mill river union high school

MILL RIVER UNION HIGH SCHOOL2321 Middle Road, North Clarendon, VT 05759

(802) 775-3451 (802) 775-6447 (fax)Website: www.millriverschools.org

Student & ParentHandbook2016-2017

Mill River Union High SchoolStudent & Parent Handbook 2016 - 2017

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ContentsPrincipal’s Message................................................3 School Closings………………..24Important Phone Numbers ....................................4 School Day……………………..24Bell Schedule ........................................................6 Skateboards, Rollerblades……...24Snow Day Schedule ..............................................7 Student Driving………………...24Bus Pick-Up Schedule ..........................................7 Withdrawal From School ……...24School Map ...........................................................8 Visitors ………………………...25Academics..............................................................9 Extracurricular Activities……....25Academic Honesty ................................................9 Eligibility ……………………...28Add/Drop Classes .................................................9 Cafeteria ……………………….34After School Study Hall.........................................9 Health Services ………………..35Class Year Placement.............................................9 Lockers ………………………..36Grading System.....................................................10 Library ………………………...36Graduation Requirements .……………………...10 School Publications …………...37Honor Roll . .........................................................10 Hazing, Harras., Bullying ……..37National Honor Society........................................11 Pupil Privacy Reports …………41FERPA…………………………………………..11 Questioning/Searches …………42Report Cards .......................................................12 Searches and Seizures …………43Self Help ……………………………………… 13 School Attendance …………….44Special Education ………………………………13 Mid. School Philosophy ………45Stafford Technical Center.....................................13Student Records ……………………………..…13Technology……………………………………...13School-wide Behavior Plan……………………..16Attendance Procedures …………………………20Bus Passes………………………………………22Cell Phone ……………………………………...22Dances ……………………………………….....22Dress Code……………………………………....23Fire Drill / Clear the Halls ……………………...23Interviewing, Filming, Recording……………....23Leaving School Building and/or Grounds……...23Mill River Online……………………………….23Office Telephone Use……………………….….24


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Dear Mill River Union Community,

I am excited to begin working with the students, teachers, parents and community of stakeholders at Mill River Union High School. For me, MRUHS is a dream job. Having worked in several inner city high schools for the duration of my career as a turnaround-school administrator in North Carolina and Georgia, coming to a place like Mill River is a welcomed, refreshing change. However, there is much to be done.

Recognizing that MRUHS still has its fair share of challenges to negotiate and overcome, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get started. The 2016-2017 school year will be a learning experience for all of us as we grow and learn together. Undoubtedly, there is a clear need for a collective shift in mindset and practice within our school in order to bring MRUHS into the conversation as a premier, 21st Century place of teaching and learning. That is my personal mission.

The student and parent handbook was reviewed and revised by a committee of volunteer faculty members on July 21, 2016. Respecting the things that have been working, while revisiting some items that were not so effective, there is a new, streamlined feel to the procedures at MRU. Please take a moment to review this document carefully as a family, and do not hesitate to drop in, call, or email if you have any questions. We want to make MRUHS an open, transparent operation fueled by strong communication and consistent leadership.

For our students, there are a few basic rules to live by in order to find themselves successful at MRUHS:

1. Be in the right place, at the right time, with the right attitude.2. Respect self, respect others, and respect tradition.3. Always try your best.4. Make smart decisions.

Developing young leaders who have a keen and focused eye on citizenship, creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking is what “doing school with kids” is all about in the 21st Century. It is time we set higher standards, higher expectations, and see how far we can go as one learning community.

I look forward to working with each of you to ensure that we exhaust every effort to make MRUHS a smashing success moving forward.

Respectfully,

Mr. Todd A. Finn, M.S.A.Principal, Mill River Union High School


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Administration and ServicesPrincipalPrincipal’s Admin. AssistantAssistant Principal Attendance/Main Office Dean of StudentsBuildings & Grounds Athletic Director RegistrarFitzVogt

Ext. 215Ext. 207Ext. 206Ext. 201Ext. 205Ext. 246Ext. 222Ext. 231Ext. 217

Todd Finn Lynne Patrick Tyler Weideman Mary BrideJodie Stewart-RuckGary MarcyKim ManieryLaurel GilmanBrenda Lanfear

School ServicesCounselor, Grades 7, 8, & 9 Ext. 212 Shirl HarringtonCounselor, Grades 10, 11, & 12 Ext. 211 Tabitha Pohl-MooreDrop Out Prevention Ext. 302 Don MarkieAdmin. Assistant Ext. 210 Adrienne TedescoLibrary Ext. 216 Karen McCallaNurse Ext. 225 Lynn MinerSchool Social Worker Ext. 203 Wendy HerrickResource OfficerSchool PsychologistSpecial Services Team LeaderSchool TransportationLearning Lab

Ext. 209Ext. 204Ext. 239Ext. 265Ext. 301

Joe HoffmanJustin WalkerMaggie AinesNichole PetersonElizabeth Peterson


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Faculty & Staff Voice Mail Extensions:

Anthony, Kayla 264Arend, Katy 263Baasch, Debra 259 Steere, Laura 270Barker, Richard 310 Stewart-Ruck, Jodie 205Bruno, Peter 254 Striglia, Sue 285Cimonetti, Kristin 307 Taylor, Jonathan 234Colvin, Mary 293 Valente, JoJo 226Congdon, Marge 275 Valley, George 258Cooke, Catherine 260 Webb, Ken 242Danner, Erin 274 White, Cynthia 342Darling, Beverly 276Flaherty, Jessica 344Foley, Tammy 304Forrest, Jennica 227Gamache, Michael 267LeVangie, Kristen 291Greenfield, Brian 303Hasenohr, Ed 266Heflin, James 279Hoyt, Lori 245Johnson DeLear, Roxane 283Kennedy, Judy 232Lane, Devon 251Lareau, Annmarie 286Latkin, L.Dan 250Little, Jennifer 290Little, Shane 271Martin, Jennifer 262Moreton, Bruce 256Nerney, Brendan 292Parker, Andrea 306Parrish, Annette 233Perry, Caress 300Pluta, Mike 249Pound, Thomas 273Roach, Peter 224Roberts, Cindy 230Robbins, Ed 308Savery, Wendy 309See, Peter 282Severance, Jennifer 280


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Mill River Union High School

Bell Schedule 2016-17

Monday and Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday Time Block

Time Block Block

Time Block

7:35

Academic Areas

7:35

Academic Areas

Academic Areas

7:35

Academic Areas

Open

Open Open

Open

7:40 Warning Bell

7:40 Warning Bell

7:40 Warning Bell

7:45 BLOCK A

7:45

7:45 BLOCK A

8:25

8:25

BLOCK A BLOCK B

8:28 BLOCK B

8:28 BLOCK B

9:08

9:08

9:08

9:11 BLOCK C

9:11

9:11 BLOCK C

9:51

9:51

BLOCK C BLOCK D

9:54 BLOCK D

9:54 BLOCK D

10:34

10:34

10:34

10:37 BLOCK E

10:37 BLOCK E BLOCK E

10:37 BLOCK E

11:10 FLEX

11:10 FLEX FLEX

11:10 FLEX

11:13 - 11:35 BLOCK F

11:13 BLOCK F BLOCK G

11:13 - 11:35 BLOCK F 7/8 Lunch

11:35 7/8 Lunch 7/8 Lunch

7/8 Lunch

11:35 - 11:57 BLOCK F

11:35

11:35 - 11:57 BLOCK F 9/10 Lunch

11:57 9/10 Lunch 9/10 Lunch

9/10 Lunch

11:57 - 12:19 BLOCK F

11:57

11:57 - 12:19 BLOCK F

11/12 Lunch

12:19 11/12 Lunch 11/12 Lunch

11/12 Lunch

12:22

12:22 BLOCK G

BLOCK F BLOCK G

12:22 BLOCK G

1:02

1:02

1:02

1:05 BLOCK H

1:05

1:05 BLOCK H

1:45

1:45

BLOCK H BLOCK I

1:48 BLOCK I

1:48 BLOCK I

2:28

2:28

2:28


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Snow Day ScheduleIf the snow day falls on a:

Monday- Regular Tuesday-Friday scheduleTuesday – No change to the schedule for the rest of the weekWednesday - Thursday will be a Wednesday Block day schedule (A, C, E, F & H) and Friday will be aThursday Block day schedule (B, D, E, G, & I).Thursday - Friday will be a Thursday Block day schedule (B, D, E, G, & I). Friday - No effect on the following week.

Approximate Times for Bus Pick-UpsSee MRUHS website for bus schedules.


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Building Map101A - Mail/Copy Room101B – SRO, Deputy Hoffman101C – Mrs. Gilman101D – Mrs. Stewart-Ruck101E – Ms. Maniery102 - Mr. Pluta103 - Mr. Latkin104 - Ms. Savery105 - Mr. See106A – Mrs. Patrick106B – Asst. Principal, Mr. Weideman106C – Principal, Mr. Finn

107 – Think Tank108 - Mr. Bruno109 - Teacher’s Room110 - Mr. Moreton111 - Mr. Valley112 - Mrs. Baasch113 - Ms. Cooke114 - Ms. Lane115 - Ms. Martin

201 - Ms. Pohl-Moore / Mrs. Harrington / Mr. Markie202 – Ms. Arend203 - Mrs. Anthony204 - Ms. Johnson DeLear205 - Dr. Hasenohr** - Tech Support Room

206 - Mr. Gamache207 - Teacher’s Room208 - Ms. Parker

301 – Ms. Colvin 302 - Mrs. Severance

303 - Mr. Heflin

403 A

SRO

ED

CA B

B 304 - Mr. Barker305 – Mr. Greenfield306 - Mr. Nerney307 – Mrs. Little30- - 308 – Mr. Robbins310 – Mrs. Kennedy312 - MRUUSD313 - MRUUSD313A - MRUUSD313B - MRUUSD314 - MRUUSD315 - MRUUSD316 - MRUUSD317 – Mrs. Pecor

B 106C 318 - Mrs. LeVangie319 – Mrs. Forrest320 - Mrs. Foley321 - Computer Lab

400 - Mrs. Aines 322 - Mrs. McCallarary401 - Mrs. Miner

402 – Special Education Office404 – Mrs. Roberts *

405 – Mrs Lareau *

406 - Mrs. Striglia407 - Cafeteria408 - Ms. Valente409 - Maintenance412 – STEM Room 420 - Mr. Webb 209 - Ms. Steere413 – Mr. Taylor 421 - Mr. Roach 210 - Mr. Little415 - Ms. Perry 422 - Mrs. Cimonetti 211 – Conference Room416 - Ms. Hoyt 423 - Auditorium 212 - Mr. Pound417 – Mrs. Flaherty 424 - Stage 40 Tech 213 - Ms. Danner418 - Wrestling Room 425 - Ms. White 214 - Mrs. Congdon

426 - Learning Lab 215 – Mrs. Darling428 - Ms. Parrish/Mr. Farnum


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ACADEMICS

AcademicsGrades 7 - 12: The academic year is divided into two semesters with two nine-week marking periods in each that culminate with a semester exam. Classes meet for 9 weeks (Unified Arts), 18 weeks, and/or 36 weeks. One unit of credit represents two semester's work.

