Nelson School Handbook
Nelson School
441 Granite Lake Road
Nelson, NH 03457
847-3408
FAX 847-9612
Table of Contents
SAU #29 Calendar Page 1
Mission Statement..................................................................... 2
EEEO Statement........................................................................ 3
Administration.............................................................................. 3
Staff.............................................................................................4
Inclusionary Special Services................................................... 4
School Hours................................................................................ 5
Emergency Closing of Schools ............................................... 5
Procedure for Delayed School Opening................................. 5
Absenteeism ............................................................................... 6
Tardiness..................................................................................... 6
Discipline..................................................................................... 6
Weapons Policy #2110.............................................................. 7
Dress Code.................................................................................. 7
School Property........................................................................... 7
School Lunches.......................................................................... 8
Newsletter.................................................................................... 8
Visitations.................................................................................... 8
Field Trips.................................................................................... 8
Reporting System....................................................................... 9
Homework/Descriptions........................................................... 9-11
Specials......................................................................................... 12
Emergencies............................................................................... 13
Emergency Evacuation Procedure.......................................... 14
Entrance and Assignment of Pupils....................................... 15
Policy #2030 Entrance & Assignment of Pupils.................... 15
Administration Procedure to Accompany............................... 15-16
Health Services........................................................................... 16
Medications................................................................................... 17
Physical Immunizations.............................................................. 17
School Health Regulations......................................................... 18-19
Sexual Harassment Policy.......................................................... 19
Pupil Harassment Policy............................................................. 19
Transportation Regulations......................................................... 20-21
Publication of Student Names & Pictures................................. 22
Photo Waiver................................................................................... 22
School Safety...................................................................................22
Notification of Rights under “FERPA”........................................ .23
Mission Statement
The mission of Nelson School is to install a strength of spirit and ignite a love of learning.
Statement of Beliefs
Nelson School is a community oriented public school that prides itself in being collaborative and progressive. The purpose of the school is to create an environment where students, while developing a strong sense of individuality and respect for others, will prepare to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
We believe that quality education is a fundamental right of all children and that the education and social development of each and every Nelson student is as shared responsibility. We believe in a safe and nurturing school environment where everyone is treated as a worthwhile individual, where intellectual growth in a cooperative setting is encouraged, and where independent thinking is fostered.
Nelson School is a place where there is a strong emphasis on the basic skills, where there is excitement about learning, where there are high and clear expectations of performance, and where each student is challenged to reach their full potential.
Adopted June 12, 1996
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EEEO Statement
“The Keene School District does not discriminate in the administration of its admissions and educational programs, activities, or employment practice on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. If you think there is problem please contact: The Title IX Coordinator:Paul Cooper or pcooper@sau29.org or the Section 504 Coordinator: William Gurney, Assistant Superintendent, SAU 29, 34 West Street, Keene, NH 03431 or wgurney.
Administrative Staff
New Hampshire School Administrative Unit #29
34 West Street, Keene, NH 03431
Superintendent of Schools 357-9002
Wayne Woolridge, Assistant Superintendent for Towns
William Gurney, Assistant Superintendent for 357-9005
Keene 357-9004
Paul Cooper, Manager of Personal Services 357-9007
James Vezina, Business Administrator 357-9008
Tim Ruehr, Business Manager for Towns 357-9038
Catherine Reeves, Director of Special
Education 357-9006
Ken DeVoid, Special Education Coordinator
for Towns 357-9006
Michael Duhaime, Director of Technology 357-9010
School Board
Kelly French, Chairperson 847-9995
Tom Newcombe 847-9505
Anne Cucchi 847-9001
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Nelson School Staff
Sheila Vara Principal
Kim Keating Secretary
Molly Bentley Kindergarten
Cindy Benner Grade R/1/2
Kristin Mullins Grade 3/4
Tina Lepple Grade 5/6
Joyce Foster Special Education/Title I
Vicki Dowley Inclusion Aide
Kathy Olsen Tutor
Diane Lang Tutor
Mandi Silk Guidance
Noreene Davis School Nurse
Kim Wallach Music
Marylise Reilly French/Art
Matthew Schmidt Physical Education
Karen Woods Instrumental Music
Bob Milliken Custodian
Inclusion Special Services
Nelson School believes in and celebrates the individuality and uniqueness of every child. Its practice of Inclusion - to meet the individual needs of each student within the regular classroom to the greatest extent possible - reflects that philosophy. We strive to provide students, staff and parents with the support to enable all students to be successful in their classrooms!
