Student/Parent Handbook2018-2019

Horace Mann Laboratory School

Cooperative ClassmateActive Problem SolverResponsible and Respectful LearnerEmpathetic Community MemberSafe Choice Maker

A Caring Community“The highest service we can perform for others is to help them help themselves” –Horace Mann

Student/Parent Handbook2018-2019

79 Willson Street Salem, MA 01970

(978) 740-1290

Dr. Ruben Carmona, Principal

Scarlett Wong, Assistant Principal

Updated August 2018

Horace Mann Laboratory School Mission Statement

Horace Mann Laboratory School strives to create a learning environment where children and adults are respected. Students are nurtured and challenged to achieve their highest potential through a quality educational program. Our teachers approach learning in a systematic and consistent manner, incorporating creative and innovative teaching into curriculum that supports state and district standards. We develop strong relationships with our families that foster lifelong learning, while helping children grow to become contributing members of our community.

A Laboratory Experience Through our Salem State University Premier PartnerBeing a laboratory school means that our students benefit from a robust educational collaboration in which Salem State professors inform and support our instructional practices and engage our faculty and students on meaningful learning experiences within our local communities. Access to Salem State facilities such as the University Library, Laboratories and many of their cutting edge spaces provide our students with a unique learning experience. Junior, Senior and Fellow Salem State University students are regularly placed in classrooms to observe and to gain direct classroom experience from our teachers. We are striving to leverage this partnership to elevate our faculty’s teaching abilities and to create a bridge between theory and practice that can inform and enhance the field of education and SSU’s teaching programs. Furthermore, being a lab school enhances our students’ opportunities to engage in real learning within our communities. These are some of the projects some classes will be experiencing as a result of our collaboration: Marine Studies (Whale Watching), Gardening and Biodiversity, Hydroponic gardening, Meteorology, etc. At HMLS every opportunity is a learning opportunity and every community member is a teacher and a learner at all times.

Pathways: We are also proud to announce Pathways will be running an independent early care program that will be located on the first floor of our building. This is a free Head Start program that will also work with Salem State University to support early childhood needs in our district. We are proud to work hand in hand with their faculty and administrative leadership team.

Main Office (978) 740-1290

Dr. Ruben Carmona, Principal rcarmona@salemk12.org

Scarlett Wong, Assistant Principal swong@salemk12.org

Susan Fair, Secretary sfair@salemk12.org Ricardo Baez, Community School Coordinator rbaez@salemk12.org Karen Sprei, School Nurse ksprei@salemk12.org Kate Burns, Adjustment Counselor kburns@salemk12.org Genevieve Nutt, City Connects Coordinator gnutt@salemk12.org Adriana Cunha, Kitchen Manager (978) 740-1290 School District Transportation (978) 740-1240

Additional staff contact information can be found on the HMLS website.

Parent Teacher Committee hmlsptc@gmail.com

Horace Mann Laboratory School Website spshmann.salemk12.org

Salem Public Schools Website salemk12.org

Margarita RuizSuperintendent of Schools

SALEM PUBLIC SCHOOL

29 Highland AvenueSALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970

Dear Horace Mann Parents and Students,

At the Horace Mann Laboratory School, we have a proud tradition of providing a caring and supportive learning environment for each and every student we serve. This atmosphere is built through mutual respect and clear expectations, which are detailed in this handbook and supported through our implementation of the Responsive Classroom model. The Responsive Classroom is an approach to elementary teaching that emphasizes positive social, emotional, and academic growth in a strong and safe school community. It is important that all members of the Horace Mann school community understand and follow the policies and procedures explained in this handbook. Please take the time to review this handbook with your child. It is our shared responsibility to help children understand the significance of following a set of guidelines for acceptable behavior. Once you have reviewed the information in this handbook, please sign the acknowledgement that was sent home with your child(ren) and send it back to the school. Please note that in addition to the HMLS Student Handbook, the Salem Public Schools provides a District Handbook with additional policies and procedures that are explained in more detail. Please refer to the Salem Public Schools District Handbook, which can also be found on HMLS school website. Should you have questions regarding the material in either of the two handbooks, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. Strong, positive relationships among parents, students and staff are critical to building a caring community of learners. We look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing!

