School Hours//No School Announcements//Delayed Opening//School Cancellations//
Attendance//Enrollment//Call InProcedure//Dismissal//Transportation//Walkers//
Bicycle//Attendance//Classroom Assignment//Telephone//Fire Drill//PTO//School Safety Plan//Report Cards//Conferences//Homework//Student Behavior//Preschool//Kindergarten//Extended Day//Kindergarten Screening//Before and After School Program//Global Child//TAT//Health Services//Curriculum

 

 SCHOOL HOURS

Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School

(Preschool - 2) and Kindergarten

Morning Session 8:35 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.

Afternoon Session 12:10 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Grades I & 2 8:35 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

 

Pupils arriving after the prescribed starting time are tardy and must report to the Office before being admitted to the classroom. Pupils are not to arrive at the Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School before

8:30 a.m.

This applies to all pupils. If you must drive your child to school, your cooperation in observing this policy will be most appreciated. Also, please note that the driveway at Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School is reserved for buses between 8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The "NO SCHOOL" signal will be broadcast over radio stations WBZ, WNBP, WROR, WHDH, and television station WBZ-TV Channel 4. The Superintendent has the authority to close school temporarily whenever conditions exist which may endanger the health and/or safety of the pupils. In addition, the local fire alarm will ring at 6:30 a.m. to signal No School.

Parents should not call the school, police, or fire station to find out if school is in session. Parents, of course, should use discretion in determining whether or not to keep their children at home during snowy or extremely cold weather.

WBZ - 1030

WNBP - 1470

WRPR - 98.5

WHDH - 850

The Superintendent may delay the opening of school for one or two hours when weather conditions are hazardous during the early morning hours. The starting time for school on delayed openings will be:Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School 9:35/ 10:05 / 10:35 a.m.

School will be dismissed at the regular time. The announcement for delayed openings will be broadcast over radio stations WNBP, WBZ, WROP, and WHDH. It will be heard as DELAYED OPENING. AM Kindergarten and AM Preschool will be held with a one hour delay. NO AM Kindergarten or Preschool with a two hour delay. (DELAYED OPENINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

In the event that school must be closed while children are in session, notices of such early dismissal will be given over the radio stations listed above. Parents should make provisions for and with their child for such emergency dismissals.

Massachusetts law requires that a child between the ages of 7 and 16 attend school. It is important that a child be present each day in order to maintain a high level of achievement. Your child's school life is important. Send him to school regularly and on time. Absences caused by personal illness, quarantine, religious holidays, or emergencies are excused. Upon returning to school after any absence, the pupil must present a note, signed by parent or guardian, explaining the reason for the absence.A doctor's note will be required for excessive absences. Students who have chronic absenteeism during the course of the school year may be retained, pending review by school personnel. Children who are absent from school because of illness or accident on an extended basis are eligible for home instruction. Application for this service is made through the school nurse.

Family vacation trips should be planned so that students do not have to miss school. If that is not possible, a parental conference with the Teacher/Principal will be scheduled one week prior to the trip. Make up work will be at the discretion of the classroom Teacher/Principal. Students will be responsible for completing the assignments in a timely manner. Grades will reflect an incomplete assignment if not completed.

New students may be enrolled when they arrive in the district. This will be done in the school office. There is a regular enrollment date for the registration of all returning students during the month of August. Call the school or the district offices to determine the exact dates of the summer enrollment. Be sure to bring the following information with you when you enroll your child:

• A birth certificate
• Your child's immunization record
• An emergency telephone number
• Documentation showing your child's legal name
• An exact address
• New students in grades 1-6 should bring their most recent report cards.
• Proof of residency

Parents are required to call the school and leave a message on the answering machine if their child is going to be absent. If we do not receive a phone call from you by 9:00 a.m., we will make every attempt to call you at home or work to verify your child's absence. As you can imagine, this is an awesome task requiring record keeping and telephone time. So please help us be sure your child is safe.

Dismissal of children during school time is not given except for illness or other emergencies. For the safety of your children and your own peace of mind, please adhere to the following procedure for dismissal times.

1. If you know in the a.m. that you or someone else will be picking your child up early from school - write a note to that effect and send it to your child's teacher.

