MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Boynton Middle School is committed to providing a learning environment where students achieve mastery of developmental skills and acquire the knowledge necessary to develop a positive self-image and to foster academic, social, and personal growth. We obligate ourselves to identify and meet the diverse needs of all students so that they may understand and shape their present and future lives in positive ways.  Our middle school program is highly child centered with an emphasis on learning how to learn.  It is characterized by a great deal of student independence in which much of the responsibility for learning is placed upon the student.  Much emphasis is placed on allowing students to explore and create at their own pace, thus allowing for individual differences.

Our middle school program uses a variety of instructional approaches to meet the needs of its students.  The program may include, but is not be limited to, cross curricular projects, team teaching, and collaborative learning opportunities.  Our middle school staff provides a program to assist students in making the transition from childhood dependence to adult independence, helping them bridge the gap between elementary school and high school.  We endeavor to help them better understand themselves and adapt to their ever-changing physical, psychological, and educational needs.

The education of a child is a team effort, involving the dedicated efforts of the school, parents, students and entire community.  The school has an active Parents, Teachers, and Students (PTSA) organization.  We urge you to join their efforts at making our school one of the best schools in New Hampshire.

PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK

The purpose of this handbook is to inform parents of the policies and procedures that have been adopted by the Mascenic School Board.  This information provided should be used by parents and students a reference in planning their activities.  Please note that this is only a guide.  In the event that the handbook is unclear or different from the school board’s policies, the school board’s policies take precedence.

The handbook contains information that may require parents to take actions within a specified time frame.  As an example, if you are thinking of taking your child on a family trip, there is a specified amount of time for notifying the school ahead of time.  Please read through the handbook carefully, and keep it in a safe place so that you may review it later.

Parents who are concerned about the policies and procedures used by Boynton Middle School and the middle school staff should contact the Principal immediately (878-4800).  Any appeal of policies and practices should begin with the Principal.  The second step in the appeal process is to bring concerns directly to the Superintendent of Schools’ Office (878-1026).  The third step in the appeal process is to bring concerns before the Mascenic School Board.  Please note that appeals must be brought forward in a timely manner, usually within 7 calendar days.

You will be sent a letter verifying that you have reviewed this handbook with your child(ren).  Please sign and return the letter as soon as possible. 
 

MASCENIC REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD

Mr. Christian Lund, Chairman                              New Ipswich                                                                       878-4569

Mr. James Cooper                                                  New Ipswich                                                                       878-1349

Mr. Chad Gibson                                                     New Ipswich                                                                       878-2990

Mr. Mark Winslow                                                    Greenville                                                                            878-3843

Mr. Stephen Spratt                                                  Greenville                                                                            878-1796

Dr. Christopher Guiry                                             Mason                                                                                  654-6155

Mr. Wolfgang Millbrandt                                         Mason                                                                                  878-1188

S.A.U. ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL

Ms. Francine E. Fullam                                          Superintendent of Schools                                                      878-8100

Ms. Carolann Wais                                                 Assistant Superintendent of Schools                                    878-8100

Mrs. Dan Starr                                                          Business Manger                                                                     878-8101

Ms. Debra Bemis                                                    Director of Special Education                                                 878-8102

S.A.U. SUPPORT SERVICES

Mr. Gary Somero                                                   Director of Buildings and Ground                                          878-2814

Mrs. Annette Warren                                             Director of Food Services                                                       878-1113

Ms. Sally Barrnett                                                  Title 1 Coordinator                                                                    878-8103

BOYNTON MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF

(Main Office Phone:  878-4800)

(Call In Absence Phone:  878-4800 ext. 4 )

Mr. Thomas Starratt, Principal                                                                  Mr. Chip Mercurio, Assistant Principal

Mrs. Esther Capes – Guidance Counselor                                            Mrs. Ellen Blair – Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Cathy Michaels – Secretary/Bookkeeper                                        Mrs. Theresa Pasieka – Receptionist/Secretary

Mrs. Kathleen Chase – School Nurse                                                     Mrs. Beth Prince - Health Clerk                             

