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Nashua, New Hampshire

STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOKELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

2011-2012

Nashua School District141 Ledge Street

Nashua, NH 03060-3071603-966-1000

http://www.nashua.edu

September 1, 2011

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to the Nashua School District! We are proud of our schools and look forward to working with you and your children this year.

This handbook contains general information about our schools that will be useful to you throughout the school year. We encourage you to become familiar with its contents and suggest you save it for future reference. Please pay special attention to the section entitled “Student Behavior Standards,” and review with your child our behavior expectations and consequences for violations. Good behavior and school discipline are necessary for learning to take place, and all Nashua students are expected to follow the rules and procedures outlined in this section.

Nashua’s public school system has earned a reputation for excellence. This is a direct result of having a supportive community and Board of Education that recognizes the importance of public education and provides the necessary resources. The dedicated people on our staff work tirelessly to offer the best possible programs and educational opportunities to your children.

We believe that a strong partnership between parents and schools fosters the best atmosphere for learning, and we encourage you to visit our schools often. There is, in fact, a direct correlation between parent involvement and student achievement. You may want to consider becoming active in your child’s school by joining our school volunteer program, which is recognized as one of the finest in the State of New Hampshire.

You may also access this handbook, and other District information, on our website: www.nashua.edu. If you wish to contact members of the Board of Education, you may do so by selecting “Contact Us” on the website.

Best wishes to you and your family for a rewarding school year.

Sincerely,

Mark ConradSuperintendent of Schools

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http://www.nashua.edu/

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message to Parents from the Superintendent of Schools ............................................................................................iTable of Contents............................................................................................................................................................iiExemptions from Interviews/Photographs/Videos..........................................................................................................1Elementary School Philosophy and Objectives..............................................................................................................3Important Nashua School District Policies:

Directory Information............................................................................................................................................3 Brief Statement of Non-Discrimination.................................................................................................................4 Sexual Harassment.................................................................................................................................................4 Bullying..................................................................................................................................................................5 Hazing....................................................................................................................................................................9 Grievance Procedure for Addressing Student/Parent and Employee Complaints Alleging Discrimination or

Harassment.............................................................................................................................................................9 Procedural Safeguards Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap/Disability.................................................10 Tobacco Use and Possession Policy: Employees/Visitors/Contracted Groups...................................................11

Nashua Public & Private School Times........................................................................................................................13Nashua Board of Education..........................................................................................................................................14Central Office Administrators.......................................................................................................................................14Map of Nashua Schools................................................................................................................................................15School Calendar............................................................................................................................................................16Absence, Tardiness, and Dismissals..............................................................................................................................17Admission.....................................................................................................................................................................17Animals in School.........................................................................................................................................................17Arrival on School Grounds...........................................................................................................................................18Attendance....................................................................................................................................................................18Before & After School Child Care in the School..........................................................................................................19Bicycles/Skateboards/Scooters.....................................................................................................................................19Birth Certificates...........................................................................................................................................................19Breakfast Program ...........................................................................................................See Food Service Program 39Calendar/Newsletter......................................................................................................................................................20Change of School or Assignment..................................................................................................................................20Curriculum Guides........................................................................................................................................................21Custodial/Guardianship Information.............................................................................................................................21Discipline (Student Behavior Standards)......................................................................................................................21Dress Code....................................................................................................................................................................38Early Release Days.......................................................................................................................................................38Emergency Management Plan.......................................................................................................................................38Emergencies..................................................................................................................................................................38English Language Learners (ELL)................................................................................................................................38Field Trips.....................................................................................................................................................................39Food Allergies...............................................................................................................................................................39Food Service Program...................................................................................................................................................39Gifted & Talented....................................................................................................................................See REACH 49Guidance.......................................................................................................................................................................40Health Program for Grade 5..........................................................................................................................................41Health Personnel and Policies.......................................................................................................................................41Health Services in the School.......................................................................................................................................43Homework Policy.........................................................................................................................................................43Immunizations and Physicals........................................................................................................................................44Inclement Weather Policies and No School Information..............................................................................................45Instructional Materials..................................................................................................................................................46Insurance.......................................................................................................................................................................46Kindergarten..................................................................................................................................................................46Lost and Found..............................................................................................................................................................46Mathematics: Acceleration Process in Mathematics K-6..............................................................................................46

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Non-Resident Pupils - Tuition Waiver..........................................................................................................................46Parents Complaints and Concerns.................................................................................................................................47Parent/Teacher Conferences..........................................................................................................................................47Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO)..............................................................................................................................47Physical Education........................................................................................................................................................47Program of Studies - Elementary Schools....................................................................................................................48Retention Guidelines - Grades K-5...............................................................................................................................49Property, Litter, and School Pride.................................................................................................................................49Pupil Records................................................................................................................................................................49Pupil Services................................................................................................................................................................49REACH (Recognizing Extraordinary Abilities in Children)........................................................................................49Recess............................................................................................................................................................................49Report Cards and Progress Reports..............................................................................................................................50Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect - Mandatory...............................................................................................................50Residency......................................................................................................................................................................50Responsible Use Guidelines - Internet..........................................................................................................................50Safety - Arriving at and Leaving from School..............................................................................................................52School Property.............................................................................................................................................................53Silent Meditation and Pledge of Allegiance..................................................................................................................53Ski Program...................................................................................................................................................................53Snacks...........................................................................................................................................................................53Student-Conveyed Communications.............................................................................................................................53Telephone Regulations..................................................................................................................................................54Teacher-Parent-School Relationship.............................................................................................................................54Title I—Parents Right to Know....................................................................................................................................54Transportation...............................................................................................................................................................54Tutors............................................................................................................................................................................60Visits and Appointments...............................................................................................................................................60Volunteers - Parent(s)....................................................................................................................................................60Withdrawals..................................................................................................................................................................60Let Us Hear From You!.................................................................................................................................................61

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Nashua School District141 Ledge Street

Nashua, NH 03060-3071

603-966-1000http://www.nashua.edu

Exemptions from Interviews / Photographs / Videos

Dear Parent/Guardian/Eligible Student:

From time to time during the school year, members of the news media (newspapers/television) visit our school to interview and/or take pictures/videos of students in the school setting regarding the students' participation in school-sponsored events and functions.

If you object to having your child included in these interviews and/or photographs/videos (or if you are an eligible student 18 years of age or older and do not want to participate), you must complete this form and return it to the school administration office as soon as possible.

Student’s Name Grade

School

To be completed by parent:

___ I do not want my child to be photographed /videoed as described above.

___I do not want my child to be interviewed as described above.

To be completed by student 18 years of age or older:

___I do not want to be photographed / videoed as described above.

___I do not want to be interviewed as described above.

I, the undersigned, understand this exemption does not include general events open to the public such as school performances, athletics, field days, etc., that may be broadcast on the Nashua Cable Television System, including the Education Channel.

Please Print Name of Parent/Guardian/Eligible Student

Signature of Parent/Guardian/Eligible Student Date

May 2008

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

Nashua schools receive students with a variety of abilities, interests, and experiences, and the schools use the resources provided by the community to implement a program of planned, sequential, instructional experiences and activities based on sound educational practices and research. The goal of the program is to develop the knowledge, skills, processes, and attitudes, which students will need to be productive, responsible, and self-fulfilled members of our schools and society.

To achieve this goal, the District strives to develop students who are: able to acquire, communicate, and use information by applying skills in reading, speaking, listening, writing,

spelling, viewing, calculating, and computing, as well as organizing and evaluating information. able to make good decisions by gathering information, anticipating outcomes, making appropriate choices, and

accepting the responsibility for these choices. aware of the importance of achieving and maintaining good health, personal safety, and physical fitness. competent in the basic techniques in Art and Music and who understand the importance of the arts as a means of

personal creative expression. able to use appropriate interpersonal skills and respect the rights and needs of others and themselves. cognizant of their own personal skills, talents, interests, abilities, and needs. aware of the importance of responsible participation in the community and in society. aware of the need to respect and protect the environment and natural resources. accepting of their personal responsibility in the teaching/learning process.

In accepting these goals, the school acknowledges the individual needs of its students in level, rate, and style of learning and provides a variety of appropriate instructional, enrichment and extra-curricular experiences. The commitment is to provide each student with challenging experiences and the necessary support to assure that each student achieves these goals to the maximum of his/her potential within the available resources of time, personnel, and materials. Students should ultimately develop the skills and competencies to continue their education and/or obtain gainful employment.

The Nashua schools are committed to a cooperative relationship and open communication among the home, the school, and the community to assure that a nurturing and supportive environment is provided for the students and that opportunities to reinforce these goals occur in all of the students' experiences.

(POPPS 1210 – R/Bd Approved 03/30/87)

DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Public law allows the Nashua School District to disclose certain personally-identifiable information from the education records of a student if the information has been designated as directory information.

The Nashua School District has defined directory information as follows: student and parent(s) names, student and parent(s) address, telephone number, electronic mail address, photograph, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status (e.g., undergraduate or graduate, full-time or part-time), participation in officially recognized activities or sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, degrees, honors and awards, most recent educational institution attended, and other similar information.

Effective December 15, 1980, the Nashua School District will continue to release such directory information at its discretion to external sources upon receipt of a request for such information unless a parent or student eighteen years of age or older requests such information be withheld.

Parents, legal guardians, or students 18 years of age or older, may refuse designation of any or all of the aforementioned directory information for a specific student provided that a written request to that effect is received

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by the Superintendent of Schools, 141 Ledge Street, by September 15 of each ensuing school year.

Complaints regarding alleged violations may be filed with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Office, Department of Health and Human Services.

Public notice of this policy shall be given by publication in a newspaper by September 1 of each ensuing school year. This policy shall also be published in student handbooks.

Copies of this policy and additional information may be obtained from the Director of Human Resources, Nashua School District.

(POPPS 3442 - R/Bd Approved 01/27/97)

BRIEF STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION Policy AC-R

The following brief statement shall be used on permanent flyers and posters, small pamphlets and employment applications:

The Nashua Board of Education reaffirms its position of compliance with applicable State and Federal laws of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information and age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in the services, programs, and activities of the Nashua School District.

The Director of Human Resources shall review this statement annually to ensure that it reflects current Federal and State statutes on non-discrimination and that it is acceptable to the New Hampshire Department of Education.

The Nashua Board of Education reaffirms its commitment to and compliance with all applicable state and federal nondiscrimination laws. The Director of Human Resources, Administrative Offices, 141 Ledge Street, Nashua, NH 03060, telephone (603) 966-1000 will receive all inquiries, complaints, and other communications relative to this policy and the applicable laws and regulations concerned with non-discrimination. This policy applies to all persons employed or served by the District.

RSA 354-A: 6, Opportunity for Employment without Discrimination a Civil RightRSA 354-A: 7, Unlawful Discriminatory PracticesThe Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967The Age Discrimination Act of 1975Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) – sexThe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) – disabilityTitles IV, VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (15 or more employees)Title II of the Genetic Information Non Discrimination Act of 2008 (Title II)

See Appendix AC-RReplaces POPPS 1215Board Approved: 4/21/2010

SEXUAL HARASSMENT Policy 1216

Acts of sexual harassment by employees or students of the Nashua School District or persons doing business with the District with whom a student or employee may interact in order to fulfill job or school responsibilities is a violation of Nashua School District policy and subjects the offending individual to sanctions and/or disciplinary measures including expulsion of students and termination of employment.

For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,

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and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment or academic standing; or

Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting that individual; or

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's performance or creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment.

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to: sexual innuendo, verbal harassment, including epithets, derogatory comments or slurs; physical harassment, physical interference with movement of work, or visual harassment such as derogatory cartoons, drawings, posters or graffiti.

Sexual harassment is prohibited against members of the same sex as well as against members of the opposite sex. Sexual harassment is determined solely from the perspective of the recipient as determined by the standard of how a reasonable person of the same gender/position would interpret the incident.

Individuals shall not be retaliated against, reprimanded or discriminated against in any way for initiating an inquiry or complaint or testing, assisting or participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing conducted by an authorized investigative body. The rights of an individual against whom a complaint is brought will also be protected.

Some forms of sexual harassment are considered violations of criminal law and as such, must be referred to legal authorities.

Employees are required, and students shall be encouraged, to immediately report any disclosure of a potential violation of this policy or any suspicion of a violation to the building principal and/or the Associate Superintendent of Schools and/or the Superintendent of Schools.

All formal complaints may be processed in accordance with POPPS policies 3441 Student-Parent Discrimination Complaint Procedures for Titles VI & IX, 8410 Procedure for Conducting Impartial Due Process Hearings Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 8420 Grievance Procedure for Addressing Student/Parent and Employee Complaints Alleging Discrimination or Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Disability, or Age which are nonexclusive. Complainants are not required to exhaust administrative remedies in processing complaints. Nothing herein limits the authority of the District to take disciplinary action or otherwise address instances of sexual harassment consistent with its management rights and obligations.

This policy shall be considered in conjunction with POPPS policy AC and AC-R Non-Discrimination.

(POPPS 1216 - R/Bd. Approved 03/25/02)

BULLYING Policy JICK

The Nashua School District is committed to providing all pupils with a safe, secure and peaceful school environment. Conduct constituting bullying or cyberbullying will not be tolerated and is expressly prohibited.

Furthermore, the District reserves the right to address bullying and, if necessary, impose discipline for bullying that:

1. Occurs on, or is delivered to, school property or a school-sponsored activity or event on or off school property; or

2. Occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event.

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This policy shall apply to all pupils and school-aged persons on school district grounds and participating in school district functions, regardless of whether or not an individual is a pupil within the District. The superintendent is responsible for the implementation of this policy.

I. Definitions

1. Bullying. Bullying is hereby defined as a single significant incident or a pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another Pupil which:

(1) Physically harms a Pupil or damages the pupil’s property;(2) Causes emotional distress to a Pupil;(3) Interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities;(4) Creates a hostile educational environment; or(5) Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying shall also include actions motivated by an imbalance of power based on a pupil’s actual or perceived personal characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs, or motivated by the pupil’s association with another person and based on the other person’s characteristics, behaviors, or beliefs.

2. Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is defined as any conduct defined as “bullying” in this policy that is undertaken through the use of electronic devices. For purposes of this policy, any references to the term bullying shall include cyberbullying.

3. Electronic devices. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, and websites.

4. Perpetrator. Perpetrator means a Pupil who engages in bullying or cyberbullying.

5. School property. School property means all real property and all physical plant and equipment used for school purposes, including public or private school buses or vans.

6. Victim. Victim means a Pupil against whom bullying or cyberbullying has been perpetrated.

Any reference in this policy to “parent” shall include parents or legal guardians. II. Statement prohibiting retaliation or false accusations

False Reporting

A pupil found to have wrongfully and intentionally accused another of bullying may face discipline or other consequences, ranging from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Reprisal or Retaliation

The District will discipline and take appropriate action against any pupil who retaliates against any person who makes a good faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to such bullying.

The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a pupil who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the Principal after consideration of the nature, severity and circumstances of the act, in accordance with law and Board policies. Any pupil found to have engaged in reprisal or retaliation in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including suspension and expulsion.

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Process To Protect Pupils From Retaliation

If the alleged victim or any witness expresses to the Principal or other staff member that he/she believes he/she may be retaliated against, or if the Principal has reason to believe that retaliation may occur, the Principal shall develop a process or plan to protect that pupil from possible retaliation.

Each process or plan may be developed on a case-by-case basis. Actions available to the Principal and/or Superintendent to protect the pupil include, but are not limited to, re-arranging pupil class schedules to minimize their contact, stern warnings to alleged perpetrators, temporary removal of privileges, transferring the perpetrator to another school within the School District, or other means necessary to protect the alleged victim against possible retaliation.

III. Procedure for Reporting Bullying

1. At each school the Principal and/or designee of the Principal shall be responsible for receiving and responding to complaints of alleged violations of this policy.

2. Any pupil who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying should report the alleged acts immediately to the Principal. If the pupil is more comfortable reporting the alleged act to a person other than the Principal, the pupil may tell any school district employee or volunteer about the alleged bullying.

3. Any school employee, coach or regular school volunteer who witnesses, receives a report of, or has knowledge or belief that bullying may have occurred must inform the Principal as soon as possible, but no later than the end of that school day.

4. The Principal shall develop a system or method for receiving anonymous reports of bullying. Although pupils, parents, volunteers and visitors may report anonymously, formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on an anonymous report. Independent verification of the anonymous report shall be necessary in order for any disciplinary action to be applied.

