Manchester Elementary School
Parent Handbook
2008-09
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dear Parents,
We are pleased to welcome your child to another year of education at the Manchester Elementary School.
It is important for parents and the school to have an open avenue of communication so we can all work together to benefit our students. Through this handbook, we hope that you will be better informed about both the staff and the programs offered to your children.
We invite you to visit school often during the year to view firsthand the outstanding educational opportunities provided to the students of Manchester. In addition, please feel free to call at any time. Our phone number is 622-2949. For your information, the office is open from 7:15-3:15 and classes are in session from 8:00-2:45. The following is a roster of current staff, along with their voice mail extensions.
Sincerely,
Rick Wilson, Principal
Manchester School Staff
Position |
Name |
622.2949 + the following extension |
Principal |
Rick Wilson |
302 |
School Secretary |
Joyce Norwood |
301 |
Kindergarten |
Robin Terrell |
310 |
Kindergarten |
Nicole Danielson |
312 |
Grade 1 |
Claudette Purington |
315 |
Grade 2 |
Debbie Poulin |
311 |
Grade 2 |
Larry Liebling |
314 |
Grade 3 |
Jennie Galletta |
321 |
Grade 3 |
Mary O'Brien |
320 |
Grade 4 |
Valerie Emerson |
322 |
Grade 4 |
Diane Curtis |
323 |
Grade 5 |
Faye Trafton |
326 |
Grade 5 |
Pia Holmes |
327 |
Literacy Specialist |
Anne Hurd |
309 |
Special Education |
Debbie Collins |
313 |
Guidance |
Linda Patrie |
317 |
Speech Pathologist |
Shannon Cole |
341 |
Librarian |
Nancy Diamond Carol Gogan |
306 |
School Clinician |
Wendy Flaschner |
|
Foreign Language |
Charles Hicks |
328 |
Vocal Music |
Jennifer Caton |
332 |
Instrumental Music |
Janet Dunham |
|
Physical Education |
Barbara Godfrey/Nancy Martin |
|
Art |
Katharine Ayer |
325 |
Gifted and Talented |
Terry Hickey & Mary Ellen Miner |
|
School Nurse |
Sharon Chaplin |
303 |
Educational Techs |
Barbara Jackson Ashli Spear Ginger Ishkanian Kim Simpson Pat LeVeen Barbara Galouch Debbie Watts LeeAnn Whitcomb |
304 329 305 |
Cooks |
Greta Gorneau Lauri DuBois |
307 |
Duty Aides |
Nancy Belanger, Renee Hippler |
|
Custodians |
Curtis Williams Craig Dunn |
330 329 |
Occupational Therapy |
Dianna Erb |
|
School Psychological Service Provider |
Susan Holinger |
319 |
Volunteer Coordinator |
Becky Vining |
|
Bus Drivers |
#1 - Lorraine Schwarz #19 - Peter Godfrey #10 - Peter Walsh #14 - Sandy Muniz |
|
In addition to the staff at Manchester School, the Central Office personnel would be happy to make themselves available to you for any additional information. Central Office personnel can be reached at 685-3336.
Superintendent Richard Abramson (685-3336)
Assistant Superintendent
Special Education Director Lew Colllins (685-4372)
Finance Manager Brigette Williams (685-3336)
Technology Coordinator Jan Kolenda (622-2949 ext.318)
Transportation Blendine Butterfield (685-3621)
School Committee Members
Harry Lanphear, 623-3542
Sharlene Adams, 622-0366
Doug Ide 623-5925
Mike Parent, 623-8581
Mary Keeley, 626-9276
The School Board normally meets periodically during the school year. Te Union Board, made up of members from all four times also meets quarterly to discuss issues related to our schools. All meetings are posted in advance. If you would like to place an item on the agenda, the Superintendent's Office needs to be notified 10 days in advance. All are welcome to attend.
The following section includes information about several important policies and procedures in place at Manchester School.
Affirmation of Positive Discipline
The Manchester Elementary School Committee recognizes and supports the measures taken by staff and administration to resolve disciplinary issues in a positive and productive manner. There has been a concerted effort to address affirmatively all matters that effect the safety and general well-being of our students.
Manchester Elementary School is continually working to create an environment that honors respect, responsibility and high academic achievement. Our high expectations for excellence and good citizenship are reflected in our Belief and Vision Statements. To that end, the School Committee is committed to doing its part to provide our students with a school that encourages intellectual and social growth and prohibits acts of disrespect and intolerance.
Hot Lunch Program
Hot lunches are available at a rate of $2.25 per day (or $11.25 per week). This price includes milk. Breakfast is $.75 per meal. Free or reduced rate hot lunches and breakfasts are available for those students whose families qualify. Applications may be obtained from the school office. The price of milk is $.50 per day. We ask that both hot lunch and milk money be brought in on Monday (or the first day of the week). You are also welcome to pay in advance any amount of money that will be credited to the student's account. We would appreciate your cooperation with this policy.
The Hot Lunch Program includes an option called "Offer vs. Serve". The students have a choice of selecting either the entree served each day or an alternative prepared by the cooks. The students in grades 1-5 make this selection each morning. Kindergarten students make a weekly selection on the first day of the week. It would be helpful if kindergarten parents would provide written indication of those selections on the first day of each week. At lunch time, students can also make selections regarding fruit, vegetables and white or chocolate milk. In all cases, the selections meet each of the nutrition elements required by the State.
Principal's Notes
The newsletter for the following week is sent home on Thursday. On the newsletter there is a calendar section that gives you important upcoming dates about school and district events. Please review this each week because it contains important information about upcoming events and programs. We also attach a number of important notices to the newsletter each week. Therefore, you and your children should get into the habit of reviewing these notices weekly.
No School Announcements
On mornings when storms prevent school from being held, bulletins are announced several times over local radio (WABK, WMME) and television stations (channels 6, 8, 13) indicating school closings or delays. It is also listed on our district's web site, www.maranacook.org. Listen and watch for for announcements about schools in School Union 42. Please note that there is another Manchester Elementary School in Windham, Maine. On occassion, people hear that school's no school annoncement and assume that it is us. Our school is always included in the School Union 42 announcement; it would be a very rare occassion for our school to be cancelled on its own.
