Financial Assistance

    Students will not be denied opportunity to participate in any class or school sponsored activity because of inability to pay for material fees, transportation costs, admission prices, or  other related expenses.  Any student who needs financial assistance for school activities should contact a guidance counselor, advisor, or administrator to request confidential help.

Gap

    Gap, a state funded, grant-based program has been operating in the Plainfield Public Schools since 1990.  Nationally known as "Primary Project", it is recognized as one of five exemplary research-based prevention programs in the nation for enhancing a child's success in the classroom.  GAP is an early detection and prevention program that seeks to enhance learning and reduce social, emotional and school adjustment difficulties.  Children in first and second grades are selected for the program through a screening process performed by the classroom teacher and the school guidance counselor.  Carefully selected and trained child associates typically work with children once or twice a week.  The child's competencies and strength are reinforced and built upon through small group activities.

In compliance with the truancy law, the following procedures will be used to check on absences:

1. The parent/guardian should phone the school before 9:00 A.M.to report their child's absence with the reason. School personnel will call parents/guardians that have not phoned the school reporting students' absences with the reason.

2. The child is still to bring a note explaining the nature of the absence. A full explanation is necessary. Especially, information about communicable diseases, i.e. chicken-pox, measles, etc., is useful.

If your child arrives at school late, after 9:00 A.M., please inform him/her to report to the school office before going to the classroom. In this way the recording of an absence may be removed.

Every attempt is made to notify parents if injury or illness occurs during the school day. It is essential that emergency information you submit be kept up to date. Decision making becomes most difficult when we cannot reach parents, or someone you designate, in time of emergency.

At times, conditions may indicate the need to delay the starting time of school rather than close for the entire school day. Delayed opening announcements will be made as indicate under "Emergency School Closing (Snow, Etc.)" by 6:30 A.M.

Elementary Schools Grades 1 - 3     10:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

School closing on a scheduled school day will be announced in the following manner:

1. The fire alarm will sound in the Town of Plainfield at 6:30 A.M.

2. Radio stations listed below will carry the announcement.

A.M. WINY - 13.50 WTIC - 1080

F.M. WDRC - 102.9 WILI - 98.3

WCTY/WICH - 97.7 WWLI - 105.1

WKSS - 95.7 WHCN - 105.9

3. T.V. stations listed below will also carry information about school.

Eastern Connecticut Cable Channel (21)

WVIT - (30) WTIC - 3 WTNH - 8

ALL school activities are canceled if school is canceled.

Occasionally, it becomes necessary to close school early. Should this event occur, the following procedure will be used:

1. The early closing will be announced over the same radio stations as the school cancellations.

2. Children not going home on the bus will have to be picked up.

3. It is our hope that no child will be left unsupervised at home.

4. The staff will be leaving the building immediately upon dismissal. There will be no one in the building to supervise children.

    Please discuss with your child what they are to do if school is dismissed early. Are they to go to a neighbor? Do they have a key? Do they call you at work? Early dismissal often frightens young children. Therefore, they need to be prepared in advance of that possibility. Early dismissal will be at 12:40 P.M. for grades 1-3.

Fire Drills and Emergency Preparedness

    Fire drills are held at regular intervals as required by state law.  Students must follow the exit directions posted in each classroom.  Other emergency drills are practiced throughout the school year also.

Library/Media Center

    Students are invited to check out the books from the library.  Students are responsible for any material they sign out. Materials must be returned to the librarian at the circulation desk.  Students must pay for any materials they lose or damage.  A student's grade, or report cards may be with held until a student's obligation is met.

It is vital that the school have updated information at all times. Please make it a point to notify the school as early as possible regarding such things as change of address, change of telephone number, change of any emergency telephone numbers, change of custody, etc. Pertinent health information should also be conveyed to the school nurse. Keeping our records up-to-date is important for the safety of your child.

Shepard Hill Elementary School has an active P.T.O. Please watch for announcements early in the school year and become a member. Your contribution to the school would be most welcome. Meetings probably will be held on a monthly schedule throughout the year. 

Textbook Care and Obligations

    Students are responsible for the care of books and supplies entrusted to their use.  They will be assessed damage to textbooks, equipment or materials.  In accordance with state law, the school reserves the right to withhold grades, or report cards until the students pays for or returns the textbooks, library book or other educational materials.

