Concord Middle School
Student Handbook DRAFT
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Concord Middle School
Student Handbook DRAFT
2018 – 2019
CONCORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Concord Middle School
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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
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Concord Public Schools
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Laurie Hunter
lhunter@concordps.org
Share your thoughts and provide feedback through
Your Voice Matters at http://concordps.org
Concord Public Schools
School Committee Members
Court Booth - court4schools@gmail.com
Heather Bout - hbout.sc@gmail.com
Johanna Boynton - boynton.csc@gmail.com
Robert Grom – rgl@verizon.net
Wally Johnston - wjohnstonsc@gmail.com
Contact Information
Concord School Committee
120 Meriam Rd.
Concord, MA 01742
978-341-2490 x8101
concordschoolcommittee@concordps.org
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Concord Middle School (CMS) Handbook
Table of Contents
Contact Information
5
A Message from Your Principal
6
Our Philosophy on Education
6
Our Heritage 7
Organization of Concord Middle School
8
Student Schedule of Courses
9
CMS School Day: Arrival, Dismissal, and Visitors 10
CMS Bell Schedule 11
Lunch, Recess, and Snacks
12
Student Responsibilities 13
Concord Middle School Rules 14
Code of Conduct and the Progressive Disciplinary Process
17
Attendance: Absence and Tardiness 19
Transportation 20
Our Philosophy on Homework
23
Communication and Reporting 25
Health and Safety
27
Fire and Emergency
30
Awards 31
Student Records and Regulations 33
Private School Application Process
34
Appendices 35
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Contact Information
Peabody Building
1231 Old Marlboro Road
Concord, MA 01742
Sanborn Building
835 Old Marlboro Road
Concord, MA 01742
Main Office
Debra Bordonaro
978.318.1360
dbordonaro@concordps.org
Main Office
Vanessa Moran
978.318.1380
vmoran@concordps.org
Fax
978.318.1372
Fax
978.318.1392
Principal
Justin Cameron
978.341.2490 x5110
jcameron@concordps.org
Principal
Justin Cameron
978.341.2490 x6110
jcameron@concordps.org
Assistant Principal
Drew Rosenshine
978.341.2490 x5122
drosenshine@concordps.org
Assistant Principal
Anne Cline-Scott
978.341.2490 x6122
Guidance Valerie
Young
978.341.2490 x5102
vyoung@concordps.org
Guidance Valerie
Young
978.341.2490 x6102
vyoung@concordps.org
Absence Line
978.341.2490 x5690
Absence Line
978.341.2490 x6690
Health Office
Mary Jenkinson
978.341.2490 x5158
mjenkinson@concordps.org
Health Office Kate
Bell
978.341.2490 x6158
kbell@concordps.org
CMS Staff can be reached via email: username@concordps.org
Most usernames are first initial, last name, for example: drosenshine@concordps.org
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: Ms. Kelly McCausland, Director of Human Resources, Concord-Carlisle Regional School District, 120 Meriam Road,
Concord, MA 01742 –Telephone: (978) 341-2490, X8117)
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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 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
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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 - 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.
Sanborn Building - 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
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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 Foreign 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.
Homework Tips for Students
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● Use your Google Calendar account to subscribe to teacher homework pages. 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.
● Contact a friend. Check the teacher’s website. Email the teacher.
The homework calendar link is under the Student menu at http://cms.concordps.org
● 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.
Advocate for Your Own Success - Know Your Options
Approach your teacher.
Know that they want you to do well and will help!
Think about…
● when your teachers are available
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●
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.
The Teaching and Learning Team, comprised of academic department chairs and liaisons from special
areas oversees instructional programs. With few exceptions, all middle school students participate in
the same courses and activities without regard to their building assignment.
Houses
Students in each grade level at each building attend classes with their “house” team of teachers. Each
house is assigned a special education case manager and a guidance counselor. House teachers work
together, support students, and communicate with families.
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.
Student Groupings
Students are grouped to ensure that the population of a house and building represents the full range of
student abilities, interests, and needs of the entire school. The exception is in mathematics, where students
are placed into 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.
Student Schedule of Courses
Middle school students are expected to attend a full schedule of required courses and activity
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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
Applied Technology
-
-
2
Art 2 2 2
Developmental Language Arts/English RTI 4* 4* 4*
Digital Literacy 2 - -
English (ELA) 6 6 6
Family & consumer Sciences (FACS) - 2 -
Math Strategies 2* 2* 2*
Foreign Language 4 5 5
Health 1 - 2
Math 6 6 6
Music (General) 2 2 2
Enrichment Options 1 1 1
Physical Education 2 2 2
Science 6 6 6
Social Studies 6 6 6
* Students are assigned to Developmental Language Arts/English RTI and/or Math Strategies by
recommendation of teachers based on performance data.
* Please note: Students will not be exempt from enrollment in CMS courses due to
participation in activities that occur outside of the school day.
*
The CMS School Day
Arrival, Dismissal, and Visitors
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Note: “Sanborn time” is seven minutes behind real time. School clocks are adjusted accordingly.
Example: 7:00 a.m. Sanborn time is 7:07 a.m. in the “real world.”
Arrival
7:55 a.m. Students may enter the building. There is no supervision before 7:55 a.m.
8:15 a.m. All students MUST be in first period. Attendance is taken.
Students arriving after 8:15 a.m. should report to the main office to sign in.
School Day
You will spend the day in academic and special area classes within your grade-level houses.
Every student must report to their regularly assigned classes on time.
Dismissal
2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
1:15 p.m. Tuesday every week.
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 you are staying
after school, you must report to your activity no later than 2:40 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 for 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.
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.
CMS Bell Schedule 2017-2018
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade
8
P1
8:15-9:03
P1
8:15-9:03
P1
8:15-9:03
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homeBASE
9:03-9:12
Advisory
9:03-9:12
Advis
ory
9:03-9:12
P2
9:12-10:00
P2
9:12-10:00
P2
9:12-10:00
P3
10:00-10:48
P3
10:00-10:48
P3
10:00-10:48
Lunch
10:48-11:18
P4
10:48-11:36
P4
10:48-11:36
P4
11:18-12:06
Lunch
11:36-12:06
P5
11:36-12:24
P5
12:06-12:54
P5
12:06-12:54
Lunc
h
12:24-12:54
P6
12:54-1:42
P6
12:54-1:42
P6
12:54-1:42
P7
1:42-2:30
P7
1:42-2:30
P7
1:42-2:30
Tuesday
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade
8
P1
8:15-8:54
P1
8:15-8:54
P1
8:15-8:54
P2
8:54-9:35
P2
8:54-9:35
P2
8:54-9:35
P3
9:35-10:13
P3
9:35-10:13
P3
9:35-10:13
Lunch
10:12-10:42
P4
10:13-10:51
P4
10:13-10:51
P4
10:43-
11:21
Lunch
10:51-11:21
P5
10:51-11:29
P5
11:21-
11:59
P5
11:21-11:59
Lunch
11:29-11:59
P6
11:59-
12:37
P6
11:59-12:37
P6
11:59-12:37
P7
12:37-1:15
P7
12:37-1:15
P7
12:37-1:15
Sample Student Schedule – Individual students’ schedules will vary.
A
B
C
D
E
F
1
8:15-9:03
Math
SS
Sci
French
Eng.
Sci
homeBASE
9:03-9:12
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
homeBASE
2
9:12-10:00
Eng.
Math
SS
Sci
French
SS
3 10:00-10:48 Art P.E. Select Study P.E. Health
4
10:48-11:36
French
Eng.
Math
SS
Sci
Math
Lunch 11:36-12:06 L U N C H !
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5 12:06-12:54 Sci Art Eng. Math SS Eng.
6
12:54-1:42
SS
Sci
Dig.Lit.
Eng.
Math
French
7 1:42-2:30 Band Band Study Band Study Dig.Lit.
Lunch, Recess, and Snacks
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 Schedule p. [__] for times). 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 play outside.
In order to purchase lunch, snacks, 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 and nutrition information are available at:
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 may have a working snack (3-5 mins) in the afternoon (6
th
) or in the morning (7
th
& 8
th
).
Individual teachers provide guidelines for eating snacks in their classes. Snacks must be brought to
class, and should include water as the only beverage.
Due to severe allergies, the school prefers that students do 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.
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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.
Respect for Others Belongings
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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 stomach,
chest, and 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)
● Hats may not be worn in the school building, and should be removed and stored in lockers all
day.
● Proper footwear should be worn at all times: 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 lockers once the first bell rings. Both carrying and 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.
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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 to 1 Student
Laptop Expectations and Loan Agreement. It is expected that students participating in 1 to 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).
Lockers
During the first week of school, students are assigned a locker for storage of school and personal
belongings. Items, such as pencils, may not be used to ‘peg’ lockers. Lockers should be kept neat
and orderly and must be locked at all times. All students must store backpacks in lockers during the
school day, unless allowed by school administration or staff. It is critical that students do not share
lockers or locker combinations with other students.
