Charlotte A. Dunning Elementary School 48 Frost Street

Framingham, MA 01701 508-626-9155

www.framingham.k12.ma.us/dunning.cfm

Principal Michele Schecter

Assistant Principal

Amy Mulkerin

Parent/Student Handbook 2017-2018

“Encouraging active learning by recognizing and developing the unlimited potential of all.”

Framingham Public Schools Robert A. Tremblay, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

CHARLOTTE A. DUNNING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Ms. Michele Schecter, Principal • Ms. Amy Mulkerin, Assistant Principal 48 Frost Street, Framingham, MA. 01701

Telephone: 508-626-9155 Fax: 508-628-1363

August 2017 Dear Families: Welcome to an exciting new school year at the Charlotte Dunning Elementary School! This handbook is designed to inform you and your child about the procedures and expectations here at our school. All families should review the handbook guidelines together and understand and respect the information provided as a resource to different aspects of school life here at Dunning. We are a child-centered learning community focused on meeting the needs of the whole child in grades K-5. Reaching beyond the academic education for children at these ages, we are committed to educating the social, emotional, and physical needs of our students, as well. We will consistently strive to provide all children with a safe, caring, and nurturing environment where all youngsters feel valued for their unique and special qualities. This handbook will serve as only one of the many methods of the home/school communication partnership. Communication between home and school is extremely important. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or me whenever you have a question, concern or need information. Thank you for your support as we enter the 2017-2018 school year! We look forward to sharing in the partnership of your child’s education. Sincerely, Michele M. Schecter, Principal Amy Mulkerin, Assistant Principal

TABLE OF CONTENTS GENERAL INFORMATION 6

School Address 6 School Hours 6 Arrival at School 6 Important School Telephone Numbers 6 Framingham Public Schools Telephone Numbers 6

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES 9 Registering New Students 9 Withdrawal of Students 9

ELEMENTARY CLASS SIZE POLICY 9

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMING and SERVICES 10 SAGE 10 Sheltered English Program (Grades K-5) 10 Guidance Services 10 Speech / Language Services 10 Occupational Therapy Services 10 Psychological Services 10 Math and Literacy Coaches 11 Social Worker Services 11 Social Competency Program 11 Special Education Inclusion Programs/Small Group Instruction 11

SCHOOL-HOME COMMUNICATION and PARTNERSHIP 11 Contacting the School 11 Contacting Teachers and Staff 12 Contacting Students 12 Emergency Records 12 Report Cards and Conferences 12 Fall Curriculum Night 13 Parent Visits 13 Visitor Check-In 13 Birthday/Classroom Celebrations 13 Homework 14 Books, Equipment, Supplies 14

ATTENDANCE 15 School Hours 15 Absences 15 Tardiness 15

Early Dismissal 15

Emergency Plan 15

SCHOOL CALENDAR AND SCHOOL CLOSURE 16 Delayed Openings and School Cancellations 16 Emergency Closings 17

TRANSPORTATION TO and FROM SCHOOL 18 Bus Transportation 18 Bus Transportation Concerns 19 Car Transportation 19 Cornell Road Drop-Off and Pick-Up 19 Transportation to Childcare 20 Walkers 20

FOOD SERVICES 20 Lunch Program 20 School Payment Plan 21

HEALTH SERVICES 21 Physical Examinations 21 Immunizations 21 Health Records 21 School Medication Administration Policy 21 Dismissal for Medical Reasons 21 Illness 21 Contagious Disease 22 Strep Throat 22 Rashes 22 Pediculosis (Head Lice) 22 Exclusion for Health Reasons 22 Requests to Stay in at Recess 23 Students with Special Health Needs 23 Life Threatening Allergies 23 Food Allergies 23 Medical Screenings 23 Vision and Hearing Screening 24 Postural Screening 24 Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening 24

VOLUNTEERING AT DUNNING SCHOOL 24 Criminal Offense Record Inquiry (CORI) 24 Dunning School Council 24 Parent Teacher Organization 24

Media Center Volunteers 25 School Picture Day Volunteers 25

CODE OF CONDUCT 25 Dunning Core Values (Panda Pride) & PBIS 25 Expectations for Student Behavior 25 Cafeteria 26 Cell Phones/Electronic Devices 26 Dress Code 26 See page 37 of Handbook Addendum 26 Drug/Alcohol Policy 26 Harassment 27 Prohibited Articles in School 27 Vandalism 27 Suspension 27

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY 27

MISCELLANEOUS 28 Field Trips 28 Internet Access 28 Library 28 Notices 29 Photographs and Videotapes 29 Recess 29 Telephone 29 Testing 29 Video Surveillance 30 Search and Seizure 30 Directory Information 31

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Address Charlotte A. Dunning 48 Frost Street Framingham, MA 01701 Telephone Number: 626-9155 Website: www.framingham.k12.ma.us/dunning.cfm

School Hours Kindergarten – Grade 5: 9:05 am – 3:05 pm On Early Release Days students are dismissed at 1:05 pm. Lunch is served on these days Dismissal on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Friday before Holiday Recess and the last day of school is at 12:05. No lunch will be served on these days.

Arrival at School The school opens at 8:50 a.m. for school drop-off. We are unable to accommodate earlier drop-offs as there is no adult supervision before this time.

