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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL |
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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL |
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Marshwood Great Works School opened July 1, 1999 for the fourth and fifth graders from the communities of South Berwick and Eliot, Maine. Marshwood Great Works School provides services for approximately 400 students. The school is located in Southern Maine, one of five schools that make up Maine School Administrative District 35.
Everyone's different, everyone's unique
At Marshwood Great Works School we always seek
to WORK HARD, to BE NICE
And this will show
That together we learn
And together we grow!
Golden Rules at Marshwood Great Works School:
1. Always behave in a way that shows respect for yourself, for others, and for the environment.
2. Always follow the direction of staff members.
| PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME TO STUDENTS | PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME TO PARENTS |
| MISSION STATEMENT OF Marshwood Great Works School | STUDENT HANDBOOK |
| STUDENT MISSION STATEMENT | PARENT HANDBOOK |
last updated 03/12/2008
| STUDENT INFORMATION |
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| School Policies | Curriculum | |
| Lost and Found | Student Photographs | |
| Telephone | Homework | |
| Breakfast and Lunch | After School Activities |
School Policies
Acceptable Use Policy for Students
Acceptable Use Policy for Staff
Recess
While at recess, please remember the following rules:
1. Play in designated areas and in sight of a duty teacher.
2. Play games that are safe and appropriate.
3. Ask permission from the duty teacher if you need to go back into the school. Please let the teacher know when you have returned to the playground.
4. Please line up quietly when the whistle blows three times.
Cafeteria Rules
1. Respect the rights of others to have a pleasant mealtime. Please use proper manners.
2. Be responsible for cleaning your eating space (floor, table, and chair) before being dismissed.
3. When the lights are turned out, please be silent.
Other School Rules
1. No wearing of hats in school.
2. Gum chewing is not allowed in school.
3. When in the hallway, please walk quietly and on the right side of the hallway and stairs.
Dress Code
School is a place of learning and some clothing or messages on clothing can interfere with your education. Marshwood Great Works School will not allow clothing that has obscene messages or pictures on it. Clothing that promotes using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco use will not be allowed as well. Short-shorts, "belly" shirts and shirts with spaghetti straps, will not be allowed. Safe shoes need to be worn in school. Due to running and playing on the playground, we do not allow "flip-flops."
Lost and Found
A box of lost and found articles will be located in the band room area. Please check this occasionally for lost items. Labeling your clothing will helpfully cut down on the amount accumulated. Periodically, lost and found clothing will be washed and donated to a local charitable organization.
Telephone
Students who are staying after school should make arrangements with a parent/guardian before coming to school. The school phone is available for students, but we want to keep calls to a minimum.
Student Photographs
Individual and class pictures are taken by a professional photography studio, in time to receive them for the holidays. One picture will be attached to the student's cumulative folder. A percentage of the picture receipts is returned to the school.
Breakfast and Lunch -- Menu
Both breakfast and lunch will be served at school. You will not be using lunch tickets at Marshwood Great Works School. Parents may send a check to pay in advance or payment may be made each day.
| STUDENT COST | REDUCED RATE | ADULT COST | |
| Breakfast | $1.50 | $ .30 | $1.50 |
| Lunch | $2.00 | $ .40 | $3.50 |
| Milk | $ .40 | $ .40 |
The Curriculum
Many interesting topics will be studied while in 4th and 5th grade. Letter grades will be earned in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and spelling. You will also receive effort and skills grades as well.
You will have the following "specials" for 50 minutes on a four day rotating schedule:
Art
Pysical Education
Music
Guidance/Library
Remember, if you are unable to attend physical education class, you must have a note from your doctor. Also, you should wear sneakers on the day you have gym class.
Homework
There is no question, you are going to have homework this year. Each teacher will explain their system of how homework is to be completed. It is your responsibility to make sure you complete the assignments. If homework is not done, your grades will suffer. Also, you will probably miss recess as well.
After School Activities
There will be many after school activities throughout the year. Some examples are intramural sports, community service projects, and club activities. You must listen for the announcements and sign up before the day of the activity. Permission forms will be available in the office and needed to be signed by your parent/guardian before you can stay. A homework center will be open Monday through Thursday and can be assigned to you by by a teacher. If you want to go to the center on your own, you need to talk to your teacher beforehand. As with all activities, you must have a signed permission slip.
School Policies
Acceptable Use Policy for Students
Acceptable Use Policy for Staff
Recess
While at recess, please remember the following rules:
1. Play in designated areas and in sight of a duty teacher.
2. Play games that are safe and appropriate.
3. Ask permission from the duty teacher if you need to go back into the school. Please let the teacher know when you have returned to the playground.
