ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
The East Providence School Department has a policy in place to prohibit bullying which is defined in the following manner:
• Bullying occurs when a student intentionally assaults, batters, threatens, harasses, stalks, menaces, intimidates, extorts, humiliates, or taunts other students
• Verbal abuse to include teasing, name-calling, and harmful gossip
• Emotional abuse to include humiliation, shunning, and exclusion
The principal shall publicize to students, staff, volunteers, and parents how to report bullying. The prevention of bullying is part of the school district’s strategic plan and each school safety plan.

ATTENDANCE
All children are expected to be in attendance each day unless they are ill, a family emergency arises, or there is a religious holiday. Absence and tardiness interrupt instruction and detract from the learning process, which inhibits academic success. If your child is absent from school or is going to be tardy, please call the school office. State Law requires that a written excuse from a parent for a child who has been absent from school must accompany your child upon his/her return.

Students are expected to make up missed assignments due to absence or dismissal. Family vacations should be scheduled in conjunction with school vacations. This will ensure that students will not miss work planned as part of their educational experience.

BUS RULES
The health and safety of all bus students are jeopardized by disruptive behavior. Therefore, the following procedures will be used in cases of disciplinary problems on the bus:
FIRST OFFENSE – warning or loss of recess.
SECOND OFFENSE – 1 to 3 day period of detention depending on the severity of the incident.
THIRD OFFENSE – 3 to 5 day period of detention depending on the severity of the incident.
FOURTH OFFENSE – transportation privileges suspended for a period of 1 to 5 days.
A review of one’s bus privileges will be conducted for any offense thereafter.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE
Notify the school office immediately if you have a change of address or telephone number.

COMMUNICATIONS
Parent-Teacher Conferences invariably enhance student performance. Both the home and school should work cooperatively to complement students in their effort to progress. Send a note to your child’s teacher or call the office to schedule a conference should the need arise and/or to review your child’s portfolio of progress:

The following hints are helpful in preparing for a conference:
1. Prepare a list for characteristics that will help the teacher better understand your child.
2. Make a list of questions for the teacher. You may wish to know about programs, schedules, grading, homework, etc.
3. Be sure to find out from the teacher what you can do at home to help your child.
4. Help create a climate of partnership with the teacher and the school.

CONDUCT CODE
The purpose of a conduct code is to foster a positive learning environment. The classroom teacher has the first responsibility for maintaining discipline in his/her classroom. The teacher shall be respected as an individual and shall be treated with respect by the students. In turn, the student shall be respected as an individual and shall be treated with respect by the teachers.
The student is expected to:
a. Participate in the learning process.
b. Respect the rights and properties of others.
c. Meet classroom and school standards.
d. Accept constructive criticism.
e. Seek additional help when needed.
f. Carry out reasonable requests of the staff.
g. Accept responsibility for getting communications home.
h. Obey the safety rules of the school.

In cases where an individual is unwilling or unable to exercise self-control and does not meet the responsibilities of good citizenship that interferes with the learning process, the matter will be referred to the principal. The principal will review the case and act accordingly. Usually positive or constructive disciplinary measures will be undertaken.

Occasionally further consideration may be necessary in the following offenses.
Serious offenses not necessarily warranting suspension
1. Class disruption
2. Fighting
3. Rude or disruptive behavior
4. Refusal to follow reasonable requests
5. Continual tardiness
6. Throwing rocks, snow, ice or other items considered dangerous
7. Lack of respect for the rights and properties of others
8. Threatening or intimidating students or staff
9. REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THE SPECIFIC OFFENSES OR
CONTINUOUS VIOATIONS OF VARIOUS OFFENSES MAY
WARRANT SUSPENSION.

DISMISSAL
The dismissal of any student before 2:30PM will occur at the school office. The following procedural guidelines established by the East Providence School Committee will be strictly adhered to:

A. To Custodial Parent:
1. The parent should send a NOTE to school.
2. If no note is sent in, the parent may still pick up the child, but a picture ID (driver’s license or RI ID) must be show.
3. Child is released to parent who must SIGN the dismissal log.

B. To a Person other than a Custodial Parent:
No student will be released unless all of the following conditions have been met:
1. A note must be sent in naming the person who will pick up the child.
2. The person must be listed on the school emergency form.
3. Secretary must call the custodial parent and verify the dismissal.
4. Person must show pictured Driver’s License or RI ID.
5. Child is then released to the person who must SIGN the dismissal log.

EMERGENCY DISMISSALS, SCHOOL CANCELLATION & DELAYED OPENING PROCEDURES
In the event of stormy weather, school cancellations and delayed opening will be announced on both radio and television by 6:00 AM.

The following radio stations will carry information about these procedures. WPRO (630AM), WHJJ (920AM), WLKW (790AM) and television channels 6, 10, and 12. Please tune in to one of the radio or television stations for information.

We ask that you refrain from calling the Administration Building or the police for specific information about the delayed opening or cancellation.

Should a severe storm develop while school is in session and it is determined that in the best interest of safety, that it is necessary to dismiss students early, announcements will also be given to the radio and television stations listed above.

