School Committee Policy Section 10

STUDENT POLICIES GOALS – File 10.1

The student is the focal point of all operations of a school system.

Consequently, the school committee can expect to spend much of its time in study, deliberation, and policy formulation on matters directly related to students.

The committee and staff will work together to establish an environment conducive to the very best learning achievements for each student through meeting the following goals regarding students:

1.       To individualize the learning program in order to provide appropriately for each student according to his specific background, capabilities, learning styles, interests, and aspirations.

2.       To protect and observe the legal rights of students.

3.       To enhance the self‑image of each student by helping him/her feel respected and worthy through a learning environment that provides positive encouragement through frequent success.

4.       To provide an environment of reality in which students can learn personal and civic responsibility for their actions through meaningful experiences as school citizens.

5.       To deal with students in matters of discipline in a just and constructive manner.

6.       To provide in every way possible for the safety, health, and welfare of students.

7.       To promote faithful attendance and good work.

 

Revised:          May 2009

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES – File 10.2

In recognition of the diversified characteristics and needs of our students and with the keen desire to be responsible to them, the school committee will make every effort to protect the dignity of the students as individuals.  The Quincy Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or disability, in its educational activities or employment practices. 

To accomplish this, the committee and its staff will make every effort to comply with the letter and the spirit of the Massachusetts equal educational opportunities law (known as Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971), which prohibits discrimination in public school admissions and programs. The law reads as follows:

No child shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school on account of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or disability.

This will mean that every student will be given equal opportunity in school admission, admissions to courses, course content, guidance, and extracurricular and athletic activities.

All implementing provisions issued by the board of education in compliance with this law will be followed.

Revised:  September 2020 (replace “handicap” with “disability”)

Revised:  2013 to add “gender identity”

Revised:     May 2009

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

 

LEGAL REFS.:           Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972

Executive Order 11246, as amended by E.O. 11375

Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972

M.G.L. 76:5; 76:16 (Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971)

Board of Education Chapter 622 Regulations Pertaining to Access to Equal Educational Opportunity, adopted 6/24/75, amended 10/24/78

504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE BOUNDARIES – File 10.3

Established school areas for the various schools of the city will be drawn up by the superintendent and approved by the school committee.  The primary considerations, which govern the establishment of a school attendance boundaries, are school capacity, transportation and financial considerations.  Generally, students will attend the school in the established school area in which they live.

From time to time, changes in student enrollment, the development of new residential areas, or the opening or closing of a school building may require the establishment or change of previously established school attendance boundaries.

The school committee will confer with community representatives prior to setting new attendance boundaries.  However, the committee’s primary basis for judgment must be equality of educational opportunity for all students rather than the personal desires of any one group.

The superintendent is authorized to make exceptions for individual children in the best interests of the student and/or the school.

Revised:          May 2009

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

Current practice codified 1990

 

LEGAL REFS.:           M.G.L. 71:37C; 71:37D; 71:371; 71:37)

Board of Education Regulations Pertaining to Section 8 of Chapter 636 of the Acts of 1974, Regarding Magnet Educational Programs, adopted 2/25/73

Board of Education Regulations Pursuant to Chapter 636 of the Acts of 1974, adopted 9/10/74

Board of Education Regulations Pertaining to the Prep­aration of Racial Balance Plans Which Involve Redis­tricting, adopted 4/24/73

 

CROSS REF.:  Assignment of Students to Schools

 

SCHOOL CENSUS – File 10.4

NOTE:          For pertinent legal information, refer to M.G.L. 70:5; 71A:2: 71B:3: 71B:6; 72:2:

72:2A; and to the Board of Education Regulations Pertaining to the Census of School Age Children, adopted 3/10/78.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE – File 10.5

Attendance at school is expected on every school day, unless extreme emergency, personal illness, or unusual weather prevents. Written reasons for absence are required after each absence.  Schools will be open and in session, and only in extreme emergencies will emergency announcements be made of No School Sessions. Parents are expected to exercise wisely their own discretion in stormy weather.

 

Revised:  9/2008

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

 

LEGAL REF.: Student Handbooks

CROSS REF.: Emergency Closings

COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGES – File 10.5.1

Massachusetts Law establishes the board of education as the agent that determines mandatory and permissible school attendance ages, with exceptions listed in law.  Generally, the board requires that all children be enrolled in school beginning in September of the calendar year in which they attain the age of six (6) and that they attend school regularly until they reach the age of sixteen (16).

