Handbook

(Our apologies:  The Woodside Handbook page is under construction and has experienced some technical difficulties. Until further notice, expect some usability challenges and some inaccuracies of content.) Your understanding and patience is appreciated.  Please contact Mr. Dedek in the office at 725-1243 for any questions.

Thank you!

School Hours:
8:55-3:20 (Late Start Wednesdays 9:55-3:20)

Drop Off Time:  8:45am-8:55am (late slip after 8:55)
Pick Up Time: 3:20pm 

(Please inform the office of your intent for a non-scheduled pick-up by 2:00 p.m. the day of by calling 725-1243)

Woodside School Parent Involvement Policy

2018-2019

As a Title One School, each school year Woodside School is required to publish the following information about our Parent Involvement Policy. This may happen in the form of a send home newsletter, or you can also find it as a permanent fixture on our school website.


Parental Involvement is the participation in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student learning and other social activities.


Parental Involvement means:

Parents play an important role in assisting their child’s learning.
Parents are encouraged to be full partners in their child’s education by being actively involved in their child’s education at school.
oParents are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.

Annual Meeting

Our school will hold Title 1 Parent Information Meetings in various formats throughout the school year.

Parent Communication

We are committed to communicating regularly with parents and making decisions cooperatively regarding the education of their child.
These communications include: twice yearly parent conferences, additional meetings, phone calls, emails, and Title 1 newsletters.

Information Sharing

We will provide information about our Title 1 Program, the school curriculum, various assessments, and students’ proficiency levels on a regular basis.

Planning and Review

We will involve parents in the planning and review of our Title 1 Program.
We will offer parents the opportunity to give feedback regarding Title 1 services

If you have any questions at all about our Parent Involvement, please do not hesitate to contact our Title One Teachers, Mrs. Nicole Napples([email protected]), Mrs. Andrea Frenz ([email protected]), or Mr. Rob Horne ([email protected]).

Thank you,

Mr. Dedek


Parental Responsibilities

You are urged to share with us any information about how we can provide your child with the best possible education.


Parents are encouraged to initiate contact with their child’s teacher(s) in the event of any concerns or problems that arise.
Children will function best in school when they are prepared for their assignments. Parents should check daily to see if their children have been assigned homework and show interest in their school work. Homework is an important part of the educational program and an excellent way for parents to get involved with their child's education.


Please be sure that your child is well rested so he/she can attend to learning activities.


We urge parents to supervise their child's television/screen viewing habits. Time should be available for students to complete homework assignments and to develop good study habits.


When students bring toys, games, radios, tape recorders, dolls or any trading cards to school, this creates issues. Not only are students distracted from class work when such objects are present, but problems develop in the cafeteria, on the bus, and on the playground when these objects are used. Students have lost and damaged these possessions when they have been brought to school. We will not be responsible for their repair or replacement. We request that toys, games, dolls and trading cards remain at home.


Please be sure that your child is dressed properly. During cold weather, students should have hats and mittens or gloves available. All children are expected to go outside at recess time (weather permitting). We also ask that students respect the dress code (please see “Dress Code” within the handbook).
Please notify the office of any changes in residency, telephone numbers, emergency contacts, daycare arrangements or any other pertinent information.


A calendar will be distributed to you at the end and beginning of the school year. Please refer to this calendar throughout the year and make special note of no school, delayed start, and parent conference days.


Our State Law requires that "any adults having a person of compulsory school age under their control shall cause the person to attend school." If a child is going to be absent, we require the parent to call the school office by 9:05 a.m. Please see Attendance Policy (within the handbook) for a list of excused absences as outlined in State Law.


School Year 2018-2019
Rights of Parents to Requests Teacher Qualifications


As a parent of a student at Woodside Elementary School you have the right to know the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teacher. As part of Federal law you may request:


Whether your child's teacher is qualified for the grades and subjects taught or

Whether due to special circumstances Maine has granted your child's teacher permission to teach without meeting state regulations;
Your child's teacher's college major, and advanced degrees;

Whether any teachers' aides provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.


If you would like to receive any of this information, please call Woodside School Principal Richard W. Dedek II at 725-1243

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Philosophy


Our philosophy at Woodside Elementary School is one of a school devoted to nurturing and encouraging all students to work to their potential. The school commits itself to the concept of life-long learning, communicating to our students the excitement of discovering new knowledge while maintaining a caring environment. As well as fostering the child's innate desire for learning and experience, we hope to provide a foundation for the skills and knowledge needed to obtain an education which will be a source of strength and satisfaction throughout that student's life. Furthermore, we encourage the spontaneity of creative and independent thinking as individuals develop both self-awareness and respect for one another.

We believe education is a cooperative venture. We expect that parents and faculty will have high expectations of students, resulting in students themselves having high aspirations.

Our school is a part of our community and, therefore, reflects the interests and beliefs of our unique neighborhood. By stressing respect of self and of others, we aim to guide our students to become valuable, contributing and concerned members of society.


Educational Objectives

We believe that it is our responsibility to provide quality education for all our students. We encourage them to grow to the best of their ability. To achieve these goals, Woodside Elementary School will provide students with learning experiences which:

model and foster a love of and a continuing desire for learning
help them recognize their potential
encourage acceptance of unique differences in themselves and others
encourage respect for themselves and others
help develop a sense of personal responsibility
promote awareness of belonging and community
enhance a sense of responsible citizenship
offer opportunities to make intelligent decisions and think logically
cultivate the acquisition, understanding, communication, and constructive use of information
give them opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to live a fulfilling and productive life
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Core Values


Our core values were re-imagined in October of 2012 with faculty-wide participation. They are:

Community Responsibility, Opportunity, Wellness, Balance, Achievement, Respect

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Affirmative Action,Title IX, Section 504

It is the policy of Maine School Administrative District No. 75 to insure equal employment and educational opportunities regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age or handicaps in accordance with all federal and state legislation relative to discrimination.

Inquiries and/or grievances concerning the above statement should be directed to:

Debbie Anderson, Human Resource Director

M.S.A.D. 75

50 Republic Avenue

Topsham, ME 04086

(207) 729-9961

Maine Human Rights Commission

State House Station 51

Augusta, ME 04333

(207) 624-6050

S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights,
33 Arch Street

Ninth Floor

Boston, MA 02110

Telephone (617) 289-0111

Fax (617) 289-0150

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Grievance Procedure

Informal
When a student or employee feels they have been a victim of discrimination, he/she may discuss the grievance with the Affirmative Action Coordinator.
If the grievance is not resolved within five working days, the student or employee may discuss the grievance with the principal or appropriate supervisor and the Affirmative Action Coordinator.
Formal
If the grievance is not resolved within five working days, the student or employee may file a written grievance with the principal or appropriate supervisor. Forms are available from the building principal or the Affirmative Action Officer.
If the written grievance is not resolved within five working days and the student or employee wishes to continue the grievance procedure, the Affirmative Action Coordinator will bring said grievance to the attention of the Superintendent of Schools
The Superintendent will, within ten working days after receiving a written grievance, review the situation in consultation with the Affirmative Action Coordinator and the Grievant, together, and inform the grievant in writing of his/her decision.
If the written grievance is not resolved to the grievant's satisfaction, the grievant may submit a written grievance to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will then add to the agenda of their next meeting the discussion of the grievance. The Board will then notify the grievant of his/her right to be at the meeting and that the grievant is entitled to representation by counsel and to speak at the meeting if he/she wishes. The Board will notify the grievant in writing of its decision within five working days. All grievance hearings will be conducted in executive session.
Gifted and Talented Program Philosophy

MSAD 75 believes all its students should learn and be taught to their highest potential, including those who excel or have the potential to excel beyond their age peers. As required by Chapter 104, we identify this gifted and talented population as roughly 3-5% of overall enrollment, and recognize the special needs of these students for appropriate and varied forms of acceleration, enrichment, and guidance.

MSAD 75’s core commitments to our gifted and talented students and their families are:

Work at an appropriate level of challenge.
Time to work with intellectual peers, and
Information and guidance regarding opportunities within and beyond the school day.
To honor these commitments and provide the specialized, “in-lieu-of” instruction needed by gifted and talented students as their needs progress from Kindergarten to 12th grade, our goal as a district is to offer a diverse and dynamic continuum of services which can anticipate and meet these needs. An essential function of our Gifted and Talented staff is to work with students and teachers to identify the central strengths, needs and interests of each child, and to then provide both guidance and advocacy to connect each child with appropriate opportunities.

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Attendance Policy

There is an obvious and strong relationship between the amount of time students are available for instruction and the amount of progress they make. Our school year in Maine is one of the shortest of the fifty states, lasting only 175 days. We urge parents to make every effort to have their child attend school regularly so that we may fulfill our collective responsibility and provide them with the best formal education possible.

It is a parent's responsibility to call the office, 725-1243, if his/her child will not be attending school that day. This will help ensure the safety and whereabouts of your child. Please call between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:05 a.m. or leave a message on the answering machine. For an extended absence, you should ensure that the principal, office, and the teacher receive prior notification.

Elementary Excused / Unexcused Absence Procedure for MSAD 75
Version: 8/16/18

MSAD 75 elementary schools support regular attendance every day a student is healthy enough to benefit from instruction. We believe that developing good health and attendance practices at the youngest ages support a lifetime of success in education and in the workforce.  

