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Respect Responsibility Best Effort
Nancy Peterson
Principal
2009-2010
Fiske Elementary School Handbook
Page 2
Table of Contents
Mission Statement & Quick Reference ……………………………………….3
History of Fiske School ……………………………………………………………..4
Lexington Public Schools Information ………………………………..……..5
Fiske School Staff ……………………………………………………………………..6-10
Site Based Council……………………………………………………………………..11
Attendance Policy………………………………………………………………………12-13
Traffic Safety Rules…………………………………………………………………….14-15
Early Dismissal Procedures ……………………………………………………….16
Bus Information and Regulations ……………………………………………….17
Health ……………………………………………………………………………………….17
Homework Policy ………………………………………………………………………17
Student Conduct Policy Summary……………………………………………….18-19
Lexington School Committee Policy on Life-Threatening Allergies 20-21
Other Important Information……………………………………………………..22-25
PTO Overview and Executive Board ……………………………………………26
Staying in Touch at Fiske…………………………………………………………….27
Fiske School Map ……………………………………………………………………… 28
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Our Mission Statement
The purpose of Fiske School is to develop fully each
student’s intellectual, aesthetic, social and physical
capabilities in a nurturing environment that respects
individual differences and fosters emotional well-being.
Quick Reference
Fiske Elementary School 55 Adams Street
Lexington, MA 02420
School Office: 781-541-5001 Attendance Line: 781-541-5018 Nurse: 781-541-5007 Extended Day: 781-541-5015
School website: http://fiske.ci.lexington.ma.us
Lexington Public Schools: http://lps.lexingtonma.org School lunch: http://www.chartwellsschooldining.com
SNOW CLOSING INFORMATION:
http://lps.lexingtonma.org/snow/index.shtml
School Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:30am – 3:15pm
Thursday: 8:30am – 12:15pm
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The History of Fiske School The Fiske School is named for the Fiske family who were among the early settlers of what was called Cambridge Farms, part of which is now called Lexington. The Fiske family came to America from Suffolk, England in the late 1630s. The Fiske family assisted in building Lexington’s first meeting house, helped to buy the Common for the town, and fought in many wars, including the Revolutionary war of 1775. Dr Robert Fiske (born in May 1718) lived on Hancock Street and was reputed to have been one of Lexington’s first doctors. Dr. Fiske’s house still stands today and was also the home of his father, David Fiske, and his son, Dr Robert Fiske. It is Dr Joseph Fiske’s land that Fiske School stands on. His house and two other Fiske family homes can still be seen today on East Street. Dr Joseph Fiske was a surgeon during the Revolutionary War.
* * * * * * The Fiske School opened in 1949. In 1954, additional classrooms were added, bringing the total to 19. The photograph on the right shows Fiske in 1964. Two years later (1966), the Lexington School Committee unanimously approved accepting 25 students from Boston into Lexington schools. This was the first time this had been done. Concord and Lincoln soon followed. The first kindergarten programs in Lexington public schools began in 1967. In 2005 the original Fiske school was closed and all students and staff moved to a temporary home in the old Harrington building on Maple Street. Just after February vacation 2007, students moved back to a state of the art, brand new school. The official ribbon cutting took place in April 2007 at the start of the annual Fiske Fair.