Reminder: Lockers belong to the school; therefore, school officials may search lockers when they
believe it is in the interest of the health and safety of the student body.
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 seriously all reports of misconduct by a student, school administrator or staff member
as well as threats to school safety. 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 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.
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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
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 on 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.
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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. 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 note
quote directly, cut and paste or summarize someone else’s work without attribution.
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Behavior Rubric
Code of Conduct and the 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 the 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 of
experience a verbal reprimand.
In more serious situations, the student may face withdrawal of the privilege to participate in
certain activities for a designated period of time, or possible suspension. When a student
faces suspension or possible expulsion hearing, the school follows state mandated
requirements for due process in accordance with Chapter 71 of the Massachusetts General
Laws.
The school reserves the right to discipline a student if an action at a non-school activity
causes a substantial disruption at school.
Behavior
1st consequence
2nd consequence
3rd consequence
4th consequence
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Cell phone
possession
(outside of
student locker
during school
hours without
teacher or
administrator
authorization)
verbal
reprimand/warni
ng
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
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
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
multiple office lunch
detentions, after school
detentions, and/or
suspension
parent conference
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Violation of
acceptable use
policy
Consequences may include any/multiple of the following as early as the first offense
depending on the nature of the violation: Verbal reprimand/warning; call/email to
student’s home; office detention(s); multiple before/after school detention(s); parent
conference; suspension; restriction or removal of technology privileges; and/or police
notification
Insubordination
; refusal to
follow
school/classroo
m 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
office
detention(s)
call/email to
student’s home
multiple office lunch
detentions, multiple
after school detentions,
and/or suspension
parent conference
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
office referral; in-
school suspension
parent conference
out of school
suspension(s)
parent conference
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
send to nurse and/or
made to change
multiple detentions
parent conference
possible loss of
school
privileges
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
multiple lunch
detentions, multiple
after school detentions,
and/or suspension
parent conference
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Statements,
gestures, actions of
disrespect
(includes:
swearing,
rumor
spreading, some
name-calling)
teacher
consequence
office referral
detention(s)
and/or possible
in-school
suspension or out
of school
suspension
teacher
consequence
office referral
detention(s) and/or
suspension(s)
teacher
consequence
office referral
suspension(s)
teacher consequence
office referral
suspension(s)
Threats/harassme
nt/ sexual
harassment/
bullying/ racial
slurs/hate
language
in-school
suspension
possible police
notification
suspension
police notified
suspension
police notified
suspension
police notified
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
suspension
parent conference
suspension(s)
parent conference
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
suspension
parent conference
suspension(s)
parent conference
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Skipping Class
office referral;
office detention
call/email to
student’s home
multiple office
detentions and/or
suspension
call/email to
student’s home
suspension(s)
parent conference
out-of -school
suspension(s)
parent conference
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
multiple after school
detentions
suspension
parent conference
Hands on others
(intentionally, and
without consent)
office detention
office call/notify
home
possible police
notification
office detentions
office call/notify
home
possible police
notification
parent conference
possible
suspension and/or
possible police
notification
parent conference
out-of -school
suspension(s), possible
expulsion hearing
and/or possible police
notification
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
parent conference
and/or suspension
parent conference
out-of-school
suspension(s)
possible police
notification
parent conference
out of school
suspension (s)
possible police
notification
Improper disposal
of chewing gum
verbal reprimand/
warning
teacher
consequence
call/notify home
office referral:
office detention
call/notify home
office referral:
multiple office
detentions
call/notify home
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Stealing/
Vandalism/Graffiti
/Other Property
Damage
item replaced or
damage
restitution made
office call/notify
home
office detention
or suspension
possible police
notification
out of school
suspension, parent
conference, and/or
possible police
notification
out-of-school
suspension(s)
item replaced or
damage restitution
made
police notification
out-of-school
suspension(s)
item replaced or
damage restitution
made
police notification
Reckless or unsafe
Behavior
(including
horseplay, play
fighting)
office referral
detention, in-
school
suspension, and or
office call/notify
home
office referral
detention, in-school
suspension/ out of
school suspension,
and or office
call/notify home
office referral
in-school
suspension, out of
school suspension,
and/or call/notify
home
office referral
suspension(s), parent
conference, out of
school suspension(s)
and/or parent
conference
Fighting
Minimum of 3
days out of
school
suspension
Possible police
notification
Minimum of 5
days out of school
suspension
Possible police
notification
Minimum of 10
days out of school
suspension or
possible expulsion
hearing
Possible police
notification
The
“encouraging” or
“active” bystander
in a fight
(including those
using personal
devices to capture
video or pictures)
Suspension out
of school
Minimum of 3
days out of school
suspension
Police may be
notified
Minimum of 5
days out of school
suspension
Police may be
notified
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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
Possession of
weapon or item
perceived as a
weapon/dangerous
or illegal devices
Item(s)
confiscated
suspension
possible
expulsion hearing
police
notification
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False accusations
or false reporting
Either/and/or:
suspension
police
notification
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 designated period of time, or possible suspension.
When a student faces suspension or 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 without office referral, appropriate classroom
correction, taking distracting objects away from student for the class period, [before or after-school detention or
community service] [discuss, was at end of Rubric]
Office Referral
Teacher refers student to office for discussion of and potential discipline for behavior.
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.
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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. 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.
Out-of-School Suspension or Expulsion
Suspension or expulsion from school results from significant infractions that impact the school community.
Due process is followed as described below.
PROCEDURES FOR SHORT-TERM SUSPENSION
(exclusion of a student from school premises and regular classroom activities for a specified period of not more than ten
school days.)
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The principal, or their designee, may suspend students on a short-term basis. Unless a student poses a danger to persons or
property, substantially and materially disrupts the order of school, possesses a firearm, controlled substance, or assaults
a school staff member, the student will receive the following prior to a short-term suspension:
1. Oral and written notice of the charges in English and the primary language of the home if other than English. This
notice shall include:
i. The disciplinary offense;
ii. The basis for the charge;
iii. The potential consequences, including the potential length of the suspension;
iv. The opportunity to have a hearing with the principal and the parent concerning the proposed suspension,
including the opportunity to dispute the charges and to present the student’s explanation of the alleged
incident;
v. The date, time, and location of the hearing;
vi. The right of the parent and student to interpreter services at the hearing; and
vii. If the student may be placed on a long-term suspension following the hearing with the principal:
1. The rights set forth under the “Procedures for Long-Term Suspension”; and
2. The right to appeal the principal’s decision to the superintendent.
2. At the hearing, if the student and/or parent elects to attend, the student shall have the opportunity to present his/her
version of the relevant facts and any mitigating circumstances. The principal shall make reasonable efforts to notify
the parent orally of the opportunity to attend the hearing. To conduct the hearing without the parent, the principal
must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the parent. The principal is presumed to have made
reasonable efforts if the principal sent written notice and has documented at least two (2) attempts to contact the
parent in the manner specified by the parent for emergency notification.
3. Based on the available information, the principal shall make a determination as to whether the student committed
the disciplinary offences and what remedy shall be imposed. The principal shall notify the student and parent in
writing of their decision, the reasons for it, and, if applicable, the type and duration of the suspension and the
opportunity to make up assignments and other academic work.
4. 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.
PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY REMOVAL
If the student’s continued presence 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 temporarily remove the student from the school. This temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) days
following the day of the emergency removal and the superintendent shall be immediately notified of the removal.
Additionally, the principal shall make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and student’s parent
of the emergency removal, the reason for the emergency removal, and the other information required in a short-term
suspension notification. The short-term suspension notice shall be provided in writing to the student and parent. The
opportunity for a hearing with the principal shall occur within two (2) school days, unless otherwise extended by the
school and parent. A decision regarding the student’s continued suspension or other removal shall be rendered the
same say as the hearing and written notice shall be provided the following school day. This written notice shall include
all the information required based on the type of discipline imposed (short-term suspension, in-school suspension, long-
term suspension, or expulsion).
The principal may also remove a student from privileges, such as extracurricular activities and attendance at school-sponsored
events, based on a student’s misconduct. This type of removal is not subject to the procedures for suspension and
expulsion outlined in this policy.
PROCEDURES FOR AN IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
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An in-school suspension may be used as an alternative to short-term suspension for disciplinary events. An in-school
suspension means the removal of a student from regular classroom activities, but not from the school premises, for no
more than ten (10) consecutive school days, or no more than ten (10) school days cumulatively for multiple infractions
in one school year.
If the principal choses this alternative, the principal shall inform the student of the disciplinary offense charged and the basis for
that charge and provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charge and explain the circumstances surrounding the
charge. If an in-school suspension is issued, the principal shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally of
the disciplinary offense, the reasons for concluding that the student committed the offense, and the length of the in-
school suspension.
The principal shall also invite the parent to a meeting to discuss the student’s academic performance and behavior, strategies
for student engagement, and possible responses to the behavior. This meeting shall be schedule on the day of the
suspension, if possible, or as soon as possible thereafter. The principal shall also send written notice to the student and
parent about the in-school suspension, including the reason and length of the in-school suspension, and inviting the
parent the above described meeting, if such meeting has not already occurred.