- The Horace Mann Faculty

Table of Contents

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures……………………………………….... .5

Student Attendance Policy and Procedures………………………………..5-7

Health Issues and Medications…………………...………………………..7-8

Breakfast & Lunch Program ………………………………………………9

School Safety……………………………………………………………… 9

Parking & Traffic Safety ………………………………………..…………9

Student Searches…………………………………………………….……10

Student Dress Code………………………………………………..……..11

Appropriate Dress for the Weather…………… ………………………..11

Report Cards.………………...…………………………………………..12

Parent-Teacher Committee………………………………………………12

The Responsive Classroom…………………………………………… 12

Behavior Expectations………………………………………………….. 13-14

Bus Transportation and Bus Rules……………………….…………… 14-16

Disciplinary Consequences and Procedures……………………………..16-17

Procedural Due Process…………………………………………………..17-18

Lost and Found………………………..………………………………….18

PLEASE NOTE:In addition to the HMLS Student Handbook, the Salem Public Schools provides a District Handbook with additional policies and procedures that are explained in more detail. Please refer to the Salem Public Schools District Handbook, which is found on HMLS school web page: https://spshmann.salemk12.org/

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES: Please be aware the speed limit in our driveway is 5 m/h. Please help us enforce it. Thank you.

ARRIVAL:The regular school day runs from 7:50 am-1:55 pm. All students (walkers and car-riders) should enter through the main entrance and proceed to the gym. Only bus students will be dropped off at the bus loop located at the back of the building. Bus students will enter the

building through the second floor entrance and proceed to their classrooms. Please follow the schematic below for more details.

7:20am School doors open for Early ArrivalsStudents are welcome to join the walking club in the morning. If your child is not walking, they need to bring a book or sketch notebook to do some drawing or writing. 8:00am School doors close

Any students entering the school after 8:00 am are considered tardy. Students must enter through the main entrance and obtain a tardy pass from the Main Office. Bus students are not considered tardy if their bus arrives after 8:00 am. An announcement will be made to notify classroom teachers. 7:50 am-8:00 am BreakfastBreakfast is provided to all students free of charge through the Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC) Program.Breakfast ends at 8:00am. Students who are tardy can obtain a breakfast from the cafeteria. 8:00 am Pledge of Allegiance/Morning Announcement 8:00am-8:20am Morning MeetingMorning meeting is an important component of our Responsive Classroom curriculum. It is very important that all students are in their classrooms to participate in this community-building activity. DISMISSAL:1:50pm Dismissal bellClassroom teachers will stay with students in the classroom until buses and walkers/car-riders are called. Bus students and students participating in the after school program will be called over the intercom. Bus students will exit the building to get on the bus through the second floor entrance. Attendance will be taken on the bus. 2:00pm Walkers/Car-ridersClassroom teachers will bring remaining bus students to the gym (if any) and walkers/car-riders to the front of the building.

This schematic will give you an idea where students will be grouped at dismissal time.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES: It is important that children attend school each and every day. General Laws of Massachusetts require that, “Every person in control of a child shall cause him/her to attend class therein required. If he/she

fails to do so for seven day sessions within any period of six months, he/she shall, on the complaint of the Attendance Officer, be punished by law.” If there are extenuating circumstances in your family that prevent your child from attending school, you must contact the school office or School Attendance Officer at (978) 740-1232. Failure to comply with the state law regarding school attendance may result in court action. (Please reference SPS District Handbook page 16 for further info.) REPORTING STUDENTS ABSENTParents and guardians must call the school by 8:30 a.m. to report absences. The absence call-in number is (978) 740-1290. A written note explaining the absence is always required when the child returns to school following an absence. A student is out of school for 4 or more days in a row, due to a medical issue, a doctor’s note is required upon return. If the child returns to school without a doctor’s, note after 4 or more days absent in a row, parents’ will be expected to meet with the Family Engagement Coordinator, Assistant Principal, and/or Principal. DEFINITIONS OF ABSENCESThere are two types of absences – excused and unexcused. Excused absences include: legitimate illness, treatment, hospitalization, or death in the family, religious holiday, documented legal appearances or administrator-approved field trips. Unexcused absences are other types of absences, including family vacations, truancy, repetitive, chronic absences or tardiness due to illness or injury not documented by a doctor or other medical professional, undocumented absences, or non-emergency situations. FAMILY VACATIONS AND TRAVELParents are strongly advised NOT to plan family vacations during school time. Students who are absent due to family vacations will not be given schoolwork because such absences are unexcused. Allowing students to miss school sends a strong message to children about the importance and priority of their education. Please be advised that we are asked to remove students from our attendance list after 10 days of absence. This may result in the loss of your child’s spot at Horace Mann. TARDINESSBeing on time is a good habit that lasts a lifetime. Tardy students miss some or all of their classroom’s Morning Meeting at the start of each day. After a student has been tardy five times, his/her parents will receive a letter and may be required to meet with the assistant principal or principal to discuss the issue. Consequences for Five (4) or More Unexcused Absences and Excessive TardinessParents and guardians are encouraged to contact schools staff and work collaboratively with them to correct the reasons that the student is missing school. After five (4) unexcused absences have occurred, a letter will be sent home. Upon returning to school, your child must bring a note explaining the reason for his or her absence. This is required even though you have already called the school. If your child has gone to the doctor, please provide a doctor’s note to the office. After eight (8) unexcused absences have occurred, a second letter will be sent home stating that if absences continue, it may be necessary to have a meeting at the school and/or refer the family to the Attendance Officer for further action(s). If a student is absent for eight (8) or more days in a quarter, and/or if the student has an excessive number of days of which he/she is tardy for school, school officials

