Rick Marcotte Central School

10 Market Street South Burlington, VT 05403     802-652-7200

Web Site: www.sbschools.net         fax 802-658-9047

At Rick Marcotte Central School we are committed to developing the potential of each child to become life-long learners and productive members of the family, local and global community.

At Rick Marcotte Central School we value:

PARTNERSHIPS

We believe in nurturing the cooperative responsibility of staff, parents and community to educate the whole child academically, socially, physically and emotionally.

BALANCED CURRICULUM

We believe in reaching for mastery of basic skills and developing strategies for learning and problem solving with enrichment that encourages creativity, active learning and risk-taking.

We believe in fostering the enjoyment of learning where children construct their own knowledge through curiosity and discovery.

POSITIVE SELF-ESTEEM

We believe in enhancing self-esteem by celebrating the uniqueness of each child, assuring trust and respect, setting clear goals and high expectations and empowering each child to make the most of individual strengths.

CHILD-CENTERED CLIMATE

We believe in sustaining a warm, family-like atmosphere that provides stability which enables children to embrace change and diversity.

Respect and responsibility are qualities of good citizenship expected in all classrooms. Here are examples of these concepts:

        treat each person as we would want to be treated
        appreciate how people are special and different from one another
        take pride in what you do and how you look—respect for yourself
        protect books, desks, walls and equipment from loss or damage
        follow directions from parents, teachers, caring adults
        appreciate a job well done, whether it be your own or the work of others

Our school follows the basic tenets and teachings of the Responsive Classroom. We believe by creating a positive, safe, nurturing, and cooperating learning community our students will experience optimal educational, social and emotional growth.

The South Burlington School District fully supports the
philosophy and intent of Title VI, Section 504, Title IX and all
federal regulations promulgated therein and to that end the
District will not discriminate in educational programs,
activities, or employment practices on the basis of age, race,
color, creed, sex, national origin or handicap under the
provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX
Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The name, office address, and telephone number of the employees designated to Coordinate the efforts of the Rick Marcotte Central Elementary School to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under said Regulations are:

        DISTRICT COMPLIANCE OFFICER                  EDUCATIONAL ACCESS – 504
             JoAn Canning                                                                     JoAn Canning
                    Asst. Supt. for Instruction                                                 Asst. Supt. for Instruction
                    550 Dorset Street                                                             550 Dorset Street
                    South Burlington, Vermont 05403                                       South Burlington, Vermont 05403
                    802-652-7390                                                                  802-652-7390

       ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES                           RICK MARCOTTE CENTRAL CONTACT PERSON
            Michael O’Day                                                                    Sue Luck
                   Director of Physical Education                                             Principal
                   and Athletics                                                                      10 Market Street
                   550 Dorset Street                                                             South Burlington, Vermont, 05403
                   South Burlington, Vermont 05403                                        802-652-7200
                   802-652-7005

The Board of School Directors meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Parents and members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Agenda and meeting times are available at www.sbschools.net

Absence/ Tardy

It is important to establish a pattern of regular school attendance. All children should be in school by 8:10 AM (Students may not arrive before 7:55 AM unless they are in need of early AM supervision or breakfast.) If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please telephone us by 8:00 AM. Dial 652-7200 and press 1 to leave an attendance message or press 2 to get the Administrative Assistant. If we don’t hear from you by 8:45 AM, the Administrative Assistant will telephone you to confirm the absence. Your child’s safety is our primary concern. Please inform us in writing if your child needs to leave for an appointment during the day, or has any other change in his/her schedule. Your child will be sent to the office to be picked up.

**Any student who is not in his/her classroom by 8:10 AM will be considered tardy.
It is very important that all children be in school on time each day. If they are not, valuable learning time is lost.  Repeated chronic tardiness may require intervention by our social worker or school resource officer.