PROCEDURES FOR LONG-TERM SUSPENSION
(exclusion of a student from school premises and regular classroom activities for more than ten school days.)
The principal, or their designee, may issue long-term suspensions at the building level. The principal may also issue expulsions
for the offenses set forth in M.G.L. c. 71, §37H and §37H½. Expulsions for other offenses are handled by the School
Committee pursuant to M.G.L. c. 76, §16 and §17.
1. In the event of a long term suspension or expulsion, the student will be provided oral and written notice of the
charges in English and the primary language of the home if other than English. This notice shall include:
i. The disciplinary offense;
ii. The basis for the charge;
iii. The potential consequences, including the potential length of the suspension;
iv. The opportunity to have a hearing with the principal and the parent concerning the proposed suspension,
including the opportunity to dispute the charges and to present the student’s explanation of the alleged
incident;
v. The date, time, and location of the hearing; and
vi. The right of the parent and student to interpreter services at the hearing.
5. The principal shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally of the opportunity to attend the hearing. To
conduct the hearing without the parent, the principal must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the
parent. The principal is presumed to have made reasonable efforts if the principal sent written notice and has
documented at least two (2) attempts to contact the parent in the manner specified by the parent for emergency
notification.
2. In advance of the hearing, the student shall have the right to review the student’s record and the documents upon
which the principal may rely in making a determination to suspend the student.
3. The student shall also have the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person at the choice and expense of the
student/parent.
4. At the hearing, if the student and/or parent elects to attend, the student shall have the opportunity to present his/her
version of the relevant facts and any mitigating circumstances. The student shall also have the right to produce
witnesses and the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school. The student may request that the
hearing be audio recorded by the principal and may request a copy of the recording. All parties must be made
aware that the hearing is recorded in advance of the hearing.
5. The parent, if present, shall have the opportunity to discuss the student’s conduct and other information, including
mitigating circumstances, that the principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.
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6. The principal shall make a determination as to whether the student committed the disciplinary offences and what
consequences shall be imposed. The principal shall notice the student and parent in writing of their decision,
including the following information:
i. The disciplinary offence, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants in the hearing;
ii. The key facts and conclusions reached by the principal;
iii. The length and effective date of the suspension and the date of return to school;
iv. The notice the student’s opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the
suspension;
v. The student’s right to appeal the principal’s decision to the superintendent or their designee if a long-
term suspension has been imposed. This notice of appeal shall include the process for appealing the
decision, which requires the parent or student to file a written notice of appeal with the superintendent
within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension.
a. The superintendent shall hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student’s
request, unless an extension is mutually agreed to.
b. The superintendent shall make a good-faith effort to include the parent in the hearing.
c. The hearing shall be conducted to determine whether the student committed the
disciplinary offense and, if so, what the consequence shall be. The hearing shall be audio
recorded and a copy of the recording shall be provided to the student or parent upon
request.
d. All the same rights as are afforded in the above long-term suspension principal’s hearing
shall apply to the student in a superintendent’s hearing.
e. The superintendent shall issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the
hearing. If the superintendent determines that the student committed the disciplinary
offense, the superintendent may impose the same or lesser consequence than the principal.
f. The decision of the superintendent shall be the final decision of the school district.
vi. If the student is in grades K-3, the principal shall send a copy of the written determination to the
superintendent and explain the reasons for the suspension before the suspension takes effect.
EXPULSION
Expulsion is the removal of a student from the school premises, regular classroom activities, and school activities for
more than ninety (90) days, indefinitely, or permanently. Conduct that may lead to expulsion includes but is not
limited to possession of a dangerous weapon, assault on school personnel or upon other students, possession of a
controlled substance, and certain criminal convictions and charges. See also, the Policies and Laws Relating to Student
Conduct section of the handbook. Procedures associated with expulsion are set forth under the Procedures for
Expulsion section of the handbook.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURAL PROTECTIONS FOR
SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
In general, special education students may be excluded from their programs for up to ten school days per school year just as any
other student. However, when the district seeks to exclude a special education student from their program for more than
ten school days in the school year, the student’s special education Team must first determine whether the student’s
behavior was caused by, or was directly and substantially related to their disability or whether the conduct in question
was the direct result of the district’s failure to implement the student’s IEP (a “manifestation determination”). If the
Team determines that the behavior was a manifestation of his/her disability or was caused by a failure to implement the
IEP, it must conduct a functional behavioral assessment and develop a behavior plan (or review and modify an existing
plan, if necessary), and return the student to their current program, unless the student’s parents and the district agree to
a change in placement.
If the Team determines the behavior was not caused by, or directly and substantially related to the student’s disability
or failure to implement the IEP, the school may discipline the student according to the school’s code of student
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conduct, except that during the period of suspension or expulsion, the district must continue to provide the student with
a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and, if appropriate, conduct a functional behavior assessment and provide
intervention services and modifications to prevent the conduct from recurring. If the conduct involves weapons, drugs,
or serious bodily injury, a special education student may be removed to an interim alternative educational placement
for up to 45 school days regardless of the behavior’s relationship to his/her disability.
Additional information regarding the procedural protections for students with disabilities can be obtained from the
Director of Pupil Services at 978-567-6111.
POSSESSION OF WEAPONS OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
ASSAULT OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL
Massachusetts General Law Ch. 71, §37H authorizes the principal to expel students as follows:
1. 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 or a knife; or a controlled
substance as defined in Chapter Ninety-Four C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may
be subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
2. 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.
3. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (1) or (2) 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 said hearing before the principal.
After said hearing, a principal may, at his discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a student who has been
determined by the principal to have violated either paragraph (1) or (2).
4. Any student who has been expelled 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 his 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.
5. Any school district that suspends or expels a student under this section shall continue to provide educational
services to the student during the period of suspension or expulsion, under section 21 of chapter 76. 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, under
section 21 of chapter 76.
6. Districts shall report to the department of elementary and secondary education the specific reasons for all
suspensions and expulsions, regardless of duration or type, in a manner and form established by the commissioner.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall use its existing data collection tools to obtain this
information from districts and shall modify those tools, as necessary, to obtain the information. On an annual basis,
the department of elementary and secondary education shall make district level de-identified data and analysis,
including the total number of days each student is excluded during the school year, available to the public online in
a machine readable format. This report shall include district level data disaggregated by student status and
categories established by the commissioner.
7. Under the regulations promulgated by the department, for each school that suspends or expels a significant number
of students for more than 10 cumulative days in a school year, the commissioner shall investigate and, as
appropriate, shall recommend models that incorporate intermediary steps prior to the use of suspension or
expulsion. The results of the analysis shall be publicly reported at the school district level.
A copy of this law may be obtained in the main office.
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SUSPENSION/EXPULSION BASED UPON A FELONY CHARGE/CONVICTION M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H½
Upon 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 of a school may suspend a student for a period of time determined appropriate
by the principal if the principal 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.
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 present oral and
written testimony on their 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 suspension.
The principal may expel a student who has been convicted, adjudicated, or admitted guilt with respect to a felony or
felony delinquency, if the principal 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
reasons for such expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. The student shall also receive written notification of
their 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.
The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the superintendent. The student shall notify the
superintendent, in writing, of their 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
their 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.
A copy of this law may be obtained in the main office.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND ACADEMIC PROGRESS
DURING SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSION
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, test, papers, and other school work as needed
to make academic progress during the period of his or her removal from the classroom. The principal shall inform the
student and parent of such opportunity in writing when such suspension or expulsion is imposed.
Any student 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 a school-wide education service plan. This plan will be developed by the principal and
shall describe the services that the school district will make available to students who are expelled or suspended for ten
(10) or more consecutive days. The plan will include the process for notifying such students and their parents of the
services and arranging the services.
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Special Note on Dangerous Behaviors
In order to ensure safety, Concord Middle School has established a
protocol – through close consultation with experts in the field – to respond to a
student who exhibits dangerous behaviors. If a student threatens to self-injure, does
self-injure, or threatens the safety of someone else, the staff follows the Concord
Middle School Threat Protocol outlined in Appendix J. This protocol provides us
with a consistent and effective approach to coordinating our efforts with the work of
health professionals and parents The specific protocols are available in the main
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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. or fill out the attendance report online. Attendance is taken at the start of the day, and
reconciled during 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
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. must report to the main office to sign in and receive a pass in
order to proceed to class.
Absences or Tardiness should be reported by 8:30 a.m.
Absence lines: Peabody: 978.341.2490, x-5690 Sanborn:
978.341.2490, x-6690
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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
Students must have a pass issued by the main office to “switch” buses to ride to after school activities
such as visiting friends, taking music lessons, or attending non-school recreational events. In order to
receive a pass, written notes or emails from the
parent/guardian of both students affected must be given to the secretary upon the
student’s arrival to school or at lunch time. Bus change requests will not be accepted
following the student’s lunch period and phone calls home for this purpose will not
be allowed. If a note from both households is not received, a bus pass will not be issued.