Parents should make arrangements to receive students at home on early dismissal days. One or more of the following would be helpful:
a. Arrange to be home early for your child’s arrival
b. Arrange for another adult to be at home for your child’s early arrival, and/or
c. Arrange for a relative or neighbor to provide adult supervision in their homes.

HIV INFECTED STUDENTS/EMPLOYEES POLICY
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) cannot be spread by casual contact (e.g. sitting together, sneezing or coughing on each other or eating together). Rhode Island law prohibits discrimination against individuals who are infected with HIV. Being HIV positive is not grounds for dismissal from employment or enrollment in school.


HOMEWORK
Homework is an opportunity for students to develop good study habits and to reinforce skills.
Since homework is an important part of your child’s educational program, it is important you and your child be aware of the following guidelines:
1. Assignments are an outgrowth of class work.
2. Homework assignments emphasize good study habits.
3. Homework will be assigned a ratio of at least 10 minutes per grade level. Example: Grade 1 will have 10 minutes; Grade 3 – 30 minutes; Grade 5 – 50 minutes.
4. Children should:
A. KNOW THE ASSIGNMENT – a small note pad to record the assignments is recommended.
B. HAVE A PLACE TO WORK – most children need the discipline of having a regular place, free of distractions, where they may complete homework.
C. SET A TIME FOR HOMEWORK – most parents find that it is best to establish a particular time each day, which is set aside for the completion of homework.
D. HELP WITH HOMEWORK – Homework is the responsibility of the child and should be completed independently. However, if a child lacks sufficient knowledge and seeks parental help, the parent should try to explain the concept or give an example similar to the problem with which your child is having difficulty. If the difficulty persists, you are advised to send a note to your child’s teacher explaining the problem.
5. Parents are asked to read daily to their children, review the child’s day, practice math facts, spelling and/or handwriting. If homework becomes too challenging or if issues arise, contact the teacher.

LOST AND FOUND
Many students misplace or lose articles of clothing and personal property over the course of the school year. Labeling your child’s personal belongings will greatly assist us in returning lost items. Lost items are kept in the school office. Bringing personal property that is not school-related is discouraged.

LUNCH PROGRAM

1. Lunches may be purchased daily. The cost is $1.35. Menus are posted in the classroom. Free and reduced lunch applications will be sent out and should be returned only if you are interested in applying for this program. PLESE BE AWARE THAT APPLICATIONS MUST BE RENEWED EACH YEAR BY OCTOBER 1ST OR BENEFITS WILL BE DISCONTINUED AND PARENTS WLL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT.
2. Milk money is collected daily. The cost is fifty cents ($.50).
3. Beverages in glass containers are not allowed in school to insure the safety of all students.


MEDICATIONS
The East Providence School Department Medication Policy requires signed permission for the use of medications by students during school hours. The school nurse can administer medications prescribed by a doctor generally in the middle of the school day. Medications must be brought into school by parents/guardians in their original prescription-labeled container. Please contact the school nurse if you have any questions.

PARENTAL RIGHTS
Rhode Island Law (R.I.G.L. 16-22-17 “AIDS education program” and R.I.G.L. 16-22-18 “Health and Family Life courses) permits a parent or guardian to exempt his/her student from certain aspects of health education instruction.

Similarly, a parent or guardian may exempt his/her student from the corollary health education assessment.

The health education assessment is made up of questions that test the student’s knowledge and skills in health education. Each question is targeted to assess student performance on a specific health education framework standard. The Rhode Island Health education framework – Health Literacy for all students has been provided to each school and should be made available for parental reference in an accessible location (office of library).

Statewide health assessments will be administered in the spring to students in grades 5 and 9. Parents who wish to exempt their child from testing should contact the building principal directly.

Under federal (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and state (Educational Records Bill of Rights Act) law, school districts must annually notify all parents and students 18 years of age and older of their rights regarding education records.

Parents of students and students 18 years of age and older have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records upon request. The annual notice given to parents and students must specify the procedure by which parents and eligible students may exercise the right to inspect and review education records. Rhode Island law requires that parents and eligible students be allowed to inspect the student’s education records within 10 days of the request. Parents and students also have the right to a reasonable explanation and interpretation of the records, and the right to copies of the records.

PREPARATION FOR THE SCHOOL DAY
Children who are tired do not learn well in school. We encourage all families to set consistent bedtimes and stick to them. Children need a minimum of eight hours of sleep and some children require more.

PRINCIPAL’S ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Principal’s Advisory Council meets monthly to consider issues, concerns, and/or suggestions brought before the Council via a representative of the Council or in person. The Council appreciates prior notification in writing of any business to be brought forth for consideration. Such business can be directed to the Chairperson, Principal, or other representatives.