"School’s Out" is the District’s after-school childcare program. The program, designed to serve 42-45 children, offers students a wide variety of choices each day. Activities may include creative problem solving, arts and crafts, traditional and non-traditional sporting games, drama, homework club, and field trips. Vacation and summer camps will be available. They require separate enrollment and fees. Please contact the Director, Leigh Lamphere, at 652-7320 for more details and registration information. The program is highly desirable. There may be a waiting list at the time you wish to enroll.

             We have several types of assemblies:                   

                   * School sing-along, to enjoy singing and other musical performances

                   * PTO sponsored performances by professional artists--music, drama, etc

                   * Recognition of special people and events

Your child’s birthday will be announced during morning announcements. Each classroom has its own way of recognizing birthdays. Please check with the teacher if you wish to provide a special snack or surprise. We ask that you mail after-school party invitations if all class members are not invited. When they are handed out in school, feelings are hurt if not all are included.

Beginning with the 2004-05 school year, all schools in Vermont were required to develop policy (SBSD Board Policy 7.12) that was in compliance with Vermont Statutes, Act 117 and Act 91, the "anti-bullying and harassment" laws.

At RMCS we expect the use of kind words and actions at all times. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. This means no bullying or harassment. Examples of bullying would be repeated name-calling, teasing, excluding, or threatening behaviors that hurt someone’s feelings. Bullying also includes hitting, kicking, or otherwise hurting others physically. Harassment means that someone offends or hurts another person’s feelings because they think that a person is different. Examples would be saying hurtful things about skin color, gender, religion, or a disability.

If any student thinks that s/he is being bullied or harassed, s/he should:

Tell the person to stop.
If it doesn’t stop, tell an adult right away. At school, you could tell your teacher, counselor, or principal.
Do not keep your feelings and concerns to yourself.
Do not try to get back at the person.

All students will be taught about the serious nature of bullying and harassment. School staff will use their professional judgment as to the corrective action necessary according to the student’s age and development. Primary grade students may require additional coaching and teaching while being reminded bullying/harassment is unacceptable behavior. It is expected that students in upper grades will have a deeper level of understanding and the need for appropriate consequences. All students will be given the opportunity to correct their behavior and rectify the situation. Serious or repeated violations may result in parents being called to either pick their student up or come to school to meet and develop a corrective plan of action. If a student is sent home for a serious offense, the parent, student, principal and teacher will meet prior to re-entry to review a corrective plan to address the serious misbehavior/conduct.

Students should be out at the bus stop 5 minutes before bus arrival time and wait for 5 minutes after arrival time. Schedules vary due to the number of riders and road conditions.     

The bus driver may assign seats at his/her discretion. Objects such as books, backpacks, musical instruments, etc., should be held on the lap or stored under the seat. Students may not bring anything dangerous or disruptive onto the bus. All food should be in proper containers or backpacks.

Serious or repeated disciplinary incidents will be reported. Serious, ongoing problems will result in suspension of bus-riding privileges. Parents may be held responsible for any cost of repairing damage done to the bus by their children.

                Basic rules are:
                            1. Stay seated.
                            2. Keep you hands and feet to yourself and inside the bus.
                            3. Be respectful to others (no degrading or foul language).
                            4. Follow the bus driver’s directions.
                            5. Do not eat or drink on the bus.
                            6. Do not damage the bus.

Students will be assigned to their next year's class based on many factors. This is a complicated procedure because of the many variables in establishing a cohesive, diverse, and balanced group of learners. We look at all aspects of students' growth in social, emotional, behavioral, and academic areas. Input in these areas is taken from parents, sending teachers, guidance, other teachers, and the principal.

The decision of where a student is placed rests with the team of educators in the school. Parents' input is important in helping this team match their child's learning style with that teacher who will provide the best possible setting. Parents do not choose what class, teacher, or team that their child will have the next year. The school team will make final decisions that result in balanced classrooms at all grade levels.

Class placement process begins in May and is completed by mid June. Families are advised of class placement in the mail approximately 7-10 days after the final day of school. Kindergarten students are placed in the summer and families will be notified early in August.