Important School Telephone Numbers Main Office - Telephone Number 508-626-9155 Main Office – Fax 508-877-4524 Absentee Call-In 508-626-9155 Nurse 508-782-6202 Medical – Fax Number 508-626-8597 Principal 508-782-6201 Assistant Principal 508-782-6204

Framingham Public Schools Telephone Numbers Superintendent 508-626-9117 Assistant Superintendent 508-626-9117 Transportation Office 508-626-9179 School Committee Office 508-626-9121 Food Services 508-626-9109 Office of Family & Community Engagement 508-424-3420 (formerly Parent Information Center)

CALENDAR of EVENTS August 29 Welcome Back Teacher Luncheon 30 First Day of School Grades 1-5 30 Kindergarten Orientation 31 First Day of School Kindergarten September 6 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 18-28 Boosterthon FunRun 13 Curriculum Night K-2 6:30 - 7:45 PM 27 Curriculum Night 3-5 6:30 - 7:45 PM October 4 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 16 Fall Picture Day 28 Monster Mash Dance 6:00 - 8:00 PM November 1 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 20 Fall Picture Retake Day 20 Book Fair Starts December 2 Pasta Dinner 4:00 - 7:00 pm 2 Book Fair Ends 6 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 18 Teacher Appreciation

Coffee & Dessert January 11 Family Literacy/Math Night 6:30 - 8:30 PM 19 Family Movie Night 6:30 - 8:30 PM February 7 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 10 Sweetheart Dance 6:00 - 8:00 PM

March 7 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 21 Spring Picture Day 24 Bids For Kids Auction 6:30 - 11:00 PM

April 4 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 28 Dunning Dash 9:00 - 12:00 AM May 2 PTO Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 PM 9 Teacher Appreciation Luncheon 11 Fifth Grade Variety Show 7:00 - 9:00 PM 19 Multicultural Celebration 4:00 - 7:00 PM 31 Art Show/Empty Bowls 5:00 - 8:00 PM June 6 PTO Meeting 6:30 - 8:00 PM 8 Field Day Dates and times are subject to change. Please check the school web page for any changes. Please check the school web page for the district calendars.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Registering New Students In addition to registering at the Parent Information Center at 31 Flagg Drive -Door # 4A (Fuller Middle School Building) Phone: 508-424-3420, parentinfo@framingham.k12.ma.us , parents must meet with the School Nurse prior to their student beginning school. Proof of current vaccination, health history, and appropriate health records must be submitted. The nurse will clear your student for school entry at that time. The nurse will be able to assist you with applications for health insurance, obtaining a Pediatrician or any health care and referrals for needed medical services. Also required is proof of residence, birth certificate, records from previous school. If applicable, 504 plan, IEP, proof of guardianship, and residency affidavit.

Withdrawal of Students Students moving out of the Charlotte Dunning School to another community will be processed through the main office at Charlotte Dunning. At the new school, a release of records form will be signed so that school records may be forwarded to the receiving school upon request.

ELEMENTARY CLASS SIZE POLICY At Dunning School, the following Framingham School Department class size guidelines are used in the spring to project and plan the number of classrooms for the coming year. Kindergarten 19 plus or minus 3 Grades 1 - 2 20 plus or minus 4 Grades 3 - 5 21 plus or minus 4 If all classes at a particular grade level within the district reach the top of the class size guidelines, the administration will (1) look at space available to open an additional classroom and (2) determine whether or not the school district has the financial resources to fund an additional teaching position. If space and funding are not available, students will be added one at a time to every classroom throughout the district to equalize class size. Classroom aides may be assigned to Kindergarten and First Grade classes which reach the top of the guidelines if the budget permits and if an aide is recommended by the classroom teacher and the building principal. This policy shall be phased in beginning in the 2000-2001 school year. Classes in Grades 3 – 5 that number more than 25 will be “redlined” and no new students will be added to those sections.

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMING and SERVICES

SAGE All children possess gifts and talents. Children may be academically advanced, musically inclined, or excel in sports. The goal of the SAGE program is to provide the modifications necessary to address learning styles which then can result in positive learning outcomes for children with particular needs. If you feel the SAGE program would be appropriate for your child, please talk with the classroom teacher. Parents as well as teachers may refer students for SAGE services. SAGE is only available to children in grades 2-5. Students may be screened in first grade in anticipation of receiving services in grade 2. Referral forms and additional information can be obtained from the SAGE Department at 626-9134.

Sheltered English Program (Grades K-5) Dunning offers a K-5 Sheltered English Program for students who are EL (English Learner) This program consists of classroom instruction by an SEI endorsed teacher as well as specialized language instruction by an ELD (English Language Development) teacher.

Guidance Services The Guidance Counselor provides counseling services to those children who need additional support in the social and emotional aspects of their development. Referrals are made directly to this department by parents, teachers, students, or by the Team Evaluation process.

Speech / Language Services Speech /Language therapy services are available in for children with speech/language needs. Referrals may originate from classroom teachers, parents, and preschool screening results. Children are seen for remediation on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, and/or within the classroom. Parents are notified before services initially begin, attend a yearly review, and receive written progress reports twice during the school year.

Occupational Therapy Services Occupational therapy services are available in for children with occupational therapy needs. Referrals may originate from classroom teachers, parents, and preschool screening results. Children are seen for remediation on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, and/or within the classroom. Parents are notified before services initially begin, attend a yearly review, and receive written progress reports twice during the school year.

Psychological Services The School Psychologist helps assess the problems of children who may be having some difficulty in school. S/he consults with parents and the school staff about these children to help with related issues. 14 17

Math and Literacy Coaches A full-time Literacy Coach and a part time Math Coach are vital to the academic program and curriculum at Dunning. Both coaches are trained to work with teachers to help design, implement, and support curriculum and instruction in literacy and math.

Social Worker Services The primary function of our school Social Worker is to provide services to students and their families. This can be direct service to the student or the parent. S/he provides assessment, direct services, and consultation.

Social Competency Program At Charlotte Dunning, we utilize a restorative practices approach to social competency. Restorative Practices involve interventions when harm has happened, as well as practices that help to prevent harm and conflict by creating a sense of belonging, safety, and social responsibility within the school community. The underlying principle is that relationships are important. When an incident occurs, the focus is on the harm caused to the relationship and how to repair the relationship; rather than what rule has been broken and what consequences will be imposed.

Special Education Inclusion Programs/Small Group Instruction The purpose of these special education programs is to give service to any child who has an identified special need that can best be met in either an inclusion setting or small group for part of their day. In the Inclusion Program, special education services are administered in an individual child’s classroom setting with the Special Educator and classroom teacher working together for certain time periods to provide services. The least restrictive environment is then utilized to administer special services to a child.

