Student & Family Handbook

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a non-discrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress.  Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of federal funds.  Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA” or “Title II”) also prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by state and local governments.  To be protected under Section 504 and the ADA (“collectively, “Section 504/ADA”) as an individual with a disability, an individual must (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a non-discrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress.  Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of federal funds.  Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA” or “Title II”) also prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by state and local governments.  To be protected under Section 504 and the ADA (“collectively, “Section 504/ADA”) as an individual with a disability, an individual must (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment.

Under Section 504, the school district has specific responsibilities to identify, evaluate and provide an educational placement for students with a disability.  The school district’s obligation includes providing such eligible students a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”).  Section 504 defines FAPE as the provision of regular or special education and related services that are designed to meet the individual educational needs of a student with a disability as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met, and that are provided without cost (except for fees imposed on nondisabled students/parents).  

A student is eligible for regular or special education and related services under Section 504 if it is determined that he/she has a mental or physical disability that substantially limits one or more major life activity such as (but not limited to): caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working.  A major life activity may also include the operation of a major bodily function, such as an individual’s immune, digestive, respiratory or circulatory systems.

A student can have a disability and be covered by Section 504/ADA even if he/she does not qualify for, or receive, special education services under the IDEA.  

The purpose of this notice is to provide parents/guardians and students 18 years of age or older with information regarding their rights under Section 504.  Under Section 504, you have the right:

1. To be informed of your rights under Section 504;
2. To have your child take part in and receive benefits from the Naugatuck School District’s education programs without discrimination based on his/her disability.
3. For your child to have equal opportunities to participate in academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities in your school without discrimination based on his/her disability;
4. To be notified of decisions and the basis for decisions regarding the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of your child under Section 504;
5. If you suspect your child may have a disability, to request an evaluation, at no expense to you and to have an eligibility determination under Section 504 (and if eligible, placement decisions made) by a team of persons who are knowledgeable of your child, the assessment data, and any placement options;
6. If your child is eligible for services under Section 504, for your child to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).  This includes the right to receive regular or special education and related services that are designed to meet the individual needs of your child as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met;
7. For your child to receive reasonable accommodations and services to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school, extra-curricular and school-related activities;
8. For your child to be educated with peers who do not have disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate;
9. To have your child educated in facilities and receive services comparable to those provided to non-disabled students;
10. To review all relevant records relating to decisions regarding your child’s Section 504 identification, evaluation, and educational placement;
11. To examine or obtain copies of your child’s educational records at a reasonable cost unless the fee would effectively deny you access to the records;
12. To request changes in the educational program of your child, to have your request and related information considered by the team, a decision made by the team, and if denied, an explanation for the team’s decision/determination;
13. To request an impartial due process hearing if you disagree with the school district’s decisions regarding your child’s Section 504 identification, evaluation or educational placement.  The costs for this hearing are borne by the local school district.  You and the student have the right to take part in the hearing and to have an attorney represent you at your expense; 
14. To file a local grievance/complaint with the district’s designated Section 504 Coordinator to resolve complaints of discrimination including, but not limited to, claims of discrimination directly related to the identification, evaluation or placement of your child; and
15. To file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

The Section 504/ADA Coordinator for this district is:
Nicole Reichardt, Director of Special Services 
497 Rubber Avenue
203-720-5265
Nicole.Reichardt@naugatuck.k12.ct.us

For additional assistance regarding your rights under Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may contact: 
Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office
U.S. Department of Education
8th Floor
5 Post Office Square
Boston, MA  02109-0111
(617) 289-0111.  

Connecticut State Department of Education

Filing of Complaint

Violation of Law

1. Part A of Title I (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational
2. Agencies).
3. Part B, Subpart 1 of Title I (Reading First).
4. Part B, Subpart 3 of Title I (Even Start Family Literacy Programs).
5. Part D of Title I (Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out).
6. Part A of Title II (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund).
7. Part D of Title II (Enhancing Education Through Technology).
8. Part A of Title III (English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act).
9. Part B, Subpart 4 of Title III (Emergency Immigrant Education Program).
10. Part A of Title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities).
11. Part A of Title V (Innovative Programs).

Review of an Appeal

A written complaint may be filed by an individual with the Connecticut Commissioner of Education appealing the decision of an agency or consortium of agencies based on prior written complaint presented by an individual to such agency or consortium of agencies.

Content of Complaint

The complaint shall be in writing, signed by the complainant and contain the following:

1. A statement that the SEA or an agency or consortium of agencies has violated a requirement of federal statutes or regulation regarding the applicable program, or in the case of an appeal, a statement of aggrievement with the decision rendered by the agency or consortium of agencies based on a prior written complaint.
2. A clear and concise description of the facts on which the statement is based and the specific alleged violation or aggrievement.
3. A description of prior efforts to resolve the complaint, including information demonstrating that the SEA, agency or consortium of agencies has taken action adverse to the complaint or has refused or failed to take action within a reasonable period of time.
4. Complainant's and respondent's name, address and telephone number.
5. Other materials or documents containing information which support or clarify the statement.

Review of Complaint

Analysis

Within three business days of the receipt of the complaint, the Commissioner shall assign a review official.  Within five business days of the assignment, the review official shall determine whether the complaint has been properly filed in accordance with Section I.  If necessary, the review official shall interview the complainant.
Dismissal of Complaint
The review official may dismiss the complaint in writing stating an explanation for such action.  The grounds for dismissal shall include, but not limited to, the following:

1. Failure to file a proper complaint pursuant to Section I.
2. The allegations fail to state a bona fide violation of federal statute or regulations by the SEA or an agency or consortium of agencies.
3. The allegations fail to state a bona fide aggrievement with the decision rendered by an agency or consortium of agencies based on prior written complaint.
4. The allegations were not caused by the actions or failure to act by the SEA, agency or consortium of agencies.

Notification of Complaint and Investigation

If a complaint is not dismissed, the review official shall forward the complaint to the respondent immediately along with a copy of the Complaint Resolution Procedures.

Response to Complaint

Within 10 business days of the receipt of the complaint from the review official, the respondent shall file with the Commissioner a written response to the complaint.

Content of Response

The response shall address each and every allegation of the complaint and shall list the respondent's name, address and telephone number.

Interview

The review official or the respondent may request an interview to discuss the response and to resolve the dispute informally.

Complaint Investigation

Upon completion of Section IV or the failure of the respondent to file a response, the review official shall conduct an investigation.  All parties may be duly notified that an investigation has begun.  At any time during the investigation, the review official shall attempt to resolve the dispute informally.

Within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the complaint, an investigation of the complaint shall be completed and a written report shall be mailed to both parties.  Information shall be gathered in a timely manner, while minimizing any inconvenience or disruption to the complainant or respondent.

Concerning a review of an appeal of the decision of an agency or consortium of agencies, the review official may elect to disregard the procedures contained in this section using in lieu thereof the following abbreviated procedure:

1. Review all of the appropriate records and determine whether the decision of the agency or consortium of agencies shall be affirmed, reversed or modified.
2. Draft a letter of review of an appeal addressing, but not limited to, the issue in dispute, the facts found, the affirmation, reversal or modification of the lower decision and recommendation for improved practices, policies or procedures.

Data Collection

The complainant and respondent shall provide the review official with copies of all relevant records requested in writing.  Telephone interviews of the complainant, respondent and others with knowledge of the allegations may be conducted.

Pursuant to 34 CFR 99-35(a) the review official, acting on behalf of the SEA, is authorized to have access to education records in connection with an evaluation of federal or state-supported education programs or for the enforcement of or compliance with federal legal requirements which relate to those programs.

Independent On-Site Investigation

The review official may conduct an on-site visit to investigate the complaint if the official deems it necessary.

Any on-site visit shall be coordinated with the respondent.

Complaint Investigation Report

The Complaint Investigation Report shall be completed by the review official and mailed to the parties within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the complaint by the SEA.  The Commissioner may grant an extension for the completion of the report on written request of the review official or respondent if exceptional circumstances exist with respect to the particular complaint.  Such extension shall be in writing and shall be mailed to the parties.

The report shall contain the following contents:

1. Summary of all investigation activities including, but not limited to, date of receipt of complaint, allegations, parties interviewed, documents received and dates of on-site visits.
2. Specific allegation of the complaint, the findings of fact, conclusions and final decisions rendered regarding each allegation, including citation to applicable federal statute or regulation.
3. Specific corrective action plan that resolves the complaint or ensures future compliance of the respondent regarding the violation of federal statute or regulation.
4. Recommendations for improved practices, policies or procedures shall be offered when no violation of federal statute or regulation is found.

Corrective Action Plan

If the Complaint Investigation Report finds that the respondent is violating federal statute or regulations, the respondent shall be requested to submit a corrective action plan within a specified period of time as determined by the review official.

Respondent may request technical assistance from the SEA in order to prepare a plan to achieve compliance.

Review of Final Decision

The complainant may file a written request with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to review the final decision of the SEA.

All local educational agencies shall disseminate information about the complaint procedures to teachers, staff, parents and appropriate private school officials or representatives.
 

Legislation requires all school buildings to be reevaluated to determine if asbestos is present and if it poses a significant health hazard to the building’s occupants. Each school has plans showing the location of asbestos in each building and measures undertaken to comply with regulations to maintain a safe school environment. Request to review these plans may be made in the school office.
 

Regular and punctual student attendance in school is essential to the educational process.  Connecticut state law places responsibility for assuring that students attend school with the parent or guardian.  In Naugatuck we strive for all students to have less than 5 absences in a school year.  Each school has a school attendance committee that provides support and intervention when students miss more than 5 days regardless of the reason.

Every attempt should be made to confine necessary appointments to after school, weekends and vacation periods. When a parent determines that an absence is necessary, parents are requested to contact the school according to each school’s procedures.

I. Attendance and Truancy

A. Definitions for Section I

1. “Absence” - any day during which a student is not considered “in attendance” at the student’s assigned school, or on a school -sponsored activity (e.g. field trip), for at least one half of the school day. 
2. “Disciplinary absence” - any absence as a result of school or District disciplinary action. Any student serving an out-of-school suspension or expulsion should be considered absent.  Such absence is not considered excused or unexcused for attendance and truancy purposes.
3. “Educational evaluation” - for purposes of this policy, an educational evaluation is an assessment of a student’s educational development, which, based upon the student’s presenting characteristics, would assess (as appropriate) the following areas:  health, vision, hearing, social and emotional status, general intelligence, academic performance, communicative status and motor abilities.
4. “Excused absence” - a student is considered excused from school if the school has received written documentation describing the reason for the absence within ten (10) school days of the student’s return to school, or if the student has been excluded from school in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-210 (regarding communicable diseases), and the following criteria are met:
   1. Any absence before the student’s tenth (10th) absence is considered excused when the student’s parent/guardian approves such absence and submits appropriate written documentation in accordance with this regulation. 
   2. For the student’s tenth (10th) absence and all absences thereafter, a student’s absences from school are, with appropriate documentation in accordance with this regulation, considered excused only for the following reasons:
      1. student illness (verified by an appropriately licensed medical professional);
      2. religious holidays;
      3. mandated court appearances (documentation required);
      4. funeral or death in the family, or other emergency beyond the control of the student’s family;
      5. extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by the District administrators and in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidance and this regulation; or
      6. lack of transportation that is normally provided by a District other than the one the student attends.
   3.  A student, age five (5) to eighteen (18), inclusive, whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces who has been called for duty, is on leave from or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted ten (10) days of excused absences in any school year, and, in the discretion of the administration, additional excused absences to visit such student’s parent or legal guardian with respect to the parent’s leave or deployment.  In the case of such excused absences, the student and parent or legal guardian are responsible for obtaining assignments from the student’s teacher prior to any period of excused absence, and for ensuring that such assignments are completed by the student prior to the student’s return to school. “Excused absence” excludes a student’s engagement in (1) virtual classes, (2) virtual meetings, (3) activities on time-logged electronic systems, and (4) the completion and submission of assignments, if such engagement accounts for not less than one-half of the school day during remote learning.
5. “In Attendance” - any day during which a student is present at the student’s assigned school, or an activity sponsored by the school, for at least half of the regular school day.
6.  “Mental health wellness day” - a school day during which a student attends to such student’s emotional and psychological well-being in lieu of attending school.
7. “Remote learning” means instruction by means of one or more Internet-based software platforms as part of a remote learning model as may be authorized by the Naugatuck Board of Education (the “Board”) in accordance with applicable law.
8. "Student" - a student enrolled in the Naugatuck Public Schools (the “District”).
9.  "Truant" - any student five (5) to eighteen (18) years of age, inclusive, who has four (4) unexcused absences from school in any one month or ten (10) unexcused absences from school in any school year. 
10.  "Unexcused absence" - any absence from a regularly scheduled school day for at least one half of the school day, which is not excused or considered a disciplinary absence. "Unexcused absence” excludes a student’s engagement in (1) virtual classes, (2) virtual meetings, (3) activities on time-logged electronic systems, and (4) the completion and submission of assignments, if such engagement accounts for not less than one-half of the school day during remote learning. The determination of whether an absence is excused will be made by the building principal or designee.  Parents or other persons having control of the child may appeal that decision to the Superintendent or designee, whose decision shall be final.

B. Mental Health Wellness Days

Any student enrolled in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, shall be permitted to take two mental health wellness days during the school year, during which day such student shall not be required to attend school. No student shall take mental health wellness days during consecutive school days.