We strongly urge that you somehow record your child's name on the personal possessions they bring to school. This is especially important for lunch boxes and special items of clothing such as outer wear. This would include coats, raincoats, boots, hats, sweaters, etc. Children's items are so similar, it is virtually impossible to determine ownership without identification tags. Each year numerous items are left at the end of the school.  Any articles which are found in the school or on school grounds should be turned in at the (main office).  Unclaimed articles will be disposed of (at the end of the school year).  Loss or suspected theft of personal or school property should be reported to the main office.

    Students should not bring in items of value (eg.  CD players, video games, ect) to school.. In many cases they are lost, stolen, broken, or confiscated because they are used at inappropriate times.  Pokemon and Konami cards are also banned from school.  They have become a disruption to the educational process.

The recent concern over rabies has necessitated excluding pets from school till further notice.

RECESS AND ILLNESS

Occasionally, parents will request that we keep the children in at recess time if they have a cold or other malady. It is our feeling, that if children are well enough to be in school, they are well enough to go outside for recess. It is agreed that the fresh air and a moderate amount of exercise is more beneficial to good health than remaining indoors.  Generally, requests for exclusion from recess or physical education are accompanied by a doctor's excuse.

If it becomes necessary to remove your child from school during school hours, please come to the office. All students will be dismissed directly from the office! Please try to make appointments and schedule other events after school hours.

Money brought to school should be for a specific purpose (such as lunch, milk, field trips, fund raisers). It is helpful when this money is brought in on time and labeled with child's name, amount and purpose. Planning is much easier when it is known how many children will participate in these activities. Participation, in all cases, is purely on a voluntary basis.

     We remind you that these snacks should be limited in quantity of food so that they may be considered a snack. There is not ample time to eat what might be considered a complete lunch. Nutritional scanks are recommended (e.g. fruit, cheese, etc.)

The regular lunch periods for grades 1-3 will be one-half hour in length. Students who are purchasing hot lunch should have the appropriate amount of money.  Snacks are also available to be purchased during the lunch period.

                                                SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

    The primary objective of our school health program is to promote the well being of children so that the maximum learning can take place. This will be accomplished through a process of screenings at various points in the year. The screenings will be conducted by the school nurse. Parents will be notified if it is felt that follow-up is needed.

If your child has been absent from school, even for one day, it is important to send a note to school with him/her upon return. This message should state why the pupil was absent and be signed by the parent or guardian. This is required by the state truancy law.

If your child complains of illness during the school day and his/her temperature is 100 or more, he/she is excluded from school. He/she should remain at home until his/her temperature is normal for 24 hours.

When your child is ill with measles, chicken pox, strep throat, or any other childhood disease, even during a vacation, it is important that you inform the school nurse so she may keep your child's records up to date. A report of all communicable diseases is forwarded to the State Department of Health.

If your child is ill, he/she should be kept at home, where he/she will recover quickly and his/her illness will not be spread to other students.

Millions of American children become infested with head lice each year, regardless of cleanliness. Head lice do not discriminate. They live in the scalp and hair of all children regardless of sex, race, color, cleanliness, or economic status. If you should discover that your child has contacted head lice, please notify the school nurse so classroom screening can be carried out.

Your school nurse will be happy to answer any questions you have about head lice and to instruct you as to treatment.

Due to a state law, the school nurses and the teachers are unable to give any medication (including cough drops) to any pupil in the Plainfield Schools without both specific written orders from the attending physician and written permission from the parent or guardian of the pupil.  Cough drops should not be sent with students to be taken at school.  They are a choking hazard.  We do not wish your child to have a potential health problem.

Forms are available at school and some physicians' offices. Physicians' orders, if given over a long period of time, shall be renewed each school year.

The medicine should be delivered weekly by a parent to the school nurse. It must be in a container labeled with the name and strength of medicine, name of patient, physician's name, date of original prescription, and directions.

Prescribed medication should not be administered during school hours if it is possible to achieve the desired effects by giving the medicine at home.

Schools are required to keep a record of any medicine administered to pupils.

SPECIAL SERVICES

The Plainfield School Department does provide for the special educational needs of children. Programs are available for children who are mentally handicapped, socially/emotionally disturbed, learning disabled, physically handicapped, speech impaired, hearing impaired, etc. Parents are encouraged to participate in the planning for any special education program. They are a vital part of the Planning and Placement Team and should attend these meeting.

Since our school district is always concerned with educational growth, we do give nationally standardized achievement tests. We are currently using the Metropolitan Achievement Test-VII. These tests are given annually to the second grade in the spring. Full reports of testing outcomes are made available to parents. If further explanation is needed, please call the school.