Under law, each school committee must enforce the school attendance of all children of compulsory school age residing in the city.

Established by law

LEGAL REFS.:           M.G.L. 15:16; 71:22; 71:25; 76:1

                                    Board of Education Regulations for Entrance to

                                    First Grade and Kindergarten, adopted 7/20/71

ENTRANCE AGE – File 10.5.2

ENTRANCE AGE AND REQUIREMENTS/ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS

Pupils upon entering the Quincy Public Schools shall present birth certificates or other satisfactory evidence of age and certificates of vaccination and immunization.

Children entering Kindergarten must be five years old on or before August 31.  Any child whose sixth birthday falls on or before August 31 will enter the first grade.

In the absence of an emergency or epidemic of disease declared by the department of public health, no child whose parent or guardian states in writing that vaccination or inoculation conflicts with his sincere religious beliefs shall be required to present said physician's certificate in order to be admitted to school.

 

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

Children of school age attend school in the school system in which the parent or guardian resides. 

High school seniors who move during the academic year may finish the year at the discretion of the Superintendent.  Children in other grades who move in the second half of the school year may finish the year at the discretion of the Superintendent.

 

Revised:  9/2008

Revised and approved:   9/2005                                                                               

Current practice codified: 2002

LEGAL REFS.:            M.G.L. 15:16; 76:1; 76:5; 76:6; 76:15; 76:15A

                                    Handbook, Student Record System, IV. A

 

CROSS REFS.:          File 10.8.3.1 Physical Examination of Students

                                    File 10.8.3.2, Inoculations of Students

   CAREER VOCATIONAL & TECHNICAL EDUCATION ADMISSIONS POLICY -- FILE 10.5.3

INTRODUCTION

The Quincy Public Schools Career, Vocational & Technical Education (CVTE) program serves students in grades nine through twelve in the Quincy Public Schools.  An exploratory program (Freshmen Seminar) is offered for Grade 9 students at Quincy High School and provides career awareness, student assessments, educational and career planning, an overview of available technical programs and career electives and majors, and beginning safety and skill development.  Specific technical career pathway training begins in Grade 10 after students have selected a CVTE program of their choice and gone through the admissions process.  Technical areas and shops are designed and equipped to serve a specific maximum number of students safely.  Therefore, a selection process is necessary and when a CVTE program is oversubscribed, students will be evaluated according to this CVTE Admissions Policy.   

We have designed an integrated academic and CVTE program which is compliant with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006.

II.     EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Quincy Public Schools CVTE programs admit students and makes available to them its advantages, privileges, and course of study, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, or disability. 

Students with limited English proficiency will be assisted in completing the necessary forms and with interpretation during the entire application process upon request of the applicant.

Students who are disabled may voluntarily self-identify for the purpose of requesting reasonable accommodations during the entire application process.

Information on limited English proficiency and disability submitted voluntarily by the applicant for the purpose of receiving assistance and accommodations during the entire application and admission process will not affect their admission to Quincy Public Schools CVTE Programs.

 

III.        ELIGIBILITY

All students residing in Quincy are eligible to enroll in Quincy Public Schools CVTE  programs in Grades 10 through 12, subject to space availability.  For oversubscribed programs, resident students will be evaluated using the selection criteria contained in this Admissions Policy. 

A. Ninth Grade Students  Any student who resides in Quincy and has successfully completed the eighth grade is eligible to participate in the exploratory program, Freshmen Seminar, by enrolling at Quincy High School. Students who do not live in the Quincy High School district may apply for admission through requesting Open Enrollment to Quincy High School. Freshman Seminar is an integral part of the grade 9 experience at Quincy High School. Students who are not residents of Quincy are eligible to apply for Grade 9 fall admission subject to the availability of openings to the Freshman Seminar program at Quincy High School and the criteria contained in this Policy.

B.  Tenth and Eleventh Grade Students and repeating ninth grade students  A student meeting the admission criteria who resides in Quincy is eligible for any of the CVTE programs in Quincy Public Schools.  First preference for admission to CVTE programs is given to underclass students.

C.  Twelfth Grade Students Grade 12 students are accepted for the first year of a major, as an elective, on a space-available basis after underclass students have been accommodated. 