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Lexington Public Schools Information Central Administration for Lexington Public Schools is located at: 146 Maple Street Lexington, MA 02420 (781) 861-2580 – For recorded line (781) 863-5829 – For fax line Central Administration Staff: Paul Ash, Ph. D., Superintendent of Schools (781) 861-2550 Carol Pilarski, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Prof. Dev. (781) 861-2558 Robert Harris, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources (781) 861-2556 Linda Chase, Director of Student Services (781) 861-2490 Chris Greeley, Assistant Director of Student Services (781) 861-2490 Mary Ellen Dunn, Assistant Superintendent, Finance & Operations (781) 861-2563 Catherine Carroll, Accounting Manager (781) 861-2563 Joanne Tringale, Transportation Manager (781) 861-2540 Patrick Goddard, Director of Facilities, Grounds & Support Services (781) 861-2577 School Committee Members for 2009-2010:
Margaret Coppe, Chair Term Expires: 2010 Rodney Cole Term Expires: 2011 Thomas Diaz Term Expires: 2010 Mary Ann Stewart Term Expires: 2012 Jessie Steigerwald Term Expires: 2012 All parents are encouraged to attend School Committee Meetings. Meeting schedules and agendas can be found at the School Committee website:
http://lps.lexingtonma.org/admin/school_committee.html
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FISKE SCHOOL STAFF
ADMINISTRATION
Ms. Nancy Peterson Principal [email protected]
Mr. Brian Baker Assistant Principal [email protected]
Ms. Barbara Prindle Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Mrs. JoAnn McMahon School Nurse [email protected]
CLASSROOM TEACHERS
Name Room Grade Contact
Ms. Shannon Carnemolla 266 ILP [email protected]
Ms. Jennifer Putnam 101 ILP [email protected]
Ms. Lisa Falke 107 ILP [email protected]
Mrs. Christine Maestri 104 Kindergarten [email protected]
Ms. Lisa Maffei 102 Kindergarten [email protected]
Ms. Lisa Williams 103 Kindergarten [email protected]
Ms. Jean Button 110 Grade 1 [email protected]
Mrs. Ann Crogan 111 Grade 1 [email protected]
Mrs. Amy Shew 108 Grade 1 [email protected]
Ms. Dani Turner 109 Grade 1 [email protected]
Ms. Amanda Turkanis 182 Grade 2 [email protected]
Ms. Kari Zbikowski 184 Grade 2 [email protected]
Ms. Cara Dwyer 183 Grade 2 [email protected]
Mr. Ryan Heeden 282 Grade 3 [email protected]
Mr. Harold Wilde 284 Grade 3 [email protected]
Mrs. Stephanie Forrest 283 Grade 3 [email protected]
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Ms. Tracey Klein 286 Grade 3 [email protected]
Ms. Kim Michael 211 Grade 4 [email protected]
Mr. Andrew Halfond 207 Grade 4 [email protected]
Mrs. Jocelyn Hayes 208 Grade 4 [email protected]
Mrs. Yvonne Holgerson 209 Grade 4 [email protected]
Mrs. Kristyn Aufiero 285 Grade 5 [email protected]
Ms.Christine McMahon 186 Grade 5 [email protected]
Mr. Brian Baker 185 Grade 5 [email protected]
Mrs. Jessica Caverly 185 Grade 5 [email protected]
Mrs. Michelle Carter 210 Grade 5 [email protected]
SPECIALISTS
Name Subject Contact
Mr. Gordon Spiller Physical Education [email protected]
Mr. James Kane Adaptive Physical Ed [email protected]
Mrs. Tami O’Leary Art [email protected]
Ms. Ashley Gauffin Art [email protected]
Mr. Nick Hart Music [email protected]
ML Bean Music [email protected]
Mr. David Sampou Instrumental Music [email protected]
Mr. D. Riley Instrumental Music [email protected]
Ms. T. Matthews Instrumental Music [email protected]
Ms. T. Cohen Instrumental Music [email protected]
Mrs. Lysa Pirone Guidance Counselor [email protected]
Ms. Phyllis Fermon Guidance Counselor [email protected]
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Mrs. Karen Kishpaugh Library/Media [email protected]
Ms. Deidre Schadler English LanguageLearners [email protected]
Mrs. Susan Sepe Reading/ Language Arts [email protected]
Ms. Maria Azerado Reading/ Language Arts [email protected]
Mrs. Jessica Caverly Reading/ Language Arts [email protected]
Ms. Cheryl Crowder METCO Social Worker [email protected]
Ms. Julia Hendrix Mathematics [email protected]
Ms. Meghan Gregory Literacy Coach [email protected]
Ms. Meg Flatley Integration Specialist [email protected]
KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANTS
Mrs. Reggie Cokkinias (Maestri)
Ms. Chihiro Mukai (Williams)
Ms. Racquel Mangie (Maffei)
AIDES
Name Contact
Mrs. Lena Bumbaca [email protected]
Mrs. Margaret Joyce [email protected]
Ms. Bryn Beaulieu [email protected]
Mrs. Kim Johnson [email protected]
Ms. Deborah White [email protected]
Ms. Butterfly Castaneda [email protected]
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
Name Position Contact
Mrs. Stacy Prosowski Education Team Leader [email protected]
Ms. Lynne Perry Resource [email protected]
Ms. Emily Mayne Resource [email protected]
Ms. Heather Medeiros Resource [email protected]
Mrs. Robin Kutner Resource [email protected]
Mrs. Deidre King Speech/Language [email protected]
Mrs. Royale Abrams Speech/Language [email protected]
Mrs. Robin Fishkind Occupational Therapist [email protected]
Mrs. Anne Opal Occupational Therapist [email protected]
Mr. Dan Markowitz Psychologist [email protected]
Ms. Vicki Russell Reading/SPED [email protected]
SPECIAL CLASS ASSISTANTS (DISTRICT-WIDE ILP)
Name Room Contact
Ms. Elizabeth Rubino 101 [email protected]
Ms. Liz Camire 101 [email protected]
Ms. Beth Battin 101 [email protected]
Ms. Colleen Flynn 101 [email protected]
Ms. Katherine Caggiano 101 [email protected]