Occasionally, it is necessary (due to an impending storm, power or water loss, etc.) to close school before the regular release time. Since it would be impossible to notify each parent, these announcements are made over local radio. Please have a clear understanding with your child(ren) as to what he/she is supposed to do (or where to go) in the event of an early dismissal. Decisions about school cancellations, delays or early dismissals are made by the Office of the Superintendent.
Notes for Alternative Transportation
If your child is going to visit a friend after school or be transported in a way other than the usual manner, a request should be made in the form of a written note signed by the parent. We would also appreciate a note if you are picking up your child(ren) after school so we'll know not to send them on their regular bus run. If you forget the written note, please call the office by 2:00 P.M. Without either a written note or a phone call from parents, students will be sent home on their regular bus run. Please be aware that requests to travel on a different bus may be denied if there is not room enough for any additional students. Students will be released to parents only during and after school unless the parent has authorized the school to release them to someone else.
Visitor Parking
To ensure the safety of our students, parking is allowed in the designated spaces only....parking around the circle is NOT permitted. If you are parking and coming into the school for any reason, you must park in these designated spaces in either the front or rear parking lots. Many parents come into the school at the end of the day to pick up the children. To ease the congestion and confusion around the office area, we now dismiss these students to parents right outside the rear door on the basketball court. A staff person will wait with the students until they are released to parents. Therefore, it would be best if parents parked in the rear parking lot if you are here for that purpose. We have created four "visitor" parking spaces out front that will be located next to the two handicapped spaces.
These are intended for those making short visits to school and not for long term parking. If you are making a quick drop off or pick-up during the school day, you may continue to do this by the front entrance as long as you are not leaving your car unattended. We also ask that you park in the back lot if you are attending one of our field trips and will be parking your car for the day. We thank you for your adherence to these procedures.
Student Attendance
Students are expected to be in school every day unless they have an illness that requires them to stay at home or have an important family commitment that is unavoidable during school time. By the same token, children who are ill should not be sent to school. If a student becomes ill during the school day, we will call you and ask you to make arrangements to pick up your child. As you know, many illnesses affecting children are contagious and we ask for you to consider this when making the determination whether or not to send your children to school.
Frequent absences do effect the progress of your child's educational program. We ask you to make every attempt to maintain consistent attendance of your children. As students get older, it is expected that they will make up the work missed. If you call prior to 11:00 a.m., we can make arrangements to have ready the homework assignments from your child's teacher(s). You can either pick it up at the close of school or have it sent home with another child.
In all cases, please call the office in the morning to let us know if your child will be absent from school. By doing so, we can all be assured that each student is exactly where he/she is supposed to be. If we do not hear from you, we will attempt to contact you during the day. Please note that the morning bell rings at 7:55 and that begins our instructional day. We would appreciate it if, whenever possible, students can be here by that time so lessons are not interrupted by late arrivals.
Medication Policy
It is the responsibility of the parent and/or student to administer all medication. However, as a convenience for parents, the school will, upon written request, keep medication available for a period of time. Parents shall notify the school in writing (form provided for long term medication) when it is necessary for their child to take medication including type of medication, amounts and times to be administered. In addition, it must be in the original pharmacy container and brought in to school by the parent another adult. Students may not transport medications. Our school nurse (Sharon Chaplin) is in the building every day for half of the day (we share her with Readfield). Please call her (ext. 303) if you have questions regarding medication or any other health related issues.
While we have no formal dress code for Manchester, we would like you to keep the following suggestions in mind:
1. Students should be dressed for the weather. All students are expected to go outside during recess time, weather permitting. Medical excuses will be accepted.
2. Students should maintain an appearance that is appropriate to the setting - one that promotes a positive and healthy school experience. We do not allow clothes which have inappropriate slogans or those that advertise tobacco or drug products.
3. Students should not wear clothing or accessories that will cause injury to themselves, other students, or damage school property.
4. For safety purposes, students may not wear open-toed shoes or sandals on Castletown (our playground). If they wear them to school, they should also have a pair of sneakers to change into when they go outside.
4. Students who wear boots should bring shoes to wear while in the building. Wearing heavy boots all day is a poor health practice.
5. Please put your child's name in all outer clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes and boots.
No Smoking Policy
The School Board has adopted a policy which prohibits smoking anywhere on school grounds, inside or outside. This includes evening and weekend activities. This policy went into effect on August 31, 1994.
In addition to the educational experiences that are gained within the regular classroom, all students receive instruction by a certified specialist (shared by the district schools) in the following areas:
Art (except Kindergarten)
Library
Physical Education
Vocal Music
Guidance
French
Additionally, students may elect to enter the instrumental music program in grade four. All students in grade three receive a pre-band experience on the precorder.
Students, if eligible, receive support services in the following areas:
Special Education
Literacy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Guidance Program
Students in all grades participate in classroom guidance lessons. Discussions and activities are designed to help students understand themselves as individuals, to acquire skills in developing interpersonal relationships, to recognize and respond to difficult situations, and to explore goals and aspirations. They also learn how to access assistance for their own specific needs.
Some children also receive guidance services while in small groups or in some cases, individually. Also, parents and staff members have the opportunity to collaborate with the guidance counselor when concerned about a child's physical, academic, social or emotional development.
Manchester Elementary School has a Student Assistance Team. The purpose of this team is to provide a forum for teachers to come and discuss ways to improve programming for students. During these meetings, we discuss the issues that are getting in the way of student success in the classroom and brainstorm strategies to improve programming for that student. The Team has attended training to become familiar with this process. Other staff members may be invited if they are involved with the child or can share some expertise with team members. When we meet to discuss a child's program, one of us will call you to discuss some ideas we might have to improve your child's program. We then will work together to monitor your child's progress to see if the steps that have been implemented have been successful. This process does not
replace the special education procedures that are already in place for students identified with special needs. As is required by State and Federal laws, those procedures remain intact with all the rights and privileges that go along with that protection. The SAT process is meant to be more inclusive so teams can meet and discuss the needs of all children. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact one of the above SAT members. If you ahve any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to contact the school office for more information.
