Norwood Public Schools

 

Coakley Middle School Resources

 

 

Health Office - The School Health Office is staffed by a full time nurse who provides for the health care needs of all staff and students. 

 

Housemasters – administrative team working with the principal; responsible for one house of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students; oversees academic progress and behavioral expectations of students assigned to their team; liaison between home and school; reviews attendance and creates student schedules. When principal is out of the building the housemasters manage the building.

 

Guidance Office/Adjustment Counselors - The Guidance Office and Adjustment Counselors support students in all aspects of their academic and social/emotional development.  Guidance Counselors also help students plan to meet their goals for the future.  

 

Library and Media Services - The Library supports the curriculum of the school by assisting the students in the use of current and appropriate information.  The Library staff also encourages reading as a lifetime activity.  

 

SRO - The School Resource Officer works closely with the school administration, teachers, and students to provide a safe learning environment.

 

Food Services – Lunches prepared by the Food Services Department may be purchased. During MCAS, breakfast is also provided each morning for those students who are testing.

 

Custodial Staff - The Custodial Staff provides maintenance of the building and grounds and assists students and staff with any building issues.

 

Coakley Middle School Web Site - The Web Site for the Coakley Middle School provides updated information for parents and students on all aspects of school activity.

 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

 

Coakley Middle School Guide to Success

 

Consistent effort is the key to success at CMS

Open your mind to new ideas

Advocate for yourself

Keep your locker well-organized and clean

Lock your locker

Eat breakfast

You will succeed if you keep trying

 

Make sure you choose your friends carefully

Identify your goals

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Do your homework

Learn how to study

Engage in class discussions

 

Study for quizzes and tests

Clean up after yourself

Help someone in need

Organize your materials and binder

Observe other students’ successes

Learn from your observations and experiences

 

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

 

Academic Honesty Code

 

It is expected that you will put forth your best effort and submit work that is your own. Cheating or any form of plagiarism is a violation of the CMS Code of Conduct.

 

Agenda Book

 

Every student will be given an Agenda Book the first day of school.  This organizational tool is for students to record homework and upcoming assignments. Hall passes are recorded on the last pages of the Agenda book. The cost for a lost Agenda is $7.00.

 

After School Help

 

Your teachers will be glad to help you after school with work that may be causing you trouble.  Please ask your teacher what day they stay after and make an appointment to see them.  Each teacher has at least one afternoon each week that is set aside for extra help.  Sometimes teachers have duties and responsibilities after school is dismissed, so you will have to adjust your schedule to theirs if you wish to get extra help.  Don't wait until you are hopelessly lost in a subject.    Take advantage of the opportunity for extra help at the first sign that it is needed.

 

Class Meetings

 

There are a total of four class meetings for each grade level during the year.  They are typically scheduled at the beginning of each term. The administration and counselors address grade level and school-wide issues that are important for safety and success.

 

 

Home Work

 

There are multiple purposes for homework:

 

	To reinforce school learning by providing practice and applications.
	To stimulate voluntary effort, initiative, independence, responsibility, and self- direction.
	To enrich the school experience through related home activities.
	To offer practice in budgeting your time.
	To develop mature reading ability.

 

You should expect to receive homework assignments each day. Time needed to complete daily homework assignments will vary for each of you, but should not exceed two hours total per day.

You should also plan to spend time studying and reviewing material for mastery of the content and adequate preparation for quizzes and tests.  Plan ahead!  Long-term reports or projects should not be left until the last minute.  Learn to budget and organize your time.  Your team’s teachers will coordinate assignments and projects to the best of their ability. 

 

Experience has shown that the time you spend on homework results in greater academic achievement.  Should you need help with your homework, you may ask your teachers for assistance.  Students are expected to keep a record of all assignments in their Agenda Book, an assignment book issued to all students at the beginning of the school year.

 

Honors Criteria

Students who receive 90 or above in all core and core-plus subjects and excellent or satisfactory in conduct and effort grades will receive first honors.

Students who receive 80 or above in all core and core-plus subjects and excellent or satisfactory in conduct and effort grades will receive second honors.

 

Make Up Work

 

When you are absent from school, you miss work that must be made up when you return.  Your teachers will help you with make-up work, but the responsibility for finding out your assignments and for completing them is yours.  Seek out your teachers after an absence, and find out the requirements.  It may involve reading, completing assignments, papers, attending after school sessions or taking tests and quizzes.  You should make definite arrangements for make-up work within two (2) days after returning to school from an absence.  Each teacher will grant you a specific length of time to complete your make-up work according to the length of your absence.