Ms. Rachel Hecht 266 [email protected]
Ms. Nicole Verissimo 266 [email protected]
Ms. Carolyn Fryzel 266 [email protected]
Ms. Suzanne Coy 266 [email protected]
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Ms. Kristina Celi 107 [email protected]
Ms. Christine Collins 107 [email protected]
Ms. Stephanie Pilinko 107 [email protected]
Ms. Jennabeth Jackson 107 [email protected]
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS
Lisa Asci
Kristina MacLaughlin
Dede Albers
Mollie Chamberlain
Linda Henning
Teresa Koba
Alice Hirschhorn
Linda Labourene
CUSTODIANS
Mr. Al DiPietrantonio
Mr. Joe Sveistys
Mr. Paul Brennan
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Site Based Council Sometimes called “School Councils,” Site-Based Councils are composed of equal numbers of elected teachers and parents, together with the principal and community representatives, generally serving staggered terms. The role of the School Council is to advise the Principal, especially in creating and evaluating the School Improvement Plan. Site-Based Councils were mandated by the Education Reform Act of 1993 as part of the Act’s decentralization of decision-making, but have had a much longer history in Lexington. Under the 1993 Act, the School Improvement Plan is formulated by the Principal to include educational goals for the school consistent with the goals and standards adopted by the Board of Education pursuant to Chapter 69: Section 1D and the educational policies of the District. The Principal assesses the needs of the school in light of those goals and creates a plan to advance those goals, to address the identified needs and to advance student performance. Considerations include: student-teacher ratios, professional development, enhancement of parental involvement in the life of the school; safety, discipline and the establishment of a welcoming school environment characterized by tolerance and respect for all groups; extracurricular activities; means for meeting the diverse learning needs of as many children as possible (including Special Education) and whatever other topics the principal in consultation with Site-Based Council considers appropriate. Each School Improvement Plan is submitted to the School Committee for review and approval every year. The Council is also responsible for identifying individuals responsible for implementation of programs, establishment of timelines and resources for each goal; and the Council is responsible for evaluating and documenting the school’s success in carrying out the annual plan. We hold open meetings once a month. Agendas are posted at Town Hall and meeting notices are found in the School News. Elections are held each fall, and all parents are eligible both to run and to vote for the parent representatives; similarly, all teachers are eligible to run and to vote for the teacher representatives. Non-members can participate in Site-Based Council activities by being a member of an ad hoc committee. Parents should contact the Principal, who serves as co-chair, with any questions relating to school policies and programs, the School Improvement Plan, or students’ educational needs. Site-Based Council Members 2009-2010: To be announced Lexington Elementary Schools Attendance Policy
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Lexington Public Schools require a high level of participation in engaged learning. Regular class attendance enables students to benefit from classroom discussions, presentations and interactive activities. These shared academic experiences are integral to the learning process and cannot be re-created or replicated.
Massachusetts law requires compulsory attendance for all students. Chapter 76, section 1 of the Mass General Laws states that all children between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school. A school district may excuse up to seven day sessions or fourteen partial day sessions in any six-month period. The school must uphold the law.
Absence and Tardy Information
Students arriving late to school must report to the main office with a parent and be signed in. A child is considered late for elementary school if he or she is not in the classroom by 8:45 a.m. ready to begin the school day.
An EXCUSED ABSENCE/TARDY includes:
Documented illness or injury Bereavement/family funeral Major religious observances Extraordinary family circumstances (excused at the discretion of the principal)
An UNEXCUSED ABSENCE/TARDY is not covered by the aforementioned definition. Examples of an unexcused absence may include, but may not be limited to:
Repetitive or chronic absence or tardiness due to illness or injury not documented by a doctor or other medical professional
Truancy Family vacations Undocumented absences Non-emergency family situations
Tardy Consequences: Work and/or instruction missed may be made up at recess.
After 8th tardy - Letter home After 10th tardy – Conference with the parent and student Subsequent tardies may result in the child being referred to the Student Resource Officer.
Family Vacations
We strongly discourage family vacations when school is in session. In addition to compromising the attendance law, family vacations interrupt the educational process in
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each subject area in ways that make-up work cannot reverse. Teachers are not required to provide work in advance of a family vacation.
