The school day at Dr. Charles E. Murphy School officially begins at 8:55 a.m. Children should begin arriving at 8:40 a.m. Supervising monitors and crossing guards begin their duties at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Parents/guardians who drive their children to school are requested NOT to leave their children off at school prior to 8:30 a.m.

Dr. Charles E. Murphy School Hours:

 •Kindergarten A.M. 8:55 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.

•P.M. 12:35 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

  •Grades 1-5 8:55 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

GENERAL DISMISSALS:

 All children will be dismissed according to their regular bus route each day, unless we have a note giving us different directions. Please do not assume that your child(ren) can automatically switch buses to visit a friend. Many buses are at or near capacity; therefore, changing of buses must be approved by the office/bus garage, preferably prior to the date of the change requested. A note from the parents/guardians of both children is necessary to confirm permission for visitation.

 •Students changing buses for day care purposes must file a note in the school office.

 •Dismissal is 3:15 p.m. for walkers.

 Occasionally, it is necessary for a parent/guardian to request his/her child(ren) be dismissed form school (ex: family emergency, special doctor's appointment). In such cases, the parent/guardian is requested to contact the school office, either by note or phone. The parent/guardian may then come for his/her child(ren) at the school office at the designated time. The principal will release the child(ren) to the parent or guardian. Should someone other than the parent/guardian call for the child(ren), the caller must be certified in writing by the parent/guardian as the one to whom the child(ren) may be released. Persons unknown to the school office will be required to present proper identification. While the school realizes that emergencies are unavoidable, parents and guardians are requested to make doctor's/dentist's appointments outside regular school hours whenever possible. Parents calling to have a child dismissed as a walker at the end of the day - your child will go outside with the walkers.

NOTE: Only the school principal or superintendent of schools may exclude a child from school for any reason other than illness.

EARLY DISMISSALS:

 If your child(ren) must be dismissed early, please send a note to your child's(ren's) teacher stating the time that the child is to be released,

and the name of the person calling for the child(ren). Please be sure to list the date, child's teacher, and child's first and last name on the note.

 EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS,

DELAYED OPENINGS, EARLY DISMISSALS

 Except in cases of inclement weather, or other problems that relate to the general health and welfare of students and staff, the Montville schools will hold regular sessions. The decision to close school (or to begin classes at a later time) will be made as early as possible in order to provide ample notification to radio stations, parents, and staff.

 "NO SCHOOL" announcements and announcements of late starts or early dismissals will be made over the following radio stations: WICH, WNLC/WTYD, WSUB/WQGN, WERI, WVVE, WILI, AND WKSS.

 PLEASE DO NOT CALL SCHOOL OFFICIALS TO ASK ABOUT SCHOOL CLOSINGS. WE WILL PUT A MESSAGE ON THE VOICE MAIL. VOICE MAIL NUMBER 455-0029, EXT. 89242

 Parents should arrange in September for the care of their child(ren) in the event of a change in the regular school schedule due to inclement weather, or other reasons. Connecticut State Law requires 180 days of school. Should days be lost due to inclement weather or other emergencies, these days will be made up.

 Our school attendance policy will be strictly enforced. If you do not have a copy of this policy, we will be happy to give you one. Each time your child(ren) is absent, please call 848-9241 to leave a message between 6:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., also please send a written excuse when your child(ren) returns to school. Continual unexcused absence is a form of child neglect and subject to referral to the Connecticut State Department of Child and Family Services. With your cooperation, this action will not be necessary.

School administrators are required to check the attendance records of all elementary students and to follow established procedures to insure regular attendance.

ABSENCES:

 According to Connecticut state law, illness is the only excusable reason for an absence from school. Good teachers and the best curriculum are of little consequence if students do not attend school on a regular basis. Time lost from the classroom is essentially irretrievable; the experiences, discussions, and the uniqueness of the classroom learning process requires school attendance. Students, parents/guardians, and school staff must work together to take full advantage of educational opportunities. Failure to attend school on a regular basis (truancy) will likely lead toward long range problems. Establishing good attendance habits early will better equip young people toward being productive members of society. Classroom attendance is considered to be an integral part of a student's course of study.

 EXTENDED ABSENCES:

 In cases where the child is well enough to do some work at home, but not well enough to return to school, the parent is encouraged to contact the teacher and inform him/her of the illness and request assignments to be sent to the office for pick up.

 While this is not the best of learning situations, it can be very beneficial when the child returns to class.

 ABSENCES OTHER THAN ILLNESS:

 Absences from school due to a family trip are not encouraged. Teachers will not be expected to plan school work for students who travel while school is in session. Teachers will advise parents/guardians on providing good educational experiences for their children and then assign any necessary make-up work when the child returns to school.

LATE ARRIVALS

•Parent/guardians should enter the school office to sign child(ren) in for the day.

 •Habitual tardiness will result in a form letter being sent to parents/guardians.

 •Continued tardiness, after written notification, may result in a school conference.

encouragement is not successful in improving the situation, the following shall be implemented:

 1. Students not previously retained and having missed 45 days in one academic year shall be automatically retained.

2. Students not previously retained and having missed a total of 56 days in two successive academic years shall be automatically retained.