may file a CRA (Child Requiring Assistance) petition with the Juvenile Court, which could result in a hearing before a Juvenile Court Judge. Prior to the filing of a CRA, families and students will be required to work with school administrators to improve the student’s attendance. Chronic absenteeism may also lead to academic failure for the year and retention of the student. EARLY DISMISSALIf your child must be dismissed during the school day, please send a note to the teacher. Parent(s) must report to the office to sign out and pick up their child. The child will be called from class by the office at that time. No child will be dismissed directly from the classroom, cafeteria or playground. No student will be released to a friend or relative without parental permission. We ask that you do your best to avoid early dismissals that are not absolutely necessary as your child loses valuable instructional time. CHANGING DISMISSAL ROUTINEIf a student’s normal dismissal routine is to be altered on a particular day, parents/guardians should send a note to the classroom teacher describing the change and indicating who will meet the child at school, if someone is to do so. If a child does not have a note and the school cannot immediately locate the parent, the child will be dismissed following the normal routine. COMMUNICATIONSOur school system now has the capability of contacting all parents by telephone through an All-Call system. If school must be closed or the opening delayed due to inclement weather or an emergency, the school department will attempt to reach all parents through this telephone system. It is important that the school has an updated telephone number for all students at all times. We urge you to be sure to keep this information current through our school office. Additionally, you may obtain no school or delayed opening information from the following sources:Salem Public Schools Website at: www.salemk12.orgWBZ Channel 4WCVB Channel 5 WHDH Channel 7 Early Dismissal/Snowstorms: Once in session, we will remain in school for the entire day. School will not be dismissed early due to inclement weather. The only exception would be in the case of an extreme emergency or crisis.

HEALTH ISSUES AND MEDICATION: PEANUT ALLERGYAt the Horace Mann Lab School, we have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of all children and we take that responsibility very seriously. Peanut allergies can be severe and potentially life threatening for some children. Children who have peanut allergies are allergic to ANY FOOD