Please note that some buses do not have room to carry additional students. Please check
with the Main Office for a list of the “No Bus Passes Allowed” bus numbers.
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.
Late Buses
Late buses are provided for students who take part in sports, after-school activities, extra help, and
detentions. Except Tuesdays, 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.
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●
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 so 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.
"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
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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 a 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!
● 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 e-mails 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
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Academic
- Back-to-School Night
- Interim Report
- Report Card
- Grades & Comments on Student Work
- Phone Calls from Teachers
- Emails from Teachers
- Websites
- Conference Day
- House Conferences
- All handbooks and Forms on
http://cms.concordps.org
- Student Portfolios
- Google Classrooms
- Google Calendars
- Classroom Teacher
- Guidance Secretary
- 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
- House Conferences
- Guidance Counselor
- House Leader
- Administrator
- Administrator
Logistical
- Principal’s Updates
- Daily PTG Bulletin
- Guidance Counselor
- House 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.
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
● Honors List: An average of all grades of a B- or above
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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:
Mary Jenkinson
Phone:
978.341.2490 x5158
FAX:
978.318.1372
Sanborn Nurse:
Kate Bell
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. Notification of physical exam and immunization requirements will be distributed to
parents of all 6
th
grade students.
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 sports season, a new physical form must be provided to the
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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 in manufacturer’s original container.
2. Prescription Medications – All medications must be delivered to Health Office in 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 (Benedryl) 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.
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.
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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
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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.
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.
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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 in each eighth grade house 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 in
each building who demonstrate a renaissance spirit illustrates 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 in each building, 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 a member of the eighth grade, voted by the faculty as having
made outstanding contributions in the areas of service, leadership, character and loyalty. One such award is
given in each of the two middle school buildings.
Amy Osgood Upstander Award
This award, established in 2012, is given to a student in each eighth grade house 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.
Rotary Awards
Awards are given in each subject area to a student in each house, at each building, at the end of the eighth grade
year recognizing outstanding scholarship.
Joseph D. Tolwinski Memorial Award
This award is an annual recognition to be given to a seventh grade CMS student in each building 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 in each building who, for reasons other than desire for popularity or self interest, best
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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
Honors' List.
Principal's List: An average of all grades of an A- or above
Honors List: An average of all grades of a B- or above
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 Peabody/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).
Please see the process for applying to private school on page 33 of this handbook if needed.
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Private School Application Process Guidelines
Please follow the steps below when applying to private schools. We require that you complete all private
school 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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Appendix
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 for Special Needs Students
Appendix N-1: Discipline Procedures for Students with Special Needs (Students with
IEPs and Students with Section 504 Accommodation Plans)
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 Agreement
Appendix T: CMS Handbook Parent-Student Signature Page
Appendix A: Equal Educational Opportunities File JB
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In recognition of the diversified characteristics and needs of our students and with 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, religion, national origin, sexual
orientation or physical and intellectual differences.
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 (known as Chapter 622 of the
Acts of 1971), which prohibits discrimination in public school admissions and programs. The law
reads as follows:
No child 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, religion, national origin or sexual
orientation.
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 Education in compliance with this law
will be followed.
Legal References:
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)
Board of Education Chapter 622 Regulations Pertaining to Access
to Equal Educational Opportunity, adopted 6/24/75,
amended
10/24/78
Board of Education, Chapter 766 Regulations 10/74 –
amended through 3/28/78
603 CMR 26:00
Cross Reference: AC, Nondiscrimination
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District: File – JB
Appendix B: Non-Discriminatory Policies-Title IX, Section 504
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Concord Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate
because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, homelessness, sexual orientation or age
in its employment policies or in the enrollment or participation of students in its educational and
school-sponsored programs and activities, all in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, Title IX of the education Amendments 1972 Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and G. L. Chapter
76, Section 5.
Discrimination
State and federal laws prohibit discrimination in education. Concord Public Schools does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, homelessness, or
sexual orientation with regard to admission, access to programs or activities or employment
opportunities. In the Concord Public Schools:
1. No student shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of or subjected to
discrimination in any academic, extracurricular, research, vocational or other school-sponsored
activity because of such student’s race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability,
homelessness, or sexual orientation.
2. No student shall be excluded from any school program or school-sponsored activity because
of pregnancy except where required by health considerations, or because of marital or
parental status, where the educational process would be disrupted.
Procedure for Filing Complaints Related to Discrimination
If a student feels he or she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,
national origin, disability, homelessness, or sexual orientation, they may complain to the principal of
their school or to the School Committee through the school Superintendent. It is the policy of the
Concord Public Schools to deal with discrimination complaints at the individual school level
whenever possible.
However, if a satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved, a student may file a written complaint with
the Superintendent of Schools or their designee. The Superintendent or their designee shall respond in
writing within 30 days. If the individual is not satisfied with the response, they may take the complaint
to Massachusetts Department of Education, Program Quality Assurance, 350 Main Street, Malden,
MA 02148- 5023 or other appropriate federal or state agency. The Section 504, Title VI and Title IX
Coordinator for Concord Public Schools is the Assistant Superintendent, Concord Public Schools, 120
Meriam Road, Concord, MA 01742, or 978-341-2490, x-8131.
Appendix C: Declaration of Compliance
All Concord Public School operations and procedures comply with applicable state and federal
legislation. 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
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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.
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Appendix D: Student Absences and Excuses File JH
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 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.
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 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.
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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
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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 File JI
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.
The rights and responsibilities of students, including standards of conduct, will be made
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available to students and their parents through handbooks distributed annually.
Legal References: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:82 through 71:86
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District: File – JI
Appendix G: Student Publications File JICE
Students will enjoy the constitutional rights of freedom of expression. They will have the right to
express their views in speech, writing, or through any other medium or form of expression within
limitations specifically designed for children and youth in a school setting.
The School Committee will 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.
All student publications will be expected 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.
The Superintendent will establish guidelines that are in keeping with the above and provide for the
review of the content of all student publications prior to their distribution.
Review of content prior to publication is not censorship but part of the educational process as this
concerns student publications. It can be pointed out to students, as it frequently is to journalists, that a
publisher (in this case, the school system) enjoys freedom to determine what it will and will not
publish.
Distribution of Literature
While the Principal will reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of distribution of literature,
students have a right to the distribution. The Principal may require that literature be distributed to
him/her in advance of distribution. The Principal may prohibit the distribution in school buildings if
the literature does not comply with rules for responsible journalism.
LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:82
School Committee File: JICE
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Appendix H: Student Allergy Policy File JLB
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 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.
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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
School Committee Policy: JLB
Appendix H-1: Student Allergy Procedures
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Background
Concord Public Schools is committed to fostering a sense of inclusiveness for all students. The
number of students with life-threatening allergies, especially food allergies, has increased
substantially in recent years. As with all students with special needs, it is important that students with
allergies be able to access all school activities. The following procedures were adapted from the
Massachusetts Department of Education publication, Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in
Schools (Fall 2002) to provide accommodations in the school environment to minimize the health risk
for students with life-threatening allergies. The implementation of these procedures requires a team
approach and cooperation among administrators, school nurses, teachers, and other staff members,
parents, and students.
Classroom Procedures (Grades 6 to 12)
1. At the start of the school year, the school nurse will provide all appropriate teachers and
staff information regarding their students with allergies, and the signs and symptoms of an
anaphylactic reaction. The allergy policy/procedures will be provided at this time.
2. A copy of the student’s IHCP and/or Emergency Health Care Plan will be given to the student’s
core subject teachers and appropriate staff. Copies of all IHCP’s or Emergency Health Care
Plans will be placed in the substitute folder by the teachers.
3. The nurse will specifically inform teachers concerning any accommodations provided in a student’s
IHCP or Emergency Health Care Plan.
4. The teachers, in collaboration with the school nurse, and with input from the parents of the
allergic student, will develop classroom-specific procedures regarding the management of
allergens in the classroom (ex: food, latex, animals). The same procedures will hold true for
grade or school-wide activities during school hours. After this consultation, the classroom may
be designated allergen-free. It is recommended that the use of food for celebrations and rewards
will be minimized and no unannounced foods be brought into the classroom.
5. An age-appropriate review of allergies will be conducted with students at the beginning of the
school year. This will be done by core teachers, in consultation with the school nurse. It will
include no sharing or trading of food or utensils.
6. All classroom teachers of a student with a life-threatening allergy will be provided a
means to communicate with the school nurse and the administration office in the event of
an emergency.
7. All classroom teachers will provide clear written instructions for any substitute teacher about
the classroom-specific allergy procedures. Should the substitute need clarification, he/she
will consult with the school nurse.
Field Trip Procedures
1. The school nurse must be notified of all field trips two weeks prior to the scheduled date.
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2. The student’s medication and/or Epi-pen and Emergency Health Care Plan will be sent on the
field trip. The school nurse will review the signs/symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and
administration of medication/Epi-pen prior to the trip. Planning for the trip will include
designation of persons carrying medication/Epi-pen.
