Student Handbook

 

 

 

200 Williams Ave.

Winsted, CT 06098-1190

Tel. 860-379-8521

Fax 860-379-6163

 

Mr. Greg P. Shugrue, Head of School

Ms. Debra Lewis, Principal

Mr. Donald Crossman, Associate Principal

Mrs. Maura Hurley, Associate Principal

 

Please visit our website regularly for important announcements and information

www.gilbertschool.org

 

The Gilbert School 

School Corporation  Members 

Scott Beecher

Holly Cassaday, Board Chair

Jennifer Marchand

Ellen Marino

Theresa Padin

Doug Pfenninger

Astrid  Robitaille

Renata Waldron

 

W. L. Gilbert Trust  

Current Trustees

 

Charles Seaback, Class of 1972, President

Ellen Cormier Marino, Class of 1983, Vice President

Jennifer L. Marchand, Class of 1993, Treasurer

Astrid H. Robitaille, Class of 1989, Secretary

 

Scott W. Beecher

Susan Moore Belle-Isle

Holly J. Cassaday, Class of 1990

Donald L. Crossman Class of 1999

Jared Fritch

Joanne Cannavo Marzullo, Class of 1970

David L. Sartirana, Class of 1978

Craig C. Schroeder

Joseph White, Class of 2000

 

THE GILBERT SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

The Gilbert School is committed to assuring that all of our students are prepared to be thoughtful and productive citizens in a complex, global society.

In pursuing this mission, we believe that:

• All students can learn and be successful.

• All students are valued and deserve an education that addresses their academic, physical, social and emotional needs.

• All students are entitled to a safe, healthy and respectful learning environment.

• All members of The Gilbert School community must uphold high expectations, be accountable, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.

• Celebrating the heritage of The Gilbert School strengthens community pride and inspires individual accomplishments.

 

Philosophy of The Gilbert School 

The Gilbert School was founded by William L. Gilbert for the purpose of providing instruction "for the improvement of mankind by affording such assistance and means of educating the young as will help them to become good citizens."

Therefore, our philosophy embodies the following key components:

• To be concerned with the development of the entire student: his/her physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth.

• To prepare our students with the life skills necessary to survive, succeed and contribute to our society.

• To motivate students in the quest of knowledge for their entire lives.

• To nurture the growth of values such as respect, honesty, tolerance, and strong work ethics.

• To present a curriculum that will provide a challenge for students at all levels, giving all students responsibility, accountability and participation in their education.

• To be knowledgeable in the newest methods and trends in education, including technology, and to implement in the curriculum those programs that are responsive to the changing needs of society.

 

 

PREFACE

The material covered within this student handbook is intended as a method of communicating to students and parents regarding general school information, rules and procedures and is not intended to either enlarge or diminish any W.L. Gilbert School Corporation policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Material contained herein may therefore be superseded by such policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Any information contained in this handbook is subject to unilateral revision or elimination from time-to-time without notice.

 

This booklet is written for our students and their parents. It contains required and useful information. Because it cannot be as personal a communication as we would like, we address students not directly as “you” but rather as “the student,” “students,” or “children.” Likewise, the term “the student’s parent” may refer to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume responsibility for the student. 

 

The Student Handbook is designed to be in harmony with Board policy. Please be aware that the handbook is updated yearly, while policy adoption and revision may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect portions of this Handbook will be made available to students and parents through newsletters, web pages, and other communications.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY and NON-DISCRIMINATION

Each student is encouraged to develop and achieve individual educational goals. The school will provide every student with equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, economic status, marital status, or disability. No student will be excluded on such a basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, employment assistance, extracurricular activities or other school resources. Programs and activities shall be accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities as prescribed by law. The designated district compliance officer will coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

 

EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Gilbert School recognizes and accepts the need to prepare students to live and work productively in an increasingly diverse society. This is an integral part of the school system’s commitment to offer an educational program of excellence, which includes teaching students awareness and understanding of the diverse cultures and heritages that form our society. 

 

The school will not tolerate student behavior which insults, degrades or stereotypes and race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical or mental condition or ethnic group.

 

EQUITY AND DIVERSITY

Students deserve a respectful learning environment in which their cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity is valued and contributes to successful academic outcomes. The school learning and work environment is enriched and improved by the contributions, perspectives, and the very presence of diverse participants.

 

 

ACADEMIC HELP

2:16p.m. – 2:46 p.m. Teachers Available for Extra Help 

All teachers are available for academic help after regular school hours.  Students should arrange an appointment in advance that is mutually convenient. Teachers may also request a student to report for academic help.