Academic HonestyCheating and plagiarism are theft. Aiding someone else in cheating is as wrong as actually stealing. Plagiarizing other students’ work on graded material is considered cheating. Plagiarism, using someone’s words and/or ideas as one’s own, is a serious offense. Plagiarism includes copying another student’s work, as well as copying and using audio, video, online and other printed matter. The use of help notes such as Cliff, Monarch, or Sparks on line without crediting that source is considered plagiarism. A writer is required to put quotation marks around words and sentences borrowed directly and to credit them accordingly. If you paraphrase a passage or use ideas which are not your own, you must indicate the source.

Academic dishonesty is considered a Level B offense (see below). Consequences may include no credit given for the assignment, a parent conference, and a report to theadministration. It is administration’s discretion if credit can be restored through restorative practices.

Add/Drop ClassesStudents may add/drop a class during the two (2) week period following the beginning of each semester.

After the deadline, appropriate forms and administrative approval are required.

1st semester – until 9/9/2016 2nd semester – until 2/3/17

After School Students are expected to leave the building at the end of the day. If a student is in the building after school waiting for transportation and/or athletic practice, the student is to either be in the library or in the After School Self Help program. Students are not permitted to be in any other areas of the building. The library will be open until 4:30.

Class year placementIn order to be advanced, students must obtain the following credits (must pass all core classes):

Class of 2016 & 2017 Class of 2018 & 2019Grade Credits Grade Credits11 19.5 9 712 26 10 14


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Building Map101A - Mail/Copy Room101B – SRO, Deputy Hoffman101C – Mrs. Gilman101D – Mrs. Stewart-Ruck101E – Ms. Maniery102 - Mr. Pluta103 - Mr. Latkin104 - Ms. Savery105 - Mr. See106A – Mrs. Patrick106B – Asst. Principal, Mr. Weideman106C – Principal, Mr. Finn

107 – Think Tank108 - Mr. Bruno109 - Teacher’s Room110 - Mr. Moreton111 - Mr. Valley112 - Mrs. Baasch113 - Ms. Cooke114 - Ms. Lane115 - Ms. Martin

201 - Ms. Pohl-Moore / Mrs. Harrington / Mr. Markie202 – Ms. Arend203 - Mrs. Anthony204 - Ms. Johnson DeLear205 - Dr. Hasenohr** - Tech Support Room

206 - Mr. Gamache207 - Teacher’s Room208 - Ms. Parker

301 – Ms. Colvin 302 - Mrs. Severance

303 - Mr. Heflin

403 A

SRO

ED

CA B

B 304 - Mr. Barker305 – Mr. Greenfield306 - Mr. Nerney307 – Mrs. Little30- - 308 – Mr. Robbins310 – Mrs. Kennedy312 - MRUUSD313 - MRUUSD313A - MRUUSD313B - MRUUSD314 - MRUUSD315 - MRUUSD316 - MRUUSD317 – Mrs. Pecor

B 106C 318 - Mrs. LeVangie319 – Mrs. Forrest320 - Mrs. Foley321 - Computer Lab

400 - Mrs. Aines 322 - Mrs. McCallarary401 - Mrs. Miner

402 – Special Education Office404 – Mrs. Roberts *

405 – Mrs Lareau *

406 - Mrs. Striglia407 - Cafeteria408 - Ms. Valente409 - Maintenance412 – STEM Room 420 - Mr. Webb 209 - Ms. Steere413 – Mr. Taylor 421 - Mr. Roach 210 - Mr. Little415 - Ms. Perry 422 - Mrs. Cimonetti 211 – Conference Room416 - Ms. Hoyt 423 - Auditorium 212 - Mr. Pound417 – Mrs. Flaherty 424 - Stage 40 Tech 213 - Ms. Danner418 - Wrestling Room 425 - Ms. White 214 - Mrs. Congdon

426 - Learning Lab 215 – Mrs. Darling428 - Ms. Parrish/Mr. Farnum

SROM

A

A

A

B

B

B

403

C

106C

DE

Building Map101A - Mail/Copy Room101B - SRO, Deputy Hoffman101C - Mrs. Gilman101D - Mrs. Stewart-Ruck101E - Ms. Maniery102 - Mr. Pluta103 - Mr. Latkin

104 - Ms. Savery105 - Mr. See107 - Think Tank108 - Mr. Bruno109 - Teacher’s Room110 - Mr. Moreton111 - Mr. Valley

112 - Mrs. Baasch113 - Ms. Cooke114 - Ms. Lane115 - Ms. Martin106A - Mrs. Patrick106B - Asst. Principal, Mr. Weideman106C - Principal, Mr. Finn

201 - Ms. Pohl-Moore, Mrs. Harrington & Mr. Markie202 - Ms. Arend203 - Mrs. Anthony204 - Ms. Johnson DeLear205 - Dr. Hasenohr** - Tech Support Room206 - Mr. Gamache207 - Teacher’s Room

208 - Ms. Parker209 - Ms. Steere210 - Mr. Little211 - Conference Room212 - Mr. Pound213 - Ms. Danner214 - Mrs. Congdon215 - Mrs. Darling

301 - Ms. Colvin 302 - Mrs. Severance303 - Mr. Heflin304 - Mr. Barker305 - Mr. Greenfield306 - Mr. Nerney307 - Mrs. Little 308 - Mr. Robbins310 - Mrs. Kennedy312 - MRUUSD313 - MRUUSD313A - MRUUSD313B - MRUUSD314 - MRUUSD315 - MRUUSD316 - MRUUSD317 - Mrs. Pecor318 - Mrs. LeVangie319 - Mrs. Forrest320 - Mrs. Foley321 - Computer Lab 322 - Mrs. McCalla323 - Library

400 - Mrs. Aines401 - Mrs. Miner402 - Special Education Office404 - Mrs. Roberts405 - Mrs. Lareau406 - Mrs. Striglia407 - Cafeteria408 - Ms. Valente409 - Maintenance412 - STEM Room413 - Mr. Taylor415 - Ms. Perry

416 - Ms. Hoyt417 - Mrs. Flaherty418 - Wrestling Room420 - Mr. Webb421 - Mr. Roach422 - Mrs. Cimonetti423 - Auditorium424 - Stage 40 Tech425 - Ms. White426 - Learning Lab428 - Ms. Parrish/Mr. Farnum


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If your year-end report card indicates that you have earned fewer credits than listed above, please contact your school counselor to make an academic recovery plan.

Although not currently required, below is a listing of high school credits required to compete in NCAA Division I & II sports and activities:

DIVISION I-A/ DIVISION 1-AA --- 16 core Courses4 years of English3 years of Math (Algebra 1 or higher)2 years of Natural or Physical Sciences with lab1 extra year of English, Math or Science2 years of Social Studies4 years of extra core courses (these include, MathEnglish, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, non-doctrinal religion or philosophy)

DIVISON II --- 14 Core Courses3 English2 Math credits (Algebra 1 or higher)2 Science CreditsAdditional Credit - English, Math, or Science2 Social Studies Credits3 Additional Credits from any area above, ForeignLanguage, or non-doctrinal religion/ philosophy

Grading System:A 95-99 B- 80-82 D+ 67-69 F=Fail P=PassA- 90-94 C+ 77-79 D 63-66 I=Incomplete * W=WithdrawnB+ 87-89 C 73-76 D- 60-62 IN=Attendanc e WF=Withdrawn B 83-86 C- 70-72 F below 60 NG=No Grad e EX=Exempt

*Note: All Incompletes are to be made-up within three weeks of the end of the previous marking period.

Graduation Requirements:

Subject Area CreditsEnglish 4.0Social Studies (incl. Civics & U.S. History) 3.5Math 3.0Science 3.0Physical Education 1.5Fine Arts 1.0Computer Technology 0.5Health 0.5Electives 9.0

Total Credits 26.5

Honor RollsStudents who achieve high scholastic standing in their classes will be recognized in the following honors classifications:


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High Honors - Awarded to students who achieve a grade of “A-” or above in all subjects.Honors - Awarded to students who achieve a grade of “A” in at least two classes and a grade of nothing less than a “B” in all other classes.Merit - Awarded to students who achieve a grade of “B” or better in all courses.

The Honor Roll for each marking period is posted in the Main Office and published in theRutland Herald and on Peg TV.

National Honor SocietyThe Mill River chapter of the National Honor Society is a service organization. Appointment to membership means school recognition of the high personal standards set by the student. Members design and implement an individual ongoing service project outside the school and participate in many activities undertaken by the group as a whole.

In addition to the academic benchmark of having to attain a grade point average of 3.5 or above, the criteria of character, service and leadership are considered as equally important aspects desirable in potential initiates. These standards are required by the national organization. Selection is an honor bestowed on a student; it is not a right. At Mill River, administration, faculty and staff are surveyed concerning potential members’ strengths and weaknesses in these areas. Students being considered fill out an information form where they may list their various activities which show, for example, their willingness to serve others and their ability to lead. The National Honor Society Advisory Council, composed of five administrator and/or faculty members, meets to discuss the staff survey and student information sheets. After their review of each candidate’s eligibility, the NHS Advisory Council may then accept, defer or deny each student admission as a member of the Mill River chapter of the National Honor Society.

Notification of Rights under FERPAThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 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 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the Mill River Union High School Principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal 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, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the State Street School to amend a record should write to the principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If Mill River Union High 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.


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(3) The right to consent disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosurewithout 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 Mill River Union High 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 contacted as its agent to provide a service instead of using its own employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 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, Mill River School District discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [Note: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that intends to forward records on request.

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Rutland South Supervisory Union to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance OfficeU.S. Department of Education400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC20202-5920

Report CardsReport Cards are emailed home within two weeks of the end of the marking period. Grade averages are determined as follows:Semester1: MP1(40%) + MP2 (40%) + Mid-term exam (20%) = Sem 1 averageSemester2: MP3 (40%) + MP4 (40%) + Final exam (20%) = Sem 2 average

Passing a year-long class and receiving credit is determined by averaging the first and second semester averages.

Self Help ProgramThe Self Help Program provides additional academic and social support for students who are not eligible for special education. Referrals to the program are made by contacting School Counselors.

Students attend Self Help during their regular study hall time on a short-term basis or as a permanent part of their schedule.

The Self Help instructors and peer tutors guide students to improve skills that have been presented in the regular classroom by helping them with assignments, research for projects and test preparation. Providing a nurturing atmosphere for building self-esteem,


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communication skills, problem solving skills and academic achievement are the primary focus of the program.

Special EducationSpecial Education services are provided to students and are available to students in grades 7-12 who are eligible. Special Education services include evaluation, specialized instruction, support services and accommodations as determined by an Evaluation and Planning team.

For further information regarding special education services, please contact the SpecialServices Team Leader, Maggie Aines at 775-3451 ext. 239.

Stafford Technical CenterThose students attending the Stafford Technical Center are required to attend their program every day that STC is in session. Students must have approval of both the STC and MRU administration to drive to the Technical Center.

Student RecordsAll academic and personal records pertaining to individual students are confidential and can only be inspected by the student, parents and school officials. The entire record is to be made available for review by the student and parents (parents until the student reaches the age of 18) or to the parent of a dependent eligible student after the age of 18.Parents shall have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of their child’s school record to ensure that the records are accurate. The hearing provides an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein.