3. The teacher will carry a cell phone or other means of communication, and will be instructed to
follow the Emergency Health Care Plan, and to call 911 in the event of a suspected allergic
reaction.
4. Plans for lunch and snack will be discussed prior to the field trip. If eating takes place outside of
school, the same precautions in place at school will be followed on the field trip. While eating
on the bus is not permitted, if lunch or snack must be held on the bus because of weather or
unforeseen conditions, the allergic student(s) will sit in an area designated to maintain necessary
safety and separation from any possible allergens. Lunches of students with food allergies
should be stored separately to minimize cross-contamination. Students and staff should use hand
washing or hand wipes after consuming food.
Cafeteria Procedures
1. All staff on lunch duty will be informed of students with food allergies and will be
trained in recognizing symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and emergency procedures.
2. For grades 6 – 12, an allergen-free table (or areas of tables) will be provided as needed and
will be clearly identified. These tables will be washed with separate cleaning supplies before
each lunch period.
3. All students will be discouraged from sharing or trading food or utensils in all cafeterias.
School Nurse Responsibility
1. Discuss the child’s allergy with the parent and develop an Individual Health Care Plan
(IHCP) at the start of the school year, or as needed when a student’s allergy is identified.
The plan will be reviewed annually.
2. Obtain authorization to communicate with the Health Care Provider of all students with
diagnosed life-threatening allergies at the start of the school year.
3. Consult with the classroom teachers to develop classroom–specific procedures to
accommodate students as needed.
4. Provide training to all staff members on the management of student allergies. The training
will address prevention efforts, information about common allergens, recognition of signs
of an allergic reaction including anaphylaxis, location of emergency epinephrine/Epi-pen
storage, and the emergency response plan. The training will be provided annually at the
start of the school year.
5. Provide training to appropriate staff members regarding the administration of emergency
epinephrine/Epi-pen, as outlined in the Department of Public Health regulations. This
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training will be reviewed periodically during the school year as needed, such as prior to a
field trip.
6. Maintain a list of all staff members trained in the use of emergency epinephrine/ Epi-pen.
7. Keep a record of all emergency epinephrine/Epi-pen, along with physician orders and
IHCP’s/Emergency Health Care Plans.
8. Meet with the building Food Service Director each year to provide information about
specific student allergies and associated safety needs.
9. Arrange for a trained professional to attend field trips with a student with a life-
threatening allergy in the event a parent cannot attend (K-5). Make sure emergency
communication is available.
10. Provide parent/guardian of students with life-threatening allergy a copy of “Parent
Responsibility” section of Student Allergy Policy on a yearly basis, and have Student
Allergy Policy and Procedure available.
Administration Responsibility
1. Follow the “911 Emergencies” plan as detailed in the yellow Emergency Response Plan.
Include delegation of emergency duties to appropriate staff members. Practice this plan
twice each school year.
2. Ensure that an IHCP/Emergency Health Plan for each student with a life-threatening
allergy is created and implemented through consultation with school nurse.
3. Establish cleaning procedures for classrooms, cafeteria, and other areas of the building.
This includes the cleaning of allergen-free tables in classrooms with separate cleaning
supplies, and in cafeteria, before each lunch period.
4. Emphasize the procedure of how and when to communicate with the main office and
school nurse in the event of an emergency. The plan should include all school staff;
coverage plans for the teacher and nurse, and specific equipment to facilitate
communication.
5. Adopt and maintain a “no sharing/no trading” food policy.
6. Provide opportunity for teachers to teach hand-washing techniques before and after eating.
7. Ensure that adequate supplies of soap in the classrooms and hand wipes in the
cafeteria are available in all schools.
8. Support the ideas of minimizing the use of food for classroom and school-wide
functions, celebrations and rewards, and that no unannounced foods be brought into
the classroom.
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9. Prohibit food on routine school bus routes except for specific students with medical
needs. (Food may be allowed on longer trips with appropriate supervision by school
personnel)
10. Maintain the school district policy of no bake sales during the school day. (K-8)
11. Provide guidelines for monitoring snack and lunch. In classes where students have a life-
threatening food allergy, the principal, with the school nurse may send a letter requesting
that certain foods not be brought into the classroom; and establish within
classroom/cafeteria, allergen-free eating areas.
12. Provide school nurse opportunity to provide training sessions of allergy awareness/
emergency epinephrine or Epi-pen training at the beginning of each school year.
Staff Responsibility
1. Implement IHCP/Emergency Health Plan as it pertains to the classroom and class activities.
2. Implement the Classroom Procedures as stated above.
3. Participate in meetings/trainings regarding the IHCP/Emergency Health Plan, prevention
measures, information about common allergens, recognition of signs of
allergic/anaphylactic reaction, emergency response plans, and administration of emergency
epinephrine or Epi-pen where appropriate.
Food Services Manager Responsibility
1. Receive and post a list of all students with food allergies, and consult with school
nurse and classroom teacher as needed.
2. Ensure that kitchen staff is informed of students with food allergies and trained in
recognizing symptoms of allergic reactions and emergency procedures.
3. Review the legal protections for a student with life threatening food allergies.
4. Make available to parents, copies of ingredient lists of all foods used in food production and service.
5. Read all food labels and recheck routinely for potential food allergens.
6. Review and assure that proper food handling practices are followed to avoid cross
contamination of potential food allergens. Assure that all products containing peanuts/nuts
be clearly marked and individually wrapped.
7. Ensure that non-latex gloves be used for all food preparation.
8. Ensure that strict cleaning and sanitation protocol is followed to avoid cross contamination.
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9. Set up policies for the cafeteria regarding food allergic students.
10. Create specific tables that will be allergen free, in consultation with school nurse, away
from food preparation and disposal.
11. Provide advance copies of the menu to parents/guardians and notification if menu is changed.
12. Have functioning intercom, walkie-talkie, or other communication device to support emergencies.
Parent/Guardian Responsibility
1. Notify the school nurse and principal of your child’s allergies.
2. Provide current medical documentation of allergy from health care provider to school nurse.
3. Provide school nurse with written authorization to communicate with child’s Health Care Provider
regarding life threatening allergy management.
4. Provide a list of foods and/or ingredients to the school nurse that would potentially
cause a life- threatening reaction.
5. Submit all required medical forms to school nurse prior to the start of school.
6. Deliver prescribed medications in original containers to school nurse on or before the
first day of school.
7. Meet with the school nurse to develop an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP), review
Emergency Care Plan, and meet with classroom teacher as needed.
8. Educate student in the self-management of their allergy age appropriately, including safe
and unsafe foods, strategies for avoiding the allergen, symptoms of an allergic reaction,
how and when to tell an adult a reaction is starting, how to read food labels, and avoidance
of sharing food.
9. Purchase a medical alert bracelet/necklace and encourage student to wear at all times.
10. Provide school with safe snacks to be used as stipulated in the IHCP.
11. Investigate field trip destinations for potential issues (exhibits, activities) that may pose a risk.
12. Go on field trips with student, if possible. (Preschool-5)
13. Inform the bus or van driver and any substitute driver if possible about student’s food allergy.
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14. Provide Student’s IHCP/Emergency Care Plan and emergency epinephrine/Epi-pen to
persons responsible for before/after school activities located at the school or sponsored
by the school.
15. Contact Food Service Manager with questions/concerns about cafeteria food/
ingredients as needed.
Student Responsibility
1. Take as much responsibility as possible for avoiding allergens.
2. Do not trade or share foods.
3. Wash hands before and after eating.
4. Learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction.
5. Promptly notify an adult as soon as accidental exposure occurs or symptoms appear.
6. Seek out adults if feeling unsafe or are being teased about allergy.
7. Take more responsibility for allergy management as age/maturity allows.
a) Wear a medic alert bracelet/necklace.
b) Share information about your allergy with your friends.
c) Tell the bus driver about your allergy.
d) When age appropriate, carry your Epi-pen with you. Keep it readily available at all times.
e) Talk to the cafeteria staff about your allergy and review ingredient labels
f) Read ingredient labels before eating any foods/drinking any liquids.
g) Notify after school activity advisors/coaches of your allergy and location of Epi-pen.
h) Provide Epi-pen to trained adults supervising after school activities/sports.
CPS/CCRSD: September 27, 2005
Appendix I: Student Discipline File: JIC
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.
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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.
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
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 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
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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 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.
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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.
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
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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 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
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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. Students will receive the process outlined in
Appendix M for these offenses.
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 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
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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
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.
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Appendix J: Concord Middle School Threat Protocol
Immediate Response
A. If a student or staff member identifies a threat of any kind, they reports 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 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 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 meeting to insure that the plan is working.
Appendix K: Explanations – Bullying, Harassment and Hazing
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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
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.
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- 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
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).
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Appendix K-1: Student-to-Student Harassment – JBA
Harassment of students by other students will not be tolerated in the District. This policy is in effect
while students are on school grounds, School District property or property within the jurisdiction of the
School District, school buses, or attending or engaging in school activities.
Harassment prohibited by the District includes, but is not limited to, harassment on the basis of race,
sex, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital status or disability. Students
whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to
and including suspension or expulsion.