Attendance Policy – If a student has…
Five (5) or more consecutive days absent, parents must obtain a doctor’s note and submit it to the school.
Seven (7) absences (excused or unexcused), a letter of warning will be issued to parents reminding them of the school’s attendance policy, and that they will be contacted to schedule a meeting should absences approach 10 days.
Ten (10) absences (excused or unexcused), a parent conference will be scheduled to discuss the attendance policy and to develop a proactive attendance plan.
Fifteen (15) absences (in disregard of the personal attendance plan), an attendance hearing will be held with the parents, administrators, and School Resource Officer.
Twenty (20) absences (in disregard of the personal attendance plan), a 51A (neglect) or CHINS (child in need of services) may be filed.
Twenty-five (25) absences or more, it could result in retention.
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Fiske Traffic Safety Rules We strongly encourage walking, biking and carpooling to Fiske. The safety of all Fiske students during morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal is of great importance both to Fiske School administration and staff as well as the Fiske PTO. The Fiske PTO has worked with the Lexington Police Department to create simple traffic rules and a system to enforce them. We ask that everyone visiting Fiske School at morning drop-off (8:00am – 9:15am) or afternoon dismissal (2:45pm – 3:30pm) abide by these simple rules to keep everyone safe. Adams Street Safety Rules Cars may park in the visitor parking lot (back-in parking only) OR on the sidewalk side of
the Adams Street entrance road. Do not park your car after the crosswalk on the traffic circle.
Adams Street visitor parking lot is BACK-IN parking only.
No U-turn anywhere on the entrance road is permitted – follow the traffic pattern to
reverse direction. No stopping for any reason on the circle during dismissal.
Do not allow children to get into your vehicle unless you are properly parked.
Only legally disabled people may park in the disabled bay.
Turn off your car engine. By law there is no idling on school property.
Do not drive across the star to get to the Colony Road side of Fiske School.
Do not park alongside another vehicle on the Adams Street access road
Do not block crosswalks for any reason.
Please observe the one-way traffic pattern around the circle.
Abusive or rude behavior is unacceptable.
Please drive and park respectfully while on Fiske school property. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM GRANDPARENTS, HOME HELPERS OR ANYONE ELSE PICKING UP YOUR CHILDREN OF THESE RULES.
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Colony Road Live Dismissal to a Waiting Vehicle Safety Rules Pick-up must occur between 3:10pm and 3:25pm (Thursday dismissal is between
12:10pm and 12:25pm). If you are late, please park in a legal parking space and meet your child/children at the live dismissal door with your ID card. After 3:35pm (12:35pm on Thursday), please pick-up your child/children directly from the school office.
Your live dismissal ID card must always be shown, no exceptions. Without it, please park
in a legal parking space and come to the live dismissal door with proper identification to pick-up your child/children. After 3:35pm (12:35pm on Thursdays) children must be picked up from the school office.
All individuals picking up children must follow the designated traffic pattern and not pass
other cars or jump the line. Children will only be loaded into the front four cars in a clearly marked dismissal area.
If your child/children are not ready when you reach the loading area, you must follow the
traffic pattern to circle round and rejoin the line. Do not get out of your car in the live dismissal line. If it is necessary, please do so after
moving away from the dismissal area. To get to the live dismissal line, take Grant Street to Colony Road. Cars may only join the
dismissal line from the Grant Street side of Colony Road. Reminder: Cars may not turn left into the school driveway from the upper portion of Colony Road (Merriam Hill side). This is an illegal left turn.
Failure to abide by these rules at all times will result in loss of live dismissal privileges.
Instructions for Walkers & Park and Meet Dismissals on Colony Road side Bring your ID card to the live dismissal door to pick-up your child/children between 3:10pm and 3:25 pm. (Thursday dismissal is between 12:10pm and 12:25pm). After 3:35pm(12:35pm on Thursdays) please pick up your child/children directly from the school office. If your child has a playdate with a child who does not use live dismissal, you can pick up both children at the live dismissal door ONLY if the child’s parent/guardian has written a letter to the teacher permitting the child to be dismissed directly to your car.