South Burlington School District’s elementary report cards are standards based. They are sent home in January and June. Parent/teacher/student conferences occur in November and April. You will be contacted and a conference will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time. You may also request a conference at any time by calling your child’s teacher. Parent-teacher communication is important in your child’s education and we look forward to talking with you to learn more about your child as well as to share information from school.

Details of our curriculum and instructional program can all be found at the district web site: www.sbschools.net.  Go to District, then Office of Instruction, then curriculum. If you would prefer a hard copy, please see your child’s teacher.

        Reading - We use a literature-based program, supplemented with direct instruction in decoding new words, vocabulary and comprehension.

        Language Arts - We are beginning to implement the Lucy Calkins writing program in which children write regularly, conference about their work, and eventually revise, edit and publish some pieces. Spelling, capitalization and punctuation are taught as part of the writing process and through basic spelling programs from several publishers.

        Mathematics – Our new math program is "Bridges" published by The Bridges Mathematics Program. The use of calculators, supplementary and manipulative materials is encouraged. Problem-solving strategies are taught at all levels.

        Science - The district curriculum includes units in life, earth, physical, and space science. Teaching methods include hands-on activities, experiments, cooperative group work and use of AV materials and library books. Many teachers have participated in the Vermont Elementary Science Project and teach children to formulate "real" questions and plan investigations to answer some of them.

        Social Studies - The district curriculum has three strands: history, geography and culture.

        Guidance – We have implemented a violence prevention curriculum, Second Step. The program includes units on empathy training, impulse control and problem solving, and anger management. These skills encourage positive decision-making. In grades 4 and 5, the school nurse teams with guidance counselor to present Changes Across the Lifespan (grade 4) and Puberty (grade 5).

        Physical Education - All children except kindergarten have P.E. twice a week for 30 minutes. Kindergarten students have P.E. twice a week for 25 minutes. The program stresses motor skill development and fitness. Children should wear sneakers and clothing that allows free movement on P.E. days.

        Music – All children have music twice each week. Fifth grade students participate in chorus as a requirement for fifth grade music instruction.                                                          

        Art -All grades have art once a week.  The art teacher works with classroom teachers on special projects as time permits.

        Technology - Each K-2 classroom has at least one Windows or XP computer for use by students and teachers. Each classroom in grades 3-5 has three computers. All computers are networked with a file server and can access a laser and color printer, card catalog, electronic encyclopedia and other CD ROM software. Classroom computers are also part of a telecommunications local area network. The school has scanners, camcorders, digital cameras, video production equipment and overhead computer projection devices for use in any classroom. We have direct INTERNET access on all computers and use in our wide area network.

        Library - The library is automated, meaning that the card catalog and circulation records are computerized. Students learn how to use technology to locate and use library resources. More traditional library activities - story hours, book talks, book displays, author centers and activity centers - are also important components of our library program. All students have a library "class" once a week.

If you have any questions or comments about curriculum, standards, and assessment, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher and/or the principal.

School dress should be appropriate to the weather and active lives of young children. Sneakers and pants are best for Physical Education days. Shoes must be worn at all times and should give adequate protection against sharp objects. Many students wear outdoor boots all day in school because they have forgotten their shoes at home. If your child tends to have this problem, you might want to keep a pair of shoes here at school.

Hats, mittens, and boots are required for outside recess during the winter months. Students are not allowed outside without these articles of clothing. Students go outside every day unless the temperature and/or wind chill factors are below zero.

Shorts and tank tops are appropriate for hot weather, but halter-tops, "belly-shirts" and "too short" shorts are not allowed. T-shirts should display appropriate, respectful language and graphics. Any jewelry (e.g., studded bracelets and necklaces) that could injure another person cannot be worn to school. Sneakers are required on P.E. days.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program - Act 51             

D.A.R.E., Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is presented to all students by the South Burlington Police Department’s DARE officers. Students in K-4 have a four or five lesson introduction; grade 5 has ten weekly lessons beginning in January.