2. Whether or not a note is received you will be required to sign your child out of school, through the office. No child is dismissed to meet a parent in the parking lot, on a curb, etc. When you come into the school office, we will contact your child over the intercom, or your child may be in the office at the specified time to meet you.

School bus transportation routes are published at the beginning of each school year. Once a child has been assigned to a bus, there shall be no changing of buses for personal reasons unless approved by the administration.

Students who live over (1) mile are allowed to ride the school buses, students who live within (1) mile of their school are designated WALKERS.

There are four critical times involved for the pupils in bus transportation: the bus stop, boarding the bus, riding the bus, and disembarking. Parents are advised that it is best if pupils do not use the bus stop as a play area. Once upon the bus, supervision is by the bus driver. As common courtesy and for the safety of all, children are expected to behave in an orderly manner.

Misbehavior could divert the bus driver's attention and cause an accident. For this reason, regulations pertaining to pupil conduct on buses are fairly strict.

Repeated misbehavior can result in denial of the privilege of transportation. Upon written notification from a bus driver that a child is not behaving on the bus, a warning notice is sent home with the child. Parents are requested to sign and return this to school. This notice is kept on file in the office. Upon notification of a third offense the parents are notified that the child is suspended from the bus for a period of three days and at the conclusion of the suspension period, either parent or guardian must accompany the child to school in order to restore bus privileges. Any offenses occurring after the third day will automatically result in a five-day suspension from the bus. A fifth (5) offense will result in 10 days or more suspension from the bus. Permanent suspension after the fifth (5) offense.

Students may receive an automatic 3 day suspension for major offenses such as:

1. profane language

2. fighting

3. emergency equipment

4. destroying property

5. using matches or lighter

 

WALKERS

 

Walkers should arrive at school no more than 10 minutes before school begins. Supervision is not provided before such time.

 During inclement weather, walkers are allowed in the building 10 minutes early. Walkers are not permitted to ride school buses unless approved by the Administration. Each year, children going to and from school can be subjected to various hazards, including coming into contact with strangers who may be undesirable. The following steps will be taken to prevent this:

 A child will not be allowed to leave the building with any individual unless that person is properly identified as a parent, guardian or other authorized escort. You must check with the office before picking up a child.

 If someone else asks to pick up the child, the school will call the home in order to make certain that this person is authorized to take the child home.

 Ask all children:

 NOT TO SPEAK TO STRANGERS

 NOT TO ACCEPT RIDES FROM ANYONE OTHER THAN A PRE-ARRANGED PERSON.

 If a stranger speaks to a child, ask the child to tell the teacher, principal or parent immediately.

 BICYCLE RIDERS

 Bicycle riders are to park their bikes in the racks provided upon arrival at school. It is also recommended that children lock their bikes.

 ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE

 Pupils who are present and punctual every day of the school year will receive an Honor Attendance Certificate in June. Dismissals before noon are absences.

 CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENT

 The Administrators of each school building are responsible for the classroom assignments of children at the beginning of the school year and for children transferring into the school during the school year. In making classroom assignments, the principal will consider a number of factors in order to provide the most efficient and effective classroom program for all children at a given grade level and for the school in general. These factors include, for example:

A. Class size

B. Placement of special needs and academically able children

C. Appropriate instructional groupings
D. Appropriate balance of boys and girls

E. Social dynamics of the group

F. Teacher(s) recommendations
G. Educational needs of the child

USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONE

 Because the telephone is needed for school business, students can only use the telephone in the case of emergency situations. A PAY telephone is available.

 

MESSAGES

Messages will be taken by the school office for teachers. It is not always possible for a teacher to come to the phone immediately in response to a call, but a return call will be made as soon as possible. Pupils will be called to the telephone only for emrgency situations.

BRINGING THINGS TO SCHOOL

 The only time students should bring toys, games, etc. to school is when their teacher instructs them to do so (for show and tell, for example). The students will assume responsibility for any items.

 Items specifically not to be brought to school include electronic games, radios, cameras, tape recorders, skateboards, and any other equipment. Such belongings can be lost or broken at school. We would appreciate your help in keeping these items at home.