Field Trips
Field trips are scheduled in order to provide our students with enriching experiences that complement their education. You will receive one permission slip in the fall for all field trips scheduled within district during the year. All other field trips outside the district require an individually signed permission form that should come home with the students a week in advance of that planned trip. Please look in the weekly Principal's Notes for information about upcoming events. If you have a question or concern about a specific field trip, please call the school for further information.
It is our preference to have students ride with their classmates on the bus. However, if you choose to drive your child in your car, please let us know the day before as it may make a difference in the way we determine the make-up of our student groups for the day. Also, others students will not be allowed to ride in your car unless their parent accompanies them in your vehicle. Our field trips are planned to enhance the instruction that is taking place in the classroom. Therefore, it is not appropriate for younger siblings and we ask you not to bring them along if you intend to join us for the day. We make all of the above requests for safety and liability reasons.
The Manchester PTCO supports many of these field trips as well as other enrichment activities. We encourage all parents to actively support this important organization. At present, Lauri DuBois serves as President, Doris Schessler is Vice-President, Nora Dore, Secretary and Sally Garand, Treasurer. New officers are elected at the September meeting. New members of this group are always welcomed. Messages from the PTCO about upcoming events occur weekly in the Principal's Notes as well as notices about PTCO meetings and agenda. Meetings are normally the second Wednesdays of each month starting at 6:30.
After School Enrichment Programs
The After School Enrichment Program offers a unique set of opportunities for learning outside of the regular school day. The program is available to all Manchester Elementary students in grades 3-5. In addition, there is an occasional offering for students in grade 2. Class sizes are limited, yet a minimum number of students is needed to offer the class. Registration will be determined on the "first-come-first-serve" basis when completed forms are returned to the office. There are three sessions that are being planned for this school year; the first will be held in October, the second in January and the final session in March. All sessions will last five weeks. We are always looking for possible instructors and program ideas. If you have a special talent or skill and you would like to share with the students, please
let us know.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an integral part of the overall instruction at Manchester Elementary School. We encourage each of you to become an active partner in your child's education by volunteering whenever possible. If you would like to assist in any area of school programming, please complete the Volunteer Registration Form. For more information, you may also speak to your child's teacher or Becky Vining (621-4182), who is coordinating our volunteer activities. We greatly appreciate the time our volunteers give to our students. It is important to remember that, while working with our students, all individuals, both staff and volunteers, must abide by the regulations regarding student confidentiality. Prior to working in our classrooms, we are asking all volunteers to sign a form that speaks to this issue. The Volunteer Registration
Form and Confidentiality Form are included in the Opening School Packet.
You will find a sign-in station near the front office. After the morning bell, all other outside doors are locked so you must use the front entrance to gain entrance. We would like all volunteers and visitors to sign in and wear a badge during your stay at school. It is important that we all are aware of the purpose of adult visitors to our school and this sign-in station will assist us with this effort.
School Visits
All parents and community members are encouraged to visit school both during the school day to observe classes in sessions and after school for conferences with teachers. Please, however, do not plan to hold an unscheduled conference with a teacher while school is in session. Please call the school before your visit so that the teacher is aware of your plans.
Parent Teacher Conferences
We hold scheduled conferences with parents in November and March. You will be contacted to set up a time and date for the conference. We encourage parents to maintain close communication with the school at all times during the year and we welcome opportunities to discuss your child's program at anytime.
Student Records
All personally identifiable information on students will be held in confidence. Any parent or legal guardian of a student enrolled in the Union 42 school district may review their student's records by coming to the school office and making a request to inspect educational records.
Student Conduct
It is the feeling of the administration and faculty that we should have as few rules as possible. Where specific rules for conduct have been established, they are for the purpose of maintaining an effective school program as well as protecting the rights and safety of all students. It is the responsibility of each student to adhere to established criteria for behavior and of the school staff to enforce them. This responsibility extends to the student's conduct on buses, while on school grounds, and when attending any school function or sponsored activity.
In general, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt class routine or school program. Additionally, they are expected to exhibit an attitude of cooperation and courtesy toward faculty and other students. Students are expected to maintain respect for school property and materials supplied by the citizens of Manchester.
Infractions of these expectations will be dealt with on an individual basis. The type of penalty to be imposed will depend upon the nature, severity, and frequency of the violations. Repeated disregard or violation of school expectations may lead to suspension or expulsion from the school program. Our hope is to work closely with all parents to avoid recurrences of serious behavior that could lead to suspension or expulsion.
The Manchester School Committee recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to our school. Whether real and carried out or intended as a prank of for some other purpose, a bomb threat represents a potential danger to the safety and welfare of students and staff and to the integrity of school property. Bomb threats disrupt the instructional program and learning environment and also place significant demands on school financial resources and public safety services. These occur even when such threats prove to be false.
Any bomb threat will be regarded as an extremely serious matter and treated accordingly. The Manchester School Committee directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information concerning bomb threats and to initiate or recommend suitable disciplinary action.
Updating and improving the Maranacook Area Schools' web site has been a top priority in recent years. Our goal is to create a web site that is relevant, current, and informative. Every computer in the district uses this site as the start page to get on the internet. On our home page you will find a pop down menu that is called Information. These links include the district policies listed according to national code and also searchable by keyword. The district calendar lists all upcoming events and meetings for the whole district. Educational Resources are web resources according to content areas in an attempt to assist teachers, students, and community members in finding relevant educational sites. The school calendar, belief statement, and budget calendar are also just a click away. If you are
interested in finding employment in our district, you may want to visit the career opportunities link where available jobs are posted along with all the necessary applications. The Adult Education course catalog is found on this link along with gifted education information. School News contains information listed by school and might include principal notes and news, lunch menus, and upcoming events.
Also from the home page, you can enter into each individual school's web site from the pull down menu called Visit our Schools. This information varies depending on the school but may include general information about the school, lunch menus, photos, curriculum bases web resources, directions to the school, and contact information. If you are a registered First Class e-mail user in the district, you can check your e-mail through a browser from anywhere in the world. No more excuses for not being able to check your e-mail! A list of favorite search engines is the final link on this page along with contact information.