Schools cannot release student records without the written consent of the parent to an individual, agency or organization other than the following:

• Other school officials within the school• Officials of other schools or school systems in which the student is enrolled or intends to enroll.• Where circumstances are required by law

Technology ResourcesIn accordance with MRUUSD’s Electronic Resource Policy, and other policies and laws of the State of Vermont, any activities and behaviors that threaten the integrity of computer networks or systems are prohibited on both MRUUSD owned and privately owned equipment operated on or through MRUUSD resources. These activities and behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Interfering with or disrupting computer systems and networks and related services, including but not limited to the propagation of “worms,” “viruses” and “Trojan horses.”• Failing to comply with authorized requests from the Technology Department to discontinue activities that threaten the operation or integrity of computers, systems or networks.• Negligently or intentionally revealing passwords or otherwise permitting the use by others of MRUUSD assigned accounts for computer and network access. The user is responsible for all uses of their accounts independent of authorization.


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• Altering or attempting to alter files or systems that affect the MRUUSDnetwork.• Unauthorized scanning of ports, computers and networks.• Attempting to circumvent data protection programs or uncover security vulnerabilities.• Connecting unauthorized equipment (iPods, phones or other plug and play items) to the MRUUSD network or computers.• Attempting to alter any MRUUSD computing or network components including but not limited to server, routers, hubs, wiring and connections.• Using MRUUSD computers or the network to harass any other person, under any circumstances.• Using computer resources to defame, slander or libel.• Knowingly and/or intentionally making, acquiring or using illegal copies of computer software.

Studying10 Rules of Studying

These rules are excerpted from the book A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel in Math and Science (Even if You Flunked Algebra), by Barbara Oakley, Penguin, July, 2014.

10 Rules of Good Studying

1. Use recall. After you read a page, look away and recall the main ideas. Highlight very little, and never highlight anything you haven’t put in your mind first by recalling. Try recalling main ideas when you are walking to class or in a different room from where you originally learned it. An ability to recall—to generate the ideas from inside yourself—is one of the key indicators of good learning

2. Test yourself. On everything. All the time. Flash cards are your friend.3. Chunk your problems. Chunking is understanding and practicing with a problem

solution so that it can all come to mind in a flash. After you solve a problem, rehearse it. Make sure you can solve it cold—every step. Pretend it’s a song and learn to play it over and over again in your mind, so the information combines into one smooth chunk you can pull up whenever you want.

4. Space your repetition. Spread out your learning in any subject a little every day, just like an athlete. Your brain is like a muscle—it can handle only a limited amount of exercise on one subject at a time.

5. Alternate different problem-solving techniques during your practice. Never practice too long at any one session using only one problem-solving technique—after a while, you are just mimicking what you did on the previous problem. Mix it up and work on different types of problems. This teaches you both how and when to use a technique. (Books generally are not set up this way, so you’ll need to do this on your own.) After every assignment and test, go over your errors, make sure you understand why you made them, and then rework your solutions. To study most effectively, handwrite (don’t type) a problem on one side of a flash card and the solution on the other. (Handwriting builds stronger neural structures in memory than typing.) You might also photograph the card if you want to load it into a study app on your smartphone. Quiz yourself randomly on different types of problems.


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Another way to do this is to randomly flip through your book, pick out a problem, and see whether you can solve it cold.

6. Take breaks. It is common to be unable to solve problems or figure out concepts in math or science the first time you encounter them. This is why a little study every day is much better than a lot of studying all at once. When you get frustrated with a math or science problem, take a break so that another part of your mind can take over and work in the background.

7. Use explanatory questioning and simple analogies. Whenever you are struggling with a concept, think to yourself, How can I explain this so that a ten-year-old could understand it? Using an analogy really helps, like saying that the flow of electricity is like the flow of water. Don’t just think your explanation—say it out loud or put it in writing. The additional effort of speaking and writing allows you to more deeply encode (that is, converted into neural memory structures) what you are learning.

8. Focus. Turn of all interrupting beeps and alarms on your phone and computer, and then turn on a timer for twenty- five minutes. Focus intently for those twenty- five minutes and try to work as diligently as you can. After the timer goes off , give yourself a small, fun reward. A few of these sessions in a day can really move your studies forward. Try to set up times and places where studying—not glancing at your computer or phone—is just something you naturally do.

9. Eat your frogs first. Do the hardest thing earliest in the day, when you are fresh.10. Make a mental contrast. Imagine where you’ve come from and contrast that with

the dream of where your studies will take you. Post a picture or words in your workspace to remind you of your dream. Look at that when you and your motivation are lagging. This work will pay off both for you and those you love!

10 Rules of Bad Studying

Excerpted from A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel in Math and Science (Even if You Flunked Algebra), by Barbara Oakley, Penguin, July, 2014

Avoid these techniques—they can waste your time even while they fool you into thinking you’re learning!

1. Passive rereading—sitting passively and running your eyes back over a page. Unless you can prove that the material is moving into your brain by recalling the main ideas without looking at the page, rereading is a waste of time.

2. Letting highlights overwhelm you. Highlighting your text can fool your mind into thinking you are putting something in your brain, when all you’re really doing is moving your hand. A little highlighting here and there is okay—sometimes it can be helpful in flagging important points. But if you are using highlighting as a memory tool, make sure that what you mark is also going into your brain.

3. Merely glancing at a problem’s solution and thinking you know how to do it. This is one of the worst errors students make while studying. You need to be able to solve a problem step-by-step, without looking at the solution.

4. Waiting until the last minute to study. Would you cram at the last minute if you were practicing for a track meet? Your brain is like a muscle—it can handle only a limited amount of exercise on one subject at a time.


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5. Repeatedly solving problems of the same type that you already know how to solve. If you just sit around solving similar problems during your practice, you’re not actually preparing for a test—it’s like preparing for a big basketball game by just practicing your dribbling.

6. Letting study sessions with friends turn into chat sessions. Checking your problem solving with friends, and quizzing one another on what you know, can make learning more enjoyable, expose flaws in your thinking, and deepen your learning. But if your joint study sessions turn to fun before the work is done, you’re wasting your time and should find another study group.

7. Neglecting to read the textbook before you start working problems. Would you dive into a pool before you knew how to swim? The textbook is your swimming instructor—it guides you toward the answers. You will flounder and waste your time if you don’t bother to read it. Before you begin to read, however, take a quick glance over the chapter or section to get a sense of what it’s about.

8. Not checking with your instructors or classmates to clear up points of confusion. Professors are used to lost students coming in for guidance—it’s our job to help you. The students we worry about are the ones who don’t come in. Don’t be one of those students.

9. Thinking you can learn deeply when you are being constantly distracted. Every tiny pull toward an instant message or conversation means you have less brain power to devote to learning. Every tug of interrupted attention pulls out tiny neural roots before they can grow. Turn of your headsets/music, your phones, your email alerts. These all tug at your attention.

10. Not getting enough sleep. Your brain pieces together problem-solving techniques when you sleep, and it also practices and repeats whatever you put in mind before you go to sleep. Prolonged fatigue allows toxins to build up in the brain that disrupt the neural connections you need to think quickly and well. If you don’t get a good sleep before a test, NOTHING ELSE YOU HAVE DONE WILL MATTER.

PROCEDURES

School-wide Behavior PlanIt is the philosophy of Mill River Union High School to maintain a safe, orderly and respectful setting. Adults and students will interact as constructive members of the school community for the creation of a productive learning environment. All members will practice self-discipline, good judgment, and good citizenship.

Individuals will conduct themselves in a manner which represents the rights of others. Expectations include courtesy at all times, the protection of public and private property, a clean and orderly school, use of appropriate language, and an environment conducive to learning.

Effective discipline provides learning opportunities for students to foster the essential internal controls to be successful in all aspects of their lives. Establishing, maintaining and restoring relationships are essential parts of the discipline process. In conjunction withlogical consequences, restorative practices may be employed, and cooperative dialogues with parents or guardians will be maintained.


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Rules for student behavior will be clearly stated, understood by staff, students, and parents or guardians, and enforced by consistent disciplinary procedures, in compliance with due process requirements. The discipline code will be enforced while a student is on school property, while riding a bus or at the bus stop, and while attending school-sponsored events or activities. All students, regardless of age, are subject to all school policies, procedures, and standards.

Actions Taken in Response to Inappropriate Behavior(* denotes further detailed information can be found elsewhere in the handbook)

Level A Behaviors:Behavior (Managed by teacher/staff member):* Classroom disruption (including cell phones and electronic devices) Failure to return to class in timely mannerInappropriate language* Inappropriate display of affection* Inappropriate clothing Refusal to do work in class Tardiness to classLack of preparation for classBeing in an unauthorized location before, during or after school

Staff action may include: Meeting with student Communication with parent (record)Communication with special educator or counselor and planning room personnelVerbal indication by student of actions to avoid such behaviorWritten action plan by studentDetentionBrief removal from classLoss of extracurricular eligibility form signature

Student Expectations:The student is expected to understand and identify the behavior that contributed to the problem and, if necessary, meet with a counselor or other school personnel. The student will meet with the teacher to develop a behavior improvement plan and should miss not more than one class period while this step is in progress.

Level B Behaviors:Repeated Level A violations* Academic dishonesty/cheatingDisrespect to any staff memberCutting class or AdvisoryCutting detentionDishonesty with a staff memberInappropriate behavior with another studentExtreme disruption* Misuse of technology resourcesInappropriate language directed toward someone* Late arrival to school sixth offense


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Staff action may include: Communication with student Communication with parent (record)Communication with special educator or counselorMandatory notification of administrationRecord with planning room personnelIn case of academic dishonesty, no credit given for assignmentRemoval from class to administratorLoss of privilege to participate in extra-curricular activitiesRestorative practice

Administrative action: Detention(s)Placement in planning roomDevelopment of improvement plan

Student Expectations:The student is expected to understand and identify the behaviors which contributed to the problem and, if necessary, meet with a counselor or other school personnel. The student will meet with the planning room supervisor to develop a student behavior improvement plan. The plan will be shared with administration.

Level C Behaviors:Repeated Level B violationsThreatening behavior toward staff or students* Hazing, harassment or bullying* Leaving campus or the building without permissionTheft or possession of stolen propertyBehavior disruptive to school operationSecond violation of cutting a class, advisory or detention* Second violation of academic dishonesty Refusal to comply* Tobacco violationVandalism*Late arrival to school ninth offenseAccessing of or possession of pornography

Staff action:Notification of administration as soon as possible

Administrative action:Reporting of all violations to parents, counselor or special educator, and School Resource Officer Meeting with student Suspension for 1 – 5 days Development of improvement plan (including restorative action when appropriate) Referral to Educational Support Team when appropriate

Student Expectations:When student behavior is serious and detrimental to the student’s success and the success of others, administrative intervention will occur. The student will make a plan for reentry which includes clear identification of the problem behavior, the student’s role, steps to


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improve the behavior, and a timetable to implement the behavior changes. The administrator, counselor or special educator, Restorative Justice supervisor, parents, and appropriate teachers will be involved in the reentry plan.

Level D offense:Repeated violations of Level C* Alcohol use, possession or distribution Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia Extreme insubordination* Second offense of hazing, harassment or bullyingIntimidation or threats of violenceObstruction of an investigationDistribution of pornographic materials**, in any formExtreme or repeated vandalism or thefts* Possession of weapon, fireworks, stink bombs, or incendiary devicesFalse reporting of fire or bomb threatOther unlawful conduct

Staff action:Immediate notification of administration

Administrative action:Report of all violations to parent, counselor or special educator, and School Resource OfficerMeeting with student Suspension for 5 – 10 daysReferral to Educational Support TeamDevelopment of improvement plan with student, parent and appropriate staff Reentry meeting with student, parent(s), administration, appropriate staff Restorative practices if appropriate, collaborative decision with those involved, including staffPossible expulsion hearing (automatic after third suspension)

Student expectations:The student will develop a reentry (student behavior) plan. This will include a clear identification of the problem behavior, the student’s role, steps to improve the behavior, and a timetable to implement the behavior changes. The administrative team, parent(s), appropriate teaching staff, counselor and special educator, as needed, will be involved in the reentry plan. This plan will be submitted to the School Board for final approval before the student is allowed to reenter. Parents may be required to provide transportation to and from school.

