| STUDENT ABSENCE FROM AND TARDY TO SCHOOL POLICY
This policy comes into play when a student has reached five or more
unexcused absences/tardies in a quarter.
PROCEDURE
When students reach five or more full day unexcused absences or five
or more unexcused tardies during any marking quarter, the main office
attendance secretary will identify them and give their namews to their
homeroom teacher and the Principal.
FIRST NOTIFICATION
The homeroom teacher will speak to the student, if appropriate, and call
the parent to discuss the unexcused absences/tardies from school and
encourage both the student and the parent to make an effort to be in
school on time each school day. The Princiapl will send home a form
letter informing the parent that it has been noted that the student has
reached five unexcused absences/tardies. The letter will contain at
least education reasons to attend school regularly, a reference or the
test of RSA 193.1 Duty of Parent; Compulsory Attendance by Pupil, and
information on the New Hampshirew Mediation Program. A copy of the
letter will be placed in the student's file.
SECOND NOTIFICATION
If the unexcused absence/tardies continue unabated during the same term,
the principal will contact the parent to dicuss the problem and issue a
second letter containing at least the same information. It will also
discuss the legal consequences of continued unexcused absence/tardies.
The letter will be place in the student's file and copied to the
Allenstown Police Department.
THIRD NOTIFICATION
A letter will be sent to the parent notifyinbg them that they may set up
an appointment with New Hampshire Mediation withing forty-eight (48)hours
or the matter will be referred to the Allenstown Police Dept. for action.
The letter will be place in the student's file and copied to the
Allenstown Police Dept. The school will confirm the meeting directly
with the New Hampshire Mediation, follow up to see that the meeting is
held and monitor progress.
DEFINITIONS
Excused Absences
* Short-term illness (one to three days) determined by the parent
* Extended illness (four or more days) with a note verifying the
illness from a physician
* Death, illness, or emergency in the immediate family
* Intervention by a government agency
* Absences/tardies relating to a documented (in an IEP or 504 Plan)
disability
Judgement calls on the part of the administration
* The death of a pet
* A death, illness, or emergency in the extended family
Unexcused Absences
* Oversleeping
* Missing the bus
* Parent driving child to school
* Student staying up to late
* Extended sickness without a physician's note
* A family vacation
BICYCLES SAFETY
Only those students in grades 1-4 will be permitted to ride their
bicycles to school. All students riding bicycles to school are to:
* be well versed in and follow basic safety rules
* wear bicycle helmets
* have their bicycles registered in the office
* lock their bicycles while parked at school
* walk their bicycles on and off the school campus
DETENTION
The detaining of students at the close of the regular clas schedule is
apppropriate for making up work or as a disciplinary measure. Parents
will be contacted and asked to sign a detention slip. Parents are
responsible for transportation home. Detention is held on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 2:30 to 3:00.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
The schoold would like to advise parents of our responsibility regarding
emergency procedures. Throughout the year, students and school staff
drill on fire and emergency procedures. These include:
* a method for exiting buildings in case of emergency
* what to do in case of fire
* assigned duties for all staff
The Allenstown Elementary Schools proceudres are clearly outlined in the
School Crisis Emergency Plan. Parents are welcome to review the manual
by visitin the office.
HEALTH & WELLNESS POLICY
OVERVIEW:
Will the students of today be the first generation to have a shorter life
life expectancy than their parents? Does the face of a child suffering
from malnutrition resemble the face of a child adversely affected by
over-nutrition? Will academic success become more and more difficult
for students to attain as lifestyles choices diminish a child's ability
to learn?
A healthy school environment goes beyond school meals in the cafeteria.
A healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight requires a
combination of healthy food choices and a appropriate amount of physical
activity. All foods made available on school grounds should offer
children nutritous choices and physical activity should be incorporated
into the school day as often as possible. The healthy, physically active
child is more likely to be more academically successful.
With the recent passage of the act "Public Law 208:Section 204" states
that by the first day of the 2006 school year beginning after
June 30,2006 all schools must develop a wellness policy.
The Allenstown Schooo District is committed to providing a school
environment that enhances learning and development of lifelong wellness
practices.
TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS:
* Child nutrition programs will comply with federal, state, and local
requirements. Child nutrition programs will be accessible to all
children.
* Sequential and interdisciplinary nutrition and education will be
provided and promoted through the science curriculum or health
eudcator.
* Patterns of meaningfulk daily activity will connect to students'
lives outside physical education.
* All school-based activities will be consistent with local wellness
policy goals; whenever possible, alternative consequences will be
used in place of losing recess privileges
* All food & beverages made available during the school day will be
consistent with the dietary guidelines for Americans. These will
include vending, concessions, student stores, parties and fund
raisers.