D.  Private school students  Quincy residents meeting the admissions criteria in this policy and are currently attending private schools are also eligible for enrollment in Quincy Public Schools CVTE programs. These students must register as Quincy Public School students and attend either North Quincy High School or Quincy High School. 

E. Home Schooled Students  Quincy residents who are formally being home schooled may apply for admission to Quincy Public Schools CVTE Programs, provided all admissions policy criteria are followed.  The home school students’ parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit a copy of the Home School Approval Letter from the Superintendent of Schools or their designee.  Homeschooled students will be accepted to Quincy Public Schools CVTE Programs according to the selection criteria contained in this admissions policy.  These students must also register as Quincy Public School students and attend either North Quincy High School or Quincy High School.

 

Students who are not residents of Quincy are eligible to apply for fall admission subject to the availability of openings to the CVTE programs at Quincy or North Quincy High School, provided they expect to be promoted to the grade they seek to enter by their current school.  Non-resident students will be evaluated using the criteria contained in the Admissions Policy and according to M.G.L. c. 74 s.8A (please see the “guidelines for Vocational Technical Education Program Nonresident Student Tuition Process Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 74 located at www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/default.html).  M.G.L. c. 74 Section 8A requires that the municipality of residence provide transportation to students admitted to Quincy non-residents under M.G.L. c.74, Sections 7 and 7C.  Non-resident students (students who live outside Quincy) are accepted for admission, when meeting the admissions requirements, as space is available.  If the Chapter 74 Vocational Technical Education Non-resident Student Tuition Application is approved, and if the student is admitted to the school to which he/she has applied, that non-resident student is entitled to the same rights and privileges as students who reside in the receiving school district.

IV.       ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Quincy Public Schools CVTE programs are located at both North Quincy High School and Quincy High School.  Both high schools in Quincy are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).  The Executive Director of Career and Technical Education is the administrator responsible for the management of CVTE programs, and reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools. 

The district contains five middle schools: Atlantic, Broad Meadows, Central, Point Webster, and South~West.  All Grade 8 students from the middle schools are eligible to apply for enrollment in either high school based on their interest in a specific CVTE program.  

 

Quincy Public Schools CVTE has an Admissions Committee, which is convened to admit Quincy Public Schools applicants and all non-resident applicants if a program is oversubscribed.  The committee consists of the Executive Director of CVTE, the Principal, CVTE Department Chair, Guidance Department Chair, Special Education Department Chair, and ELL Department Chair.  Responsibilities of the CVTE Admissions Committee include:

1)    Determination of standards for admission

2)    Development and implementation of admission procedures

3)    Processing and review of applications

4)    Ranking of students

5)    Acceptance of students according to the procedure and criteria in the admission policy

6)    Establishment and maintenance of a waiting list of qualified students.

The Executive Director of CVTE is responsible for disseminating information about the CVTE programs and for collecting applications from out-of-district students.

The Guidance departments at both high schools, CVTE instructors, and the CVTE Department Chairs are responsible for providing program information to students in Quincy Public Schools.  The Guidance department at both high schools is responsible for reviewing course selection requests completed by students and parents/guardians in Aspen as part of the scheduling for each new school year.

Based on an annual vote by the Quincy School Committee, Quincy Public Schools does not participate in the School Choice program, the program that would allow students who are not Quincy residents to be attend Quincy Public Schools on a space-available basis at all grade levels.

 

V.    RECRUITMENT and COMMUNICATIONS PROCESS

Open House ~ All middle schools students and their families who reside within the City of Quincy are invited to attend annual Open House events at each high school in the fall. Students, teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, administrators, and parents are available to discuss the academic and CVTE programs of each high school, provide tours of school facilities, and to answer any questions.  The events are publicized on the Quincy Public Schools website and social media platforms, local access Channel 22, through direct emails to students and parents/guardians, and at the middle schools,

Information about Quincy Public Schools CVTE programs is also available:

·       On the Quincy Public Schools website

·       In the Quincy Public Schools High School Program of Studies

 

VI.       APPLICATION PROCESS

·  Quincy Public Schools students in Grades 10, 11, 12

   Students wishing to attend a CVTE program indicate this by selecting the program during the Aspen course selection process in the spring.  Students transferring from private schools will also have the opportunity to select a CVTE program during the registration process.

   Students who have requested admission for a program that is oversubscribed will be assessed using the selection criteria contained in this admissions policy.

   Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by the CVTE Executive Director if their first choice will not be accommodated.  Students will be placed in an alternative program and will be notified as to their status on the waiting list. 