GRADE 5                                              GRADE 7                                  SPECIAL EDUCATION

Mrs. Anne Baker                                                    Mrs. Lorraine Chislett*                          Mrs. Margaret Tousley*

Mrs. Sarah Pope                                                   Ms. Patricia Gerringer                            Ms. Suzanne Ward

Mrs. Trudy Morgan*                                              Mr. Gary Goldsmith                                 Mrs. Ann Elser

Mrs. Deborah Scott                                              Ms. Alice Wolfe                                        Mrs. Karen Walter

Mrs. Karyn Veeser                                                Mrs. Ethel Swett                                      Mrs. Sharon Rosenfelder

                                                                                                                                                    Mrs. Nancy Pipp

GRADE 6                                              GRADE 8                                  UNIFIED ARTS

Mrs. Susan White*                                                Mr. Jared Brown                                    Mrs. Martha Lehtinen

Mrs. Cathy Proulx                                                  Ms. Rhonda MacLeod                           Ms. Theresa Galley

Mrs. Kelly Stacy                                                     Mrs. Jane Ryan*                                    Ms. Judith Marceau

Mrs. Karen Moorman                                            Mrs. Jodi Farwell                                  Mr. Bruce McComish*

Mrs. Angela Johnson                                           Mr. Brian Firmin                                    Mr. Anthony Chirichella

                                                                                                                                                   Mr. Charles Brault 

                                                                                *denotes Team Leader

Custodians:  Mr. Robert Arpin (Head Custodian) and  Deb Desrosiers

SECTION 1. VISITORS

Visitors are always welcome; however, ALL visitors must enter through the main entrance, sign in at the main office upon arrival, receive a visitor badge and sign out when leaving the building.  The school usually needs at least one day’s notice to make arrangements for a parent to meet with a teacher.

SECTION 2. COMMUNICATION PROCEDURE

We ask that the parent/guardian consult with classroom teachers at a time that is least disruptive to the educational process, which is their planning time.   

TEAM PLANNING TIMES:

                                                                Unified Arts team:                  11:37 – 12:50

                                                                Grade 5                                   12:50 –  1:55

                                                                Grade 6                                   10:30 – 11:37

                                                                Grade 7                                   9:09 – 10:16

                                                                Grade 8                                   8:00 –   9:07

SECTION 3. MARKING SYSTEM

SECTION 4. HONOR ROLL

A student who has all A’s and/or B’s in all classes on their report card for a marking period will be on the Honor Roll for that quarter.

SECTION 5. REPORT CARDS and PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued on a quarterly basis. Parents may keep the actual report card that goes home. Please sign and date the bottom of the card and send that portion back to your child’s homeroom teacher. A copy of the report card is kept in the student’s permanent file.

Progress reports are sent out approximately half way through each quarter. The intent is to communicate academic progress to both parents and students. Parents keep one copy and the other is signed and returned to the homeroom teacher.  Progress reports and report cards will be issued on the dates listed below, subject to change due to snow/ice days.

SECTION 6. PROGRESS REPORT DATES (Tentative)

                September 28, 2007

                December 12, 2007

                March 3, 2008

                May 13, 2008

SECTION 7. REPORT CARD DATES  (Tentative)

                November 14, 2007

                January 31, 2008

                April 11, 2008

                To be determined

SECTION 8. PARENT – TEACHER CONFERENCES

District Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for Friday, November 9, 2007. We urge you to make an appointment with your child’s teacher(s) for this special day.  Conferences may also be held during teacher preparation time.

Parents are encouraged to call and make appointments to meet with teachers whenever they feel the need to do so.  Appointments are strongly suggested to guarantee the teachers will be available when you come in.  See page 2 for grade-level planning times.

SECTION 9. GUIDELINES FOR RETENTION

A student will be retained if he/she fails two or more subjects for the school year. Subjects include Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Unified Arts. Students must pass four out of six Unified Arts subjects to pass Unified Arts. The Principal may give permission for a student who meets the retention criteria to attend an approved summer program or he may assign the student to the next grade if he believes that the retention will not be beneficial to the student.