**The definition of pornography, as used here, is not necessarily the same as the definition used in VT statute, but, rather will conform to our community standards.

Definitions and ProceduresDetention: If a student’s behavior warrants it, a detention may be assigned by a teacher or administrator. In all cases an effort will be made to contact parents or guardians 24 hours before the detention. Detentions will be 45 minutes in length. Failure by a student to attend the detention will result in additional consequences.


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Suspension: Before a student is suspended, a conference will be held with the student and the student’s parents or guardians to discuss charges/infractions, either in person or by phone. This conference will serve the purposes of:• Ensuring that all details and factors related to the inappropriate behavior are understood• Providing the student an opportunity to explain and /or acknowledge the behavior• Providing an opportunity to develop a plan to improve the student’s behavior

After this conference, the decision to suspend shall rest with the school administration. Students who are suspended may not be on school grounds or participate in school activities.

In-school suspension: Part or all of a student’s assigned suspension may be scheduled as in-school. In school suspension is served under supervision in the Restorative Justice room.Students will be given the opportunity to complete assignments during this time.

Appeals ProcessIf a parent or guardian feels that the steps outlined above were not followed, or that the student was in some way denied appropriate due process, an appeal may be made to the superintendent of schools for review.

Smoke-Free and Substance-Free CampusIn compliance with Vermont state law and to promote positive role modeling for our students, Mill River Union School maintains a smoke-free and substance-free rule on the campus-at-large, which includes all school grounds.

Prohibited SubstancesSubstance abuse refers to the possession, use and/or distribution of prohibited substances in the school as well as on school property and at any school function. The range of prohibited substances includes tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, prohibited drugs, other drugs, “look-alike” substances and drug paraphernalia.Cases involving substance abuse will be treated seriously because they usually indicate a student’s clear disrespect for authority or for the safety and/or rights of fellow students. Consequences administered for substance use and abuse may include but are notlimited to:• Suspension (1 or more days)• Referral to the Student Assistance Counselor (mandatory)• Referral to law enforcement agencies (mandatory)• Referral to other agencies for assessment or counseling

Attendance Procedures & InformationMill River Union High School expects that all enrolled students, regardless of age, attend school for the full number of days that school is in session, in accordance with Vermont law. Student achievement is directly related to consistent school attendance. Developing good habits regarding attendance and punctuality will prepare students for meeting career and job expectations and allow them to possess the skills and knowledge necessary to be lifelong learners and productive citizens.


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Pupils who frequently arrive late to class or who are often absent from school disrupt the continuity of the classroom instructional process. The interdependent nature of classroom learning and a student’s participation in well-planned instructional activities are vital to this process. When students are absent or tardy, the benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost or reduced and cannot be easily regained.

Mill River Union High School will keep accurate records of student attendance to comply with the law and to ensure the safety of the student each day. While schools have the consistent obligation to require their students to attend school and to be present for the full school day, it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure their student arrives on time and is in attendance regularly.

All students are expected to remain in school during school hours, including their study halls and lunches. On occasion, a student must be dismissed from school during the day for a family emergency or for a specific appointment (i.e., doctor or dentist). The student must return to school with a note from that appointment in order to be allowed to return to classes. In cases of emergency, the parent must have the dismissal approved by an administrator. Once the student enters the building, the student can only leave the building if their parent/guardian signs them out in person. Phone calls will not be accepted to sign a student out.

Attendance Procedure:Any student in grades 7 – 12 arriving to A block after 7:45 will be marked late by the teacher. Students arriving after 7:45 will report directly to the main office to check in to school. The administration will be notified via the attendance procedure. The administration will meet with the student on the student’s third late arrival to discuss consequences. This is considered a Level B offense; administrators will initiate contact with parents or guardians.

Students who accumulate nine tardy arrivals per year will serve a one-day in-school suspension. This is considered a Level C offense and will necessitate a meeting with parents. Students in this situation who drive to school will also lose their parking privilege for two weeks. These consequences apply to all additional accumulations of nine day tardy. Students who have accumulated three tardy arrivals will serve a detention for each additional tardy arrival for the remainder of the school year.

A student must arrive at school by 7:45 in order to participate in after-school activities unless arrangements are made with an administrator. A verified medical appointment would be considered a reasonable request for suspension of this rule.

A student who misses half of a class will be marked absent for that class. This absence will count toward the accumulated absences that determine loss of credit for that class.

The administration is authorized to implement the student attendance procedure. A student accumulating absences in excess of ten unexcused class periods (a block period is the equivalent of two class periods) in a semester course or in excess of twenty class periods in a full-year course will not be awarded credit. Classes for which no credit is given will show a grade of IN. Parents will be notified by the administration after the fifth absence.


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Further school intervention will take place as necessary. Students absent from school must present a written note signed by their parent or guardian and obtain an attendance slip from the main office. Students are expected to make up all work for all class absences. If the absence is anticipated, students should get work ahead of time. Absences due to family vacations outside of normal school vacation periods will count as unexcused absences.

A student who is absent from school may not participate in nor attend a school activity or event without prior approval of the administration and/or their coach or activity advisor.

Bus PassesAny student who wishes to ride a different bus, for a given day, needs to present the administrative office with a written parent/guardian permission note (phone calls will not be accepted). If a student wishes to go to another student’s house, a note from both sets of parents will be required.

Cell phones, iPods and Other Electronic DevicesStudents are free to carry their phones and other electronic devices in bags or keep them in their lockers; however, cell phones and other electronic devices are permitted during change of class and lunch. Headphones are not permitted in the hallway and must be kept in a backpack or locker. A teacher may specifically authorize use of such devices as a supplement or aid to classroom instruction. Cell phones may be used in the library and in study halls with the permission of the person in charge. Students give up some of their privacy rights when bringing personal communication devices to school. A principal or their designee, upon reasonable suspicion, may search the digital device for evidence of any harassment/bullying or violation of school policy or the law.

Unauthorized cell phone use

1st Offense: cell phone or media device will be confiscated and held by a school staff member for the remainder of the class or the remainder of the day.Chronic Misuse: cell phone or media device will be held in an office until a parent picks up the device. Any refusal to surrender an electronic device will be considered insubordination, and further discipline will be imposed.

DancesGuests may be admitted if accompanied by an MRUHS student. A guest must be registered in the main office before 2:30 the day before the dance. All guest requests are subject to administrative approval. Guests must be students in grades 7 – 12 at another school. Any MRUHS student bringing a guest is responsible for the conduct of his/her guest.

All dances are chaperoned by the class advisor(s), five (5) or more staff members, and an administrator and/or a law enforcement officer. Dances may be canceled if chaperones are not designated by the beginning of the week of the dance.

The dance, the times, details and the music providers (DJs or musicians) must be pre-approved by the administration. The organization sponsor must fill out a dance permission form that is sent to the administration for approval.


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Dance Rules• All regulations pertaining to student conduct and dress while in school are in effect. Anyone suspected of being under the influence will not be admitted. Offenders are subject to disciplinary action.• No one is to loiter on school property before, during, or after a dance.• Once admitted to a dance, students who leave will not be re-admitted.• Students may not bring beverages into a dance. All containers will be confiscated.• A student may not attend a dance if he or she has an unexcused absence or late arrival on the day of the dance. If a dance is schedule for a weekend, the student must have been in school all day on the previous most recent school day in order for a student to attend.

Dress Code Philosophy / Dress CodeWhenever, in the opinion of the MRUHS faculty, staff, or administration, attire inhibits teaching and learning, students will be required to alter that attire. Parents may be required to bring alternate clothing if needed, or the student will be sent home. Repeated offenses may result in other consequences as outlined under Level B behaviors.

Hats are not permitted to be worn inside the building at any time. They are to be put in your locker or backpack when in the building.

Fire Drills / Clear the HallsAll schools are required to have monthly fire drills. Posted in each classroom is a diagramshowing the nearest exit route to a safe designated area outside, located 100 feet or more from the building.

• Leave the driveways and roadways open to emergency vehicles.• Students should leave the building walking as rapidly aspossible without running. Students in transition (hall passes, lunch, etc.) should exit at the nearest door and report to the closest teacher supervised group.• Students must not enter any classroom when teacher is not present.• Students must be quiet in order that all may hear directions.

Interviewing, filming, videotaping or recording of studentsThe need for the public and media to be informed about school programs and activities must be balanced by the privacy interests of students and the responsibility of the school to operate with a minimum of disruption. Parents/guardians are asked to alert the school if they wish that their student not be interviewed, filmed, videotaped or recorded. The proper form will be distributed to parents/guardians. If parent/guardian does not respond, the school will assume that permission is granted to interview, film, videotape or record.

Leaving the School Building and/or School Grounds During School Hours:Any time a student needs to leave the school building and/or school grounds, he/she must first report to the office and request permission to leave. Any student leaving the building and/or grounds without parental and administrative permission will be suspended for five


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(5) days for the first offense (a Level C offense). A second offense (a Level D offense) willresult in a ten (10) day suspension (See School Board policy 5114.) Additional offenses willresult in additional consequences.

Mill River OnlineMill River Online features daily announcements, sports schedules, and the lunch menu.

You will find Mill River Online to be the home page on all school computers this year but feel free to visit the site from home by navigating to www.millriverschools.org then following the link to Mill River.

Office Telephone UseStudents may, with permission, use the telephone for emergencies or school related business.

School Closings In the event of severely inclement weather or mechanical breakdown, school may be closed or starting time delayed. The same conditions may also necessitate early dismissal. School closings, delayed starting time or early dismissal will be announced through an Alert Now phone message, on the school’s website, and over local radio stations. Reports in the morning will be between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Radio: WSYB – 1380 AM: WCAT – 94.5 FM; WZRT – 97.1 FM; WJJR – 98.1 FM; WEQX– 102.7 FM Television: Rutland Community Television Channels 15 & 20: WVNY – (cable 4); WPTZ – (cable 5)

School Day Students entering the building before 7:45 must wait in the cafeteria until the 7:35 bell unless they are under the direct supervision of a staff member.

Skateboards, Rollerblades, Sneakers with Rollers, etc.Due to insurance regulations use of such devices is not permitted on school grounds.

Student DrivingStudent driving and parking at Mill River Union High School is a privilege. The school administration reserves the right to regulate use of cars and to enforce driving rules on the school grounds. Students who drive or park in violation of the rules listed below will be prohibited from driving on school property.

• Students driving to school must register their vehicle and be issued a parkingpermit.• All students will park in the student parking lot in designated areas.• Ask permission of any front office staff member if you need to go to your carduring the school day.• Failure to drive responsibly on school grounds will result in the loss ofparking privileges.• In case of special events, students will be warned about alternate parking on agiven day.• Parking privileges may be limited or revoked due to attendance issues and/ordiscipline issues.


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Any of the above infractions will result in disciplinary action. The severity and amount of damage caused will dictate the consequences. Particularly egregious violations could include suspension or expulsion.

Withdrawal from SchoolWhen a student withdraws from school, the registrar in the Main Office should be informed as soon as possible of the last day of attendance.