4. Please line up quietly when the whistle blows three times.
Cafeteria Rules
1. Respect the rights of others to have a pleasant mealtime. Please use proper manners.
2. Be responsible for cleaning your eating space (floor, table, and chair) before being dismissed.
3. When the lights are turned out, please be silent.
Other School Rules
1. No wearing of hats in school.
2. Gum chewing is not allowed in school.
3. When in the hallway, please walk quietly and on the right side of the hallway and stairs.
Dress Code
Appropriate dress is of concern in establishing an environment for learning. Clothing, and/or appearance, which is either of an outlandish nature, contains language/symbols that disrupt the educational process will not be allowed. Specifically, clothing which displays obscene language, gestures, or offensive messages or pictures is not appropriate for school-wear and are prohibited. Clothing promoting alcohol, tobacco, or drug usage will not be allowed as well. Short-shorts, "belly" shirts and shirts with spaghetti straps, will not be allowed. Safe shoes need to be worn in school. Due to running and playing on the playground, we do not allow "flip-flops."
Students who arrive at school in inappropriate clothing will be given the option of changing clothing or calling a parent/guardian for a change of clothing.
Lost and Found
A box of lost and found items will be located in the band room area. Please check this occasionally for lost items. Labeling your clothing will helpfully cut down on the amount accumulated. Periodically, lost and found clothing will be washed and donated to a local charitable organization.
Telephone
Students who are staying after school should make arrangements with a parent/guardian before coming to school. The school phone is available for students, but we want to keep calls to a minimum.
Student Photographs
Individual and class pictures are taken by a professional photography studio, in time to receive them for the holidays. One picture will be attached to the student's cumulative folder. A percentage of the picture receipts is returned to school.
Fire Drills
Fire exits and directions are posted in each room and in hallways. For your child's safety, practice drills are held at least eight times a year.
Breakfast and Lunch -- Menu
The food service department offers both a breakfast and a hot lunch program each day.
| STUDENT COST | REDUCED RATE | ADULT COST | |
| Breakfast | $1.50 | $ .30 | $1.50 |
| Lunch | $2.00 | $ .40 | $3.50 |
| Milk | $ .40 | $ .40 |
Free and reduced lunch prices are available for qualified families. An eligibility form is sent home the first day of school, or may be requested from the office any time during the year.
If your child forgets his/her money, he/she will receive an alternate meal consisting of a sandwich (P.B.&J.--unless allergic) and milk. If this should become a chronic situation, the matter will be reported to the office and you will receive a call from the school principal.
The Curriculum
Several curriculum requirements are found at both fourth and fifth grade. Students will study math, science, social studies, reading, writing and spelling with their classroom teacher. Also, a number of "specials" will be offered to our students as well.
Art, physical education, music, guidance/library will be offered to each student for fifty minutes on a four-day rotating schedule.
In physical education, anyone recovering from a serious illness, operation, or an accident can be excused from participation by presenting a written statement from a physician. Also, please remember to wear sneakers to gym class.
Homework Policy
Homework relates directly to the purpose of learning and schooling and is, therefore, an important part of a child's educational experience. Well-planned homework assignments will be appropriate to the grade and level of the learner and may take many forms including: regular practice and reinforcement of previously taught skills, independent assignments that enrich the school curriculum, reading to prepare for class discussion, review and study of notes assembled in class, and student writing in a variety of styles and forms. Therefore, homework may be assigned by a teacher in order to enrich and reinforce a child's program and to enable him/her to accept responsibility. Each teacher will inform the students and parents about their classroom homework policy. It is expected that if homework is assigned, the student will take the responsibility seriously and complete it to the best of his/her ability in the expected time frame.
After School Activities
After school activities will be taking place many afternoons. These will include a variety of intramural sports, club activities, and community service opportunities. Students must listen to the announcements and have parent permission to stay after school. A late bus will pick up the students at 4 PM. This bus will have designated drop off points in both Eliot and South Berwick. It is not a "door to door" service. The Learning Lab will also be open Monday through Thursday every week. This will be an after school center that students may volunteer to attend or be assigned to by the teacher. Its' purpose is to help students with work that they are having a difficult time understanding or completing. Notices and permission forms will be made available so parents know what activity their child is attending. Students will not be allowed to stay after school without parental permission.
Dismissal
Students are dismissed from school at the discretion of the principal, or the designee. The school reserves the right to question and seek verification of any note, or arrangement, prior to releasing a student.
Teachers will not release students unless one of two circumstances occur:
1. The student brings a note the day of dismissal informing the school of the arrangements. The adult picking up the child must first inform the main office that they are on the premises and sign the early dismissal sheet in the office.
2. The parent/legal guardian or an adult who has a note from the parent/legal guardian of a student informs the office that they would like that student dismissed. This person will receive a pass from the office allowing the teacher to release the student.