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School Hours
School is in session between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. Students should arrive at school between 8:00 and 8:10 a.m.
Emergency Closing of schools
Policy #5140
School will continue to operate in New Hampshire School Administration Unit #29 according to the school calendar unless conditions make it impossible, or not suitable to do so. According to the policy, the Superintendent has the authority to close schools. However, she normally does this after consultation with the highway department, the major transportation contractors, and insofar as possible, with the Chairman of the Board.
The number one consideration is the safety of pupils. This is no longer limited to safety on the roads. We have to consider the situation in the homes of children. Many parents work, leaving youngsters unsupervised if schools close early. This also means that a decision to close school must be made as early as possible.
Parents have the privilege of keeping their children home, even if the Superintendent intends to maintain schools, if in their opinion, dangerous conditions exist.
The buses often have to begin their runs very early in the morning. The Superintendent will be involved in discussion with the transporters and highway people as early as 5:30 a.m. A decision will be made by 6:30 a.m.
Procedure for Delayed Opening
In case of a delay in the morning, school will start one hour (or in some cases, 2 hours) after the usual beginning time. For information regarding the delayed opening time, radio stations WKBK (1220 AM) and WKNE (1290 AM or 103.7 FM) and the Keene Sentinel Info Line 352-2424 ext 6116, will have early morning information regarding exact times of openings.
FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS: If there is a one hour delay, kindergarten will be in session from 9:15-12:20. If a longer delay is necessary, kindergarten will not convene that day.
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Absenteeism
Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation. Persistent absenteeism creates a very serious problem.
It is the policy of the Nelson School Board to encourage regular attendance of all youngsters in kindergarten through grade twelve. Many in-school activities are difficult or impossible to make up at home. Please be sure your child attends school on a regular basis.
It is expected that parents will call the school before 8:15 a.m. to report their child’s absence. If no call is received, school personnel will call home or work numbers in an effort to locate the child and confirm their absence.
Tardiness
Prompt arrival is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instruction time. Any student who arrives at school after 8:15 a.m., is considered tardy. Repeated tardy arrivals will prompt a call to the student’s parents. Excessive tardiness will result in a formal letter home.
Discipline
We believe that the students at Nelson School have the responsibility of conducting themselves in a way that demonstrates their respect for the school and the rights and property of others. They are encouraged to do this by helping establish rules and consequences that are conducive to a learning environment. Classroom teachers will share their class rules and discipline procedure during the first month of school.
Overarching Expectations for Nelson School Community
be safe
be responsible
be respectful
be the best learner you can be
At times students may be asked to spend part of their lunch recess inside for work or behavior
issues. Only for extenuating circumstances would a student miss their entire recess. Teachers will
notify parents if this becomes habitual.
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School Wide Discipline Progression
a warning is given
the student receives a consequence
the parent receives a phone call or a note home
a parent conference is called to discuss the problem
classroom teachers may add additional steps as necessary
Weapons Policy #2110
Weapons on school premises or in connection with school activities may lead to dangerous and violent behavior and will not be tolerated. Nelson School District policy #2110 and various state and federal laws provide for substantial sanctions for the possession of weapons, including mandatory suspension or expulsion from school and the filing of a report to applicable police authorities. A copy of policy #2110 and/or related laws pertaining to weapons and violence on school premises is available from the Superintendent’s office.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress in clothes which are suitable for school activities. The responsibility for determining what students are wearing rests with the parents. It is our assumption that the clothing a child arrives at school wearing is the clothing that his or her parent wishes the child to wear that day.
Clothing which advertises or demonstrates the use of drugs or alcohol, is not allowed any time at Nelson School. Clothing with inappropriate language or graphics is also not to be worn. Bare feet are not allowed. Hats must be stored in the student’s closet and should not be worn during the school day.
School Property
Each child is responsible for school district property issued to him/her. Library books, textbooks or equipment lost or damaged is expected to be paid for. An intentional damage to school property will also become the responsibility of the child’s family.
