Our Future

Our school community will foster lifelong learning through the use of technology, opportunities for parent involvement, and our school family initiative.

• Expand our use of technology to enhance instruction and student learning and to showcase student accomplishments.

• Enhance the use of our school-wide media distribution system to include the development of new student-generated programs; expansion of video editing, live broadcasts, professional staff development experiences, and presentations of student learning, achievements, and talents.

• Implement year five of our "school family" initiative to strengthen connections among students and staff members, integrate "Don't Laugh at Me" activities, and empower our students to take responsibility for their own learning and actions.

• Showcase student learning through student-led school-wide meeting assemblies, school displays and bulletin boards, the student-publishing center, the student editorial board, the student council, and our media distribution system.

• Encourage families to be integral partners in their children’s learning experiences through fostering independent home study habits, supporting and extending learning at home, and participating in student learning plan conferences, parent/teacher conferences, and school/P.T.O. events.

Its mission: To encourage and support excellence in education by providing funding for innovative projects and programs, which enhance student learning.

The Foundation operates through awarding mini-grants. Staff members submit mini-grant applications which detail a project concept, the anticipated benefits to the students involved, a list of materials needed and the estimated overall cost of the project. Twice each year the grant committee reviews applications and projects are recommended to the full board for approval and funding. Mini-grants provide enrichment opportunities that the school budget cannot provide.

The Foundation continues to receive more requests than it can accommodate. The Foundation is seeking to broaden its volunteer board membership to help evaluate and plan fundraising projects, to develop ongoing grant sponsorships and affinity relationships, and to explore outreach efforts to the community and businesses.

If you are interested in learning more about the Newington Education Foundation or would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact us through your school’s PTA/PTO liaison or write to:

Dr. Frederic Googel
Newington Education Foundation, 11 Cedar Street, Newington, CT

Arrival and Dismissal Safety Guidelines:

The safety of your child is a top priority at John Paterson. We have established procedures for a safe arrival and dismissal system. Each student is designated by school district guidelines as a bus rider or walker. We need your cooperation by following the procedures outlined below.

ARRIVAL We have two circle driveway areas in the front of our school for establishing a safe traffic pattern. The circle driveway that is located in front of our early childhood wing is designated for school buses and the circle driveway in front of our main lobby and gym lobby doors has been designated for regular school traffic and school vans.

Arrival Procedures:

• Bus Arrival – Students in K-4 arriving by bus will be dropped off at the bus circle area. Students in kindergarten arriving by bus will enter our school through the early childhood wing doors and students in Grades 1-4 will enter through the gym lobby doors.

• Van/Daycare Van Arrival – Students riding school vans and authorized daycare vehicles will be dropped off at the gym lobby doors.

• Students who are not transported to school by bus should arrive no earlier than 8:35 a.m. unless given permission by a staff member.

• Parent Drop Off – Parents may use the circle area in the front of our school to drop a student off at school. Students arriving by car may enter through the main entrance doors. It is very important that parents using the front circle area to drop off a student drive SLOWLY and WAIT PATIENTLY to allow children to get out of the car and to a safe walking area. Please move forward all the way in the circle area to accommodate more cars dropping off students. We emphasize the need for parents to allow children to get out of the car using the RIGHT SIDE DOOR ONLY so that the children will have a very short distance to the sidewalk and will not need to enter near traffic.

• Parking is available for parents in designated parking areas only.

• Walkers – Students arriving to school as walkers will enter the door near the media center/computer lab hallway.

• Bike Riders – Those students in grades three and four who have written permission to ride their bikes to school will enter through the door by the media center/computer lab hallway.

Please do not park in fire lanes, in the drop off area,
or in the area in the back of the school designated for staff only.

DISMISSAL Dismissal Procedures:

• Bus/Van/Day Care Van Dismissal -- Pre-K and kindergarten students are escorted to the bus and van by the classroom teacher. Students in Grades 1-4 are escorted by student leaders by bus letter or van and are expected to board their assigned bus or van.

• Parent Pick Up – For security purposes, if you plan to pick up your child regularly from school, the school must have a written notice on file that will designate your child as a pick up. Students being picked up at the end of the school day by a parent or by a designated person will be sent to the main lobby area. Parents must meet their child in the main lobby area and sign the logbook. If you plan to pick up your child on one particular day, please send in a note and communicate this to your child.