The school office will provide a form to be taken to the teachers. Parents will need to sign a “Release of Records” form at the new school to authorize a transfer of records. All books must be returned and all outstanding fees paid before leaving.

VisitorsAll guests and visitors must register upon entering and leaving in the main office.Student visitors on a school related visit, must have pre-approval from the office a day in advance. All approved visitors must display their visitors pass. Passes will be assigned in the main office.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES / ATHLETICSA Note to All Our Student Athletes & Parents

Interscholastic athletics provides an opportunity for students to participate in the total educational experience. What you do to succeed in sports reflects what you need to succeed in life. Sportsmanship and respect are both components of character. Respect is given not just for success or failure but for effort, attitude and how you treat others. People see and judge the school community by the students and parents that represent it, wherever they may be.

This handbook is written to help you better understand and appreciate the purpose and goals of the athletic programs at Mill River UHS.

If you are uncertain about anything, please feel free to ask us. Good luck to all the athletes this season!

Kim ManieryAthletic Director

Extracurricular Activities/AthleticsEach student at Mill River Union High School is actively encouraged to participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible, without sacrificing academic priorities. The benefits of participation are many and lifelong (ie: teamwork, leadership, community service, self-esteem, friendships, health). Each student participating in a extracurricular activity must, along with their parent or guardian, read the Extracurricular Activities Policy & Regulations and sign the permission slip in order to participate. Students who create discipline problems before, during or after activities may be dropped from activities programs.Any Mill River student participating in an athletic activity must have a current health physical and accident insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, insurance is


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available at the school through an independent insurance company. Insurance forms are given to all Mill River students at the beginning of the academic year.

The following activities are available to Mill River Union High School students: Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Class Officer, Cross-Country, Football, Geo-Bee, Golf, Key Club, MathCounts, Model United Nations, Peer Tutor, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Softball, Stage 20, Stage 40, Student Council, Track and Field, Unified Bowling, National Honors Society, Unified Basketball, Wrestling, and Yearbook(credited class).

If a student is interested in an extracurricular activity not listed above, please see the Athletic Director or an Administrator.

Mill River Union High School wishes to maintain a reputation for excellence that is reflected in the behavior of the students who represent the school during all extracurricular activities. The school wishes to encourage a sense of pride and responsibility in all participants. People see and judge the school by the students who represent it, wherever they may be. The following rules govern all extracurricular activities. Parents and students should be familiar with them. No student should expect to participate in an extracurricular activity unless he/she is willing to follow these rules. All rules must be followed in order to maintain eligibility.1. Eligibility for athletic games and extracurricular performances will be based off the prior semester’s grades. For example, students must be in good academic standing from the Fall semester in order to be eligible during the Spring semester. A student is permitted to be failing one class and still be eligible. However, that student cannot participate in games or performances until that failing grade becomes a passing grade. A student in this situation would be considered to be on probation and allowed to attend practice/rehearsal during this time period.2. If a student is late to school, it will be the extracurricular activity advisor’s or coach’s discretion on whether or not that student participates that day in a performance, game, or practice/rehearsal. If a student is absent from school, that student cannot participate in after-school performances, rehearsals, practices, and/or athletic events.3. A student who uses, consumes, possesses, buys, sells, or gives away any illegal drug, alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or misuses or involves other students in the misuse of regulated substances such as prescription drugs, or non-regulated substances such as over-the- counter medications, shall be ineligible to participate in any co-curricular activity for a minimum of three weeks. This penalty can be increased at the discretion of the school administration and/or School Board. If less than three weeks remains in an activity in which the student is currently participating the penalty shall be carried over to whenever the next scheduled activity begins, including into the next school year if the violation occurs with less than three weeks remaining in school. For the second and subsequent violations of this rule students will be ineligible to participate in all co-curricular activities for a minimum of one full calendar year from the time of the infraction. That penalty can be increased at the discretion of the school administration and/or School Board. (See also Policy No. 5144 Alcohol and Drug Abuse)4. Students and parents or guardians must sign the Extracurricular Policy and RegulationsPermission Slip indicating they understand these eligibility rules and are willing to abide by them before the student can participate in a co-curricular activity. This form will be signed online via the MRU Athletics website.


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INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM

FallBoys & Girls Cross Country Fall CheerleadingVarsity Football JV Boys SoccerJV Football MS Boys SoccerVarsity Girls Soccer MS Cross CountryJV Girls Soccer MS FootballVarsity Boys Soccer MS Girls Soccer

WinterVarsity Boys Basketball Wrestling JV Boys Basketball MS CheerleadingVarsity Girls Basketball MS Boys BasketballJV Girls Basketball MS Girls BasketballVarsity Cheerleading MS WrestlingSnowboarding Skiing

SpringVarsity Baseball Track & FieldJV Baseball GolfVarsity Softball MS BaseballJV Softball MS SoftballUnified Basketball

Travel to Games All athletes are expected to travel with the team both to and from away games. Exceptions may be requested by a parent by contacting the Athletic Director with a written note that needs to be signed by the Principal and Athletic Director.

Mill River Parent/Coach Communication PlanCommunication you should expect from your child’s coach:1. Philosophy of the coach.2. Expectations the coach has for your child as well as the players on the squad.3. Locations and times of practices.4. Team requirements, i.e., practices, special equipment, out of season conditioning.5. Procedure followed should your child be injured during participation.6. Discipline that may result in the denial of your child’s participation.

Communication Coaches expect from parents:1. Concerns expressed directly to the coach.2. Notification of any schedule conflicts well ahead of time.3. Specific concerns with regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations.

As your child becomes involved in the programs at Mill River, they will experience some of the most rewarding times of their lives. It is important to understand that they also may be times when things do not go the way you or your child wishes. At these times discussion with the coach is encouraged.


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Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:1. The treatment of your child, mentally and physically.2. Ways the parent(s) can help your child improve.3. Concerns about your child’s behavior.

Mill River Union High and Middle School Parent/Coach Communication Plan…..It is very difficult to accept your child’s not playing as much as you may hope. Coaches are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list on the previous page, certain things can be and should be discussed with your child’s coach. Other things, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the coach.

Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:1. Playing Time2. Team Strategy3. Play Calling4. Other Student-Athletes

There are situations that may require a conference between coach and parent. These are to be encouraged. It is important that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the other’s position. When these conferences are necessary the following procedure should be followed to help promote a resolution to the issue or concern.

Parent/Coach Communication PlanIf you have a concern to discuss with a coach, the procedure you should follow:1. Call to setup an appointment.2. The Mill River UHS number is 775-3451.3. If the coach cannot be reached, call the Athletic Director, Kim Maniery, at

775-3451 ext. 222. A meeting will be set-up for you.4. Please do not attempt to confront a coach before or after a contest or practice.

These can be emotional times for both parents and the coach. Meetings of this nature do not promote a resolution.

The Next StepWhat a parent can do if the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution:1. Call and setup an appointment with the Athletic Director, Kim Maniery,

775-3451 ext. 222 to discuss the situation.

ELIGIBIITY– VPA (Vermont Principals’ Association)Eligibility rules and activities policies apply to all students, both boys and girls, in grades 7-12 in affiliated schools. Eligibility rules and activities policies apply to all activities, both athletic and non-athletic, sanctioned or sponsored by the VPA.

• Contestants or participants must be enrolled in their school and must meet the school's prescribed academic and eligibility rules. Students may only compete on school teams sponsored by their own school during the season, and may only compete for the one


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school in which he or she is officially enrolled. Students may participate in meets as individuals but may not participate as a member of another team.

• A student who competes in any VPA sanctioned activity must be under nineteen (19) years of age, except that a student whose nineteenth (19th) birthday occurs on or after August 1 is eligible for all activities in the ensuring school year. Students who have attained the age of nineteen (19) prior to August 1 shall be ineligible for all VPA sanctioned activities.

• During a sports season players who have participated in competition as a member of a school group shall not compete as members of a non-school organized group in the same sport. Violation of this rule will be handled as follow:

• For the first infraction, a warning to students will be given that the choice of participation in one or the other group must be followed.

• For the second infraction, students will be dropped from the school group.

• Transfer students are eligible at once provided they were bona fide students in good standing in the school from which they transferred according to the definition in Item A above and there is a bona fide change is residence. If the transfer is the result of any coercion, recruiting or inducement to move in order to participate in interscholastic activities, students will be ineligible for a period of 365 calendar days from the date of the infraction.

• If there is no bona fide change in residency, students are eligible to participate immediately up to the first play date of that sports season. If a student transfers, and does not change residence, after the first play date of that sports season, the student must wait 20 calendar days after the transfer to be eligible, and must participate in at least 60% of the season competitions (at the new school) to be eligible for post season competition.

• If there is no bona fide change in residency, a student who transfers twice or more during a 365 day period will not be eligible at the new school(s) after his or her subsequent transfers until one calendar year after the date of the first transfer.

• The VPA may grant a waiver of the 20 calendar day waiting period or the 60% eligibility requirement or the 365 calendar day waiting period for multiple transfers upon request by the school if the school establishes that the transfer was made for reasons not related to activities.

• The principal of any receiving school shall check carefully to determine the reasons for the transfer. Reports of suspected violations of transfer student’s eligibility rules must be made to the VPA immediately.

• A school shall be deemed in violation of the rule against recruitment for directly or indirectly supporting or sanctioning recruitment if a representative or agent of the school, or any individual or group associated with the athletic programs of that school, approaches a student athlete in another school, apart from a publicized meeting for all prospective students in that school, and directly or indirectly attempts to persuade or induce a student athlete to enroll in his/her school. A school may also violate this rule by failing to take adequate steps to control recruitment by third parties.


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• Students are ineligible if they have lost their amateur standing, i.e., they have accepted remuneration, gifts or donations directly or indirectly for participation in an athletic contest, or they have participated under an assumed name, or they have competed on a team for which the player was paid for his participation, or they have entered into a playing contract with a professional club or agent. Reference to "gifts or donations" is not intended to preclude the acceptance of playing apparel and equipment that is presented by the sponsoring organization.

• Any athlete ejected from a game will not be allowed to compete in the next two contest, at a minimum.

Students who violate one of the eligibility rules listed above become immediately ineligible.

Concussion InformationMill River Union has developed this protocol to address the issue of the identification and management of concussions for students who participate in school sports. Act 68 was passed into law in 2013 and requires that schools have an action plan. A safe return to activity protocol is important for all athletes following any injury, but it is essential after a concussion. The goal of this concussion protocol is to ensure that concussed athletes are identified, treated and referred appropriately for return to learn and return to play. Consistent use of a concussion management protocol will ensure that the athlete receives appropriate follow-up and/or academic accommodations in order to make certain that the athlete is fully recovered properly before returning to full athletic play activity.

This protocol will be reviewed annually by Matt Howland, ATC, the MRU athletic trainer. Changes and modifications will be reviewed and written notifications will be provided to athletic department staff, coaches and other appropriate school personnel.All coaches’ are required to certify concussion management training annually. Parents and athletes must be educated about concussions annually. The written documentation of coach’s annual training documents shall be kept in the coaches personnelfile and the student/parents in the student file and be tracked by Kim Maniery, Athletic Director.

