STUDENT HANDBOOK 

TIME & BELL SCHEDULE

REGULAR SCHOOL DAY

A Block .......................... 7:27 – 8:42
BREAK ........................... 8:45– 9:15
B Block .......................... 9:18–10:37
C Block .......................... 10:41–12:30

Lunch A ............. 10:41– 11:06
Lunch B ............. 11:15– 11:40
Lunch C............. 12:00 – 12:24

D Block .......................... 12:34–1:50

HALF DAY

A Block .......................... 7:27 – 8:15
B Block .......................... 8:20 – 9:10
C Block .......................... 9:15 –10:05
D Block .......................... 10:10 –10:50

GENERAL INFORMATION

BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT

The Groton-Dunstable Regional High School District provides most textbooks and equipment needed by the students. This material is on loan to the student. In cases where books and equipment are lost, damaged or destroyed in excess of reason­able wear and tear, the student will be charged an amount suffi­cient to cover the loss. All textbooks are to be covered at all times.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

It is the responsibility of each student/parent to notify the office of any change of address or phone number.

DRESS CODE

The purpose of a school dress code, as determined by the Groton Dunstable HS Leadership Team, is to:

• Encourage a positive learning environment

• Provide guidelines so as not to distract from learning

• Outline school interventions if dress code is not upheld

• Prepare students for life

Students are to refrain from appearance or dress that would dis­rupt the learning profficess including: clothing imprinted with obscenities, sexual references, or messages promoting tobacco, drugs, alcohol or gang affiliations. A general list of attire that has contributed to disruptions in the classroom and climate of the school is on file with the Assistant Principal for reference.

Hats may be worn in the hallways and cafeteria. Please remem­ber to remove hats in classrooms, the library, and the guidance office.

Students will be asked to change their attire, being sent home if necessary, if it causes a disruption to the learning profficess. Whenever this is disputed, the administrator’s decision will be final. Repeated administrative intervention will result in discipli­nary action.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones: Students may bring cell phones to school howev­er they should not be seen during school hours. Cell phones may be used before 7:27 and after 2:00 in the Commons Area and outside. Cell phones may not be used in the general hallways and classroom at any time. Students whose cell phone goes off in class are required to turn their cell phone into their teacher who will submit the phone to the administration. Students who do not turn in their cell phone will be referred to the office for disrupting the learning environment and insubordi­nation. On the first offense, the cell phone will be returned to the student at the end of the day. Subsequent offenses will require that a parent pick up the student’s phone. Repeated offenses will result in a student’s privilege to possess a cell phone being revoked.

Personal listening devices are allowed on school grounds and may be used during lunch in the cafeteria with headphones. For safety and management purposes, students are not allowed to have headphones visible in the hallway. CD Players/MP3 players/headphones etc should be in backpacks when in hallways/class. Students use of these items in the classroom is limited to teacher discretion and should at no time disrupt the learning profficess. Any music played should not be at a volume disruptive to others or have content of an explicit nature.

Other electronic devices such as portable stereos, portable DVD players, video games etc. are not allowed on campus with­out prior administrative approval.

Due to networking compatibility, personal computers are not allowed on school grounds.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARDS

To ensure up to date and accurate information, it is imperative for parents to complete a new emergency information card annually. Students failing to submit updated information by the end of the first week of school are subject to disciplinary action. 

GAMBLING

Gambling is not allowed on school property at any time. If play­ing cards, dice, or other gaming devices are used to make bets, they will be confiscated and returned to a parent or guardian upon request.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER:

The school has available for student use a library and a media center for research and reference work. To access the library during school hours, students need a pass from their classroom teacher. They need to sign in and sign out from the library upon entrance and exit. To borrow material or use the Internet, in addition to any other requirements, students need to present their student ID card.

Books and Magazines may be borrowed for three weeks. Providing that no request has been made for a borrowed book, students will be allowed to renew the loan for another three weeks. Some material can only be borrowed for short periods of time. Much of the reference material cannot be removed from the library.

Students will lose borrowing privileges if a book is overdue. After two weeks time, if the book has not been returned, the student will not be allowed to return to the library or media center until reimbursement is made. Current issues of magazines may be read in the library. Magazine back issues may be borrowed until the Friday of the week in which they were borrowed. The replacement cost will determine the charge for lost or damaged materials.

LOCKERS

Lockers and locks are provided as a means for students to keep their personal belongings such as books, clothing, school sup­plies, lunches, etc., secure. PE lockers and locks are also pro­vided.

Authorized school personnel may open student lockers for inspection. Students should not bring valuables or large sums of money to school. The school cannot be held responsible for materials missing from lockers. If a lock is missing, the student must pay a $4.50 fee in order to get another lock. Students should keep locker combinations private and make sure that locks are properly secured. Report all thefts to the Main Office.

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found articles can be claimed in the Cafeteria Common Area. Unclaimed articles will be disposed of at the conclusion of each quarter.

LUNCH

The lunchroom should be an orderly place where students may enjoy lunch and conversation with their friends. Therefore, any inappropriate behavior will result in disciplinary action. Use of lava­tories during lunch is restricted to those in the Cafeteria Common Area. Students may not be in the corridors, or in a classroom, during their lunch without explicit written permission from staff. Students scheduled for lunch who are found in any other area without a proper pass will be subject to disciplinary action.

MOTOR VEHICLES

Student parking is available for Seniors and Juniors. There is no student parking for underclassmen. Students wishing to park their car on campus must register their car with the main office. There is a registration fee of $25.

Seat Belt Use

As per state law, seatbelts are required to be worn while operat­ing a vehicle on school property. Any operator responsible for a violation of the above is subject to receiving: a written warning and 2 weeks loss of parking privileges. Repeat infraction will result in notification of the driver’s parents and possible permanent revocation of parking eligibility.

Parking Violations

ANY VEHICLE PARKED IMPROPERLY, USING THE FACULTY PARKING LOT, OR MISSING A VALID STICKER IS SUBJECT TO TOWING OR BOOTING AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE. NO PRIOR WARNING IS NECESSARY. ANY STUDENT WITH MORE THAN 6 TARDIES, EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED, MAY HAVE THEIR PARKING STICKER REVOKED. ANY STUDENT WHO USES THEIR VEHICLE TO LEAVE SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION WILL HAVE THEIR PARKING STICKER REVOKED.

Automobiles are to be parked only in designated spaces in the Student Parking Lot, located in front of the school. Students are not to park on grassy areas, in the roadway, in the teachers’ parking area, or behind the school. The upper parking lot by the athletic fields is reserved for students with parking stickers.

Once a vehicle has arrived on school property, it should be parked and all students should immediately leave the parking area. No student is to return to the parking area or enter an automobile without permission from the administration or until school has been dismissed for the day. The only excep­tion to this is for Seniors during their Senior Project block. If a student is in violation of this, he or she will receive a minimum of three detentions. Repeated offenses may result in suspension.

Sophomores will be allowed to park on school grounds after graduation for areduced fee of $10.

Safe Operation

Students are asked to remain safe and cautious drivers. All drivers are reminded that the speed limit on school property is 20 miles per hour. The exit from the student parking lot is school property. No student vehicles are allowed on the Emergency Access road. Students exiting the parking lot are not allowed to cut into line in front of moving school buses. Loss of parking privileges will result and the offending driver may face fines. Passing a school bus with its red lights ?ashing may result in the student receiving a fine of up to $200.All moving and standing motor vehicle violations could result in a ticket from the Police Department.

OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Students must meet all outstanding financial obligations before they can move on to the next grade level. In addition, seniors must meet all financial obligations before graduating.

SKATEBOARDING

Skateboarding is not allowed on the school campus at any time.

SKIP DAYS

Any day taken by a class for the purpose of going to the beach or participating in a similar type activity will not be condoned. “Skip Day” is NOT authorized and is against School Committee and state policy. Parents should be mindful that they are setting a poor example for their children by condoning this kind of absenteeism

STUDENT RECORDS

Student Records consists of:

•    A transcript containing the student’s name, address, phone number, and birth date; the name, address, and phone num­ber of the parents or guardians; course titles; grades; grade level completed; and the year completed. Transcripts are filed in the guidance office.

•    A temporary record containing the majority of the informa­tion maintained by the school about the student. This may include such items as standardized test results, class rank, school sponsored extracurricular activities, and disciplinary action.

Family Information and Privacy Act

Educational records can not be released to third parties without permission, with informed, written consent of the parent/guardian or the student.the exception of directory information designat­ed by the school district. Directory information can be released without permission provided schools notify parents annually.

With a few exceptions, no individuals or organizations but the student, parent/guardian, and school personnel working directly with the student, are allowed to have access to information in the student record without the specific,

Under federal and state law, MGL 71:34H, a divorced or sepa­rated parent has the right to access his/her child’s student records unless there is a court order, state statute, or legally binding document specifically revoking these rights. A non-custodial parent must submit a written request to the principal annu­ally in order to receive reports. No records will be released until 21 days after rnotification of the custodial parent of such a request.

VISITORS

All visitors, including parents, must report to the Main Office and receive a visitor’s badge, prior to going elsewhere in the build­ing. Student visitors will not be allowed in the building during the school day without prior approval from teachers and the office. Student visitors will be allowed to visit teachers/students after school hours (1:50 P.M.) or attend after school events after sign­ing in at the main office.

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

COMMUNICATING ABSENCES TO SCHOOL

OFFICE PHONE: (978) 448-6362

Phone calls from parents to excuse absences are required on the day the student is absent. If telephone communication is not possible, any student who has been absent must bring, on the day of return, a note to the main office containing the following information:

• Date(s) of absence

• Student's first and last name

• Reason for absence

• Parent/Guardian signature

• Number where parent can be reached during the day

If a no note is received, the student will be considered truant and will be scheduled for four detentions (first offense). NOTE: Students will be assigned 1 detention for absences that are excused after 24 hours.

Unexcused absences may impact the credit which students received for assignments missed. In order to receive any credit, assignments must be submitted immediately upon the student’s return to school. Tests and quizzes missed due to an unexcused absence may be made up for reduced credit at the convenience of the teacher within in one week. REDUCED CREDIT WILL BE 2 GRADES BELOW ACHIEVED SCORE.

Excessive absences may impact the student’s ability to learn and to earn credit for a course. Absences from school on a Friday will impact a student’s ability to participate in school activities on Friday evening (dances) and during the weekend. Please refer to the school’s Attendance Policy for more information.

DISMISSALS

Students who need to be dismissed from school must present a note from their parents or guardian to the Main Office at the beginning of the school, on the day of dismissal. The dismissal note must include a number where the parent or guardian may be reached in order to verify the dismissal.

No dismissal notes will be accepted after the student has left school without permission from the office. A student who has left school without permission will be suspended for 2 days. Classes missed due to dismissal count towards the attendance requirement unless the appeals committee has waived them. (see attendance policy)

Once a student has left school, he/she may not return without checking in with an appointment verification at the main office. If he/she neglects to do this the student will be considered an unregistered student. and assigned 3 detentions. Students must also note, that even if he/she is an unregistered student, all school rules apply as soon as the student returns to campus.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

The teachers cannot teach those who are not present. The entire profficess of education requires continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences, and study in order to reach the goal of maximum educational benefits for the child. Students must be active participants in the profficess of learning. It is a well-established principle of education that underlies the policies of attendance.

Therefore, along with the academic standards established by individual classroom teachers, students must meet attendance requirements in a course to justify the receiving of academic credit. If a student does not attend 80% of a course’s class­es (missing more than 9 classes/term course, 18 classes/semester course), he or she may not be eligible to receive credit for the course. The school will contact a student’s parents when the student has missed 6 classes.

The following constitute reasonable absences and will not be counted toward the attendance standard:

• Hospitalization - doctor’s note required

• Doctor’s Appointment - doctor’s note required

• Religious Holiday

• Bereavement

• Court Appointment - court verification required

Situations may arise which do not fall into the above categories, demanding that a student miss school or part of the school day. To determine if a class absence may be waived a student must submit by noon three days prior to the absence a written pro­posal to the Assistant Principal who will convene the Appeals Committee. The Assistant Principal, a teacher, and a designee of the Principal will comprise the Appeals Committee. For appeals submitted after an absence, students must meet with the committee to determine whether the absence will be record­ed or waived. Students must submit a written request for appeals to the office within 1 week of the close of the term.

College days, family vacations, and classes missed due to stu­dents signing out before the end of the academic day are exam­ples of situations which will count toward the attendance requirement unless a waiver is granted.

Please note:    6 TARDIES OF 15 MINUTES OR LESS WILL CONSTITUTE AN ABSENCE.

COLLEGE DAYS & FAMILY VACATION POLICY

In order for the class absences not to be counted towards the attendance requirement, a written proposal would need to be submitted to the Assistant Principal at least three days prior to the first day of the absence. The Appeals Committee will meet and decide if the absences will be recorded or waived. Refer to the Attendance Policy for details.

If the student is taking a college day, students must notify the office in advance and verification of the college visit must be presented upon their return to school. Students are responsible for all make-up work. Teachers are not obligated to provide class work ahead of time, other than providing students with some type of general direction.

NOTE: The administration strongly feels the need for student attendance in the classroom. Therefore, absences due to family vacations and college visits should be avoided whenever possi­ble.

TARDINESS TO SCHOOL

NOTE: Phone calls from parents to excuse tardiness are required within 24 hours of the tardiness. Students whose tardies are not excused within 24 hours will receive 1 office detention (see below).

All students not in class by 7:27 AM are tardy to school and must sign in at the Main Office before attending any classes. Students failing to sign in will be considered unregistered stu­dents and will receive three (3) detentions for their first offense.

When signing in at the Main Office a note should be provided indicating the time & the reason for tardiness. If a note with a valid signature explaining the reason for tardiness is provided at that time, the student will receive an admission slip and will be admitted to class. If a valid note is not provided, the student will be assigned detention(s) for each class he/she has missed. The student will sign a form acknowledging the assigned detention(s). It then becomes the student’s responsibility to either attend the scheduled detention(s) or to provide a valid note excusing the tardiness by 1:50 P.M. on the day the deten­tion is scheduled to begin.

In order to be eligible to participate or practice on the day of an event, students must report to school no later than 8:30 AM and remain in school until 1:50 PM. An absence or tardy after 8:30 AM on a Friday will exclude the student from any weekend activities unless a doctor’s note is presented. The Assistant Principal will review extraordinary circumstances including med­ical appointments and family emergencies.

