SCHOOL SCHEDULE

 

Classes Begin:            7:23 a.m.  

Dismissal:                   2:20 p.m.

 

 

CANCELLATIONS OR DELAYED OPENINGS:  Emergency announcements of cancellation of school sessions or delayed openings will be broadcast by radio through the courtesy of WZBG FM97.3 in Litchfield.

 

 

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY

 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN  (includes the NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT for the LITCHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS; this nondiscrimination statement is required to be printed in major publications for students, parents, and teachers; the Equity Coordinator for Title VI (race, color, national origin,) Title IX (sex equity), section 504 (handicap), and ADA (disability) is Gary Zaremski, Director of Special Services. Litchfield Public Schools, P.O. Box 110, Litchfield, CT 06759, 860-567-7505.

 

The federal and state governments have enacted and enforced laws regarding the equality of employment and equality of opportunity in education.

 

Therefore, the Board of Education reaffirms its policy to ensure an equal educational opportunity for all students and to prohibit discrimination as proscribed under federal and state law, as amended from time to time.  It is also the policy of the Board of Education to be impartial in all of its relations with its students without regard to race, color national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital statues, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status.  The Board of Education complies with the policy and procedures of the Americans with Disabilities Act.    LBOE # 0521 (a)

 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OFFICERS

Superintendent of Schools for employment and personnel matters.

 

Superintendent of Schools for matters dealing with curriculum, instruction, textbooks and learning materials.

 

CONCEPT AND ROLES IN STUDENT PERSONNEL

 

The focus of the school system is on the learner, the student.  The student’s educational development toward the school’s goals is the central concern of the Board of Education’s policies and of administrative procedures.

 

Each student shall be given equal opportunity.  But, since children vary widely in capacities, interests, social and economic background, no two can be treated exactly alike if the fullest development of each is to be achieved.

 

Discrimination among students applying for admission to or attending our schools with respect to race, color, religious creed, age marital status, national origin, sex or physical disability is prohibited.     LBOE #5000

SEXUAL HARASSMENT     LBOE #5145.5 (a)

 

Sexual harassment will not be tolerated among individuals of the Litchfield Public Schools.  It is the policy of the Board that any form of sexual harassment is forbidden, whether by students, supervisory or non-supervisory personnel, individuals under contract, or volunteers subject to the control of the Board.  Students are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful and courteous to employees, to fellow students and to the public.  At all times the Board will enforce this policy as proscribed under Title IX and other relevant federal and state laws, as amended from time to time.

 

Definition

There are two forms of sexual harassment, quid pro quo and hostile environment:

Quid pro quo is defined as a situation whereby anyone causes a student to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct in order to participate in a school program or activity.  It can also occur when a school employee causes a student to believe that the employee will make an educational decision based on whether or not the student submits to unwelcome sexual conduct.

Hostile environment harassment occurs when unwelcome, sexually harassing conduct is so severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity or creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment.

 

Board’s Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure

Any pupil who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should report the alleged misconduct to his/her Assistant Principal and/or the Superintendent of Schools as soon as possible.  All complaints will be treated confidentially.  NO adverse action will be taken against a pupil making a good faith report under this policy. Thereafter, a prompt investigation will be conducted by an impartial investigator to be assigned by the Assistant Principal, Principal and / or the Superintendent of Schools and / or the Director of Special Services.  Such individual will then present relevant findings to the Board of Education for their consideration and action if necessary.       

 

EQUITY GRIEVANCE  PROCEDURE: Litchfield Board of Education

The purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible administrative level, equitable solutions to problems, which may arise concerning claims of discrimination.  All proceedings shall be kept as confidential as is appropriate.  Evidence of reprisal against a complainant or witness shall be viewed as an infraction of this policy.

           

Any individual who wishes to inquire or to register a complaint concerning alleged discrimination in the Litchfield Public Schools shall have an opportunity to bring such concerns to the attention of the Equity Coordinator or Superintendent, who has the authority to resolve such complaints.  The following grievance procedure shall be used by any student, parent, or employee in making a complaint or inquiry.  Officials shall be governed by this procedure.

 

Level I – The complainant shall discuss the alleged discriminatory act or practice with the Equity Coordinator or the individual closest to the daily decision-making level. This will normally be a principal, teacher, counselor, department chairperson or head custodian. If satisfaction cannot be achieved through informal discussion, the following procedure must be initiated.