The Otis-Lennon is administered at the second grade level. This is a test to determine intellectual functioning. This test is administrated in the fall.

The Connecticut Mastery Test is administered to fourth grade, the Alternate Connecticut Mastery Test is given to grades 3 and 4. These tests are given in the Fall.

They test us too! From results, we learn where curriculum modifications need to be implemented.

Other tests may be administered for special education purposes, however, these will be determined at a meeting and will require parental permission.

Promotion, Retention and Placement

    Student promotion is dependent on each student's mastery and acquisition of basic learning objectives.  Normally students will progress annually from grade to grade.  Students who fail to master basic learning objectives at a normal rate will be considered for retention.  Retention decisions are the responsibility of the teaching staff and principal, after prior notification and discussion with parents.  The final decision rests with the school principal.

Volunteers are important to Shepard Hill Elementary School. We do have an active group. New volunteers are welcome and we would value your participation. More information will be sent home during the early days of the school year. To give you a brief overview, past volunteers have run off student worksheets, cut out soup labels, helped with fund raisers, created bulletin boards, helped with the Arts Festival, and helped in the library.

    The work of a volunteer may be carried out in the school or at home.

It is the policy of the Connecticut State Board of Education that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against under any program, including employment, because of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, mental retardation and past/present history of mental disorder, learning disability and physical disability.

DRESS CODE

For the personal health and safety of each student, we expect that clothing will be neat, clean, and in good taste. Clothing bearing slogans in poor taste,(such as advertising the use of alcohol, drugs or pornography) short shorts, or abbreviated tops will not be permitted as they detract from the learning process. Clothing and foot gear(like open toed sandals, high heels) should be appropriate for the daily indoor/outdoor activities of the student. Coats/hats should not be worn in the building. We ask visitors to our school to set an example by following this dress code. 

For outdoors:

In the fall and spring, mornings are cold while the afternoons can be warm. Wearing outer clothing that may be taken off is essential.

    At recess, our policy is to send the children outside unless it is raining or very cold. Warm coats, hats, gloves and rubber foot wear are very important during winter months.

    Temperatures indoors are normally around 70. Children can be very active in school. They may sit on floors, engage in projects, do art work, etc. School is not the place for their best clothing.

 For physical education indoors:

    Children would fare best with sneakers, jeans and clothing articles that will allow them to bend, stretch, tumble, run and jump without restriction. Since the gym is used by many students, we suggest the wearing of clothing that can take some soiling. Sneakers are required for our gym floor.

    Section 10-19(b) of the States General Statues requires that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) instruction be offered. It is recommended that some instruction be offered at least once during the kindergarten through grade 2 sequence, grade 3 through 5 sequence, grade 6 through 8 sequence and grade 9 through 12 sequence.

    The Plainfield Public Schools will meet the State's recommendations for the kindergarten through grade 2 sequence and the grade 3 through 5 sequence by offering AIDS instruction to the first, third and fifth grade classes.

EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION

    A student will be exempted from instruction on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Bilingual Education, or Family Life and Sex Education upon receipt of a written request for such exemption from his/her parent or guardian.

                                            SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY

It is recognized by the Plainfield Board of Education that sexual harassment is forbidden by federal and state law and will not be tolerated by the Plainfield Public Schools. Employees and students are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful and courteous to fellow employees and students and to the public.

    Should sexual harassment be alleged, Board policy dictates that it shall be thoroughly investigated, that there shall be no retaliation against the victim of the harassment, and that the problem/concern shall be appropriately addressed.

    The Director of Pupil Personnel Services is responsible to oversee Title IX issues as directed by the Superintendent.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

    The right to inspect desks, lockers and other equipment assigned to students may be exercised by school officials to safeguard students, their property and school property.  An authorized school administrator may search a student's backpack or desk under the following conditions:

        1.  There is reason to believe that the student's desk or backpack contains                  contraband  material.

        2.  The probable presence of contraband material presents a serious threat to the maintenance of discipline, order, safety and health in school.

    This document serves as advance notice that school board policy allows desks and backpacks to be inspected if the administration has reason to believe that materials injurious to the best interests of students and the school are contained therein.

The use, possession and/or sale of alcoholic beverages and drugs is forbidden on all school property. This prohibition applies to all students participating in all officially sanctioned school activities wherever they are conducted. This prohibition includes transportation to and from such activities on school buses and/or other officially sanctioned transportation facilities. Discipline up to and including expulsion may be applied for violation of the above at the discretion of the Board of Education.