 FIRE DRILL

 Fire drills are held at least 4 times each year, well distributed from September to June. The Fire Chief supervises a minimum of 3 drills per year. This is to insure proper training of the children in an emergency situation.

 ACCIDENT INSURANCE

 School children may participate in insurance plans providing benefits for school accidents. The insurance is offered at a nominal cost but is entirely voluntary. Complete information on the program is sent home with your child at the beginning of the school year.

 LOST AND FOUND

 Each of the elementary schools has a system for handling lost or found articles. Students should report all valuable articles that are lost or found to the principal's office. To assist in the identification of lost articles, clothing, books, school bags, lunches, etc. please mark each article with the child's name and grade.

 RECESS

 Under ordinary weather conditions, children go outdoors at recess periods. Whenever conditions are extreme, they remain inside.

 Individual and small group games are provided in the classroom by the teacher to give the students a break from their studies.

 Please do not ask for your child to be the exception unless your doctor sees the need and sends a note to the school. Under extreme circumstances a note from a parent/guardian will be honored.

 SCHOOL LUNCH

 The school cafeteria provides a hot nutritional lunch daily for all children. Hot lunch and milk are paid for on a daily basis. The price of Hot Lunch includes milk. Children who choose to bring their lunch may purchase milk or juice. Nutritional snacks may be purchased on a daily basis. Children who lose or forget their money may charge that lunch by getting a slip from his/her teacher.

  Payment for the charged lunch should be made the next school day. Notices will be sent home weekly for all overdue accounts. We must follow through on this policy in order to keep accurate records of our school lunch cost. (A maximum of 5 charges is allowed each child.)

Cost:

Lunch - $1.25

Milk - $.30

Juice - $.70

Ice Cream - $.40

 SPECIAL DAYS BOOK CLUB

 Would you like to honor a special day in your child's life (example: Birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or any special happening) in a unique and lasting way? If you donate a NEW BOOK to the school library a special "GIFT FROM (CHILD'S NAME) BOOK PLATE" honoring your child will be placed in the front of the book. These special gifts will become a part of our school library. As this gift is given in your child's honor, he/she will have the privilege of being the first to borrow the book from the library. If you decide to participate in this program, please send the book to school to the attention of the librarian. Thanking you in advance for your continued support.

 PTO

 The Sweetsir Schoool has a very active PTO. The objectives of the Merrimac PTO are:

 

1. To promote the welfare of children in the home, school and community.

 

2. To bring into closer relationship the home and the school, so that parents and teachers may work cooperatively in the training of their children.

 

3. To develop united efforts between eucators and the general public and to secure for every child the highest advantage in physical, mental, and social education.

 

4. To assist the schools financially through a variety of

fund-raising events within the school year.

SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN

A school safety plan was adopted in 1999 to outline how all individuals in the school commonly can work together to respond to a crisis. The plan also details how school and community resources can be used to create safe environments and to manage responses to acute threats and incidents of violence.

 

 

REPORT CARDS

 

 Report cards are issued four times a year for students in grades 1- 6. The first report card is distributed at parent conferences in November. Report cards are issued each quarter thereafter for grades 1 - 6.

 Teachers are available to talk with you regarding your child's progress. Please feel free to call the office anytime and an appointment will be scheduled. Repcrt cards for the kindergarten are distributed in January and June.

Top of the page

PARENT CONFERENCES

 

The following few simple rules will enable the teacher to make best use of your time as well as his/her own:

 

1. Please phone or write in advance to making an appointment.

 

2. Do not bring small children.

 

3. Plan on a 10 - 15 minute conference. This is usually ample time.

 

4. Do not expect the teacher to carry on a conference when her class is in session. Classes should not be interrupted for conferences.

