Mr. Ed Cafasso
Ms. Cindy Douglas
Mrs. Paula Mullen
Mr. Bill Glynn
Mrs. Sue Rohrbach
Mr. Jeffrey Roy, Chair
Mrs. Roberta Trahan

Ms. Maureen Sabolinski
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508)553-4819

Ms. Sally Winslow
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508)553-4820

Mrs. Joan D. Toye
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
551 Pond Street
Franklin, MA 02038

(508)541-5260

Mrs. Margaret Yanuskiewicz
J.F. Kennedy Elementary School
551 Pond Street
Franklin, MA. 02038
508)541-5260

(508)541-5261

www.franklin.k12.ma.us/kennedy

Arrival and Dismissal and Solutions
Transportation
Pay to Ride
Safe Arrival Program
Dismissal
Walkers
Attendance
Absentee Call-In
Excused Dismissal
Emergency Dismissal

School Closing
Emergency Dismissal Telephone Tree

Bus Passes
Bus Rules
Bike Riders
Crossing Guards

Important Documents
Doors
Visitors
Procedure for Visitation to Classrooms
Photo Release
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act

Attending Special Events Lunch and Snacks
Menus
Lost and Found
Toys and Valuables

J.F. Kennedy School Constitution/Student Rights
Student Responsibilities
Recess
Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention/Physical Restraint
Early Childhood Addendum/Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention
Suspension
Expulsion/Exclusion
Discipling Students with Special Needs
Memorandum of Understanding
Discrimination and Harassment
Zero Tolerance Policy
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Tobacco

Overview
Classroom and Lab Rules
Use of Diskettes/Disks
A Student May Not...
Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Acceptable Use
Privileges
Network Etiquette
Disclaimer
Security
Vandalism

Curriculum
Testing Program
Report Cards
Conferences
Lost or Damaged Books or Equipment
Instructional Support
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP)

Special Education
English Language Learners
Section 504 Programs
Students with Disabilities
Removal of Students from Health Class
Religious Observances
Educational Services to Students Identified As Homeless

Newsletters
Required Written Notes
Communications to Non-Custodial Parents
Student Records
Parent Rights Pertaining to Records
Student Record access for Non-Custodial Parents
Destruction of Records

Volunteers
Partners In Education (PIE)
Parent Communication Council (PCC)
School Council
Volunteer Sign-In

The School Nurse
Emergency Cards and Illness At School
Medication At School
Immunizations
Pediculosis
Physical Examination
Postural Screening
Communicable Disease
Child Abuse
Surveys
Student Dress Code

The Franklin Public Schools' mission is to provide the environment and the resources to enable and encourage
every student to become: an individual who strives to achieve his/her emotional, intellectual and physical potential,
an enthusiastic lifelong learner who is self-motivated and inquisitive, a critical and creative thinker who can
communicate skillfully through a wide range of disciplines, an effective collaborator/team member who can
develop and maintain positive relationships, a compassionate individual who understands the lessons of history,
respects other points of view and appreciates differences, a self-confident, responsible
and active member of the ever-changing world community.

The Franklin Public School system is committed to becoming a model school system of the 21^st century
by utilizing the practices of the best schools in America in a climate of continuous improvement.

The mission of the John F. Kennedy School is to enable, encourage, and challenge every student to continue the
pursuit of lifelong learning by providing a safe, nurturing, and enjoyable academic environment. Through the
collaborative efforts of staff, parents, and community we strive to help each student become a confident,
responsible, and active citizen of an ever-changing global society.

The School Committee establishes the age of admission to the schools at five. Children must be five years old on or
before August 31 of the same year to enter kindergarten. Students must be six years old on or before August 31 of the year the
student enters first grade. Underage students, who first establish residence in the Town of Franklin after the first day of school
in Franklin, and who had been placed in kindergarten in the city or town of their former residence, may be placed in kindergarten.
Underage students who have completed kindergarten in another city or town prior to their first establishing residence in Franklin may be
placed in first grade. Underage students, who first establish residence in the Town of Franklin after the first day of school
in Franklin, and who had been placed in first grade in the city or town of their former residence, may be placed in first grade.

School begins promptly at 8:30 A.M. and ends at 2:40 P.M.

Students are expected to be in their classrooms SOLUTIONS at 8:30 A.M. Students arriving after 8:30 A.M. will be marked tardy. They must report to the office for a late pass before reporting to the classroom. Parents are required either to accompany their child to the office or to write a note when their child is late. It is important that your child arrives on time. There is much to do every day. 8:15 A.M doors will be open and teachers will be on duty. Do not allow your child to arrive before 8:15 A.M. as there will be no supervision at that time. If your needs dictate that your child be dropped off earlier than school is open you may consider enrolling your child in Solutions, the before and after school child care program. You may inquire about this program at (508)541-5293.