SECTION 10.      GUIDANCE SERVICES

The Guidance Office is open to all students and parents. Students or parents may request individual or group consultations if a need arises. The middle school guidance counselors provide classroom guidance lessons for all students based on the district-wide comprehensive guidance curriculum.

SECTION 11.      HEALTH SERVICES

Services provided by the Health Office include height, weight, vision and scoliosis screening for all grades, and hearing screening for even numbered grades.

Students must report to the Health Office in case of sudden illness, accident, or injury. If necessary, dismissal may be arranged by the school nurse, provided a responsible adult, as named on the Emergency Fact Sheet, can be contacted. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation from school to home and for any necessary childcare. 

Programs such as Human Growth & Development, Personal Hygiene and HIV/A.I.D.S. are taught through health services in conjunction with other subjects. These programs include the state outcomes for such curricula. If you are interested in reviewing the specific curriculum used for your child’s grade level, please contact either Guidance or Health Services.

SECTION 12.      MEDICINE IN SCHOOL

Any medication that must be taken during school hours must be brought to the nurse in its original container. A physician’s order for prescription medication is required, along with written parental permission. Over the counter medication, such as Tylenol, requires written parental permission. The school nurse is then able to supervise any medication during the school day and check for side effects and possible adverse reactions. For unexpected severe reaction, Benadryl and/or adrenaline are available at the discretion of the nurse.  The Food and Drug Administration classifies Ritalin and some of the other medications used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder as controlled drugs. This is because of their potential for abuse among the general population. Therefore, in order to protect your child, parents are required to personally deliver Ritalin or any other controlled drug to the school nurse instead of sending it with your child.  Please feel free to call the school nurse at 878-4800 with any questions or concerns.

SECTION 13.      WELLNESS POLICY

Boynton Middle School is committed to promoting wellness and academic performance in our schools through our curriculum, activities and life skills.  Wellness is a result of both health promotion and disease prevention which includes intellectual health (knowledge), physical health, and social-emotional health.  Modeling by adults, coupled with peer reinforcement can help shape healthy habits in school children.  A cooperative integrated effort between administrators, food service professionals, school nurses, physical and health educators, teachers, parents and students is necessary.

To accomplish these goals:

1.        The Mascenic School Food Service Program will comply with federal, state and local requirements.  Service will be accessible to all children.  Initiation of a district-wide breakfast program will be a priority.

2.        Nutrition education will be a part of an integrated, age appropriate curriculum in first through twelfth grade, preschool and kindergarten where applicable.

3.        Nutrition standards will be based on current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid.  Foods made available to students will meet or exceed the guidelines for the National School Lunch Program.

4.        All foods made available will adhere to food safety and security guidelines.

5.        The school environment must be safe, comfortable, pleasing, and allow ample time and space for eating meals.

6.        Patterns of meaningful physical activity will connect to students’ lives both inside and outside of physical education classes.  Alternatives to sedentary indoor snack times will be explored.

7.        Food and beverages will not be used as rewards for academic performance or good behavior unless necessitated by a student’s IEP.  Food items used should comply with the district’s nutrition guidelines.

8.        School staff shall not deny a student participation in an entire recess as a form of discipline/consequence without administrative approval.

9.        All school-based activities are to be consistent with local wellness policy goals.

10.     This School Wellness Policy and the current guidelines will be incorporated into individual staff handbooks.

11.     Implementation/monitoring of this policy will be reported to the school board annually by the Superintendent’s designee(s) with recommendations for guideline changes if necessary and appropriate.

12.     Staff shall not deny any student a meal or c=snack as a disciplinary consequence.

The full School Wellness Policy will be sent home to you through your child.  A copy of the policy is also available for your viewing at the school in the main office.  Please feel free to contact the school with any question you may have regarding this policy.

SECTION 14.      EMERGENCY INFORMATION

All students are required to have a current Emergency Fact Sheet on file at the school. The purpose of this information is to assist the school in reaching parents or guardians as soon as possible should a medical emergency arise. The school should be notified of any change in pertinent information, especially if a parent intends on being away from home for any extended period of time (business, vacation, etc.). Any adult who has custodial or guardian authorization for your children MUST be listed on the Emergency Fact Sheet.

