Hyannis
West is committed to shared decision making by members of the
school community. The decision making body of our school is the
School Council. The team is comprised of staff, parents, a community
member, and the principal. The group meets every month to formulate
plans to meet the needs of our students. All meetings are open
to the public. A public comment period is offered at each council
meeting.
ATTENDANCE
ELIGIBILITY
Any
child living in the Hyannis West attendance area is eligible
to attend Hyannis West. Proof of residency is required at the
time of enrollment. Attendance area information can be obtained
by calling the office.
Hyannis
West Elementary School is in session from 9:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.
Buses
arrive between 8:35 and 8:45 a.m. Children are admitted to the
building at 8:35 a.m. School grounds are not supervised before
or after school.
AFTER
SCHOOL CHILD CARE
Hyannis
West offers an after school child care program to students in
grs 1-4 and afternoon kindergarten students. Program hours are
3:30 - 5:30 p.m. with a cost of $35 per week. Before school
care is also available starting at 7:00 a.m. with a cost of
$25. Program information may be obtained by calling the office.
AFTER
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Hyannis
West offers an after school activities program for students
in grades 1-4 at various times throughout the school year. The
program is staffed by parent and community volunteers and is
organized by our Volunteer Coordinator. Program registration
information is sent home with students prior to each session.
PARENT-TEACHER
ORGANIZATION
The
Hyannis West PTO is an active and supportive group for parents.
The purpose of the committee is to provide for home-school communications
and to provide support for school programs. All parents are
encouraged to become active members of the organization. Information
is available from our parent volunteer coordinator at 790-9843.
Parent
Teacher conferences are formally scheduled for November and March.
However, conferences may be held at any time during the school
year. Conferences may be arranged by contacting your child's teacher
or through the office.
Parent
Teacher conferences are encouraged. Don't let questions or concerns
go unanswered - take advantage of our flexible conference scheduling.
FOOD
SERVICE
Breakfast
is offered daily from 8:35 to 8:55 a.m. Students are provided with
milk, choice of several cereals and a juice. The lunch program offers
a choice of hot lunch or soup and sandwich. Milk may also be purchased
separately. Menus are sent home monthly.
If
it becomes necessary for your child to receive any prescribed medication
or over-the-counter medicine, a written physician's approval, as
well as parental permission is required.
DISMISSAL
DURING SCHOOL HOURS
All
school hour dismissals must be coordinated with the office. A note
from home to your child's teacher is the best method for this.
NO
child will be dismissed to anyone other than their parent or legal
guardian unless approved in writing in advance by the parent or
guardian.
OUTDOOR
RECESS
Recess
is held outdoors twice per day. It is very important that children
are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions of the day.
We
firmly believe that parental involvement in a child's education
is a key to learning.
Involvement
by parents may vary from volunteering on a regular basis to participation
in school functions. We hope that you will be active in your child's
learning endeavors.
In
order to provide you with current and ongoing information, the following
communication activities have been developed:
Parents
Night - An evening in the school year that is dedicated to providing
parents with an opportunity to meet their child's teacher and to
learn about the course of study for the year. Newsletter
- A biweekly newsletter sent home giving general information on
school activities and events. Biweekly
Classroom Study Outlines - Teachers send home biweekly outlines
of classroom learning. These outlines will either preview the upcoming
weeks or review the weeks just completed. Monthly
Parent-Teacher Organization Newsletter - An informative newsletter
concerning PTO activities.
Interpreter
services are available to assist those with hearing impairments
for all parent activities. Requests for services should be given
to our Guidance Counselor.
We
have a number of support services available to our students.
Examples are Speech Therapy, Resource Room, and Counseling.
PROGRESS
REPORTS
Student
progress reports are issued four times per year - November,
January, April, and June.
SPECIAL
SUBJECTS
Students
in grades 1-4 receive specialized instruction in Art, Health, Music,
Physical Education, Library/Technology, and Spanish. Art, Music,
Physical Education, and Library/Technology classes are held once
per week with each being forty-five minutes in length. Health and
Spanish are also held once a week for half a year.
Parents
are invited to observe classes in progress. Every Wednesday has
been established as visitation day.
If
you wish to observe a class, simply contact your child's teacher
for an appropriate time. A limit of two parents at any one time
has been established to minimize disruptions to the learning process.