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

If a student is expected to work alone but provides, uses, or accepts inappropriate assistance, then the student has acted dishonestly in the learning environment and is subject to discipline for cheating. 

 

Examples of the kinds of acts and behaviors that are viewed as cheating are listed below.  The list is a sampling only; it is not all-inclusive: 

• During tests or quizzes 

  • cheat sheets with answers 

  • answers programmed into electronic devices 

  • answers written on hands, arms, clothing, etc. 

  • looking at another student’s answers 

  • looking into texts, notebooks, etc. 

  • communicating with other students  

  • offering/providing answers to others 

  • aiding/abetting another student’s dishonesty

  • Sending or receiving pictures, texts or other electronic communication

• On projects, papers, reports, keyboarding, computer accounts 

  • claiming another student’s/person’s work as your own 

  • plagiarism: copying words or ideas and not giving credit to the sources 

• Other 

  • If previously warned by a teacher that a given behavior will be considered cheating

  • If a behavior violates the ground rules for academic honesty set by the teacher  

 

Students are expected to pursue their school-work with integrity and honesty. Cheating and plagiarism demonstrates a lack of integrity and character. That is inconsistent with school goals and values. All forms of cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable. Consequences for cheating will take into account the grade level of the student and the severity of the misrepresentation.

 

ACCIDENTS

Any accident involving possible injury to a student or damage to school property must be reported immediately to the teacher in charge of the area and to the administration. 

 

The Gilbert School does not carry accident insurance; however, in order for an accident to be documented for possible insurance claims through personal policy coverage, certain forms must be completed and returned to the office within twenty-four (24) hours of the accident. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and complete such forms. 

ACTIVITY PERIOD 

Activity period is held approximately once a month during the school year. TGS offers a range of extra-curricular activities covering varied interests. It is desirable that every student partake in at least one club. A list of clubs offered during Activity Periods for the school year will be available before the first Activity Period meeting. It is understood that all students will be held to a high standard of academic and behavioral achievement. Advisors will inform students of the requirements for each particular club.

 

 

ADMISSION/PLACEMENT  

A student seeking enrollment in The Gilbert School for the first time or following attendance in another Connecticut public school district, out-of-state attendance, private school attendance or admission through a bona fide foreign exchange program should contact the Head of School. A student who is transferring from non-public schools or schools outside TGS will be placed at his/her current grade level pending evaluation and observation of the student after such assessment and consultation with the parents, the principal will determine the grade placement of the child. 

 

The parent or person having control of  a child seventeen years of age may consent to such child’s withdrawal from school. The parent or person having control of a child seventeen years of age may exercise the option by personally appearing at the school office to sign a withdrawal form. This form will include an attestation from the school’s guidance counselor or a school administrator that the school has provided the parent or person with information on the educational options available in the school system and in the community. A student who has attained the age of seventeen and who has voluntary terminated enrollment in the school and subsequently seeks admission may be denied readmission for up to ninety school days from the date of such termination unless such student seeks readmission to the school not later than ten school days after such termination in which school accommodation will be provided not later than three school days after such student seeks readmission. A student, nineteen years of age or older may be placed in an alternative school program or other suitable educational program if he/she cannot acquire a sufficient number of credits for graduation by age twenty-one. Students who are classified as homeless under federal law and do not have a fixed residence will be admitted pursuant to federal law.  Parents of students attending TGS have the option to enroll their child(ren) in a  magnet school with which the TGS is a nonparticipating district, if the magnet school has unused student capacity. The school will pay any tuition charge.

ADMISSION TESTING PROGRAMS OF THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD

Registration for these examinations are done online. Check the testing website for dates and deadlines. See your Counselor for more information.
ACT www.actstudent.org
SAT  www.collegeboard.com

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CLASSES/ EXAMS

TGS’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program is designed and committed to offering our students the opportunity to experience college-like classes to better prepare them for life after TGS. These AP classes are College Board® approved for both content and rigor and ensure that the class meets the necessary requirements to be labeled as an AP class. By enrolling in an AP class(s) your child will be exposed to the challenges and demands of college-like work.

 

Students enrolled in an AP course must take the AP exam if they wish to get AP.

• Students electing to enroll in an AP class must meet all prerequisite requirements.

• All AP classes have summer work prior to the class beginning in the fall. It is the expectation that all students enrolled in an AP class will complete the work by the designated due dates.

