1. education
2. school

G. W. Brown
Early Elementary School
Parent & Student
Handbook
2013-2014
40 Milk Street  Newburyport, MA 01950  978.465.4435
Newburyport Public Schools
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Newburyport Public Schools
Dear Brown School Families,
I am delighted to welcome you and your little one to the George W. Brown Early Elementary
School! It is my great honor to serve as your children’s principal during their very first years of
school as a preschooler and kindergartener. These years are the most important in a child’s
development and we strive to ensure that their experience at the Brown School is not only a
strong foundation academically and socially but is also memorable, rewarding and FUN!
This year, we are introducing the Bucket Filling theme at the Brown School. Bucket Fillers is
a program based off the educational programs of Merrill Lundgren, the Bucket Man. The
children's book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol
McCloud is part of the program. Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming
book encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily
kindness, appreciation, and love. This book explains to children that we all carry an invisible
bucket in which we keep our feelings about ourselves. When our buckets are full, we are happy;
when they are empty, we are sad. It is important to know that we can fill our own bucket and so
can others. We fill buckets by saying nice things to the people around us. We fill buckets by
doing nice things for people. Through the bucket filling concept, students will be taught
character education concepts of sharing, listening, being kind, taking turns, smiling, helping,
being polite, complimenting, and including others.
I invite you to read through and acquaint yourself with school policies, procedures and general
information provided in this handbook. You will find information on the day to day operation of
the school as well as support programs and resources. We appreciate you taking the time to
read this and become familiar with its content. Our cooperative efforts will bring significant value
to each child’s school experience and contribute to the overall success of the entire school
community.
All the teachers and staff join me in welcoming you to the new school year! Please feel free to
contact me anytime at 978.465.4435 or [email protected] should you have any
questions, suggestions or concerns.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead!
Warmly,
Amy B. Sullivan
Amy B. Sullivan
Brown School Principal
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Newburyport Public Schools
Newburyport Public Schools
Mission Statement
The Newburyport Public Schools are committed to the
intellectual, physical, social development and engagement of
every student.
Within a culture of high expectations for individual and group
learning, our students experience rigorous academic challenge,
are intellectually curious, and express themselves creatively.
Our students enhance their well-being by applying knowledge
and skills about nutrition, fitness and healthy behaviors.
Our schools are an inclusive and supportive community. As
part of this community, our students demonstrate values of
personal integrity, sensitivity and social responsibility.
Our schools partner with parents and community in significant
ways to help achieve this mission. Members of our school
community - teachers, parents, staff, and administration support this mission every day, in every classroom, on every
field of play, and in every activity.
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Newburyport Public Schools
Core Values
We believe in:
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the success of every individual in our schools;
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an attitude of caring and responsibility for every individual;
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the shared responsibility of home, school and community
in the education of the children of Newburyport;
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continuous improvement and excellence in everything we
do as individuals and as school.
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Newburyport Public Schools
The Brown School Vision
The Brown School is a positive, inclusive community where
staff, students, and families model respect and promote high
expectations and achievement through:
 A developmentally appropriate curriculum.
 A safe and nurturing environment.
 A collaborative setting which encourages open and honest
communication.
 Traditions and celebrations that inspire teaching and
learning.
The Brown School is a place where all children come first!
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Newburyport Public Schools
DIRECTORY
SCHOOL
Amy B. Sullivan, Principal
Lori Beard
Lynne Rurak, School Nurse
Carolyn Wilson, Team Facilitation Leader
Lisa Gibbs, School Adjustment Counselor
Absent Alert Line
FAX
465-4435 x230
465-4435 option 0/ x229
465-4435 x227
465-4435 x124
465-4435 x119
465-4435 option 1
465-5776
CENTRAL OFFICE
Susan Viccaro, Superintendent
Angela Bik, Assistant Superintendent
Barbara Dee, Director of Pupil Services
Nancy Lysik, Executive Assistant to the Supt. for Finance/HR
465-4456
465-4455
465-4453
465-4456
Food Services and Transportation
Sheryn Seale, Food Services Director
Salter Transportation
465-4460
462-6433
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Donna Holaday, Mayor of Newburyport
Steven Cole- 8 Hallisey Drive
Nick DeKanter- 47B Washington Street
Daniel Keon- 16 Boyd Drive
Audrey McCarthy-13 Laurel Road
Bruce Menin- 83 Lime Street
Cheryl Sweeney- 37 Marlboro Street
465-4412
465-8805
462-1252
465-1219
465-0032
499-3883
465-0722
ELEMENTARY PTO LEADERS
Alex Coir and Lauren Rathbone- Presidents
Mary Jo Anderson and Marianna Lynch- Asst Presidents
Sarah Pflaum- Treasurer
Michelle Curran- Secretary
Jodi Field and Robin Marino- VPs Brown
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Amy B. Sullivan, Principal
Teacher- TBD
Teacher- TBD
Parent- TBD
Parent- TBD
Community Rep- TBD
465-4435
Parent Volunteer Program
Jenn Grinnings
978-979-0152 [email protected]
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Newburyport Public Schools
G. W. Brown School Staff
2013-2014
Principal
Secretary
Office Assistant
School Nurse
Amy B. Sullivan
Lori Beard
Mary Todd
Lynne Rurak
Grade
Preschool
Teacher
Jennifer Bingham
Linda Dodge (ABA)
Tanasi Fahey
Giovanna Foster
Suzanne Simon
Room
121
113
116
122
117
Kindergarten (Full Day)
Julie Carroll
Melissa Duguie
Margaret Foster
Linda Gershuny
Sheryl Herzig
Kathleen Leahy
Dianna Ouellette
222
331
220
338
330
224
223
Kindergarten (1/2 Day)
Tracy McLaughlin
Robin O’Malley
337
332
Instructional Assistants
Preschool
Alyssa Alexander
Karen Cronan
Joan Locke
Cathy McCloy
Heather Penny
Lydia Quinn
Jill Sperry
Ellen Sullivan
Faith Sweeney
Karen Therrien
Diane Tierney
Christine Yeaton
(Dodge)
(Fahey)
(Bingham)
(G. Foster)
(Dodge)
(Dodge)
(Simon)
(Fahey/Simon)
(G. Foster)
(Bingham)
(Simon)
(Simon/Stanley)
Kindergarten
Kristen Arciero
Lisa Black
Maryann Ciovacco
TBA
Jill Halley
Paula Kelley
Emma Luster
Janis Pollard
Susan Seabrook
Mary Sullivan
(M.Foster/Stanley)
(Gershuny)
(Duguie/Stanley)
(Herzig/Stanley)
(Duguie)
(Carroll/M.Foster)
(Ouellette)
(Leahy/Ouellette)
(Herzig/Gershuny)
(Carroll)
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Newburyport Public Schools
Related Service Providers
Speech
`
Lisa Bartholomew
Izzy Hayes
Occupational Therapy
Stephanie Goudreau
Physical Therapist
Cheryl Hooper
Special Education- Kindergarten
Keri Lynch
Special Education-Intense
Jeannine Stanley
School Adjustment Counselor
Lisa Gibbs
School Psychologist
Michelle Clark
Team Facilitation Leader
Carolyn Wilson
Team Facilitation Leader Secretary Kathy Cutter
BCBA
Lisa Mosquera
Special Subjects
Art
Physical Education
Music
Library
Melissa Squires (Monday), Pamela Jamison (Tuesday)
Chris Gogolos (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Sue Conte (Monday), Lidia Pavlov (Tuesday)
Pamela Ellis (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
Coordinators/Specialists
PK-8 Literacy Coach
PK-8 STEM Coach
Technology Integrator
Title One
ELL
ELL Tutor
Emily Russin
Liz Kinzley
Gail Ramsay
Kathy Ryan
Chrissa Pissos
Emily de la Cruz
Before School Program
Janis Pollard, Head Teacher
June Conard, Assistant Teacher
Custodians
Ray Gilfus
Paul Hawkes
Crossing Guards
Brenda Ellery
Liz Little
Claire Phillips
David Phillips
Robin Turner
Kitchen Cook
Cynthia Klein
Lunch Monitors
June Conard
Melissa Snowden
Robin Turner
9
Newburyport Public Schools
SCHOOL HOURS
Before School Program (Preschool and Kindergarten)
7:00-9:00
Preschool 4 Day AM
Preschool 4 Day PM
Preschool 5 Day Extended Day
Preschool 5 Day Full Day
8:45-11:30
12:30-3:15
8:45-1:15
8:45-3:15
Full Day Kindergarten
AM ½ Day Kindergarten:
PM ½ Day Kindergarten:
9:00-3:30
9:00-11:45
12:45-3:30
*Early Release Dismissal:
12:10 p.m.
PARENT VISITATION PROCEDURES
Parents are always welcome at the Brown School. We deeply value the partnership between
home and school as we work together to provide the best educational programs for all students.
We ask for your cooperation with these procedures in order to provide a safe and secure
learning environment.
Sign-In Procedures
1. Always report to the office when arriving at school.
2. Please sign in the visitor/volunteer log book and indicate your name, date of your
visit, time of visit, reason for visit, and the location in the building that you will be
visiting.
3. Please take a visitor/volunteer badge to wear. Visitor badges must be worn at all
times when you are visiting the building during school hours.
4. Please tell a staff member in the office where you are going.
5. At the end of your visit, please report back to the office to sign out in the visitor log
book, return your visitor/volunteer badge, and erase your name from the
whiteboard.
Visiting Rules and Guidelines

If you are dropping off an item for your child, please inform the school secretary and
your child will be called to the office to pick it up or someone in the office will bring it to
your child. Please do not bypass the office and go to the classroom to deliver it
yourself. This disrupts the classroom routine and student learning.
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Please always inform the school secretary of the purpose of your visit and where you
are heading. Please do not sign-in and leave the office without speaking to the
secretary. At times, the office can be very busy and your patience is greatly
appreciated.
10
Newburyport Public Schools
BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Brown School offers a before school program for preschoolers and kindergartners.
Program Goals: This program is designed to offer students a safe and supportive environment
that provides opportunities to explore new activities, learn through play and build friendships.
