NAUGATUCK PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ MISSION AND BELIEFS

The Naugatuck Public Schools is a community of leaders that values an active partnership with parents, businesses, and the public in order to prepare students for the challenges of a diverse, global, and informated world.  This is accomplished by maximizing the potential of every student by teaching them to think critically, solve problems, make decisions, communicate effectively, and use technology, while acting ethically and responsibly.

In pursuing this Mission, we believe we must:

- Provide a safe and nurturing environment that fosters learning

- Continually improve educational programs and value and respect individuals and the uniqueness of their skills, abilities, and creative expression

- Recognize that quality teaching is our most valuable resource and ensure that applied learning is the most important thing that happens in our schools every day

- Provide the necessary human and technological resources

- Recognize the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of all students

- Make learning relevant and engaging

- Have high standards and expectations of achievement for all

- Commit to work collaboratively to fulfill the community’s responsibility to this and future generations of Naugatuck students

Hillside Middle School Mission Statement

The mission of Hillside Middle School is to provide the freedom of opportunities and a nurturing environment for students to develop academic skills, personal talents, and knowledge of democratic principles while supporting positive growth in physical, emotional, and social behaviors.  By encouraging critical thinking, decision-making skills, healthy competition, aesthetic awareness, and creativity, Hillside Middle School focuses on developing reflective, self-sufficient, and responsible adolescents.

Arrival at School

Students are allowed to enter the building at 8:00 AM. Upon entering the building, students may go to their lockers and then report to their homerooms by 8:08 AM.  Homeroom periods are used to take attendance, distribute and collect material, and relay information concerning upcoming events and activities.

Attendance Policy

Connecticut state law holds parents and/or guardians responsible for students attending school regularly during the hours and terms school is in session.   Regular attendance is a key factor in student success.

Legal absences include the following:

  1. Illness of student

  2. Death in immediate family

  3. Observance of religious holidays

  4. Other reasons approved by the principal

Parents are requested to call the school office by 8:30 AM if their child will be absent from school that day.  Parents who do not contact the office will be called at home, or if necessary, at work to confirm an absence.  A student who is absent is required to bring a note to the office explaining the absence upon his/her return.

Athletic Eligibility

1.  Students must pass four units of work (four classes that meet every day). If this requirement is not met, the student is ineligible for the quarter.

2.  If a student fails a course and still passes four units of work, s/he is not eligible for three weeks.  At the end of that time, if the student is passing all subjects, s/he will be re-instated.

Bullying

In accordance with state law, it is the policy of the Naugatuck Board of Education that any form of bullying behavior, whether in the classroom, on school property, or at a school-sponsored event, is expressly forbidden.  Under the policy, students are able to report acts of bullying to teachers and administrators; parents/guardians may file written reports of suspected bullying; school faculty and staff are required to report to administrators witnessed acts or student reported acts; administrators must investigate alleged acts; language addressing bullying acts must be included in student codes of conduct; administrators must, with a verified act of bullying, notify both the parents/guardians of the student committing the act and the victim of the act; schools must track such acts and maintain records as required by applicable law(s).  

The policy defines bullying as, “…any overt acts by a student or group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, which acts are repeated against the same student over time.”

Bus Notes

Most buses are filled to capacity so taking extra riders can be difficult. Occasionally, a student might request to ride on a different bus. In order for a request to be considered, the student must report to the office in the morning with a note signed by the parent/guardian explaining with whom the child will be going home and what bus/number is being asked to take on an extra rider.  The student making the request will be required to stop by the office later in the day in order to pick up the school-stamped note granting the request. In the event that the request cannot be honored, the student will be given ample time to call his/her parent in order to make other arrangements.

Care of School Property

Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies, and furnishings provided by the school.  Textbooks are to be kept clean and should be covered carefully.  Students who disfigure materials, break furnishings, or otherwise damage school property or equipment will be required to pay for the damage or replace the item before they can receive their final report card.