• Walkers – All students who are designated as walkers will be dismissed through the door by the media center/computer lab hallway. Parents who meet their child outside are not allowed to park in the staff only lot. Walkers must walk on the path and not cut through the staff only lot. Please make proper pick-up arrangements so that no student needs to walk through this lot area into a potential hazard because cars are moving in and out during our dismissal period.

• NECCI – students who are in the NECCI (Newington Elementary Children’s Center Inc.) program will be dismissed from their classrooms to the cafeteria area.

• Bike Riders – Those students in grades three and four who have written permission to ride their bikes home will be dismissed with walkers through the door by the media center/computer lab hallway.

• Dismissal During the Day – If an occasion arises when an early dismissal is necessary for dental appointments, doctor appointments, or other reasons, please send a note to the teacher. Any child being dismissed early must be met in the office lobby by their parent or guardian and signed out in the dismissal logbook.

If there is a change in a student’s dismissal, written notification is required. If notification is not received, the student will follow his/her usual dismissal procedure.

Asbestos Management: A formal asbestos management program has been in place since 1986. The purpose of this program is to identify the asbestos-containing materials in our schools and to take steps to make sure these materials do not present an exposure hazard to the students, faculty or staff. The asbestos management program is implemented through asbestos management plans. A separate plan has been developed for John Paterson School. This management plan identifies the locations of the asbestos-containing materials and details our ongoing management program. The plan also includes descriptions of previous asbestos inspections, plans for ongoing surveillance and plans for repair or removal of damaged asbestos containing materials. An asbestos management plan is maintained in the office.

Attendance: Your child is expected to be in school every day school is in session unless excused for legitimate reasons. Excused absences and dismissals are for personal illness, death in the immediate family, religious holidays, etc. Parents are requested to call the school before 8:45 a.m. to report pupil absence. Our school has a voice mail system so that you may call the school at any time to report an absence. If a student’s absence has not been reported, the school office will attempt to contact the parent/guardian at home or work. When a child returns to school after an absence or tardiness, it is expected that a note explaining the reason will be sent by the parent/guardian. Any prolonged absence should be reported to the school as soon as possible. A student will be considered truant after four unexcused absences in one month and ten unexcused absences in a year. Chronic absenteeism or tardiness will be investigated.

Bus Transportation Information: The Board of Education under State Statute 10-186, will provide transportation to and from elementary schools for students who live beyond the following distances from the schools they attend:

Kindergarten – Students are normally provided transportation to and from school.

Grades 1 – 4 - More than one mile. Using the school bus is a right and a privilege. Please impress upon your children the importance of conducting themselves in an orderly manner enroute to and from school.

Children are only permitted to ride their assigned bus. Only under extenuating circumstances and providing space is available, can exceptions be made. Requests for bus changes cannot be granted for recreational purpose. Permission for any changes must be requested at least one day in advance by notifying the school office. This will allow time to check on availability. Children who require a change in bus transportation in order to attend day care must receive permission. Requests for such changes must be made in writing to the Superintendent of Schools.

Student Behavior on School Buses: Students riding on school buses shall be expected to behave in an orderly manner which is conductive to the safety and comfort of their fellow students and themselves. Students may be reported for any of the following reasons: Violation of safety procedure, destruction of property, fighting, pushing, tripping, excessive mischief, vandalism, eating, drinking, littering, spitting, rude, discourteous, annoying behavior; unacceptable language.

Bus Safety: Bus safety is a top priority, and stressing proper behavior is vital in the interest of all bus riders. If your child rides a bus, I would appreciate your assistance in reviewing the following bus rules with him/her:

1. Observe basic safety rules while waiting for the bus, boarding and leaving the bus, and crossing the street.

2. Take seats promptly and remain seated until arriving at school or home.

3. Obey the directions of the driver.

4. Speak in a quiet voice while on the bus.

5. Avoid, at all times, pushing, shoving or fighting.

6. Do not eat or drink on the bus.

7. Respect bus property.

8. Be courteous to schoolmates and bus drivers.

Bus Conduct: Bus transportation is a privilege and we need to continue to work together to ensure safety. All students will participate in bus evacuation practices two times each year so they will understand what to do in case of an emergency. During these practice sessions, students will be reminded of bus safety rules. If a bus driver has a discipline problem with a child and the child’s name is reported to the school office using a bus conduct form, I will notify the parent and also send the parent a copy of the driver’s report. If problems continue, the bus privilege will be suspended for a period of time. Please remind your child how important it is to ride the bus in a responsible and safe manner.

Video Cameras on School Buses: The use of video cameras on school buses helps to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all students. Video recordings may be viewed by the principal and bus supervisor to help determine appropriate actions. Video recording of bus rides are not released without parent permission.