PRODUCTS CONTAINING PEANUTS OR NUTS OF ANY KIND. These products include peanut butter, candy or snacks containing peanuts or nuts of any kind, baked products containing nuts or even peanut oil used in the preparation of snacks or other foods. Due to the severity of the cases here at HMLS, the principal, with the support of the Salem Public Schools Administration, Head Nurse, and Food Service Department, have made the following determination in order to protect the health and safety of the children: We will no longer serve peanut butter sandwiches in our cafeteria. We will offer many other alternatives to ensure healthy choices for all of the children.We have provided a “Peanut-Free” Lunch Table in our cafeteria for each lunch group and grade level. Our staff, for the health and safety of our students who may be affected, closely monitors this table. Your support in not sending peanut products to school is greatly appreciated. HEALTHY SNACKS ALTERNATIVESWhen sending a snack in with your child, please make sure it is healthy. Candy, cakes, and high-sugar drinks are not permitted. Some examples of healthy snacks include, fruit, granola, yogurt and bottled water. For celebrations such as birthdays, please refrain from bringing in cupcakes or birthday cakes. We ask that you find a healthy alternative such as fruit salad or vegetables and dip. MEDICATIONSStudents who need to take prescription medications must have a dated physician’s note detailing the name of the drug, dosage, time, and regimen. The school must also receive a dated written permission slip from the parent or guardian requesting that the school administer the medication as prescribed. The medication must be in a pharmacy labeled container. For the safety of all involved, no other container is acceptable. Medications that are prescribed less than four times daily should be given at home. Nonprescription medications (i.e. Tylenol, Hydrocortisone cream, Bacitracin ointment, etc.) will be given only if parents have signed the “Permission to Treat” form. Because of the risks involved, students may not carry any medication on their person without a written physician’s note, written parental permission, and nurse approval. A note must accompany student for use of cough drops. If your child becomes sick or injured at school, every effort will be made to contact you or your designee. Please be sure that your emergency information is up to date at all times, including alternate phone numbers and email addresses. Please do not send your child to school if he/she is sick. Annual medical screenings - All children will be given annual hearing and vision screening tests, along with a Body Mass Index (BMI) report. Children in Grade 5 are also given a postural screening test to check for spinal and postural deformities. If a child fails any of these screenings, his/her parents will be notified and asked to bring their child to a physician for further evaluation.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM:

We are pleased to offer universal breakfast, lunch and snack to all Horace Mann students for free regardless of income. Breakfast, which is served in the classroom, begins promptly at 7:50 am and ends at 8:00 am. Hot and cold lunches are available for all students in the cafeteria. Students may also bring a lunch from home. The weekly lunch menu is posted in the main office and online. A peanut free table is designated in the cafeteria for any student with nut allergies. SCHOOL SAFETY: While we encourage parent visitors and volunteers at our school, all visitors must come to the office, sign into our logbook and obtain a visitor’s pass. This includes parents who need to see a teacher. We do not allow visitors into the classrooms without specific permission from the Assistant Principal or Principal. There cannot be any exceptions to this policy. The reasons for this are to avoid continual disruptions of students’ academic time and to protect students who are in our care. Please make prior arrangements with your child’s teacher before visiting the classroom. Before leaving, visitors are asked to stop in the office to sign out. Parents who wish to volunteer in the classroom or chaperone field trips must complete a CORI (forms are available from Ms. Fair in the Main Office). Our doors are securely locked by 8:00 and remain locked during the school day. You can gain access to the school only through the main entrance after being “buzzed in” by the office. Fire Drills are held on a regular basis and are necessary for the safety of all. It is everyone’s responsibility to know the specific directions for exiting the building. Complete instructions for fire drill procedures are posted in each classroom. Appropriate behavior is essential to assure the safety of all children. The Salem Public Schools, committed to the safety of all students at all times, encourages any member of the community to anonymously report a criminal or dangerous situation that is occurring, or is about to occur, in any one of our school buildings or at one of our school events by calling either the Horace Mann School office at (978) 740-1290 or our Adjustment Counselor at (781) 732-0154. PARKING AND TRAFFIC SAFETY:Our school is located on a main street. It is important that children NEVER cross the street without help from the Crossing Guard or without other adult supervision. Parking for visitors is located in the front of the building. Overflow parking is available behind the school building for families. Please refrain from parking at the high school parking lot. STUDENT SEARCHES:

There are times when there is reason to suspect that stolen property, illegal, prohibited or inappropriate material is present in school. On these occasions, the Principal or designee may search a student’s desk, backpack, clothing or other personal belongings in order to investigate the matter. This procedure is designed to provide a safe environment for all students and staff. CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT:Information about students, families or staff is confidential and should never be discussed in public places where others could overhear the discussion. Thank-you for respecting the privacy of our children and families. MEDIA INFORMATION:Often the media/press request information regarding student awards, honors, scholarships and sports or club information. During the year, broadcast television stations, local cable television channel, newspapers and school department personnel may take pictures or write about school activities and students. It is the policy of the Salem School Department to make this information routinely available unless parents have requested in writing, in advance, that they do not wish to have this information published. We will be happy to comply with any parent written request. If we do not receive a written request, we will proceed with the publication of student information as described above. For Horace Mann Lab School, joint projects with Salem State University are also included in this policy. COMMUNICATIONS:Our school system now has the capability of contacting all parents by telephone through an All-Call system. If school must be closed or the opening delayed due to inclement weather or an emergency, the school department will attempt to reach all parents through this telephone system. It is important that the school has an updated telephone number for all students at all times. We urge you to be sure to keep this information current through our school office. Additionally, you may obtain no school or delayed opening information from the following sources: Personal messages for students should only be used for extreme emergencies and should be called into the office. Students are not allowed to use cell phones or other communication devices during school. Please make personal and family arrangements with children before they come to school. Field trip permission forms: Parents will be told when their children will be participating in a field trip, and a permission slip will be sent home. The permission slip must be signed and returned by the deadline date. We cannot transport students without a written permission form. STUDENT DRESS CODE: Student appearance is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents/guardians. Because school is a place for learning, we discourage clothing that is distracting, inappropriate or disruptive in any way. When, in the judgment of the school, clothing worn by a student is considered inappropriate, distracting or disruptive, he/she may be sent home or loaned clothes from school to wear for the remainder of the school day. Parent/guardian attention is requested to insure clothing be safe and not hazardous to the