 

Level II – the complainant shall, within forty calendar days of the alleged incident on forms provided, put the complaint in writing and file it with the Equity Coordinator.  Within five working days, a conference must be held.  Within five working days following the conference, the complaint must be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties or referred to the Superintendent of Schools.  Within five working days, the Equity Coordinator shall notify the Superintendent and must notify the complainant of this notification.  The Board will be apprised by the Superintendent of any grievance reaching Level II.

 

Level III – Within ten working days after receipt of such complaint, the Superintendent must hold a hearing and within five working days of the hearing resolve the complaint, negotiate a long-term solution or refer the matter to the Board of Education for sharing and decision.

 

Level IV – The Board of Education, Superintendent of Schools, and the Equity Coordinator shall proceed in accordance with appropriate State Statutes.

       

Grievance procedures taking precedent over this four level procedure include procedures stated in

Litchfield Board of Education policies:

#5145.5 Sexual Harassment (Students)

# 4188.11 Nondiscrimination (Permanent Personnel)

#4118.112 Sexual Harassment (Permanent Personnel Equity Grievance forms are available from Equity Coordinator, Administrators, Guidance Offices and School Media Centers.

 

       

 

 

 

PARENT RIGHTS: Section 504 Of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973  (Appendix J 2006 CASE)

You have the right to:

1. Have your child take part in, and receive benefits from public education programs without discrimination because of his/her disability;

2. Have the school district advise you of your rights under federal law;

3. Receive notice with respect to identification, evaluation, or placement of your child;

4. Have your child receive a free appropriate public education. This includes the right to be educated with nondisabled students to the maximum extent appropriate. It also includes the right to have the school district make reasonable accommodations to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school and school-related activities;

5. Have your child educated in facilities and receive services comparable to those provided nondisabled students;

6. Have your child receive an individualized evaluation and receive specialized education services if s/he is found to be eligible under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

7. Have evaluation, educational and placement decisions made based upon a variety of information sources, and by persons who know the student, the evaluation data, and placement options;

8. Have transportation provided to and from an alternative placement setting determined by the school district at no greater cost to you than would be incurred if the student were placed in a program operated by the district;

9. Have your child be given an equal opportunity to participate in nonacademic and extracurricular activities offered by the district.

10. Examine all relevant records relating to decisions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program and placement and obtain copies of educational records at a reasonable cost unless the fee would effectively deny you access to the records;

11. Receive a response from the school district to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of your child’s records;

12.  Request amendment of your child’s educational records if there is reasonable cause to believe that they are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of your child. If the school district refuses this request for amendment, it shall notify you within a reasonable time and advise you of the right to a hearing;

 

13.   File a grievance; contact Gary Zaremski (860-567-7505) for the local equity grievance procedures/form.

14, Request an impartial due process hearing related to decisions or actions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program or placement. You and the student may take part in the hearing and have an attorney represent you at your own expense. The impartial Hearing Officer will be selected by the district. Hearing requests must be made to Gary Zaremski at 860-567-7505. This is the person in the district who is responsible for assuring the district complies with Section 504 requirement.

                         

Information Regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Appendix D 2006 CASE)

 

Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability in any program receiving federal assistance. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

1.       has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities include activities such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working);

2.       has a record of such impairment; or

3.       is regarded as having such an impairment.

In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504, the Litchfield school district recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel, students and their parents. No discrimination against any person solely due to his/her disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices in the school system.

The school district has specific responsibilities under the Act, which include the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the child has a current disability and is termed to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational programs.

If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has the right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) specifies rights related to educational records. This Act gives the parent/guardian or eligible student the right to: 1) inspect and review the child’s educational records; 2) make copies of these records; 3) receive a list of all persons having access to those records; 4) ask for an explanation of any item in the records; 5) ask for an amendment to any report on the grounds that it is misleading, inaccurate, or violates the child’s rights; and 6) a hearing on the issue if the school refuses to make the amendment.

 

If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Gary Zaremski, the Section 504 Coordinator for the school district, at 860-567-7505.

 

 

MISSION STATEMENTOF

LITCHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

 

 

The mission of the Litchfield High School community is to work together to graduate knowledgeable, skillful, and productive individuals.

 

  EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING

The LHS graduate utilizes his or her knowledge, skills, and talents to:

·         Communicate effectively.

·         Solve problems effectively.

·         Contribute to society.

·         Apply technology appropriately.

·         Make informed life choices.