3. Students who are not being retained and have missed at least 28 days in one academic year shall automatically be assigned to summer school. They will be considered for promotion only after successfully passing summer school.

 APPEAL PROCESS (BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY 5113)

 The parents/guardians who are affected by this attendance policy may request a hearing. Such requests should be made to the principal within ten (10) days of the date of the notification that the attendance policy affected their son or daughter. The initiative of the appeals process is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian.

If the parent/guardian wishes to appeal the decision of the principal, she/he may do so to the superintendent. This appeal is to be made within ten (10) days. If the parent/guardian and/or student does not agree with the superintendent's decision, she/he may appeal to the Board of education within ten (10) days.

 CALL-IN PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT ABSENCES

 •The issue of truancy and the safety of all students is addressed in PL 91-303.

 To comply with the law, parents/guardians have been requested to call the school at 848-9241 before 8:15 a.m. if their child(ren) is not going to be in attendance on that day. For extended absences, notifying the school office in writing with specific dates and reason for absences will relieve a parent/guardian from calling each day.

 For your convenience, an answering machine is available for you to leave a message between 6:00 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. The message should include your child's name, grade/teacher, and reason for absence. Also leave your name and telephone number.

 If we do not hear from you, we are required to make a reasonable effort to contact you at home or your place of employment.

 REQUEST FOR HOMEWORK/MAKE-UP WORK

 •Parents/guardians can call the office, or use the voice mail, when a student is absent for homework/make-up work.

•A written request is then forwarded to the classroom teacher.

•Work and materials will be left for pick up at the main office.

 VOICE MAIL/FAX NUMBER:

 Dr. Charles E. Murphy School has a voice mail number 455-0029, ext. 89242 and a fax number 848-1703. The Main Office number is 848-9241.

 Voice mail messages are updated every Friday and used for emergencies and early school dismissals.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION:

 When to send a note:

 1. When your child returns to school after an illness or extended absence.

2. When you need to pick up your child from school or have him/her dismissed early.

3. When a change of bus stop on your child's regular route is necessary.

4. When events or situations occur that may affect your child's behavior or progress.

5. When a medical or physical condition exists that the teacher should be aware of.

6. When a change of address or phone number occurs.

7. To request a parent/guardian/teacher conference.

8. When your child is going home with another student, it is necessary for both students to bring a note.

Notes should include your child's full name, grade level, teacher's name, and the date at the top of the note.

 SCHOOL CALENDAR:

 •A school year calendar is included as part of the student handbook at the beginning of each school year.

  •A monthly school activity calendar is also distributed listing whole-school and classroom events.

NEWSLETTER:

 The P.T.O. publishes a newsletter regularly entitled "THE MURPHY ROUNDUP." Items include school and P.T.O. activities.

TELEPHONE USE AND MESSAGES

 Students are allowed to use the office phone for emergencies only.

Calls home for transportation home due to illness will be made by the nurse or office personnel.

 If you wish to leave a message for your child(ren), you may contact the school office and a written note will be given to the teacher. In the event of an emergency, students will be called to the phone from the classroom.

 It is strongly advised that prior to visiting your child's classroom, you notify the classroom teacher in writing at least one day in advance of the desired visitation date and time. This is a common courtesy and assists us in providing the fewest disruptions to the routine of the school day.

School policy requires all volunteers, visitors, and parents/guardians to report to the school office upon entering the school building. Visitors, volunteers, and parents/guardians must sign in and will be issued a visitor's/volunteer's badge. The badge must be worn while in the building. However, during school programs, which parents/guardians and families are invited to attend, we must make an exception to this policy, due to the large number of people who attend our programs. Staff will assist in monitoring student safety during programs. We ask your cooperation in this matter.

 Hot lunch is served each day. The price for a complete student hot lunch, salad, or "Super Sack" (a bagged sandwich lunch) is $1.25, milk $.35 and frozen dessert, juice, fruit, and bag snack is $.50. In addition, the cafeteria will be selling pretzels for $.10 on a daily basis. Checks will be accepted for lunch tickets, payable to MONTVILLE SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM. Lunch tickets are to be purchased the first day of each week. If your child is ill on the first day of the week, tickets may be purchased the day the child returns to school. Students may go directly from the bus to the cafeteria to purchase tickets. Students should have their names and class code on their tickets. If a child reports a lost, stolen, or misplaced lunch ticket he/she will be allowed to charge lunch for that day, CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BORROW TICKETS FROM THEIR FRIENDS. After two unpaid charges, parents are notified and the child will be given a sandwich and milk for $.75 until all charges are paid. Your children are responsible for their tickets. We accept cash at the lunch line only if your child was unable to purchase tickets ahead of time.

Menus are sent home with students monthly from the Food Service Director. Weekly menus are published in the Norwich Bulletin.