More than six tardies per quarter, excused or unexcused, will result in a parent/student notification from the appropriate administrator, at which time student parking privileges may be revoked. Other disciplinary action may be imposed, including suspension. Students with six or more tardies per quarter will not be eligible for Renaissance Card incentives.

TARDINESS TO CLASS

Students who are late to class without a pass will be admitted and receive a teacher detention for each time they are tardy. Said detention will be kept by the teacher of that class and will begin at 2:00 P.M. and may last until 3:00 P.M. Six tardies (defined as a maximum of 15 minutes) to class will constitute one absence. Please refer to the Attendance Policy.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS

In order to be successful, students must attend all classes and all assignments must be completed. At the end of each of the four terms, letter grades (A, B, C, D, F, and INC.) will be given. All students, grades 9-12, must take a minimum of 8 credits per year. Students in danger of failing a term will be notified in advance so that they have an opportunity to improve their per­formance. Please contact teachers or the guidance counselors to discuss academic progress of a student.

Students will not be allowed to take a failed course and the next subsequent course at the same time (i.e. English 9 and English 10). Only students who fail courses with an average of 50 or above are eligible to attend summer school. We strongly recom­mend that they do so. If that is the case, they must make arrangements with their counselor and the administration prior to registration for summer school. No credit will be given for sum­mer school courses taken without prior approval of the adminis­tration.

Students who have developed an interest in an area of study beyond the classroom instruction may, with the administration’s approval, enroll in an Independent Study Program. Please note that this must take place in addition to a normal course load and may not be used to make up a missing credit in a course.

For specific graduation requirements, please refer to the Program of Studies.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS

Academic Progress Reports will be issued to all students usually at the end of the fourth week of the marking term. However, teachers may, at their discretion, issue warnings more frequently as they deem necessary.

INCOMPLETES

Students who fail to complete all assigned work due to excused absence may be given an “Incomplete” for a grade. Ordinarily the student must make up incomplete work during the first two weeks of the next term. Any incomplete not made up during this two-week period automatically becomes a failure. Teachers may, with the approval of the administration, make special extensions of these limits and continue the incomplete until such time as the work is made up.

MAKE-UP WORK

It is the responsibility of the student to secure make-up work upon return from an illness. Students must make up all work missed from an excused absence due to extended illness within one (1) week upon their return to school. Students missing class because of a field trip (in-school or out-of-school), class meet­ings, etc., are responsible for assignments within 48 hours after the missed class.

Students will receive reduced credit for assignments missed due to an unexcused absence only if submitted to teacher immedi­ately upon return to school. Test and quizzes missed due to unexcused absence may be made up for reduced credit at the convenience of the teacher within one (1) week. Reduced credit will be two (2) grades below achieved score. Students shall return for make-up sessions whenever requested to do so by the teacher. Failure to keep an appointment for academic pur­poses is very serious matter and may result in eventual loss of credit.

COURSE CHANGES

The selection of courses must be given careful thought, and stu­dents must make the effort so that their decisions will help them reach their graduation requirements. A final selection of courses should represent the best program possible for a student’s indi­vidual needs.

Once the school year has started, changes in a student’s program may not always be possible because of class size, sched­uling confiicts, number of sections, etc. Emphasis must be placed on careful planning prior to the opening of the school year so that attainment of what a student wants is possible.

Should a student encounter difficulty in a course they have signed up for, the course of action to be taken should be dis­cussed with their teacher, parents, counselor, and administra­tion.

Students may withdraw passing from a course if:

1. Parent permission is secured.

2. Student still carries minimum of 8 credits.

3. Total credit accumulation must project toward promotion to next grade level.

4. Withdrawal is during first two weeks of a course or at the quarter’s end.

NOTE: Withdrawal at any other time will result in a Withdrawn Failing (WF), which is calculated into the quarterly average. Final grades will re?ect academic status at the time of withdraw­al from that course, i.e. Withdrawn Passing (WP) = 60, Withdrawn Failing (WF) = 50. Students should be aware that these final grades would be included with all other final grades in the calculation of cumulative average and class rank.

Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the administra­tion. After a parent conference any student removed permanent­ly from a class for disciplinary reasons will receive an automatic “F” for that course.

Students may elect subjects with parental consent, but the school reserves the right to assign levels according to previous achievement of the student.

GRADES AND HONOR ROLL

Report cards are issued four times a year in November,
February, April, and June. All courses receive a letter grade.

The Honor Roll and the Renaissance Program exist to recognize academic achievement. All courses count toward the Honor Roll.

Honor Roll eligibility is as follows:

High Honors: ......All A’s

Honors: .............All A’s and B’

RENAISSANCE PROGRAM

Purpose:

• to motivate students to higher levels of
  academic achievement

• to recognize and reward students
  for academic achievement/improvement
  

The GDRHS Renaissance Committee has established the framework for the implementation of an incentive system to both motivate and reward students for their academic achievement and/or improvement. This is a three-tiered system that will involve a “Gold Card”, a “Maroon Card”, and a “Crusader Card”. Cards will be issued four times a year and the privileges will last the equivalent of one quarter.

Renaissance Card Criteria

Gold Card: • Average of 90 or above

• No D’s or F’s
• No Suspensions
• No more than 6 tardies per term

Maroon Card: • Average of 85 to 89

• No F’s

• No Suspensions

• No more than 6 tardies per term

Crusader Card: • Average less than 85

• No F’s

• No Suspensions

• Three (3) point increase above previous quarter’s numerical average of grades OR nomina­tion by 3 teachers for extraordinary effort
• No more than 6 tardies per term

Renaissance Card Privileges

Academic privileges exist for each of the three levels. It is the student’s responsibility to inquire about the privileges and to communicate whether they will be taking advantage of them. Acknowledgement events are also held.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Upon issue of report cards, a student failing two (2) or more subjects will be placed on Academic Probation (i.e. ineligible to participate in ALL school sponsored activities) from the time Report Cards are issued until Progress Reports are issued dur­ing the next marking period. At that time, if it is determined that the student is no longer failing two (2) or more subjects, eligibili­ty to participate will be restored. Violation of Academic Probation will result in a one (1) day suspension/ (Proposed) personal growth project. (Restrictions are the same as Social Probation).

Students receiving services under Chapter 766 whose individu­alized education plan is a 502.4 or more restrictive prototype, may be declared academically eligible by their Principal provid­ed that all other eligibility requirements are met.

PARENT NOTIFICATION

According to the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 32A, the Commissioner of Education has sent notifica­tion to all school districts that they must notify all parents/guardians about any curriculum that primarily involves human sexuality issues and permit parents to exempt their chil­dren from any portion of that curriculum without penalty. Parents of Groton-Dunstable students will receive such notification prior to the teaching of topics on human sexuality.

SUPPORT SERVICES

GUIDANCE SERVICES

Guidance services at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School are an integral part of the total educational program of the school and result from a total team effort. The Guidance Counselors at the high school assist each student to bene?t from the school experience through attention to their personal, social, emotional, and academic needs.

Guidance is developmental in nature as each individual is assisted to identify and meet his/her needs in the educational, vocational and personal social domains. The over all purpose of Guidance is to assist each student to participate in his/her own development toward becoming purposely self-directed in a changing society, having full respect for the work and dignity of self and others and becoming the person he/she desires to become.