SCHOOL-HOME COMMUNICATION and PARTNERSHIP

Contacting the School The Dunning staff wants to work together with parents in solving challenging issues that may arise. If your child experiences a challenging issue in the classroom, the first step is to contact your child’s teacher by telephone or email to discuss the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved with the teacher, then the principal, vice principal, or guidance counselor, and social worker are additional resources. Childcare arrangements should be made directly with your private childcare providers. Dunning School should be notified in writing of all after-school childcare arrangements as well as any changes in childcare throughout the school year. It is extremely important that the school office be notified as soon as you have a change in

your contact information. If you have an address change and receive bus services, our Transportation Department needs several days to make new arrangements. Your current telephone number is necessary so we can always reach you to ensure your child’s safety. Please call the Dunning School Main Office to update any changes to contact information.

Contacting Teachers and Staff The telephone listing for teachers is their voicemail. Please make sure you leave a message with your name, your child’s name, and the time and nature of your call. When emailing anyone in the school system, please put “From the Parents of [your child’s name]” in the subject line to ensure your message gets through the district firewall. Teachers typically check email and voicemail once a day. Please keep in mind that teachers usually return calls at the beginning or end of school when class is not in session. If you would like to contact your child’s teacher, you may

● write a note to the teacher and send it in with your child; ● call the teacher’s voicemail number; or ● send the teacher an email. (Staff email addresses can be found on the “Dunning Staff” tab of the school

website: http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/dunning.cfm) In an emergency, please contact the main office at 508-626-9155 and speak with the school secretary.

Contacting Students When it is necessary to get an important message to your child during the school day, leave the message with the school secretary at 508-626-9155. Students are not to carry and keep cell phones on during the school day. The secretary will make sure your child receives your message. Children are not allowed to be called out of class to take phone calls from parents. In order to minimize class interruptions, please limit messages to topics such as family illness or a parent being absent from home after school. All after-school arrangements should be made ahead of time.

Emergency Records The school office maintains a file of emergency forms that contain information concerning parents’ phone numbers, places of employment, and whom to contact in case parents are not available. It is essential that the information on this form be kept up to date. If there is any change in phone numbers, addresses, or place of employment, the office should be notified immediately.

Report Cards and Conferences Report cards are sent home with children twice a year; at mid-year and at the end. Dates are set by the district at the start of every new school year. An additional parent signature page is included in the envelope. Conferences between teachers and parents are held in the fall and spring. Specified Thursday afternoon early release days are used for this purpose as well as selected evenings. However, a conference may be held at any

time the teacher or parent feels it is necessary. Translators are available to help with parent conferences and communication. Report cards are issued each January and June at all grade levels. Parents are encouraged to contact the school if they wish to meet with teachers to discuss any individual problems that arise outside of the regularly scheduled Fall and Spring Conferences. An appointment should be set up upon an agreed time between teacher and parent.

Fall Curriculum Night Curriculum night is held early in the fall for parents and their students and provides one of the first opportunities during the school year for parents and teachers to meet each other. The evening will start with your child’s teacher giving an overview to parents of the grade level curriculum and expectations for the year. Students will then join their parents in classes. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself and familiarize yourself with your child’s classroom materials and activities. This is a special evening for Dunning students and their parents. There will be no childcare for younger brothers and sisters, so we recommend that alternative plans are made for younger siblings. This is not a time for individual conferences about students. Conferences will be scheduled for a later date to discuss your child’s progress.

Parent Visits Parents are encouraged to visit classrooms and to observe specified school functions. All classroom visitations must be arranged in advance through the teacher or the Principal. The Principal will use discretion on visitations based on the priority of a continuous academic program. This priority will serve as a standard for the types and durations of visitations that are arranged. Please avoid scheduling visits with teachers at such times as arrival, dismissal, and prime instructional times. If you would like to speak to your child’s teacher, please feel free to call and leave a message and they will return your call as soon as they are able. In order to develop student independence, we encourage students to walk to their classrooms on their own. Please remember that volunteers and visitors should NOT be in classrooms without the presence of a school staff member. If a Dunning staff member is not present, please wait outside the classroom until someone returns.

Visitor Check-In To ensure the safety of our students, all visitors are required to introduce themselves at the office. In addition, all visitors are required to sign our visitor’s log, located in the main lobby and wear a Visitor’s Badge. Please use discretion when choosing to visit your child’s classroom so as not to interrupt the learning process throughout the day. Any visitor to the building who is not wearing a visitor badge will be stopped and questioned.

Birthday/Classroom Celebrations For many elementary school children, birthday celebrations are an important part of their school experience. Classroom teachers will decide on grade level policies regarding the celebration of birthdays, holidays, and special events. Please honor the requests of your child’s grade level. A child may choose to distribute non-food items or invite a special guest to read a story with his/her classmates for their birthday. Please do not send any food products for celebrations.

Invitations Students are not allowed to pass out party invitations at school unless there is one for every child in the class. In the instance of a “girls” party, one invitation for every girl in the class would be allowed. In the instance of a “boys” party, invitations for every boy in the class would be allowed. Please notify the classroom teacher prior to distribution. The school is unable to provide mailing lists for classroom invitations. School directories will be sold at the beginning of the school year so that parents may have access to contact information.

Homework Homework is regarded as an extension of the in-school learning accomplished by your child daily. The purpose of homework is to provide students with a variety of educational assignments designed to either practice, advance, prepare, or extend learning. Homework is viewed as an essential part of the curriculum. Homework fosters student growth in the areas of responsibility and time management. Homework assignments must be submitted when due and demonstrate the student’s best individual effort. Parents can help homework to be effective by implementing some simple guidelines.

● Establish a regular time and place for children to do homework. ● Provide resources and equipment (dictionary, ruler, pencil, eraser, maps, etc.). ● Help children get started, explaining assignments as needed but not doing it for them. ● Check everyday to make sure homework is being done – for students in grades 1-5. ● Contact your child’s teacher if there are problems.

When students are absent from school, it is their responsibility to make up assignments upon their return. On the third consecutive day a child is absent because of illness, parents may call the school to arrange to pick-up homework. However, it is not the responsibility of the teachers to provide homework assignments in advance for students who take vacation time outside of regularly scheduled school vacations and holidays.

