CONCORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Student Handbook
2023/2024
1
CONCORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
If you are unable to read English well enough to understand school documents or information, please
contact the Director of Teaching and Learning at 978 -341 -2490 ext. 8131
2
3
Concord Public Schools
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Laurie Hunter
Share your thoughts and provide feedback through
Your Voice Matters at http://concordps.org
Concord Public Schools
School Committee Members
Members
Concord Public School
Alexa Anderson, Chair (2025)
Carrie Rankin, Vice Chair (2026)
Courtland Booth (2024)
Tracey Marano (2024)
Cynthia Rainey (2025)
Contact Information
Concord School Committee
120 Meriam Road
Concord, MA 01742
978-341-2490 x8101
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Concord Middle School (CMS) Handbook
Table of Contents
Contact Information
6
A Message from Your Principal
7
Our Heritage
8
Our Philosophy on Education and Homework
9
Homework
10
Organization of Concord Middle School
11
Student Schedule of Courses
12
CMS School Day: Arrival, Dismissal, and Visitors
13
CMS Bell Schedules
14
Lunch, Recess, and Snacks
21
Student Responsibilities and Code of Conduct
22
Behavior Rubric
26
Progressive Disciplinary Process
32
Attendance: Absence and Tardiness
39
Transportation
40
Communication and Reporting
42
Communication Options
43
Health and Safety
44
Fire and Emergency
46
Awards
47
Student Records and Regulations
48
Private School Application Process
49
Appendices
50
5
Contact Information
Peabody (6th Grade) Sanborn (7th and 8th Grades)
Main Office
Debra Bordonaro
978.318.1360
Main Office
Vanessa Moran
978.318.1380
Fax
978.318.1372
Fax
978.318.1392
Principal
Justin Cameron
Principal
Justin Cameron
Assistant Principal
Olive Bradford
Assistant Principal
Daniel Hausermann
Sp. Ed. Team Chair
Laura Brande
Sp. Ed. Team Chair
Laura Brande
School Psychologist
Kristina Sychtysz
School Psychologist
Matt Cadigan
Guidance
Jenn Moran
Guidance
Molly Burkhard
Kim Cyr
Christine Cunningham
Katie Grotenstein
Absence Line
978-318-1360 option 2
Absence Line
978-318-1380 option 2
Health Office
Meg Jensen
978-318-1360 option 3
Health Office
Lynn Lucier
978-318-1380 option 3
Additional information can be found on the CMS website: http://cms.concordps.org
School Cancellation or Delay
In the event of school cancellation or delay, parents will be notified by ConnectEd,
via SMS text messaging.
Information will also be posted at http://www.concordps.org
(§ 5 amends Chapter 622 discrimination prohibition in the public schools of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts). No person shall be excluded
from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of such
public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.(Coordinator: Concord Director of Human Resources,
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District, 120 Meriam Road, Concord, MA 01742 –Telephone: (978) 341-2490, X8117)
6
A Message from your Principal
Welcome to Concord Middle School! Whether new to our community, or returning for a
second or third year, I hope you find this to be a place where you feel supported and are
encouraged to reach your potential. Middle school is a time to develop new friends, try out
new ideas and activities, and solidify your study skills so you will be successful in high
school, college and beyond. Toward that end, we strive to help you achieve and develop
habits of mind necessary for leadership and lifelong learning through academic and social
opportunities in the community. Importantly, we place a high value on your development as a
whole student and foster an environment that supports your growth as a citizen of the global
community.
This handbook provides basic information that you may need throughout the year, as well as
standards and expectations to which all CMS students will be held. Our website
(https://cms.concordps.org/) is an additional resource for students, parents, and guardians,
providing details on curriculum, after school activities and other relevant information.
I hope that you have a terrific year. I am looking forward to working with you!
Justin Cameron
CMS Principal
7
Our Heritage
We are proud to attend school in a community that holds a place in history. The two buildings of CMS are
named for prominent educators.
Peabody Building (6th grade) - Opened in January of
1970, the Peabody Building is named for Elizabeth Palmer
Peabody, educator and author. Born in Billerica, Massachusetts
in 1804, she lived a life filled with accomplishments in education
and literature. She founded two private schools in Boston and
Lancaster and began the first American kindergarten in
Hamburg, Germany. In addition, she published numerous
textbooks of grammar and history. A contemporary and close
friend of Emerson, Hawthorne, Horace Mann, and the Alcotts,
she spent a great deal of time in Concord where she frequently
visited and taught at Alcott's Concord School of Philosophy.
Miss Peabody died in Jamaica Plain at the age of ninety, and is
buried in Concord near Emerson and Hawthorne. In 2019/2020
the Peabody building was reconfigured to be a 6th grade
building.
Sanborn Building (7th and 8th Grade) - Opened in
1965, the Sanborn Building honors a distinguished former
citizen of Concord, Franklin Benjamin Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn
was a prolific journalist and author who wrote countless
magazine articles and more than ten books. As an educator, he
helped found the Clark School for the Deaf, now known as Clark
School for Hearing and Speech, in Northampton, Massachusetts
and the Concord School of Philosophy. Mr. Sanborn was also a
strong supporter of the abolitionist movement to end slavery and
helped to improve conditions for the blind, the mentally ill, the
poor, and those in prisons. Mr. Sanborn was born in Hampton
Falls, New Hampshire in 1831 and died at the age of eighty- five
in Plainfield, New Jersey. In 2019/2020 the Sanborn building was
reconfigured to be a 7th/8th grade building.
8
Our Philosophy on Education
Concord Middle School staff members are committed to cultivating a climate that nurtures our core
values and helps students develop habits of mind that are necessary for success.
Core Values
Community: encouraging compassion and loyalty towards the global community
High Achievement: developing confidence and willpower to learn from mistakes, appreciate
success, and build potential
Lifelong Learning: inspiring passion to discover and pursue new and fascinating interests
Habits of Mind
At Concord Middle School we place a high value on three types of thinking that we categorize as Habits of
Mind: Critical, Creative, and Self-Regulated thinking. An emphasis on habits of mind in our curriculum and
community activities promotes learning and use of higher-level thinking. These are skills that require
explicit instruction, practice, and reflection. Lifelong learners use them on a daily basis to further develop
the ability to apply complex thinking processes such as applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. Our
goal is to help students expand the limits of their knowledge and abilities inherent in the CMS core values.
Our Philosophy on Homework
Homework is an important part of student activities at Concord Middle School. The carefully designed
assignments prepare students for classroom work and discussion, reinforce learning, aid in development of
skills needed for increased academic demands of upper grades, and in the long term, ensure mastery of
curriculum and state educational frameworks.
Students should expect homework in at least four of their five core subjects each night: Math, English,
Science, Social Studies and World Language. Occasionally there are also assignments in other subject areas.
CMS requires that in addition to their homework, students read an “outside reading book” regularly. Their
academic teachers will help them select their outside reading book.
Time is not provided for homework completion during the regular school day. It is very important that
students do not have an overwhelming activity schedule, and that the time spent on studies at home be used
wisely. Select a regular time and a suitable place to do homework.
Homework is intended to take no more than 30 minutes per subject. If this is consistently not the case, use
the tips below, or contact the teacher. Students will not participate in more than 2 major assessments on the
same day.
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Homework Tips for Students
● Use your Google Calendar account to subscribe to teacher homework pages. (The homework
calendar link is under the student menu at http://cms.concordps.org.) The taskbar can be used to
create a checklist for completion. Please be aware that on occasion, homework assignments may
change throughout the day.
● Prioritize and plan appropriate time frames for individual and long-term tasks.
● Don’t leave the hardest subject for last.
● Bring home and use your class notes, textbook, and other resources from class, or bookmark
important online resources. Often your assignments are posted on Google Classroom.
● Contact a friend. Check the teacher’s website. Email the teacher.
● Do your homework thoroughly. Getting it done quickly is not the same as doing it well.
● Don’t wait until the last minute! Plan for assignments due in the future.
Remember that homework is important.
Homework is not optional.
Putting it off does not make it go away!
Forgotten Homework
Students who forget homework may call home from the office, then return to the office to pick it up.
Individual teachers set their own policies on accepting late work, or work via email.
Homework and religious observances
Any student who is unable to complete a homework assignment due to religious observances shall inform
the teacher directly or through a parent email. The CMS teacher will arrange with the student an alternative
time for completion of the work, without loss of credit.
Make-up Work
Students returning from an absence are responsible for making arrangements for make-up work with their
teachers. Students can access their assignments on Google Classroom or Google Calendar.
In accordance with school committee policy, teachers are not expected to furnish assignments in advance if
students are planning to take vacation time on regularly scheduled school days. Students must take full
responsibility for making up such work upon their return. If you plan to miss school time, the student should
speak directly with the teacher before you leave to plan ahead for missed instruction.
10
Advocate for Your Own Success - Know Your Options
Approach your teachers! They want you to do well and will help! Think about…
● when your teachers are available
● how you get permission to meet with teachers
● what communication methods are available to you
Make sure you always use your Google homework calendar; make it your homepage! If you’re not sure
what to do, ASK… a friend … a teacher … another adult. You are likely not alone.
Remember - Every challenge has a solution!
Organization of Concord Middle School
One School, Two Buildings
The Concord Middle School is made up of the Peabody and Sanborn buildings, and administered by one
Principal and two Assistant Principals. All 6th grade students are housed in the Peabody Building, and all
7th and 8th grade students are housed in the Sanborn building.
Teams
Students in each grade level attend classes with their team. Each team is assigned a group of core teachers, a
special education case manager and a guidance counselor. Team teachers work together, support students,
and communicate with families. With few exceptions, students participate in the same courses and activities
as other students on their grade level without regard to their team assignment.
Departments
CMS teachers coordinate curriculum, instruction, and assessment by subject area departments. Members
meet weekly by grade-level and twice monthly as a whole to reflect on instruction and revise curriculum as
needed to maximize student achievement. The Teaching and Learning Team, comprised of academic
department chairs and liaisons from special areas oversees instructional programs.
Student Groupings
Students are grouped to ensure that the population of teams and classes represents the full range of student
abilities, interests, and needs of the entire school. The exception is 8th grade mathematics where students
are placed into one of two levels. Student level assignments are recommended by math teachers based on
student performance, and are flexible in that they may change during the school year if student progress
indicates a need.
School Advisory Council
CMS maintains a School Advisory Council in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Education
School Council regulations: http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/advisory/schoolcouncils. The Council,
which includes the principal, parents, staff, and a community member, serves as an advisory board to the
principal regarding the school handbook, school improvement plan, and various initiatives that may arise.
Elections for parent representatives are held annually with PTG oversight.
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Student Schedule of Courses
Middle school students are expected to attend a full schedule of required courses and activity periods.
We believe that the course schedules presented below provide a challenging, yet balanced, learning
program for our middle school students.
Course - # Periods per 6-day cycle
6th
7th
8th
Art
2
2
2
MTSS/RtI (if student data suggests)
3
3
3
Digital Literacy
2
-
-
English (ELA)
6
6
6
Family & consumer Sciences (FACS)
2
-
-
World Language
4
5
5
Health
2
2
1
Math
6
6
6
Music (General)
2
2
2
Enrichment Options (if student data suggests)
3
3
3
Physical Education
2
2
2
Science
6
6
6
Social Studies
6
6
6
Please note: Students will not be exempt from enrollment in CMS courses due to participation in
activities that occur outside of the school day.
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The CMS School Day
Arrival, Dismissal, and Visitors
Peabody
Sanborn
BUILDING OPENS TO STUDENTS
Students will not be permitted in buildings until this time.
8:05a.m.
8:10 a.m.
WARNING BELL RINGS
Students are expected to be in the building and walking towards their
locker and their homeBASE (their advisory group). .
8:10 a.m.
8:17 a.m.
START OF SCHOOL
Students are expected to be in homeBASE (their advisory group).
Attendance is taken at this time. Students arriving after this time
should report to the main office to sign in and will be marked tardy.
8:15 a.m.
8:25 a.m.
ARRIVAL MON - FRI
Students start their day in homeBASE (their advisory group) every
day. Students then attend academic and special area classes within
grade-level teams. Every student must report to regularly assigned
classes on time.
8:15 a.m.
8:25 a.m.
DISMISSAL M, Tu, Th, F
All students must leave the building at dismissal time if not
participating in a supervised after-school program or under the direct
supervision of a staff member. If students are staying after school, they
must report to their activities no later than 2:40 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
2:40 p.m.
DISMISSAL Wednesdays
Every Wednesday of the school year (with exception being 3-4 half day
Wednesdays) students are dismissed about an hour and 15 minutes
earlier so the professional staff can attend meetings and professional
development. Lunch is served on Wednesdays. There are NO after
school activities on Wednesdays.
1:15 p.m.
1:25 p.m.
Dismissal Due to Illness
Students may only be dismissed for illness after being evaluated by the school nurse. The nurse will contact
parents if dismissal is warranted. Students must be signed out by a parent/guardian in order to be dismissed.
Students may not call parents directly to request dismissal. (See Health and Safety for information on
guidelines for evaluating attendance.)
Dismissal for Appointments
If dismissal is necessary for an appointment, parents or guardians must notify the main office. Students will
be called to the office and must be signed out by the parent or guardian.
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Visitors
Due to safety concerns, and to ensure consistent promotion of an academic environment, student visitors are
only welcomed to the school if they are prospective students at Concord Middle School. Every visitor must
obtain administrative approval prior to attending school.
Peabody Bell Schedules 2023-2024
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
6th GradeTeam Lime
6th Grade Team Kelly
6th Grade Team Forest
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:25
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:25
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:25
Period 1
8:29 - 9:11
Period 1
8:29 - 9:11
Period 1
8:29 - 9:11
Period 2
9:15 - 9:57
Period 2
9:15 - 9:57
Period 2
9:15 - 9:57
Snack/Recess
9:57 - 10:07
Snack/Recess
9:57 - 10:07
Snack/Recess
9:57 - 10:07
Period 3
10:11 - 10:53
Period 3
10:11 - 10:53
Period 3
10:03 - 10:48
Period 4
10:57 - 11:39
Period 4
10:57 - 11:39
Lunch
10:57 - 11:27
Period 5
11:43 - 12:25
Lunch
11:43 - 12:13
Period 4
11:30 - 12:12
Lunch
12:28 - 12:58
Period 5
12:16 - 12:58
Period 5
12:16 - 12:58
Period 6
1:02 - 1:44
Period 6
1:02 - 1:44
Period 6
1:02 - 1:44
Period 7
1:48 - 2:30
Period 7
1:48 - 2:30
Period 7
1:48 - 2:30
Wednesday
6th Grade Team Lime
6th Grade Team Kelly
6th Grade Team Forest
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:25
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:25
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:25
Period 1
8:29 - 9:02
Period 1
8:29 - 9:02
Period 1
8:29 - 9:02
Period 2
9:06 - 9:39
Period 2
9:06 - 9:39
Period 2
9:06 - 9:39
Period 3
9:43 - 10:16
Period 3
9:43 - 10:16
Period 3
9:43 - 10:16
Period 4
10:20 - 10:53
Period 4
10:20 - 10:53
Lunch
10:16 - 10:46
Period 5
10:57 - 11:30
Lunch
10:53 - 11:23
Period 5
10:50 - 11:23
Lunch
11:30 - 12:00
Period 5
11:27 - 12:00
Lunch
11:27 - 12:00
14
Period 6
12:04 - 12:37
Period 6
12:04 - 12:37
Period 6
12:04 - 12:37
Period 7
12:41 - 1:15
Period 7
12:41 - 1:15
Period 7
12:41 - 1:15
Extended homeBASE
6th Grade Team Lime
6th Grade Team Kelly
6th Grade Team Forest
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:45
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:45
homeBASE
8:15 - 8:45
Period 1
8:49 - 9:29
Period 1
8:49 - 9:29
Period 1
8:49 - 9:29
Period 2
9:33 - 10:13
Period 2
9:33 - 10:13
Period 2
9:33 - 10:13
Snack/Recess
10:13 - 10:23
Snack/Recess
10:13 - 10:23
Snack/Recess
10:13 - 10:23
Period 3
10::27 - 11:07
Period 3
10::27 - 11:07
Period 3
10::27 - 11:07
Period 4
11:11 - 11:51
Period 4
11:11 - 11:51
Lunch
11:07 - 11:37
Period 5
11:55 - 12:35
Lunch
11:51 - 12:21
Period 4
11:41 - 12:21
Lunch
12::35 - 1:05
Period 5
12:25 - 1:05
Period 5
12:25 - 1:05
Period 6
1:09 - 1:49
Period 6
1:09 - 1:49
Period 6
1:09 - 1:49
Early Release / Half Day
6th Grade Team Lime
6th Grade Team Kelly
6th Grade Team Forest
Period 1
8:15 - 8:39
Period 1
8:15 - 8:39
Period 1
8:15 - 8:39
Period 2
8:43 - 9:07
Period 2
8:43 - 9:07
Period 2
8:43 - 9:07
Period 3
9:11 - 9:35
Period 3
9:11 - 9:35
Period 3
9:11 - 9:35
Period 4
9:39 - 10:03
Period 4
9:39 - 10:03
Period 4
9:39 - 10:03
Period 5
10:07 - 10:32
Period 5
10:07 - 10:32
Period 5
10:07 - 10:32
Period 6
10:36 - 11:01
Period 6
10:36 - 11:01
Period 6
10:36 - 11:01
Period 7
11:05 - 11:30
Period 7
11:05 - 11:30
Period 7
11:05 - 11:30
15
One Hour Delay
6th Grade Team Lime
6th Grade Team Kelly
6th Grade Team Forest
Period 1
9:15 - 9:52
Period 1
9:15 - 9:52
Period 1
9:15 - 9:52
Period 2
9:56 - 10:33
Period 2
9:56 - 10:33
Period 2
9:56 - 10:33
Period 3
10:37 - 11:14
Period 3
10:37 - 11:14
Period 3
10:37 - 11:14
Lunch
11:14 - 11:44
Period 4
11:18 - 11:55
Period 4
11:18 - 11:55
Period 4
11:48 - 12:25
Lunch
11:55 - 12:25
Period 5
11:59 - 12:36
Period 5
12:29 - 1:06
Period 5
12:29 - 1:06
Lunch
12:36 - 1:06
Period 6
1:10 - 1:47
Period 6
1:10 - 1:47
Period 6
1:10 - 1:47
Period 7
1:51 - 2:30
Period 7
1:51 - 2:30
Period 7
1:51 - 2:30
Two Hour Delay
6th Grade Team Forest
6th Grade Team Kelly
6th Grade Team Lime
Period 1
10:15 - 10:44
Period 1
10:15 - 10:44
Period 1
10:15 - 10:44
Period 2
10:48 - 11:17
Period 2
10:48 - 11:17
Period 2
10:48 - 11:17
Period 3
11:21 - 11:50
Period 3
11:21 - 11:50
Period 3
11:21 - 11:50
Lunch
11:50 - 12:20
Period 4
11:54 - 12:23
Period 4
11:54 - 12:23
Period 4
12:24 - 12:53
Lunch
12:23 - 12:53
Period 5
12:27 - 12:56
Period 5
12:57 - 1:26
Period 5
12:57 - 1:26
Lunch
12:56 - 1:26
Period 6
1:30 - 1:59
Period 6
1:30 - 1:59
Period 6
1:30 - 1:59
Period 7
2:03 - 2:30
Period 7
2:03 - 2:30
Period 7
2:03 - 2:30
16
Sanborn Bell Schedules 2023-2024
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
7th Grade Team Cardinal
7th Grade Team Maroon/Salmon
8th Grade Team Sky /Royal/ Navy
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:35
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:35
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:35
Period 1
8:39 - 9:21
Period 1
8:39 - 9:21
Period 1
8:39 - 9:21
Period 2
9:25 - 10:07
Period 2
9:25 - 10:07
Period 2
9:25 - 10:07
Snack/Recess
10:07 - 10:17
Snack/Recess
10:07 - 10:17
Period 3
10:11 - 10:53
Period 3
10:21 - 11:03
Period 3
10:21 - 11:03
Snack/Recess
10:53 - 11:03
Lunch
11:07 - 11:37
Period 4
11:07 - 11:49
Period 4
11:07 - 11:49
Period 4
11:40 - 12:22
Lunch
11:53 - 12:23
Period 5
11:53 - 12:35
Period 5
12:26 - 1:08
Period 5
12:26 - 1:08
Lunch
12:38 - 1:08
Period 6
1:12 - 1:54
Period 6
1:12 - 1:54
Period 6
1:12 - 1:54
Period 7
1:58 - 2:40
Period 7
1:58 - 2:40
Period 7
1:58 - 2:40
Wednesday
7th Grade Team Cardinal
7th Grade Team Maroon/Salmon
8th Grade Team Sky /Royal/ Navy
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:35
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:35
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:35
Period 1
8:39 - 9:12
Period 1
8:39 - 9:12
Period 1
8:39 - 9:12
Period 2
9:16 - 9:49
Period 2
9:16 - 9:49
Period 2
9:16 - 9:49
Period 3
9:53 - 10:26
Period 3
9:53 - 10:26
Period 3
9:53 - 10:26
Lunch
10:26 - 10:56
Period 4
10:30 - 11:03
Period 4
10:30 - 11:03
Period 4
11:00 - 11:33
Lunch
11:03 - 11:33
Period 5
11:07 - 11:40
Period 5
11:37 - 12:10
Period 5
11:37 - 12:10
Lunch
11:40 - 12:10
Period 6
12:14 - 12:47
Period 6
12:14 - 12:47
Period 6
12:14 - 12:47
Period 7
12:51 - 1:25
Period 7
12:51 - 1:25
Period 7
12:51 - 1:25
17
Extended homeBASE
7th Grade Team Cardinal
7th Grade Team Maroon/Salmon
8th Grade Team Sky /Royal/ Navy
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:55
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:55
homeBASE
8:25 - 8:55
Period 1
8:59 - 9:39
Period 1
8:59 - 9:39
Period 1
8:59 - 9:39
Period 2
9:43 - 10:23
Period 2
9:43 - 10:23
Period 2
9:43 - 10:23
Snack/Recess
10:23-10:33
Snack/Recess
10:23-10:33
Period 3
10:27-11:07
Period 3
10:37 - 11:17
Period 3
10:37 - 11:17
Snack/Recess
11:07-11:17
Lunch
11:17- 11:47
Period 4
11:21 - 12:01
Period 4
11:21 - 12:01
Period 4
11:51 - 12:31
Lunch
12:01 - 12:31
Period 5
12:05 - 12:45
Period 5
12:35 - 1:15
Period 5
12:35 - 1:15
Lunch
12:45 - 1:15
Period 6
1:19 - 1:59
Period 6
1:19 - 1:59
Period 6
1:19 - 1:59
Period 7
2:03 - 2:40
Period 7
2:03 - 2:40
Period 7
2:03 - 2:40
Early Release / Half Day
7th Grade Team Cardinal
7th Grade Team Maroon/Salmon
8th Grade Team Sky /Royal/ Navy
Period 1
8:25 - 8:49
Period 1
8:25 - 8:49
Period 1
8:25 - 8:49
Period 2
8:53 - 9:17
Period 2
8:53 - 9:17
Period 2
8:53 - 9:17
Period 3
9:21 - 9:45
Period 3
9:21 - 9:45
Period 3
9:21 - 9:45
Period 4
9:49 - 10:13
Period 4
9:49 - 10:13
Period 4
9:49 - 10:13
Period 5
10:17 - 10:42
Period 5
10:17 - 10:42
Period 5
10:17 - 10:42
Period 6
10:46 - 11:11
Period 6
10:46 - 11:11
Period 6
10:46 - 11:11
Period 7
11:15 - 11:40
Period 7
11:15 - 11:40
Period 7
11:15 - 11:40
18
One Hour Delay
7th Grade Team Cardinal
7th Grade Team Maroon/Salmon
8th Grade Team Sky /Royal/ Navy
Period 1
9:25 - 10:02
Period 1
9:25 - 10:02
Period 1
9:25 - 10:02
Period 2
10:06 - 10:43
Period 2
10:06 - 10:43
Period 2
10:06 - 10:43
Period 3
10:47 - 11:24
Period 3
10:47 - 11:24
Period 3
10:47 - 11:24
Lunch
11:24 - 11:54
Period 4
11:28 - 12:05
Period 4
11:28 - 12:05
Period 4
11:58 - 12:35
Lunch
12:05 - 12:35
Period 5
12:09 - 12:46
Period 5
12:39 - 1:16
Period 5
12:39 - 1:17
Lunch
12:46 - 1:16
Period 6
1:20 - 1:57
Period 6
1:20 - 1:57
Period 6
1:20 - 1:57
Period 7
2:01 - 2:40
Period 7
2:01 - 2:40
Period 7
2:01 - 2:40
Two Hour Delay
7th Grade Team Cardinal
7th Grade Team Maroon/Salmon
8th Grade Team Sky /Royal/ Navy
Period 1
10:25 - 10:54
Period 1
10:25 - 10:54
Period 1
10:25 - 10:54
Period 2
10:58 - 11:27
Period 2
10:58 - 11:27
Period 2
10:58 - 11:27
Period 3
11:31 - 12:00
Period 3
11:31 - 12:00
Period 3
11:31 - 12:00
Lunch
12:00 - 12:30
Period 4
12:04 - 12:33
Period 4
12:04 - 12:33
Period 4
12:34 - 1:03
Lunch
12:33 - 1:03
Period 5
12:37 - 1:06
Period 5
1:07 - 1:36
Period 5
1:07 - 1:36
Lunch
1:06 - 1:36
Period 6
1:40 - 2:09
Period 6
1:40 - 2:09
Period 6
1:40 - 2:09
Period 7
2:13 - 2:40
Period 7
2:13 - 2:40
Period 7
2:13 - 2:40
19
Sample 6th Grade Student Schedule – Individual students’ schedules will vary.