5. Upon receipt of a report of bullying, the Principal shall commence an investigation consistent with the provisions of Section V of this policy.

IV. Notifying Parents of Alleged Bullying & Waiver of Notification Requirement

1. The Principal shall notify the parents of the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator that a potential incident has occurred and will be investigated. Such notification must be made within 48 hours of receiving the report and may be made by telephone, writing, email notice, or personal conference. The date, time, method, and location (if applicable) of such notification and communication shall be noted in the report. All notifications shall be consistent with pupil privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

2. The Superintendent or designee may, within a 48 hour time period, grant the Principal a waiver from the requirement that the parents of the alleged victim or the alleged perpetrator be notified of the filing of a report. A waiver may only be granted if the Superintendent deems such a waiver to be in the best interest of the victim or perpetrator. Any waiver granted shall be in writing.

V. Investigative Procedures

1. Upon receipt of a report of bullying the Principal or designee shall, within five (5) school days initiate an investigation into the alleged act. The investigation shall be completed within ten (10) school days of the reported incident, and should include speaking with the alleged victim, the alleged perpetrator and known witnesses, as well as reviewing other evidence available through reasonable good faith efforts.

2. The Superintendent or designee may grant in writing an extension of the time period for the investigation and

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documentation of reports for up to an additional seven (7) school days. In the event an extension is granted, the Principal shall notify in writing all parties involved of the granting of the extension.

3. Should a report of bullying be received by the principal at or near the end of a school year or summer school term, all time lines for investigation and reporting contained in this policy shall apply to calendar days, exempting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

4. Documentation of a substantiated incident of bullying shall be recorded in the pupil records of both the victim and perpetrator through the District’s pupil management system. Documentation shall include all relevant information pertaining to the incident, including communications with parents, a description of the incident including the time and place, and disciplinary or remedial actions that have been taken. Documentation of the incident in the pupil management system will constitute a report to the Superintendent, who has access to all pupil files.

5. Should an investigation lead a principal to believe the action of a perpetrator constitutes criminal behavior; the principal shall notify local law enforcement authorities of the incident, in addition to any investigation and action taken by the School District.

VI. Communication With Parents Upon Completion of Investigation

Within two (2) school days of the completion of the investigation the Principal will attempt to notify via telephone the parents of the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator of the results of the investigation. The Principal shall provide further written notice to the parents within 24 hours of the attempt to call them, formally notifying them of the results of the investigation. All notifications shall be consistent with pupil privacy rights under the applicable provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

VII. Response to Remediate Substantiated Instances of Bullying

The district reserves the right to impose disciplinary measures against any pupil who commits an act of bullying, falsely accuses another pupil of bullying, or retaliates against any pupil or witness who provides information about an act of bullying.

Pupils who are found to have violated this policy may face discipline in accordance with Board of Education policies on student behavior standards and other applicable Board policies, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. Pupils facing discipline will be afforded all due process required by law.

In addition to imposing discipline under such circumstances, the Board encourages the administration and staff to seek alternatives to traditional discipline, including but not limited to early intervention measures, alternative dispute resolution, conflict resolution and other similar measures.

Consequences for a pupil who commits an act of bullying or retaliation shall be varied and graded according to the nature of the behavior, the developmental age of the pupil, and the pupil’s history of problem behaviors and performance. Non-disciplinary remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent another occurrence of the problem, protect and provide support for the victim, and take corrective action for documented systematic problems related to bullying.

Examples of non-disciplinary remedial measures include but are not limited to making a written apology to the victim, completing hours of community service, receiving counseling or transferring a perpetrator to another school.

The Board supports the promotion of preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of aggressive behavior, including bullying. The Board encourages the Superintendent to work collaboratively with all staff members to develop responses other than traditional discipline as a way to remediate substantiated instances of bullying.

VIII. Appeal

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1. For non-disciplinary remedial actions where no other review procedures govern, the parents of the pupils involved in the bullying, or eligible pupils eighteen years of age or older involved in the bullying, shall have the right to appeal the Principal’s decision to the Superintendent in writing within five (5) business days. The Superintendent shall review the Principal’s decision and issue a written decision within ten (10) business days. If the aggrieved party is still not satisfied with the outcome, the aggrieved party may file a written request for review by the Board within ten (10) business days of the Superintendent’s decision. If a non-disciplinary remedial action is imposed by the Superintendent the aggrieved party may file a written request for review by the Board within ten (10) business days of the Superintendent’s decision. The Board will adhere to all applicable New Hampshire Department of Education administrative rules.

2. The procedures under RSA 193:13, Ed 317, and District policies establish the due process and appeal rights for pupils disciplined for acts of bullying.

3. A non-disciplinary remedial action will remain in effect unless or until it is overturned through an appeal process.

4. The Board or its designee will inform parents of any appeal rights they may have to the New Hampshire State Board of Education.

IX. Distribution and Notice of This Policy All staff, pupils, parents, and regular school volunteers will be provided with a copy of this policy on an annual basis through student and staff handbooks, as well as posting the policy in public areas of each school and the District Office. The policy shall also be available through the POPPS policy manual contained on the District’s website.

X. Reporting

The superintendent or designee will report to the Board twice per year: the number of substantiated incidents of bullying or cyberbullying the number of false reports of bullying or cyberbullying the number of appeals the number of appeals granted

Legal References:

RSA 193-F:3 Student Safety and Violence Prevention ActRSA 193:13 Suspension and Expulsion of PupilsNH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04(a)(8), Student HarassmentNH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 317, Student Discipline

Approved: May 2001Revised: March 2003, September 2004R/Board Approved: 12/13/2010 [Replaces POPPS 3244.1 ]

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR ADDRESSING STUDENT/PARENT AND EMPLOYEE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT

Nashua Public Schools do not discriminate in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI); on the basis of sex, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; on the basis of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); or on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1974 (Age Discrimination Act).

To file a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment by the Nashua Public Schools on the basis of race,

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religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age, please contact:

Any building principal, whose name, business address, and telephone number may be obtained by telephoning (603) 966-1000

OR

Director of Human ResourcesNashua Public SchoolsBerard Masse Administration Building141 Ledge StreetNashua, NH 03060Telephone (603) 966-1000

To make inquiries concerning the application of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, the Age Discrimination Act, and their respective implementing regulations or to request an impartial due process hearing under Section 504, please contact:

Director of Human Resources, at the address and telephone number above.

Inquiries concerning the applicability of the aforementioned laws and regulations to the Nashua Public Schools (but not religion) also may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), 33 Arch Street, Suite 900, Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1491, telephone (617) 289-0111.

A grievant may file a complaint with OCR, generally,1. within 180 calendar days of the alleged discrimination or harassment, or2. within 60 calendar days of receiving notice of the Nashua Public School’s final disposition on a complaint filed

through the Nashua Public Schools, or 3. within 60 calendar days of receiving a final decision by the New Hampshire Department of Education, or4. instead of filing a complaint with the Nashua Public Schools.

(Excerpted from POPPS 8420 R/Bd. Approved 09/13/04)

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP/DISABILITY

Policy ACE

The Nashua School District provides the following procedures for conducting impartial due process hearings under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Any parent/guardian who wishes to request an impartial due process hearing under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) or Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 may contact Director of Student Services, Administrative Office, 141 Ledge Street, Nashua, New Hampshire 03060, telephone (603) 966-1000.

Within 5 school days of receiving the request for an impartial due process hearing under Section 504 or Title II, the District Discrimination Complaint Manager will arrange for a hearing as follows:

Procedure for Conducting Impartial Due Process Hearings

A request for an impartial due process hearing under Section 504 or Title II must be in writing and identify the reason for the request (e.g., briefly explain what is inappropriate about a matter concerning identification, evaluation, and/or educational placement). The person making the request may be assisted by any person of his/her choosing. The following procedure will be followed when the Director of Student Services receives a request for an impartial due process hearing under Section 504 or Title II.

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A. Section 504 Coordinator will appoint an impartial hearing officer (a non-school district employee) who will conduct the hearing within fifteen (15) calendar days after the request is received;

B. The Section 504 Coordinator shall give the parent/guardian, student, or employee a minimum of seven calendar days written advance notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing;

C. The hearing must be conducted by an individual, who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing and is knowledgeable of applicable laws;

D. The local school district shall give the parent/guardian, student, or employee a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised. The parent/guardian, student, or employee may, at their own expense, be assisted or represented by individuals of his or her choice, including an attorney;

E. The hearing officer shall issue a decision, in writing, within fifteen (15) calendar days after the hearing;

F. The decision must be based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing and shall include a summary of the evidence and reasons for the decision.

G. If desired either party may seek a review of the hearing officer’s decision by a court of competent jurisdiction.

H. The hearing officer’s decision shall be implemented unless the decision is stayed, modified, or overturned by a court.

I. The district shall have no financial obligation with respect to attorney fees incurred by the parent(s) or guardian(s) in the course of the Section 504 hearing.

All claims must be made in writing and filed with the District's 504 Coordinator who is responsible for assuring that the District complies with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Director of Student Services,Berard Masse Administration Building,141 Ledge Street,Nashua, New Hampshire 03060

Board Approved: 12/22/2008 (Replaces POPPS 8410)

TOBACCO PRODUCTS BANUSE AND POSSESSION IN AND ON SCHOOL FACILITIES AND GROUNDS Policy ADC

USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS STRICTLY PROHIBITEDIN/ON ALL SCHOOL FACILITIES AND/OR GROUNDS

No person shall use any tobacco product in any facility maintained by the School District, nor on any of the grounds of the District.

Tobacco products means cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smokeless tobacco, smokeless cigarettes, products containing tobacco, and tobacco in any other form.

Facility is any place which is supported by public funds and which is used for the instruction of students enrolled in preschool programs and in all grades maintained by the District. This definition shall include all administrative buildings and offices and areas within facilities supportive of instruction and subject to educational administration, including, but not limited to, lounge areas, passageways, rest rooms, laboratories, classrooms, study areas, cafeterias, gymnasiums, maintenance rooms, libraries, and storage and parking areas.

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Signs shall be placed by the District in all buildings, facilities, and school vehicles stating that the use of tobacco products is prohibited.

Students

No student shall purchase, attempt to purchase, possess, or use any tobacco product in any facility, in any school vehicle or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District. Specific enforcement provisions for this will be detailed in the Student Behavior Standards and related student policies.

Employees

No employee shall use any tobacco product in any facility in any school vehicle or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District. Specific enforcement provisions for this will be detailed in policy GBED and related personnel policies.

All Other Persons

No visitor shall at any time use tobacco products in any facility, in any school vehicle, or anywhere on school grounds maintained by the District.

Responsibility for enforcement of this prohibition shall rest with all School District employees, who may report violations to the local police department. In accordance with state law, the police department shall be responsible for all proceedings and applicable fines and penalties.

Legal References:RSA 155:64 – 77, Indoor Smoking ActRSA 126 – K:6, Possession and Use of Tobacco Products by MinorsRSA 126 K:7, Use of Tobacco Products on Public Educational Grounds Prohibited

R/Board Approved: 9/13/2010 [Replaces POPPS 4500 and 6411]

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NASHUA PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL TIMES2011-2012

NSD – SECONDARY SCHOOLS PRIVATE SCHOOLS

NHS SOUTH........................................................................7:20 – 2:03NHSS Purple Panther Preschool.........7:45 – 10:30 / 12:00 – 2:00

NHS NORTH........................................................................7:20 – 2:03PENNICHUCK MS................................................................8:00 – 2:43ELM STREET MS..................................................................8:00 – 2:43FAIRGROUNDS MS..............................................................8:00 – 2:43

BISHOP GUERTIN 7:45 – 2:00 NASHUA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HS 8:00 – 2:40NASHUA CATHOLIC 8:00 – 2:30ST. CHRISTOPHER’S 9:00 – 3:00INFANT JESUS 9:00 – 3:00

NSD – ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS SCHOOL DAY AM SESSIONK [or Preschool as noted]

PM SESSIONK [or Preschool as noted]

ALL DAYKINDERGARTEN

AMHERST STREET 8:10 – 2:35 8:10 – 2:20

BICENTENNIAL 9:00 – 3:25 8:40– 11:15 12:15 – 2:50

BICENTENNIAL – PRESCHOOL 9:10 – 11:40 – Preschool 12:40 – 3:10 – Preschool

BIRCH HILL 9:00 – 3:25 8:40 – 11:15 12:15 – 2:50

BROAD STREET 8:20 – 2:45 8:20 – 10:55 11:55 – 2:30

BROAD STREET – PRESCHOOL 8:05 – 10:35 – Preschool 11:50 – 2:20 – Preschool

CHARLOTTE AVE. 9:00 – 3:25 8:30 – 11:05 12:15 – 2:50

DR. CRISP 8:10 – 2:35 8:25– 2:35

DR. CRISP – PRESCHOOL 8:05 – 10:35 – Preschool 11:50 – 2:20 – Preschool

FAIRGROUNDS ELEM. 8:25 – 2:50 8:10 – 2:20

LEDGE STREET 8:20 – 2:45 8:20 -2:30

MAIN DUNSTABLE 9:00 – 3:25 8:25 – 11:00 12:00 – 2:35

MOUNT PLEASANT 8:25 – 2:50 8:25 – 2:35

NEW SEARLES 9:00 – 3:25 8:30 - 11:05 12:20 – 2:55

NEW SEARLES – LEARNING TOGETHER 9:00 – 3:25

NEW SEARLES – PRESCHOOL 9:10 – 11:40 – Preschool 12:40 – 3:10 – Preschool

SUNSET HEIGHTS 9:00 – 3:25 8:40 – 11:15* 12:15 – 2:50* 8:40 – 2:50*

*SUNSET HEIGHTS Kindergarten Options: AM Only: 8:40– 11:15 Monday thru Friday Session 1: Monday AM 8:40-11:15; and Wednesday and Friday All Day 8:40-2:50 Session 2: Monday PM 12:15-2:50; and Tuesday and Thursday All Day 8:40-2:50

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NASHUA BOARD OF EDUCATION ([email protected])2011

PRESIDENT: Robert Hallowell CLERK: Steven Haas

Board Member Address Home E-mail/FaxRichard Dowd 8 Ascot Park 03063 Home 598-3528 [email protected]

Steven G. Haas 18 Watersedge Drive 03063 Home 889-1326 [email protected]

Robert G. Hallowell 6 Chaucer Road 03062 Home 888-6488 [email protected]

Election in SeptemberWilliam E. Mosher 353 Main Dunstable Rd.

03062889-5526 [email protected]

David Murotake 17 Portchester Drive 03062 889-4568 [email protected]

Dennis Ryder 17 Charles Street 03060 881-8422 [email protected]

Thomas Vaughan 6 Kevin Road 03062 888-0984 [email protected]

Sandra Ziehm 147 Chestnut Street 03060 883-2882 [email protected]

Subbarao Yalamanchilli NHS South [email protected]

CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS 966-1000

Superintendent of Schools........................................................................................................................Mark ConradAssistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction............................................................................Dr. Althea SheaffAssistant Superintendent, Accountability & Assessment...........................................................Dr. Donald B. CochraneChief Operating Officer.........................................................................................................................Daniel DonovanSupervisor, Humanities K-12..................................................................................................................Kathleen DroletSupervisor, Math and Science.......................................................................................................................Carol FoleySupervisor, Title I......................................................................................................................................Patricia BurnsDirector, Special Education....................................................................................................................... Janice MartinDirector, Career & Technical Education South......................................................................................Marianne DustinDirector, Career & Technical Education North.........................................................................................Donald JalbertDirector, Athletics & Wellness.........................................................................................................................Tom ArriaDirector, Student Services and ELL..........................................................................................................Robert CioppaDirector, Adult Education..............................................................................................................Michelle PapanicolauAssistant Director, Business.......................................................................................................................Paul CalabriaDirector, Human Resources........................................................................................................................Dana O’GaraDirector, Grants & Community Development..............................................................................................Stacy HynesDirector, Plant Operations.........................................................................................................................Shawn SmithDirector, Technology.........................................................................................................................Richard FarrenkopfDirector, Food Services.........................................................................................................................Jeanette KimbellDirector, Transportation............................................................................................................................David Rauseo

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mailto:[email protected]

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ABSENCE, TARDINESS, AND DISMISSALS

When a child is absent from school, the following procedures will be followed:1. Parents should contact the school by a designated time, informing school personnel of the child's anticipated

absence.2. In the event parents are not able to contact the school via telephone, a brother or sister or a neighborhood child

will be requested to bring a note to the office explaining the absence.3. When school personnel are not notified by the designated time, and a child does not arrive at school on time,

parents will contacted at either the home/cell telephone number or their business number. If unsuccessful in contacting a family member, a friend or neighbor identified on the emergency card will be called. If no responsible adult can be reached, public safety authorities will be notified.