The Franklin Public Schools transportation policy states:

All students in grades K to 5 who reside more than 2.0 miles from their assigned schools will be bused free of charge.

Pay to ride options are available on a space available basis only. Students in grades kindergarten through 12 who do not qualify for free bus transportation under the provisions detailed above, may access pay to ride seats at a cost of $200 per child per year. There is a $600 cap for family members living in the same household. There is a provision for free and/or reduced transportation fees ($100 per child per year) for parents who meet federal income guidelines. This provision is explained in the Pay to Ride application.

The application is available at Central Office. Seats will be sold on a space available basis only. All pay to ride students will be issued a pass identifying them as eligible to ride to/from school. Questions regarding this program may be directed to Lisa Bassignani at 508-541-2104.

Please take a moment to review the procedures to be followed for your child's arrival and departure at school. These procedures have been put in place to help ensure the safety of all of our children. We appreciate your cooperation!

School begins at 8:30 AM. Children should not arrive before 8:15, as there is no supervision until then. Parents driving children to school should use the Pond Street entrance and follow the drop off line around the front driveway. Please follow directions of staff assisting your children's safe arrival. Students will enter through the front foyer doors. Cars may exit via Pond Street or Joval Court. NO CARS WILL BE PERMITTED TO DRIVE THROUGH THE PARKING LOT AREAS.

Busses and vans will drop students off beginning at 8:20 at the front entrance.

Walkers will enter the school through the front foyer doors. There is a crossing guard on duty at Pond Street.

PLEASE NOTE: JOVAL COURT WILL BE ONE WAY EXITING THE SCHOOL DURING ARRIVAL AND DISMISAL TIMES.

School is dismissed at 2:40 PM. For student pickup, follow the same procedure as for arrivals. Kindergarten and first grade students are dismissed first, followed by the remaining riders. Parents may meet walkers at either the Pond Street side door area or out back near the cafeteria door exit (Coronation Drive side).

Please Note: JOVAL COURT WILL BE ONE WAY EXITING THE SCHOOL DURING ARRIVAL AND DISMISAL TIMES.

There are crossing guards in place to secure the safety of our walkers. Children MUST cross with the crossing guards. They may enter the school yard up the driveway on the sidewalk. The students cannot cross over the driveway. It is much too dangerous with automobile and bus traffic entering.

***IMPORTANT - Please do not dismiss your child just before the end of the day in order to beat the buses. This is an important time of the day. Teachers use this time to pass out important notices, assign homework, etc.

*** IMPORTANT - Students are expected to follow their usual routine for dismissal every day. If you plan to change your child's dismissal routine, you must send a note to the teacher indicating the change. Do not leave voice mail; if the teacher is absent it will not be checked that day. Also, because of the crowded conditions of the buses, students are not allowed to ride to any other location on a different bus. If a child is to visit a friend, he/she will have to make other transportation arrangements.

The Franklin Public Schools expect parents and students to make every reasonable effort to have their child(ren) attend school every day. The continuity of day-to-day instruction is a critical dynamic to the overall success of each student.

If a student is out of school due to illness for more than one day, the parent may make arrangements through the Principal's office to obtain work assignments for missed work. The parent will be responsible for retrieving this material at the close of the school day and will be responsible for overseeing their son's/daughter's completion of the assignment. If a student is to be absent for an extended period of time due to illness, fourteen (14) or more consecutive days, the family may be eligible to receive home tutorial services.

Sometimes families plan vacations that occur during regularly scheduled school time. The Franklin Public School Department does not encourage or condone such action. Instead, the schools uphold Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 75, Sections 1 through 47 entitled "School Attendance." This section of the General Law requires parents to "cause" their children to regularly attend school. Individuals who induce a student absenteeism are liable for fines up to $200.

With this in mind, we reaffirm the position that parents are responsible for their child(ren) to attend school every day that classes are in session. The practice of the School Department is not to provide advanced and/or make up work when a student is absent from school due to vacation/travel. Students who are absent at the time when state or national standardized tests are administered will be allowed to make up missed tests to the extent that scheduled make up time is available.

If your child will be absent, please call the absence line (508) 541-5261 to leave a message on our voicemail. Please state your child's name, teacher's name, and date of absence. Please do not call the main office to report your child's absence or tardiness.

Please try to schedule appointments after school hours. In the event that you have to dismiss your child, send a note to your child's teacher including the day, time, and who will pick up your child. In cases where we are not familiar with the adult, identification will be required. No child will be released without an adult escort.