The Guidance services provide three basic functions: counsel­ing, guidance, and consulting. Full guidance and counseling ser­vices are provided for all students.

Guidance Counselor Assignments 2004–2005

GRADE 9		GRADES 10 & 11			GRADE 12
A-D	Mr. O’Loughlin	A-G	Mr. O’Loughlin		A-L	Mr. O’Loughlin
E-L	Ms. Charbonneau	H-Mi		Ms. Charbonneau	M-Z	Ms. DiFonzo
M-Z	Ms. DiFonzo	Mo-Z		Ms. Charbonneau

Groton-Dunstable Regional High School Code #220928 AdvancPlacement Examinations will be held in May.

COLLEGE BOARD REGISTRATION CALENDAR

TEST REGISTRATION DATE TEST DATE

SAT I, SAT Subject September 7, 2004 October 9, 2004 SAT I, SAT Subject October 1, 2004 November 6, 2004 

Register online: www.collegeboard.com

RESOURCES

The district has personnel available for providing student assis­tance. A school psychologist, social worker, a drug and alcohol counselor and a behavioral specialist work with the teachers and administrators to provide the best learning environment for the students. Every two weeks the Student Assistance Team meets to discuss students who are referred for consideration. Teachers can pick up referral forms from the main of?ce. If a student wishes to refer another student for consideration, they should speak with their guidance counselor. 

504 PLANS

The school has the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the child is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services. Parents who would like more information about 504 Plans should contact their child’s guidance counselor. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 reads: “No otherwise quali?ed, handicapped individual...shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the bene?ts of, or be sub­jected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal ?nancial assistance.”

A person is deemed to have a handicap if he/she:

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

b. has a record as having such an impairment; or

c. is regarded (perceived) as having such an impairment.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The High School has a full time registered nurse available for consulting, assessing ill and injured students, administering medicines or treatment, and providing screenings. Heath care plans will be written for those students requiring special care.

Students who are ill or injured should be seen by the nurse to determine if treatment and/or dismissal are necessary. Communicable diseases are treated using the guidelines from the Mass. Department of Public Health Protocols. All students need to have an emergency card on ?le in the nurse’s of?ce. A parent, or their designee, will be noti?ed if the student needs dismissal due to illness/injury.

If out of school, because of an illness or injury, for more than three consecutive days, the parent or guardian of the absent student should call the nurse. At that time special arrangements can be made for care if needed.

Required immunizations for entry into high school for 2004-2005: 4 DPT 3 Polio        2 MMR

Health Records

The nurse maintains a health record for every student. Medical information is con?dential and student records will remain secured in the nurse’s of?ce. No person other than the nurse will have access to these ?les.

Medication Policy

Students are not allowed to carry any medication, whether pre­scription or over-the counter. The only exception to this policy is an inhaler or epi-pen, but prior arrangements, including appro­priate paper work, need to be made with the nurse. If medica­tion is required during the school day, the following needs to happen:

• .                      •             A form from the nurse must be completed and signed by the parent and the prescribing physician.

• .                      •             The parent needs to deliver the medication (in its properly labeled original container) and completed form to the nurse.

• .                      •             Medicine can not be transported on the bus or be in pos­session of the student.
•                   •             Students with a life-threatening allergy will have an emer­gency care plan written and implemented by the nurse. Students who carry epi-pens must carry them for all ?eld trips or after school activities. Failure to have the epi-pen will result in the student being excluded from that activity.

Physical Examinations

All students must have a physical exam on ?le with the nurse. The physical is valid for one year after the date taken. To partici­pate in any sports program with school association, the athlete must pass a physical exam. Exams are administered in August, November, March, and June at the cost of $5.

• State Mandated Screenings

 Scoliosis screening is done for all ninth graders. The physical education teacher performs the initial screening. Referrals are made to the nurse and if warranted, to a physician. A letter will be mailed home if the student needs to see a physician. Hearing and vision screening is done for all tenth graders. A letter will be sent home if further medical attention is recommended.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The purpose of the educational program at GDRHS is to provide each student with the opportunity to develop to the full extent of his or her capabilities. The student activities program offers excellent supplementary educational settings. All students are urged to take advantage of these opportunities to develop acad­emic, athletic, and social skills to complement those learned in the classroom.

• The student activities program is designed to provide social skills and leadership development for students in grades 9 through 12. Though they provide many learning experiences to the student, outside activities are still only supplemental to a student’s education. A student’s classes are his or her ?rst concern and students will not be allowed to leave or miss class for out­side activities without permission of their teacher.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We encourage student involvement in school organizations such as:

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible to participate or practice on the day of an event students must report to school no later than 8:30 AM and remain in school until 1:50 PM. An absence or tardy after 8:30 AM on Friday will exclude the student from any weekend activi­ties unless a doctor’s note is presented. The Assistant Principal will review extraordinary circumstances including medical appointments (a note from the doctor will be required) and family emergencies.

ATHLETICS

The guidelines and regulations of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association govern interscholastic athlet­ics. Copies of the M.I.A.A. Bluebook will be available in the high school library, guidance of?ce, and Athletic Director’s of?ce.

M.I.A.A. policies are the minimum standards which are followed; however, Groton-Dunstable’s Academic and Social Probation policies may supersede these standards.

Coaches will review issues and guidelines in their preseason meetings, paying particular attention to attendance policies, aca­demic requirements, chemical health policies, physical exams, and practice and game limitations.

GDRHS ?elds teams in the following sports:

*Students from GDRHS play with Ayer students.

CLASS ASSESSMENTS

The underlying purpose/rationale/philosophy of class assess­ments is to establish a treasury for each class. Funds are drawn from the class treasury in order to subsidize typical class activi­ties occurring throughout the senior high years which are a vital part of the total educational experience, such as class picnics, dances (semi-formals or “regular” school dances). Also, during the senior year there are the major expenses related to sponsor­ing the junior/senior prom and the publishing of the yearbook. Payment of class assessments enables costs for these projects to be signi?cantly reduced.

DANCES/CONCERTS

Students will not be allowed entrance to the dance one hour after the dance has begun except with prior permission from the administration. Students must remain at school dances until one half hour before its conclusion unless prior approval is given from the Assistant Principal. Students who have left the dance may not then return, as there is no re-admittance. Dances are for Groton-Dunstable students; therefore they are not open to the general public. Students from other schools may attend if they have made prior arrangements with the administration. To sign-up guests, students must register them in the Main Of?ce no later than noon Friday of the dance. Approval of guests is the sole prerogative of the Administration. Students may invite one

(1) guest, at the appropriate grade level, to the dance. The stu­dent is responsible for his/her guest’s conduct.

Dances are school-sponsored activities, and as such, no smok­ing will be allowed. Students who arrive at the dance under the in?uence or who may be imbibing on the premises not only will be evicted from the dance, but they also will be subject to all penalties under the school Alcohol/Drug Abuse Policy.

Students who are disorderly must leave the dance without a refund and may be denied the privilege of attending future dances. Parents will be contacted. Suspended students and those on either Social or Academic Probation will not be allowed to attend dances held during their probation or suspension.

Students who have arrived to school late, were absent, or are dismissed before the conclusion of the school day are also not allowed to attend dances. This policy applies to school proms as well.