Program Hours:
The program will begin at 7am. Children may not be dropped off before 7:00 a.m.. Children
may arrive at any time during program hours. The program ends at 8:45am when children will
be dismissed to line up with their classes. Children should not be dropped off after 8:45 a.m. for
the before school program. Should your child arrive after 8:45 a.m., please follow the regular
school drop off routine for your child’s program.
Costs: The cost of the program is $1,000 annually. If paid in full in one lump sum at the time of
registration, the tuition will be discounted by 10% to $900.000 annually. Otherwise, payments
of $200.00 are due in accordance with the following schedule: $200.00 at the time of
registration and $200.00 on August 1st, September 1st, October 1st and November 1st. All
payments are made on-line through Uni-Pay Gold at:
https://unipaygold.unibank.com/Default.aspx?customerid=1077.
Schedule/ Cancellations: The program will be open on regular school days only. Please see
the school calendar. If there is no school, the program is closed. If there is a snow delay, the
program will be closed as there is no morning kindergarten. Once, registered children can use
the program based on their needs.
Sign-In: The before school program will use Door #8 (beside the gymnasium). Parents (or
caregivers) must come in and sign their child in. Children should not be left to enter the building
themselves. If the program is not in the normal space, there will be a notice as to their location
(i.e. the playground).
Food: Children are welcome to bring their breakfast with them to the program. They may also
bring a snack to eat before school. All food brought in should be nut-free. There will be
some simple snacks available for children on hand (i.e. granola bars or crackers) should a child
need it.*We will have occasional activities involving food.
Special Needs/ Medications: Please work with us to understand your child’s needs to best
serve them. If anything changes in your child’s life or medical needs, tell us right away. The
staff are not allowed to dispense medication. That must be done prior to sign-in.
Curriculum and Activities: The program will provide a monthly calendar of activities. Children
are encouraged to participate in activities but will also have the option to choose from games,
crafts, and other materials available to them. The monthly calendar is created to balance all
kinds of activities from games to art, science to music and both small and large group. As the
year continues, children will be asked to help plan their activities!
Questions or Concerns: Please approach the site coordinator with any concerns. If needed,
you may contact the school principal.
Site Phone Number: TBD; We will provide this at the start of the program.
11
Newburyport Public Schools
GENERAL ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL INFORMATION
The Brown School is located in a city neighborhood where finding parking can often be a
challenge! If you transport your child to school, please be aware that you need to find a valid
parking space. We ask that you park your car on the streets that border the school. Please be
respectful of our neighbors and do not block resident driveways. PLEASE, please do not
attempt to stop your car in the middle of the road and idle to drop off your child. This is
extremely unsafe and is monitored vigilantly by the Newburyport Police, Crossing Guards and
Brown School Staff. Regardless of the weather or number of young children you may be
juggling in the morning, all parents must find a valid parking spot. Again, we strongly encourage
looking for parking on streets other than Milk St. Some neighboring streets are Lime, Prospect,
and Parsons. Often finding parking behind the school near Prospect St. is easier and parents
are welcome to drop off their children at the Prospect St. playground entrance. Please be
aware that the parking lot adjacent to the building is for STAFF parking only. Thank you!
We have a very strict safety procedure at dismissal. Parents are required to sign out their
child on a dismissal form. Parents will be required to follow this procedure every day for
the entire year. In the beginning of the year, we ask that parents/guardians/babysitters have
photo identification in hand, ready to show teachers. Eventually, you will not have to show
identification once we recognize you; however, other authorized persons who pick up your child
on an irregular basis will be required to show identification.
All parents/guardians will need to fill out a “Transportation/Dismissal Form” for their child’s
teacher. This form allows parents/guardians to provide the names of authorized persons to
pick up a student. Throughout the school year, any unfamiliar, but authorized person picking up
a student will be required to show photo identification to staff members.
You must park your car in a legal parking spot.
12
Newburyport Public Schools
KINDERGARTEN
Arrival for AM and Full Day Kindergarten
 Walker students should arrive to school between 8:50-9:00.
 Children must never be dropped off before 8:50 and left unattended.
 A staff member will greet you at the playground gate. To help your child transition
smoothly into the Kindergarten arrival routine, we respectfully request that ALL parents
remain outside the playground area and allow their child to be escorted by Kindergarten
staff to their classroom line.
 All Kindergarten staff will be on duty to help your child find their class line which will be
identified with their teacher’s name. All Kindergarten teachers will report to the
courtyard or gymnasium by 8:50 a.m. to meet their students and escort them to their
classrooms at 9:00 a.m.
 All bus students will be met by staff and escorted to the playground area to join their class
line. Specialist teachers assigned to bus duty must meet the bus students on
Prospect St. and supervise them as they exit the bus and then help with supervision
in the courtyard or gymnasium.
 In case of inclement weather, children should be brought to Door #1 (closest to the staff
parking lot) where staff members will escort them to the gym to line up with their class. This
will be our winter routine as well. Parents will be notified when that change will occur.
Dismissal for AM Kindergarten
 Dismissal for ½ Day AM kindergarten students is at 11:45 a.m. Walker students will be
dismissed from Door #2 (office door) by one the ½ day Kindergarten Teacher. Please
sign-out your child on the teacher’s dismissal sheet.
 Bus students are dismissed through the preschool playground door and escorted to
their awaiting bus on Prospect St. by the ½ day Kindergarten Teacher.
 No student can ride a bus to or from school other than the bus that he/she has been
assigned to by the transportation office. The only exception to this rule applies to students
who are transported to a licensed after school day care provider.
 All bus students must have a bus pass to ride the bus each day.
 Students must be met at their bus stop by a parent/caregiver. Bus drivers will not drop-off
Kindergarten students at bus stops where there is no one present to meet them.
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Newburyport Public Schools
Arrival for PM Kindergarten

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Arrival for ½ Day PM Kindergarten is 12:40-12:45 pm.
PM students must never be dropped off before 12:40 and left unattended.
Kindergarten staff will meet walkers and bus children on the playground.
On days of inclement weather, bus students will be escorted off the bus by a staff member
and into the school. Walkers should be brought to door #1 (closest to the parking lot at the
front of the building) where the ½ day Kindergarten teachers will be waiting for them. Please
do not drop your child off at this door if there is no teacher present and leave them
unattended.
Dismissal for PM and Full Day Kindergarten
Bus Students
 Bus students will be supervised in the cafeteria at the end of the day by specialist
teachers until their buses arrive. No student can ride a bus to or from school other than
the bus that he/she has been assigned to by the transportation office. The only exception to
this rule applies to students who are transported to a licensed after school day care provider.
 All bus students must have a bus pass to ride the bus each day.
 Students must be met at their bus stop by a parent/caregiver. Bus drivers will not drop off
Kindergarten students at bus stops where there is no one present to meet them.
Walker Students
 Walker students will follow their classroom teacher to the gymnasium to drop off the
bus students and then proceed to door #1, #2, or #3 for sign out following the
schedule below:
 Walker students will be dismissed at 3:30 from the following doors: Door #1(closest to the
staff parking lot). Door #2 (office door), Door #3 (side playground door). Please sign your
child out on the teacher’s dismissal sheet.
Students in the following classes will be dismissed from:
Door #1 (closest to the staff parking lot)
Mrs. Carroll, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. Gershuny
Door #2 (office door)
Mrs. Duguie, Mrs. Herzig, Mrs. O’Malley
Door #3 (playground door)
Mrs. Leahy, Mrs. Ouellette
14
Newburyport Public Schools
Preschool
Arrival and Dismissal for Preschool Students
 Arrival for the 4 day AM, 5 day Extended, 5 day Full and ABA preschool is 8:45 a.m.
Arrival for the 4 Day PM preschool is 12:30 p.m.
 Students will be met by preschool staff at the door. To help your child transition smoothly into
the Preschool arrival routine, we respectfully request that ALL parents say good-bye to
their child at the door and allow their child to be escorted into the building by Preschool
staff to their classroom line.
 Arrival and dismissal for Preschool students will be at Door #1 and Door #2
 Students in the following classes will be dropped/picked up at:
Door #1 (parking lot)
Miss Tansi and Miss Sue
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Door # 2 (office door)
Miss Giovanna, Miss Jennifer, Miss Linda
Dismissal for the 4 Day AM preschool class is at 11:30 a.m.
Dismissal for the 5 Day Extended Day class is at 1:15 p.m.
Dismissal for the 5 Day Full Day and 4 Day PM class is at 3:15 p.m.
Dismissal for students in the ABA preschool will vary by individual student
schedules.
Late Arrivals
Please make every effort to have your child to school on time. Children who arrive late miss
important beginning of the day routines and information. Late arrivals also interrupt learning for
their classmates.
Kindergarten students arriving after 8:45 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. (for the PM session) must be
accompanied to the office to be signed in late. Parents will not accompany late students to
their classrooms. Students will be escorted upstairs by a staff member.
Important!
If you have custody concerns or court orders prohibiting anyone from dismissing your child
from school, please provide the office with any and all legal documents so that we may keep
these on file to ensure your child’s safety.
15
Newburyport Public Schools
WHO TO CALL AND WHEN
If you have a question or concern, you’ll get the best response if you speak directly to the
person most closely involved.
 A question about the curriculum or a situation in your child’s class - speak to
the classroom teacher - call the office or leave a note in his/her mailbox.
 A question about Brown School policy - call the principal.
 Questions about the lunch program - call the Food Service Director.
 Questions about the bus policy - call Salter Bus Company.
 Brown parents are also representatives on the School Council and may be able
to answer some questions regarding goals, initiatives, and the budget process.
 School Committee members are your elected representatives and can be
contacted with a question or comment.
 PTO officers may be able to assist you with general school issues.
 A question about the Parent Volunteer Program? Call Jenn Grinnings.
 Don’t know whom to call? Call the school secretary.
Phone numbers are listed on the Directory page of this handbook. School personnel are
required to return phone calls within five school days and email within 48 hours.
SCHOOL WIDE NOTICES
The Brown school is proud to have an eco-friendly and efficient electronic notice system. The
procedure for checking for notices is as follows:
 Go to the Brown School website at www.newburyport.k12.ma.us/brown.
 Click on the Take Home Tuesday link in the left hand column.
 Use your username and password to log into the family portal.