4. In the event that after following the procedures outlined school personnel are unable to verify the absence, a letter will be sent home through the mail the same day informing parents of this fact.

5. Upon returning to school after an absence, pupils must present a parent-signed acknowledgement indicating the date(s) and cause of the absence, including absences due to religious observances.

6. If a pupil is absent three or more days, he or she will be seen by the school nurse upon returning to school.

When it is necessary to dismiss a youngster during the school day, the following procedures will be followed:1. A student should come to school with a dismissal note specifying who will pick up the student at the dismissal

time.2. The parent, guardian, or other individual who has been given permission to pick up the child will be asked to

report to the school office and sign a logbook.3. If the designated person who arrives to pick up a child is not known by the school personnel, he/she must show

identification before the child is released.4. If the student is to walk home, the student must check into the office before leaving the school.5. Whenever a question arises about a student dismissal, school personnel will attempt to verify the dismissal by

contacting the parent or guardian, or by questioning the child.

When a child is tardy from school, the following procedures will be followed:1. Parents should follow the same procedure (as noted above for absences) in notifying the school when a child

will be tardy from school.2. Upon arriving at school when tardy, pupils must present a parent-signed acknowledgement indicating the date

and cause of the tardiness, or must bring this acknowledgement in the next school day.

Please note: Patterns of absence, tardiness, or dismissal, not ascertained by the school to be caused by sickness or other justifiable reason, shall be reported by the Principal to the District’s Attendance Officer/Court Liaison.

ADMISSION

All children between the ages of six and 18 years, whose parents are residents of Nashua, must attend public school unless enrolled in an approved non-public school or are otherwise legally excluded. The regulations cited below apply to the attendance of children in the Nashua Public Schools.1. Pupils beginning school may be admitted directly by the neighborhood school.2. Except as provided in paragraph 3210.1 (POPPS-EARLY ADMISSION TO GRADE 1), no child will be

admitted to Grade 1 unless he/she has reached his/her sixth birthday prior to September 30. The child's official birth certificate (with raised seal) must be shown at the time of registration.

3. Pupils seeking admission to Grade 1 must present an immunization form, signed by the child’s physician, indicating the completion of the set of immunizations prescribed by the State of New Hampshire.

4. Pupils must attend schools to which they are assigned unless assigned elsewhere by the Superintendent or designee.

ANIMALS IN SCHOOL

Due to health, safety, and air quality concerns, fur-bearing animals (dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, etc.) are generally not allowed in school. However, identified individuals with disabilities may be allowed to bring a service animal to school in accordance with Nashua School District Policy 6512: Service Animals for Students, Employees and

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Guests of the Nashua School District. Certified therapy dogs will be permitted at school not more than three days per week. Building principals may approve an animal’s visit to the school if the animal in question is part of an approved science curriculum. Students or their parents must obtain the prior permission of their school’s principal before bringing any animals onto school property.

ARRIVAL ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Walking students or those dropped off by parents should not arrive at school until 15 minutes prior to the start of the instructional school day. Please make every effort to adhere to this time frame because no school supervision is provided before this time.

ATTENDANCE

The Nashua School District recognizes that regular school attendance is essential to meeting the educational needs of all students. Regular daily punctual attendance is the responsibility of every student, every parent, every teacher, and every administrator every day. School attendance is also a legal requirement for all students from age six until age 18.

Each school within the Nashua School District will maintain the following attendance intervention protocol to ensure parents understand their obligations to have their children attend school, and students are encouraged to attend school each day and not become truant.

1. One individual in each school shall be responsible for implementation of the student attendance protocol and serve as the liaison with the District’s attendance officer. This individual may be the principal or someone designated by the principal.

2. Each school shall maintain an attendance team. The principal shall determine team membership. An existing committee, such as a CHAT team, may also serve as the attendance team. At a minimum each team shall perform the following functions:

a. set measurable goals, timeframes, and positive strategies for improving attendance;

b. evaluate attendance data and trends;

c. make resulting recommendations to the principal for improving upon the school’s attendance protocol (to the extent it exceeds district protocol requirements);

d. conduct case reviews for those students who are truant or are in danger of becoming truant. The case review shall include a review of any additional school or community services that may support the student in attending school, and a determination regarding the appropriateness of a referral for evaluation for Special Education Services

3. Students enrolling in a new school within the District will be asked to sign an attendance contract. The parent will be provided with a copy of the signed contract.

4. When a student’s level of absences prompts a concern a teacher, principal or other school staff member shall make reasonable attempts to contact the parent to discuss the concern.

5. When a student is absent five or more days within the first semester of the school year a “five-day letter” shall be sent home. A copy of the State of New Hampshire compulsory attendance law shall be included with the letter. The principal or other school administrator may waive this letter if the school is aware of health or other conditions which legitimately prevent a child from attending school.

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6. At any time a student is absent ten or more days during the school year a “ten-day letter” shall be sent home. A copy of the State of New Hampshire compulsory attendance law shall be included with the letter. The principal or other school administrator may waive this letter if the school is aware of health or other conditions which legitimately prevent a child from attending school.

7. Prior to referring a student to the district attendance officer for legal action the school shall make reasonable attempts to convene a meeting with the parent(s) to discuss concerns regarding the student’s attendance. This meeting may be convened at any time prior to the referral to the attendance officer.

8. A student who has at least ten (10) unexcused half-days of absences from school is legally truant and must be referred to the district attendance officer for possible further action. A letter will be sent to the parent informing him or her of this action. A student may be referred to the attendance officer before becoming truant if the school believes the student is at risk of truancy.

9. Within ten days of the beginning of the school year each school shall submit to the district attendance officer a list of students who are registered to attend but have not shown up to school after efforts have been made to contact the parent. This list shall include each student’s name, address, date of birth, telephone number, and parents’ names. The school will notify the attendance officer if any of these students begin attending school. The attendance officer will notify the school regarding the final disposition of his investigation into the status of each student on the list.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE IN THE SCHOOL

The Adult Learning Center sponsors a licensed before and after-school child care program for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Each school offers the programs on school days. Before school care is available in most elementary school, except for the Amherst Street and Broad Street Schools. Qualified personnel provide supervised outdoor and indoor recreational activities, special projects, a nutritious snack and a study time, as needed. The purpose of the program is to provide a low-cost, safe, convenient day-care setting for school-age children of working parents. Reduced rates are available. For further information, call The Adult Learning Center at 882-9080, Ext. 212. Other child care programs are offered through 21st Century, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc, and Salvation Army. Information on these programs is available at your neighborhood schools.

BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS

Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters may be ridden to school. Students should always practice bicycle, skateboard, and scooter safety, including wearing of helmets, when riding to and from school. Students who ride should be capable riders and they should understand the safety rules for responsible bicycle, skateboard, scooter riding. The school provides bicycle racks that should be used by students to park and lock their bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. Students should not tamper with the bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters are brought to school at the student’s risk. The school will not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged bicycles, skateboards, and scooters.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Official birth certificates (with raised seal) shall be required of all pupils enrolled in the Nashua School District. A pupil enrolling in school must present a birth certificate to the principal at the time of enrollment. The child must enroll under his/her full legal name. After being entered in the school records, the birth certificate shall be returned to the parent.

BREAKFAST PROGRAM

See FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (page 39) section for detailed information.

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CALENDAR/NEWSLETTER

At the beginning of each month, from October through June, a school calendar/newsletter is sent home with each child. This school-home communication serves as an effective means to inform parents of "what's happening" in the upcoming month. Please read it and use it for reference throughout the month.

CHANGE OF SCHOOL OR ASSIGNMENT

In circumstances where the best interests of a pupil warrant a change of school or assignment, the Superintendent is authorized to reassign a pupil from the public school to which he/she is currently assigned to another public school, or to approve a request from another superintendent to accept a transfer of a pupil from a school district that is not part of the SAU, under the following conditions and procedures.

Conditions and procedures for reassignment

The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (or superintendent of another SAU) shall make a written request to the Superintendent for a change of school assignment. In the request, the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) shall state why the best interests of the pupil warrant a reassignment.

The Superintendent or designee shall fully consider this written request, shall meet with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), if necessary, and shall make a decision concerning the reassignment request.

The Superintendent’s decision shall be based on the best interests of the pupil, as determined by the Superintendent. The Superintendent may develop administrative regulations concerning the factors that will be considered in making such a determination.

If the Superintendent determines that the best interests of the pupil warrant a reassignment, he/she may approve reassignment of the pupil to (a) another school within the same school district, (b) another school district within the same SAU, or (c) a school district in another SAU, subject to the pupil meeting the admission requirements of such school, and subject to the agreement of the superintendent of the receiving SAU.

The Superintendent’s reassignment decision shall be in writing, and shall be final and binding.

The total reassignments or transfers made under this policy in any one school year shall not exceed one (1) percent of the average daily membership in residence of a school district, or five (5) percent of the average daily membership in resident of any single school, whichever is greater.

Reassignments made under this policy which exceed the percentages provided in above must have the prior written approval of the Board of Education.

COUNT OF REASSIGNED PUPILS, TUITION PAYMENT AND RATE, AND TRANSPORTATION

Pupils reassigned under this policy shall be counted in the average daily membership in residence of a given pupil’s resident school district. Said pupil’s resident district shall forward any tuition payment due to the District to which said pupil was assigned.

The superintendents involved in the reassignment of a pupil shall jointly establish a tuition rate for each pupil. Some or all of the tuition may be waived by the superintendent of the receiving district for good cause shown, or pursuant to any applicable policy(ies) of the receiving district, presuming said action is not contrary to law.

Transportation for any pupil reassigned under this policy shall be the sole responsibility of the parent/legal guardian, unless required by federal or state law.

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ROLE OF DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The superintendent of the pupil’s resident SAU shall notify the Department of Education within thirty (30) days of any reassignment made under this policy.

MANIFEST EDUCATIONAL HARDSHIP CHANGE OF ASSIGNMENT

When a parent(s)/legal guardian(s) believe that an initial assignment has been made which will result in a manifest educational hardship to the pupil, said parent(s)/legal guardian(s) may seek a change of assignment in accordance with RSA 193:3 I. and II., and Policy JEC, Manifest Educational Hardship.

CURRICULUM BROCHURES

Each school library has a copy of all District curriculum brochures, which are available for review in the library. Copies may be requested at the cost of ten (10) cents per page. Curriculum information may also be found on the Nashua School District’s website (www.nashua.edu) under “Students and Parents,” then “Parents,” then “Curriculum,” then “Core.”

CUSTODIAL/GUARDIANSHIP INFORMATION

If there are legal guardianship and/or custodial implications of which the school should be made aware, please be sure a copy of the legal document is made available to the school for the child's protection. Parental rights cannot be denied without legal documentation to support this action. For more information, see the Non-Resident Pupils-Tuition Waiver section.

DISCIPLINEPrerequisites to effective instruction are preparation, organization, order, and discipline.

1. We believe in a disciplined environment for our students. Therefore, a set of reasonable school and classroom rules exists by which all students are expected to abide.

2. Pupils are expected to conduct themselves in a manner reflecting a sense of responsibility, good citizenship, and consideration for the rights of others. The school will not tolerate rudeness or violence in any form. (See Student Behavior Standards below.)

3. Our teachers are knowledgeable with regard to behavior that can reasonably be expected from children, considering age and basic personalities.

4. Most discipline problems are handled by the classroom teacher in concert with the parents. When necessary, positive alternatives are employed to bring about improvement in student behavior.

4. The principal is responsible for establishing or approving general school and classroom rules and regulations. The principal and/or the assistant principal serve as a resource to both teachers and parents in improving student behavior and, when necessary, become more directly involved in the disciplinary process.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

MISSION STATEMENTThe primary purpose of the public school is education. In order for students to learn and teachers to teach, an atmosphere conducive to learning must be maintained.

GOALS

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Discipline is… a process through which individuals learn and demonstrate expected, appropriate behaviors. an orderly and structured environment. achieved when students, parents/guardians, teachers, Principals, administrative and support personnel,

Superintendents, and the community, as represented by the Board of Education, accept responsibility for their own behaviors and respect the rights of others.

EXPECTATIONSThe entire community has a vested interest in the discipline program within our schools. Successful implementation of a thoughtfully constructed discipline policy is a benefit to the entire community both for the present and for the future. Habits of self-discipline developed in the educational setting…

will have a positive influence on building stronger family bonds; will enhance the opportunity for better relationships within the workplace and the community.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

It is everyone's responsibility to:

teach and model self-discipline respect the rights of others cooperate with one another learn the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards recognize that absenteeism is a classroom disruption provide a safe and positive educational environment at school and at home

It is a student's responsibility to:

be in charge of his/her own behavior comply with school rules at all times arrive at school and to class on time be prepared to learn honor the teacher's duty to teach and other students' right to learn attend school daily tell school staff about any discipline concerns they may have

It is the parents’ responsibility to:

communicate to the school their child(ren)'s concerns or needs encourage their child(ren) to do his/her best contact school if the child(ren) will be absent be available for conferences assure that the child(ren) attend school daily help the child(ren) learn about the Nashua Schools' behavioral expectations and the consequences of

breaking rules ensure that adult supervision is provided should a child’s behavior cause him or her to be suspended out of

school

It is a teacher's responsibility to:

manage classroom behaviors inform and post classroom rules and behavioral expectations report to parents regularly enforce the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards provide students with a safe school environment encourage and model good attendance

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It is a Principal's responsibility to:

enforce the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards maintain high visibility in and around the school communicate school rules to students, staff and parents communicate to parents and involved staff the discipline action taken maintain discipline and attendance files report any suspected illegal activities to police and Superintendent's office assume over-all responsibilities for school rules being followed encourage and model good attendance

It is the Superintendent's responsibility to:

ensure that all school Principals consistently enforce the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards

give support and advice to school staff maintain quarterly discipline reports (excluding students' names) of incidents requiring Principal's

involvement

It is the Board of Education's responsibility to:

adopt a fair and consistent discipline policy ensure, through the Superintendent of Schools, that the Student Behavior Standards are consistently

implemented by all school employees

OVERVIEW: STUDENT BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

Good behavior and classroom discipline are mandatory if learning is to take place. The purpose of the Nashua School District's Student Behavior Standards is to ensure that a safe and orderly environment is maintained for everyone. These rules are in effect for all Nashua School students at any school function, school-sponsored event, school bus stop or bus ride.

As students grow and mature, they are expected to accept greater behavioral responsibilities. These standards are designed to guide students through the process of learning good discipline and to outline the consequences of disruptive behavior. There are situations which will warrant minor disciplinary responses at the elementary level (grades K-5), while the same situation will result in a more severe response at the middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) levels. Although the responses may differ, the Student Behavior Standards remain constant. Students should be aware that, in addition to the violations listed, other infractions may be included as part of the individual school rules and regulations. These rules and regulations will be communicated to parents and students in writing annually.

In addition, anyone who is a student in the Nashua School District, who commits an act of vandalism involving school property outside of the normal school day, or during non-school days, shall be held accountable under this policy. Any perceived threatening act towards any employee of the Nashua School District after normal school hours and days, will fall under the Student Behavior Standards.

The violations are divided into three classes—Minor, Intermediary, and Major.

Class III Offenses (Minor)Class III Offenses will generally be dealt with through in-school disciplinary actions, such as detentions and other teacher-initiated strategies.

When an after-school detention is assigned to an elementary school student, the Principal or designee will contact the parent/guardian to mutually agree upon the day and time of the detention, as well as the plan and method of returning the child home.

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When an after-school detention is assigned to a middle or high school student, a 24-hour notice is required.

Class II Offenses (Intermediary)Class II Offenses will generally require more severe disciplinary actions consisting primarily of Extended Day Detention (EDD). For more serious Class II Offenses Out-of-School Suspensions (OSS) can be assigned.

Class I Offenses (Major)Class I Offenses are of an extremely serious nature and generally will warrant out-of-school suspensions by Principals and the Office of the Superintendent and/or expulsion by the Board of Education.

All suspensions and expulsions will be handled as outlined on Pages 30-35.

At the elementary level, only Class I suspensions will result in an automatic “F” grade in Conduct, in the quarter that it occurs, on the report card.