• .                      • Students are expected to wear proper clothing for dances.

• .                      • Dances will be held from 7:00-10:00 P.M 

• .                      • Invited guests must also comply with all of the above

• .                      • Tickets are to be sold in advance

• .                      • All bags and jackets brought into a dance are subject to being searched

The Sponsoring Organization of a dance/concert must receive approval from the Assistant Principal, complete a building facili­ties use form, con?rm 5 chaperones, and arrange for police and EMT coverage for the event.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The National Association of Secondary School Principals spon­sors the National Honor Society. Its purpose is fourfold: to cre­ate an enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to ren­der service, to promote leadership, and to develop character. Membership in the National Honor Society is both an honor and a privilege that carries responsibility.

Students are selected on the four criteria of: SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, CHARACTER, & SERVICE

Eligibility to apply for NHS is open to students in the eleventh and twelfth grades. Students must have a cumulative GPA of ninety (90) to be considered for membership. The NHS Faculty Council (NHSFC) elects new members based on the four criteria.

Students may be placed on probation or dismissed according to the guidelines as stated in the Code of Ethics. The NHSFC will meet to discuss and take action on individual cases. Copies of the student eligibility packet, guidelines for selection, the Code of Ethics and the Chapter’s Constitution are available for viewing in the school library.

Please note: Eligibility requirements for the class of 2006 are currently being reviewed and may change. Noti?cation of any changes will be included in the school’s Parent Newsletter.

GROTON-DUNSTABLE REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION:

It is the policy of the Groton-Dunstable School District not to dis­criminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, handicap, sexual orientation, and national origin in its educational pro­grams, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Also, students will not be excluded for reasons of marriage or pregnancy. Requests for information about these laws and/or grievance pro­cedures should be directed to Ms. Susan Rubel, Curriculum Director, Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, (978) 448­-5505.

DESCRIPTIONS, POLICIES AND PRofficeDURES

DETENTION

Teacher Detention - Students should be fully aware that the teacher is authorized and has the primary responsibility for maintaining order. In the classroom, the subject teacher will deal with those actions that are disruptive of the learning environ­ment. Chronic and/or serious offenders will be referred to the Assistant Principal.

Teachers may assign Teacher Detention for infractions of class rules or violating handbook regulations. Class rules will be stated at the beginning of the class and may be updated at the will of the teacher at any time. Teacher detention will begin at 2:00 

P.M. and last until 3:00 P.M. It remains the student’s obligation to report to the teacher’s detention at the teacher’s discretion. Failure to report to teacher detention will result in referral to the Assistant Principal for disciplinary action.

Of?ce Detention is held Monday through Thursday from 2:00 until 3:00. The location of detention is posted in the Main Of?ce. Students may also elect the option of attending morning deten­tions from 6:30 until 7:18 AM any day of the week when an administrator is able to supervise. If the morning option is not elected the student must serve the afternoon detention on the day scheduled.

Teacher and of?ce detentions cannot be served concurrently. When both are scheduled on the same day, the teacher deten­tion will be served ?rst. The of?ce detention will be rescheduled for the next viable date. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the of?ce of the con?ict before the of?ce detention is scheduled to be served.

Of?ce detention takes precedence over all other obliga­tions including school related activities and outside employment, but not a teacher detention. Not attending detention on the date assigned will result in suspension. Disruptive behavior in detention will also result in sus­pension.

Saturday Detention is held from 8:00am-12:00pm on alternating Saturdays. Coordination of transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the student. Students who are late will not be admitted. Students who miss a Saturday detention may be suspended and a parent meeting will be required prior to the student returning to class. Students receiving more than 3 Saturday detention in a term are subject to suspension.

A student must serve all detentions. If, for any reason, they haven’t been served, a student will be suspended and will be placed on social probation for part or all of the next academic term.

Detentions & Extracurricular Eligibility

Students with outstanding detentions must serve a minimum of 1 detention per day (with the exception of Friday) in order to participate in any athletic or extracurricular event. Students with outstanding detentions who have not served detention that day (either before or after school) may not participate in any prac­tice, game, performance, meeting or after school event. IF YOU FEEL AN ERROR HAS BEEN MADE, IT IS YOUR RESPONSI­BILITY TO VERIFY THIS WITH THE MAIN OFFICE.

Accumulated detentions - (Proposed) If a student accumulates more than 5 detentions, they will be assigned a Saturday deten­tion in order to ful?ll their consequence in an in expedient man­ner. Should a student accumulate 12 of?ce detentions they will be suspended for 2 days. If they accumulate more detentions, further suspensions are imminent. In order to reduce the num­ber of accumulated detentions from their record, a student could do the following:

• 1.                   1.           Not receive any hours for entire marking period.

• 2.                   2.           After making a contract to raise grades with a teacher, a student can apply to have a detention removed when they have met the contract’s requirements.

• 3.                   3.           All petitions for removal of detention hours must be made to the Assistant Principal.

SOCIAL PROBATION

A student whose behavior is inappropriate of a student at Groton-Dunstable High School will be placed on social proba­tion.

Social probation means a student will not be allowed to partici­pate in or attend any school function (games, dances, Prom, awards banquet, etc.). Students on social probation must leave school grounds at the end of the regular school day unless he or she is receiving tutorial assistance or serving a detention. Students on athletic teams may be granted permission to attend practice with prior approval of the administration.

Social probation is automatic with a suspension offense.

Social probation begins on the ?rst day the student returns to school following suspension. For suspensions of 1 to 3 days on the ?rst offense a student will be on probation for one week, second offense - two weeks, third and subsequent offenses ­one marking period (nine weeks). For suspensions of four (4) or more days, the ?rst offense will result in two weeks of social probation and the second and subsequent offenses - one marking period or the equivalent. Violation of social probation will result in a one (1) day suspension.

SUSPENSION

Suspension from Class

Disruptive behavior in the classroom may result in suspension from that class from one to ?ve days. Repeated offenses will result in removal from the course for the remainder of the year. Any student removed from a course for disciplinary reasons will not receive an automatic “F” for that course.

Suspension from School

GDRHS will hold in-house suspensions when the infraction war­rants it and when the school is able to accommodate it. The school will also employ out-of-school suspensions. During the period of out-of-school suspension a student may not be in school, on school grounds, or at any school function.

Students will receive reduced credit for assignments missed due to a suspension, only if submitted to the teacher immediately upon return to school. Tests and quizzes missed due to suspen­sion may be made up for reduced credit at the convenience of the teacher. Reduced credit will be two (2) grades below achieved score.

*In Goss vs Lopez (419 U.S. 565 (1975), the United States Supreme Court held that before a student is tem­porarily suspended from public school for ten days or less, the student has the constitutional right to receive:

• ·         oral or written notice of the charges against him/her;

• ·         an explanation of the evidence against him/her; and

• ·         the opportunity to present his/her side of the story to an impartial decision maker (who may be a school administrator).

When a student is suspended for the ?rst time, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be provided with:

• 1.       Telephone call

• 2.       Written noti?cation of cause

• 3.       Noti?cation of length of the suspension

• 4.       Request for parent/student conference with the Assis­tant Principal as condition for student reinstatement.

If a student is suspended for the second and third times, the conditions stipulated above will prevail. The following appeal levels are available to a student or parent:

• 1.       A suspension by the Assistant Principal may be appealed to the Principal.