Harassment means conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress,
agitate, disturb or trouble students when:
▪ Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a
student’s education or of a student’s participation in school programs or activities.
▪ Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions
affecting the student, or;
▪ Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s
performance or creating an intimidating or hostile learning environment.
Harassment as described above may include, but is not limited to:
▪ Verbal, physical or written harassment or abuse;
▪ Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
▪ Implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, or other school matter.
▪ Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student.
The District will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment. The Principal of each
building will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging harassment.
Retaliation against a student, because a student has filed a harassment complaint or assisted or
participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding, is prohibited. A student who is found to have
retaliated against another in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and
including suspension and expulsion.
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The Superintendent will develop administrative guidelines and procedures for the implementation
of this policy.
Legal References: M.G.L. 151B:3A
Title VII, Section 703, Civil Rights Act of 1964 as
amended Board of Education 603 CMR 26:00
Reference: “Words that Hurt,” American School Board Journal, September 1999
National education Policy Network, NSBA
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District: File –
JBA Approved September 27, 2005
Appendix K-2: Prohibition of Hazing File – JICFA
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.
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 obliged 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 that that of a
participant.
In all cases relating to hazing, students will receive procedural due process.
Legal Reference: M.G.L. 269:17, 18, 19
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District: File –
JICFA Approved September 27, 2005
Appendix K-3: Bullying Prevention and Intervention File: JICFB
The Concord Public Schools and the Concord-Carlisle Regional School District are committed
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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" means 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 communications, instant messages or facsimile communications.
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;
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● 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;
● 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 or their 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.
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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 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.
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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.
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
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING AND RESPONDING TO
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BULLYING AND RETALIATION
Reporting Incidents of Hurtful Behavior and Bullying or Retaliation
Hurtful Behavior – Any and all verbal, written, physical or electronic attempt to harm another
person or their property must be reported to the principal or their designee immediately. Reports
may be verbally or in writing. Electronic communication used to report an incident should not
include students’ full names.
Bullying or Retaliation. Reports of bullying or retaliation may be made by staff, students, parents
or guardians, or others, and may be oral or written. Oral reports made by or to a staff member shall
be recorded in writing. A school or district staff member is required to report immediately to the
principal or designee any instance of bullying or retaliation the staff member becomes aware of or
witnesses. Reports made by students, parents or guardians, or other individuals who are not school
or district staff members, may be made anonymously. The school or district will make a variety of
reporting resources available to the school community including, but not limited to, an Incident
Reporting Form, a voicemail box, a dedicated mailing address, and an email address.
Use of an Incident Reporting Form is not required as a condition of making a report; however, the
person receiving the report will be required to document the incident.
The school or district will: 1) include a copy of the Incident Reporting Form in the beginning of
the year packets for students and parents or guardians; 2) make it available in the school’s main
office, the counseling office, the school nurse's office, and other locations determined by the
principal or designee; and 3) post it on the school’s website. The Incident Reporting Form will be
made available in the most prevalent language(s) of origin of students and parents or guardians.
At the beginning of each school year, the school or district will provide the school community,
including administrators, staff, students, and parents or guardians, with written notice of its policy
for reporting acts of bullying and retaliation. A description of the reporting procedures and
resources, including the name and contact information of the principal or designee, will be
incorporated in student and staff handbooks, on the school or district website, and in information
about the Plan that is made available to parents or guardians.
Faculty, staff, parents and students will be required to sign a statement indicating that they have received
and read the districts’ policy and procedures. The districts will keep a record of these signed statements.
Reporting by Staff
A staff member will report immediately to the principal or designee when he/she witnesses or
becomes aware of conduct that may be hurtful, bullying or retaliation. It is the responsibility of the
staff member to intervene to the behavioral incidents consistent with districts’ policy and
procedures for behavior management and discipline first and then report it to the principal or
designee as previously indicated.
Our districts regard faculty and staff’s obligation to report as analogous to the mandate to
report child abuse or neglect (51A).
Reporting by Students
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Students, who believe themselves to be a target of bullying, who observe an act of bullying, or who
have reasonable grounds to believe that these behaviors are taking place, are encouraged to report
incidents to a member of the school staff. The target or witness shall not, however, be subject to
discipline for failing to report bullying.
Students may request assistance from a staff member to complete a written report. Students will be
provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and discuss an incident of
bullying with a staff member, or with the principal or designee.
Reporting by Parents or Guardians, and Others
The district expects parents or guardians, and others who witness or become aware of an instance of
bullying or retaliation involving a student to report it to the principal or designee. Reports may be
made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on
the basis of an anonymous report. Students, parents or guardians, and others may request assistance
from a staff member to complete a written report.
Reporters need to understand that any report of bullying and retaliation requires the school to
conduct an initial investigation. If you call to make a report, it will be documented and
investigated if appropriate.
Because of the schools’ responsibility to prevent bullying and intervene when incidents of hurtful
behavior, bullying or retaliation occur, it is advisable to file a report even if it isn’t a complaint.
Students, parents or guardians, and others who want to report an instance of bullying or retaliation
involving a student will be able to access a PDF version of our Reporting Form on our website. A
hard copy of our Reporting From will be included in our back to school packets and will be
available in school and district offices. The districts will consider establishing a telephone “tip
line.”
Responding to a report of bullying or retaliation.
Safety
Before fully investigating the allegations of bullying or retaliation, the principal or designee will
take steps to assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged target and/or to protect the
alleged target from possible further incidents. Responses to promote safety will include, but not be
limited to, creating a personal safety plan; pre-determining seating arrangements for the target
and/or the aggressor in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus; identifying a staff member who will
act as a “safe person” for the target; and altering the aggressor’s schedule and access to the target.
The principal or designee will take additional steps to promote safety during the course of and after
the investigation, as necessary.
The principal or designee will implement appropriate strategies for protecting from bullying or
retaliation a student who has reported bullying or retaliation, a student who has witnessed bullying
or retaliation, a student who provides information during an investigation, or a student who has
reliable information about a reported act of bullying or retaliation.
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Obligations to Notify Others
a. Notice to parents or guardians. Upon determining that bullying or retaliation has occurred,
the principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the
aggressor of this, and of the procedures for responding to it. There may be circumstances in
which the principal or designee contacts parents or guardians prior to any investigation.
Notice will be consistent with state regulations at 603 CMR 49.00.
The principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the
aggressor about the results of the investigation and, if bullying or retaliation is found, what
action is being taken to prevent further acts of bullying or retaliation. All notice to parents will
comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations. Because of the legal
requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the principal or designee cannot
report specific information to the target’s parent or guardian about the disciplinary action taken
unless it involves a “stay away” order or other directive that the target must be aware of in
order to report violations.
b. Notice to Another School or District. If the reported incident involves students from more
than one school district, charter school, non-public school, approved private special education
day or residential school, or collaborative school, the principal or designee first informed of
the incident will promptly notify by telephone the principal or designee of the other school(s)
of the incident so that each school may take appropriate action. All communications will be in
accordance with state and federal privacy laws and regulations, and 603 CMR 49.00.
c. Notice to Law Enforcement. At any point after receiving a report of bullying or retaliation,
including after an investigation, if the principal or designee has a reasonable basis to believe
that criminal charges may be pursued against the aggressor, the principal will notify the local
law enforcement agency. Notice will be consistent with the requirements of 603 CMR 49.00
and locally established agreements with the local law enforcement agency. Also, if an
incident occurs on school grounds and involves a former student under the age of 21 who is
no longer enrolled in school, the principal or designee shall contact the local law enforcement
agency if he or she has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued
against the aggressor.
In making this determination, the principal will, consistent with the Plan and with applicable
school or district policies and procedures, consult with the school resource officer, if any, and
other individuals the principal or designee deems appropriate.
Investigation
The Principal or designee, upon receipt of a viable report, will 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 will be discussed.
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The school principal or a designee will promptly investigate the report of bullying, using the
Incident Investigation Form designed to document either hurtful behavior, bullying or retaliation.
The investigation may include interviewing the alleged target, alleged perpetrator, staff members,
students and/or witnesses.
The Principal or designee will 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 will be used to protect a person who reports bullying, provides information during an
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 will take
appropriate disciplinary action and if it is believed that criminal charges may be pursued against
the perpetrator, the principal will 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 Principal or designee will contact the parents or guardians as to the status of the
investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the parents or guardians will be contacted
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.
Disciplinary actions for students who have committed an act of bullying or retaliation
will be in accordance with district disciplinary policy.
Each school will document any incident of bullying that is reported per this plan and a file
will be maintained by the Principal or designee.
Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent consistent with the school's obligations under law.
The principal or designee will investigate promptly all reports of bullying or retaliation and, in doing
so, will consider all available information known, including the nature of the allegation(s) and the
ages of the students involved.