By implementing uniform student behavior standards, the Nashua School District can provide a safe, educational environment that is consistently maintained throughout all schools and enforced by all teachers and administrators.

CONDITIONS FOR ACADEMIC MAKE-UP

Linking academic grades to behavioral discipline is not always an effective method of modifying the behaviors of suspended students. For this reason, this policy includes a provision for making up schoolwork missed due to a suspension. Nashua High School students will be afforded this make-up privilege only once per semester and only at the time of the first offense. Nashua High School students who receive a subsequent out-of-school suspension will not have this privilege extended a second time.

Within one week of returning to school from an out-of-school suspension of ten (10) days or less, it is the student's responsibility to meet with his/her teacher during the subject teacher's after school make-up time. Failure to make and to keep this appointment with the teacher may jeopardize the make-up option. The purpose of this meeting will be to determine the extent of the schoolwork and to establish a timeline for its completion. Students will be granted a minimum of one day's time per each day of suspension to make up their schoolwork, not to exceed a maximum of ten school days from the date the assignment was provided by the teacher.

School work will not be provided by teachers while a student is serving an out-of-school suspension. However, when suspensions of more than five (5) days are assessed, the student, with administrative permission, will arrange to meet with teachers during the period of suspension. This meeting will occur only during the subject teacher's after school make-up time. Students will be granted a minimum of one (1) day's time per each day of suspension to make up their schoolwork, not to exceed a maximum of ten (10) school days from the date the assignment was provided by the teacher.

The only exception to this academic make-up policy is when a student cuts a class or is truant from school. In those instances, students will not be allowed to make-up schoolwork for credit. However, if a student is disciplined for truancy with an out-of-school suspension, the make-up provision will be allowed.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

During the time that a high school student is suspended from school or is on an Extended Day Suspension, he/she loses the privilege of participating in all school sponsored athletic, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for that period.

During the time that a middle school student is suspended out-of-school he/she loses the privilege of participating in all school sponsored athletic, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for that period. During the first in-school suspension, a middle school student will be allowed to participate in all school sponsored athletic, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities during the time of the suspension. However, for any subsequent in-school suspension(s),

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participation will not be allowed in all school sponsored athletic, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities for that period (see POPPS JJJ—Student Extracurricular Expectations).

USE OF CHARTS

The charts on the following pages outline student violations and the proper responses to those violations. The charts are made up of four different columns. The first column is the student violation. The second, third and fourth columns are the responses for those violations by grade level: Elementary, Middle and High School. At times, the response will be the same for more than one grade level and more than one violation; in this case, the grade level columns may appear as one. In other cases, the response will refer you to a higher offense class such as Class II or Class I, at which time you need to refer to the appropriate chart. When more than one response is available, the school administrator will use the most appropriate choice according to the severity of the offense(s) and all other factors involved in the incident.

When a regular education student is recommended for a long-term suspension or expulsion and the staff has reason to believe that this student has an educational disability, an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.) team meeting shall be immediately convened. If the I.E.P. team determines that this student does have an educational disability, the team shall also determine whether the event causing the disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability. A full explanation of the procedure related to suspensions and expulsion is found beginning on Page 32.

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CLASS III OFFENSES (Minor)

Class III Offenses usually occur in the classroom or other settings under the teacher's supervision. Occasionally, the teacher will have to call on other people for assistance, but the responses at this level usually do not require the intervention of a building administrator.

STUDENT OFFENSES ELEMENTARY RESPONSE

MIDDLE SCHOOL RESPONSE

HIGH SCHOOL RESPONSE

Academic dishonesty, cheating

PROCEDURAL RESPONSES TO CLASS III OFFENSES

A. Discuss the matter with the student, and warn the student that the continued misbehavior will result in the loss of certain privileges.

An inappropriate behavior or improper act B. The teacher may then proceed, as appropriate, with any of the following corrective actions:

Truant from class Isolate the student within the classroom. Contact parent/guardian by telephone/note.

Deliberately disrupting or distracting others Have the student present when calling a parent/guardian at home or work to explain misbehavior.

Continuous refusal to bring required materials to class

Have student write a letter to parent/guardian explaining his/her misbehavior; require parent/guardian to sign the letter.

Possession and/or use of any electronic device not authorized by the Superintendent or designee. Such items will be confiscated and will require a parent/guardian to pick them up.

Develop a student behavioral contract. Assign an after-school detention. Withhold privileges (no student may be denied the right to have lunch

or snack). Initiate a pre-arranged alternative classroom setting for up to an hour.

Deceiving or lying to a staff member Consult with Principal, guidance counselor, case managers, or other appropriate staff concerning future strategies.

Leaving class without the teacher's permission

Any other acceptable action as adopted by the school staff. In situations where academic dishonesty is the issue, students will not

be given credit for the work presented.Failure to follow any staff member's reasonable request to carry out school rules

C. If the student does not respond to the above attempts, the student shall be removed from the classroom for at least the remainder of the class period and/or up to the remainder of the school day, and the parent/guardian will be called immediately.

Any inappropriate display of affection D. When a student is sent to the Principal's office, a discipline referral form will be submitted to the Principal by the teacher as soon as is practical. The Principal will maintain these forms as part of the student's disciplinary files. When necessary, teachers will be responsible for providing summary information of corrective actions attempted prior to referring the student to the office.

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CLASS III OFFENSES (Minor)(Continued)




Pushing/shoving or running in hallways E. At the elementary level, after any three violations, there will be a teacher-initiated parent/guardian communication. At the secondary level, after a student is referred to a school administrator three times during a quarter, the school administrator will communicate with the parent/guardian. This communication may be initiated by the administrator or by the teacher/team.

F. Use student demerits where applicable.Littering G. Repeated Class III Offenses as reviewed by appropriate staff

may be treated as Class II Offenses. Any other violations which the Principal considers reasonable to fall within this category

H. A singularly severe incident may be treated as a Class II Offense by the Principal.

Stealing Class III Response See Class I* Response See Class I* ResponsePlagiarizing, destroying, pirating (copyright infringement), altering or any other misuse of computer software and/or hardware belonging to students, the school department, or any school employee/volunteer

Class III Response See Class II** Response

See Class I* Response

Repeatedly tardy to school or class Class III Response See Class II** Response

See Class II** Response

Truancy/skipping school Class III Response See Class II** Response


Use of profanity and/or obscene language or gestures



Disrespectful behavior towards others Class III Response See Class II** Response


Possession of any demeaning publication or material including, but not limited to, the following areas: race, color, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation and disability status



Forgery Class III Response See Class II** Response


Possession of tobacco products, 1 st offense , either in school or on school grounds or other campus areas which are under the jurisdiction of the Nashua School District

Listed below in Class II

Confiscation of tobacco products Notification of parent/guardian and conference Notification of Nashua Police of first offense Two nights of Extended Day Detention Enrollment in a Tobacco Education Program. The fee is the

responsibility of the student/parent/guardian Ten (10) hours of community service

* Possible Responses to Class I Offenses are found on Pages 29 and 30.** Possible Responses to Class II Offenses are found on Pages 26 and 28.

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CLASS III OFFENSES (Minor)(Continued)




This is a Class II Response

Possession of tobacco products, 2nd offense, either in school or on school grounds or other campus areas which are under the jurisdiction of the Nashua School District

Confiscation of tobacco products Notification of parent/guardian Referral to Nashua Police for prosecution with a fine Four (4) nights of Extended Day Detention Enrollment in the Tobacco Education Program. The fee for this

program is the responsibility of the student/parent/guardian Three-day (3) in-school suspension (excluding High School) Fifteen (15) hours of community service If a student does not attend in-school suspension, the student will

be considered truant and a Truancy Petition will be issued.


Possession of tobacco products, 3 rd offense and subsequent, either in school or on school grounds or other campus areas which are under the jurisdiction of the Nashua School District

High School: Refer to Class I response Confiscation of tobacco products Notification of parent/guardian Referral to Nashua Police for prosecution with a fine Three-day (3) out-of-school suspension


Students who fail to comply, 1st offense, with the community service and/or Tobacco Education Program for possession of tobacco products

Additional two-day (2) out-of-school suspension.


Students who fail to comply, 2nd offense, with the community service and/or Tobacco Education Program for possession of tobacco products

Additional three-day (3) out-of-school suspension

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CLASS II OFFENSES (Intermediary)

By their nature, these acts are considered as significant violations of the student behavior standards. Class II Offenses require that a building administrator be involved in the disciplinary action.




Conduct which is mentally or emotionally injurious to othersReckless behavior/endangering others

Harassment of an ethnic, racial, sexual or religious nature, including but not limited to: conduct or comments that threaten physical violence; offensive, unsolicited remarks; unwelcome gestures or physical contact, including unsolicited propositions to engage in sexual acts; and verbal abuse or insults about, or directed at, any faculty, staff, and/or student

PROCEDURAL RESPONSES TO CLASS II OFFENSES

A. Immediate removal of the student for the rest of the class period or for the school day if the student's presence is detrimental to the classroom or poses any danger to others.

B. The school administrator shall make every reasonable effort to contact the parent as soon as possible after the disciplinary action. A conference will be scheduled as needed.

Defacing or vandalizing school property or the personal property of others C. According to the severity of the offense(s), in

elementary and middle schools, there will be an in-school suspension of up to three (3) days or an out-of-school suspension from one to five (1-5) days; at the high school level, Extended Day Detentions from one to five (1-5) days will be issued. For more serious Class II offenses at the High School level, a (one to five) 1-5 day out-of-school suspension may be administered.

Leaving school grounds without permission; being in an "off limits area"; or being on school grounds at a time when it is clearly prohibited

Some situations may require a request to the Superintendent or designee for additional days of suspension.

Persistent disruptive behavior which repeatedly interrupts the educational environment

D. Depending on the severity and the nature of the offense, law enforcement authorities may be contacted and the student may be subject to prosecution.

BullyingGamblingThe threat or perceived threat by word or act to do violence to another where it is reasonably certain that the person has the intention and means to carry out the threat

E. Restitution for damages to school property may be required.

F. Singularly severe incidents and/or repeated Class II Offenses may be treated as Class I Offenses.

Instigating, engaging in or attempting to fight another student. The investigating professional may take into consideration the actions of the student who was attacked if he/she had no reasonable alternative but to

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physically defend him/herself.

30

CLASS II OFFENSES (Intermediary)(Continued)STUDENT OFFENSES ELEMENTARY

RESPONSEMIDDLE SCHOOL RESPONSE


Sharing, distributing or having for sale any demeaning publication including, but not limited to, the following areas: race, color, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation and disability status

SEE: RESPONSES TO CLASS II OFFENSES AS LISTED ON PREVIOUS PAGE

Repeated Class III OffensesAny other violation which the school Principal considers reasonable to fall within the category due to its severityExtorting or maliciously threatening another student in order to gain money or objects belonging to that student

Class II Response See Class II Response See Class I Response

Possession of a toy gun Class II Response See Class I* Response See Class I* Response

Use of tobacco products, 1 st offense , on School District property or at any school function or off school grounds, including school buses

Listed above in Class III

Confiscation of tobacco products Notification of parent/guardian and conference Notification of Nashua Police of first offense Two nights of Extended Day Detention Enrollment in a Tobacco Education Program. The fee is the

responsibility of the student/parent/guardian Ten (10) hours of community service

Use of tobacco products, 2nd offense, on School District property or at any school function or off school grounds, including school buses


program is the responsibility of the student/parent/guardian Three-day (3) in-school suspension (excluding High School) Fifteen (15) hours of community service

Use of tobacco products, 3 rd and subsequent offense, on School District property or at any school function or off school grounds, including school buses

See Class I Response

Students who fail to comply, 1 st offense , with the community service and/or Tobacco Education Program for use of tobacco products


program is the responsibility of the student/parent/guardian Three-day (3) in-school suspension (excluding High School) Fifteen (15) hours of community service

Students who fail to comply, 2 nd offense , with the community service and/or Tobacco Education Program for use of tobacco products

Additional three-day (3) out-of-school suspension

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CLASS I OFFENSES (Major)

Violence, weapons, and crime will not be tolerated on Nashua School District property or at any Nashua School District sponsored event. These acts are the most severe violations of the behavior code. Offenses at this level usually go beyond the school discipline system and almost always draw upon law enforcement authorities. All students involved in Class I Offenses will be removed from school immediately.




Bringing or possessing a firearm, as defined in Section 921 of Title XVIII of the U.S. Code, on school grounds or within the "Safe School Zone"* without the written authorization from the Superintendent

Contact with parent/guardian Contact with police department Ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension with a

recommendation for expulsion from the Superintendent's office

Expulsion from school by the Board of Education for a minimum of twelve (12) months

When applicable, restitution for damagesPossession of a pellet, BB gun or BB rifle on school grounds or within the "Safe School Zone"*

Distribution, exchange, or selling of drugs or possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, exchange or sell

Contact with parent/guardian Contact with police department Ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension from Principal Ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension from the

Superintendent or designee Or, request for expulsion by Superintendent

Starting or attempting to start a fire on school property

Expulsion from school for a specific period of time may be a determination by the Board of Education

When applicable, restitution for damagesUsing or threatening to use any dangerous object, weapon, destructive devices, or any instrument which might be capable of inflicting bodily injury; and/or assaulting, attacking or threatening to cause physical injury with or without any dangerous object to any adult or student

Contact with parent/guardian Contact with police department Ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension from Principal Ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension from the

Superintendent or designee Or, request for expulsion by the Superintendent Expulsion from school for a specific period of time may be a

determination by the Board of Education. When applicable, restitution for damages

Possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia or being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance purported to be an illegal drug

Contact with parent/guardian Contact with police department Ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension from Principal Request for ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension to the

Superintendent or designee A portion of any out-of-school suspension may, at the

discretion of the Superintendent or designee, be held in abeyance if drug assessment with a certified alcohol /drug counselor is conducted and assessment recommendations are followed.

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CLASS I OFFENSES (Major)(Continued)




PROCEDURALRESPONSES TO CLASS I OFFENSES (AS LISTED TO THE LEFT)

Causing a false fire alarm or a bomb scare Discipline Responses for any Class I Offense in any Nashua School District building, "School Safety Zone,"* or at any school function shall be as follows:

Contact with parent/guardianAny act of sexual violence Ten-day (10) out-of-school suspension from PrincipalPossession of any dangerous object, weapon, fireworks, destructive devices or any other instrument which may be capable of inflicting bodily injury

Optional request of up to ten (10) days additional out-of-school suspension to the Superintendent or designee

Or, optional request of expulsion by the Superintendent

Unlawful entry Contact with law enforcement authorities may be recommended dependent upon the nature and the severity of infraction

Inciting others to violence and/or encouraging other students to join in a disturbance

Student may be subject to prosecution and restitution

Repeated Class III or II Offenses

Any other violations which the school The parents/guardians shall be informed throughout Principal considers reasonable to fall within this category due to its severity

the process. Additionally, other forms of long-term and permanent reassignment shall be explored as required by the situation.

*"Safe School Zones" as defined in RSA 193-D:1

PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT DISCIPLINARY ACTION

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all students subject to disciplinary procedures have been afforded due process, and that all disciplinary actions conform to RSA 193:13, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, New Hampshire Rules for the Education of Children with Disabilities, policies of the Nashua Board of Education, and the Safe School Zone Act. Whenever a student is suspended or expelled, he or she shall receive a copy of his/her rights.

A school administrator may suspend a student for up to ten (10) days for disciplinary reasons. The Principal may request the Superintendent or designee to suspend the student up to an additional ten (10) days. The Superintendent may request the expulsion of a student for disciplinary reasons.

DEFINITIONS

EXPULSION: The denial of a student’s attendance at school for any of the reasons listed in RSA 193:13, II and III. Ed 317.02 (a) for a period of time in excess of twenty (20) days.

OFFICE DETENTION: Office detentions are held Monday through Thursday. A student failing to serve

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his/her detention will be assigned two office detentions. Failure to serve either of these will result in Extended Day Detentions. Dates for detentions will not be changed except for medical or legal appointments. A student who is absent or dismissed and misses detention must serve that detention the following day they are in attendance at school. Failure to serve the detention as outlined will incur further disciplinary actions.

