Alburgh School 2007-2008 Handbook

 

Superintendent of Schools

 

Richard Taylor, Grand Isle Supervisory Union, North Hero                               372-6921

 

  

School Board Members

 

Michael Savage

Scott Bortzfield

Alton Bruso

Renee Creller

Jed Ladd, Chair

 

VISION STATEMENT

 

“It is our commitment to ensure that the Alburgh School is a safe, clean, welcoming community where everyone, including staff, students, parents and visitors, is respected and encouraged to achieve her/his potential while valuing individual differences.”

 (Developed by the staff on June 18, 2004)

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

    The mission of the Alburgh Community Education Center is to provide the opportunity and challenge for each child to learn to his/her maximum potential in a supportive and unbiased atmosphere.  The goal of learning is to develop skills for living successfully in a highly technical, world-oriented, twenty-first century.  This will require broad preparation as a background for self-direction, practiced use of reason and logic, the ability to make intelligent choices and a developed appreciation of each citizen’s responsibilities and the benefits of citizenship.

    Parents, teachers and the child will be partners in the educational process, each with responsibilities to the goal of learning.  Each must be supportive of the others efforts and each must keep the others informed of the progress, needs and support required.

    Learning in the Alburgh Community Education Center will have the child as the focal point.  Beginning with a sound assessment of the child’s abilities and progress to date, the educational process should follow an expressed curriculum with clearly defined goals.  Evaluation will be on-going, goal oriented and clearly stated to each of the partners.  Assessment, educational process and evaluation will all be clearly communicated in a positive, unbiased, unthreatening manner.

    Children, parents and teachers working together for the child is our opportunity and challenge.


 

 

2007-2008 Alburgh Staff

Virginia Holiman                                                                     Teacher K

David Allbee                                                                           Teacher K

Kathy O’Donnell                                                                    Teacher 1

Tracy Giroux                                                                          Teacher 2

Lisa Boudreau                                                                         Teacher 2

Beth Dobson                                                                           Teacher 3

Jenny Perry                                                                            Teacher 3/4

Ken Herz                                                                                 Teacher 4

Jaime Daunais                                                                         Teacher 5

Denise Cote                                                                            Teacher 5

Pauline McFarlin                                                                    Teacher LA/SS 6, Title

Judy Quintin                                                                           Teacher 6/7/8 Math

Eric Morton                                                                            Teacher 7/8 SS/Dean of Students 1/2 time

Matt Duquette                                                                        Teacher 6/7/8 Science

Sarah VanLare                                                                         Teacher 7/8 Language Arts (Writing)

Terry Seekamp                                                                       Teacher P.E.

Sonia Holmes                                                                          Teacher Sp.Ed. K-4

Nancy Gardner                                                                       Teacher Sp.Ed.5-8

Heather Mcleod                                                                      Teacher Title 1 K-2

Michael Gordon                                                                      Teacher Speech 

Jennifer Hart                                                                           Teacher Art

Betzi Irwin                                                                              Teacher Music

Barbara Burrington                                                                  Principal               

Diane Baker                                                                            Administrative Asst.

Wendy Savage                                                                        Administrative Asst.

Ann Goodrich                                                                         School Nurse

Kit Daniels                                                                              District Nurse

Regina Robbins                                                                       School Counselor

Joann Batchelder                                                                     SAP                                        

Valerie Racine                                                                         School Based Clinician (NWCS)

Glynis Miller                                                                          Librarian                                                 

David Isham                                                                            Tech. Support

John Goodrich                                                                        Behavior Specialist

Amy Billings                                                                           Instructional Assistant

Deb Blair                                                                                 Instructional Assistant

Laura Bourgeois                                                                      Instructional Assistant

Mary Ann Galica                                                                    Instructional Assistant

Andrea Lavallee                                                                      Instructional Assistant

Aria Lemery                                                                            Instructional Assistant

Penny Parah                                                                            Instructional Assistant

Melodie Poquette                                                                   Instructional Assistant

Angela Prefontaine                                                                  Instructional Assistant

Jennifer Mitchell                                                                     Food Service Manager

Joanne Shedrick                                                                      Cook

Bernadette Creller                                                                   Cook

Ed Norris                                                                                Head Custodian

Mark Larose                                                                           Custodian

 

Foster Grandparents

Velma Cameron                                                       Ruby Gonyea                                         Norma Thompson

 

Bus Drivers

Barbara Blair       “Tex”                                            Gary Lockerby         Jan Tatro       


SCHOOL PROCEDURES

 

ADMISSION

 

A child must be five (5) years of age before September 1st of the year s/he is to start kindergarten, and shall enter at the beginning of the school year.  At registration, parents must present a record of birth and immunization.  All children shall be immunized prior to entering school in accordance with current recommendations of State Public Health Agency.

