LIS Handbook

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

At Litchfield Intermediate School we recognize that a child’s education is a responsibility shared by the school and the family. Successful parental involvement should include, but is not limited to, the following components:

· Have your child at school on time.

· Insure that your child is well rested and prepared for the school day.

· Ask to see your child’s school assignments on a regular basis.

· Refer to the assignment book and schoolnotes.com daily for assignments

· Read the Friday Letter that is sent home with students weekly.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students at the intermediate or upper elementary level are expected to be accountable for their actions, behavior, and preparedness. Successful Intermediate School students exhibit the following traits:

· Be respectful of others and their belongings

· Give your best effort every day

· Be prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments.

· Be dressed appropriately.

· Behave in a responsible friendly manner.

· Contribute to class rather than disrupting it.

SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Litchfield Intermediate School is a part of the Litchfield Public Schools and is bound to abide by all Board policies and Connecticut Department of Education guidelines. The school will provide the following:

· A challenging curriculum that is suited to the age and ability levels of the students in accordance with Connecticut State Frameworks and Guidelines

· A safe environment conducive to student learning

· Highly qualified experienced teachers

· Regular communication between school and home

· Developmentally appropriate levels of choice

ART CLASS

In art class students learn and apply art concepts and skills that are age appropriate. Through the use of art history students gain an appreciation for cultures and their impact on society. Interdisciplinary art lessons integrate the core subjects such as math, social studies, and science. Art lessons are linked to the art curriculum and state standards. Art allows students to express themselves, while utilizing higher order thinking skills. All students experience art class one time in every five-day specials rotation.

ATTENDANCE (BOE #5111, #5112)

At Litchfield Intermediate School we believe that consistent attendance at school correlates directly with student success. Both the Litchfield Board of Education and the Connecticut State Department of Education require that we monitor absenteeism and report excessive absences to them. We expect parent assistance in reinforcing the importance of punctuality and regular attendance.

When a parent determines that an absence is necessary, parents are requested to contact the school between 7:30 A.M. and 8:30 A.M. on the day of the absence by telephoning the school at 567-7520. If it is not possible to telephone the school on the day of absence, the parent is requested to send a written excuse to the school on the date of the student’s return. The student should submit the excuse directly to the office or to their homeroom teacher.

A student may not participate in school activities of any nature on the day he/she is absent unless specific administrative permission has been granted.

Excused Absence (BOE 5113): Students receive an excused absence when they are absent from school for the following reasons:

1. Illness or injury of the student.

2. Serious illness in the immediate family which makes the student’s absence necessary.

3. Funeral in the immediate family.

4. Religious holidays.

5. Court appearance/probation appointments.

6. Approved school activities.

7. Limited absences from school for special activities with parental consent, subject to the approval of the principal.

It is the student’s responsibility to seek out make-up work and complete it in a timely manner. Unless a student has an extended illness, all makeup work must be completed after the student returns to school. Students may access current daily assignment postings on schoolnotes.com. Students have two days for every one day missed to complete make-up work.

Unexcused Absence: Unexcused absences are those which do not fall under any of the excused absences. Students who have unexcused absences may be denied makeup privileges. Such absences may also be reflected in the students’ final grade.

Although the school will maintain records and keep parents informed within the limit of its capability, parents and students are expected to keep accurate attendance records and compare them to report cards issued quarterly. Parents are also encouraged to contact the school office to get help in verifying attendance and attendance records at any time during the year. See Truancy.

Truancy (BOE #5113.2): A student with four (4) unexcused absences in one month or ten (10) unexcused absences in a school year will be considered truant. Parents will receive a letter from the school regarding truancy when 4 unexcused absences in one month or 10 unexcused absences occur in a school year. Students with excessive absences will be considered for retention.

Parents have the responsibility to assist school officials in remedying and preventing truancy. The Superintendent of Schools will file a written complaint with Superior Court Juvenile Matters if the parent fails to cooperate with the school in trying to solve the student’s truancy problem.

Make-up work: It is the student’s responsibility to ask for and complete make-up work in a timely manner. Parents of absent students may contact their child’s teacher in order to make arrangements for the collection of homework assignments during the student’s absence. Parents and students are encouraged to check for daily assignments at schoonotes.com, which is updated daily. Students have two days for every one day missed to make up work.