EXTENDED DAY DETENTION: Extended Day Detentions (EDD) are held Monday through Friday. Students failing to serve his/her assigned extended detention may not return to the academic school day until the extended detention has been served. Please note that students are responsible for their own transportation home. Students absent from school on the day of an assigned extended detention must serve the extended detention on the day she/he returns to school. Students assigned an extended day detention may not participate in any extra-curricular events from the date assigned to the day following completion of the extended day detention. Students and parents should note that the dates of assigned office detentions or extended detention will not be changed. If a student chooses not to attend an assigned extended detention s/he may not return to school until the assigned extended detention is served the following day. Students choosing to miss an assigned extended detention will be marked as a suspension (S) until the extended detention is served. Students who are marked ‘S’ due to missing an assigned extended office detention will be considered suspended and follow the existing make-up policy.

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: Removal of a student from the regular class schedule.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: The temporary denial of a student’s attendance at school for a specific period of time for neglect or refusal to conform to announced, posted or printed school rules. Ed 317.02 (j).

SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION: One (1) to ten (10) days

LONG-TERM SUSPENSION: Eleven (11) to twenty (20) days

DISCIPLINARY REVIEW TEAM (DRT): A group of administrators and teachers who are responsible for reviewing the cumulative folder of a regular education student when the student is suspended for more than ten (10) days.

STUDENT WITH AN EDUCATIONAL DISABILITY: An “educationally disabled child” as defined in RSA 186-C:2 1, is “any person three (3) years of age or older but less than 21 years of age who has been identified and evaluated by a school district” according to the provisions of Ed 1107 and determined to have autism, deafness, deaf-blindness, developmental delay, hearing impairment, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, serious emotional disturbance, a specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury or visual impairment and who, because of such impairment, needs special education and educationally related services, according to the provisions of Ed 1102.47.

SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION

A school administrator shall meet with the student to discuss the student's conduct and shall:

a. inform the student of the nature of the violation;

b. inform the student of the nature of the evidence and facts upon which the administrator is making his/her decision;

c. receive information and evidence from the student on his/her behalf; including presentation of any mitigating factors; and,

d. inform the student that his/her parents or guardian may request a meeting with the Principal to review the disciplinary action.

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The school administrator shall make every reasonable effort to contact the parent as soon as possible after the disciplinary action. If the administrator cannot contact the parent, then the administrator shall provide the student with a notice of suspension; the student shall sign the notice of suspension upon receiving it to acknowledge his/her responsibility for delivering it to the parent/guardian; and the student is then responsible for delivering the notice of suspension to the parent/guardian, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

If a student is suspended for ten (10) or fewer days, the Principal or designee shall immediately send the parent/guardian a letter explaining the disciplinary action. The letter shall set forth:

a. an explanation of the charge(s) against the student and a summary of the evidence supporting the charge(s);

b. the disciplinary action taken by the school administrator;

c. the period of time covered by the disciplinary action;

d. notice of the school administrator's intention to request further disciplinary action either by the Superintendent of Schools, the Superintendent’s designee, or the Nashua Board of Education; and,

e. notice that the parent/guardian may request to meet with the Principal to review the discipline.

The Principal or designee shall send this letter to the parent/guardian by regular U.S. mail to the last known address.

Special education students may be subject to short-term suspensions consistent with the procedures afforded non-disabled students under this section. When any suspension of a special education student results in an accumulative suspension during a school year in excess of ten (10) days, then the procedures for long-term suspension of a special education student are applicable.”

LONG-TERM SUSPENSION

The Superintendent or designee, upon receiving a request from a Principal for a long-term suspension (a suspension beyond ten days), shall schedule a hearing. If practical, this hearing shall be scheduled prior to the end of the initial ten-day suspension imposed by the Principal. If the hearing is not held prior to the expiration of the initial ten-day suspension, the student shall be allowed to return to school until the hearing is held.

Notice of a hearing before the Superintendent or designee shall be provided to the student and the student’s parent/guardian. The written notice shall include:

a. an explanation of the charge(s) against the student and a summary of the evidence;

b. the date, time, and location of the hearing;

c. notice of the right to be represented and to present evidence and call and examine witnesses;

d. notice that should the student/parent/guardian fail to appear at the hearing, that the finder of fact will rely on the information/evidence presented by the school’s witnesses;

e. The Superintendent’s recommendation for student action to correct the disciplinary problem.

Written notice of the hearing before the Superintendent or designee shall be delivered in person or sent by the Superintendent or designee to the student and the student’s parent/guardian by regular U.S. mail to the student’s last known address.

A hearing on the request for a long-term suspension shall be conducted in accordance with the hearing procedures afforded a student during an expulsion hearing (see Expulsion section). Following the hearing, the finder of fact shall promptly provide a written decision to the student and the student’s parent/guardian. The notice of the decision shall include:

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a. a summary of the evidence presented;

b. the facts and evidence relied upon in making the decision and the legal basis for the decision;

c. if the request for the long-term suspension is granted, the period of time covered by the disciplinary action;

d. notice of the right to appeal, in writing, this decision to the Nashua Board of Education within ten (10) days of the issuance of the written decision; and,

e. notice that the long-term suspension will be effective even if appealed unless the long-term suspension is stayed by the Nashua Board of Education.

The Superintendent’s or designee’s written notice of decision to the student and the student’s parent/guardian shall be delivered in person or by regular U.S. mail to the student’s last known address.

If the parent/guardian appeals the decision of the Superintendent or designee, a formal hearing before the Board of Education will be scheduled as soon as practical.

The appeal hearing may be postponed at the request of the parent/guardian for good cause or if the parent/guardian needs additional time to prepare for the formal hearing.

The Superintendent or designee shall provide the student’s parent/guardian written notice of the appeal hearing. This notice shall include:

a. date, time, and location of the hearing;

b. the right to be represented and to present evidence and to call and examine witnesses; and,

c. notice that should the student/parent/guardian fail to appear at the appeal hearing, that the appeal will be dismissed.

The Superintendent or designee shall send written notice of the appeal hearing to the student and the student’s parent/guardian by regular U.S. mail to the last known address.

The Nashua School Board shall hold a hearing on the appeal, but it shall have the discretion to hear evidence or to rely upon the record of the hearing conducted by the Superintendent or designee. If the Nashua Board of Education elects to hear evidence, the appeal hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the same hearing procedures afforded a student during an expulsion hearing.

If a regular education student is suspended for more than ten (10) days, then a disciplinary review team (DRT) from the student's school shall review the student's cumulative file and the disciplinary action before the beginning of the tenth day of suspension in order to consider additional education services in accordance with applicable state and federal law. The team will notify the Principal and the Superintendent of its findings.

If a special education student’s cumulative total days of suspension equals or exceeds ten (10) days in a school year, the administrator shall contact the special education case manager to convene an IEP team meeting prior to the commencement of the eleventh day of suspension. A functional behavioral assessment and behavior intervention plan will be completed. The team will determine if the behavior is or is not a manifestation of the student’s educational disability. Disciplinary action will occur in accordance with all federal and state laws, regulations, and rules for the education of children with disabilities.

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If a special education student is recommended for a long-term suspension, the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall receive the same written notice as non-disabled students. This written notice shall also advise the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including notice that a long-term suspension is a change of placement which they may disagree with and, if applicable, invoke the “stay-put” provisions of the IDEA. The student’s I.E.P. Team and other qualified personnel shall meet prior to the imposition of a long-term suspension to determine whether the conduct causing the disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the student’s conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, the disciplinary action shall proceed. The student’s I.E.P. shall be delivered during the period of suspension. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the student’s conduct was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, the long-term suspension shall not be imposed.

The student’s I.E.P. Team shall also conduct a functional behavioral assessment and develop and implement a behavioral intervention plan within ten (10) business days of the eleventh (11 th) day of suspension or after causing a removal constituting a change of placement. If a behavioral intervention plan already exists, the I.E.P. Team must review and, if appropriate, modify that existing plan.”

EXPULSION

If the Principal or the Superintendent or designee requests that a student be expelled from school, the Superintendent shall determine prior to the end of the student’s initial ten-day suspension whether to submit the request to the Nashua Board of Education. A formal hearing shall be held prior to any expulsion. Except in situations involving a student bringing or possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, an expulsion hearing may be held either before or after the expiration of the initial ten-day suspension. If the hearing is scheduled to be held after the expiration of the initial ten-day suspension, the student shall be allowed to return to school until the hearing is held. In situations involving a student bringing or possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, the Nashua Board of Education shall hold the expulsion hearing within ten days of the commencement of the student’s ten-day suspension. Upon receipt of a request for expulsion, the Nashua Board of Education or designee shall provide written notice to the student and the student’s parent/guardian, which shall include:

a. the date, time and location of the hearing;

b. a statement of the charges against the student and a summary of the evidence supporting the charges;

c. the Superintendent’s written recommendation for Board of Education action and a description of the process used by the Superintendent to reach his/her decision;

d. notice that the student together with a parent (parental consent is not necessary if the student is 18 years or older unless the student is subject to a guardianship) may waive the right to a hearing and admit to the charges;

e. notice that the student has a right to be represented by counsel;

f. notice that the student, parent/guardian or counsel has the right to present any defense or reply and to call and examine any and all witnesses; and,

g. notice that the hearing may be either public or private and the choice shall be that of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.

The written notice shall be delivered to the student and the student’s parent/guardian, in person or by mail to the student’s last known address, at least five days prior to the hearing.

The decision of the Nashua Board of Education to expel a student shall be based on substantial evidence that the student committed the act(s) charged and that the act(s) is, in fact, a proper ground(s) for expulsion.

The decision, which shall be reduced to writing, shall state whether the student is expelled; the legal and factual basis for the decision if the student is expelled; the length of the expulsion; any action the student may take to be

37

restored by the Nashua Board of Education; and, notice that the student has the right to appeal the decision to the State Board of Education within twenty (20) days of receipt of the written decision.

The mandatory 12-month expulsion from school for bringing to or possessing a firearm in a safe school zone, may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of the Superintendent of Schools.

The requirement of an expulsion hearing for other Class I offenses may be modified on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent for circumstances including, but not limited to, the student's age. If the Superintendent in his/her discretion determines that the circumstances are such that the sanctions are inappropriately severe, he/she may impose or request the Board of Education to impose such lesser sanction(s) as he/she determines is appropriate. In all such cases, the Superintendent shall make a written report to the Board of Education detailing his/her reasons for taking or requesting such action.

Prior to the start of each semester, an expelled student may petition the Nashua Board of Education to review its decision to expel, so long as the expulsion occurred at least sixty (60) days prior to that request.

The petition shall:

a. be submitted in writing to the Nashua Board of Education no later than three (3) weeks prior to the start of the semester;

b. set forth the reasons for the request for readmission and any information and facts which the student believes supports the petition; and,

c. indicate whether the student requests a hearing on the matter.

The Nashua Board of Education shall consider the petition within two (2) weeks of its receipt and provide the student written notice of its decision immediately thereafter. If a hearing is requested, the Nashua Board of Education shall schedule a hearing within three (3) weeks of receipt of the petition for review. The student may be present at said hearing along with his/her parent/guardian or other adult advocate. The student may present facts and evidence in support of his/her petition for readmission. The Nashua Board of Education shall render a decision within one (1) week of the hearing and provide the student with written notice of its decision.

If a special education student is recommended for expulsion, the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided with the same written notice as non-disabled students. This written notice shall also advise the student and the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including the right to disagree with any change of placement and to appeal decisions of the student’s I.E.P. Team and the Nashua Board of Education.

In cases involving possession of or sale of drugs or the possession of a weapon, the student’s I.E.P. Team shall be convened no later than ten (10) business days after the event giving rise to the request for expulsion for the purpose of conducting a manifestation determination review, a functional behavioral assessment and to make a determination of an appropriate forty-five (45) day interim alternative educational placement. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the student’s conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, the Team’s report shall be forwarded to the Superintendent for further disciplinary action. Should the special education student be expelled following a hearing before the Board of Education or its subcommittee, the I.E.P. Team must then propose and offer an alternative long-term placement where the student’s I.E.P. can be delivered. The recommendation for the long-term placement must be made prior to the expiration of the forty-five (45) interim alternative educational placement. If the I.E.P. Team determines that the conduct giving rise to the request for expulsion was a manifestation of the student’s educational disability, then no discipline in excess of the initial ten-day suspension shall be imposed.

When a student’s conduct does not involve a drug or weapon violation, but the school determines that the student presents a potential danger to himself/herself or to others in his/her current placement, the school may request a forty-five (45) day interim alternative educational placement. No change of placement shall occur without the consent of the parent/guardian after the convening of the I.E.P. Team or, until the school obtains an order from a Hearings Officer granting permission for such a placement.

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(POPPS 3244 R/Bd.. Approved 08/31/06)DRESS CODE

Clothing should not be distractible to the education of others and should not make others feel uncomfortable.

The school administration requires that all pupils adhere to two basic requirements of appearance:1) Appearance and dress shall be neat and clean.2) Appearance and dress shall be appropriate for school.

EARLY RELEASE DAYS

The early release days for the 2011-2012 school year are as follows (Please note that, generally, children are released two hours early on those days):

September 21, 2011; October 26, 2011; December 7, 2011; January 11, 2012; March 14, 2012; April 11, 2012; and, in addition May 9, 2012 for the elementary and high schools, and May 16, 2012 for the middle schools.

Early-release days for Kindergarten will be as follows: AM Kindergarten classes will be held on September 21, 2011, October 26, 2011, December 7, 2011, and January 11, 2012. PM Kindergartners will stay home on those days. PM Kindergarten classes will be held in the morning on March 14, 2012; April 11, 2012, and May 9, 2012; AM Kindergartners will stay home on those days.

At Amherst St., Dr. Crisp, Fairgrounds Elementary, Ledge St., and Mt. Pleasant schools only, early release day programs may be available in the school. For information about these programs, please contact the 21st Century Learning Centers’ building coordinators in those aforementioned schools.

For more information on after-school care on early release days, you may contact the Adult Learning Center, the Boys and Girls Club, and Girls Inc.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Nashua School District has worked closely with representatives from many City of Nashua departments to write an Emergency Manual. The manual is intended to provide school administrators and classroom teachers with an easy-to-use reference tool when facing a crisis or emergency situation. School personnel conduct periodic emergency drills and evacuations. If you need to pick up a child during the time of a drill or evacuation, please understand that the importance of the drill or evacuation will take precedence over releasing a child from school. Please be patient while this very important task is completed.

EMERGENCIES

A properly completed and updated Student Update Form for each student will be on file in the school office. In order to be prepared to respond promptly to student-related emergencies, the school must be notified immediately of any new address, telephone number, or other changes, which must be made on the Student Update Form.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)

Students who do not speak English are provided specialized instruction designed to help them become proficient in English. Students are transported to programs located at Amherst Street Elementary, Birch Hill Elementary, Dr. Crisp Elementary, Fairgrounds Elementary, Ledge Street Elementary, Mt. Pleasant Elementary, and Sunset Heights Elementary Schools, where they are instructed by specially trained teachers. At the secondary level, ELL services are provided at all three middle schools and our two high schools.

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FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are educational experiences planned to correlate closely with grade level curricula. Since these lessons occur away from school grounds, permission slips signed by a parent/guardian are a prerequisite for student participation. Students who do not participate are given course-oriented assignments and are supervised by other instructional personnel.

The preferred bus passenger ratio for field trips is one (1) adult per ten (10) children. Parents, other than formal chaperones, who might wish to participate, must provide their own transportation.

A parent transporting pupils in his/her own vehicle must complete a Waiver of Liability form, available in the school office. This form ensures that the City of Nashua will provide secondary insurance coverage in the event of an accident. The parent's personal automobile insurance will be the primary source of coverage.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Students with allergies, or those who require a special diet, will be accommodated when the student's specific dietary needs are requested by a doctor's order and the student is designated as disabled. The Special Meals Prescription form is available from the school, or on the Nashua School District’s website (www.nashua.edu). The form is located in two places on our website: first, under the “Parents” tab”Student Meals” then “Special Needs Form”; OR, under “District Info” “District Departments” ”Food Services”, then “Special Diet Form”. Completed forms should be submitted to the Food Service Director, 36 Riverside St, and the school nurse of the appropriate school.

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

Nashua Schools participate in the National School Breakfast, Lunch and Special Milk Programs. In order for you and your child(ren) to benefit from programs offered in all elementary schools, please familiarize yourself with the following information. Any questions should be directed to the Director of Food Services at 589-8769.