 Check for announcements and notices uploaded to the Take Home Tuesday link every
Tuesday after 3:00p.m.
The Family Portal is used to send emails and announcements to you electronically. Tuesdays
are known as Take Home Tuesday, which is the day of the week that the school will send home
important announcements. In order to receive these announcements, you must sign up for the
family portal. The superintendent’s office sends a letter home to all families with a username
and password at the beginning of the school year.

You have the option of receiving notices on paper. If you prefer to receive notices on
paper, please call the school secretary at 978-465-4435 option 0 or notify your classroom
teacher.

You also have the option to change your paper or electronic status at any time, but
please consider the time and cost savings to the school before changing to paper.

To change your notice status, please call the school secretary at 978-465-4435 or the
classroom teacher.
Please note: The Bucketful of News weeklyl newsletter is always sent electronically and as a
hard copy. Occasionally other paper notices will be in all take-home folders
16
Newburyport Public Schools
SCHOOL CANCELLATION
1.
The Superintendent has the authority to close schools whenever, in his judgment, this is
warranted by weather conditions or other emergencies which present threats to the safety
of students, school staff members, or school property.
2.
The Superintendent may also use the NTI phone service, which automatically calls all
families in the event of school closure.
3.
Announcements of the closing of schools will be made available to all major Boston TV
news programs starting at 6:00 am. Announcements will be made over the following radio
stations:
WNBP
(1450)
Newburyport
WBZ
(1030)
Boston
4.
In the event that there is a two-hour delay due to weather, school will begin at 11:00 a.m.
for full day students and 10:45 a.m. for students in the 5 Day Extended Day, 5 Day Full
Day, and ABA preschool classes only. 4 Day AM preschool and AM ½ day kindergarten
will not be in session on these days.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Our school lunch program is managed by Chartwells Dining Services a Division of Compass
Group of North America. The school district is now using the NutriKids POS system. This
allows every parent to put money in their child’s individual account. Beginning the first day of
school, students may purchase a lunch (including milk) for $2.50. Students who bring lunch
from home may purchase milk for .60 cents. Low-income families may be eligible for free or
reduced (.40 cents) lunch. Free and reduced lunch applications are sent home and available in
the office. Payments for lunch can be brought in on the first day of the school week. Checks
should be made payable to the Newburyport School Lunch with the student’s name and pin # on
the check. This is very important to assure that your payment goes into the correct account.
Our online pre-payment system allows parents to make deposits at their convenience with the
option of viewing their child’s eating history. Pre-payments can be made at the
www.MyNutrikids.com or by visiting the school district’s website at www.newburyport.k12.ma.us
and clicking on School Lunch to the MyNutrikids link.
School menus are printed in Saturday’s Newburyport Daily News and are available on the
school district website. Lunch menus can be sent home upon request.
17
Newburyport Public Schools
SUPPORT SERVICES
Students who have evidence of possible learning, behavior, speech/language, or developmental
disabilities may be referred for an evaluation in accordance with regulations of Chapter 766 of
Public Law 94-142. The referral process can be initiated by a parent or teacher. Parent
inquiries about possible referrals should be made to Karen Brann, the Director of Special
Education, 70 Low Street, Newburyport, MA 01950. Any process to evaluate a student is done
with written permission of the parent. After the evaluation, a meeting is held with parents and
school officials to determine if a disability is present and if it is interfering with educational
process.
District Accommodation Plan
Newburyport Public Schools
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Curriculum Accommodation Plan
G. W. Brown School
Amy B. Sullivan, Principal
2013-2014
The following information is provided to comply with the Massachusetts General Laws C. 71, § 38Q ½ mandating that school districts provide a
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan designed to assist principals in ensuring that all efforts have been made to meet students’ needs in
regular education and avoid unnecessary referrals to special education. In addition, Section 59C of Chapter 71 mandates that the school council
will meet with the principal “for the development, implementation, and assessment of the curriculum accommodations plan” which should be
individualized for each school building.
Strategies
Assistance to regular education teachers, such as
professional development, that will help them to
analyze and accommodate various students’ learning
needs, including students who are English Language
learners and to manage students’ behavior
effectively.
Support services that are available to students
through the regular education program, including
services to address the needs of students whose
behavior may interfere with learning.
Description
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Professional Development
Daily 5
District In-service Programs on Differentiated Instruction
District In-service on Comprehensive Literacy
District In-service Programs on Integrated Therapies, Co-teaching and
RTI
Integrated Therapies and Block Scheduling Technical Assistance
Effective Teacher 1
Teacher Induction Program; Mentor & Peer Coaching
Behavior Plans
Student Teacher Assistance Team
School Adjustment Counselor & Psychologist
ELL Teacher
IEP/504 Accommodation Plans
District Developed Curriculum Benchmarks
Title I teachers; Reading Recovery & Literacy Support
Speech and Language
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Instructional Assistants to Support Instruction
Task Forces
Study Groups
Peer Coaching and Observation
Informal Observations and Consultation
Professional Learning Community Collaborative Teams
Technical Assistance
Behavior Plans
RTI
School Adjustment Counselor & Psychologist
BCBA
Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
Differentiated Curriculum
ELL Teacher
IEP/504 Accommodation Plans
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Newburyport Public Schools
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Direct and systematic instruction in math and
literacy for all students.
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Encouraging of teacher mentoring and collaboration
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Review of local curriculum in relation to the state
learning standards.
Review of school policies and discipline codes
Additional staffing or consultation on behavior issue
and on literacy development
Documentation of accommodations/interventions:
Strategies for using or increasing the use of
community agencies and volunteers to assist
students and teachers.
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Title I teachers; LLI
Instructional Assistants at the Elementary Level to Support Instruction
Flexible Groups within Classrooms
Home/School Communications
Comprehensive Literacy Framework and new common core standards
Investigations Mathematics
Professional Development
District In-Service Programs on Differentiated Instruction
District In-Service Programs on Comprehensive Literacy
Integrated Therapies and Block Scheduling Technical Assistance
Effective Teacher 1
Teacher Induction Program; Mentor and Peer Coaching
Literacy Coordinator
STEM Coordinator
RTI
Peer Coaching and Observation
Curriculum Advisory Board
Professional Development Council
School Psychologists and School Adjustment Counselor; Consultation and
Modeling
Study Groups
Professional Collaboration in Professional Learning Communities
Teachers Sharing Best Practices
Preschool Transdisciplinary Team
Professional Development
District Developed Benchmarks
Curriculum Advisory Board
Professional Learning Communities
In-house and District-wide Staff Meetings
Development of Curriculum Assessments
Curriculum Mapping
Administrative Council & Staff Meetings
Elementary Principals Council (EPC)
Staff & Parent/Student Handbooks
School Council
Building Leadership Team
Head Teacher
RTI
School Psychologist
BCBA
Title I Teachers; Reading Recovery & Literacy Support
Speech and Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Instructional Assistants
Literacy Coaches
ELL Teacher
Head Teacher
Professional Development Consultants
District Attorney’s Office
Newburyport Police Department
Department of Social Services
Pettengill House
504/IEP plans, RTI forms, 51A’s
Documentation of Title I Services
Newburyport Education Business Coalition
Newburyport Education Foundation
School Improvement Plan
District Improvement Plan
Strategic Plan
Volunteer Program
PTO
School Council
Pettengill House
YWCA After School Program
Newburyport Youth Services
Kelleher Park Learning Enrichment Center
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Newburyport Public Schools
CONFIDENTIALITY
Students and their families are entitled to privacy. All school personnel and volunteers are
expected to hold all information and conversations with and about students in confidence. We
also keep the addresses of students’ families confidential. Telephone numbers will only be given
to room liaisons. Please contact us if you do not wish your number to be included.
There may be times that a school activity is videotaped for in-school use or for cable television.
If you do not want your child videotaped, please notify the office in writing.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports will be issued two times a year in December and June. Parent teacher
conferences are also held in November and January. Music, Art, and Physical Education
reports are given twice a year for Kindergarten students. Children receiving special education
services will also receive a report from the service provider.
HEALTH SERVICES
The job of the school nurse has changed significantly in the last decade. The schools have
made a commitment to meet everyone’s educational needs. The school nurse deals with a
variety of health issues. The focus is on prevention, early intervention, and primary care. This
ensures optimal health for all students in the Newburyport Public School system.
Newburyport Public Schools provide:
 Acute and Emergent Care
 Health Counseling
 Mandated Health Screening
 Administration and Evaluation of Medications
 Case Management for Children
 Health Education of Parents, Students, and Staff
 Administration and Monitoring of Immunizations
 Comprehensive Physical Exams are required on entrance to school
Parents are expected to notify the school in the event of a contagious disease, so that the nurse
or teacher can take the necessary steps to protect the health of other students.
If your child is absent from school, you are expected to notify the school and provide a written
excuse at the time of return.
If your child is excused from physical education, notification in writing is mandatory, by parent or
physician. Written notification is required for return to physical education.
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Newburyport Public Schools
If a student is injured or becomes ill during the day, the nurse or the secretary will notify the
person or persons listed on the confidential health information card. If an injury is severe, the
child will be transported by ambulance to the closest hospital.
Please avoid scheduling doctor or dentist appointments, lessons or games during school hours.
It is disruptive to the students’ schedule and learning. It also sends a message that school is not
important.
Any student who has an extended absence from school must have a medical clearance before
returning to school.
All school health information and forms can be downloaded from the Newburyport Public School
website @ www.newburyport.k12.ma.us
Medication Policy
 Medications may be dispensed during the day. All medications must be delivered to the
health office.
 School policy requires both parental and physician consent for regularly scheduled
medications. Consult with the school nurse for self-administration.
 For short term medications such as antibiotics, parental consent is required, but the
prescription on the bottle is sufficient.
 Parents should take advantage of services offered by local pharmacies. Medications can
be dispensed in two separate containers; one for home and one for school use. Over the
counter medications can also be dispensed provided it is received in the original
container. No medication can be administered if brought in plastic bags.
 Consent forms can be obtained from the Health Office.
Students must stay home if they have the following:
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A rash or skin condition not diagnosed by a physician
A fever that causes chills, sweats or a temperature above 100 within 24 hours.