C. Written Documentation Requirements for Absences

1. Written documentation must be submitted for each incidence of absence within ten (10) school days of the student’s return to school.  Consecutive days of absence are considered one incidence of absence.
2. The first nine (9) days of absence will be excused upon receipt of a signed note from the student’s parent/guardian, a signed note from a school official that spoke in person with the parent/guardian regarding the absence, or a note confirming the absence by the school nurse or by a licensed medical professional, as appropriate.
3. For the student’s tenth (10th) absence, and all absences thereafter, documentation of the absence must be submitted in accordance with paragraphs 1 and 2 above, and must also include the reason for the absence and the following additional information:
   1.  student illness
      1. a signed note from a medical professional, who may be the school nurse, who has evaluated the student confirming the absence and giving an expected return date; or
      2. a signed note from the school nurse who has spoken with the student’s medical professional and confirmed the absence, including the date and location of the consultation.
   2. religious holidays: none.
   3. mandated court appearances:
      1.  a police summons;
      2. a subpoena;
      3. a notice to appear;
      4. a signed note from a court official;
      5. any other official, written documentation of the legal requirement to appear in court.
   4. funeral or death in the family, or other emergency beyond the control of the student’s family: a written document explaining the nature of the emergency.
   5. extraordinary educational opportunity pre-approved by the District administrators and in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidance and this policy: written pre-approval from the administration, in accordance with this regulation.
   6. lack of transportation that is normally provided by a District other than the one the student attends: none.
4.  Neither e-mail nor text message shall serve to satisfy the requirement of written documentation.  In rare and extraordinary circumstances, a building administrator may, in the administrator’s own discretion, accept the delivery of written documentation through a scanned copy sent by email.
5.  The District reserves the right to randomly audit written documentation received, through telephone and other methods of communication, to determine its authenticity.
6.  Any absence that is not documented in accordance with this regulation within ten (10) school days after the incidence of absence will be recorded as unexcused.  If documentation is provided within ten (10) school days, but is incomplete, the building principal may, at the principal’s own discretion, grant up to a five (5) school day extension for provision of the completed documentation.

D. Extraordinary Educational Opportunities

1. To qualify as an extraordinary educational opportunity, the opportunity must:
   1.  be educational in nature and must have a learning objective related to the student’s course work or plan of study;
   2. be an opportunity not ordinarily available to the student;
   3. be grade and developmentally appropriate; and
   4. include content that is highly relevant to the student; while some opportunities will be relevant to all students, others will contain very specific content that would limit their relevance to a smaller group of students.
2.  Family vacations do not qualify as extraordinary educational opportunities.
3.  All requests for approval of extraordinary educational opportunities must:
   1. be submitted to the building principal in writing prior to the opportunity, but no later than ten (10) school days prior to the opportunity except in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the building administrator;
   2. contain the signatures of both the parent/guardian and the student;
   3. include an outline of the learning objective of the opportunity and include detail as to how the objective is linked to the student’s coursework or plan of study; and
   4. include additional documentation, where available, about the opportunity.
4.  The building principal shall provide a response in writing and include the following:
   1. either approval or denial of the request;
   2. brief reason for any denial;
   3. any requirements placed upon the student as a condition of approval;
   4. the specific days approved as excused absences for the opportunity; and
   5. the understanding that the building administrator may withdraw its approval if the opportunity is canceled or the student fails to meet the agreed-upon requirements of the approval.
5.  All decisions of the building principal relating to extraordinary educational opportunities shall be final.
6. Students who are granted excusal from school to participate in extraordinary educational opportunities are expected to share their experiences with other students and/or school staff when they return.
7. Approval for an extraordinary educational opportunity is determined on a case-by-case basis and the analysis of individualized factors.  An opportunity approved for one student may not be approved for another.

E. Truancy Exceptions:

1. A student five (5) or six (6) years of age shall not be considered truant if the parent or person having control over such student has appeared personally at the school District office and exercised the option of not sending the child to school at five (5) or six (6) years of age. 
2. Until June 30, 2023, a student seventeen (17) years of age shall not be considered truant if the parent or person having control over such student consents to such student’s withdrawal from school.  Such parent or person shall personally appear at the school District office and sign a withdrawal form indicating such consent.  Such withdrawal form must include an attestation from a guidance counselor or school administrator from the school that the District provided the parent (or person having control of the child) with information on the educational options available in the school system and community.
3. Beginning July 1, 2023, a student who is eighteen (18) years of age or older may withdraw from school. Such student shall personally appear in person at the school District office and sign a withdrawal form. Such withdrawal form must include an attestation from a guidance counselor or school administrator from the school that the District provided such student with information on the educational options available in the school system and community.
4. Beginning July 1, 2023, a student seventeen (17) years of age shall not be considered truant if the parent or person having control over such child withdraws such child from school and enrolls such child in an adult education program pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-69. Such parent or person shall personally appear at the school District office and sign an adult education withdrawal and enrollment form.  Such adult education withdrawal and enrollment form shall include an attestation (1) from a school counselor or school administrator of the school that the District has provided such parent or person with information on the educational options available in the school system and in the community, and (2) from such parent or person that such child will be enrolled in an adult education program upon such child's withdrawal from school.
5. If a parent or guardian of an expelled student chooses not to enroll the student in an alternative program, the student shall not be considered to be “truant.”

F. Readmission to School Following Voluntary Withdrawal

1. Except as noted in paragraph 2 below, if a student voluntarily withdraws from school (in accordance with Section E.2 or E.4, above) and subsequently seeks readmission, the Board may deny school accommodations to the student for up to ninety (90) school days from the date of the student’s withdrawal from school.
2.  If a student who has voluntarily withdrawn from school (in accordance with Section E.2 or E.4, above) seeks readmission within ten (10) school days of the student’s withdrawal, the Board shall provide school accommodations to the student not later than three (3) school days after the student requests readmission.

G. Determinations of Whether a Student is “In Attendance”:

1. A student serving an out of school suspension or expulsion shall be reported as absent unless the student receives an alternative educational program for at least one half of the regular school day.  In any event, the absence is considered a disciplinary absence, and will not be designated as excused or unexcused.
2. On early dismissal days and days shortened due to inclement weather, the regular school day for attendance purposes is considered to be the amount of instructional time offered to students on that day.  For example, if school is open for four hours on a shortened day scheduled, a student must be present for a minimum of two hours in order to be considered “in attendance.”
3.  Students placed on homebound instruction due to illness or injury in accordance with applicable regulations and requirements are counted as being “in attendance” for every day that they receive instruction from an appropriately certified teacher for an amount of time deemed adequate in accordance with applicable law.

H. Procedures for students in grades K-8*

1. Notification

   1. Annually at the beginning of the school year and upon the enrollment of any child during the school year, the administration shall notify the parent or other person having control of the student enrolled in grades K - 8 in writing of the obligations pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-184 to ensure that such a student attends school regularly or to show that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the District.
   2. Annually at the beginning of the school year and upon the enrollment of any child during the school year, the administration shall obtain from the parent or other person having control of the student in grades K-8 a telephone number or other means of contacting such parent or other person during the school day. 

2. Monitoring

I. Procedures applicable to students ages five (5) to eighteen (18)

1. Intervention
   1. When a student is truant, the building principal or designee shall schedule a meeting with the parent (or other person having control of such student) and appropriate school personnel to review and evaluate the reasons for the student's truancy.  This meeting shall be held no later than ten (10) days after the student becomes truant.  The District shall document the meeting, and if parent or other person declines to attend the meeting, or is otherwise is non-responsive, that fact shall also be documented and the meeting shall proceed with school personnel in attendance. 
   2. When a student is truant, the Superintendent or designee shall coordinate services with and referrals of students to community agencies providing child and family services, as appropriate.  The District shall document efforts to contact and include families and to provide early intervention in truancy matters.
   3. If the Commissioner of Education determines that any school under the jurisdiction of (the “Board”) has a disproportionately high rate of truancy, the District shall implement in that school a truancy intervention model identified by the Department of Education pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-198e.
   4. In addition to the procedures specified in subsections (a) through (c) above, a regular education student who is experiencing attendance problems should be referred to the building Child Study Team [or other appropriate school based team] to consider the need for additional interventions and/or assistance.  The Team will also consider whether the student should be referred to a planning and placement team (“PPT”) meeting to review the student’s need and eligibility for special education.  A special education student who is experiencing attendance problems should be referred to a PPT meeting for program review.
   5. Where the documented implementation of the procedures specified in subsections (a) through (d) above does not result in improved outcomes despite collaboration with the parent/guardian, the Superintendent or designee may, with written parental consent, refer a student who is truant to a Youth Service Bureau. 

J.    Attendance Records

All attendance records developed by the Board shall include the individual student’s state-assigned student identifier (SASID).

II. Chronic Absenteeism

A.    Definitions for Section II

B.    Establishment of Attendance Review Teams

C.   Composition and Role of Attendance Review Teams

D.    State Chronic Absenteeism Prevention and Intervention Plan

III.   Reports to the State Regarding Truancy Data

Annually, the Board shall include information regarding the number of truants and chronically absent children in the strategic school profile report for each school under its jurisdiction and for the District as a whole submitted to the Commissioner of Education.  Measures of truancy include the type of data that is required to be collected by the Department of Education regarding attendance and unexcused absences in order for the department to comply with federal reporting requirements and the actions taken by the Board to reduce truancy in the District.

IV.   Evolving State Department of Education and State Board of Education Guidance

The Board will comply with any and all guidance issued by the State Department of Education and/or State Board of Education regarding attendance requirements, including during periods of remote learning.
 

Board members are unpaid elected public officials with the responsibility for governance of the school district. The members of the Naugatuck Board of Education are:

• Chairperson:  Jeff Litke
• Vice-Chairperson:  Marilyn O’Donnell
• Secretary:  Ethel Grant 
• Members:  Jason Celozzi, Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess, Diana Malone, Alicia Makowski, James Scully

In order to perform its duties in an open and public manner and in accordance with state law, the Naugatuck Board of Education holds regular business meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Board of Education Room at 497 Rubber Avenue.  Parents, students and other community members are encouraged to attend.  The Board’s main purpose is policy setting designed to improve student learning.  Board members are interested in the public’s opinion on district issues, which can assist them in formulating policy which reflects community values and expectations.

Meetings of the Board follow a planned and posted agenda that are located on our website.

Board Meetings & Agendas
 

The Naugatuck Board of Education is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment that is physically, emotionally and intellectually safe and thus free from bullying, teen dating violence, harassment and discrimination.  In accordance with state law and the Board’s Safe School Climate Plan, the Board expressly prohibits any form of bullying behavior on school grounds; at a school sponsored or school-related activity, function or program, whether on or off school grounds; at a school bus stop; on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education; or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by Board of Education.
 
The Board also prohibits any form of bullying behavior outside of the school setting if such bullying (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.  Discrimination and/or retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying are likewise prohibited.
 
Students who engage in bullying behavior or teen dating violence shall be subject to school discipline up to and including expulsion in accordance with the Board’s policies on student discipline, suspension and expulsion and consistent with state and federal law.
 
For purposes of this policy, “Bullying” means an act that is direct or indirect and severe, persistent or pervasive, which:

1. causes physical or emotional harm to an individual;
2. places an individual in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm; or
3. infringes on the rights or opportunities of an individual at school.

Bullying shall include, but need not be limited to, a written, oral or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.
 
For purposes of this policy, "Cyberbullying" means any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile electronic devices or any electronic communications.
 
For purposes of this policy, “Teen Dating Violence” means any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing and threatening, that occurs between two students who are currently in or who have recently been in a dating relationship.
 
Consistent with the requirements under state law, the Naugatuck Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent or designee(s), along with the Safe School Climate Coordinator, to be responsible for developing and implementing a Safe School Climate Plan in furtherance of this policy.  As provided by state law, such Safe School Climate Plan shall include, but not be limited to provisions which:
 

1. enable students to anonymously report acts of bullying to school employees and require students and the parents or guardians of students to be notified annually of the process by which students may make such reports;
2. enable the parents or guardians of students to file written reports of suspected bullying;
3. require school employees who witness acts of bullying or receive reports of bullying to orally notify the safe school climate specialist, or another school administrator if the safe school climate specialist is unavailable, not later than one school day after such school employee witnesses or receives a report of bullying, and to file a written report not later than two school days after making such oral report;  
4. require the safe school climate specialist to investigate or supervise the investigation of all reports of bullying and ensure that such investigation is completed promptly after receipt of any written reports made under this section;
5. require the safe school climate specialist to review any anonymous reports, except that no disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report;
6. include a prevention and intervention strategy for school employees to deal with bullying;
7. provide for the inclusion of language in student codes of conduct concerning bullying;
8. require each school to notify the parents or guardians of students who commit any verified acts of bullying and the parents or guardians of students against whom such acts were directed not later than forty-eight hours after the completion of the investigation; described in subdivision (4), above (A) of the results of such investigation, and (B) verbally or by electronic mail, if such parents’ or guardians’ electronic mail addresses are known, that such parents or guardians may refer to the plain language explanation of the rights and remedies available under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 10-4a and 10-4b published on the Internet website of the Board;
9. require each school to invite the parents or guardians of a student against whom such act was directed to a meeting to communicate to such parents or guardians the measures being taken by the school to ensure the safety of the student against whom such act was directed and policies and procedures in place to prevent further acts of bullying;
10. require each school to invite the parents or guardians of a student who commits any verified act of bullying and the parents or guardians of the student against whom such act was directed to a meeting to communicate to such parents or guardians the measures being taken by the school to ensure the safety of the student against whom such act was directed and to prevent further acts of bullying;
11. establish a procedure for each school to document and maintain records relating to reports and investigations of bullying in such school and to maintain a list of the number of verified acts of  bullying in such school and make such list available for public inspection, and annually report such number to the Department of Education and in such manner as prescribed by the Commissioner of Education;
12. direct the development of case-by-case interventions for addressing repeated incidents of bullying against a single individual or currently perpetrated bullying incidents by the same individual that may include both counseling and discipline;
13. prohibit discrimination and retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying;
14. direct the development of student safety support plans for students against whom an act of bullying was directed that address safety measures the school will take to protect such students against further acts of bullying;
15. require the principal of a school, or the principal's designee, to notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency when such principal, or the principal's designee, believes that any acts of bullying constitute criminal conduct;
16. prohibit bullying (A) on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the local or regional board of education, and (B) outside of the school setting if such bullying (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school;
17. require, at the beginning of each school year, each school to provide all school employees with a written or electronic copy of the school district's safe school climate plan; and
18. require that all school employees annually complete the training described in Conn. Gen. Stat. 10-220a or 10-222j related to the identification, prevention and response to bullying

The notification required pursuant to subdivision (8) (above) and the invitation required pursuant to subdivision (9) and (10) (above) shall include a description of the response of school employees to such acts and any consequences that may result from the commission of further acts of bullying.  Any information provided under this policy or accompanying Safe School Climate Plan shall be provided in accordance with the confidentiality restrictions imposed under the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act ("FERPA") and the district's Confidentiality and Access to Student Information policy and regulations.
 