Meal Prices for 2011-2012Elementary Middle Schools High SchoolsBreakfast $1.00 Breakfast $1.25 Breakfast $1.50Lunch $2.25 Lunch $2.50 Lunch $2.50Cold Lunch Milk $.50 Cold Lunch Milk $.75 Cold Lunch Milk $1.00Adult Lunch $3.00 Adult Lunch $3.25 Adult Lunch $3.50

Reduced Breakfast $.30 Reduced Lunch $.40Kindergarten Milk $30.00 for the year

Application for Free and Reduced-Price MealsYour family may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals for breakfast and lunch. A packet of information will be sent home the first week of school. To apply for financial assistance, please complete the application and return it to the school cafeteria. One application should be used listing all children in the household attending Nashua Schools. If your children are eligible to receive food stamps or TANF benefits, you may submit the statement from the Food Stamp Office in place of the application for free or reduced-price meals. If they are receiving Food Stamp or TANF benefits but are refused free meals, please call 589-8712. Applications may be obtained from any school cafeteria or from the School Administration Office at 141 Ledge Street, Nashua. A new application must be filled out every year that you feel your children may be eligible for benefits.

Special Milk Program for KindergartenA special milk program is available for all kindergarten students attending half-day sessions. To receive free milk for your child(ren), you must have an approved application. For kindergarten students not eligible for free milk, a

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yearly milk ticket is available at a discounted price of $30.00. Information regarding Kindergarten milk will be sent home the first week of school.

Meal Prepayment SystemAll Nashua Schools have a computerized payment system, PAYPAMS, for the management of school meals. This system allows us to provide better service to students and parents, as well as account for all meals served at individual schools. This system is also designed to protect the privacy of those students who may be receiving free or reduced-price meals.

Each student is assigned a personal meal account number when they are enrolled in the Nashua School District. As long as the student continues to be enrolled at the same school site, the unchanged code number will be utilized. During mealtime, students key in their code number on a keypad located on the cafeteria line. The meal charges are deducted from their account balance at that time. If there are not sufficient funds in an elementary student's account, the meal is automatically charged at that time. The same procedure is used for breakfast, lunch, and milk sales. Charging a meal in the middle schools or high schools is not allowed, except under exceptional circumstances.

Students with negative balances will receive notification from the school cafeteria. Money for meals should be placed in a payment envelope with each student’s name, grade and homeroom number. Cash or checks will be accepted for deposits. Families are encouraged to prepay for a number of meals at once in order to reduce the need for frequent deposits and daily cash handling. Households with more than one child at the school site need to designate the amount of money to be placed into each child's meal account. Different children in the same household cannot share an account balance. A detailed report on available meal money and meal transactions in the child's account can be requested at any time by calling the individual school cafeteria.

Money left in an account at the end of the year will be available for that student's use in the next school year. If a student moves out of the District, a refund is available upon written request. For those students who transfer schools within the District, meal account balances transfer with that student to the new school location. Likewise, any account with a negative balance will be carried forth until the debt is cleared.

Collection ProceduresParents are expected to maintain account balances with sufficient funds to cover the cost of meals charged by their children. Negative balance notification may be made through mail telephone, or by the PAYPAMS link. If a past-due balance reaches $10, a student will only be provided a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk (at the normal meal charge) if he or she arrives at school without a lunch, unless the School has written confirmation that the student is not allowed to charge a meal. Students with past-due balances in June may not receive their report cards.

Uncollectible ChecksWhenever any check issued to the District is returned to the city as not collectible, as required by state statute, the City of Nashua charges a fee of $25 per check, plus the amount of said check, to cover the cost of collecting the debt.

MenusEach month, breakfast and lunch menus written by the Food Service Director are distributed through each school and published on the District’s web site (www.nashua.edu). In addition, the printed menu for elementary schools will be sent home with your child(ren). The Telegraph and The Broadcaster publish the menus weekly.

GIFTED & TALENTEDSee REACH for detailed information.

GUIDANCE

The School Counseling Program (K-5) involves all students and promotes and enhances learning. The program facilitates student development in three areas: academic, personal/social, and career. The School Counseling Program is a collaborative effort between the counselor and other educators to emphasize skill development and

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create an environment to promote success. Parent involvement in their child’s growth and development is welcomed and appreciated.

Whenever a student in grades K-5 would benefit from being seen individually or in a small group on a scheduled basis, written permission is requested from the parent/guardian. It is the goal of all counselors in the Nashua School District to encourage family involvement in the School Counseling Program. A description of the School Counseling Program is available at each school.

All counselors in the Nashua School District are trained and certified professionals who adhere to the ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association.

All information shared in a counseling relationship is treated with the deepest respect. Counselors have an ethical responsibility and a professional duty not to divulge information learned in a private interaction unless there are special and compelling circumstances or a legal mandate to do so. Specifically, counselors are obligated to share information with parents of minors and other in the following circumstances: as ordered by a court of law; to protect a student from harm, abuse, and neglect; or to warn potential victims of intent to harm. Federal law mandates confidentiality if a student has applied for or received any alcohol or other drug abuse-related services. Special education students will receive services consistent with state and federal laws and as detailed in the Individualized Education Plan. Counselors are also required to uphold all school rules and school district policies, including those related to school conduct.

HEALTH PROGRAM FOR GRADE 5

Parents are welcome to preview materials to be used in the Grade 5 Health Program. Please contact the principal's office at your child's school to make arrangements.

HEALTH PERSONNEL AND POLICIES

1. Each elementary school has the services of a full-time nurse.2. We are recommending that children do not come to school if they appear to be ill. It is advisable to keep the

child home if he/she has a sore throat, severe cold, rash, or fever. The close proximity of seating in classrooms accelerates the spread of communicable diseases.

3. Should your child be ill and remain at home, you are asked to notify the school office.4. The school nurse is responsible for attending only to illness and injury that occurs during school hours. The

nurse has the authority to exclude any child from school who appears to have an infectious condition. As a guideline regarding attending school with a contagious illness, the nurse shall refer to the recommendations of the NH Department of Health and Human Services Disease Handbook. If illness occurs during the day, a child will be dismissed only if a parent or other designated adult picks him/her up at school.

5. When a youngster is absent, a note indicating the reason should be brought in upon returning to school. In the case of a serious, prolonged illness, a note from the family physician is required before the student may return to school.

6. If a child is absent because of illness but is able to do some schoolwork, please do not hesitate to call the school office. We will be very happy to provide work in order to help your child "keep up." Please do not expect the teacher to talk with you or prepare work during the school day, for that time belongs to the class. If a child will be absent for more than ten (10) days due to a physician verified illness or injury, tutoring is available by contacting the school principal.

7. No student will be excused from gym or recess unless a directive is received from the child's physician indicating that due to recent illness or injury the student should not participate.

8. Student should be clean in body and clothing.9. Student should have sufficient sleep.10. Student should have a good breakfast.11. Student should have a nutritious type of recess snack: fruit, raw vegetables, plain cookies, or small sandwich is

suggested.12. Student should wear suitable clothing according to the weather.

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Administration of MedicationThe following policy regarding students who need medications during the school day has been established as directed by the State Board of Education and in accordance with the guidelines, which they provided.

General Guidelines1. Prescribed medication should not be taken during school hours, if it is possible to achieve the medical

regimen during non-school hours.2. Whenever a student has health needs, which require taking medication during the school day, it will be

considered as a program adjustment. However, medication should be taken during non-class time as much as possible.

3. Non-prescribed medication will not be made available to students or staff by the school at District cost, except in the case of topical applications used when rendering first aid.

4. Parent permission and the signing of appropriate waivers of liability must be given to the school.5. Any student who is required to take medication during the school day, which has been prescribed by a

licensed prescriber, shall be assisted by either the school nurse, the building principal or his/her designee. 6. A child may carry an inhaler.

a. After the use of the inhaler the child will report to the nurse.b. A back-up inhaler to be kept with the nurse is recommended.

7. Parents shall take responsibility for teaching the child the importance of not permitting any other child access to the medication.

8. Allowing another student access to the medication may be grounds for suspending permission to carry any medication on the child’s person.

9. Assistance will be given only after receiving and filing in the student’s health record the following:a. A written statement from the licensed prescriber detailing the method of taking the medication,

dosage, and the time schedule of the medication.b. A written authorization, Hold Harmless Agreement, from the student’s parent/guardian indicating

the desire that the school assist the student in the matter set forth in the licensed prescriber’s statement.

10. The medication should be delivered directly to the school nurse, principal or teacher by the parent or guardian.

11. The medication should be delivered in a container that is properly labeled with the student’s name, the licensed prescriber’s name, the date of the original prescription, the name and strength of the medication, and the directions for taking it by the student.

12. All medication shall be stored in a secure place in the Health Office. For exceptions see Specific Guidelines below.

13. Unused medication shall be picked up by the parent or guardian within ten (10) days after it is discontinued, or disposal by the school nurse will be carried out and recorded.

14. Not more than one month’s supply of a prescribed medication shall be stored at school.15. Each school will document in ink the following information regarding the medication taken by each

student.a. Date and time of administrationb. Name of medication prescribed kind c. Name of licensed prescriberd. Signature or initials of adult presente. Comments

16. If an error is made on an entry, a line is to be drawn through the entry and the correct data is to be recorded on the line below and both lines are to be initialed.

17. The record of medications shall be available to representatives from the State Division of Public Health and/or the State Department of Education and shall be kept in the student’s individual cumulative file for a minimum of three years.

18. Non-prescription medication may be given at the discretion of the school nurse only with the written request, Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hold Harmless Agreement, and permission of the parent and/or guardian.

Specific GuidelinesThe students will be accountable for safe keeping of self-administered medication. Students will be in compliance with physician orders for taking their medications as prescribed.

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1. ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT – Self-managed and assisted administration of Epinephrine.Epinephrine Pens (Epi-Pens) will be administered by the child (if able) or by the school nurse for those students known to have had an allergic reaction. For field trips, a parent or staff member designated by the principal must be trained by the parent to administer in the event the student is unable to do so.

The state of New Hampshire (RSA 318.42VII, as amended by H.B. 1272) and the Nashua School Board, allow school district Registered Nurses to purchase, possess, and administer epinephrine to students for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. This applies to students who have never been diagnosed with anaphylaxis.

2. DIABETIC MANAGEMENT Management of the diabetic student will be determined via the individual care plan developed by the parent/guardian of the student, the student, the health care provider and the school nurse. The school nurse will provide a recommended care plan.

3. TOPICAL PREPARATIONSSchools may stock OTC (over-the-counter) topical medications and administer as needed at the nurses’ discretion for basic first aid care.

(POPPS 4231 - R/Bd. Approved 10/25/04)

Contagious IllnessIt is requested that you notify the school nurse of any communicable disease that your child has been diagnosed with. Examples are strep throat, impetigo, conjunctivitis, chicken pox, hepatitis.

The school nurse should also be notified of the development of any new health developments concerning your child such as asthma, allergies, change in medication, etc.

Head Lice PolicyHead lice is a widely misunderstood "nuisance type" health problem. It is not a sign of poor health habits or being dirty. All students suspected of having head lice will be evaluated by the school nurse, who will then determine if the child needs treatment. If you suspect that your child may have head lice, or does have head lice, you should notify the school nurse. The school nurse will keep this information confidential. When a child is found to have head lice, the child is dismissed to receive appropriate treatment. Parents must bring their child to the school nurse to be checked for effectiveness of treatment before he/she may return to class. Students are readmitted to class when the school nurse determines that there is evidence of successful hair and scalp treatment.

HEALTH SERVICES IN THE SCHOOLGrade 2 Eye exam by school optometristGrades 4 Eye screeningGrades 5 Scoliosis screeningGrades K-5 Minimum - twice yearly head checks

The school nurse will, upon request, act as health interpreter between family, school, and physician.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework at the elementary level is assigned to help children develop good study habits, foster positive attitudes toward school, and communicate to students the idea that learning takes place at home as well as at school.

While individual schools have some flexibility to reflect each school's community and culture, all elementary schools use the following homework guidelines as a policy baseline:

A. Not exceed, on average, 20 minutes for Grades K-2B. Not exceed, on average, 40 minutes for Grades 3 and 4C. Not exceed, on average 60 minutes for Grade 5

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1. Make-up work when your child is on vacation. Families are encouraged to schedule vacations in conjunction with the school calendar. However, we are aware that due to adult schedules, the family vacation sometimes has to be taken when school is in session. We know that travel can be a wonderfully enriching experience for everyone. To help your child get the most from a vacation, and more important, to be true to our belief that class work should only be assigned after it has been taught, the following vacation guidelines have been developed: Schoolwork will not be provided prior to vacations, but assigned upon return. The classroom teacher may

modify the amount of the work. At the elementary level, parents may have children do any of the following activities while on vacation.

These may be shared with the student’s classmates on return to school: scrapbooks, picture diary, journal, maps marked with places/dates.

Students are always encouraged to read while on vacation. This will greatly enhance both their trip and their academic skills and knowledge.

(POPPS 2217- R/Bd. Approved 10/15/02)

IMMUNIZATIONS AND PHYSICALS

School AdmissionChildren entering kindergarten or first grade and transfer students must show documentation of immunizations and a copy of a recent physical. Immunizations must be reviewed for compliance by the school nurse before a child is permitted to attend class.

If a child's immunizations are not complete, the child may be conditionally enrolled and will be allowed to start school only if he/she has had at least one of each (except for Chickenpox-see below) of the following shots: DPT, IPV, MMR, Hepatitis B and Varivax. In addition, a schedule for completion of the remainder of the immunizations must be given to the school nurse. Failure to keep to the assigned schedule of immunizations will result in conditional enrollment status being revoked.

Students who are 11 years of age or older must receive a one-time dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine, if it has been five years or longer since the last documented dose of a tetanus immunization. If the student has a medical contraindication to the pertussis vaccine, it is understood that the student will receive a vaccine that only covers tetanus and diphtheria.

All sixth graders who do not have a history of chickenpox will be required to have two valid doses of chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. All incoming students and kindergartners who have had chickenpox will be required to show documentation of immunity by a confirming, dated laboratory test.

The full schedule of immunizations is as follows:

A child, according to State Law RSA 141:C, is considered to be fully immunized when he/she has received:Diptheria, Pertussis, Tetanus The series is commonly known as “DPT.” Student must have at least one of these

inoculations for registration. (Complete series is 4 with the last dose received after age 4 or 5 doses regardless of age.) For ages 14 – 16, child must also have the 10-year Td Booster. All doses must be given at appropriate intervals.

Polio Vaccine Commonly known as “IPV” or “OVP.” Student must have at least one dosage of the vaccine for registration. (Complete series is 3 doses with the last dose received after age 4. However, if all doses were not oral, or all doses were not injected, or the nature of administration of doses is not clear, or the last dose was not given after age 4, then 4 doses are required.) All doses must be given at appropriate intervals.

Measles/Mumps/Rubella The series is known as “MMR.” Student must have at least one of these inoculations for registration or 1 dose of each if given separately; and it must be given at age 12 months or later. (Complete series is 2 doses of measles, 1 dose of mumps, and 1 dose of rubella administered on or after age 12 months.)

Hepatitis B Only students born on or after January 1, 1993, must have the entire 3 dose series of

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the vaccine completed by the opening of school. Doses 1 and 2 must be separated by at least 28 days; dose 3 must be separated by a minimum of 2 months from second dose and 4 months from the first dose provided that the first dose was given at age 6 months or older.

Chickenpox This vaccine is known as Varicella. This immunization must be given at age 12 months or older. For those children who have had the disease, parents must inform the school nurse of the date (month/day/year) as to when. Another option is to have blood titer test done to prove immunity. (For children who get the immunization at age 13 or older, 2 doses are required separated by at least one month.) This immunization is mandatory for all children entering kindergarten or first grade and all entering grade 6.

A history of complete, up-to-date immunizations is highly desirable; however, a child may remain enrolled for up to 150 days or 365 days, depending on his age, in order to allow enough time to complete all of his/her immunization requirements, if parents provide at the time of enrollment, a schedule from the child's physician for future immunizations. The child still needing to complete required immunizations will be Conditionally Enrolled and the parent will be notified of this status by the school nurse at registration.

PHYSICALSChildren who are entering school for the first time must have a physical examination or proof of a doctor's appointment to have a physical examination, before the child is enrolled.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICIES AND NO SCHOOL INFORMATION

It is the intent of the Board of Education to keep the schools in session under most weather conditions. If school is going to have a delayed opening or will be canceled for the entire day, please listen to radio station announcements on WSMN (1590 AM), WRKO (680 AM), WGAM (900 AM), WCAP (980), WFNQ (106.3 FM), WZID (95.7 FM), WGIR (101.1 FM and 610 AM), WBZ News Radio (1030 AM) and on the following television stations: WMUR (Channel 9), WBZ (Channel 4), WCVB (Channel 5), WBZ TV 7 News, and WFXT Fox 25 (Channel 12).