 

Promotion Policy

 

Students who fail any of the four major academic subjects (English Language Arts, mathematics, history/social studies and science), students who have not met grade level standards, and/or whose attendance does not meet state guidelines may be considered for retention.

 

Students who fail up to two academic courses will be allowed to attend summer school to meet the promotion criterion.  Students failing more than two academic courses will be retained.

 

Teams

 

All of your teachers want to help you to do well in your major job, which is learning.  Having teams is a great way to do this.  You will become a member of a team, just as you are a member of your family at home.  Your English, Math, Science, and Social Studies teachers are the teacher members of your team and meet regularly to plan your academic activities and to help you achieve to the best of your ability.  Teams may conduct activities outside of class, such as field trips and special assemblies.  These activities give you a greater opportunity to be with other students on your team. 

 

Textbooks

 

Each year you will receive a number of books to be used in your various classes.  The school lends you these just as the library lends you books.  You should be just as careful of your school textbooks as you are of library books.  If you lose or damage a library book in any way, you are expected to make restitution.  In the same manner, you are responsible for your schoolbooks.  

All students are expected to cover textbooks and to replace the book cover if it becomes worn during the school year. Free book covers may be available in the Main Office. If a book is misused, a fine will be imposed.  If a book is lost, the student will be required to pay the replacement cost. 

 

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

 

Attendance Guidelines

 

The middle school recognizes that attendance and punctuality are shared responsibilities of the parents, school, and most importantly, you. In order for you to benefit from your education, it is necessary for you to be in school. You also have the responsibility to arrive at school and to each class on time. When you are absent from school or class, you miss out on the teacher’s lessons, class discussions and projects. A student who is absent eight days in a term without a medical excuse will be contacted by the School Resource Officer.  The School Resource Officer may refer the student to the Dedham Juvenile court under a CHINS (Child in Need of Services) for truancy. If a student is absent without a medical excuse for more than twenty-five days in a school year, students may not be promoted. Daily attendance will be taken in homeroom, and it is important to be in your assigned homeroom seat prior to the 7:25 a.m. bell. Students are expected to arrive on time to school. After the third tardy in any given marking term, students will receive a consequence for each additional tardy. 

 

Assemblies

 

Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the school program and as such are designed to be educational as well as entertaining.  Some may be designed to celebrate national holidays while others explain school regulations and procedures or recognize you for outstanding achievements.  These assemblies provide opportunities for you to learn formal audience behavior.  Therefore, there are some expectations for this type of activity:

 

Walk to the auditorium quickly and quietly, remaining with your class.

Give your full attention to the program.  There should be no conversation once the program has commenced.

           

When the program is completed, remain seated and follow the instructions of the staff member in charge. Students who do not behave properly at assemblies will be asked to leave and may be excluded from future assemblies.

 

 

Before and After School

 

Before School – All sixth grade students should report to the cafeteria if they arrive to school before 7:20.  Seventh and eighth graders go directly to the gym.  Students are allowed to go to their lockers at 7:20.

 

After School – You are not allowed to stay after school unless you are staying with a teacher or participating in a club or activity. All students taking the late bus will go to the cafeteria to wait for the late buses only after the 3:00 bell rings.

 

Bathroom Use

 

It is expected that you use the bathroom either in between classes or during lunch. You must ask permission of the lunchroom supervisor to use the bathroom. If you need to use the bathroom during class, you must ask permission from the teacher. 

 

Bus Rules

 

Bus transportation to and from school is a privilege for all students who qualify according to the rules and regulations of the Norwood School Committee and the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The school bus is an extension of the school itself and the rules regarding behavior are the same as in school.  It should be understood by all that the right of a student to school transportation is a qualified right dependent upon good behavior.   It is expected that all students will:

 

●   Stand back from the roadway while awaiting arrival of the bus

●   Refrain from throwing things or acting in a disorderly manner at the bus stop.

●   Be picked up and discharged only at regularly scheduled stops.

●   Enter the bus in an orderly fashion, go directly to a seat and remain seated until the destination is   

     reached.

●   Keep arms, hands, and legs inside the bus.

●   Keep all articles such as books, athletic equipment, musical instruments, etc. out of the aisle.

●   Not smoke on any school bus.

●   Not eat or drink on the school bus.

●   Not act disorderly, shout or throw things on the bus.

●   Not litter or deface the buses.

●   THE EMERGENCY DOOR IS TO BE USED FOR EMERGENCY ONLY.

●   Students will not needlessly touch any safety equipment on the bus.