Application forms for free/reduced lunches will be sent home with students at the start up of school. If your child was receiving free or reduced price last year they may continue to do so; HOWEVER, A NEW APPLICATION FORM MUST BE FILED as soon as possible in September for each child. Families on food stamps or AFDC are exempt from filling out an application form if they submit to school a "DIRECT CERTIFICATION" letter from the Department of Income Maintenance. If you have received this letter, please submit it to the school office so your child can receive free or reduced meals.

 Questions? Call Heidi Buchholtz, Food Service Director, 848-3672

For health reasons, please encourage your child not to trade food with other children. Please notify the school if your child has any food allergies or dietary restrictions, so accommodations may be made. Glass containers and carbonated soft drinks are NOT permitted.

Lunchtime should be an enjoyable and relaxing time for students to have quiet conversations with their friends. However, we do expect that students do this in an orderly manner exhibiting good table manners and showing respect for the monitors who are in charge. Students are also expected to leave their area clean.

After lunch, monitors accompany students to recess, weather permitting. Please make sure your child is appropriately dressed for the weather, particularly during the winter months. If the weather does not permit outside recess, students are returned to their classrooms, where inside games are supervised by monitors.

DROPPING OFF STUDENTS

If you plan on dropping off your child(ren), please be sure to pull your vehicle up beyond the school, past the second entrance way, and drop your children off there. If there are school buses with their lights flashing, you will have to wait to drop off your children until it is safe to pass the buses, again dropping them off beyond the school. It is against the law to pass a school bus while lights are flashing and loading or unloading students.

 BUS POLICIES AND RULES

 The Director of Transportation determines the bus routes.

 Children who are transported to/from school by school bus are allowed to walk to/from school/home/a friend's house or to use other means of transportation only upon receipt of a note from their parent or guardian. If it becomes necessary for a student to take a bus other than his or her assigned one, you can contact the bus garage at 848-3878 to see if seating is available. The student must also bring a note from his or her parent or guardian to the school office. If the situation involves more than one student, all students involved need a note.

 If a child misses his or her bus after school, parents or adults on the student information card will be called to arrange transportation. There are no late buses for after-school activities.

 For your child's safety, the school district requires bus drivers to complete both classroom and on-the-road training. Safety classes for all drivers are mandatory once a month. Each driver practices safe evacuation procedures and reviews proper bus conduct with the students.

 Kindergarten students will not be allowed to exit the bus unless a designated adult is there to meet the child. The child will be returned to the school.

 All buses are equipped with two-way radios and first-aid kits. Drivers are informed about students who have serious health concerns. As part of an ongoing effort to improve bus safety and the supervision of students, the Montville schools have installed cameras on school buses.

 Bus drivers can issue bus conduct reports for misbehavior. Copies of the report are sent to parents and the principal, and the Transportation Director and bus driver retain copies for their records. A second offense results in a phone call to parents from the Transportation Director's office. A third offense may warrant suspension from the bus.

Transportation privileges shall be withdrawn by the school principal when a pupil's behavior on a school bus is detrimental to the welfare of others or in violation of established rules. Parents shall be notified one day prior to the withdrawal of transportation privileges and it shall then become the parent's responsibility to make other travel arrangements.

 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN

STUDENTS

 •When you leave the bus, always walk about ten steps in front of the bus and stop to look for cars. Do not expect the driver to look for you.

•Always make sure you can see your driver's face when you cross in front of the bus. If you can see the driver, he or she can see you.

 •Do not stand or walk behind the bus. The driver cannot see you.

 •Stay away from the side of the bus. If you can touch the side of the bus, you are too close.

 •If you drop something in front of the bus or near it, do not pick it up until the bus leaves. The driver cannot see you.

 •Do not run, play ball, fight, or horse around at the bus stop; and do not stand or play on snow banks while waiting for the bus. You could slip and fall.

 •Always stay seated on the bus; do not throw things inside the bus; do not put any part of you outside the window.

 •Talk softly and keep other noises down so that the driver can hear signals from outside the bus.

 •NEVER use the back door, except for emergencies, and you are instructed to do so.

FOLLOW THESE BUS RULES

 1. THE BUS DRIVER MAY ASSIGN SEATS.

 2. BE COURTEOUS.

 3. NO PROFANITY.

 4. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ON THE BUS; KEEP THE BUS CLEAN.

 5. VIOLENCE IS PROHIBITED.

 6. REMAIN SEATED.

 7. NO SMOKING.

 8. KEEP YOUR HANDS AND HEAD INSIDE THE BUS.

 9. DO NOT DESTROY PROPERTY.

 10. FOR YOU OWN SAFETY, DO NOT DISTRACT THE DRIVER THROUGH MISBEHAVIOR.

 PARENTS

•Give your child a book bag to carry papers and other belongings. It will keep him or her from losing an item in the street and bending down to pick it up. (a major cause of school bus fatalities).

•Tell children to remove their backpacks when they sit down. The packs tend to punch them forward and defeat the passive restraint system built into school buses. Also, please cut off any long straps from the backpack if they hang down. Long straps tend to trip the children as they board the bus.

•Buy raincoats in a color other than yellow. Yellow slickers blend in with the color of the bus, making children hard to see.

 •Monitor your child's bus stop.