Vomiting or diarrhea
Inflamed eyes, yellow or green drainage from the eyes
Head lice or nits
Bacterial infection not treated for 24 hours with antibiotics
On occasion emergencies do occur. It is important that the school be kept informed of situations
and changes in a parent or guardian’s residence, employment, or emergency contact numbers.
Accurate phone numbers help us to facilitate successful treatment.
Prompt return of the emergency information form along with the potassium iodide (KI)
permission are required for the emergency response plan.
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Newburyport Public Schools
COUNSELING SERVICES
Counseling services are available for school related issues. Counseling services are part of the
wellness program. A student’s ability to be socially and emotionally competent has a
tremendous impact on their success and happiness at school and in life. Taking the time to
teach children to care about themselves and others helps to create a community of cooperation
and respect which allows for a better learning environment.
ABUSE/NEGLECT
Families should be aware that school personnel, such as teachers, nurses, principals and
counselors are mandated reporters by law. This means that school personnel are required by
law to report to DSS any and all suspected cases of abuse or neglect.
CRISIS RESPONSE AND SCHOOL EMERGENCY PLANNING
The school system has done extensive work in preparing for school crisis and emergencies of
all types. A core document for the district and each school, Crisis Response and Emergency
Preparedness Guidelines, was developed in 2005 and is being revised in the summer of 2007
for September publication on the District web page.
Each school has a Crisis Response Team (CRT) trained in handling emergency situations. The
district’s crisis response and emergency planning efforts are guided by the School Safety
Council whose members include our public safety chiefs and other officers, teachers,
administrators, health professionals and parents. Our schools are very safe for our students and
staff, but the district will continue to work hard at preparation for all contingencies.
FIELD TRIPS
Teachers schedule field trips with the approval of the principal. It is the School Committee’s
policy that the school must gain permission from parents whenever teachers are involved in out
of class activities with students. Permission slips will be sent home, and must be returned
before a child is allowed to go on a field trip.
LOST AND FOUND
Students are responsible for their own property. All valuable items found are turned in to the
Principal. Other items are placed in lost-and-found. All hats, coats, lunch boxes, etc. should be
marked with student name to facilitate return. Periodically, all unlabeled lost articles will be
discarded or donated to charity.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
The Brown School Council consists of the Principal, two teachers, two parent representatives,
and a member of the community. We currently have two open seats for parent representatives
and one community member. The PTO will communicate information regarding these openings
and will nominate candidates that express an interest. The Council is advisory to the principal in
developing an annual school improvement plan, reviewing the budget, adopting educational
goals and identifying educational needs of students. Watch for the monthly newsletter,
calendar, and the Daily News “School Notes” column for meeting dates. All parents are
welcome to observe the meetings.
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Newburyport Public Schools
BACKGROUND CHECK
Newburyport School system policy is that all in-school volunteers and school event chaperones
must be checked through Criminal Offender Record Investigation (CORI) check process.
Information regarding the policy is contained in school handbooks and on the District website,
www.newburyport.k12.ma.us. Only the Superintendent and designee will review the returned
information. Individual principals will be notified if there is a concern regarding an individual. By
law, this process must be completed every three years.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The Elementary School PTO is a committed, caring group of parents and teachers whose goals
are to sponsor school wide social events, raise money for enrichment programs, field trips and
special supplies and to promote school spirit through parent, teacher and student involvement.
Activities over the past several years have included purchasing new cafeteria tables and
outdoor picnic tables, running an after school program, sponsoring an "Authors' Day" and
planning a Sock Hop and two Movie Nights. Money is raised through creative fundraising
events such as the Fall Gift Wrap sale, the Election Day Bake Sale and the Boston Coffee Cake
fundraiser.
PTO meetings are held monthly. Refreshments are served prior to the meeting. All parents are
welcome and encouraged to be involved. Please visit the new PTO website which can be
accessed through a link on the Brown School or District Website.
PARENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
We value parental participation in our schools. The Newburyport Public Schools has an
independently run volunteer program at the elementary level. To sign up to be a volunteer
please go to the Newburyport Parent Volunteer website at http://newburyportef.org/volunteer.
This year ALL volunteer opportunities for grades PreK-8, including school, PTO and Nock
School Voices will be on one database. The database will also be used for the school
directories.
You will need to set up a new username, password and add your personal profile information.
You will then be able to select which school, teacher and PTO events you would like to
volunteer for. The Nock Middle School database has merged with the elementary database. If
you have children in one of the elementary schools and also at the Nock you will be able to set
up one account and select all of your volunteer tasks. This will make it easier for parents to
have one central place to go to.
There are many school and PTO volunteer opportunities throughout the school year. If you have
any questions regarding the database please email [email protected].
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Newburyport Public Schools
SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION
All students who ride the school bus must be issued a school bus pass. All students must
register in order to be issued a bus pass. By law, mandated transportation, which is free, must
be provided to all students in grades K-6 who live two miles or more from their school.
Students who are not mandated to be transported are eligible for ridership by paying a
transportation fee. Transportation fees for the 2013-2014 school year are $275.00 for each
pass with a $550.00 family maximum. Only full day passes are available.
Please review these School Bus rules with your children:
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Listen to the bus driver and follow his/her instructions
Stay in your seat unless the bus driver tells you to move
Keep your backpacks/lunch boxes on your lap
Do not swear, fight, throw anything, eat on the bus, or put your hands/head out the window
Keep your hands and feet to yourself
Any student who consistently breaks these rules will receive a warning slip from the driver and
may be suspended from taking the bus.
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Newburyport Public Schools
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR EARLY DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS
In the event it becomes necessary to dismiss school early, the following
actions will be implemented:
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Staff will be notified as quickly as possible
All extracurricular activities will be cancelled.
The Principal will utilize the system’s voice messaging system to notify all
parents and personnel of emergency procedures.
Bus students and walkers will be dismissed according to their regular plan.
Students of parents who have not been contacted will be housed at the
school until their parents or other designated person pick them up at
school or designated waiting area. A student will not be dismissed until
his/her parent or other designated person has been contacted.
Teachers will be responsible for classroom supervision and for
maintaining the accuracy of the student roster and attendance noting the
whereabouts of every child released from the school.
Classroom teachers will be expected to remain at school until every one of
their respective students has been safely accounted for. Other staff
members will be expected to assist in the process and will be released as
the emergency subsides.
Custodians will perform duties as assigned by the Principal. In their
capacity as special officers, they may be required to help manage traffic of
parents picking up children and supervise the embarkation of bus
students.
In the event of power loss and the school is unable to broadly
communicate to the public on the suddenness of any contingency, the
school will act in the best interest and safety of its students. Parents can
reasonably assume that their children are being held at school. Children
will be released if picked up by parents or a person designated on the
Emergency Contact Verification form.
If the building needs to be evacuated due to fire; loss of power, heat or
water; or other cause, students and staff will be moved by bus to another
school building and parents will be called.
It is very important that Emergency Contact Verification Form be kept
up to date. Please send new names and numbers for us to add as it
becomes necessary.
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Newburyport Public Schools
DISCIPLINE
A Discipline Committee comprised of parents, teachers, and administrators has created a
set of school rules that are firm, fair, consistent, and necessary for the development of
essential life skills. These rules are to protect students’ rights and to provide a safe
atmosphere of learning. They will be strictly enforced.
The school’s primary goal is to educate, not to discipline. However, when the behavior of
individual students comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions may be
necessary both for the benefit of that individual and for the school as a whole.
Due to the subjective nature of discipline, it is difficult to determine specific actions for each
incident that violates the school’s rules. However, we have comprised the following list of
possible consequences to be used by school personnel. Any severe violation of the rules
which endangers the health or safety of any person may result in a suspension from
classes. In such cases, the parent will be notified immediately and a hearing will be
scheduled to determine the appropriate course of action.
Possible Consequences:
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7.
Verbal warning;
Loss of recess;
Temporary removal from group activities;
Parent/teacher communication;
Parent/teacher/student conference;
Principal involvement, including parent communication;
Possible in- or out-of-school suspension. Child will not be allowed to return to classes
without meeting with the school counselor.
It is important to know that at any step in this process, staff, faculty and/or parents may
consult with the school’s psychologist, guidance counselor, and/or school administrator.
After you have read and discussed these rules of conduct with your child, please sign the
contract found on the last page of this document and return it to your child’s teacher.
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Newburyport Public Schools
RULES OF CONDUCT
Brown Elementary School
1. You may not take anything that belongs to someone else.
Why? Stealing is illegal. Trusting one another and respecting each other’s property is
important.
What happens? You may be required to have your parents come to school for a
conference with your teacher and/or principal. The stolen item must be returned or
replaced.
2. You must come to school dressed in a neat and appropriate way. Any extreme
form of dress that is distracting or disruptive is not allowed. You may not wear
shirts that display violence or obscene or questionable language. Clothing
advertising drug, alcohol, and/or tobacco use is not allowed.
Why? We do not want to encourage violence or drug abuse. Learning to dress
appropriately is an essential life skill.
What Happens? You will be sent home to change or your parents will have to bring a
change of clothes to school, or an appropriate article of clothing will be provided for your
use that day.
3. You may not wear hats in the school building.
Why? Hats are distracting in the classroom.
What Happens? You will be asked to put your hat away.
4. Walkmen, radios, beepers, cellular phones, or other electronic devices and water
guns are not allowed in school.
Why? They interfere with learning.
What Happens? The first time, the article in question will be taken away and you may
pick it up at the end of the school day. If you continue to bring such items to school, they
will be held and your parents will be notified.
5. You may not ride skateboards, roller blades, or the like on school property.
Why? It is dangerous to other students.
What Happens? The first time, the item will be taken away and you may
pick it up at the end of the school day. If you continue to bring such items
to school, they will be taken away and your parents will be notified.
6. Students are expected to behave in an orderly, respectful manner while riding on
the school bus.
Why? The safety of all is of primary importance. Each student must comply with state
and local regulations.
What happens? Riding the school bus is a privilege. Any student who damages any
part of the bus or interferes with the driver’s ability to operate the bus safely, or harasses
another student on the bus will have the privilege suspended and will make restitution for
the damage. Incidents involving bus riders are handled by the bus company.