 

Pupils who fail to understand their responsibilities when riding school buses may forfeit the privilege of riding the bus either TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY.

 

Cafeteria Conduct

 

You are expected to go directly to the cafeteria at the time that your grade eats lunch.  Upon arrival, you are to sit down and wait for your table to be called up to order lunch.  All students are expected to be polite, to practice good table manners, and to clean up after themselves.  Any inappropriate behavior may result in assigned seating in the café, or possibly being excluded from eating lunch in the café for a period of time.

 

Cell Phones and Other Electronics

 

Cell phones are allowed but must be turned off and stored in student’s lockers. Ipods and other electronic devices are not allowed in school. There should be no communication with anyone inside or outside the building unless permission is given to use the office phone. The administration will hold onto any cell phone or other electronic devices being used without authorization, and parents will be asked to pick them up.  The Norwood Public Schools will not be held responsible for lost or stolen cell phones, pagers, ipods or other similar devices.

 

Classroom Conduct

 

Since teaching and learning are the primary areas of focus in each of your classes, it is expected that you will arrive on time and prepared, and that you will engage in the activities appropriately.  Any behavior that disrupts teaching and/or learning will result in a wide range of progressive consequences, including (but not limited to): warning, change in seating, a call home, teacher detention, and office intervention.

 

Dances Sponsored by CMS

 

You must be a current student at Coakley Middle School to attend dances.  It is expected that you follow the school rules, the school dress code and behave appropriately throughout the dance.  No food or drinks are allowed into the dances.  Students who leave are not allowed to return.  You should arrange to have your parent or guardian pick you up promptly at the end of the scheduled time. Any student leaving the dance before the scheduled end time must have an adult chaperone speak to a dance chaperone before leaving.

 

Dress Code

 

The Norwood School Committee finds that a Dress Code is necessary to provide safety, prevent disruption and disorder and to facilitate the educational process. Following the successful implementation of this Dress Code by Norwood High School for the 2004-2005 school year, in order to maintain reasonable standards of health, safety and cleanliness we adopt the following dress code:

 

The clothing of the students should be clean and worn in the manner for which it was designed. Students’ dress should show the respect that we encourage for self and others. Since the primary function of school is educational, not recreational or social, student dress should be appropriate for the school environment and not cause a distraction within that setting. If the health and safety of the student is endangered or the proper order of school is disrupted by a student’s attire or appearance, he or she will be referred to the school administration and may be sent home. Continued failure to comply with the Dress Code of the DR. PHILIP O. COAKLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL will result in suspension from school pending a conference with the Principal or their designee.

 

School administration reserves the right to determine if certain attire is inappropriate in a school building. Inappropriate dress shall be defined, but not limited to, an article of clothing that displays or promotes, in pictures or words, any foul, obscene or offensive language; any tobacco product or the use of tobacco product; any alcoholic product or the use of any alcoholic product; material of a sexual nature whether explicit or implied; any illegal substance or the use of illegal substances; acts of actual or implied violence; material reasonably likely to incite or cause disruption in a racial, religious, ethnic or other context.

 

The following are not allowed:

●   Off the shoulder tops

●   Halter tops

●   Spaghetti Straps

●   Pants worn below the waist

●   Bare Midriffs

●   Jackets/Coats during the school day

●   Hats/Headwear

●   Spiked bracelets

●   Heavy gauge chains

 

Underwear of any kind (boxers, thongs, bras) shall not be visible. The length of shorts, skirts, and dresses must be longer than the finger-tips when arms are held down at the side of the body. School sponsored team and club attire may be worn on special occasions during the school day as long as the attire complies with the DR. PHILIP O. COAKLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL Dress Code.

 

Book bags may be brought to school but will remain in the student’s assigned locker during the day.

           

This Dress Code shall not be enforced to the extent that it conflicts with religious observance or a documented medical condition.

 

End of the Year 8^th Grade Activities

Eighth grade students are required to complete six hours of community service, as defined by the PINS program (Partners In Norwood Service), in order to be eligible to participate in end of the year activities.  Students committing any suspendable offence during the school year may be excluded from participating in the end of the year activities.

  Students not meeting the promotion policy will not be allowed to attend the promotion ceremony and the dance that follows. Any exceptions to the above will be at the discretion of the school administration.

P.I.N.S: PARTNERS IN NORWOOD SERVICE

 

Objectives: Our objective is to encourage eighth grade students in becoming active members of the community through volunteer service. Their involvement will create a stronger link between students and the town of Norwood. The P.I.N.S. program will set a precedence of volunteerism which will carry on into high school and beyond.

