A Compact is a voluntary agreement that outlines how the Waterbury-Duxbury community – school staff, families, and students – will share the responsibility for improving student learning and achieving high standards. We believe that this partnership is based on open communication about what is working and a willingness to confront and change what is not working. This Compact represents many voices and is seen as a living document, which guides the ways that our schools and families will work together to support all of our students. The Compact promotes a caring, responsive, respectful community of learners.

We believe…

§ Waterbury-Duxbury schools are family-centered

§ Parents/families are their children’s first and most important teachers throughout their lives

§ All children have the potential to learn, given time, appropriate instruction, encouragement, and support

§ Children need to be accepted as unique individuals and valued as members of their families, schools, and communities

§ Schools need to provide a rigorous and challenging academic program and a skilled instructional staff

§ An effective school has high expectations for itself and continues to seek ways to improve

§ Respect is at the heart of learning – respect for self, others, ideas, and environment

§ Adults should strive to be positive role models for respect, cooperation, independent thinking, and life-long learning

Statement of Beliefs

§ RESPONSIBILITY

We believe that students, staff, parents, and friends share responsibility for each child’s success.

§ SUCCESS

We believe that all actions and interactions should promote dignity and provide opportunities for learning, growth, and success.

§ RIGHT TO LEARN

We believe that all members of the school community have the right to learn and become lifelong learners.

§ RESPECT

We believe in nurturing self-respect, in treating all people with kindness and acceptance, and in taking care of our school environment.

§ SAFETY

We believe that school should be a safe place for all.

§ COMMUNITY

We believe that caring for and sharing in our unique community enriches our lives.

§ COOPERATION

We value individual diversity and the need to work cooperatively as we achieve our goals.

Expectations For Our School Community

§ WE ARE POLITE AND CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

We listen respectfully to the opinions.

We show courtesy to others and respect property at all times.

§ WE USE HANDS, BODIES, AND OBJECTS SAFELY AND RESPECTFULLY

Snow, ice, rocks are not to be thrown.

§ WE KEEP OURSELVES AND OTHERS SAFE

We bring only safe objects and materials to school.

We report any unsafe equipment or objects we find to adults.

We walk inside our school.

We keep roller blades, skates, and skateboards at home.

We use acceptable words, and safe actions, to solve problems.

We do not leave school without permission. We follow our assigned schedule.

We wear appropriate protective equipment (helmets, safety goggles).

We report strangers and unusual activity to adults.

§ WE USE ACCEPTABLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE

We communicate in a way that does not involve swearing, threatening, or harassing, using inappropriate body language, using ethnic, racial, religious, sexual, or economic slurs, or using other put downs.

We follow the schools harassment policy.

§ WE WORK TO BE THE BEST LEARNERS WE CAN BE

We attend school regularly, arrive on time, and come prepared to learn. We organize our materials and supplies.

We complete assignments and hand them in on time.

We are considerate of other students’ right to learn.

We use our time constructively.

We follow reasonable requests.

We seek and accept help when necessary.

We dress appropriately for school. We leave hats in our lockers.

We minimize distractions by leaving the following at home- gigapets, walkmans, pagers, electronic games, etc.

§ WE TAKE CARE OF OUR SCHOOL, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, AND OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT

§ WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR ACTIONS

We learn to make successes and positive choices.

We learn from our mistakes.

We learn that our actions affect others.

We accept logical consequences for our actions.

Prevention

This school-wide system has been designed to provide effective supports for teaching all children. It is not a rigid set of rules or punitive consequences. It has a fluid design that allows staff to determine appropriate interventions. This model has steps that involve different processes and practices at each level. Teachers involve parents early in the process, keeping in mind that preventing problem behaviors is everyone’s prime concern. Working with their teachers, students assist in creating classroom or team pyramids that reflect modifications for students’ age, development, and teacher’s personal style.

How Will Teachers and Schools Support Children’s Learning?

To achieve standards in all areas, Teachers/Schools agree to:

§ Provide individual, small group and large group instruction

§ Provide students with the opportunity to learn using a variety of methods

§ Provide students with developmentally appropriate materials that introduce, reinforce, and extend learning of underlying concepts

§ Provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that allow for personal growth and creative self-expression

§ Provide a comprehensive program that integrates subject areas

§ Provide opportunities to build self-confidence, understand feelings, enhance interpersonal relationships, and take responsibilities for our actions

§ Inspire children’s imagination

§ Teach students to self-assess and set goals

To achieve standards in the areas of Literacy and Social Sciences, Teachers/Schools agree to:

§ Provide resources and literature appropriate to students’ ages, interests, and levels of ability