 

ASSEMBLIES

 

Assemblies (“Celebrations of Learning”) are held at various times throughout the year.  The purpose of these is to provide information, encourage cultural interest, celebrate and share what kids and teachers are learning in their classrooms, and to develop school spirit.  The following rules are to be adhered to:

a.       Proceed to the assembly site in an orderly fashion.

b.      Give courteous and appreciative attention to the program and its participants.

 

ATHLETIC EVENTS

 

All athletic events involving Alburgh School as either sponsor, participant, or spectator, are subject to the general school rules of Alburgh School.  You are expected to display good sportsmanship and to be courteous of guests at all times.  The rules apply equally to spectators and participants.

 

ATTENDANCE AND NOTES

 

Directive: a copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

 

Regular attendance in school is crucial for a student’s performance and educational success. 

 

It is our shared responsibility to be sure that every child is safe and accounted for on every school day.  If your child is absent from school, it is essential that you notify the school prior to 8:00 a.m. You may do this by calling the school office (796-3573) or sending a note to the classroom teacher.  To ease the early morning demands of the office staff it is preferred if parents/guardians call and leave a message prior to 7:30 a.m.

 

If a student is to be dismissed early for an appointment, parents/guardians are also expected to send a note of explanation that morning.  The students should bring this note to the teacher.  Parents are required to sign children out at the office in the case of an early dismissal.  The office will in turn page your child for the early dismissal.

If a student is returned to school after an appointment, parents are to have their child report to the office.

 

Truancy

If a child is not in school on a given day and we have not received notification from the parent/guardian, nor are able to verify the child's whereabouts, we are required to report the unverified absence to the Grand Isle County Sheriff’s Department as early in the day as possible.  To ensure the child's safety and to prevent truancy, the police agency will confirm the child's whereabouts.

 

Tardy

Students are expected to arrive at school no later than 8:00 a.m.  Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are considered late and will be marked tardy.   A pattern of tardiness puts a child at a disadvantage in school.  Coming in late, the child regularly misses the opportunity to be greeted by staff and peers, settle into the day, learn the schedule for the day and generally get off to a positive start.  We ask that parents work with the school to ensure that students arrive on time.

 

Excessive Medical Absences

Students having five or more illness-related absences during the course of the year will require a doctor's note in order for the school to consider excusing those and future medical absences.

 

Family Vacation Request

Parents wishing to remove a child from school for more than 2 days due to vacation plans must submit a written request to the Superintendent of Schools at least 2 weeks prior to the specified date.  If granted, the child will be responsible to complete all missed work.

 

Tardy Policy and Procedure

Tardiness is a disruption to the educational process.  It sets a tone that de-values education and hinders the child's schedule for the day.

 

After seven tardy days                        Personal contact with parent/guardian.

 

After ten tardy days                Personal contact with parent/guardian.  Parent meeting scheduled with principal, counselor and teacher.

 

Absences-both Excused and Unexcused

 

After five absent days             Personal contact with parent/guardian advising them of absences. Advised of consequences of further absences.

After ten absent days              Personal contact with parent/guardian.  Parent/guardian contacted to set up an EST meeting.  Services offered.  Advised of consequences of further absences

After fifteen absent days         Truancy Officer contacts parent/guardian to set meeting with intervention team.

After twenty  absent days       Affidavit written through Department of Children and Families (DCF).  Affidavit to State’s Attorney.  Petition filed with Family Court by State’s Attorney.

 

For more information on Attendance and Tardiness see Attendance Policy # 6.04.