The Naugatuck Board of Education shall submit the Safe School Climate Plan developed pursuant to this policy and submit such plan to the Department of Education. Not later than thirty (30) calendar days after approval by the Department, the Board shall make such plan available on the Board's and each individual school in the school district's web site and ensure that the Safe School Climate Plan is included in the school district's publication of the rules, procedures and standards of conduct for schools and in all student handbooks. 
 
As required by state law, the Board, after consultation with the Connecticut Department of Education and the Connecticut Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative, shall provide on the Board’s website training materials to school administrators regarding the prevention of and intervention in discrimination against and targeted harassment of students based on such students’ (1) actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or (2) association with individuals or groups who have or are perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.
 
As required by state law, the Board shall post on its website the plain language explanation of rights and remedies under Connecticut General Statutes §§ 10-4a and 10-4b, as developed and provided to the Board by the Connecticut Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative.
 

Student clubs, performing groups, athletic teams and other extracurricular activities may establish rules of conduct for participants that may be stricter than those of students in general.
 

The Naugatuck Public School Curriculum and Instruction is built on a competency-based system.  Children develop competencies in and across subjects as they progress through the grade levels on their way to becoming the Vision of the Graduate.

Intervention

The district utilizes the multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) process which combines systematic assessments, decision-making and a multi-tiered delivery model to improve educational and behavioral outcomes for all students. Academic and behavioral support and targeted interventions will be provided for student who are not making academic progress toward grade level competencies
 

Students and parents should be aware that technology communications, using district computers, are not private and may be monitored by staff. 

The District reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access and any and all information transmitted or received in connection with such usage. All such information files shall be and remain the property of the School District and no user shall have any expectation of privacy regarding such material.

Federal law requires the district to place filtering devices on school computers to block entry to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, harmful or inappropriate for students as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee.  At no time are students allowed to circumvent or attempt to disable the internet filtering or security measures that are in place for their safety.  Violations may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

The Board of Education is committed to aiding students and staff in creating a 21st Century learning environment. Therefore students (plus staff) will be permitted to access the District’s wireless network with their personal devices during the school day. With teacher approval, students may use their own devices to access the Internet and collaborate with other students using District recommended sites and applications.

Students and parents/guardians participating in the Bring Your Own Device Technology program must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, as well as all applicable Board policies, particularly the student Computer Acceptable Use policy (Student Use of the District’s Computer Systems and Internet Safety Policy 5148, Regulations 5148R a-i).  (BOE Policy #5148, BOE Policy #5148R)

The Naugatuck Public Schools develops children who are responsible for their behavior and are contributing members of our community. The Vision of our Graduate identifies expected student behavior.
 

No guns, knives or any other objects, including martial arts weapons and facsimiles of weapons, capable of threatening or causing injury or death may be brought onto school grounds. Any object used to cause injury will be considered a weapon. Violators will be subject to arrest and prosecution, as well as, appropriate disciplinary action. Any student found to possess a weapon on school grounds or during a school-activity will be expelled from school.

An expelled student may apply for early readmission to school. Such readmission is at the discretion of the Board of Education (unless the Board has delegated authority for readmission decisions to the Superintendent.) The Board or Superintendent, as appropriate, may condition such readmission on specified criteria.

Students may be disciplined for conduct on and/or off school grounds that endangers persons or property, is disruptive of the educational process, or violates Board policy.  Disciplinary actions may include using restorative practices and/or discipline management techniques, such as detention, removal from class, removal to an alternative education program, in school suspension, out of school suspension, and expulsion. In addition, when a student violates the law that student may be referred to legal authorities for prosecution.
According to BOE Policy #5250 such conduct includes but is not limited to:

1. Striking or assaulting a student, members of the school staff or other persons.
2. Theft.
3. The use of obscene or profane language or gestures, the possession and/or display of obscenity or pornographic images or the unauthorized or inappropriate possession and/or display of images, pictures or photographs depicting nudity.
4. Violation of smoking, dress, transportation regulations, or other regulations and/or policies governing student conduct.  
5. Refusal to obey a member of the school staff, law enforcement authorities, or school volunteers, or disruptive classroom behavior.
6. Any act of harassment based on an individual's sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability, national origin or ancestry.
7. Refusal by a student to identify himself/herself to a staff member when asked, misidentification of oneself to such person(s), lying to school officials or otherwise engaging in dishonest behavior.
8. Inappropriate displays of public affection of a sexual nature and/or sexual activity on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity.
9. A walk-out from or sit-in within a classroom or school building or school grounds.
10. Blackmailing, threatening or intimidating school staff or students (or acting in a manner that could be construed to constitute blackmail, a threat, or intimidation, regardless of whether intended as a joke).
11. Possession of any weapon, weapon facsimile, deadly weapon, martial arts weapon, electronic defense weapon, pistol, knife, blackjack, bludgeon, box cutter, metal knuckles, pellet gun, air pistol, explosive device, firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, whether functional or not, or any other dangerous object or instrument.  The possession and/or use of any object or device that has been converted or modified for use as a weapon.
12. Possession of any ammunition for any weapon described above in paragraph 11. 
13. Unauthorized entrance into any school facility or portion of a school facility or aiding or abetting an unauthorized entrance.
14. Possession or ignition of any fireworks, combustible or other explosive materials, or ignition of any material causing a fire.  Possession of any materials designed to be used in the ignition of combustible materials, including matches and lighters.
15. Unauthorized possession, sale, distribution, use, consumption, or aiding in the procurement of tobacco, drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages (or any facsimile of tobacco, drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages, or any item represented to be tobacco, drugs or alcoholic beverages), including being under the influence of any such substances.  For the purposes of this Paragraph 15, the term "drugs" shall include, but shall not be limited to, any medicinal preparation (prescription and non-prescription) and any controlled substance whose possession, sale, distribution, use or consumption is illegal under state and/or federal law. 
16. Sale, distribution, or consumption of substances contained in household items; including, but not limited to glue, paint, accelerants/propellants for aerosol canisters, and/or items such as the aerators for whipped cream; if sold, distributed or consumed for the purpose of inducing a stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic or mind-altering effect.
17. Possession of paraphernalia used or designed to be used in the consumption, sale or distribution of drugs, alcohol or tobacco, as described in subparagraph (15) above.  For purposes of this policy, drug paraphernalia includes any equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in growing, harvesting, manufacturing, producing, preparing, packaging, storing, containing or concealing, or injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing controlled drugs or controlled substances into the human body, including but not limited to items such as "bongs," pipes, "roach clips," vials, tobacco rolling papers, and any object or container used, intended or designed for use in storing, concealing, possessing, distributing or selling controlled drugs or controlled substances.  
18. The destruction of real, personal or school property, such as, cutting, defacing or otherwise damaging property in any way.
19. Accumulation of offenses such as school and class tardiness, class or study hall cutting, or failure to attend detention.
20. Trespassing on school grounds while on out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
21. Making false bomb threats or other threats to the safety of students, staff members, and/or other persons.
22. Defiance of school rules and the valid authority of teachers, supervisors, administrators, other staff members and/or law enforcement authorities.
23. Throwing snowballs, rocks, sticks and/or similar objects, except as specifically authorized by school staff.
24. Unauthorized and/or reckless and/or improper operation of a motor vehicle on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity.
25. Leaving school grounds, school transportation or a school-sponsored activity without authorization.
26. Use of or copying of the academic work of another individual and presenting it as the student's own work, without proper attribution; or any other form of academic dishonesty, cheating or plagiarism.
27. Possession and/or use of a cellular telephone, radio, Walkman, CD player, blackberry, personal data assistant, walkie talkie, Smartphone, mobile or handheld device, or similar electronic device, on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity in violation of Board policy and/or administrative regulations regulating the use of such devices.
28. Possession and/or use of a beeper or paging device on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity without the written permission of the principal or his/her designee.
29. Unauthorized use of any school computer, computer system, computer software, Internet connection or similar school property or system, or the use of such property or system for inappropriate purposes.
30. Possession and/or use of a laser pointer, unless the student possesses the laser pointer temporarily for an educational purpose while under the direct supervision of a responsible adult.
31. Hazing.
32. Bullying, defined as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district, or a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district, that:
    1. Causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student’s property;
    2. Places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property;
    3. Creates a hostile environment at school for such student;
    4. Infringes on the rights of such student at school; or
    5. Substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
    6. Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, a written, verbal or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.
33. Cyberbullying, defined as any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile electronic devices or any electronic communications.
34. Acting in any manner that creates a health and/or safety hazard for staff members, students, or the public, regardless of whether the conduct is intended as a joke. 
35. Engaging in a plan to stage or create a violent situation for the purposes of recording it by electronic means; or recording by electronic means acts of violence for purposes of later publication.
36. Engaging in a plan to stage sexual activity for the purposes of recording it by electronic means; or recording by electronic means sexual acts for purposes of later publication.
37. Using computer systems, including email, instant messaging, text messaging, blogging or the use of social networking websites, or other forms of electronic communications, to engage in any conduct prohibited by this policy.  
38. Use of a privately owned electronic or technological device in violation of school rules, including the unauthorized recording (photographic or audio) of another individual without permission of the individual or a school staff member.
39. Any action prohibited by any Federal or State law.
40. Any other violation of school rules or regulations or a series of violations which makes the presence of the student in school seriously disruptive of the educational process and/or a danger to persons or property.
41. Engaging in teen dating violence, defined as any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing and threatening, that occurs between two students who are currently in or who have recently been in a dating relationship.   
     

Printed materials may be distributed to parents by students as a means of communications. All requests from groups or individuals to have students distribute materials to the community, with the exception of school-connected organizations, will be referred to the office of the superintendent to determine whether the request complies with school policy.

The principal or his/her designee may approve such distribution providing:

1. The material is related to the school, community, local recreational or civic activity.
2. The material does not relate to any religious belief or activity, or promote private gain. 
3. The material does not promote any outside governmental political party, candidate or position.
4. Does not promote profit making organizations.
5. Does not advocate a position regarding a referendum question.

Materials that have a religious content may be made available to students during non-instructional time. The District has the right to impose neutral time, place and manner restrictions on the dissemination of religious materials to ensure that students are aware that the materials are not endorsed or sponsored by the District.

Publications prepared by or for the school may be posted or distributed, with prior approval by the principal, sponsor or teacher. Such items include school posters, brochures, school newspapers and yearbook.

Student dress is regulated by Board of Education Policy 5210.  Students are encouraged to dress in clothing appropriate to the school situation. Restrictions on freedom of expression may be applied whenever the mode of dress is unsafe, disruptive or contrary to law.

Every student is encouraged to develop and achieve individual educational goals.  The district will provide every student with equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, economic status, marital status, or disability.  No student will be excluded on such basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, employment assistance, extracurricular activities or other school resources.  Programs and activities shall be accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities as prescribed by law.

John Lawlor, Human Resource Director, is the designated district compliance officer, who will coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Administrators may remove a student from all classes when the student deliberately causes a serious disruption to the teaching and learning process within the classroom. 

Prior to an expulsion hearing, information concerning legal services that are provided free of charge or at a reduced rate that are available locally and how to access such services shall be provided to the student and his/her parent or guardian. An attorney or other advocate may represent any student subject to expulsion proceedings. The parent/guardian of the student has the right to have the expulsion hearing postponed for up to one week to allow time to obtain representation, except that if an emergency exists, such hearings shall be held as soon as possible after the expulsion as possible.

The Board of Education may expel a student  in grades 3 through 12 inclusive, from school privileges if, after a full hearing, the Board finds that the student’s conduct endangers person(s), property or the educational process or is in violation of a publicized Board policy. Students who have been expelled may be eligible for an alternative educational program.

Expulsion from school will result in the loss of all extra-curricular and social privileges during the period of expulsion.

For any student expelled for the first time and who has never been suspended, the Board of Education may shorten the length of or waive the expulsion period if the student successfully completes a Board specified program and meets any other conditions required by the Board.  Such a Board specified program does not require the student or the parent/guardian of the student to pay for participation in the program.

Students in grades 3 through grade 12 inclusive are subject to mandatory expulsion for the possession and/or use of weapons, including martial arts weapons, or other dangerous instruments in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school sponsored activity for a calendar year. A student in grades kindergarten through grade 12 inclusive, who offers illegal drugs for sale or distribution on or off school grounds is also cause for expulsion for a calendar year. The Board may modify the expulsion period on a case-by-case basis.

Whenever a student is expelled, notice of the expulsion and the conduct for which the student was expelled will be included on the student’s cumulative education record. The record will be expunged if the student graduates from high school and the expulsion was not for weapon possession and/or for the sale or distribution of illegal drugs.

If students expulsion is shortened or the expulsion period waived based upon the fact that the student was expelled for the first time, has never been suspended and successfully completed a Board specified program and/or met other conditions required by the Board, the notice of expulsion will be expunged from the cumulative educational record if the student graduates from high school or, if the Board so chooses, at the time the student completes the Board specified program and meets other Board required conditions.

Expelled students, under age 16, will be offered an individualized learning plan as part of an alternative education. Students between ages 16 and 18 who are expelled, even for conduct that endangers others, will be offered an alternative educational opportunity if it is the students first expulsion (PA 16-147)

A district student who has committed an expellable offense who seeks to return to a District school after having been in a juvenile detention center, the Connecticut Juvenile Training School or any other residential placement for one year or more, in lieu expulsion from the District, shall be permitted to return to the appropriate school setting within the District. Further, the District will not expel the student from any additional time for the offense(s).
 