• 2.       Suspension or Principal’s decision may be appealed to the Superintendent of Schools.

• 3.       The Superintendent’s decision may be appealed to the School Committee.

•      In the event that the next scheduled School Committee Meeting would cause a lengthy delay in the appeal profficess, a 3 member subcommittee of the School Committee may hear an appeal.

When a student is suspended for the fourth time, the student, parent/guardian, Assistant Principal and Principal shall follow the same profficedure stipulated above. Parents need to understand that the student would be subject to a referral to the Superintendent and possible withdrawal from school may occur should the problem continue.

A ?fth suspension will result in an automatic referral to the Superintendent for a conference and recommendation, which could include re-instatement, withdrawal, or expulsion.

Suspension of 766 Student

Students receiving special education services generally may be excluded from programs or suspended from school, just as any other student can be, for up to ten consecutive school days or for 10 cumulative school days. When a student in special education will be excluded from his/her program for more than 10 school days, the student’s special education TEAM will conduct a functional behavioral assessment and develop a functional behavioral assessment plan. In many cases, the TEAM may be required to determine whether the student’s behavior was related to his/her disability through a “manifestation hearing” profficess.

If the TEAM determines that the student’s behavior was not related to his/her disability, the school may mete out conse­quences for conduct as outlined in this handbook and the school will determine the provision of educational services during the period of suspension or exclusion. If the TEAM determines that the student’s behavior was due to his/her disability, the student may not be suspended or excluded from the current educational placement until the TEAM develops, with parental consent, a new IEP. Exceptions to this involve possession of weapons or drugs or when the student poses a danger to his or her-self or others.

TRANSPORTATION & PUPIL SAFETY POLICY

Responsible behavior is expected at all times. The privilege to ride the bus may be revoked if there is dangerous or continuous misconduct on the bus.

FORGERY OF NOTES

Parents will be contacted if the school suspects that a note has been forged. A ?rst offense will result in a parent conference, 4 detentions and 2 weeks social probation. The second offense will result in a two-day suspension.

INFLAMMATORY DEVICES

Possession and/or lighting of any incendiary device, including, but not limited to, ?re crackers and smoke bombs or the irresponsible use of matches and lighters in and around the school building will result in suspension.

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The school has taken measures to prevent access to inappropri­ate information. However, the school cannot control all the infor­mation available on the Internet. The district is not responsible for other people’s actions or the quality or the content of infor­mation available through this service. The students know what is appropriate and inappropriate based on stated school guide­lines.

The use of building and district information systems is a privi­lege, not a right, and inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of school rules, local, state, and federal laws and students can be prosecuted for violating those laws.

Employees, visitors, students and parents must sign an accept­able use policy statement before using the district’s computers. If anyone does not honor the policy his/her privileges will be revoked and further disciplinary action may follow depending on the nature of the infraction.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

Once a student arrives at school, he/she is not permitted to leave school property while school is in session without permis­sion of the Main Of?ce. Exceptions to this are students with per­mission to leave during their Senior Project Class. Wooded areas behind and adjacent to the school are considered to be off school grounds for the purpose of this regulation. Any student who leaves school grounds without permission will be suspend­ed/ assigned (proposed) a Saturday detention for their ?rst offense.

SMOKING

Students are not allowed to smoke on school grounds at any time. The Massachusetts Clean Indoor Air Law effective April 13, 1988, “prohibits smoking in public and private schools”. Smoking or the use of smokeless tobacco is not allowed in any part of this building, grounds, or school buses including before school, during school, or after school.

Any person smoking (including use of any form of smokeless tobacco) in the building, anywhere on school grounds, or at any school sponsored activity may be required to pay a ?ne and per­form six (6) hours of community service as per Board of Health regulations. The second offense will result in a two (2) day sus­pension, or 6 hours of community service with a ?ne and partici­pation in a related community health program. Location of and registration for this program is the responsibility of the student and parent. The program must be approved by the administra­tion prior to registration. Veri?cation of completion of program must be presented to the administration. There will be a three

(3) day suspension and a ?ne of $25 for each subsequent offense.

For the purpose of this regulation, the act of smoking includes, but is not limited to, holding a lighted or unlighted cigarette in one’s hand or mouth, serving as a “lookout” and/or being in the close proximity of any student violating the above regulation. All will result in the suspension outlined above.

No cigarettes or lighters are allowed on school grounds.  If brought on school grounds they will be con?scated and returned to a parent or guardian upon request. Violation of chemical health policies by athletes will result in penalties as mandated by the MIAA and coaches of their respective teams.

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

Cheating and plagiarism are totally unacceptable behaviors. For a ?rst offense, the parents and student are required to meet with the Assistant Principal and the teacher to discuss the incident. The student will earn no credit for the assignment, 4 detentions and will be placed on social probation for a period of two weeks. A second offense will warrant a suspension.

Cheating includes, but is not limited to cheat sheets, attempting to secure answers on a test or quiz from another source other than direct personal knowledge, submitting another student’s work/report/term paper as one’s own, allowing one’s work to be used by another student, and use of any portion of someone else’s material or from an alternate source (which includes copy­ing material from another student’s computer data disk) without proper footnoting or credits.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s ideas or words, even with a few changes, without giving proper credit to the creator. This includes ideas or words from any media source such as print, video, ?lm, computer disc, CD-ROM, or music. To plagia­rize is to steal.

STUDENT ANTI HARASSMENT POLICY

Groton Dunstable Regional High School is committed to main­taining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment free from all forms of bullying and harassing conduct, including but not limit­ed to harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, gender or gender identity, sex, affectional or sexual ori­entation, age, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, fami­ly situation or disability. Therefore, all such conduct is prohibited at school and school sponsored events.

The goal is ensure all individuals the opportunity to work, learn, and develop relationships without the disruptions caused by fear of intimidation, humiliation, or degradation.

DEFINITIONS:

• ·          Inciting a violent act:     Any action that encourages another to partici­pate in an act of violence.

• ·          Harassment:                  Any action, conduct, or communication which has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work or education or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. This includes actions against individuals or groups not only based upon legally protected classi?cations such as race, color, national origin, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, and dis­ability, but also upon personal circumstances such as socioeconomic status, gender identity, family situation, and physical appearance.

• ·          Bullying: repeatedly, and over time, intentionally in?icting injury or discomfort on an individual with the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s work or education or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Bullying can take many forms and can be directed against a person or a group. It often involves of an imbalance of power or strength in which one person is victim­ized by the other.

• ·          Retaliation: Any damaging or threatening action taken against an individual for reporting a violation of school policy.

• ·          Fighting: A physical altercation between 2 or more individuals.

• ·          Physical Assault/Battery: Any intentional action taken that places another in reasonable fear of imminent offensive or harmful physi­cal contact. For the purpose of this policy, it is distinguished from ?ghting as 1) The victim had NO warning of the pending attack or means to avoid it 2) The victim clearly did not incite, attempt to escalate the altercation, or retaliate against the individual in any manner.