Parents must use their own discretion deciding whether or not to send children to school during inclement weather. In the event of early dismissal please refer to the winter guidelines information. We recognize that unscheduled early dismissal may create some hardships on parents; however, it is your responsibility to make provisions for the supervision of your children in this situation. Discussing a "plan" with your child in case of emergency dismissal is a must. Review it often.

In the event the weather conditions require changes in the normal school operation, these changes will be disseminated as soon as possible to parents through early morning announcements made on the following radio stations:

The following are changes in the school procedures that may occur:

While it is the parents' responsibility to make provisions for the supervision during an early dismissal, we would like to make the following suggestions:

If time permits, we will have a group of parents who will attempt to make calls in the event of an unexpected, unscheduled early dismissal. If you would like a call, you must fill out the "Early Dismissal Telephone Tree" and return it by the assigned date. It is the parent's responsibility to update the telephone number on this document if changes are warranted. You can do this with a written note to the school secretary.

Bus passes are issued to each student who is eligible to ride a bus. Students are expected to have their bus passes every day and to make sure it's visible to the driver. In the event it is forgotten, the child will be given one day's grace period. If there is no pass the next day, he/she will not be able to board the bus. In the event that a child loses the bus pass, there are temporary bus passes in the office. The child may use that pass until a replacement bus pass is issued. There is a $5.00 fee for replacing bus passes.

Parents must review bus safety procedures with their children.

Bus slips will be issued to students causing a disruption on the bus. Bus privileges may be revoked by the principal or head teacher.

Bicycles may be used at the discretion of the principal. Students should adhere to normal guidelines that apply of all bicycle riders. Helmets must be worn. Parents are required to instruct their children on the appropriate behavior traveling to and from school. Parents are ultimately responsible for the safety of their children walking and bicycling to and from school. Children must walk their bicycle on school grounds.

Please remind children to cross with the crossing guards. All walkers are asked to stay on the sidewalks until signaled by the guard.

Please provide the school with any relevant documents concerning custody, restraining orders, etc.

To help ensure the safety of all our students, all outside doors will be kept locked at all times. Students, parents, staff and visitors will enter the building through the front middle door. Teachers on duty during recess will have a key to gain entrance through a cafeteria door. All visitors must sign in, wear a Kennedy School badge, and sign out when visiting our school.

Parents accompanied by school personnel are welcome to visit the school to observe classes and tour the building. To ensure the safety of the children and to avoid disrupting the educationalprocess, these appointments must be made through the principal's office. Parents bringing lunches or other items for children are asked to leave them in the office.

Only the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a particular child, or individual(s) authorized by parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a particular child, shall be permitted to visit and/or observe a class or classes of the particular child. An individual authorized by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is one who has the written permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to visit and/or observe the particular child's class.

In order for the parent(s), legal guardian(s), or individual(s) authorized by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to visit and/or observe a class or classes of a particular child, the following procedure must be followed:

During the course of the school year there may be occasions when photographs will be taken. These times might include special school events, field trips, project displays or particular classroom lessons. These pictures, slides or videos might be used as part of a school presentation, an exhibit, or publicity in a local newspaper or on Cable TV. If you do not want your child's picture taken or displayed, please notify the school in writing. Otherwise it will be assumed that photographing or videotaping of your child is acceptable.

In compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), inspections of the Franklin Public Schools were performed during 2003-2004 for asbestos-containing materials. All inspection finds and the asbestos management plans have been on file with the Franklin School Department since the initial inspection. Management Plans and all other related information are maintained at the office of the Director of Administrative Services. The EPA requires schools to have asbestos re-inspections every (3) years. Complete results of the three (3) re-inspections are on file in the Superintendent's Office.

If you are attending a school event for a child, please do not ask to dismiss a sibling from another classroom to attend the event with you. This is a special time for you and your child.

Each child has the daily option of purchasing a regular lunch, which includes milk for $1.50, or bringing a bag lunch from home. Milk may be purchased separately for $.30 (consult the monthly menu).

For eligible families, free lunch or lunch at a reduced cost is available upon completion of necessary documents. Until forms have been completed, there is a grace period for those who have previously received free or reduced lunch. Forms must be completed annually.

Monthly menus will be sent home at the beginning of each month and are on the Franklin Public Schools website at www.franklin.k12.ma.us.

Please label sweaters, coats, hats, mittens, lunch boxes, etc. When you send money to school, please put it in an envelope and label it with the name of the child, teacher's name, the amount of money and purpose.

A Lost and Found area is located in the back of the Cafeteria. Parents and children should regularly check for items that have been lost.

