated throughout the goals and performances described in the Governor Wentworth Regional School District Strategic Plan. In order to support and enhance teaching and learning, electronic communications and information resources must be provided. The utilization of these resources will

facilitate the implementation and attainment of the District’s Commencement Goals.

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Internet is a global electronic information infrastructure. The vast resources and opportunities which the Internet provides to users make the use of technology a powerful and innovative teaching and learning tool. Users have access to:

 

1) Electronic mail (email) communication with people around the world.

 

2) Information and news from a variety of sources and research institutions used by educators, business, government, the military, organizations and private individuals.

 

3) Public domain and shareware software of all types, and

 

4) Discussion groups on a wide variety of topics.

 

USER GUIDELINES:

All users will be granted access to as many network services as their technology allows. Exploration of the Internet is encouraged within the bounds of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District Acceptable Use Policy Statement of Purpose. Internet access is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation or suspension of that privilege. After basic training, users

must display an understanding of the following acceptable and unacceptable uses to gain online access.

 

1. All use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the goals and objectives of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District.

 

2. Network accounts are to be used only by the authorized user of the account for the authorized purpose.

 

3. Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the network.

 

4. All communications and information accessed via the network should not be assumed to be private property.

 

5. Users are responsible for getting approval from supervisory staff for all subscriptions to newsgroups, listservs, and similar files.

 

6. Any student work must be signed with the student’s full name.

 

7. Individuals in pictures, movies or sound recordings may be identified only initials (e.g. JQP for John Q. Public). Absolutely no first or last names may appear in reference to individuals in any image, movie, or sound recording.

 

8. Individuals who can identify an inappropriate use of online resources or a security problem must notify supervisory staff.

 

9. While exercising the privilege of using the Internet as an educational resource, users shall also monitor and accept the responsibility for all material received.

 

10. Only those students with Internet instruction shall be given the privilege of using the Internet.

 

11. No personal information about a student will be allowed to go out on the Internet. This includes home telephone numbers and addresses, as well as information regarding the specific location of any student at any given time.

 

12. Any use of the network for commercial or for-profit purposes is prohibited.

 

13. Users have the responsibility of keeping all pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network from entering the school via the Internet, and to report all violations to supervisory staff.

14. No use of the network, such as, the use of obscene, abusive, or threatening messages, or chain letters, shall serve to disrupt the use of the network by others;  hardware or software shall not be destroyed, modified, or abused in any way.

 

15. Malicious use of the network to develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system and/or damage the software components of a computer or computer system is prohibited.

 

16. Limits on the installation of copyrighted software are to be respected.

 

17. From time to time, the Governor Wentworth Regional School District will make determinations on whether specific uses of the network are consistent with the Acceptable Use Policy.

 

MISUSE OF PRIVILEGES AND CONSEQUENCES

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. The student user will be held responsible for her/his actions and activities. Infractions of guidelines 1-9 will be dealt with as a Level I offense as detailed in the Governor Wentworth Regional School District Discipline Code. Infractions of guidelines 10- 16will be

dealt with as a Level II offense.

 

 

Emergency Procedures

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

 

Even though statistics show schools are among the safest places to be day-to-day, emergencies sometimes do occur. Should an emergency or disaster situation arise in our area while school is in session we want you to know that our schools have made preparations to respond effectively to these situations. Each of our schools has a detailed Emergency Operations Plan and we also work closely with our local police and fire departments.

 

Your cooperation is necessary in an emergency and we ask the following:

 

1. Do not call the school.Telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication.

 

2. Please be aware that in the event of a serious emergency, students will be kept at their schools until they are picked up by a parent, guardian or responsible adult who has been identified on the emergency card.

 

3. Emergency announcements will be made through the School Messenger system, look and listen for these announcements and please listen to the entire message.

 

4. Impress upon your children the need to follow the directions of school personnel in times of emergency.

 

Students will be released only to parents and persons identified on the School District Emergency Card. During an extreme emergency, students will be released at designated reunion gates. The location of the reunion area(s) will be disseminated through the School Messenger system and will depend on the nature and location of the emergency. Any decision to keep students at school will be based upon whether or not the streets to return your student home are open.

 

We hope that a serious emergency situation will never happen. However, it is important for you to know that we do prepare for such events. We know that crisis situations are very stressful for parents and students and we will communicate all available information as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation in these matters and will do all in our power to provide a safe and supportive environment for your children in all circumstances.

 

Sincerely,

 

Caroline Arakelian

Superintendent of Schools