Recognition of ConcussionSigns (observed by others) Symptoms (reported by athlete)Forgets playsAppears dazed or stunned HeadacheExhibits confusion FatigueUnsure about game, score, opponent Nausea or vomitingMoves clumsily Double vision, blurry visionBalance problems Sensitive to light or noisePersonality change Feels sluggishResponds slowing to questions Feels “foggy”Forgets events after the hit Problems concentratingLoss of consciousness (not required) Problems remembering


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Concussion Information Continued…Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion must be removed from competition or practice and will not be allowed to train or compete with a school athletic team until the athlete has been examined by and received written permission to participate in athletic activities from a health care provider. (per Act 68, approved by the VT Legislature in 2013)Both the Head Coach and the school Athletic Trainer have been designated as individuals who can make the initial decision to remove a student athlete from play when it is suspected the athlete may have suffered a concussion. The trainer will be used whenever he is present at an activity.

The school must notify parents/guardians within 24 hours if student sustains a concussion. The head coach or the school ATC is the individual assigned to inform parents/guardians that their student/child may have sustained a concussion.

Return to Learn Protocol (RTL): The following steps are required before the student can return to academic activity. The student is required to complete the RTL protocol and be symptom free for 24 hours before beginning the RTP protocol. • The return to play plan should start only when you have been without any

symptoms for 24 hours.• It is important to wait for 24 hours between steps because symptoms may develop several

hours after completing a step.• Do not take any pain medications while moving through this plan (no ibuprofen, aspirin,

Aleve or Tylenol.)• This program should be supervised by an athletic trainer, school nurse or health care

professional trained in management of concussions.Step 1: Aerobic conditioning—Walking, swimming or stationary cyclingStep 2: Sports specific drills—Skating drills in hockey, running drills in soccer/basketball.Step 3: Non-contact training drills—include more complex training drills (passing in soccer/ice hockey/basketball. Running specific pattern plays).Step 4: Full contact practice.Step 5: Full clearance for return to play.

Matt Howland, ATC is the individual who makes the final decision regarding the student’s return to athletic activity.

Tryout Policy Procedure1. Choosing the members of the various athletic teams is the responsibility of the coach.2. Before tryouts begin, coaches will provide the team information to all candidates and

parents of the team at a preseason meeting. Such information shall include:• Length of tryout period—a minimum of five days.• Objectives used to select the members of the team.• Approximate number of team members that will be selected and criteria involved

in selection– positions needed, etc.• Distribution of practice and game schedule. The coach will explain the

commitment necessary to join the team.• Clear notification that tryouts are based on performance during the selection

period. Tryouts are not based on summer participation or coaching camps the


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athletes participated in previous to selections.3. Sub-varsity coaches will follow the criteria for selection that have been established for the

particular sport. Head coaches will be involved in sub-varsity selections to aid these coaches.4. When lowering numbers on teams becomes a necessity, a coach will provide the

following opportunities for each player:• Lists or rosters of team membership will not be posted. Each coach will meet with

each candidate individually to discuss strengths, weaknesses, and squad membership or reason for non-membership.

• Coach will discuss options or alternatives for those individuals who do not make the team. Such alternatives could include participation in a team support position.

Cut Policy7th/8th Grade – Cuts will occur only if absolutely necessary and only after a conversation with the Athletic Director and Principal about alternatives. Junior Varsity– all efforts will be made to retain a reasonable number of players, however, cuts may occur. Varsity– cuts are more likely in some sports.

Playing TimeThe individual’s ability, attitude, and the team situation determine playing time at the varsity level. At the 7th/8th grade level, every effort will be made to ensure each athlete participates in every event. It is expected that members of the JV level team will see action in each game as long as they fulfill all of their team’s responsibilities and expectations, and that their participating does not constitute a potential danger to their physical well being as determined by the coaching staff.

Uniforms and EquipmentStudents are responsible for all uniforms and equipment issued to them. They are responsible for keeping them clean and in good repair and returning them at the end of the respective season. They will be liable for lost and damaged items and will be charged as determined by the respective coach and administration. For all students, future participation in co-curricular (athletic, non-athletic, etc…), will be denied, and seniors will not be allowed to participate in senior activities (Prom, Graduation, etc..), if uniforms, equipment, or its face value are not returned or reimbursed.

Awards Criteria & End of Season Awards NightsThe recognition for successful participation in an activity is important to the participants, the school, and the community. End of Season Sports Banquets will take place within each team. Dates and locations of banquets will be posted prior for those interested in attending.1. All sub-varsity and varsity participants will receive a certificate of participation. A

participant who is a member of a varsity level activity for the entire duration of the respective season may be awarded the appropriate varsity letter or pin if a varsity letter has already been received for that sport.

Change of Sport PolicyNo athlete may quit or be suspended from a sport and try out for another after the season has begun (first practice to last game, dates set by VPA), without mutual consent of both coaches, and the approval of the Athletic Director.


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Home Study EligibilityHome study students are permitted to participate in public school co-curricular activities. To be eligible, home study students must satisfy all of the following criteria.• The student must be enrolled in a home study program registered with the Vermont

Department of Education.• The student must have a legal residence in the school district or a legal residence in a

district that does not maintain a school and pays tuition on behalf of its students to the district where the student wishes to play.

• A copy of the Vermont State Department of Education enrollment letter for the student’s home study program must be presented to the principal.

• A parent or guardian must review the student’s academic progress on the same schedule as the school. The standard should be consistent with those for enrolled students to determine academic progress. Although this review is conducted by the parent or guardian, the parent or guardian must certify the review to the principal.

• The student must comply with all general Vermont Principals’ Association eligibility requirements, such as physical examination, insurance and age.

• The student must comply with all school rules.

Athletic Philosophy Interscholastic athletics are a vital part of our secondary school education program. They provide a unique opportunity for students to achieve their full potential, as athletes and as people, in a setting which is both demanding and rewarding. Athletes are encouraged to excel and to win, but the principle of good sportsmanship must prevail at all times.

Prerequisites for AthletesPhysical ExaminationA physical examination is required every two years. The form is available from the athletic director or the school nurse. It is the responsibility of the athlete to complete and return it to the coach or athletic director. A copy will be kept at school.Permission Form & Accident/Health InsuranceEach student participating in a sport must, along with their parent or guardian, read the Athletic Handbook and sign the permission slip in order to participate each season. Any Mill River student participating in an athletic activity must have accident insurance. If you do not have personal insurance, insurance is available at the school through an independent insurance company. Insurance forms are given to students at the beginning of the academic year.

NCAA and Collegiate EligibilityStudents may wish to participate in intercollegiate athletic activities upon completion of high school. In order to be academically eligible, the NCAA requires certain minimums on high school core courses, grades, and SAT/ACT standardized test scores. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor his/her status with regard to meeting NCAA requirements. Any questions in this area may be directed to the guidance department.


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NCAA Clearinghouse phone numbers:

Customer service hours - 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday.

Toll-free phone number (U.S. callers) - Customer service line - 877/262-1492

Phone number (international callers) - Customer service line - 317/223-0700

Fax number: 317/968-5100

If you want to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, you must first register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. Refer to the NCAA Academic Eligibility section to determine the initial-eligibility standards that apply to you. If you don’t register you will not be eligible to play or practice during your freshman year.

Athletes who want to compete at College level must file a form with the NCAA Clearinghouse. This form is available from your high school counseling office. International students can Email me for free advice on how to register. Registration is a one-time fee of $65 US or $75 US for international students.

Athletes basically have 5 “College years” to complete 4 years of athletic eligibility Students who do not meet the minimum academic requirements or fail to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse will almost certainly lose one of those years.

Initial Eligibility Requirements: The NCAA Clearinghouse will verify your eligibility.

Students must graduate from High School and have a grade point average {GPA} of 2.00 in a core curriculum of 16 academic subjects for Division I and 14 for division II.

NOTE: Division II incoming college freshmen from 2013 and beyond will require 16 core classes.

It is recommended that student athletes should register with the NCAA clearinghouse at the start of their junior year in high school, There is no actual registration deadline, but you must be cleared by the clearinghouse before you can receive a scholarship or compete in your sport.

“TOUGH DECISION” …..From the Minnesota State H.S. League Bulletin“It was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make”Too often we hear the above comment from a school official following an incident resulting in disciplinary action against a student. This is especially true when it has been necessary to suspend a student from participation in school activities because the student violated one of the rules relating to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Now is the time to set the record straight: it is a mistake for a school official to assume that his action to suspend a student for violation of the rules was a tough decision. The student knows the penalty for the violation cannot be waived. Therefore, when a student makes the decision to violate the rules— that student had already agreed to accept the penalty as prescribed. It is at that moment that the tough decision has been made.


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FACILITIES

Cafeteria/FitzVogtFitzVogt Group, at extension 217, provides Mill River Union High School with a high quality professionally managed cafeteria. The goal of The FitzVogt Food Service Group is to provide delicious, nutritious, high quality meals to all students and staff of every school we represent. The meals are provided at very reasonable prices for those who pay the full price and are subsidized by the USDA for families qualifying free or reduced meal benefits. We enforce the following guidelines to ensure a sound fiscal program.1. We notify each student when they have less than one meal left on their meal account. We will allow up to two meals charged. Charges are not permitted on A la carte items.2. We recommend using the My School Bucks online payment feature or send in a check payable to the school meal program with the student’s name and account ID number clearly marked. 3. A transaction history is available at anytime. Please call the cafeteria (extension 217) or email the kitchen staff at [email protected]. Money in accounts is not carried over from one year to the next.

Hours of cafeteria operation are 7 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.Student Breakfast- $1.50 Student Lunch $2.75 Adult Lunch $3.75Student Reduced Breakfast- Free Student Reduced Lunch - FreeAdult Breakfast $2.25 Applications for free and reduced lunch are given to each student at the beginning of the academic year. If your circumstances change you may, at any time, obtain an application from the main office.

Please file an application even if you do not plan to take advantage of the program as many federally funded programs are based on the numbers of students eligible.• Monthly lunch menus are posted in the cafeteria and on Mill River online.• Various a-la-carte items are also available for purchase.• Food items will not be available during class passing times.• Students may not be in the cafeteria during class time without adult supervision.

Health ServicesThe nurse’s office is open on a daily basis during school hours. In order to make the office available to all students and to avoid students missing class time, all students are requested to be familiar with and abide by the following guidelines:

• Students are required to have a pass signed by their classroom or study hall teacher to provide to the nurse• Illness with sudden onset and injuries will be given immediate attention without a pass required.• Other concerns, such as minor illnesses and injuries and other health related questions, should be brought to the nurses’ attention during study hall time if possible.• Concerns about physical education class participation should be discussed with the nurse prior to the PE class period. The nurse will then assess and determine if modified participation would be acceptable. To be excused from a phys. ed. class for medical reasons


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the student should have a written note signed by their parent or guardian stating the reason that they feel the student will be unable to participate. If a student will not be able to participate for more than two or three days, a note signed by a physician stating the reason and the duration will be needed.• The nurse will inform the Athletic Director of limitations if appropriate.• If it is determined that a student is too ill to remain in school, parents will be contacted to take the student home for convalescence and follow-up medical attention if necessary. Students with a temperature of 100 degrees and above will be sent home and should not return to school until their temperature has been normal for 24 hours. No student will be excused to go home until the nurse has had contact with a parent or guardian for permission and arrangements have been made for transportation. If parents/guardian cannot be reached, a student may be excused to go home with the neighbor/relative that has been listed on the emergency information form that is mailed to parents in late summer with the student schedules.• Any student who is required to take medication during the regular school day or during school sponsored activities must comply with the following regulations:

1. The school nurse (or designee) may give medication upon written orders from a physician, and upon written request of a student’s parent or guardian. The physician’s orders must identify the name of the drug, dosage, and time interval.2. Medication must be brought to school in a container labeled by the pharmacy or physician and stored in a secure, locked storage place in the nurse’s office.3. Non-prescription medication must be in its original container and be accompanied by a written request from the parents or guardian of a student bringing such medication to school. Medication must be left in the custody of the school nurse or designee.