 

BULLYING

 

Directive:  A copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

Bullying means any overt act or combination of such acts directed against a student by another student or group of students which:

a.       occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school sponsored activity,

b.      is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and

c.       is repeated over time;

d.      and where it occurs in an interpersonal relationship that is characterized by a certain imbalance in strength or power.

 

The Alburgh School District recognizes that students should have a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment and that bullying has no place and will not be tolerated in its school.

 

A student who believes s/he is being bullied, or who witnesses bullying behaviors is urged to report it, either personally or anonymously to the Principal, Counselor, Dean of Students, or any other school employee s/he feels comfortable with.

 

The Planning Room will accept and review all reports of bullying.  If, after initial inquiry, the report warrants further investigation, the Dean of Students or a Student Support Specialist will continue with it.  If the reports turn out to be accurate, the bullying student will receive consequences to be determined at that time.

 

The staff at the Alburgh Community Education Center has adopted the Olweus Anti-bullying program. It is an integral part of our school wide discipline system.  We are committed to putting an end to bullying at our school!  For more information about this program, feel free to call the school and speak with Laura Bourgeois or Regina Robbins.

 

For more information see Policy 6.15, Bullying Prevention Policy

 

 

BUS ROUTES

 

Bus routes and stops are planned in conjunction with the Alburgh School Board and Mountain Transit.  This information is published in the Islander in August.

 

BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

Directive:  A copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

1.      If a child must cross the road to board the bus, have them wait until the bus comes to a complete stop.  They will be motioned across the road by the bus driver.

 

2.      Children will remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.

 

3.      Children shall not extend arms or any other body parts out of the windows.

 

4.      No gum, candy, food, or beverages shall be consumed on the bus.

 

5.      Nothing shall be thrown in the bus or out of the windows.

 

6.      All riders will conduct themselves in a proper manner at all times.

 

7.      Children need to be on time for the bus.  However, on days when road conditions are bad, do not expect the bus to be exactly on time.

 

8.      Help keep your school bus clean and safe.

 

9.      Be courteous to other riders and the bus driver.

 

10.  The use of profane language on the bus will not be tolerated.

 

11.  No child will be allowed to leave the bus at any stop, except his or her own, unless they have a note from home signed by the parents or guardians requesting permission.  That note must be given to the teacher who will have it delivered to the office staff who in turn will provide an office note to the child to hand to the bus driver as he/she boards the bus.  If an emergency arises, call the school office.  A note lost or forgotten means your child will be taken to his/her regular stop.

 

12.   Students must follow the bus rules, listed above, at all times to ensure the safety of everyone on the bus.  Our procedure for handling infractions of the bus rules is very specific:

1st violation – a 3-5 day bus suspension (to be determined by the Dean of Students, Mr. Morton).

2nd violation –The student is removed from the bus until the next School Board Meeting.  At the meeting the Alburgh School Board of Directors may decide to remove the student from the school bus for the remainder of the school year.

 

 

 

BICYCLES

 

Students may ride bicycles to school but not on school grounds.  Students are to park their bicycles in the bike rack at the southern side of the building (Champlain St. side).  The school assumes no responsibilities for bicycles. 

 

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

 

Cancellation of school takes place only during circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or public crisis.  The school board and administrators are aware of the hardship that can be caused by an abrupt cancellation.  Therefore, school will not be cancelled unless unusual circumstances or extreme weather conditions have created a significant safety risk.  To find out if there is a school cancellation you can tune to 1420 AM, 960 AM, 620 AM or 96.7 FM on your radio, or tune to WCAX TV channel 3 or WPTZ TV channel 5.  In the unusual circumstance that school must be cancelled during the school day, teachers and administrators will determine that all students have satisfactory transportation and supervision at their home before releasing them from school.  Parents need to indicate these options on the Emergency Form kept on file in the office.

 

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

 

It is very important that every student maintain an up-to-date address and telephone number on record in the office, including emergency numbers.  Please notify the school immediately if you have a change of address or telephone number during the year.

 

COMPLAINTS

 

When a parent/guardian thinks a staff member may have offended a community member or a student, the school administration wants the concern resolved.  To that end the following procedures are in place:

1.      Complaints may be lodged in one of the following manners:

a.       Whenever possible, the offended individual is encouraged to speak directly to the staff member in question to express concern and seek resolution.

b.      If direct communication is not appropriate due to misunderstanding, or a similar concern, complaints should follow the hierarchy below.

c.       Student complaints may be made confidentially through the school counselor or student assistance professional counselor (SAP).