 

 STUDENT BEHAVIOR CODE

 

                                                      

CARE OF PROPERTY - Students are entrusted with and made responsible for considerable valuable property such as books, furniture, computers, laboratory equipment, etc. At the end of the period of its use, it should be returned with no more depreciation than normally expected from ordinary use.  Students will be held financially liable for extraordinary depreciation of property entrusted to their care.  Respect for the belongings of others is a value of highest priority.  Theft of any article will necessitate a severe school penalty and possible criminal prosecution.  Students are responsible for their personal property and should keep all belongings in a locked locker when not in use.  While taking physical education, students should secure money and valuables in a locker or with the teacher.  

 

CAFETERIA - The cafeteria is provided for students to eat lunches brought from home or to purchase lunches from the cafeteria kitchen.  All lunches, whether purchased or brought from home, must be eaten in the cafeteria.  Absolutely no food or drink of any kind may be taken from the cafeteria or permitted in any other part of the building.  

 

FIELD TRIPS - Field trips are unique educational experiences that provide learning in ways that cannot be accomplished within the school setting.  Generally, before any student attends a field trip, a permission slip must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the teacher.  If the slip is not returned, the student may be unable to go on the trip.  When a student goes on a field trip, he/she is responsible to turn in work due in other classes on that day prior to leaving and is responsible for work missed in all classes.  As with all school functions, all school policies and procedures are in effect.  Unacceptable behavior on a field trip will result in disciplinary consequences.  Students with excessive absences or who are in danger of failing may be denied field trip privileges.

 

HAZING - Litchfield High School does not condone any form of initiation or harassment, known as hazing, as part of any school sponsored student activity.  Hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health, physical health, or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in or affiliation with any organization recognized by the Board.

 

IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION POLICY - In-school suspensions are assigned for inappropriate behavior at the discretion of the administration.  Students are expected to continue with their studies during this time.

 

                                                                   

LITCHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY CONCERNING THE USE, SALE AND POSSESSION OF DRUGS (INCLUDING ALCOHOL) AND TOBACCO

 

SMOKING - Litchfield Public Schools are tobacco-free facilities.  Smoking and tobacco products including lighters are forbidden on the school grounds, in the school, on field trips, or on school buses at any hour.  Students violating this policy are subject to the following:

·         1^st offense - 3 days out of school suspension

·         2^nd offense - 5 days out of school suspension and police fine

·         3rd and subsequent - 10 days out of school suspension and police fine and conference with administration to reenter school. 

 

                (Lavatory privileges may be restricted for any student caught smoking or suspected of smoking.)

 

POLICY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE - There shall be no use, possession, selling or aiding in possession of alcohol, narcotics, restricted drugs, mood altering substances or any substance purported to be a restricted substance, as well as related paraphernalia on school grounds or vehicles during a school season or anywhere at a school sponsored activity by students or employees.  Violation will result in immediate disciplinary action and/or referral to professional community assistance agencies.

 

Legal references: Connecticut General Statutes

                                                10-220b Policy Statement on Drugs

                                                21a-242 Schedules, Exceptions

                                                (controlled substances) (as amended                                                             

                                                 by P.A. 83-171) 10-233 a-f

 

DRUG FREE ZONE - Drug Free Zone signs have been placed on roads around the school indicating a Drug Free Zone.  The signs are in compliance with a law passed in 1992 which states that anyone,

(not enrolled as a student) possessing drugs or firearms within 1500 feet of a school will be imprisoned for a period of two years.  No plea-bargaining allowed!  Young people less than 18 years of age in possession of drugs or firearms on school property are dealt with under existing laws.

 

STATE STANDARD GOVERNING SUSPENSION AND   EXPULSION

A student may be suspended or expelled for:

·         Conduct, which endangers persons or property or is seriously disruptive of the educational process.  Included within such prohibited conduct are the following acts:  when they occur on school premises, school vehicles, buses or school sponsored activities

·         Conduct causing a threat of danger to the student’s own physical well being or the physical well-being of others;

·         Physical assault on another person, on school premises or buses or while participating in a sanctioned school activity, which is not reasonably required for self-defense;

·         Taking, or attempting to take school property, personal property or money from another person, or from his/her presence, by means of force or feat;

·         Willfully causing, or attempting to cause, substantial damage to school property or buses or property of staff members or other students;

·         Participation in an unauthorized occupancy of any part of any school or school premises or other building owned by any school district, and failure to leave such school premises or other facility promptly after having been directed to do so by the principal or other person then in charge of such building or facility;

·         Intentional incitement which results in an unauthorized occupation of any part of a school or other facility owned by any school district;