Lockers• All lockers, personal and P.E., are the property of Mill River Union High School and their use is a privilege.• All lockers are subject to inspection and search.• Students are responsible for the contents of their assigned locker(s). Students shall not share lockers.• All lockers have permanent locks. For safety reasons all lockers must be locked at all times when not in use.• Student locker combinations are filed in the office for any student needing assistance.• Students are only allowed to go to their locker at designated times.• Students may not enter a class in session to go to their locker.• Students are to report any damage or problems with their lockers to the office.


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LibraryThe library is your portal to 21st century information gathering. Come to the library to check out the newest fiction, read the current issue of your favorite magazine, type a paper, find resources for a report, or to study in a small group.

• Make sure you get a pass from a content-area teacher and put the pass in the basket on the library desk. The library is also open before and after school –from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.• Access library information, resources and tools from home through the library website. Click on the library link from the MRU homepage.• The library is one open space, so we all need to respect other’s needs as we use the space; the library can only be as quiet as the loudest group. Students who don’t respect library materials, staff or the space will be sent back to study hall.• Repeat offenders will have their library privileges suspended. While in the library, please sign out and take a pass if you need to go to your locker or use the bathroom.

We are responsible for you in case of emergency.

School PublicationsSpirit is the school yearbook. The Yearbook is a part of the MRUHS course offerings. Interested students should see their guidance counselor to register for the credited Yearbook Course. Students 7-12 wishing to be involved in the Yearbook without receiving creditshould see the Yearbook Adviser for more information. Content in all school publications will be reviewed by administration.

SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES

The complete text of all policies can be obtained at the office of the Superintendent, theMill River Union main office, or on Mill River online: www.millriverschools.org

F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Date Warned: 6/11/16 Date Adopted: 6/22/16

Statement of Policy The district is committed to providing all of its students with a safe and supportive school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect. It is the policy of the district to prohibit the unlawful harassment of students based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Harassment may also constitute a violation of Vermont’s Public Accommodations Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and/or Title IX of the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972. It is also the policy of the District to prohibit the unlawful hazing and bullying of students. Conduct which constitutes hazing may be subject to civil penalties. The District shall address all complaints of harassment, hazing and bullying according to the procedures accompanying this policy and shall take appropriate action against any person - subject to the jurisdiction of the board - who violates this policy. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit punishment of a student for conduct which, although it does not rise to the level of harassment, bullying, or hazing as defined herein, otherwise violates one or more of the board’s disciplinary policies or the school’s code of conduct. The Procedures are expressly incorporated by reference as though fully included within this Policy. The Procedures are separated from the policy for ease of use as may be required.

I. Implementation The superintendent or his/her designee shall: 1. Adopt a procedure directing staff, parents and guardians how to report violations of this policy and file complaints under this policy. (See Procedures on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students.) 2. Annually, select two or more designated employees to receive complaints of hazing, bullying


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and/or harassment at each school campus and publicize their availability in any publication of the District that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for the school. 3. Designate an Equity Coordinator to oversee all aspects of the implementation of this policy as it relates to obligations imposed by federal law regarding discrimination. This role may be also be assigned to one or both of the designated employees. 4. Respond to notifications of possible violations of this policy in order to promptly and effectively address all complaints of hazing, harassment, and/or bullying. 5. Take action on substantiated complaints. In cases where hazing, harassment and/or bullying is substantiated, the district shall take prompt and appropriate remedial action reasonably MRUUSD Policy F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 2 of 6 calculated to stop the hazing, harassment and/or bullying, prevent its recurrence, and remedy the impact of the offending conduct on the victim(s) where appropriate. Such action may include a wide range of responses from education to serious discipline. Serious discipline may include termination for employees and for students, expulsion or removal from school property. It may also involve penalties or sanctions for both organizations and individuals who engage in hazing. Revocation or suspension of an organization’s permission to operate or exist within the district’s purview may also be considered if that organization knowingly permits, authorizes or condones hazing.

II. Constitutionally Protected Speech It is the intent of the district to apply and enforce this policy in a manner that is consistent with student rights to free expression under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The purpose of this policy is to (1) prohibit conduct or communication that is directed at a person’s protected characteristics as defined below and that has the purpose or effect of substantially disrupting the educational learning process and/or access to educational resources or creates a hostile learning environment; (2) prohibit conduct intended to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate students in a manner as defined under this policy.

III. Definitions For the purposes of this policy and the accompanying procedures, the following definitions apply:

A. “Bullying” means any overt act or combination of acts, including an act conducted by electronic means, directed against a student by another student or group of students and which: a. Is repeated over time; b. Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and c. (i) occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity; or (ii) does not occur during the school day on school property, on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity and can be shown to pose a clear and substantial interference with another student’s right to access educational programs.

B. “Complaint” means oral or written report information provided by a student or any person to an employee alleging that a student has been subjected to conduct that may rise to the level of hazing, harassment or bullying.

C. “Complainant” means a student who has provided oral or written information about conduct that may rise to the level of hazing, harassment or bullying, or a student who is the target of alleged hazing, harassment or bullying.

D. “Designated Employee” means an employee who has been designated by the school to receive complaints of hazing, harassment and bullying pursuant to subdivision 16 V.S.A. 570a(a)(7). The designated employees for each school building are identified in Appendix A of this policy. MRUUSD Policy F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 3 of 6

E. “Employee” includes any person employed directly by or retained through a contract with the district, an agent of the school, a school board member, a student teacher, an intern or a school volunteer. For purposes of this policy, “agent of the school” includes supervisory union staff.

F. “Equity Coordinator” is the person responsible for implementation of Title IX (regarding sex-based discrimination) and Title VI (regarding race- based discrimination) for the District and for coordinating the district’s compliance with Title IX and Title VI in all areas covered by the implementing regulations. The Equity Coordinator is also responsible for overseeing


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implementation of the district’s Preventing and Responding to Harassment of Students and Harassment of Employees policies. This role may also be assigned to designated employees.

G. “Harassment” means an incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct, including any incident conducted by electronic means, based on or motivated by a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, that has the purpose or effect of objectively and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student’s educational performance or access to school resources or creating an objectively intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Harassment includes conduct as defined above and may also constitute one or more of the following: Sexual harassment, which means unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that includes sexual violence/sexual assault, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, written, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature, and includes situations when one or both of the following occur: (i) Submission to that conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s education, academic status, or progress; or (ii) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as a component of the basis for decisions affecting that student. Sexual harassment may also include student-on-student conduct or conduct of a non-employee third party that creates a hostile environment. A hostile environment exists where the harassing conduct is severe, persistent or pervasive so as to deny or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program on the basis of sex. Racial harassment, which means conduct directed at the characteristics of a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race or color, and includes the use of epithets, stereotypes, racial slurs, comments, insults, derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti, display or circulation of written or visual material, and taunts on manner of speech and negative references to cultural customs. Specific symbols or slogans known to have been historically associated with hate groups or hate speech (ex: Ku Klux Klan symbols, Confederate flags, or Nazi/Neo-Nazi symbols) shall be prohibited from being worn or displayed in a way that is visible to others in or on school grounds or at off-campus school activities. Harassment of members of other protected categories, means conduct directed at the characteristics of a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived creed, national MRUUSD Policy F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 4 of 6 origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and includes the use of epithets, stereotypes, slurs, comments, insults, derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti, display or circulation of written or visual material, taunts on manner of speech, and negative references to customs related to any of these protected categories.

H. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with the educational institution; and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, endangering the mental or physical health of the student. Hazing shall not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate curricular, extracurricular, or military training program goals, provided that: (1) The goals are approved by the educational institution; and (2) The activity or conduct furthers the goals in a manner that is appropriate, contemplated by the educational institution and normal and customary for similar programs at other educational institutions. With respect to hazing, “Student” means any person who: (A) is registered in or in attendance at an educational institution; (B) has been accepted for admission at the educational institution where the hazing incident occurs; or (C) intends to attend an educational institution during any of its regular sessions after an official academic break.

I. “Notice” means a written complaint or oral information that hazing, harassment or bullying may have occurred which has been provided to a designated employee from another employee, the student allegedly subjected to the hazing, harassment or bullying, another student, a parent or guardian, or any other individual who has reasonable cause to believe the alleged conduct may have occurred. If the school learns of possible hazing, harassment or bullying through other means, for example, if information about hazing, harassment or bullying is received from a third party (such as from a witness to an incident or an anonymous letter or telephone call), different factors will affect the school’s response. These factors include the source and nature of the information, the seriousness of the alleged incident, the specificity of the information, the objectivity and credibility of the source of the report, whether any individuals can be identified who were subjected to the alleged harassment, and whether those individuals want to pursue the


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matter. In addition, for purposes of violations of federal anti-discrimination laws, notice may occur when an employee of the district, including any individual a student could reasonably believe has this authority or responsibility, knows or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known about potential unlawful harassment or bullying.

J. “Organization” means an athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group whose members primarily are students at an educational institution.

K. “Pledging” means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization. MRUUSD Policy F20 Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Page 5 of 6 L. “Retaliation” is any adverse action by any person against a person who has filed a complaint of harassment, hazing or bullying or against a person who assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing related to the harassment complaint. Such adverse action may include conduct by a school employee directed at a student in the form of intimidation or reprisal such as diminishment of grades, suspension, expulsion, change in educational conditions, loss of privileges or benefits, or other unwarranted disciplinary action. Retaliation may also include conduct by a student directed at another student in the form of further harassment, intimidation, and reprisal. M. “School administrator” means a superintendent, principal or his/her designee, assistant principal, technical center director or his/her designee and/or the District’s equity coordinator. N. “Student Conduct Form” is a form used by students, staff, or parents to provide, in written form, information about inappropriate student behaviors that may constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying. ___________________________________


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Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys #5113Warned: 2/4/06Adopted:2/15/06

It is the intent of the Mill River Union High School Board to comply with the provisions of the federal Pupil Privacy Rights Amendment (PPRA) governing the administration of student surveys, analyses or evaluations.

Definitions: As used in this policy, the following terms shall mean:“Invasive physical examination” means a medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision or scoliosis screening.“Personal information” means individually identifiable information including a student’s or parent’s name, address, telephone number, or social security number.“Instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of format. It does not include tests or academic assessments.“Parent” means a natural or adoptive parent, a legal guardian or other person standing in loco parentis (such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a person who is legally responsible for the welfare of a child).