·  Non-resident students

A non-resident student seeking admission to Quincy Public Schools CVTE Program for Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 under M.G.L. c.74, Sections 7 and 7C must follow the admission process outlined in this Admissions policy.  All non-resident students will be evaluated and ranked using the criteria set forth in this Admissions Policy.

Students who begin their enrollment as Quincy residents and move outside of the District during their enrollment who request to remain at Quincy as nonresidents under M.G.L. c. 74, Section 7 and 7C will be allowed to do so, providing that they obtain approval from the Superintendent of the student’s District of Residence in accordance with the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Guidelines for the Vocational Technical Education Program Nonresident Student Tuition Process located at:  www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/default.html   

In all cases, non-resident applicants must file a Chapter 74 Vocational Technical Nonresident Student Tuition Application (located at: www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/nonres-app.docx) with the Superintendent of the student’s district of residence in accordance with the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Guidelines for the Vocational Technical Education Program.  Nonresident Student Tuition Process pursuant to M.G.L. c. 74: www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/nonres-guidelines.docx   

If the student’s parent/guardian finds that the decision of the Superintendent of Schools of the District of Residence is contrary to law, regulations, Board of Education or Department of Elementary & Secondary Education policy, the application may be forwarded to the Department for review, within 10 business days of its receipt from the District of Residence in accordance with the Guidelines for the Vocational Technical Education Program Nonresident Student tuition Process pursuant to M.G.L. c. 74.

M.G.L. c. 74 Section 8A requires that the municipality of residence provide transportation to students admitted to Quincy Public Schools CVTE programs as nonresidents under M.G.L. c.74, Sections 7 and 7C.

Students must obtain an application from the Executive Director of CVTE office.  The application must be given to the sending school Superintendent of Schools for completion and forwarded to the Quincy Public Schools Director of CVTE by March 1 to be considered for admission the next school year.

For applications to be considered the sending school district must include the following information for the past six terms: 

·       attendance records;

·       conduct  records academic report cards; and

·       Guidance Counselor and/or teacher recommendations.

The CVTE office will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the sending school guidance counselor if the application is incomplete. If after notifying the local school Guidance Counselor and parent(s)/guardian(s), the application remains incomplete after March 15, the application will be voided.

Students accepted into Grade 10, 11, or 12 must complete a Career and Educational Plan to be better informed about their appropriate program selection.

·       Late Applications

Applications received after any aforementioned deadlines will be evaluated according to the criteria contained in this admissions policy and the resulting composite score will be integrated in rank order on the established waiting list.   

·       Transfer Students

Applications from students who are enrolled in a state-approved (Chapter 74) CVTE program in another school will be considered for admissions if they relocate to Quincy and wish to pursue the same program of study at Quincy High School.  These students must attend an interview with the Executive Director of CVTE and/or their designee.  Transfer students will be allowed to continue in the CVTE program previously attended if space is available or offered an alternative choice.

Quincy Public Schools students who wish to transfer from one technical area to another should contact their Guidance Counselor.  Transfer requests will be considered subject to the availability of openings in the requested CVTE program.  Each transfer applicant will be interviewed and counseled individually to determine the appropriateness of the transfer for the particular student.

·       Withdrawn Students

     Students who withdraw from Quincy Public Schools CVTE programs and who are attending or not attending another high school may reapply following the procedures contained in this Admissions Policy and will be evaluated using the same criteria.

·       Homeschooled Students

Students who are formally being home schooled who reside in Quincy may apply for admission to Quincy Public Schools CVTE Programs, including admission during the school year, provided all admissions policy criteria are followed.  The home school students’ parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit a copy of the Home School Approval Letter from the Superintendent of Schools.  If grades are not available, a representative sample or portfolio of the student’s body of work in English Language Arts or its equivalent, math, science, and social studies must be submitted.  Home-schooled students will be ranked on their portfolio/grades (34%), interview (33%), and letters of recommendation (33%) if the CVTE program of their choice is oversubscribed.

 

VII.     SELECTION CRITERIA for OVERSUBSCRIBED CVTE PROGRAMS

All students requesting admission to an oversubscribed CVTE program will be reviewed by the CVTE Admissions Committee using weighted admissions criteria. Each applicant will be assigned a score calculated from the total of the criteria subtotals. 