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School Lunches
Lunch is served at 12:05 p.m. Keene Middle School provides our lunches daily. Included in each lunch is an entree, a vegetable, fruit, dessert, and juice or milk. Lunches are $1.75 per day (drink included). Snack drinks are available for an additional $.40. Lunch orders are sent home once a month (approximately 1 week before the next month’s lunches begin) and need to be sent back by the date indicated on the order form with payment because lunches are ordered days prior to the day being served, we are unable to accept late lunch order forms and payment.
Newsletters
A school newsletter containing many items of interest to students and parents will be distributed at the beginning of each month. The newsletter will feature timely information on school activities.A classroom newsletter will also be sent home by each teacher on a weekly basis.
Visitation
Parents are welcome to visit school. For the safety of all children, we require that all visitors sign in at the door and check in at the office when they enter the building. Please arrange your visit by calling the office or your child’s teacher. When you come, remember that teachers are expected to supervise and teach students in their care and cannot visit at this time.
Field Trips
Field trips are planned to be an integral part of instructional units. These trips are considered to be school activities, and require school regulations shall be in effect. Parental permission slips are sent home and must be returned to the school in order that the student be allowed to participate in the scheduled event.
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Reporting System
Parents will receive school report cards three times a year. Two formal conferences are held each year, a parent/teacher conference in December and a parent/teacher/student conference in June. Additional conferences may be initiated by either the parent or the teacher.
We will keepclose contact with you concerning the progress of your child(ren), and we expect the same from you, Please feel free to contact the classroom teacher regarding anything that concerns you or your child.
2006-2007 Reporting Dates
December 8 - 1st trimester conference
March 9 - 2nd trimester - progress reports sent home
June 4-8 - 3rd trimester portfolio conferences
Homework
In keeping with its belief in and the support for a quality instructional program, the school district supports the concept of homework being an important part of the educational program.
Homework is an appropriate vehicle for the promotion of self-discipline and the development of organizational skills and resourcefulness. It should be a meaningful extension of the student’s instructional day.
The Board expects that the staff will determine the implementation procedure to ensure that students, parents and staff are fully informed as to how homework will be emphasized, assigned and evaluated. Please know that students may be held in at recess time if homework is not completed by the date specified.
Homework Descriptions
Kindergarten
Although there is no designated homework for Kindergarten, it can be a choice for parents who want work for their child to do at home.
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Grades R/1/2
The main purpose of assigning homework at these grade levels is to help the child develop organizational and time management skills. Specific assignments are chosen to review familiar material. If at any time a child is having great difficulty with an assignment, they should set it aside and ask for help the following day. A follow-up note or call from a parent would be great as well.
For the early part of the year, first grade homework will consist of readinga book daily with someone and practicing their sight words. A log is provided for the child/parent to write down the name of the book you shared. One day a week there will be an additional family-orientated assignment. About midyear, spelling homework is added.
Students in grade 2 will be asked to read and log their books in their reading log, practice their spelling and sight words and complete math problems or Mad Minutes each evening Monday through Thursday. One evening a week there will be an additional family oriented assignment. Homework for second grade should take approximately 20 minutes.
Grades 3/4
All children have homework each night, Monday through Thursday. The purpose of homework at this level is to give students the opportunity to develop independent work habits and to practice ongoing academic skills. Third graders have approximately 40 minutes of homework each night and 4th graders have approximately 45 minutes.
Children should not labor for hours over homework. If a child experiences a great deal of difficulty with any assignment and/or is taking an inordinate amount of time completing it, a child should feel free to put it away. Parents should inform the teacher the next day, and he/she will take care of it. The ultimate responsibility of homework completion is on the child, but parental guidance and support goes a long way toward successful completion.
Student’s homework will consist of an independent reading task (personal choice or assigned reading from class), a spelling packet and practicing spelling/sight word lists. Sometimes students will also have a short science, social studies or handwriting assignment during the week. Students also have a French assignment, which is given on Tuesday and is due on Thursday. French assignments take on average about 10 minutes to complete.
All students will have a Home Assignment Book (HAB’s) starting in the 3rd grade to help them organize and complete assignments. These HAB’S are the same as those used in the 5th and 6th grades and are similar to those used at the Middle School.