PROPER SCHOOL ATTIRE
To promote a safe and nurturing elementary school environment, students are expected to wear appropriate clothing.
• Clothing with suggestive or inappropriate logos or words are not to be worn or displayed in any way.
• Students are not to wear hats, wavecaps and/or any other articles of clothing on their heads during school hours.
• Tank tops, strapless dresses, short-shorts, bare midriffs, and bare feet are not acceptable.
• Clothing worn to school should be appropriate to the activity involved. ¾ length shorts may be worn during 1st and 4th quarters of the school year.
• Sneakers are to be worn on the day of physical education for full program participation. For safety reasons, sandals with an ankle strap are recommended instead of “flip-flops”.
• During the winter months, warm clothing (e.g. hat, mittens, coat) is needed for outdoor recess.
• Make-up is not appropriate.
The parents of students who are dressed in violation of the above will be called for an appropriate change of clothing. The principal has final authority in the school for deciding what constitutes compliance with appropriate dress.

Student uniforms are encouraged and information is available in the school office.

REPORT CARDS
Communicating to parents about student progress is a priority. Report cards are issued (4) four times a year: November, January, April and June. They should be signed and returned to school as soon as possible. In addition to the quarterly report cards, teachers may distribute a formal mid-term warning or deficiency report to parents about four weeks into each term. The information will be shared with parents of students who are in danger of failing a subject or if the student’s recent work is of concern to the teacher. Please respond to this information as quickly as possible, in an effort to aid in the success and achievement of your child.

SCHOOL PUBLICITY
The school uses candid photographs and videotaping of students as they participate in school events or classroom activities. These photos may be submitted to the local newspapers for publication. If you have any objections, please respond to this office in a written communication.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
It is the policy of the East Providence School Department to maintain an educational and working environment free of sexual harassment in any form. Supervisors, administrators and all other employees, as well as students, are absolutely prohibited from engaging in sexual harassment of school department employees, students, and visitors. Any act or pattern of sexual harassment in the East Providence School Department is unacceptable misconduct and may be the basis for discipline up to and including expulsion.

SMOKING POLICY
Please be aware of the State Law that prohibits smoking tobacco products on or within twenty-five feet of public school property.


SPECIAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
The East Providence School Department has a comprehensive special education program which can be reached at 433-6216. A variety of services are available for students identified through a referral process. Written parent permission must be obtained before initial testing of any child is conducted for special education services. Tests are provided and administered in the child’s natural language and are selected to insure accuracy when administered to a child with impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills. Results of testing are shared with parents and teacher(s).

MDT MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
The Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT), comprised of a social worker, resource teacher, psychologist, classroom teacher, parent and school administrator, makes decisions concerning educational needs for special education students. Special education testing is reviewed by the MDT to determine eligibility for special services. Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) are developed by the MDT for each eligible student.

RESOURCE PROGRAM
For students identified by the MDT as “learning disabled” in grades K-5, extra help is provided through consultative and direct instruction as well as collaborative team teaching with regular classroom teachers. Least restrictive environment practices are utilized.

SELF-CONTAINED PROGRAM
For students identified as moderately to severely handicapped, instruction is provided in an intensive classroom setting with mainstreaming available when possible. Least-restrictive environment practices are utilized as deemed appropriate.

504 PLANS
Handicapped youngsters not eligible for special services can be protected against discrimination by formulating a classroom accommodation plan with the principal and school 504 team.

READING RECOVERY PROGRAM
One to one instruction is provided for identified youngsters in grade one for 12 to 16 weeks. Students are identified based on results of the Clays Diagnostic Summary and teacher recommendations. The reading books of varying levels, as well as comprehension and sound/symbol association, are stressed. Students progress through levels rapidly and are dismissed after they have achieved success in the program.

READING PROGRAM
Small group instruction is provided for identified students in grades K-1 in a combination pull-out and in-class model. Students are chosen based on: teacher recommendation, current reading level, and parental permission. Students in grades 2-5 receive consultation services through the school’s reading teacher and TST.

TST (Teacher Support Team)
The TST is a system that provides support to teachers as they develop alternatives for students experiencing learning difficulties in the classroom. The support consists of a group of colleagues within the building available to join in the problem-solving efforts of the classroom teacher requesting assistance for students having difficulties academically and/or socially.

ESL
Students who speak English as a Second Language are entitled to support services provided by ESL teachers in either a collaborative or individualized format. The purpose of this program is to provide linguistic, literacy, and cultural support to students as they become more literate and more successful in English.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM
The School Improvement Team in each school is made up of the building administrator, teachers, parents and community members. The team oversees the school improvement planning process that seeks to improve student performance through learning, teaching and the school community.

TELEPHONE
The school telephone is available to students only in the event of an emergency.

TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. They should be properly cared for and covered at all times. Destruction of books or other school property will require compensation. Report cards will not be issued until all borrowed books are returned.

TRUANCY COURT
The goal of the Truancy Court in East Providence is to reduce the district’s truancy rate. It is the strong desire of the Family Truancy Court at East Providence Career and Technical Center to dramatically reduce the truancy rate in our elementary and secondary schools by using collaborative efforts to identify and assess for services. The authority of the Court to hold truants and their families accountable for the violation of state statutes will assist in the goal of early intervention and treatment. While sanctions are possible, they will only be used as a last resort. A school social worker typically is assigned to the program for counseling and guidance for both the truant and parents.