In addition to school-based attendance progress monitoring practices, any time an MSAD 75  student reaches 10 full absences in a school year, or 5 consecutive unexcused absences, the school will send a letter informing the parent/guardian that the student is at risk for chronic absenteeism or truancy.  It is our intent to inform parents that correction is necessary and to offer help. If improvement is not documented, the case may be referred for further monitoring and the superintendent may be informed in accordance with state statute.

All MSAD 75 Elementary School absences will be classified as Excused, Unexcused, or Exempted using the following guides:

Unexcused Absences
A student’s absence from school shall be considered unexcused unless the absence meets the definition for an excused absence, including communication requirements; 

Excused Absences
For unplanned circumstances, a student’s absence from an MSAD 75 Elementary School shall be considered excused if the reason for the absence has been communicated by the parent/guardian within 3 school days of the student’s return to school (often a phone call will suffice) and meets the following criteria:


Personal illness;
An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day; 
Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day; 
A family emergency; 
A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has been approved;
Education disruption resulting from homelessness, unplanned psychiatric hospitalization, unplanned hospitalization for a medical emergency, foster care placement, youth development center placement or some other out-of-district placement that is not otherwise authorized by either an individualized education plan or other education plan or a superintendent's agreement. 


Definitions:

Family Emergency - determined on a case by case basis but examples may include distress suffered by families due to: serious illness to a close family member, bereavement, family losses due to disaster, etc.

Planned Absence for personal or educational purpose that has been approved - At least 7 days written notice to teacher and school administration outlining the nature of the planned absence.  Qualified as personal or educational and approved if absence represents a unique educational value to the student and is requested by family.

Written Documentation - Medical - Note or call from parent describing the qualified symptoms for school excusal (fever, vomiting, contagious illness appointment or documentation of licensed medical advice signed by parent.). - or - If more than 3 consecutive days absent, note or letter from attending licensed medical professional office may be required.

Written Documentation - Other than medical - Note or letter documenting participation in religious holiday observance, family emergency, or education disruption.


Tardiness to School

Any student tardy to school should report immediately to the office with a note explaining the tardiness. He/she will then be given a “tardy slip” to show to his/her teacher upon arrival to class. If a student arrives to class after 8:55 (9:55 on Wednesdays) without a pink slip, the classroom teacher is expected to send the student back to the office. We do, however, urge parents to ensure that children arrive at school by 8:50 a.m.

Also of importance is the attendance requirement of the No Child Left Behind Act for all students in Grades 3, 4 and 5. It is critically important that all students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 take the required test. We are urging you not to plan any extended absences in the months of October or May, which is when the tests are held. We are able to make up short absences in a very small testing make-up window. Any anticipation of two or more missed days during testing needs to be reported to the principal of the school. One of the school’s and district’s success measures is attendance for the entire test. Absence by even a few numbers of Grade 3, 4 or 5 students could jeopardize our school’s Adequate Yearly Progress scores.

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Dismissals

FOR STUDENT SAFETY, dismissal is managed through the school office. Parents and other authorized persons must sign out students, who will then be called to the cafeteria by school staff.

New parents and authorized persons will be asked to present photo identification. If you are picking up your child after school, please arrange to meet him/her in the cafeteria at 3:15 p.m. or after the buses at 3:20. Since we must protect instructional time, no student will be called out of class unless it is an emergency. This will help us cut down on classroom interruptions. We also require that students not be dismissed from the “walker line”. Please also see section on Bus Notes.

Emergency Dismissal Information

In the event that we should experience an emergency dismissal, your child needs to know what to do in case he/she arrives home and no one is there. This is true EVERY DAY, but especially if he/she arrives home early. Please understand that we might have only a limited amount of time after the decision is made to dismiss early. Given the large number of students and the limited number of phone lines, it is impossible to notify everyone of the early dismissal. In some emergencies the phone lines could be down, so having the secretaries call you is not an option for your emergency dismissal plan.

Please develop such a plan and communicate the details to your child. Since it is helpful for us to have your plan on file to review with your child, we ask that you complete the emergency dismissal information formand return that to your child’s teacher.

Bicycles, Rollerblades and Scooters

An area is provided where bicycles are to be parked. You should provide a lock for your bicycle. This will prevent someone from taking it without your permission.

When riding a bicycle, please obey all traffic rules the same as any driver of a car. Bicycles and scooters are to be walked and rollerblades carried on the school property. Please note we

require written permission for a student to ride a bicycle, rollerblade or scooter to/from school.


Bus Notes

We require notes for any change in dismissal plans. We very much appreciate parents planning ahead and providing us with notes rather than making a phone call just before dismissal, which is one of the most hectic times in the school office.

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Cafeteria

Children may bring their complete lunch or buy a hot lunch. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION- PLEASE READ! 
M.S.A.D. No. 75 Food Service Program operates using a point of sale (POS) register system. All meals for all students are processed in the same way throughout the schools.

If your child qualifies for free or reduced-meal prices, this information is noted in the computer system and the meal will be processed just as it is for all other students without any special indication to the students. You may fill out a free/reduced application anytime throughout the school year.

Paid and reduced-priced students, or free students wishing to make a la carte purchases, must have money added to their accounts or bring payment. It is the parent/guardians responsibility to ensure that students have monies on their accounts, or bring cash at the time of service in order to get food in the cafeteria.

Students will use a personal identification number (PIN) to access their lunch accounts daily. This PIN # will stay the same until he/she graduates. Students will be reminded of their PIN# on the first day of school. New students will be issued PIN #’s on or before the first day of school. 

ONLINE PREPAYEMNT:
We are excited to provide parents a convenient, easy, and secure online prepayment service to deposit money into your child’s school meal account at any time. This service also provides parents the ability to view account balances, look at purchasing history, and set up low balance reminders. Setting up an account is free, you are only charged a fee if you use the online payment option.

You can find the link to www.myschoolbucks.com, on the schools web page. There are instructions on how to set up an account on the food service web page. You will need your student ID number (the state number from their infinite campus page) and the school zip code.

If you have more than one child in the District you can handle all online prepayments from the same online account.
Payments may be made through an existing PayPal account or with a major credit or debit card.
In order to use the online prepayment service, a small convenience fee for each transaction will be assessed. The convenience fee is $1.95per deposit transaction. Parents placing money into multiple meal accounts will only be assessed the $1.95 fee once per deposit transaction. (M.S.A.D. No. 75 does not profit from the use of this site, the fee originates from the MySchoolBucks services.)
CHECK & CASH PAYMENTS:
If using a check, place your child’s full name in the memo section. If using cash, please use an envelope and write your child’s full name & the amount enclosed on the outside. There is a lunch money drop box in the school office for students to drop off payments when they arrive in the morning. The lunch staff will pick it up and put it on their account by lunch! Students may also pay at the time of service, but this is not the preferred method. By having money in each child’s account prior to entering the cafeteria the lunch lines move much faster, allowing your child more time to eat and be with friends.

CHARGING:
There are new rules regarding the charging of school foods. Should your child forget lunch or lunch money they will be allowed to charge a meal. Only full meals may be charged. There are also restrictions as to how much can be charged. Please refer to the charging policy and procedures that are on the food service web page. These are new for the 14-15 school year, so please be sure to review them with your child as well.

OFFERINGS:
Elementary Schools: Breakfast program, School Lunch and a la carte milk. 
Middle School and High School: Breakfast program, School Lunch, a la carte Lunch, and a la carte milk. 
Breakfast :
- Elementary (Full price): $1.50
- All (Free & Reduced): Free
- All Adult: $2.50
Lunch:
- Elementary (Full price): $ 2.50
- All (REDUCED price): $ .40
- All (Free): Free
- All adult price: $ 3.75
If a student requests a second school lunch, the cost is $3.00.

If a student wants milk outside of the meal they will need to pay for it, even if free or reduced. Please note that milk is part of the meal, but must be purchased when not getting the meal. Milk cannot be charged.
Dropped trays are replaced at no additional charge. 
Please inform the nurse, with documentation, of any food allergies so we can report them in our lunch system. Please contact the kitchen manager if you feel we need to make special arrangements to support the nutritional needs of your student.

THE MONTHLY MENU:
It is available on the District website: www.link75.org under the parent’s tab. Students may obtain a monthly menu from the Kitchen Manager or from their school office. See the food service web page or contact Pam Farrar, Food Service Director, if you have any questions or concerns.

Due to specific student health needs, we have clearly designated and labeled a “peanut safe table”. This means that anyone who eats at that table does not have nuts in his/her lunch. Students who have nut allergies may be required by the School Nurse to have lunch at this specific table for health and safety reasons. Parents whose children have nut sensitivities or allergies should contact Naomi Mullane, School Nurse at 725-1243 to discuss their child’s health needs.

Cafeteria Rules:

Enter quietly and in an orderly manner.
Wait patiently in line.
Sit at the designated table and do not leave without permission from an adult.
Eat politely. Use good table manners.
Talk quietly to the people sitting beside or across from you.
If help is needed, raise your hand.
Be respectful to one another.
*Please note: From time to time your child may be invited by a professional staff member to eat lunch with him/her. For example, new students are often invited to eat lunch with a guidance counselor. Those students may extend the invitation to a peer.