 MISBEHAVIOR ON BUS:

Penalty at discretion of principal depending on circumstances (may include removal from bus for 1 to 10 days or permanent removal from bus by a formal hearing). Serious misbehavior on the bus may also be cause for punishment up to and including suspension or expulsion from school.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE NUMBER

 Any local change of address, telephone number, or other information should be given to the local school office as soon as possible.

TRANSFERS: 

The parent or guardian should obtain a transfer card and a copy of the current health form upon withdrawal of his/her child(ren) from a local school. Whenever possible, the school office should be notified several days in advance.

 School records, including health and confidential files, will be forwarded to the new school within two weeks, when requested by that school.

 New pupils must be accompanied by their parent(s)/guardian(s) when arriving at school for the first time as registration forms need to be completed. A birth certificate or baptismal record should be available to verify information.

 After registering, the child(ren) will visit his/her/their new class but will not attend until the following school day.

 When students transfer within Montville school district, transfer cards are not required.

 ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

ENTRANCE AGE:

 •Children whose fifth birthday falls on or before December 31st may be admitted to kindergarten.

 •Children whose sixth birthday falls on or before December 31st may be admitted to first grade.

•Students registering in the Montville Schools for the first time must meet the following requirements:

 1. Birth certificate, if not available, a baptismal certificate (copy placed in cume folder).

2. Verification of immunization for measles, rubella, pertussis, poliomyelitis, diptheria, tetanus, and mumps. Youngsters may be excused from meeting the immunization requirement only for medical or religious reasons. If a youngster has had the diseases (mumps and/or regular measles), written proof from a medical doctor is acceptable. Any student who has not met the immunization requirements will be excluded from school until the requirements are met.

3. Written results of a physical examination. Kindergarten youngsters' physical examination must be completed and signed by the doctor and dated within 12 months of the date of entry into school.

 ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS

 Transfer students must meet all of the entrance requirements if they have not done so previously. Proof of the immunizations must be available upon registration. If students have a transfer card (recent report card acceptable), a copy of birth or baptismal certificate and proof of immunization, they may begin classes the following school day after registration. The Montville School System allows transfer students two (2) months to meet other health requirements (such as physical). If these health requirements are not met in two (2) months, the student will be excluded from school from that date and until such time as health requirements are met.

 Those students entering kindergarten and whose parents/guardians moved to Montville during the summer vacation period are to be treated the same as transfer students regarding health entrance requirements.

 For the personal health and safety of each student, we expect that clothing will be neat, clean, and in good taste. Clothing bearing slogans in poor taste, short shorts, or abbreviated tops will not be permitted as they detract from the learning process. Clothing and footgear should be appropriate for the daily indoor/outdoor activities of the student. Coats/hats should not be worn in the building. We ask visitors to our school to set an example by following this dress code.

 Please make sure that when you send your child(ren) to school that they come dressed appropriately for the weather and the season. As we all know, New England weather can change rapidly during the course of the day. All students should wear coats, hats, mittens, and when necessary, boots to school in the winter. Unless the weather is inclement or bitter cold, we do like to bring the students out for recess each day. We find the few minutes in the fresh air are healthful, and this also enables the students to burn off some excess energy and avoid "cabin fever." We would appreciate your cooperation and assistance in this manner.

 Please mark all your child's outerwear with a name and telephone number. If items of clothing are lost, they may be found in the lost and found in the cafeteria. Outerwear is worn only when entering and leaving the school building.

 Parent/guardian conferences are held in the fall during two one-session days. Parent/guardian conferences are scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. during these one-session days. Time schedules for parents/guardians are sent home with the students.

 Parents/guardians may request conferences with teachers at other times by writing the teacher or calling the school to make an appointment. Parents and community members are encouraged to visit during American Education Week in November. The public is encouraged to visit the schools during American Education week, with the one stipulation that all visitors must check in at the school office upon arrival - for the safety of the children.

 Report cards are issued four times per year in grades 1 - 5.

 Kindergarten report cards are issued in January and June.

 Interim reports may be sent midway through a marking period or as needed.

 In each student's second report card, a form is sent on which parents/guardians can provide input for future class placement. The grade level teachers generate heterogeneous class lists that are finalized by the building principal. While parents/guardians may not request a specific teacher, every effort is made to place students for optimal success.

 LOST AND FOUND:

There is a lost and found box located in the cafeteria at Dr. Charles E. Murphy School. Please have your child(ren) check with office personnel if he/she has lost an important item. Placing your child's name on his/her personal items/clothing will help in identifying lost belongings. Items left for long periods of time will be donated to a local charity.

 TOYS AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS: 

There are times when students have brought in toys and/or other personal belongings (games, cameras, radios, etc.) to school. In some cases these toys have become broken and/or lost. The children who brought in these items were quite disappointed, as would be expected.

 To avoid such a situation, students are strongly discouraged from bringing any toys, electronic games, cameras, radios, etc. to school unless they are appropriate for some special or specific classroom project (i.e., Show and Tell or Sharing Time in Kindergarten and Grade One). Cameras should be brought to school only with permission of the classroom teacher, and used only to photograph a special classroom program or event.