A
B
C
D
E
F
homeBASE
8:15-8:25
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
1
8:29-9:11
Math
SS
Sci
French
Eng.
Sci
2
9:15-9:57
Eng.
Math
SS
Sci
French
SS
Snack/Rec
9:57 - 10:07
S
N
A
C
K
!
3
10:11-10:53
Art
Fundamentals
/ RtI
Math
Eng.
Sci
Health
4
10:57-11:39
French
Eng.
Fundamentals
/ RtI
SS
Fundamentals
/ RtI
Math
Lunch
11:43-12:13
L
U
N
C
H
!
5
12:16-12:58
Sci
Art
Eng.
Math
SS
Eng.
6
1:02-1:44
SS
Sci
Dig.Lit.
Fundamentals
RtI
Math
French
7
1:48-2:30
Band
Band
PE
Band
PE
Dig.Lit.
Sample 7th / 8th Student Schedule – Individual students’ schedules will vary.
A
B
C
D
E
F
homeBASE
8:25-8:35
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
1
8:39-9:21
Math
SS
Sci
French
Eng.
Sci
2
9:25-10:07
Eng.
Math
SS
Sci
French
SS
3
10:11-10:53
Art
P.E.
Study
Study
P.E.
Health
Snack/Rec
10:53 - 11:03
S
N
A
C
K
!
4
11:07-11:49
French
Eng.
Math
SS
Sci
Math
5
11:53-12:35
Sci
Art
Eng.
Math
SS
Eng.
Lunch
12:38-1:08
L
U
N
C
H
!
6
1:12-1:54
SS
Sci
Dig.Lit.
Eng.
Math
French
7
1:58-2:40
Band
Band
Study
Band
Study
Dig.Lit.
20
Lunch, Recess, and Snacks
All CMS students will have a 10-minute SNACK break and a 30-minute lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, because of the abbreviated schedule, all CMS students will have a
30-minute lunch break.
The lunch/recess period is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends or to spend some time with friends
you may already have. Eating a healthy lunch each day will ensure you have the energy to enjoy your
complete school experience.
In each building, students at each grade level have a 30-minute lunch and recess period together every day.
(See bell schedules for more specific information about timing.) Lunch/recess periods are supervised by
CMS support staff. During this time, all students must be in the cafeteria or at recess unless they have
obtained a pass to another location. When weather permits, students may eat and play outside.
In order to purchase snacks (chips, cookie, etc) or a beverage, a student must have a positive balance in
his/her My School Bucks account. Payments applied to your child’s account may take up to 48
hours to post. For information on My School Bucks, or to set up an account, visit
https://www.myschoolbucks.com/.
Lunch menus / nutrition information: http://www.concordps.org/food-and-nutrition-services/documents/.
Remember… all members of the school community use the cafeteria
● Throw away your trash
● Push in your chair
● Play safely at recess
● Include others
Snacks
Students have one 10 minute snack each day. Similar to lunch, these outdoor snack breaks will be supervised
by CMS staff.
Due to severe allergies, the school prefers that students not bring or eat products containing peanut butter,
peanuts or tree nuts during snack time in classrooms. These foods can be eaten in the cafeteria in each
building, as we provide nut-free areas.
21
Student Responsibilities and Code of Conduct
Middle school students are expected to develop a higher degree of responsibility for themselves and their
belongings. In order to support that growth, we uphold clear rules and expectations for the CMS student
community. Every student is responsible for understanding and complying with all school rules and
community standards while at school and at any school-sponsored activities, whether on school property or
not.
All school communities have a set of rules and expectations, and CMS is no exception. Student
responsibilities are many, but we believe that every successful student makes the following responsibilities a
priority:
● Understanding and adhering to the CMS community standards, by respecting the rights of others in
the CMS community and the authority of school administrators and staff.
● Contributing to making the school community a safe and supportive environment.
● Taking responsibility for your educational development and for your actions that affect the
educational development of others.
Do your very best to adhere to the CMS school rules, and always ask for help when you need it
Community Standards
Respectful Behavior
CMS students are expected to treat one another, as well as school administrators and staff, with dignity and
respect. A positive school environment at CMS depends on all students contributing to this culture.
Students may not cause a disruption to school, on the school bus, or at any school-sponsored activities.
Disruptions include, but are not limited to, disrespectful behavior to staff or students including using foul
language, pushing, shoving, fighting, wrestling, “play-fighting,” running, making loud noises, or any other
disruptions that interfere with the educational process in the school. The above actions interfere with
learning and a positive school environment.
Students are expected to respect the authority of school administrators and staff. If a student has a concern
that they are being subject to discipline in error, they should explain their thoughts respectfully, and make
arrangements to discuss the matter with the teacher or staff member privately at an appropriate time and
place. Insubordinate or defiant behavior is prohibited.
Hallway Behavior
Students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately as they move from class to class. All
expectations for school behavior remain in place in the hallways.
22
Respect for Others Belongings
Leaving others’ belongings alone fosters an environment of respect and trust. CMS students may not go
through the property, locker or bag of another CMS student or the property, desk or cabinet of a CMS staff
member without his/her permission, or take the belongings of others without permission
Vandalism, theft, and other property damage
It is important to care for property that belongs to another person or the school. Destruction or theft of
school property is a serious matter that can be a violation of state law, and is very destructive to the school
climate. Students may not damage or take without permission property of the school, staff, or other
students. Students may not write on walls, desks, lockers, bathroom stalls, or any other school property.
In instances of vandalism or other property damage, the Concord Police Department may be notified. The
student may be subject to suspension by the school Principal, or expulsion by the School Committee.
Gum Chewing
When not properly disposed of, gum left on floors, walls or furniture is unsanitary and creates a need for
unnecessary work on the part of building maintenance staff. Gum must be disposed of properly.
Appropriate Attire
Students must wear appropriate clothing to school at all times. Clothing should be suited to classroom
learning.
These guidelines should be followed:
● All clothing should provide adequate coverage for all students. The student should be able to bend
over comfortably without exposure. Clothes must be worn in such a way that the breasts and
surrounding chest area, as well as buttocks, are fully covered with opaque material.
● See-through clothing is prohibited.
● No underwear should show.
● Clothing with inappropriate language or logos are not allowed (no drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or
profanity, etc).
● Proper footwear should be worn in all areas of the building. This helps keep students and staff feet
safe. No high heels or slippers; soles should protect feet.
Telephone and Cell Phone Use
Electronic devices can be extremely distracting, and detract both from the personal connections we want
students develop and from the learning environment.
Cell phones must be off and in bookbags or pockets once the first bell rings. The use of cell phones are
not allowed during the school day unless authorized by CMS staff. They may be used before and after
school. Students may, on a limited basis, use the office phone during the lunch/recess period to check in with
parents about after school activities.
23
Parents should not expect students to receive a text or answer/respond to a call during the school day.
Laptops/Computer Use in the 1:1 Computing Community
Students must adhere to the requirements of the CPS Acceptable Use Policy and CMS 1:1 Student Laptop
Expectations and Loan Agreement. It is expected that students participating in 1:1 computing comply with
directed use by teachers and are responsible for the safekeeping of equipment. Computers should be used
solely for academic purposes. (See Appendix R, Acceptable Use Policy & Appendix S, CMS 1:1 Student
Laptop Expectations and Loan Agreement).
Lost and Found
Found items should be turned in to the main office and will be kept in the lost and found storage area in the
cafeteria / main office. Valuables will be kept in the main office. Clothing left for an extended time will be
donated to charity.
Truthful Reporting
The school treats all reports of misconduct by a student, school administrator or staff member as well as
threats to school safety seriously. Reports made on a good faith basis are always appropriate and
encouraged. Individuals making an intentionally false report take up valuable school resources, and may
unfairly damage the reputation of those who are the subject of the false reports. Intentionally false reports
will be treated seriously.
Maintaining a Safe and Supportive Environment
Weapons, dangerous objects, and items mimicking same
Possession of weapons, dangerous items, or things that mimic dangerous items fosters an unsafe
environment, is a violation of Concord School Committee Policy, and may be a violation of state law.
Students may not bring, possess or use any such items.
● Weapons and dangerous objects include, but are not limited to knives, guns or objects that may
cause harm.
● Items mimicking weapons or dangerous objects include, but are not limited to, “toy” guns, water
pistols, knives, matches, laser pens or laser keychains.
Students violating this rule may be subject to suspension or expulsion from school by the Principal.
Tobacco products, vaporizer pens/devices, e-cigarettes, drugs and alcohol
The use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, vaping, e-cigarettes, JUULs and related or similar items is
dangerous to students’ health and impacts their ability to learn. Possession of such items may be a violation
of law, and is a violation of Concord School Committee Policy. Students may not bring, possess or use any
of these prohibited items.
Students violating this rule may be subject to suspension or expulsion from school by the Principal.
Fighting and Dangerous Behavior
24
Students may be injured when they fight, and there are better ways to resolve differences. Horseplay and
activity that can cause injury to others present unnecessary risk of harm and detract from the learning
environment.
Fighting, shoving, physical contact, horseplay or any other activity that can cause injury to another student
or staff member is forbidden.
With respect to fighting in particular, students may not participate in a fight or intentionally hurt another
student or staff member under any circumstances. Students involved in a fight are subject to discipline
whether or not they started the fight. Encouraging a fight or being an active bystander, whether by
videotaping an incident, cheering or otherwise, is also prohibited and will subject a student to
discipline.
Bullying, Harassment or other Threats
Every student and all staff members should feel safe at CMS. Bullying and harassment hurt students and
staff, and are extremely destructive to morale and the school climate. All forms of bullying and harassment
are prohibited at CMS:
● Verbal harassment happens when someone makes a threat or sends an abusive message,
communicated through speech, written notes or over the school’s computers, and includes
harassment on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital
status or disability.
● Sexual harassment happens when someone uses words or actions derogatory to individuals because
of gender or sexual orientation, or in certain circumstances makes inappropriate sexual overtures.
● Bullying happens when someone repeatedly and over time harasses someone, or intentionally
inflicts, or attempts to inflict, injury or discomfort upon someone else through physical or verbal
actions or threatening drawings, words and/or gestures, whether in person or online.
Refer to Appendix K3 for a summary of the District Plan, and review Appendices K, K1 & K2 for
additional information about bullying and harassment and related standards.
An Act Relative to Bullying in Schools (Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2010)
Concord Public Schools has completed a bullying prevention and intervention plan in compliance with this act and has had it
approved by the department of elementary and secondary education. The CPS bullying prevention plan can be found at
http://www.concordps.org/teaching-learning/reports-and-documents. The complete text of the law can be found at:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw10/ sl100092.htm.
No Retaliation
Retaliation against a student, because a student has filed a complaint or assisted or participated in an
investigation or proceeding, is prohibited.
Supporting Educational Development
Class Attendance
The school is responsible for the welfare and safety of students during school time. While at school,
students are expected to be in their assigned classes at all times unless excused. Students may not skip class.
25
Students are expected to arrive on time to class.
Hall Passes and Signing Out of Classes
Students must have a hall pass that is plainly visible and properly authorized by the teacher whose room the
student is leaving, except at regular passing times. Class time is very valuable, and all students should
typically remain in class while it is in session. When leaving a class while in session, students must always
sign out with their first and last names and the time.
Class Behavior
Students are responsible for their own educational development. Accordingly, students are expected to
arrive at class prepared for learning and with work complete, laptop in hand and fully charged. Students are
also responsible for actions that affect the educational development of others.
Deliberately distracting others in class interferes with learning and a positive school environment. Similarly,
possession of nuisance items such as headphones, electronics, laser pointers, silly string, rubber bands, balls,
toys, video games, or similar items is very likely to contribute to classroom distraction. Generally speaking,
leaving such items at home is most appropriate.
Textbooks
Students are provided textbooks to be kept at home for the school year. If you need books for a second
household, please let the classroom teacher know. All students are responsible for the care and the return of
all books, materials and equipment issued by the school at the end of the year or when a teacher requests it.
Students will be charged for lost, damaged or destroyed materials.
Copying work/Cheating
In order for teachers to be able to help their students, teachers must be able to trust that students are
completing their own work. Students may not copy the work of another student without giving credit to that
source, allow another student to copy his or her work or engage in any other behaviors that could be
considered “cheating”.
Plagiarism
Students must properly acknowledge and credit the work of others. Copying another author’s words or
ideas and using them as your own, without giving credit to the author, is plagiarism. Students may not quote
directly, cut and paste or summarize someone else’s work without attribution.
26
Code of Conduct and the Progressive Disciplinary Process
Our goal as educators is to help students develop the Compassion, Motivation, and
Self-Awareness that will enable them to make valuable contributions to their school
community.
At Concord Middle School we follow a process of progressive discipline and do our best to
enforce this process in a consistent and unbiased manner. We promote reflection about
choices and counseling on how to make positive choices. Depending upon the nature and
severity of a violation a student may simply participate in a reflective discussion and/or
experience a verbal reprimand.
Concord Middle School Behavior Rubric
*Please note: Everytime detention or suspension is mentioned as a possible consequence, the
students, parents, faculty and staff who make up the Concord Middle School School Council
in April and May 2023 discussed building a catalog of accountability actions/assignments
that match the concerning behavior. The restorative action that the student would complete
would take the same length of time as the traditional consequence of detention or suspension.
In August 2023, the Concord Middle School School Council voted to approve this change.
The Concord Middle School Behavior Rubric was developed by students, parents, faculty and staff who made up the 2018/2019
Concord Middle School School Council.
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Cell phone possession
(outside of student
backpack during school
hours without teacher or
administrator
authorization)
verbal
reprimand/warning
item confiscated
verbal
reprimand/warning
item confiscated
parent notified to
pick up item in
office
office *detention(s)
item confiscated
parent notified to
pick up item in office
multiple after school
*detentions, and/or
parent conference
item confiscated
parent notified to pick
up item in office
Possession or evidence of
nuisance item/ headphones/
electronics
(Ex: laser pointers, silly
string, rubber bands, balls,
toys, video games, etc.)