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Child Abuse and Neglect

When any M.S.A.D. 75 employee or contracted individual knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that any child enrolled in the district may be a victim of child abuse or neglect, he/she will immediately notify the school principal or a designee appointed by the principal.

Child abuse and neglect, as defined by Maine statute, means "the physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 years by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby". Persons responsible for the child's welfare include parents, guardians, and others who serve in loco parentis. (School staff serve in loco parentis.)

School staff are mandated by Maine law to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Woodside School beliefs include the concept of advocacy for children who may be victims of child abuse or neglect. At the same time, our beliefs include the establishment of a supportive and understanding relationship with parents. Abuse/neglect situations present an opportunity for parents to gain support and education from staff at Woodside School.

Child Care

Family Focus offers a school-age child care program. During the school year, the program will be housed at Woodside Elementary School. A $10.00 registration fee will be charged per child.

The Program offers a variety of activities including games, arts and crafts, quiet times, cooking and field trips. Breakfast is provided during the before school program. Afternoon snack is provided for those participating in the after school program.

The program runs throughout the school year from 6:30 a.m. until school begins and from afternoon dismissal until 6:00 p.m. During vacations and holidays there will not be child care open at Woodside. Students who attend Woodside may attend the program at Williams Cone Elementary.

Parents are responsible for transportation to and from Williams Cone. The program will be closed one week during Christmas break and all holidays.


There is an option for child care at Williams Cone during school vacation from 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for an additional charge.

For more information or to register your child, please call Family Focus at 386-1662; 2 Davenport Circle, Bath, Maine 04530.

Chorus

Woodside's music department provides many opportunities for children to be involved in special activities such as chorus, Maine Refrain, the annual Variety show, and the musical. Participation is a privilege, not a right. Students must demonstrate that they are invested in their regular class work and are respecting the code of conduct.

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Class Placements

When we assign students to classes for the new school year, our primary consideration is to ensure equitable, workable groups. Parents are encouraged to provide us with information about their child’s learning style and to inform us if there is a legitimate reason why the child should be separated from another student. For example, if a personality conflict between your child and a peer will impact on learning for those two children, and for others in the class, please communicate that information. However, given the numbers with which we are working and the fluid nature of the teaching population, we cannot take requests for individual teachers.

Should a parent request that his/her child not have a particular teacher, the parent will be expected to put their concerns in writing. That information will be shared with the teacher. Just as students have a right to due process, so do teachers. Only if a teacher is made aware that a parent has formed a negative impression, can the teacher address the issues. Please remember, parents also have an opportunity to comment on a teacher’s performance when surveyed at the end of the academic year.

Be assured that we spend many long hours discussing the placements and trying to ensure everyone is appropriately placed. Please also refer to the class reassignment process outlined below.


Class Reassignment process

Procedures:


When a parent voices concerns about a child’s classroom experience, the number one objective is to promote communication. The parent will always be encouraged to voice concerns directly to the teacher and to enter into a problem-solving discussion. If a resolution cannot be reached at that level, and the parent requests class reassignment, the following process will begin:

The parent will be informed about the process.
A meeting will be scheduled. The following people will be included in that meeting: the parent(s), the teacher, an administrator and a counselor. If appropriate, the child will also be asked to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to identify the child’s needs, to determine what has been done, and to generate other ideas to address the student’s needs in his/her present classroom. A timeframe will be determined to implement ideas and a follow-up meeting will be scheduled, at which time progress will be assessed. Note: Should a parent refuse to participate in a meeting, he/she will be expected to complete a form. (See Classroom Reassignment Request form in Appendix)
When the parent first voices a concern, a meeting will be scheduled and the child will meet with the counselor to discuss his/her school experience.
A follow-up meeting will be held. The issues will be reviewed. Participants will look at the actions that have been taken and determine what else needs to be done.
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Student Conduct Code

Our conduct code at Woodside Elementary is based on three rules that apply to all members of the school community: I am Respectful. I am Responsible. I am Safe

We believe disciplining involves guiding students to make wise decisions involving their behavior toward their peers and adults in our school community. Our teachers encourage and guide students to know and understand the rules, to follow directions, develop good work habits and respect others. Student conduct at the Woodside Elementary School shall be guided by the following principles:

All students have a right to a safe and orderly learning environment. Students must be able to attend school free from threat of verbal, physical, and/or sexual harassment or abuse.
The conduct of any one student must never supersede the needs of the majority of the students. No student has the right to interfere with any other student's right to a free, public education.
No student has the right to interfere with a teacher's responsibility to educate all of the students in a class.
All members of the Woodside School Community shall be treated with due respect.
Students shall respect school property and the property of other students and staff members.
In addition to these principles, classroom teachers will develop standard operating procedures for their classroom which are an outgrowth of the three school rules and are appropriate for the age of the students and the type of activity being conducted. Students are expected to follow all classroom rules.
Example Expectations for conduct within the Woodside Community:
Treat others with respect.
Respect the rights and property of other individuals.
Take care of school property.
Enter school buildings in a quiet and orderly manner.
Walk when moving within the building.
Remove hats/caps and coats when inside the building.
Refrain from using profanity or inappropriate language.
Do not leave school grounds without the permission of the office. Students must have written permission from their parents and must be signed out at the office.
Other specific rules are as follows:
Gum chewing is not permitted without specific consent of the teacher.
No personal electronic devices, at school or on the bus without specific teacher consent.
NOTE: More information is provided in the sections entitled: ‘Respect And Conflict Resolution Skills’, ‘Harassment Response Procedures’, ‘Social Safety’ and ‘Use of School Grounds After Hours’.

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Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior

In February 2001, statewide standards for “ethical and responsible student behavior” were published by the Maine Department of Education. Identifying and implementing a core set of values is also a district initiative in M.S.A.D. #75. Woodside Elementary School is committed to implementation and instruction of these standards. Listed below are the core values identified in the document Taking Responsibility: Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior. The full online document can be viewed at: www.state.me.us/education/cep/cep_reports.htm.


School Rules

In 2012, The Woodside School Values were updated:
Community, Responsibility, Opportunity, Wellness, Balance, Achievement, and Respect.

There are three basic school rules at Woodside:
I am safe
I am respectful
I am responsible

Whole School Morning Meeting

Woodside practices the philosophies associated with the Responsive Classroom Methodology. In keeping the responsive classroom practice of daily morning meeting, each month a grade or group hosts a Whole School Morning Meeting. This is a chance to build community, practice core values, and learn from one another about the important traditions that make up Woodside’s unique culture of respect.

The four pillars of our morning meetings are:

Greeting
Share
Activity
News and Announcements
Each Whole School Morning Meeting starts with a Pledge of Allegiance and ends with our Woodside School Song. Please consult your class newsletter for our next meeting.

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Bus

A permission request must be brought by any student who wishes to be excused from riding the bus home. See also ‘Bus Notes’ Students may not ride a bus unless they are regular passengers on the bus. Many buses are already full to capacity. For safety reasons, we also keep a database of students “assigned” to each bus. Special situations may be cleared through the principal's office.

Meeting the Bus

All students must be on time.
Students walking on the highway to a bus stop should always walk on the shoulder of the road, facing traffic.
When crossing the highway, students should walk not run.
Students should not run alongside the bus when it is moving.
On the Bus

Students should obey the driver who has full charge of the bus.
Students should not extend arms, legs, or head out of the bus.
Students should go to their seats, without crowding or pushing, and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Students should refrain from talking with the driver except in an emergency.
Students should not tamper with the emergency door or any other part of the bus equipment.
Students should not mark or deface the bus. Damage done to seats or other equipment must be paid for by the students.
Students should not open windows. This will be done only by the driver when necessary.
Students should not fight on the bus or create any disturbance.
Students must not shout or wave to pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles, nor throw objects out or within the bus.
Students should remain seated until the bus stops.
Students should not place lunch boxes or other objects in the aisle of the bus.
Students, after alighting from the bus, (if they must cross the highway) should go around to the front of the bus and wait until the bus driver directs them to cross the highway.
Students are not allowed to take bottles or glass containers onto the bus, except when they receive special permission from the driver to do so.
Cell phones, CD players, I Pods, Game Boys, toys, walkmans / radios are not permitted.
Key chains hanging off of backpacks are not allowed.
IF A STUDENT CHOOSES TO BREAK A RULE, THE FOLLOWING CONSEQUENCES ARE APPLIED:

Driver will verbally warn student, specifying rule.
Driver will assign seat to student.
Driver will phone the parents and complete a bus incident report. The Principal will send the conduct report home to the parents with appropriate disciplinary action.
When the student receives a third conduct report, the Principal will suspend him/her from the bus for three (3) days, giving a 24-hour notification period.
Further disciplinary action will necessitate an administrative review (Principal, Director of Transportation, Parent and Student) prior to suspension for five (5) days.
Severe Disruption:

The following inappropriate behavior will result in an automatic three-day suspension of transportation privileges:

Physical harm to student
Physical harm or threat to driver
Property damage
Total disruption of bus
The use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking
Any time parents have a concern about the disciplinary action, they may request a meeting with a school administrator and the Director of Transportation. The students will have the opportunity to explain their behavior before disciplinary action is taken.