7. You may not leave the school grounds during the day without permission.
Why? The school is responsible for taking care of you during the school day. It is
important for us to know where you are during school hours.
What Happens? You and your parents will be required to meet with the principal.
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Newburyport Public Schools
8. All Massachusetts public schools are smoke-free facilities by law. Tobacco
products, drugs, and alcohol are not allowed.
Why? Smoking is dangerous to your health and to the health of those around you. It is
against the law to smoke on school grounds or at any school activity. Possession of
drugs and/or alcohol is against local, state, and federal law. They are very harmful to
your health.
What Happens? You will be required to meet with the principal and appropriate school
personnel to implement a plan of support and guidance. Court involvement could follow
an incident involving drugs or alcohol. When appropriate, police may be called and the
child may be suspended or expelled from school.
9. You may not bring knives or other sharp objects hand guns, slingshots, matches,
fireworks, or any other explosive materials to school.
Why? It is dangerous and against the law.
What Happens? The objects will be taken away, and you will be sent to the principal.
Your parents will be notified. When appropriate, police may be called and the child may
be suspended or expelled from school.
10. Any physical or verbal attack is forbidden, as is all fighting (real or play-acting).
This includes any negative racial, ethnic, religious, or gender comments; swearing
and obscenities.
Why? Harassment can be verbal or physical. Every student must be safe from
intimidation or harm.
What Happens? You will be sent to the principal. Parents will be notified. When
appropriate, police may be called and the child may be suspended or expelled from
school.
11. You may not damage school property or the property of any other person. You
may not write on walls, desks, books, lockers, etc.
Why? School property belongs to all of us and should last for a long time. You do not
have the right to harm anything that belongs to another person.
What Happens? You will repair or pay for the damage. Your parents will be notified.
When appropriate, police may be called and the child may be suspended or expelled
from school.
12. Appropriate behavior is required in the cafeteria. All school rules and
expectations remain in effect during lunch.
Appropriate behavior at lunchtime includes:
a). Waiting quietly in lunch line and having your ticket ready;
b). Eating in assigned areas only and leaving your area clean and neat;
c). Using polite language and good table manners; being certain not to throw food
or not to take food belonging to others;
d). Emptying your tray in designated areas;
e). Talking quietly with your table partners;
f). Walking to your table and trash areas.
13. Students must respond appropriately and respectfully to all school staff, including
substitute teachers, bus drivers, playground and lunchroom monitors,
custodians, crossing guards, and parent volunteers.
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Newburyport Public Schools
Why? Using respectful, polite language is a sign of respect. Disrespect disrupts the
learning of all students and may endanger your safety and the safety of others. Please
refer to Massachusetts General Law, Article 37H, P. 19.
14. You may not be rude, defiant, or use foul language.
Why? Using good manners and polite language shows respect for your friends and
others around you.
What Happens? You will be sent to the Principal for disciplinary action. Your parents
may be notified.
15. Cheating will not be tolerated.
Why? Doing one’s own work and being honest are essential life skills.
What Happens? Your work will not be accepted by your teacher and the assignment
must be redone.
16. Throwing any item other than approved playground equipment is not allowed.
Why? It is potentially dangerous and destructive.
What Happens? Recess choices may be limited.
This Code of Conduct outlines the rights and responsibilities of all students. The list
of discipline standards has been prepared to meet the situations that most commonly
occur, but is BY NO MEANS all inclusive. There are many other instances which
require appropriate action (not defined here) to be taken by the administration. In
addition, these standards apply to all students regardless of special education need,
unless alternative consequences are specified in the student’s Individual Education
Plan.
ASSAULT ON A PRINCIPAL, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, TEACHER, INSTRUCTIONAL
ASSISTANT, OR OTHER SCHOOL STAFF
A student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, a teacher, a teacher’s aide, or any
member of the school staff will be subject to a ten (10) day suspension pending review by
the principal for further suspension or expulsion: parents and police will be notified verbally
and in writing.
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Newburyport Public Schools
BROWN SCHOOL
RECESS AND PLAYGROUND RULES
1. Keep your hands, feet and objects to yourself:
This means: No hitting or punching
No pushing
No kicking
No fighting- either real or play
No grabbing clothes or hats
No wrestling
2. Show Kindness
This means: No name-calling
No teasing
No swearing
No commenting on someone’s race, religion or gender
Play with someone who doesn’t have anyone to play with
3. Walk quietly and carefully when lining up, coming in and going out of
the building.
4. Stay where a teacher or monitor can see you and where you can see
them.
This means:
Stay on the pavement if you have been told to do so
Stay out of the puddles and mud
5. Respect other peoples’ space and property
This means:
Stay away from classroom windows
Stay off fences
Don’t take anyone else’s clothes, toys, or lunchbox
Don’t throw rocks, sticks, leaves, or snow
Don’t kick a ball against the window
6. Respect the environment
This means:
Don’t pull on or climb trees
Don’t pull out or pick plants
Leave sticks and rocks on the ground
Don’t dig holes in the dirt
Don’t put rocks or sticks on the basketball court
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Newburyport Public Schools
7. Pick up after yourself:
This means:
Put all equipment back on the cart (balls, chalk, jump
ropes)
Collect your belongings to bring inside
8. Use the equipment safely
This means:
Don’t bring toys on the equipment
Granite Amphitheater:
Monkey Bars:
Used for sitting only.
Only students ages 5 and up may use the
monkey bars. Do not sit on top of the
monkey bars.
Swings:
Swing with bottom on seat
Swing with your feet facing into the playground
Don’t spin around on sings
Don’t push or pull others
Don’t give “underdog” pushes to run under the
swing.
Slide:
Slide down sitting on bottom with feet first
Don’t climb up or under the slide
Don’t stay at the top
Don’t slide on your coat
Listen to all teacher and monitor’s instructions and tell an adult if you have a
problem.
Consequences:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Warning
Sit out part of recess- 2 – 5 minutes
Sit out rest of recess
Teacher to parent communication
Principal, including parent communication
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Newburyport Public Schools
SUSPENSION
A student who is on suspension from Brown School shall not trespass on school
property. The student must follow the admittance process as outlined in the letter of
suspension. School property involves the school buildings and any area of the
school grounds. A student on suspension is also excluded from participating in or
attending any school-related or school-sponsored functions, activities, or events.
Due Process for Suspensions Up to Ten (10) Days
A student facing a temporary (up to ten (10) days) suspension shall be given oral or
written notice of the charge(s) against him/her with an explanation of the evidence
against him/her. The student will be afforded the opportunity to present his/her
version of the incident to an impartial decision maker. This presentation of the
evidence to an impartial decision maker should precede the suspension, except
where students whose presence in the school poses a continuing danger to persons
or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process. Under these
circumstances, the student may be immediately removed from the school and the
necessary notice and hearing should follow as soon as is practicable. Goss v.
Lopez, 419 U.S. 565 (1975).
Massachusetts General Laws
Expulsion
Pursuant to Massachusetts state law, chapter 71, section 37H, students may be
expelled for the following reasons:
A. Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or
school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous
weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or knife, may be subject to
expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
B. Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or
school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of controlled
substance including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may
be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
C. Any student, who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s
aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or
school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion
from the school or school district by the principal.
Any student who is charged with a violation of any of the above shall be notified in
writing of an opportunity for a hearing before the principal.
Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these
provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student
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Newburyport Public Schools
shall have ten (10) days from the date of expulsion in which to notify the
superintendent of his/her appeal.
Felony Complaint or Conviction
Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon
the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal may
suspend said student for a period of time determined appropriate by the principal if
the principal determines that the student’s continued presence in the school would
have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The
student has the right to appeal this suspension to the superintendent in accordance
with Massachusetts state law, chapter 71, section 37H1/2.
Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in
court of guilt with respect to such felony or felony delinquency, the principal may
expel said student if the principal determines that the student’s presence in the
school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the
school. The student has the right to appeal this expulsion to the superintendent in
accordance with Massachusetts state law, chapter 71, section 37H1/2.
Special Education Students – Discipline
The disciplining of students with disabilities eligible for special education is governed
by federal and state special education laws and the regulations promulgated there
under. These laws included the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 U.S.C. 1401 et
seq., Its implementing regulations 34 C.F,R. 300 et seq., and the Massachusetts
General Laws, chapter 71B and its implementing regulations, 603 C.M.R. 28.00.
Students with disabilities who violate school rules are subject to removal from their
current educational placement for up to ten(10) school days per year, to the extent
that such a removal would be applied to students without disabilities, without prior
determination as to whether the misconduct is related to the student’s disability.
School personnel may order a change in educational placement of a child with a
disability to an appropriate Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) that
provides the student with a free appropriate public education for the same amount of
time that a child without a disability would be subject to discipline, but not for more
than forty-five (45) calendar days if the student:
A. Carries or possesses a weapon to or at school, on school premises, or to
or at a school function.
B. Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs at school, a school function, or
school-sponsored event.
C. Sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school, a school
function, or a school-sponsored event.
33
Newburyport Public Schools
Anytime school personnel seek to remove a student from his/her current educational
placement for more than ten(10) days in any school year, this constitutes a “change
of placement”. A change of placement invokes certain procedural protections under
the IDEA, the federal special education law. These include, but are not limited to:
A. If the school did not conduct a functional behavioral assessment and
implement a behavioral intervention plan for such student before the
behavior that resulted in the discipline, the school shall convene an IEP
meeting to develop an assessment plan to address the behavior; or if the
child already has a behavioral intervention plan, the IEP Team shall
review the plan and modify it, to address the behavior.
B. A review by the IEP Team of the relationship between the child’s disability
and the behavior subject to the disciplinary action, which is often referred
to as the Manifestation Determination.
School personnel may also seek an order from the Department of Education Bureau
of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) placing a student in an IAES for up to fortyfive ($%) calendar days.
Parents/guardians and/or students, where appropriate, may request a hearing at the
Bureau of Special Education Appeals regarding a disciplinary action described
above to challenge the interim alternative educational setting or the manifestation
determination.
For a copy of the Massachusetts Department of Education brochure on Special
Education Parents’ Rights, available in many languages, visit
www.doe.mass.edu/sped/parents or contact the Director of Special Education at
978-465-4453.