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Grades 5/6
Children will have nightly homework (M-Th) and sometimes longer term assignments that could take several weeks. This is to continue to provide students with opportunities to practice ongoing skills and to develop independent work skills. Students may spend approximately 45-60 minutes nightly on homework. However, if a child seems to be having a great deal of difficulty on any assignments,or seems to be unable to complete the homework in the expected time frame, please feel free to stop and let the teacher know by phone or a note.
The completion of nightly homework is the responsibility of each student but parents can help by reviewing and signing HAB’s assignment books as work is completed. Home folders will contain any assignments to complete, lists to practice and /or materials to read.
Regular Homework may Include:
Reading 30 minutes, minimum
Math skills page - 10-15 minutes
Spelling, vocabulary and /or language skills - 10-15 minutes
French, once a week - 15 minutes
Additional Homework 1-2 times a Week may Include:
Language arts/content area assignment
Short science/social studies assignment
Time for Kids (TFK) assignment
Each student will be expected to complete several long-term independent book projects
Policy for Incomplete Homework
Each classroom teacher will send home their procedure for missed assignments.
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Specialists
Art
Art class is held once a week on either Tuesday or Thursday . Students explore all areas of art, including drawing, painting, three dimensional art, weaving, cutting and pasting, and printing. Students will develop creativity and skills needed for all aspects of learning and living. Many of the art projects are integrated into lessons and projects of the classroom teacher or whole school themes to enhance learning.
French
French songs, games and dances are an integral part of instruction in the younger grades. Older students focus on more academic goals parts of speech, vocabulary and conversation. French classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Music
Our program emphasizes singing together in tune and in harmony. From simple songs, singing games and dances for the younger students to more complex songs and concepts for the older grades, our singing and listening repertoire is related to its historical and social context. All students also have the opportunity to explore classroom instruments, including rhythm instruments and African drums. Music classes are held on Wednesday .
Physical Education
Our Physical Education classes are held every Friday. Students will be taking part in a variety of physical activities through locomotor and manipulative skills. Individual and group games are a regular part of the class schedule. Students will be encouraged to participate respectfully in each unit.
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Guidance: Crisis Support Team (CRT)
The SAU 29 district wide School Critical Response Team is formed of counselors, nurses and shool psychologists from all district schools. The CRT members are trained to provide emotional and educational support to students, teachers and other members of the school community in the event of a crisis or disaster effecting any of our schools. The team always works under the direction of the building administrator, offering its particular skills in identifying and reducing the traumatic effects of stress. Crises can include a range of events such as a school bus accident, the death of someone in the school community, a chemical spill, flooding and violence. The CRT does not offer therapy. Its goals are to lessen the impact of crises, promote the natural process of recovery and assist with individual and group coping. All crisis response plans include procedures of notifying and informing parents about a critical incident. The team is trained to recognize and respect the different needs and co ping styles of children of different ages and backgrounds. Some children need to talk when upset; others prefer to listen. Some choose art as a means of communication. Members of the team are available to talk to your PTA on request through the building principle.
Emergencies
Emergencies are infrequent, but the do happen. The school needs to know whom to contact if the parent or legal guardian cannot be reached. Enrollment Verification Forms will be sent to each family and for each student.
This information needs to be verified and the Emergency Contact Information needs to be filled in, as this may changes from year to year. Please return these forms ASAP to the school office.
We are asking that you not call and ask to speak to your child, except in emergencies. Messages can be relayed through the secretary, should it be necessary. Any arrangements need to be made during non-school hours.
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Fire Drill and Evacuation Procedure
All students and personnel will exit by the primary exit. In the event that the primary exit is blocked, the secondary exit should be used.
Grade K Primary: Use the fire exit in the classroom. Proceed along fence to the Nelson sign.
Secondary: Use main entrance. Proceed along fence to Nelson sign.
Grade R/1/2 P rimary: Use the main fire exit in the classroom. Proceed down the ramp to the Nelson sign.
Secondary: Use back exit in the classroom. Proceed around west side of the building to the front and to the Nelson sign.
Grade3/4 Primary: Use back exit in classroom. Proceed east of the building to the soccer field.
Secondary: Use main door in classroom. Proceed to soccer field.