Counseling and Guidance Services

Counseling and guidance services are available for every student at Hillside.  Counselors and students discuss such topics as educational planning, home, school and/or social concerns, career information, study help, and interpretation of test scores. Students are assigned to one of two counselors for their two years at Hillside. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s school counselor to discuss any concern they might have regarding their child.  Counselors are available to arrange conferences at the request of parents, students, and/or teachers.

In most cases, your counselor is assigned to you by alphabetical order according to your last name.  Students whose name begins in A-K will be assigned to Mr. Miata.  Students whose name begins in L-Z will be assigned to Mrs. Cicchetti.

Counseling/guidance passes are available in homeroom and in the guidance offices.   Students must fill out this pass with the date, their name, their homeroom, and study hall, and then place the pass in the receptacle on their counselor’s door.  During the day, if an emergency arises and a counseling/guidance pass needs to be completed, students can ask one of their teachers to call the office with that message.  Their counselor will see them as soon as possible.  An emergency is a situation that places students or someone they know in danger.  Disagreements with friends are important, but usually are not emergencies.

Demerits

Staff members will assign demerits when minor rule infractions occur, such as tardy to class, chewing gum, etc.  When five demerits have been accumulated, a one-day in-school suspension will be given.

Detentions

Teachers are responsible for outlining classroom rules and procedures and administering reasonable disciplinary action whenever these guidelines are abused.  A possible action is an after school detention with that teacher.  Students are expected to bring homework or other study material to detention with them. All students will be given 24-hour notice for an after school detention.

A form will be sent home with the student indicating the detention date and length of time.  The form should be signed and returned to the teacher assigning the detention.  Failure to meet this obligation will result in parental contact and increased disciplinary action.

Discipline Procedures

Discipline must be maintained in order for teaching and learning to take place.  Students are reminded that they must live by a code of good behavior, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.

Each staff member is directly responsible for minor infractions.  In the event a student commits a major infraction of the school rules, a teacher will send a written referral to the office immediately.  The school administrator will then choose the appropriate course of action.

Field Trips

Field trips are school activities considered to be part of the curriculum. It is important that all students take part in these activities. Unless there is an extenuating circumstance, every student is expected to attend scheduled curricular field trips.  Unexcused absence will be considered for any student who does not attend.

Grading Policies

Progress Reports will be issued to every student during each marking period.  These reports allow for teacher assessment, student self-evaluation, and parental comment.  Progress reports will be distributed on or around 10/3/06, 12/12/06, 3/6/07, and 5/15/07. These dates may vary due to snow days, etc.

Report Cards will be mailed home at the end of each marking period.  Report cards tentatively will be issued on 11/27/06, 2/12/07, 4/23/07, and at the close of school.  These dates may vary due to snow days, etc.

Honor Roll

 1.  All subjects will count toward achieving Honor Roll status

2.  To achieve High Honors, a student must earn an A average with no grade below B

To achieve Honors, a student must earn a B average with no grade below C

Health Services

If a student becomes ill or is injured in school, s/he should report to the nurse.  Students may not leave the building because of illness without authorization from the nurse or the principal.

Prescriptions and medications, including over the counter medications, to be taken in school must be in the original container, accompanied by the authorization form signed by the doctor and parent.  A parent or guardian must bring the medication to the nurse.

When a student is absent from school for medical reasons, a parent should call the school in the morning.  In addition, a parent should send a note to school upon the student’s return, stating the dates and reason for the student’s absence.

Parents must fill out emergency cards and contact the school if there are any changes in home, work, or emergency phone numbers and/or addresses.

To comply with Connecticut state law, students entering grade 7 are required to have received 1) a measles vaccine booster, 2) the first of the Hepatitis B vaccination series, and 3) proof of Varicella (chicken pox) immunization or a doctor’s note.  If these requirements are not met, the student will not be permitted to begin his/her grade 7 school year.