 

Requirements: Each eighth grade student is to complete six hours of community service. The hours must be recorded and approved by community service providers. The hours will be of three* qualifications necessary to participate in Grade Eight End of the Year Activities: class trip to Canobie Lake Park and Eighth Grade Promotion Evening (Dinner and Dance).

 

How to Get Your P.I.N.S. Hours Approved

 

1.      Complete six hours of service throughout the school year. You may fulfill these hours by participating in various activities.

2.      Get P.I.N.S. Approval Sheet(s) from your homeroom teacher. Fill out a P.I.N.S. Approval Sheet for each activity completed.

3.      Turn in P.I.N.S. Approval Sheet(s) to your homeroom teacher. They will keep a record of your completed community service hours.

4.      All service must be completed and all sheets handed in by Friday, May 4, 2012

Suggested List of Approved Voluntary Service Project Opportunities*

 

•          Caritas Norwood Hospital

•          Norwood Elementary Schools

•          Youth Sports Coach

•          Food Pantry

•          Senior Citizen Center

•          Norwood Town Activities

•          Charity Walks (“Relay for Life” in June is acceptable upon adult verification)

•          Morrill Memorial Library

•          Coakley Middle School

 

*Please contact each organization ahead of time to inquire about volunteer opportunities

 

Evening School Events (Concerts, Plays, ETC.)

 

Coakley Middle School has several evening programs (plays, musicals, concerts) offered throughout the school year to the students of CMS and the general public.  You are expected to stay for the entire performance unless you leave with your parent/guardian.  You should behave in the same manner as if you were at a school assembly – this includes listening, watching quietly and applauding at appropriate times.

 

Extra Curricular Activities

 

There are many extra-curricular activities offered at CMS to those students who are eligible – see “ELIGIBILITY” under Student Activities (page 30).  When you are participating in an activity or club, you are expected to follow the guidelines and rules set by the FIELD TRIPS.

 

Field trips are like any other school day except that learning is taking place off-campus.  They are an important part of your educational program and you are expected to behave as if you were in school.  Responsible behavior on field trips is especially important and expected.  Serious misbehavior on field trips could result in a loss of field trip privileges or other disciplinary action.

 

Hallways

 

Hallway traffic is best controlled through the cooperation and compliance of the student body.  All students are expected to walk on the right hand side of the hallway (just as if you were driving a car).  Running is not permitted at any time.

 

Locker Use

 

You will be assigned a locker and a lock for the school year.  It is usually located near your homeroom and it is a place for you to store your books, class materials, jacket, and other items that you are allowed to bring to school.  Please be advised that although it is yours to use for the school year, it remains part of school property and therefore can be searched without your permission. 

 

Telephones and Messages

 

During the school day, you are expected to be in class, learning and participating in class activities, and the school makes an effort to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum.  Therefore, we ask parents/guardians not to expect the school to deliver messages during the school day unless it is an emergency.  In some situations, the morning and afternoon announcement times can be used to have students report to the Main Office to pick up messages. 

 

You are to refrain from making phone calls during the school day.  If you need to use a telephone (pay phone or Housemaster’s phone), you must have specific permission from your teacher or office to do so.  Making phone calls during the school day without authorization from a faculty member may result in disciplinary action.  Phone calls should be made only for emergencies. 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Consequences for Violation of Disciplinary Code

 

Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School

 

Students may face disciplinary actions as a consequence of any behavior that disrupts teaching and/or learning, causes disorder, invades the rights of others, or is unsafe or violates a school rule or disciplinary code. Discipline will be fair and appropriate and not designed to embarrass students.  These are examples of inappropriate behaviors.  This chart is not intended to include every possible infraction of school rules.

 

Students may be given a day’s notice for arranging transportation – determined by Principal or Vice Principal. 

Outside suspension / In-school suspension – number of days depends on seriousness of offense and prior offenses by student.

 

Detention

 

Detention, or keeping a student after school, is sometimes a necessary consequence for inappropriate actions. There are two kinds of detention: teacher and office. (l) A teacher detention is given for unacceptable behavior within the classroom. The individual teacher will determine the procedure to follow for this kind of detention. (2) An office detention is given for disruptive behavior in the corridor, in the cafeteria, at assemblies, or other school areas outside of the regular classroom before, during or after school. Office detention can also be assigned to students who have repeatedly created disturbances in classrooms. Students will be given 24 hours notice for both teacher and office detentions. In some cases, detentions will be assigned during a student's lunch period and these detentions do not require any advance notice. 