During the investigation the principal or designee will, among other things, interview students,
staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary. The principal or designee (or
whoever is conducting the investigation) will remind the alleged aggressor, target, and
witnesses that retaliation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
Interviews may be conducted by the principal or designee, other staff members as determined by the
principal or designee, and in consultation with the school counselor, as appropriate. To the extent
practicable, and given their obligation to investigate and address the matter, the principal or
designee will maintain confidentiality during the investigative process. The principal or designee
will maintain a written record of the investigation.
Procedures for investigating reports of bullying and retaliation will be consistent with school or
district policies and procedures for investigations. If necessary, the principal or designee will
consult with legal counsel about the investigation.
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Determinations
The principal or designee will make a determination based upon all of the facts and circumstances.
If, after investigation, bullying or retaliation is substantiated, the principal or designee will take steps
reasonably calculated to prevent recurrence and to ensure that the target is not restricted in
participating in school or in benefiting from school activities. The principal or designee will: 1)
determine what remedial action is required, if any, and 2) determine what responsive actions and/or
disciplinary action is necessary.
Depending upon the circumstances, the principal or designee may choose to consult with the
students’ teacher(s) and/or school counselor, and the target’s or aggressor’s parents or guardians, to
identify any underlying social or emotional issue(s) that may have contributed to the bullying
behavior and to assess the level of need for additional social skills development.
The principal or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the
aggressor about the results of the investigation. If bullying or retaliation is found, the action being
taken to prevent further acts of bullying or retaliation will be communicated to the parents of the
aggressor. All notice to parents must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws and
regulations. Because of the legal requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the
principal or designee cannot report specific information to the target’s parent or guardian about the
disciplinary action taken unless it involves a “stay away” order or other directive that the target must
be aware of in order to report violations. If bullying or retaliation is found, the parents of the target
will be informed of the school’s plan to monitor the situation and to help ensure the safety of their
child.
Responses to Bullying
Teaching Appropriate Behavior Through Skills-building
Upon the principal or designee determining that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the law
requires that the school use a range of responses that balance the need for accountability with the
need to teach appropriate behavior to the aggressor. M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(d)(v). Skill-building
approaches that the principal or designee may consider include:
▪ offering individualized skill-building sessions based on the school’s/district’s anti-bullying curricula;
▪ providing relevant educational activities for individual students or groups of
students, in consultation with guidance counselors and other appropriate school
personnel;
▪ implementing a range of academic and nonacademic positive behavioral supports to help
students understand pro-social ways to achieve their goals;
▪ meeting with parents and guardians to engage parental support and to reinforce the anti-
bullying curricula and social skills building activities at home;
▪ adopting behavioral plans to include a focus on developing specific social skills; and
▪ making a referral for evaluation.
Taking Disciplinary Action
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If the principal or designee decides that disciplinary action is appropriate, the disciplinary action
will be determined on the basis of facts found by the principal or designee, including the nature of
the conduct, the age of the student(s) involved, and the need to balance accountability with the
teaching of appropriate behavior. Discipline will be consistent with this Plan and with the schools’
or districts’ code of conduct.
Discipline procedures for students with disabilities are governed by the federal Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which should be read in cooperation with state
laws regarding student discipline.
If the principal or designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of
bullying or retaliation, that student may be subject to disciplinary action.
Promoting Safety for the Target and Others
The principal or designee will consider what adjustments, if any, are needed in the school
environment to enhance the target's sense of safety and that of others as well. Possible strategies
may include but are not limited to
● Increasing adult supervision at transition times and in locations where bullying is
known to have occurred or is likely to occur,
● Adjust transportation arrangements
● Change schedule
● Teaching skills that will increase the child’s resiliency
● Notify relevant faculty and staff to alert them to the need for increased vigilance
Follow-up
Within a reasonable period of time following the determination and the ordering of remedial and/or
disciplinary action, the principal or designee will contact the target to determine whether there has been a
recurrence of the prohibited conduct and whether additional supportive measures are needed. If so, the
principal or designee will work with appropriate school staff to implement them immediately.
COLLABORATION WITH FAMILIES
Parent education and resources.
The district offers education programs for parents and guardians that are focused on the
parental components of the anti-bullying curricula and any social competency curricula used
by the district or school. The programs are offered through our
● Center for Teachers and Parents
● Open Circle Program
● Concord-Carlisle Parent Initiative Organization
● Parent Teacher Groups
● Special Education Parent Advisory
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We also benefit from partnerships with community organization
such as The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
● The Elliot Center
● The Concord Clergy Laity Group
● Project Interface
● The Concord-Carlisle Community Chest
● The Concord Youth Services Coordinator
● Social Worker for the Town of Concord
● Concord Police Department – School Resource
Officer Notification requirements
Each year the school or district will inform parents or guardians of enrolled students about the anti-
bullying curricula that are being used. This notice will include information about the dynamics of
bullying, including cyberbullying and online safety. The school or district will send parents written
notice each year about the student-related sections of the Plan and the school's or district's Internet
safety policy. All notices and information made available to parents or guardians will be in hard
copy and electronic formats, and will be available in the language(s) most prevalent among parents
or guardians. The school or district will post this Plan and related information on its website.
PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION
The law requires each Plan to include a statement prohibiting bullying, cyberbullying, and
retaliation. The statement must be included in the Plan and included in the student code of
conduct, the student handbook, and the staff handbook. The following statement is incorporated
directly from M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O(b), and describes the law’s requirements for the prohibition of
bullying. It may be tailored to meet the specific priorities of the school or district. Alternative
language is included in the draft priority statements in Part I.D above.
Acts of bullying, which include cyberbullying, are prohibited:
(i) on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school-
sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds,
at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school
district or school; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or
used by a school district or
school, and
(ii) at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related through the use of
technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district or
school, if
the acts create a hostile environment at school for the target or witnesses, infringe on their
rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly
operation of
a school.
Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of
bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is also prohibited.
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As stated in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, nothing in this Plan requires the district or school to staff
any non- school related activities, functions, or programs.
DEFINITIONS
Several of the following definitions are copied directly from M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, as noted below.
Schools or districts may add specific language to these definitions to clarify them, but may not
alter their meaning or scope. Plans may also include additional definitions that are aligned with
local policies and procedures.
Aggressor is a student or adult who engages in bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation.
Bullying, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by 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 of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any
combination thereof, directed at a target that:
i. causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property;
ii. places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or her property;
iii. creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
iv. infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
v. materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Cyberbullying, is bullying through the use of technology or electronic devices such as
telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email,
instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings. See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O for the legal
definition of cyberbullying.
Hostile environment, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is a situation in which bullying causes the
school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule, or insult that is sufficiently severe
or pervasive to alter the conditions of a student’s education.
Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who
reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has
reliable information about bullying.
Staff includes, but is not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria
workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support
staff, or paraprofessionals.
Target is a student against whom bullying, cyberbullying, or retaliation has been perpetrated.
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Appendix L: Searches and Interrogations File – JIH
School administrators have the responsibility for maintaining a safe school environment so that
students and staff may focus on learning.
School administrators have the authority to follow procedures and guidelines when it is determined
that a threat to the safe school environment exists.
School administrators, upon becoming aware of a compromise to safety, will conduct searches of
students, student belongings, student lockers and student automobiles, if parked on campus, in
accordance with the parameters established by law.
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 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
system 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.
Concord Public Schools and Concord-Carlisle Regional School District: File
– JIH Approved September 27, 2005
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Appendix M: Offenses That May Result in Expulsion and Procedures for
Expulsion
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71, Section 37H
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 or knife; or a controlled substance as defined in chapter ninety-four C, including, but
not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or the
school district by the principal.”
b) “Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s aid 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 said 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 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 their 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) “When a student is expelled under the provisions of this section, no school or school district
within the Commonwealth shall be required to admit such student or to provide educational
services to said student. If the student does apply for admission to another school or school district,
the superintendent of school district to which the application is made may request and shall receive
from the superintendent of the school expelling said student a written statement of the reasons for
said expulsion.”
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71, Section 37H1/2
Upon 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 of a school may suspend a student for a period of time
determined appropriate by the principal if the principal 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
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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.
The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the superintendent. The student shall notify the
superintendent in writing of their 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 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 suspension.
The principal may expel a student who has been convicted, adjudicated, or admitted guilt with respect to a
felony or felony delinquency, if the principal 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 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.
The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the superintendent. The student shall notify the
superintendent, in writing, of their 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.
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Appendix N: Discipline of Special Needs Students
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related regulations provide
eligible CPS students with certain procedural rights and protections in the context of student
discipline. A brief overview of these rights is provided below.
In general, CPS special education students may be excluded from their programs, just as any other
student can be, for up to ten school days per year. However, when a special education student is
excluded from their program for more than ten school days in the school year, school staff may be
required to provide alternative educational services for the student. In addition, in many instances,
the student’s special education Team must convene to determine whether the student’s behavior
was a direct result of their disability or the failure of CPS to implement the IEP (a “manifestation
determination”).