Before the start of grade 8, the Hepatitis B vaccine series (three inoculations) must be completed.  If this is not done, the student cannot enter grade 8.  The Hepatitis B vaccine series should be completed within a six-month period.

Lockers

Each student is assigned a locker for the storage of books and equipment.  Locks will be issued to students by the office.  It is the student’s responsibility to keep his/her locker locked at all times.  Students are expected to keep lockers in good usable condition.  All lockers are the property of the Naugatuck Board of Education and are subject to inspection by the administration at their discretion. Kicking or defacing a locker in any manner will result in payment for damages.  Students are encouraged not to share lockers or to give out locker combinations.

Lost and Found

Articles of value, turned in to the office, will be held until the end of each month.  Unclaimed items will be disposed of or donated to charity.

Middle School Dress and Grooming Code

The Board of Education and our middle school encourage students to dress in a manner that reflects pride in and respect for themselves, their school, and their community. To promote a positive, safe, and appropriate learning environment, proper attire should be worn. Therefore, the following attire is considered inappropriate for a safe learning environment.

a. coats, jackets, or other attire normally worn as outerwear;

b. head coverings of any kind including, but not limited to, scarves, bandanas, masks, kerchiefs, athletic headbands, hats, caps, or hoods;

c. tank tops/athletic shirts without a tee-shirt or over-shirt;

d. sunglasses (unless required by a doctor);

e. attire or accessories which portray inappropriate writing or pictures;

f. attire or accessories which depict logos or emblems that encourage the use of drugs, tobacco products, or alcoholic beverages;

g. shirts and/or blouses which reveal the abdomen, chest, or undergarments;

h. see-through clothing;

i. shorts, miniskirts, or pants which reveal the upper thigh or undergarments;

j. unlaced sneakers, heelys, flip-flops, shoes, or footwear considered to be unsafe;

k. pajama bottoms, loungewear;

l. pants/shorts worn below the waist;

m. wallet chains;

n. backpacks and/or book bags should be viewed as a means of carrying books to and from school. Backpacks and/or book bags are to be left in lockers during school time.  ANY BAG WORN ON THE BACK IS CONSIDERED A BACKPACK.

These rules apply to all school activities.  Parents and students are asked to review the above information about proper dress.  Any violation of this policy by your child will result in the parent being contacted and the child being asked to change.

Non-Discrimination

 In compliance with the regulations of the Office of Civil Rights and with Equal Opportunity practices as determined by state and federal legislation, the Board of Education:

… as a matter of policy does not knowingly condone discrimination in employment, assignment, program, or services, on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or unrelated abilities to perform the duties of the position.

It is required that all program offerings, employment applications, admission criteria in the Naugatuck Public Schools including vocational and adult education, must contain the above statement.

Any concerns, questions, or information regarding the above may be obtained by contacting, Laura Cyr, Title IX Coordinator for the Naugatuck Public Schools, 380 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 (720-5265).

Personal Property and Valuables
All articles and valuables are brought to school at the owner’s risk. Students are asked to be extremely careful about leaving valuables unattended in desks, cubbyholes, classrooms, and unlocked lockers. The school is not responsible for stolen articles. 

Skateboards, CD players, iPods, MP3 Players and other valuables should be left home.

All communication devices, including cell phones, must be turned off and stored during school hours.

Pesticide Application Policy – check back later

Regulations for the Conduct of Pupils Riding on School Buses

by the Board of Education, Naugatuck, CT

The driver is in full charge of the bus and of all pupils riding therein at all times while pupils are being transported to and from school.  S/he is required to enforce all rules and regulations adopted by the school authorities for the conduct of pupils riding on the bus.

Pupils must take a seat when they enter the bus and remain seated at all times while the bus is in motion.

Indecent or profane language, smoking, rowdy behavior, loud talking, loud radios, or any illegal activities are expressly prohibited.

Pupils must not open bus windows without permission from the driver.

Pupils must not throw any object in or out the bus.