  CONFERENCE TIPS FOR TWO

A conference is a time for getting acquainted and informing each other:

 Parent learns about child's:

1. special abilities

2. adjustment to school

3. relationship with other children

4. activities, interests & hobbies

5. weaknesses & strengths as viewed by teachers

 

Teacher learns about child's:

1. reaction to school

2. responsibility at home

3. cooperation at home

4. samples of work

5. place in group

6. mental ability

7. areas of weakness

8. health habits

 

HOMEWORK

 A child's education is enhanced when home and school work together in a partnership for learning. Homework is an integral part of the learning process and an important component of the curriculum. Evaluation of school progress includes performance in home assignments as well as in class work. Homework assignments have these important purposes:

1. Many learning tasks, for either practice, reinforcement, and/or enrichment should be done outside of the classroom, providing opportunity for more direct teacher/student interaction.

2. Such assignments help develop initiative, responsibility, and self-direction in students and are

an important aspect of the evaluative process.

 

3. "Out-of-class" assignments provide parents with opportunities to see first hand what is happening in school.

 

Homework will be assigned on a regular basis, Monday through Thursday evenings, for all students in grades 1 - 6. Following are guidelines of "approximate amounts of time for assigned homework at each grade level:

Grade 1 - 5 minutes

Grade 2 - 10 minutes

 

 The content of the homework assignments will vary but generally will include the basic skills in the primary grades and content subjects in the intermediate grades. Both daily assignments and long-range projects will he included. Self selected reading, practice of basic math facts and a review of notes when needed should be a regular part of daily study.

 Students in all grades are encouraged to read every night in addition to the homework assignment. This would include being read aloud to and reading to themselves. Positive attitudes about work and a sense of responsibility begin early when nurtured and valued both at home and at school.

 It is important that students, teachers, and parents understand their responsibilities associated with homework. These responsibilities are specified below:

 THE STUDENT HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

 

1. Have a copy of the assignments and make sure assignments are completed.

2. Complete assignments neatly and on time.

3. Note any questions about homework to be asked in class.

4. Return assignments and books to school when due.

5. Complete all assigned "make-up" work.

  THE TEACHER HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

 

1. Advise parents and students of his or her classroom homework procedures.

2. Provide homework that will reinforce, enrich, or give practice related to academic skills.

3. Give assignments clearly.

4. Follow up on homework assignments and answer student questions to eliminate confusion or misunderstanding.

5. Inform parents when a student is not completing assignments.

 

THE PARENT HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:

 

1. Be knowledgeable of the district and individual classroom homework procedures.

2. Provide a quiet place for child to study.

3. Make the teacher aware of all questions and concerns related to assignments.

4. Encourage independence in completion of assignments.

5. Be available to assist in reinforcement of basic skills.

 

Requests for homework for children not in school must be made by contacting the
office by 10:00 a.m.

RETENTION

 Students being considered for retention are reviewed by a team consisting of the principal, teacher, school psychologist and other appropriate personnel. Parents will be notified promptly of such a review and will be requested to attend a conference to discuss the matter and reach a decision regarding the child's placement for the following academic year.

 Whenever you visit the school, please make your presence known to the Main Office, sign into the Visitor/Volunteer Log located outside the Main Office and pin Visitor/Volunteer button onto your clothing. All individuals not wearing a Visitor/Volunteer button will be asked to return to the Main Office, sign in and obtain a Visitor/Volunteer button. This policy insures the safety of the students and minimizes interruptions in the classroom.

 Please sign out and return the button upon leaving the school.

 

 School is a place where students come to get an education. We think they should be able to learn in a school that is safe and orderly. In Merrimac, we insist on this because we want the best for your child. Open, honest communication with you is the best way we know to achieve this goal. Students, parents and school must share the responsibility for creating the best possible school setting. The school must provide a quality staff and programs to help youngsters succeed in a complex world. Parents must help their children learn to take responsibility for their actions.

 Students must respect themselves, the school staff members, and their classmates. The Sweetsir School has set the following guidelines to insure consistency in discipline at the school.

DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

General Rules

1. Students will be courteous to others.

2. Students will respect the privacy and property of others (no "trading" of items).

3. Students will show respect for school property.

4. The use of profane language is prohibited.

5. Students will not bring toy guns or knives to school.

6. Students will not wear inappropriate clothing to school (profanity on clothing).

7. Students will follow classroom rules established by the teacher(s).

8. Students will demonstrate honesty at all times.

9. Invitations to parties, etc. are not to be distributed at school.

10.Students will not threaten or harass other students.