2.      A school administrator will investigate all complaints within 5 days of receipt.  The individual initiating the complaint will be advised when the investigation is completed, and where appropriate information about the resolution will be shared.

3.      If the resolution of the complaint is not satisfactory, the issue may be brought to the next individual in the hierarchy (below).

 

 

The hierarchy in the chain of command is as follows:

a)      The staff member in question

b)      The Principal

c)      The Superintendent

d)      The School Board

 

CURRICULUM

 

Alburgh Elementary School supports a variety of learning and teaching styles, as all children do not learn well with the same methods and materials.  Classrooms may vary in the routines, materials, and methods they use.  We offer self-contained and multi-age classrooms at different grade levels.

 

We support the need for consistency and continuity in learning for all students.  The common link which holds curriculum or learning programs together are the continuum of skills in each academic area.  Through parent – teacher conferences, achievement testing, and interaction with your child you should get a good idea of the various components that make up your child’s day.

 

Speak directly to your child’s teacher about details of what your child is expected to learn this year. 

DANCES

 

The following are required dance procedures:

Ø      Students must submit a dance request form 2 weeks prior to the night of the dance.

Ø      Coverage must be a minimum of 6 adult chaperones, with at least 3 being school employees.

Ø     Middle School dances are open to those in grades 6-8 and/or maximum age 14 with permission from the Principal.  A dance can be open to 9th graders as well.

Ø     Students that receive a detention, ISE or OSS the week of the dance cannot attend.

Ø     By 1 p.m. on the day of the dance people not allowed to attend will be notified.  A copy of this list will be at the admission table the night of the dance.

Ø     Dances will run 7-10 p.m.

Ø     One guest per school member, and he/she must be signed up no later than Wednesday afternoon of dance week. 

Ø     Doors are locked at 7:30 p.m.  At that point no one is allowed in or out.  If a student leaves, he/she will not be admitted back in.  A parent/guardian will be contacted at that point.

Ø     A music list must be supplied prior to the dance for approval by administrator or staff member (no swearing, drug/alcohol references, etc will be permitted).

Ø     Students must be released/picked up by an adult at school, unless they live in the immediate village and have written permission from a parent/guardian to walk home.

Ø     No food or beverages are allowed in the gym.

Ø     The sponsoring organization or class is responsible for all clean up.

DISCIPLINE

 

Directive:  A copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

The goal of discipline at Alburgh Elementary School is to teach responsible behavior, self-discipline and to support development of positive self-esteem. As educators we continually work to minimize discipline problems.  One way in which we do this is through the Supportive Classroom, where the five basic concepts are Belonging, Trust, Respect, Sharing and Responsibility.  The staff shares this common language and these ideas both in our classrooms and in our curriculums.  We strongly believe that consistency is paramount to positive behaviors.

 

Teachers have the authority and responsibility to maintain order in the classroom.  School discipline policies will be consistently enforced.  When a student is having a problem the teacher may: conference with the student, conference with the parent(s), use classroom disciplinary procedures, or if necessary, refer the situation directly to the Dean of Students, or the Student Support Specialist.

 

Should a suspension occur for a student, the following guidelines will apply:

In-school exclusion (ISE): the student will be in the building but away from his/her everyday class.  The student may receive credit for work completed during suspension.

Out of school suspension: The student will be out of the school setting for the decided period of time and will not receive credit for his/her work.

 

For more information on discipline policy see policy # 6.16 School Discipline Policy

 

ALBURGH SCHOOL RULES

 

1.      We respect others and ourselves. 

2.      We walk in all school areas, hallways, cafeteria, and classrooms.

3.      We use only appropriate language, volume, and tone of voice when speaking.

4.      We come to school prepared.

5.      We respect school property and use supplies and materials with care.

6.      We are honest and accept responsibility for our actions.

7.      We do not disrupt anyone’s right to learn in a school program.

8.      We respect each other’s personal space.

 

SAFETY, RESPECT, and PRODUCTIVITY are key to success at Alburgh Community Education Center.