verbal reprimand/
warning
item confiscated
verbal reprimand/
warning
item confiscated
parent notified to
pick up item in
office
office lunch
*detention(s)
item confiscated
parent notified to
pick up item in office
multiple office after
school *detentions,
and/or parent conference
item confiscated
parent notified to pick
up item in office
27
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Late to class
teacher consequence
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
office lunch
*detention(s)
call/email to student’s
home
multiple office lunch
*detentions, after school
*detentions, and/or
*suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Unprepared for learning,
routines, requests; chronic
lack of work completion/
classwork, laptop not in class,
battery not charged
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
in-class
separate
seating, or
removal and
office referral
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
Office
*detention(s)
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
multiple office lunch
*detentions, after school
*detentions, and/or
*suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Violation of acceptable use
policy
call / email to
student’s home
office consequence and
/ or office *detention(s)
call / email to student’s
home
office *detention(s) or
*suspension
possible loss of computer
call to student’s home
*suspension / loss of
computer
parent conference
28
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Insubordination; refusal
to follow school/classroom
procedures, directions,
routines, or requests
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
teacher
consequence
and/or office
*detention(s)
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
office
*detention(s)
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
multiple office lunch
*detentions, multiple
after school *detentions,
and/or *suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Failure to serve teacher
detention
*detention number
doubled by teacher
call/email to student’s
home
office referral; office
*detention
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
office referral;
in-school *suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
out of school
*suspension(s)
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
29
Inappropriate clothing
send to nurse and/or
made to change
send to nurse and/or
made to change
call/email to student’s
home
send to nurse and/or
made to change
office *detention
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
send to nurse and/or
made to change
multiple *detentions
parent conference
possible loss of
school
privileges
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Interfering with student
learning (includes: disrupting
teacher instruction, group
work, or student learning)
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
in-class separate
seating or removal and
office referral
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
office referral; office
*detention;
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
multiple lunch
*detentions, multiple
after school *detentions,
and/or *suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Statements, gestures, actions
of disrespect
(includes: swearing, rumor
spreading, some
name-calling, even if it’s
online)
teacher consequence
office referral
*detention(s) and/or
possible in-school
*suspension or out of
school *suspension
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
teacher consequence
office referral
*detention(s) and/or
*suspension(s)
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
teacher consequence
office referral
*suspension(s)
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
teacher consequence
office referral
*suspension(s)
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
30
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
same time as a
*suspension
the same time as a
*suspension
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Threats/harassment/ sexual
harassment/ bullying/ racial
slurs/hate language (even if
it’s online)
*suspension
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
out of school
*suspension
police notified
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
out of school
*suspension
police notified
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
out of school
*suspension
police notified
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*suspension
Plagiarism
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
redo assignment
no credit for
assignment
office referral; office
*detention(s)
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
*suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
*suspension(s)
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*suspension
31
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Cheating
teacher consequence
call/email to student’s
home
redo assignment
and/or no credit for
assignment
no credit for
assignment
office referral; office
*detention(s)
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
*suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
*suspension(s)
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*suspension
Skipping Class
office referral; office
*detention
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
multiple office
*detentions and/or
*suspension
call/email to student’s
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
*suspension(s)
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
out-of -school
*suspension(s)
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the student
approximately the same
time as a *suspension
Hands on other student’s
property or area
(intentionally and without
consent)
teacher consequence
teacher call/email to
student’s home
teacher consequence
teacher call/email to
student’s home
office referral; office
*detention(s)
office call/email to
student’s home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
multiple after school
*detentions
*suspension
parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
32
*detention or
*suspension
*detention or
*suspension
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Being in a part of the
building where students
are not permitted or
without permission
Verbal warning
*Detention or
detentions
possible
restorative justice
practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
*Detentions or
possible in school
*suspension
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Out of school
*suspension
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Physical assault, student
on student
Out of school
*suspension
Police notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Out of school
*suspension
Police notification
possible
restorative justice
practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Out of school
*suspension
Police notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Out of school
*suspension
Police notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Vaping nicotine
In-school
*suspension
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Out of school
*suspension
Possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Out of school
*suspension
Possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Out of school
*uspension
Possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the student
approximately the same
time as a *suspension
33
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Hands on others
(intentionally, and without
consent)
office *detention
office call/notify
home
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
office *detentions
office call/notify home
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention
parent conference
possible *suspension
and/or possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
parent conference
out-of -school
*suspension(s), possible
expulsion hearing and/or
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*suspension
Hands on teacher’s property,
space, belongings
(intentionally, and without
consent)
item replaced or
damage restitution
made
office
*detention or
*suspension
office
call/notify
home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
parent conference
and/or *suspension
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
parent conference
out-of-school
*suspension(s)
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
parent conference
out of school
*suspension (s)
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Improper disposal of chewing
gum
verbal reprimand/
warning
teacher consequence
call/notify home
office referral: office
*detention
call/notify home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
office referral:
multiple office
*detentions
call/notify home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
34
same time as a
*detention
the same time as a
*detention
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Stealing/
Vandalism/Graffiti/Other
Property Damage
item replaced or
damage restitution
made
office call/notify
home
office *detention or
*suspension
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
suspension
out of school
*suspension, parent
conference, and/or
possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
out-of-school
*suspension(s)
item replaced or
damage restitution
made
police notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
out-of-school
*suspension(s)
item replaced or damage
restitution made
police notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
Reckless or unsafe Behavior
(including horseplay, play
fighting)
office referral,
in-school
*suspension, and or
office *detention and
call/notify home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
office referral
*detention, in-school
*suspension/ out of
school *suspension,
and or office
call/notify home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*detention or
*suspension
office referral
in-school *suspension,
out of school
*suspension, and/or
call/notify home
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
office referral
*suspension(s), parent
conference, out of
school *suspension(s)
and/or parent conference
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student approximately
the same time as a
*suspension
35
Fighting
Minimum of 3 days
out of school
*suspension
Possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Minimum of 5 days
out of school
*suspension
Possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Minimum of 10 days
out of school
*suspension or possible
expulsion hearing
Possible police
notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
The “encouraging” or
“active” bystander in a fight
(including those using
personal devices to capture
video or pictures)
*Suspension out of
school
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Minimum of 3 days
out of school
*suspension
Police may be notified
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Minimum of 5 days out
of school *suspension
Police may be notified
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
Assault of administrator,
teacher or other educational
staff on school premises or at
school-related event
*Suspension,
possible expulsion
hearing and/or police
notification
Police notification
Disruption of school
environment
Consequences may include any/multiple of the following as early as the first offense depending on the
nature of the violation: call/email to student’s home; office *detention(s); multiple before/after school
*detention(s); in-school *suspension; out of school suspension; parent conference; and/or police
notification
Possession of drugs,
drug paraphernalia,
alcohol, cigarettes,
vaporizing
devices/equipment
(including e-cigarettes)
Item(s) confiscated
*suspension
possible expulsion
hearing
police notification
36
Behavior
1st Consequence
2nd Consequence
3rd Consequence
4th Consequence
Possession of weapon
or item perceived as a
weapon/dangerous or
illegal devices
Item(s) confiscated
*suspension
possible expulsion
hearing
police notification
False accusations or
false reporting
Either/and/or:
*suspension
police notification
possible restorative
justice practice that
would take the
student
approximately the
same time as a
*suspension
police notification
General School Rules
Teacher call/email to
student’s home
Teacher call/email to
student’s home
Office call/email to
student’s home
Office call/email to student’s
home
Progressive Disciplinary Process
Our goal as educators is to help students develop the empathy, self-confidence, and sense of responsibility
that will enable them to make valuable contributions to their community. At Concord Middle School we
follow a process of progressive discipline and do our best to enforce this process in a consistent and unbiased
manner. We promote reflection about choices and counseling on how to make more positive choices.
Depending upon the nature and severity of a violation, a student may simply participate in a reflective
discussion and / or experience a verbal reprimand. In more serious situations, the student may face
withdrawal of the privilege to participate in certain activities for a period of time, or possible suspension.
When students face suspension / expulsion, the school follows state mandated requirements for due process.
Progressive Disciplinary Actions and Due Process
We strive to make discipline a private learning experience and opportunity for growth. All students are asked in conversation
with adults (teachers, administrators, or guidance staff) to reflect on behaviors that result in consequences.
Teacher Consequence
Teacher disciplines students for minor infractions in class without referral to the office. Examples include, but are not limited to:
written assignment, teacher assigns lunch detention, appropriate classroom correction, confiscating distracting objects away from
students for the class period.
“Office Referral”
Teacher refers student to the office for discussion of and potential discipline for behavior.
37
Verbal Reprimand/Warning
Students meet with an administrator and participate in a discussion about their actions, intentions, and
understanding of the impact to the community, whether intended or unintended.
Office Consequence
Administration may assign lunch detentions, after school detentions, in-school suspensions, or out of school
suspensions
Lunch Detention
Students may receive lunch detention from teachers or administrators for many different reasons (i.e.,
inappropriate behavior in the hallways, in-class disruptiveness). Lunch detention removes students from social
lunches; students eat with teachers or administrators supervising.
After School Detention
After school Detention is assigned by teachers or administrators and held from 2:30-3:30 p.m. A
parent/guardian will be notified with a phone call or by email. If a late bus is in service, students may take
the 3:45 p.m. bus home. An outside activity scheduled for the detention day does not excuse the student (i.e.,
sports practice, game, etc.). Failure to report for detention will result in two days of detention and a phone call to
parents.
Detentions may involve sitting silently in the office or various community service activities such as assisting
building maintenance staff. [Students are expected to complete work and speak/reflect with supervising adults
about their behavior.]
Call/Email to Students’ Home/Parent Conference
School administrator or teacher contacts student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) to notify them of behavior and/or
consequences, and/or sets up a time to discuss the behavior and consequences in greater depth.
Loss of Privilege(s)
Students may lose the privilege of attending certain special events during or after school.
Restriction of Technology Privileges
Students who do not adhere to the “1 to 1 Student Laptop Expectations and Loan Agreement for CMS/CCHS”
may lose privileges related to laptop access, bringing a laptop home, etc.
In-School Suspension
Suspension to be served within the school building but outside of the classroom setting. Students who serve an
in-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in any interscholastic game or practice on the day(s) of
the suspension. These students will not be eligible to play in the next game following the suspension.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
No student shall be disciplined without being afforded appropriate due process. Prior to discipline which
does not involve exclusion from school or school related activities, the student should be informed of the
38
charges against the student and given an opportunity to present their side of the story. For discipline
involving exclusion, the following procedures will be followed.
The procedures that will apply, and the rights of a student in connection with those procedures, will vary
based on the requirements of the different state laws which apply to different types of student
conduct. For your information, three of the most significant statutes in this area are reprinted on the pages
that follow. Section 37H ½ of Chapter 71 of the General Laws applies to the issuance of a criminal complaint
charging a student with a felony or the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, as
well as to a student’s conviction of, or adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to, such a
felony or felony delinquency. Section 37H of Chapter 71 of the General Laws applies to student possession
(on school premises, or at school sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games) of
controlled substances or dangerous weapons, or a student’s assault (on school premises, or at school
sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games) on a member of the educational staff. Section
37H ¾ applies to other disciplinary offenses including violations to the Student Code of Conduct, that are
not covered by either Section 37H or 37H 1/2. Students should also be aware of the regulations
implementing these statutes at 603 CMR 53.00 et seq., which may be found on the website for the
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Suspensions and Exclusions under M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 37H 3/4
M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 37H 3/4
(a) This section shall govern the suspension and expulsion of students enrolled in a public school in the
commonwealth who are not charged with a violation of subsections (a) or (b) of section 37H or with a
felony under section 37H1/2.
(b) Any principal, headmaster, superintendent or person acting as a decision-maker at a student meeting or
hearing, when deciding the consequences for the student, shall consider ways to re-engage the student in
the learning process; and shall not suspend or expel a student until alternative remedies have been
employed and their use and results documented, following and in direct response to a specific incident or
incidents, unless specific reasons are documented as to why such alternative remedies are unsuitable or
counter-productive, and in cases where the student's continued presence in school would pose a specific,
documentable concern about the infliction of serious bodily injury or other serious harm upon another
person while in school. Alternative remedies may include, but shall not be limited to: (i) mediation; (ii)
conflict resolution; (iii) restorative justice; and (iv) collaborative problem solving. The principal, headmaster,
superintendent or person acting as a decision-maker shall also implement school-or district-wide models to
re-engage students in the learning process which shall include but not be limited to: (i) positive behavioral
interventions and supports models and (ii) trauma sensitive learning models; provided, however, that
school-or district-wide models shall not be considered a direct response to a specific incident. (c) For any
suspension or expulsion under this section, the principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is
enrolled, or a designee, shall provide, to the student and to the parent or guardian of the student, notice of
the charges and the reason for the suspension or expulsion in English and in the primary language spoken
in the home of the student. The student shall receive the written notification and shall have the
opportunity to meet with the principal or headmaster, or a designee, to discuss the charges and reasons for
the suspension or expulsion prior to the suspension or expulsion taking effect. The principal or headmaster,
or a designee, shall ensure that the parent or guardian of the student is included in the meeting, provided
that such meeting may take place without the parent or guardian only if the principal or headmaster, or a
designee, can document reasonable efforts to include the parent or guardian in that meeting. The
39
department shall promulgate rules and regulations that address a principal’s duties under this subsection
and procedures for including parents in student exclusion meetings, hearings or interviews under this
subsection.
(d) If a decision is made to suspend or expel the student after the meeting, the principal or headmaster, or
a designee, shall update the notification for the suspension or expulsion to reflect the meeting with the
student. If a student has been suspended or expelled for more than 10 school days for a single infraction or
for more than 10 school days cumulatively for multiple infractions in any school year, the student and the
parent or guardian of the student shall also receive, at the time of the suspension or expulsion decision,
written notification of a right to appeal and the process for appealing the suspension or expulsion in English
and in the primary language spoken in the home of the student; provided, however, that the suspension or
expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing. The principal or headmaster or a designee shall
notify the superintendent in writing, including, but not limited to, by electronic means, of any out-of-school
suspension imposed on a student enrolled in kindergarten through grade 3 prior to such suspension taking
effect. That notification shall describe the student’s alleged misconduct and the reasons for suspending the
student out-of-school. For the purposes of this section, the term “out-of-school suspension” shall mean a
disciplinary action imposed by school officials to remove a student from participation in school activities for
1 day or more.
(e) A student who has been suspended or expelled from school for more than 10 school days for a single
infraction or for more than 10 school days cumulatively for multiple infractions in any school year shall have
the right to appeal the suspension or expulsion to the superintendent. The student or a parent or guardian
of the student shall notify the superintendent in writing of a request for an appeal not later than 5 calendar
days following the effective date of the suspension or expulsion; provided, that a student and a parent or
guardian of the student may request, and if so requested, shall be granted an extension of up to 7 calendar
days. The superintendent or a designee shall hold a hearing with the student and the parent or guardian of
the student within 3 school days of the student’s request for an appeal; provided that a student or a parent
or guardian of the student may request and, if so requested, shall be granted an extension of up to 7
calendar days; provided further, that the superintendent, or a designee, may proceed with a hearing
without a parent or guardian of the student if the superintendent, or a designee, makes a good faith effort
to include the parent or guardian. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and
written testimony, cross-examine witnesses and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall
render a decision on the appeal in writing within 5 calendar days of the hearing. That decision shall be the
final decision of the school district with regard to the suspension or expulsion.
(f) No student shall be suspended or expelled from a school or school district for a time period that exceeds
90 school days, beginning the first day the student is removed from an assigned school building.
ADMINISTRATIVE DETENTION PROCEDURES
In situations when an administrative detention is warranted, the Assistant Principal will meet with students
to assign the detention. After-school activities such as clubs, sport teams, and work are not valid reasons
for missing an assigned detention. Detention is held (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) throughout the
school year, from 2:45 - 4:15 p.m. Failure to report to detention on the day detention is assigned or the
next school day following the assignment may result in a one-day suspension. In lieu of a detention after
school, students may be assigned to directed study or lunch detention during the school day, at the
discretion of the Assistant Principal.
40
Students who are disruptive once detention begins will be asked to leave. The student’s Assistant Principal
will then meet with the student to discuss the incident before determining further disciplinary action.
Short Term Suspension and Exclusion from School-Related Activities
Short-Term Suspension Procedures Under M.G.L. ch. 71, § 37H¾
A Short-Term Suspension is the removal of a student from the school premises and regular classroom
activities for ten (10) consecutive school days or less. The principal, or the principal’s designee, may, in their
discretion, allow a student to serve a short- term suspension in school. Any student facing a potential
short-term suspension is entitled to a hearing with the Principal or designee with the following process:
Principal Hearing - Short-Term Suspension
a) The purpose of the hearing with the principal or the principal’s designee is to hear and consider
information regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the
student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the
alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the
consequences for the infraction. At a minimum, the principal or designee shall discuss the
disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information. The student also
shall have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts that the principal or
designee should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be
appropriate as alternatives to suspension. The principal or designee shall provide the parent, if
present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating
circumstances, that the principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.
b) Based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, the principal or designee
shall determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, what remedy or
consequence will be imposed.
c) The principal or designee shall notify the student and parent of the determination and the reasons
for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to
make up assignments and such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the
period of removal, as provided in 603 CMR 53.13(1). The determination shall be in writing and may
be in the form of an update to the original written notice.
d) If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the principal shall send a
copy of the written determination to the superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an
out-of-school suspension, before the short- term suspension takes effect.
No Right to Appeal The decision of the Principal or designee is the final decision for short-term
out-of-school suspensions not exceeding ten (10) days, consecutively or cumulatively during a school year.
PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
A student who is suspended may not be on campus outside of the school day and is ineligible to participate
in all co-curricular activities, athletics, class, club and special activities sponsored by the school during the
suspension time. In the case of substance use, opportunities to shorten this ineligible period may exist
through participation in approved treatment program.
41
Students in a leadership position of sports, student government, a club, or activity may relinquish that
position upon suspension. Students may also be referred to counseling staff for appropriate assessments
and interventions.
MAKE-UP WORK FOR SUSPENDED STUDENTS
Students are allowed to make up all work missed during a suspension. (The student will be provided with
an opportunity to hand in assignments on the day of the suspension, obtain assignments distributed on the
day of the suspension, or to take a test or quiz given on the day of the suspension.)
Suspensions do not appear on any permanent record.
Long-Term Suspension Procedures Under M.G.L. ch. 71, § 37H¾
A Long-Term Suspension is the removal of a student from the school premises and regular classroom
activities for more than ten (10) consecutive school days, or for more than ten (10) school days
cumulatively for multiple disciplinary offenses in any school year. The principal or designee, may, in their
discretion, may allow a student to serve a long-term suspension in school. Except for students who are
charged with a disciplinary offense set forth in M.G.L. ch. 71, § 37H, or in M.G.L. ch. 71, § 37H½, no student
may be placed on long-term suspension for one or more disciplinary offenses for more than ninety (90)
school days in a school year beginning with the first day that the student is removed from school. No
long-term suspension under M.G.L, ch. 71, § 37H¾ shall extend beyond the end of the school year in which
such suspension is imposed. Any student facing a potential long-term suspension is entitled to a hearing
with the Principal or designee with the following process:
Principal Hearing - Long-Term Suspension
a) The purpose of the hearing with the principal or designee is to hear and consider information
regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the student an
opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident,
determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the consequences for the
infraction. At a minimum, the principal or designee shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis
for the charge, and any other pertinent information. The student also shall have an opportunity to
present information, including mitigating facts, that the principal should consider in determining
whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate as alternatives to suspension. The
principal or designee shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's
conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the principal should
consider in determining consequences for the student.
b) In addition to the rights afforded a student in a short-term suspension hearing, the student shall
have the following additional rights
1. In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student's record and the documents
upon which the principal may rely in making a determination to suspend the student or not;
2. the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student's choice, at the
student's/parent's expense;
3. the right to produce witnesses on the student’s behalf and to present the student's explanation
of the alleged incident, but the student may not be compelled to do so;
4. the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school district;
42
5. The right to request that the hearing be recorded by the principal, and to receive a copy of the
audio recording upon request. If the student or parent requests an audio recording, the
principal shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made, and
a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request.
c) The principal or designee shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the
student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the principal
should consider in determining consequences for the student.
d) Based on the evidence, the principal or the principal’s designee shall determine whether the
student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, after considering mitigating circumstances
and alternatives to suspension, what remedy or consequence will be imposed, in place of or in
addition to a long-term suspension. The principal or designee shall send the written determination
to the student and parent by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, or email to an address
provided by the parent for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by
the principal and the parent. If the principal or designee decides to suspend the student, the
written determination shall:
1. Identify the disciplinary offense, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants
at the hearing;
2. Set out the key facts and conclusions reached by the principal
3. Identify the length and effective date of the suspension, as well as a date of return to school;
4. Include notice of the student's opportunity to receive education services to make academic
progress during the period of removal from school;
5. Inform the student of the right to appeal the principal's decision to the superintendent or
designee, but only if the principal has imposed a long-term suspension. Notice of the right of
appeal shall be in English and the primary language of the home if other than English as
determined by the home language survey, or other means of communication where
appropriate, and shall include the following information stated in plain language:
i. the process for appealing the decision, including that the student or parent must file a
written notice of appeal with the superintendent within five (5) calendar days of the
effective date of the long-term suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar
days, the student or parent may request and receive from the superintendent an
extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar
days; and that the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the
superintendent decides to reverse the principal’s determination on appeal.
ii. If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the principal
shall send a copy of the written determination to the superintendent and explain the
reasons for imposing an out-of-school suspension, before the suspension takes effect.
Emergency Removal of Student
Under certain emergency circumstances, it may not be practical for the principal or designee to provide
prior oral and written notice before removing a student from school. The principal or designee may remove
a student from school temporarily when a student is charged with a disciplinary offense and the continued
presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and substantially disrupts the
order of the school, and, in the principal's (or designee’s) judgment, there is no alternative available to
alleviate the danger or disruption. The principal or designee will immediately notify the superintendent in
writing of the removal and the reason for it, and describe the danger presented by the student. The
43
temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency removal,
during which time the principal shall:
a) Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and the student's parent of the
emergency removal, the reason for the need for emergency removal, the disciplinary offense, the
basis for the charge, the potential consequences, including potential length of suspension, the
opportunity for a hearing including the date/time/location of the hearing, the right to interpreter
services, and other rights permitted for students who may be placed on long-term suspension as set
forth in 603 CMR. 53.08(3)(b)
b) Provide written notice to the student and parent, including the information described in 603 CMR
53.06(2)
c) Provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the principal or designee that complies with
603 CMR 53.08(2) or 53.08(3), as applicable, and the parent an opportunity to attend the hearing,
before the expiration of the two (2) school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is
otherwise agreed to by the principal, student, and parent.
d) Render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than the following
school day, which meets the requirements of 603 CMR 53.08(2)(c) and 53.08(2)(d) or 603 CMR
53.08(3)(c) and 53.08(3)(d), as applicable.
A principal will not remove a student from school on an emergency basis for a disciplinary offense until
adequate provisions have been made for the student’s safety and transportation.
Superintendent’s Appeal Hearing Under M.G.L. ch. 71, § 37H¾
1. A student who is placed on long-term suspension following a hearing with the principal shall have the
right to appeal the principal's decision to the superintendent.
2. The student or parent shall file a notice of appeal with the superintendent within five (5) calendar days
of the effective date of the long-term suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar days, the
student or parent may request and receive from the superintendent an extension of time for filing the
written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar days. If the appeal is not timely filed, the
superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in their discretion, for good cause.
3. The superintendent shall hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student's request, unless
the student or parent requests an extension of up to seven (7) additional calendar days, in which case
the superintendent shall grant the extension.
4. The superintendent shall make a good faith effort to include the parent in the hearing. The
superintendent shall be presumed to have made a good faith effort if the superintendent has made
efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the parent and superintendent to
participate. The superintendent shall send written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location
of the hearing.
5. The superintendent shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the
disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence shall be. The
superintendent shall arrange for an audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which shall be provided to
the student or parent upon request. The superintendent shall inform all participants before the hearing
that an audio record will be made of the hearing and a copy will be provided to the student and parent
upon request.
6. The student shall have all the rights afforded the student at the principal's hearing for long-term
suspension.
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7. The superintendent shall issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing which
meets the requirements of 603 CMR 53.08(3)(c)1 - 5. If the superintendent determines that the student
committed the disciplinary offense, the superintendent may impose the same or a lesser consequence
than the principal but shall not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the principal's
decision.
8. The decision of the superintendent shall be the final decision of the school district, with regard to the
suspension.
Exclusion/Expulsion Under M.G.L. ch. 71 § 37H
In accordance with M.G.L. ch. 71, § 37H, a student may be excluded or expelled from school under the
following circumstances:
a) Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events,
including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun,
a knife, or their facsimile, or anything used in the commission of assault and battery; or a controlled
substance as defined in Chapter 94 C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin,
may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
b) Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s aide, or other
educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including
athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
c) Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing
of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however, that the student may have representation,
along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at a hearing before the principal.