Students on 504 Plans - Discipline
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal statute which prohibits a
qualified individual with a disability from being excluded from the participation in,
denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity
receiving Federal financial assistance because of his/her disability. 29 U.S.C. 794
and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. 104 et seq. School personnel may not
suspend a student on a 504 plan for more than ten (10) school days without first
conducting a manifestation determination.
34
Newburyport Public Schools
DISTRICT
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
The Newburyport Public Schools are committed to making our learning environment a safe
and caring place for all students. We will treat each other with respect and we will refuse to
tolerate bullying in any form in our district. Students in our district are being taught through
prevention programs to identify, refuse to tolerate, cope with, and report bullying behavior.
In each school, interventions for students who engage in bullying behaviors will be clearly
outlined and behaviors will be assessed on a continuum from mild to severe that is
appropriate to the developmental level of the student(s).
Our district defines bullying as follows: Bullying is unfair and one-sided and involves an
imbalance of power. It happens when someone is repeatedly hurting, frightening,
threatening, or leaving someone out on purpose.
Like harassment, bullying situations take into account the perception of the victim and not
just the individual or group action.
Examples of bullying may occur in various environments such as the bus, gym, sport fields,
bathroom, locker room, classroom, hallway, internet, playground, cafeteria, and may include,
but are not limited to:











Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking, tripping, pushing, and so on.
Embarrassing someone on purpose.
Stealing or damaging another person’s things.
Ganging up on someone.
Saying something hurtful using various forms of media, including but not limited to,
text messaging, MySpace, Facebook, etc.
Teasing someone in a hurtful way.
Using put-downs, such as insulting someone’s differences.
Threatening or intimidating someone into a particular action.
Spreading rumors about someone on purpose to be hurtful.
Leaving someone out on purpose.
Trying to get other students to exclude someone.
Staff in our district will do the following things to prevent bullying and help children feel safe
at school:

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
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

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Supervise students according to building expectations.
Intervene safely and effectively in all bullying situations
Integrate bullying prevention into the culture of each school.
o Post Anti-Bullying Policy
o Provide parent and staff training
Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports.
Take seriously families’ and students’ concerns about bullying.
Look into all reported bullying incidents.
Assign consequences for bullying based on the school discipline code.
Provide immediate consequences for retaliation against students who report bullying.
Bullying situations will be responded to on an individual, case-by-case basis.
35
Newburyport Public Schools

Dependent upon the level of bullying behavior, police may be notified and/or become
involved.
Students in our district will do the following things to prevent bullying:






Treat each other respectfully.
Refuse to bully others.
Refuse to stand by and let others be bullied.
Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied.
Try to include everyone, especially those who are often left out.
Report bullying to an adult.
This policy is designed to disrupt a negative pattern of bullying behavior. It is an integrated
approach which incorporates disciplinary action, behavior management, preventative
education, and restorative justice (a balanced approach to the needs of the victim,
wrongdoer, and community through processes that preserve the safety and dignity of all).
Read: January 21, 2009
36
Newburyport Public Schools
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
The Brown School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and supportive
learning environment for all our students. Every student deserves to feel safe at
school in order for effective learning to take place. We have developed this antibullying policy to ensure that these goals will be met. Bullying behavior will not be
tolerated at the Brown School.
Bullying may happen on the bus, in the school or on the playground.
Examples of bullying behavior are:
• Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking, tripping, pushing, and so on.
• Embarrassing someone on purpose.
• Stealing or damaging another person’s things.
• Ganging up on someone.
• Saying something hurtful using various forms of media such as email or text
messaging
• Teasing someone in a hurtful way.
• Using put-downs, such as insulting someone’s differences.
• Threatening or intimidating someone into a particular action.
• Spreading rumors about someone on purpose to be hurtful.
• Leaving someone out on purpose.
• Trying to get other students to exclude someone.
Staff in our school will do the following things to prevent bullying and help
children feel safe at school:
• Supervise students according to building expectations.
• Watch for signs of bullying and stop it when it happens.
• Integrate bullying prevention into the culture of each school.
• Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports.
• Take seriously families’ and students’ concerns about bullying.
• Look into all reported bullying incidents.
• Assign consequences for bullying based on the school discipline code.
• Provide immediate consequences for retaliation against students who report
bullying.
• Bullying situations will be responded to on an individual, case-by-case basis.
• Dependent upon the level of bullying behavior, police may be notified and/or
become involved.
Students in our school will do the following things to prevent bullying:
• Treat each other respectfully.
• Refuse to bully others.
• Refuse to stand by and let others be bullied.
• Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is being bullied.
• Try to include everyone, especially those who are often left out.
• Report bullying to an adult.
37
Newburyport Public Schools
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE FOR BULLYING BEHAVIOR
Warning
A staff member may re-direct or re-teach the rule with which a student is having
difficulty. Depending upon the severity of the offense, the student may be referred
directly to the Principal, Assistant principal, School Counselor or School
Psychologist.
Step One: Referred to Principal, Assistant Principal, School Counselor or
School Psychologist First Time
An individual conference is held with student(s) involved. School expectations and
rules for bullying are reviewed with student. The Incident Solutions sheet is
completed and sent home to be signed by the parent and returned. Student is
informed of Steps 2-3.
Interventions Step One:
1. Apology and making amends by repairing, cleaning, replacing
2. Loss of privileges
Step Two: Referred to Principal, Assistant Principal or School Counselor,
Second Time
Student/Parent/Teacher/ Principal, Assistant principal, School Counselor or School
Psychologist conference required. Behavior plan is created, which is signed by
parent(s) and student.
Interventions Step Two:
1. Loss of privileges.
2. Parent Notification
4. Make an environmental change:
a) move seat
b) adjust schedule
c) increase level of supervision
4. Develop a behavior plan
Step Three: Recurring bullying incidents
Parents will be notified. Conference with Principal, Assistant principal, School
Counselor or School Psychologist could be followed by temporary removal from
group activities, in school suspension or out of school suspension. If suspension
occurs a meeting is required with the Student /Parent/Teacher/ Principal, Assistant
Principal, School Counselor or School Psychologist before student will be allowed to
return to class.
38
Newburyport Public Schools
Hierarchy of Bullying Behaviors and their Possible
Interventions
Definition of Bullying: Bullying is unfair and one-sided; it involves an imbalance of power. It happens when
someone is repeatedly hurting, frightening, threatening or leaving someone out on purpose. Like harassment,
bullying situations take into account the perception of the victim and not just the individual or group action.
Please note that any of the interventions may be enacted. Depending upon the severity or frequency of the
behavior, a Level One offense may arise to that of a Level Two intervention and a Level Two offense may
arise to that of a Level Three intervention.
Level One Bullying Behaviors
Gossiping/Spreading Rumors
Embarrassing someone on purpose
Pushing/Kicking/Hitting
Spitting
Mocking, Mimicking
Level One Possible Interventions
1. Apology and making amends by:
hiring, cleaning, replacing
writing an apology note
2. Loss of privileges
3. Parent Notification
4. Develop a behavior plan
5. Make an environmental Change
move seat
adjust schedule
increase level of supervision
6. Detention issued
Name-calling/Put Downs
Dirty Looks
Teasing in a hurtful way
Daring someone to break a school rule
Excluding from a group
A pattern of Level 1 offenses may result in interventions for Level 2 offenses and referral for additional
intervention services,
Level Two Bullying Behaviors
Threatening to take or destroy a possession
Taking or destroying a possession
Making verbal threats to harm or intimidate
Encouraging others to exclude someone
Intervention
Encouraging others to spread rumors
Retaliation against someone reporting bullying
Humiliating someone publically
Teasing in a racial/sexual manner
Level Three Bullying Behaviors
Physical Violence
Plan/Counseling Intervention
Threatening with a weapon
Retaliation
Racial/Sexual Harassment
Level Two Possible Interventions
1. Loss of privileges
2. Making amends
school-based community service
writing an apology note
3. Detention issued
4. Student Behavior
Plan/Counseling
5. In-school suspension
6. Out-of-school suspension
Level Possible Interventions
1. Student Behavior
2. In-school suspension
Please note that possible interventions may be used from the list above based on the offense
Newburyport Public Schools
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Newburyport Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,
age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment
in its programs and activities.
The Newburyport Public Schools is committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based
on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability. Harassment by
administrators certified and support personnel, students, vendors and other individuals at school or at schoolsponsored events is unlawful and is strictly prohibited. The Newburyport Public Schools requires all
employees and students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect to their fellow
employees, students and all members of the school community.
To file a complaint alleging discrimination by Newburyport Public Schools on the basis of race,
color, national origin, sex, gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or to make
inquiry concerning the application of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, the Age
Discrimination Act, or applicable state laws and their respective implementing regulations, please
contact:
Barbara Dee
OR
Director of Pupil Services
Title IX Coordinator
Human Rights Officer
Newburyport Public Schools
70 Low Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-465-4456
Personnel designated in
each school’s student and
parent handbook
Inquiries concerning the applicability of the aforementioned federal laws and regulations to Newburyport
Public Schools also may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR),
United States Department of Education
As of July 15, 2005: U.S. DOE Office for Civil Rights
Office for Civil Rights, Room 701
33 Arch Street 9th floor
Boston, MA 02110
Tel. 617-289-0111
Fax 617-289-0150
(TTY: 1-800-437-0833)
A grievant may file a complaint with OCR, generally,
1.
2.
3.
4.
within 180 calendar days of alleged discrimination or harassment, or
within 60 calendar days of receiving notice of Newburyport Public School's final disposition
on a complaint filed through Newburyport Public Schools, or
within 60 calendar days of receiving a final decision by the Massachusetts Department of
Education, Bureau of Special Education Appeals, or
instead of filing a complaint with Newburyport Public Schools
Inquiries relative to state law may be referred to the Massachusetts Department of Education, 350 Main
Street, Malden, MA 02148-5023 (telephone 781-338-3300) (TTY 1-800-439-0183) or the Massachusetts
Commission Against Discrimination at One Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 (telephone 617-727-3990)
(TTY 617-994-6196).
Newburyport Public Schools
NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 requires that no qualified individual with a
disability shall, because the district’s facilities are inaccessible to are unusable by individuals with
disabilities, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of the services, programs,
and activities of the district or be subject to discrimination. Nor shall the district exclude or
otherwise deny services, programs, or activities to an individual because of the known disability of a
person with whom the individual is known to have a relationship or association.