 Toys and personal belongings, when brought into school, usually result in individual distractions during the course of the school day. Students must assume responsibility for any item that they may bring to school. When toys are lost, misplaced or even stolen, many children are heart-broken and distracted by the loss.

 School pictures will be taken on September 10 and 11, 1998. Picture packets will be sent home with your child(ren). Please read
the information carefully. Payment must accompany your order on picture day. All checks should be made out to:
Steve Brimmer Photography and include your telephone number on your check.
 

 Fire safety is taught at school. Students are instructed about the seriousness and importance of fire drills. Fire drills are regularly scheduled.

 All textbooks are the property of the town of Montville and are loaned free of charge to all students. Students are expected to care for all textbooks issued to them and to be responsible for their safe return in June.

 Textbooks are expensive and students are expected to cover their books to prevent unreasonable wear and tear.

 Textbooks, calculators, library books, or media materials lost or damaged by students must be paid for by the parent(s) or guardian(s) before school records and/or report cards will be issued.

 All students are issued a reasonable supply of paper, pencils, and rulers throughout the school year and are expected to use them in a conservative manner.

 Textbooks may be borrowed for homebound students with approval of the principal.

The privacy of student records is guaranteed. Only parents/guardians and appropriate school personnel are allowed to have access to the information contained in the student's record. In accordance with the student records policy of the Montville Board of Education, parents/guardians have the right to inspect a student's record. The records are made available to the parent/guardian within ten days after a written request has been made to the building principal. Copies of any part of a student's record may be requested. A reasonable fee may be charged for the cost of duplication of materials contained in a student's records. A specific written consent provided by the parent/guardian is necessary for any other third party examination. A RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM, available in the school office, can be completed for this purpose. It has been our practice to make student records easily accessible to parents/guardians.

 When the teacher or school office is notified, copies of student report cards will be provided to non-custodial parents/guardians as required by law.

 Dr. Charles E. Murphy School operates on a ten day rotating cycle. This cycle eliminates the problem of students frequently missing "special" classes such as art, music, and gym. It works well for our youngsters, however keeping track of the rotation days can be very trying for parents/guardians.

 Simply put, your child's class will be assigned number days in the 10-day cycle - EXAMPLE: GYM DAYS 3 AND 8. Below you can see an example of how the schedule works.

It is important to keep track of rotation days; for example, if your child(ren) doesn't dress appropriately on gym day, he/she can't participate. Your child's teacher will gladly review the rotation schedule with you. Call voice mail if you are unsure of the date/day.

 Homework is an important dimension of an effective study skills program and is an extension of classroom work to help students become self-directed, independent learners.

 Primary reasons for homework are:

 1. Reinforce classroom work

2. Practice particular skills

3. Develop initiative, independence, self-direction, and responsibility

4. Develop good study skills

5. Acquaint parents/guardians with work pupils do in school

6. Foster good school/home communication

7. Teach the importance of utilizing time at home for study

8. Spark students' curiosity and creativity

Parents/guardians are requested to provide an appropriate time and place for students to complete homework.

 TIME GUIDELINES FOR HOMEWORK:

 •Kindergarten 10 minutes, 4 nights a week

•Grades 1 and 2 20 to 30 minutes, 4 nights a week

•Grades 3 and 4 30 to 40 minutes, 4 nights a week

•Grade 5 45 to 60 minutes, 4 nights a week

 Students in grades 4 and 5 should have experience working on long-term projects. This may entail completing assignments over a weekend or during a holiday period; however, if student budgets time wisely, this may not be necessary.

 It is necessary for parents/guardians who wish to bring in a snack on their child's birthday to notify their child's teacher inadvance. Snacks should be brought to the office and will then be delivered to your child's classroom.

 We periodically receive requests from parents/guardians to provide them with the telephone numbers and addresses of their child's classmates in order to invite them to a birthday party or other event at their home. We are not allowed to give out students' telephone numbers or addresses. We do not allow invitations to birthday parties and other events to be distributed in school. We have found that those students that do not receive an invitation become quite disappointed, and in some cases upset, and this can affect their performance in school for the rest of the day. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance in this regard.

DISCIPLINE

 Our goal is to enable children to have a safe and successful school year.

 In an effort to accomplish this goal, a school-wide assertive discipline plan has been developed. The plan specifies the rules that cover the behaviors which are expected from students. The plan also states that students who break the rules will receive consequences and students who follow the rules will receive positive reinforcement.

 Each teacher's classroom plan is posted in the room, explained to the children, and copies are sent home early in the school year.

 We are confident that clearly stated and thorough school-wide and classroom assertive discipline plans will teach our children to be responsible for their actions and make school a positive and motivating experience.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

 The condition of our schools is a reflection of the pride we take in our community. It is important for our children to respect school property, and this deserves more than a casual mention from parents/guardians.

 A registered nurse is available during the school day to assess illnesses, administer first aid when needed and administer prescribed medication. Throughout the school year, certain health related tests and examinations are carried out during school time (ex. vision, hearing, etc.).