Grade 5/6 Primary: Use back exit in classroom. Proceed east of the building to the soccer field.
Secondary: Use main door in classroom. Proceed to soccer field.
All Purpose Room: In the event the fire originates in the all-purpose room, proceed directly south up the hill behind the back exit from the classroom.
Revised September 2006
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Entrance and Assignment of Pupils
Nelson School District - Policy #2030
Fully acknowledging that the Superintendent has the statutory authority to assign all public school pupils according to their educational needs, it is the intention of the Nelson School Board that placement and assignment of pupils to classes in the Nelson School will be based on the following criteria:
1. Academic achievement of the student
2. Development of maturity of the student, considering
mental, physical,emotional, and social growth.
3. R.S.A. 19:1 and R.S.A 193:14
Revised N-10/13/1993
Administrative Procedure to Accompany Policy # 2030
Entrance and Assignment of Pupils
In admitting and assigning students to Nelson School, the following criteria will be utilized by the school staff who are given this responsibility by the Superintendent of Schools:
1. In general, pupils transferring into the school will be
placed in the same grade level and program as the
school from which they transferred.
2. Coded students will be placed under regulations of
R.S.A. 186-c
3. Entering kindergarten pupils shall have evidence of
reaching the age of five years on or before September
30 following the opening of school in September.
4. Entering grade one pupils shall have evidence of
reaching the age of six years on or before September 30
following the opening of school in September.
a. Requests for variance to the above criteria must be in
writing and submitted to the Assistant Superintenden
for Towns no later than May 30 preceding the opening
of school.
b. With variance requests, the administration will arrange to
have the child observed, assessd/or tested, using appropriate school tests, at parental expense. These observations/assessments/tests
may include, are not limited to the following:
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Entrance and Assignment of Pupils (continued)
1. permission to contact and speak with child’s
preschool teacher
2. permission given to visit and observe child in
preschool setting
3. child visitation to kindergarten class for period
of time without parent
4. assessments completed by the following members
of the placement team:
(a) kindergarten teacher
(b) speech and language teacher
(c) physical education/occupational therapist
(d) reading specialist
(e) readiness/first grade teacher
(f) guidance counselor
(g) Special education teacher
(h) principal
c. Parents of children becoming residents of the school
district between May 30th and the opening of the next school
year may apply to the Assistant Superintendent of Town’s
office in accordance with the above procedure.
d. The observations/assessments/tests that your child will
participate in provide the placement team with information
on your child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical
readiness for entering kindergarten and will serve as the
basis for granting or denying the request for early admission.
Health Services
As we do not have the service of a full-time nurse, any emergency situation will be dealt with by the staff. Parents, please advise the school when you are going away or what to do if your child becomes ill or injured in your absence.
Health appraisals will be made by the school nurse on each child and annually throughout his/her school years. These appraisals include vision, hearing, height, and weight measurements and lice “checks.” The nurse will also be responsible for personal hygiene reinforcement, maintenance of student health records and health education (staff). She will also make referrals to outside agencies as necessary and ensure that State Health Regulations (laws) and Nelson School health policies are enforced.
The School Nurse is a resource person, available for health counseling, parent/teacher conferences and IEP meetings. She is employed for 5 hours per week during the school year.
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Medications
Prescribed medication cannot be given at school without signed authorization from the student’s physician and parent.
Non-prescribed medications such as aspirin or cough syrup are discouraged at school. If one of these is necessary for medical reasons, then a parent/guardian must send in a signed note. Medication forms may be obtained from the office. All medication to be administered must be brought to school in the ORIGINAL CONTAINER with the prescription and instructions from the physician and given to your child’s teacher or the school secretary. The school nurse is responsible for overseeing the administration of all medications given at school. The school secretary is authorized to dispense medications in her absence.
Physical Immunizations
All children entering school for the first time are required by NH State Law to have documentation in their school health file of having had a preschool physical and up to date immunizations, prior to entry. Students who have not been fully immunized will not be in compliance with Law RSA 200:33 and will be excluded from school until proper documentation is provided.
The following immunizations (minimum acceptable) by law
are as follows:
DTP/DTa/TD-4: 4 doses with fourth given after age 4
(some exceptions for age variances)
Polio: 3 doses with third given after age 4
Measles: 2 doses after 12 months old for K-4th grade and 7- 12th grade; one dose grades 5 + 6.