• Students may drop an AP class without penalty until the end of the first quarter. Parents, counselors, and administration must have prior notification. 

 

Exam Dates: 5/6/2024 - 5/17/2024

 

NOTE:  See your school counselor or AP teacher if you have any questions regarding these tests.

ADVISORY
TGS’ daily schedule is an A/B block schedule.  Each day consists of four, 81 minute instructional periods with a 25-minute lunch period and a 25-minute flex period. 
The flex period on “A” day is designated for our Advisory program. The purpose of the TGS Advisory is to provide an environment that personalizes the school community through learning about the school, learning about oneself, developing inner resources, increasing student accountability and responsibility, and learning from one another in a smaller group setting.
 

AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION
PM School will be open from 2:20-4:20pm Monday through Thursday for any student needing to stay after school.  This includes Band members and Athletes waiting for practice.  TGS closes at 2:40 and any student staying after school is expected to go to PM School unless they are with a coach or teacher. Students may not “hang out” after school. 
 

AGE OF MAJORITY 
In 1972, the State of Connecticut established eighteen (18) as the age of majority. As applied to school, this means that any student eighteen (18) years of age or older may assume all rights and responsibilities regarding his/her education which have been delegated to the parents of minors, as long as a note from a parent/guardian is on file expressing this desire. Students in this category may write their own excuses for absences and tardies, inspect their records, and make their own curricular selections. All field trip permission forms still require a parent/guardian’s signature. 

Note: Requests for early dismissals must be in compliance with TGS Early Dismissal procedures/policy. Only legitimate reasons will be allowed for dismissal passes. Adult students are still subject to all disciplinary restrictions enforced by the school. Furthermore, their actions and decisions are subject to verification by the school. 

The school recognizes its moral responsibility to the parent regardless of the age of the students in its charge and will attempt to cooperate with the parent to provide the best educational experience for the student, especially in situations where the student still resides with the parent. Eighteen-year-old students may request direct communications and parents/guardians will be notified of that action. The school reserves the right to revoke age of majority privileges when a student has acted deceptively or used poor judgment. 
 

AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures support for individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are provided a free and appropriate education (FAPE), and are accommodated and employed without discrimination related to their disabilities.

It is the intent of the school to provide a free and appropriate public education to each Section 504/ADA qualified and eligible student with a disability within its jurisdiction, as defined in 28 CFR, Parts 35 and 36, of the Amendments to Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II and Title III.

Section 504 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities (both students and staff members) by school districts receiving federal assistance of any kind for any program or activity. The school may not discriminate against any person with a disability, regardless of whether the program or activity after enrollment, may also take a screening exam.

All individuals who are disabled or “handicapped” are protected under Section 504. However, individuals who have been determined to be “handicapped” under Section 504 may not be considered disabled under IDEA. IDEA, which can be viewed as a subcategory of Section 504, provides for special programming or placement, while Section 504 protects the rights of individuals with handicaps. Under IDEA, students are qualified for services under 13 IDEA disabling conditions; specially designed individual education programs are planned for each student by Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams. Under Section 504, students with “handicaps” are entitled to special accommodations to ensure that they can participate in and benefit from public education and programs, and a 504 accommodation plan is designed for each student according to individual needs.

Section 504 is not an aspect of special education, but is, rather, a responsibility of the comprehensive general public education system. Unlike an eligibility system based on clinic categories of disabilities, Section 504 works on a more functional premise. Under 504 [29 U.S.C. & § 706(8)] a person is considered to have a disability if that person:

1. has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities;
2. has a record of such an impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment

While Section 504 provides a means for preventing discrimination against students with disabilities, this does not mean that 504 plans must focus on the disabling condition or on addressing the disability directly. Rather, 504 plans offer a means for focusing on students’ strengths, for capitalizing on what students bring to the instruction process - not on what they lack.

Students with disabilities, pursuant to Section 504 and/or ADA will be provided a free appropriate public education which may include, but is not limited to, providing a structured learning environment; repeating and simplifying instructions about in-class and homework assignments; supplemented verbal instructions with visual instructions; adjusting class schedules, modifying test delivery; computer-assisted instructions; using modified textbooks and tailoring homework assignments.

Should you have any questions regarding Section 504, please call either your child’s school administration or the Civil Rights Coordinator for the school district at (860) 379-8521.

Any eligible person, including any student, parent/guardian, staff member or other employee who feels that he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of disability may submit a written complaint to the designated Section 504 Coordinator within 30 days of the alleged occurrence.
 