§ Provide parents with information re: books appropriate to their child’s reading ability for home

§ Integrate reading and writing instruction into other subject areas

§ Use inquiry (questioning) as a way for helping children to understand and interpret different types of texts

§ Teach children strategies to compare ideas, organize thoughts, and participate in discussion groups

§ Encourage children to love literature

To achieve standards in the areas of Science, Mathematics, and Technology, Teachers/Schools agree to:

§ Provide opportunities for children to think, analyze, create, and problem solve

§ Teach and reinforce basic skills

§ Provide activities for families to use at home to encourage the development of mathematical, scientific, and technological thinking and problem solving

§ Teach children how technology and media enhance learning

Attendance/Absences

The State of Vermont Law Title 16#121, states “Compulsory Attendance: to attend a public school continually for the full number of days for which such school is held.” In the event that a student is ill or unable to attend school because of an emergency, notification of the absence to the school prior to start of the school day is the parents’ responsibility.

No School/Late Opening Announcements

Whenever school is closed because of bad weather, road conditions, or any other emergency, public announcement will be made as early as possible by radio stations WDEV (AM55O, FM96.1), and WEZF (FM92.9).

Tardiness

If you are late to school, report to the office immediately upon entering the building, with a note from your parent or guardian stating the time and reason for your tardiness.

Early Dismissal

Early dismissals will be approved by the administration only at your parent’s or guardian’s request. In the case of illness, see the nurse for a medical dismissal. Parents must sign you out at the office when you leave the building.

If Your Bus Is Late

If you arrive late because the bus was late, report to the office for a pass to class.

Building Evacuation/Fires/False Alarms

Fire drills, in which every person leaves the building, are a requirement by state law and a safety measure for students. When the fire alarm sounds, go quickly and quietly with your teacher to the exit that has been designated by your teacher. Remain with your teacher until he/she gives you permission to re-enter the building. Your teacher will take attendance and will report absences to the office. We stress the importance of students being knowledgeable of all fire exits and of taking these fire drills seriously to insure their safety.

Fires and false alarms can cause injury, death and property damage. Any student who intentionally sets a fire or activates a false alarm will be turned over to the State Police. School consequences will include, but may not be limited to, suspension. Use of lighters, matches and fire extinguishers in the building is prohibited, and may result in consequences including, but not limited to, suspension.

Building Use

The school building is primarily for the education of the students. However, the community is encouraged to use the school for other educational, recreational, business and social activities. Facilities of the school are available for the people in the community who desire to use them. A building use form will need to be filled out and approved. A reasonable fee may be charged. Contact the individual Educational Leader in advance for specific information.

Notices

Notices, fliers, or posters may not be circulated or posted in the school without the knowledge and consent of the administration.

Bus Policy

The safe and economical transportation of students to and from school is a priority. The second level of importance is to provide full or partial transportation for students involved in various after school activities. The school district will enforce the adopted guidelines to assure a safe and acceptable environment for all students riding district buses. The mutual cooperation of students, parents, and school district is necessary to achieve these goals. In the event of a problem, contact the transportation coordinator, Susan Swenson at 244-6422. If you do not follow the bus rules or other school rules while riding the bus, you will face disciplinary action. For first infractions, in-school consequences will normally apply. However, any behavior that demonstrates disrespect for the bus driver or jeopardizes the safety of others will result in temporary or permanent suspension from transportation privileges.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Board and its committees are committed to a policy of non-discrimination relating to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, health condition, disabling conditions, or national origin. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and persons with whom the Board does business.

Discrimination is any behavior that prevents individuals from achieving their full human potential. Discrimination involves treating persons as members of groups, rather than on the basis of individual capacities or merits.

In keeping with the Board's commitment and the requirements of law, the Board and staffs will strive to remove any vestige of discrimination in employment, assignment, and promotion of personnel; in educational services and opportunities offered students; in location and use of facilities; and in educational materials.

The staffs will establish and maintain an atmosphere in which students can develop attitudes for effective, cooperative living, including: Respect for the individual; Respect for socio-cultural differences; Respect for the economic, political, and religious rights of others The Board and staffs will, as appropriate, work with other institutions and agencies to improve human relations within the schools and in the community.

Child Protection

The Waterbury-Duxbury School District is committed to the well being of all children in the district. We have a legal obligation under Vermont Law, Title 33, Chapter 14, to report those students suspected of exposure to abuse or neglect. We are committed to working with students, families and designated agencies to assist the responsible persons in the protection of children and support of families. We recognize the school district can play an important role in child protection through appropriate education.

Home Study

Any parents wishing to educate their child at home must develop a program and have it approved by the State Board of Education.