SECTION 15.      TITLE I

Title I provides funds to local school districts for programs to give children extra assistance in basic skill areas. Title I is a supplementary program. Schedules for Title I are arranged with classroom teachers so that students miss as little classroom instruction as possible. Teachers, parents, or school counselors refer students to Title I. Continued eligibility for Title I services are determined on an annual basis. If you have questions regarding the Title I Program or wish to make a referral, please contact the Title I Director at 878-9912.

SECTION 16.      CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS and ACTIVITIES

Interscholastic Sports:  Boynton students are welcome to participate in the following Interscholastic Athletic Programs: volleyball, field hockey, soccer, cross-country, basketball, baseball, track and field, and softball. These programs encourage cooperation, independence, confidence, and pride in our school.

Musical Activities:  Boynton students can participate in instrumental music lessons, band and chorus. Chorus meets after school one day a week. Instrumental music lessons are scheduled during the school day and it is the student’s responsibility to check with his/her teacher to make up assignments. Band meets once a week during Unified Arts classes. Every attempt will be made to schedule band students into the same UA group to lessen the amount of required make-up work. Parents of band students may request that a modified grading method be employed. This should be negotiated with the teacher involved during the first week of class.

Dances and Social Events:  School or community organizations may sponsor a social or dance. Dates must be approved by the Administration. Requests to sponsor an event must be submitted to the building Principal at least three (3) weeks prior to the event. The date will be confirmed once the sponsoring organization has obtained eight (8) adult chaperones, four (4) of whom are staff members at the Boynton Middle School.

School socials for grades 5 thru 8 will usually be held from 6:00 to 9:00. There will be an open gym in the gym and dancing in the cafeteria.  Students must get administrative approval for their guest at least one day prior to the dance.  All school rules apply during dances and all other school events. Students are not permitted to attend after school or evening activities if they are absent or suspended from school on the day of the activity. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the administration.  Students will be picked up at the flagpole.

Other Activities:  Academic Assistance,  After School Program, Yearbook, Class Officers, Destination Imagination (formerly OM), Drama, and Intramural Sports.

NOTE:  All students involved in any after-school program should be picked up at the main entrance, not at the flagpole. The exceptions to this are sports programs in the gym. These students will be picked up at the flagpole.

SECTION 17.   ATHLETIC and EXTRA CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY

Extra curricular activities are after-school, school sponsored activities. Student eligibility will be based on the discipline code point system found on page 16 of this handbook. Accumulation of 15 or more points automatically makes a student ineligible for extra curricular activities for the remainder of the year. After a student has been declared behaviorally ineligible for a minimum of 45 days, a parent may request, within 10 days of the expiration of the minimum period of 45 days, a conference to discuss possible reinstatement with administration. If reinstatement is granted, a contract will be signed by parents, student and administration stating that eligibility will be restored with the understanding that with any future discipline points (in addition to those accumulated to that point) eligibility will be lost for the remainder of that year. If the student has accumulated any points during the period of ineligibility, reinstatement will not be granted.  Beginning each new school year all students will be eligible.

A student may fail one subject per quarter and still be eligible for athletic and extra curricular activities with written parental permission.  A form will be sent home with report cards for parents to sign and return to the Principal or his secretary by a specified date.  Failure of two (2) or more subjects will result in ineligibility until the next issuance of report cards.  Appeals regarding the implementation of this policy should be made immediately to the Principal. 

Parents who are concerned about the policies and procedures used by Boynton Middle School and the middle school staff should contact the Principal immediately (878-4800).  Any appeal of policies and practices should begin with the Principal.  The second step in the appeal process is to bring concerns directly to the Superintendent of Schools Office (878-1026).  The third step in the appeal process is to bring concerns before the Mascenic School Board.  Please note that appeals must be brought forward in a timely manner, usually within 7 calendar days.

SECTION 18.      FIELD TRIPS

Each grade-level team may require additional academic standards for participation in class field trips or activities. However, once a student has reached the 15-point level, he/she is ineligible for the activities listed above.  Please note that some field trips are extra-curricular and guidelines for student extra-curricular eligibility will apply.  Use of alcohol and or illegal use of controlled drugs during school or extra curricular activities will result in immediate suspension from all extra curricular activities for the remainder of the school year.