 Students should arrive at school prepared to attend class. Please feed your child(ren) a healthy breakfast and tend to minor health problems. (ex: Cough and cold medication if needed, calamine lotion to bug bites and poison ivy, bandaids covering all areas of broken skin).

ILLNESS:

 Children occasionally complain of illness during school hours and are sent to the nurse's office. Usually a rest of 10 to 15 minutes, after having a temperature check, is sufficient and the child is sent back to class. Thechild who has more serious symptoms (temperature of over 100 degrees, vomiting, etc.) is deemed too ill to function inclass, may be endangering the health of others and will be dismissed if possible. Such children must be picked up in the office by the parent or guardian, or by someone authorized by them.

Requirements for communicable diseases:

 •MEASLES - remain home for 5 days after appearance of rash

•MUMPS - remain home until all swelling has disappeared

•CHICKEN POX - remain home for 6 days and until scabs are dry

•STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION - remain home until 48 hours of appropriate antibiotic therapy has been instituted.

 After a child has been examined by his doctor following a communicable disease, she/he may return to school with a statement from the doctor. These certificates must always be honored.

 INJURY:

 In the event of serious injury, every effort is made to contact the parents/guardians immediately. If a parent/guardian cannot be located, the decision is made to transport the child to a medical facility by ambulance. Continuing effort will be made to locate them even if the child has left the school.

It is imperative that the school have a correct telephone number on file at all times for both the home and place of business. If a number is changed or the phone disconnected, please notify the school immediately and provide instructions for the school to follow to locate a parent/guardian in case of emergency.

Students shall not return to school after an absence due to illness unless they are able to participate in the entire school program, including outdoor recess and other outdoor activities. A doctor's statement allowing a child to return to school is always honored, however, it should specify how long a particular activity is to be restricted.

 MEDICATION:

 Administration of medication by school personnel is a program designed to meet student health needs. The administrationof any medication, including over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and cough drops, must be done under an order from a physician, dentist, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant, in addition to parents/guardians permission.

 The medication must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the parent or guardian. Forms for physician's orders are available in the nurse's office. Do not send any medication (prescribed or over-the-counter) with your child. Mediation must be delivered in the original and properly labeled bottle.

 TESTING PROGRAMS:

 Heights, weights, vision and hearing tests are administered to each student annually. The school department has up-to-date equipment for this testing. Passing standards for vision and hearing are set by the state.

 If a child fails to meet passing standards in either vision or hearing, a notice is sent to the parents or guardian, referring students to a doctor. Parents/guardians are requested to take the form provided at the time of referral to the doctor and request that he/she complete the form; it should be returned to the school nurse. Recommendations of the doctor are communicated to those who work with the child.

 If the parent/guardian is already aware of the problem and if the child is already under care, a note to that effect should be written on the bottom of the referral and the form should be returned to the nurse.

 EXAMINATIONS:

 HEAD LICE: In many schools the problem of pediculosis (head lice) has reached epidemic proportions. Head checks are done on all students during the first two or three weeks of school. If a child is found to have head lice, immediate dismissal is mandatory and treatment instructions are given. Children will be readmitted to school when completely free of nits. Examination by the school nurse is required before the child is readmitted.

 POSTURAL SCREENING: Postural screening is done in the fifth grade because curvatures of the spine rarely start to show before the preadolescent years. Screening is done to check for signs of scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis.

HEALTH PROGRAMS:

 A growth and development film will be shown to all fifth graders with parental permission. The boys will see their film with a male teacher, administrator, or health professional. The girls will see their film with a female teacher, administrator, or health professional. All parents/guardians are encouraged to attend this viewing with their child.

 All other health programs will be part of the classroom curriculum.

 Dr. Charles E. Murphy School is a Smoke-Free environment. Students shall not possess or use alcohol, drugs (including look-alike drugs) or drug paraphernalia on school property. Any student found in violation of the tobacco-alcohol-drug policy will face immediate suspension and, where applicable, be remanded to the proper authorities.

 A trained crisis intervention team is available at Dr. Charles E. Murphy School to support students, staff, and parents in a crisis situation. A violent intruder plan has been developed by the team.

INSURANCE:

 Parents/guardians are urged to review their health and accident insurance policies to be sure that they have sufficient coverage in the event of an accident involving their child(ren) during the time that their child(ren) is (are) at school. Insurance is offered to parents/guardians through the school at a nominal cost. Parents/guardians are reminded that the schools are generally not liable for accidents and injuries incurred by their children during school time, nor are they able to pay the medical and other costs incurred as a result of accidents occurring at school. The only exception to this is in the event that negligence on the part of the school can be proven in the case of an injury. Please review the insurance packet that your child brings home. It must be signed and returned whether or not you purchase the insurance.

 The Dr. Charles E. Murphy Parent Teacher Organization plays a significant role in the activities offered that enhance the basic education provided in the schools. Some items P.T.O. dollars fund are classroom field trips, cultural arts programs, playground equipment, school supplies and equipment and the fifth grade year-end party. In addition, the P.T.O. sponsors the Variety Show, Open House, Book Fair and year-end scholastic achievement and citizenship awards. This past year a very successful Holiday Bazaar and Spring Fair were run by the P.T.O. and enjoyed by the students. P.T.O. volunteers are active in all of the above as well as many other school and classroom activities.