The information that is being posted on this site comes to you through a variety of techniques. Some pages are done in HTML, which is the language of the internet; others are simply e-mail messages that are converted to HTML through our new First Class e-mail system. This allows anyone with the ability to send e-mail to post information on the web. This is a great method for those items that are timely and need to be updated constantly such as weekly school news, weekly lunch menus, teacher newsletters, etc. Many teachers are now beginning to post information in this format as well as designing web sites for use by their students.
We also feature a "Snow Day" page. If school is being canceled due to the weather, the homepage will show that information before you will even hear it on the television or radio. TIP: if you visit our site often be sure to click on refresh/reload or you might just load the start page that is cached (already stored in memory) on your computer.
We are always striving to make this site the best it can be to meet the needs of the educational community. If you have any suggestions on information that you would like to see included, please feel free to contact Jan Kolenda 622-2949 ext. 318 or jan_kolenda@maranacook.org
Powerschool
Powerschool is an online, student information system set up for you to view various aspects of student information such as attendance, foodservice account balances, school bulletin, demographics and current grading for grades 4-12.
To access Powerschool, type in this location in the address field of your browser: http://powerschool,maranacook.org/public/ Type in the Student ID and password that were mailed home to you. If you can't remember this info, check with your school secretary in person. We will not send this information via e-mail or over the phone due to confidentiality.
If you don't have Internet access at home and would like to log in, contact the school to make arrangements to use the school computers. Our goal is to promote positive communication between school and home which ultimately leads to more effective programming and outcomes. We hope we have achieved this goal and would appreciate your feedback.
Instructional Staff Profiles
Katharine Ayer.... Miss Ayer is beginning her third year as art teacher for our school. She has a Bachelors in Fine Art from the Maine College of Art 1998. She is also the art techer in the Fayette Schools and works as a freelance photographer as time allows.
Jennifer Caton......Ms. Caton is our vocal music instructor. She earned her Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine in December 2003. She took undergraduate classes from Wesleyan College and the State University College at Potsdam, NY. She has taught music for Waynflete School in Portland, ME from 2004 to June 2007.
Sharon Chaplin...Mrs. Chaplin is our school nurse. She is a graduate of Tewksbury Hospital School of Nursing and the University of Maine, Augusta. She has been in nursing for 33 years, 16 of those years specializing in Pediatrics and 17 years as School Nurse.
Shannon Cole....Mrs. Cole is beginning her 9th year as our Speech and Language Clinician. Mrs. Cole graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Speech. She has a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Cincinnati. Prior to coming to us, she worked in the Farmington school system for several years as a Speech Clinician.
Debbie Collins...Mrs. Collins is our special education teacher. Her previous assignments included teaching grade 2 and language arts at the 4-6 level at Manchester School. She is beginning her 20th year at this school. She has a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Maine, Farmington and a M. Ed. from the University of Maine.
Diane Curtis...Mrs. Curtis is beginning her 14th year as one of our fourth grade teachers. Prior to her appointment to this position she was a teacher in the resource room at Manchester School for 5 years. She is a graduate of the University of Maine, Farmington, and holds a B.S. in Education. She received a Master of Education Pfrom the University of New England in May, 2008. Mrs. Curtis has also earned a prestigious Nation Board Teacher Certification.
Nancy Diamond... Mrs. Diamond has been the Librarian atManchester for the past 27 years. She graduated from Skidmore College with a B.A. in American Studies and received her Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She has held various library jobs that included working in the research library of an ad agency in NYC, running the bookmobile for the Portland Public Library, and setting up the branch of the South Portland Library.
Nicole Danielson......Mrs. Danielson is beginning her first year as one of our kindergarten teachers. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College in 1993 Nicole has been a teacher recertification instructor for the American Institute for Creative Education since March 2001. She worked as the Children's Program Coordinator for the Audubon Naturalist Society in Chevy Chase MD from August 1997 to October 1999 and an Environmental Education Consultant for the Fairfax County Office for Children in Fairfax, VA Sept 1998 - July 1999. She was a classroom teacher for Norwood School in Bethesda, MD from December 1996 to June 1997 and a classroom teacher for Cameron Park Elementary School in Hillsborough, NC from August 1994-June 1996.
Janet Dunham.....Mrs. Dunham is beginning her first year with us as our instrumental instructor. She currently works in this capacity at the Mt. Vernon and Wayne Elementary Schools. She has a B.A. in Music Education from Douglass College in Rutgers, NJ. In addition to her music teaching experience, she is also a computer technology specialist at the Mt. Vernon Elementary School.
Valerie Emerson... Mrs. Emerson teaches fourth grade and is beginning her 19th year at Manchester School. She is a graduate of the University of Maine and has a B.A. in Sociology and has a teaching certificate in elementary education from Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire. She is also coordinator of our district's Teacher Induction Program, a mentoring program for new teachers.
Wendy Flaschner....Ms. Flaschner is beginning her 9th year at Manchester as the School-Based Clinician from Kennebec Valley Mental Health Center. She holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in special education and movement therapy in 1974, a M.S. from Lesley College in Learning Disabilities in 1975, and a M.S. from University of Wisconsin-Madison in Educational Psychology in 1985. She has worked as resource room teacher, school psychologist, guidance counselor, psychological examiner and behavioral consultant in many schools in Wisconsin and in central Maine area since 1976.
Jennifer Galletta.....Mrs. Galletta is beginning her 6th year as a classroom teacher at MES. . Previously, she had worked for 6 years working at our school as an Educational Technician III. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education for the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Before coming to our school, Mrs. Galletta taught 7th and 8th grade Math and Science at Houlton High School. She received a Master of Education from the University of New England in May, 2008..
Barbara Galouch....Mrs. Galouch is beginning her 11th year as an Educational Technician III at Manchester Elementary School. She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Animal Medical Technology. She is also the coordinator of our After School Enrichment Program.
Barbara Godfrey...Mrs. Godfrey has been working as a physical education instructor in Readfield and Manchester for the past 23 years. She has a B.S. in Education from the University of Maine and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern Maine. Her other experiences include working in the Augusta Schools and at the Maine Savings Bank.