After said hearing, a principal may, in their discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student
who has been determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (a) or (b).
d) Any student who has been expelled (removal of a student from the school premises, regular
classroom activities, and school activities for more than 90 school days, indefinitely, or
permanently) from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have the right to appeal to
the superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in
which to notify the superintendent of the appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing
before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual
determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section
e) If the student moves to another district during the period of suspension or expulsion, the new
district of residence shall either admit the student to its schools or provide educational services to
the student in an education service plan.
f) Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this section shall have the opportunity to
earn credits, as applicable, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to
make academic progress during the period of removal.
Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this statute for more than ten (10) consecutive days
shall have the opportunity to receive education services and made academic progress toward meeting
state and local requirements, through the school-wide education service plan.
Felony Complaint or Conviction Under M.G.L. ch. 71 § 37H1/2
Pursuant to M.G.L. ch. 71, § 37H½, the following procedures shall be implemented for students charged
with or convicted of a felony
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a) Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon the issuance of
a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal or headmaster of a school in which
the student is enrolled may suspend such student for a period of time determined appropriate by
said principal or headmaster if said principal or headmaster determines that the student’s
continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of
the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and the reasons for such
suspension prior to such suspension taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification
of his right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension; provided, however, that such
suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
b) The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the superintendent. The student shall
notify the superintendent in writing of his request for an appeal no later than five calendar days
following the effective date of the suspension. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the
student and the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the student’s request for
an appeal. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have
the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or headmaster including
recommending an alternate educational program for the student. The superintendent shall render a
decision on the appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final
decision of the city, town, or regional school district with regard to the suspension.
c) Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or admission in court of guilt
with respect to such felony or felony delinquency, the principal or headmaster of a school in which
the student is enrolled may expel said student if such principal or headmaster determines that the
student’s continued presence in school would have a detrimental effect of the general welfare of
the school. The student shall receive written notification of the charges and reasons for such
expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of
his right to appeal and the process for appealing such expulsion; provided, however, that the
expulsion shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
d) The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the superintendent. The student shall
notify the superintendent, in writing, of his request for an appeal no later than five calendar days
following the effective date of the expulsion. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the
student and the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the expulsion. At the
hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on his behalf and
shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the
decision of the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program
for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five calendar days
of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city, town, or regional school district
with regard to the expulsion
e) Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this section shall have the opportunity to
earn credits, as applicable, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to
make academic progress during the period of his or her removal.
f) Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this statute for more than ten (10)
consecutive days shall have the opportunity to receive education services and made academic
progress toward meeting state and local requirements, through the school-wide education service
plan.
Education Services and Academic Progress Under M.G.L. ch. 71§§ 37H,37H1/2, and37H3/4
46
Any student who is serving an in-school suspension, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or
expulsion shall have the opportunity to earn credits, as applicable, make up assignments, tests, papers, and
other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal from the classroom
or school. The principal shall inform the student and parent of this opportunity in writing when such
suspension or expulsion is imposed.
Any student who is expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in
school or out of school, shall have an opportunity to receive education services and make academic
progress toward meeting state and local requirements, through the school-wide education service plan.
The principal shall notify the parent and student of the opportunity to receive education services at the
time the student is expelled or placed on long-term suspension. Notice shall be provided in English and in
the primary language spoken in the student's home if other than English as determined by the home
language survey, or other means of communication where appropriate. The notice shall include a list of the
specific education services that are available to the student and contact information for a school district
staff member who can provide more detailed information.
Discipline of Students with Disabilities
Procedures for Suspension(s) Not Exceeding 10 School Days
● Any student with a disability may be suspended for up to ten (10) school days during a school year.
Disciplinary decisions are the same as for students without disabilities and in accordance with the
due process procedures in this handbook.
● The school provides additional procedural safeguards for students with disabilities prior to any
suspension beyond 10 consecutive days or more than 10 cumulative days (if there is a pattern of
suspension) in any school year
Procedures for Suspension(s) Exceeding 10 School Days
● If your child is suspended for more than 10 school days in a school year, this removal may be
considered a “change of placement”. A change of placement invokes certain procedural protections
under federal special education law and Section 504.
● Federal law defines a “change of placement” as:
o Removal for more than 10 consecutive school days; OR
o A series of removals that constitute a pattern 1) because the series of removals total
more than 10 cumulative days in a school year; 2) because the student’s behavior is
substantially similar to that in previous incidents that resulted in the series of removals;
and 3) because of such additional factors as the length of each removal, the total
amount of time the student has been removed, and the proximity of the removals to one
another. Please note that determination of whether a pattern of removals is a “change
of placement” is made by the District.
● Prior to any removal that constitutes a change in placement, the school must convene a meeting to
determine whether or not the behavior that forms the basis of the disciplinary action is
manifestation of your child’s disability. Parents have a right to participate in this meeting. At the
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meeting, all relevant information will be considered including the IEP or Section 504 Plan, teacher
observations, and evaluations reports.
● At a manifestation determination meeting, the team will consider two questions:
o Did the student’s disability cause or have a direct and substantial relationship to the
conduct in question?
o Was the conduct a direct result of the district’s failure to implement the IEP/Section 504
Plan?
● If the manifestation determination decision is that the conduct in question was caused by or had a
direct and substantial relationship to your child’s disability OR a direct result of the district’s failure
to implement the IEP/Section 504 Plan, then your child may not be removed from the current
educational placement (unless under the special circumstances or parents agree). The Team will
review the IEP or Section 504 Plan and any behavioral intervention plans and may amend those
plans as appropriate. The Team will complete a functional behavior assessment and behavior
intervention plan if it has not already done so.
● If the manifestation determination decision is that the conduct in question was NOT caused by or
had a direct and substantial relationship to your child’s disability OR was NOT the direct result of the
district’s failure to implement the IEP/Section 504 Plan, then the school may suspend or otherwise
discipline your child according the school’s code of conduct. The Team may, as appropriate,
complete a functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention plan and modification, to
address the behavior so that it does not recur. For students with IEPs, during the period of time of
removal from school that exceeds 10 school days, the school district must provide educational
services that allow your child to continue to make educational progress. For students with Section
504 Plans, there is no automatic right to receive educational services beyond the 10th school day of
suspension under federal law, however, state law does provide all students with the rights to receive
educational services during periods of suspensions lasting longer than ten days.
Special Circumstances for Exclusion
Special circumstances exist if your child: 1) possesses, uses, sells or solicits illegal drugs on school grounds
or at a school-sponsored event; 2) carries a weapon to school or a school-sponsored event; or, 3) inflicts
serious bodily harm upon another person at school or a school-sponsored event. Under these
circumstances, the principal may place your child in an interim alternate educational setting (IAES) for up to
45 school days. Your child may remain in this IAES for a period of time not to exceed 45 school days.
Thereafter, your child will return to the previously agreed-upon placement unless a hearing officer has
ordered another placement, or you and the school agree to another placement. For students with Section
504 Plans, there is no automatic right to receive educational services beyond the 10th school day of
suspension under federal law, however, state law does provide all students with the rights to receive
educational services during periods of suspensions lasting longer than ten days.
School personnel will provide Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards (Special Education) or Notice of
Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504 for students with disabilities prior to any suspension
constituting a change in placement. These notices will provide an explanation of the process should there
be disagreement regarding the manifestation determination or any placement decision. Parent, guardian
and/or student may petition Bureau of Special Education Appeals for a hearing or the Office for Civil Rights
(Section 504).
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Procedural Requirements Applied to Students Not Yet Determined to Be Eligible for Special Education or
a 504 Plan
1. If, prior to the disciplinary action, a district had knowledge that the student may be a student with a
disability, then the district makes all protections available to the student until and unless the student is
subsequently determined not to be eligible. The district may be considered to have prior knowledge if:
a. The parent had expressed concern in writing; or
b. The parent had requested an evaluation; or specific concerns about a pattern of behavior
demonstrated by the student. The district may not be considered to have had prior knowledge if the
parent has not consented to evaluation of the student or has refused special education services, or
if an evaluation of the student has resulted in a determination of ineligibility.
2. If the district had no reason to consider the student disabled, and the parent requests an evaluation
subsequent to the disciplinary action, the district must have procedures consistent with federal
requirements to conduct an expedited evaluation to determine eligibility
3. If the student is found eligible for an IEP or 504 Plan, then one receives all procedural protections
subsequent to the finding of eligibility
Attendance: Absence and Tardiness
CMS recognizes that student attendance is a critical component of both social and academic success. When responding to
excessive tardiness and absence, our administration adheres to Massachusetts Law (76:1, 76:16, 76:20) and Concord
School Committee Policy (Section JH), as we work together with families to ensure student success. Student attendance
will be monitored throughout the academic year and parents will be contacted if we have concerns
regarding excessive absences or late arrivals.
Absence
If a student is ill or needs to miss school for other compelling reasons, parents should call the absence line before 8:30
a.m. (Peabody) and 8:40 am. (Sanborn) or fill out the attendance report online. Attendance is taken at the start
of the day, and reconciled during the first period. If we have not heard from you by 9:30, an email will be sent to the
primary email address listed for your family, informing you that your child is not in school. If we do not hear from
you, the absence is unexcused.
If a student is absent they may access their assignments on Google Classroom or Google Calendar.
Students may not view or participate in after school activities if they have not attended school.
Excused and Unexcused Absences
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In accordance with Concord School Committee Policy, excused absences are identified as:
● Illness or quarantine
● Bereavement or serious family illness
● Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child
● Observance of major religious holidays
Absences for Other Reasons:
● The principal must be notified in writing one month prior to the date of the absence. These absences will be
recorded as unexcused.
● The school cannot provide advance homework or repeat instruction when students are absent for reasons other
than those identified above.
● Voluntary absences that are not excused in accordance with CPS School Committee Policy JH have a negative
impact on other students in the class, are disruptive to the learning environment, and may decrease a child’s
motivation and allegiance to the value of school.
Tardiness Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. (Peabody) and 8:25 a.m. (Sanborn) must report to the main office to sign
in and receive a pass in order to proceed to class.
Transportation
Buses
Bus transportation is a privilege which includes many responsibilities. All rules and
regulations of conduct which are enforced in school apply to students waiting for and
traveling in school buses. The school system is responsible for the conduct of its students
while using the transportation system as much as when they are in a school building. Any
misconduct will lead to appropriate disciplinary actions ranging from temporary loss of
bus privileges to suspension from school.
In the case of injury, students on crutches must be able to board and exit the bus without assistance,
and must ride in the front seat to ensure safe evacuation in case of emergency.
Changing Buses
Midday bus passes (and/or a bus change request) will not be issued. Once you are assigned to a bus (based
on the student address), this is the only bus the student may ride throughout the school year.
Permanent passes will be issued upon the written request of parents/guardians to the Director of
Transportation with the understanding that there will be no changes in established routes, time schedules, or
designated stops. Students may be transported on other than regularly assigned buses for the following
reasons:
● after-school activities described above
● to babysitters or daycare centers as a 'permanent' year-long arrangement
● in the case of family hardship or an emergency situation to be evaluated on an individual basis
by the Manager of Transportation
All requests should be made in writing to the Director of Transportation forty-eight hours in advance.
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Late Buses
The availability of late buses will depend on whether or not in-person, after-school activities, clubs, and sports take
place.
Late buses are provided for students who take part in sports, after-school activities, extra help, and detentions.
Except Wednesdays, there are both 3:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. buses serving Concord. For Boston students, there is a
4:30 p.m. bus daily which runs straight to Boston. A mentor group meeting is held with Boston residents who
attend an activity finishing prior to 4:30 p.m. Late buses have limited routes, but serve most students of Concord
and Boston
Conduct on Buses
The following conduct and safety issues are reprinted from the Concord Public Schools Transportation Department
Handbook. Students should review these items.
General Rules
General conduct expectations of school apply to the bus.
● No standing up while the bus is moving.
● No fighting, horseplay or loud conversation.
● No arms, heads or objects placed outside the bus.
● No litter thrown on the floors or out the windows.
● No objects placed in the bus aisles or in front of the Emergency Door.
● No eating or drinking will be permitted on the bus.
● Strict adherence to the instructions of the driver.
● Respectful language
To School
Students should board one at a time and be seated promptly. Everyone must be sitting down before the bus moves
away.
● Get on/off vehicle at regular assigned stop.
● Arrive at the bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
● Wait off the road, lined up in an orderly and safe manner.
● Load one at a time, use handrails, and go directly to a seat.
● Remain in seats until the bus arrives at school and comes to a complete stop.
● Go directly into the school without loitering in the bus loading zone.
To Home
● Remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop.
● When crossing the street, walk approximately ten feet in front of the bus to be seen by the driver, and
wait there until the driver signals it is safe to cross, then cross all the way over to be out of the street.
● Students staying on the same side of the street should exit straight out from the bus door to the
sidewalk or other point several feet away from the bus, and stand there until the bus pulls away.
● Students should NEVER walk alongside the bus or attempt to retrieve objects from the ground near
the bus. If something drops, wait until the bus pulls away before picking it up.
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“Carry On” Items
Only items that can be stored under a bus seat or in a student's lap are allowed on the bus.
Students who have to bring large musical instruments, ski equipment, or the like, must make other transportation
arrangements. These items will not be allowed on the bus.
Fish bowls, cages or live animals are not allowed on the bus.
Skateboards, Rollerblades, and Ice Skates
Skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, and ice skates are not allowed on the bus unless packed in a bag. These items may
not be used on school property.
Bicycles
If you ride your bicycle to school, lock it securely in one of the racks provided on the school grounds. You are not
allowed to use your bicycle on the grounds during the school day. Unauthorized use of a bicycle belonging to
someone else is not permitted.
State law requires bicycle helmets for all children 12 years and under and we strongly urge
all bicycle riders to wear helmets.
Communication and Reporting
The CMS staff believes that student success is dependent upon the partnership between school personnel and
families. We strive to communicate effectively about both intellectual and social- emotional progress. We
have described several avenues below that are intended to provide information you need as a student or a
parent. Please feel comfortable contacting staff at any time to ask a question or resolve a concern. However,
as the teacher’s primary responsibility is instruction of CMS students, an email or phone call is strongly
recommended prior to scheduling a face-to-face conference.
If at any time you have a question, concern, or would like to provide feedback and are not sure who to
contact, the secretary in the main office at either building will be happy to direct you.
Email Communication Guidelines
Email messages are typically an excellent way to initiate contact with a teacher. Guidelines for successful
communication via email:
● Allow 24-48 hours for response from CMS staff; if it is an urgent matter, please call the main office.
Staff is not expected to read or respond to email outside of school hours.
● All members of the CMS Community should adhere to appropriate communication etiquette over email,
including respectful tone, and proper language usage. No “texting” abbreviations, please!
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● All CMS students are provided with a concordps.org closed network account. This account is for
school-use only, and is set to send and accept email messages only from other concordps.org users.
Please keep in mind that Massachusetts General Law states that emails that pass through the Concord Public
School email system are considered public records and are subject to Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66, 10
(see Appendix)
Communication Options
Topic
Information Resources
Contact Personnel
Additional Contacts
Academic
- Back-to-School Night
- Interim Report
- Report Card
- Grades & Comments on Student Work
- Phone Calls from Teachers
- Emails from Teachers
- Websites
- Conference Day
- Team Conferences
- All handbooks and Forms on
http://cms.concordps.org
- Student Portfolios
- Google Classrooms
- Google Calendars
- Classroom Teacher
- Administrator
- Department Chair
- Guidance Counselor
- Administrator
All will work with you to
determine best next steps.
Social
Emotional
- Report Card
- Interim Report
- Parent Coffees
- Reports from student
- Team conferences
- Guidance Counselor
- Team Leader
- Administrator
- Administrator
Logistical
- Principal’s Updates
- Daily PTG Bulletin
- Guidance Counselor
- Team Leader
- Administrator
- Administrator
Interim Reports
Interim Reports are available for viewing in the Aspen Grade Portal. During the first term, all students receive interim
reports in all academic subjects midterm. In following terms, the Interim Report is intended to report any extreme
changes in student performance in a particular subject, and will be posted by individual teachers only in those cases
where significant change has occurred.
Report cards
Report Cards are posted in the Aspen Parent Portal at https://ma-concord.myfollett.com/aspen/ three times a year.
Each department determines the categories that it wishes to grade its students, i.e., reading, spelling, homework, work
habits, conduct, etc. Information for parents including login and passwords will be mailed before the close of the first
term. Families with students at both CCHS and CMS will use a single account to access report cards for all family
members.
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Honor Roll
The Honor Roll is published at the end of each trimester.
It consists of two lists: the Principal's List and the Honors' List.
● Principal's List: An average of all grades of an A- or above with no grade below a B
● Honors List: An average of all grades of a B- or above with no grade below a C
Health and Safety
The School Nurse works closely with school, home, and community to support student health and wellness. The
School Nurse provides emergency care, health guidance and maintenance for students. The school’s responsibility
is primarily limited to first aid, defined as the immediate and temporary care given in order to prevent further injury
until medical care can be secured.
Transportation, except for emergencies is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian and must be available; therefore, it
is essential that the school have current emergency contact information on file.
Peabody Nurse:
Meg Jensen
Phone: 978.341.2490 x5158 FAX: 978.318.1372
Sanborn Nurse:
Lynn Lucier
Phone: 978.341.2490 x6158 FAX: 978.318.1387
When to Keep Your Child Home
The following guidelines may be helpful for parents to determine attendance. Keep your child home from school if
they have:
1. vomited during the night
2. cold symptoms with sneezing, coughing and has a persistent runny nose
3. diarrhea
4. oral temperature of 100 degrees or higher
5. severe sore throat
6. does not eat breakfast due to stomach ache
7. pink, bloodshot eyes with yellow or green drainage
Immunization Requirements Don’t cause your child to miss school!
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that all school children be properly immunized.
The only exceptions are for religious or medical reasons and a signed statement by the parent/guardian or
health care provider must be on file in the school health record. Any student with incomplete immunizations
who is exposed to a vaccine preventable disease will be excluded from school for a period of time after
exposure. The following immunizations are required for entry into 7
th
grade, or students will be subject to
exclusion:
1. Measles Vaccine (MMR) – 2 doses
2. Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus Vaccine (TDAP) – 1 booster dose if 5 or more years since last DPT.
3. Hepatitis B Vaccine – 3 doses
4. Varicella Vaccine (Chicken Pox) – 2 doses
Physical Examinations
1. All new students entering the Concord Public School District must provide a current physical exam.
2. All students entering 7
th
grade must provide a current physical exam dated after January 1, of their 6
th
grade year.
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Notification of physical exam and immunization requirements will be distributed to parents of all 6
th
graders.
3. All middle school students who intend to participate in an interscholastic sport must provide a current physical
prior to the beginning of tryouts. Physical exams are valid for 13 months. When a physical exam expires during the
sport season, a new physical form must be provided to the school nurse for the student to continue to participate.
Additionally, all students and their parents must complete a Sports Injury and Concussion Awareness Course
yearly in order to try out. The websites are: www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?couseID=15000 or
https://www.cdc.gov/Concussion/Headsup/online_training.html
4. If a student suffers a concussion outside of school, the student’s Primary Care Provider, or specialist must provide
documentation of the event. This documentation must include Physical and Academic accommodations, as needed.
Documentation is also required when the accommodations are no longer needed after the symptoms of the
concussion are no longer present.
Medication Policies
All medications to be taken during the school day must be administered by the School Nurse unless they have
been approved for self-administration. Students may not carry any medications except for the following: asthma
inhalers, Epi-Pen, Cystic Fibrosis digestive enzymes and Diabetes Mellitus insulin administration systems. All
medications to be taken during the day should be brought to the School Nurse by the Parent or designated adult.
Nurses will only accept a 30 day supply of medication.
1. Over The Counter Medications – Physician authorization must be in writing for all over the counter
medication. Medication must be in the manufacturer's original container.
2. Prescription Medications – All medications must be delivered to the Health Office in the original
pharmacy labeled bottle. For short-term antibiotics, or medications to be given for less than 2 weeks, the
parent signature and properly labeled bottle is sufficient.
3. Standing Orders – Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Epi-Pen (Epinephrine) are available in the Health
Office in case of severe allergic reaction. Nurses can administer acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and cough
drops based on her professional assessment with written parental permission.
4. Self-Administration of Inhalers – Students are allowed to carry and self-administer asthma inhalers
during school based on knowledgeable use. An Asthma Action form along with a physician’s order and
parental consent must be current and on file in the Health Office.
5. Epi-Pen for diagnosed Anaphylaxis – Students with signed physician’s orders and a completed Emergency
Health Care Plan will be encouraged to carry an epi-pen. Members of the educational team will be notified
of the student’s diagnosis and epi-pen training will be provided. An epi-pen must also be available in the
Health Office.
Health Screenings
Vision and hearing screening is done annually on all 7
th
grade students.
Postural screening is done annually on all 6
th
– 8
th
grade students. If students have been screened by their
primary care provider within 12 months of the screening date, and there is signed documentation
given to the Health Office prior to the school screening, it will not be done in school.
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Height, weight and body mass index (BMI) will be done annually on all 7
th
grade students in the fall. Parents will be
able to opt-out of the screening by submitting a written request prior to the screening. Statistical information is
provided to the MA Department of Public Health on an annual basis.
Parents who would like to be notified of the results should place a request with the health office.
School Health Records of Transferred Students
Should your student transfer out of CPS/CCRSD school district during their middle school years, their school health
record will be archived for seven years, after which it will be destroyed.
As mandated by the March 2016 Opioid Bill, all CMS 7
th
graders will be verbally screened for Substance abuse,
Prevention, Deterrence, and Intervention. The goal of the screening program is to provide education for prevention
and early intervention of substance use to help keep CMS students mentally and physically healthy. The anonymous
screening results will be reported to the Department of Public Health. A student or student’s parent or guardian may
opt out of the screening by written notification at any time prior to or during the screening.