Books, Equipment, Supplies The books, equipment and supplies which your child will use are the property of the Town of Framingham. Books will be issued to your child at the beginning of the school year and he/she will be required to be responsible for them. Any books lost must be immediately reported to the teacher. Parents will be financially responsible for lost or damaged books and equipment. Parents will be notified of damaged property.

ATTENDANCE

School Hours School is in session 9:05 a.m. – 3:05 p.m. Students are welcome to begin arriving at school at 8:50 a.m., when teachers will be present to greet them. The teachers will arrive at that time to supervise arrival. Parents will assume responsibility for early arrivals. Students who arrive after 9:05 a.m. are considered tardy and should be escorted to the Main Office by an adult.

Absences See page 30 of Handbook Addendum

Tardiness Students who arrive at school after 9:05 a.m. will be marked “tardy”. Whenever a student arrives late to school he/she must report to the Main Office, accompanied by an adult. Because arriving late to school is disruptive to a student and the student’s classroom we encourage all students to be on time. Chronic tardiness (5 or more in a term) will be addressed by the Principal, the school counselor, or Attendance Officer.

Early Dismissal While every attempt should be made to schedule appointments and activities after 3:05 pm, it is sometimes necessary to dismiss students early. If a student is to be dismissed during the day, a note is required. If your child is a bus student and will not be going home on the bus, we must have a note from you indicating who will be picking your child up that day. Without a note, your child must go home on the school bus. If your child is a walking student and will be picked up at school, we must have a note from you giving permission for your child to be picked up by someone other than you. Remember — this is for the safety and protection of your child! Students will not be dismissed to anyone other than a parent/guardian without a note in advance. The person picking up the child for early dismissal is expected to meet the student at the Main Office and ensure that the child has checked out with the secretary before leaving the building. Students will not be allowed to leave school unattended. Classroom teachers will not release a student to anyone they do not clearly identify as the parent/guardian unless they receive a note from the child or notification from the office that this is to occur. Parents who come to school to pick up their children should park in areas that do not block traffic flow. Changes in dismissal will not be accepted after 2:30 pm.

Emergency Plan The Framingham Public School District has a comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. It is expected that all students participate in the prescribed emergency drills in their schools as instructed by the school

administration and staff. It is imperative that students understand the importance of engaging in these procedures in a serious manner so as to be fully prepared should an emergency arise during the school day. There are four types of drills that are required for all staff and students in all school buildings during the school year:

Evacuation Drill – is used when it is important to move away from the building to a secure location away from the building. This drill will take places at least three times per year under the direction of the Framingham Fire Department. Safety Drill – is used when a bomb-type threat is made to the safety of building. These drills will take place at least two times per year. Hold in Place – is used to protect staff and students from incidents and/or distractions that are taking place in the hallway. A hold in place implies that instruction should continue within the classroom, and that students should remain in the classroom until further notice. These drills will take place at least two times per year. Lockdown – is used to protect staff and students from a threat inside the building. It is to be used when it may be more dangerous to evacuate the building than it is to stay in a secure classroom within the school. These drills will take place at least two times per year. Emergencies are unexpected, unpredictable, and take many forms. No one can ever be fully prepared for everything that may happen as each situation happens in its own unique context. However, the district Incident Management Plan is designed to provide a proven framework within those unique situations on which leaders and staff can rely. When a school’s procedures are well rehearsed and automatic, the opportunity for a school leader to assess the situation and make appropriate immediate decisions is greater.

SCHOOL CALENDAR AND SCHOOL CLOSURE

The Framingham Public School calendar is set each year by the Framingham School Committee and is found on the district’s website and sent home with your child at the beginning of the school year. We encourage you to go to the individual school calendars which can be found on the district website, http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us. The calendar includes early release days and pre-approved school closures. It is important that parents mark their calendars with all dates and times when school is not in session to ensure appropriate child care during these times.

Delayed Openings and School Cancellations

In cases of inclement weather or other emergency necessitating the closing or delaying of school, the Superintendent will make the decision. Central administration personnel then notify the radio and television

stations between 5:00 AM and 5:45 AM. A Blackboard ConnectEd message will be sent to all families and staff and will be posted on the district’s website and the following radio and Boston Radio/TV Channels: ● WBZ-radio 1030 AM ● WBZ-TV Channel 4 CBS ● WCVB-TV Channel 5 ABC ● WHDH-TV Channel 7 NBC ● WLVI-TV Channel 56 CW ● WFXT-TV Channel 25 Fox

In the event of a delayed opening, school start times will be delayed by 2 hours. All activities in the schools will continue as usual including the same dismissal time. Morning Preschool classes will be cancelled when the start of school is delayed. There will be no change in afternoon Preschool hours on delayed opening days. Dismissal for afternoon Preschool will be at the regular time.

Emergency Closings

On a rare occasion school may be closed due to a weather-related event. In this case, all children must be sent home, with the exception of those children scheduled to attend the Extended Day Childcare programs at the elementary schools. Elementary children enrolled in the Extended Day Childcare program will remain at their school and parents will pick them up as soon as possible, but no later than 5 p.m.

1. The Superintendent would notify the school that busses would be arriving to take children home at a specified time.

2. Dismissal procedures will be sent to parents via a Connect-Ed call and will be located on the district’s website.

It is important that parents keep their home, business and emergency numbers current with the school as these are the numbers, which will be called through Connect-Ed.

Parents who plan to come to the school to pick up their child are strongly encouraged NOT to call the school and tie up the phone lines. Just come to the office and your child will be dismissed.

It is imperative that each child knows where to go in the event that a parent cannot be notified. For parent peace of mind, this would also help in those rare cases when an emergency arises and a parent cannot get home to meet their child.