English Learners have a right to be supported in their language growth. Language skills are a tool in building strong relationships, solving problems, innovating, researching, expressing and reflecting on ideas, opinions, and emotions, and participating in school and my community. Naugatuck Public Schools values its cultural and linguistic diversity, building strong partnerships with families in order to support our students in navigating their identities as multicultural and multi-linguistic community members who effectively use language to engage in a variety of school, community and academic environments with purpose and meaning.

Identification Process

• Step 1: Families arrive at the Central Office to register a student. The school district provides translation services, as needed.
• Step 2: Families fill out the Home Language Survey.
• Step 3: Registration secretary reviews enrollment information to see if the Home Language Survey indicated ANY language other than English. The secretary keeps a spreadsheet of responses and notifies the administrator of the building to start the
• process for assessment with the ESOL, bilingual teacher or reading consultant in the building. 
• Step 4: The ESOL, bilingual teacher or reading consultant reviews records from the sending school for students in grades 1-12 to determine if they were previously identified as an English Learner in another Connecticut school.
• Step 5: The ESOL, bilingual teacher, or reading consultant administers the approved English language proficiency assessment to the student.
• Step 6: If the student’s results on the assessment indicate the student is not yet proficient in English, the student is an English Learner. ESOL, bilingual teacher or reading consultant selects “Yes” to “English Language Learner” in the Registration section of PowerSchool.. Parents are notified via letter to explain the programming options. Assessment results are placed in the student’s cumulative folder and PowerSchool, even if the student is determined to be proficient.
• Step 7: Student’s program and language codes are shared with the school secretary to update PowerSchool. If a student is not yet proficient in English, their language code remains their home language.
   

Athletics are considered an integral part of the school’s educational program. Whether participation is on the intramural, interscholastic, or class level, students have an opportunity to acquire qualities of fitness, self-discipline, and cooperation. 

Student athletes may not participate in any intramural or interscholastic activity unless the student athlete and his/her parent/guardian completes the concussion education plan and sign the informed consent form.

Student interscholastic activities are governed by Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) regulations. Eligibility for participation is governed by state law as well as the regulations of the CIAC. 

Any student athlete who has not reported to school by noon will not be permitted to practice or play that afternoon or evening. Exceptions to this rule will be considered only if the player’s parent explains the unusual circumstances to the principal or designee.
 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, et seq., affords parents and eligible students (i.e., students over 18, emancipated minors, and those attending post-secondary educational institutions) 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 forty-five (45) calendar days of the day the District receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parents 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 parents or eligible student believe are inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise violate the student's privacy rights.  Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the District to amend a record should write the school principal, clearly identifying the part of the record the parents or eligible student want changed, and specify why it should be changed.

If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents or eligible student, the District will notify the parents 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 parents or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to a school official with legitimate interests.  A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the Board of Education; a person or company with whom the District has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (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 a parent, student, or other volunteer 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 District discloses a student's education record without consent to officials of another school, including other public schools, charter schools, and post-secondary institutions, in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the agency that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Unless notified in writing by a parent or eligible student to the contrary within two weeks of the date of this notice, the school district will be permitted to disclose "Directory Information" concerning a student, without the consent of a parent or eligible student.  Directory Information includes information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.  It includes, but is not limited to, the parent’s name, address and/or e-mail address, the student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photographic, computer and/or video images, date and place of birth, major field(s) of study, grade level, enrollment status (full-time/part-time), participation in school-sponsored activities or athletics, weight and height (if the student is a member of an athletic team), dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received, the most recent previous school(s) attended and student identification numbers for the limited purposes of displaying a student identification card.  The student identification number, however, will not be the only identifier used when obtaining access to educational records or data.  Directory information does not include a student’s social security number, student identification number or other unique personal identifier used by the student for purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems unless the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN or password.

The school district may disclose directory information about students after they are no longer in enrollment in the school district.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the district will continue to honor any valid objection to the disclosure of directory information made while a student was in attendance unless the student rescinds the objection.
An objection to the disclosure of directory information shall not prevent the school district from disclosing or requiring a student to disclose the student’s name, identified or institutional email address in a class in which the student is enrolled.  Parents and/or eligible students may not use the right to opt out of directory information disclosures to prohibit the school district from requiring students to wear or display a student identification card.

The written objection to the disclosure of directory information shall be good for only one school year.  School districts are legally obligated to provide military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary school students, unless the secondary student or the parent of the student objects to such disclosure in writing.  Such objection shall be in writing and shall be effective for one school year.  In all other circumstances, information designated as directory information will not be released when requested by a third party unless the release of such information is determined by the administration to be in the educational interest of the school district and is consistent with the district’s obligations under both state and federal law.
 

Students will not be denied the opportunity to participate in any class or school sponsored activity because of inability to pay for material fees, transportation costs, admission prices, or any other related expenses. Any student who needs financial assistance for school activities should contact a guidance counselor, advisor or administrator to request confidential help.

We provide breakfast and lunch at all Naugatuck Schools in accordance with USDA and state regulations.

Foods are prepared by trained staff who strive to offer students high quality, nutritious, kid-friendly meals at a reasonable price. All reimbursable meals are served with a choice of entrée, fruit, vegetables, and milk. Students may take up to 2 fruits & 2 vegetables. Reimbursable meals have 3 components and 1 must be a ½ cup of fruit or a ½ cup of vegetables. We serve a variety of whole-grain breads and rolls, an assortment of low fat and fat-free flavored & unflavored milk. 100% fruit juice and regionally & locally grown whole fresh fruit when seasonally available. We also serve a colorful variety of vegetables.

The district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, (CEP), a program of the USDA that provides free meals to all Naugatuck students. CEP allows schools that predominantly serve low-income children to offer free, nutritious school meals to all students through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The CEP uses information from other programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), instead of traditional paper lunch applications.

If, at any time, you have questions about your child’s account, please contact our Food Service Director, Kate Murphy at 203-720-5279.
 

The Naugatuck school system utilizes PowerSchool Gradebook to record and communicate student progress on an ongoing basis.  Additionally, student progress and growth are reported to parents through report cards and progress reports and parent conferences. Please refer to the grading system of your child’s school.

In order to satisfy the high school graduation requirements within Naugatuck Public Schools, a student must have satisfactorily completed the prescribed courses of study, demonstrated proficiency in basic skills identified by the Naugatuck Board of Education and satisfied the legally mandated number and distribution of credits required to graduate from high school.

The Naugatuck Board of Education conforms with state law regarding credits for graduation from high school.

Classes Graduating in 2023 and Thereafter: Beginning with the Class of 2023, all students will need to earn 25 credits and meet the following distribution requirements:
A. Required Coursework and Credits for Graduation

Humanities 9.0 credits

• English 4.0 credits, including:
  • English I, II, III
  • English IV or AP English Literature or AP English Language
• Social Studies 3.0 credits, including:
  • US History (1.0) or AP/ECE U.S. History
  • Civics (.5) or AP US Government and Politics
• Humanities Elective 2.0 credits, including:
  • Fine Arts/Visual Arts/Music/Theater (1.0)
  • Elective (1.0) in English, Social Studies, World Language or Fine Arts

STEM 9.0 credits

• Math 4.0 credits, including:
  • Algebra I (1.0), Geometry (1.0), and Algebra II (1.0)
• Science 3.0 credits, including:
  • Life Science (Biology 1.0)
  • Physical Science ( Geophysical Science 1.0 or Chemistry 1.0)
  • Earth Science (Geophysical Science 1.0 or AP Environmental Science 1.0)
• STEM Elective 2.0 credits, including:
  • Applied Education (1.0)
  • Elective (1.0) in Science, Mathematics, or Applied Education

Health, Wellness, and Physical Education 2.25 credits

• Physical Education and Wellness (1.0)
• Health and Safety Education (1.0)
• Community Service (.25)

World Language 1.0 credit

• World Language 1.0 credit (3.0 credits strongly recommended)

Mastery-Based Diploma Assessment 1.0 credit

Options include:

• Successful completion of an AP, ECE, or other early college course, OR
• Successful completion of a CTE pathway, OR
• Successful completion of the College and Career Readiness seminar, OR
• Successful completion of 4 years of advisory with project / portfolio review

*Credit awarded for courses that satisfy the MBD requirement are awarded credit solely for MBD-they do not satisfy other requirements or count more than once.

Electives 2.75

• Electives 2.75 credits

Total Credits 25.0

A credit is defined as not less than the equivalent of a forty (40) minute class period for each school day of a school year for one credit and one-half credit for courses that meet for ninety (90) days except for a credit or part of a credit toward high school graduation earned (1) at an institution accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or Office of Higher Education or regionally accredited, (2) through on-line coursework that is completed satisfactorily in accordance with Board policy, or (3) through a demonstration of mastery based on competency and performance standards, in accordance with guidelines adopted by the State Board of Education.
Only courses taken in grades nine to twelve inclusive, and that are in accordance with the state-wide subject matter content standards, adopted by the State Board of Education, shall satisfy the above graduation requirements, except that the Board will grant a student credit:

High school graduation credit will be granted to students upon the successful demonstration of mastery of subject matter achieved through educational experiences and opportunities that provide flexible and multiple pathways to learning, including:

• Cross-curricular graduation requirements,
• Career and technical education,
• Virtual learning,
• Work-based learning,
• Service learning,
• Dual enrollment and early college
• Algebra I and Spanish courses taken in middle school, and
• Internships and student-designed independent studies;

Provided that such demonstration of mastery is in accordance with such state-wide subject matter content standards.
High school graduation credit will be granted to students for Algebra I (1.0 credit) and Spanish (1.0 credit) courses successfully completed in grades seven and eight so long as the primary focus of the course corresponds directly to the subject matter of a specified course requirement at the high school level.

High school graduation credit will be granted to students for coursework completed during the school year or summer months at an institution accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or Office of Higher Education or regionally accredited. One three-credit semester course, or its equivalent, at such an institution shall equal one-half credit for purposes of this policy.

High school graduation credit will be granted to students upon the successful completion of on-line coursework in accordance with the Board’s on-line coursework policy.
 
A student may be granted up to one-half credit for documented community service provided it is supervised by an administrator or teacher and consists of not less than fifty (50) hours of actual service that may be performed at times when school is not regularly in session.  Such community service does not include partisan political activities.

Demonstration of Proficiency in Basic Skills

In addition to meeting the coursework and credit graduation requirements listed above, to graduate high school, each student must demonstrate proficiency in the basic skills described below:

1. Literacy Basic Skills Standard
   1. Achieve a grade of C- or better for required English courses; or
   2. Meet the College and Career Readiness Benchmark for the
2. PSAT/NMSQT taken in the junior year;  or
   1. Meet the College and Career Readiness Benchmark for the SAT; or
   2. Successful completion of an AP, ECE, or other early college course in
3. English;  or
   1. Portfolio review and assessment of student work.
4. Mathematics Basic Skills Standard
   1. Achieve a grade of C- or better for required Math courses; or
   2. Meet the College and Career Readiness Benchmark for the
5. PSAT/NMSQT taken in the junior year;  or
   1. Meet the College and Career Readiness Benchmark for the SAT; or
   2. Successful completion of an AP, ECE, or other early college course in
6. Math;  or
   1. Portfolio review and assessment of student work.
7. Science Basic Skills Standard
   1. Achieve a grade of C- or better in two (2) credits of Science courses; or
   2. Meet the College and Career Readiness Benchmark on the NGSS assessment;  or
   3. Successful completion of an AP, ECE, or other early college course in
8. Science;
   1. Portfolio review and assessment of student work.

Physical Education

A student who presents written documentation from a physician or advanced practice registered nurse stating that participation in physical education is not advisable because of the physical condition of the student, shall be excused from the physical education requirement.  In such a case, another subject must be substituted.

Hearing Impaired

Any student who is deaf or hearing impaired may be exempted from any world language graduation requirement if the student’s parent or guardian requests such exemption in writing.

Early Graduation

The Board shall provide for early graduation of those students who complete the requirements in less than the four years normally expected. In certain cases of personal limitation or circumstance, the high school principal may request a waiver of requirements from the Board.

Seal of Biliteracy

The CT Seal of Biliteracy may be earned as a junior or senior. It will be earned by attaining a proficiency score on the CT State Biliteracy exam and completing 4 credits of English or demonstrating that the student is on track to successfully earn 4 credits and English.

Graduation During Period of Expulsion

A student may graduate during an expulsion period if the student has completed the necessary credits required for graduation.
 

It is the policy of the Naugatuck Board of Education to implement a green cleaning program in which the Board procures and properly uses environmentally preferable cleaning products in school buildings and facilities. Pursuant to subsection (a)(2)(A) of section 10-231g of the Connecticut General Statutes, any disinfectant, disinfecting cleaner, sanitizer or any other antimicrobial product approved by federal law may be used by the Board.
 
The Naugatuck Board of Education shall provide the staff of each school and, upon request, the parents and guardians of each child enrolled in each school with a written statement of the school district’s green cleaning program.  Such notice shall include (1) the types and names of environmentally preferable cleaning products being applied in schools, (2) the location of the application of such cleaning products in the school buildings and facilities, (3) the schedule of when such cleaning products are applied in the school buildings and facilities, (4) the statement, “No parent, guardian, teacher or staff member may bring into the school facility any consumer product which is intended to clean, deodorize, sanitize or disinfect” and (5) the name of the school administrator, or a designee who may be contacted for further information.  Such notice shall be provided to the parents or guardians of any child who transfers to a school during the school year and to staff hired during the school year.
 
The Naugatuck Board of Education shall make such notice, as well as the report submitted to the Department of Education pursuant to subsection (a) of section 10-220 of the general statutes (i.e. required report on condition of facilities, action taken to implement the Board’s long-term school building program, indoor air quality and green cleaning program), available on its web site and the web site of each school under such board’s jurisdiction.  If no such web site exists, the board shall make such notice otherwise publicly available.