health and safety of the student. To that end, please read the following carefully and check your child’s dress before he/she comes to school. Proper dress includes cleanliness and appropriateness of attire as determined by the Principal and Assistant Principal. Hats, hoods and visors are not to be worn in school (unless there is a medical reason). For safety reasons, students are not allowed to wear sandals and/or open toed shoes to school. They present a safety hazard on the playground and on the stairs. Spaghetti straps, strapless tops, t-shirts with inappropriate images or text, sagging pants and tops that bare the midriff are not allowed at school. Tank tops and very short skirts and shorts are discouraged for students in the upper grades. Dangling earrings and long chains around necks are also a safety hazard as they can get caught on playground equipment. Physical Education - Students are expected to participate in physical education classes to the best of their ability. Grades K, 1 and 2 must wear sneakers to participate in class. Grades 3, 4, and 5 must wear shorts, sweatpants, or some type of stretch pants, as well as sneakers. If a student is consistently not wearing appropriate clothing to participate in physical education class, they may be asked to sit out which may impact their class grade. Students need to bring a note from their home or doctor if they are to be excused. APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR THE WEATHER: Parents are requested to be sure their child is dressed warmly in winter weather as recess is held outdoors unless it is severely cold (28 degrees or below) or raining heavily. Boots should also be worn as the playground often has wet and muddy areas. Children will stay inside any time the temperature is severely cold. If boots are to be worn, please provide your child with shoes or sneakers to be worn within the building. It is recommended that your child’s clothing be labeled. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to provide your child with clothing that is appropriate for the weather, please contact Ms. Genevieve Nutt (our City Connects Coordinator) or Ricky Baez (our Community School Coordinator) for assistance (phone numbers on p.2 of this handbook). The school nurse will contact the home regarding hygiene related issues. REPORT CARDS: Report Cards are issued three times per year (December, March and June) with the objective of providing the parents with information concerning their child’s academic progress. Due to the restrictive nature of the report card’s one-way communication, we encourage parents to attend parent-teacher conferences scheduled for December and March. Parent-teacher conferences can serve to create a meaningful dialogue between parent and teacher, which can enhance the child’s overall intellectual and social growth. If a parent/guardian is unable to attention the parent-teacher conference, we asked that report cards be signed and returned to the classroom teacher. This will ensure that parents/guardians have seen the report card. PARENT-TEACHER COMMITTEE:

Our school has a dynamic and involved PTC. The PTC sponsors several significant fundraising events and social, community-building activities. As an active organization, it needs the support of many parents willing to share their time, talents and ideas. Parents are encouraged to become active PTC participants. Together, staff and parents can provide a stimulating, exciting and supportive learning environment for children. The PTC meets monthly. The meeting dates are posted on the monthly events calendar that we send home every month.

RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM AND HMLS DISCIPLINE FRAMEWORK:

The Horace Mann CARES values: Cooperative Classmate Active Problem Solver Responsible and Respectful Learner Empathetic Community Member Safe Choice Maker

THE RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM APPROACHThe HMLS has embraced the philosophy of the Responsive Classroom. The goal of the Responsive Classroom is to create a school environment that fosters self-regulation, independence and a caring and supportive community that allows students, families and staff to actively engage in their learning. The Responsive Classroom Approach is informed by the work of many educational theorists as well as the experiences of exemplary classroom teachers. There are seven basic principles underlying this approach:

1. The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.2. How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in hand.3. The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.4. There is a set of social skills children need in order to be successful academically and socially:

cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.5. Knowing the children we teach – individually, culturally, and developmentally – is as important

as knowing the content we teach.6. Knowing the families of the children we teach and inviting their participation is essential to

children’s education.7. How the adults at school work together is as important as individual competence: lasting change

begins with the adult community.

PEACE CORNERThe Peace Corner or “Take a Break” space is a calming location in the room where a student can take a break from the class, reflect on his/her behavior, find sensory supports that might help with self-regulation, and calm him/herself in order to be able to re-join the class and make more appropriate choices. It is designed to meet students’ needs. Students understand the purpose and function of this structure. Language Stems can be made accessible to assist students with articulating their emotions, self-reflection and problem solving. It is a place for reflection, not a time out. MORNING MEETINGIn a Morning Meeting, all classroom members—grown-ups and students—gather in a circle, greet each other, and listen and respond to each other’s news. We take note of who is present and who is absent; whether it is still raining or not; who is smiling and buoyant; who is having a hard time smiling. We practice academic skills, briefly grapple with problems that challenge our minds, and look forward to the learning we’ll do together in the day ahead. Morning Meeting allows us to begin each day as a community of caring and respectful learners.

THE MORNING MEETING FORMAT

Morning Meeting lasts up to 15 minutes each day and is made up of four sequential components: greeting, sharing, group activity, and morning message. The components intentionally provide opportunities for students to practice the skills of greeting, listening and responding, group problem-solving, and noticing and anticipating. Daily practice of the four components gradually weaves a web that binds a class together. Although there is much overlap, each component has its own purposes and structure.

1 Greeting: Students greet each other by name, often including handshaking, singing, movement, and other activities.

2 Sharing: Students share some news or information about themselves and respond to each other, articulating their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a positive way.

3 Group Activity: The whole class does a short, inclusive activity together, reinforcing learning and building class cohesion through active participation.

4 Morning Message: Students practice academic skills and warm up for the day ahead by reading and discussing a daily note to the class posted by their teacher.

Teachers must commit more than just time to implement Morning Meeting successfully. They must also commit themselves to a belief in children’s capacity to take care of themselves and each other as they learn academic skills (like vocabulary and algorithms) and social-emotional skills (like respect, responsibility, and stretching the boundaries of their social world). Besides creating opportunities for students to practice such skills, Morning Meeting also creates opportunities for teachers to model these skills and give children valuable feedback.

The time teachers commit to Morning Meeting is an investment that is repaid many times over. The sense of belonging and the skills of attention, listening, expression, and cooperative interaction developed in Morning Meeting are a foundation for every lesson, every transition time, every lining-up, every handling of an upset or conflict, all day and all year long. Morning Meeting is a microcosm of the way we wish our schools to be—communities full of learning, safety, respect and challenges for all.

SIGNALSConsistent signals will be used across all school environments to gain students’ attention: Chimes and/or hand signal such as Give Me Five.

BUDDY CLASSROOMA student may visit the buddy classroom with permission given by the teacher. It is used when the student needs an alternative setting to reflect in addition to the Peace Corner. All staff will model and practice Buddy Classroom with their students. This will happen during Morning Meetings.

1. Explain the purpose.2. Choose a quiet, distraction-free spot(s).3. Explicitly teach Buddy Classroom procedures.Going to the Buddy Classroom spot quickly, quietly, calmly and willingly.In Buddy Classroom, the student will sit quietly; doing whatever it takes to regain self-control (5 min. Timer).The student is quiet and doesn’t distract the class.Coming back from Buddy Classroom quietly and rejoining the work of the group.4. Clarify who decides when the student should return.5. Use Buddy Classroom if the student needs an alternative space to reflect.