* All food made available on school grounds adhere to food safety and
security guidelines.
* The school environment is safe, comfortable, pleasing and allows ample
time and space for eating meals. The use of food and/or physical
activity as a reward or punishment is avoided.
* The school district will provide nutritional information to parents
to encourage safe and nutritious food for their children.
NUTRITION EDUCATION:
* Nutrition will be integrated into other areas of the curriculum such
as Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies.
* Nutrition education will involve sharing information with families
to positively impact students and the health of the community.
* School district will provide information to families to encourage
them to teach their children about health and nutrition to assist
providing nutritious meals for their families.
* Students will be encouraged to start each day with a healthy
breakfast.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
* Physical activity will be encouraged across the curricula and
throughout the school day.
* Physical education courses will be the environment when students
learn, practice and will be assessed on developmentally appropriate
motor skills, social skills and knowledge.
* A State Certified Physical Education instructor will teach all
physical education classes.
* Physical Education will include the instruction of individual
activities as well as competitive and non-competitive team spots to
encourage life-long physical activities.
* Adequate equipment will be available for all students to participate
in physical education. Physical activity facilities on school grounds
will be safe.
* The school will provide a physical and social environment that
encourages safe and enjoyable activity for all students, including
those that are not athletically gifted.
* Information will be provided to families to help them incorporate
physical activity into their students' lives.
* Schools will be encouraged to provide community access to encourage
students and community members to use the schools' physical activity
facilities outise the normal school day.
* School will encourage families and community members to participate
in programs that support physical activity such as the "Walk to
School" program.
OTHER SCHOOL BASED ACTIVITIES:
* After-school programs will encourage physical activity and healthy
lifestyle practices.
* Local policy goals will be considered in planning all school-based
activities (such as school events, field trips, dances and
assemblies).
* Support for the health of all students will be demonstrated through
sport physicals, health screening, immunization clinics and will help
to enroll eligible children in Medicaid and other state children's
health insurance programs.
* Students will receive positive, motifating messages, (verbal and non-
verbal) about healthy eating and physical activity outside the normal
school day.
* Healthy eating and physical activity will be actively promoted to
students, parents, teachers and administrators.
NUTRITION GUIDELINES FOR ALL FOODS ON CAMPUS:
* All food made avaiable during the school day will comply with the
current USDA dietary guidelines for Americans.
o Vending Machines
o Fundraisers
o Student Stores
* All school parties/Holiday celebrations, healthy choices will be
encouraged; however, an occasional treat will be allowed.
* Food providers will take every measure to ensure that student access
to foods and beverages will meet federal, state and local laws and
guidelines. Food providers will offer a variety of age appropriate
healthy food and beverage selections for elementary and middle school.
* Classroom snacks will feature healthy choices. Some suggested foods
are listed below:
o Raw vegetables/slices with low-fat dressing or yogurt dip
o Fresh fruit with 100% fruit juices
o Frozen juice fruit pops
o Dried fruits (raisin,banana chips, etc)
o Low-fat meats and cheese sandwiches (use low-fat
mayonnaise and chicken/tuna salads)
o Party Mix (variety of cereals, pretzels, etc)
o Low sodium crackers
o Baked corn chips and fat-free potato chips with salsa
and low-fat dips (ranch, french onion, bean, etc.)
o Rice cakes
o Low-fat muffins, granola bars, and cookies
o Angel food and sponge cakes
o Flavored yogurt and fruit parfaits
o Jell-O and low fat pudding cups
o Low-fat ice creams, frozen yogurts and sherbets
o Pure ice cold water
* The use of food of minimal nutritional value as learning incentives
will avoid being practiced, and healthy food choices or non-food
items will be substituted.
* Advertising messages (flyers, posters etc.) will be consistent with
and renforce the objectives of the education and nutrition
environmental goals of the school.
EATING ENVIRONMENT:
* The National Association of State Boards of Education guideline that
students should be provided with adequate time to consume meals (at
least 10 minutes for breakfast and 20 minutes for lunch from the time
the students is seated) will be practiced.
* Lunch periods will be scheduled as near to the middle of the school
day as possible.
* Cafeterias will include enough serving areas so that students will
not have to spend too much time waiting in line.
* Dining areas will be attractige and have sufficient space for student
seating.
* Drinking water is available to students at mealtime.
INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC/PANDEMIC PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN
Two issues related to influenza are currently of public health concern.
The regular influenza, also know as flu, for which there is currencly
a preventative vaccine, and the potential for Avian Flu, also knows as
bird flu, for which there is no vaccine at this time.