NO
SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Cancellation
of school takes place only during extraordinary circumstances, such
as extreme weather. When travel conditions appear to be such as
to place the children's safety in jeopardy, the no-school signals
will be broadcast. Radio stations WOCB (124 AM or 95 FM), WCOD (106.1
FM), WKPE (104.7 AM/FM) WPXC (103 FM), and WQRC (99.9 FM) will give
the announcements at 6:30 a.m. However, in the event the schools
are not closed, the final decision concerning school attendance
must rest with each parent based on local safety factors and the
physical condition of the child.
On
rare occasions, school will close at midday due to weather conditions.
Parents need to inform their children of where they are to go in
the event of an early closing.
DELAYED
OPENING
A
delayed opening of two hours may occur due to inclement weather.
The same procedure of notification as listed under school closing
will be followed. There will be no morning kindergarten on these
days. Dismissal will be at the regular time.
It
is very important, for emergency and administrative reasons,
that every child maintain an up-to-date address and telephone
record at the school office. Notify the school immediately if
you have a change of address or telephone number during the
school year.
CLASSROOM
ASSIGNMENTS
Individual
student classroom assignments are determined by the Principal. Class
groupings are in a heterogeneous manner.
Parental
requests for assignment will be taken into consideration.
Requests
must be submitted in writing by May 1.
HOMEWORK
POLICY
The
Barnstable
Public Schools policy for homework requires assignments that
relate directly to classwork and extend students' learning beyond
the classroom. The Barnstable Schools have established the following
time allotments for homework.
Grades
1 - 2 - two to three mandatory assignments a week, each
lasting approximately 15 minutes. Grade 3 - two to three mandatory assignments a
week, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Grade 4 - two to four mandatory assignments a week,
each lasting approximately 45 minutes.
STUDENT
ATTENDANCE
In
order to improve student attendance, we are taking several steps.
First, we are going to recognize students for good attendance in
several ways throughout the year, such as with monthly perfect attendance
certificates. Secondly, we will be working with families to help
resolve any problems that are impacting their child's attendance,
and lastly, we will utilize the legal system as a last resort to
ensure a student’s attendance. The law is very clear in stating
that a parent/guardian is held legally responsible if a child has
seven unexcused absences in a six month period.
Under the
policies of the Barnstable Public Schools, absences are excused
for the following reasons:
Illness
Bereavement or serious illness in family
Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child
Observance of major religious holidays
Parents/guardians
must provide, in writing, the reason for any absence. In the instances
of chronic or irregular absence, reportedly due to illness, the
school administration my request a physician's statement certifying
such absences to be justifiable.
Attendance
Procedures
Upon
fourth unexcused absence in a six month period
The Guidance
Counselor will meet with the student to inquire about the student’s
absences. The Counselor will also contact the student’s parent/guardian
regarding the reasons for the absences. The purpose of these contacts
is twofold. The first is to see if there are any extenuating circumstances
for the absences that the school may help resolve or record absences
as excused. The second is to ensure that parents/guardians understand
their legal obligation.
The School
Nurse will call the parent/guardian any time the student is absent
and record the reason for the absence.
Upon
the seventh unexcused absence in a six month period
The Principal
will send a letter to the parent/guardian informing them of their
legal responsibility for their child’s attendance.
Upon
the tenth unexcused absence in a six month period
The parent/guardian
will be asked to attend a conference with the Principal, Guidance
Counselor, Nurse, and Classroom Teacher. The purpose of this meeting
will be to identify any extenuating circumstances, inform parent/guardian
of the impact of the absences on the child’s learning, and
inform the parent/guardian of the legal process the school will
pursue if further unexcused absences occur.
Upon
the twelfth unexcused absence in a six month period
The Principal
and Guidance Counselor will utilize the legal system to ensure the
student’s attendance.
As
citizens and members of the school community, students have a right
to an education and basic security while obtaining that education.
Students
have the responsibility to understand the school rules and the consequences
of misconduct.
Students
have the right to discuss school problems with the appropriate people
at the appropriate time.
Students
have the right/responsibility to report, to the proper staff member,
any serious incidents that concern them.
SCHOOL
RULES
Students
are expected to behave in a manner which is respectful of the rights
of others and which is consistent with an appropriate learning environment.
A few examples of expectations follow.
CLASSROOM
RULES
1.
Students are expected to behave in a proper and respectful manner
following the rules established by the classroom teacher.