The School Board has a substance abuse policy that applies to any occurrence on school property or at a school sponsored event. It clearly prohibits the purchase, use, possession, being under the influence, possession of devices specifically or reasonably associated with alcohol or drug use and the refusal of a student to cooperate fully when a probable violation has occurred. Parents are notified immediately in the event of a violation. The full policy is available to parents in the principal’s office. The board policy applies to students, employees and others acting in a capacity such as chaperone or volunteer.

RMCS has a referral procedure for any child who is distressed over a problem that may be drug-related, including the drug abuse of a family member. We can provide information and support to families seeking outside assistance with drug or alcohol related problems.

Educational Support Team (EST)

At Rick Marcotte Central School, we believe that a comprehensive system of educational services should be provided to all students to enable them to succeed in the regular classroom. A range of effective educational services are available to students who are not meeting standards or are at risk of failing to achieve because of academic, behavioral or social problems. Our Educational Support Team is comprised of a group of teachers who meet regularly to find ways to support a student having difficulty in the classroom. Participants in our instructional support system may include: classroom teachers, guidance counselor, nurse, principal, special educators, special subject teachers, learning center director, school district consultants, instructional assistants, parent and community volunteers, college interns, and peer tutors.

When a student needs support, the classroom teacher has usually discussed the problem with parents. Parents are always notified if their child is referred to the Educational Support Team and informed of any additional support that the child is to receive. Parents who believe their child needs additional support may refer their child to EST by contacting the teacher, guidance counselor or principal.

English Language Learning (ELL)

ELL in South Burlington Schools is designed to support students as they transition into an all-English learning environment and into the culture of our schools. The program consists of four main areas: Identification, Assessment, Service and Monitoring. All students from a non-English language background are identified upon enrollment with the Home Language Survey as they enroll.

Students’ language proficiency is assessed to determine need for ELL services. This is done using a variety of measures including an assessment of oral and reading and writing skills, review of previous school records, classroom performance and teacher observation.

Services are based on the results of these assessments. Appropriate language support is provided and includes content area support. These services are provided by a licensed professional qualified to teach English language learners.

Students’ progress is assessed annually. Exit from services is determined by teachers and is based on proficiency, ability to participate in mainstream classes, and ability to perform on state and federally mandated assessments.

Expectations for Behavior

All students are expected to act in accordance with accepted standards of good behavior and to help maintain an atmosphere in which all may learn together. We strive to teach responsible behavior and self-discipline to our young children. To do this, we believe in the following:

School should be a happy, successful place where children want to be.
Each person has to learn to be responsible for his/her own behavior.
The enforcement of reasonable rules increases a student’s ability to cooperate
      and associate successfully with others.

Our school’s philosophical foundation for student discipline is built upon The Responsive Classroom and Discipline with Dignity models. Specific rules for classroom, hallways, lunchroom, buses and playground are developed at the beginning of the year and reviewed as needed. Students are held accountable with age appropriate, logical consequences.

There does need to be a protocol for dealing with repeated misbehavior. In the event that a student is found to be repeatedly violating a similar rule, parents may be contacted to help with the development of a plan. Serious offenses such as physical assault, verbal threats, bullying or harassment will result in a call home and may include leaving school as a consequence. If a student is asked to leave school to think about the serious nature of their behavior, a re-entry meeting with parents(s), student, teacher and principal will occur with a review of the student drafted plan to correct their behavior. The safety and well being of all is our number one concern.

Field Trips

Each class takes one or more field trips during the year. You will be notified ahead of time of the date, destination, or any special requirements. Parents may be asked to make a donation to a class field trip fund. Scholarships are always available. The School District encourages the use of buses for transporting students. There are times, however, when staff or parents may volunteer to transport a small number of children for a specific purpose.

Here are general guidelines for anyone who transports RMCS students:
                        1. The driver must be licensed and insured. If there is an accident, the driver's insurance is primary.
                           The driver is not "covered" by the District.
                        2. The vehicle must have a seat belt (or car seat, if applicable) for every child passenger and the
                            belts must be used at all times.
                        3. Before any child is transported in a private vehicle, the parent must be informed and
                            permission must be secured in writing.