Terry Hickey....Mr. Hickey is beginning his 7th year as our gifted and talented teacher for the District. He has a B.S. in Education from the University of Southern Maine and is currently enrolled in a Masters of Literacy program. He has taught at a variety of grade levels and also worked for the Maine Department of Education.
Charles Hicks...Mr. Hicks has an undergraduate degree from of the University of Maine at Fort Kent. He also has a Master of Arts in Teaching (French) from the University of Maine. He is beginning his 12th year of teaching elementary French in our district.
Susan Holinger.......Mrs. Holinger is beginning her 7th year as our district's School Psychological Service Provider. She has a Masters Degree in School Psychology from the University of Southern Maine. In addition to working in S.A.D.'s #72 and #6 and School Union #29, she has had a private practice for 10 years.
Pia Holmes...Mrs. Holmes is currently teaching in grade 5. She has been at Manchester School for 19 years, previously teaching at both the 6th and 4th grade level. She has a B.S. in Education from the University of Maine and has a Masters degree in Education from the same university. She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) from the University of Maine.
Ann Hurd....Mrs. Hurd, our literacy specialist, has a B.S. in Education from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts and a Master in Literacy from the University of Maine. She started her current position in January, 2000. Prior to her current assignment, she taught elementary grades in Wayne for 13 years and in E. Bridgewater, MA for 13 years.
Ginger Ishkanian...Mrs. Ishkanian is beginning her 14th year at Manchester School as a Math Instructor in grades 4-5 and a Educational Technician (III) in the area of computers and gifted and talented education. She graduated from Hartwick College in New York with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She has taken a number of additional courses in education at the University of Maine.
Jan Kolenda...Mrs. Kolenda is beginning her 16th year as Technology Coordinator for the district. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in Social work and worked 7 years as a Medical Social Worker at K.V.M.C.. in Augusta. She went on to receive a M.Ed. from the University of Maine. Prior to her appointment as Technology Coordinator, Mrs. Kolenda taught for 5 years in Mt. Vernon in grs. 2-4. Mrs. Kolenda lives in North Monmouth with her husband of 30 years, Stephen. They have two daughters, Leah and Lauren, who both live in New York City. Mrs. Kolenda loves to travel, paint, and spend time with family and friends.
Pat LeVeen... Mrs. LeVeen is beginning her 13th year at MES as an Educational Technician III in the Learning Center and in grade one. She is a graduate of University of Wisconsin with at B.A in Art History.
Larry Liebling...Mr. Liebling has undergraduate and graduate degrees in both sciences and education. He has taught at both the high school and elementary level and has been teaching grade 1 at Manchester School for 29 years.
Mary Ellen Miner.... Mrs. Miner is beginning her third year with our district as a gifted and talented instructor. She has a BA in Psychology from Bates College and a Masters of Elementary Education from Northeastern University. She comes to us with many years of teaching experience, most recently as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator in the Augusta Schools.
Mary O'Brien...Mrs. O'Brien is beginning her 23rd year as an instructor in grade 3. She has a B.S. in Education from the University of Southern Maine and a M.Ed. in Education-Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Computers in Education. She has also completed activities that led to her receiving her National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist.
Linda Patrie...Ms. Patrie is beginning her 13th year as a guidance counselor at Manchester School. This year, she will divide her time between Manchester and Readfield Schools. She graduated from the University of Maine with a B.S. in Learning Disabilities and from the University of Southern Maine with a Master in School Counseling degree. Previous to becoming a counselor, she worked with adolescents with special needs.
Debbie Poulin....Mrs. Poulin is beginning her 7th year as a grade 2 teacher after having worked for four years with us as an Educational Technician III in the Learning Center. Mrs. Poulin graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a degree in Early Childhood. She has many years of experience teaching at the early childhood level, including 12 years as a kindergarten teacher here at Manchester!
Claudette Purington...Mrs. Purington is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She recently received a Masters Degree in Literacy from the University of Southern Maine. She has been "appearing in" first grade for 24 years at Manchester School. Her other teaching experiences include working in the Sabattus schools.
Lindsay Reinstein.....Mrs. Reinstein is our new instrumental music teacher. She has a Masters Degree in Music Education from Boston University, May 2007 She received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education 2000. She has taught music in MSAD #61 (Lake Region School District) from 2001-2007.
Kim Simpson...Mrs. Simpson is beginning her 7th year at our school as an Educational Technician III. Previously, she had worked in a similar capacity at Readfield Elementary School.
Ashli Spear....Ms. Spear is beginning her 11th year working as an Educational Technician III in the Learning Center. She graduated from the University of Farmington on 1995 where she majored in Biology.
Robin Terrell...Miss Terrell is our Kindergarten teacher. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She also has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Maine. This is her 14th year teaching in our district.
Faye Trafton... Mrs. Trafton is one of our grade 5 teachers. This will be the beginning of her 31st year in teaching. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a B. S. in Elementary Education and has taught a variety of grade levels at several schools in Maine.
Rick Wilson...Mr. Wilson has been Principal of Manchester School since September of 1992. Prior to that, his experiences include 16 years of teaching music at all levels. The last ten of those years was spent as a vocal music instructor for School Union #42. He holds a Mus. B. in Education from Boston University and an M. Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Maine.
Lee-Anne Whitcomb...Ms. Whitcomb works as an ELS (English as a Second Language) tutor and a literacy assistant. She is a graduate of the University of Maine with a B.A. in Anthropology. This is her 6th year at Manchester Elementary School.
Additional School Programming
In addition to the regular classroom subjects, there are a variety of opportunities for students to study in many other areas. Mrs. Ishkanian, who works in the Computer Lab, delivers instruction in computer education, is part of the 4/5 math instructional team and assists in program enrichment in a variety of content areas.