Vacation While School is in Session: Parents who are taking their child on vacation while school is in session are reminded that their child will not be exposed to classroom instruction and may fall behind in school assignments. A large portion of instruction at Litchfield Intermediate School is teacher directed as the school does not utilize traditional textbooks.

Since many skills are taught in a sequential manner, the lack of exposure from an extended absence could negatively impact the skill development of your child. The agreement between the Litchfield Teachers’ Association and the Litchfield Board of Education stipulates that teachers do not have to provide work prior to a student’s vacation leave during school time.

Students planning vacation leave during the school year will be expected to make up their work upon their return. It can be a daunting task for students to make up several days of work while keeping up with the current work upon returning to school.

BAND

Band provides an opportunity for students interested in musical instruments to perform with a group, creating a feeling of accomplishment for its participants while providing musical entertainment for others. Band, like all music, is an opportunity for students to express themselves. It is a unique course because students and their teacher create and present a product together. It is also an activity that teaches self-discipline and dedication. Full band groups meet during Academic Enrichment periods. Small section lessons occur on a rotational pull-out basis. Students who have difficulty keeping up with their core classes due to the pull out schedule are not encouraged to participate in band at school, but rather seek instrumental lessons outside of the school day.

Students in Band are expected to have their instrument and music when required, practice their instrument in preparation for lessons and rehearsals, attend all rehearsals and concerts, and attend a lesson a minimum of once each week. Advanced sixth graders may audition for Northern Regional Music Festivals upon the recommendation of the band director.

A Band Handbook is issued to all band students with specific guidelines for participation.

Jazz Band: participants are determined by audition. The Jazz Band studies and performs appropriate jazz literature from the 30’s to the present. Students who wish to play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums in the Jazz Band must be current members of the LIS Band.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE #1120, #9000)

Board members are unpaid elected public officials with the responsibility for governance of the school district. The current members of the Litchfield Board of Education are:

Chairperson: Wayne Shuhi

Vice-Chairperson: Frank Simone

Secretary: Donald Falcetti

Members: Harold Fairchild, Frank Gorman, James Katzin, John Noone, Christine Reardon, and Roy Tourtellotte.

Meeting times and locations are posted at the superintendent’s office and on the district website. Parents, students and other community members are welcome to attend the public meetings.

BULLYING (BOE #5131.2)

Bullying is prohibited. Such behavior is defined as any overt acts by a student or groups of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school sponsored activity, which acts are repeated against the same student over time. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action. Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to:

1. Physical violence and attacks

2. Taunts, name-calling and put-downs including ethnic or gender-based put-downs

3. Threats and intimidation

4. Extortion or stealing of money and/or possessions

5. Exclusion from peer groups within schools.

CAFETERIA

Students at LIS may sit at any table at lunch. There is one table designated “nut-free” for students who have nut allergies. Any student may sit at the “nut-free” table if they do not have nut products in their lunch.

Good manners and rules of cleanliness are to be observed at all times. Misconduct in the cafeteria may be cause for receiving an assigned seat or forfeiting the right to eat in the cafeteria or such other disciplinary action deemed appropriate for the misconduct.

The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers to students nutritionally balanced lunches daily. Free and reduced price lunches are available based on financial need. Information on this program can be obtained from the school office or from the school nurse.

CHEATING

No form of cheating or plagiarism is acceptable. The misrepresentation by students of homework, class work, tests, reports, or other assignments as if they were entirely their own work will be considered forms of cheating. Consequences of cheating and/or plagiarism will be academic in nature unless repeated incidences require additional disciplinary action.

CHORUS

The chorus program provides an opportunity for members to develop their musical talent and an appreciation of music. Music that is appropriate for the age level is chosen for practice and performance. Students participating in chorus are expected to attend all rehearsals. Students in chorus are expected to keep up with their other classes so that they can participate fully in the choral program. Chorus is a year-long commitment.

CLASS PLACEMENT

Every effort is made to place students with teachers where a positive student-teacher relationship will be established. Grade level teams and faculty members spend a great deal of time assembling the class groupings for each upcoming year. Great care is taken to place students in amicable groupings. Among the issues considered in the making of the groups are learning styles, special service needs, girl/boy ratio, reading partnership compatibility, personalities and friendships. The final decision for placement rests with the principal.