Guidance

The guidance program is based on the assumption that academic learning is greatest when a child has a sense of self-worth and purpose. When factors that interfere with learning are reduced, a child is most likely to be successful. We have two counselors who work in Grades K-5. Auriel Gray covers grades K-2 and Madelyn Nash works with students in grades 3-5.

We know that all children will face problems, disappointments and stress in life. We believe that the models and experiences for problem solving and coping that are provided during elementary school years will be part of children's collection of skills for the rest of their lives.

The guidance counselors work with groups of children as well as individuals, teaching ways to:

                    * Take responsibility for their own behavior
                    * Give and receive friendship and affection graciously
                    * Cope with stress
                    * Communicate effectively
                    * Solve problems and work out interpersonal disagreements

To carry out the above objectives the counselors:

** Meet with classroom groups, small group or individuals in a goal-directed, short-term series on self-concept,   friendships, coping with stress, communication skills and problem solving
** Meet with individual children when they, their parents and/or teachers feel it would benefit them to talk privately about their concerns.
** Meet with parents of children with whom there is a concern, to gather information, offer feedback, offer assistance and/or to explore alternatives.
** Serve on the Educational Support Team to consult and to help teachers with classroom management and learning problems of individual students.
** Participate in Special Education evaluations and decisions, facilitating communication regarding the referred student.

Health Services/School Nurse

Each school health office is staffed by a Registered Nurse who has a school nurse endorsement through the Vermont Department of Education. In addition, staffing may be complemented by an LPN/Health Assistant. The school nurse works as a team member with the other school staff to maximize leaning and wellness in a healthy and safe school environment for every student. The school nurse maintains student immunization and health records, as well as provides yearly screening for vision, hearing, height, weight, and blood pressure. Referrals and follow-up evaluations are done as needed or requested. In addition, the school nurse provides health education and support for health and wellness at every grade level.

The school nurse asks families to do the following:

* Complete and return the Emergency Information form and annual health questionnaire.
* Notify the school nurse of any updated immunizations.
* Inform the school nurse or office staff of any changes in emergency contact information as they
   occur throughout the year.
* Notify the school nurse if your child has any contagious infection.
* Keep your child home if fever, vomiting, or severe diarrhea occurs.

At the end of the school day there is NO nursing coverage at the school. It is each parent/guardian’s responsibility to communicate, to the coordinator or coach of the after school activity, any health needs your child may have.

The school nurse or health assistant will triage all injuries. If appropriate, an accident report will be completed and filed in the health office. Parents/guardians will be notified in case of a serious injury, or if follow-up attention or evaluation is necessary.

Guidelines as outlined in the SB Medication Policy

1. The school nurse does not supply over the counter medication for student use.
2. Parents may bring in over the counter stock medication (i.e. acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), cough
    medication, cough drops. The school nurse will administer these medications for a short period of time only. All
    medication must have a signed note, giving directions and permission for administration.
3. Prescription medication must be delivered in the original container, with a note from the doctor and parent giving
    directions and permission for administration.
4. All medication must be brought to school by an adult and delivered to the Health Office.
5. Information and permission may be FAXED to the health office.
6. All medication will be locked in the medication cabinet in the health office.
7. All medication information will be kept in a medication logbook with appropriate documentation.

Pursuant to Act 158, South Burlington School District is prepared to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students with a life threatening allergy or chronic illness. Any student with a life-threatening allergy or chronic illness may be provided with protection with protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.




                            Homework/Homework Club

Early in the school year, you will receive detailed information about homework expectations from your child’s teacher(s). Included in this information will be an explanation of the purposes of the work, how often homework is assigned, and how much time should be devoted. Your child should need little, if any, assistance with his/her homework. Homework is generally an extension or review of what has been covered in class. You can best help your child to develop responsible homework habits by providing a quiet time and workspace, and checking to see that assignments have been completed.

Once the school year begins, homework club is offered after school M-Th.. Students are referred to homework club by teachers and counselors as slots are limited. Parents must sign an attendance agreement if their child is referred. Homework club is offered to students in grades 3-5 only.