 

  

DRESS

Directive:  A copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

Appropriate attire is important to the education, health and safety of each pupil.  The school will address students who come to school in offensive/inappropriate clothing.  The following dress code applies:

1.      Revealing clothes are not to be worn at school.  This includes, but is not limited to, shirts showing midriff, strapless shirts, belly shirts, and low-cut clothing.

2.      Skirt and short length must be at least even with the fingertips when arms and hands are fully extended at the sides.

3.      Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.

4.      Pants are to be up around the waist, not sitting below, revealing underwear.

5.      Clothing must not display inappropriate advertisements or language (e.g. drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, violence, etc.).

6.      Pajamas are not considered acceptable clothing for school.  Any child wearing these garments will be told to change into appropriate attire.

7.      Hats are not to be worn in school.

 

In case of doubt as to suitability of a particular student's appearance or attire, the school administration will make the final determination and take action accordingly.

 

Parents should plan for proper outdoor and indoor wear during inclement weather (it would also be wise to send your child to school with a sweater or sweat shirt during the cold season).

 

In physical education classes, it is required that students wear sneakers for safety.

 

EMERGENCY FORM

 

We require that you fill out an Emergency Form for each of your children at the beginning of school and return it promptly to the office.  It is required that parents inform us of any change of residence, telephone numbers, or family situations.  This allows us to keep our records up to date and to protect your child from any unwanted situations.

 

 

EMERGENCY DRILLS

 

Fire/emergency drills are conducted once a month.  Escape routes are clearly posted in each area of the school.  Emergency bus evacuation drills for students are practiced twice yearly. Other Emergency drills will be rehearsed throughout the course of the school year. The school is prepared for a variety of emergency situations.

 

 

 

FERPA POLICIES

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) require an annual notification to parents of their rights under the act.   Under these rights the parents have the right to:

a.       Inspect and review their child's records.

b.      Seek amendment of the record if it is inaccurate or misleading.

For more information on this see 34 C.F.R. Part 99 20 U.S.C. 1322g

 

FIELD TRIPS

 

Field trips within our area and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by various classroom teachers throughout the school year.  The trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of our community and state.  Parents will receive notice of field trips well in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be required to sign field trip permission forms.  Parents are frequently asked to volunteer to accompany a group of children going on a field trip.  If a parent volunteers to go on one of these trips they must not bring along any other child not in the participating class.  It is important to remember that all school rules and policies apply on field trips.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The voters of Alburgh will receive annual reporting on financial and other matters.  Some of these are:

1.      Superintendent's report,

2.      Supervisory union treasurer's report

3.      School district treasurer's annual report for the previous year.

4.      Summary of the town auditor's report

For more on this see, 16 V.S.A. 563(10) and (11).

FOOD AND DRINKS

 

Unpackaged food and drinks are not to be carried throughout the school.  Their consumption is permitted in the cafeteria and some classrooms (at snack time).  Their presence should not be disruptive or cause a litter problem inside or outside the building. 

 

GENERAL SCHOOL HOURS

 

Office hours:                 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Class time hours:           8:00 AM - 2:30 PM (early dismissal days excepted)

Breakfast:                     7:45 AM – 8:00AM

Lunch times:                 11:15 - 11:45 (Middle School) 11:45 - 12:15 (Primary)

                                    12:15 - 12:45 (Intermediate)

Your child should not arrive at school before 7:45 AM.  Adult supervision is not available before this time.

 

HARASSMENT

Directive: A copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

Harassment means an incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct based on or motivated by a student's or student's family member's actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or disability that has the purpose or effect of objectively and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student's educational performance or access to school resources or creating an objectively intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

 

A student who believes that s/he has been harassed, or who witnesses conduct that s/he believes might constitute harassment, should report the conduct to the Principal, Dean of Students, counselor or any employee of the school s/he feels comfortable talking to.