If the Team determines the behavior was not a direct result of the student’s disability or failure to
implement the IEP, the school may discipline the student according to the school’s code of student
conduct, except that the district must continue to provide the student with a free and appropriate
public education during the period of suspension or expulsion. However, if the Team determines
that the behavior was a direct result of the disability or the failure to implement the IEP, the
student may not be excluded from the current educational placement (except in the case of
weapons, drugs, or serious bodily injury) until the Team develops and the parent(s)/guardian(s)
consent(s) to a new Individualized Educational Program. The Team also must conduct a functional
behavioral assessment and develop or revise a behavioral plan for the student.
In the event a student possesses uses, sells or solicits a controlled substance or possesses a weapon,
or seriously injures an individual at school or a school function, a school may place a student in an
interim alternative education setting for up to 45 days. Hearing officers may also order the setting
for up to 45 days upon determination that the current placement is substantially likely to result in
injury to the student or others.
When a parent(s)/guardian(s) disagrees with the Team’s decision on the “manifestation
determination” or with a decision regarding placement, the parent(s)/guardian(s) has a right to
request an expedited due process hearing from Bureau of Special Education Appeals.
Additional information regarding the procedural protections for special education students can be
obtained from the Director of Special Education who can be reached at 978-341-2490, ext. 8142.
Discipline of Students Subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides eligible students some of the same procedural
rights and protections as does IDEA. Additional information regarding the procedural
protections for students eligible for services under laws providing for services for students with
disabilities can be obtained from the Director of Teaching and Learning who can be reached at
978-341-2490, ext. 8131.
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Discipline of Students Not Yet Determined Eligible for Special Education
The IDEA protections summarized under the Discipline of Special Needs Students also apply to
students who have not yet been found eligible for IEPs if the school district is deemed to have
knowledge that the students were eligible for IEPs before the conduct that precipitated the
disciplinary action occurred.
The IDEA provides that a school district is “deemed to have knowledge” if:
(1) The child’s parent/guardian had expressed concern in writing to district supervisory or
administrative personnel or the child’s teacher that the child needs special education
and related services;
(2) The child’s parent/guardian had requested an evaluation of the child to determine
eligibility for special education services; or
(3) The teacher of the child or other school district personnel had expressed specific
concerns about a pattern of behavior by the child directly to the district’s director of
special education or to other supervisory personnel.
However, a school district is not “deemed to have knowledge” if the district evaluated the
student and determined that the child was not eligible for special education services or the
child’s parent refused an evaluation of the child or IDEA services.
If the school district has no knowledge that a student is an eligible student under the IDEA
before taking disciplinary measures against the student, the student may be disciplined just as any
other student may be. If, however, a request is made for an evaluation to determine eligibility
while the student is subject to disciplinary measures, the district must conduct the evaluation in an
expedited manner. Pending the results of the evaluation, the student must
remain in the educational placement determined by the school authorities, which may include
suspension or expulsion with services consistent with state law. If the student is determined
eligible for an IEP as a result of the evaluation, the school district must provide the student with
special education and related services in accordance with the IDEA.
Additional information regarding the procedural protections for special education students can be
obtained from the Director of Special Education who can be reached at 978-318-8142.
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Physical Restraint Policy and Procedure
Definitions:
▪ Physical restraint is the use of bodily force to limit a student’s freedom of movement.
▪ A physical escort is touching or holding a student without the use of force for the purpose of
directing the student.
▪ An extended restraint is a physical restraint the duration of which is more than twenty minutes.
Purpose:
The purpose of the physical restraint policy is to ensure that every student is free from the use of
unreasonable physical restraint. Physical restraint shall be used with extreme caution and only in
emergency situations, after other less intrusive alternatives have failed or been deemed
inappropriate. The two goals are:
1. To administer physical restraint only when needed to protect a student and/or member
of the school community from imminent, serious, physical harm; and
2. To prevent or minimize any harm to the student as a result of the use of physical restraint.
Nothing in 603 CMR 46.00 precludes any teacher or employee from using reasonable force to
protect students, other persons, or themselves from assault or imminent, serious, physical
harm. In addition, nothing in these regulations should interfere with or prohibit law
enforcement, judicial authorities or mandated reporter responsibilities.
Program:
The physical restraint program may only be used when:
▪ Non-physical interventions would not be effective
▪ The student’s behavior poses a threat of imminent, serious, physical harm to self and/or others.
Physical restraint shall not be used as a means of punishment or as a response to property
destruction, disruption of school order, refusal to comply, or verbal threats. A person administering
physical restraint shall use the safest method available and shall discontinue the restraint as soon as
possible. The student’s physical status shall be monitored continuously and the restraint will be
terminated immediately if the student demonstrates physical distress. Persons who administer
physical restraint shall review and consider any known medical or psychological limitations or
behavior intervention plans for individual students. Following the release of a student from a
physical restraint, the staff shall implement follow-up procedures, including notification to
parents/guardians and completion of the Physical Restraint Reporting form (copy attached). In
addition, this shall include reviewing the incident with the student and with the staff who
administered the restraint, and may include follow-up with students who witnessed the incident.
Training Requirements:
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Within the first month of each school year, the executive director or his designee will provide all
staff with policy and procedural information regarding physical restraint. Employees hired after the
start of the school year will receive this information within a month of their employment. This
presentation will address:
▪ The School District’s physical restraint policy.
▪ Interventions that may preclude the need for physical restraint, including de-escalation strategies.
▪ Types of restraints and related safety considerations.
▪ Administering physical restraint in accordance with known medical or psychological
limitations or behavior plans of individual students.
▪ Identification of staff who have received in-depth training in the use of physical restraint.
The executive director shall identify program staff who are authorized to assist in ensuring proper
physical restraint. Initially, these staff members will participate in in-depth physical restraint
training. They will then have review sessions to reinforce practices and procedures annually.
Whenever possible, these trained staff members will be called upon to administer necessary
physical restraint.
Reporting and follow-up Procedures:
All instances of physical restraint will be reported. The staff member who administered the physical
restraint shall verbally inform the program administrator as soon as possible, and shall submit a
written report no later than the next school working day. (A copy of the written report form is
attached to this policy.) The program administrator shall inform the executive director within
twenty-four hours of the restraint. The program administrator shall inform the student’s liaison
within twenty-four hours of the restraint. The executive director or his designee shall maintain an
ongoing record of all reported instances of physical restraint, which shall be made available for
review by the Department of Education, upon request.
The program administrator shall verbally inform the student’s parents or guardians of the restraint
as soon as possible. A written report, in the native language of the parents or guardians shall be
mailed to them, postmarked no later than three school working days following the incident.
When a physical restraint has resulted in a serious injury to a student or staff member, or when an
extended restraint (more than 20 minutes) has been administered, the school district shall provide
a copy of the written report to the Department of Education within five days of the incident. A
copy of the record of physical restraints maintained by the executive director or his designee for
the thirty day period prior to the reported restraint shall also be submitted.
Complaint Procedures:
Students, parents or guardians who have a complaint regarding physical restraint procedures may
request a meeting with the executive director to discuss their concerns. If the parents’/guardians’
issues are not resolved at this level, they may appeal to the School Committee
Methods for Preventing Student Violence and the De-Escalation of Potentially Dangerous Behavior:
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The School Districts’ emphasis is on de-escalation, which reduces the risk of injury to both students and
program staff. Staffs focus is on what the student is actually saying or doing, rather than their becoming
fearful or distraught. Staffs verbal and non-verbal behaviors work to facilitate de-escalation of the
situation instead of inadvertently making it worse. The emphasis is always on the care, safety, and
welfare of our students and the primary technique used is verbal de-escalation.
As taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Brookfield, Wisconsin, the following tips for crisis
prevention are used by staff:
1. Be empathic: Staff try not to be judgmental of the student’s feelings. Those feelings are real and
are attended to.
2. Clarify messages: Staff listen to what is really being said and ask reflective questions.
3. Respect personal space: Staff recognize that encroaching on personal space tends to arouse, and
escalate a student’s behaviors.
4. Be aware of body position: Staff position their body in such a way (one leg length away
and at an angle off to the side so they do not send a challenging message to the student.
5. Permit verbal venting when possible: Staff allow the students to release as much energy as
possible by verbal venting.
6. Set and enforce reasonable limits: Staff state limits and directives clearly and concisely.
7. Avoid overreacting: Staff will remain calm, rational, and act in a professional manner at all times.
8. Ignore challenging questions: When the student challenges the staffs position, training, policies,
etc., staff will redirect the student’s attention to the issue(s) at hand.
9. Keep nonverbal cues non-threatening: Staff will remain aware of their body language,
movement, and tone of their voice.
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 receive 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
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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
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
Appendix Q: Public Records Law
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(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
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.
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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.
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.
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● 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.
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.
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● 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.
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
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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:
8 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.
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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
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:
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● 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.
I agree to adhere to all of the above terms as described.
Parent Name (Please Print): ____________________________ Date: __________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________
I agree to adhere to all of the above terms as described.
Student Name (Please Print): ____________________________ Date: __________________
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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.
● 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.
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● 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.
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.
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● 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
Parent Signature Date
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Appendix T: CMS Handbook Parent-Student Signature Page
2017-2018 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 of Parent(s) Signature of Parent(s)