ANTI-RACISM
The Gilbert School rejects all forms of racism as destructive to the mission, vision, values and goals of this school system. All forms of racism must be eliminated from the school. Children must find school a safe and welcoming place, where they are able to achieve success, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background. Racism will not be tolerated in any form. The goal is to enable all students to thrive in a socially cohesive community within a positive, multi-cultural society.
 

ASBESTOS
Legislation requires all school buildings to be reevaluated to determine if asbestos is present and if it poses a significant health hazard to the building’s occupants. The school has on file plans showing the location of asbestos in each building and measures undertaken to comply with regulations to maintain a safe school environment. Requests to review these plans may be made in the school office.
 

ASSEMBLIES 
Throughout the year, several assemblies will be presented to various classes. Some of these assemblies are mandatory, others are optional. During assemblies, students are expected to give courteous attention to the program, thus allowing other students their right to enjoy the presentation.  Inappropriate behavior may lead to disciplinary consequences and the suspension of assembly privileges throughout the year. 
 

ATTENDANCE  
Connecticut State Board of Education
Definitions of Excused and Unexcused Absences
The following definitions are for the use by Connecticut school districts and schools for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of section 10-198a of the Connecticut General Statutes (Policies and procedures concerning truants), and for the purpose of reporting truancy, pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 10-220  of the Connecticut General Statutes.  The use of these definitions for state purposes does not preclude districts from using separate definitions of excused and unexcused absences for their internal uses (including decisions on promotion/retention, grading and disciplinary action).
 
EXCUSED ABSENCES
By state statute, a student is allowed 9 excused absences each year. A student’s absence from school shall be considered excused if written documentation of the reason for the absence has been submitted within ten school days of the student’s return to school or in accordance with Section 10-210 of the Connecticut General Statutes and meets the following criteria:

A.   For absences one through nine, a student’s absences from school are considered excused when the student’s parent/guardian approves such absence and submits appropriate documentation ( a written note from parent and or Dr.);
The following situations do not count toward a student’s 9 excused absences:
-Field Trips
-Testing
-Travel for school activity or athletics
- Suspension from school

B.   For the tenth absence and all absences thereafter, a student’s absences from school are only considered excused for the following reasons:
1.   student illness (Note: all student illness absences must be verified by an appropriately licensed medical professional to be deemed excused, regardless of the length of absence); Excessive excused absences may result in school personnel communicating with the student’s medical providers.
2.   student’s observance of a religious holiday;
3.   death in the student’s family or other emergencies beyond the control of the student’s family;
4.   mandated court appearances (additional documentation required);
5.   the lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the student attends (no parental documentation is required for this reason); or
6.   extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by district administrators and in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidance.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
All absences from school will be considered unexcused unless they meet one of the following criteria:
1.  the absence meets the criteria of excused as stated above
2.  the absence is due to discipline issued by the school
3.  all absences not reported by a parent /guardian call and a note are considered unexcused.
4.  all absences after the 9th absence are considered unexcused unless they meet the criteria outlined in section B above
 
The penalty for all unexcused absences is a “0” for all work missed with no makeup privileges.

All absences excused (1-9) or unexcused (10+) require a handwritten signed note, even if there was a call. This note may be scanned/photographed and emailed to the school by parent/guardian within 10 days of the absences.

 

Parents/guardians are urged to coordinate family vacations with the school calendar for vacation periods.  Parent/guardian requests for student absences from school for vacations or trips must follow the above State Laws for excused and unexcused absences. The mutual goal of all is to keep all such excused absences to a minimum.

Students who are not in the building for at least half of the day (4 hours on a full day/ 2 hours on a half day) will be marked absent to the day per the CT State Department of Education.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES
1. Students absent five (5) or more consecutive days due to illness or any communicable disease must have a doctor’s statement (could be by phone) of good health to the school nurse prior to re-admission to school.
2. If a student continues to be a chronic absentee*, the principal (or designee) may contact the Juvenile Review Panel (JRP) or the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
3. Given reasonable cause to believe a student is truant from school, the school administration may ask the school social worker to visit the student’s home to verify the cause of the absence.  Such home visits may be scheduled outside of regular school hours.
4. The administration reserves the right not to excuse students who are chronically absent and to require written verification of reason.
* (Connecticut State Statute Sec. 10-198a – Truant:  Any child between the ages of seven and sixteen who has had four (4) unexcused absences from school in any one month or ten (10) unexcused absences in any school year. Sec. 10-Habitual Truant:  Any child having twenty (20) unexcused absences within a school year). 