Note: If a student has made a threat of physical harm to self or another student, the school requires that the student see a medical
doctor or medical health professional prior to her/his return to school. In order for the child to return to school, a medical health
professional or medical doctor must provide a written recommendation stating that it is appropriate for the child to re-enter. The
doctor, family and school will collaborate to develop an appropriate plan for helping the student to manage his/her behavior in the
future.
School Accident Insurance
The Concord School Committee has authorized a school accident insurance plan covering expenses incurred in the
event of injury to a student while engaged in school activities. Insurance applications can be found at:
http://www.concordps.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/MA-2015-16-MB-Brochure.pdf
http://www.concordps.org/finance-and-operations/business-office-forms
Fire and Emergency
As part of our safety program, the Chief of the Concord Fire Department requires a report of fire drills held in each of
the school buildings. These fire drills must be taken seriously and there are hard and fast rules which must be followed
without exception. Directions for leaving the building are posted in every room.
Fire Drill Procedure
1. A teacher will lead each class from the building in a single line.
2. There can be no running or talking during fire drills.
3. All students gather by homeroom classes in a predetermined spot.
4. Any student in a hallway or stairway when the alarm sounds should leave the building via the nearest exit and
report to his/her homeroom teacher in the predetermined location.
5. Each homeroom teacher accounts for every student.
6. The drill does not end until all students have returned to the classroom with their teacher.
7. The Fire Chief, Principal or Assistant Principal will notify the teachers when the drill is over.
The school conducts other types of drills throughout the school year in order to ensure that students are prepared for
other types of emergencies. CMS follows portions of the A.L.I.C.E. response system in order to ensure that students
are empowered to act to protect themselves or evacuate in the event that an adult is not available to direct them. Feel
free to contact the Principal or Assistant Principal if you have any questions regarding emergency drills.
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Other Safety Factors
Science, art, physical education, applied technology and FACS teachers stress safety procedures in using certain
pieces of equipment that, if used improperly, could result in injury. Be sure that your child understands and abides by
these written and unwritten guidelines, which will be addressed during the year.
CMS Awards
Awards are presented to those students who not only exemplify excellence in achievement, but set themselves apart as
role models in the community, making contributions in a variety of fashions.
Philip A. Jones Award
The Philip A. Jones Award is given to a student on each eighth grade team each year in memory of Philip Jones who
taught at the Concord Middle School for twenty years - his entire career. Mr. Jones’ ideal, as a teacher, was to have all
students work to their potential and make the most of their abilities. Being the top student or the bottom student wasn’t
important. What mattered was putting forth a consistent, honest effort and becoming a better learner and better person.
Therefore, the Philip A. Jones Award is voted by the teachers and given to the student who best exemplifies these
values.
Nick Ressler Award
This award is an annual recognition given to an eighth grade CMS student on each team who demonstrates a
renaissance spirit illustrated by the pursuit of excellence in the arts, academics, and athletics, inspiration for peers, and
leadership qualities. In addition to a plaque with formal recognition, the award will include a monetary scholarship for
a summer enrichment experience in the arts (musical, visual, or dramatic), academics, athletics or leadership.
Morton R. Seavey Award
The Seavey Award was established by the faculty in 1966 in honor of Mr. Seavey, who was a Principal in Concord
from 1937 to 1965. The award goes to one member of each eighth team, voted by the faculty as having made
outstanding contributions in the areas of service, leadership, character and loyalty.
Amy Osgood Upstander Award
This award, established in 2012, is given to a student on each eighth grade team each year in memory of Amy Osgood
who was the library assistant and peer mentor supervisor at Concord Middle School. Mrs. O brought unending
optimism and enthusiasm to the school community, reminding us all to "smile and carry on." The award is presented
to the student who demonstrates the qualities that Mrs. O embraced: empathy, sense of humor, positive energy,
mentoring of others, and a genuine desire to reach out to all in order to build a strong, caring school community.
Joseph D. Tolwinski Memorial Award
This award is an annual recognition to be given to a seventh grade CMS student on each team who best demonstrates,
kindness and generosity of spirit towards others, supportive and encouraging behavior towards classmates, an
enthusiastic and spirited approach to life, and a striving to be one’s best.
Faith H. Trela Award
This award is given each year in memory of Faith Trela, a former teacher at CMS. This award goes to a sixth grade
student on each team who, for reasons other than desire for popularity or self interest, best exemplifies generally
unselfish and consistent helpfulness and caring for other students.
The Honor Roll is published at the end of each trimester. It consists of two lists: the Principal's List and the
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Honors' List. Principal's List: An average of all grades of an A- or above with no grade below a B (as defined by
ASPEN grade scales 83%-86%).. Honors List: An average of all grades of B- or above with no grade below a C (as
defined by ASPEN grade scales 73%-76%).
Student Records and Regulations
The confidentiality of a student’s permanent record, as required by state statute (Chapter 71, 34E of 1973) is respected.
A parent or legal guardian may inspect the contents of their child’s record by filing a written request with the
principal. A staff member will review the record with parents. The release of any information contained in student
records to a third party (such as for school pictures, newspaper articles, etc.) will not be permitted unless consent is
given by the parent or unless an exemption exists under the law. A form to provide such consent is available on
Aspen.
When a student transfers from Concord Middle School to another public school system, it is the practice of Concord
Middle School to forward a student’s complete record to the public school in which that student enrolls. (Code of
Massachusetts Regulations: 603 CMR 23.00 -23.07)
When a student withdraws from Concord Middle School to a private school, parents may pick up
their student’s records or they will be mailed.
The school procedures for student records comply with the requirements of Chapter 71 of the General Laws of
Massachusetts and Section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act, a federal statute also known as the
“Buckley Amendment.” Some of the major provisions of these laws are:
1. Any parent, or student who is 14 or has entered the ninth grade, has the right to examine all records that
are maintained on the student by the school system, regardless of the record's physical form or location.
This includes standardized test scores, subjective evaluations by teachers or others, psychological tests,
and discipline records. Copies of documents in a student's record folder are available from the Guidance
Office.
2. Any parent or eligible student has the right to add any materials or statement to the student record. Any
parent or eligible student may request the principal to remove or amend material from a student record.
The parent or student has a right to appeal an adverse decision by the principal to the superintendent, the
school committee, the courts, and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
All 8th grade student records must be picked up at the end of the year. Parents must sign for the
records at the Sanborn office on the last day of school. Any records remaining after the end of the
school year will be mailed to the home address on file. Any current or former SPED/504/ineligible
files will be forwarded to CCHS.
Moving/Leaving Concord Middle School
Parents should notify the Main Office in writing when a student leaves the middle school or has a change of address
and/or telephone number (home, cell or work number).
Private School Application Process Guidelines
Please follow the steps below when applying to private schools. We require that you complete all private school
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applications electronically unless an electronic option does not exist.
Contact EACH teacher and guidance counselor from whom you need a recommendation, request a
recommendation, and advise them of the process particular to your school. CMS staff will not complete paper
recommendation forms unless it is the only option. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the electronic
application process for your school, as they vary. Some electronic applications require teacher email addresses then
collect the recommendations themselves.
Others request that teachers log on to a website to complete the recommendation. Most systems allow you to monitor
the status of submitted recommendation forms as part of your online application. The CMS Guidance Department will
not keep track of your application status, forms, or any other part of the process.
Submit a signed, written release of records form AND a 10x13 stamped ($2.00) envelope for each
school to which you are applying to Valerie Young, Guidance Secretary, Sanborn Building.
● A copy of the release form can be found on the following page, online at
http://cms.concordps.org/Guidance, or is often included with the private school’s application
materials. These can be handed into the guidance office or mailed to CMS, Sanborn Building,
835 Old Marlboro Rd., Concord, MA 01742
● The envelope(s) will be used to mail transcripts and MCAS/PARCC reports to the schools.
Timeline
We encourage you to complete these two steps as early as possible in December. Even if you are not sure of all
the schools to which your child may apply, requesting recommendations and submitting the signed release form
will start the process. Please do so according to the application schedule:
- By December 1 for a January 1 deadline
- By December 15 for a January 15 deadline *most common
- By January 2 for a February 3 deadline
Thank you in advance for respecting the time and consideration it takes for teachers to reflect upon your child
and write a thoughtful recommendation by giving them appropriate lead time. Please call Valerie Young,
Guidance Secretary, with any questions. 978-341-2490 x 5102
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Appendices
Appendix A: Equal Educational Opportunities
Appendix B: Non-Discriminatory Policies – Title IX, Section 504
Appendix C: Declaration of Compliance
Appendix D: Student Absences and Excuses
Appendix E: Chapter 76: School Attendance
Appendix F: Student Rights and Responsibilities
Appendix G: Student Publications
Appendix H: Student Allergy Policy
Appendix H-1: Student Allergy Procedures
Appendix I: Student Conduct
Appendix J: Concord Middle School Threat Protocol
Appendix K: Explanation: Bullying, Harassment and Hazing
Appendix K-1: Student-to-Student Harassment
Appendix K-2: Prohibition of Hazing
Appendix K-3: Bullying Prevention and Intervention
Appendix L: Searches and Interrogations
Appendix M: Offenses That May Result in Expulsion and Procedures for Expulsion
Appendix N: Discipline Policy and Procedures for Special Needs Students and
(Students with IEPs and Students with Section 504 Accommodation Plans)
Appendix N-1: Physical Restraint Policy and Procedures
Appendix O: Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools
Appendix P: Notification of Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
Appendix Q: Public Records Law
Appendix R: Student Acceptable Use Policy
Appendix S: CMS 1 to 1 Student Laptop Expectations and Loan
Appendix T: CMS Handbook Parent-Student Signature Page
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Appendix A:
JB - EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
In recognition of the diversified characteristics and needs of our students and with the keen desire to be
responsive to them, the School Committee will make every effort to protect the dignity of the students as
individuals. It also will offer careful consideration and sympathetic understanding of their personal feelings,
particularly with reference to their race*, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual
orientation, physical and intellectual differences, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition.
To accomplish this, the Committee and its staff will make every effort to comply with the letter and the spirit
of the Massachusetts equal educational opportunities law which prohibits discrimination in public school
admissions and programs. The law reads as follows:
No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any
town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and course of study of such public school on account
of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation, pregnancy or
pregnancy related condition.
This will mean that every student will be given equal opportunity in school admission, admissions to
courses, course content, guidance, and extracurricular and athletic activities.
All implementing provisions issued by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in compliance
with this law will be followed.
*race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type,
hair length and protective hairstyles.
LEGAL REFS.: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act
of 1972
Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375
Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972
M.G.L. 76:5; 76:16 (Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971)
BESE Regulations 603 CMR 26:00
BESE Regulations 603 CMR 28:00
Acts of 2022, Chapter 117 -
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter117
CROSS REF.: AC, Nondiscrimination
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Concord Public Schools and Approved November 8, 2022
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Appendix B:
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY INCLUDING HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION
The Concord School Committee and Concord-Carlisle School Committee and Concord Public Schools and
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District are committed to maintaining an education and work
environment for all school community members that is free from all forms of discrimination, including
harassment and retaliation. The members of the school community include the School Committee,
employees, administration, faculty, staff, students, volunteers in the schools, and parties contracted to
perform work for the Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District.
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District do not exclude from participation,
deny the benefits of Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District from or
otherwise discriminate against, individuals on the basis of race*, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, active military/veteran status, marital status, familial
status, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related condition, homelessness, ancestry, ethnic background, national
origin, or any other category protected by state or federal law in the administration of its educational and
employment policies, or in its programs and activities.
This commitment to the community is affirmed by the following statements. The School Committee
commits to:
1. Promoting the rights and responsibilities of all individuals as set forth in the State and Federal
Constitutions, pertinent legislation, and applicable judicial interpretations.
2. Encouraging positive experiences in human values for children, youth and adults, all of whom
have differing personal and family characteristics and who come from various socioeconomic, racial
and ethnic groups.
3. Working toward a more integrated society and enlisting the support of individuals as well as
groups and agencies, both private and governmental, in such an effort.
4. Using all appropriate communication and action techniques to air and address the grievances of
individuals and groups.
5. Carefully consider, in all the decisions made within the school district, the potential benefits or
adverse consequences that those decisions might have on the human relations.
6. Initiating a process of reviewing policies and practices of the school district in order to achieve to
the greatest extent possible the objectives of this statement.
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The Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District require all members of the
school community to conduct themselves in accordance with this policy.
It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the school community to engage in any form of
discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, or to violate any other civil right of any member of the
school community. We recognize that discrimination can take a range of forms and can be targeted or
unintentional; however, discrimination in any form, including harassment and retaliation, will not be
tolerated.
It shall also be a violation of this policy for any school community member to subject any other member of
the school community to any form of retaliation, including, but not limited to, coercion, intimidation,
interference, punishment, discrimination, or harassment, for reporting or filing a complaint of
discrimination, cooperating in an investigation, aiding or encouraging another member of the school
community to report such conduct or file a complaint, or opposing any act or practice reasonably believed to
be prohibited by this policy.
*race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type,
hair length and protective hairstyles.
LEGAL REFS: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act
of 1972 Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375
Equal Pay Act, as amended by the Education Amendments of 1972 Title IX, Education
Amendments of 1972
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. § 7905 (The Boy Scouts of America Equal
Access Act)
M.G.L. 71B:1 et seq. (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972)
Acts of 2022, Chapter 117 -
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter117
CROSS REF: ACE, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
ACAB, Sexual Harassment
GBA, Equal Employment Opportunity
IJ, Instructional Materials
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
63
SOURCE: MASC August 2022
Concord Public Schools and Approved November 8, 2022
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
AC-R - NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY INCLUDING HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District will respond promptly to any reports
or complaints of discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, or other violations of civil rights,
pursuant to our detailed response protocol. Where it is determined that discrimination or harassment has
occurred, Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District will act promptly to
eliminate the conduct and will impose developmentally- appropriate disciplinary, restorative, and/or
corrective action.
Any member of the school community who is found, after investigation, to have engaged in any form of
discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, against another member of the school community, will
be subject to consequences determined appropriate by the administration. Such consequences may include
restorative measures and corrective action, and/or student discipline or staff disciplinary action, up to and
including termination of employment.
Definitions
"Discrimination" and "Harassment" are defined as unwelcome conduct, whether verbal or physical, that is
based on any individual´s actual or perceived race*, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion,
disability, age, genetic information, active military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy
or pregnancy-related conditions, homelessness, ancestry, ethnic background, national origin, or any other
category protected by state or federal law, Discrimination and/or harassment includes, but is not limited to:
• Display or circulation of written materials or pictures that are degrading to a person or group
described above.
• Verbal abuse or insults about, directed at, or made in the presence of, an individual or group
described above.
• Any action or speech that contributes to, promotes or results in a hostile or discriminatory
environment to an individual or group described above
• Any action or speech that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent that it either (i) interferes
with or limits the ability of an individual or group described above to participate in or benefit from
employment or a program or activity of __PS; or (ii) creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive
educational or working environment.
Harassment may include, but is not limited to, any unwelcome, inappropriate, or illegal physical,
written, verbal, graphic, or electronic conduct, and that has the intent or effect of creating a hostile
education or work environment by limiting the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit
from the district´s programs and activities or by unreasonably interfering with that individual´s
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education or work environment or, if the conduct were to persist, would likely create a hostile
educational or work environment.
"Title IX Sexual Harassment" (effective August 14, 2020) means verbal, physical or other conduct that
targets a person based on their sex, and that satisfies one or more of the following:
• A school employee conditioning educational benefits or services on participation in unwelcome
sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo);
• Any unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find so severe, pervasive, and objectively
offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school's educational program or
activity;
• Any instance of "sexual assault", "dating violence", "domestic violence", or "stalking", as those
terms are defined by the Clery Act (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v)) and the Violence Against Women
Act (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), (10) & (30)).
Allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment shall be reported and investigated pursuant to the CPS and
CCRSD Protocol for Investigating Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Pursuant to Title IX.
Resources
The following individual is designated as the District ADA, Title VI, Title IX, and Sexual Harassment
Coordinator, and Grievance Officer for the School Committee, administration, faculty, staff, volunteers in
the schools, and for parties who are contracted to perform work for the Concord Public Schools and
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District, and can be reached at:
Human Resources Director
120 Meriam Road, Concord MA 01742
978-318-1500
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
120 Meriam Road, Concord MA 01742
978-318-1500
The following individual is designated as the District ADA, Title VI, Title IX, and Sexual Harassment and
Civil Rights Coordinator for students in the Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle School District.
In addition, the Director of Student Services is the District 504 Coordinator, and can be reached at:
Director of Student Services
120 Meriam Road, Concord MA 01742
978-318-1500
Inquiries concerning the Concord Public Schools´ and Concord-Carlisle Regional School Districts' policies
and protocols, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations, and complaints may also be
directed to the Director of Human Resources. Inquiries about laws, statutes, regulations and compliance
may also be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or the Office
for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Suite 900, Boston, MA
02109; (617) 289-0111; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.ed.gov/ocr
*race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type,
65
hair length and protective hairstyles.
LEGAL REFS.: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act
of 1972 Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375
Equal Pay Act, as amended by the Education Amendments of 1972 Title IX, Education
Amendments of 1972
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. § 7905 (The Boy Scouts of America Equal
Access Act)
M.G.L. 71B:1 et seq. (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972)
Acts of 2022, Chapter 117 -
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter117
CROSS REF: ACE, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
ACAB, Sexual Harassment
GBA, Equal Employment Opportunity
IJ, Instructional Materials
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
Civil Rights Grievance Procedure
SOURCE: MASC August 2022
Concord Public Schools and Approved November 8, 2022
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Appendix C: Declaration of Compliance
All Concord Public School operations and procedures comply with applicable state and federal legislation.
66
All programs, activities and employment opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, sex,
religion, homelessness, national origin, sexual orientation and disability. Provided below are those statues
that are particularly relevant. Any questions about the legislation, school policies and practices referenced in
this section and/or other legislation or school policies and practices may be directed to the Principal or the
Director of Teaching and Learning at 120 Meriam Road, Concord, MA 01742, or 978-341-2490, x-8131.
1. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Federal)
No otherwise qualified individual … shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from
the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program
or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
2. Chapter 282 of the Acts of 1993, General laws Chapter 76
(Section 5 amends Chapter 622 discrimination prohibition in the public schools of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.) No person shall be excluded from or discriminate against in
admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of
study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, religion, national origin or sexual
orientation.
3. Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits on the basis of
disability in the areas of employment.
4. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits on the basis of
disability in the areas of employment.
5. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Prohibits discrimination, exclusion from participation, and denial of benefits on the basis of race,
color and national origin.
6. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972
(Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex.) No person in the United States shall, on the basis
of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Any employee, student, or other member of the school community found to have engaged in discrimination
shall be subject to sanctions, including but not limited to, warning, suspension, expulsion/termination,
subject to applicable procedural requirements.
Appendix D: STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES
Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for success in school. The Committee recognizes that
parents of children attending our schools have special rights as well as responsibilities, one of which is to
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ensure that their children attend school regularly, in accordance with state law.
Therefore, students may be excused temporarily from school attendance for the following reasons: illness or
quarantine; bereavement or serious illness in family; weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the
child; and observance of major religious holidays or cultural observances.
A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee.
A student's understanding of the importance of day-to-day schoolwork is an important factor in the shaping
of his character. Parents can help their children by not allowing them to miss school needlessly.
Accordingly, parents will provide an explanation for the absence or tardiness of a child. This will be
required in advance for types of absences where advance notice is possible.
In instances of chronic or irregular absence reportedly due to illness, the school administration may request a
physician's statement certifying such absences to be justified.
Student Absence Notification Program
Each Principal will notify a student's parent/guardian within 3 days of the student's absence in the event the
parent/guardian has not informed the school of the absence.
Each Principal or designee shall meet with any student, and that student's parent/guardian, who has missed
five (5) or more unexcused school days (a school day shall be equal to two (2) or more class periods in the
same day) in a school year. The meeting shall be to develop action steps to improve student attendance and
shall be developed jointly by the Principal or designee, the student, and the student's parent/guardian. The
parties may seek input from other relevant school staff and/or officials from relevant public safety, health
and human service, housing, and nonprofit agencies.
Dropout Prevention
No student who has not graduated from high school shall be considered permanently removed from school
unless the Principal has sent notice to a student, and that student's parent/guardian, who has been absent
from school for ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absence. The notice shall be sent within five (5)
days of the tenth consecutive day of absence and shall offer at least 2 dates and times within the next ten
(10) days for an exit interview with the Superintendent or designee, the student, and the student's
parent/guardian. The notice shall be in both English and the primary language of the home, if applicable.
The notice shall include contact information for scheduling the exit interview and shall indicate the parties
shall reach an agreement on the date/time of the interview within the ten (10) day timeframe. The timeframe
may be extended at the request of the parent/guardian and no extension shall exceed 14 days.
The Superintendent or designee may proceed with any interview without a parent/guardian present, provided
the Superintendent has documented a good faith effort to include the parent/guardian.
The Superintendent or designee shall convene a team of school staff to participate in the exit interview and
shall provide information to the student and, if applicable, the student's parent/guardian on the detrimental
effects of early withdrawal from school and the alternative education programs and services available to the
student.
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The Superintendent or designee shall convene a team of school staff to participate in the exit interview and
shall provide information to the student and, if applicable, the student's parent/guardian on the detrimental
effects of early withdrawal from school and the alternative education programs and services available to the
student.