Social services and counseling are rendered by professionally qualified members of the school staff. The responsibilities of the [social workers] and guidance counselors include helping the student function more successfully within the school environment. The district’s comprehensive counseling program strives to assist students in acquiring critical skills in the academic, career, and personal/social aspects of development.  School counselors will use a variety of methods to assist students in overcoming barriers to learning, to make strong connections with the educational opportunities in the school and to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive setting.

Referral for psychological and/or psychiatric assistance by other social services agencies within or outside the school may also be recommended. Please note: The school will not conduct a psychological examination, test, or treatment without first obtaining the parents/guardian’s written consent.

Every child has the right to feel safe, valued and comfortable in school. No one else’s behavior should ever make children feel afraid or embarrassed because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any disability they may have.  Parents are urged to reinforce with their child(ren) that if he/she is harassed or sees harassment happening to someone else that he/she should report the behavior to a teacher or the principal. 

A student who believes he/she has been harassed is encouraged to report the incident to the principal, teacher or guidance counselor.  The allegations will be investigated and addressed and appropriate disciplinary action taken, where necessary.

Responsible employees must immediately report the misconduct so that the school can begin an immediate investigation. Schools will reach out to building safe school climate specialist (building principal), and/or district’s Title IX coordinator (Melissa Cooney for Students, John Lawlor for staff) and Section 504/Title II coordinators (Nicole Reichardt), as appropriate. NPS is required to post on the website training materials for school administrators regarding the prevention of and intervention in discrimination against and targeted harassment of students based on such students’ actual or perceived differentiating characteristics.

Students are prohibited from participating in any hazing activities. Hazing is any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student organization.

The school health office is designed to provide care to students who become ill or are injured while in school. 

A cumulative health file is maintained for each student.  This file includes notations of past illnesses, results of physical examinations, and other pertinent health information. Health screenings are important strategies to promote the health and wellness of students and provide early detection of potential health concerns that may prevent them from taking full advantage of the educational opportunities provided in school. Vision, hearing and Scoliosis screenings are done following the state mandates found in Section 10-214 under the Connecticut General Statutes.

Parents are notified of any deviation from the normal pattern of health and suggestions are given for follow-up.  It is likewise important that parents notify the school nurse in case of a student’s illness.  If a student is to be excused or limited for an extended period from participation in school activities, he/she is required to bring a statement signed by a physician.  The school nurse is available to parents and students for conferences regarding health issues.

Administration of Medication

Parents of students requiring medication during school should contact the school nurse. Special forms are required to permit the administration of medicine in school.  They are available from the school nurse.  All medication must be in original container with proper labels.

In cases in which a student is able to self-administer medication, the parents or guardians must submit a signed statement that the medication must be taken during the school day and the student is capable of administering the medication.  The statement must be accompanied by a physician’s, dentist’s or advanced practice registered nurse’s statement indicating the necessity and naming the medication, the strength, and the prescribed dosage.  It must specify the schedule on which it is to be taken and the details of administration.  Such statements must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. 

A student with asthma or an allergic condition may carry an inhaler or an epipen or similar device in school at all times if he/she is under the care of a physician, physician assistant or advanced practical nurse and such practitioner certifies in writing that the child needs to keep an asthmatic inhaler or epipen at all times to ensure prompt treatment of the child’s asthma or allergic condition and to protect the child against serious harm or death.  A written authorization of the parent/guardian is required. 

A school nurse, or in the absence of the nurse, a “qualified school employee” may administer epinephrine in a cartridge injector for the purpose of emergency first aid to students who experience allergic reactions but were not previously known to have serious allergies and therefore do not have prior written authorization of a parent/guardian or qualified medical professional for the administration of epinephrine. Parents/guardians may submit in writing to the school nurse and school medical advisor that epinephrine shall not be administered to his/her child.

A school nurse, or in the absence of the nurse, a “qualified/school employee” may administer anti-epileptic medication to a specific student with a medically diagnosed epileptic condition that requires prompt treatment in accordance with the student’s individual seizure action plan.  Written parental permission and written order from a physician is required.

A student with diabetes may test his/her own blood glucose levels if the student has written permission from his/her parents/guardian and a written order from a Connecticut licensed physician.  The time or place of such testing shall not be restricted.
A school nurse or the principal will select a qualified school employee to, under certain conditions, give a glycogen injection to a student with diabetes who may require prompt treatment to protect him/her from serious harm or death.  Written parental permission and written order from a physician are required.

Communicable/Infectious Diseases

Students with any medical condition which within the school setting may expose others to disease or contagious and infectious conditions may be excluded from school and referred for medical diagnosis and treatment.  Additional information concerning this may be obtained from the school nurse.

Before a child may return to school after an absence due to such condition, parents and students may be required to submit medical evidence that their child has recovered sufficiently to prevent exposing others.

Disabilities

School district will not discriminate on the basis of disability as required under ADA, IDEA and Section 504 and C.G.S. 10-76a and any similar law or provision.

Emergency Medical Treatment

Parents are asked each year to complete an emergency information form for use by the school in the event of a medical emergency.  Any changes throughout the year need to be reported to the school secretary.

Health Records

School nurses maintain health records using the Connecticut “Health Assessment and Record Form.”  These records are accessible to certified staff working with the child and to school health aides if permission is granted by the nurse or building administrator. Parents may request to inspect the health records of their child.  Copies may be provided if requested.  Original copies of the record are sent where a student transfers to another school in the state.  If moving out-of-state, a copy will be forwarded. Health records are maintained for at least six years after the student graduates.  The district will comply with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) to maintain the privacy of protected health information.

A diabetic student may test his/her own blood glucose level per the written order of a physician or advanced practice nurse stating the need and the capacity of the student to conduct self-testing.  Such self-testing shall be done in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Commissioner of Education.

Homeless Students

Students who are classified as homeless under federal law and do not have a fixed residence will be enrolled in school pursuant to federal law and Board of Education policy #5119.  The local liaison for homeless children is Nicole Reichardt, Director of Special Services.  

Immunizations

All students must be immunized against certain diseases and must present a certificate from a physical or local health agency.  If the student should not be immunized due to medical or religious reasons, a statement from a physician or the parent as appropriate must be provided. The required immunizations are: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chickenpox), Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Rubella, Influenza and Hemophilus Influenza Type B. Parents or guardians of any children unable to have the mandated immunizations prior to initial school entry and the boosters as required in the later grades may have the immunizations, on the recommendation of the Board of Education, be paid by the town.

Parents/guardians wanting their children to be excused from immunizations if such immunizations are contrary to the religious belief of the child or of his/her parent/guardian must request such exemption in writing to the superintendent.  The request must be officially acknowledged by any of the following: notary public, judge, clerk/deputy clerk of a court, town clerk, justice of the peace, attorney or school nurse. Such request must be made before initial entry into the school system and prior to entering grade 7.

In addition to the required immunizations for initial entry into school for kindergarten, regular and special education preschool programs, additional immunizations are required for entry into seventh grade and for entry into eight grade and ninth or tenth grade.  The school must enroll any homeless student even if the student is unable to produce the required medical and immunization records.

For further information regarding immunizations contact the District Nurse Supervisor, Deborah Sauers.

Physical Examinations

All students must present evidence of a physical examination upon enrollment to the district.  (C.G.S. 10-204a) Health assessment shall also be required in grade 6 (or 7) and in grade 9 (or 10).  All students in grades K and grades 1, 3, 4, 5 will undergo vision screening by the school nurse or school health aide.  Hearing screening will be conducted for all students in grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 5.  Postural screening will be conducted for all female student in grades 5 and 7 and for male students in grade 8 or 9.  If a homeless student, as defined by federal statute, lacks immunization/medical records, the school will enroll the child and refer the parent/guardian to the district’s homeless liaison.
 

School insurance is made available to families through a specific program. Brochures are distributed to all students at the beginning of each academic year.  While the program is not mandatory, it is suggested that parents take advantage of the opportunity to provide adequate protection for their children while in school.  Any such arrangement is contractual between the parent and insurance carriers and the Naugatuck Public Schools assume no liability from disputes arising from such contract.

Any articles which are found in the school or on school grounds should be turned in at the school office.  Unclaimed articles will be disposed of or donated at the end of each school year.  Loss or suspected theft of personal or school property should be reported to the main office.

   Federal legislation requires schools selected to participate in this national testing program to notify parents of children who will be taking the test of their right to exclude their child.  Parents also have the right to inspect all NAEP data, questions and assessment instruments. 

Students at the middle and high school level will be informed of the availability of (1) vocational, technical and technological education and training of technical high schools and (2) agricultural sciences and technology education at regional agricultural science and technology education centers. Full access for the recruitment of students by technical high schools, regional agricultural science and technology education center, magnet schools, charter schools will be provided.  Military recruiters and institutions of higher learning shall have access to secondary school students’ names, addresses and telephone listings unless the student’s parent/guardian submits a written request that such information not be released without their prior written consent. 

We believe that frequent and ongoing communication between the school and home is critically important.  We encourage you to contact us if you have a question or concern about your child. It is best to first contact the person who is closest to the situation which in most cases will be your child’s teacher or school counselor. If you require further assistance, please contact the assistant principal or principal. If the situation remains unresolved, you are encouraged to contact the assistant superintendent or superintendent.  Education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school based on communications and interactions.  We welcome parents as partners in our schools.

PTO is a vital link between the school, community and the parents it serves. Thus, parents are urged to join and take an active part in the PTO.  The Parent School Council (PSC) is a district-level parent group that serves an advisory to the superintendent and provides coherence among the school parent groups.

Only certified pesticide applicators shall be used in schools for any non-emergency pesticide use in school buildings or on school grounds.  Pesticide applications are limited to non-school hours and when activities are not taking place.  Areas to receive pesticide application will be posted and a written record of all pesticide applications will be maintained for five years. Parents/guardians and staff who want to receive advance notice of all pesticide use will be listed on a registry and such notice will be provided as required by law. Parents/guardians who want to be notified prior to pesticide applications inside their child(ren)’s school assignment area may contact the school secretary who will add the name to the list for notification.  Notice will be provided at least 24 hours in advance of the application of a pesticide either on the school’s homepage or on the school or district’s primary social media account.

From time-to-time during the school year, school personnel and/or the media take photographs.  If a parent/guardian does not want their child to be photographed for school use, school website use or for media purposes, the school office must be alerted in writing.

Student aquatic activities which include swimming instruction as part of the physical education program, interscholastic competition, and extra-curricular activities are governed by the required staffing levels contained in P.A. 13-161.  The Naugatuck Board of Education’s Pool Safety Plan is published on the district website as Board of Education policy #1332R.

It is the policy of the Board to hold students responsible for any loss of or damage to the property of the school under the jurisdiction of the Board when the loss or damage occurs through fault of the student.

Any student damaging or defacing school property will be financially liable for restoring the property regardless of the condition of the property at the time of the destructive act, in addition to any other discipline up to and including arrest or civil prosecution as deemed appropriate. 

Students may be assigned a desk, hall locker and/or other equipment.  These items are the property of the school, loaned to students for their convenience during the school year, should be kept in good order and not abused.

Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to believe that they contain articles or materials prohibited by district policy.  Parents will be notified if any prohibited items are found in the student’s desk or locker.

Students should not attempt to repair school equipment but should notify the main office immediately if it isn’t functioning properly. Any damage done will be the responsibility of the person to whom it was loaned for the current year.  Students are warned not to bring large sums of money or valuables to school, liability for these items remains with the student.

In accordance with Connecticut General Statute §10-212b, the Board of Education prohibits school personnel from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any child.  Moreover, personnel may not require that a child obtain a prescription for a controlled substance (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC 801 et seq.) in order for the child to:  1) attend school; 2) receive an initial evaluation or reevaluation to determine a child’s eligibility for special education; or 3) receive special education and related services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, school health or mental health personnel may recommend that a child be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner and school personnel may consult with such practitioner with the consent of the parents or guardian of such child, in accordance with the procedures outlined below.

The school will utilize in grades kindergarten through grade four reading assessments to identify students reading proficiency levels.

The school district acknowledges each individual’s rights to follow or not to follow religious beliefs and practices, free from discriminatory or harassing behavior.  The district strives to provide religious accommodations to students in an equitable and appropriate way in accordance with district policies and corresponding guidelines.

Connecticut General Statutes Section 17a-101 et.seq. requires school employees who have reasonable cause to suspect or believe (1) that  any child under eighteen has been abused or neglected, has had a nonaccidental physical injury,  or has been placed at imminent risk of serious harm, or (2) that any person who is being educated by the technical high school system or a local or regional board of education, other than as part of an adult education program, is a victim of sexual assault, and the perpetrator is a school employee, to report such suspicions to the appropriate authority.  In furtherance of this statute and its purpose, it is the policy of the Naugatuck Board of Education (“Board”) to require all employees of the Board to report suspected abuse and/or neglect, nonaccidental physical injury, imminent risk of serious harm, or sexual assault of a student by a school employee, in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies not only to school employees who are required by law to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect, non-accidental physical injury, imminent risk of serious harm or sexual assault of a student by a school employee, but to all employees of the Board of Education.

Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

“Abused” means that a child (a) has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him or her other than by accidental means, or (b) has injuries which are at variance with the history given of them, or (c) is in a
condition which is the result of maltreatment, such as, but not limited to, malnutrition, sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment or cruel punishment.

“Neglected” means that a child (a) has been abandoned, or (b) is being denied proper care and attention, physically, educationally, emotionally or morally, or (c) is being permitted to live under conditions, circumstances or associations injurious to his well-being, or (d) has been abused.

“School employee” means a teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, school superintendent, guidance counselor, school counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional or coach employed by the Board or who is working in a Board elementary, middle or high school; or any other person who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the Naugatuck Public Schools (District), pursuant to a contract with the Board.