 

The following are examples of behaviors that can result in a student being assigned an office detention:

●   Habitual tardiness

●   Cutting class

●   Habitual classroom misbehavior

●   Safety related violations (i.e.: throwing snow or ice)

●   Possession or use of electronic equipment between 7:25 a.m. and 2:05 p.m.

●   Failure to report after school for a teacher detention

●   Use of profanity and/or obscene language or gestures

●   Disruptive behavior in and around the school

●   Possession of squirt guns and other items which disrupt the educational process

 

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USER POLICY

 

Purpose

 

The Norwood Public Schools shall provide access for employees and students to the system network, including access to external networks, for limited educational purposes.  Educational purposes shall be defined as classroom activities, career and professional development, and high quality of self-discovery activities of an educational nature.  The purpose of the system/network is to assist in preparing students for success in life and work by providing access to a wide-range of information and the ability to communicate with others.  The system/network will be used to increase communication (staff, parent and student), enhance productivity and assist staff in upgrading existing skills and acquiring new skills through a broader exchange of information.  The system/network will also be utilized to provide information to the community, including parents, governmental agencies and businesses.

 

Availability

 

The Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designee, shall implement, monitor and evaluate the Norwood Public School’s system/network for instructional and administrative purposes.

 

Access to the system/network, including external networks, shall be made available to employees and students for instructional and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures.

Access to the system/network is a privilege, not a right.  All users shall be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative regulations and procedures governing use of the system and shall agree in writing to comply with such regulations and procedures.  Noncompliance with applicable regulations and procedures may result in suspension or termination of user privileges and other disciplinary actions consistent with the policies of the Norwood Public Schools.  Violation of law may result in criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by the Norwood Public Schools.

 

Acceptable Use

 

The Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designee, shall develop and implement administrative regulations, procedures, terms and conditions for use and user agreements consistent with the purposes and mission of the Norwood Public Schools, as well as with law and policy governing copyright.

 

Monitored Use

 

Stored data, electronic mail transmissions and other use of electronic resources by students and employees shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use of instructional and administrative purposes.

 

Liability

 

The Norwood Public Schools shall not be liable for users’ inappropriate use of electronic resources or violations of copyright restrictions, users’ mistakes or negligence, or costs incurred by users.  The Norwood Public Schools shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy or usability of any information found on external networks.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE

 

1. Access to the system/network will be granted to employees with a signed User Agreement.

 

2. Access to the system/network will be granted to students with a signed User Agreement.  Parents/Guardians must sign User Agreement for students under the age of eighteen.

 

3. The system/network is to be used for educational purposes only.

 

4. Commercial use of the system/network is prohibited.

 

5. The system/network will not be used for recreational purposes or activities relating to personal hobbies.

 

6. The system/network may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any activity prohibited by law, regulation or policy.

 

7. Individual users will at all times be responsible for their use of the system.

 

8. Passwords will be assigned by the System Administrator and noted on the User Agreement. Users will not change passwords without the permission and knowledge of the System Administrator.

 

9. Passwords are confidential.  All passwords will be protected by the user and not shared or displayed.

 

10. System Users will not use another user’s account.  Exceptions to this may be at the elementary level where students may, with full knowledge and permission of the teacher, use the teachers’ account.

 

11. Only the System Administrator or other authorized persons may upload/download public domain programs to the system/network

 

12. Copyrighted software or data will not be placed on the district system/network without permission from the holder of the copyright and the System Administrator.

 

13. System users may redistribute copyrighted material only with the written permission of the copyright holder or designee.  Such permission must be specified in the document or in accordance with applicable copyright laws, district policy and administrative procedures.

 

14. System users should purge electronic information according to district retention guidelines.

 

15. Attempts to delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other users or to interfere with the ability of other users to send/receive electronic mail is prohibited.

 

16. Any attempt to harm or destroy equipment, materials, data or programs is prohibited.

 

17. Vandalism will result in the cancellation of system user privileges and will require  

            restitution for costs associated with hardware, software and system restoration.

 

18. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance may be viewed as violations of  district policy and/or as criminal activity under applicable state and federal laws. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

 

19.  Forgery or attempted forgery is prohibited.

 

20.  Pretending to be someone else when sending/receiving messages is prohibited.

 

Transmitting or viewing obscene or pornographic material, hate messages and/or any unlawful material is prohibited.

 

Use of inappropriate language, swearing, vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs or other derogatory or inflammatory language is prohibited.

 

The user will not override or attempt to override any firewalls established on the network or encourage others to do so.

 

The user will not access or attempt to access any prohibited sites.  Administrators and faculty reserve the right to spot check student use of the system and, if the administrator or faculty member determines the material to be inappropriate or in violation of the Acceptable Use Administrative Procedures and Terms and Conditions, to direct the student to close windows that contain the material.

 

21.   If any offending or unlawful material appears on a student user’s screen, the student will leave the screen and bring it to the attention of a supervising faculty member.

 

22.   Users will not participate in sending chain letters or broadcast messages.

 

23.   Revealing personal information (addresses, phone numbers, etc.) is prohibited.

 

24.   Student users must limit their time on-line to fifteen (15) minutes if other students are waiting for access.

 

25.   Download time is to be kept to a minimum (suggested five (5) minutes or less).

 

26.At the conclusion of a work session the user must log off the system/network properly.

 

27.      Students completing required coursework will have first priority for after-hours use of equipment.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

 

1.  Each user will have a copy of the Administrative Procedures and Terms and Conditions for Acceptable Use of the System Network.

 

2. Principals or their designee will be responsible for disseminating and enforcing policies and procedures in the building(s) under their control.

 

3.  All users will sign a User Agreement form.

 

4. Principals or their designee will insure that each user in their building (faculty, staff, and students) sign an agreement to abide by the policies, procedures, terms and conditions regarding use of the system/network.  All such agreements are to be maintained at the building level and are to be updated each year.  The Principal or designee is responsible for developing procedures to notify each teacher of any students who have not (or whose parents have not) signed the user agreement.                        

 

5. The System Administrator will insure that all other users sign an agreement to abide by the policies, procedures, terms and conditions regarding use of the system/network. All such agreements are to be maintained by the System Administrator and are to be updated each year.

 

6.  Responsible faculty will review the User Agreement and Administrative Procedures and Terms and Conditions for Acceptable Use of the System Network with the student.

 

7.  The Information Technology System Administrator will be responsible for insuring that all staff members have been trained in the proper use of the system/network.

 

8.  Designated faculty will be responsible for insuring that students using the system/network under their supervision have been trained in the use of the system/network.

 

9. Principals, the System Administrator or their designee will be authorized to monitor and examine all system activities, including, but not limited to, electronic mail transmission an all data stored in machines, to make sure that all users are in compliance with the regulations.

This user agreement must be renewed each academic year.

SECTION A

 

            I have read the Norwood Public Schools’ Acceptable Use Policy and Use of the System /Network and agree to abide by their provisions.  I understand that the access is for educational purposes.

            I understand that my use may be monitored to assure compliance with all policies and administrative procedures.  I understand that I will be held accountable for all activities including but not limited to the content of material sent by mail, news or any other means using my account privileges.  I agree to act in compliance with all local, state and federal laws and any guidelines established by the Norwood School Committee or the Norwood School Department.

            I understand that violation of these provisions may result in disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension or revocation of privileges, suspension, or expulsion from school, and criminal prosecution.

 

Student User Signature:________________________________________________Date:_________

(Student/Parent/Guardian Signatures will be entered on the Acceptance Card of the Rules and Regulations)

SECTION B (To be completed by parent/guardian)

 

            I have read the Acceptable Use Policy and Administrative Procedures and Terms and Conditions for Acceptable Use of the System/Network.  I understand that this access is for educational purposes.  However, I also recognize that it is impossible for Norwood to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold Norwood responsible for materials acquired on the network.

            For consideration of the privilege of my child using the network, I hereby agree to indemnify and save harmless the Norwood School Department, School Committee, and the Town of Norwood, and all their past, present and future committees, officers, officials, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, and administrators (thereinafter collectively referred to as Norwood) against any and all injury, loss or damage and any and all claims for injury, loss or damage of whatever nature caused by or resulting from, or claimed to have been caused by or to have resulted from my child’s participation in or use of the network.  Furthermore, to the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby release Norwood from all demands, causes of action, suits, damages and any and all claims, demands, and liabilities whatsoever which I may have against Norwood on account of my child’s participation in or use of the network.

 

 

 

I further agree to be fully responsible for the agreement signed by my child above.

 

Signed (Parent/Guardian)_______________________________________________Date_________

(Student/Parent/Guardian Signatures will be entered on the Acceptance Card of the Rules and Regulations)

 

Student Agreement

 

Signed copy of AGREEMENT and ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT must be given to the student's Homeroom Teacher.

 

I have read the handbook and agree to comply with the rules and regulations, including the amendment to the General Laws, Chapter 269, which prohibits the practice of hazing.  The Law is included in this handbook.