ALLENSTOWN SCHOOLS PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN FOR REGULAR FLU
The school nurse will:
* Provide education about symptoms, mode of transmission and prevention
to parents, students and staff
* Display remindrer posters in the school to promote hand washing
* Promote flu shots for all adults and children, especially those at
high risk for conmplications.
* Organiza and conduct a staff flu shot clinic in every school
* Publicize public clinics
* Monitor know cases of flu in the state and in school, collaborating
with public health officials when appropriate
* Encourage staff or students with fevers greater than 100.4 and a cough
to stay home from school, and exclude those with symptoms.
* Consult with local and state public health officials at DHHS in order
to advise the superintendent regarding possiboe need to cancel school
events such as sporting events
* Consult with local and state public health officials at DHHS in order
to advise the superintendent regarding possible need to close school
in the event of clusters of cases
Classroom teachers will:
* Encourage hand washing and use tissues to cover sneezes
* Reinforce and remind children not to touch eyes, nose or mouth without
first washing their hands
* Take steps to clean and disinfect surfaces in the classroom; doornobs,
desks, keyboards, etc.
AVIAN FLU (AKA BIRD FLU)
Avian flu is currently not spread human-to-human. It is a flu spread
among birds. A few cases of bird-to-human transmission hae ocfurred in
Asia amont poultry workers. The threat lies in the high probability that
the virus will mutate and become capable of being transmitted humand-to-
human in the same mode of transmission as the regular flu, ie by droplet
secretions from the nose and throat. There is currently no vacine to
prevent Avian flu in humans. (However, if a vaccine is approved for
adminstration, clinics will be scheduled in local areas to accommodate the
need as recommended by the NH Dept of Immunization.) The symptoms are
very similar to the regular flu, but it is expected that it would spread
much more rapidly and more widely resulting in an epidemic or pandemic,
because humans currently have no immunity and so the death rate could be
high. Most public health efforts to prevent a pandemic are aimed at
reducing the transmission among birds. Public health offials nationally,
including those in NH, have advised schools to make additional
preparations for the possiblility of a pandemic of Avian Flu.
ALLENSTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN FOR AVIAN FLU
In addition to the above steps outlined for regular flu, in the event of
an outbreak of Avian Flu anywhere in the northeast
The school nurse will:
o Monitor alerts from DHHS
o Isolate any students or staff with symptoms and exclude them
from school with care guidelines as soon as possible
o Keep records regarding those with symptoms and exclusion
o Report confirmed cases to DDHS according to their guidelines
o Wear a mask when assessing ill students to protect self from
exsosure
o Monitor students and staff returning from travel to areas with
Avian Flu is present
o Encourage parents picking up children with suspected cases to
call their MD or Emergency Room prior to arrival to allow them
to maintain proper infection control
o Consult with local and state public health officials at DHHS in
order to advise the superintendent regarding possible need to
close school in the event of clusters of cases
The school disttrict will:
o Close school for DHHS-recommended number of days if there are any
know or suspected cases of Avian flu in the school population
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Any child who will be five years of age, prior to Sept. 30th is eligible
to enroll in kindergarten. To enroll a child, parents should come to the
school office with birth certificate, shot record, proof of residency and
social security card.
SCHOOL TELEPHONE
Student use of telephone in the office is limited. Student use must be
limited to emergency reasons only.
PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW UNDER NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
As a parent of a student in the Allenstown School District, you have the
right to know the professional qualifications of the teachers who
instruct your child. You have the right to ask for the following
information about each of your child's classroom teacher:
* whether the teacher has met state qualifications and licensing
criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the
teacher provides instruction
* whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other
provisional status through which state qualification or
licensing criteria have been waived
* the baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other
graduate certificate or degree held by the teacher, and the field
of discipline of the certification or degree
* whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and,
if so, their qualifications
If you should wish to receive any of this information please contact
the principal or central office SAU #53.
In addition to the aboave information that parents may request, a
District that receives Title 1 funds is also require in certain
circumstances to provide additional information to each individual
parent including:
* timely notice that the parent's child has been assigned, or
has been taught by four or more consecutive weeks by, a
teacher who is not highly qualified
* information on the level of achievement of the parent's child
in each of the state academic assessments required under the
NCLBA
* information regarding a school's failure to make adequate
yearly progress and parent rights and options pertaining to
that failure
* information regarding the school's identification as
a "school in need of improvement" and parental rights and
options pertaining to that designation
* notification within 30 days of placement of child in a
Limited English Proficiency Program
* notification of right to inspect, prior to distribution of
child third-party surveys asking for certain sensitive
information
The notice and information provided to parents as described above will
be in an understandable and uniform format, and, to the extent
practicable, provided in a language that the parents can understand.
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