Children should not bring any items of monetary or personal value to school unless the teacher has requested it. It is very difficult to properly monitor the security of such valuables. Items that can be potentially dangerous should not be brought to school: e.g. hard baseball bats, toy weapons, hockey sticks, etc.

From time to time, novelty items are brought to school that not only interfere with the educational process but can cause injury to fellow classmates or damage to the items. Some examples of these are gum, caps, Yugio cards, CD player, fingernail polish, hairspray, etc. Students are advised those or similar items or any type of toy are not to be brought on school buses or to school. This is to ensure the safety of the students and/or prevent possible damage to a toy and disruption to the educational environment of all students and staff.

Children play outside at recess unless it is raining or dangerously cold. Please see that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. Only students who wear boots and snow pants are allowed to play in the snow. However, even on the blacktop, sneakers often get wet. In winter, an extra pair of socks tucked in your child's backpack is often a welcome relief after a cold recess.

Please do not request that your child stay inside due to cold or illness. If your child is too ill to go outside, chances are likely that he/she should not be in school.

Basic use of playground equipment will be reviewed by your child's teacher and the physical education teacher. The basic rules for the playground are respect and cooperation - and no contact sports.

All schools and program within the Franklin Public Schools strive to maintain safe learning environments for all students staff. As part of a comprehensive approach to safety, all schools have a physical restraint policy in place with procedures, which follow the Department of Education Regulations (766 Reg. 603 CMR 46.00). If a student's behavior poses a threat of imminent harm, he/she may be restrained until calm. Qualified, trained staff carries out specific procedures and parents are notified. For further information, contact your child's school.

Young children need to be taught pro-social behaviors. They do not automatically control their impulses, notice other's feelings NON-VIOLENT ADDENDUM/ PHYSICAL CRISIS or have the language to express their feelings or needs.

Preschool and kindergarten personnel teach children to make INTERVENTION caring connections through multi-sensory teaching. Good programming incorporates guiding children's auditory, visual and movement reception and expression. Guiding always involves positive, helpful touch and at times physical redirection by personnel. This is part of teaching. Only on the rare occasions that staff must protect anyone from "imminent, serious, physical harm", early childhood personnel will use non-violent physical crisis intervention/restrain according to the new regulations (603CMR 46.00). All restraint procedures set forth above must be followed if there is any injury from holding the child or if the required restraint lasted for longer than 5 minutes. Teachers who are not on the Crisis Response Team are assured that, under the Department of Education Regulations, "the training requirements...shall not preclude a teacher or employee... from using reasonable force to protect students".

While suspension from school is rarely used, in extreme cases it might be necessary when disciplining a student. Students are suspended as a last resort. If a student is suspended, parents will be notified in writing and will be required to have a conference with an administrator before the student may reenter school.

Students may be suspended for the following reasons (this is not an inclusive list):

The exclusion or expulsion of a student from school will be in Accordance with the Mass. General Laws Chapt. 71, Sec. 37H. The grounds for expulsion/exclusion include but are not limited to the following:

All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in the student handbook. Chapter 71B of the Mass. General Laws, known as Chapter 766, requires that additional provisions be made for students who have been found by an evaluation team to have special needs and whose program is described in an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

The IEP of every special needs student will indicate whether the student can be expected to meet the regular discipline code or if the handicapping condition requires a modification. Any modification will be described in the IEP.

The Franklin Public Schools, Franklin Police Department and Norfolk County District Attorney's Office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding collectively stating there is a zero tolerance policy in effect regarding serious acts of violence, weapons, hate crimes and drug distribution within and on school grounds of the Franklin Public Schools. As such the aforementioned parties have agreed to procedures that provide for disciplinary actions, evaluation and/or prosecution to occur in an expeditious manner. The full five page Memorandum of Understanding is available at the office of the principal for review by the public.

The Franklin Public Schools are committed to equal opportunity for all students without regard to race, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation in all aspects of employment and education. The members of the school community include the staff, the School Committee, students administration, and volunteers working in the schools.

Harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation will not be tolerated.

Such harassment includes unsolicited remarks, gestures, or physical contact, display or circulation of written materials or pictures derogatory to either gender or to racial, ethnic, religions, age, sexual orientation and disabled individuals or groups.

Any violation will be brought to the principal as soon as possible. The principal or designee will conduct an investigation and take action consistent with the disciplinary policy and procedures outlined in this handbook. This may include notification of law enforcement agencies.

A "Complaint and Grievance" policy and procedure is available for your review in the principal's office.

The town of Franklin has adopted a zero tolerance policy for all hate crimes in the form of any overt action motivated by bigotry and bias including a threatened, attempted or completed overt act motivated by racial, religious, ethnic, handicap, gender or sexual orientation prejudice, or which otherwise deprives or seeks to interfere with or disrupt the exercise of a person's constitutional rights by threat, intimidation or coercion.