PLAYGROUND
RULES:
1.
Proper attire and footwear worn at all times. 2. Standing and sitting on cement platform not
permitted. 3. No child is permitted in the woods surrounding
playground. 4. Children are not permitted under the new playground
equipment. 5. Playground equipment will not be used during
wet conditions where puddles of water have formed (tire swing,
domed jungle gym). 6. Standing and twisting not permitted on any
swings. 7. Hanging on chains of tire swing while in motion
is not permitted (flying). 8. Walking up slide is not permitted.
LUNCHROOM
RULES:
1.
Proper table manners are expected to be evident during
lunches. 2. Conversation during lunches must be quiet
and reasonable. 3. Students are expected to use trays appropriately
and not push and shove them during lunches. 4.Any
other rules established by the supervisor of lunches will be allowed.
HALLWAY
RULES:
1.
Students are expected to walk in the hallways. 2. Loitering in the hallways is prohibited. 3. Students are not to throw balls or any other
objects in hallways.
LIBRARY
RULES:
1.
Students are expected to return or renew books on time. 2. Behavior in the library should be quiet and
considerate. 3. Students are responsible for using library
books and equipment properly. 4. Students are requested to either pay for or
replace books that they have lost or destroyed. 5. Any other library rules established by the
Librarian should be followed.
FIELD
TRIPS
Occasionally,
field trips relating to the curriculum are scheduled for a classroom
or grade level. Field trips are an extension of our educational
programming. All behavioral expectations and discipline policies
apply during field trips. A signed permission slip from each child's
parent/guardian is required for field trip participation.
1.
Vandalism/Destruction of School Property
The act or attempted act of willful destruction or defacement
of school property or private personal property on the school
grounds, or during school activities or functions will not be
tolerated. (i.e. School Field Trips, etc.) This shall include
the willful destruction or defacement of library or any school
material-books, magazines, desks, audio-visual equipment, etc. 2. Abusive or offensive language will not be
tolerated during the school day or in the school setting. 3. Proper use of toilet facilities is expected
at all grade levels. 4. School lockers and desks remain property of
the school and are subject to search at any time. 5. All pupils are expected to be respectful of
and courteous with, all people whom they may come in contact with
during the school day (including the time spent on school buses).
Teachers, School Supervisors, Secretaries, Cafeteria Workers,
Custodians, Maintenance persons, visitors and volunteer parent
helpers will always treat children with respect and are expected
to interact with any child at any time for any reason. 6. School bus regulations - issued separately. 7. Students are expected to resolve any differences
they may have without physical fights or assaults.
CONSEQUENCES
FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
Consequences
for inappropriate behavior will be based upon the severity of the
behavior. Consideration will also be given to the child's behavior
record. Parents will be notified of all serious behavior incidents.
Due process will be followed.
The
following actions may be taken for inappropriate behavior:
1.
Warning 2. Time out of class or school activity 3. Loss of recess 4. Loss of special activities 5. School suspension (In or out of school) 6. Expulsion
Parents
are responsible for the behavior and safety of students when going
to and from the bus stop and while waiting for the bus.
BOARDING
THE BUS
a.
Watch your step, and use the handrail (be extra careful
if you are carrying books or instruments.) Be courteous, do
not push. b. Get on quickly and be seated at once. c. Obey any instructions the driver may give
you. These same rules should be used when boarding the bus to
return home. d. Large objects are not allowed on the bus.
(i.e.: musical instruments).
RIDING
THE BUS
a.
Remain seated; do not change seats while the bus is
in motion. b. Books and other property should be stowed
on your lap. Musical instruments do not belong in the stepwell
or in the aisles. c. Save your snacks for later. d. Throwing anything on the bus or out the
windows is NOT allowed. e. Keep arms, hands, and heads inside the bus. f. Excessive noise and shouting could distract
the driver and lead to an accident. g. If you have very large packages or animals
to bring to school, ask your parents to transport you on that
day. h. Obey any direction of the driver quickly
and courteously.
DISEMBARKING
A
- SCHOOL
1.
Stay seated until the bus has stopped and the driver
has opened the door. 2. Allow those seated in front of you to leave
first. 3. Take all your things with you. 4. Leave quickly, but do not push or shove. 5. Watch your step; use the handrail. 6. Obey all the driver's directions quickly
and courteously. 7. After getting off the bus, leave the unloading
area immediately; catch up with your friends elsewhere.