Pupils must not, at any time, extend their arms or heads out the bus window.

Pupils will enter and leave the bus only at the front door except in cases of emergency.

Pupils must be on time and, at all times, cooperate in keeping the bus on schedule.

Pupils will, after alighting from the bus, wait for the signal from the driver before crossing the highway, and pupils will also look to see that traffic is halted.

Pupils must not stand on the traveled portion of the highway while waiting for a bus.

Penalties for Bus Violation

Parents of pupils who damage or deface any bus will be held liable for such damage.

When pupils do not observe the above rules, the driver will report them on bus company forms to the principal as soon as possible.

The principal, as a last resort, will determine the matter of suspension from riding the bus after parents have been notified.  This action is subject to review by the superintendent.

Appeals from any decision may be made in writing by parents to the transportation committee.

School Closing

School may be closed, delayed, or dismissed early in the case of inclement weather.

Announcements of school closings, early dismissal, or delayed openings will be made on local radio and TV stations, WATR (1320), WWCO (1240), WTIC (1080), WVIT, WFSB, and WTNH after 6:15 AM.

Please do not call the school, the superintendent’s office, or the radio station to inquire about school closings.

School Rules

It is important to establish certain rules and guidelines for all students.  Most rules are a matter of common sense, and all students should abide by them.

1. Respect the property of others.  Do not mark on books, walls, desks, lockers, etc.

2. Maintain good eating habits while in the cafeteria.  Do not take or eat food outside the cafeteria.

3.  Any liquids brought to school must be in a factory sealed non-glass container and consumed only at lunchtime.

4.  Pupils may not leave school grounds without the permission of the office or the administration.

5.  Students may not be in the halls without a pass and may not use the telephone except in an emergency.

6.  Radios, tape players, walkmen, CD players, cell phones, and other electronic devices are not allowed in school.

7.  Smoking is not permitted on school property and possession of cigarettes, lighters, and matches is not permitted.

8.  Toy guns, water pistols, peashooters, stink bombs, etc. are dangerous and not permitted.

9.  Knives, firecrackers, weapons or other dangerous items will be confiscated and serious disciplinary action will follow.

10. Fighting, whether initiating or retaliating, will result in suspension.

11.  For the safety of all, do not run, push or engage in boisterous conduct in the classrooms or corridors.

12.  The use of profanity and other improper language will not be tolerated whether directed toward other students or school personnel.

13. Gum chewing is not allowed and will result in a demerit.

14.  Students may not sell anything to other students without the permission of the administration.

15.  Threatening or harassing other students, teachers, or any school personnel will not be tolerated.

16. Backpacks may be used to transport books to and from school.  They must remain in the locker during the school day.

Sexual Harassment / Intimidation Policy

All people should be treated with respect.

Sexual harassment has been clearly established as a form of sexual discrimination.  Sexual harassment is defined as follows:

“Any intentional or unintentional unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when  (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment,  (2) submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment or education decisions affecting the individual or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work, education,  performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.”

Specific behaviors (that are wanted/unwanted and sexual in nature) that could constitute sexual harassment are, but not limited to, the following:

            Touching                                   Pulling at clothes           Too personal a conversation

            Sexual name calling                   Verbal comments           Cornering / blocking

            Jokes / cartoons / posters          Sexual rumors               Suggestive facial expressions

If a student believes that s/he has been discriminated against in regard to the preceding policy, s/he may file a grievance that his/her rights have been denied or violated.

If students wish to discuss these regulations and the full policy, their right under the policy, or file a grievance, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Laura Cyr at the Board of Education Offices, 380 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770, (720-5265) within FORTY (40) CALENDAR DAYS OF THE ALLEGED OCCURRENCE and within one year of any previous related occurrences.

Standards Governing Suspension and Expulsion

A pupil may be suspended or expelled for conduct, which endangers persons or property, is seriously disruptive of the educational process, or violates a published policy of the Naugatuck Board of Education.