The town of Franklin's public officials and officers are charged to pursue such policy by fully applying the powers of enforcement established under the Mass. General Laws at Chapter 22C, Chapter 265, Chapter 266, and Chapter 272.

All students attending the Franklin Public Schools should be aware that the possession, sale and/or use of illicit drugs, including alcohol are wrong and harmful and will not be tolerated in the schools, on school grounds, or at school functions which are either on or off school property.

Offending students will be given due process; however, once sufficient evidence has been produced to prove the offense was committed, the following steps will be taken:

Additional offenses will automatically cause the following actions to be taken:

The use of tobacco products by any person on school property is prohibited and penalty is $100 fine per violation. Such fines may be imposed as criminal fines, pursuant to Mass. General laws, Chapters 40, Section 21. or civil fines pursuant to Mass General Laws Chapter 40, Section 21D

With the expansion of computers and technology occurring in the Franklin Public Schools, it is necessary to establish a set of rules to assure that the technology will be operational and available at all times. This agreement will assure the Franklin Schools' administration, faculty and staff are in mutual agreement with students and their parents as to what is acceptable computer and technology use.

Remember that computer use throughout Franklin Public Schools is a privilege, not a right. The administration, faculty, and staff may deem what is inappropriate use and the decision is final. The administration, faculty and staff of the Franklin Public Schools may request the technology manager to revoke or suspend computer use for any student who misuses his/her computer privileges.

We are very pleased to bring internet access to the Franklin Public Schools and believe that the internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:

Along with the advantages associated with access to computers and people all over the world come disadvantages such as the availability of material that may not be considered of educational value in the context of the school setting. The Franklin Public Schools have taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control the quality of all materials published there and an industrious user may indeed discover materials that are controversial. The Franklin Public Schools firmly believe that the importance of access to the valuable information available on this worldwide network far outweighs the concern that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the Franklin Public Schools.

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies on the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines.

These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources. If a student user violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated and future use could/will be denied.

The purpose of the backbone networks making up the internet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. Internet access must be in support education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Franklin Public Schools. Use of another organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any national or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyright material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by a trade secret.

The use of the Internet is a privilege not a right and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The staff of the Franklin Public Schools will incorporate regulations for the use of technology and their rulings will be final. The administration, faculty and staff of the Franklin Public Schools may deny, revoke or suspend Internet access due to a student's inappropriate use.

You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

The Franklin Public Schools make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing.

The Franklin Public Schools will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, miss-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The Franklin Public Schools specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you think you can identify a security problem on the network of the Internet, you must notify a staff member, teacher, principal or technology manager. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. You may not use another individual's network account; you may not download executable files or applications. Attempts to log on to the Internet or to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.

Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet resource, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to any of the internet backbones. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer files.

The goal of the elementary schools is to provide all students with equal opportunities to grow to their maximum potential academically and socially. While each elementary school in Franklin has its own "uniqueness", the basic curriculum offered to Kindergarten through Grade 5 is the same. Curriculum guides or outlines are available in each subject area. The material is available in the principal's office for parents to review.

In addition to teacher made tests and informal assessments, students participate in a testing program designed by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Third, fourth and fifth graders will take the MCAS comprehensive battery provided by the Department of Education. Town-wide results of these tests will be published and parents will receive individual results.

Report cards will be issued three times a year - once in December, once in March, and on the last day of school.

Parents are welcomed and encouraged to confer, by appointment, with the teachers and the principal. Conferences can be initiated by either the parents or the school. Please call immediately with any concerns. Each teacher has a voice mailbox and will return your call in a timely manner.

The office staff will be pleased to help with problems or answer questions concerning school. You may call the office any time between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during school days for assistance.

Students/parents are responsible for any equipment or books that are damaged or lost while in the possession of the student.

Parents will be assigned the cost to replace or repair the item.

Each building will have a Building-Based Support Team (BBST) to provide a resource to teachers who express a concern about a child's difficulty in mastering the general education curriculum.

The team may suggest adjustments and strategies to enable the teacher to work with a student in a more effective manner. The team may consist of the following personnel:

*Special Educators may consult with the team but may only serve in an advisory role.

As part of the principal's role as instructional leader the administrator must annually consult with the School

Improvement Council to develop a menu of instructional supports to meet the needs of learners.

These instructional supports are articulated in a building based Curriculum Accommodation Plan (CAP) which is required by MGL c. 71-38Q effective January, 2001. The CAP must be updated annually and the supports must be implemented as part of the regular education program.