    Recognizing that drug use and abuse may be indicative of serious underlying problems, every effort will be made to offer a student help and assistance, including early identification, referral for treatment, and after care support. Disciplinary procedures will be administered with the best interest of the student, school population, and community in mind.

    The Plainfield Public Schools staff, in cooperation with local law enforcement officials, will work collectively in an effort to help students understand the serious legal, social and medical consequences associated with alcohol and drug abuse.

CHILD ABUSE

    Teachers, principals, paraprofessionals and other professional school staff are abligated by law (C.G.S.17a-101) to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families Services. Specific procedures governing the reporting of abuse and neglect are in effect.

    Reporting of child abuse and neglect is a responsibility which is taken seriously.  If there is any doubt about reporting suspected abuse or neglect a report will be made.  The school will work with the parents and appropriate social agencies in all cases.

CHILD SAFETY SUGGESTIONS

Each year two million children are reported missing in the United States. Of these two million 1,850,000 are runaways; 100,000 are kidnapped as a result of parental custodial disputes; and 50,000 are abducted by strangers. With this in mind, the following recommendations are made:

1. Teach your child who a stranger is. A stranger is anyone who is not a known and trusted friend or relative. Explain that a bad person is not always mean or ugly. The child should not get involved with strangers in any way.

2. Prepare your child for frequently used ploys such as requests for directions, help in finding lost pets, etc. Instruct your children that adults should not come to children for help. Adults should go to adults for help.

3. Teach your child how to use a telephone. Teach your child his/ her home address, phone number, area code, and how to use the Emergency 911 number.

4. Do not put your child's name on the outside of clothing, books, book bags, etc. Place all name tags on the inside of articles. Teach your child not to give out his/her name or address to strangers.

5. When your child is to be picked up by someone other than yourself, instruct your child as to who that person will be. Be certain the person is a trusted family member or very close friend. Be prepared that the school will check carefully.

These are a few suggestions to help assure the safety of your children. Remember that safety must start at home. Please discuss these simple rules with your children.

PLAINFIELD SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

                                                        Homework

Philosophy:

    Meaningful homework assignments are an integral part of the learning process. Thoughtful, well-planned and purposeful homework assignments reinforce and augment the lessons taught in class and also teach the student the importance of responsibility, self-discipline, and good study habits. Our main goal is the reinforcement of the concept of homework as fundamental to a student's learning and development.

Definitions:

    Homework is defined as any work planned or approved by a teacher to be completed by a student outside of the regular classroom. It includes, but is not limited to, work not completed in class and special assignments.

Objectives:

1. To develop a student's higher level thinking skills.

2. To reinforce learning through practice.

3. To develop good study habits, self-discipline, and a

sense of responsibility.

4. To encourage independent learning.

5. To aid in the development of positive work habits.

6. To promote positive parental involvement.

Students' Responsibilities:

1. Make up work missed when absent.

2. Complete unfinished class assignments.

3. Make a list of homework assignments.

4. Take home all books and materials needed to complete the

assignment.

5. Be aware that the content and appearance of all

assignments are important elements in the grading

process.

6. Complete homework on time and to the best of his/her

ability.

7. Consults with his/her teachers when the total homework

time exceeds reasonable limits.

Teachers' Responsibilities:

1. To make sure assignment is clear and that directions are

understood.

2. Send the written homework policy home to parents and

explain the policy to the students at the beginning of

the year.

3. Explain the consequences for not meeting the guidelines

as stated.

4. Motivate the students to complete the homework

assignments.

5. Consider the students total daily homework load and out

of school responsibilities.

6. Record, check, and return homework assignments to

students in a timely fashion.

7. Notify parents when homework assignments are not being

done.

8. Explain to the student the criteria used in evaluating

homework and its inclusion in the grading process.

Parents' Responsibilities:

1. Establish a quiet place in the home where the student can

work at maximum effort.

2. Emphasize to the child the value and importance of

homework.

3. Encourage students not to waste time when completing

homework assignments.

4. If a child requests, give assistance only until he/she

can work adequately alone.

5. Be aware of teacher expectations in relation to homework

assignments.

6. Communicate with teacher to clarify any confusion

regarding homework assignments.

Suggested Time Allotment:

The following guidelines have been established for the assignment of homework in the Plainfield Public Schools:

Grade         Time                         Frequency

1 - 2             5 - 15 minutes         2 days/week

3                 15 - 30 minutes         2 days/week

4 - 5             30 - 45 minutes         3 days/week

  DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS

    The School District abides by the timeliness regarding destruction of confidential student records which are no longer needed.