“Statutory mandated reporter” means an individual required by Connecticut General Statute Section 17a-101 to report suspected abuse and/or neglect of children or the sexual assault of a student by a school employee.  The term “statutory mandated reporter” includes all school employees, as defined above, and any person who holds or is issued a coaching permit by the State Board of Education, is a coach of intramural or interscholastic athletics and is eighteen years of age or older.

What Must Be Reported

1. A report must be made when any employee of the Board of Education in the ordinary course of such person’s employment or profession has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under the age of eighteen years:
   1. Has been abused or neglected;
   2. Has had non-accidental physical injury, or injury which is at variance with the history given for such injury, influenced upon him/her; or i  Is placed at imminent risk of serious harm.
2. A report must be made when any employee of the Board of Education in the ordinary course of such person's employment or profession has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that any person, regardless of age, who is being educated by the Board of Education, other than as part of an adult education program, is a victim of the following sexual assault crimes, and the perpetrator is a school employee:
   1. Sexual assault in the first degree;
   2. Aggravated sexual assault in the first degree;
   3. Sexual assault in the second degree;
   4. Sexual assault in the third degree;
   5. Sexual assault in the third degree with a firearm; or
   6. Sexual assault in the fourth degree.
3. Please see Appendix A of this policy for the relevant statutory definitions of sexual assault laws and related terms covered by the mandatory reporting laws and this policy.
4. The suspicion or belief of a Board employee may be based on factors including, but not limited to, observations, allegations, facts or statements by a child or victim as described above or a third party.
5. Such suspicion or belief does not require certainty or probable cause.

Reporting Procedures for Statutory Mandated Reporters

The following procedures apply only to statutory mandated reporters, as defined above.

When an employee of the Board of Education who is a statutory mandated reporter and who, in the ordinary course of the person’s employment has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused or neglected or placed at imminent risk of serious harm or is a victim of sexual assault by a school employee, as described in Paragraph 3, above, the following steps shall be taken:

1. The employee shall make an oral or electronic report as soon as practicable, but no later than twelve hours after having reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused or neglected or placed at imminent risk of serious harm or is a victim of sexual assault by a school employee.
   1. An oral report shall be made by telephone or in person to the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) or the local law enforcement agency. DCF has established a 24-hour Child Abuse and Neglect Careline at 1-800-842-2288 for the purpose of making such oral reports.
   2. An electronic report shall be made in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner of DCF.  An employee making an electronic report shall respond to further inquiries from the Commissioner of DCF or designee made within twenty-four (24) hours. Such employee shall the Superintendent of his/designee as soon as possible as to the nature of the further communication with the Commissioner or designee.
2. The employee shall also make an oral report as soon as practicable to the Building Principal or his/her designee, and/or the Superintendent or his or her designee.  If the Building Principal is the alleged perpetrator of the abuse/neglect or sexual assault of a student, then the employee shall notify the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee directly;
3. In cases involving suspected or believed abuse, neglect or sexual assault of a student by a school employee, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall immediately notify the child’s parent or guardian that such a report has been made;
4. Not later than forty-eight hours after making an oral report, the employee shall submit a written report to the Commissioner of DCF or the Commissioner’s designee containing all of the required information.  The written or electronic report should be submitted in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner of DCF. When such a report is submitted electronically, the employee shall respond to further inquiries from the Commissioner of DCR or designee made within twenty-four (24) hours.  Such employee shall inform the Superintendent or his/her designee as soon as possible as to the nature of the further communication with the Commissioner of designee.
5. The employee shall immediately submit a copy of the written or electronic report to the Building Principal or his/her designee and to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee;
6. If the report concerns suspected abuse, neglect or sexual assault of a student by a school employee holding a certificate, authorization or permit issued by the State Department of Education, the Commissioner of DCF (or his/her designee) shall submit a copy of the written or electronic report to the Commissioner of Education or his/her designee.

Reporting Procedures for Employees Other Than Statutory Mandated Reporters

The following procedures apply only to employees who are not statutory mandated reporters, as defined above:

1. When an employee who is not a statutory mandated reporter and who, in the ordinary course of the person’s employment or profession, has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused or neglected or placed at imminent risk of serious harm, or is a victim of sexual assault by a school employee, as described in Paragraph 3, above, the following steps shall be taken:
   1. The employee shall make an oral report as soon as practicable, but not later than twelve hours after the employee has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused or neglected, placed at imminent risk of serious harm or is a victim of sexual assault by a school employee.  Such oral report shall be made by telephone or in person to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, to be followed by an immediate written report to the Superintendent or his/her designee;
   2. If the Superintendent or his/her designee determines that there is reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused or neglected or placed at imminent risk of serious harm, or is a victim of sexual assault by a school employee,  he/she shall cause reports to be made in accordance with the procedures set forth for statutory mandated reporters.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed to preclude an employee reporting suspected child abuse, neglect or sexual assault by a school employee from reporting the same directly to the Commissioner of DCF.

Contents of Reports

Any oral or written report made pursuant to this policy shall contain the following information, if known:

1. The names and addresses of the child* and his/her parents or other personal responsible for his/her care;
2. The age of the child;
3. The gender of the child;
4. The nature and extent of the child’s injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect;
5. The approximate date and time the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect occurred;
6. Information concerning any previous injury or injuries to, or maltreatment or neglect of the child or his/her siblings;
7. The circumstances in which the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect came to be known to the reporter;
8. The name of the person or persons suspected to be responsible for causing such injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect;
9. The reasons such person or persons are suspected of causing such injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect;
10. Any information concerning any prior cases in which such person or persons have been suspected of causing an injury, maltreatment or neglect of a child; and
11. Whatever action, if any, was taken to treat, provide shelter or otherwise assist the child.

*The term "child" includes any victim of sexual assault by a school employee, as described in Paragraph 2 above.

Investigation of the Report

1. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall thoroughly investigate reports of suspected abuse and neglect if/when such report involves an employee of the Board of Education or other individual under the control of the Board, provided the procedures in subparagraph (b), below are followed.  In all other cases, DCF shall be responsible for conducting the investigation with the cooperation and collaboration of the Board, as appropriate.
2. Recognizing that DCF is the lead agency for the investigation of child abuse and neglect reports and reports of a student's sexual assault by a school employee, the Superintendent’s investigation shall permit and give priority to any investigation conducted by the Commissioner of DCF or the appropriate local law enforcement agency. The Superintendent shall conduct the district’s investigation and take any disciplinary action, consistent with state law, upon notice from the Commissioner of Children and Families or the appropriate local law enforcement agency that the district’s investigation will not interfere with the investigation of the Commissioner of DCF or the local law enforcement agency.
3. The Superintendent shall coordinate investigatory activities in order to minimize the number of interviews of any child or student victim of sexual assault and share information with other persons authorized to conduct an investigation of child abuse or neglect, as appropriate.
4. Any person reporting child abuse or neglect or the sexual assault of a student by a school employee, or having any information relevant to alleged abuse, neglect or sexual assault, shall provide the Superintendent with all information related to the investigation that is in the possession or control of such person, except as expressly prohibited by state or federal law.
5. When the school district is conducting an investigation involving suspected abuse or neglect or the sexual assault of a student by an employee of the Board or other individual under the control of the Board, the Superintendent’s investigation shall include an opportunity for the individual suspected of abuse, neglect or sexual assault to be heard with respect to the allegations contained within the report. During the course of such investigation, the Superintendent may suspend a Board employee with pay or may place the employee on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation.  If the individual is one who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the Naugatuck Public Schools, pursuant to a contract with the Board of Education, the Superintendent may suspend the provision of such services, and direct the individual to refrain from any contact with students enrolled in the Naugatuck Public Schools, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Evidence of Abuse, Neglect or Sexual Assault by a School Employee

1. If, upon completion of the investigation by the Commissioner of DCF (“Commissioner”), the Superintendent has received a report from the Commissioner that he or she has reasonable cause to believe that (1) a child has been abused, neglected or the victim of a sexual assault by a school employee as defined above, and the Commissioner has recommended that such employee be placed on the DCF child abuse and neglect registry, or (2) the student is a victim of sexual assault by a school employee, the Superintendent shall request (and the law provides) that DCF notify the Superintendent not later than five (5) working days after such finding, and provide the Superintendent with records, whether or not created by DCF, concerning such investigation. The Superintendent shall suspend such school employee. Such suspension shall be with pay and shall not result in the diminution or termination of benefits to such employee.
2. Not later than seventy-two (72) hours after such suspension the Superintendent shall notify the Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education, or the Commissioner of Education’s representative, of the reasons for and conditions of the suspension.  The Superintendent shall disclose such records to the Commissioner of Education and the Board of Education or its attorney for purposes of review of employment status or the status of such employee’s certificate, permit or authorization.
3. The suspension of a school employee employed in a position requiring a certificate shall remain in effect until the Superintendent and/or Board of Education acts pursuant to the provisions of Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-151.  If the contract of employment of such certified school employee is terminated, or such certified school employee resigns such employment, the Superintendent shall notify the Commissioner of Education, or the Commissioner of Education’s representative, within seventy-two hours after such termination or resignation.
4. The suspension of a school employee employed in a position requiring an authorization or permit shall remain in effect until the Superintendent and/or Board of Education acts pursuant to any applicable termination provisions.  If the contract of employment of a school employee holding an authorization or permit from the State Department of Education is terminated, or such school employee resigns such employment, the Superintendent shall notify the Commissioner of Education, or the Commissioner of Education’s representative, within seventy-two hours (72) after such termination or resignation.
5. Regardless of the outcome of any investigation by the Commissioner of DCF and/or the police, the Superintendent and/or the Board, as appropriate, may take disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, in accordance with the provisions of any applicable statute, if the Superintendent’s investigation produces evidence that a child has been abused or neglected by a school employee or that a student has been a victim of a sexual assault by a school employee.
6. The Naugatuck Public Schools shall not employ a person whose employment contract is terminated or who resigned from employment following a suspension pursuant to Paragraph 8(a) of this policy and Connecticut General Statute §17a-010i, if such person is convicted of a crime involving an act of child abuse or neglect or an act of sexual assault of a student, as described in Paragraph 2 of this policy.

Evidence of Abuse, Neglect or Sexual Assault by an Independent Contractor of the Board of Education

If the investigation by the Superintendent and/or the Commissioner of DCF produces evidence that a child has been abused or neglected, or a student has been sexually assaulted by any individual who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the Naugatuck Public Schools pursuant to a contract with the Board of Education, the Superintendent shall permanently suspend the provision of such services, and direct the individual to refrain from any contact with students enrolled in the Naugatuck Public Schools.

Delegation of Authority by Superintendent

The Superintendent may appoint a designee for the purposes of receiving and making reports, notifying and receiving notification, or investigating reports pursuant to this policy.

Confidential Rapid Response Team

The Superintendent shall establish a confidential rapid response team to coordinate with DCF to (1) ensure prompt reporting of suspected abuse or neglect or sexual assault of a student by a school employee, as described in Paragraph 2, above, and (2) provide immediate access to information relevant to the department's investigation.  The confidential rapid response team shall consist of a teacher and the Superintendent, a local police officer and any other person the Board of Education, acting through the Superintendent, deems appropriate.

Disciplinary Action for Failure to Follow Policy

Except as provided in Section 14 below, any employee who fails to comply with the requirements of this policy shall be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.

The District shall not hire any person whose employment contract was previously terminated by a board of education or who resigned from such employment, if such person has been convicted of a violation of Section 17a-101a of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, relating to mandatory reporting, when an allegation of abuse or neglect or sexual assault has been substantiated.

Non-Discrimination of Policy/Prohibition Against Retaliation

The Board of Education expressly prohibits retaliation against individuals reporting child abuse or neglect or the sexual assault of a student by a school employee and shall not discharge or in any manner discriminate or retaliate against any employee who, in good faith makes, a report pursuant to this policy, or testifies or is about to testify in any proceeding involving abuse or neglect or the sexual assault of a student by a school employee.  The Board of Education also prohibits any employee from hindering or preventing any employee from making a report pursuant to this policy or state law concerning suspected child abuse or neglect or the sexual assault of a student by a school employee or testifying in any proceeding involving child abuse or neglect or the sexual assault of a student by a school employee.

Distribution of Policy and Posting of Careline Information

This policy shall be distributed annually to all school employees employed by the Board.  The Board shall document that all such school employees have received this written policy and completed the training and refresher training programs required by in Section 16, below. The Board shall post the Internet web site address and telephone number for the DCF Child Abuse and Neglect Careline in a conspicuous location frequented by students in each school under the jurisdiction of the Board.

Training

1. All school employees, as defined above, shall be required to complete an educational training program for the accurate and prompt identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.  Such training program shall be developed and approved by the Commissioner of DCF.
2. All school employees, as defined above, shall retake a refresher training course developed and approved by the Commissioner of DCF at least once every three years.
3. The Principal for each school shall annually certify to the Superintendent that each school employee, as defined above, working at such school is in compliance with the training provisions in this policy and as required by state law.  The Superintendent shall certify such compliance to the State Board of Education.

Records

1. The Board shall maintain in a central location all records of allegations, investigations and reports that a child has been abused or neglected by a school employee, employed by the Board, or that a student has been a victim of sexual assault by a school employee employed by the Board, as defined above, and conducted in accordance with this policy.  Such records shall include any reports made to the DCF. The State Department of Education shall have access to such records upon request.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of Connecticut General Statute §10-151c, the Board shall provide the Commissioner of DCF, upon request and for the purposes of an investigation by the Commissioner of DCF of suspected child abuse or neglect by a teacher employed by the Board, any records maintained or kept on file by the Board.  Such records shall include, but not be limited to, supervisory records, reports of competence, personal character and efficiency maintained in such teacher’s personnel file with reference to evaluation of performance as a professional employee of the Board, and records of the personal misconduct of such teacher.  For purposes of this section, “teacher” includes each certified professional employee below the rank of superintendent employed by the Board in a position requiring a certificate issued by the State Board of Education.