If you have a question concerning transportation, please call the bus garage at 729-1608. Our Transportation Director is Bill Donovan.

Fire Drills

Fire drills will occur at unannounced times throughout the year. These drills should be taken seriously. Your classroom teacher will instruct you as to procedure.

During a fire drill, be calm, walk, and remain silent. Follow directions in a quiet, orderly manner. Know the correct exit. Exit directions are posted in each room. Be familiar with them.

When outside the building, the no talking rule still applies. Stay in line and remain with your homeroom teacher. No one should enter the building until instructed to do so by the Fire Department or Principal. You must re-enter in the same way you exited - in silence and in an orderly manner.

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Playground

Woodside's conduct code of Respect for Self, Others, and Property applies at all times, including recesses.

For the safety of everyone, students are expected to play in assigned areas only; and to observe safety rules. For example, there should be no throwing of rocks, snowballs, dirt, sticks, wood chips, etc. Bats, hard balls, skateboards, hockey sticks and other dangerous pieces of equipment are not allowed. In addition, games such as "King of the Mountain" and "tackle" are not permitted.

If a child has a problem or sees another child being hurt, he/she should report immediately to a duty teacher. Injuries are immediately reported to the School Nurse or, in her absence, to the office.

Playground rules:

Monkey bars are only for students in grades 1-5. Students must line up on one side behind the ladder and travel completely across before the next student starts. Students must grab each bar. For safety reasons students are not allowed to skip bars. Students are not allowed to stand under the monkey bars. Also, students are not permitted to use the monkey bars when they are wet or slippery.
When using the swings, check to see if children want to be pushed before pushing them.
There is to be no running on, around, or under any playground equipment.
There is to be no walking up the slide. Go down the slide feet first and sitting down, one child at a time.
The woods, the hills, and the grassy area by the school are off limits for playing.
Balls are only allowed on the field, on the four-square area, and on the basketball area. If a ball goes over the fence, you must ask a teacher before you go and get it.
If the game of tag becomes aggressive, the game will be suspended until further notice.
The Kindergarten playground is just for Kindergarten children. The horse is to be used by only one child at a time.
Line up as soon as you hear the bell.
Consequences

Verbal warnings are issued by staff to students. In addition, duty personnel may use a clipboard to record names and rule offenses. Any staff member has the authority to write behavioral slips.

When a child misbehaves on the playground, he/she may be required to stand by the fence or sit on the benches for the rest of the recess. Each time a child breaks a rule, his/her name may be written on the clipboard. A record will be maintained by the ‘pod’ teachers. Behavioral concerns will be communicated home via a behavioral slip. Behavioral slips are expected to be reviewed and signed by the parent(s) and returned to school the next school day by the student.

We prohibit any form of hurtful behavior. Hurtful behavior is defined as: verbal or nonverbal behavior that is reported or observed as hurtful, which includes but is not limited to:

verbal or nonverbal threats
actions that can or do result in injury
We reserve the right to give an immediate consequence for major infractions (aggressive, hurtful and/or unsafe behavior.) This may include separation from the classroom and / or after school detention.

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DISCIPLINE

If a student is causing a problem, a teacher or other adult in charge at the time will notify the parents by means of a behavioral slip, which will give a brief description of the incident. This form will be given to the student to take home. We ask the parents to discuss the problem with the child, sign the form and have their child return it to school. If problems continue, a conference with the parents will be requested. Parents who are seeking more information are asked to call and speak with the staff member who sent the referral form.


DETENTION

Detention is a form of discipline. The purpose of its use would be to reduce to occurrence of inappropriate behaviors and help promote self-control. Its use would always include collaboration with parents and appropriate educational personnel.

Detention is held by the assigning teacher from 3:15 until 4:15. You may be assigned either a half or whole hour. You must remain in your classroom until all bus students are dismissed, at which time you should proceed to the teacher’s room who assigned the detention.


IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISS)

If you have seriously violated school rules, you may be assigned to In-School Suspension (in the office) by the Principal or Assistant Principal. Threatening words and/or aggressive, hurtful or unsafe behavior are cause for an In-School Suspension.

In-School Suspension serves as an alternative work environment where a student thinks about his/her actions and how to improve the behavior which led to his/her being assigned there. It is also a place to continue his/her studies.

While assigned to In-School Suspension, the student will leave the area only when given permission to visit the restroom. Lunch will be eaten in the ISS area. There is no recess or specialists classes for students in the ISS area.

SUSPENSION

Woodside Elementary School believes that discipline in the school setting provides each pupil with the most favorable atmosphere for learning. Students should be aware of setting limits and controls on their behavior in order to work in a democratic way of life.

All student conduct on school grounds should contribute to a good atmosphere for learning. One individual never takes special consideration over another individual or a group. All individuals have equal rights and equal responsibilities in the classroom, on school property and at any school activity.

When a student does not behave according to the school standards and engages in misbehavior and repeated disobedience, the Superintendent and administrative staff may approve suspension from school if the interests of the school demand it.

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EXPULSION

A student may be denied attending school by a permanent expulsion or temporary suspension. The Board of Directors are directly responsible for a permanent expulsion. Factors considered in the removal of a pupil from school are:

The criminal or offensive nature of any pupil’s actions or the behavior and the effect of such actions.
The behavior, on the orderly progress or continued maintenance of a class or school program or to the safety, health, physical condition.
The general welfare of other pupils and of school employees

CRISIS ACTION TEAM

The core group of the Woodside Elementary School's Crisis Action Team is comprised of the administrators, the special services coordinator, school counselors, the nurse and a secretary. This core group meets regularly to ensure an updated plan of action.

The Crisis Action Team has four primary goals:

To facilitate clear and truthful information to those who need it;
To insure order by following established procedures;
To dispel rumors;
To focus upon the primary mission of the school.
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Dress Code

Clothing shall not detract from the educational program.
Clothing or hairstyles that are detrimental to one's health and safety, or the health and safety of others are not permitted. For example, pants should not be so long that a child could trip on them, or so baggy that they will not stay up.
Footwear must be worn for health and safety reasons. NO platform shoes, sandals or flip flops.
All children must wear sneakers during physical education periods. We also ask parents to consider the need for safe, appropriate shoes, that will allow the child to play and run freely in the playground area.
Clothing shall be modest. Primarily, this is determined by you and your parents, reflecting your moral or personal convictions. In some cases, however, it may be necessary for the teacher and/or administrator to make a determination within the limits of current community practices.
Some guidelines:

When trying to determine the correct length for shorts, stand up straight with your arms at your side. The shorts should not be shorter than where your fingertips end.
The stomach/midriff area should not be exposed.
Low, spaghetti strap tops are not appropriate for school attire.
Clothing must be socially acceptable. We do not support the advertisement of illegal substances, obscenity, or nudity in print, iron-ons or patches.
Hats, caps, coats, and bandanas are not to be worn in the classroom. Hats are to be removed upon entering the building. Coats are not to be worn inside the building for both health and safety reasons. We encourage parents to label all of the child's clothing so that it can be easily identified if lost or misplaced.
Due Process

Students in M.S.A.D. # 75 have rights. They also have the responsibility to respect the rights and property of others. If a student fails to do this, disciplinary action will follow. In disciplinary cases, each student is entitled to due process. This means that students:

Must be informed of accusations against them.
Must have the opportunity to accept or deny the accusations.
Must have the factual basis for the accusations explained to them.
Must have a chance to present an alternative factual position if the accusation is denied.
Emergency Cards

Please be sure that we have CURRENT information on your child's emergency card. If your telephone number is unlisted, please note that on the emergency card.


We also require parents to complete an emergency dismissal information form. (SEE WOODSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EMERGENCY DISMISSAL FORM IN APPENDIX)

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Extra Help

Students should always seek extra help from their teachers if they do not understand an assignment, if the work is too difficult, or if they have been absent and have missed assignments and class discussions. Conferences may be arranged with the teacher before, during, and after school.

Field Trips

We do require parents to complete a permission slip before a child is allowed to go on a field trip. We do not allow a child to leave school without the parent's written consent. Students who do not return the permission slip will be assigned to another classroom for that day. Permission may not be given by telephone.

Guidance

Our elementary school counselors help children in the process of reaching their potential. The counselors meet with children in the classroom, in small groups, or individually to help each child develop an understanding of self and to learn to make sound choices and decisions.

A child may see the counselor as a result of: self-referral, teacher referral, parent referral, administrative referral, special services referral or referral by a friend.

Counselors are also available to discuss any areas of concern with parents.

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Harassment Response Procedures

These procedures are referenced to the school district policy and relate specifically to situations of student to student harassment. The responses outlined here are intended to be flexible, able to be adapted according to professional judgment. Each situation is unique, so procedures employed will vary according to the circumstances, age of the child, and nature of the behaviors.

In each situation, the procedure is employed with respect to the person alleged to have offended another individual.

First Report

Information is recorded from the person reporting. (counselor)
The ‘reporting student’ is informed of the harassment procedures. He/she is supported through the process by the school counselor. (If the ‘reporting student’ is not willing to engage in the process, the process will stop.)
The ‘offending student’ meets with the counselor to hear about the concerns.
Fact finding if necessary.
The two students meet together, with the counselor present, so that the person offended can verbalize their desire to have the offensive behavior stopped. The offensive behavior is labeled, and the counselor determines that the ‘offending student’ understands the behavioral expectations.
Teaching and practice of conflict resolution skills are used if appropriate.
Inform student of consequences of subsequent reports.
The classroom teacher is informed.
Parents may be informed.
The principal may be informed.
The counselor documents this process.