Care of School Property: The Board of Education supplies textbooks, workbooks, and a reasonable quantity of supplies such as paper and pencils to each pupil according to his/her needs. Pupils are expected to exercise reasonable care in the handling of textbooks and other school materials. Pupils should also realize that the school building, grounds, and other facilities provided for their education are paid for out of general tax funds. Marking or in any way destroying school property is not only inexcusable, but is also subject to fine and punishment for those responsible.

Student Directory Information: The following types of information contained in the educational record of an enrolled student are hereby designated information and may be disclosed by school officials without the consent of a parent: the student’s name, address, photograph, place and date of birth, dates of attendance, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height as a member of an athletic team, honors and awards received. Videos of school events and activities that the public is invited to may be taped and shown on Channel 14, public access television. A parent may refuse to allow school officials to designate any or all of the above listed types of information as directory information. Any such refusal must be made in writing and received by the principal no later than Friday, September 17, 2004 or within 2 weeks of a student’s entrance.

Dress Code: Students are expected to dress in a manner which will not create a disturbance of normal school activities and conform to acceptable standards of health and safety.

Shoes – A specific Board of Education policy also prohibits the wearing of carbon content black lug type shoes and/or boots which can cause black marks on the floors and walls. Parents should keep in mind that part of each child’s school day consists of activities where running, jumping, and walking are required. Appropriate dress and footwear that does not seriously hinder a child in these activities is recommended.

Emergency Planning and Procedures: Fire Drills – The Fire Marshall of the State of Connecticut requires that each school conduct ten

(10) fire drills a year. These drills are held at various times under varying conditions. The purpose of these drills is to acquaint students and staff with the system of clearing the building in a minimal length of time. The students are taught to leave the building quickly, quietly, and safely.

Secure Building Drills – All Newington Public Schools have emergency plans designed to allow us to respond to a variety of situations. These plans are reviewed as necessary with staff and students. In an effort to continue to be prepared, our school will conduct a “lockdown” or “secure building” drill at least one time each school year. This drill provides school personnel and students the opportunity to practice the safety procedures. Should you have any questions regarding this drill please contact the principal at 666-4657.

Response to A Crisis – Crisis Response Team – The Crisis Response Team is primarily responsible for dealing with the impact of a crisis affecting the school community. The purpose of the Crisis Response Team is to coordinate, plan, and provide resources to the students and faculty. In-service training, suggestions for faculty response to a crisis, identification of outside resources and communications with the home are all part of the support services made available through the team. An essential element of these services is to provide communication within the school district as a whole.

School populations are often affected by crises that occur within the school as well as in the community at large. In preparing guidelines and procedures to develop preventive measures and intervention strategies, the Newington School System has become aware of the common characteristics of crises. We have prepared guidelines and procedures to address a variety of crises that could possibly affect our school population.

Extracurricular Activities: A variety of activities may be offered to students in the elementary schools. Instrumental music lessons are available to students in Grade 4. All students in Grade 4 take part in an instrumental music exposure program at the beginning of the year. Students in Grade 4 may choose to participate in chorus which meets weekly during recess. Two evening concerts may be presented each year. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in Student Government activities at our school. All extracurricular activities are supervised by a faculty member.

Family Resource Center: Please feel free to visit our family resource room located in our main lobby area. This area was designed to provide parents with books, pamphlets, tapes and other materials on various topics including child development, discipline, child safety, and homework. We ask that you use the sign out logbook located on the bookshelf if you choose to borrow a book from this area and return it within a one-month period.

Field Trips: The elementary schools recognize that student knowledge and understanding of a subject may be enhanced by a carefully planned field trip. Teachers plan such trips in accordance with the Newington Public Schools Field Trip Guide. The safety of the students, equal opportunity to all students at a grade level for similar trips, and the educational benefit are factors considered. Since field trips are considered instructional in nature, they are planned with definite educational objectives requiring appropriate instruction proceeding and following each trip. A field trip permission form giving details of

the trip is sent home in advance of the scheduled trip for the parent’s signature. At times events require the postponement or cancellation of field trip experiences planned for students. In some instances a refund is not possible. When a field trip is cancelled, all funds refunded to the school will be returned to the parents or guardians. It is not possible to provide reimbursement in the event a refund is not provided to the school for the field trip. It is important for all to understand this refund policy prior to agreeing to participate in a field trip experience.

Fund Raising Activities:

I. General Guidelines

A. The school system will strive to safeguard the students and parents from money raising plans of outside organizations, commercial enterprises and individuals.