The elementary schools in Franklin provide for students with special learning needs consistent with the state and federal laws.

J.F. Kennedy School has a team of specialists who meet weekly to discuss and monitor student progress. The team works cooperatively with the parents and teachers in order to meet students' individual needs by recommending adjustments within the regular education program (least restrictive environment).

If a student seems to require additional support or instruction beyond the classroom setting, then a referral for a Team Evaluation may be completed. Since the staff believes that parents are a most important component in developing a successful education program for children, the parents are invited to participate in the evaluation process. Once the parents have consented to a Team Evaluation, assessments are completed to determine the child's capabilities, deficits, and specific educational needs. The team staff and parents then meet to discuss the results of the assessments.

If a child demonstrates a special need, an individualized education plan is developed. The student may receive a variety of services which may include such options as modified academic instruction, counseling, resource support, speech and language therapy, and/or adaptive physical education. The progress of children participating in such a program is monitored by the staff and reported through progress reports shared regularly with parents.

MA Gen. laws Chapt. 71A defines an English Language Learner (ELL) as a child who does not speak English or whose primary language is not English and who is currently not able to perform ordinary classroom work in English. As required, educational services for ELL are based on the individual needs of the student. Professional staff assess student needs and develop strategies and interventions and services which will enable the student to acquire language skills and access the educational curriculum.

Services provided to ELL are designed to minimize the barriers to educational services and extra curricular activities and to provide an appropriate education to the least restrictive learning environment. The Franklin Public Schools is committed to teaching English to students whose primary language is not English. Personnel will provide instructional supports and services to teach language skills to students as rapidly and effectively as possible.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance. Section 504 defines a person with a disability as anyone who:

The Franklin Public School district acknowledges its responsibility under Section 504 to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel and students. No discrimination against any person with a disability shall knowingly be permitted in any program or practices in the school district.

Under section 504, the school district has the responsibility to identify, evaluate, and if the student is determined to be eligible under Section 504, to afford access to appropriate educational services.

If the parent or person in parental relationship disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff to the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer. Any questions concerning the implementation of policy and procedures may be directed to:

Students may be granted excused absences when the school schedule conflicts with religious holidays. A student may be required to submit written notification. The student will allowed reasonable opportunity to make up work missed. He/she will not be subject to penalty scholastically or to attendance records due to absence incurred due to religious observances. A sincere effort will be made not to schedule assemblies, tests and major school events on religious holidays. It is constitutional to teach about religion in the public schools. Teaching about religion must be clearly distinguished from teaching religion, which amounts to religious indoctrination and practice, which is clearly prohibited in public schools.

Religion may be presented as part of a secular program, with the goal of teaching students about the role of religion in the historical, cultural, economic, and social development of a nation and instilling understanding, tolerance, respect for a pluralistic society. Religion must be discussed in a neutral, objective, balanced, and factual manner.

Any discussion of religion will be very sensitive to the beliefs of the different students in the class. Students may be excused from classes that they object to based on religious grounds. Alternate independent study will be assigned.

Holidays - Teaching about holidays with both a religious and secular basis may be constitutional if it furthers a genuine secular program of education, is presented objectively, and does not have the effect of advancing or inhibiting religion.

Music, art, literature, and drama with religious themes may be included in teaching about holidays provided they are presented in a religiously neutral, prudent, and objective manner, and relate to sound secular educational goals.

The school staff must be sensitive to "inclusion" not "exclusion" of students holding religious viewpoints. Students may express their religious beliefs in the forum of reports, homework, artwork and such expressions are constitutionally protected. Teachers may not reject or correct such submissions because they include a religious symbol or address religious themes.

Homeless children and youths are:

Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence in a supervised, publicly or privately operated shelter for temporary accommodations, and institution providing temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, or a public or private place not designated for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act requires that school districts immediately enroll a homeless student, even if they do not have the documents usually required for enrollment. Homeless youth covered by the Act may also be entitled to other services or program benefits such as transportation or free/reduced lunch.

The principal and the PCC will send home monthly newsletters.

Other newsletters will be sent home by the teachers at their discretion.

These will contain important school wide notices. Please check your child's bag daily for notices. We appreciate your prompt return of items requiring signatures such as emergency cards, insurance forms, field trip permission slips, etc.

Written notes are required in the following situations:

There are circumstances where parents share joint custody of children and live separately. In this case the non-custodial parent may want to receive notices, report cards, etc. from school. These parents may choose one of three options.

You must notify the school secretary if you wish to receive duplicate notices and how you would like to collect them.

School records are divided into two categories, the transcript and the temporary record. The transcript includes only the minimal information necessary to reflect the student's educational process. This information includes name, address, course titles, grades, credits and grades completed. The transcript is kept by the school system at least 60 years after the student leaves the system.