TRANSPORTATION TO and FROM SCHOOL

Bus Transportation Eligibility for school busing requires a student to reside more than a 2-mile radius from the school. If you have any questions about transportation, you should call the Transportation Office of the Framingham Public Schools at 508-626-9179. Bus schedules are not exact. On any given day, a child’s school bus can be early or late. It is recommended that children be at their pick-up point 5 minutes earlier than scheduled. If a child misses the bus, parents are responsible for bringing him/her to school on-time. Students will be transported to and from a designated bus stop. Only students assigned to a bus may ride that bus. When children wish to visit other children after school, it is the parent’s responsibility to arrange for their own transportation.

● Bus routes and stops are developed by the Framingham Public Schools Department of Transportation. Parents are encouraged to accompany their child/children to / from and at the bus stop.

● Students should be aware that riding the bus is the same as being in school. Conduct on the bus should be the same as classroom conduct with the driver receiving the same respect and courtesy due a teacher.

● Bus students are not to be dropped off any place except on the school property during arrival in the morning. If students will not be riding home on the bus as usual they must bring a note to school specifying where they will be going and signed by parents.

● Students will not be permitted to ride alternate buses for after-school social purposes (birthday parties, sleepovers, after-school visits, etc).

● Please note: Kindergarten students will not be dropped off at a bus stop unless there is an adult waiting to receive them. If an adult is not present children will be returned to their assigned school and parent/guardians will be notified. Repeated offenses may result in the loss of bus transportation privileges and parent/guardians will be responsible for transporting their children to school.

At the bus stop students will:

● Arrive on time, five minutes before the bus. ● Behave appropriately and respect private property.

On school buses students will:

● Enter the bus quietly in an orderly fashion. ● Cooperate with the driver. ● Choose a seat quickly and remain seated throughout the bus ride. ● Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus. ● Have quiet conversations with their peers. ● Keep hands, feet, and all other belongings to themselves. ● Conduct themselves appropriately – no vandalism, profanity, pushing or fighting.

Student Conduct on School Buses (see page 29 of Handbook Addendum)

Bus Transportation Concerns If a parent is concerned about any matter related to transportation such as schedules, behavior on the bus, policies, or complaints, first contact the Transportation Office at 508-626-9179. Of course, sometimes interpersonal student differences that erupt on the bus are really not “bus problems.” In these instances, parents can call the school directly.

Car Transportation Morning drop off: All students dropped off by parents in the morning, on Frost Street, should park and disembark only on the sidewalk closest to the school building. Students in grades K-2 who are walked onto school grounds by their parents should be brought to the East Wing Playground in order to line up with their classes. Students should not be on playground equipment in the morning before school. Grades 3-5 students should also go to their designated line-up areas on the West Wing Playground. Afternoon pick up: Parents should park on Frost Street. All students should picked up on the East Wing Playground or on Frost Street near the entrance of the school. Parents who are running late should call the office and the students will be directed to wait in the main office to be picked up.

Cornell Road Drop-Off and Pick-Up Please keep in mind the following guidelines if using Cornell Road, behind Dunning, for dropping off or picking up your child.

● Please DO NOT park in the center of the cul-de-sac on Cornell Road. Cars that are parked in the middle of the cul-de-sac do not allow residents of Cornell to enter and exit their driveways safely.

● You must park on the odd side of the street against the sidewalk curbing at all times. Please adhere to the NO PARKING posted signs on the even numbered side of the street; before, during, and after school hours.

● If you are choosing a “live drop-off” for your student in the morning, please do not pull straight into the cul-de-sac and then back up to exit the area. This is VERY dangerous. Please proceed in a circular motion around the outside of the cul-de-sac to enter and exit.

● Please DO NOT block any driveways when parking on Cornell or make turns in the center of the road to reverse direction. Use the cul-de-sac to turn around.

● Please do not double-park. ● All classes enter the building when the 9:00 am bell rings. Students are expected to be in their seats to

start their day when the 9:05 am bell rings. Staff will not return to the doors to unlock them for individual students.

● If you arrive on Cornell Road between 9:00 am and 9:05 am and do not see classes on the playground, students should not be permitted to walk on their own to the back doors in case they are locked. Parents should accompany students if there are no adults present.

● Any students who arrive after 9:05 am are tardy and should be signed in at the main office with a parent present.

Transportation to Childcare To facilitate regular daycare arrangements, students may ride a bus other than their assigned bus provided there is room on the bus and this occurs on a consistent basis. Permission must be requested in writing and must be received from the Superintendent in advance.

Walkers ● Walker and parent pick-up students will be dismissed via the intercom, beginning at approximately 3:05

pm. ● Parents who pick up should meet their children on the East Wing playground. Students who do not

locate their parents will be sent back inside to wait in the Main Office. ● Parents are expected to directly supervise their children before and after school on the playground.

Regular playground rules are in effect at all times. ● Students are to stay on walk route – no short cuts or cutting through the woods. ● Students will use labeled crosswalks. ● Students should abide by all safety rules while walking to and from school. No horseplay or rough play

will be tolerated.

FOOD SERVICES

Lunch Program Students may bring bag lunches from home or purchase a school lunch which meets the nutritional standard established by the State School Lunch Program. A school lunch including milk may be purchased. The price of lunch is $2.50. Milk may be purchased separately at a cost of 60 cents. Breakfast is $1.75. Prices are subject to change. Lunches may be pre-purchased by sending in a check or following the procedures available on the FPS website. Make checks payable to the Framingham Public Schools Lunch Program. In order to qualify for either free or reduced lunch, parents are required to complete an eligibility form. Forms will be disseminated the first day of school or are available through the Main Office. The district website also has the applications online in English, Spanish and Portuguese at http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/foodservice.cfm. A monthly lunch menu is coordinated by the Framingham Public Schools. A copy of the menu is distributed monthly to students, posted in each classroom and available online at http://framingham.k12.ma.us/foodservices/documents/Menus/ESlunch.pdf

School Payment Plan The Framingham Public Schools Food Service Department provides a convenient, easy and secure online prepayment service through MyNutriKids.com to maintain your account. The primary benefits of this service are:

● You can deposit money into your child's school meal account online at any time. ● You can print out a meal history report within the past 30 days. ● You only need to create one account if you have multiple children in the Framingham Public Schools.