Definition
A “qualified individual with a disability” is an individual with a disability who, with or without
reasonable modification to rules, policies, or practices, the removal or architectural,
Communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets
The essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or
activities provided by the district.
Reasonable Modification
The district shall make reasonable modification in policies, practices, or procedures when the
modifications are necessary to practices, to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the
district can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the
service, program, or activity.
Communications
The district shall take the appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants,
participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with
others. To this end, the district shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary
to afford an individual with a disability and equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy benefits of,
a service, program, or activity conducted by the district. In determining what type of auxiliary aid
service is necessary, the district shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individuals
with disabilities.
Auxiliary Aids and Services
“Auxiliary Aids and Services” includes:
(1.) Qualified interpreters, note takers, transcription services, written materials, assistive listening
systems, and other effective methods for making aurally delivered materials available to individuals
with hearing impairments.
(2.) Qualified readers, taped texts, audio recordings, Brailed materials, large print materials, or other
effective methods for making visually delivered materials available to individuals with visual
impairments.
(3.) Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices.
(4.) Other similar services and actions.
Limits of Required Modification
The district is not required to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental
alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity or in undue financial and administrative
burdens. Any decision that, in compliance with its responsibility to provide effective
communication for individuals with disabilities, would fundamentally alter the service, program, or
activity or unduly burden the district shall be made by the Superintendent after considering all
Newburyport Public Schools
resources available for use in funding and operating the program, service, or activity. The decision
shall be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion.
Notice
The district shall make available to applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested
persons information regarding the provisions of Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act
(ADA) and its applicability to the services, programs, or activities of the district. The information
shall be made available in such a manner as the School Committee and Superintendent find
necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by the
ADA.
Compliance Coordinator
The district shall designate at least one employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry
out its responsibilities under Title II of ADA, including any investigation of any complaint
communicated to it alleging its noncompliance or alleging any actions that would be prohibited
under ADA. The district shall make available to all interested individuals the name, office address,
and telephone number of the employee(s) so designated and shall adopt and publish procedures for
the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action that would be prohibited under
the ADA. The Title IX coordinator will serve the function of Compliance Coordinator.
The School system receives Federal financial assistance and must comply with the above
requirements. Additionally, it is generally viewed that:
1. Discrimination against a qualified handicapped person solely on the basis of handicap is
unfair.
2. To the extend possible, qualified handicapped persons should be in the mainstream of life
in a school community.
Accordingly, employees of the school system will comply with the above requirements of the law
and policy statements of the School System to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of handicap.
LEGAL REFS.:
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504
Education For All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
M.G.L. 71B:1 es seq. (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972)
Title II, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992
Board of Education Chapter 766 Regulations, adopted 10/74, as amended
Through 3/28/78
Newburyport Public Schools
POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT
INCLUDING HARASSMENT BASED UPON SEX, RACE, COLOR,
NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, AGE, HANDICAP AND/OR DISABILITY, GENDER
IDENTITY, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION
Newburyport Public Schools is committed to the prevention of harassment based upon sex, race,
color, national origin, religion, age, handicap and/or disability, gender identity, and sexual
orientation. This policy has been developed to ensure that the educational opportunities of all
students, and the employment conditions of all employees, are not threatened or limited by such
harassment. This policy defines prohibited conduct, the responsibility of the School District to
prevent the occurrence of such prohibited conduct, the personal responsibilities of all students,
employees, and agents of the School District to ensure prohibited conduct does not occur, a referral
procedure for reporting violations of this policy, and defined disciplinary procedures if violations of
this policy have been substantiated.
HARASSMENT/PROHIBITED CONDUCT DEFINED
A. Prohibited Conduct includes, but not necessarily limited to the following conduct when related
to a person’s sex (gender), race, color, national origin, religion, age, handicap and/or disability,
gender identity, and sexual orientation and when such conduct is unwelcomed by the recipient:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
name calling, teasing, jokes, rumors, or other derogatory or dehumanizing remarks
graffiti
notes or cartoons
unwelcome touching of a person or clothing
offensive or graphic posters, pictures, or book covers, or other possessions
any words or actions that provoke feelings of discomfort, embarrassment, or hurt.
Prohibited Conduct: slurs, swastikas, and related types of verbal harassment can be instances of a
hate crime and can be pursued in the legal system as a civil rights violation. Hate crimes will be
reported to appropriate law enforcement agencies for anti-bias criminal investigations.
The foregoing list was provided to give some concrete examples of conduct that constitutes
harassment. However, all members of the Newburyport community must assess their conduct in
light of the following definitions of the various forms of harassment. Thus, if certain conduct is not
listed in the foregoing list, but does fall into one of the following definitions of harassment, then the
conduct is harassment and is prohibited conduct.
A. Sexual Harassment/Gender Harassment consisted of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact or other verbal or physical conduct or
communication of a sexual nature when:
1. submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or
implicitly, of obtaining an education, or obtaining or retaining employment;
2. submission to or rejection of that conduct of communication by an individual is
used as a factor in decisions affecting the individual’s education or employment;
3. that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or
Newburyport Public Schools
unreasonably interfering with an individual’s education or employment, or
creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational or work environment;
4. that conduct adversely affects and individual’s academic or employment opportunities.
Sexual Harassment includes but is not limited to:
1. unwelcome verbal harassment or abuse;
2. unwelcome pressure for sexual activity;
3. unwelcome sexually motivated or inappropriate touching, patting, pinching, or
other sexual contact other than reasonable and necessary restraints of students by
teachers, administrators, or other school personnel to avoid physical harm to
persons or property;
4. unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual factors,
accompanied by implied or over threats concerning an individual’s educational or
employment status;
5. unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors,
accompanied by implied, or overt promises of preferential treatment with regard to
an individual’s educational or employment status;
6. unwelcome behavior or words directed at an individual because of gender;
7. sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral reference to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s
sex life; comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual
activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
8. displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons;
9. inquiries into one’s sexual experiences;
10. discussion of one’s sexual activities
Sexual harassment can include prohibited conduct as defined above that occurs between members of
the same or opposite sex.
Sexual harassment in the workplace and retaliation against an individual for filing or cooperating in
an investigation of complaint is unlawful.
Policy Against Harassment
C. Harassment in addition consists of conduct that is related to an individual’s race, color, national
origin, religion, age, handicap and/or disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation when the
conduct:
1. has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic or work
or work environment;
2. has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonable interfering with an
individual’s academic or work performance;
3. otherwise adversely affects an individual’s academic or employment opportunities
RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Individual: All students, teachers, administrators and other school personnel of the
Newburyport School District are responsible for creating and environment that is free of
harassment and other offensive behaviors, and for conducting themselves in a manner
consistent with the spirit and intent of this policy.
B. Principals: Principals are responsible to ensure that this policy is conspicuously posted in
Newburyport Public Schools
appropriate student/employee work areas, and that it is printed in each school’s student
handbook. The posting shall include the name, mailing address, and telephone number of
each school’s harassment contact, as well as the name, address, and telephone number of
the District Human Resource Officer.
C. Superintendent of Designee: The Newburyport School District is responsible for the
Dissemination of this policy and training. The School District will ensure that:
1. will develop a method of discussing this policy with students and employees.
2. will provide appropriate training to administrators and others who are assigned
the responsibility to implement the procedures of this policy.
3. will see that this policy is reviewed at least annually for compliance with state and
federal law.
LEGAL REFERENCE
Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments to the
Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age of Discrimination in
Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971, G.L. c.
151B and G.L. c. 151C, G.L. 265 Section 37, G.L. 265 Section 39, G.L. 266 Section 98, G.L. 266
Section 126A, and G.L. 266 Section 126B.
Newburyport Public Schools
POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT - PROCEDURES
REPORTING PROCEDURES
Any person who believes that a student, teacher, administrator or other school personnel has engaged
in conduct prohibited by this policy, whether such conduct has been directed at him/her or some
other person, is encouraged to report the alleged prohibited conduct as soon as possible to the
appropriate individual listed in this policy (see pages 6 & 7 for contact names).
The reporting party or complainant is encouraged to use the report form (see attachment I)
available from each Principal of each school or available from the School District’s Central Office,
but oral reports will be considered complaints as well. Nothing in this policy shall prevent any
person from reporting alleged prohibited conduct directly to the District Human Rights Officer or to
the Superintendent. Further, nothing in this policy shall prevent any person from reporting alleged
prohibited conduct to a different administrator than the administrator designated, or in the case of a
student, to a district employee.
The School District designates the Assistant Superintendent as the District Human Rights Officer
with responsibility to oversee administration of these procedures and to monitor compliance. If a
complaint involves the Assistant Superintendent, the complaint shall be made or filed directly with
the Superintendent. If a complaint involves the Superintendent, the report will be filed directly with
the School Committee.
In each school there are two (2) designees with the responsibility for receiving and investigating oral
or written reports of alleged prohibited conduct. Any employee who receives a report of alleged
prohibited conduct shall inform the principal or his/her designee, as soon as possible. If the
complaint involves the school principal, the complaint shall be filed with the Superintendent.
A.
How to File a Complaint – If any Newburyport School District student or employee
believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment or has observed potential
violations of the Policy Against Harassment, that student or employee has a right to file
a complaint.
B.
Harassment Contacts – If you would like to file a complaint, you may do so by contacting:
Francis T. Bresnahan Elementary School Contacts
Kristina Davis, Principal
Karina Mascia Fayles, Assistant Principal
G. W. Brown School Contact
Amy Sullivan, Principal
Edward G. Molin School Contact
Tara Rossi, Principal
Rupert A. Nock Middle School Contacts
Beth Raucci, Principal
Lisa Furlong, Assistant Principal
Newburyport Public Schools
Newburyport High School Contacts
Michael Parent, Principal
Michael Testa, Associate Principal
Title IX Coordinator
Human Rights Officer
Barbara Dee, Director of Pupil Services
Newburyport Public Schools
COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES
Upon receipt of a report or complaint of alleged prohibited conduct, the responsible
administrator or designee shall initiate a timely investigation of the complaint.