All students in grades 3-5 come to the computer lab a 1/2 hour weekly for keyboarding instruction. In grade 3 we focus on basic word processing and keyboarding techniques, vocabulary, and care of hardware and software. Grades 4 and 5 expand their keyboarding skills as well as their word processing knowledge. In these middle grades, we learn how to make spreadsheets, create computer generated graphs, use Hyperstudio, introduce research using the Internet, and more. Our goal is for each each student to enter the Middle School with capable word processing and technology skills. Students in upper grades often come to the lab to use the fourteen Macintosh computers connected to our school-wide shared hard drive for classroom assignments. For the first time this year, students in grades 1 and 2 also regularly visit the computer lab
for guided exploration of age appropriate educational software.
Please feel free to call Mrs. Ishkanian (ext. 305) if you would like to talk about any of the services your child receives in the computer lab.
In physical education, students in grades K through 2 work on motor skills, body parts, spatial awareness, laterality (right and left), directionality (forward, backward), manipulative skills (striking, throwing, catching, bouncing), movement concepts (over, far, out), physical fitness, gymnastics skills (jumping, landing, weight transfer) rhythmic activities and creative movement. Physical education is also an important place to reinforce concepts taught in the regular classroom such as numbers, letters, and shapes.
Third and fourth grade physical education tasks are more complex versions of those for younger students. We use the same skills, but at a higher level. Child or teacher-created games emphasizing particular skills, aerobic games, class challenges requiring teamwork and positive risk-taking, and lifetime activities are the emphasis in these grades. Students monitor their progress with skills tests and self-evaluations.
In order to enjoy physical activity throughout their lives, students must attain a level of fitness and skill which will enable them to remain active. This is a major focus in grades 5. Mrs. Godfrey will work with students in grade 5 to refine skills as well as to learn new ones which may be a little more difficult or require more attention to safety (floor hockey, badminton with longer racquets). There are lots of group challenges requiring planning and teamwork (such as crossing the tar pit using only the equipment provided). Some games begin to resemble team sports, but are modified to afford as much participation as possible.
Physical fitness is emphasized at all levels, with a portion of class devoted to fitness development. Students in grades 2-6 take fitness tests in fall and in spring, with their objective being to score better than the last time. At all levels, activities sometimes integrate what is happening in the classroom into physical education (states and capitals game). Students are not pitted against one another - everybody wins.
If a student is injured, please notify us of the injury and your child's limitations. Having him/her miss physical education entirely is not necessary. We will modify the tasks so that your child can participate as fully as possible in the class.
Our vocal music program, under the direction of Ms. Caton, ensures that our students will have the opportunity to study and experience many different areas of music. Some of those included are: singing, listening, playing instruments, movement, and music theory/history. By incorporating all of these areas of music into the program, we can be assured that the children can successfully understand and appreciate how music is written and performed.
Students will have the opportunity to listen to many varied styles of music and to learn about the lives of composers, thus developing their appreciation of many different kinds of music. In addition, students will have first hand experiences by performing vocally and instrumentally, thus opening the door to the world of music.
Students in grade 3 are introduced to the Suzuki precorder, and for the first time, are able to create the energy of musical sound as a class. Mrs Reinstein, our instrumental instructor, begins by talking about sound waves, and how sound travels through an instrument. For many, it is the first type of learning which involves processing motor skills for individual fingers, breath control, posture, and finally a performance at the end of the year. Music practiced includes many familiar folk tunes...which leads to some students singing, while others perform musical accompaniment of their instruments. This component is in addition to the regular general music class.
In grades 4-5, the process continues with more challenging music from a variety of styles taken from around the world. Students have the opportunity to choose an instrument and to pursue their skills with time, some choosing to learn more than one instrument in the process. Sectionals and full grade level bands meet weekly, with small and large group performances taking place throughout the year.
Computer technology and music is also offered to students wishing to reinforce their musical knowledge, listening skills and composing.
The foundation of our art program is a discipline based art education model. It is a comprehensive approach to art education which integrates content from art production (the making of art), art criticism (responding to and making judgments about art), art history (the contributions of art in culture and society), and aesthetics (the nature, meaning, and value of art).
Our program uses paintings, drawings, sculpture, and architecture to enhance our lessons. We also include but are not limited to fine, applied, craft, and folk arts such as ceramics, weaving and other textile arts, advertising, and kinetic art.
Foreign Language (French) is continuing in grades K-5. Vocabulary is taught through a variety of activities including games, art, drama and singing. All levels will be introduced to colors, numbers, weather expressions, greetings and songs. In addition, students will learn classroom vocabulary and pronunciation. For specific studies, second and third grade students will be introduced to the alphabet and third graders will be reading short sentences by the third trimester!
In addition to language studies, the students will be learning about different aspects of French culture including food, songs and dance from French speaking areas of the world. Students will also learn about the role that the French language and culture plays in New England and North America.
The school guidance curriculum is designed to help students understand themselves as individuals, to acquire skills to develop interpersonal relationships, and to learn to recognize and respond to difficult situations. Students will also have an opportunity to explore goals and aspirations. The school counselor, Linda Patrie, visits all classrooms with stories, activities, games and creative art projects for the purpose of enhancing the lessons that are presented.
Topics for children in kindergarten through second grade include understanding feelings, awareness of similarities and differences, listening skills and awareness of the world of work.
Grades three and four will focus on personal health awareness and health choices, stress and anger management, listening and communication skills, conflict resolution, and refusal skills.
Grades five will explore basic human needs, personal values, self-understanding, acceptance of others, communicating in relationships, and conflict resolution and mediation skills. They will also be involved with activities that focus on dealing with peer pressure, speaking and behaving assertively, and preparing a proactive plan for stress management.
Scheduled and "Open" Media Center time focuses on literature appreciation and library book selection. A variety of classic and contemporary books and poems are shared during read-aloud activities designed to encourage reading, improve language skills, and spark imaginations. Authors, books, and genres are introduced and interests explored. Students in grades 3 - 5 are encouraged to participate in the Kennebec Valley Book Award program. Those who read and comment on at least four titles participate in the district celebration and vote in the statewide contest.
All students learn about library technology by using the media center’s new online catalog and automated circulation system. Their information skills are developed and reinforced as individual students and classes are assisted in the research process. Third grade students, in small groups, receive additional library skills instruction on a rotating basis.
Mrs. Diamond and Mrs. Gogan are available to answer any questions that you may have concerning the program in the Media Center. Please fell free to call on them for assistance.