      Hours        

Though the school day technically is 8:00-2:40, students will disembark buses and thus enter classrooms at 7:55. We will start dismissal at 2:40. Students who are being picked up will be dismissed at 2:40 and are to be met at the door by the gym. This  procedure is to free up the lobby where 350 students will need to exit at one time. We need and appreciate your cooperation because congested hallways/lobby create a safety issue and interfere with a timely dismissal process.
 

Lost and Found

Lost articles are kept together on a table by the gymnasium. Please check regularly for missing items. Unclaimed items are given to a local charity two times per year: December and June.

Please label coats, boots, lunch boxes and other articles to help us return them.

Lunch

Hot lunch is available daily at a cost of $2.75.  Ala carte milk costs 50 cents.  The South Burlington School District Food Service operates as a non-profit enterprise business and runs the lunch and breakfast programs. Debit accounts are used to purchase milk and lunch. Parents and students may pay by cash or check into these Access accounts. Students will use a PIN number to have the cost of meals deducted from his or her Access account. Checks should be made out to "South Burlington Hot Lunch". Students need to deposit money into their accounts before 9:00 AM and should not go through the lunch line expecting to pay at serving time.

Parents are welcome to join their children for lunch. Please call in your order before 9:00 AM. Adult lunch costs $4.00 and parents may pay by cash or check at serving time. Free or reduced-price lunch is available to eligible families. Forms are sent home the first day of school and may be requested when needed.

Lunchtime is approximately 20 minutes.

Assistants supervise the lunchroom. They work with children on learning the routines and assist them during the lunch period. Lunch should be a pleasant social time. Basic rules are:

                                - Wait quietly in line - Keep a calm body            
                                - Use good manners - Follow directions
                                - Stay seated - Hats or toys are for outside
                                - Use appropriate language - Clean up
                                - Talk quietly to table mates

Notices

FRIDAY is the day we send notices, newsletters, and other regular communications, so look for them especially on that day. Some teachers may select a different day and will let you know.  We also post the principal's Friday notes on Central's web at www.sbschools.net .

Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO)

We hope that you will want to become actively involved in the PTO. Your support will enable this worthwhile organization to grow and to continue to enhance our school and community. Weekly school newsletters (which are sent home on Fridays) contain important PTO information – please look for them!

Parking

There is no parking at any time in the designated handicapped spaces, the bus lane and along the yellow curb. All vehicles left unattended even for a few minutes must be parked in a legal parking space. It is the policy of the district that vehicles in violation will be towed at the owners’ expense. Schools will enforce this policy. Please never leave a running car unattended. Our  parking lot directly next to our playground and school building is where students may be dropped off in the morning. Please drive all the way up to the curb cut to let your child out.

Personal Property/Toys

In general, your child’s teacher will let you know when and if personal items are needed in school. Headsets are allowed outside (e.g., on the bus and at recess) but NEVER during instructional time. Teachers may decide that use of these items is occasionally OK during break time. Teachers will make a call home if problems arise. Trading cards, toys and hand-held games are not allowed at school.

For both safety and security reasons, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are not allowed at school during regular school hours. We would like to discourage children from returning with these items after school since there is a good deal of traffic in our parking lot. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are not allowed on the cement walkways and entrances at any time. Rolling shoes are not allowed and if worn the wheels must be kept at home or given to the teacher.

Recreation Department Programs

The South Burlington Recreation Department conducts after-school and Saturday programs throughout the year. Flyers about each program come home with Friday memos. Registrations MUST be returned to the Recreation Department, not the school office. Programs include:

Fall – soccer, art, pumpkin carving 
Winter – basketball, art, holiday vacation program                 
Spring – girls softball, floor hockey, art          
Summer – playground program                     

Please call the South Burlington Recreation Department at 846-4108 for further information. Other sport programs – youth football, youth hockey, and youth baseball, are sponsored by other community organizations.