3. Students who are designated as local "walkers" will be dismissed once the loop area is free from bus traffic.
School Closing
In the event that school is either cancelled or closed early due to storms or unforeseen circumstances, announcements are made on WHEB (100.3), WTSN (1270 AM), WOKQ (97.5), WERZ (107.1), and listed on the Channel 6 News.
Storm Days
Storms are a fact of life here in Maine. At times, school will be called off/delayed due to inclement weather. Radio stations WHEB (100.3), WTSN (1270 AM), and WOKQ (97.5) will broadcast storm cancellations/delays. These announcements can also be seen on Channels 6 and 13 television stations. At times, MSAD #35 will use a two hour delay. This means that students will pick up two hours later than normal, but the day will continue, as usual.
Attendance
A key factor in having success in school is attendance. A great deal happens every day and many learning experiences can not be duplicated at home. It is very important that students be in school as much as possible.
We also understand there will be days when children are unable to attend. Excused absences are due to illness, death in the family, religious holidays, or emergency family situations or appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day. If you are absent, please call the school the day of the absence or bring a note signed by the parent/legal guardian explaining the reason for the absence. Students must make arrangements with their teacher, regarding make-up work.
Health
The school nurse is at school from 8:20 to 3:20 daily. She administers to children taken sick or injured at school as well as performs various health screenings. Medication is also distributed through her office.
Required Immunizations:
The state of Maine requires all students from the grade of kindergarten and on to have 5 DPT, 4 Polio and 2 MMR. Religious or medical exemptions forms for immunizations must be filed with the nurse. All children who are not updated must file a plan to do so with the nurse.
Absence Due to Illness:
We request that parents notify the school that your child will be out for the day using the telephone attendance line at 384-7010 or calling the school office at 384-4010. If the absence is to be prolonged, arrangements may be made to pick up missed work with the teacher. Home tutoring is not an automatic function and can only be decided upon by school officials.
Children should be kept home if they are not well enough to go outside, as the school does not have the facilities for keeping students in at recess, due to temporary health conditions.
Communicable Health Issues:
The following is a list of the most common contagious illnesses among school children. Please notify the nurse if your child develops any of the following or other illnesses.
Strep Throat: Strep is very contagious and can be serious if left untreated. Symptoms: Sore throat, headache, belly ache, and/or fever.
Please consult your MD and if appropriate a culture should be done. The child should stay at home until the results are received and if positive, needs to be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school. A doctor's note must accompany your child upon his/her return.
Fever: A child running a temperature over 100 degrees should remain at home until the temperature is normal for 24 hours. A temperature can be the first sign of an illness and is most contagious during this time period.
Head Lice: If noted on your child, please keep them home until he/she is nit (egg) free and must be rechecked by the nurse before he/she can return to school. The nurse can help you through the process of removal with information packets.
Conjunctivitis: This is known as "pink eye" and presents with the white of the eye appearing pink to red in color. A child must be an antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school and must also be drainage free. A doctor's note must accompany him/her back to school.
The nurse is always available to discuss any health concerns that you may have concerning your student.
Medication Policy
*All medication must not be brought to school by the student due to safety reasons. Medication can be dropped off either at the main office starting at 7:30 AM or in the nurse's office at 8:20 AM. Medication must also be picked up in the nurse's office when it must return home as well. Notify the nurse if other arrangements must be made.*
Administering Medication to Students
The M.S.A.D.#35 Board of Directors acknowledges that in certain instances it may be necessary for a student to have medication administered to him/her while in attendance at school.
I Parent/Legal Guardian Written Request
In the event that no alternative exists, the parent/legal guardian may request in writing that medication be administered to the student during the school day. Such written request shall provide for an acknowledgment and agreement that unlicensed personnel may administer the medication as per physician's instructions. In addition, such a request shall indicate that information regarding the student's medication be shared with appropriate school personnel.
II Physician's Order
Parental requests must be accompanied by the original pharmacy container or a written order from the student's physician/medical practitioner or dentist substantiating the fact that the administration of the particular medication during the school day is necessary for the pupil's health and attendance in school. The order shall state any unique administration procedure, if appropriate.
III Prescription Medication Deliverance and Maintenance
A. All medication shall be delivered to the school in its original container by the student's parent/legal guardian. In the event this is not practical, the parent/legal guardian will contact the school in order to make alternate arrangements.
1.The container shall indicate the student's name, the date, dosage schedule and health care provider's name.
2. If the prescription is not in its original container, a written order from the prescribing health care provider indicating the name, date, medication dosage schedule and provider's name must accompany the medication.
B. Only a limited, necessary supply can be kept in the school. It shall be the parent's responsibility to notify the school of any changes in or the discontinuation of a prescribed medication that is being administered to the child in school.
C. All medication will be appropriately maintained and secured by the nurse.
D. School staff administering the medication shall document each instance medication is administered including the date, time and dosage given.
E. The nurse or designated school official shall maintain a record including the physician and parent/legal guardian request, details of the specific medication(s), dosage and timing of medication and a notatin of each instance of administration of medication.
F. Students shall not be permitted to carry and self-administer prescription medicine in school except under special circumstances as requested and described by the student's physician or dentist and approved by the school nurse.
IV Nonprescription Medicines
Students needing nonprescription medications during the school hours should follow the following protocols:
A. Administered to students PreK through Grade 8:
1. Medication needs to be delivered to the school by parent/legal guardian. Children are not allowed to transport medications to school.
2. The nurse must have a note from the parent/legal guardian identifying the medication and the reason for it.
3. The nonprescription medication will be brought to school in the original packaging, and stored by the nurse.
B. Administering to students in Grade9 through 12:
1. The nurse must have a note from the parent/legal guardian identifying the medication and the reason for taking it.
2. Only enough medication for one day should be kept by the student.
3. Medication must not be stored in the student's locker.
The board disclaims any and all responsibility for the diagnosis, prescription of treatment and administration of medication for any student. For the purposes of this policy, "medication" shall include all medicine prescribed by a physician, medical practitioner, dentist for a particular student.
An excellent mental health resource is available to assist parents and children in each of our schools in Eliot and South Berwick.
This program is independant of other MSAD #35 services, and is administered by Sweetser Children's Services of Saco, Maine. There is a clinical social worker who is prepared to help families with a wide range of issues. The services offered include consultation, evaluation, individual and family counseling and assessments. Due to the nature of their placement in the school, both are easily accessible to work together with school personnel to help children referred to them. All services are confidential. Payment is arranged through health insurance, Medicaid, or sliding scale.
Questions and inquiries are always welcome. Referrals can be made by calling guidance or the Principal. In addition, you may contact Pricialla Healy-White or directly by calling Sweetser Children's Services at 1-800-434-3000 and leaving a message.
COMMUNICATIONS
A key factor in the success of a student is communication between home and school. There are many ways in which we can all work together to ensure that this happens.
PROGRESS REPORTS/PARENT CONFERENCES
Progress reports will be issued to students on a trimester basis in November, March, and June. These reports provide information about a student's progress in academics, skills, effort, and attitude. Parent conferences will take place during October and March. This is a great time to discuss the academic and social programs of your child. Also, conferences throughout the year are encouraged if either the teacher or parent(s) feel it is necessary.
NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters will come home with students informing people of "the happenings" at Marshwood GreatWorks School. We hope to "show off" our students as well by having them have a "voice" in each edition.
PTO
Parent Teacher Organizations have been extremely successful at the elementary schools. Marshwood GreatWorks School hopes this "tradition" continues. A PTO helps establish a positive culture within the school which benefits students, parents, and staff.
VOLUNTEERS
Marshwood GreatWorks School welcomes volunteers and understands that they can have a positive impact on children. Teachers and parents working together for students is a team effort, and we encourage you to become involved.
The classroom teacher will organize volunteering in the classroom. Please contact them if you have an interest in becoming involved in this way. Volunteers are needed in many other places within our school. You may also contact the school office at 384-4010 if interested.
VISITORS
All parents and community members are welcome at Marshwood GreatWorks School. In order to maintain a positive atmosphere, the following conditions will apply:
1. Parents and community members should contact the principal and request a visit.
2. Visitors will sign in at the office and be given a visitor's pass before going to the classroom. (Please return the pass to the office when you have finished the visit.)
3. Confidentiality related to individual students observed is expected.
Traffic Rules at Marshwood Great Works School
The morning drop off and dismissal times see a great deal of traffic at Marshwood Great Works School. In an attempt to have students arrive and depart safely, please drop off in the parking lot area. Students will be able to use the sidewalks and not cross in front of buses and other cars.
Family Vacations During School
Family vacations scheduled during school times are discouraged. It is not possible for assignments to duplicate the valuable experiences of the classroom. If vacations are scheduled, it is the responsibility of the parent to provide the classroom teacher a detailed list of what they propose their child should do for schoolwork over vacation. This should be done through a meeting set up by the parent a week before the vacation takes place. Students will be held accountable for work that is agreed upon by the parents and teachers.
Retention Policy at Marshwood Great Works School
To be promoted at Marshwood Great Works School, a student must pass three out of five content subjects for the academic year. These subjects include reading, written language, math, science and social studies. In some cases, retention may be considered despite passing grades. Excessive absences may also be a factor in considering retention. A meeting will take place between parent, teacher, and administrator to decide in the best interest of the child.
School Records
An official cumulative folder will be maintained on each student while attending the MSAD#35 schools.
All material in each folder will be treated as confidential. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents/guardians certain rights with respect to these records. Please call the school if you have specific questions.
Parents/guardians have the right to file a complaint with the U.S.Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independance Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.