Rubella and Mumps: 1 dose after 12 months old
Hepatitis B Vaccine: 3 doses for children born on or before 1/1/93
Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine: 1 dose after 12 months old
(K-6) and two doses (grades 7-12)
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Students must remain excluded from school with
Chicken Pox: 1 week after first skin lesions appear.
Conjunctivitis: (Pink Eye) 24 hours after start of medication
Hepatitis: (infectious) Until jaundice has cleared and clinically well.
Impetigo: (Strep-infection) 24 hours after treatment has started.
Mononucleosis: Until clinical recovery.
Mumps: 9 days from onset of swelling
Ringworm & Pin Worm: Until treatment has started.
Strep Infection: 24 hours after treatment has started.
Pediculosis (lice): This condition is considered communicable. In order to protect the children and school from contracting lice from another student or adult, we will be requiring that children who have nits or live lice stay home until the head has been treated and are nit/lice free. We are also requiring that parents/guardians must bring their child/children back to school to be readmitted, i.e., students are not able to ride the bus after being sent home because of a lice infection. Those students will then be screened directly upon entry to the building with their parents/guardians present. Please contact the school if you suspect your child has come into contact with lice from any source. The school conducts periodic checks, but your help with regular checks at home will assure minimal problem's at school.
Scabies: Also considered a communicable disease.
*Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac: The lesions caused by these plants are caused by a fixed, nonvolatile oil and are not contagious.
**Sneezing, discharge from the nose, red or watery eyes, sensitivity to light, sore or inflamed throat, cough, headache, vomiting, malaise, fever, or rash should be looked upon as signs and symptoms leading to suspicion of communicable disease.
***Students will also remain home with all communicable diseases not mentioned above, as per New Hampshire State Law.
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School Health Regulations (continued)
Children should dress appropriately for the weather. Children need fresh air and exercise, this is why we have recess breaks. Any child not well enough to go out at recess, should remain home unless we have an order from the family physician requesting that the child stay inside. (Recommended, SAU#29 School Health Manual). During wet and sloppy weather, it is requested that children keep a pair of shoes or slippers at school.
Pupil Harassment/Bullying
Nelson School District Policy #2064
The Board is committed to providing a safe school environment in which the members of the school community are treated with respect. “Bullying” interferes with the proper school environment. Accordingly, the Board has established a procedure intended to minimize and prevent bullying by dealing with such acts of verbal or physical abuse. This policy and procedure is directed to students who bully other students. Nevertheless, adults bully too. Any employee or contractor who bullies students shall be referred to appropriate personnel for prompt and appropriate investigation, discipline and/or assistance.
Sexual Harassment Policy
No student should be made to feel uncomfortable because of remarks or touching directed to or about the student in a way that is sexually offensive. This is sexual harassment. Students are encouraged to discuss such harassment, whether by a peer or by an a adult, with their parents and/or with school personnel (teacher, counselor, or administrator) with whom the student feels comfortable. The teacher, counselor or administrator shall immediately involve the staff for appropriate resolution. A copy of 2065 Board Policy #5052 on sexual harassment can be obtained by contacting SAU #29 Title IX Compliance Administrator, Paul Cooper, Manager of Personnel Services at 34 West Street, 357-9007.
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Nelson School District
New Hampshire School Administrative Unit 29
The Nelson School District will provide transportation to all students who are required to be in school through age fourteen in accordance with RSA 189:6.7 and 9. The district shall furnish transportation to all students who live more than two miles from the school to which they are assigned. In addition, the district will provide transportation for all students, grades nine through twelve, attending Keene High School under the A.K.A agreement.
Pupils entitled to transportation may be required to walk a distance not to exceed one and one half miles to an established transportation line or approved bus stop, the vehicle route, and schedule of which shall be approved by the Nelson School Board.
Transportation Regulations
1. The school bus driver is incomplete charge of the school bus and the pupils and shall have the same authority in maintaining discipline as a teacher in the classroom.
2. The pupils must be on time at the designated bus stops. When the school bus is operating on an established schedule, it cannot wait for children who are not within sight of stop when the bus arrives. Parents must provide advanced written permission to the school for pupils to be left off at any stop other than their proper destination. Such permission will be submitted by the bus driver to the school office for retention. Any permanent alteration of the regular destination must be cleared through the school.