Parents are expected to use discretion in sending their children to school on a stormy day. Age of students, location within the city, availability of sidewalks, and distance from school are all factors that vary for each family. Each family, therefore, should judge whether to send children to school on days when weather conditions are questionable, though not severe enough to close schools.

Students who are kept at home by their parents on inclement days or who are tardy because of severe weather conditions beyond their control will not be reprimanded or suffer any academic penalty that cannot be made up.

Delayed Opening Announcement will be carried by the radio and television stations as listed under the INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICIES AND NO SCHOOL INFORMATION section.

A 90-minute delayed school opening is an option that may be used on days when weather and street conditions are projected to improve during the morning hours. All schools will start 90 minutes later than on a regular school day and buses will also follow a 90-minute delayed schedule covering their routes. The school day will end at the regular time. When a 90-minute delayed opening is called, AM Kindergarten is cancelled for the day.

Early DismissalsEarly dismissals are rare, and are only considered in extreme circumstances because of family child care issues. Nevertheless, parents should make child care arrangements and consult with child care providers in the rare event that school is dismissed early. In addition, it is imperative that parents make their children aware of those arrangements.

If school is dismissed early, families will be notified through ALERTNOW, the District’s automated notification system. ALERTNOW initiates automated phone calls in case of not only emergency early dismissals, but also school closings, student absences, or other important school or District news.

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INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Textbooks and essential instructional materials are loaned to students without charge.2. Students are held responsible for the loss of textbooks or for damages beyond normal wear.3. Musical instruments, which are the property of the school department, are loaned to students on an availability

basis. Students to whom these instruments are loaned are liable for their loss or damage.4. Students are held liable for loss of classroom or school library materials charged to them and for damage

beyond normal wear.

INSURANCE

The Board of Education has arranged, through a local insurance agency, a student accident insurance program for all students and staff members in the school department, at the expense of the individual. The program offers students two options: a "school time" or a "24-hour plan," each at a different premium.

The student accident insurance coverage shall be limited to the maximum medical coverage stated in the policy in the aggregate, for each accident, with specific limits for hospital and professional services as stated in the policy. Information about this coverage will be sent home at the beginning of the school year and may be purchased annually.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten is offered to children who turn five prior to October 1 of the current school year. It is the philosophy of the Nashua Public Kindergarten to provide an environment that stimulates the cognitive, as well as the social and emotional development of the five-year-old child. The kindergartens are located at each elementary school and are staffed by highly qualified teachers who are experienced in Early Childhood Education.

LOST AND FOUND

Please label all student belongings. Each year we have boxes of unclaimed, unlabeled sweaters, boots, sneakers, jackets, coats, mittens, gloves, hats, lunch boxes, etc. Over the school year, the number of articles in the lost-and-found increases to the point of creating a storage problem. If articles are not claimed within a reasonable period of time, these articles will be disposed of by the school as it sees fit. Parents are invited to come in and check the lost-and-found articles any time.

MATHEMATICS: ACCELERATION PROCESS IN MATHEMATICS K-6

The Nashua School District has a rich and challenging mathematics curriculum, and we recognize that some of our children may need further academic rigor. The District has defined procedures and a time-line for identifying students for possible math acceleration in Grades 3 through 6. Principals will inform their faculty, staff, and parents in September of the procedures. The recommendation for identification is conducted from February through May of each school year for students in the District. Teachers, parents, and/or administrators may recommend students. The process is conducted at each building. Students new to the District may be recommended for consideration at the time of enrollment.

NON-RESIDENT PUPILS - TUITION WAIVER

Children whose parents or legal guardians are not residents of Nashua shall not be entitled to free school privileges in the Nashua Schools. The School District, through the Superintendent, may waive this requirement under the following circumstances:

1. High school seniors whose parents move from Nashua during the second semester of the year may be permitted to finish the year and graduate with their class with the understanding that the parents will be responsible for transportation.

2. All other students, whose parents move out of the Nashua School District after the commencement of the fourth

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quarter, may be permitted to complete the school year with the understanding that the parents will be responsible for transportation.

3. Students from other countries or states who are the guests of District residents under exchange programs recognized by the National Association of School Principals (NASP) for purposes of school attendance.

4. Children of non-resident parents, who will be moving into the District during the school year, may enroll prior to actual establishment of residency, provided a written request and verification of the anticipated date of residency are submitted to and approved by the Director of Student Services. Such request shall be supported by appropriate documentation (lease, purchase agreement, etc.). Tuition may be waived by the Director of Student Services if residency is established within 45 school days of the date the student is enrolled.

A waiver shall be granted for regular education students placed in Nashua in accordance with RSA 193:27-30 and POPPS JFABD Admission of Homeless Students. However, no waiver shall be granted when a student is placed in Nashua "solely for the purpose of enabling a child to obtain an education" or to attend Nashua schools due to having been expelled or suspended from another school.

PARENT COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

1. In cases of discipline or other school matters relating to their children, parents shall first discuss the matter with the teacher concerned. If, for some reason, they are not satisfied, they may further discuss the matter with a building administrator, then the Director of Student Services, then the Assistant Superintendent, and finally, the Superintendent of Schools.

2. Any complaints or concerns which any person desires to make after following the aforementioned procedure, shall be presented or referred in writing to the Superintendent of Schools, who, in his/her discretion may bring it before the Board of Education.

3. Appeals of the rulings of the Superintendent shall be presented to or referred to the Superintendent in writing for presentation to the Board. The Board of Education will determine further action, if any.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher conferences are held in November for students in grades K–8, and in October and March for students in grades 9-12. Additional parent/teacher conferences may be held at any time during the school year at the request of the parent or the school.

PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

Parent/Teacher Organizations are active at most elementary and middle schools. These organizations play an important supportive role to staff and students. Parents are encouraged to become members of their schools PTOs.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is a regular part of the school curriculum. Appropriate clothing for physical education classes would include sneakers (for safety and efficiency), tee shirts or cotton shirts, shorts or slacks, and a jacket, as classes are held outside until Thanksgiving. For safety reasons, items of jewelry, such as earrings, chains, and studded adornments, may be requested to be removed by the Physical Education teacher. Children will not be excused from Physical Education class unless they have a medical excuse. They must be seen by the school nurse or, in the case of a prolonged illness, have a written excuse from a doctor.

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PROGRAM OF STUDIES – ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

GRADES K, 1, 2, AND 3 GRADES 4 AND 5Integrated Language Arts Integrated Language ArtsReading Reading/Comprehension/FluencyPhonics VocabularyPhonemic Awareness SpellingSpelling Oral and Written LanguageFluency GrammarWriting LiteratureLiterature Study SkillsListening Listening/Speaking/ViewingSpeakingViewing MathematicsVocabulary Arithmetic → AlgebraComprehension Computation

Consumer MathMathematics Critical Thinking and LogicComputation Data Collection and AnalysisCounting DecimalsCritical Thinking and Logic EquationsData Collection EstimationDecimals (Introduction) FractionsEstimation Geometry/Spatial Problem Solving/SolidsFraction (Introduction) GraphsGeometry/Spatial Problem Solving MeasurementGraphs Number Sense/Number TheoryMeasurement Patterns, Relations, and FunctionsMoney Problem SolvingNumber Concepts Ratio, Proportion, and PercentsNumber Sense Statistics and ProbabilityOrder of NumbersPatterns and Shapes Social StudiesPlace Value HistorySorting GeographyProblem Solving CivicsTime Current Events

AnthropologySocial Studies EconomicsIndividual SociologyFamily Research SkillsCommunity

ScienceScience Ecology and EnvironmentHealth Education Animal LifeArt Earth, Air, and SpaceMusic Matter and EnergyPhysical Education Process of Scientific Investigation

Health EducationArtMusicPhysical Education

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RETENTION GUIDELINES-GRADES K - 5

It is believed that retention has adverse effects on the social, emotional, and intellectual development of children. The latest research on student retention confirms that an additional year may not always be in the child's best interest and may, in fact, place the child at risk for future years. Retention deprives the child of age-appropriate relationships, places the child at risk for dropping out of school, and adversely affects the child's level of confidence. Therefore, a decision to retain should be weighed carefully and thoroughly. All retention must adhere to District guidelines. If retention is being considered for a child, parents will be notified at the beginning of the process. Close communication between parent and teacher is essential throughout the school year as retention recommendations are considered. Complete District guidelines are available at your school office.

PROPERTY, LITTER, AND SCHOOL PRIDE

The City of Nashua and the Nashua School District provide students with the privileges of a public education. Each student has the responsibility of protecting his/her share of these privileges and, in particular, the use of tax-supported school buildings. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for society by taking pride in their school and not littering school grounds or in any way defacing school property.

PUPIL RECORDS

Records of school progress, test data, and health information are maintained for each student. Parents are at liberty to review these records and may do so by making an appointment with the school principal.

PUPIL SERVICES

The District offers a variety of diagnostic/support services for students with learning needs that may require interventions beyond the regular classroom program. Support services offered include:

Early Intervention reading/writing Psychological testingRemedial and enrichment reading/writing Academic assessmentRemedial and enrichment mathematics Intellectual assessmentREACH - Grades K - 12 Occupational therapySpecial education services or classes Physical therapyCounseling Visual ImpairmentSpeech/Language/Hearing Teacher of the Deaf

Title I Services are federally funded programs and are in the following elementary schools:

Amherst Street Dr. Crisp Ledge StreetFairgrounds Mt. Pleasant Title I Nursery School

REACH (RECOGNIZING EXTRAORDINARY ABILITIES IN CHILDREN)

The Nashua School District, in an effort to reach students with advanced capabilities and to extend the learning of students who have a solid grasp on the skills and concepts being presented at a specific grade or course, employs a REACH consulting teacher. The principal duties of the REACH consulting teacher is to assist teachers in developing and delivering instruction for advanced learners, which may include web-based resources.

RECESS

Recess is a part of the elementary school program. This semi-structured time provides an opportunity for children to develop social skills as well as to be physically active. Whenever possible, the children will go outside for recess.

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Outdoor factors such as the temperature, wind chill, and the condition of the playground are considered in making a decision for outside recess. All children go outside for recess; therefore, it is essential for children to be appropriately dressed for the weather each day.

Any child not well enough to go out to recess should remain at home. A child will be allowed to remain indoors only if we have a communication from the child's physician recommending that he/she remain inside.

REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS

Report Cards are distributed to students as an assessment of academic progress.

Progress Reports are issued between report cards but may be issued whenever appropriate. The progress report serves as an indicator of the student’s performance trend during the marking period. This form of school/home communication has proven helpful, both in reversing declining performance early enough to preclude a lowered report card grade, and in advising parents of improved performance so that the student has the benefit of receiving positive reinforcement during the marking period.

Kindergarten and Grade 1 Parents will receive a Report Card at the Parent/Teacher Conference in November. At this time,

students are graded only in the areas of self-management and work habits. Students will receive a Report Card in February, April, and June.

Grades 2-5 Students in Grades 2-5 will receive Progress Reports in October, March, and May. (NOTE: A Progress

Report will be sent in December to parents who did not attend the November conferences.) Students will receive a Report Card in November, February, April, and June.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT - MANDATORY

New Hampshire Law (RSA 169-C, 29-30) requires that any person who has reason to suspect that a child under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected MUST report the case.

RESIDENCY

Students attending Nashua Public Schools must be legal residents of the City. Legal residence can be verified by producing two current utility bills and any other documentation deemed necessary by the administration. If a student moves out of Nashua during the school year and wishes to continue attending school in Nashua, the School District must be notified by the student’s parents and/or by the student if over the age of 18. If space is available, student will be allowed to remain in the Nashua School District at a prorated tuition. Families who do not reside in Nashua, or move out of Nashua, but send their children to Nashua Public Schools without giving proper notification to the School District and receiving written permission for their child’s enrollment in the Nashua Public Schools, will be assessed the cost of tuition for the period of time in question and may face appropriate civil and criminal sanctions, including, but not limited to, complaints for Theft of Services.

RESPONSIBLE USE GUIDELINES – INTERNET

The Nashua School District’s (NSD) computer network and Internet access are available to students to enhance their educational experience and become computer literate in an increasingly technological world.

The purpose of these Responsible Use Guidelines is to foster the appropriate use of that network and the Internet. The following Guidelines apply to all users whenever they access any School District network connection.

Educational Purpose

The NSD network has been established for educational purposes limited to classroom activities, career development, and independent scholastic research on appropriate subjects.

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The NSD network has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. The School District has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are also expected to follow the School District’s Student Behavior Standards when accessing the NSD network.

You may not use the NSD network for commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through this network.

You may not use the NSD network for political lobbying. But you may use the system to communicate with elected representatives and to express your opinion on political issues.

Unacceptable Uses

Personal SafetyYou will not post personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes (but is not limited to) home, school or work addresses and telephone numbers.

You will not agree to meet with someone you have met online without your parent’s approval. A parent or guardian should accompany you to this meeting.

You will promptly disclose to your teacher or another school official any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.

Illegal ActivitiesYou will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the NSD network or to any other computer system through the NSD network. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of “browsing.”

You will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses.

You will not use the NSD network to engage in any illegal act, including but not limited to arranging for the purchase or sale of drugs or alcohol, engaging in criminal activity, or threatening the safety of another person.

System SecurityYou are responsible for your individual user account, and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use your account. Under no conditions should you provide your password to another person.

You will immediately notify a teacher or other school official if you have identified or witnessed a possible security problem. Do not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.

Inappropriate LanguageRestrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages.

You will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful forms of communication. This applies to verbal and written language, diagrams, photographs, representations, videos, or any other forms of communication.

You will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption.

You will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.

You will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If you are told by a person to stop sending them messages, you must stop.

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You will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

Respect for PrivacyYou will not re-post a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent you the message.

You will not post private information about another person.

Plagiarism and Copyright InfringementYou will not plagiarize works that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.

You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright without authorization. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, you should follow the expressed requirements. Copyright law can be very confusing. If you have questions, ask a teacher.

Inappropriate Access to MaterialYou will not use the NSD network to access material that is profane or obscene (pornographic), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination toward other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made for hate literature, if the purpose of your access is to conduct research, and both your teacher and parent or guardian approve.If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you should immediately tell your teacher or another school official. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this policy.

Your parent or guardian should instruct you if there is additional material that he or she thinks would be inappropriate for you to access. The School District fully expects you to follow your parent’s or guardian’s instructions in this matter.

Your RightsThe NSD network is considered a limited forum, similar to the school newspaper, and therefore the School District reserves the right to regulate that forum for valid educational reasons. The District will not restrict your speech on the basis of a disagreement with opinions you are expressing.

You should expect only limited privacy of the contents of your personal files on the District system. This situation is similar to the rights you have in the privacy of your locker.

An individual search will be conducted, if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated these Guidelines, the Nashua School District Student Behavior Standards, or the law.

Disciplinary ActionsStudents who violate the Responsible Use Guidelines may be denied future Internet and/or network privileges for a defined period of time, or be subject to other disciplinary measures as set forth in the Nashua School District Student Behavior Standards, or other rules of the District which may be applicable.

SAFETY—ARRIVING AND LEAVING SCHOOL

Students riding bicycles, walking or riding in automobiles should arrive at school no earlier than 15 minutes before the scheduled time for school opening. No supervision is provided prior to this time.

Bicycles should be ridden in single file on the extreme right side of the road. No bicycles are to be ridden, at any time, in the bus lanes or on the walkways in front of the school

When discharging or picking up students, please do not use the bus area.

For safety rules while riding the school bus, please refer to the section entitled "Transportation."

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SCHOOL PROPERTY

Lockers and desks are school property and use of them is granted to students for securing books, school materials, and personal property. The school retains ownership of the lockers and desks and the right to inspect them or to reclaim them. General or specific searches of school property may be conducted at any time.

SILENT MEDITATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Time will be provided at the beginning of each school day for a moment of silent meditation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.

SKI PROGRAM

The Nashua School District recognizes the benefits of out-of-classroom experiences for its students. An after-school ski program can expand on social and recreational activities learned at home and in school.

In schools where after-school ski programs exist, the principal is responsible for the program. The principal may delegate the organization of the after-school ski program to a member of the school’s staff or the school’s parent group.