To sign-up for MyNutriKids.com, go online to the Framingham Public School Food Service Department website at www.framingham.k12.ma.us/foodservice_onlinepayment.cfm and follow the instructions. To complete registration, parents need their child's name, student ID number and school ZIP code. Students and parents were given this number upon the start of school. If parents need the number, they may request their child’s student ID by contacting their child's school or the Framingham Public Schools Food Service Department office at 508-626-9109.

HEALTH SERVICES Dunning Elementary School maintains a full-time health office under the supervision of Mrs. Nancy Borghese, R.N. The health office is located adjacent to the main office. If you have any questions, concerns or need to speak with Mrs. Borghese at 508-782-6202. See additional information on page 39 of Handbook Addendum.

Physical Examinations See page 40 of Handbook Addendum

Immunizations See page 37 of Handbook Addendum

Health Records See page 40 of Handbook Addendum

School Medication Administration Policy See page 41 of Handbook Addendum

Dismissal for Medical Reasons Parents will be notified if a student becomes ill at school. Please be sure to contact the nurse and main office if student emergency numbers change during the school year.

Illness When your child has symptoms of illness such as a severe cough, fever, rash OR acute gastrointestinal problems (vomiting and/or diarrhea), please do not send your child to school. You may wish to call the nurse to discuss the problem to seek advice on returning to school. If your child has a fever of 100.5 or higher, or they are vomiting, they must remain home until they are fever-free and not vomiting, for 24 hours. They should be able to eat, drink and sustain energy for the full school day before returning. If your child develops a fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, or suspected contagious illness while at school, the nurse will contact you to take your child home. Please be sure she has your accurate phone numbers as well as those of the emergency contacts.

Contagious Disease Contagious diseases such as chicken pox, hepatitis, meningitis and pertussis (whooping cough) are controlled by the Framingham Board of Health. Please report the illness the Board of Health at 508-532-5470. Students who have had a communicable disease cannot be readmitted to school without a release card from the Board of Health. The spread of disease is prevented by excluding ill students when needed and maintaining current, up-to-date immunization records.

Strep Throat If a physician has taken a throat culture and it is positive, the student should remain at home until antibiotics have been taken for 24 hours. After 24 hours of antibiotic, the child may return to school.

Rashes Any child who has an undiagnosed rash should remain at home until it has been determined that it is NOT infectious.

Pediculosis (Head Lice) An examination for head lice is done whenever a case is found in the school, or at the request of a teacher or parent. Parents should check their own children’s hair twice monthly, to prevent infestation. Please notify the School Nurse if your child has been treated for head lice so that she may check other children. It is also advised to check your child’s hair following overnight stays at other homes, or after camping experiences.

Exclusion for Health Reasons Chicken Pox: 7 days - All lesions must be dry before returning to school Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Antibiotics for 24 hours before returning Fifths Disease: None, not contagious after rash is visible Impetigo: Antibiotics for 24 hours

Students are expected to participate in all school activities. If they cannot participate for health reasons, verification of illness must be made by a doctor in writing, and submitted to our School Nurse.

Requests to Stay in at Recess Written requests from parents for a child to remain inside the school during recess will be honored for legitimate reasons.

Students with Special Health Needs See page 41 of Handbook Addendum

Life Threatening Allergies It is the policy of the Framingham School Committee to set age-appropriate guidelines for students and schools within the Framingham School system that minimize the risk for children with life threatening allergies (LTA) to be exposed to offending allergens that may trigger a life threatening reaction. Such guidelines shall include: building based general medical emergency plans, Individualized Student Allergic Reaction Plan for all students diagnosed with a LTA, appropriate training of staff, availability on site of medical equipment for quick response to life threatening allergic reactions, and such other guidelines that will ensure that students with LTA can participate fully in school activities without undue fear of harm from exposure to life threatening allergens. The School District, with guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Education, the School Nurse Leader and the individual School Nurses will develop and implement school-wide procedures to minimize the risk of exposure to allergens for students with LTA’s in classrooms, common use areas, the cafeteria, and during transportation to and from school and on field trips. It is the School Committee’s expectation that specific building based guidelines/actions will take into account the health needs and well-being of all children without discrimination or isolation of any child. It is the School Committee’s belief that education and open and informative communication are vital for the creation of an environment with reduced risks for all students and their families. In order to assist children with LTA to assume more individual responsibility for maintaining their safety as they grow, it is the policy of the School Committee that the guidelines shift as children advance through the primary grades and through secondary school.

Food Allergies There are many food allergies among children. The nurse will review those allergies with each classroom teacher. The nurse will also be responsible for keeping the student’s physician ordered medications, such as Epinephrine and/or Antihistamines on hand in an easily accessible location.

Medical Screenings See page 40 of Handbook Addendum

Vision and Hearing Screening See page 40 of Handbook Addendum

Postural Screening See page 41 of Handbook Addendum

Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening See page 41 of Handbook Addendum

VOLUNTEERING AT DUNNING SCHOOL There are many opportunities for parents and guardians to become involved in Dunning School as a volunteer! There are regular and one-time opportunities. Research has consistently shown the profound and comprehensive benefits for children when parents and family members become participants in their children’s education: the more extensive the involvement, the higher the student achievement. This is also a great way to feel a part of the school community and to make new friends.

Criminal Offense Record Inquiry (CORI) All school volunteers must complete a CORI Form prior to volunteering. This form is available from the school office or in the Appendix of this handbook. If you wish to volunteer for any events, including field trips, during the course of this school year, please complete a CORI form and return it to the school office. CORI forms take several weeks to process, so please be sure to allow sufficient time when planning to volunteer at your child’s school. Additionally, CORI forms are valid for a period of 3 years. Please be sure to plan accordingly.

Dunning School Council The Dunning School Council is comprised of parents, teachers, community members and the principal. The function and composition of this council is mandated by the Education Reform Act. The Council is not the same as the PTO. It makes decisions that affect all of Dunning School including policies and budget recommendations. All meetings are open, and parents are welcome to attend. As each member’s term expires, new members are needed.