    Before records are destroyed, the approval of three officials must be obtained:

1. The chief administrative officer of the municipality,

2. The State Public Records Administrator, and

3. The State Librarian.

    Parents and former students (18 years old and older) are informed by the School District when education records are scheduled to be destroyed and advised they may obtain copies of the records before destruction.

    The custodian will periodically conduct a review of the case files to determine which information is no longer needed to provide education services to the student. A notification letter will be sent to the family or former student who is 18 years and older, and it will be sent to the last known address of the family or individual. The notification will describe the intended date for record destruction and advise that the family may request copies of this information prior to the destruction.

    Notice (regarding record destruction) will also be placed in local newspapers following the custodian's review.

    In addition to the periodic reviews of the active student case files, the custodian will adhere to the following timeliness. Case files of students graduated at least six years previously or have reached age 28 will be purged of Category C materials. Parents and/or the former students will receive notice through individual mailing and newspaper announcement that this destruction will occur and that they may receive a copy prior to the destruction.

    The School District provides annual notice to parents of children receiving special education that these confidentiality and access policies and procedures exist and that copies are available.

USE OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

(JFCK)

    The Plainfield Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide a classroom environment free from disruption to the educational process. Because of this responsibility, the use of personal communication devices (e.e. paper, cellular phone and the like) by staff or students will not be permitted unless special authorization is granted by the building principal due to special circumstances based on a legitimate need. Any staff member or student using personal communication devices without authorization will be subject to disciplinary action.

Administrative use of such devices must be authorized by the Superintendent of Schools.

Proposed: 2/5/96

Adopted: 3/13/96

Legal Reference: PA 95-304

WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS POLICY

(JFCI)

    The Plainfield Board of Education recognizes that possession and/or use of a weapon or dangerous instrument by a student is detrimental to the welfare and safety of the students and the staff within the school district. Possession and/or use of any weapon or dangerous instrument in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school sponsored or approved activity, is prohibited. For purposes of this policy, "weaponÓ and "dangerous instrument include, but are not limited to, any: pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun, spring gun, slingshot, bludgeon, artificial knuckles, knife, chemical weapon, explosive device, "stun" gun, or other electric shock producing device, any device having a sharp point or edge, such as an ice pick or razor, and any other similarly dangerous instrument capable of inflicting injury.

    Possession of an instrument that might otherwise be considered a "dangerous instrument" such as a baseball bat, tool or laboratory device, is permitted if such instrument is in a student's possession because, and to the extent that, such instrument is necessary for the student to participate in an approved school program, extra curricular activity, science fair or other similar event.

    Whenever a school administrator has a reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of a weapon or dangerous instrument, such administrator is authorized to conduct an unannounced inspection of such student's locker, desk, vehicle parked on school property, the pockets of the student's clothing, and/or any purse, gym bag or other receptacle belonging to or under the control of the student. Any search by an administrator must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search, and must not be excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student. A student found to have in his/her possession any weapon or dangerous instrument will have that item confiscated, and will be subjected to school discipline, which may result in suspension and/or expulsion.

    In any case in which there is a possible violation of a criminal law which relates to the possession and/or use of a weapon or dangerous instrument, the school administration will work cooperatively with police, prosecutors and other law enforcement authorities.

    Students and staff will be provided with a written copy of this policy annually. Any teacher, employee, student, parent, school volunteer, or other member of the school community who reasonably believes that a student is in violation of this policy, should refer the matter to the building administrator or other appropriate administrator in charge. Proposed: 01/13/94

Adopted: 02/10/94

SUSPENSION/ EXPULSION/ EXCLUSION/ REMOVAL OF STUDENTS

    All school district employees share responsibility for supervision the behavior of students to help them meet the standards of conduct established by the Board of Education or the school staff and administration.

    In working with students, emphasis shall be placed upon developing self-discipline as the most effective disciplinary approach.

Section I-- Definitions

    1.  "Exclusion" shall be defined as denial of any public school privilege of a pupil for disciplinary purposes.

    2.  "Removal" shall be defined as an exclusion from a classroom for all or part of a single class period, provided such exclusion shall not extend beyond ninety (90) minutes.

    3.  "In-school suspension" shall be defined as an exclusion from regular classroom activity for no more that five (5) consecutive school days, but not exclusion from actual school, provided such exclusion does not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such inschool suspension was inposed.  An in-school suspension may include, reassignment to a regular classroom program in a different school in the school district; such reassignment shall not constitute a "suspension" or "expulsion" under this policy.