SOURCE: MASC
LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 76:1; 76:1B; 76:16; 76:18; 76:20
Appendix E: Chapter 76: School Attendance
Chapter 76: Section 5. Place of attendance; violations; discrimination
Section 5. Every person shall have a right to attend the public schools of the town where he actually resides,
subject to the following section. No school committee is required to enroll a person who does not actually
reside in the town unless said enrollment is authorized by law or by the school committee. Any person who
violates or assists in the violation of this provision may be required to remit full restitution to the town of the
improperly-attended public schools. No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission
to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of such public
school on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
Appendix F: STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Committee has the responsibility to afford students the rights that are theirs by virtue of
guarantees offered under the federal and state constitutions and statutes. In connection with rights, there are
responsibilities that must be assumed by students.
Among these rights and responsibilities are the following:
1. Civil rights--including the rights to equal educational opportunity and freedom from
discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others.
2. The right to attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe
school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school.
3. The right to due process of law with respect to suspension, expulsion, and decisions the student
believes injure his rights.
4. The right to free inquiry and expression; responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these
rights.
5. The right to privacy, which includes privacy with respect to the student's school records.
It is the School Committee's belief that as part of the educational process students should be made aware of
their legal rights, and of the legal authority of the School Committee to make and delegate authority to its
staff to make, rules regarding the orderly operation of the schools.
Students have the right to know the standards of behavior that are expected of them, and the consequences
of misbehavior.
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The rights and responsibilities of students, including standards of conduct, will be made available to
students and their parents through handbooks distributed annually.
LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:82 through 71:86
CROSS REFS.: JRA, Student Records
ECA, Building and Grounds Security
IJND, Access to Digital Resources
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
JIC, Student Discipline
JIH, Searches and Interrogations
Approved: 12/18/2019
Appendix G: STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Within the school setting, students enjoy the constitutional right of freedom of expression, including the
right to express their views in student publications, provided such expression does not cause, or threaten to
cause by reasonable forecast by school officials, any disruption or disorder in the school. Additionally, such
constitutional right of freedom of expression does not include expression which is obscene, defamatory, or
advocates violence or illegality where such advocacy is imminently likely to incite the commission of such
acts to the detriment of school security, or which can reasonably be forecast to cause substantial disruption
or material interference with school activities.
The School Committee will at least annually review their support of student publications, and encourage
student publications not only because they offer an educational activity through which students gain
experience in reporting, writing, editing, and understanding responsible journalism, but also because they
provide an opportunity for students to express their views subject to the limitations as contained in this
policy.
School sponsored student publications will be encouraged to comply with the rules for responsible
journalism. This means that libelous statements, unfounded charges and accusations, obscenity, defamation
of persons, false statements, material advocating racial or religious prejudice, hatred, violence, the breaking
of laws and school regulations, or materials designed to disrupt the educational process will not be
permitted. Students shall affix their names to all articles or editorials written by or contributed to by them.
The Superintendent will establish guidelines that are in keeping with this policy and provide for review of
school sponsored student publications prior to their distribution, to address matters that are not protected
forms of expression.
Each school sponsored student publication shall contain the following: "Pursuant to state law, no expression
made by students in the exercise of such rights shall be deemed to be an expression of school policy and no
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school officials shall be held responsible in any civil or criminal action for any expression made or
published by the students".
Distribution of Literature
The time, place and manner of distribution of literature will be reasonably regulated by the Principal.
LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:82
Approved: December 12, 2017
Appendix H: STUDENT ALLERGY POLICY
The Districts recognize the increasing prevalence of student allergies and the life-threatening nature of the
allergies for many students. The administration shall develop and implement procedures to minimize the
risk of exposure to allergens that pose a threat to students, to educate all members of the school community,
and to plan for the individual needs of students with life-threatening allergies. Further, these procedures will
aim to assist students in assuming more individual responsibility for their health and safety as they grow
older, and to ensure full participation in school activities.
The procedures will be reviewed annually and modified as appropriate and will include the following:
A. Education and training: The District will provide annual education and training to all
appropriate personnel on management of student allergies. The training will address prevention
efforts, information about common allergens, and recognition of signs of an allergic reaction,
emergency response plan, and epi-pen administration where appropriate.
B. Individualized planning and accommodations: An Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) or
Emergency Health Care Plan that addresses the management of anaphylaxis will be developed
for each student with a medically diagnosed life-threatening allergy.
C. Classroom management procedures: Appropriate accommodations will be made in the
classroom, including designation of the classroom as "allergen-free" as necessary. The use of
food for celebrations and rewards will be minimized and bake sales will not be permitted at
elementary and middle schools during the day.
D. Common Use Areas: The procedures will address foods used in common areas and cleaning
of those areas, including use of those areas by groups other than students.
E. Kitchen and cafeteria procedures: The food service staff must make reasonable efforts to
ensure that all food items offered to a student with life-threatening allergies are free of foods
suspected of causing the allergic reaction.
F. Transportation procedures: School buses and vans must have a working means of two-way
communication and a plan to check the communication system periodically. Bus and van
drivers must have an emergency response plan. The eating and sharing of food will be
prohibited on transportation routes unless medically indicated for a student.
G. Field trip procedures: Planning for field trips will include plans to implement a student´s
IHCP, and identification of the communication system (cell phone, walkie-talkie etc). A trained
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staff member designated by the school nurse will attend field trips which include a student with
a life-threatening allergy in the event that the parent doesn´t attend.
H. Emergency response procedures: All staff members supervising students with
life-threatening allergies must have a means of communication to call for assistance. The school
nurse or another school staff member trained to administer epinephrine in accordance with 105
CMR 210 must be available in each school facility during the school day.
I. Procedures for handling epinephrine: Each school must maintain a current supply of
epinephrine by auto-injector (epi-pens) and must comply with all Department of Public Health
regulations for administration, storage, and record-keeping concerning epinephrine. The school
nurse chairperson shall register with the Department of Public Health and shall train other
school personnel to administer epinephrine in accordance with 105 CMR 210. All staff
members will be informed of the location of the epi-pens.
References: Massachusetts Department of Education, Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in
Schools, Fall 2002
Section 504 - Rehabilitation Act of 1973
IDEA
ADA-Title II
USDA Federal Regulations 7 CFR 210.10
Appendix I: Student Discipline File: JIC
TUDENT DISCIPLINE
The School Committee believes that all students deserve every opportunity to achieve academic success in a
safe, secure learning environment. Good citizenship in schools is based on respect and consideration for the
rights of others. Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a way that the rights and privileges of
others are not violated. They will be required to respect constituted authority, to conform to school rules
and to those provisions of law that apply to their conduct.
Each Principal shall include prohibited actions in the student handbook or other publication and made
available to students and parents.
Principals and staff shall not use academic punishment of any form as a consequence to inappropriate
behaviors/actions by students.
The Principal may, as a disciplinary measure, remove a student from privileges, such as extracurricular
activities and attendance at school-sponsored events, based on the student's misconduct. Such a removal is
not subject to the remainder of this policy, law, or regulation.
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Suspension
In every case of student misconduct for which suspension may be imposed1, a Principal shall consider ways
to re-engage the student in learning; and avoid using long-term suspension from school as a consequence
until alternatives have been tried. Alternatives may include the use of evidence-based strategies and
programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and positive behavioral interventions and
supports.
Notice of Suspension
Except for emergency removal or an in-school suspension of less than 10 days, a Principal must provide the
student and the parent oral and written notice, and provide the student an opportunity for a hearing and the
parent an opportunity to participate in such hearing before imposing suspension as a consequence for
misconduct. The Principal shall provide both oral and written notice to the student and parent(s) in English
and in the primary language of the home if other than English. The notice shall include the rights
enumerated in law and regulation. To conduct a hearing without a parent present, the Principal must be able
to document reasonable efforts to include the parent.
Emergency Removal
A Principal may remove a student from school temporarily when a student is charged with a disciplinary
offense and the continued presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and
substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the Principal's judgment, there is no alternative
available to alleviate the danger or disruption.
The Principal shall immediately notify the Superintendent in writing of the removal including a description
of the danger presented by the student.
The temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency removal,
during which time the Principal shall: Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student
and the student's parent of the emergency removal, the reason for the need for emergency removal, and the
other matters required in the notice; Provide written notice to the student and parent as required above;
Provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the Principal that complies with applicable regulations,
and the parent an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the two (2) school days, unless
an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed to by the Principal, student, and parent; Render a
decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than the following school day, which
meets the requirements of applicable law and regulation.
A Principal shall also ensure adequate provisions have been made for the student's safety and transportation
prior to removal.
In School Suspension - Not More Than 10 Days Consecutively or Cumulatively
The Principal may use in-school suspension as an alternative to short-term suspension for disciplinary
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offenses.
The Principal may impose an in-school suspension for a disciplinary offense under this provision, provided
that the Principal follows the process set forth in regulation and the student has the opportunity to make
academic progress as required by law and regulation.
Principal´s Hearing - Short Term Suspension of up to 10 Days
The hearing with the Principal shall be to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for
which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain
the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary
offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction.
At a minimum, the Principal shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other
pertinent information.
The student also shall have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts, that the
Principal should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate as
set forth in law and regulation.
The Principal shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer
information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining
consequences for the student.
The Principal shall, based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, determine
whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, what remedy or consequence will be
imposed.
The Principal shall notify the student and parent of the determination and the reasons for it, and, if the
student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and
such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal, as required by
law and regulation. The determination shall be in writing and may be in the form of an update to the original
written notice.
If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the Principal shall send a copy of
the written determination to the Superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school
suspension, before the short-term suspension takes effect.
Principal´s Hearing - Long Term Suspension of more than 10 days but less than 90 days (consecutive or
cumulative)
The hearing with the Principal shall be to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for
which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain
the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary
offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction.
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At a minimum, in addition to the rights afforded a student in a short-term suspension hearing, the student
shall have the following rights: In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student's record and
the documents upon which the Principal may rely in making a determination to suspend the student or not;
The right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student's choice, at the student's/parent's
expense; The right to produce witnesses on his or her behalf and to present the student's explanation of the
alleged incident, but the student may not be compelled to do so; The right to cross-examine witnesses
presented by the school district; The right to request that the hearing be recorded by the Principal, and to
receive a copy of the audio recording upon request. If the student or parent requests an audio recording, the
Principal shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made and a copy will
be provided to the student and parent upon request.
The Principal shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer
information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining
consequences for the student.
The Principal shall, based on the evidence, determine whether the student committed the disciplinary
offense, and, if so, after considering mitigating circumstances and alternatives to suspension as required by
law and regulation, what remedy or consequence will be imposed, in place of or in addition to a long-term
suspension. The Principal shall send the written determination to the student and parent by hand-delivery,
certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or any
other method of delivery agreed to by the Principal and the parent.
If the Principal decides to suspend the student, the written determination shall: Identify the disciplinary
offense, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants at the hearing; Set out the key facts
and conclusions reached by the Principal; Identify the length and effective date of the suspension, as well as
a date of return to school; Include notice of the student's opportunity to receive education services to make
academic progress during the period of removal from school as required by law and regulation; Inform the
student of the right to appeal the Principal's decision to the Superintendent or designee, but only if the
Principal has imposed a long-term suspension. Notice of the right of appeal shall be in English and the
primary language of the home if other than English, and shall include the following information: The
process for appealing the decision, including that the student or parent must file a written notice of appeal
with the Superintendent within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension;
provided that within the five (5) calendar days, the student or parent may request and receive from the
Superintendent an extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar days;
and that the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the Superintendent decides to
reverse the Principal's determination on appeal.
If the student is in a public preschool program or in grades K through 3, the Principal shall send a copy of
the written determination to the Superintendent and explain the reasons for imposing an out-of-school
suspension before the suspension takes effect.
Superintendent's Hearing
A student who is placed on long-term suspension following a hearing with the Principal shall have the right
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to appeal the Principal's decision to the Superintendent.
The student or parent shall file a notice of appeal with the Superintendent within the time period noted
above (see Principal´s hearing - Suspension of more than 10 days). If the appeal is not timely filed, the
Superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in his or her discretion, for good cause.
The Superintendent shall hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student's request, unless the
student or parent requests an extension of up to seven (7) additional calendar days, in which case the
Superintendent shall grant the extension.
The Superintendent shall make a good faith effort to include the parent in the hearing. The Superintendent
shall be presumed to have made a good faith effort if he or she has made efforts to find a day and time for
the hearing that would allow the parent and Superintendent to participate. The Superintendent shall send
written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location of the hearing.
The Superintendent shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the disciplinary
offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence shall be. The Superintendent shall
arrange for an audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which shall be provided to the student or parent
upon request. The Superintendent shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will
be made of the hearing and a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request. The student shall
have all the rights afforded the student at the Principal's hearing for long-term suspension.
The Superintendent shall issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing which meets
the requirements of law and regulation. If the Superintendent determines that the student committed the
disciplinary offense, the Superintendent may impose the same or a lesser consequence than the Principal, but
shall not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the Principal's decision. The decision of the
Superintendent shall be the final decision of the school district with regard to the suspension.
Expulsion
Expulsion is defined as the removal of a student from school for more than ninety (90) school days,
indefinitely, or permanently as allowed by law for possession of a dangerous weapon; possession of a
controlled substance; assault on a member of the educational staff; or a felony charge or felony delinquency
complaint or conviction, or adjudication or admission of guilt with respect to such felony, if a Principal
determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the
general welfare of the school.
Any student alleged to have committed one of these acts shall be afforded the same due process rights as for
a long term suspension. Any student expelled from school for such an offense shall be afforded an
opportunity to receive educational services and make academic progress.
Academic Progress
Any student who is suspended or expelled shall have the opportunity to earn credits, make up assignments,
tests, papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of his or her
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removal from the classroom or school. The Principal shall inform the student and parent of this opportunity
in writing, in English and in the primary language of the home, when such suspension or expulsion is
imposed.
Any student who is expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether in
school or out of school, shall have an opportunity to receive education services and make academic progress
toward meeting state and local requirements, through the school-wide education service plan.
The Principal shall develop a school-wide education service plan describing the education services that the
school district will make available to students who are expelled or suspended from school for more than ten
(10) consecutive days. The plan shall include the process for notifying such students and their parents of the
services and arranging such services. Education services shall be based on, and be provided in a manner
consistent with, the academic standards and curriculum frameworks established for all students under the
law.
The Principal shall notify the parent and student of the opportunity to receive education services at the time
the student is expelled or placed on long-term suspension. Notice shall be provided in English and in the
primary language spoken in the student's home if other than English, or other means of communication
where appropriate. The notice shall include a list of the specific education services that are available to the
student and contact information for a school district staff member who can provide more detailed
information.
For each student expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10) consecutive days, whether
in-school or out-of-school, the school district shall document the student's enrollment in education services.
For data reporting purposes, the school shall track and report attendance, academic progress, and such other
data as directed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Reporting
The school district shall collect and annually report data to the DESE regarding in-school suspensions,
short- and long-term suspensions, expulsions, emergency removals, access to education services, and such
other information as may be required by the DESE.
The Principal of each school shall periodically review discipline data by selected student populations,
including but not limited to race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, English language learner
status, and student with a disability status in accordance with law and regulation.
SOURCE: MASC
LEGAL REF: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:37H ½; 71:37H3/4; 76:17; 603 CMR 53.00
REFS.: Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline
under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/504-discipline-guidance.pdf
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Questions and Answers Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act's (IDEA's) Discipline Provisions. -
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/qa-addressing-the-needs-of-children-with-disabilities-and-idea-discipline-provi
sions.pdf
NOTE: The DESE regulations on student discipline and this policy, consistent with law, set forth the
minimum procedural requirements applicable to the suspension of a student for a disciplinary offense other
than: possession of a dangerous weapon; possession of a controlled substance; assault on a member of the
educational staff; or a felony charge or felony delinquency complaint or conviction or adjudication or
admission of guilt with respect to such felony, if a Principal determines that the student´s continued presence
in the school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school, as provided in
M.G.L. c. 71, S. 37H or 37H1/2. The Principal, pursuant to the previously referenced statute may remove a
student who has committed any of the disciplinary offenses above referenced from school for more than 90
days in a school year. Except that the removal from school for such offenses is subject to the provision of
continuing educational services needed to make academic progress and, the requirement that all school
districts regardless of the type of offense shall report school discipline data and analysis to DESE. Also, the
prohibited actions above reference are subject to the provision that allows the Commissioner to investigate
each school that has a significant number of students suspended and expelled for more than 10 cumulative
days in a school year and to make recommendations thereon.
Concord Public Schools and Approved November 8, 2022
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Appendix J: Concord Middle School Threat Protocol
Immediate Response
A. If a student or staff member identifies a threat of any kind, they report the threat immediately to
administration.
B. The student identified is immediately contained to ensure safety.
C. The Threat Assessment Team does an initial assessment of the situation, and if deemed necessary,
the threat report process continues. Furthermore, Concord Police are contacted if necessary.
D. The school contacts the parents immediately after ensuring the safety of all involved.
Assessing the Threat
A. Guidance and/or Administration will generate an Incident Report in order to determine the risk
level of threat either being low, moderate, or high. If appropriate, the Threat Assessment Team may
deem it necessary to administer the student the Threat Assessment Questionnaire.
B. The team will review the incident report which consists of interviewing, background knowledge,
prior history and, if appropriate, the Threat Assessment. All information gathered in the incident
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report will determine threat risk level.
C. Parents of threatened student and/or staff member are informed of the threat.
D. Depending upon the severity of the threat, administration will determine what will be the next steps.
Some steps could include but are not limited to the following:
▪ Parent, student, administration meeting to discuss consequences and plan
▪ Ongoing police involvement
▪ Discipline: Including suspension and, possibly, expulsion
▪ Daily searches of student
▪ 100% supervision of student
▪ Regular meetings with guidance counselor
▪ Outside counseling.
▪ Altering of student’s school day
Next Steps
A. Upon return to school, the school psychologist and administration will conduct an evaluation to
determine if the student is safe to return.
B. After discipline and evaluation is completed, and if school determines that the student is safe to
return, the Student Support Team institutes a health track plan that incorporates aspects of the
above.
C. The plan is put into writing and signed by parents, student, guidance, and administration.
D. Teachers/guidance send periodic updates to administration to monitor progress.
E. Parents and Student Support Team have follow-up meetings to ensure that the plan is working.
Appendix K: Explanations – Bullying, Harassment and Hazing
Bullying:
A student is being bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of
one or more students or by a member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator,
school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or
paraprofessional.
● A negative action is when someone intentionally inflicts, or attempts to inflict, injury or
discomfort upon another.
● These actions can be achieved by physical actions, threatening drawings, words and/or gestures.
Harassment: Detailed Explanations
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Middle school is often a time when a student’s relationships to their peers have a profound impact on their
self-esteem. Therefore, it is extremely important that as a school we do whatever we can to eliminate behaviors
that might marginalize students. Our elaborate network of mentoring and counseling opportunities and our rich
co-curricular programming give students substantial support in developing a network of peers that can help
them blossom as pre- and early adolescents. It is crucial as well, that our rules at CMS protect students from
becoming targets of bullying and harassment. Below, we have explained further what we mean by the
“harassment” that was briefly described in Rule #5 above. Keep in mind that bullying is harassment that occurs
one time.
Explanation of Verbal Harassment - Verbal harassment is prohibited at Concord Middle School. Threats or
abusive messages, communicated through speech, written notes or over the school’s computers are strictly
forbidden and will result in suspension. In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in students
using home computers to write hurtful messages to other students. While some of this is obviously beyond the
ability of the school to control, the school hopes that parents will help the school to keep this kind of
unfortunate behavior to a minimum. If the school finds out that students are being deliberately hurtful outside
of school, the school will notify the parents of the students involved.
Explanation of Sexual Harassment - Sexual harassment is prohibited at Concord Middle School. Sexual
harassment includes unsolicited remarks, gestures, physical contact, and display or circulation of written
materials or pictures derogatory to individuals because of gender or sexual orientation. In addition, sexual
advances (expressed through talk, gifts, written notes), requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or
offensive educational environment not only for the victim but for any witnesses in the community. Because
sexual harassment can be so damaging to the school community, some actions that may be considered
acceptable outside of school are deemed unacceptable.
Under both Federal and State law, sexual harassment is prohibited by Federal Law, Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, and by Massachusetts Law, GL.c.151 and 151B. The following list should not be interpreted as a
complete list, but rather as examples of sexual harassment.
- A student calls another student offensive names.
- A student sends obscene notes or letters to another student.
- A student spreads sexual rumors about another student.
- A student writes graffiti of a sexual nature about another student
- A student teases or spreads rumors about another student’s sexual orientation.
- A student makes repeated and unwelcome sexual advances toward another student.
- A student pulls down the pants or shorts of another student
Reporting Harassment: Any student who feels that he or she has been subject to harassment should
approach a staff member with these concerns (any teacher, guidance counselor, or member of the Concord
Middle School with whom the student feels comfortable). All such concerns will be brought to the attention of
the administration in a manner that protects the dignity of the reporting individual. No individual will be subject
to any form of coercion, intimidation, retaliation, interference, or discrimination for filing a harassment report.
Action: All reports of harassment will be investigated by the Concord Middle School administration. Facts will
be gathered and discussions will take place. A determination will be made regarding disciplinary action. It is the
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policy of Concord Middle School to resolve conflicts. When necessary, meetings will be set up among students
or groups of students, staff, parents, and mediation teams (as is deemed appropriate).
Hazing: Explanation
A hazing law was enacted by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and according to the regulations established,
every student at the Middle School must receive a copy of the law if he/she participates in any co-curricula
function. It should be noted that students and/or school officials who are present during an act of hazing have
an obligation to report the incident to local law enforcement authorities. All students are asked to report
incidents directly to the Principal or Assistant Principal for investigation and further action.