CONFERENCES – PARENT/TEACHER

Parent/teacher conferences for the 2007-2008 school year are scheduled for November 14, 15, and 16, and March 12, 13, and 14. All six of these days are half-day releases for students in both LIS and Center School. Parents are asked to schedule conferences in advance. Litchfield Intermediate School conducts evening conferences on the first of each three day series. Center School conducts evening conferences on the second of each three day series. The other days consist of afternoon conference times.

DISCIPLINE

A student who violates the school’s conduct expectations will be subject to disciplinary action. The Litchfield Public School’s disciplinary actions may include using one or more discipline management techniques, such as detention, removal from class, removal to an alternative education program, in school suspension, out of school suspension, and expulsion. Disciplinary measures will be appropriate for the offense. In addition, when a student violates the law he or she may be referred to legal authorities for prosecution.

Detention: A student may be detained outside of school hours for not more than one (1) hour on one or more days for violation of the code of conduct. The detention will not begin, however, until the students’ parents have been notified of the reason for the detention and can make arrangements for the student’s transportation on the day(s) of the detention.

Suspension (BOE# 5114.1): A teacher may remove a student from all classes when the student deliberately or repeatedly causes serious disruption of the teaching/learning process within the classroom.

The administration may suspend a student for infraction of school rules. Suspension is defined as an exclusion from school privileges for not more than ten (10) consecutive days, provided such exclusion will not extend beyond the end of the school year in which suspension was imposed.

However, no student will be suspended without an informal hearing before the building principal or his/her designee at which time the student will be informed of the reasons for the disciplinary action and given an opportunity to explain the situation, unless circumstances surrounding the incident require immediate removal. In such instance the informal hearing will be held during the suspension.

Suspension from school will result in loss of extracurricular and social privileges during the period of suspension.

Expulsion (BOE# 5114.1): A teacher may remove a student from all classes when the student deliberately causes a serious disruption to the teaching and learning process within the classroom.

The Board of Education may expel a student from school privileges if, after a full hearing, the Board finds that the student’s conduct endangers themselves or others, jeopardizes school property or the educational process, or is in violation of a publicized Board policy.

Expulsion from school will result in the loss of all extra curricular and social privileges during the period of expulsion.

Student possession and/or use of weapons, including martial arts weapons, or other dangerous instruments in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school sponsored activity is cause for expulsion for a calendar year. A student who offers illegal drugs for sale or distribution on or off school grounds is also cause for expulsion for a calendar year.

Whenever a student is expelled, notice of the expulsion and the conduct for which the student was expelled will be included on the student’s cumulative education record. The record is expunged if the student graduates from high school and the expulsion was not for weapon possession or for the sale or distribution of illegal drugs.

DRESS GUIDELINES

Student dress may be regulated and students are encouraged to dress in clothing appropriate to the school situation. Restrictions on freedom of expression may be applied whenever the mode of dress is unsafe, disruptive or contrary to law. Any school dress which impairs safety or increases the risk of injury to self or others, causes discomfort to others (e.g., unclean, malodorous, inappropriate language), causes distraction or disruption of the learning environment, advertises or advocates the use of alcohol or drugs, pornography, or is libelous or inherently contains unreasonable potential to upset and hurt others is prohibited. Students who are dressed inappropriately will be asked to call home for a change of clothing.

EARLY DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL

In the event it is necessary for a student to be dismissed early, a parent or guardian should send a written request to the office. Telephone requests for early dismissal of a student will be honored only if the caller can be positively identified as the student’s parent or guardian. Only those individuals listed on the student’s emergency form may pick up the student from school.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND GAMES

Students are not permitted to possess cell phones, I-pods, or electronic or battery operated devices or games at school, unless prior permission has been obtained from the principal. Without such permission, the items will be collected by teachers and turned into the principal. The principal will determine whether to return the item at the end of the day to be taken home by the student or whether the parent will be contacted to pick up the item. Students who choose to ignore this rule and bring electronic devices to school risk having them lost or stolen. Lost or stolen items that were specifically listed as prohibited will not be investigated by school personnel.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION

In the event school is closed because of bad weather or another emergency, announcements will be made on radio stations WZBG (97.3 FM). Emergency closings will also be posted on Cable 5, and local NBC, ABC, and CBS affiliates.

FIELDTRIPS

Field trips may be scheduled for educational, cultural, or extracurricular purposes. Any student whose behavior is considered detrimental to the well-being of other students may be barred from participation by the principal. While on a trip, all students are considered to be “in” school. This means that conduct and dress guidelines will be appropriate for the field trip activity.