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Early Dismissal Procedures Planned Early Dismissal for Individual Student If your child will be leaving during the school day, please send in a note to the classroom teacher. Then, please pick up your child at the office where personnel will call the classroom to notify the child and teacher. All children will be dismissed from the office, not the classroom. There will be no early dismissals between 3:00pm and 3:15pm, with the exception of emergencies. Please contact the Principal if your child needs to be released between 3:00pm and 3:15pm. Early Dismissal Due to Illness or Accident In the event of an illness or accident occurring during the school day, parents of the child will be called first. If parents cannot be reached, the designated substitute (emergency number) will be notified by telephone and asked to supply transportation to take the child home or to the family physician if that is required. It is absolutely necessary that we have up-to-date information on telephone numbers for each family and for all emergency contact persons you have designated to be called when the parent cannot be reached. If any changes occur in the phone numbers or if there are additions or deletions of names on this school listing, please inform the school office immediately. In addition, it is also very important to notify the school of any change of business addresses and telephone numbers. Early Dismissal by the School Nurse When a child is ill, no active learning can take place. Children who are not feeling well, and exhibit signs of illness, or are in discomfort from an injury or accident, should have the right to be cared for in a safe and comfortable home-like environment. We urge you to assess your child for illness and injury, and use common sense for keeping a child home from school. Sending an ill child to school also creates the opportunity for illnesses to spread rapidly around our classrooms, endangering other students and staff. When a child is assessed by the school nurse to be ill, injured, or in a compromised state of health at school, the following are used as guidelines for dismissal: Temperature of 100 F degrees or greater Vomiting or diarrhea A rash suspicious of infectious disease Pediculosis infestation or the presence of head lice Suspected conjunctivitis based on nursing assessment A positive strep culture that has not been treated with antibiotics for 24 hours Inability of a child to move safely about in school due to an injury that has not had medical
evaluation and intervention Any injury, illness, or condition that requires, in the school nurse’s judgment, further
management by a parent/guardian or primary care provider Any child with a known Life-Threatening Allergy will have an Emergency Health Care
Plan in place, and the plan will be followed per the physician’s orders.
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Bus Information and Regulations Please see the LPS website for detailed information: http://lps.lexingtonma.org/bus/index.html Health Food Allergies Due to the increasing number of food allergies and children on special diets, and in support of the Lexington Public School Policy, Fiske School has instituted a policy of food-free school parties, celebrations, and school events. Parents who wish to recognize a child’s birthday are encouraged to substitute a special pencil, bookmark or eraser for the traditional cupcake or cookie. Please consult with your child’s teacher for more information. Students are not allowed to share or exchange food. Illness Children are sometimes ill almost as soon as they arrive at school. It is most embarrassing for them and difficult for the class when this occurs. If your child has been sick the night before or complains of illness in the morning, please keep him/her at home. We do not have adequate facilities for taking care of sick children for any length of time. Children returning to school after illness are expected to participate in all school activities—including outside play periods. Medication Policy Please see the LPS website for detailed information: http://lps.lexingtonma.org/about/medication.pdf Homework Policy of the Lexington Public Schools Please see the LPS website for detailed information: http://lps.lexingtonma.org/about/homeworkpolicy.pdf
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Student Conduct Policy Summary
Fiske School Code
(Triple B’s) Be Safe Be Responsible Be Respectful & Kind
At Fiske We Do Not Do the
Double D’s Dangerous
Destructive
Examples:
Be Safe: stay in boundaries, walk inside, eat your own food, keep hands to your self
Be Responsible: pick up your things, do your own homework
Be Respectful and Kind: include others in games, walk quietly in the hall, use words to solve problems
Examples:
Dangerous: bring a sharp object to school, push others, walk near cars, throw rocks or other items
Destructive: write on desks, call names
The ultimate decision about whether a specific action breaks our school code rests with the staff member, and ultimately with the Principal. Consequences will be applied based on the frequency and severity of the action(s) at the discretion of the Principal or the Principal’s designee. Following is a general outline of the steps that are most often taken. Type of Problem: Minor Examples: Throwing another’s ball out of a game, problem with taking turns or sharing Component of Consequences: Investigation; listening to involved parties Problem solving discussion with staff member and/or administrator Correction by adult (what is the rule?) Apology and solution agreed upon
Parents not usually contacted Examples: Repeated minor problems, moderate physical contact (pushing, grabbing), inappropriate language, teasing and bullying (1st time), excluding, moderate destruction of property, refusal to do work (1st time) Component of Consequences: Listening/investigation may also include others who were present Problem solving discussion often recorded on “think sheet” or in another form
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Correction by adult (what is the rule?) Consequences may include but are not limited to:
Timeout Missing recess Restriction from activity or location Prohibited item taken to office for parent pick-up Check-ins with Principal Child calls parent Replace or repair property Loss of privilege Attend one or more classes on problem solving or social skills Service to school (cleaning)
Parent contact: Think sheet or behavior form home for parent signature Type of Problem: Major Examples: Repeated moderate problems, major fight, theft, physical assault of adult, defiance of adult direction, significant dangerous behavior (attempting to leave school, throwing or knocking over furniture), inappropriate touching, repeated lying, and repeated bullying Component of Consequences: Detention after school In school or out of school suspension Expulsion
Note: By law, all suspensions and expulsions are reported to the State Parent contact: by phone, documented in writing. For suspensions and expulsions, a meeting will be scheduled
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Lexington School Committee Policy on Life-Threatening Allergies (Approved by the Lexington School Committee on June 21, 2005.) Background The prevalence of reported food allergies has continued to increase significantly over the last several years. It is reported that the incidence of peanut allergy over the last five years has doubled in children.1 In 2003, it was reported that there were approximately 2 million school-age children with food allergies.2 Those with a diagnosed food allergy are at significant risk of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. In a study by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health there were 374 reported cases of anaphylactic reactions requiring the use of an EpiPen in the schools of the Commonwealth between September 2001 and May 2005.3 In October 2002, the Massachusetts Department of Education joined the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) in recommending that all schools have in place a system to identify children with life-threatening allergies (LTA) and be prepared in the school workplace to deal with life-threatening allergic reactions. Education of all staff in life-threatening allergy awareness is the cornerstone of this initiative. Purpose and Scope In order to minimize the incidence of life-threatening allergic reactions, the Lexington Public Schools (LPS) will maintain a system-wide response plan to address life-threatening reactions and maintain an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) for any student whose parent/guardian, primary care physician or board certified allergist has informed the principal of a school in writing that the student has a life-threatening allergy. Implementation of the life-threatening allergy policy The Lexington Public Schools (LPS) will:
A. Provide life-threatening allergy awareness education and EpiPen training for all LPS employees based on Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Education (DOE) recommendations, including but not limited to:
a. the significance of LTAs and a discussion on the most common food, stinging
insect, latex, and medication allergies, b. how to create a safe environment for students with LTAs, c. the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, d. what an EpiPen is and how to use it, e. how to activate the Emergency Response System (ERS), i.e., nurse and 911
Emergency Medical Services (EMS), to deal with an actual, suspected, or potential anaphylactic reaction.
B. At the elementary school level during the school day, all schools will require that any
parties and celebrations be food free. The use of food for curriculum instruction or special
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luncheons during the school day will be restricted to approval by the principal. The use of food as a reward in any classroom will be eliminated.
C. The principal or designee in each school will implement a “No Food or Utensil Sharing”
practice, with particular focus at the elementary school level.
D. Each elementary school, as reasonably appropriate, will provide a peanut free/tree-nut free table in the cafeteria. Reasonable efforts will be made for such table to become “free” of other allergens as deemed needed for an individual student through documentation from the student’s primary care physician or board certified allergist. At the middle and high schools appropriate accommodations will be made as needed.
E. The risk involved in allowing students of elementary and middle school age to make
unsupervised food choices at bake sales is recognized; therefore, no bake sales will be permitted at elementary or middle schools during the school day. Bake sales conducted outside the school day are limited to those at which only adults are allowed to purchase products. At the high school level, the sale of food products as a fundraiser will be at the discretion of the principal.
F. At the elementary school level, when a student’s medical need to be in an LTA-free
environment is clearly documented by a board certified allergist, and clear directions from the allergist are provided, LPS will make reasonable efforts to create LTA-free classrooms for the student. LPS reserves the right to consult with a board certified allergist of its choice to review the recommendation to determine if it will authorize its implementation.
G. Each school’s Crisis Management Plan will include how to respond to an anaphylactic
reaction (life-threatening allergic reaction). This plan will be reviewed annually by each building principal and will be part of all LTA-awareness training.
H. Each school will develop and maintain an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) for any
student identified with a life-threatening allergy in collaboration with the student’s parent/guardian and primary care physician or board certified allergist.
I. The LPS will maintain records of any life-threatening allergic reaction, the use of an
EpiPen, and the call for medical assistance by calling 911. LPS will report all such LTA reactions to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), according to department regulations and protocol.
J. Because of the confidentiality of medical records, a student’s parent/guardian has the
responsibility for notifying school bus drivers directly of any life-threatening allergies of which the bus driver should be aware.