SECTION 19.      LOCKERS

Hallway Lockers are assigned to 7^th and 8^th grade students by their homeroom or first period teachers.   Physical Education (P.E.) lockers are assigned by the P. E. teacher.  If a student elects to put a lock that they brought in from home on his/her assigned locker, either the key or the combination numbers MUST be given to the teacher.  We strongly urge students to keep their lockers locked.   DO NOT leave valuable items (money, jewelry, calculators, baseball gloves, etc) in lockers. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Students are responsible for the proper care and cleanliness of their lockers. Locker doors must be closed at all times. Tape and other sticky materials should not be used inside or outside the lockers. Magnets can be used.  At the end of each session, students are to clean out their lockers and return the lock.

Lockers remain the property of the school. Therefore, the Principal or a person authorized by the Principal may open lockers and examine their contents including personal belongings, due to the custodial right to search. This inspection, though, may only occur when there is a reasonable suspicion that the contents of the locker threaten the health, safety or welfare of the students or include stolen property, etc.   

SECTION 20.      LUNCH PROGRAM

Lunches may be purchased each day in the cafeteria. Milk is also available. Students who forget lunch money will not be able to charge lunches.  In special cases, students may be provided a peanut butter sandwich and milk to get them through the school day.  The lunch menu will be given to students to bring home. Students may be assigned to sit in specific areas in the cafeteria at the discretion of the supervising teacher. All students are responsible for keeping the area neat and clean.

SECTION 21.      HOMEWORK

Homework helps to develop organizational skills, resourcefulness, perseverance, responsibility, time management, and requires self-discipline.  Homework is given on a regular basis and will count as part of the grade in each subject area. It is important for parents to recognize that not all homework is written.  Often reading and studying are assigned.  Students should use their student planner to list daily assignments.  It is important that homework is completed when it is assigned. You will not receive full credit for homework that has been passed in late. If you fail to pass in homework when it is due, you may be given a slip that must be signed by your parent/guardian and returned to the teacher.  After receiving three homework slips, you may be assigned a detention for failing to do assigned work.

SECTION 22.      BAND PROGRAM

Boynton Middle School employs a half-time Band teacher.  Once a student is enrolled in the Band program, the student will be pulled out of other classes for instrumental instruction.  In addition, students in the program are expected to practice with their instruments on a regular basis.  This will usually mean practicing at least three times per week, sometimes more often.  Enrollment in the program is for the duration of the year.  Although withdrawal from the program is discouraged, a parent may request that their child withdraw at the end of the marking quarter.

The Band program teaches students how to read music and play various band instruments.  Although we recognize that some students have learned how to play their instruments from private tutors who follow different teaching methods.  Our band program follows the school’s curriculum and may utilize different teaching methods. 

Our program promotes the development of an appreciation for music through teaching students how to read music and play at least one instrument.  The program is open to students at various levels of development and ability.  An Auburn University study revealed significant increases in the overall self-concept of at-risk children who participated in a program that is rich in musical arts.  Please feel free to contact the Band teacher at Boynton Middle School if you have any further questions regarding this matter.

SECTION 23.      ATTENDANCE POLICY

A significant portion of a child’s learning involves verbal interaction and participation in the classroom.  An important part of a middle school education is based on in-class, hands-on experiences.  Therefore, even with after-school help, you child’s learning experience may be adversely affected if he or she is absent.  RSA 193.1 states that “Every child between six and sixteen years of age shall attend the public school within the district or a public school outside the district to which he is assigned or an approved private school during the time the public schools are in session, unless he has been excused from attending on the grounds that his physical or mental condition is such as to prevent his attendance or make it undesirable.”  The school cannot sanction the removal of a student from school for reasons other than those stated in RSA 193.1.  Parents who wish to take their children for an extended period of time (i.e. family vacation) must put their intent in writing to the Principal two weeks in advance.