 

 

Date:   ____________                                    __________________________________________

                                                                                                Student's signature

 

 

Homeroom:________                                     ___________________________________________

                                                                                                Parent/guardian signature

SAFETY

 

Alcohol/Substances – possession and/or use will not be tolerated in school and will result in school suspension and/or police referral.

 

Bullying

 

BULLYING HANDOOK LANGUAGE FOR ALL NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

Bullying is a form of harassment.  The Norwood Public Schools recognizes that bullying and harassment have a negative effect on the educational process.

 

Reporting Requirements 370(g) -  The law imposes mandatory reporting requirements on all members of the school staff, not just all teaching staff, to immediately report any instance of bullying or retaliation the staff member has either witnessed or become aware of, to the Principal or school designee.  Staff shall immediately report any instance of bullying or retaliation the staff members has witnessed or become aware of to the Principal or to the school official identified in the plan as responsible for receiving such reports or both.

 

1.      Definition of Bullying (from “Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO BULLYING IN SCHOOLS.”)

a.       “Bullying”, the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a victim that: (i) causes physical or emotional harm to the victim or damage to the victim’s property; (ii) places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property; (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for the victim; (iv) infringes on the rights of the victim at school; or (v) materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a school. For the purposes of this section, bullying shall include cyber-bullying and retaliation.

 

b.      “Cyber-bullying”, bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying shall also include (i) the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or (ii) the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying.  Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying.

c.       “Retaliation,” any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witness or has reliable information about bullying

2.      Bullying is Prohibited – Such conduct is disruptive of the educational process; therefore, let it be known that bullying is unacceptable behavior in the Norwood Public Schools and is prohibited.

3.      Bullying Shall be Prohibited – (i) on school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, or at a school sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on, or off, school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a school district or school, and or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is owned, leased or used by a school district or school; and (ii) at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a school district or school, of the bullying creates a hostile environment at the school for the victim, infringes on the rights of the victim at school or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

4.      Steps to Resolve

a.       Staff Intervention – Staff members who observe or become aware of an act of bullying will take immediate, appropriate steps to intervene, unless intervention would place the safety of the staff member or student(s) at risk. If there is reasonable basis to believe that the staff member has not been able to resolve the matter, or if the bullying persists, the staff member shall report the matter to the appropriate administrator for further investigation.

 

b.      Students and Parents Shall Report Bullying – Students and parents who become aware of bullying should report it to the appropriate administrator for further investigation. Also, students or parents may report a bullying incident using any one of three reporting options on the district’s bullying website by going to http://www.norwood.k12.ma.us/page.php?pid=615.  “Anonymous” reports are accepted; however, no disciplinary action shall be taken against a student on the basis of an anonymous report.  Any student who retaliates against another for reporting bullying shall be subject to disciplinary consequences.  Also, any student who knowingly makes a false accusation of bullying or retaliation shall be subject to disciplinary consequences.

c.       Investigation – In cases of alleged or persistent bullying, cyber-bullying, or retaliation, an administrator will investigate the matter. The investigation may include, but is not limited to, conversations with students, parents, and school staff.

d.      Intervention/Consequences/Prevention Strategies – If bullying is substantiated, the appropriate administrator will take reasonable steps to stop it and prevent its recurrence. These steps may include, but are not limited to, separating and supervising the students involved; contacting the parents/guardians of the alleged perpetrator and victim; mediation between the two students; providing counseling support for students and referral service options to appropriate family members as necessary; coordinating a supervision plan with the assistance of staff; student contracts and the development of a safety plan; meetings with the School Resource Officer.  Students who have bullied or retaliated against others may also be subject to disciplinary action, including warnings, parental conference, detention, suspension, and/or exclusion.  If the school administration determines that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the appropriate administrator will notify the local law enforcement agency if the administration believes that criminal charges may be pursued against a perpetrator.

 

Students who engage in any act of bullying while at school, at any school function, in connection to, or with any district-sponsored activity or event, or while en route to or from school, are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion.  Law enforcement officials shall be notified of bullying incidents.

 

NOTE:  Cyber-bullying will be covered under this Handbook regulation. 

 

 

Discrimination is an action or policy based on prejudice or partiality. The Coakley Middle School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs and employment practices.

 

Harassment is repeated, unwanted, or unwelcome verbalisms or behaviors with overtones related to a person’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. All forms of harassment are prohibited whether verbal, physical, or visual, and regardless of the medium through which it occurs.

 

Hazing is any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization/group, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. This includes any treatment or activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme emotional stress.

 

Inappropriate Materials  Students are not to bring into school material, printed or otherwise, that relates to weapons or that advocate violence.