K. For any event outside of the regular school day which is neither sponsored by LPS nor
part of the LPS curriculum, the sponsor of such event is responsible for assuring that appropriate provisions concerning LTA’s of participants are in place.
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Employee / Contractor training and education Life-threatening allergy (LTA) awareness training will be required of all teachers, aides, tutors, secretaries, and student teachers in the school system. The custodial staff either will be included in staff LTA-awareness training or will be offered informational sessions on life-threatening allergies by the building principal. All substitute teachers contracted by the LPS will receive LTA-awareness training, following the LPS curriculum. No substitute will be employed in the system who has not received this training. The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for ensuring that contracted services provide LTA-awareness training to substitute teachers. Food-service personnel contracted by LPS will be given building-based LTA-awareness training annually. The LPS Business Office will offer to our contracted bus drivers the opportunity for LTA awareness training annually, and will encourage their participation. Principals or their designees will be responsible to schedule LTA-awareness training in their schools and to ensure that all appropriate employees are trained. Notes: 1 Sicherer MD, Scott ,et al. “Prevalence of peanut and tree nut allergy in the United States …A 5 year follow-up
study,” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. December 2003. 2 Munos-Furlong, A. “Daily Coping Strategies for Patients and Their Families”. Pediatrics. 2003 111:1654-
1661. 3 McIntyre RN,PhD, Lynn, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Report on EpiPen Administration in
Schools.
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Other School Information Absence Please call the Fiske School Attendance Line 781-541-5018 and leave a message if your child is going to be absent or tardy. Do not call the regular Fiske School phone number. The Attendance Line answering system is checked on a regular basis. Whenever your child is absent from school, upon his/her first day of return, a written note with the parent’s signature explaining the reason for absence must be delivered to the school office. After-School Program For inquiries regarding the after-school program that takes place at Fiske School, please contact: Fiske Extended Day Susan Nathanson, Director Tel: 781-541-5015 Biking to School Unless accompanied by an adult, a student must be in grades 3-5 in order to ride a bike to school. All riders must wear helmets. Weather permitting; students may ride bikes to school from September to Thanksgiving and from April Vacation through the end of the school year. Skate boards, scooters, rollerblades, etc. are not allowed at school. Cell Phones Students carrying or using cell phones during school hours has become a concern to us. Cell phones are not to be brought to school. If you feel it is necessary for your child to carry one, please put it in writing to Nancy Peterson, the Principal. If agreed, cell phones are not to be used during school hours. Any student caught using one during school hours will have it confiscated, and a parent will be required to pick it up at the office. School phones are available for any student to use. Students are NEVER refused the use of a phone unless all lines are busy – in which case they will simply wait until a line becomes free. Communication: Home to School Should you have a question or concern regarding the classroom, your initial contact should be with the classroom teacher. If the issue cannot be resolved in the initial meeting, the Principal will schedule a meeting with the parent and the teacher to work on any concerns. If your concern is one that affects the school at large, please contact the Principal directly.
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Curriculum Curriculum guides for each grade level are available in the office. Specific questions may be addressed to the teacher, the curriculum director for any given content area, or the principal. Curriculum Directors are housed in the Bowman School. Field Trips Classes periodically take field trips to support curriculum initiatives. For example, last year second grade students went to the Museum of Science, third graders went to Old Sturbridge Village and fifth graders went to the Boston Symphony. The cost of field trips is paid by parents.* Prior to any trip, permission slips and field trip information will be sent home. Volunteer parent chaperones are utilized. *If you would like to request scholarship assistance, please contact Ms. Peterson. Parent-Teacher Conferences There are two parent-teacher conferences initiated by teachers during the year, one in the fall and one in the spring. This year they will be held on the following dates:
Fall Spring October 28 March 17 October 29 March 18 November 4 March 24 November 5 March 25
Parents are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the teacher at any other time when they feel there is a need. Just call the office or send in a note with the goal of establishing a mutually convenient time. Discussions in hallways or public places concerning individual students are discouraged. Playground
Using the Fiske Playground is a privilege. All students are expected to understand and follow playground expectations. Outdoor time is an excellent opportunity for children to play and to interact with one another. It is important, however, that students be able to transition easily and quickly from the independent play atmosphere to the classroom atmosphere and that issues from the outside do not impact learning time in the classroom. Students are not allowed on the playground before 8:15 each morning, as there is no supervision prior to that time. Before school, supervision begins at 8:15 A.M. Due to the fact that we have only limited supervision in the morning, use of the fields and basketball court is not allowed before school.