 

Cafeteria Rules

1. Students will sit in assigned areas, if requested to.

2. Students will remain seated while eating.

3. Students will talk without raising their voices during lunch.

4. Students are encouraged to eat their own food, not their neighbor's food.

5. Students will practice good table manners.

6. Students are responsible for cleaning up their own area.

 

Hall and Bathroom Rules

1. Students will walk in the halls.
2. Students will be orderly and quiet in the halls and bathrooms.

 The following are unacceptable: playing and loitering, throwing towels or toilet paper, climbing over or under the stalls, sitting on the sinks, deliberate flooding of the bathroom, hanging on the stall doors, destruction of toilet paper and paper towel receptacles, and other such actions.

Top of the page

Playground

1. Students will play in assigned areas.

2. Students will use "safe" toys on the play ground (no hard balls, bats, sticks, or snow balls).

3. Students will avoid playing rough games.

4. Students will line up quietly before school and after recess.

5. Students will keep off the patios.

6. Students will park their bicycles upon arrival at school.

7. Students will not chew gum in the school and on the school grounds.

 Disciplinary actions are taken with the aim of correcting behavior patterns. Most behavior problems can be handled routinely with properly organized school and classroom programs. Nearly all students respond satisfactorily to friendly encouragement, firm direction and understanding guidance. For those students who do not, and to protect the rights of all our children, it is important that parents and students understand the consequences of misbehavior. There are certain responsibilities we all share in helping the students overcome behavior problems. If a student's misbehavior is directly related to an identified handicap, the school staff will take such conditions into account. A student who becomes involved in areas of problem behavior will be subjected to certain disciplinary actions. Depending upon the seriousness of the behavior problem, one or more of the following actions will be taken by the school staff. In the case of severe violation of rules, the disciplinary action taken may extend beyond these guidelines.

INFORMAL TALK

A member of the school staff will talk with the student to reach agreement regarding the student's behavior.

 

LOSS OF PRIVILEGES

The school administrator may notify the parent of privilege suspension. These privileges may include removing the student from playground, cafeteria, and/or class participation.

CONFERENCE

A conference will be held with the student, the teacher, the administrator and other appropriate staff members, to develop a plan for improving behavior. The parent may be contacted.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The parent will be informed of the problem area. Conference with the student, the parent and appropriate staff members may be scheduled. If a plan is developed to help improve the student's behavior, copies will he given to the student and the parent.

SUSPENSION

Suspension is to be used as little as possible, since it interferes with the continuous progress of the child's education. Parents will be notified of the suspension by letter/telephone and a parental conference with the teacher and principal will be expected before the child may return to school.

In most cases the suspension will be for the remainder of the day when the offense occurs, and in no case will the suspension be for more than 4 days.

Students may be suspended for the following reasons:

1. Serious opposition to authority

 

2. Use of profane or obscene language

 

3. Infringing upon the rights of other students

 

4. Repetition of any offense after notice

 

5. Theft &emdash; full restitution to be made

 

6. Serious destruction or injuring of any public property, such as buildings, furniture, books, fences, trees and shrubbery

 

7. Leaving school grounds without permission

 

8. Smoking, matches and other safety hazards

 

9. Organizing or participating in hazing

 

10. Alcoholic beverages on the premises

 

11. Possession of harmful substance (cigarettes/marijuana/cocaine/prescription drugs)

 

12. Possession of dangerous weapon (knife/gun)

 

13. Infringement of civil rights

 

EXPULSION

A. Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.

B. Any student who assaults a principal, teacher, teacher's aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.

C. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (A) or (B) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing: provided, however, that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal. After said hearing, a principal may, in his/her discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (A) or (B); provided however, that any principal who decides that said student should be suspended shall state in writing to the school committee his reasons for choosing the suspension instead of the expulsion as the most appropriate remedy. In this statement, the principal shall represent that, in his opinion, the continued presence of this student in the school will not pose a threat to the safety, security and welfare of the other students and staff in the school.

D. Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of his appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.

E. When a student is expelled under the provisions of this section and applies for admission to another school for acceptance, the superintendent of the sending school shall notify the superintendent of the receiving school of the reasons for the pupil's expulsion.