 Involvement in P.T.O. is a most effective way of influencing your child's experience in school. The P.T.O. looks forward to continuing the special relationship among the parent/guardian, teacher, child, and school; so together we can ensure the emotional, social, and educational well-being of each child.

 The P.T.O. sponsored volunteer group, M.O.V.E., has been established to enable parents/guardians to become more actively
and directly involved in their children's education.
 

This program also provides teachers with additional adults in the classroom on a regular basis, thereby allowing for more individualized instruction and attention for the students. Under the teacher's direction, the adult volunteer works with one child or a small group of children to supplement the classroom program.

M.O.V.E. increases the educational experience of each child in some way. In addition, children benefit from seeing their parents/guardians actively involved in the school.

ART:

 The goal of the Art Program is to provide each child an opportunity to express their individual creativity and to develop their artistic skills while encouraging independent thinking and creative problem solving. Students work with basic art media in a challenging program that develops confidence, self-esteem, fine motor skills, respect for others, and a love for the art process. Our Art Program provides a solid foundation for further artistic exploration at the middle and high school levels.

ENRICHMENT:

The Enrichment Program is meant to supplement and enrich the regular school program for students of extraordinary learning ability. There is a multi-criteria approach for selection of students to the enrichment program. Enrichment students leave the regular classroom one day per week beginning in grade 4 to attend the enrichment class. Parents/guardians may learn more about the program by contacting the Director of Special Services at 848-1228.

 MEDIA CENTER AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS:

The collection of books at Dr. Charles E. Murphy School includes updated fiction and non-fiction selections. Students use the media center as a regular part of their school week.

Staff and students use the computer room to enhance instruction. There are approximately twenty (20) computers and a variety of programs available for use. Students have become familiar with graphs, time-lines, and problem-solving materials in science, social studies, and math.

MUSIC:

The purpose of the elementary music program is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the aesthetic qualities of music as well as transmit a knowledge of various cultural heritages. Music skills are taught to develop intellectual capacity provide social education, provide a worthy recreation, and foster creativity.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

Some form of physical activity is of value throughout a lifetime. Montville's Physical Education Program strives to help all students gain the necessary knowledge and achieve the appropriate physical and social skills essential in developing an active lifestyle. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for all students to develop and maintain a level of physical fitness necessary for maximum growth and development.

On days the students have physical education, for safety reasons, they are required to wear sneakers and appropriate clothing for the various activities.

 READING:

Reading is part of a literate classroom environment that supports and stimulates meaningful language use. It is built around the philosophy that language should not be separated into its component parts, but is best learned through authentic situations that have meaning for the learner. In this environment there is an integrated approach to teaching and learning language arts, based on the principle that listening, speaking, reading, and writing are interrelated functions of communication that are developed concurrently.

In addition to multi-level instructional materials used in each classroom, children with specialized or severe reading difficulties have access to the services of a reading consultant and other specialists. These professionals are also supported in the areas of reading by a team of paraprofessionals who work with children individually and in small groups.

SUMMER SCHOOL:

A system-wide remedial language arts and mathematics program for students in kindergarten through grade eight is held for four weeks and runs two hours per day. The district also holds a computer enrichment course for which a fee is charged.

ACTIVITIES:

Each Montville elementary school offers extra curricular activities for the upper grade students. The purpose of these activities is to provide individuals with the opportunity to further develop their skills, abilities, and talents.

Programs include the Math Olympiad for grade 4 and 5 students and basketball for both boys and girls in grade 5. Theseprograms are offered after school and transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

 The Dr. Charles E. Murphy School students may also have an opportunity to participate in the following programs:

•4th Grade Run a CARE and SHARE Program

•Special Person's Day

•Biographical "Be Somebody Program"

 •5th Grade Geography Bee

•D.A.R.E. Program

•Stock Market Game

 •4th and 5th Grade Spelling Bee

•Environmental Conferences

•Leadership Conferences

•Design-an-Ad, New London Day

•Fire Prevention Contests

 •K-5 Variety Show

•Reading Incentive Program

REMEDIAL AND SPECIAL SERVICES TESTS: 

District wide screening of 3 and 4 year olds enables us to identify children at risk for educational difficulties and to provide educational interventions where indicated.

Teacher/parent/guardian concerns are addressed through the Child Study Team (C.S.T.) process. Specialized tests are administered by the reading consultants, the math coordinator, the school psychologist, the special education teachers, the speech/language pathologist, the occupational therapist, and the physical therapist on an individual basis, as needed.

SPECIAL EDUCATION:

Montville's elementary schools provide a variety of classrooms/programs designed to assist students with a range of exceptionality; social/emotional/and/or physical. Teachers who are trained in special education provide direct instructional services and indirect services such as assisting or providing consultation to the regular classroom teachers through Special Services.