If warranted by the circumstances of the complaint, the District Human Rights Officer may
assist the harassment contact with the investigation, may assume responsibility for the
investigation, or may authorize an investigation by a third party who shall report to the
District Human Rights Officer.
The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant(s), the
individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others that may have knowledge of
the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may
also consist of any other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator.
In determining whether “alleged conduct” constitutes a violation of this policy, the
investigator shall consider the surrounding circumstances: the nature of the behavior, past
incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationship between the parties
involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. Whether a particular
action or incident constitutes a violation of this policy requires a determination based on all
facts and surrounding circumstances.
The investigation will be completed as soon as practicable and written monthly reports will
be filed by the building contact person with the District Human Rights Officer. It is advised
that the contact person keeps the principal and the Title IX coordinator informed
immediately when deemed necessary. The District Human Rights Officer will give periodic
reports to the Superintendent on the status and outcome of complaints. The reports will
include a determination of whether the allegations have been substantiated as factual and
whether they appear to be violations of this policy. The complainant will be informed in
writing as to whether or not the allegation of harassment was substantiated. It is the
responsibility of the Superintendent to determine disciplinary action if necessary.
During the entire process of reporting, investigating, and corrective action (if applicable),
confidentiality will be maintained to every extent possible.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Upon completion of an investigation and substantiation of the complaint, the School District
will take appropriate corrective action. Such action may include, but is not limited to, an
apology, direction to stop the offensive behavior, counseling, or training, warning,
suspension, exclusion, expulsion, transfer, remediation, termination, or discharge. School
District action taken for violation of this policy will be consistent with requirements of
applicable collective bargaining agreements, Massachusetts and federal laws and School
District policies.
At the close of an investigation, the complainant will be informed in writing that the alleged
harassment was substantiated or not substantiated. In accordance with state and federal
law regarding law or records privacy, the complainant will also be informed that appropriate
corrective action has been taken.
Newburyport Public Schools
In the case of substantiated harassment by an employee, the Superintendent will include a
written statement of the findings, the corrective action taken, and the consequences of
continued harassment, in the individual’s personnel file.
In the case of substantiated harassment by a student, the principal will include a written
statement, as above, in the student’s discipline file.
REPRISAL
The School District will discipline or take appropriate actions against any student, teacher,
administrator, or school employee who retaliates against any person who reports an
alleged violation of this policy or any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an
investigation, or who testifies, assists, or participates in a proceeding or hearing relating to
such harassment. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation,
reprisal or harassment.
RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
These procedures do not deny the right of any individual to pursue other avenues of
recourse that may include:
A.
filing charges with the Massachusetts Department of Education, Massachusetts
Commission Against Discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,
and
the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education; Office of the District
Attorney for the Eastern District.
B.
initiating civil action or seeking redress under criminal statutes and/or federal law.
HARASSMENT AS CHILD ABUSE
Under certain circumstance, alleged harassment may also constitute abuse or neglect
under
G.L. c.119 51A. If so, State requirements for mandatory reporting must be followed.
Newburyport Public Schools
Newburyport Public Schools
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
RE: COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE INVOLVING THE NEWBURYPORT SCHOOLS,
POLICE & THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
I.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The Newburyport Public Schools, the Newburyport Police Department, and the Essex
County District Attorney’s Office agree to coordinate their response to violent, delinquent,
or criminal acts by students and to alcohol and other drug use, which occur on school
premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events. To ensure a safe educational
environment, this collaborative effort between school administration and law enforcement
supports “zero tolerance” for drugs, alcohol, weapons and violence. Non-students involved
in such acts on school premises or at school events are to be reported as students are.
It continues to remain the sole prerogative of school officials to impose discipline for
infractions of school rules and policies. In cases where the school has reported an incident
to the police, as described below, the school agrees to notify the police department before
suspending a student under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 37H ½.
M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 37H requires each school district to have a written Code of
Conduct reflected in student handbooks stating the standards and procedures to assure
building security and safety of students and school personnel, and the disciplinary
measures to be taken in cases involving the possession or use of illegal substances or
weapons, the use of force, vandalism, or civil rights violations. Reference to this
Memorandum shall be made in these handbooks.
II.
OBJECTIVES
A.
To develop and implement a process for school officials and local police to
coordinate a response to criminal/delinquent behavior and to refer appropriate first
time or early offenders, ages 7-17, to the Essex County District Attorney’s Juvenile
Diversion Program. The Juvenile Diversion Program is an alternative to the court
system. Participating youth are required to attend counseling/education programs,
perform community service and in some cases pay restitution. Youth who
successfully complete the Juvenile Diversion Program will have no court record.
B.
To work with a Substance Abuse Advisory Committee, which should include
representatives for the school-age population, local police, clergy, parents,
teachers, school administrators, community agency representatives and the District
Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Coordinator, and which should make
recommendations to the appropriate school officials and parent groups concerning
more effective ways to promote an awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol
use and abuse and sound preventative measures.
III.
PROCEDURES
While acknowledging that school officials are not agents of the police or
Commonwealth and the Commonwealth and police are not agents of the agents of
Newburyport Public Schools
the school, the school and police should develop policies and protocols for
coordinated efforts.
A.
The Superintendent of Schools and the school Principal are responsible for reporting
acts. The Police Chief shall designate an officer (or officers) to coordinate all
reported criminal acts.
A mandatory reportable act shall include:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Any serious incident of assaultive behavior, assault and battery, destruction of
property, or theft;
Violation of a restraining order;
Possession of a dangerous weapon;
Finding any student who is in actual or constructive possession of what is
reasonably believed to be a controlled substance as defined by state law,
except that possession of drugs pursuant to a valid prescription is a
discretionary reportable act; and
Having a reasonable belief that any student has sold or offered to sell or
Otherwise distributed a drug which is believed to be a controlled substance
under the law.
A discretionary reportable act shall include:
1)
2)
Any student’s violation of a state criminal statute which warrants reporting but
is not as serious as a mandatory reportable act; and
Finding any student, regardless of age, who is reasonably believed to be
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
B.
Any teacher or other school employee who has reasonable grounds to believe that a
student has committed a mandatory reportable act or a discretionary reportable act,
as defined above, shall take (or cause to be taken) the student to the Principal or
Superintendent. The Principal/Superintendent shall ask the reporting
teacher/employee what happened and take custody of any physical evidence.
C.
The Principal/Superintendent shall inform the student and his/her parent or guardian
of the nature of the offense and inform them that certain offenses must be reported
to the police.
The Principal/Superintendent may offer the student the opportunity to respond to the
teacher/employee’s report. The Principal/Superintendent shall in the case of a
mandatory reportable act, and may in the case of a discretionary reportable act,
notify the police of the incident and the existence of any physical evidence. All
contraband (drug, alcohol, firearms, and dangerous weapons) shall be immediately
surrendered to the appropriate police department.
In addition, the Principal/Superintendent will comply with M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section
37L requiring that an incident involving a student’s possession or use of a dangerous
weapon on school premises at any time be reported in writing to the Chief of Police.
This report must be filed in any case involving a student’s possession or use of a
dangerous weapon on school premises, regardless of whether it occurred during
school hours, and whether or not the student has been expelled.
Newburyport Public Schools
D.
School personnel are permitted to search a student’s clothing, personal
possessions, or locker at the direction of the Principal/Superintendent if there is a
reasonable basis for believing that the student is concealing material the possession
of which is prohibited by federal, state, or local law, or the provisions of the School
Discipline Code. However, if the Principal/Superintendent believes, prior to the
search, that the student’s act should be reported to the police, they should inform the
police that the school intends to conduct the search.
The Principal/Superintendent shall inform students in writing at the beginning of
each school year of this practice. The Principal/Superintendent should keep a
record of such searches detailing time, place, reasons and witnesses.
E.
Upon notification from the Principal/Superintendent, police shall respond in cases of
mandatory reportable acts and may respond in other cases.
F.
Juvenile offenders who meet the eligibility criteria for the Essex County District
Attorney’s Juvenile Diversion Program may be admitted to that program in lieu of
prosecution. The Juvenile Diversion/Juvenile Justice Coordinator together with
police and the Assistant District Attorney will decide which candidates should be
offered the Juvenile Diversion Program. Cases that are not appropriate for Juvenile
Diversion will be prosecuted through the Juvenile Justice System.
G.
For those student offenders who have reached their seventeenth birthday, the
police and the Assistant District Attorney will decide which adult cases to
prosecute in the criminal court.
Newburyport Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTRONIC INFORMATION USE POLICY
The Newburyport School Committee recognizes that telecommunications and other new
technologies have altered the ways that information may be accessed and communicated
by students and staff. The School Committee supports access by students to reach
information resources along with the development by staff of skills to analyze and evaluate
such resources.
In the past, school instructional and library materials could be screened before being used
by students. The technologies have drastically changed, and will continue to change, how
that information may be acquired and used. One consequence is that effective screening
has become problematical.
The School Committee nonetheless believes that in a free and democratic society
operating in an ever-changing world, the educational benefits to students of free and ready
access to information outweigh the concerns that go along with that access.
The Committee also believes that with such freedom comes commensurate responsibility.
While parents and guardians are responsible for setting overall standard
for their children, the school system is responsible for providing guidance and instruction to
students in the appropriate use of such resources for educational purposes. The
Committee expects all members of the Newburyport school community to maintain high
ethical standards in accessing and using information, whatever the source.
NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT
603 CMR 23.07: Access to Student Records
Access Procedures for Non-Custodial Parents. As required by M.G.L. c. 71, 34H, a noncustodial parent may have access to the student record in accordance with the following
provisions.
(a) A non-custodial parent is eligible to obtain access to the student record unless:
1. the parent has been denied legal custody based on a threat to the safety of
the student or to the custodial parent, or
2. the parent has been denied visitation or has been ordered to supervised
visitation, or
3. the parent’s access to the student or the custodial parent has been restricted
by a temporary or permanent protective order, unless the protective order (
or any subsequent order modifying the protective order) specifically allows
access to the information contained in the student record.
(b) In order to obtain access, the non-custodial parent must submit a written request
for the student record to the school principal.