Second Report

Information gathered from the person offended. (counselor)
The ‘offending student’ meets with the counselor to discuss concerns.
The student is referred to the principal.
Fact finding as necessary.
Students meet together as in first situation.
Address conflict resolution skills as needed.
Inform student of consequences of subsequent reports.
Inform teacher, parents.
Documentation through discipline reports maintained in office file, as well as through counselor documentation.

Third Report

Use all of the procedures from second report step, then;
Referral to juvenile officer, Topsham Police Department.
Meet with juvenile officer to understand serious nature of behavior and potential consequences for subsequent reports. Parents may be present.
Continue documentation.
Fourth Report

Information is gathered from the person offended.
Fact finding as necessary.
Report to principal.
Teacher, counselor, parents notified.
Team meeting to plan further actions. Team to include parents, principal, teacher, counselor, juvenile officer. Student may be involved.
Access school and community resources to address student needs.
Continue documentation.

Documentation

Harassment documentation will be maintained annually by the school. Reports will be cumulative. They will ‘carry over’ from year to year for the offending student. Students who have achieved the

‘third report’ stage or more will be reported to the middle school upon transition to that level.

The documentation will include:

Name of reporting student
Name of offending student
Nature of offending behavior
Date of complaint
Resolution/action
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Reviewed by Parent-Teacher Partnership 4/97-5/97

Approved 6/97

Student Protection Form Harrassment MSAD 75 Board Policy


The M.S.A.D. #75 Board of Directors believes that every student is entitled to respect, as an individual, from all other members of the school community. In support of this belief, the Board of Directors recognizes the right of each student to learn and to participate in an environment free of intimidation, ridicule, and hostility, as provided under state and federal law and District policy.


In support of this right, M.S.A.D. #75 prohibits harassment or ridicule of students based upon race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, or handicap.


All students should be advised that they may contact any employee of the school district to report instances of harassment or ridicule. Students should also be advised of the importance of informing the harasser that his/her behavior is unacceptable.


A staff member who is informed of an instance of possible harassment shall contact the principal of the school as quickly as possible. The principal shall notify the Superintendent and immediately undertake an investigation of the matter and take [interim] action as may be required.


FIRST READING: February 11, 1993

SECOND READING: May 27, 1993

ADOPTION: October 14, 1993



Health Services


Woodside School has the services of a full-time school nurse. Anyone wishing to discuss a health matter can contact the nurse Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.


Students must stay home when ill in order to get well and protect other students and staff. If your child is in school, he/she will be expected to participate in all activities, including outdoor recess. If your child has been absent with a communicable disease, please call the school for information concerning readmission to school. Students must be free of fever for 24 hours (without medication) and 24 hours free from vomiting and diarrhea prior to returning to school. For example, if your child vomits in the evening, please keep him/her home the next day.


Health programs include vision and hearing screenings for all pupils in grades: Kindergarten, First, Third and Fifth. Other screenings are done upon request.



Administering Medicine to Students


Whenever practicable, medications should be administered in the home, not at school. Students may be given medication only if:


they have a written order from their physician and/or
they have written permission from the parent, and
medicines are in properly labeled containers to include the name of the drug, dosage, when to administer, and to be stored in a locked medicine cabinet in the school.

Exception to the above: Students on long-term medication must have a completed form from the physician annually. For long-term medication, the "Permission To Administer Medication In School" form should be obtained from the School Nurse, completed and returned. (SEE SAMPLE PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER MEDICATION IN SCHOOL FORM IN APPENDIX)


NOTE: NO MEDICATIONS, EVEN TYLENOL, MAY BE DISPENSED UNLESS THE ABOVE CONDITIONS ARE MET.


Parents are responsible for notifying the school nurse or the office personnel of any changes in the child's health status. If your child is on medication at home, i.e. an antibiotic, antidepressant, medications for ADHD or other conditions, please let the nurse know in case the child has an allergic reaction or an emergency occurs during school hours, we will be aware.


Here are some ideas that will make it easier for medication to be given in school.


Ask your pharmacist for a smaller "school bottle" with the same prescription. You will receive a regular bottle for home use plus a smaller version to be kept at school. This eliminates the daily need to bring bottles to and from school.

Some medication can be given in 2 larger doses (one in the morning and one at bedtime). This makes it easier to give and to remember for parents. Ask your doctor if this can be done with your child's medication. Do not send teaspoons to school, we have medicine cups.

If your child can take "pills", please mention this. Some doctors automatically prescribe liquid medications thinking all children have problems swallowing tablets. Pills are certainly more convenient and accurate than messy liquids.

Immunizations


Before entering M.S.A.D. #75, students must have written proof of completed immunizations as required by the Maine Immunization Law (Title 20, section 1191-1196). It is the responsibility of the parents to produce this proof of immunization before a student is allowed to attend classes.



The State of Maine requires that students have the following immunizations:


For Students in Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade:


5 DPT or DT (pediatric) or TD (adult) vaccine (unless 4th dose is given on or after the 4th birthday).

4 Polio (IPV) the first dose must have been given at least six weeks after birth. If the third dose was given on or after the fourth birthday, then only 3 are required.

2 Measles after the child's first birthday.

2 Mumps after the child's first birthday.

2 Rubella after the child's first birthday.

1 Varicella (Chicken Pox Vaccine) before K, 1st and 2nd grade.


Adequate proof in the form of a note or certificate signed by a physician, nurse, or public health agency must be submitted to the school upon registration and prior to admission by the parent or guardian.


Only children having a signed exemption form will be released from this requirement.



M.S.A.D. 75 Board Policy on School Ceremonies and Observances


Holiday Policy


M.S.A.D. 75 schools reflect an increasingly diverse society with many religious, ethnic and cultural traditions and beliefs that are meaningful to the students and adults in our communities.


Holidays and traditions provide the opportunity for confirmation and hope to individuals and families, and provide rich opportunities for learning. It is the responsibility of the schools to create awareness of and increased sensitivity to our diverse society, in order to establish and maintain a comfortable climate for learning throughout the entire school year for all students and adults.


The M.S.A.D. 75 Board of Directors encourages all those involved in educating our children to be aware and knowledgeable of religious diversity and cultural differences.


Religious holidays may be seen as opportunities to teach about religion, history and culture. The celebration of religious holidays in the classroom or school-wide is not appropriate. The exploration of religious holiday practice must take into account the existence of religious diversity in our society at large and should not be limited to one time of the year.


The study of religious holidays should serve academic goals, as outlined in the District Learning Results, of educating students about family traditions and their relationship to culture, cultural differences and similarities, as well as about the beliefs and practices of various religions. Holiday symbols may be used within this educational context. They should not be use as decorations. This does not apply to personal choices about dress. Careful consideration should be given of holiday symbols that may be regarded by some as secular and by others as religious.


Guidelines:


On a yearly basis, a calendar with dates of major religious holidays will be distributed to and reviewed with all District employees and distributed to all parents.
Students and their families should not feel that a gift or card to the teacher is expected or “the thing to do.” If gifts are given, they should be handled in a private, sensitive way, preferably outside of class time.

All school absences, including from extra and co-curricular activities, resulting from religious holiday observances shall be excused absences. District employees must permit students who are excused from school and/or activities because of religious holiday observances to make up any class work, exams, or other obligations in a way that does not penalize the student because of his/her religious beliefs.

Schools will make a concerted effort to avoid scheduling major school events during religious holidays.


Application of the Policy:


1.This policy does not apply to student or District employee dress. Established dress codes remain in effect at all times.


2.This policy does not limit any private conversation regarding religious matters. Educational programs and activities are in no way affected by this policy.


3.This does not apply to the selling of holiday materials as fund-raisers as long as it is not excessive. Fund-raisers need to be sensitive to the religious affiliations of those who might sell the items and those who might purchase them.


4.This policy applies to all District-owned and leased buildings with the exception of spaces leased by third parties not affiliated with or funded by the District.



MSAD No. 75 Tobacco Use Policy


Tobacco is the number one killer and is the leading cause of preventable death in Maine. In order to reduce the high incidence of tobacco use, promote health and safety of all students and employees, and promote the cleanliness of all facilities, the Directors of M.S.A.D. No. 75 prohibit the use, distribution and sale of tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school sponsored functions at all times by all persons. Tobacco products includes, but is not limited to cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco and bidis.


In addition, students are further prohibited from possessing tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds, on buses and at school sponsored functions at all times. Students will be discouraged from wearing and/or displaying any type of tobacco promotion materials.


Tobacco prevention education will be incorporated into the district’s K-12 comprehensive health curriculum as part of the Maine Learning Results, so that all students will be aware of the consequences of use/nonuse of tobacco products.



Communication Plan

At the beginning of each school year, students, and staff will be informed of the policy via the school handbook. Signage will be displayed prominently at entryways so that visitors will know the school is a Tobacco-Free School. The first school newsletter in the fall will remind parents of the no smoking policy.