Parent Teacher Organization The PTO is a service organization whose main function is communicating educational, social and cultural concepts that will be of mutual benefit for parents, teachers and children. Dunning Elementary School endorses the strong collaboration provided by the PTO. It promotes a closer working relationship between home and school, and one of its functions has been to provide monetary support for enrichment programs, field trips, equipment and awards. Parents and staff are encouraged to lend their support. All meetings are open to the

public and parents are encouraged to attend. Each September, a slate of officers will be published and distributed to all families, as well as being posted on the school website. Please feel free to contact any of these officers in order to receive further information.

Media Center Volunteers Students visit the media center with their classes on a weekly basis. Parent volunteers play an active role by assisting in staffing the library desk, working individually with the students to select books, reading aloud to the younger children, and processing all the new books that come in each year. If you wish to volunteer in the library, please contact Karen May.

School Picture Day Volunteers The PTO arranges a school picture day each fall and spring for both individual and class photos. These photos are available for purchase. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate this event. You can help by signing up on the PTO Volunteer form or by contacting the School Picture Chairperson.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Dunning Core Values (Panda Pride) & PBIS Positive behavioral recognition is the primary goal at Charlotte Dunning School. We feel strongly that our Core Values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and READY to LEARN are guiding principles with students and staff in regards to behavioral expectations. Dunning has implemented PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports), a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture and needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success.

Expectations for Student Behavior See page 20 of Handbook Addendum for additional information An important goal of Dunning Elementary School is to teach our students self-discipline. It is the key to health and safety, productive schoolwork and consideration of the rights, property and safety of others. The Dunning Elementary School administration and staff support a Conflict Resolution model of discipline. This is a problem solving approach to conflicts that may arise during the course of the day. It is a learning opportunity for students to strategize alternative methods of dealing with confrontations. An atmosphere of learning is the goal in all classes at Dunning Elementary School and children are aware of the discipline code in their class that governs cooperation and appropriate behavior. Often a verbal warning is all that is needed to change students’ misbehavior. If misbehavior continues, the following procedure will be followed:

1. The teacher will administer logical and related consequences on an individual basis (talk with student, call parent, send a note home, etc.) 2. If a student does not respond to number step #1, the student will be sent to the office, where the Principal and/or Assistant Principal will process the event further and decide on logical and appropriate consequences. Parents will be contacted by the Principal. Assistant Principal, or the teacher in regards to the steps that were followed. 3. If the student, in the opinion of the teacher and administrator, refuses to cooperate, parents will be notified and a conference will be set up to discuss a course of action. Parents who have concerns regarding discipline should follow this contact procedure:

● Notify the classroom teacher ● Contact the Principal ● The Principal has the authority to apply disciplinary procedures as necessary. *If the misconduct is

severe, the Principal can waive progressive discipline*

Cafeteria ● In the cafeteria students will: ● Enter and leave quietly. ● Use “Please” and “Thank you” when appropriate. ● Talk quietly to their peers. ● Be responsible for cleaning their eating “area”. ● Raise their hand to throw away their trash. ● Leave their table and floor area free from trash.

Reminder: Soda and beverages in glass bottles are not permitted for snack or lunch beverage.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices Cell phones and electronic devices (iPods, Nintendo DS, etc.) may be brought to school but may only be used by students after school hours or during a supervised instructional activity. Cell phones are not allowed in classrooms nor should they be used during recess or on the buses. Cell phones that are used during school hours will be confiscated and will be returned to a parent or guardian. The school does not take responsibility for any lost or stolen personal electronic devices.

Dress Code

See page 37 of Handbook Addendum

Drug/Alcohol Policy The Framingham Public Schools abide by Chapter 94C, Section 32J of Massachusetts Laws regarding controlled substance violations in, on, or near school grounds. The Dunning Elementary School does not allow

prescription drugs to be carried by students. All prescription medications, which must be in original prescription containers, will be maintained by the nurse. No over the counter drugs are to be carried by the student.

Harassment See page 3 of Handbook Addendum

Prohibited Articles in School Students may not bring articles to school that are hazardous to the safety of others or interfere in some way with school procedure. Items such as water pistols, explosive devices, radios, beepers, walkman, trading cards, iPods, and electronic games are prohibited during the school day. Trading cards, such as Pokemon cards, will not be permitted at school either. Published materials which are adult oriented and may be perceived as offensive will be confiscated and returned to a parent/guardian. Disciplinary action may be applied.

Vandalism Any pupil who willfully damages or destroys school property, or the property of others on school grounds shall, through his parents or guardians be held liable for such damage or destruction.

Suspension See page 20 of Handbook Addendum

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Academic Integrity is Framingham Public Schools’ commitment to responsibility, honesty, trust, and respect. Academic Integrity essentially means being responsible for one’s own work, it is held in high regard in our schools. Students can take pride in work they have produced from their own efforts; they have worked honestly and fairly.

Academic Integrity also means upholding values and beliefs that are considered important, not just by our schools, but also by society, including sports teams, employers, friends and family. Violating our policy on Academic Integrity is cheating.

What are some examples of cheating

● Copying another student’s answers on a test or quiz, with or without their permission ● Sharing questions from an exam with another student who has not yet taken the exam ● Copying another student’s answers on a homework assignment ● Copying some other student’s work and claiming it as your own ● Allowing another student to copy your work or giving your work to them to turn in as their own ● Forging (signing) your parent’s/guardian’s name on a note or permission slip ● Plagiarism (copying another’s words/work without giving credit) ● Changing grades on midterm or report card

● Use of electronic devices for unauthorized sharing of information. Why is cheating wrong?

● It breaks a bond of trust — we become suspicious of others ● It is against the rules and there are serious penalties. People have been thrown out of college, lost jobs,

and ruined their careers over cheating. What is Plagiarism? Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Alexander Lindey has defined plagiarism as: “...the wrongful act of taking the product of another person’s mind and presenting it as one’s own…To use another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source is to plagiarize. Plagiarism, then, constitutes intellectual theft.” (Lindey, Alexander. Plagiarism and Originality) The following will be considered plagiarism:

● Buying or downloading a paper from a research service or a term-paper mill and offering it as your own. ● Turning in another student’s work, with or without that student’s knowledge, as your own. ● Copying any portion of another’s work without proper acknowledgement. ● Paraphrasing ideas and language from a source without proper documentation.