 The identification of children requiring special education and/or related services and the delivery of these services is a process requiring cooperative participation between parents/guardians and staff. This process may be initiated in a number of ways, and if you have any questions at all about any procedure or process relative to special education and available services, you should call the Director of Special Services at 848-1228.

Special Services addresses the needs of those students who may fall into one or more of the following categories: mentally retarded, socially and emotionally maladjusted, learning disabled, physically handicapped, neurologically impaired, visually handicapped, hearing impaired, and speech and/language impaired.

Dr. Charles E. Murphy School has a resource room where a special education teacher offers support to learning disabled students. Counseling, physical and occupational therapy, school health services, speech, language and hearing services for the hearing impaired are services available when recommended by the Planning and Placement Team (P.P.T.). In addition, two self-contained special education classes are available for children needing a more restricted educational placement. Extra support staff (i.e.: teacher assistants), are hired when necessary to help in the education of these students.

TESTING:

Each year all Montville elementary students in grades 2 through 5 participate in a town-wide testing program designed to provide information concerning their proficiency on tests of academic achievement and aptitude. This testing program was organized by a committee of school personnel and approved by the Board of Education.

The primary purpose of testing is to determine the achievement or readiness level of the student in a given subject of skill. In addition, large group standardized tests have the added value of providing a rough measure of how well suited the curriculum is to the students. Test information is utilized by classroom teachers, specialists, and administrators in meeting the learning needs of the individual student.

It should be noted that test scores are only one measure of a student's ability to perform in the classroom. The teacher's knowledge of each individual student is considered when interpreting test scores and developing educational programs.

Individual student reports of all group test results become part of the student's school record and, as such, are subject to the provision of the student record policy.Parent/guardian copies of each test report are sent home in the report card envelope.

Conferences on the results of this testing may be held at parent/guardian or teacher request.

The following achievement and intelligence tests are administered system-wide to all elementary students:

1. Metropolitan Achievement Tests (MAT6 Survey) - Grades 2, 3, and 5

2. Otis-Lennon School Ability Test - Grade 3

3. Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) - Grade 4

All new students entering the district for the first time are given a reading and mathematics placement test if needed.

Reading and mathematics tests are administered from time to time by classroom teachers and specialists to measure educational progress.

Pre and post math testing enables teachers to focus instruction in areas most in need and allows them to assess student and class progress over the course of a year.

The following is the policy adopted by the Montville Board of Education for the use of parents/guardians who may have school -related problems.

The purpose of this procedure is to secure at the lowest possible level equitable solutions to problems which may arise between parents/guardians and school personnel. We ask for your cooperation in implementing this policy.

1. If a parent/guardian feels that she/he has a problem/complaint/grievance with a teacher, she/he will first discuss the matter personally with him/her to resolve it.

If the parent/guardian is not satisfied with the outcome of the personal contact mentioned above, she/he then consults with the principal.

If the parent/guardian is not satisfied with the outcome of the conference with the principal, she/he then consults with the superintendent or assistant superintendent.

If the parent/guardian is not satisfied with the outcome of the conference with the superintendent or assistant superintendent, the matter is then referred to the Board of Education.

An individual Board member has legal authority only when the Board is in session and never as an individual outside of school board meetings, except as otherwise authorized by the Board of Education at a duly called meeting.

2. In matters concerning an individual school, the parent/guardian should consult with the principal of that school. The superintendent may be consulted after this has been done. The superintendent will refer the matter to the Board of Education if he cannot resolve the problem.

3. In matters concerning all of the schools, parents/guardians should consult with the superintendent. The superintendent will refer the matter to the Board of Education if he/she cannot resolve the problem.

The Montville Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religious creed, age, physical disability (in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), national origin, ancestry, marital status, or other provisions stated in accordance with Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, in any of its educational programs, activities, or employment policies.

Any student, parent/guardian, staff member, or applicant to a program, who alleges discrimination, should pursue the grievance procedure outlined in the Board of Education Policy Manual.

Any person may also file a complaint of illegal discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights, Washington, D.C., at the same time she/he files the grievance during or after use of the grievance process, or without using the grievance process at all. If a complaint is filed with the Office for Civil Rights, it must be filed in writing no later than 180 days after the occurrence of the possible discrimination.

Title VI and Section 504 Coordinator: Francis H. Stuart

Director of Special Services

Office of the Superintendent

Oakdale, CT 06370

Telephone: 848-1228

Title IX Coordinator: Roland F. Chapman, Jr.

Office of the Superintendent

Oakdale, CT 06370

Telephone: 848-1228

Some of the school system's programs that are funded by federal and state grants come under the direction of the Office of Supplementary Education. Programs under the umbrella of this office include: Head Start and Title I. The Montville Head Start Center operates year-round at the Uncasville School. Health, psychological, dental, and nutritional services are provided to those children between the ages of three and five who are either economically deprived or culturally disadvantaged. The Chapter I program, which is federally funded, provides reading and mathematics services to children eligible under economic and educational guidelines. Paraprofessionals working with classroom teachers and reading teachers provide instructional help to eligible children.

The director of these programs is: Roland F. Chapman, Jr.

Office of the Superintendent

Oakdale, CT 06370

Telephone: 848-1228