Only students currently attending the school and their parents/guardians may participate in the after-school ski program. Students will be held to the Nashua School District’s Student Behavior Standards while participating in the program. The principal may exclude a student from the program.

Cancellation of ski trips due to inclement weather will be determined by the principal after he or she has consulted with the Director of Transportation.

SNACKS

Healthy eating enables people of all ages to work productively, enjoy life, and feel their best. Because children need healthy foods to grow, develop, and do well in school, it is important that they learn to make informed, sensible food choices throughout the day. It is our philosophy as educators that children need to be encouraged to select healthy foods as their snacks for school.

Children should be trained to select fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and/or yogurt in reasonable portion sizes for their snacks. Sugary drinks and foods high in calories, such as soda, cookies, cakes, other sweets, etc. should not be sent to school for snacks. Consuming foods high in added sugars may contribute to lower consumption of more nutritious foods, tooth decay, and/or obesity. Children develop healthy eating habits by learning to make good choices.

STUDENT-CONVEYED COMMUNICATIONS

The Board of Education approved the following criteria regarding student conveyed communications:

Communication conveyed by students shall be neutral. Communication should be informational in nature and shall not represent and an editorial or promotional view of the sending individual(s), group, or organization.

Students shall not be asked to convey communications from other than the school, school staff, school organizations, or PTOs that have the pre-approval of the building principal.

The Superintendent of Schools may, from time to time, approve communications from community-based organizations when deemed to be in the best interest of the students and/or parents. When necessary, the Superintendent of Schools or designee will determine the appropriateness of a student-conveyed communication consistent with District policy and guidelines.

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TELEPHONE REGULATIONS

Children will not be allowed to use the telephone in school except in emergencies.

Please do not call the school and ask to have a message delivered to your child unless it is an emergency. The delivery of a message interrupts classroom procedure.

TEACHER - PARENT - SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP

1. Get acquainted with your child's teacher.2. Feel free to communicate with the teacher at school concerning your child's progress and welfare. Make an

appointment for a conference simply by calling the school.3. Show interest in your child's daily work. Unless you are interested, your child will not be.4. Work closely with the teacher. Misunderstandings can be avoided when all the facts are known.5. Problems at home cause problems at school. The teacher has a better opportunity to help your child overcome

difficulties if he/she is aware of home problems that are stressful for the youngster.6. Please check with the school if your youngster reports any school incident that you find disturbing.7. Since reading is a very important function in our curriculum, every effort should be made to provide the pupil

with a "positive reading atmosphere" at home.

TITLE I—PARENT’S RIGHT TO KNOW

At the beginning of each school year, schools that receive Title I funds must notify the parents of those students that they may request, and that agency will, upon request (and in a timely manner), provide the parents information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including at minimum, the following: Whether the teacher has met State qualifications for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher

provides instruction; Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other professional status that the State has waived; The degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher and the field

of discipline of the certification or degree; and Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and, if so, their qualifications.

Also, a school that receives Title I funds must provide to each individual parent: Information on the level of achievement the child has made on all state assessments; Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned or taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a

teacher who is not highly qualified.

Title I Services are federally subsidized programs and are in the following elementary schools:

Amherst Street Dr. Crisp Ledge StreetFairgrounds Mt. Pleasant Title I Nursery School

TRANSPORTATION

Parents are responsible for the safety of their children from the time they leave home in the morning, until the time they board the school bus; and at the end of the school day, from the time the school bus departs the bus stop and the children reach home. Once the child enters the school bus, the responsibility generally lies with the bus driver and the bus contractor.

Parents should be aware that the right to ride a school bus may be temporarily or permanently revoked if the “Transportation Rules for Pupils” (Section III) are violated.

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Buses are allowed to leave the bus stop if they arrive five minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. If you have other transportation concerns, you are welcome to call the Transportation Department at 966-1008 or -1055. When the Transportation Department is notified that a bus is running more than 15 minutes late, it will notify the appropriate school principal.

Middle and senior high school students must have their bus permits with them when boarding the school bus. Students not having a bus permit will not be allowed to board the bus.

I. Student Eligibility

A. Transportation shall be furnished by the Nashua School District to:

1. Middle and senior high school students living more than two miles from their assigned schools.

2. Elementary school students living more than one mile from their assigned schools.

B. High school students eligible for bus transportation shall be charged a fee established by the Board of Education. Fees shall be non-refundable, unless the student has officially withdrawn from school. Transportation shall be furnished free of charge to all other students.

C. Space available transportation requests shall be considered using the criteria of grade and distance. The privilege of space available transportation shall not be approved before October 1 of the school year and will terminate at the close of that school year.

D. Distance, in all disputed cases, shall be measured from the end of the pupil’s lane to the nearest driveway or walkway of the school by the most direct, traveled route. This traveled route may be roads or walkways.

E. Parents or other adults who are designated as chaperones may ride the bus during the school day for an educational field trip. Parents may not ride school buses when they are being used to transport children to and from school on their normal runs.

II. Bus Routes and Stops

A. Routes will be planned so that a maximum number of children are picked up and discharged at the nearest spot to their home. Whenever possible, school buses are routed into developed areas so that large numbers of children will not be exposed to traffic flow along the main highway, provided that the bus can enter and leave the developed area without backing up at any time. Buses have very limited vision to the rear, and should therefore never back up in a heavily populated area.

B. Requests for extension of existing routes should be submitted to the Director of Transportation. Criteria for granting such requests are as follows:

1. The distance between the home and the closest designated bus stop must exceed one mile. This traveled route may be roads or walkways.

2. If the bus must turn around, a safe and adequate turning place must be available.

3. The road must be a paved public road and must be satisfactory to carry the weight of the bus involved.

4. The turn from the existing route and entrance back onto the existing route must be safe.

5. Dangerous embankments must be protected with adequate guardrails.

C. Exceptions to the distance a pupil must live from the school or an established route may be made for disabled and special education pupils, or where the safety of the pupil is jeopardized by an exceptional hazard. Exceptional hazards include vertical banks on both sides of a road, which limit children to walking upon the traveled portion of the road, and temporary extensive road construction.

D. Bus stops shall be located, whenever possible, at points where vision is unobstructed in both directions and room is available for children to stand off the traveled portion of the road while waiting for the bus. To provide minimum obstruction to traffic flow and minimum time to complete the run, the bus stops for all children shall be designated at least a quarter of a mile apart. Exceptions may be made, at the discretion of the Director of Transportation, where unusual conditions exist.

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III. Transportation Rules for Students

The following transportation rules apply to all students riding school buses to and from the Nashua District Schools. In addition, the policies adopted by the Board of Education regarding student smoking; student possession, use, or distribution of controlled dangerous substances and alcohol; assault and/or battery; malicious burning of property; and possession of dangerous weapons on school property will also be strictly enforced on Nashua School District buses.

A. The driver shall be in full charge of the school bus and students.

B. Students violating the transportation rules will be reported to the Principal/Director of Transportation and transportation services may be restricted or withdrawn.

C. If requested, pupils must sit in the seats that have been assigned to them by the driver, the Principal, or the Director of Transportation. Students must remain in their seats at all times when the bus is in motion. Changing seats any time during the run is prohibited.

D. Pupils may converse in a normal manner, but loud, profane, or obscene language will not be permitted.

E. With the exception of their books or other school equipment, pupils may not transport other items on the bus without the permission of the driver. Sports equipment and musical instruments may not be placed on the floor in the front of the bus nor in the bus aisle, and must fit easily on the seat.

F. Pupils must not extend any part of their bodies through bus windows.

G. Pupils must not attempt to board or to get off the bus while it is in motion.

H. Pupils should cooperate in keeping the bus clean and must not damage it. Any malicious or willful damage to a school bus may result in the immediate withdrawal of transportation services, with the student or parents asked to reimburse the School District for the cost of repairing the bus.

I. Pupils may not eat, drink or chew gum on the bus.

J. Pupils may not play radios, tape players, or other such devices on the bus.

K. Pupils may not bring animals, caged or otherwise, on the bus.

L. Pupils suspended from school may not ride on any bus while they are on suspension.

M. It is the responsibility of the pupil to board the proper bus. Pupils are permitted to ride only the bus to which they are assigned.

N. Pupils should be at the bus stop at least ten to fifteen minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus. The school bus will not wait for tardy pupils.

O. Pupils may not leave the bus at any stop other than the one to which they have been assigned unless the Principal/Director of Transportation has granted proper authorization.

P. Pupils must wait quietly in an orderly fashion at the bus stop. Running into the roadway, horseplay, and throwing objects at the bus stop compromises student safety and can be disturbing to residents living in the area.

IV. Responsibilities of Bus Drivers

All school bus drivers must meet qualifications prescribed by state laws and regulations. The Director of Transportation must approve all regular drivers and substitute drivers for the Nashua School District, provided through First Student Transportation Services.

The driver’s influence extends beyond the routine driving function. Students may learn many of the qualities of good citizenship, including courtesy and respect for law and authority, from the example of their school bus driver. The school bus driver shall:

A. Be in full charge of the school bus and the pupils.

B. Establish an atmosphere that is conducive to good discipline during the first days of the school year.

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Making sure all pupils who ride the bus are aware of all “Transportation Rules for Pupils” will accomplish this.

C. Be alert to pupil conduct on the bus and correct minor infractions of the rules immediately. This action shall include the reporting of potential problems or disturbances to the Principal/Director of Transportation.

D. Report misconduct or violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils” to the Director of Transportation.

E. Assign pupils to seats in cooperation with the Principal/Director of Transportation.

V. Procedures for Address Changes and New Pick up/Drop-Off Location

A. Whenever a student lives within his/her official school district, regular transportation provisions will apply.

B. All transportation for newly registered students will go into effect five school days after the Transportation Department receives written notification from the student’s school office.

C. Any address change requiring a new pick-up/drop-off point will require five school days after written notification is received from the student’s school office.

D. All address changes shall be arranged through the student’s school office.

E. Only the area of the legal address shall be used as a pick-up/drop-off point. That address will be used for any correspondence to parents from the Transportation Department. In cases of extreme need, a written request may be submitted to the Director of Transportation requesting different a.m. and p.m. addresses. Although individual needs will be taken into consideration, it is imperative that all routes be kept as short in duration as possible for the safety and well being of each child. Therefore, it must not be assumed that such a request will be approved. Only the Director of Transportation has the authority to make a decision on such a request.

VI. Discipline Procedures

A. Pupils who are assigned to ride the Nashua public and parochial school buses must assume certain responsibilities. Misconduct, carelessness and thoughtlessness are hazards to the safe operation of the school bus. The bus is an integral part of the total school program; and the driver, who is an adult in a position of authority, must insist on appropriate behavior. When the Principal/Director of Transportation is advised of a violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils,” and determines as a result of an investigation that a violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils” has occurred, transportation services may be suspend for a time. In the event of a suspension, the Principal/Director of Transportation will notify the parent or guardian of the student, stating the reason for and the duration of the suspension in accordance with the state statute (N.H.R.S.A.-189:9a).

B. RSA 189:9a - Pupils Prohibited for Disciplinary Reasons

Notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 189:6-8, the Superintendent, or his/her representative as designated in writing, is authorized to suspend the right of pupils from riding in a school bus when said pupils fail to conform to the reasonable rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the school board. Any suspension to continue beyond twenty school days must be approved by the Board of Education. Said suspension shall not begin until the next school day following notification of the suspension sent to the pupil’s parent or legal guardian.

C. If a pupil has been denied the right to ride a school bus for disciplinary reasons, the parent or guardian of that pupil has a right to appeal within ten days of suspension to the authority that suspended the pupil’s rights. Until the appeal is heard, or the suspension of the right to ride the school bus is upheld, it shall be the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to provide transportation to and from school for that pupil for the period of the suspension.

D. The following steps may be taken in the event of any violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils”:

1. The Principal/Director of Transportation may assign seats if acceptable behavior cannot be maintained.

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Students can regain the privilege of seat selection when they have demonstrated improvement. The punishment for each offense will be decided upon individually, depending upon its seriousness, by the Principal/Director of Transportation.

2. In the event the Principal/Director of Transportation finds a serious violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils,” which is detrimental to the safety of persons and/or property on the bus, he/she will make an effort to determine those responsible.

This effort may include interviewing the bus driver, interviewing all students who ride that bus, and requesting parental information.

3. In rare instances, if responsibility for the violation cannot be determined, the Principal/Director of Transportation shall request approval from the Board of Education to pursue any or all of the following steps:

a. Engage special police personnel to ride the route from time to time.

b. Issue a bill to the parents of each rider for the pro-rata cost of repairing any damage caused by the students, or furnishing police personnel.

c. Issue identification cards to each rider on the bus.

4. If the Board of Education finds that violation of the “Transportation Rules for Pupils” continues to be detrimental to the safety of persons and property on the bus route, it may, after giving written notice to the parents of the bus route, suspend the bus route for a period of time. The suspension shall commence no earlier than five calendar days from the date of notice to the parents.

5. Smoking is not permitted on school grounds, including school buses. If infractions occur, appropriate disciplinary action must follow, in accordance to Board-approved Smoking Policy and New Hampshire RSA 155:64 and RSA 78.

VII. Transportation Disciplinary Guidelines

In order to insure a uniform disciplinary policy, these guidelines have been broken down into two levels. These guidelines will be applied in conjunction with the Nashua School District’s Student Behavior Standards policy.

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BUS BEHAVIOR INFRACTIONS

LEVEL II INFRACTIONSImproper boarding/departing proceduresUnnecessary noiseRefusing to obey the driverImproper bus line behaviorLitteringFailure to remain seatedRiding another bus route without authorization from the building Principal/Director of Transportation

Other Level II infractions as reported by the bus officials

LEVEL I INFRACTIONS Smoking Lighting matches or playing with hazardous items on the bus Fighting, pushing, tripping Vandalism Other behavior relating to safety Bullying/harassment behaviors Tampering with bus equipment Throwing object in or out of the bus Spitting Use of obscenities or abusive language toward bus occupants Misuse of the bus permit/ticket Other Level I infractions as reported by the bus officials

Below are the guidelines that Principals/Director of Transportation will use to determine appropriate bus behavior consequences.

BUS BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCES

1ST REPORT 2ND REPORT 3RD REPORT 4TH OR MORE

REPORTS

LEVEL II Warning Warning or 1-3 day bus suspension

Warning or 1-5 day bus suspension

Warning or up to a 20 day bus suspension

LEVEL 1 Warning or up to a 20 day bus suspension

Up to a 20 day bus suspension

Up to a 20 day bus suspension

Possible loss of bus service for the remainder of the school year

20 day minimum bus suspension

Possible loss of bus service for the remainder of the school year

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TUTORS

After ten (10) days of absences, or upon receipt of a doctor’s note indicating a prolonged absence due to illness or injury, verified by a physician in writing, tutoring services are available.

The School District will provide for up to ten (10) hours of tutoring per week for a period not to exceed 45 days, and for not more than one 45-day period per year.

When tutoring services are required, contact the school principal. The Principal will then make the necessary arrangements with either the Director of Student Services or the Director of Special Education.

VISITS AND APPOINTMENTS

Please feel free to visit school often. Become acquainted with what your children are doing and what learning opportunities are offered to them. When a parent visits the school, you help your child to recognize the importance of their school experience. When entering school for a visit, please make your presence known to the principal's office before going to other areas of the building. All schools, according to Nashua School District Policy 11110, will ask you to sign in and out and to wear a visitor badge.

VOLUNTEERS - PARENT(S)

Each year parents are encouraged to become involved in their children’s schools by volunteering. We welcome your help with reading, writing, math and other academic activities as well as special events and school community events. Whether mentoring, tutoring, coaching, providing clerical support or classroom support, your service is greatly valued.

Interested individuals should contact the neighborhood school’s School Volunteer Coordinator, or the Director of Grants and Community Development at 966-1012.

WITHDRAWALS

Pupils transferring out of a school should notify the office and the classroom teacher as soon as possible so that the proper forms can be promptly processed.

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LET US HEAR FROM YOU!

The Nashua Board of Education wants your opinions and questions.

I am a parent of a student at School.

I am not a parent of a student.

I have an idea

I have a question

Name Phone Number

Street Zip Code

If anyone has any materials and/or equipment to offer the Nashua School District, please contact the office of the Chief Operating Officer, 966-1007.

Names, Addresses, Phone Numbers, Notes, Etc.

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Documents

Nashua School District - Web viewThe Nashua schools are committed to a cooperative relationship and open communication among the home, the school, ... investigation into ... academic