Top of the page

DETENTION AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

A child may be detained after regular school hours for disciplinary or academic reasons, only after a 24 hour written notice has been sent home and returned to the school. In situations requiring immediate attention, a telephone confirmation by the teacher or administration on the same day detention is requested may he used. The detention period is approximately 30-60 minutes following the close of school.

 

PENTUCKET PRESCHOOL AT MERRIMAC

The Dr. Sweetsir School has an integrated Preschool Program that is available for three (3), four (4),and five (5) year old children. The preschool offers a nurturing environment and a variety of experiences to help children explore and grow. The program is available two, three, four or five days a week (both mornings and afternoons). Each class is taught by an experienced early childhood teacher and a classroom aide. Parents will be kept informed of our news and special events through a monthly newsletter. We welcome parent's support and involvement in our program.

KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION

Children living in the Town of Merrimac are eligible for Kindergarten if they reach 5 years of age before September 1st of the entering year.

Registration for children enrolling for the first time in Kindergarten is held in the Spring at the Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School. Parents of children eligible to enter Kindergarten will receive in the mail information regarding registration procedures. Kindergarten registration notices will appear also in the local newspapers. The following information is required when a child is registered for Kindergarten:

 

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

COMPLETED HEALTH FORMS (A packet of health forms will be sent to parents for completion prior to registration).
VERIFICATION OF IMMUNIZATION
PROOF OF RESIDENCY

  EXTENDED DAY CARE & KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

The Dr. Sweetsir School offers an extended DAY CARE program for students in the Kindergarten who wish to participate in a FULL day program. Children who participate will have lunch at school and a supervised recess and rest period. Enrichment activities will be provided during the afternoon. Regular bus transportation is provided home at 2:50 p.m. The tuition for the extended DAY CARE Kindergarten program is $150.00 per month with a $30.00 registration fee.

 KINDERGARTEN SCREENING

Early childhood developmental screening is a brief assessment procedure designed to identify children who may need further evaluation and educational intervention. Screening serves as the first step in an evaluation and intervention process that is intended to assist children in achieving their maximum potential. A developmental screening instrument surveys a child's abilities in areas such as language functioning, reasoning, gross motor, fine motor/adaptive and personal-social development. The intent of early childhood screening is to determine quickly and efficiently whether there is a high risk that a child might not succeed in school. Screening is only the initial phase of an educational assessment. For children who are suspected of having learning problems, it is followed by evaluation and subsequently by specific intervention or remediation.

 SCHEDULE

The Kindergarten has a morning and an afternoon session. The morning session runs from 8:45 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. (Except on early-reiease days); the afternoon session runs from 12:10 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. (Except on early-release days); - no p.m. session. Sessions remain the same for the entire year.

Top of the page

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Sweetser School offers a tuition based before and after school program. Experienced child care professionals provide a variety of age appropriate activities, supervised free play and time for homework. The program encourages creativity, recreation and learning. The program is held from 6:45 - 8:30 in the morning and 2:45 - 5:30 in the afternoon at the Sweetsir School. The cost of the program is $3.75 per hour or special weekly fees. A special Before and After School Handbook is distributed in September.

 GLOBAL CHILD

Global Child offers before and after school, once-a-week, fee-based foreign language classes in your child's school. We will offer classes in all the elementary schools.

Global Child is directed by Jean Houghton. The teachers, who receive training throughout the program, are fluent in Spanish, French, or German and have experience working with young children.

 

TEACHER ASSISTANCE TEAM

The Teacher Assistant Team, (TAT), which is a function of regular education, enables staff members to meet as a team to address the individual special needs of children. Classroom teachers and resource personnel/specialists explore program options and instructional modifications within regular programming to help address the student's need. If needed, testing or a TEAM evaluation may be initiated after consultation with the child's parent(s) and written permission has been received.

 HEALTH SERVICES

 

SCHOOL NURSE

The nurse works full time at FNS. The nurse is an integral part of the professional team. She administers vision and hearing tests to all pupils annually and is a health consultant to all school personnel. She also schedules clinics, maintains health records and administers first aid to injured or ill children. In addition, she is a member of the educational team when a Full Team Evaluation is recommended.