Our special education personnel works with students, parents and staff in the development of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for every student identified through the special education process. There are innumerable reasons why a student might benefit from services outside the regular classroom. Some of them include remediation of academic difficulty, extension or enrichment activities, speech services or physical therapy. These services are available to any student who needs them in order to successfully meet the goals outlined on his/her IEP. For more information about services in this area, please contact Debbie Collins.
Supplemental reading is provided by Mrs. Hurd, our Literacy Specialist, to assist struggling readers. She works with individuals or small groups needing extra reading opportunities. Her focus is to improve reading instruction to meet grade level expectations. The major areas of teaching within her program include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Mrs. Hurd also guides students to make connections between reading, writing, and oral communication. She wnjoys choosing iterature that encourages children to read material within their comfort range. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Hurd if you have any questions about her program.
Another area of the service that might be considered is Occupational Therapy. Needs that are most frequently addressed by Occupational Therapy Practitioners in school systems are:
fine motor/coordination skills
handwriting and underlying developmental skills
visual motor and perceptual skills
sensory integration issues
functional life skill
adaptations, modifications, positioning and equipment needs
assistive technology
Occupational therapy uses a holistic approach to looking at and treating the physical, psychological, cognitive, social and sensory needs of the child. Functional skills and activities are used to remediate problems and help children participate and achieve in the regular classroom to the best of their ability. The evaluation process generally involves observation, screening, discussions with parents and teachers, and administration of standardized and non-standardized tests. Referrals for evaluations can come from teachers, parents or other school staff.
District and School
Policies, Forms and Procedures
Policy No; JICFA
Adopted: MCS 4/8/99
Manchester 4/14/99
Mt. Vernon 4/15/99
Readfield 4/12/99
Wayne 4/13/99
SCHOOL UNION #42/CSD #l0
STUDENT HAZING
Policy No; JICFA
Adopted: MCS 4/8/99 Manchester 4/14/99
Mt. Vernon 4/15/99
Readfield 4/12/99 Wayne 4/13/99
SCHOOL UNION #42/CSD #l0
STUDENT HAZING
Maine statute defines injurious hazing as “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student enrolled in a public school.”
It is the policy of the School Committee that injurious hazing activities of any type, either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with this school unit, are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times.
No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of this school unit shall encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate injurious hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, shall plan, encourage, or engage in injurious hazing activities.
This policy and related rules apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance in school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school. Although this provision does not authorize or require school officials or staff to take action at will for off-school premises misconduct, it does provide notice to students about the possible impact of their conduct, and provides school officials with the authority to assess the actual impact of off-school conduct on the school community.
In the case of an organization affiliated with this school unit which condones hazing, penalties include revocation of permission for that organization to operate on school property or to receive any other benefit of affiliation with the school unit.
Persons not associated with this school unit who fail to abide by this policy are subject to ejection from school property and/or other measures as may be available under the law.
Administrators, faculty members, students, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy are subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate measures.
These penalties shall be in addition to any civil or criminal penalties to which the violator or organization may be subject.
The Superintendent shall assume responsibility for administering this policy. In the event that an individual or organization disagrees with any action -- or lack of action -- on the part of the Superintendent as he/she carries out the provisions of this policy, that individual or organization may appeal to the full School Committee. The ruling of the School Committee, with respect to the provisions of this policy, shall be final.
A copy of this policy shall be included in all school, parent, and faculty handbooks or otherwise distributed to all school employees and students.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 6553
Harassment Policy
Maranacook and School Union 42 recognize the right of each student to a learning environment that is free of intimidation, hostility, and offensiveness. In order to ensure such an environment, students are not to engage in harassment of any other person. Any act of harassment is a violation of this policy. Some of these acts, those based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or physical or mental disability may also constitute illegal discrimination under State and Federal laws and the Affirmative Action Policy.
The following are prohibited. Harassment may include, but is not limited to, unwelcome behavior such as:
advances, sexual advances, gestures, comments, or contact:
threats;
offensive jokes;
ridicule slurs, derogatory action or remarks; and
abuse of power.
Such unwelcome acts constitute harassment when the conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.
Students should understand the importance of informing the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcome, offensive, in poor taste, or inappropriate. Students who believe that they are victims of harassment, as defined in the Affirmative Action Policy, should report such occurrences to a teacher, counselor, or administrator who will in turn report it to the Affirmative Action Coordinator if an occurrence appears to constitute illegal discrimination under State and Federal laws. If it does not fall under State or Federal laws, the occurrence will be handled through Maranacook's or Union 42 Schools' disciplinary process. Individuals may also report an, incident of harassment directly to the Maine Human Rights Commission.
A substantiated charge of harassment or sexual harassment against a student are considered grounds for disciplinary and/ or legal action up to suspension or expulsion from school.
I have read and understand the Harassment Policy. I plan to discuss this with my child.
Signed by parent/guardian ____________________________
Date: ______________
*****************************************************************************
I have learned what harassment is and I know that it is against school rules to harass someone.
Signed by student (in grades 3-5) __________________________
Date: ________________
Please note: Age appropriate discussions about this policy will occur in classrooms.
Affirmative Action
It is the policy of Union 42/ CSD#10 that all our employees and students
should be able to enjoy a work and educational environment free from all forms
of discrimination. An explanation of the District Affirmative Action Plan,
Harassment Policy and Grievance Procedure are as follows:
First, the district is committed to equal employment and educational
opportunity for all employees, job applicants, students, parents, and members
of the school committee without unlawful regard to race, color religion, national origin, age. sexual orientation, or disability.
Second, the Maranacook Area School System is committed to maintaining a school and work environment free of harassment. Employees and students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect and concern for their colleagues, students and peers.
Finally, the Affirmative Action Plan also includes a grievance process
that any student may follow if any individual feels that he or she has been the
object of discrimination on grounds cited above. Union 42 will take immediate
and appropriate corrective action. The grievance process is as follows:
Any student or individual or group acting on the behalf of a student may file a
grievance with the Affirmative Action Officer or Affirmative Action Advocate
(There is a designated person in each building who will be identified to
students).