While we experience and foster a supportive and cooperative atmosphere among our student body and staff, it
should be noted that any act of hazing will result in an immediate conference with the Principal or Assistant
Principal and suspension of one (l) to ten (10) days depending on the seriousness of the incident. This will result
for those individuals who are identified as participants in such an act and includes physical or verbal hazing.
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 269, Sections 17-19 (as amended by Chapter 665 of the Acts of
1987): An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Hazing and Increasing the Penalties.
Section 17 - Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be
punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) or by imprisonment in a house of
correction for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term "hazing" as used in this Section and in Sections 18 and 19, shall mean any conduct or method of
initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly
endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping,
beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage,
drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely
affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other
person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense
to any prosecution under this action.
Section 18 - Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in Section 17 and is at the
scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others,
report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to
report such a crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).
Section 19 - Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary
education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such
institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is
known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy
of this Section and Sections 17 and 18; provided, however, that an institution's compliance with this section's
requirements that an institution issue copies of this Section and Sections 17 and 18 to unaffiliated student
groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition or endorsement of
said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.
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Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this Section and Sections 17 and 18 to each of
its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or
organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually to the institution an attested
acknowledgment stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this Section and said
Sections 17 and 18, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of Sections 17
and 18, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this
Section and Sections 17 and 18.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall,
at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in
such institution a copy of this Section and Sections 17 and 18.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall
file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the
board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups,
teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this Section and
Sections 17 and 18 and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the
organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the
student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution's policies to its students. The board of
regents and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing
the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution
which fails to make such a report.
Hazing: Explanation
A hazing law was enacted by The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and according to the regulations
established, every student at the Middle School must receive a copy of the law if they participate in any
co-curricula function. It should be noted that students and/or school officials who are present during an act
of hazing have an obligation to report the incident to local law enforcement authorities. All students are
asked to report incidents directly to the Principal or Assistant Principal for investigation and further action.
While we experience and foster a supportive and cooperative atmosphere among our student body and staff,
it should be noted that any act of hazing will result in an immediate conference with the Principal or
Assistant Principal and suspension of one (l) to ten (10) days depending on the seriousness of the incident.
This will result for those individuals who are identified as participants in such an act and includes physical
or verbal hazing.
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 269, Sections 17-19 (as amended by Chapter 665 of the Acts of
1987): An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Hazing and Increasing the Penalties.
Section 17 - Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall
be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) or by imprisonment in a house of
correction for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term "hazing" as used in this Section and in Sections 18 and 19, shall mean any conduct or method of
initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly
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endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include
whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of any food,
liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is
likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects
such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or
extended isolation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section to the contrary, consent shall not be
available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
Section 18 - Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in Section 17 and is at
the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or
others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable.
Whoever fails to report such a crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars
($1,000.00).
Section 19 - Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post
secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of
such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities
or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization,
a copy of this Section and Sections 17 and 18; provided, however, that an institution's compliance with this
section's requirements that an institution issue copies of this Section and Sections 17 and 18 to unaffiliated
student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution's recognition or
endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.
Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this Section and Sections 17 and 18 to each
of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team
or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually to the institution an attested
acknowledgment stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this Section and said
Sections 17 and 18, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of Sections
17 and 18, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions
of this Section and Sections 17 and 18.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education
shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time
student in such institution a copy of this Section and Sections 17 and 18.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education
shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary
institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to
inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the
provisions of this Section and Sections 17 and 18 and also certifying that said institution has adopted a
disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set
forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution's
policies to its students. The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of
education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall
forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such a report.
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Appendix K-1: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY INCLUDING HARASSMENT AND
RETALIATION
The Concord School Committee and Concord-Carlisle School Committee and Concord Public Schools
and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District are committed to maintaining an education and work
environment for all school community members that is free from all forms of discrimination,
including harassment and retaliation. The members of the school community include the School
Committee, employees, administration, faculty, staff, students, volunteers in the schools, and parties
contracted to perform work for the Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School
District.
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District do not exclude from
participation, deny the benefits of Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School
District from or otherwise discriminate against, individuals on the basis of race*, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, active military/veteran
status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related condition, homelessness,
ancestry, ethnic background, national origin, or any other category protected by state or federal law
in the administration of its educational and employment policies, or in its programs and activities.
This commitment to the community is affirmed by the following statements. The School Committee
commits to:
1. Promoting the rights and responsibilities of all individuals as set forth in the State and
Federal Constitutions, pertinent legislation, and applicable judicial interpretations.
2. Encouraging positive experiences in human values for children, youth and adults, all of
whom have differing personal and family characteristics and who come from various
socioeconomic, racial and ethnic groups.
3. Working toward a more integrated society and enlisting the support of individuals as well as
groups and agencies, both private and governmental, in such an effort.
4. Using all appropriate communication and action techniques to air and address the
grievances of individuals and groups.
5. Carefully consider, in all the decisions made within the school district, the potential benefits
or adverse consequences that those decisions might have on the human relations.
6. Initiating a process of reviewing policies and practices of the school district in order to
achieve to the greatest extent possible the objectives of this statement.
The Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District require all members of
the school community to conduct themselves in accordance with this policy.
It shall be a violation of this policy for any member of the school community to engage in any form of
discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, or to violate any other civil right of any member
of the school community. We recognize that discrimination can take a range of forms and can be
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targeted or unintentional; however, discrimination in any form, including harassment and retaliation,
will not be tolerated.
It shall also be a violation of this policy for any school community member to subject any other
member of the school community to any form of retaliation, including, but not limited to, coercion,
intimidation, interference, punishment, discrimination, or harassment, for reporting or filing a
complaint of discrimination, cooperating in an investigation, aiding or encouraging another member
of the school community to report such conduct or file a complaint, or opposing any act or practice
reasonably believed to be prohibited by this policy.
*race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair
type, hair length and protective hairstyles.
LEGAL REFS: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity
Act of 1972 Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375
Equal Pay Act, as amended by the Education Amendments of 1972 Title IX, Education
Amendments of 1972
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. § 7905 (The Boy Scouts of America Equal
Access Act)
M.G.L. 71B:1 et seq. (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972)
Acts of 2022, Chapter 117 -
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter117
CROSS REF: ACE, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
ACAB, Sexual Harassment
GBA, Equal Employment Opportunity
IJ, Instructional Materials
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
SOURCE: MASC August 2022
Concord Public Schools and Approved
November 8, 2022
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
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NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY INCLUDING HARASSMENT AND RETALIATION
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District will respond promptly to any
reports or complaints of discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, or other violations of
civil rights, pursuant to our detailed response protocol. Where it is determined that discrimination or
harassment has occurred, Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District will
act promptly to eliminate the conduct and will impose developmentally- appropriate disciplinary,
restorative, and/or corrective action.
Any member of the school community who is found, after investigation, to have engaged in any form
of discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, against another member of the school
community, will be subject to consequences determined appropriate by the administration. Such
consequences may include restorative measures and corrective action, and/or student discipline or
staff disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Definitions
"Discrimination" and "Harassment" are defined as unwelcome conduct, whether verbal or physical,
that is based on any individual´s actual or perceived race*, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, active military/veteran status, marital status,
familial status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, homelessness, ancestry, ethnic
background, national origin, or any other category protected by state or federal law, Discrimination
and/or harassment includes, but is not limited to:
• Display or circulation of written materials or pictures that are degrading to a person or
group described above.
• Verbal abuse or insults about, directed at, or made in the presence of, an individual or group
described above.
• Any action or speech that contributes to, promotes or results in a hostile or discriminatory
environment to an individual or group described above
• Any action or speech that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent that it either (i)
interferes with or limits the ability of an individual or group described above to participate in
or benefit from employment or a program or activity of __PS; or (ii) creates an intimidating,
threatening or abusive educational or working environment.
Harassment may include, but is not limited to, any unwelcome, inappropriate, or illegal
physical, written, verbal, graphic, or electronic conduct, and that has the intent or effect of
creating a hostile education or work environment by limiting the ability of an individual to
participate in or benefit from the district´s programs and activities or by unreasonably
interfering with that individual´s education or work environment or, if the conduct were to
persist, would likely create a hostile educational or work environment.
"Title IX Sexual Harassment" (effective August 14, 2020) means verbal, physical or other conduct
that targets a person based on their sex, and that satisfies one or more of the following:
• A school employee conditioning educational benefits or services on participation in
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unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo);
• Any unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would find so severe, pervasive, and
objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school's educational
program or activity;
• Any instance of "sexual assault", "dating violence", "domestic violence", or "stalking", as
those terms are defined by the Clery Act (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v)) and the Violence Against
Women Act (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), (10) & (30)).
Allegations of Title IX Sexual Harassment shall be reported and investigated pursuant to the CPS and
CCRSD Protocol for Investigating Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Pursuant to Title IX.
Resources
The following individual is designated as the District ADA, Title VI, Title IX, and Sexual Harassment
Coordinator, and Grievance Officer for the School Committee, administration, faculty, staff,
volunteers in the schools, and for parties who are contracted to perform work for the Concord Public
Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District, and can be reached at:
Human Resources Director
120 Meriam Road, Concord MA 01742
978-318-1500
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
120 Meriam Road, Concord MA 01742
978-318-1500
The following individual is designated as the District ADA, Title VI, Title IX, and Sexual Harassment
and Civil Rights Coordinator for students in the Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle School
District. In addition, the Director of Student Services is the District 504 Coordinator, and can be
reached at:
Director of Student Services
120 Meriam Road, Concord MA 01742
978-318-1500
Inquiries concerning the Concord Public Schools´ and Concord-Carlisle Regional School Districts'
policies and protocols, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations, and complaints may
also be directed to the Director of Human Resources. Inquiries about laws, statutes, regulations and
compliance may also be directed to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 5 Post Office Square, 8th
Floor, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02109; (617) 289-0111; Email: [email protected]; Website:
www.ed.gov/ocr
*race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair
type, hair length and protective hairstyles.
LEGAL REFS.: Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
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Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity
Act of 1972 Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375
Equal Pay Act, as amended by the Education Amendments of 1972 Title IX, Education
Amendments of 1972
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. § 7905 (The Boy Scouts of America Equal
Access Act)
M.G.L. 71B:1 et seq. (Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972)
Acts of 2022, Chapter 117 -
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2022/Chapter117
CROSS REF: ACE, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability
ACAB, Sexual Harassment
GBA, Equal Employment Opportunity
IJ, Instructional Materials
JB, Equal Educational Opportunities
Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure
Civil Rights Grievance Procedure
SOURCE: MASC August 2022
Concord Public Schools and Approved
November 8, 2022
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Appendix K-2: PROHIBITION OF HAZING
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 536 of the Acts of 1985, the School
Committee hereby deems that no student, employee or school organization under the control of the
School Committee shall engage in the activity of hazing a student while on or off school property, or at
a school sponsored event regardless of the location. No organization that uses the facilities or grounds
under the control of the School Committee shall engage in the activity of hazing any person while on
school property.
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Any student who observes what appears to them to be the activity of hazing another student or person
should report such information to the Principal including the time, date, location, names of
identifiable participants and the types of behavior exhibited. Students and employees of the District
are obligated by law to report incidents of hazing to the police department.
Any student who is present at a hazing has the obligation to report such an incident. Failure to do so
may result in disciplinary action by the school against that student and could involve suspension from
school for up to three days.
Any student who participates in the hazing of another student or other person may, upon the approval
of the Superintendent of Schools, be suspended from school for up to ten (10) school days.
Any student determined by the Principal to be the organizer of a hazing activity may be
recommended for expulsion from school but will receive no less disciplinary action than that of a
participant.
In all cases relating to hazing, students will receive procedural due process.
LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 269:17, 18, 19
Appendix K-3: BULLYING PREVENTION
The Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District are committed to
providing a safe, positive and productive educational environment where students can achieve the
highest academic standards. No student shall be subjected to harassment, intimidation, bullying, or
cyber-bullying.
"Bullying" is the repeated use by one or more students or school staff members of a written, verbal,
or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at a target
that:
• causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target's property;
• places the target in reasonable fear of harm to him/herself, or of damage to his/her property;
• creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
• infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
• materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a
school.
''Cyber-bullying'', bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which
shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or
intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo
electronic or photo optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet
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communications, instant messages or facsimile communications. Cyber-bullying shall also include (i)
the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or (ii)
the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, if the
creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of
the definition of bullying. Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a
communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may
be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions
enumerated in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of the definition of bullying
Cyber-bullying shall also include the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the
identity of another person or knowingly impersonates another person as author of posted content or
messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition
of bullying.
Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more
than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or
more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition
of bullying.
Bullying and cyber-bullying may occur in and out of school, during and after school hours, at home
and in locations outside of the home. When bullying and cyber-bullying are alleged, the full
cooperation and assistance of parents and families are expected.
For the purpose of this policy, whenever the term bullying is used it is to denote either bullying, or
cyber-bullying.
Bullying is prohibited:
• On school grounds;
• On property immediately adjacent to school grounds;
• At school-sponsored or school-related activities;
• At functions or programs whether on or off school grounds
• At school bus stops;
• On school buses or other vehicles owned, leased or used by the school district; or,
• Through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by the Concord
Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District;
Bullying and cyber-bullying are prohibited at a location, activity, function or program that is not
school-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or
used by the Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District if the act or
acts in question:
• create a hostile environment at school for the target;
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• infringe on the rights of the target at school; and/or
• materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a
school.
Prevention and Intervention Plan
The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall oversee the development of a prevention and
intervention plan, in consultation with all district stakeholders, which may include teachers, school
staff, professional support personnel, school volunteers, administrators, community representatives,
local law enforcement agencies, students, parents and guardians, consistent with the requirements of
this policy, as well as state and federal laws. The bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be
reviewed and updated at least biennially.
The Principal is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the bullying prevention and
implementation plan within his or her school.
Reporting
Students, who believe that they are a target of bullying, observe an act of bullying, or who have
reasonable grounds to believe that these behaviors are taking place, are obligated to report incidents
to a member of the school staff. The target shall, however, not be subject to discipline for failing to
report bullying.
Each school shall have a means for anonymous reporting by students of incidents of bullying. No
formal disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
Any student who knowingly makes a false accusation of bullying shall be subject to disciplinary
action.
Parents or guardians, or members of the community, are encouraged to report an incident of bullying
as soon as possible.
A member of a school staff shall immediately report any instance of bullying the staff member has
witnessed or become aware of to the school principal or their designee.
Investigation Procedures
The Principal or their designee, upon receipt of a viable report, shall promptly contact the parents or
guardians of a student who has been the alleged target or alleged perpetrator of bullying. The actions
being taken to prevent further acts of bullying shall be discussed.
The school principal or a designee shall promptly investigate the report of bullying, using a
Bullying/Cyber-bullying Report Form which may include interviewing the alleged target, alleged
perpetrator, staff members, students and/or witnesses.
Support staff shall assess an alleged target's needs for protection and create and implement a safety
plan that shall restore a sense of safety for that student.
Confidentiality shall be used to protect a person who reports bullying, provides information during an
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investigation of bullying, or is witness to or has reliable information about an act of bullying.
If the school Principal or a designee determines that bullying has occurred he/she shall take
appropriate disciplinary action and if it is believed that criminal charges may be pursued against the
perpetrator, the principal shall consult with the school's resource officer and the Superintendent to
determine if criminal charges are warranted. If it is determined that criminal charges are warranted,
the local law enforcement agency shall be notified.
The investigation shall be completed within fourteen school days from the date of the report. The
parents or guardians shall be contacted upon completion of the investigation and informed of the
results, including whether the allegations were found to be factual, whether a violation of this policy
was found, and whether disciplinary action has or shall be taken. At a minimum the Principal or
his/her designee shall contact the parents or guardians as to the status of the investigation on a weekly
basis.
Disciplinary actions for students who have committed an act of bullying or retaliation shall be in
accordance with district disciplinary policies.
Each school shall document any incident of bullying that is reported per this policy and a file shall be
maintained by the Principal or designee. A monthly report shall be provided to the Superintendent.
Confidentiality shall be maintained to the extent consistent with the school's obligations under law.
Retaliation
Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of
bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying, shall be prohibited.
Target Assistance
The Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District shall provide
counseling or referral to appropriate services, including guidance, academic intervention, and
protection to students, both targets and perpetrators, affected by bullying, as necessary.
Training and Assessment
Annual training shall be provided for school employees and volunteers who have significant contact
with students in preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying.
Age-appropriate, evidence-based instruction on bullying prevention shall be incorporated into the
curriculum for all K to 12 students.
Publication and Notice
Annual written notice of the relevant sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be
provided to students and their parents or guardians, in age-appropriate terms.
Annual written notice of the bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be provided to all school
staff. The faculty and staff at each school shall be trained annually on the bullying prevention and
intervention plan applicable to the school.
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Relevant sections of the bullying prevention and intervention plan relating to the duties of faculty and
staff shall be included in the school employee handbook.
The bullying prevention and intervention plan shall be posted on the Concord Public Schools and the
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District website.
LEGAL REFS.: Title VII, Section 703, Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended
Federal Regulation 74676 issued by EEO Commission
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
603 CMR 26:00
M.G.L. 71:37O; 265:43, 43A; 268:13B; 269:14A
REFERENCES: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education´s Model
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
CROSS REFS.: AC, Nondiscrimination
ACAB, Sexual Harassment
JBA, Student-to-Student Harassment
JICFA, Prohibition of Hazing
JK, Student Discipline Regulations
SOURCE: MASC August 2013
Approved January 26, 2021
94
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Appendix L: SEARCHES AND INTERROGATIONS
Searches by Staff
The right of inspection of students' school lockers is inherent in the authority granted school
committees and administrators. This authority may be exercised as needed in the interest of
safeguarding children, their own property and school property.
Nevertheless, exercise of that authority by school officials places unusual demands upon their
judgment so as to protect each child's constitutional rights to personal privacy and protection from
coercion and to act in the best interest of all students and the schools.
Searches by school officials of students' automobiles or the student will be conducted in a way that
protects the students' rights consistent with the responsibility of the school district to provide an
atmosphere conducive to the educational process.
Interrogations by Police
The schools have legal custody of students during the school day and during hours of approved
extracurricular activities. It is the responsibility of the school administration to make an effort to
protect each student's rights with respect to interrogations by law enforcement officials. Therefore:
1. When law enforcement officials find it necessary to question students during the school day
or periods of extracurricular activities, the school Principal or their designee will be present
when possible. An effort will be made to contact the student's parent or guardian so that the
responsible individual may be notified of the situation.
2. If custody and/or arrest are involved, the Principal will request that all procedural
safeguards, as prescribed by law, be observed by the law enforcement officials.
SOURCE: MASC February 2019
Concord Public Schools and Approved
November 30, 2021
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Appendix N-1 PHYSICAL RESTRAINT OF STUDENTS
Maintaining an orderly, safe environment conducive to learning is an expectation of all staff members
of the school district. Further, students of the district are protected by law from the unreasonable use
of physical restraint. Such restraint shall be used only in emergency situations as a last resort and
with extreme caution after other lawful and less intrusive alternatives have failed or been deemed
inappropriate.
When an emergency situation arises, and physical restraint is the only option deemed appropriate to
prevent a student from injuring himself or herself, another student or school community member, a
teacher or employee or agent of the school district may use such reasonable force needed to protect
students, other persons or themselves from assault or imminent, serious, physical harm.
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The definitions of forms of restraint shall be as defined in 603 CMR 46.02.
The use of mechanical restraint, medical restraint, and seclusion is prohibited.
Physical restraint, including prone restraint where permitted under 603 CMR 46.03, shall be
considered an emergency procedure of last resort and shall be prohibited except when a student's
behavior poses a threat of assault, or imminent, serious, physical harm to themselves and/or others
and the student is not responsive to verbal directives or other lawful and less intrusive behavior
interventions are deemed inappropriate.
The Superintendent will develop procedures identifying:
• Appropriate responses to student behavior that may require immediate intervention;
• Methods of preventing student violence, self-injurious behavior, and suicide including crisis
planning and de-escalation of potentially dangerous behaviors among groups of students or
individuals;
• Descriptions and explanations of alternatives to physical restraint as well as the school's
method of physical restraint for use in emergency situations;
• Descriptions of the school's training and procedures to comply with reporting requirements
including, but not limited to making reasonable efforts to orally notify a parent of the use of
restraint within 24 hours of its imposition;
• Procedures for receiving and investigating complaints;
• Methods for engaging parents in discussions about restraint prevention and use of restraint
solely as an emergency procedure;
• A statement prohibiting: medication restraint, mechanical restraint, prone restraint unless
permitted by 603 CMR 46.03(1)(b), seclusion, and the use of physical restraint in a manner
inconsistent with 603 CMR 46.00;
• A process for obtaining Principal approval for a time out exceeding 30 minutes.
Each building Principal will identify staff members to serve as a school-wide resource to assist in
ensuring proper administration of physical restraint. These staff members will participate in an
in-depth training program in the use of physical restraint.
In addition, each staff member will be trained regarding the school's physical restraint policy and
accompanying procedures. The Principal will arrange training to occur in the first month of each
school year, or for staff hired after the beginning of the school year, within a month of their
employment.
Physical restraint is prohibited as a means of punishment, or as a response to destruction of property,
disruption of school order, a student's refusal to comply with a school rule or staff directive, or verbal
threats that do not constitute a threat of imminent, serious physical harm to the student or others.
Physical restraint is prohibited when it is medically contraindicated for reasons including, but not
limited to, asthma, seizures, a cardiac condition, obesity, bronchitis, communication-related
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disabilities, or risk of vomiting;
The use of "time out" procedures during which a staff member remains accessible to the student shall
not be considered "seclusion restraint."