Grounds for suspension or expulsion, if occurring on school property, school transportation vehicles, or at any school sponsored activity:

1. Conduct causing a threat of danger to the physical well being of one’s self or other people

2. Physical assault on another person on school premises or buses

3.  Taking, or attempting to take money or other personal property, from another pupil or from his presence by means of force or fear

4.  Willful destruction of school property or of property of staff members or other students

5. Participation in an unauthorized occupancy of any part of the school or school premises or other building owned by the school district and failure to leave such school premises promptly after having been directed to do so by the principal or other person then in charge of such building or facility

6. Intentional incitement, which results in an unauthorized occupation by any group of pupils or others of any part of a school or other facility owned by the school district

7. Theft

8.  Use of obscene or profane language or gestures to a member of the school staff or others

9. Having in personal possession any kind of weapon such as a pistol, knife, blackjack, etc.

10. Blackmailing, threatening, or intimidating school staff or others

11. Threatening a member of the school staff or others with a weapon

12.  Possession, selling, or consumption of controlled drugs, narcotics, or alcoholic beverages in school or on school grounds

13. Smoking

14. Open defiance, including verbal abuse, of the authority of any teacher or person having authority over the student

15.  Repeated unauthorized absences from school

16. Intentional and successful incitement of truancy by pupils

17. Gambling

18. Any other act that is found by the administration to seriously disrupt the educational process

Student Behavior

The prime purpose of any school is to provide an environment where students can learn.  Behavior in the classroom or within the building that disrupts or interferes with the teaching-learning process will not be tolerated.  Respect for the rights of one’s fellow students to learn and for teachers to teach is the basic measure of good student conduct and self-discipline.  It is not possible to cover in this handbook, by specific rules, all circumstances or events that could lead to the need for disciplining; much is left to the judgment of both teachers and administrators.

Student Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Policy

The Naugatuck Public Schools, in cooperation with the students and parents/guardians, work to educate, prevent, and intervene in the abuse of all drugs, alcohol, and mood altering substances by the entire student population in accordance with state law.

The Naugatuck Public Schools’ policy on drug use states,  “… a student who on school grounds, during a school session, or anywhere at a school sponsored activity, is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or mood altering substances or possesses, uses, dispenses, sells, or aids in the procurement of alcohol, narcotics, restricted drugs, mood altering substances, or any substance purported to be a restricted substance, will be subjected to discipline pursuant to the provisions and procedures of the policy.”

Smoking is prohibited on school grounds, in all school buildings, and at all school-related activities both on and off school grounds.

Student Names and Photographs

From time to time, names and photos of our students may appear in the local newspaper or on our web page.  If you do not wish your child’s picture or name to be published, please contact the school in writing.

Student of the Month

Criteria for Student of the Month:

Attendance

Academic achievement

Participation in activities

Good behavior and attitude

Good relationship with peers and staff

Exhibits positive character traits (respect, cooperation, honesty, etc.)

One boy and one girl from each grade, who receive the most nominations each month, are selected as students of the month. The winners receive a certificate and are honored at a dinner to be held at the end of the year.  Students must maintain exemplary behavior throughout the school year in order to participate in the student of the month dinner.

Tardy

Students are expected to arrive at school on time and to report to their homerooms at 8:08 AM.  Any tardiness to school will be regarded as UNEXCUSED unless a parent or guardian contacts the school.  After five unexcused tardies, students receive an after school detention. The administration will make the final determination if tardiness is excused.  Students who are tardy are to report to the main office upon arrival. 

Telephone Calls

The office phone and the pay phone are to be used in case of emergency - not for social calls.  Students must have a pass from a teacher to use the phone.

Visitors

All guests and visitors to the school must register at the main office. The school policy is to accept only those visitors with legitimate school business.  Former students wishing to visit with teachers should call in advance and schedule meetings after students have been dismissed.