Rights and Privacy of Parents and Students

The South Burlington Board of School Directors endorse the right of parents and legal guardians to inspect and review any and all official records, files and data related to their children and further endorses the protection of individual rights to privacy and confidentiality as outlined by Public Law 93-380, Section 513, "Family Educational rights and Privacy Act of 1974". (See FERPA guidelines at the back of this handbook.)

If parents are separated or divorced, both parents have the same rights to review student records, receive progress reports, etc., unless a court order provides otherwise. If the provisions of your divorce decree limit the rights of the non-custodial parent, please provide the school with a copy. Otherwise, the school will afford the same rights to both parents.

Snacks

Your child’s classroom teacher will communicate with you directly on how snack works in her/his classroom. In general, candy, gum and soda are not permitted.

Snow Days/Delayed Opening
and Early Dismissal

Harsh weather conditions may close our schools. Local radio stations carry this announcement. Since we hate to lose instructional time and sometimes weather conditions improve significantly by mid-morning, a delayed opening procedure will be in effect as follows:

If opening at the regular time is inadvisable, but it looks like we can safely run buses later in the day, all bus
        schedules and school openings will be delayed up to two hours.
If a delayed opening occurs, schools will close at the regular time.
Many local radio stations will broadcast delayed openings, including: WVMT-620; WJOY-1230; WEZF-933;
        WXXX-FM95; WQCR-FM99; WDOT-1390.
A delayed opening depends on improved weather so parents should listen to their radios to be sure school does not
        close for the day if weather turns worse.
School closings are also listed on the local TV stations and on the SB website at http://www.sbschools.net

Occasionally the weather gets bad after school is in session and a decision is made to close school before normal dismissal time.  If we close early, many children don’t know whether to go home or elsewhere. Since we cannot allow children to leave (either on the bus or walking) until we have verified that there is an adult to supervise, we are asking that you tune in to a radio station and listen for early closing information. We will also attempt to reach parents via the newly created mass e-mail.  If you learn that we are closing early, and your child will be going to another location which is different than their daily routine, call your child’s teacher via her voice mailbox and let us know where your child should go. Thank you.

Standardized Assessments

We participate in the administration of district, state and national assessments. The following is a list of those assessments, the grade levels that participate, and the month when they are administered:

        September     Grades 3, 4 and 5 will take the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests.

        September        Kindergarten, 1^st and 2^nd grades are given the Primary Observation Assessment (POA).

        October        Grades 3,4 and 5 will take the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP).

        January       Grade 4 may take the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

        May      Kindergarten and 1^st grade are given the Primary Observation Assessment (POA).

        May      Grade 2 will take the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA).

        May      Grades 3,4 and 5 will take the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests.

        May    Grade 4 will take NECAP science.

Specific information regarding assessment dates and the nature of the tests will be sent home closer to the actual testing time.

Student Support and Services

The Literacy Support program gives extra help in reading and language arts to children in grades K-5 who are below grade level in these areas. A Literacy Support instructional assistant works with individuals and small groups weekly. Teacher recommendation and standardized test scores determine eligibility. You will be notified if your child is selected for Literacy Support.

Reading Recovery is an early intervention program designed to reduce reading failure. The program is based on the assumption that intensive, high quality help during the early years of schooling is the most productive investment of resources. The early years, which set the stage for later learning, are particularly critical for children who are at risk of failure. Reading Recovery, which was developed and initiated by New Zealand educator and psychologist, Marie M. Clay, provides a second chance in reading for young children who are at risk of failure in their first year of reading instruction. Individually administered diagnostic procedures are used to identify children in need of literacy support. Intervention procedures (Clay, 1993) are then individually tailored to help a failing child become a successful reader.

We have a full time social worker, Matthew MacNeil. His position is financed through the use of federal Medicaid funding and in cooperation with Baird and Howard Family Services. Mr. MacNeil’s focus is to help families and school work together in supporting the needs of students at home and school. He will work with children and families who need support in working with various agencies in our area.