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Report Cards
Pupil report cards for children in grades 1-5 are sent home three times a year in December, March and June. Report cards for kindergarten children are sent home twice a year in November and April. School Hours Our doors are open for the children at 8:30 A.M., and for their safety we ask that children not arrive on school grounds before that time. There is aide coverage on the playground for bus children who arrive prior to that time, generally beginning around 8:15 A.M. Because of school meetings or other morning obligations, teachers might not be in their classrooms before 8:30 A.M. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday Thursday 8:30 am Enter classrooms 8:30 am Enter classrooms 8:45 am Attendance is taken 8:45 am Attendance is taken 3:15 pm Dismissal 12:15 pm Dismissal School Meeting Once a week, typically on Friday, the entire school gathers in the gym for a 30 minute school meeting. The purpose of the school meeting is to build community, share school events and news, talk about school issues, and recognize talented students. Parents are welcome to participate in the school meeting whenever they have an interest or a performing child. Staff Lounge
The staff lounge is exclusively for staff use. Student Council The Fiske School Student Council is selected three times a year from interested students in the fourth and fifth grades. Goals for the Student Council include: school spirit, school leadership and community service. Visiting Procedure From 8:00am to 4:00pm, for reasons of safety, all visitors must sign in and out and receive a visitor pass in the school office. If you are dropping off something for your child, please drop it in the office and we will see that it gets to your child. If you have mail for the teachers, bring it to the school office and it will be distributed by the school secretary. By following this procedure, we can ensure that classroom instruction for your child and for all Fiske children is not interrupted.
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Volunteer Form (mandated by the state)
Under Chapter 385 of the Acts of 2002, school districts are required to obtain criminal offender records information (CORI) on all employees, applicants for employment, VOLUNTEERS, individuals who provide transportation services to students on a regular basis, and subcontractors and laborers hired to perform work on school grounds. This law was enacted throughout Massachusetts in February, 2003 in order to better ensure the safety of school children. Parents who may have direct and unsupervised access to children such as by attending field trips, assisting, being a guest speaker in the classroom, working with groups of children, or reading to students without a teacher in attendance must all be checked under the CORI requirements PRIOR to the commencement of any volunteer service. Once an initial CORI check has been completed, another one will not be required under law for 3 more years. CORI permission forms are available in the school office. Completed forms are submitted by the Lexington Public School Human Resources Office to the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board to check for possible criminal history. It takes approximately 30 working days for the process to be completed. The CORI check must be completed PRIOR TO PROVIDING A VOLUNTEER SERVICE.
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Communication with Fiske School Most communications from the school will occur via email. To be included in the distribution, be sure that your family has signed up for the Fiske News Mailing List. The link below will allow you to register.
Please visit http://comet.ci.lexington.ma.us/mailman/listinfo/fiske-news for all user subscription management including unsubscribing from the list.
Each Friday, the PTO will send out “Fiske News” which includes important dates and announcements. If you have information to be included in the Fiske News, send to Sue Bruce at [email protected] by Wednesday afternoon.
For time-sensitive announcements, the school will use the Global Connect Telephone system to reach families. The phone numbers called will be those that you have provided to the school on the Emergency Contact Form.
On occasion, the school will send out paper flyers and reminders. Fiske administration and the Fiske PTO are committed to reducing paper waste.
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Fiske PTO Overview The PTO and Site-Based Council at Fiske are organizations that work toward the common goal of making our school a vibrant, challenging place for children to learn. While the PTO and the Council work in partnership to support the programs at Fiske, we also serve as vital liaisons to the parent body. The role of the PTO is to promote the closer relationship between home and school and foster a sense of community by working together to provide an excellent public school education for every child. At Fiske, the PTO’s work is demonstrated through enrichment activities and targeted support for unfunded or under-funded school programs. This is accomplished by a system of committees, chaired and staffed by volunteers and funded by parent-supported fundraising. We encourage all parents to get involved in the PTO. We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available, and new ideas are always welcome. The PTO Executive Board members and Committee chairs are nominated and then elected by PTO members each spring. We hold open meetings every month during the school year. Dates and times will be announced in the School News. Parents should contact the PTO with questions about any PTO programs currently in place, as well as any ideas for new programs that would enrich our school community or provide financial support for school programs. Executive Board Members 2009-2010 Nicole Abair, Co-President Andrea Jackson, Co-President Trisha Kennealy, Co-Vice President Kathlene McGrail, Co-Vice President Jillian Tung, Co-Treasurer Pam Winters, Co-Treasurer Robin Gannon, Co-Secretary Caroline Wedgwood, Co-Secretary
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