If a student is absent from school for an extended period of time because of a family function, i.e. vacation, it is strongly recommended that no schoolwork be given in advance.  Our reasoning is if this is a vacation, let the student enjoy it and make up missed work upon returning to school.  However, if the parents insist on work being given, the school expects it to be completed when the student returns to school.  No extra time will be given to complete it. Requests for such work must be made in writing at least 5 days before leaving for vacation. For all make-up work given to the student upon return he/she will have one day for each day missed.

If a student is unable to attend school, his/her parents must call the school to report the absence. Parents have two choices. They may call the school to leave a message between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. or they may call the secretary between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.  The school will call parents after 9:00 a.m. to verify the absence of all students for whom we have received no call or note.

Parents are REQUIRED to have their child bring in a written note to the nurses’ office to confirm their absence upon their return to school.  Homework assignments may only be requested after two consecutive days of absence from school. To request work, parents must call the office by 8:00 a.m.  Work may be picked up in the main office after 2:30 p.m.  When the student returns to school after a confirmed absence, the nurse will give the student a pass.  The time and nature of make-up work will be determined by the teacher and may include work before, during, or after regular school hours. A student is allowed one school day to make up work for each day that he/she has been absent.  Make-up work for unconfirmed absences may be given at the discretion of the teacher.

After a student is absent for five (5) times before October 15^th, parents will receive a warning letter about absences. If a student is absent fifteen (15) times in two quarters, parents will receive a warning letter and a meeting with Administration must be arranged.

If a student is absent more than thirty (30) days during the school year, a meeting with Administration, parents, and the student will be conducted and possible retention will be discussed.  In any of these cases if truancy is involved, the police and/or court system will be contacted.

An absence will be considered excused in case of serious and extended illness, hospitalization, etc.  Parents should notify the school as soon as possible in such situations and communicate with the student’s teacher(s), school nurse and the administration to determine the best way to meet the educational needs of the student.  An appropriate note from a doctor may be needed to support the needs of a student during extended or frequent absences.  In order to participate or attend any school sponsored extra curricular activity; a student must be present at school for the entire day on the day the activity is to take place. Exceptions may be granted by the administration.  To be credited for a half day of attendance, students must be present at the school for 180 minutes.

SECTION 24.      TRUANCY

Chronic offenders may be referred to the police for legal action and suspension.  Students who are truant have made a personal decision not to participate in school for the day and therefore, jeopardize the possibility of making up work missed on that day.

SECTION 25.      TARDINESS

Students will be held accountable for a prompt arrival at school. Any student who is not present in homeroom at 8:00 a.m. must report to the office for an admit slip. If a student is going to be tardy, his/her parents should call and notify the school or send in a signed and dated note stating the reason for the tardiness. If one of these options is not followed, the tardiness will be considered unexcused. An excused tardy is defined as an appointment that cannot be made at any other time.

Sleeping late, missing the bus, etc. are unexcused tardiness. Parents will be notified in cases of excessive tardiness and administrative detentions may be assigned. Disciplinary points will be assigned for excessive unexcused tardies.

SECTION 26.      DROP OFF and PARKING

Students can be dropped off ONLY at the flagpole between 7:30 and 7:55 AM. They can be picked up ONLY at the flagpole between 2:00 and 2:15 PM. This is due to bus traffic in front of the school.  There is never any parking allowed in front of the school in the fire lane (by the yellow curb).

SECTION 27.      DISMISSAL

If it is necessary for your child to leave school before the end of the school day, he/she must bring a note to the homeroom teacher requesting dismissal. This should include the date and time of the dismissal and the name of the person who will be picking the student up. A parent or guardian must sign the note. Students must be signed out at the main office. Any adult other than the parent/guardian must have written permission to pick a student up.  It is extremely difficult to safely dismiss students between 1:50 and 2:15pm because of the arrival and departures of buses, because of the duties dismissal requires of our secretarial staff, and because passenger cars may not legally pass school buses that are boarding students.  We suggest that if your student needs to be dismissed near the end of the day that he/she be picked up well before 1:50pm.

SECTION 28.      SCHOOL CLOSING

If school is closed due to a storm or other problem, the “no school” fire whistle will be one blast at 6:30 a.m., 6:45 a.m., and 7:00 a.m. in New Ipswich. Announcements will be made on the following television and radio stations: