SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND ADMINISTRATION
Five residents from Wendell and five from New Salem are elected to serve on the individual town school committees. Both the New Salem School Committee and the Wendell School Committee deal with matters of transportation. From the five member committee serving each town, one member is appointed to serve on the Mahar Regional School Committee and three members are elected to serve on the New Salem/Wendell Union School Committee, which governs the Swift River School.

The New Salem/Wendell Union School Committee meets the first Thursday of every month at the Swift River School. Each month's agenda is sent home to parents prior to the meeting. The meetings are open to all, and we hope that community members will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the school.

There is time provided at the beginning of each meeting, called "public hearings," for people to speak to the School Committee. Issues that are raised by the public at that time will be taken up by the School Committee later or acted upon administratively.

Swift River School is under the administration of School Union #28's Superintendent, who also serves the towns and schools in neighboring Erving, Leverett and Shutesbury. Each of the towns has its own separate school committee, but there is also a combined committee, the Union #28 School Committee, that meets at least twice a year as the joint employer of the Superintendent.

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EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Swift River School strives to provide a learning environment in which each child has the opportunity to develop the following:

Knowledge and skills in all areas of the school curriculum
Generalized skills, including skills of questioning, problem-solving, formulation of hypotheses, generalization and analysis
Basic communication and listening skills
Skills of personal expression through writing and the arts
The ability to apply knowledge effectively
Good work habits, high standards of performance, and a sense of personal responsibility towards choices and decisions within the school environment
Human relationships skills
A sense of community in which human diversity and individual differences can be respected, appreciated and nourished
The capacity and desire for lifelong learning.

In addition to the above goals, the school is committed to certain principles of learning:

Children become ready to learn particular skills and concepts at different times and at different rates.
Children have the capacity to become independent, self-directed and self-disciplined learners.
Children learn in many different ways: by mastering information presented orally by the teacher or in written form through books, articles and worksheets; and by " doing" -- that is, by exploring, experimenting and engaging in a variety of firsthand experiences.

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SCHOOL PROGRAMS
READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS
We recognize the essential need for teaching children to read and communicate. Accordingly, we use a wide range of reading and language materials to motivate and reinforce skills. In Grades K-2, teachers utilize "big books" as a way of exposing all children to an array of rich literature. The big books are supplemented by the use of games and audiovisuals, skills-based activities, and selective use of basal readers. As students enter the upper grades, they are increasingly exposed to paperback novels, biographies and a selection of nonfiction. At all levels, our teachers stress reading aloud activities, which are highly motivating to children.

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SPELLING
In spelling, we use both commercially-produced texts and teacher-made programs. The programs designed by teachers present students with words selected from a variety of sources, including standard grade-level lists, current social studies and science themes, and misspelled words from the children's own spelling lessons and composition assignments.

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WRITING
Writing is emphasized at all grade levels. Children in primary grades dictate or write brief, illustrated stories. Older students are expected to write compositions on topics of their own choosing or their teacher's. Writing skills, introduced as children become ready for them, include:

proofreading and revision,
grammar and punctuation,
organizational skills,
research skills such as outlining and note-taking, and
complex sentence structure.

Opportunities are made for students to share their work in a variety of ways.

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MATHEMATICS
In 2003, the teaching staff adopted a new math program to serve as their major resource in math instruction. Everyday Math is a K-6 enriched mathematics curriculum developed by the University of Chicago that empowers students and teachers to understand mathematical content far beyond arithmetic.

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SCIENCE
Each year, teachers present at least one science unit from each of four categories, including earth, physical, biological and life sciences. FOSS, [Full Option Science System] is a strong inquiry-based curriculum for grades K-8. Developed by the University of California at Berkley over 20 years ago, each kit contains book lists related to the kit topic, hands-on materials, and a variety of ideas for experiments and firsthand experiences that help in teaching specific science concepts. In addition to science information and concepts, we stress such essential science skills as observation, measurement and deduction.

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SOCIAL STUDIES
In Social Studies, there are a number of emphases that characterize our program:

Teachers select units of study appropriate and appealing to students at their particular grade level.
Social Studies units often integrate social studies with other academic areas such as science (units on the Quabbin or Endangered Species) or the arts (units on Native Americans or Ancient Egypt).
Within the social studies are a number of disciplines all of which are a part of our program. While a specific listing of current units taught at each grade level is available in the brief curriculum description available through the school office, some of the units that have been taught over the years are as follows:
- Units with an historical emphasis: Colonial America, Ancient Egypt, Important American Holidays, Revolutionary America, and Black History;
- Units with a geographical emphasis: Map and Globe Skills, Regions of the United States;
- Units with a sociological emphasis: Sex Roles and Stereotypes, Immigrant Communities within the United States;
- Units with an anthropological emphasis: Major Religions of the World, Archaeology, Ancient Sumer;
- Units with a Political Emphasis: The American Political System, China, Local Government;
- Units with a cross-cultural emphasis: Australia, Holidays around the World, Trinidad, Food, Shelter, Java, Africa.
Teachers plan field trips, special films, guest speakers and simulations with the idea that firsthand experiences are highly motivational and increase the potential for learning.

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HANDWRITING
Handwriting is taught at all grade levels. In addition to structured lessons, there are opportunities to practice and apply the skills that have been taught.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Our objectives are to help children learn how technology can assist them in their lives and to help children become adept at managing this. Our emphases includes word processing, critical thinking, project design, productive use of the Internet and some skills practice. In the fall of 1999, 2000, and 2001 grants were received that allows for more hardware and software updates. Our hardware (including scanners, digital cameras and digital video cameras) and software continue to be updated, and use of the Internet has grown considerably.

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ART
Arts Instructors were added to the staff in the fall of 1998. The instructors work with classroom teachers to develop and implement arts activities that are integrated into the curriculum. An integrated arts program adds depth and creativity to learning. The arts program seeks to include visual arts, crafts, movement and theater as a means to engage children in thoughtful and exploratory learning. Classroom teachers have incorporated art whenever possible within their regular curriculum. Grant funding has made several other art experiences available to the children. Our most significant grant-funded program has been the Cultural Diversity program. Initiated in 1990, the Celebrating Diversity program is a school wide unit that brings a culture chosen annually by staff to children by integrating arts, the humanities and sciences.

MUSIC
Music is provided two times a week to the children. Also, the tradition of our weekly whole school "Community Sing" during which we teach our children a wide variety of wonderful songs continues. This is also a time that parents and community members join us for movement and song activities.

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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Instrumental music lessons are provided to students in Grades 3-6 on a fee-paying basis. Parents also pay the cost of instrument rentals. As a less expensive alternative to renting an instrument, recorder lessons are offered, which require the purchase of a recorder (even good recorders are not expensive) and the per session lesson fee.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The school offers Physical Education two days per week. The program provides instruction in a wide variety of skills. Ordinarily, a Gymnastics Show is presented in early spring for our communities, providing a wonderful display of skills attained by many of our students not only in the physical education program, but also in the After School Gymnastics program.

LIBRARY
The Library Program at Swift River School affords all students regular opportunities to select books from our carefully chosen library collection. They often have the chance to read in the library or to take books out for reading in their classroom or at home. Students of all ages have the chance to have well-chosen literature read to them by the librarian and are systematically taught library skills to increase their ability to use libraries well. Many of the older students and some younger students are required to complete research projects that involve extensive library work.

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our most significant after-school program is the Enchanted Forest, a combination child care/enrichment program available five days a week for kindergartners through sixth graders. The Enchanted Forest provides children with a variety of play opportunities, arts and crafts, read-aloud and thematically-based activities. Beginning in the fall of 1999, the program has expanded to include daily homework time and other enriching activities. In addition to the Enchanted Forest, there have been various fee-paying activities such as after-school gymnastics as well as volunteer-based programs such as indoor soccer.

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SPECIAL SERVICES
In an effort to continually provide for all aspects of our children's education, we have a number of special services available.

SCHOOL NURSE
Our school nurse is scheduled for five days per week. She performs general nursing responsibilities, serves as our health educator, makes home visits and confers with parents as necessary. She encourages parents who may have health-related questions to contact her.

SPEECH THERAPIST
The Speech Therapist is a five day a week position The Speech Therapist's role is to diagnose and remediate speech and language development problems and to develop preventative measures with teachers and children for the purpose of minimizing speech and/or language difficulties.

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ESSENTIAL SKILLS/TITLE ONE PROGRAM
During the past several years, Swift River School has received grant funding for its essential skills program. Essential skills funds have been used to hire teacher-level staff to provide extra help for children in most subject areas. For the most part, this extra help is made available in the regular classroom, but in some situations students receive the help in one of the school's small classrooms outside of their regular classroom.

The Title 1 program serves students from first through sixth grade. The funds support a teacher whose academic focus is mathematics. Most Title 1 services are provided using two models. The team teaching model occurs in the classroom where the Title 1 teacher works with all students with a focus on the Title 1 students. The other model is where the Title 1 teacher works with groups of students that are usually mixed groups of Title 1 and non-Title 1 students. The site for this model is either in the classroom or a space commonly used for group learning. Children are identified as eligible for Title 1 services through age-appropriate assessments. All families are notified and asked for signed consent for students to be given Title 1 services.

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION
Overall, Swift River School has a commitment to providing special services, whenever appropriate, in the student's regular classroom and within the student's regular classroom program. Doing so enhances students' feelings of inclusion and success.

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COMMUNITY-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
PARENT-TEACHER-COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PTCA)
The PTCA was established for the purpose of creating a closer working relationship between the school and the families and community members it serves. As part of its recent efforts, the PTCA has been responsible for organizing several fund raisers, planning and carrying out such special activities as the Walk-a-thon, Fall Festival, Field Day, Teacher Recognition Day and organizing and facilitating a substantial volunteer program. For more information, interested people should contact the school.

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VISITATIONS
Parents are encouraged to visit the school during school hours. Several helpful hints will make your visit more beneficial.

As a courtesy to your child's teachers, please call ahead and inform them of your visit.
Please plan to leave younger children at home. They tend to interfere with both your attention and that of the children in class.
Plan to stay an extended period of time so that you may observe a complete activity.
Any perceptions, questions or concerns that arise during a visit should be shared directly with the classroom teacher, but it's important that you arrange a time when it is mutually convenient to talk.

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
The School Committee has established a policy that makes the school facilities available for community use when they are not being utilized for school functions. Applications for use of the school may be obtained from the principal.

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GENERAL SCHOOL BEHAVIOR
Our goal is to maintain a school environment that is clean, safe, and conducive to learning. We work hard to help children have a successful experience in the school. Ultimately, we hope that each of our students will become valuable contributors to society as a whole.

We have set up some rules and guidelines in order to help us maintain a healthy learning environment for children. Our fundamental expectation for children is that they behave with courtesy and respect toward each other, toward adults, toward property and toward themselves.

Children need to show respect for each other. We do not tolerate fighting, assault, teasing, bullying, rudeness, hazing and other violations of students' civil rights.

Children need to be respectful of adults. Children may not be rude, use obscene language, refuse to follow directions of adults, show defiance towards adults, or assault an adult.

Children need to show respect for property. Children will face consequences for theft or possession of stolen goods, damage to school property, damage to property owned by another person, and any other form of vandalism.

We do not allow dangerous or illegal weapons or devices such as knives, firearms, or firecrackers in our school. Illegal substances such as drugs as well as cigarettes and alcohol are forbidden on school grounds.

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SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
We believe discipline should be solution-oriented and not merely punishment. When incidents do occur, every effort should be made to resolve problems through conferences and discussion, which may or may not include parents.

The teacher has the authority and responsibility to maintain discipline in the classroom, consistent with school policy. When a problem occurs, the teacher may have a conference with the student, use classroom disciplinary action, or have a conference with the parent.

If the problems go beyond the control of the teacher, the student will be referred to the principal. The principal has the authority and responsibility to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning through a fair and consistent application of policies and procedures. When a problem occurs, the principal will review the situation from the point of view of the student as well as the teacher, and take appropriate action. Such action may consist of further conferencing, additional appropriate consequences and/or referral to other agencies.

When a consequence is required, a student may be kept in at recess, be isolated from the classroom for a "cooling off" time, or be kept after school (with prior notification and transportation arrangements for bus students). Students who are repeatedly disruptive and upsetting to good order may be denied field trips, excursions, or similar activities, provided that the misbehavior and the trip are related. Students must recognize that acceptable behavior is required of them on field trips, on school grounds, and on school buses, as well as within a particular building.

In exceptionally serious cases of disruptive behavior, as well as theft, injury to others, drug trafficking or abuse, students may be suspended or expelled from school. Any student under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be disciplined in accordance with the criteria established in the IEP and consistent with state regulations. A student faced with a short-term suspension (120 days or fewer) is entitled to a hearing where he/she will receive an oral or written notice of the charges, an explanation of the basis for the accusation, and an opportunity to present the individual's side of the story.

The hearing must take place before the suspension begins, unless the student's presence at school endangers people or substantially disrupts the academic process. If immediate suspension is necessary, the hearing must follow as soon as possible. The student must be told the maximum length of the suspension. Also, although the school may require that the parents come to school for a conference before the student can be readmitted, the student cannot be punished more if they do not come.

No elementary school student will be sent home during the day unless parents/guardians are notified, and are able to supervise the child properly.

*Note: We expect the school itself to provide a program that is appropriate for special needs children. Alternative disciplinary criteria for special needs children may occasionally be necessary, as decided by a team.

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GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Following are the school's health policies and services. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school nurse.

VISION AND HEARING
All children are screened for vision and hearing during the year. However, vision and hearing can change rapidly, and if you have any concerns during the year, please call the school and the nurse will check your child.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
If your child has a communicable disease (such as strep throat, head lice, scabies, impetigo) please call the school so that we can prevent the spread of the disease as much as possible.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Please update our records by calling us or sending in notification from your doctor whenever your child has had an immunization. Immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and measles are required for school entrance. Children who are not fully immunized nor exempted (for medical or religious reasons) must be excluded from school by law.

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PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
New children to Swift River School, entering children, and children in fourth grade are required by law to have a physical examination. We urge you to have this completed by your own physician as he/she has a comprehensive knowledge of the health status of your child. This may be done any time during the school year. For children new to the area, it is a good way to become acquainted with a private physician. If your child has had a physical examination within the last six months or if you wish to have your family physician do the physical exam, please let us know and we will send you a school record form for your child's physician to record their findings and forward them to the school.

ALLERGIES
If your child has an allergy that necessitates having medication on hand, please forward the medication to school together with a note from the physician stating the name of the drug, the dosage, and the time it is to be taken. All medication must be kept in the office (or in the refrigerator, if necessary).

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GIVING MEDICATION DURING SCHOOL HOURS
It is sometimes necessary for children to take prescribed medication during school hours. The policy of the Swift River School regarding the administration of medication to children is as follows:

Since Massachusetts law forbids all school personnel from administering any medication without written permission from the child's physician, we require such written permission.
The written permission should include the name of the drug, the dosage, and the time of day it is to be taken. The medication should be labeled with the child's name.
All medication brought to school should be given to the school nurse or the school secretary. The child will administer their own medication under the supervision of the school nurse or designee.

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HEALTH-RELATED EMERGENCIES
It is essential for the school to have current information to enable us to reach you or your alternate should your child become sick or injured during the school day. If you have not completed an "Emergency Information" form or if you have any changes to report (physicians, phone numbers, etc.), please call the school office or send a note with your child. Blank forms are available in the school office.

If an emergency does arise involving illness or injury but does not need immediate medical attention, the parent of the child or designee will be responsible for transporting the child.

If an emergency arises and does require immediate medical attention, the following steps will be taken. A decision will be made concerning the need for an ambulance. If one is needed, it will be called. The child's parent will be notified of the need to transport the child to a medical facility and the parent's preference for facility/doctor ascertained, if possible. The facility/doctor will be notified and any recommendations and procedures necessary for the child's comfort and safety carried out. The child's Emergency Information form will be sent with them.

In case of an allergic reaction where adrenaline may be indicated, a school staff member, prepared to give the adrenaline if necessary, must accompany the child.

Please note Chapter 660 regarding liability of staff in emergency situations: "No public school teacher, principal or nurse who in good faith renders emergency first aid or transportation to a student who has become injured or incapacitated in a public school building or on the grounds thereof, shall be liable in a suit for damages as a result of providing emergency transportation to a place of safety, nor shall he be liable to a hospital for its expense of such injured or incapacitated student, nor shall he be subject to any disciplinary action by the School Committee for such emergency first aid or transportation."

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LUNCH PROGRAM AND SNACKS
LUNCH PROGRAM
Swift River School provides nutritious and appetizing hot lunches (with a salad option) five days per week. Money for lunch is collected on Mondays for that week. The lunch menu is sent home regularly for your consideration. If your child is absent, we will be happy to credit you the following week. Please deduct the correct amount of money from your payment for the next week. Of course, children may bring their own lunches to school. Application forms for free and reduced price meals are sent home to all children at the beginning of the school year, but are available at any time during the year should your financial situation change.

BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Swift River School also provides a breakfast program each morning. Children who choose to participate in the breakfast program go to the cafeteria shortly after arriving on the bus and return to their classrooms by 8:40 A.M.

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SNACK
Nutritious snacks are available to students. Interested students will purchase their snack upon arriving at school in the morning, keep it in their classroom cubby until snack time, and eat it at that time.

For those of you sending snacks in with your children, please avoid sending your child to school with snacks such as candy or other such foods high in sugar and low in nutritional value. Snacks such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, cheese, etc., are highly desirable and wholesome.

The cost of breakfast, snacks and lunch changes periodically and will be something that parents are informed of in the opening-of-school mailing sent to all school families in late August.

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COMMUNICATION WITH ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF
ROUTINE COMMUNICATION
If you feel the need to contact us, please call the school or send us a note. The principal is usually available for calls during school hours. However, so that your child's education is not interrupted, it is best to call the teaching staff between the hour of 8:05 A.M. and 8:20 A.M. or between 3:10 P.M. and 3:30 P.M.

COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The School Committee's policy for dealing with complaints makes it clear that every effort should be made by the parent and teacher to resolve a problem together. More information is generally available from the teacher regarding a particular incident or situation than from anyone else. School problems should be handled at the lowest possible administrative level:

teacher or other staff member;
principal;
superintendent;
school committee.

Formal complaints should be addressed to the appropriate persons at the lowest possible level. When they cannot be resolved at that level, the person or persons at the next level should be contacted. Any complaints that require school committee action must be in writing.

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WEEKLY TIME AND BUS SCHEDULES
SCHOOL HOURS
For children in Grades 1-6, the school day begins at 8:20 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. on days other than Wednesdays. Children in the Program for Three Year Olds come to school from 8:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. three days per week. Children in the Program for Four Year Olds come to school Monday through Friday from 8:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Kindergarten children come to school five days a week beginning at 8:20 a.m. If parents choose, kindergarten children attend the Full Day program from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Kindergarten is dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.

All Wednesday afternoons are in-service times for staff. Children in grades 1-6 are dismissed after lunch at 1:10 p.m. (Preschool and Kindergarten children go home at 11:30 a.m. before lunch.)

BUS TRANSPORTATION
The children are transported to and from school on a daily basis. We ask you to remind your children periodically about bus safety and proper conduct at the bus stop.

During the year, students might wish to bring special items to school. We must ask that any items that are too large, too awkward or alive be transported to school by other means. Items such as soccer balls which size-wise are not a problem, but which are potentially a safety problem, need to be contained in a paper bag as a way of keeping them from rolling. Glass containers are a safety problem and should not be sent. This is for the safety of everyone on the bus. It is understood that any article not appropriate to school, such as a knife or radio, is also not acceptable on the school bus. Your help in this regard ensures a happy and safe start to each day for all of the children.

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UNUSUAL ARRANGEMENTS AFFECTING BUS TRANSPORTATION OR DISMISSAL
If a student is not riding the bus home, for whatever reason, we must receive a note of permission, specifying the change in the usual arrangements, including where the student is to be dropped off or who is picking the student up. Such notes should cover the following instances:

a student who is riding the same bus as usual but is getting off at a different stop;
a student who is riding a different bus than usual;
a student who is being picked up either during or at the conclusion of the school day. The bus will not extend its normal route in order to satisfy baby-sitting and child care arrangements.

When students are being picked up at school, they must be picked up in the school office. In this day and age, it is one way we can assure parents that their children will be unable to leave the school with someone they don't have permission to leave with.

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PROCEDURES REGARDING BUS DISCIPLINE
Swift River School strives to ensure the safety of each child who is transported to school. Toward this end, we are firm regarding disciplinary action for students whose misbehavior may distract drivers and endanger everyone.

It is important to state that the school has formal responsibility for the children only after they are on the school bus. It is our hope that parents will work with one another to ensure that safety of each child at bus stops prior to the arrival of the bus. Once the children get on the buses, it becomes the responsibility of the school bus driver and the school to ensure proper conduct on the buses.

We have adopted the standard bus safety rules set by bus companies across the country. Please go over these rules with your child.

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WAITING FOR THE BUS

Walking to the stop:

walk on the sidewalk;
if no sidewalk is available, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic
if no sidewalk is available and there are several children walking together, they should walk single-file;
do not play in the road;
if you must cross the road, make sure you look both ways.

There should be no pushing, chasing or shoving at bus stops.
Children should stand beside the road, not on the roadway.
As the bus approaches, the children should line up but not approach the bus until it has stopped and the driver has opened the door. Special caution must be taken during the winter months when ice, snow and snow banks limit the area of the bus stop and present a special hazard.
Any child who waits for the bus on the side of the road opposite to where the bus stops must follow a series of safety measures:
- waiting for the bus to come to a full stop and for the flashing lights to be activated;
- waiting for a signal from the bus driver to cross the road and, after looking in both directions, crossing the road;
- crossing the road well in front of the bus and in view of the driver.

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BOARDING THE BUS

While boarding the bus, students should watch their step, use the handrail and not push.
They should enter the bus in orderly fashion, go directly to their seats, and remain seated.

RIDING THE BUS

Students are to remain seated while on the bus and are not to change seats while the bus is in motion.
Books, snacks, and other property should be stored on laps. Musical instruments do not belong in the step well or in the aisles.
There is to be no eating while on the bus.
Throwing anything on the bus, out the windows, or at the bus is not allowed.
Arms, hands, and heads do not belong out the window..Excessive noise and shouting, rough-housing, or throwing things could distract the driver and lead to an accident. Outside of ordinary conversation, "classroom conduct" must be observed on the bus.
Very large packages or live animals should not be brought to school on the bus.
The bus should be kept clean and litter-free.
Children are expected to obey any direction of the driver quickly and courteously. Cooperation with the bus driver is essential to the safety of everyone.

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GETTING OFF THE BUS

Students are to stay seated until the bus has stopped and the driver has opened the door.
If a student must cross the street, they should do so at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
When crossing a street, the student should look both ways. Even though it is the law that people must stop when they see flashing lights, some people do not stop, so extra caution must be used.

OTHER

In the event of an actual emergency, emergency exit procedures, as established by the emergency exit drills, will be followed.
Parents of children damaging the school buses will be responsible for proper reimbursement to the school district or bus owner.

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PROCEDURES RELATED TO MISBEHAVIOR
The following procedures will be in effect. Bus drivers are supplied with forms to report misbehavior to the principal. When a child misbehaves for the first time in a way that endangers other children on the bus, the bus driver will complete the misbehavior form and submit it to the principal. The principal will meet with the child and send a copy of the form home to the parents. In the event of a second misbehavior by a child, the same procedure will be followed. After the third instance of misbehavior for a child, parents will be called and a letter sent home stating that the child will be prohibited from riding the bus for three days. It will be the responsibility of the child's parents to transport their child to and from school for those three days. After the three day period, the child will again be permitted to ride the bus to school and the warning system will begin again. In addition to loss of bus privileges, the principal will apply appropriate and measured consequences as called for in the school's "consequence plan" which may include loss of recess, in-school suspension, and/or "after-school hour."

The children will be regularly reminded of these procedures so that they will become familiar with them.

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BICYCLE RIDERS AND WALKERS
During warm weather, we have a sizable number of students who ride bicycles or walk to school. Please remember:

We ask that parents of walkers and bicyclists write us a note giving permission for their children to walk and/or ride their bicycle to and from school.
Bicycles should be parked as soon as children arrive at school and must not be ridden in the school parking lot or playground area before, during or after hours.
Both walkers and bicycle riders should plan to leave school immediately after school is dismissed unless they are involved in an organized, supervised after-school activity.
All bicyclists must wear helmets in order to ride their bikes to school. Any bicyclist that rides to school without a helmet will not be allowed to ride home.
Review "Rules of the Road" with any bicycle riders in your family:
- Ride on the right hand side of the road with the flow of traffic.
- Ride single file.
- Stop at stop signs and obey all other traffic signs and signals.
- Signal by hand and look before turning. Otherwise, keep both hands on the handlebars.
- Give the right of way to pedestrians.
- Give a clear warning (bell, horn, or voice), when passing pedestrians or other cyclists or whenever needed for safety.
- Never carry passengers.
- Check your brakes often.
- Equip your bicycle with front and rear reflectors, pedal reflectors and reflective material on both sides.

Any student who fails to use proper safety rules will not be allowed to ride until a meeting between the parent and principal is held and permission is again granted.

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RECESS
Each class usually has two recess periods per day with the exception of Wednesdays when there is only one recess period. Children are expected to go out at recess time and should be dressed appropriately. During rainy weather and extremely cold weather, recess will be held indoors.

Children may stay inside during recess when their health requires it, but we ask that parents send a note on those occasions.

Children will be expected to observe all rules related to specific equipment, give proper regard to outdoor boundaries and, at no time, leave school property.

HALL BEHAVIOR
There is to be no running in the hallways at any time. Lines are expected to be under the supervision of a teacher and to move in a quiet orderly way.

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LUNCH TIME

The lunchroom is expected to be a reasonably quiet and enjoyable place for children and adults to eat.
Children are expected to sit down and stay seated until dismissed.
Food may not be exchanged as such exchanges have been the cause of unnecessary movement, noise, and spills.
In situations where students flick food or engage in some form of "food fight," the participants will be removed from the cafeteria immediately and will be subject to disciplinary action.
When the lunchroom supervisor gives the signal, children are expected to stop eating and/or talking, and listen attentively.
Food is not to be taken out of the cafeteria.

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CLOTHING
Swift River does not have a formal dress code. Students should take pride in their appearance. Clothing should be comfortable, safe, clean and not distracting to others. We ask that students adhere to the following guidelines:

Coats, hats, caps, visors or bandanas should not be worn while in the building. [Coats may be worn if the classroom is deemed too cold.]
Clothing should not contain obscenities, fighting words, incitement, defamation or sexually implied material.
Shirts should cover the entire abdomen area even when arms are raised. Spaghetti straps are discouraged.
Shorts/Skirts should be of appropriate length.
Pants/Shorts should be worn so that no underwear material is exposed.

Students wearing inappropriate clothing will be asked to change into other clothing, turn it inside out, or cover it in some way. Parents are encouraged to assist their child in the selection of clothes for school. The school's focus must be education, not fashion, if all students are to reach their full potential.

FOOTWEAR
Especially during snow and mud season when children are likely to wear snow boots or other heavy footwear to school, it is helpful if they have an alternative pair of shoes to put on while inside the school building. A light pair of shoes such as tennis shoes would do just fine. This is not a requirement, just a suggestion for making it a little more comfortable for them.

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USE OF SCHOOL TELEPHONE
The school telephone may be used by students in case of emergency. Any arrangements to visit a friend or attend a party, requiring a child to get off at other than the usual bus stop or to ride a different bus, must be made before coming to school and requires a parental note of permission.

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL
In the event of a major storm or emergency, it may become necessary to close school for the day. School does not close early due to weather conditions. However, there may be times when it is recommended you pick up your child early if possible. School closing information will be broadcast on the following radio stations:

WCAT ORANGE 700AM
WHAI GREENFIELD 1240AM; 98.3FM
WRSI GREENFIELD 95.3FM
WHMP NORTHAMPTON 1400AM; 99.3FM
WTTT AMHERST 1430 AM
WPVQ SOUTH DEERFIELD 93.9 FM

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ABSENCES AND DISMISSALS
Regular attendance by all children is essential to maximize their academic progress. We urge your cooperation and support in getting your children to school on time every day unless their health precludes this. Children who arrive at school even 15 minutes late often miss the orientation to plans for the day and instructions for proceeding with their work.

Absence notes are required when children return to school. Please be sure to include the date(s) of the absence, the reason, and sign it. Absences for reasons other than medical should be discussed with the teacher before they occur, and lengthy absences must be discussed. In some cases, an extended absence may not be in the best interests of the child; the parents along with the teacher should consider this together. If the teacher still believes that the absence is unwarranted, the matter will be referred to the principal who has the option to enforce the truancy laws.

Occasionally it is necessary for doctor or dental appointments to be made during school hours. However, if it is possible, please try to schedule these appointments for after school hours or Saturdays. Children should bring notes to school when they are to be dismissed early. Parents must come into the school office to pick up the children in such instances. Children will not be dismissed to adults other than their parents or guardian without written permission.

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REPORTING CHILDREN'S PROGRESS
Report cards are sent home twice a year--at the end of January and on the last day of school. Parent/Teacher conferences are generally held in late October and in late March. On parent/teacher conference days, students are dismissed at 1:10 p.m. and conferences are held during the afternoon. During both the fall and spring conference periods, one evening is set aside for parents who are unable to schedule afternoon conferences.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Families are annually offered student accident insurance. Options include school-time coverage exclusively as well as 24 hour coverage. The applications are sent home during the first week of school.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
For your convenience, we arrange to have photographs taken in early fall each year. Photographs include both class and individual portraits. A variety of packages are available on a prepayment basis.

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THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN
Children have the right not to be the victim of physical or verbal abuse. Children and their parents can be made aware of the grievance procedure when such abuse occurs.

In order for a student to be permanently excluded from school, the school committee must provide a fair hearing for the student and their parents before the student is permanently excluded for the alleged conduct.

STUDENT RECORDS INFORMATION
The State Department has adopted Student Records Regulations under the authority of Chapter 71, 71B, and Chapter 76 of the General Laws. These regulations are in substantial agreement with federal regulations.

As they pertain to elementary schools, the regulations state that parents have the right to inspect and amend their children's records, and that no information may be given outside the school without parental consent. Requests to review the records should be directed to the principal. Be assured that we have always kept records confidential and that we respect parents' rights to be fully involved in all aspects of the education of their children. It is important for your full understanding that if you review your child's records which may include information from a specialist, you look it over with that specialist, so they can clarify the information.

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Principal: : Sheila Hunter
Swift River School
201 Wendell Rd.
New Salem, MA 01355
978.544.6926 (voice)
978.544.2253 (fax)

Web Site: Christine

SCHOOL HANDBOOK for Students and Parents

SCHOOL HANDBOOK
for
Students and Parents