B
- HOME
1.
Stay seated until the bus has stopped and the driver
has opened the door. If your regular driver is aboard, he knows
your bus stops; he or she won't pass your stop. If you have
a substitute, they will probably have checked the route ahead
of time or they will ask "Where's the next stop?" 2. If you must cross the street, do so at least
10 feet in front of the bus. 3. Look both ways - even though it is the law
that people must stop when they see the flashing lights, some
people do not stop - so be extra cautious. 4. Leave the bus stop immediately and go directly
home. 5. Extra-curricular activities and field trips
- Because there are children who will be riding a bus on a field
trip to and from educational activities, all children should
go through a loading, unloading procedure and evacuation drills
that the regular ridership encounters. 6. Bus evacuation drills are held on all buses
in October and May.
After
discussion at the Elementary School Administrative Council, the
following guidelines were agreed upon in relation to the number
of bus slips received by any one child within 90 school days:
1.
First Bus Report * The principal will warn the child, send the parental copy
home via U.S. Mail and may assess a loss of recess for the child
not to exceed three in number. 2.
Second Bus Incident Loss of bus privileges for one day at the discretion of the
principal. Loss of recess time at the discretion of the principal
is an allowable alternative. Child, parent, teacher and bus contractor
to be informed via procedure familiar to each school. 3.
Third Bus Incident Report Loss of bus privileges for one to three days at the discretion
of the principal. Again, child, parent, teacher and bus contractor
to be informed as above. (Parent conference may be held) 4.
Fourth Bus Incident Automatic loss of bus privileges for three to five consecutive
days.
Notification as in #2 and #3 above. 5.
Fifth Bus Incident Calls for conference with contractor, driver, principal and
parent of the child. The child is removed from the bus until the
conference is held and the consequences determined.
Infractions
Subject To Disciplinary Actions •Improper Boarding/Departing Procedures
•Bringing Articles Aboard Bus of Injurious or Objectionable
Nature
•Failure to Remain Seated
•Refusing to Obey the Driver
•Fighting/Pushing/Tripping
•Hanging Out of Window / Throwing Objects In or Out of Bus
•Lighting Matches/Smoking on the Bus
•Spitting/Littering/Unnecessary Noise
•Tampering with Bus Equipment
•Rude, Discourteous, and Annoying Conduct
•Destruction of Property
•Other Behavior Relating to Safety, Well-Being and Respect
for Others
*In
the case of serious offenses, the discipline procedure may be
initiated at a step other than #1.
These
guidelines are being issued in order to limit and eventually
eliminate swearing in our schools. The norms of society have
broadened the use of many words and phrases which are not suitable
for use in an educational institution.
Each
level of the school system has developed disciplinary responses
appropriate to the age level of the students.
All
employees are urged to respond to this issue so that students
and other employees present a consistent response.
The
following general situations occur:
1. In conversation, not directed to anyone, and non-threatening:
Adult or student is asked to address the student by saying:
"I/WE FIND THAT LANGUAGE UNACCEPTABLE IN OUR SCHOOL. THANK
YOU." 2. Words directed at a peer, in a disruptive
manner, but not threatening.
Adult addresses student in same way as above.
Student is disciplined at the appropriate time. 3. Words directed to a peer in a threatening
manner.
Immediate response (same as above) and refer to administrator
immediately. 4. Words are directed to a staff member in
a threatening manner. (Verbal Assault)
Immediate response (same as above) suspension from school
required.
RETURN
HOME BUS POLICY - KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS
The
safety of the child is of paramount importance to the Barnstable
Public Schools. Therefore, a parent or a named authorized person
is expected to be out at the bus stop as the bus arrives. If
the aforementioned person is not out at the bus stop as the
bus arrives, the bus driver will take the youngster back to
school.
The
principal or his/her designee will make a reasonable attempt
to notify the parent of the whereabouts of the child. At the
end of an hour, if a parent has not been reached, the Police
Department will be notified to request an officer be assigned
to immediately work with school personnel in attempting to locate
parents, relatives and, if it becomes necessary, an appropriate
agency to take custody of the child.
Yearly
the parent, via a written note, has the right to waive this
procedure. However, in doing so, the parent assumes full responsibility
for the safety and well being of the child. A telephone call
is not an accepted form to waive the above policy.