6. Always use a calm, quiet voice to tell a student to go to Buddy Classroom.7. Never enter into a negotiation in the moment.8. Use Buddy Classroom democratically. Everyone needs to “take-a-break!” (Even the teacher!)9. Have a system for Buddy Classroom in another room. RELAXATION AND BREATHING EXERCISES (YOGA)Such exercises will be incorporated into school-wide activities to help students and teachers learn and practice poses. Faculty are encouraged to use these exercises with their students in the classroom for calming, motivational, stretching, self-regulatory, and/or culture building purposes. These techniques can be helpful for individual students who struggle with self-regulation, emotional balance, and attention, as well as for the entire class. Key moments to practice these exercises as a class include, but are not limited to: morning arrival, before or after long stretches of work, when students have remained seated for a long period, at the close of the day, before/after an assessment, and/or when you notice students need a natural stretch/deep breathing break. RECESS EXPERIENCE

Recess is expected to be a joyful social experience for students. Staff is encouraged to practice and model desired recess behavior and expectations with students. Each grade level should have a recess bag with supplies for students to play with. Designated students shall be responsible for bringing the bag back and forth for recess. A medical bag must be taken outside during recess (which includes a radio). Students can be designated to retrieve and return the medical bag.If there is a medical emergency outside, use the radio to communicate with the nurse as the child is escorted into the building. In cases where the child is immobile as a result

of an injury, use the radio to request wheelchair assistance. During indoor recess, there should be designated areas and activities for students to engage in, with specific protocols for playing with their peers and the materials.

HOMEWORK PROTOCOLAssigned homework should be meaningful, skill/interest based, and organized with steps (checklist) for the child and parent to follow at home. PRACTICE DESIRED BEHAVIORDuring the first full week of school, students shall practice completing homework in class with the necessary supplies and routines. Taking recess away for lack of homework is highly discouraged.Parents shall be informed of homework expectations and available supports.-Teachers first need to communicate with parents and students regarding anyissues with homework completion (Teacher and parent meet first, and subsequently involve the child in the conversation to share what the teacher and parent discussed).-Determine the issue, and/or skill deficit needed to complete homework.-Determine the specific skills that the student needs to practice with homework--and modify the general assignment accordingly, and/or the amount of time the child should spend on homework.-Allow student to start and/or complete homework during alternative times,not including recess (i.e. before school, during morning work, prior to dismissal).

-Provide temporary “incentives” to students who struggle with homework. Identify ways to release that responsibility gradually as soon as success has been identified and achieved.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS: 1. Intentional physical contact, which causes pain and suffering, is not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, rough play, fighting, pushing or kicking others. 2. In the spirit of respectful, kind and honest behavior, bad language, teasing, bullying, rough play, cheating and forgery will not be tolerated. 3. Toys, collectables (stuffed animals, Beanie Boos, action figures), trading cards, Pokemon cards, fidget spinners, etc. are not allowed in school unless they have been brought with teacher permission for a school project. The Horace Mann School cannot assume responsibility for toys or other personal items that are lost, misplaced, damaged or stolen. 4. It is expected that students will bring only healthy snacks to school. Students are not allowed to bring gum or candy to school. 5. Caps, hats and all headwear are to be removed upon entering the school building (unless a special condition is present – medical, religious, etc.). 6. All students are responsible for picking up after themselves and doing their best to keep the building and yard clean and neat. 7. Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades and wheeled footwear are not allowed on school premises. Bicycles can be stored at the bike racks. 8. Electronic devices of any kind including iPods, iPads, Game Boys and similar entertainment devices are not allowed in school or on school grounds. Also, footballs, bats and soccer balls, if brought to school, are subject to be shared with the classroom community. 9. Cell phones must be kept in backpacks and turned OFF during regular school hours. HMLS staff members reserve the right to take cell phones from students who do not turn them off and/or store them in backpacks during the school day. The first time a phone is taken, it will be returned to the student at the end the day. The second time a phone is taken, a parent or guardian will be expected to come into school to retrieve it. THE SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN OR MISPLACED PHONES.

10. Weapons of any kind, including toys made to look like weapons, are not allowed in school. Any weapons that are brought to school will be confiscated. The Salem Police and the parents of child found with a weapon or weapon facsimile will be contacted. BUS TRANSPORTATION: Please note- Bus Applications are found on the Salem Public Schools webpage. Please pay attention to the application deadlines.