B. Only school sponsored, school approved, Town Parks & Recreation, Human Services and parent organizations are permitted to advertise through the school or use the students in any way.

C. The Board of Education encourages the sponsors of the fund raising events to plan for age appropriate sales/collections/canvassing activities. The Board of Education believes that the student’s parents retain the final responsibility for their child’s safety.

II. Non Profit Making Fund Raising Activities

A. Student fundraising activities, which are non-profit making in nature, need annual

prior approval by the building principal. Examples of such activities include classroom book clubs, field trip assessments, dances, and other student activities where the intent is for the charging to only cover the cost of the activity.

III. Profit Making Fund Raising Activities

A. Student fundraising activities, which are profit making in nature, need annual prior approval by the building principal and Superintendent of Schools.

Examples of such activities include sale of items, student programs/productions, dinners, tag sales, car washes, school store operations and other activities with the intent to make a profit.

IV. Parent/Booster Club Fund Raising Activities

A. Parent/Booster Club fundraising activities involving students in any way require the approval of the building principal and Superintendent of Schools.

B. Students with parental approval will be allowed to carry notices home, return money orders to the school and be asked to deliver goods.

C. Student involvement will not interfere with the instructional program.

SCHOOL HEALTH POLICIES Health Room Coverage: A Registered Nurse employed by the Newington Board of Education is present in the school from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school health office number is 666-4657, ext. 1. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns about your child. Your input is welcomed and encouraged.

Administration of Medications:

1. Medication, including “over the counter” (i.e. non-aspirin preparations) is given only with written authorization of the parent and physician or dentist on a designated form.

2. Certified staff may legally administer medications if the nurse in not available.

3. Medication must be delivered in and administered from the original container clearly labeled with the name of student, physician, and medication with directions for dosage and date of original prescription. All medications must be delivered to the school nurse by the parent or other designated person. Students are never allowed to carry medications – this includes inhalers used for asthma.

All new students will not be permitted to register for school until the proper documentation relative to the immunizations are complete and in the hands of school personnel. Pupils entering kindergarten or registering for the first time from an out-of-state school district must have a completed recent physical exam and meet the following immunization requirements.

1. A minimum of four (4) DPT injections booster – the last booster given after 4^th birthday

2. A minimum of three (3) polio (Sabin vaccine) – the last booster given after 4^th birthday

3. Rubella (German measles) vaccine – must have been given after age one

4. Rubeola (regular measles) vaccine – must have been given after age one

5. Mumps vaccine – must have been given after age one

6. Tuberculin Test

7. Effective August 2000, all students entering kindergarten must show proof of having received 2 doses of measles vaccine and Hepatitis B series

8. Students born 1/1/97 or later are required to show proof of varicella or immunization

Physical Examinations: A physical examination is required for students entering kindergarten and in grade 3. A student will not enter grade 4 until this physical examination is completed. School physicians will examine those children in grade 3 whose parents have not indicated a preference to use their own physician. A parent wishing to be present at the time of the school physical should make arrangements with the school nurse. When a child enters our school system during the school year, a report of physical examination completed within the past year is required.

Health Regulations: Policies regarding contagious diseases, administration of medications during school time, illness, and accidents are included in a health regulation letter given to each parent/guardian at time of enrollment. Medications cannot be administered by school personnel unless the proper form has been completed by the physician, signed by the parent and returned to the school. The medication must be in the original container with the pharmaceutical label on it.

Emergency Cards: This card should be completed for each student by the parent/guardian the first week of each school year or at the time of enrollment. Any changes of information throughout the school year regarding the Emergency Card should be reported to school immediately.

Pediculosis (Head Lice): During the course of the year a number of students are found to have head lice. At times the lice are detected in school or at home. If detected at school your child must be picked up to start proper treatment. At home, a child’s hair should be checked weekly for head lice. A louse is a very small brown insect. It crawls and is transmitted though close personal contact and through combs, hairbrushes, hair decorations, hats, coats, etc. The lice lay their eggs or “nits” and attach them to the shaft. Treatment involves treating the hair with a special shampoo or conditioner recommended by your family physician. Also, personal articles and the environment will need decontamination. Retreatment after 7 – 10 days is generally recommended. Upon completion of appropriate treatment the school nurse should check your child before returning to class. If numerous “nits” are present, your child will NOT be allowed to return to class. If you find that your child has head lice, please inform the school nurse so we can check for other possible cases. Any questions, please call the school nurse.