• ·          Hazing: As set forth in Massachusetts General Law ch269 Ch 17­19, hazing is identi?ed for the purposes of this policy as: Any con­duct or method of initiation into a student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully and recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or person. Such con­duct shall include whipping, beating, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of food, liquor or any beverage, drug or other substance, or any brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely effect the physical health or safety of any such student person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended depri­vation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Massachusetts General Law, Ch 269 17-19 provides for the following criminal penalties: Whoever is the principle organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as de?ned herein, shall be punished by a ?ne of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in a house of correction for no more than 100 days, or by both such ?ne and imprisonment. Anyone who knows that another person is the victim of hazing as de?ned by above, must, without endangering him/herself or other, report the crime to an appropriate law of?cial as soon as possible. Whoever fails to report such a crime shall be punished by a ?ne of not more than $500.

• ·          Hate Crime: A crime in which a person’s conduct is motivated, in whole or part, by hatred, bias, or prejudice, based on actual or per­ceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of another individual or group. Students found to be committing hate crimes will be held accountable according to the GDRHS Harassment Policy and will be referred for criminal prosecution under Massachusetts General Law Ch 265 sec 39

• ·          Indecent Assault/Battery: A criminal offense in which an individual commits an assault upon a person that is sexual in nature. This includes kneeing, grabbing or groping a person in an unwelcome, sexually explicit manner.

Reporting Responsibilities

• .                      Everyone in the school community is responsible for immediate­ly reporting incidents of harassing, bullying and/or retaliation, by anyone, in any form, that are directed at or witnessed by them at school or school sponsored event. Failure to report such inci­dents or failure to cooperate with an investigation of such an incident will result in disciplinary action. Further, it is the respon­sibility of all faculty, staff, and students to intervene verbally in any incident when it is possible for them to safely do so.

When to Report:

• ·          If you are a target or victim of violations to the anti-harassment policy

• ·          If you are a witness to violations of the anti-harassment policy

• ·          If you see insulting or demeaning graf?ti or other visual displays

• ·          If you have other reasons to believe that there may have been a violation of this anti-harassment policy. This could include hearing re-occurring gossip about a possible incident or incidents.

NOTE: If you witness violations of the anti-harassment policy, you may make a report through your guidance counselor or the Harassment Of?cer. In order to allow students to report suspect­ed violations of this policy without fear of retaliation, GDRHS will deal seriously with any and all acts of retaliation for the good faith ?ling of a complaint or cooperation in the investigation of any such complaint.

Who to Report To:

School Harassment Of?cer:  Ms. Erickson

Guidance: Ms. Charbonneau, Ms. DiFonzo, Mr. O’Loughlin

Assistant Principal: Ms. Maloney

Any GDRHS Teacher, Coach or Staff Member

Any harassing behavior that involves adult to student or stu­dent to adult, must be referred to Principal.

THE ABOVE INDIVIDUALS CAN BE REACHED

AT THE HIGH SCHOOL (978) 448-6362

All reported incidents of harassing behavior will be investigated. In the event a violation of this policy is established, GDRHS will take reasonable steps to stop the violation and prevent its recur­rence. These steps may include actions against those whom have been determined to be in violation.

The following level system is intended to be used as a guideline pertaining to possible offenses. It is not designed to be all inclu­sive or re?ect extenuating circumstances. Administrators will be the ?nal arbitrators in all disciplinary actions and will use the fol­lowing merely as guidelines in their decision making..

LEVEL ONE

Intervention may be dealt with by staff member or referred to Harassment Of?cer. Infractions at this level are ?rst time offenses that are general in nature, and include but are not limited to:

• ·          Irritating words, gestures, or actions toward another that interfere with individual’s work/education

• ·          General use of slurs not directed at an individual (ex: “That’s gay” “How retarded”)

• ·          Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities toward a group of individuals

• ·          Destroying or defacing school approved postings

• ·          Displays or circulation of material that promote demean­ing stereotypes

• ·          Demeaning use of sarcasm

• ·          Failure to report harassing/bullying behavior to appropri­ate authority

• ·          Non speci?ed name calling not outlined in level 2

• ·          Corrective actions at this level may include but are not limited to:

• ·          Discussion with teacher

• ·          Educational assignment

• ·          Mediation

• ·          Referral to Harassment Of?cer

• ·          Teacher detention

• ·          Of?ce detention

LEVEL TWO

Corrective Actions may include teacher-imposed conse­quences and MUST include referral to the Harassment Of?cer for review, documentation, and .possible further action including administrative referral. Infractions at this level are either repeated level one offenses, or are direct­ed at a speci?c individual or group, and are not physical in nature. Examples of offenses at this level include but are not limited to:

• ·          Repeated Level One offenses

• ·          Using racial, religious, sexual orientation or other slurs directed at an individual or speci?c group

• ·          Use of profanity directed at another with purpose to offend, embarrass, or intimidate

• ·          Demeaning comments about a person’s size/appearance/socioeconomic status/perceived intelligence

• ·          Threatening statements directed at an individual

• ·          Physical posturing in a threatening manner

• ·          Blocking a person’s movement

• ·          Attacks on personal property

• ·          Inciting a violent act

• ·          Unsolicited sexually explicit remarks or gestures

• ·          Impeding an investigation of a complaint of harassment

• ·          Corrective actions at this level include but are not limited to:

• ·          Letter of apology

• ·          Educational group (after school)

• ·          Educational assignment

• ·          Restorative Justice project

• ·          Noti?cation of parents

• ·          Social probation-1 week

• ·          Of?ce detentions

• ·          Documentation in student record

• ·          Saturday detention

• ·          Possible referral to Assistant Principal

• ·          Written reprimand/warning

LEVEL THREE

Students must be referred directly to administration and may be referred back to the Harassment Of?cer for edu­cation or other intervention. Infractions at this level include but are not limited to:

• ·          Repeated Level Two offenses

• ·          Retaliation against individual reporting harassment

• ·          Touching another person in an embarrassing, intimidat­ing or hostile way

• ·          Any physical intimidation involving touching, pushing, or tripping

• ·          Extortion or use of blackmail

• ·          Unwelcome sexual remarks, including pressure for dates or information on sexual experiences

• ·          Unwelcomed sexual/physical advances such as pinch­ing, patting or pulling at another’s clothing

• ·          Corrective/Disciplinary actions to infractions at this level include, but are not limited to:

• ·          Parent meeting required

• ·          Educational group

• ·          Social probation up to 3 weeks

• ·          Restorative justice project

• ·          Suspension 1-5 days

• ·          Written reprimand

• ·          Documentation in student record

• ·          Possible referral to School Resource Of?cer

LEVEL FOUR

Students must be referred directly to administration and will be referred to the Groton Police Department. Infractions at this level represent a repeated pattern of infractions that has not ceased despite prior intervention, and/or offenses that are in violation of Massachusetts State Law, including but not limited to:

• ·          Repeated Level Three offenses

• ·          Criminal threatening

• ·          Intimidation of a witness

• ·          Physical assault & battery

• ·          Indecent assault & battery

• ·          Hazing

• ·          Hate crimes

• ·          Terror provoking threats of violence against school, either verbal or written

• ·          Responses/Disciplinary Actions at this may level include but are not limited to:

• ·          Parent meeting required

• ·          Documentation in student’s record

• ·          Possible removal from team/activity if directly associated with offense

• ·          3-10 day suspension by Assistant Principal

• ·          Referral to Principal for possible long term suspension, exclusion, or expulsion*

• ·          Referral to Superintendent for possible long term suspension, exclusion, or expulsion*

• ·          Noti?cation of Groton Police Department

• ·          Noti?cation to Division of Social Services where applicable

*In some circumstances, parents may request that the administration consider a risk assessment with conditional reinstatement in lieu of long term suspension or expulsion.