Citation Examples

(based on MLA Standards)

How to Cite a Book

One Author

Smith, John.  The History of Man.  New York: Putnam, 1976.

Two Authors

Smith, John and Mary Jones.  The History of Music.  New York: Putnam, 1959.

Several Authors

Smith, John, et al.  The History of Music.  New York: Putnam, 1959.

Editor

Smith, John, ed.  The History of Music.  New York: Putnam, 1959.

How to Cite an Encyclopedia

Hard Copy Text

Smith, John.  “Prehistoric People.”  World Book Encyclopedia.  2001 ed.

Online Version

“Prehistoric People.“  World Book Online.  Nov. 22, 2002

http://www.worldbookonline.com/wbol/wbAuth/jsp/wbArticle.jsp

How to Cite a Magazine Article

Hard Copy Text

Smith, John.  “The Sticky History of Chewing Gum.”  Teen Magazine

            Nov. 1999:26-30.

Online Version

Smith, John.  “The Sticky History of Chewing Gum.”  Teen Magazine

Nov. 1999:26-30.  InfoTrac Junior Edition iCONN:  The Connecticut Digital Library

How to Cite a Newspaper Article

Smith, John.  “IQ Scores Are Up.”  Hartford Courant 25 Nov.  1999 valley ed.:

A2+

How to Cite a Website

Smith, John.  The History of Gum 25 Feb. 2002

            www.nagum.org/consumer/funfacts.htm

How to Cite a Personal Interview

Smith, John.  Personal interview.  25 Feb. 2002.

Naugatuck Public Schools User Agreement and Parental Permission Form

Student Access to Networked Information

The Naugatuck Board of Education recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technologies shift, the ways that information may be accessed, communicated, and transferred change.  Those changes may alter instruction and student learning.

The Board generally supports access by students to rich information resources along with the development by staff of appropriate skills to analyze and evaluate such resources.

In a free and democratic society, access to information is a fundamental right of citizenship.

Network Rules

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks, just as they are in school or while attending school-sponsored activities. Communications on the network are often public in nature and general school rules for behavior and communication apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others.  Independent access to network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner and who have parental/guardian permission (for minors).  Access is a privilege, not a right, and such access entails responsibility.  During school, teachers of younger students will guide them towards appropriate materials. Outside of school, that responsibility shifts to parents/guardians.

Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over the networks.  It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed.

The following are not permitted:

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures · Using obscene language · Harassing, insulting, or attacking others · Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks · Violating copyright laws · Using others' passwords · Trespassing on others' folders, work, or files · Intentionally wasting limited resources · Employing the network for commercial purposes

The following sanctions may be employed for students who misuse the network:

Loss of access · Additional disciplinary action in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior · Involvement of law enforcement agencies

Naugatuck Board of Education Administrative Regulation 6157R Adopted: July 17, 1997

User Agreement and Parent/Guardian Permission Form

As a user of the Naugatuck Public Schools’ computer network, I hereby agree to comply with the rules stated in Administrative Regulation 6157R - communicating over the network in a reliable fashion while honoring all relevant laws and restrictions.

Student Signature____________________________

As the parent or legal guardian of the minor student signing above, I grant permission for my son or daughter to access networked computer services including electronic mail and the Internet.  I understand that individuals and families may be held liable for violations.  I understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable, but I accept responsibility for guidance of Internet use - setting and conveying standards for my son or daughter to follow when selecting, sharing, or exploring information and media.

Parent Signature_____________________________           Date ______________________________________

Name of Student_____________________________           School______________________ Grade_________

Street Address_______________________________         Home Phone ________________________________

NOTE: Signed form must be returned to the school prior to student use of network services.

Administrative Regulation 6157R is available in all school offices, as are all other policies and regulations of the Naugatuck Board of Education.

Naugatuck Public Schools Naugatuck Board of Education, 380 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770

Ph: 203-720-5265 FAX: 203-720-5276 E-mail: boe@naugy.net