MEDICATIONS

ALL MEDICATIONS - prescription and non-prescription are to be given to the nurse and will be kept in her office. She also notifies appropriate school personnel of potential benefits and side effects (if any) of the drug. Prescription medications must be in a pharmacy container to which the prescription has been attached. This must be accompanied by a note from the parent/guardian giving the nurse permission to administer the medication as prescribed. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will the school nurse give medication that is not known.

 If a medication is prescribed FOUR times a day, it must be taken both at home and at school. A duplicate container should be requested at the pharmacy to avoid unnecessary round-trip transportation. Medication that is prescribed THREE times a day does not need to be administered at school unless specifically recommended by the physician. (Before school, after school, and bedtime is the most convenient schedule.)

If a medication is prescribed on an ON GOING basis a Physician's signature is required. School Nurses have appropriate forms.

All non-prescription medication (including throat lozenges, cough drops, cough medicine, aspirin, Aspergum, etc.) must be accompanied by a note from the child's doctor or parent with specific instructions for their use.

Any parent or guardian wishing to have their child receive any medication may come in to the school and administer it to his/her child.

If your child has some disability that prevents her/him from participating in the normal activities here at school, a note MUST be sent to the school nurse explaining the disability and the instructions that are to be observed concerning your child.

Hepatitis B immunizations are not mandatory but parents are encouraged to participate in the vaccine program sponsored by the school.

 

EMERGENCY CARE

 

Emergency care in the school is limited to "FIRST AID". First aid defined by the American Red Cross is the immediate and temporary care given in case of accident or sudden illness.

Each child is given a confidential health form at the time of registration and at the beginning of each school year so that we may update our files. We must have the address and phone number where the parents can be reached at home and at work and the name of two neighbors or friends who can assume the responsibility for the child's care if the parents cannot be reached. The name of the child's doctor is also to be on this card. If any of this information changes, the parents must notify the school immediately. If the parents are going to be out of town on vacation or will be gone for the day and thus cannot be reached by phone, it is imperative that you have made arrangements for whomever will assume care, should an emergency arise. A sick or injured child cannot be kept in school. Careful planning in advance can prevent a very difficult situation.

A child shall be dismissed for:

1. temperature elevation over 100 degrees
2. undiagnosed rash
3. uncontrollable cough
4. headache, earache, or any other persistent pain
5. injury deemed to require professional medical attention
6. fainting or seizures
7. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or undiagnosed symptom or virus
8. any suspected communicable disease or condition
9. strep throat, pediculosis (head lice)

 

DISMISSAL

A NOTE FROM A PHYSICIAN IS REQUIRED IF YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN ABSENT FOR FIVE OR MORE CONSECUTIVE DAYS.

Top of the page

CURRICULUM INFORMATION

READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS

Reading and writing are the keys that unlock the door to your child's educational progress. Probably most important in learning to read and write is the development of a general mental, emotional, and physical preparedness for learning.

Almost all children are anxious and eager to be guided into the exciting realm of learning. It is, therefore, desirable that all children be allowed to progress at their own rate to avoid frustration and find success. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing are all channels through which children learn to use language. The more and varied contacts a child has with spoken words, the more meaning he/she brings to words on paper as he/she learns to read and write.

There is no single best reading plan for all children. Teachers use a combination of methods to teach children how to recognize words independently and to comprehend the ideas they represent, to encourage creative and critical thinking at a rate that is based on prior learning, maturation and motivation.

Our reading/language arts program stresses reading, writing, listening, and speaking&endash;the elements of language&endash;as an integrated whole. This reading/language arts approach is enhanced through the use of literature, multi-basal readers, and meaning-centered strategies which assist each student in achieving personal language fluency. The ultimate aim of our integrated program is to teach our students the proficient communication skills of reading efficiently, thinking logically, listening discriminately, and speaking and writing clearly and effectively. Teacher or specialist assessments of your child's strengths and weaknesses combined with recommendations for remediation and enrichment help to provide your child with an environment best suited to his learning style.