3. Any unnecessary talking with the school bus operator is prohibited.
4. While ordinary conversation between pupils is permitted, loud, vulgar and other improper language will not be tolerated.
5. Smoking is not permitted in the school bus. Waste paper is not to be thrown on the floor or out the windows. Soda bottles are not permitted on the bus.
6. Pupils shall go to the rear of the bus when getting on unless assigned a seat neat the front of the bus by the bus operator.
7. The rear door shall be used only in case of emergency.
8. All pupils must be seated while the bus is in motion.
9. Any violation of the above regulations will be reported to the principal and disciplinary action will be taken.
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There are many circumstances that could result in immediate suspension from the bus. Such disciplinary action is to be at the discretion of the appropriate school administrator or bus company coordinator. Any suspension shall not begin until the next school day, following the day notification of suspension, is sent to the pupil’s parents or legal guardian.
1. The first refusal to comply with the above regulations will result in a warning. Copies will be sent to the student (secondary level) and the parents.
2. The second offense will result in a three (3) day (s) suspension from riding the bus.
3. The third offense will result in an indefinite suspension from riding the bus. Any suspension to continue beyond twenty (20) school days must be approved by the School Board.
If a pupil has been denied the right to ride a school bus for disciplinary reasons, a parent or guardian of the pupil has a right to appeal within ten (10) days of suspension to the authority that suspended the pupil’s right. Until the appeal is heard or the suspension of the pupil’s right to ride the bus is upheld, it shall be the parent’s or guardian’s responsibility to provide transportation to and from school for the pupil for the period of suspension.
Prior to the student’s returning to the bus, a meeting between parent(s) and the student and the principle must take place.
It is expected that all pupils and parents will cooperate in implementing these regulations. they are essential to the safety and well-being of everyone concerned.
Resident students attending school outside the district by parent choice or nonresident students attending school within the Nelson School District provided conveyance may be transported provided such transportation is limited by:
1. The schedules and extent of routes established for district
assigned students.
2. The space available on district contracted buses.
3. The approval of the bus route contractor.
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Publication of Student Names
and Pictures/Photo Waiver
At times during the school year we publish photos and articles regarding Nelson School students in local newspapers. Occasionally, we also videotape special events or projects for school. A permission slip will be sent home in the first week of school so that we will have written notification about whether you give permission for your child’s name or picture to appear in the media.
Photo Waiver
Periodically, SAU #29 publishes printed material and updates web sites that may use photographs of students in a classroom or school setting. Names of students are not used. If you do not want your child’s photo used, please let your principal know or by filling out the media permission slip that is sent home at the beginning of the year. If we do not hear from you to the contrary, we will assume that permission to use a photo of your child has been give.
School Safety
Because the safety of children and adults is a priority at the Nelson School, we have instituted several procedure to ensure that safety:
1. Parents/Visitors to the school must use the ramp entrance
only to enter and exit the building.
2. Parents/visitors need to be “buzzed” in by the school personnel once they reach the inner door. School doors will be locked after all students have entered the building in the morning and will remain locked throughout the day. The exception is the outer ramp entrance door.
3. All visitors must “check in” and “sign in” at the office.
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Notification of Rights Under
“FERPA”
The family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (eligible students), certain rights with respect to the students’ education records. They are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the Principal a written request that identifies the records that parent or eligible student wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Parents or eligible students may request the School District amend a record that is believed to be inaccurate or misleading. the parent or eligible student should write the Principal, clearly identify the part of the record which is believed to be in need of change, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.
If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise the parent or eligible student of the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notifies of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
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Notification of Rights Under “FERPA (continued)
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate education interest. A school official is a person employed by the School District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement personnel); a person serving on the School Board or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record or to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The names and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
Directory information is not published by the School Districts of SAU #29 except as this may occur in school formats such as yearbooks, award announcements, programs/bulletins published for athletic or other co-curricular events, and similar achievement-oriented publications. A parent of an eligible student who objects to a student’s directory listing is such publications, should contact the Leadership Team or the Superintendent of Schools in writing by September 20th of the school year.
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