Student RightsThe rights provided to parents under the Pupil Rights Amendment and this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor under applicable Vermont law.Policy1) No student shall be required, without parental consent, to take part in a survey, analysis or evaluation concerning:a) political affiliations or beliefs of a student or a student’s parents;b) mental or psychological problems of a student or student’s family;c) sex behavior or attitudes;d) illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;e) critical appraisals of other individuals with whom student respondents have close family relationships;f) legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians or members of the clergy;g) income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program for receiving financial assistance under such program;h) or religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents.2) Parents shall have the right to inspect any survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to a student. Requests for inspection shall be in writing, and shall be made in sufficient time to allow a response at least two weeks in advance of any survey to be given.3) Parents shall be notified at least annually, at the beginning of the school year or when enrolling students for the first time in district schools, of this policy. The notification shall explain that parents/guardians or students 18 years of age or older, have the right to “opt out” of the following activities:a) the collection, disclosure and use of personal information gathered from students for purpose of marketing or selling that information. This does not apply to the collection,


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disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational services for, or to studentsb) the administration of any survey that includes the subject areas listed above; orc) the administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student or other students and not otherwise permitted or required by State Law.4) In addition parents shall be notified, through U.S. Mail, email or other direct means, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of any activities described in subparagraphs 1-3 above, and shall be provided an opportunity to opt out of participation in these activities.5) Parents shall have the right to inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.6) The superintendent or his or her designee shall develop administrative procedures as required to ensure implementation of this policy.

Legal Reference: Protection of Pupil Rights, 20 U.S.C. § 1232h

Questioning or Searches of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel#5117Warned: June 8, 2002Adopted: June 19, 2002

School employees are not the agents of law enforcement officials. For purposes of law enforcement questioning, searches and/or seizure may occur on school property under the guidelines outlined in this policy.

Guidelines:1. Search and/or seizure by law enforcement officials on school property may occur when a warrant or other legal basis authorizing such search and/or seizure.2. No questioning by non-school personnel of a student under the age of eighteen who may be accused of an offense shall occur without the knowledge of a school administrator and the knowledge and permission of the parent(s) or guardian(s) who will have been given the opportunity to be present at the time of the questioning. Questioning may, however, take place without notification of parents if such question is 1) part of a child abuse, neglect or other investigation conducted by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services in accordance with Chapter 49 of Title 33 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated; or 2) required due to an emergency or urgent potential danger to life, or property, as determined by the Principal, and reasonable efforts to notify the student’s parents are unsuccessful.3. Any questioning by non-school personnel must be conducted in private with the Principal or his or her designee present.4. The School Resource Officer is not considered a school employee for the purpose of questioning; therefore, students may decline at any time to be interviewed by the School Resource Officer.A student may also decline to be interviewed by outside law enforcement personnel.5. A student may not be released to the custody of persons other than a parent or legal guardian, unless placed under arrest by legal authority. See #2.2


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6. If a student is removed from the school by legal authority, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) should be notified of this action by school officials as soon as possible.

Legal Reference(s): 33 V.S.A. 4915 (Child Welfare Services) Cross Reference: Search and Seizure (5116)Student Conduct and Discipline (5100)SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY # 5116

It is the policy of the Mill River School District to maintain school property to assure the safety and enjoyment of students, school employees and the general public and to extend the useful life of the school facilities.To carry out this policy the school retains the right to examine all its property and to carry out searches or to seize property under the guidelines provided in this policy.

Guidelines for Searches andSeizure1. Desks, lockers, textbooks and other materials or supplies loaned by the school to students remain the property of the school, and may be opened by school employees for cleaning, maintenance or emergencies. When prohibited items are found in the course of routine cleaning or maintenance, or in the case of emergency, they will be confiscated and a report will be made to the Principal who will determine whether further investigation is warranted.2. School property may also be searched by school employees upon reasonable suspicion on the part of the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Superintendent that a law or school policy is being violated.3. Searches of students’ persons, personal effects or vehicles may be conducted if there is reasonable cause to believe that such search will produce evidence of a breach of school policy or law. Search of a student’s person will be conducted by a school employee of the same sex whenever possible and in the presence of another school employee.4. School employees are not the agents of law enforcement officials. Search and/or seizure by law enforcement officials on school property may occur when a warrant or other legal basis exists authorizing such search and/or seizure, and when the requirements of the Board’s policy on interrogations by law enforcement officers have been complied with.5. Copies of this policy will be distributed to students when they enroll in school, and will be included in the student handbook given to students and parents at the beginning of each school year.

Legal References(s): New Jersey v. T.L.D., 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985) Vernonia School District v. Acton, 115 S.Ct.2386 (1995) M.M. v. Anker, 607 F.2d 588 (2dCir. 1979)Cross Reference: Interrogation or Searches of Students by Law Enforcement Officers or Other Non-School Personnel (5117) Student Conduct and Discipline (5100)


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Mill River Union High SchoolDistrict Administrative Procedures

Title: School Attendance Procedures No. 5110

Absent from School - Student Responsibilities and ConsequencesThe student is responsible to be in attendance for all days that school is in session, unless he/she is excused. When a student is absent, he/she is required to make up allwork. For excessive absences (either excused or unexcused) the student may be subjectto the following consequences:

1. Assignment of after-school time after school in order to make up academic work;2. Suspension of eligibility to participate in co-curricular activities;3. Loss of course credit;4. Juvenile court affidavit;5. In school suspension.

Late to School - Student Responsibilities and ConsequencesThe student is responsible for arriving on time to school. When a student is tardy to school, he/she is required to make up work missed. For excessive late arrivals (either excused or unexcused) a student may be subject to the following consequences:1. After-school detention;2. Suspension of driving/parking privileges;3. Suspension of eligibility to participate in co-curricular activities.

Late to Class - Student Responsibilities and ConsequencesThe student is responsible for arriving on time to class. When a student is tardy to class, he/she is required to make up work missed. For excessive tardiness (either excused or unexcused) a student may be subject to after school detention. Additionally, when a student arrives so late to class that more than half of the class is missed the student will be considered absent, not tardy.

Responsibilities of Parents/GuardiansIt is the responsibility of the student’s parent/guardian to see that he/she is in attendance for all days that school is in session, unless excused for legitimate reasons. Theparent/guardian is required to notify the school by no later than 9:00 a.m. the morning of the absence. A note from the parent/guardian must be brought by the student within24 hours of his/her return to school. For excessive absences, the parent/guardian may be:1. required to substantiate absences with a doctor’s certificate;2. required to meet with the School Board;3. reported via an affidavit submitted to the State’s Attorneys Office.


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The student’s parent/guardian is also responsible to see that the student arrives on time to school. The parent/guardian is required to provide a note explaining the late arrival either on the day the student is late or the next school day. School administrators will determine if a late arrival can be excused. Failure to provide a note, except in extenuating circumstances, will result in an unexcused late arrival.

Loss of Course Credit1. Students who are absent more than 10 days in a half-year course and 20 days in a full-year course may be denied credit toward graduation and assigned a grade ofincomplete for all such courses. This also means that credit for an individual course may be lost if the student is absent from a class but present for the balance of the day.2. All absences will count toward the total number of absences per semester/year exceptwhere the following conditions apply: .a. Doctor’s written statement has been provided;b. Student is on school-sponsored trip or participating in a school-related activity;c. The absence is approved by the administration.3. Notification to Parents - To keep parents informed, notices will be sent after the 5th and 10th absences in a half-year course and following the 8th, 16th, and 20th absences in a full-year course.4. Appeals Procedures - The student and parent/guardian may request a hearing when loss of credit is imminent due to excessive absences. An application must be completed and submitted to the administration within 30 calendar days of a lost of course credit notification. This hearing procedure may include the following:a. Completion of a request documenting concernb. Meeting with school administration to review request;c. Meeting with superintendent to review request;d. Hearing with School Board;e. School Board decision.

MILL RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL Social Curriculum Philosophy Adopted: 2/15/95

The purpose of the social curriculum is: to teach, model and provide opportunities for the practice of socially responsible skills that provide the foundation for academic endeavors; to create a community of learners whose members, through respectful and cooperative efforts, design and implement their educational goals; to recognize and affirm the importance of the individual within the community through appropriate practices.

Each middle level learner has intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs that require responsive school programs and practices. The administration and faculty of Mill River Union Middle School recognize the importance of providing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for adolescents.

Our social curriculum is designed to create a school climate conducive to purposeful work, creativity and cooperation. By learning and modeling social skills we believe that our students will develop values that will make them successful members of society.


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Middle School PhilosophyBecause each middle level learner has intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs that require responsive school program and practices, the administration and faculty of Mill River Union High School recognize the importance of providing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for adolescents.

We believe learning experiences for adolescents should:• Address their varied intellectual, physical, social and emotional development• Be highly integrated and connected to life• Value the dignity and diversity of all individuals• Engage students in problem solving through a variety of experiential learning opportunities

Such learning experiences require environments in which:• Students and staff are safe, understood, trusted and respected• Each young adolescent can experience success• Faculty is empowered and supported in developing responsive curriculum and instructional approaches• The family is actively involved in students’ educational endeavors

Because of these convictions, we believe the following conditions should be evident:• The staff is organized in ways that encourage ongoing collaboration• All areas of knowledge and skill are viewed as important and integrated throughout the student’s school experience• Facility promotes a variety of instructional methods, groupings and opportunities to appropriately meet developmental needs.In support of this philosophy we continue to develop and support initiatives in:Teaming / common planning / Social curriculum / alternative programIntegrated curriculum / interdisciplinary units Block schedule / varied instruction

Middle School Academic CriteriaStudents with more than 20 absences will be required to make up hours in school through a plan created by the administration and guidance team.• Report cards of all 7th and 8th grade students will be reviewed at the end of the first semester. If a student is in danger of failing for the year the parents will be notified in writing.• Students who do not achieve a passing grade in any of the core classes (English, Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies) will need to meet with the academic team to discuss grade-level promotion. The decision to promote or retain a student rests ultimately with school personnel.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER MRUUSD CALENDAR

2016-2017 School Year (CES, MRU, SMS, TES & WES)

FEBRUARY M T W TH F M T W TH F

{Professional Development Days}

[Parent Conference Days] Holiday/Vacation

{8/26} Professional Development {8/29} Professional Development {8/30} Professional Development 8/31 School Begins * 9/5 Labor Day [10/21] Parent Conferences – No School 11/11 Veterans’ Day 11/23-11/25 Thanksgiving Break 12/22-1/2 December Break 1/16 Martin Luther King Day 2/20-2/24 Winter Recess [3/17] Parent Conferences – No School 4/17-4/21 Spring Break 5/29 Memorial Day 6/12 Tentative Last Elementary Student Day * 6/13-6/14 Professional Development (Elementary Only) 6/14 MRU Graduation 6/15 Tentative Last MRUHS Student Day 6/15 Last Professional Day Floats * (Elementary Only)

½ Day Early Release Days 9/19, 10/24, 11/14, 12/19

1/23, 2/13, 3/20, 4/10, 5/15

Snow/emergency days will extend school year as needed in order to

meet statutorily required # of days Total Student Days 177 (Elem) 180 (MRUHS) Total Teacher Days: 185 (Elem)* 186(MRUHS)**

1 2 3 22 23 24 25 {26} 6 7 8 9 10

{29} {30} 31* 1 2 13 14 15 16 17 5 6 7 8 9 20 21 22 23 24 12 13 14 15 16 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 Cumulative

Teacher 15 114 Student Days 15 110

26 27 28 29 30 Cumulative Teacher 25 25 Student Days 22 22

OCTOBER MARCH M T W TH F M T W TH F 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 17 18 19 20 [21] 13 14 15 16 [17] 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 31 27 28 29 30 31

Cumulative Teacher 21 46 Student Days 20 42


NOVEMBER APRIL M T W TH F M T W TH F 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28



DECEMBER MAY M T W TH F M T W TH F 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31



JANUARY JUNE M T W TH F M T W TH F 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9

16 17 18 19 20 12* 13 14 15* 16** 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 30 31 26 27 28 29 30


Cumulative Teacher 11 185/186 Student Days 10 177/180

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