The temporary record contains the majority of information maintained by the school about the students. This may include such things as standardized test scores, class rank, school sponsored extracurricular activities, and evaluations and comments by teachers, counselors, and other persons. The temporary record is destroyed within five years after the student leaves the system.

A parent has the right to inspect the student's record and this record must be made available to the parent within two days of the request unless the parent or student consent to a delay.

Parents have the right to receive copies of any part of the record and a reasonable fee may be charged for copying. A parent may request interpretation of the record or invite someone of their choosing to inspect and interpret the record with them. With a few exceptions, not individuals or organizations, but parents and school personnel working directly with the student are allowed to have access to information in the student record without the specific written permission of the parent or guardian. The parent and student have the right to add relevant comments, information or other written materials to the school record. In addition, the parent has the right to request that information in the record be amended or deleted. The parent has a right to conference with the school principal to have his/her objections known. Within a week after the conference, the principal must render a decision in writing. If the parent is not satisfied with the decision, the regulations contain provisions through which the dec ision may be appealed to a higher authority in the school system.

In 1998, Mass. Enacted Gen. Law Chapt. 71, Sec. 34H. This state law is designed to provide eligible non-custodial parents with access to their child's student record information, and to standardize the process by which public schools provide such records to parents who do not have physical custody of their children. The following is a very brief summation of the provisions of section 34H. A full description may be obtained from the school office.

Upon receipt of a student records request from a non-custodial parent, the school will notify the custodial parent of the receipt of the request. The non-custodial parent may be required to reimburse the school for the cost of postage. The notice to the custodial parent will inform that the records will be provided to the requesting parent within 21 days, unless the custodial parent provides the principal with documentation of a court order which: prohibits the non-custodial parent from having contact with the child; prohibits distribution of the student record; or provides protection to the custodial parent or any child in the custodial parent's custody from abuse by the requesting parent, unless the order allows access to the student information.

The record provided to eligible parent will include, report cards and progress reports, results of intelligence tests, notification for referral for special education assessment, enrollment in bilingual program, notification of absences, illnesses, detentions, suspensions, expulsions, or permanent withdrawal from school. All addresses and telephone numbers must be removed. Additionally the record must be marked to indicate that the information provided may not be used to support admission of the child to another school.

Each year after the initial request, the eligible non-custodial parent must submit a letter to the school indicating that the parent continues to be entitled to unsupervised visitations with the child; and eligible to receive the student record information pursuant to Sec. 34H. The school will notify the custodial parent of each annual request.

Regulations require that certain parts of the student record be destroyed after 5 years of the student leaving the school system. School authorities are also allowed to destroy mis-leading, outdated, or irrelevant information in the record from time to time while the student is enrolled in the school system. Before any such information may be destroyed, the parent must be notified, and have an opportunity to receive a copy of any of the information before its destruction.

The above is only a summary of the more important Provisions of the Regulations Pertaining to School Records that is related to student and parent rights. If more detailed information is desired, a copy of the regulations may be received from your school.

Everyone in our school community benefits from active parent participation in school life. Listed below are some ways in which parents/guardians can volunteer.

The Partners In Education (PIE) Program is a volunteer program in which partners work with teachers to provide curriculum based activities in the classroom. All programs have been developed collaboration with and under the guidance of the Kennedy School faculty members. The PIE Program is separate from the Parent Helpers that may be requested by your child's teacher.

This is a volunteer organization made up of parents and teachers who work cooperatively to enhance the quality and quantity of activities and resources available at J.F. Kennedy School. The PCC is managed by an executive board. Their main function is the coordination of all committees' activities, liaison to the school community, and implementation of directives set by majority vote at monthly meetings. The PCC will produce a newsletter informing members of their activities. Committee chairs look for help to provide fund raisers, family activities, yearbook preparation, baking, room parents, cultural activities, etc. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings, share ideas, and join in the activities. Look for the dates of the meetings in our newsletters.

School Councils for individual schools are formed in accordance with the Education Reform Act of 1993. The council members are comprised of the principal, a community representative, parents, and teachers. Terms are for two or three years and elections are usually in September of each year.

The council's responsibility is to advise the principal about school matters, review the budget and help to develop the school improvement plan. If any parent or community member is interested they should contact the building principal.

Members' names will be published in the newsletter.

As with any visitor, volunteers are required to check in at the front office, sign in and take a visitor's badge.

Volunteers are required to show a negative TB test result. This need only be done one time. Volunteers are also required to complete a CORI background check each year.