Special Education

Parents have the right to seek a free and appropriate public education for their eligible disabled child (ages 0-21 years) as defined under Federal Law (IDEA-B, Part B and Part H) and State laws and regulations.

If you have a child who is receiving special education services, the district will maintain confidential records on your child. Any record or report, which identifies your child by name, will be treated as confidential information. These records are available to parents upon request at your individual school.

Waterbury-Duxbury School District has Special Education and Title I at both schools, as well as support services such as Speech and Language. An Essential Early Education (EEE) program is available for identified and disabled preschoolers aged birth to 6 years.

Problem Solving

Parents concerned about some aspect of their child’s schooling are encouraged to talk first with the teacher. Misunderstandings often arise from lack of communication, and can usually be resolved in this way. If a concern is not resolved, a parent should next consult the Educational Leader. If no resolution has been made, a further appeal to the Superintendent is possible.

Curriculum Guides

Curriculum guides outlining subject information to be covered at each grade level are continually being updated and are available in each school. The purpose of these guides is to provide a general idea of the subject matter to be covered. These guides, combined with the more specific information provided by the classroom teacher, will enable parents to understand more fully what their student is studying.

Insurance

Student insurance will be offered, at a small cost, to each student. All students participating in co-curricular activities, sports programs, or curricular programs involving the use of machinery or other dangerous equipment are urged to have school insurance coverage, or other coverage prior to participation. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY, STUDENTS AND/OR THEIR PARENTS MUST INITIATE CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT ON SCHOOL INSURANCE COVERAGE THROUGH THE MAIN OFFICE. Student insurance policies issued to schools generally allow you only 3O days after an accident to file claims for coverage. Failure to file the claim prior to the due date may result in loss of coverage under the policy. DON'T DELAY IN FILING YOUR CLAIM! Pick up the form from the main office.

Library

The libraries at both of our schools serve the needs and interests of the students. Materials include newspapers, periodicals, computerized information search systems, reference and research materials and books. A reserve book service is provided which allows many students the advantage of a book when only one or two copies are available. Hours are posted on the door.

Students are encouraged to use the library for school assignments as well as for recreational reading (Please obtain a library pass in advance from the librarian.) The rules of conduct and etiquette that apply for all other areas of our schools, also apply to the library. The library has two very important special expectations: The library operates quietly and b books may be checked out for two-week intervals.

Lunch

It shall be the policy of the Washington West School District to provide children with an attractive, balanced meal and encourage good health and eating habits. A hot lunch program is available in both schools on a daily basis. Parents are encouraged to complete the forms for free and reduced lunches if they qualify. If any questions arise concerning free or reduced meals, be sure to contact our food service director, Ms. Dolan at 244-6100. The following is information on the cost and procedure for buying lunch and snacks for both schools.

Breakfast and lunch are offered daily. Breakfast is from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. At both schools there is a choice of entrée every day. We are in the process of a review of our lunch program. Please feel free to give your comments to Erika Dolan our Food Service Director.

Prices Breakfast $1.00

Lunch $1.75 at Thatcher Brook and at Crossett Brook

$2.50 for adults

Snacks (CBMS only) from $.25 to $.75

Ice cream is sold on Fridays at both schools. Cost is $.50.

Accounting System

Our system for accounting for payment of meals works like a debit card. Your student(s) must have money in their account to purchase meals and or milk. If they have no money in their account they can pay for meals in cash. No charging will not be allowed this year. Bills will be sent home with the students at the beginning of the year for students who have negative balances to clear up from prior school year. Keep in mind that students cannot purchase lunch until there is a plan to address overdue lunch bills. If for any reason during the school year you would like to check on your balance, please check Powerschool.

Selling Food and Drinks

The selling of any food or drinks by students is prohibited without administrative approval.

School Nurse

The school nurse will be on duty as indicated on the schedule posted at the Health Offices in each school.

The Vermont State Immunization Law has been extended to include all students K-12. All students will be required to show proof of immunization or exemption from immunization before returning to school in the fall.

The School District provides an opportunity for all students to purchase accident insurance for a nominal charge. Information regarding this will be sent home with students during the first week of school.

Students are expected to report all accidents, whether they are judged to be major or minor. This will insure proper first aid measures and, if necessary, notification of the insurance company.

Medication can be administered by specified school personnel with WRITTEN consent of the parent or physician: non-prescription medications need written parent permission only. Non-prescription medication should be kept only in the Health Office and nowhere else on school premises. All medications need to be in their original container.