Child Sexual Abuse and/or Sexual Assault Response Policy and Reporting Procedure

The Board has adopted a uniform child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault response policy and reporting procedure in connection with the implementation of its sexual assault and abuse prevention and awareness program, as outlined in Board Policy [#4600], Child Sexual Abuse and/or Sexual Assault Response Policy and Reporting Procedure. Upon receipt of any report of child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault from any source, a school employee shall report such suspicion to the Safe School Climate Coordinator in addition to complying with his/her obligations under this Policy and the law regarding mandatory reporting of abuse, neglect and sexual assault.

Connecticut schools offer a range of educational programs to meet the diverse needs and career aspirations of its students in a variety of settings, including comprehensive local schools, regional vocational-technical schools, vocational agriculture centers, charter schools and magnet schools. These programs serve to prepare students for college, the workplace and active citizenship.

The Open Choice Program allows urban students to attend public schools in participating suburban towns, and suburban and rural students to attend public schools in nearby participating urban districts. Participating school districts declare seats for out of district enrollment on a space-available basis. The program includes Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven and their surrounding districts.

Information about alternative education offered by the district, including purpose, location, contact information, staff directory and enrollment criteria is posted on the district’s website.

Each school has a designated attendance area as determined by the Board of Education and students who live within that attendance area attend that school.

Sometimes parents or guardians request that their child be allowed to attend another school in town.  We consider these requests when there is space available and it is deemed in the best interests of the child.

Procedure to be Followed:

1. All requests must be made in writing on a form provided by the central office and will be submitted to the principal of the school which the student would like to attend.
2. This principal will verify the information contained in the application.  The principal will determine, through his/her investigation, whether there are any special circumstances that should be considered, such as special service needs, or class capacity issues.
3. The principal will recommend or reject the request.  If the request is recommended, the principal will submit that recommendation to the Superintendent or his/her designee.  If the Superintendent or his/her designee concurs, then the request will be granted on a yearly basis.
4. If the request is rejected by the principal, the parent will be notified of the reason.  The parent may wish to submit an appeal to the Superintendent for a second consideration.  If the request is again rejected, the decision will stand.

Conditions for Accepting Transfer Requests:

1. Transportation will be responsibility of the parents.  The Board of Education will not be responsible for the student during transportation either riding or walking to school.
2. Requests will be granted for one year only, and must be resubmitted for each additional year.
3. Parents will have to arrange for the pickup of their child during early dismissal days, or if the child needs to leave early for a medical or other reason.
4. If problems arise, then the principal may decide to return the child to his/her original school before the end of the school year.  Examples of problems: difficulties with transportation or early dismissal; unforeseen influx of children causing severe enrollment problems in the specific grade.

Exceptions to this policy include special education students whose individualized educational plans require them to attend another school in the district.

Intra-District Request Form
 

The school calendar shall show the beginning and ending dates of school, legal and local holidays, meeting days, number of teaching days, and vacation periods, and other pertinent dates.

The Superintendent shall recommend to the Board of Education a school calendar that will meet the requirements of the law as well as the needs of the community, students, and personnel.

The Board of Education may declare a holiday in the schools under its jurisdiction when good reason exists.

In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-230(c), the Board of Education shall ensure that a period of time is set aside each school day to allow those students who wish to do so the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  This policy shall not be construed to require any person to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, should he or she choose not to do so.

The national flag will be displayed in classrooms and on school grounds in accordance with Connecticut State Statutes.

Custodians shall be responsible for the display of the national flag on school buildings during the proper hours when school is in session.  No flag shall be left flying overnight without proper illumination.

The Naugatuck Board of Education will develop and implement an all-hazards district security and safety plan with a school-specific annex for each school within the district or school security and safety plan for each school within the district to bolster their existing emergency preparedness, response capability, and school safety and security measures and to best meet all-hazards threats. 

Security and safety plans will be based on the school security and safety plan standards developed by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and will adhere to the requirements of state law.
Security and safety plans should be kept securely and will only be provided to the Board of Education, school staff and administration, members of the school security and safety committees, members of state and local law enforcement, first responders, local municipal officials or other persons authorized by the Board of Education or the Superintendent (e.g., consultants, contractors).  Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-210(b)(19), the plan will not be available to the public.

It shall be the responsibility of all school personnel to be alert to any hazard within or outside school buildings which may jeopardize the safety of school children, school employees, or the public, and it shall be the responsibility of all school personnel to report promptly to the nearest school authority any condition, incident, or suspicion which in their judgment warrants investigation.  Nothing stated herein is intended to conflict with the jurisdiction of teachers in supervision of students or the authority of principals and other administrators in implementing the policies of the Board of Education.

Precautionary measures against fire, explosion or other hazards shall be established together with appropriate instructions and drill for students and other school personnel in procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

Precautionary measures for safety of students on streets and sidewalks in the vicinity of school buildings shall be established and observed.

The practice of safety shall also be considered a facet of the instructional plan of the district schools by virtue of educational programs in traffic and pedestrian safety, driver education, fire prevention, emergency procedures, etc., appropriately geared to students at different grade levels.

Each building administrator shall be responsible for the supervision of a safety program for his/her school and the School Business Manager shall have overall responsibility for the safety program of the district.  General areas of emphasis shall include, but not be limited to: in-service training; accident record keeping; plant inspection; driver and vehicle safety programs; fire prevention; and emergency procedures and traffic safety problems relevant to students, employees and the community.

The right to inspect desks, lockers and other equipment assigned to students may be exercised by school officials to safeguard students, their property and school property. An authorized school administrator may search a student’s locker or desk under the following conditions:

1. There is reason to believe that the student’s desk or locker contains contraband material.
2. The probable presence of contraband material presents a serious threat to the maintenance of discipline, order, safety and health in school.

This document serves as advance notice that school board policy allows desks and lockers to be inspected if the administration has reason to believe that materials injurious to the best interests of students and the school are contained therein.

Under special circumstances, school officials may search students, particularly if there is reasonable suspicion that a student possesses illegal matter, such as a dangerous weapon or illegal drugs.  Students must be aware that such items are forbidden both on school property and at school-related activities.

Student vehicles parked on school grounds may be searched if there is reasonable cause to search.  The district may use trained dogs to alert school officials to the presence of prohibited or illegal items, including drugs and alcohol. At any time, trained dogs may be used on lockers and vehicles parked on school property.  Searches of classrooms, common areas or student belongings may also be conducted by trained dogs when students are not present.  Drug-sniffing dogs will not be used to sniff students.  A locker, a vehicle, or an item in the classroom to which a trained dog alerts may be searched by school officials.

The decision to search shall be made by the principal or the principal's designee.  The search shall be made in the presence of at least one witness.  Discovery of illegal or dangerous materials shall be reported to the Office of the Superintendent.

The Board of Education seeks to foster a safe and positive learning environment for all students. Board of Education employees will restrict the use of physical restraint and seclusion of students to emergency situations, in accordance with this policy and accompanying administrative regulations and applicable law.  Physical restraint or seclusion of a student may be necessary in an emergency situation to maintain the safety of the student of another individual.  The Board also regulates the use of exclusionary time out n accordance with this policy and accompanying regulations and applicable law.

The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent or his/her designee to develop and implement administrative regulations in accordance with this policy and applicable law.  The Board of Education mandates compliance with this policy and the associated administrative regulations at all times.  Violations of this policy and/or associated administrative regulations by a Board of Education staff member or other individual working at the direction of, or under the supervision of, the Board of Education, any result in disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination of employment status and/or termination of contract for services.

Nothing within these regulations shall be construed to interfere with the Board's responsibility to maintain a safe school setting, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §10-220.   Under no circumstances shall employees or individuals under the supervision of the Board use corporal punishment with students or physically manage students for purposes of discipline.

The district wants all students to learn in an environment free from all forms of sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment is against state and federal laws.  It is unwelcome sexual attention from peers, teachers, staff or anyone with whom the victim may interact.  Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should report the alleged misconduct immediately to his/her teacher, social worker, guidance counselor, administrator, school nurse or any responsible individual with whom the student feels comfortable, either informally or through the filing of a formal complaint.

The district will notify the parents of all students involved in sexual harassment by student(s) when the allegations are not minor and will notify parents of any incident of sexual harassment or sexual abuse by an employee.

A complaint alleging sexual harassment by a student or staff member may be presented by a student and/or parent in a conference with the principal or designee or with the Title IX Coordinator, Melissa Cooney.

The Naugatuck Board of Education (the “Board”) prohibits smoking, including smoking using an electronic nicotine delivery system (e.g., e-cigarettes), electronic cannabis delivery system, or vapor product, within any of its schools, including in any area of a school building, including but not limited to any indoor facility owned or leased or contracted for, and utilized by the Board for the provision of routine or regular preschool, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children, or on the grounds of such school, or at any school-sponsored activity.  The following definitions shall apply to this policy:
 
“Any area” shall mean the interior of a school building and the outside area within twenty-five feet of any doorway, operable window or air intake vent of a school building.
 
“Cannabis” shall mean marijuana, as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-240.
 
“Electronic cannabis delivery system” shall mean an electronic device that may be used simulate smoking in the delivery of cannabis to a person inhaling the device and includes, but is not limited to, a vaporizer, electronic pipe, electronic hookah and any related device and any cartridge or other component of such device.  
 
“Electronic nicotine delivery system” shall mean an electronic device used in the delivery of nicotine to a person inhaling from the device and includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe or electronic hookah and any related device and any cartridge or other component of such device, including, but not limited to, electronic cigarette liquid or synthetic nicotine. 
 
“School-sponsored activity” shall mean any activity sponsored, recognized or authorized by the Board and includes activities conducted on or off school property.
 
“Smoke” or “smoking” shall mean the burning of a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other similar device, whether containing, wholly or in part, tobacco, cannabis or hemp.
 
“Vapor product” shall mean any product that employs a heating element, power source, electronic circuit or other electronic, chemical or mechanical means, regardless of shape or size, to produce a vapor that may or may not include nicotine or cannabis and is inhaled by the user of such product. 
 
The Board further prohibits smoking including smoking using an electronic nicotine delivery system (e.g., e-cigarettes), electronic cannabis delivery system, or vapor product on the real property of any administrative office building.  Real property means the land and all temporary and permanent structures comprising the district’s administrative office building(s) and includes, but is not limited to storage facilities and parking lots.

The school prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances on school grounds or during school activities. Any student in violation of this will be subject to the following disciplinary actions:*

In addition to the prohibition pertaining to alcohol, drugs, tobacco and inhalants, the Board of Education prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids and food supplements, including Creatine, by students involved in school-related athletics or any co-curricular or extracurricular school activity or program, other than use for a valid medical purpose as documented by a physician.

Substance abuse or distribution of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia including alcohol may indicate serious, underlying problems. Every effort will be made to offer student assistance, including early identification, referral for treatment to private or community agencies and aftercare support.

Disciplinary procedures will be administered with the best interests of the student, school population and community in mind and with due consideration of the rights of students. However, consideration must be given to the fact that substance abuse is illegal and subject to criminal prosecution. Unauthorized possession, distribution, sale or consumption of dangerous drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages are considered grounds for expulsion.

Students are encouraged to consult with teachers, administrators and other professional staff on substance abuse problems. A staff member who is contacted by a student regarding a drug or alcohol problem may elect to keep that information confidential and not disclose it to any other person in accordance with state law. However, the student will be encouraged at the earliest appropriate time to seek help from parents or guardians.

In such cases, the decision to involve the parents/guardians will be arrived jointly by the student and educator unless, in the judgment of the educator, the mental or physical health of the student is immediately and dangerously threatened by drug/alcohol use. If such danger is imminent, the parents/guardians and health officials will be notified so that appropriate action can be taken.

Please reference BOE Policy # 5220 for more information.

The district provides special programs for those with disabilities which affect a student’s success at school. A student or parent with questions about these programs should contact Nicole Reichardt, Director of Special Services. 

Any child identified as possibly needing special education and/or related services must be referred to a special education Planning & Placement Team for evaluation (PPT). The PPT will determine whether special education services are required.  Parents must give their consent before any evaluation can be done or any services can begin. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP), based upon the diagnostic findings of the evaluation study will be developed by the PPT, with parental involvement.
 

Connecticut legislation, PA 16-189, An Act Concerning Student Data Privacy, restricts how student information, student records, or student-generated content may be used by (1) contractors that provide student data services to boards of education and (2) certain operators of websites, online services, or mobile applications (“apps”).

For contractors, the act establishes requirements for contract content; contract execution notice to parents and guardians; and protection, deletion, and use of student information.

The act requires operators of websites, online services, or apps to maintain reasonable security practices to protect student information and delete student information upon student, parent, guardian, or board of education request. It prohibits, with some exceptions, operators from engaging in targeted advertising, creating student profiles for purposes unrelated to school, or selling or disclosing student information. However, the act allows operators to use some student information and de-identified student information for purposes related to student learning or product operational improvements.

The act also prescribes how contractors and operators must respond to security breaches involving student information, directory information, student records, or student-generated content in their possession.

Student publications are important elements of the instructional program and contribute directly to the accomplishment of the school’s goals.  The Board of Education shall encourage the development of school newspapers, annuals, magazines, websites, and other electronic forums.  Student publications should follow the normal rules for responsible journalism (the avoidance of libel, obscenity, defamation, false statements, material advocating racial or religious prejudice, bias, etc).

Freedom of speech or expression in student publications as guaranteed by the First Amendment, is to be observed scrupulously by the administration, faculty and students.

The Board of Education (“Board”) complies with the state and federal laws and regulations regarding confidentiality, access to and amendment of education records.  The Board shall implement procedures that protect the privacy of parents and students while providing proper access to records.  Availability of these procedures shall be made known annually to parents of students currently in attendance and eligible students currently in attendance.