Educational Reinforcement


Students will receive instruction on tobacco prevention in grades 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10 as part of the District’s spiraling health curriculum and D.A.R.E. program in Grade 5. Here’s Looking at You 2000 and the Life Skills Training curricula have been adopted by the District. These programs teach the students the short and long-term negative physiological and social consequences of tobacco use, social influences on tobacco use, peer norms regarding tobacco use and refusal skills.



Community Partnership


M.S.A.D. No. 75 is involved in a partnership with ACCESS Health, a community tobacco prevention coalition. ACCESS Health is available for referrals to cessation programs such as the Smokeless Saturday Program.


Procedure for Enforcing the Smoking Policy at M.S.A.D. No. 75

Elementary School


In accordance with M.S.A.D. No. 75’s District Policy on Tobacco Use, the District elementary schools prohibit tobacco use at all times by students, all school staff, parents and visitors on school property, in school vehicles and at school-sponsored functions on or away from school property. Further, tobacco advertising, including clothing, is prohibited at all times in school buildings, at school functions, and in school publications.


Procedure for Enforcing the Policy

Students

1.First Incident

Determine if student has been smoking.
Notify parent/guardian and ask them to come in and hold a conference with principal; review the policy.
May issue a 2 day in-school suspension or out, at the discretion of the administrator.
Report to law enforcement.
Refer to school guidance counselor for educational sessions (not optional).

2.Second and Subsequent Incidents

Determine if student has been smoking.
Notify parent/guardian, come in and hold conference with principal.
Re-evaluate the situation and increase the length of suspension in or out of house.
Continue to work with guidance counselor for educational sessions.
Report to law enforcement.

School Staff Member

First Offense
Determine if staff member has been smoking on school grounds.
Conference between staff member and principal.

Second Offense
Determine if staff member has been smoking.
Review the policy and the law and include a written warning for file.
Provide information about local cessation program.

School Visitor

Principal or staff will inform them of the tobacco-free policy and ask them to refrain from using the product on school grounds.
If visitor refuses to stop and will not leave, call enforcement officer.





Homework


Homework is a student responsibility, not a parent responsibility. It is assigned to help you with your daily class work. The purpose of it is:


to give practice in basic skills;

to train you in good work habits;

to teach you to budget your time;

to help you grow in responsibility.

Teachers within each grade level will work together to ensure consistency in approach and expectations. Each teacher will take responsibility for communicating those expectations to students and parents.


For time spent on homework, Woodside’s policy is an average of ten minutes each evening (Monday - Thursday) for students in first grade. This will increase by ten minutes per evening for each grade. Consequently, fifth graders should expect to work for approximately fifty minutes per evening. There are times when homework may be modified to reflect other demands on a child’s time.


The major focus in all grades will be on reading, word study and mastery of math facts. Work may be assigned daily, or as short and/or long term projects. Progress in regards to homework will be reported via the responsibility indicator and the comment section on the report card. Homework performance will not impact the overall rating in regards to how the child is progressing towards meeting the academic standard.


Teachers expect parents to notify them if a child is spending excessive time on homework, or, conversely, when the child does not appear to have any at all.


Instrumental Music


Fifth graders may choose to begin instrumental music lessons, and have the opportunity to continue those lessons in middle school.


Learning Commons (Formerly "Library")


The Learning Commons is meant to be a 21st century approach to supporting student to lean about accessing information is a safe, respectful and responsible way. The Learning Commons is open during regular school hours for student use. Technology such as lap-top devices, programming tools, and electronic book searches are used in the learning commons and students access the learning commons as part of a regularly scheduled class.  Books may be checked out for a two-week period. Exceptions will be made in special situations. It is expected that library materials will be returned in a timely fashion and in good condition.


Parents may access the library catalogue with their children by visiting the Learning Commons page on our website and clicking on the "Destiny" link. 





Lost and Found


Prevent articles from becoming lost by marking your name plainly on all of your possessions. Avoid leaving anything of value carelessly lying around. Staff members are not responsible for lost articles.

Take all found articles to the office.

If a lost article is not at the office the first time you ask, wait a reasonable time and ask again. Articles brought into the office will be kept a few weeks then they will be disposed of.

Do not go around to the rooms during school hours looking for lost articles. Teachers will prevent such articles from accumulating in the classrooms by turning them in to the office.

The school will help in locating lost articles by making school-wide announcements over the public address system if the item has a monetary value of $20.00 or more. Pupils should not have their school work interrupted because of lost items.

Lost and found items are displayed periodically throughout the year. All students should check these items carefully as anything left unclaimed will be donated to local charities at the end of the school year.

If you suspect an item may have been stolen, talk to your teacher or someone in the office.


MSAD #75 Asbestos Management Notification


Maine School Administrative District #75 has had its schools inspected for asbestos-containing building material.


Pursuant to the Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), an asbestos management plan for each school has been in place since 1988. These management plans are available for review at the transportation garage in Topsham or the principal's office in each school.


Since the mid-1980's, M.S.A.D. #75 has initiated asbestos removal projects in its schools, along with conducting semi-annual inspections by independent certified inspectors and training custodial staff.


This notice does not apply to Woodside Elementary School in Topsham, which is free of asbestos.

For further information, contact Chris Shaw, Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds, at 729-1548.


Math Facts


It is expected that students learn their math facts. Parents should be aware that the Maine State Learning Results (MSLR) and the New England Comprehension Assessment Program (NECAP) place emphasis on students knowing their math facts fluently. Students are expected to develop proficiency with the facts and algorithms of the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) on whole numbers using mental math. We need parents’ assistance to help their children practice math facts daily. Students will be given ample practice in the classroom, but math facts should also be an area of focus at home. Flash cards can be purchased from area stores or can be easily made. Please check with your child’s teacher about your child’s current math level and grade level math fact expectations. We appreciate any help you can give.


Newsletters


Newsletters are encouraged to be issued by classroom teacher to keep parents informed relative to special activities and ongoing programs in the classroom and at the Woodside Elementary School. In addition, we update activities and events electronically on the school website www.link75.org/wds, and through the use of Infinite Campus Portal E-mails. For that reason, it is critical that the school office have an e-mail address that your will check regularly. When school-wide paper communications are required, we will make effort to reduce the amount of paper used by employing a "Youngest and Only" model. The youngest child in each family is responsible for taking this information home. In many cases, the school office may elect to send copies home with each child. Please take the time to read and respond to school communications.


No School Announcements: Early Dismissals


The determination as to whether or not schools will be closed will be made jointly by the Superintendent of Schools and the Transportation/Maintenance Supervisor after consultation with Road Commissioners, the Police Department and other appropriate agencies. In general, the decision to close school will be based on the partial considerations of the safe transportation of students and accessibility to the schools. The decision will be announced on local radio and TV stations in the early morning.


Once in session, schools will remain open the entire day except in an extreme emergency. Should an extreme emergency cause the Superintendent to dismiss schools early, a “robo-call” will be made to all district families, from the Superintendent, to the one number that has been indicated as the primary number. Announcements will also be made on local radio and TV stations. Please try not to call school. Parents are expected to make arrangements for their children as to where they should go in such an emergency if a parent is not at home and provide us with that information on the emergency dismissal information form.


Please alert your child about what to do and be sure the office staff has that information. This is of utmost importance so that no child will be left unattended should they return home before the usual appointed hour.



Outdoor Recess


Please remember that no child will be allowed to remain inside at recess without a doctor's note. Going outside in the fresh air for such a brief period is healthier for a child than remaining indoors. We monitor the temperature closely, and do have indoor recess if the weather is inclement or very cold.



Parent Activities


Parents as Partners


We welcome parents in our school and want you to be a partner in the education of your children. We recognize, however, that all parents may not be available for volunteer work due to employment, family, and other considerations. We appreciate your support and participation in school functions and encourage you to make suggestions for improving our school.



Woodside Partnership


Woodside's parent-teacher group, the “Woodside Partnership”, meets monthly. Membership is open to all parents. Monthly invitations are sent home to all parents as reminders of the meetings.


Volunteer Program


If you have time available, we hope you will consider volunteering in some capacity. Our children will benefit from added assistance. Please contact your classroom teacher for more information on how to help, or the office at 725-1243.


A volunteer handbook is also available from our district office with specific criteria for volunteers to abide by. Some areas or projects in need of your assistance are:

Before/After School Activities

Book Fair

Cafeteria

Classroom

Clerical

Computers

Destination Imagination

Extension Activities for the Gifted

Field Trips

Field Day

Fundraising

Grant Writing

Library

Magazine Drive

Math Teams

Musicals

Plays

Playground Committee

Parent-Teacher Partnership Meetings and Events

Read Across America Day (March)

Teacher Appreciation Day

School Photo Day assistance

Woodside Road Race and Fun Day

Yearbook


Parental Restrictions


Please note, we cannot deny a non-custodial parent access to his/her child, and/or school records, unless we have a signed and dated court order with language specifically restricting that access.


If a court order does exist, it is important that the office be provided with the original order to copy and keep on file. Also, please be sure to notify the office of any changes.



Parent/Teacher Conferences


Parent/Teacher Conferences will be scheduled at the end of the first and second trimesters. At those conferences parents will be given the child's report card and will review his/her portfolio. Only the final (third) report card will be sent home with the child.