Medication in School

If students are required to take medication during the school day, they must observe the following procedures:

Prescription Medication-Go to the Health Office and give the school nurse a written order from a doctor, dentist, osteopath, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner. It must include the name of the medication, the dosage, the time of day when the medication is to be given, the date when the medication should be stopped, and the diagnosis and/or the reason for giving the medication at school. You must also bring a written request and permission from your parent or guardian asking the nurse to comply with the health order. The medication must be brought to school in a container that has been appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or the health care provider. Medications are stored in a locked location. The first dose of the medication will not be given at school. Every time you take your medication, it will be noted in a log in the Health Office. Parents should pick up unused medication within three days of the termination date, or it will be discarded.

Non-Prescription Medication-The guidelines for taking non-prescription medication at school is the same as those for prescription medication, except that a health care provider need not order the medicine.

Self-Management of a Chronic Medical Condition -If you have a chronic medical condition such as asthma or diabetes, you must see the school nurse and follow the procedures that have been established for such situations.

Guidance Services

Teachers, advisors, administrators, and counselors provide guidance services to all students. There are guidance counselors on the staff at both Thatcher Brook Primary School and Crossett Brook Middle School, who assist students and parents in educational planning and personal problems. Parents and students are encouraged to use this resource.

Report Cards

Report Cards will be issued three times per year.

Suspension

A student may be denied the right to school attendance from any single class or any full schedule of classes for failure to comply with school rules, district policies or refusal to submit to reasonable disciplinary action by the appropriate school authority, or authorities, designated by the Waterbury-Duxbury School Board.

Retention

Grade repetition is handled on an individual basis with parent and school consent. If, at any level, by the mid-term, there appears to be a problem, mutual communication between parent and school is essential.

Student Assistance Counselor

A counselor with skills in drug and alcohol abuse issues is on staff for the Waterbury-Duxbury Schools and is based at Crossett Brook Middle School.

Drugs and Alcohol

The unlawful use, possession, distribution or sale of drugs, alcohol and other contraband on the premises of the schools in the Waterbury-Duxbury School District is strictly prohibited. This rule applies at all functions sponsored by the schools, either on or off the premises, as well as during or after school hours. Any violations will be referred to the proper authorities.

Appearance and Dress

The first responsibility for dress begins at home under the supervision of your parent or guardian.

Footwear is to be worn at all times while on school premises. The style for classroom wear, as opposed to leisure wear, should reflect good health and safety habits, personality and a sense of pride through appearance in self and in school. Fashion trends are acceptable as long as they do not obstruct the educational process in the classroom or endanger the physical well being of students. Clothing with sexual innuendoes, drug, alcohol, or tobacco messages, (for example: “Coed-Naked”, “Joe Camel”, and “Spuds McKenzie”) are not permitted. Hats are allowed in common areas, and in classrooms at the discretion of the teacher. Hats are not to be worn in the Cougar Cafe. Hoods are not to be worn at all during the school day. Students are not encouraged to carry a backpack throughout the day. Each team or class will develop procedures for organization including the carrying of backpacks.

Displays of Affection

Inappropriate displays of affection will not be permitted in our schools.

Personal Entertainment Devices, Pagers and Cell Phones

All personal entertainment devices (walkmans, gameboys, etc.), pagers and cell phones should not be brought to school. If they are brought to school, staff members will hold on to the device until the end of the day when it will be returned to the student. Repeat violations will result in parents being called to pick the device up at school.

Hallways

Students are expected to behave in a quiet, respectful manner while in the hallways.

Make-up Work

When you return from an absence, you must complete the work within a day. If you need more time, you must get your teacher’s permission to extend the deadline. Arrangements for make-up work are the responsibility of the student.

Firecrackers

By law, firecrackers, smoke bombs, or other disturbing items are not allowed in the school. They are not only distracting, but can also be dangerous and life threatening.

Football

Tackle football is not permitted on school grounds. Other games that involve tackling or roughhousing on the playgrounds are also prohibited.

Fundraising Activities

All fundraising at our Waterbury-Duxbury Schools must have prior written approval from and be scheduled through the Teacher Leaders.

Gambling

Gambling, lotteries, and games of chance, which result in the exchange of money or material of any significant value, are prohibited.

Skateboards, Roller Skates and Roller Blades

Skateboards, roller skates and roller blades are not permitted on school property during school hours. Our health staff strongly urges use of protective headgear when skating during non-school hours.

Expectations and Discipline

Everyone on school property is expected to act in a respectful manner that encourages the teaching and learning process. Any actions that disrupt this process or deviate from acceptable behavior will result in a consequence. Consequences are progressive and cumulative, and depending on the specific behavior, may range from a corrective warning to a recommendation for expulsion.