GDRHS urges all individuals who believe they have been sub­jected to violations of this Anti-Harassment Policy to report the matter to school of?cials so that they may take appropriate action. Individuals who believe that they have been subjected to harassment based upon legally protected classi?cation should also be aware that may contact the Massachusetts Department of Education,

DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

This policy statement is designed to provide a framework upon which to base local decisions. As such, this statement is based upon the philosophy that the School Committee and Administration have a responsibility to protect the individual rights of each student as well as the rights of all students. Both responsibilities imply protection against in?uences detrimental to the health, safety.

Drugs (other than prescription drugs registered with and in the possession of the nurse) and alcohol have no place in our school. The use of drugs and alcohol is not only illegal, even for students over eighteen, but also incompatible with the sense of community and decision-making skills we want students to attain.

The following categories represent the most common areas of abuse:

Use: When a student is actually observed drinking liquor, smoking marijuana, taking drugs such as barbiturates, prescription drugs (improper dose or without a prescription), amphetamines, or when the use of these drugs has been determined through investigation.

Possession: When a student is in possession or knowingly in the presence of drugs or paraphernalia, or alcohol. Please refer to the “Weapons” section (pg. 21) for further consequences of being in possession of a controlled substance as de?ned in Ch. 94C, including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine and heroine.

Under the In?uence: When in the judgment of the teacher and administrator, the behavior or symptoms indicate a stu­dent is under the in?uence. Indicators may include, but are not limited to: odor, slurred speech, pupil dilation, inability to answer questions, slow reactions, etc.

Transactions: Any involvement in the sale or exchange of drugs and alcohol.

All of the above offenses are not allowed on school grounds or at any school function.

If a determination is made that any of the abuses have occurred the following action will take place:

• ·          The student will be referred immediately to the Assistant Principal.

• ·          The Principal, student’s parents, Superintendent, and police will be noti?ed.

• ·          Parents will be advised that an immediate conference is necessary.

• ·          The student will be suspended for a minimum of 5 days.

A second offense by any student while enrolled in grades 9–12 will result in the same action noted. In addition, the student may appear before the Superintendent for a hearing. After the dispo­sition of the case, the outcome could include a recommendation for long term suspension, exclusion, or expulsion.

A third offense while enrolled in grades 9–12 will result in the recommendation for expulsion of the student for the remainder of the school year.

Irresponsible use of prescription or non-prescription medication/drug such as taking these drugs in indiscriminately large doses, or exchanging or distributing these drugs without parental authorization is not allowed and falls under the Drug/Alcohol Policy. 

NOTE: Student athletes are subject to all MIAA regulations. Violations of the MIAA drug and alcohol policy impact player eligibility regardless of weather the offense took place in school or in the community.

WEAPONS

Weapons of any kind (including ?rearms, knives of any length or shape) will not be allowed for any reason at GDRHS. Any student found with a weapon will be immediately suspended for 10 days and will be subject to a hearing. The results of the hearing could result in reinstatement, extended suspension, exclusion or expulsion from school.

Education Reform Act of 1993, Chapter 71, Section 37H “Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, all student handbooks shall contain the following provisions:

a.	The principal may expel from school or the school district
	any student who is found on school premises, at a school-
	sponsored or school-related event (including athletic
	games), in possession of a dangerous weapon, including
	but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled
	substance as de?ned in chapter ninety-four C., including
	but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
b.	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 school or school district by the principal.
c.	Any student who is charged with a violation of either
	paragraph (a) or (b) the student may have representation,
	along with the opportunity to present evidence and
	witnesses at said hearing before the principal.”

 

Education Reform Act of 1993, Chapter 71, Section 37H1/2 “Not withstanding the provisions of section eighty-four and sec­tions sixteen and seventeen of chapter seventy-six:

a.           Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal of the school in which the stu­dent is enrolled may suspend the student if the principal determines that the student’s continued presence in school has a substantial detrimental effect on the gener­al welfare of the school.

b.           Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to such a felony or felony delinquency, the principal of the school in which the student is enrolled may expel said student if continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the gen­eral welfare of the school.”

The student shall receive written noti?cation of the charges and reasons for such action. The student has the right to appeal. See the profficedure for appealing disciplinary actions outlined under the Suspension section of this booklet. However, please note that the suspension or exclusion will take effect prior to any appeal hearing.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR STANDARDS

Good behavior and classroom discipline are imperative if learn­ing is to take place. The purpose of Groton Dunstable High School’s Policies and Standards for Behavior is to ensure a safe and orderly environment for everyone. These rules are in effect for all GDRHS students, regardless of their age, while at school and at all school sponsored events.

Students, parents and teachers should be aware that the following charts are included in the handbook as a quick-reference for general disciplinary actions. It is not designed to be all-inclusive or refiect extenuating circumstances.

Administrators will be the ?nal arbitrator in all disciplinary actions. When more than one response is available, the school administrator will use the most appropriate choice according to the severity of the offense(s) and all other factors involved in the incident.

Infraction

Infraction	Typical Consequence
	Detentions				Suspension
	1	2	3	4
Food in unsealed containers	x
Unexcused tardy to school	x
Inappropriate conduct		X
Cutting class (1st)		x
Missing teacher detention		X
In unsupervised area (1st)		x
Improper use of pass sign out		x
In unsupervised area outside (1st)			X
Profane and vulgar language			X
Disrespectful/uncooperative			X
Throwing objects (1st)			X
Unregistered student (1st)			X
Defacing school property			X
Not reporting to office when sent			X
Cutting class (2nd)				X
Truancy				x
Violation of smoking policy						See policy
Harassment of student						See policy
Cutting office detention						1 day
Unregistered student (2nd)						1 day
Chronic tardiness						1 day
Truancy (2nd)						1 day
Violation Social/Academic probation						1 day
In unsupervised area (repeated)						2 days
Fighting						2-5 days
Cheating/forgery/plagiarism						2 days
Leaving office once sent						2 days

Infraction	Typical Consequence
	Detentions				Suspension
	1	2	3	4
Leaving school grounds						2 days
Not going to office when sent (2nd)						2 days
Accumulation of 12 detentions						2 days
Profane/vulgar lang. directed at staff						3 days
Stealing/possession of stolen property						3 days
Possession/lighting of
incendiary device	3 days
Accumulation of 18 detentions
(conference w/ principal)	3 days
Insubordination	3 days
Cutting Class (3rd)	3 days
Harassment of another student (2nd)	See Policy
Damage to property
including school/staff/student	3 days
Violation of smoking policy
(3rd and subsequent offenses)	3 days
Drugs/ Alcohol (1st)	5 days+
Assault and battery	5 days
Pulling false ?re alarm	5 days
Accumulation of 24 detentions
(plus conference w/principal w/rec.
which could include reinstatement,
long term suspension,
withdrawal or expulsion)	5 days
Accumulation of 30 detentions	5 days
Behavior endangering health & safety	1-10 days
Possession of drugs/weapon	Subject to
or assault on school personnel	Ed. Reform
See GDRSD policy	Act of 1993