The school nurse, Mrs. Joanne Kelcourse, (508)541-5261, is available for parents and children on a daily basis. All children will be screened during the year for vision and hearing. You will receive notification if there is a concern. Starting in the fifth grade, the nurse will check each child for scoliosis. In addition, each child's head may be checked, if necessary, for head lice.

The nurse or administration will determine whether your child should be sent home because of illness. To provide prompt care, the school requires that you fill out an emergency card. Please keep the information on this card current. Call the school immediately with changes.

The nurse will not administer medication without direct written orders from the child's physician. This includes Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication. The parent must supply the following information:

No more that a 30 day supply will be accepted at one time. Medication may be retrieved by the parent anytime and the medication will be destroyed if not picked up within one week following the termination of the order or one week beyond the close of school.

Franklin school policy allows students with asthma in grade 5 to carry their inhalers if they have written permission from their physician and parents. The permission will be revoked if inappropriate use of the inhaler is brought to the attention of the nurse.

The immunization law, Chapter 76, Section 15 of the General Laws states: "no child shall be admitted to school except as hereinafter provided. The provisions are:

The law requires immunization against diptheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella. All immunizations must be complete before the child has admission to kindergarten. Unimmunized or partially immunized children whose private physicians certify that they are in the process of receiving the required immunizations shall be regarded as not in compliance with the law.

In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires HIB immunization for all students in preschool programs as a condition of school attendance. A second dose of measles vaccine will be required for entry into 7^th grade until 2002. Effective September, 1996, a second measles vaccine will be required for entrance into kindergarten. Hepatitis B vaccine and proof of lead screening are also required for kindergarten entry for all children born on or after Jan. 1, 1992.

The Franklin Public Schools have a "nit free" policy which means that a student treated for head lice will not be readmitted to school until there are no nits observed by the school nurse.

The state law requires that all students present evidence of a physician's physical examination on entry into school (preschool and kindergarten) an every 3-4 years. Franklin Public Schools require subsequent physical examinations in grades 5, 7, and 10. Athletic physical examinations are required for athletic participation in accordance with MIAA regulations.

Postural Screening will be conducted in the Franklin School System on all students in grades 5 through 9, as mandated by law. Every student will be screened and will not be exempt unless a note from a private physician is provided stating that the postural screening has been completed during the academic year starting in June.

Initial screening will be conducted in Physical Education classes in late February into March by the nurse or the physical education staff who have been trained to conduct these screenings. All students with questionable findings will be referred to the school nurse. Re-screenings will be completed by the nurse, after which recommendations will be made.

Since this is a health concern, which is likely to develop during the adolescent years of rapid growth, it is important to be assessed annually. Although this screening is usually done during a physician's annual exam, it must be specifically noted by the physician, such as "postural screening negative" or "scoliosis negative".

A student showing signs of ill health or being infected with a disease shall be sent home as soon as safe and proper conveyance can be arranged and shall remain at home until the communicable condition has been resolved to the satisfaction of the school nurse. Parent help and cooperation are essential to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as conjunctivitis, strep infections, and viruses. Students under treatment for conjunctivitis and strep throat must stay out of school for the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. A child who has been ill with a fever or symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea should not return to school until he/she has been symptom free for 24 hours.

According to Massachusetts law, a teacher is a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect. Based on legal requirements of Chapter 119, Section 51A of the Massachusetts General Laws, guidelines, procedures and information memoranda have been prepared to provide direction for school staff members in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse/neglect cases. Personnel should be aware that by state statue they are immune from civil or criminal liability when reporting suspected child abuse/neglect cases. Failure to report may result in a fine of up to $1,000.00

Franklin Public School teachers or other employees who suspect a child is being abused or neglected shall report the following information to the principal as soon as possible.

School employees shall not contact the child's family or any other persons to determine whether the child is in need of protection. However, it should be noted that nurses, and school counselors should carry out their normal duties in talking with parents about actions and physical hurts of children.

Any personal interview or physical inspection of the child should be conducted in a professional manner.

Abuse means the infliction, by other than accidental means, of physical harm upon the body of a child. Neglect means the failure to provide necessary food, care, clothing shelter, or medical attention for a child.

Cases of reported abuse or neglect are to remain confidential. Discussion of these situations is limited to appropriate meetings with school staff members who have a need to know or authorized personnel from the Department of Public Welfare or the Children's Protective Services.

The following procedures are to be used in referring suspected child abuse:

Any school staff member who suspects that a child has been abused shall report this as soon as possible to the principal and administrator of Pupil Personnel Services on the day of observation. After notification and consultation with the school psychologist, the principal will notify the Department of Social Services by telephone and within two (2) working days submit a written report (Form 51A) to: Department of Social Services