A complete language arts program not only teaches children how to read and write but also celebrates their successes, strives to promote a life-long love of learning through the joint efforts of parents and teachers, and a program that encourages active involvement between the school, the home, and the community.

  MATHEMATICS

The Pentucket Regional School District MATH CURRICULIJM K&endash; 6 focuses on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics and Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics published in 1989 and 1991 respectively supporting the attainment of 5 broad goals:

1. to value mathematics

2. to reason mathematically

3. to communicate mathematics

4. to solve problems

5. to develop confidence in one's ability.

 

The Addison-Wesley Mathematics Program is used at Grades 1&endash; 6. This program incorporates the following:

 A consistent, four-step skills sequence develops and reinforces every skill, linking understanding and application to increase student achievement.

 

A fully integrated problem solving strand helps students to learn to solve problems effectively and efficiently.

 New exploratory lessons provide experiences with manipulatives so that students develop decision making and critical thinking skills.

 

A careful development of estimation and mental techniques helps students increase math efficiancy and reduces errors.

 A fully integrated t eaching strand provides calculator and computer experiences.

 

 SCIENCE

 Science and Technology for Children, a hands-on-science curriculum, promotes learning through investigation and discovery. This program was developed by the National Science Resource Center (NSRC) which is operated jointly by the Smithsonian Institute and the National Academy of Sciences.

The program consists of 17 hands-on units for Grades K - 6. The units are approximately 8 weeks containing 16 lessons.

   SOCIAL STUDIES

The curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in history, geography, and an understanding of other people, beginning at the Kindergarten level. In grades K-2, this is accomplished through a literature based approach using stories and activities to help students explore holidays, their families, and their neighborhoods according to standards set forth by the Department of Education.The district social studies task force in conjunction with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks has developed the following matrix for our curriculum.

Grade 3 - Communities

Grade 4 - Regions/Ancient Civilizations

Grade 5 - Early American History/Massachusetts

Grade 6 - Geography Skills

Mesopotamia/Egypt

Early Asian Civilization

Ancient Greece

Rome

Middle Ages

Renaissance

 

Skills are taught systematically and sequentially in lessons that relate to the immediate content. Thematic units, projects and integrating curriculum are the main focus of our social studies curriculum.

 

ART

The art teacher services both the Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School and the Helen R. Donaghue School children. The art teacher works 5 days per week. In the art program, we strive to awaken in the children a lively and enduring interest and aesthetic experience by providing a broad and effective program that will nurture their natural response and sensitivity to art structure. The child's family life, his school work, his personal interest and his recreation are made more complete by art activities. Children have a great keenness to do things; and art activities bring wholesome experiences and social relationships, companionship, fun and investigation. The art specialist meets once a week with each class throughout the year.

Top of the page

VOCAL MUSIC

The music teacher works 5 days per week. The vocal music program focuses on basic musical concepts such as rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, and form. Children experience these concepts in appropriate singing, movement, listening, and instructional activities taught by the vocal music specialist. Opportunity is provided for the upper elementary student to have enriched experiences in part singing by participating in an elementary school chortis. Vocal music specialist meets once a week with each class.

 

INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST

 The instrumental music program is available to all interested students in grades four, five and six, on a user fee basis. Weekly group lessons in brass, percussion woodwind, and string instruments are taught by an instrumental specialist. Small and large-group ensemble experiences are also directed by the instrumental specialist.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 The Physical Education Program at the elementary level is designed to address the physical, mental, and social development of the child. Emphasis is placed on fitness as well as basic skill development, self-esteem, and enjoyment, thus laying the groundwork for future participation.

Appropriate dress for physical education includes pants and sneakers. As the weather gets colder, classes may still be held outside, so the children are encouraged to wear jackets, hats, and gloves for warmth.

If a student is to be excused from participation, he/she should bring a note from home which includes the date, the reason for not participating, and a parent's or guardian's signature. If the child is to be limited for more than a week for the same problem, a note from the doctor is required.

The physical education teacher works 5 days per week. Students receive physical education classes once per week.

 

---

Home

Please E-Mail the Webmaster at scher@prsd.org if you have any questions about this site.
Last updated September 15, 2003

 

 Top of the page