Following a report an investigation will begin within one school day and be completed within 5 school days.  Parents will be notified within a day that their child is part of the investigation.  The following people are the designated employees to receive harassment complaints:

Designated Employee 1

            Name:  Barbara Burrington

            Title: Principal

            Phone: 802-796-3573 ext. 103

            Address: 14 North Main St, Alburgh, VT 05440

 

Designated Employee 2

            Name: Eric Morton

            Title: Dean of Students

            Phone: 802-796-3573 ext. 106

            Address: 14 North Main St, Alburgh, VT 05440

 

 

Designated Employee 3

            Name: Regina Robbins

            Title: School Counselor

            Phone: 802-796-3573 ext.105

            Address 14 Main St., Alburgh, VT 05440

 

For more information see Policy 6.14, Policy on Prevention of Harassment of Students

 

HOMEWORK

 

It is necessary for students to complete assigned homework on time.  Homework provides practice and reinforcement of skills, teaches responsibility, and provides parents with the opportunity to gain insight into their child's understanding of concepts being taught in school.  Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for their students to work and by seeing that assignments are completed.  If a child does not understand his or her homework assignment it is the responsibility of that student to seek assistance the following school day.

 

HOME-SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP

 

The home and the school are the two major factors in the educational life of children; therefore, the home and the school should have a relationship of understanding and cooperation that establishes a mutual respect for the responsibilities they share in the well being and educational growth of children.  Parents and staff are encouraged to communicate with each other in order to provide for the best interest of Alburgh children. 

 

 

ILLNESS OR INJURY

 

In case of illness or injury the student will be temporarily cared for by the school nurse.  If emergency medical treatment is necessary the parents will be contacted.  If the parents are not available the student will be taken to the emergency room at the hospital (Northwest Medical Center in St. Albans).  Remember!  An emergency telephone number where parents can be reached and the name and telephone number of the student's family doctor must be on file at school.

 

LIBRARY

The library atmosphere is meant to be welcoming and pleasant to all users.  To accomplish this, all library personnel and users will treat each other with courtesy and respect.  Students will arrive at the library with a purpose for their visit, whether to sign out a book, read, study, do research, or work on a project.  Everyone will work quietly so that others can pursue their interests.  All library materials must be signed out before leaving the room.  The expectation is that they will be returned on time and in good condition.

 

MEDICATIONS

Any student who is required to take prescription medication during the regular school day must comply with the following regulations:

 

1.      Written orders from a physician detailing the name of the student, the drug dosage, reason for giving, and time medication is to be given must be received by the School Nurse and/or the building administrator BEFORE the medicine can be given.  A renewal of a long-term medication order is required each school year.

 

2.      Written permission from the parent/guardian of the student requesting that the school district comply with the physician's order must accompany the physician's order.

 

3.      Students with chronic illnesses, (e.g. Seizure disorders, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, etc.) who are responsible for self-administering their medications, should be allowed to continue their practice.  Medication shall be kept in the school health office.

 

4.      Medication must be brought to the school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.

 

5.      Medication will be stored in a locked cabinet at school.

 

6.      The above procedures must be followed for all prescription medication.

 

7.      Unused medication shall be destroyed or returned to parent/guardian for disposition.

 

TEMPORARY CONDITION REQUIRING NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

 

Any student who is required to take medication during the regular school day for a temporary condition must comply with the following regulations:

 

1.      Written permission from the parent/guardian of the pupil requesting that the school nurse administer a medication (this includes cough drops).

 

If you have any questions regarding medications please contact the school nurse at 796-4530.

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

 

The Grand Isle Supervisory Union and the Alburgh School do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical disability in admission to, access to, or employment in its programs and activities.

 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

 

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held twice a year.  Parents can come talk to teachers near the end of the first two trimesters (the dates will be designated at the beginning of the year and parents will be informed of the schedule).  We encourage all parents to make an effort to attend, we appreciate it, and more importantly, your children do too.

 

PARKING

At student dismissal, or any other time during the school day, parking on the right hand side of Champlain St., facing Main St. (west) is not allowed.  Parking on that side limits the ability of the busses to effectively maneuver.  Parking is permitted on the right side of Champlain St. facing east.  If there are available spots in the parking lot, those too may be used, but at no time shall any driver block the path of the busses.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

 

Although we are aware that children do bring personal property to school, we do discourage it.  If your child does bring such items to school please clearly write his or her first and last name on it.  If these items are lost or damaged the school is not responsible for it/them.