Students in Grades K-2 who are assigned by the district and live more than one mile from the Horace Mann School are eligible to take the bus. Students in Grades 3-5 must live more than one and one-half miles from the school in order to be eligible for the bus. Bus passes are issued to all eligible students as well as those who pay privately for bus transportation. Parents who reside outside the Horace Mann neighborhood/district and who request that their child attend school here must provide their own transportation or pay for bus service. Bus riding privileges may be withdrawn for misconduct on the bus. Please inform the school IN WRITING if transportation plans change for any given day. For safety reasons, we cannot and WILL NOT accept the child’s word that changes are to be made. Bus Expectations Students shall cooperate and make safe choices on the bus.

a. Students shall show respect for themselves, the bus driver, and their classmates while on the bus.b. Students are responsible for their own belongings.c. If a challenge arises on the bus, students shall act as active problem solvers. Students should inform the bus driver, their parents, and the school if they need help solving a problem on the bus.

If a student does not follow these rules, the following will occur:1st Infraction: Student will discuss the bus issues in the office. Bus contract will be reviewed. Parents will be informed2nd Infraction: Student will be assigned a seat on the bus.3rd Infraction: Student will be suspended from the bus.

Consequent infractions will require a 1-1 meeting with families and students to address ongoing concerns, and devise a collective plan of action. All bus infraction forms need to be signed by parents. These forms are entered in our school database (X2) for further review.*Note: There are some safety instances that warrant immediate bus suspension.

I have read and understand the rules for bus safety.Student Signature: ______________________________________Room #: _______________Parent Signature: _____________________________________________

Parents are requested to label all removable articles of clothing, lunch boxes and important school supplies with the child’s first and last name. It is strongly recommended that personal items of value be left at home. DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES AND PROCEDURES: The level of discipline will be determined according to the severity and frequency of the offense in each case. Consequences may include: reprimand, loss of privilege, in-school suspension, short-term and/or long-term suspension from school, and/or expulsion from school.

The following behaviors may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from school. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Consequences for negative behaviors is confidential information and is only shared with parents of the child who is getting the consequences. When issues that require disciplinary attention arise, the school will have to engage in an investigation process to engage students in reparation or correction of behaviors. We often ask that a 24 hour window of time be allowed to investigate behavioral concerns raised by parents and/or students.

● assault,● fighting,● profanity,● leaving school grounds without permission,● harassment (It is illegal to harass anyone based on their race, national origin, age, gender, gender identity,

disability, sexual orientation.),● continual disregard for school rules,● possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs,● bringing ANY type of weapon, sharp instrument, or fire starting device to school. Please note that the

Salem Police will be contacted in EVERY case involving a weapon.● Any form of bullying (Please reference the SPS District Handbook for policies and procedures about

the anti-bullying law on page 11.)Student _____________________________ Grade____ Date_________Faculty ______________________ Location__________Time_________

Purpose: This form is to be completed by HMLS staff when administration is called to intervene with a student. Notice to Parents: This report is to inform you of a disciplinary action involving your child. Please read this report carefully, discuss it with your child, and return it to school signed on ______________.

AntecedentDescribe environment, and what occurred prior to the behavior that may have triggered the student.

BehaviorDescribe the specific behavior(s) that required office intervention.

Intervention(s) UsedIdentify interventions

used prior to calling the office.

Administrative Consequence/Action Taken:

Parent Signature_____________________________________________________________________________Student’s Signature__________________________________________________________________________Administrator’s Signature_____________________________________________________________________

PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS:

53.08: Principal's Hearing under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾ (1) The principal shall determine the extent of the rights to be afforded the student at a disciplinary hearing based on the anticipated consequences for the disciplinary offense. If the consequence may be long-term suspension from school, the principal shall afford the student, at a minimum, all the rights set forth in 603 53.08(3) in addition to those rights afforded to students who may face a short-term suspension from school. (2) Principal Hearing - Short-term Suspension(a) The purpose of the hearing with the principal is to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction. At a minimum, the principal shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information. The student also shall have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts, that the principal should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate as set forth in 603 CMR 53.05. The principal shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.(b) Based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, the principal shall determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, what remedy or consequence will be imposed.(c) The principal shall notify the student and parent of the determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal, as provided in

603 CMR 53.13(1). The determination shall be in writing and may be in the form of an update to the original written notice.(d) If the student is in a preschool program or in grades K through 3, the principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school suspension, before the short-term suspension takes effect. LOST AND FOUND: Articles that have been found in the school building, on school grounds or on school buses are placed in the Lost and Found area directly across from the cafeteria where their owners may claim them. After a certain length of time, unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity. If students find anything of value not belonging to them, they should immediately take the found item to the office. Library books that are found should be returned to the Library.