Special Education Program

The South Burlington School District affirms the right of all children with handicapping conditions to a free, appropriate public education. Children living in South Burlington who are learning disabled, learning impaired, visually impaired, hearing impaired, emotionally disturbed, speech/language impaired, health impaired or orthopedically impaired and are in need of special education are entitled to receive services.

Special Education provides instructional support to classroom teachers and students. Consulting teachers and speech/language pathologists work with classroom teachers to modify instructional programs to meet the special needs of students. We believe that this enhances success for all students in the classroom.

Special educators or instructional assistants teach students individually or in small groups in or outside of the classroom. The classroom teacher and special education staff work together to meet the needs of all students.

Decisions on the type and intensity of service to be provided by our specialists are made by our building team. Parents of children eligible for special education services participate in setting objectives and planning their child's program. Questions about special education should be directed to the Consulting Teacher, Principal or JoAn Canning, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction (652-7390).

Telephone

The "automated operator" consists of a recorded greeting where we can notify you of any special announcements. Then you will hear several options. You may leave an attendance message or press 2 to be connected to the main office. If no one is in the office, or if the Administrative Assistant is on another call, you will be transferred to the office voice mail to leave a message. If you have difficulty getting through to the office and it is an emergency, you may call the South Burlington School District Business Office at 652-7055 for assistance.

Students may use a phone in emergencies and with teacher permission. To encourage children to become responsible, we discourage the use of the phone to ask parents to bring forgotten items such as sneakers or homework. Children do not use the telephone to make after-school social arrangements. These should be arranged the day before.

Tobacco Use Prohibited on Public School Grounds

Tobacco products are extremely addicting and can cause health effects that interfere with school performance. We do not permit the use of tobacco or tobacco products on school grounds, in school facilities, or in school vehicles. Students are not permitted to use or have tobacco or tobacco products at school or school-sponsored events. This ban on tobacco use extends to any student, employee, or visitor to the school and applies at all times, whether or not school is in session. Any tobacco product in the possession of a student will be confiscated immediately by an employee and reported to the principal or designee who shall, if appropriate, make a referral to our school resource officer. We ask that visitors to the school respect this ban on tobacco use. The use of tobacco on public school grounds is against Vermont Law. A full copy of the policy is available to parents in the principal’s office.

Visitors

You are invited and welcome to visit school at any time. However, ALL visitors MUST sign in at the office each time they enter the school and get a "Visitor’s Pass."  All visitors must sign out when leaving the building. If you and/or visiting friends or family wish to visit a particular classroom, please notify the teacher ahead of time.  If the child of visiting friends or relatives wants to spend time at Rick Marcotte Central School, please also arrange this ahead of time with the teacher.

Volunteers

We encourage parents and community members to volunteer at Rick Marcotte Central School. You may want to help with a special activity, to direct a small group project, or to assist the teacher with various classroom responsibilities. Most classroom volunteer opportunities are managed by the individual teacher. The PTO also sponsors many events that require and welcome many volunteers. Many parent volunteers are needed to conduct our hands-on science lesson through Four Winds Nature Institute.

Website

The South Burlington School District website is http://www.sbschools.net

Withdrawal and transfer

Parents who plan to move from South Burlington or transfer their children to another school should notify the office well in advance of this withdrawal. This allows the school time to complete the transfer and have the parents sign the "Release of Records Form" so the student can be properly registered in the new school.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Parent Notification of Their Rights under Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act for Elementary and Secondary Schools (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford 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 School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate.

Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a 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, the School 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 it 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 School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

The PTO welcomes all members to join us. Here are the 2008/2009 Rick Marcotte Central School PTO meeting dates and school events dates.

September 11
October 9
November 13
December (no meeting)
January 8
February 12
March 12
April 2
May 14
June 4

                                                            School Pictures                         October 1
                                                            Thanksgiving Lunch                    November 13
                                                            Family Fun Night                       January 23
                                                            Spring Fair                               May 1
                                                            Book Fair                                 April 1-3
                                                            Science Fair                             April 15
                                                            School Picnic                             June 10