This policy and its accompanying procedures shall be reviewed and disseminated to staff annually and
made available to parents of enrolled students. The Superintendent shall provide a copy of the
Physical Restraint regulations to each Principal, who shall sign a form acknowledging receipt thereof.
SOURCE: MASC
ADOPTED: August 2015
LEGAL REF. M.G.L. 71:37G; 603 CMR 46.00
Approved November 24, 2015
Concord Public Schools and
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Appendix O: Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and
Secondary Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Massachusetts law affords parents and
students over 14 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education
records. These rights are:
1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 10 days of the day the School
receives a request for access or receives copies of these documents.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal (or appropriate school
official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect or receive copies
of. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible
student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or
eligible student believes are inaccurate.
Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They
should write the School principal (or appropriate school official), clearly identify the part of the record they
want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested
by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and
advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information
regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right
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to a hearing.
3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s
education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate
educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor,
instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a
person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform
a special task or provide a service (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist or online
educational program).
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 School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district
in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged
failures by the School District to comply with requirements of FERPA. The name and
address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5901
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Appendix P: Notification of Rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights
Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of
information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
▪ Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one
or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is
funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) –
i. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
ii. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
iii. Sex behavior or attitudes;
iv. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
v. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
vi. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
vii. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
viii. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
▪ Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of
attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the
immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings,
or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from
students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
▪ Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the
above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State
law. Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland
Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5901
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Appendix Q: Public Records Law
(a) Every person having custody of any public record, as defined in clause Twenty-sixth of
section seven of chapter four, shall, at reasonable times and without unreasonable delay, permit it,
or any segregable portion of a record which is an independent public record, to be inspected and
examined by any person, under their supervision, and shall furnish one copy thereof upon
payment of a reasonable fee. Every person for whom a search of public records is made shall, at
the direction of the person having custody of such records, pay the actual expense of such search.
The following fees shall apply to any public record in the custody of the state police, the
Massachusetts bay transportation authority police or any municipal police department or fire
department: for preparing and mailing a motor vehicle accident report, five dollars for not more
than six pages and fifty cents for each additional page; for preparing and mailing a fire insurance
report, five dollars for not more than six pages plus fifty cents for each additional page; for
preparing and mailing crime, incident or miscellaneous reports, one dollar per page; for
furnishing any public record, in hand, to a person requesting such records, fifty cents per page. A
page shall be defined as one side of an eight and one-half inch by eleven inch sheet of paper.
(b) A custodian of a public record shall, within ten days following receipt of a request for
inspection or copy of a public record, comply with such request. Such request may be delivered in
hand to the office of the custodian or mailed via first class mail. If the custodian refuses or fails to
comply with such a request, the person making the request may petition the supervisor of records
for a determination whether the record requested is public. Upon the determination by the
supervisor of records that the record is public, they shall order the custodian of the public record to
comply with the person's request. If the custodian refuses or fails to comply with any such order,
the supervisor of records may notify the attorney general or the appropriate district attorney
thereof who may take whatever measures they deem necessary to insure compliance with the
provisions of this section. The administrative remedy provided by this section shall in no way
limit the availability of the administrative remedies provided by the commissioner of
administration and finance with respect to any officer or employee of any agency, executive office,
department or board; nor shall the administrative remedy provided by this section in any way limit
the availability of judicial remedies otherwise available to any person requesting a public record. If
a custodian of a public record refuses or fails to comply with the request of any person for
inspection or copy of a public record or with an administrative order under this section, the
supreme judicial or superior court shall have jurisdiction to order compliance.
(c) In any court proceeding pursuant to paragraph (b) there shall be a presumption that the
record sought is public, and the burden shall be upon the custodian to prove with specificity the
exemption which applies.
(d) The clerk of every city or town shall post, in a conspicuous place in the city or town hall
in the vicinity of the clerk's office, a brief printed statement that any citizen may, at their
discretion, obtain copies of certain public records from local officials for a fee as provided for in
this chapter.
The executive director of the criminal history systems board, the criminal history systems board
and its agents, servants, and attorneys including the keeper of the records of the firearms records
bureau of said department, or any licensing authority, as defined by chapter one hundred and forty
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shall not disclose any records divulging or tending to divulge the names and addresses of persons
who own or possess firearms, rifles, shotguns, machine guns and ammunition therefore, as defined
in said chapter one hundred and forty and names and addresses of persons licensed to carry and/or
possess the same to any person, firm, corporation, entity or agency except criminal justice agencies
as defined in chapter six and except to the extent such information relates solely to the person
making the request and is necessary to the official interests of the entity making the request.
The home address and home telephone number of law enforcement, judicial, prosecutorial,
department of youth services, department of children and families, department of correction and
any other public safety and criminal justice system personnel, and of unelected general court
personnel, shall not be public records in the custody of the employers of such personnel or the
public employee retirement administration commission or any retirement board established under
chapter 32 and shall not be disclosed, but such information may be disclosed to an employee
organization under chapter 150E, a nonprofit organization for retired public employees under
chapter 180 or to a criminal justice agency as defined in section 167 of chapter 6. The name and
home address and telephone number of a family member of any such personnel shall not be public
records in the custody of the employers of the foregoing persons or the public employee retirement
administration commission or any retirement board established under chapter 32 and shall not be
disclosed. The home address and telephone number or place of employment or education of
victims of adjudicated crimes, of victims of domestic violence and of persons providing or training
in family planning services and the name and home address and telephone number, or place of
employment or education of a family member of any of the foregoing shall not be public records in
the custody of a government agency which maintains records identifying such persons as falling
within such categories and shall not be disclosed.
The General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 66: Section 10. Public inspection and copies of records;
presumption; exceptions.
Appendix R: Concord Student Acceptable Use Policy
Our Technology Resources Mission: Access to network resources, electronic communications, the
Internet, database systems, computers and other information technology (IT) resources is essential
to the mission of the Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
(CPS/CCRSD).
Further, the purpose of our information technology resources is to help us communicate,
collaborate, create, integrate, transfer and apply knowledge, record, track, store, and develop quality
educational materials in the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. Toward this end, the
CPS/CCRSD provides a number of IT services to students. By accepting access to these services,
students are charged with the responsibility to use them appropriately.
The network connection, email system, all software and hardware are the property of the CPS/CCRSD.
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Supervision and Monitoring:
● The use of these components is a privilege which may be revoked at any time for inappropriate use.
● CPS/CCRSD School District Administrators will deem what is inappropriate use. Also, the
● network administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration,
faculty, and staff of the CPS/CCRSD may request the network administrators to deny, revoke
or suspend specific user accounts.
● Files stored on the CPS/CCRSD servers are not private. CPS/CCRSD reserves the right to
examine all data stored on servers, networked computers and individual computers to ensure
that students are in compliance with this policy.
● All use of CPS/CCRSD computers and servers must adhere to these terms and
conditions of acceptable use.
This policy is not all-inclusive. CPS/CCRSD reserves the right to notify a student of any other
impermissible action regarding the use of the computer or Internet. Due to the rapid evolution of technology,
this policy will need periodic review.
Student Roles and Responsibilities: Students and all members of the Concord Public Schools and the
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District community are expected to adhere to the following policies for
appropriate use:
1. Respect and protect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources.
Our network systems provide important access to educational resources. The destruction,
vandalism, hacking, or damaging of data, networks, hardware, software, backend systems,
or disruption of this or other resources used by CPS/CCRSD is prohibited and may result
in disciplinary and/or legal actions.
● Resources shall be used in a manner consistent with the mission of the CPS/CCRSD.
● Network and account security is the responsibility of all members of the CPS/CCRSD
community. Any security risks should be reported to a teacher or network administrator.
● Students will not utilize the Internet or any technology resource to perform any act
that can be construed as illegal or unethical.
● Students will report any suspicious or unusual activity immediately to the supervising or
● appropriate staff member.
● Computers not owned and managed by the CPS/CCRSD may not be connected to the
CPS/CCRSD network without specific permission.
● Devices that disrupt the educational process or operation of the CPS/CCRSD are prohibited,
will be removed, may be held and searched, and may result in disciplinary and/or legal
actions.
● Students will not deliberately cause the loss of other users’ work or damage to any of the District’s
systems.
● Students will not override or encourage others to override any firewalls, desktop
management or security measures established on the network.
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2. Respect and protect the intellectual property of others. Plagiarism is taking the ideas
or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours. Students will follow guidelines
regarding the misuse of plagiarism outlined in the student handbook. Copyright infringement
occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work
contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, students will follow the expressed
requirements.
● Students will not plagiarize the work of others.
● Students will not infringe copyrights. Students may not make illegal copies of music, games,
● movies, software, or other materials under copyright.
● Students must properly cite the work of others in school work and research papers.
3. Respect and protect the privacy of yourself and others.
● Practice legal and ethical behavior. Proper safety and etiquette is expected of all users. Be
mindful of your digital footprint.
● Students will login to their own accounts, not accounts belonging to someone else.
● Students will not share passwords.
● Students will not view, use, or copy passwords, data, or access networks to which they are not
● authorized.
● Students will not reveal their personal address or phone numbers, or those of other students.
● Protect your privacy. Do not distribute private information about yourself or others.
● Students will not capture, record, or distribute audio, video, or pictures of any school activity
● without permission from the staff and students involved.
● Be authentic; do not pretend to be someone else online.
4. Respect and practice the principles of community. Communicate only in ways that are
kind and respectful. Students are expected to be courteous and use appropriate language.
Remember that anything you write online may be discoverable forever.
● Communicate only in ways that are kind and respectful.
● Report threatening or discomforting materials to a teacher.
● Do not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that violates the school’s code of
conduct (such as messages that are pornographic, threatening, rude, discriminatory, or
meant to harass).
● Do not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that is illegal (such as obscenity,
● stolen materials, or illegal copies of copyrighted works).
● Do not use the resources to further other acts that are criminal or violate the school’s code of
conduct.
● Do not send spam, chain letters, or other mass unsolicited mailings.
● Do not buy, sell, advertise, or otherwise conduct business, unless approved as a school project.
Consequences for Violation: Violations of any portion of this policy may result in disciplinary
measures up to and including suspension and/or legal actions.
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Concord Public Schools and Approved November 23,
2010 Concord-Carlisle Regional School District File: IJNDB
Concord Public Schools and
Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Student Acceptable Use Policy Agreement
I have read carefully and hereby agree to the District’s Acceptable Use Policy:
Student Name:
Student Signature: Date:
Parent Signature: Date:
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
Approved November 23, 2010 File: IJNDB
Appendix S:
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2023-2024 1 to 1 Student Laptop Expectations and Loan
Agreement for CMS/CCHS
CMS and CCHS Handbook Appendices
Please read this information carefully, complete and submit the form below.
PART I: STUDENT LAPTOP LOAN AGREEMENT FOR CMS/CCHS
The Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District are lending a MacBook laptop computer
to enhance student learning. The requirements for the use of this computer in and outside of school are outlined below.
These expectations are provided for the purpose of ensuring consistent understanding among parents, students, and
teachers about proper use of technology as a learning tool, and to prevent unnecessary distraction from academic work
at home and at school.
Student and parent/guardian hereby agrees as follows:
I agree to adhere to the guidelines of responsible, ethical, and acceptable use as stated in the CPS/CCRSD Acceptable
Use Policy. Concord Student Acceptable Use Policy (CSAUP) School Committee Policy Manual File IJNDB.
I understand that laptops are school property and are intended to be used for educational purposes only.
Laptops may be checked by school administration at any time.
Laptops are to be used in class as assigned by the teacher; teachers will provide clear directions as to when to have
computers open and ready for use, on standby, or closed and in cases.
I agree to bring my laptop fully charged and to bring the charger each day. (No chargers will be available for loan.)
I am responsible for the care of the laptop. If I am careless, lose, or damage the device or any related peripherals
(accessories), I will be responsible for reimbursing the District for the cost of the device/accessories or for any
necessary repairs. Being careless includes placing the laptop in situations where damage is possible.
I agree to treat the laptop gently and protect it from damage. Some important guidelines:
● I will only drink liquids or eat food with my computer stowed in my backpack/carrying case or far away from
the laptop. Liquid spills are the most common reason for laptop damage.
● I will take care when the laptop is in my backpack to keep it separate from food, liquid, and dirt.
● I will not place the laptop in a location where someone else may spill on or damage it, as I am responsible for
its safety and repair costs.
● I will make sure the laptop isn’t subjected to excessive force, especially while being carried in my backpack
with heavy books. Cracked screens are the second most common reason for laptop damage.
● I will close the cover before placing my laptop in my backpack (CCHS) or carrying case (CMS).
● I will not carry the laptop by the screen; this increases wear on the hinges.
● I will protect the laptop from extreme hot or cold conditions for extended periods (car, garage, on heater, in
sun, etc.)
● I agree to carry the laptop in a padded pocket in my backpack (CCHS) or in the case provided (CMS).
● I agree not to apply any stickers or any other adhesive to the laptop, its case, or its charger, nor to take off any
stickers applied by CMS/CCHS. Application of stickers may incur fees for additional cleaning needed for
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removal.
● I will not remove the protective skin provided.
● I agree to immediately report any damage or malfunction of the laptop to the IT department.
I agree not to lend the laptop computer to anyone, including family members. Exception: Parents or Guardians.
I agree to protect the laptop from computer viruses through safe computing by not downloading software other than
what is required for educational purposes and as directed by classroom teachers. I understand that I must hold a
legal license for any software that I install and that the software must be for school use.
I agree to maintain the software installed by CMS/CCHS. Some examples include:
● Retaining the current operating system and pre-installed software
● Heeding general maintenance alerts and advice from school and technology personnel
I will not circumvent any software installed by CMS/CCHS like web filters or management software by installing
software, proxies, VPNs or using any other method to circumvent the firewall, network, or device.
I understand that I am responsible for saving or backing up my personal files, bookmarks/favorites, calendar items, etc.
to my CMS/CCHS Google Drive account as recommended by the IT department. If I need assistance I will contact the
technology staff in my building.
At school, I will carry my laptop with me or store it in a locked locker if not needed for class; laptops should never be
left unattended in any location.
I agree to protect the laptop from theft outside of school by not leaving the computer unattended in a vehicle, school
bus or any other public area.
I agree to immediately report any loss or theft of the laptop.
I agree not to use this computer in any capacity that a reasonable person would deem inappropriate, including but not limited to:
● distribute hate or harassing email or spam advertising.
● create, host, or maintain any web site that is not directly associated with my school work.
● download or view improper web content.
I agree to return the laptop and all related accessories (power cord, skin, case) at the end of the year, upon leaving the
school district, or at the request of Information Technology Services. Late fees may apply if I fail to do so in a timely
manner.
As with other school-owned materials, I understand that I will be responsible for the replacement or repair costs
of the computer, power cord, skin, case and strap. Repairs can only be made by an Apple Certified Technician
with Apple Certified parts approved by the CMS/ CCHS IT Team.
CCHS only: Outstanding fees prohibit a student’s ability to sign out of directed studies, obtain off-campus
privileges, attend Prom, or participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
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2023-2024 1 to 1 Student Laptop Expectations and Loan Agreement for
CMS/CCHS
I agree to adhere to all of the above terms as described.
Parent/Guardian(s) Name (Please Print): ___________________________ Date: __________________
Parent/Guardian(s) Signature: ____________________________
I agree to adhere to all of the above terms as described.
Student Name (Please Print): ____________________________ Date: __________________
Student Signature: ____________________________
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STUDENT EMPOWERED DIGITAL USE POLICY
Our Technology Resources Mission:
Access to the District’s network, electronic communications, the Internet, database systems, computer
hardware and other information technology (IT) resources is essential to the mission of the Concord Public
Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District (CPS/CCRSD).
Further, the purpose of our information technology resources is to help us communicate, collaborate, create,
integrate, transfer and apply knowledge, record, track, store, and develop quality educational materials in the
pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. Toward this end, the CPS/CCRSD provides a number of IT
services to students. By accepting access to these services, students are charged with the responsibility to
use them appropriately.
The network connection, email system, all related software and hardware are the property of the
CPS/CCRSD.
Supervision and Monitoring:
● The use of these components is a privilege which may be revoked at any time for inappropriate use.
● CPS/CCRSD School District Administrators will deem what is inappropriate use. Also, the network
administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of
the CPS/CCRSD may request the network administrators to deny, revoke or suspend specific user
accounts.
● Files stored on the CPS/CCRSD servers are not private. CPS/CCRSD reserves the right to examine
all data stored on servers, networked computers and individual computers to ensure that students are
in compliance with this policy.
● All use of CPS/CCRSD computers and servers must adhere to these terms and conditions of
acceptable use.
This policy is not all-inclusive. CPS/CCRSD reserves the right to notify a student of any other
impermissible action regarding the use of the computer or Internet. Due to the rapid evolution of
technology, this policy will need periodic review.
Student Roles and Responsibilities:
Students and all members of the Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District
community are expected to adhere to the following policies for appropriate use:
1. Respect and protect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources.
Our network systems provide important access to educational resources. The destruction, vandalism,
hacking, or damaging of data, networks, hardware, software, backend systems, or disruption of this or other
resources used by CPS/CCRSD is prohibited and may result in disciplinary and/or legal actions.
● Resources shall be used in a manner consistent with the mission of the CPS/CCRSD.
109
● Network and account security is the responsibility of all members of the CPS/CCRSD community.
Any security risks should be reported to a teacher or network administrator.
● Students will not utilize the Internet or any technology resource to perform any act that can be
construed as illegal or unethical.
● Students will report any suspicious or unusual activity immediately to the supervising or appropriate
staff member.
● Computers not owned and managed by the CPS/CCRSD may not be connected to the CPS/CCRSD
network without specific permission.
● BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) computers involved in 1:1 programs will only be allowed on the
secure network by registering with AirWatch Mobile Device Management Platform.
● Devices that disrupt the educational process or operation of the CPS/CCRSD are prohibited, will be
removed, may be held and searched, and may result in disciplinary and/or legal actions.
● Students will not deliberately cause the loss of other users’ work or damage to any of the District’s
systems.
● Students will not override or encourage others to override any firewalls, desktop management or
security measures established on the network.
2. Respect and protect the intellectual property of others.
Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours. Students will
follow guidelines regarding the misuse of plagiarism outlined in the student handbook. Copyright
infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work
contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, students will follow the expressed
requirements.
● Students will not plagiarize the work of others.
● Students will not infringe copyrights. Students may not make illegal copies of music, games,
movies, software, or other materials under copyright.
● Students must properly cite the work of others in school work and research papers.
3. Respect and protect the privacy of yourself and others.
Practice legal and ethical behavior. Proper safety and etiquette is expected of all users. Be mindful of your
digital footprint.
● Students will login to their own accounts, not accounts belonging to someone else.
● Students will not share passwords.
● Students will not view, use, or copy passwords, data, or access networks to which they are not
authorized.
● Students will not reveal their personal address or phone numbers, or those of other students.
● Protect your privacy. Do not distribute private information about yourself or others.
● Students will not capture, record, or distribute audio, video, or pictures of any school activity without
permission from the staff and students involved.
● Be authentic; do not pretend to be someone else online.
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4. Respect and practice the principles of community.
Communicate only in ways that are kind and respectful. Students are expected to be courteous and use
appropriate language. Remember that anything you write online may be discoverable forever.
● Communicate only in ways that are kind and respectful.
● Report threatening or discomforting materials to a teacher.
● Do not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that violates the school’s code of
conduct (such as messages that are pornographic, threatening, rude, discriminatory, or meant to
harass).
● Do not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that is illegal (such as obscenity, stolen
materials, or illegal copies of copyrighted works).
● Do not use the resources to further other acts that are criminal or violate the school’s code of
conduct.
● Do not send spam, chain letters, or other mass unsolicited mailings.
● Do not buy, sell, advertise, or otherwise conduct business, unless approved as a school project.
Consequences for Violation: Violations of any portion of this policy may result in disciplinary measures
up to and including suspension and/or legal actions.
I hereby agree to the Empowered Digital Use Policy:
Student’s Name: (Please Print)
Student’s Signature Date:
Parent(s) Name(s) (Please Print)
Parent(s) Signature(s) Date:
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Appendix T: CMS Handbook Parent-Student Signature Page
2023-2024 CMS Handbook: http://cms.concordps.org
Dear Student and Parent(s):
This year the CMS Handbook will be shared electronically from our web site at
http://cms.concordps.org instead of by paper distribution. If you do not have internet access or
would like a hard copy of the handbook, please call the office or send an email to request a printed
copy. We will be happy to send one.
Because the Handbook articulates the framework for our school’s culture it is absolutely critical that
both you and your parents read the entire handbook carefully. If you ever have any questions or
concerns, please feel free to speak to the principal, assistant principal, or a guidance counselor. We
want Concord Middle School to be a place where you feel safe and where you can shine.
All students and parents are required to sign stating that you have read the handbook and discussed it.
It is preferred that you sign electronically from the online document. If that is not possible, please
turn in this page, the signed Student Acceptable Use Policy Signature Page, Appendix R, p. 98,
and the signed CMS 1 to 1 Student Expectations and Laptop Loan Agreement Signature Page,
Appendix S, p. 102 to your homeroom teacher with your back-to-school paperwork.
Thank you. We are very excited to work with you this school year.
Sincerely,
Justin Cameron, Principal
Directions for the student and her/his parent(s): After reading and discussing the handbook, please sign
below and then turn in this page and the signed Student Acceptable Use Policy page to your homeroom
teacher with your back-to-school paperwork.
We have read the CMS Handbook outlining the school’s policies. In particular, we understand the school’s
policy regarding bullying and harassment and the consequences that will occur if a student is found to
have violated these rules.
Print Name of Student Student’s Signature
Print Name(s) of Parent(s) Signature of Parent(s)
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