TARDINESS
Students who are not in their 1st period class by 7:45 A.M. are considered tardy and must report directly to the Main Office to get an E-Hall pass. A student discovered on school grounds who has not signed in at the office will also be considered tardy. A student who is repeatedly tardy may be considered truant. Students may be subject to disciplinary action including suspension if the administration determines that tardiness is excessive. 

If a student has an unexcused tardy, they will receive a “0” for any missed work. For example, if a student arrives “tardy unexcused” at 10:00 a.m. and missed a quiz in a class the student had earlier that day, the student will receive a “0” for that quiz. Any class missed prior to arriving late to school will be considered a class cut unless the tardiness is excused.
If a student is at a doctor’s appointment, a note must be brought from the doctor in order to excuse the tardy.  An unexcused tardy means no credit for work.  Missing the bus and car troubles are unexcused tardies. 
Tardiness to all classes will be dealt with by the teacher in charge. Chronic problems in tardiness will be referred to the school administration.
If a tardy arrival causes the student to miss more than 4 hours (2 hours on a half day) they will be marked absent for the day.
Parents may excuse up to 3 tardies per semester for any reason.
The same rules apply to athletes for them to participate in athletic events that day.

The following regulations apply in cases of tardiness to school/class:
•    One (1) unexcused tardy will result in a verbal warning. 
•    Two (2) unexcused tardies will result in a half-hour detention issued by the teacher. 
•    Three (3) unexcused tardies will result in a two (2) hour detention issued by the teacher.  Students will receive a “0” for all work missed and have no right to make up any work they missed as a result of the unexcused tardiness. 
•    Repeated unexcused tardies to class (more than three) will result in a referral process to the appropriate administrator. 

Chronic Absenteeism  
A student whose total number of absences at anytime during a school year is equal to or greater than the percent of the total number of days that such student has been enrolled at such school during the school year is considered to be a “chronically absent child,” Such a student will be subject to review by the attendance review team and the chronic absenteeism prevention and intervention plan developed by the State Department of Education.  

Leaving School Grounds/Release of Students From School  
Under no circumstances may a student leave the school or school grounds during school hours without permission from his/her parents or guardians and school administration. In the event it is necessary for a student to be dismissed early, a parent or guardian should send a written request to the office. Telephone requests for early dismissal of a student shall be honored only if the caller can be positively identified as the student’s parent or guardian. Children of single-parent families will be released only upon the request of the parent whom the court holds directly responsible for the child and who is identified as such in the school records, unless prior arrangements have been made with the school. Arrangements should be made with the building administrator or the parent or guardian to pick up the student in the school office. If someone other than a parent/guardian picks up the student, the person appearing in the school office should bring a note of identification from the parent or guardian. 
 
Truancy  
A student aged five to eighteen inclusive with 4 (four) unexcused absences in one month or 10 (ten) unexcused absences in a school year will be considered a truant. Disciplinary action may include hours of after school detention, internal suspension, and/or referral to DCF. Tests and academic work missed in class that day will be recorded as a zero grade.  

Parents have the responsibility to assist school officials in remedying and preventing truancy. The School will file a written complaint with DCF if the parent fails to cooperate with the school in trying to solve the student’s truancy problem.  

Information about truancy will also be posted in the annual strategic school profile reports.  

ABSENTEE LIST
A list of students absent for the day is distributed to all teachers, based on period attendance. No student should be in the school building without having officially reported to the main office. A student who is in school but listed as absent must report to his/her appropriate administrator’s office to correct the error.  
 

 

TGS offers an extensive interscholastic athletic program. P.E. lockers are available from the physical education instructors for after-school athletic participation and should be kept locked at all times. Students are personally responsible for securing their valuables. Student athlete guidelines are outlined in further detail in the Athletic Handbook. 
 

Out of respect for personal privacy, any type of recording device (audio and/or visual) is strictly prohibited in bathrooms and physical education locker rooms.

 

 Eligibility For Sports Program
In order to participate in athletics at The Gilbert School each student must abide by the rules of eligibility adopted by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference, Inc.

1. A student must be a member of Grades 9, 10, 11, 12.
2. A student must not have reached his/her nineteenth birthday unless such person is nineteen on or after September 1.
3. A student must have passed four units of work (courses) for which he/she has received credit toward graduation, and must take at least five units of work in a given semester.
4. A student must not have changed schools without a legal change of address.
5. A student must not have played the same sport for more than 3 seasons in grades 10, 11, and 12.