Consequences for Cheating or Plagiarism

● The student may receive a zero for the entire assignment/assessment. A student may not be allowed the opportunity for make-up of any kind.

● A conference may be held with the student, teacher, and the Principal. ● Parents/guardians will be notified of the offense.

Exception: The definition of plagiarism given above includes “Paraphrasing ideas and language from a source without proper documentation” (definition number 4). In violations that pertain to this type of plagiarism, the teacher, in consultation with the student’s administrator, will determine the consequences. The purpose of the consequence in this case will be to teach the proper way to attribute sources in academic work. The teacher will use his or her professional expertise to determine whether or not the offense relates to definition number 4.

MISCELLANEOUS

Field Trips Field studies are considered an educational experience; therefore, all students are expected to attend. Notices from school will notify parents of all particulars. A written permission slip will be required for all students for each field trip.

Internet Access The Framingham Public School District offers a multitude of computer technology resources and Internet access points in each school and classroom. The use of all computer and Internet access must be consistent with

the educational objectives of the school district and within guidelines detailed in our Internet Safety & Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) which is compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Library The goal of the media center program is the development of a lifetime library habit. Library skills are taught as part of the Language Arts curriculum. Grades K-5 will visit the library once every week. During media/library time, students may see a curriculum-related video, hear a story or do research. Students in grades K-5 may borrow books. Books are due in one week. Once a book is sent home it is that student’s responsibility. If they share with another student, they are still the responsible party for returning the book. Children who have overdue books are unable to check out books. Notices are sent home. If a student is unable to return a book, it must be paid for before library privileges can be restored. Parent volunteers are in the library to help the children along with the library aide. All parents interested in volunteering may contact Karen May.

Notices Students are not permitted to distribute pamphlets, leaflets, or commercial advertisements. Distribution of any notices is done through the office only.

Photographs and Videotapes Dunning Elementary School often takes photographs or videotapes of special events and classroom activities. Please notify the school in writing on or before Oct. 1 of each year if you do not wish to have your child photographed or videotaped.

Recess Recess is an important part of the daily school program. When playground and weather conditions allow, outdoor recess is the rule. Parents should dress children accordingly for outdoor recess; in snow this includes hats, mittens, jackets, ski pants and boots. Students who are not dressed appropriately for snow play will be instructed to remain on the blacktop. Students will play cooperatively on the playground. The students will share existing playground equipment and display proper care and respect for facilities. Students are not permitted to bring baseball bats, (wooden or metal), hard balls, radios, hand-held video games, yo-yo’s, skateboards, or anything deemed unacceptable by the Principal.

Telephone Telephone calls are permitted for emergency reasons only. Students will not be able to use the telephone for social arrangements, forgotten assignments, forgotten lunch money, or forgotten instruments.

Testing Throughout the school year, students will be involved in a variety of assessments in order to track their growth and progress related to curriculum standards and expectations. Some of these assessments include district-wide literacy assessments, district-wide math assessments, MCAS, and ACCESS testing. It is VERY important that parents play an integral role in being sure that students are in school on time and on a regular basis during state testing windows. Vacations, family trips, and other non-school events are considered unexcused absences and testing must be made up during the state-designated testing window. The school staff appreciates your cooperation with students arriving on time and regularly in order to prevent missed test sessions. Thank you in advance.

Video Surveillance The Framingham Public Schools utilizes video surveillance equipment to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all students, staff, and visitors, and to safeguard District facilities and equipment.

Search and Seizure The Supreme Court of the United States of America has ruled:

1. A warrant is not required before a teacher or school administrator conducts a search of a student suspected of violating a school rule or criminal statute. 2. Probable cause is not required before a student may be searched; rather before conducting a search, the teacher must have “reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school.” 3. The search must be reasonable in its scope as well as its inception.

The Principal, Assistant Principal or the principal’s designee are entitled to conduct a search of a student’s person, assigned locker and immediate possessions, including, but not limited to, backpack, personal property (wallet, pocketbook, etc.) and vehicle on school grounds whenever the school administrator has a reasonable suspicion that the student has violated or is violating the law or the rules of the school relating to drug and/or alcohol/tobacco and/or student safety. Regarding lockers and desks:

● Master keys and copies of combinations for lockers are retained by the school administration. ● The school administration retains the right periodically to conduct locker and desk searches, when

warranted, in compliance with these rules. ● All students should be aware that the school administration will permit specially trained “search dogs”

to patrol the schools upon occasion, under the supervision of law enforcement officials and completely at the discretion of the administration, and that the administration shall cooperate completely with all law enforcement officials relative to the results of any searches that may be performed during such dog patrols including, without limitation, delivering any contraband discovered to said officials.

● All students should also be aware that school lockers and desks assigned to individual students by the school’s teachers or administration remain the property of the school and that the administration reserves the right to open and inspect any locker or desk and its contents at any time. In the event that any illegal substances, weapons, tobacco products, or other contraband are found in the locker or desk assigned to a

student, that student shall be presumed to possess that contraband and shall be subject to immediate and appropriate discipline. Students have no right to privacy in the lockers or desks assigned to them or in the belongings students store in those lockers.

Directory Information (603 CMR 23.07 (4) (a) A school may release the following directory information: a student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of members of athletic teams, class, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, degrees, honors and awards, and post-high school plans without the consent of the eligible student or parent; provided that the school gives public notice of the types of information it may release under 603 CMR 23.07 and allows eligible students and parents a reasonable time after such notice to request that this information not be released without the prior consent of the eligible student or parent. Such notice may be included in the routine information letter required under 603 CMR 23.10. Student images are also photographed or recorded for use including, but not limited to, the district and school websites or school-sponsored websites and social media, school yearbooks, team and club photos, class pictures, and local cable and regional television programs. If parents or students do not desire to have particular information or images released, they should put their decision in a letter addressed to the Principal on or before Oct. 1 of each year.