Student & Family Handbook

Naugatuck Public Schools does not allow advertising or promotion from commercial or non-school organizations without Board approval. The district may collaborate with non-profits, participate in educational media, and announce community events. With Superintendent approval, school publications can accept paid ads, but political or religious content is prohibited. Students cannot distribute non-school materials without Superintendent approval.

See Board of Education Policy #1325.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability in any program receiving Federal financial assistance.  Similarly, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“Title II” or “ADA”) prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability by state and local governments.

See Board of Education Policy #5570.

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.
 

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 their 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.
 

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 other person having control of the child.  To assist parents and other persons in meeting this responsibility, the Board of Education, through its Superintendent, will adopt and maintain procedures to implement this policy.

In addition, the Board of Education takes seriously the issue of chronic absenteeism. To address this issue, the Board of Education, through its Superintendent, will adopt and maintain procedures regarding chronic absenteeism in accordance with state law.

See Board of Education Policy #5113

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:  Alicia Makowski
• Members:  Jason Celozzi, Erika Clements, Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess, Ethel Grant, Bob Mezzo, and 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 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.

Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

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 social emotional outcomes for all students. Academic and social emotional 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 their 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)

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.

See Board of Education Policy #5250 

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 and/or their 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.

The Naugatuck Board of Education (Board) encourages students to dress in clothing appropriate to the school situation. The primary responsibility for a student's attire resides with the student and their parent(s) or guardian(s).

See Board of Education Policy #5210.

The Naugatuck Board of Education complies with all laws prohibiting the exclusion of any person from any of its educational programs or activities, or the denial to any person of the benefits of any of its educational programs or activities, including all academic, extra-curricular, and school-sponsored activities, on the basis of any protected characteristic (or protected class) including race, religion, color, national origin, alienage, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, gender identity or expression, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law (“Protected Class”), subject to the conditions and limitations established by law. 

See Board of Education Policy #5560.

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

The population of Multilingual Learner students and their families bring a vital voice to the Naugatuck Public School community. The intent of identifying Multilingual Learners allows the educators in NPS to ensure that those students receive equitable access to educational opportunities. 

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 if they haven’t filled one out for a previous district. Sending districts must include a home language survey.

Step 3: Registration secretary reviews enrollment information to see if the Home Language Survey - either given by us or a sending district - 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 Multilingual 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 a Multilingual 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. 

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.  

See Board of Education Policy #5125R APPENDIX A.

See Board of Education Policy #5270.

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.

See Board of Education Policy #5330.

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, Chris Avtges 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 (the “Board”); satisfied the legally mandated number and distribution of credits required to graduate from high school; and if graduating in 2025 and thereafter, satisfied the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) requirements. 

See Board of Education Policy #6710.
 

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.
 
See Board of Education Policy #1335.

Social services and school counseling are rendered by professionally qualified members of the school staff. The responsibilities of the school counselors include helping the student function more successfully within the school environment. The district’s comprehensive school 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 or test without first obtaining the parents/guardian’s written consent.

Harassment is a form of Protected Class discrimination that is prohibited by law and by this policy.  Harassment constitutes unlawful discrimination when it creates a hostile environment, which occurs when the harassment is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by the District. 

See Board of Education Policy #5560.

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, they are required to bring a statement signed by a physician.  The school nurse is available to parents and students for conferences regarding health issues.

See Board of Education Policy #6260.

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. 

See Board of Education Policy #5530.

We believe that frequent and ongoing communication between the school and home is critically important.  We encourage you to contact us via Parent Square, email or phone 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 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. 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.

It is the policy of the Naugatuck Board of Education to implement an integrated pest management plan to reduce the amounts of pesticides applied in any building, or the grounds of any Naugatuck Public School, by using all available pest control techniques including judicious use of pesticides, when warranted, to maintain a pest population at or below an acceptable level, while decreasing the use of pesticides.

See Board of Education Policy #1662.

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. 

See Board of Education policy #1332R.

The Naugatuck Board of Education (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. 

See Board of Education Policy #5340.

Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-222cc, for the school year commencing July 1, 2025 and each school year thereafter, each local and regional board of education must adopt and implement the Connecticut School Climate Policy that was developed and approved by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and adopted by the Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative.  

See Board of Education Policy #5701

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.

See the school year calendar here.

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.

See Board of Education Policy #3515.

The right to inspect desks, lockers and other equipment assigned and/or belonging to students may be exercised by school officials to safeguard students, their property and school property.

See Board of Education Policy #5510.

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 or another individual.  The Board also regulates the use of exclusionary time out in accordance with this policy and accompanying regulations and applicable law.

See Board of Education Policy #4500.

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 they have been subjected to sexual harassment should report the alleged misconduct immediately to their 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, Nicole O'Connell.

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.

See Board of Education Policy #1331.

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 O'Connell, 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; if special education services are required, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), based upon the diagnostic findings of the evaluation study will be developed by the PPT, with parental involvement.   Parents must give their consent before any evaluation can be done or any services can begin.

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).

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 O'Connell.

See Board of Education Policy #5125.
 

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.

See Board of Education Policy #5500.
 

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

See State Academic Assessments website here.

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.  

See Board of Education Policy #6830.

The Board of Education will provide transportation for students according to state law and regulations.

See Board of Education Policy #5202.

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.

See Board of Education Policy #5113R.

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.  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. 

See Board of Education Policy #1250.

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. 

See Board of Education Policy #5800.

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 parent/guardian 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.