Conferences may also be arranged by parents or a teacher whenever necessary. Only in a conference situation can the many aspects of the child's educational development and growth be fully explained and discussed between the people who know the child best - the parents, the teacher and even the child him/herself.



Party Invitations


There have been times when individual students have experienced pain, conflict and/or exclusion as a result of other children bringing birthday party announcements to school for distribution. Consequently, we have instituted a practice by which classroom or grade level invitation may be distributed provided no student is excluded form the invitation. That is, your child may invite an entire class or grade level to an event and distribute those invitations with prior teacher permission established between the parent and teacher.


In situations where all students will not be included, invitations must be distributed outside of school so that feelings are respected.



Permission to Release Telephone and Address Information


Public Law 93-380 is entitled the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This law places legal restraints upon school personnel providing the public with personally identifiable information, such as phone numbers and addresses. Prior written consent from the parent or eligible student (18 years or older) is required if such information is to be released.


There are times when teachers would like to provide room parents with a list of class members, addresses and phone numbers. Such information is of great use when trying to organize special projects such as field trips or Valentine's Day parties. A permission form for release of personally identifiable information is included in the appendix of this handbook. In compliance with PL 93-380, we will only list those people from whom we have received written permission. For further information, feel free to call the school at 725-1243.



Registration


Parents new to the district may enroll their children in the school on any weekday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. School records in possession of the parent should be presented. Proof of immunization is required at registration. For a kindergarten child, a birth certificate is needed.


In general, the school requires a one to two day "grace period" between the time when a new student is registered and when he or she actually begins to attend classes. Unlike summertime registrations, school year registrations present the school with several unique concerns that take a little time to resolve. These concerns are about things that need to be done in order to assure that the student has a smooth transition into his/her new school. First, the school must decide upon the most appropriate classroom placement for the student. Second, once selected, the student's new teacher needs time to gather appropriate materials and prepare an informative and welcoming orientation. Third, various school professionals, such as the principal, nurse, guidance counselor, and special education teacher, need time to review the student's medical forms and school records. The building principal may waive this rule at the request of the parent or guardian in case of extenuating circumstances. This rule does not apply in the case of homeless students who, by law, must be admitted immediately upon registration.



Respect and Conflict Resolution Skills


As previously noted, Woodside has a school-wide focus on respect for others, ourselves and property. Building social and emotional competence for our students is equally as important as academic competence. To this end, conflict resolution skills are taught and reinforced throughout the school.


Children are given formal and informal instruction in a series of strategies to help them become better problem solvers. "Using their words" to solve conflict is the primary strategy upon which other skills are built. We give children a common language called the "4-step approach". This approach teaches children skills of listening, identifying and recognizing feelings in oneself (self-awareness), in others (empathy), and self-control. By allowing students to actually go through a step by step sequence, they physically slow down and think. This inhibits impulsive behavior, and builds necessary skills of self-control.


The 4-step approach for "Using your words" involves:


Say the person's name (ensuring listening and attentive behavior)
Tell them how you are feeling (self-awareness of emotions)
Tell them why you feel that way (identifying what the problem is)
Tell them what you want them to do differently (being assertive).

Examples: 

John, I feel mad when you won't play by the rules. Please play fairly.


Sue, I feel sad when you call me names. Please stop it.


Children who are on the receiving end of someone using the 4-step approach are practicing other vital social skills such as listening and empathy training (understanding others' feelings and concerns). Understanding how your behavior affects how others feel is a critical interpersonal life-long skill.


Depending on the developmental level of the children, additional strategies are taught, thus expanding the children's repertoire of conflict resolution skills. The children soon learn that they have many safe and respectful options to solve conflicts. They learn concrete skills for dealing with conflict besides passivity or aggression. Examples include: apologizing, ignoring, walking away, compromising, waiting to cool off, getting adult help, talking it out and other problem-solving strategies.


If children practice these skills at school and home, the likelihood of the skills becoming natural will greatly increase. Because these skills are to be called upon during emotional times, they have to be overlearned if they are to be accessible when needed most. If a response is practiced so that it becomes automatic, it has a better chance of finding expression during conflictual situations.



School Safety Plan


Woodside Elementary School has a school safety team that meets regularly to assess, practice, and develop ways to keep students and staff safe in times of emergencies.

Examples of the drills we practice include, but are not limited to:
Fire Drill
Shelter in Place
Lock-Down
Evacuation


While no school plan could ever prevent all violence, a comprehensive approach to security safeguards, early detection, enhanced communication with parents and community, and greater

tolerance of individual differences are the steps that M.S.A.D. #75 is taking to provide a safe learning environment for students, teachers and staff.


Some components of Woodside’s plan which need to be nderstood and respected:


a) During School Hours, all exterior doors, with the exception of the main door, will remain locked. Parents and other visitors must enter through the main door.
b) All parents and visitors are required to report to the main office. There are to be no exceptions. Anyone receiving permission to go elsewhere in the school will be given a name tag. That is an important procedure since those name tags allow our children to know an adult is allowed to be there and is ‘safe’. We request that parents do not go directly to a classroom, since we must know who is in the building. We hope you can respect the intent of the safety plan and understand that it is designed to enable all students to feel safe in our building. Should any staff member meet an individual without a badge, he/she is expected to direct that person to the office for a badge. Parents wishing to meet with a teacher are expected to clear that through the office and, whenever possible, to make an appointment. Please do not escort your child to and from class. Those periods of time just before the start of the school day and at the end of the school day are extremely busy with many bodies in the hallways. We consider these to be especially vulnerable times in regards to safety. These are also times when the teacher should not have his/her attention distracted.
c) Dismissal of students must be managed from the school office. Parents and other authorized persons must sign out students who will then be called to the office by school staff.
d) The school must limit student access to hours when there are adults to assume responsibility for direct supervision.
e) The school must enforce the dress code as stated in this handbook.
f) We will conduct regular faculty and student drills to familiarize all personnel with crisis response procedures.
g) It is imperative that we have a photograph of each child. If students enroll after the school photographs have been taken, one of the secretaries will use the office camera to take that child’s photograph.
h) Parents are required to complete emergency information for each child, in addition to an emergency dismissal form.
i) Any group using the building after school hours must ensure that all children are supervised and kept in their designated area(s). Failure to do so will result in the loss of the building use privilege.


Special Education Services


Some students require services in addition to those provided to all students in order to benefit from their school experience. If a parent or teacher becomes aware that a child is having difficulty in school, there is a procedure in place for addressing the concerns. A description of that process can be found in the appendix of this handbook.


Woodside Elementary School staff members are supportive of educating all students with their classmates as much as possible. Meeting individual student needs may involve giving instruction in a small group or individually. Our school was built with this in mind and provides tutorial spaces next to classrooms, "pod" areas, and well integrated special classrooms.


A full continuum of special services is available at Woodside as many of our district special education programs are located here. These programs are designed to provide services for students who need a high level of support. This offers all of our students the benefit of being educated in an inclusive setting with children who have diverse abilities and challenges.


In addition to the district programs, other services are provided. These include services from our resource teachers and speech/language therapists. Other services provided include occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, counseling, and behavioral consultation.


If you have questions about special services or have a concern about your child’s needs, please contact Rick Dedek, Principal at 725-1243.


Standards-based Report Card


A standards-based rating scale is used to report student progress. Teachers have produced a database document that evaluates students on the standards of the Maine Learning Results. Incorporated into the report card is a goals and strengths database that provides information leading to an individual education plan for each student.


Student progress is reported in terms of ‘N’ for not meeting the standards, ‘P’ for partially meeting the standards, ‘M’ for meeting the standards, or ‘E’ for exceeding standards. This standards-based rating scale gives a clear, concise report of which state/district standards have been met at the grade level, and which standards have not yet been met. By reporting student progress in this manner, we ensure that all students are working towards the same educational standards, we give direct, non-biased information about each learner’s progress, and it allows us to provide specific information about academic goals to address standards’ areas not yet met. It also provides specific information about the direction of student goals for each learner, whether the goals are for areas not at standard or for areas above the standard.


The report card is issued three times each year, with parent conferences scheduled at the end of the first and second trimesters. In order for you to understand how your child is performing against the standards, teachers will provide examples of actual work or assessment pieces that clearly demonstrate why specific ratings were given. Sample exemplars that meet standards and exceed standards may also be shown to give you a better sense of why something produced by your child may not meet the standards, and what aspects need support in order to be successful. You will also have the opportunity to view product descriptors, scoring guides, rubrics, or specific assignment criteria. These examples will help to show exactly how the work meets or does not meet standards,

as you will be able to see the critical aspects and/or required elements and compare those to your child’s work.


Please remember children are individuals and, therefore, do not necessarily progress in each area at the same rate, or with the same degree of success. Students will be rated in regards to their progress towards the standard, rather than in comparison with other students. It is also important to understand that the state’s Learning Results set a high standard. Therefore, “meeting the standards” is a high achievement. Very few students will “exceed” the standard.



Student Records


The school attempts to maintain accurate, updated records on all students. 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 student’s 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 school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they 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.


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 ask SAD 75 to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, 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 them of their 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 he/she is notified of the right to a hearing.


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.

One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the Board of Directors; a person 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, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.


A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.