FIRE DRILLS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Fire drills are held at regular intervals as required by state law. Students must follow the exit directions posted in each classroom. A crisis response drill may be substituted for one of the required monthly school fire drills every three months. The signal for a fire drill is a constant blast on a special horn. When the alarm sounds, students are to move along the posted exit routes in a quick, quiet and calm manner. Students should not return to the building until the return signal is given.

During months of severe weather, fire drills or other crisis response drills that take students out of the building will be postponed until the weather itself is not a threat to the students.

GENERAL MUSIC CLASSES

The LIS General Music Curriculum follows the National Standards. Composing and improvising provides students with a unique insight into the form and structure of music and at the same time helps develop their creativity. Broad experience with a variety of music helps students to make informed musical judgments.

GRADING SYSTEM

LIS is on a trimester schedule. A “trimester” is approximately 60 school days or twelve weeks. Report cards are issued to students three (3) times a year. Students are expected to deliver report cards to their parents. Report cards must be signed by the parents and returned to the school within three (3) school days.

Weighted Grading: Assessments which give a cumulative view of students’ abilities or knowledge may be given more weight in a marking period grade than daily class work or homework. Projects and written pieces that require weeks to produce may be given more weight than those taking a shorter time to complete.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

Social services and counseling are rendered by professionally qualified members of the school staff. The responsibilities of the social worker and guidance counselor include helping students function more successfully within the school environment.

Individual counseling or group sessions are opportunities to talk with someone about things that are important to students. These opportunities to talk may be personal, social, or educational. Counselors will listen and be open and honest with students.

GUIDANCE CLASS

The Developmental Guidance Program at Litchfield Intermediate School is an integral part of each student’s daily educational environment. The program is comprehensive and is designed to meet the developmental needs of all students. It includes sequential activities implemented by a certified counselor with the support of the administrator, teachers, parents, and students. The program addresses the needs of each student’s personal, social, academic and career development needs. These needs are met through the use of a guidance curriculum, individual planning, responsive services, and program management.

HARASSMENT

Every child has the right to feel safe, valued and comfortable in school. No one else’s behavior should ever make children feel afraid or embarrassed because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or any disability they may have. The District has zero tolerance for harassment of any kind. Students are expected to treat other students and district employees with courtesy and respect; to avoid any behaviors known to be offensive; and to stop those behaviors when asked.

Parents are urged to reinforce with their child that if he/she is harassed or sees harassment happening to someone else that he/she should report the behavior to a teacher or the principal.

HEALTH CLASS

The students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 are assisted in utilizing core information to analyze and evaluate health issues, information and resources in order to become a healthy and responsible citizen. Students are provided with a foundation of information to encourage them to choose health-enhancing behaviors.

The 4th Grade Health Curriculum begins with a review of cells. From Cells, further study of the muscles, bones and the nervous system of the body evolve. The digestive system then is reviewed with a focus on the body as a whole. Throughout the year, the immune system and how to stay healthy is discussed. Nutrition and fitness are threads of the Health curriculum throughout the year. Body Changes for Girls are reviewed in the spring with female students only.

In Grade 5, Nutrition continues to be a focus along with Fitness and Exercise. The Respiratory and the Circulatory Systems are concentrated on individually and as they inter-relate. Diseases are discussed in an informational and preventative framework. "Growing up" is discussed with girls and boys separately.

In Grade 6, Nutrition, Fitness, and Exercise are highlighted. Substance Abuse information, covered in 5th Grade D.A.R.E., is reinforced. Diseases and their prevention are reviewed. Wellness is viewed from the Physical, Emotional, and Mental focus. "Growing Up" is discussed with girls and boys separately.

INTERNET SAFETY POLICY (BOE #5131.4, #6177)

Students are allowed to use the school’s computer systems for legitimate educational purposes. Personal use of district computer systems is expressly prohibited. Conduct which constitutes inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Sending any form of harassing, threatening, or intimidating message, at any time, to any person;

2. Gaining or seeking unauthorized access to computer systems;

3. Damaging computers, computer files, computer systems, or computer networks;

4. Downloading or modifying computer software of the district in violation of the district’s licensure agreement(s) and/or without authorization from a teacher or administrator;

5. Using another person’s password;

6. Trespassing in or tampering with any other person’s folders, work, or files;

7. Sending any message that breaches the district’s confidentiality requirements, or the confidentiality of students;

8. Sending any copyrig

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