Parents and eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  Complaints may be addressed to: Family Policy Compliance Office, 
U.S. Department of Education, 5400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

The district’s HIPPA Privacy Officer is Nicole Reichardt.

BOE Policy #5125 - Confidentiality and Access to Education Records
 

Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
3. Sexual attitudes or behaviors;
4. Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of other individual with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers;
7. Income; or
8. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents.

Prior to distributing any third-party survey, the administration shall give notice to parents of the district's intent to distribute a survey on behalf of a third party. Upon request, the administration shall permit parents to inspect any third-party survey before it is administered or distributed by a school to a student.  The administration shall grant reasonable access to the survey within a reasonable period of time after a parental request is received. 
 

Parents have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s).  The response will indicate whether the teacher is certified for the subject matter and grade taught; the teacher’s undergraduate major and any graduate degrees or certifications a teacher may have.  Parents will also be advised, if requested as to whether the child is provided service by paraprofessionals and their qualifications.

All students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 take the State mandated assessments and are included on transcripts and permanent records.  Additionally, the district uses additional assessments throughout the year to monitor student, school and district progress.

BOE Policy #6830 It is the policy of the Naugatuck Board of Education to provide parents and family members of students participating in the district’s Title I programs meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children within these programs.  To facilitate parental and family participation, the Board encourages parents  and family members of Title I eligible students to be involved in regular meetings, communications, and activities that will inform them about the district’s Title I programs, to participate in the improvement of such programs and to help improve their child’s progress within these programs.

The Board will provide transportation for students according to state law, regulations and Board of Education policy #5202.  Parents must ensure students arrive at the bus stop in advance of scheduled pick up time.  Parents and/or guardians assume responsibility for the safety of their children up until the point when students board the bus, and after students get off the bus after school.  Unsatisfactory student behavior on the bus may result in suspension of transportation services or such other disciplinary action that is appropriate for misconduct.

I. Statement of Policy

1. provide for the safety of students, including consideration of hazardous conditions whether or not described in this policy;
2. provide for appropriate supervision for students while on school transportation, consistent with the Board’s student discipline policy; and
3. assist disabled students by providing appropriate specialized transportation when required by law.

II. Definitions

"School transportation" means the procedure, program, or implemented plan by which a pupil is transported to and/or from school from the pupil's residence or the assigned bus stop at public expense, whether by use of publicly owned equipment or by contract.  Such transportation shall be over public roads approved by the municipality or the state of Connecticut or private roads approved pursuant to C.G.S. Section 10-220c.

"Walking distance" means the linear measure of a prescribed or authorized pedestrian route between the pupil's residence and the pupil's school from a point at the curb or edge of a public or private road nearest the pupil's residence to a point at the entrance of the school, or a safe entrance to the school grounds located within one hundred feet of the school building entrance or the bus pick-up area, or the route from the point on the public thoroughfare nearest the residence to the school bus or vehicle embarkation point established by the Naugatuck Board of Education.

"One-mile walking distance" means a reasonable measurement of a route to be traversed extending from the point of measurement at least 5,280 feet, but not more than 5,380 feet.

"Grade K" means kindergarten, or a school program appropriate to a beginning pupil. 

"Hazard" means a thing or condition, as prescribed in this policy under "Hazardous Conditions" that affects the safety of pupils walking to and from school and/or a designated bus pick-up area.

"Sidewalk" means a portion of the landscape right of way approximately three feet wide, usually parallel to the traffic lanes which may be paved or unpaved, and marked by curbing, drainage ditch, grass area or fencing; apart from and independent of any white line safety markings along the street pavement.

"Raised walk area" means a portion of the landscape right of way approximately three feet wide, usually parallel to the traffic lanes which may be paved or unpaved, distinguished by some elevation above the street pavement level and marked by curbing, drainage ditch, grass area or fencing; apart from and independent of any painted safety markings along the street pavement.

“Walking route” means the route that the student is expected to travel between his/her residence to and from school and/or an assigned bus stop.

“Bus stop” shall be defined as a geographical location designated by the Board of Education, school administration or their designee where students can safely wait for purposes of embarking or disembarking a school bus.

"Pupil" means any individual of school age enrolled in a public or nonprofit private school located within the school district or contiguous school district as the case may be.

III. Provision of Transportation

Transportation by private carrier may be provided whenever such practice is more economical than using school district-owned/leased facilities.  If parents volunteer, and the administration permits, parents may be reimbursed for transportation of eligible students whenever such practice is more economical or convenient for the school district.
 
In determining the provision of transportation for resident public and eligible private school students, the following guidelines regarding walking distances will be considered.  Distance measurements will be based on the most direct route from the student's home beginning at a point at the curb or edge of a public road or highway nearest the home to the edge of the school property or bus pickup areas. 

Students living within the stated distance limits will receive transportation when, in the opinion of the Superintendent of Schools, it is in the best interests of the district to provide transportation. 

IV. Access to Bus Stops/Transportation and Behavior

Parents and/or guardians assume responsibility for ensuring the safety of their children up until the point when students board the school bus or other school provided transportation, and after students get off the bus after school.  This responsibility includes the selection of walking routes to/from any bus stop and/or school building, compliance with health and safety precautions at the bus stop and along walking routes, and the provision of supervision that is appropriate to the student’s age, maturity and conditions at the bus stop at all times. 

Given that bus pick up times may vary, the Board expects that parents and/or guardians will ensure that their children arrive at the bus stop in advance of any scheduled pick up time.
 
Students accessing school transportation are expected to behave in an appropriate manner, in accordance with all school rules and regulations.  The Board’s policies and procedures concerning student discipline shall apply to student behavior while accessing student transportation

V. Hazardous Conditions

The administration shall consider the following guidelines for hazardous conditions when making decisions regarding the transportation of children:

1. Except as provided in Paragraph 7 of this Section, a street or road, along a designated walking route to or from school and/or to or from a designated bus pick-up area, having an adjacent or parallel sidewalk or raised walk area shall be deemed hazardous when any one of the following conditions exist:
   1. For pupils under age ten, or enrolled in grades K through 3:
      1.  the absence of a pedestrian crossing light or crossing guard where three or more streets intersect; and a pupil is expected to cross the street; OR 
      2. street crossings where there are no stop signs or crossing guards and the traffic count during the time that pupils are walking to or from school exceeds sixty vehicles per hour at the intersection and a pupil is expected to cross the street.
   2.  For pupils over age ten, or enrolled in grades 4 through 12, the absence of a traffic light or stop signs or crossing guard at an intersection where three or more streets intersect which has a traffic count which exceeds ninety vehicles per hour during the time that pupils are walking to or from school, and such pupils are expected to cross the street;​
   3. For all pupils:
      1. any street, road, or highway with speed limits in excess of forty miles per hour which does not have pedestrian crossing lights or crossing guards or other safety provisions at points where pupils must cross when going to or from school or the bus stop; OR
      2.  the usual or frequent presence of any nuisance such as open man-holes, construction, snow plowed or piled on the walk area making walkways unusable, loading zones where delivery trucks are permitted to park on walkways, commercial entrances and exits where cars are crossing walking areas at speeds in excess of five miles per hour, and the like, including such nuisances which are hazardous or attractive to children.
2.  Any street, road, or highway that has no sidewalks or raised walk areas shall be deemed hazardous if any one of the following conditions exists:
   1. For pupils under age ten, or enrolled in grade K through 3:
      1. any street, road, or highway possessing a traffic count of sixty or more vehicles per hour at the time that pupils are walking to or from school; OR
      2. ii. any street, road, or highway possessing a speed limit in excess of thirty miles per hour.
   2. For all pupils:
      1. the presence of human made hazards including attractive nuisances, as stated in 1(c)(ii) above; OR
      2. any roadway available to vehicles that does not have a minimum width of approximately twenty-two feet; OR
      3. any roadway available to vehicles that, when plowed free of snow accumulations, does not have a minimum width of approximately twenty feet; OR
      4. any street, road, or highway where the line-of-sight visibility together with posted speed limits do not permit vehicular braking/stopping in accordance with the Connecticut Driver's Manual or Department of Transportation, Division of Design Standard, or other reasonable standard.
3.  Any walkway, path, or bridge in an area adjacent or parallel to railroad tracks shall be considered hazardous unless a suitable physical barrier along the entire pedestrian route is present and fixed between pupils and the track; and any crossing of railroad tracks carrying moving trains during hours that pupils are walking to or from school or to and from a designated bus pick-up area shall be deemed hazardous unless:
   1. crossing guard is present; or
   2. for pupil under age ten, an automatic control bar is present at crossings; or
   3. for pupils over age ten, a bar or red flashing signal light is operational.
4. For pupils in grades K through 4, the following conditions shall be deemed hazardous:
   1. lake, pond, stream, culvert, water-way, or bridge shall be deemed a hazard in the absence of a fence or other suitable barrier fixed between the pupil and the water; OR
   2. any area adjacent to a roadway, sidewalk, or bridge having a drop of three or more feet per four feet of travel length on either side of the established lanes, in the absence of a fence or other suitable barrier.
5. For pupils in grades K through 8, walking to or from school or the bus stop at any time prior to one-half hour before sunrise or any time one-half hour after sunset shall be deemed hazardous.
6. For all students, walking along any street, road, walkway, sidewalk, or path designated as a walking route which passes through an area which has a history of aggressive acts of molestation resulting in actual or threatened physical harm or moral degradation during the hours when pupils ordinarily walk to or from school shall be deemed hazardous.
7. It shall not be a “hazard” or “hazardous condition” for a pupil whose residence abuts a public street, road or highway to (1) wait for the bus on the private property where the pupil resides for the school bus, until the school bus’s flashing red lights are activated to stop traffic so that the student can enter onto or cross the public street, road or highway to get on a school bus; or (2) exit a school bus that is stopped on the public street, road or highway, when the bus’s flashing red lights are activated to stop traffic so that the pupil can enter onto or cross such street, road or highway to access the private property where the pupil resides.

VI. Applicability and Exceptions

1. This policy is applicable to private roads approved for passage of school transportation vehicles in accordance with C.G.S. Section 10-220c.
2. Special Education pupils and pupils eligible for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act shall be judged on an individual basis, and appropriate transportation provided.
3. The Superintendent of Schools may grant an exception to any guideline set forth in this policy where a peculiar condition or combination or conditions renders such condition(s) a hazard based upon reasonable judgment; or where under the circumstances, other conditions exist under which the safety of students necessitates a variance with the guidelines within this policy.

VII. Complaint Procedure

1. All complaints concerning school transportation safety shall be made in writing to the Superintendent of Schools or designee.  The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a written record of all such complaints, and shall conduct appropriate investigations of the allegations in a timely manner.  The investigation shall include 1) the review of the complaint raised with appropriate personnel responsible for transportation of students and 2) the opportunity for the parent or other person making the complaint to meet with the Superintendent to discuss the complaint and any possible resolution thereof.  
2.  Annually, within thirty (30) business days of the end of the school year, the Superintendent of Schools or designee shall provide the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (“Commissioner”) with a copy of the written record of complaints received during the previous twelve (12) month period. 
3.  The Superintendent of Schools or designee shall make a written report of the circumstances of any accident within the Board’s jurisdiction and knowledge, involving a motor vehicle and any pedestrian who is a student, which occurs at a designated school bus stop or in the immediate vicinity thereof, to the Commissioner within ten (10) business days thereafter on a form prescribed by the Commissioner.
4.  If a complaint covered by Section 10-186 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and is not resolved by the Superintendent, the Superintendent shall inform parent or guardian, or an emancipated minor or a pupil eighteen years of age or older, of the right to request a hearing regarding the complaint.  Such hearing, if requested, shall be held in accordance with Section 10-186 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as it may be amended from time to time.
    

School policy strongly encourages the scheduling of family vacations and trips during times which coincide with school vacations. Student absences for reasons of a family vacation or trip that takes place when school is in session may be considered “unexcused absences,” in light of attendance policies and regulations.

The district has video recording equipment on school campuses, buildings and buses to monitor safety. Video recording and viewing is a standard practice in our district to help ensure a safe environment.  It is also used to monitor student behavior in common areas or campus.  Discipline will be in accordance with the district’s discipline policy. Any student, staff member, or visitor to the school is prohibited from tampering with or damaging the school’s video surveillance equipment.  Video recordings shall be treated as protected student records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Parents and other visitors are welcome to visit Naugatuck Public Schools. In order to promote a safe and productive educational environment for all students and staff, the Board requires all visitors to receive prior approval from the school Principal or designee before being permitted to visit any school building.  The Board, through the administration, reserves the right to limit visits in accordance with administrative regulations. 

The Board further desires to work collaboratively with parents with an educational nexus with the district, its educational programs or the student being observed, to observe their students in their current classrooms or observe proposed educational placements in the Board’s schools. The Board, through the administration, reserves the right to limit observations of current and proposed educational placements in accordance with administrative regulations and the Board’s Guidelines for Independent Educational Evaluations.

Upon arrival, all visitors and observers must comply with any and all applicable building security procedures, including but not limited to utilizing security buzzers for access, complying with requests for photo identification, reporting directly to and signing in and out at the visitors’ reception area of the school office, prominently displaying visitors’ badges or other identification required for visitors to the school buildings, limiting access to those areas of the buildings and grounds for which the visitors/observers have authorized access, and complying with directives of school officials at all times.   All visitors and observers permitted into school buildings or on school grounds must comply with all school health and safety protocols in place at the time, including but not limited to any health screening protocols.

Student wellness, including good nutrition and physical activity, is promoted through the district’s educational program, school activities, and meal programs.  Federal and state standards will be met pertaining to all foods and beverages available for sale to students.  A sequential program of physical education is provided, in addition to time in the elementary school day for supervised recess.

Students withdrawing from school must notify the school one week in advance of their last day.  At that time, they will be given forms for their parents to complete.  Included will be a formal written statement of withdrawal and release of records form.  All books, materials, athletic equipment and other equipment loaned by the school must be returned or paid for by the student or their parent/guardian.