 

 

PLAYGROUND RULES

 

Students are to remain on the playground or play fields during outdoor recess.  When the fields are muddy, the staff on duty will direct the students to proper areas.  Activities such as tackle football (two hand touch, or flag is acceptable), snowball throwing, or any activities that have physical contact (hitting, wrestling, etc.) are not permitted.

 

POSSESSION AND USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Directive:  A copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

It is the policy of the Alburgh School District that no student at any time shall possess, use, sell, give or otherwise transmit any tobacco product on school owned or leased property or at any school-sponsored activity off school grounds.

 

Any tobacco product in the possession of a student in violation of this policy shall be confiscated immediately by an employee and be reported to the principal or Dean of Students, who shall, if appropriate, make a referral to law enforcement.

For more on this see Policy # 6.18 Possession and use of Tobacco Products.

RESTRICTIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION

Directive: A copy of this policy shall be provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

Physical restraint may be used with a student only when there is imminent risk of harm to the student or others and no less intrusive intervention would be effective.  Reasonable and necessary force may be used to quell a disturbance, obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon the person, for the purpose of self-defense, or for the protection of persons.

 

Only members of the Crisis Team who have been trained in the proper use of physical restraint may apply it unless no such staff member is available.  The Crisis team currently consists of five people.

 

Unless otherwise requested by a student's parent(s) or guardian(s), the school shall take and document reasonable steps to notify them that the student has been subjected to use of physical restraint, ideally on the same day but no later than two school days after such use.

For more information see Policy # 6.17, Restrictive Behavioral Intervention Policy.

SCHOOL PROPERTY

 

Students are responsible for taking care of schoolbooks and other materials entrusted to them for their use.  While normal wear is expected during the course of the year, obvious abuse or neglect will not be tolerated.  In such cases, or in the event of a lost item, students will be required to pay for damages to or loss of school property.

  

SPORTS

 

Sports teams and intramural athletic competition are promoted as an extension of the school's physical education program.  The intention is to teach and develop physical skills, mental discipline, sportsmanship, and the striving spirit necessary for successful living.  All students are encouraged to participate where eligible regardless of their skill level or experience.  Student athletes are expected to be positive representatives of the Alburgh School in behavior and academic standing. 

 

Students wishing to play a sport must sign a contract stipulating the rules each athlete must abide by in order to participate.  These rules include maintaining a passing grade in all classes.  A failing grade will prevent them from practicing and participating in athletic contests with their team.

 

STUDENT PERFORMANCE RESULTS

16 V.S.A. 165 (a)(2) require that each school report to its community, on a format selected by the school board on the following:

1.  Progress of students generally toward meeting academic standards.

2.  Information about the health and well being of children in our district.

For other required reporting requirements see the above policy #.

 

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

 

Directive: A copy of this policy shall be immediately provided to all parties involved in a claim, whether the claim is verbal or written.  Documentation of policy distribution is required.

Substance abuse shall be defined as: the ingestion of a substance in such a way that it interferes with a person's ability to perform physically, intellectually, emotionally or socially.  The Alburgh School District strictly prohibits the possession, use or distribution of any substance (drug, alcohol, etc.) on school property or school leased property.  Any violation of the policy will be dealt with immediately.

 

If a student is found to be using or possessing alcohol or drugs the following will occur:

c.       The school administration, school board, and police will be informed immediately.

d.      The parent/guardian will be notified immediately and will take the child home.  If the situation warrants it the parent/guardian will be required to take the child to a physician or hospital.

e.       Suspension for three days in accordance with policy.

f.        All other procedures followed by the administration will be within the confines of the law.

g.       Subsequent offenses will follow a similar procedure with more serious consequences.         

 

For more information on this, see Policy # 7.01A Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy

 

VISITORS

 

In order to ensure the safety and security of all students, it is imperative that all visitors report immediately to the main office and sign in.  Visitor Passes will be worn at all times while in the school.

 

VOLUNTEERS

 

Frequently teachers’ request community and parent volunteers.  These people may be asked to help with a special activity, to direct a small group project, or to assist the teacher with various classroom responsibilities.  If you or someone you know would like to volunteer your time, please call our office (796-3573), and we will give your name and phone number to our teachers.