Grievance Procedure
Level 1.
Report the incident to an adult in the building. The offending behavior will be
dealt with by the appropriate discipline person. (Teacher, principal, Affirmative
Action Advocate. etc.) After the offending conduct has been clarified to the
offender as unacceptable, consequences will be assigned. An incident report
will be sent to the Affirmative Action Officer of the District.
Level 2.
A complaint may be filed with the Affirmative Action Advocate in writing. The
building advocate will contact the Affirmative Action Officer immediately to
request an informal conference to discuss the complaint.
The Affirmative Action Officer will hold separate pre-complaint meetings with
the person making the complaint and the person accused of the offending
behavior. This will be done within five days of filing to collect information. The
affirmative Action Officer will make a reasonable effort to resolve the problem
before using the formal procedure.
Level 3.
The Affirmative Action officer will be informed by the student making the
complaint that a formal grievance procedure will be started. Within five days of the complaint, the Affirmative Action Officer will let the student with the offending behavior know what is being filed. That student will have five days to reply to the Affirmative Action Officer in writing about his or her behavior. All investigation of the offending behavior will be done. The Superintendent, within five days of being informed of the complaint shall submit a written decision to the student charged with the offending behavior.
At all levels, parents will be informed about what has happened along with the step
Student Transportation
The transportation system places a high priority on safety and the well being of all children. Safety considerations may include such factors as speed, visibility, road condition, and flow.
The driver is responsible for the safe operation of the bus and has the authority to govern the conduct of riders consistent with the administrative regulations. In emergency situations, the driver is authorized to deviate from regulations, subject to review by the administration of the action taken; but under no circumstances is the driver to leave the bus when there are students in it, except in accordance with Maine law. As another safety consideration, no buses shall drive on private roads or roads where the Transportation Director and/or the bus driver have determined
that conditions are considered unsafe or impassable.
In addition to safety, the transportation system shall also have a goal toward efficiency. Bus routes will be determined by the Director of Transportation. Bus stops will be consolidated for efficiency wherever possible. Students riding a regular afternoon bus run may be driven in the same route sequence as the morning pick-up run to ensure fairness to all students in terms of "time in transit." These decisions will be dictated by the characteristics of the individual routes, and will be determined by the Director of Transportation.
Within the above considerations for safety and for efficiency, the CSD #10 School Committee will provide transportation to the schools of Union #42 for the following students residing within the boundaries of Union #42 and in accordance with Maine Statutes:
a. All resident students in Grade Kindergarten through Grade 5 who reside more than one-quarter mile from school to which assigned. However, these same students may be required to walk up to one-quarter mile to a regularly established school bus route or predestined bus pick-up before boarding the bus.
In addition, a designated adult must be in view to pick up or drop off a Kindergarten child. Kindergarten children without a designated adult for drop-off will be returned to their school until a designated adult arrives.
b. All resident students in Grade 6 through Grade 12 who reside more than one-half mile from school to which they are assigned. However, these same students may be required to walk up to one-half mile to a regularly established school bus route or predestined bus pick-up before boarding the bus.
c. Students within these limits will be transported where the Superintendent of Schools has established routes due to unusually hazardous conditions. Such determinations may include but need not be limited to consideration of age of student, location and safety of bus stop, road conditions, and traffic speed. Exceptions to the established walking distances may also be made in cases of a child with a permanent or temporary disability.
d. Limited late bus service to each town shall be provided following after-school activities to encourage co-curricular participation at the CSD #10 school.
The School Committee authorizes the administration to suspend bus riding privileges when behavior warrants. Action to suspend will be consistent with administration regulations. It is the intent of the School Committee that disciplinary measure taken be appropriate to the transgression, and that the severity of disciplinary measures shall increase for continued inappropriate behavior. Provided, however, that in cases of very serious behavior transgressions, the student may be immediately denied riding privileges and, as appropriate, may be reported to or released to the custody of law enforcement officers by a bus driver, chaperon, or administrator. In these cases, the parent or guardian shall be notified as soon as possible.
Appeal Process
If any parent/guardian would like to appeal compliance with our Transportation Policy, they could put in their request in writing, addressed to the Director of Transportation, 13 Winthrop Road, Readfield, ME 04355. Please include a a daytime phone number and address where you can be reached. Within 10 working days of our receipt of this request, the parent/guardian will receive an opportunity to present their position in person to the Appeals Committee. A final decision will be sent to the parent/guardian with 7 days of this presentation.
Guidelines for school bus safety are published and are available for your review.
STUDENT RECORDS
MODEL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy ACT (“FERPA)” affords parents and students over 18 years of age (eligible students) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the
day the Manchester Elementary School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask the Manchester Elementary School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the Manchester Elementary School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the Manchester Elementary School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the
parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure
without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school unit as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school committee, a person or company with whom the school unit has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist), or a parent or student serving on an official committee such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill
his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the Manchester Elementary School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
The Manchester Elementary School may make public at its discretion personally identifiable information from the education records of a student without parental consent if that information has been designated as directory information by the school. Directory information includes the student’s major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of athletes, honors and awards received, and to the information that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Such information will not be disclosed if the parent of the student informs the school unit in writing by July 1 for the upcoming school year or within 30 days after enrollment, whichever is later, that such information is not to be designated as directory information with respect to that
student.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Manchester Elementary School to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U .S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Union 42/CSD 10 maintains a more extensive policy on education records. That policy can be obtained by contacting your school's principal.
References: 34 C.F.R. 99.7; Federal Register, Vol.61, No.226, at 59297 (Nov. 21, 1996)
MANCHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VOLUNTEER FORM
I, _____________________________ as a volunteer at ________________________ affirm that I will fully honor the confidentiality of each student. I further affirm to the Full extent of my responsibility that any personal information revealed to me will remain private and confidential, except as may be disclosed to authorized school personnel.
I confirm my understanding of my role as a school volunteer as described in Policy IJOC, School Volunteers.
Signature Date
Citizenship
I'm a good citizen when I am -
Trustworthy
Responsible
Honest
Respectful
Tolerant
Compassionate
Hard Working
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