DRESS
CODE
The
Barnstable School Committee, interested in sustaining a school
climate that is business-like and focused to the goal of keeping
a learning atmosphere, establishes a code of dress which prohibits
the wearing of hats or bandanas indoors, during the day. The
committee wishes to further establish a code to direct students
wearing T-shirts with scandalous sayings to reverse the shirt
and be advised not to wear it to school again. Distracting,
revealing, or educationally disruptive clothing including mesh,
see-through clothing, or bare midriff clothing are prohibited.
Computers
and the Internet are available to students and staff to enhance
the curriculum and promote educational excellence. Use of computers
and the Internet is a privilege not a right and access will
be provided to those who act in a considerate and responsible
manner. Information sent or received by email, the Internet,
or other means over the computers available to students and
staff is the property of the Barnstable Public Schools and may
be accessed at any time by the Barnstable Public Schools for
its review. In the event that a review reveals that this policy
has been violated in any way, or that the privilege of using
the computer and the Internet is being abused in any way, appropriate
action will be taken against the individual or individuals involved.
Violations will be referred to a school administrator for disciplinary
or legal action. Building administrators will determine the
consequence for inappropriate use that includes, but is not
limited to loss of computer/Internet use. Some consequences
may be based on policies established in the Student Handbook.
Federal and State law may cover other violations. The Internet
user log shall be archived for a period of six months.
Each
student and his/her parent/guardian are required to sign an
acceptable
use agreement prior to initial computer/Internet use.
SAFE
SCHOOL POLICY
The
following policy is written in order to serve notice that the
aforementioned are serious matters that should not be part of
the Barnstable Public Schools.
Sale
or use of illegal substances (including alcohol), possession
or use of a knife, gun or any other object or facsimile which
may be considered or used as a weapon or assault on staff, students,
or other individuals is prohibited on school property. School
property is broadly defined to include the school building,
on school grounds, at school sponsored events which may be conducted
off school grounds, on school buses on the way to and from school
or school sponsored events and when loading and unloading.
Violation
of this policy will be cause for long term suspension by the
principal or expulsion. Suspected criminal activities will be
reported to the police.
(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 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. (b) Any student who assaults a principal, assistant
principal, teacher, teacher's aide or other educational staff on
school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events,
including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school
or school district by the principal. (c) Any student who is charged with a violation
of either paragraph (a) or (b) shall be notified in writing of an
opportunity for a hearing: provided, however, that the student may
have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence
and witnesses at said hearing before the principal.
After
said hearing, a principal may, in his 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 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. (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 said student does apply
for admission to another school or school district the superintendent
of the school district to which the application is made may request
and receive from the superintendent of the school expelling said
student a written statement of the reasons for said expulsion.
HARASSMENT
POLICY
The
Barnstable Public Schools are committed to maintaining a school
environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national
origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Harassment
by administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors,
and other individuals at school or at school sponsored events is
unlawful and is strictly prohibited. The Barnstable Public Schools
requires all employees and students to conduct themselves in an
appropriate manner with respect to their fellow employees, students,
and all members of the school community.
NOTICE
OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The
Barnstable Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation,
or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment
in its programs and activities.
Any
individual who believes he/she has been discriminated against, denied
a benefit, or excluded from participation in any educational program
or activity in violation of this policy may file a written complaint
with the district’s Equity Officer, Mr. John Reed. Mr. Reed
can be reached at Barnstable High School, 744 West Main Street,
Hyannis, MA 02601, Telephone: (508) 790-9873.
THE
TOP TEN WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD IN SCHOOL
Written
by: Carroll Miller - Parental Involvement Handbook
1.
Communicate by talking to your child about school, friends,
etc. 2. Be a role model by being a reader or reading to your child. 3. Show your interest in education: read their home work. 4. Value homework: make quiet time or an area in your home
for your child to work. Set a daily homework routine. 5. Keep in touch with teachers and personnel at your child's
school. 6. Encourage sports and/or extracurricular activities. 7. Provide good supervision for your child when you are away
from home. Make sure your child is following the same rules and
expectations when others are supervising. 8. Teach your child to develop goals for him/herself. Tell
children about long and short term goals. Check to see how these
goals are being accomplished. 9. Plan and share learning opportunities together outside
of school. 10. Volunteer your time in school as a parent volunteer. Speak
to your child's teacher about how you can help.