 

Medications Every effort should be made to take medication, including over-the-counter medication, at home. You will not be allowed to take your own medication or carry medication without specific orders stating this fact from your licensed prescriber and the school nurse. 

If you must take medication during school hours, please see our school nurse, Mrs. Hale, for the appropriate forms. 

 

Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is against the law.  Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual behavior which interferes with your right to get an education or to participate in school activities. Sexual harassment may result from words or conduct of a sexual nature that offends, demeans, frightens or threatens you because of your sex.

 

 

Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

*   Offensive sexual flirtations;

*   Verbal abuse or innuendo of a sexual nature;

*   Uninvited physical contact such as touching, hugging, patting or pinching;

*   Verbal comments of a sexual nature about an individual’s body or sexual terms used to    

     describe an individual;

*   Display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures;

*   Jokes or remarks of a sexual nature in front of people who find them offensive;

*   Making obscene gestures or suggestive or insulting sounds;

*   The demand for sexual favors accompanied by an implied or overt threat.

*   Indecent exposure. 

 

Technology Safety If you use the Web, e-mail or chat online, then you are a cyber citizen. The Internet is a great place to hang out. It’s not only fun, but it lets you keep in touch with friends and family and provides an enormous amount of information. There are lots of great educational sites as well as places to keep up with your favorite hobbies, music, sports, and much more.

 

Cyberspace is like a big city. There are libraries, universities, museums, places to have fun, and plenty of opportunities to meet wonderful people from all walks of life. But, like any community, there are also some people and areas that you ought to avoid and others that you should approach only with caution. By knowing the dangers and how to avoid them, you can take advantage of all the positive aspects of the Internet while avoiding most of its pitfalls.

 

Do not give out personal information of any kind, such as your name, address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of your school without permission. Tell your parents right away if you come across any information in cyberspace that makes you feel uncomfortable.

 

 

 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

 

Eligibility

 

Criteria for students to be eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities and clubs:

 

●   Attend school regularly and on time

●   Attain a passing grade in each subject

●   Demonstrate needs improvement or better in effort and conduct (on report cards)

●   Demonstrate appropriate behavior that does not result in suspension or other serious   

     disciplinary action

 

Eligibility will be reviewed upon completion of each term.  Any exceptions to the above will be at the discretion of the school administration.

 

Eligible students may choose from a variety of Intramurals in which to participate.  Below are examples of activities that have been offered in the past.  There is no guarantee that any of these will be offered in the future.  Intramural offerings depend on a number of factors including student interest level, supervision, and space available.

 

Intramurals – Open to students in all grades

 

Flag Football                                      Co-Ed Gym Games                 Ultimate Frisbee

7th and 8th Grade Flag Football        Cross Country                         Bowling

Boys and Girls Floor Hockey             Co-Ed Softball                         Co- Ed Soccer

Co-Ed Tennis                                      Co-Ed Ping Pong                    Co-Ed Volleyball

Co-Ed Golf                                          Co-Ed Cross Country             Wrestling

Girls and Boys Basketball                   Cheerleading                           Gymnastics

Girls Field Hockey                              Olympics                                 Indoor Baseball
Computer Chess Club                         After-School Computers          Walking Club

Artist Circle                                         3-D Design Club                     Photography Club

Cooking Club                                      Friendship Club                      Dance Revolution

 

Other Activities

 

Homework Club

Yearbook – grade 8

Beach Party Bash Committee – grade 8

Peer Mediation Program - grade 7 & 8

National Junior Honor Society – grade 7 & 8

Student Council

 

 

Mr. James Hayden, Superintendent of Schools

James R. Savage Educational Center

275 Prospect Street

Norwood, MA 02062

781-440-5819

 

Dr. Alec Wyeth, Title VI, Title IX and 504 Coordinator

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

James R. Savage Educational Center

275 Prospect Street

Norwood, MA  02062

781-440-5816

 

Mrs. Carole Poirier, Title I Director

Asst. to the Supt. of Schools Elementary Curriculum/Grants

James R. Savage Educational Center

275 Prospect Street

Norwood, MA  02062

781-440-5815

 

Mr. Joseph McDonough, ADA Coordinator

Director of Buildings/Grounds

James R. Savage Educational Center

275 Prospect Street

Norwood, MA  02062

781-440-5830

 

Mrs. Kristina Fitzgerald, McKinny/Vento (Homeless) Coordinator

Administrative Assistant to Supt. of Schools

James R. Savage Educational Center

275 Prospect Street

Norwood, MA  02062

781-440-5819