Anyone who does not conform to these rules is not eligible to compete in interscholastic competition. Violations would place the school under penalty.

Spectator Code of Behavior 

• Respect decisions made by contest and school officials; 
• Refrain from taunting, booing, heckling, and the use of inappropriate language; 
• Attendance at this contest is not a license to verbally assault others or to be generally offensive; 
• No noisemakers;
• Respect athletes, coaches, officials, and fans; 
• Obey all local and school regulations; 
• Be a fan, not a fanatic. 

Violations of these rules may result in removal from the event and exclusion from any further athletic events.  Violations of these rules may also result in school disciplinary consequences. 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY

The W.L. Gilbert School Corporation policies are available on the school’s website at www.gilbertschool.org  The policies are subject to modifications by the School Corporation at any time.

 

Each student is responsible for maintaining and returning each textbook issued to him/her. To increase the life of the book, books should be covered. The teachers will stress the covering of textbooks. Damage to or loss of books is the student’s responsibility. Certain student privileges may be withheld from students who fail to satisfy outstanding obligations. 

 

BUILDING HOURS

TGS is open for students from 7:00 am to 2:40 pm unless under the direct supervision of a teacher, coach or parent. After school students are not permitted to “hang around” classrooms/corridors unless they have reason for being there (clubs, extra help, etc). Students waiting for practice, an event, or for a ride must report to either PM School or the first floor front foyer to wait.

 BULLYING
Bullying of a student by another student is prohibited. Such behavior is defined as an act that is direct or indirect and severe, persistent or pervasive which:

• causes physical or emotional harm to an individual,
• places an individual in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm, or his or her property,
• infringes on the rights and opportunities of an individual at school.

Bullying shall include, but need not be limited to, a written, oral, or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics. (The student against whom the activity is directed must be attending school in the same school as the students engaged in the activity.)
Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to:

1. Physical violence and attacks
2. verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs including ethically-based or gender-based verbal put-downs
3. Threats and intimidation
4. Extortion or stealing of money and/or possessions
5. exclusion from peer groups within the school
6. The misuse of electronic communications for the purpose of bullying, harassing, or sexually harassing other students within school or out of school (“cyberbullying”)
7. Targeting of a student based on the student’s actual or perceived “differentiating” characteristics such as race; color; religion; ancestry; national origin; gender; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; socioeconomic or academic status; physical appearance; or mental physical, developmental, or sensory disability.

Students who engage in any act of bullying, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the W.L. Gilbert School Corporation, and outside of the school setting if such bullying:

1. creates a hostile environment at school for the victims,
2. infringes on the rights of the victim at school, or
3. substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school, are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspensions, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement officials.

Students and/or their parents may file a written report of conduct they consider bullying. Students may also make an informal complaint of conduct that they consider to be bullying by verbal report to any school employee, who will promptly reduce the complaint to writing and forward it to Administration for review and action.

Students and parents are permitted to make anonymous reports of bullying. Parent written reports and student anonymous reports will be investigated by the administration but no disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

Administration is responsible for taking a bullying report and investigating the complaint. Parents/guardians of the alleged perpetrator of the bullying act and the parents/guardians of the student against whom such alleged act was directed will receive prompt notification that such investigation has begun. The results of the investigation will be provided not later than 48 hours after its completion, verbally and by electronic mail. Parents of students involved in a verified act of bullying will be invited to attend at least one meeting at school. All formal complaints should be filed with the main office and the child’s administrator. 
 

 

The various bulletin boards located throughout the school are intended only for approved school-related information. Materials publicizing events and activities unrelated to the school may not be posted.  Committee members in charge must submit to the Head of School posters and/or fliers publicizing school-sponsored events for approval before they may be posted.

Rules of cleanliness are to be observed at all times. Misconduct in the cafeteria may be cause for  receiving an assigned seat or forfeiting the right to eat in that location or such other disciplinary  action deemed appropriate for the misconduct. Free and reduced priced lunches are available  based on financial need; information on this program can be obtained from the Director of Food Services at 860-379-8521 ext. 1430.  

It is the intent of W.L. Gilbert School Corporation to encourage  students to make nutritious food choices. Food and beverages offered for sale to students, whether in the cafeteria, school store, or vending machines will meet federal and state standards and guidelines. All sodas and sports drinks will not be available for sale.  

In conformity with applicable law, necessary accommodations will be provided, where required, for students with food allergies, including emergency procedures to treat allergic reactions which may occur.  
Charging is not encouraged by the school but on those occasions that a student does not have money, they will be offered an alternate meal.