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. Following, please find the name and address of the office that administrates FERPA:

Family Policy Compliance Office

S. Department of Education
600 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-4605



Transfer of Education Records


As mandated by Title 20-A, Section 6001-B, education records must be sent to a school administrative unit to which a student applies for transfer.


Section 99.31 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows for the disclosure of education records to officials of another school administrative unit where the student seeks or intends to enroll. Prior consent of the parent or guardian is not required.



Release of Directory Information


SAD #75 reserves the right to make public personally identifiable information from the education records of students if that information is designated as ‘directory’ information. Directory information includes the student’s name, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of athletes, dates of attendance, honors and awards received, and the most recent previous school attended.


If a parent or adult student does not want the above directory information released, please inform the school principal in writing by the first day of school each year.



Student Schedule


8:40 Students may begin arriving at school.

Students may purchase a lunch ticket.

Students go directly to their classrooms.

8:55 School starts.

Students are marked tardy after 8:55.
3:15 End of day announcements are made

Dismissal of all students

3:35 Students must be picked up by the parent / guardian.

.

Walking students should not arrive at school before 8:40 a.m., at which time the first bus arrives and adult supervision is provided. Students should buy their lunch tickets and then go directly to their classrooms. At the end of the day, walkers will be dismissed after all buses have left. Students who are transported by parents should not arrive prior to 8:40 a.m. unless they are participating in a school activity.


A delayed start has been scheduled for every Wednesday. On those days students will arrive one hour later than usual (no earlier than 9:40 a.m.).


PLEASE NOTE: Students being picked up after school by a parent or guardian will not be dismissed from the classroom before 3:15 unless there is an emergency.



Student Use of the Internet


The Board of Directors of M.S.A.D. #75 has adopted the following policy for Internet use:


Acceptable Use Policy

Community of Learners Electronic Network


Preamble:

The Community of Learners Electronic Network will bring many resources to our school communities, and allow communication on a previously unheard of scale. While being novel in its method of facilitating this access and this communication, it will exist as an extension of these existing school communities. As such, it will be a "place" in which students, parents, teachers and community members will pursue learning with the same set of standards for behavior and intellectual effort that define the traditional school roles.


Educational Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Community of Learners Electronic Network is educational. Users are responsible for ensuring that their activities adhere to generally accepted educational standards.


Privilege:

The use of the Community of Learners Electronic Network is a privilege and not a right. Inappropriate use will result in restriction or cancellation of access privileges. Commonly accepted guidelines for developmentally appropriate skills will be used in determining access levels.


Copyrighted and other proprietary materials:

All users shall respect copyright and proprietary interest of any materials accessed through the Community of Learners Electronic Network.


Privacy:

The Community of Learners Network will be maintained and managed by the system administrator in such a way as to insure its availability and reliability in performing its educational mission. This will require the ability and authority to inspect any and all materials transferred by, or stored within the network by any and all users. Because of this, users will have no reasonable expectation of privacy, with respect to access by the system administrators or their designee, to any materials transferred by or stored within the Community of Learners Electronic Network. This inspection can occur at any time and without any cause.


While it is not the intention of the system administrators to use this access in an intrusive manner, it is critical that the authority for such access be reserved in order to prevent any abuse of the Community of Learners Electronic Network and to allow the network to recover from disaster.


Responsibilities:

Responsible use of the Community of Learners Network requires that users not:

interfere with the normal and proper operation of this network or the Internet

adversely affect the ability of others to use Network equipment or services

conduct themselves in ways that are harmful or deliberately offensive to others.


All users shall assume full liability, legal, financial or otherwise, for their actions. No individual shall become a user of the Community of Learners Electronic Network without completing and signing the Network Use Contract.


Please note: This policy can also be found at http://www.col.k12.me.us/about/aup.html. The form for signatures can be found at http://www.col.k12.me.us/about/contract.html and in the appendix of this handbook.


Student Visitor


Students at Woodside Elementary School are not allowed to bring visitors unless prior permission is given by the classroom teacher and an administrator.



Supplies


Textbooks and paper are supplied by the school district. Any additional school supplies must be furnished by parents. If pupils lose, destroy or unnecessarily damage any school books, school equipment (i.e. calculators) or property, parents of such pupils shall be expected to pay for those lost or damaged items.


Each grade level team has generated a generic supply list. At the end of each school year you should expect to receive the list compiled by the receiving teachers. However, since classroom supply needs may vary, it is suggested that you buy only basic essentials, and wait to hear from your child's teacher at the beginning of a new year.


Please do not buy Trapper Keepers as they are too big for the desk. Many teachers also discourage three-ring binders, preferring laminated heavy duty folders with pockets and/or spiral bound, single subject notebooks. Clipboards are used in some classes.


It's also helpful if your child could have a bookbag or backpack for books, homework, and important notices.


Woodside is able to provide backpacks and school materials for any student or family in financial need. This is done with the utmost of confidentiality. Parents and guardians are asked to contact Mr. Dedek, Principal or a Guidance Counselor to make a confidential request for support (725-1243).



Telephones


Office telephones are not for student use. Students will be permitted to use the school telephone only in an emergency. Students must communicate their phone needs to the office staff in order for a phone privilege to be granted. Forgotten homework, P.E. clothes, field trip permission slips, social arrangements, etc. do not constitute an emergency. A pay telephone, located in the lobby of the Woodside Elementary School, can be used for these calls. Children may want to have fifty cents ($.50) with them at all times for this purpose.


Testing


The Maine Education Assessment (MEA) is taken by our third, fourth and fifth graders.


District common assessments will be given in all academic areas. These tests are to help assess student progress along the school year and from grade to grade. Students and parents are made aware of student performance on these assessments through the report card, portfolio and parent/teacher conferences.


District common assessments, MEA and classroom performance are used as screening measures for Title I services and as some of the criteria in identifying students for the Gifted and Talented program.


Textbooks


If a child loses or damages a textbook, library book, calculator, or any other piece of equipment, the parent will be billed. Report cards will be held until any money owed has been paid.


Use of School Grounds After Hours


We would like community members to be able to enjoy the playground, but do not want our students to be bullied or assaulted. Consequently, we have established the following procedures.


Woodside students are to go home after dismissal. With parental permission, students may return to the playground.
Any student who exhibits inappropriate behavior (threatening others, harassment, profanity, vandalism, disturbing Woodside’s neighbors, etc.) will lose the right to be on school grounds after hours without an administrator’s written permission.
Middle or high school students are not to be on school property until after the Woodside students have been dismissed.
Any middle or high school student exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be banned from school grounds.
If any student who has lost the privilege to be on school grounds returns, the police will be called and a complaint filed.
No one is to enter the building on rollerblades.

Videotapes and/or Photographs


We do occasionally have activities in school that are videotaped or photographed. Signed permission by parents/guardians is required for a child to be involved in media coverage. A permission form is included in the appendix of this handbook. If you are willing to give permission, please sign and return the form to your child's teacher.


Visitors


Parents are welcome to visit classes but, out of respect to the classroom teacher’s schedule, in accordance with our school’s safety plan and in accordance with district policy, these visits should be scheduled. Frequent short visits, rather than one long one, will give a truer picture of the variety of work carried on at school.


All visitors (including parents) are required to stop at the office to sign in, state the purpose of the visit, and collect a visitor's badge. Before leaving the building, visitors should sign out and return the badge. For safety reasons, it is important that we know who is in the building.


SEE Board Policy ‘Parent and Visitors Access To Schools’ in appendix



Weapons


M.S.A.D. #75 is very serious about maintaining a safe and positive learning environment in its schools. It will not tolerate the bringing of any kind of weapon (or any object which could inflict harm upon another individual) into the school setting and will take whatever action is allowed under the law against those students who do so. Under state and federal law, expulsion is automatic for any child bringing a firearm to school.


The District feels it is the responsibility of parents with firearms and hunting knives to ensure that they are stored in such a way that they cannot be accessed by school-aged children. We also urge that ammunition for firearms be locked away, preferably in a separate location.


Children and adolescents do not always use the best judgement, and they do not always understand and appreciate the consequences of their actions. It is important that we all work together to prevent our children and students from making decisions that can be disastrous to themselves and others.


Please be aware that Woodside administrators will contact the Topsham Police Department (asking for a senior officer) even if a student mentions a weapon. That senior officer will then determine whether or not to respond. Our role is to educate the children to understand that even discussing a weapon in front of other students is inappropriate. Some of the incidents may appear to be insignificant, but we will treat any conversation about ‘weapons’, or threats to cause physical harm to another individual, very seriously. Our major objective is to ensure that all students feel safe, and are safe, at Woodside.


Child Find Notice


As a resident of SAD 75, you are NOTIFIED that you are entitled to certain rights under the individuals with Disabilities Education Act (PL-105-17)


Under Federal law and State regulations, SAD 75 is responsible for locating, identifying and evaluating all resident students in public, private or home school settings who are may be in need of special education services. This responsibility is called “Child Find” and includes this notification.


If you are a parent of a resident student or know of any resident student who does or may have a disability which may require special education, please contact either the SAD 75 Director of Special Services at 729-1557, or the principal of your local public school. SAD 75 will initiate a referral process for an individual comprehensive evaluation to determine whether a student is eligible to receive special education.


All contacts are kept strictly confidential.

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