1.     Grades                                       25 points

2.     Attendance                                 25 points

3.     Conduct/Discipline                       25 points

4.     Student Statement of Interest      10 points

5.     Teacher Recommendation           15 points

                         TOTAL                  100 points

 

For example, a student with a point total of 98 would be placed into the oversubscribed CVTE education program before a student with a point total of 89.  The Executive Director of CVTE then offers students their second or third CVTE program choices, as space allows.  If a students is not placed in their second or third choice CVTE program, the guidance counselor, along with the Executive Director of CVTE will meet with the student and to have them select an alternate choice.  Students will be notified of placements before the end of the school year for the next school year. 

If a CVTE program acceptance is declined by a student, admission will be offered to the next applicant on the waiting list. Students on the waiting list will be notified as openings occur and remain on the wait list for one school year.

 

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA RUBRICS for OVERSUBSCRIBED CVTE PROGRAMS

1.  Grades: Maximum 25 points

Grade Averages

Points

90 – 100

25

80 – 89

20

70 – 79

15

60 – 69

10

0 – 59

5

a. For oversubscribed CVTE programs, current Quincy High School grade 9 students applying for grade 10 CVTE program admission will use the average point total of the Freshmen Seminar grade. 

b. For non-resident applications to grade 9 (fall admission), the average of grade 7 and semester 1 grade 8 marks in English, social studies, mathematics and science from the local school report card are used. 

c. For Quincy residents and non-resident applications to grades 10 (fall admission) the average of the previous school year and semester 1 of the current school year marks in English, social studies, mathematics and science from the local school report card are used.   For applications to grades 9 and 10 (admission during the school year) the current school year to the date of the application marks in English, social studies, mathematics and science from the local school report card are used. 

2.    Attendance: Maximum 25 points

Number of Unexcused Absences

Points

0 – 2

25

3 – 4

10

5 – 6

5

7 or more

0

a. For non-resident applications to grade 9 (fall admission), the sum of grade 7 and semester 1 grade 8 unexcused absences from the local school report card are used.

b.   For Quincy residents and non-residents applications to grade 10 (fall admission) the sum of the previous school year and semester 1 current school year unexcused absences from the local school report card are used.  For applications to grades 9 and 10 (admission during the school year) unexcused absences from the five previous completed terms will be used. 

3.    Conduct/Discipline: Maximum 25 points

Number of Incidents (not to include minor infractions)

Points

0

25

1-2

18

3-4

10

5 or more

0

a. For non-resident applications to grade 9 (fall admission), the sum of grade 7 and semester 1 grade 8 incidents from the local school are used.

b. For Quincy residents and non-residents applications to grade 10 (fall admission), the sum of the previous school year and semester 1 current school year incidents from the local school are used. For applications to grades 9, 10 (admission during the school year) the current school year to the date of the application incidents from the local school are used. 

4. Student Statement of Interest:  Maximum 10 points 

Students are asked to submit a typed 100-word statement of interest about why they are interested in the CVTE program they are applying for and how being a graduate of this program will help them in the future.  Student statements may include video submissions in addition to the written statement. The CVTE Admissions Committee will utilize the following rubric:

TOPIC

5 points

3 point

0 points

TOTAL POINTS

Identifies CVTE program of interest and explains interest in the specific CVTE program

Student both clearly identifies program of interest and explains why they want to be in this program

Student either identifies program of interest or explains why they want to be in this program, but not both

Student identifies neither the program or the reason for wanting to enter the program.

 

Explains how being a graduate of the program will help with future career plans.

Student clearly identifies how completing the program will help them in their future career.

Student is vague about how attending the program will help them in their future career.

Students does not describe how completing the program will help them in their future career.

 

 

5.    Teacher Recommendation: Maximum 15 points

Students will be awarded points based on the recommendation from a teacher of their choice at the school they attend currently.  The teacher will use the rubric below to evaluate the student.

 

5 points

3 points

0 points

# of points

Academic Performance

Student completes or attempts all assignments

Student completes or attempts most assignments

Student completes or attempts few or no assignments

 

Participation

Student actively participates in class

Student sometimes participates in class

Student does not participate in class

 

Attentiveness

Student is actively attentive in class

Student is sometimes attentive in class

Student is not attentive in class

 

 

 

 

TOTAL POINTS

 

 

 

VIII.        REVIEW AND APPEALS

The CVTE program applicant’s parents/guardians will be notified by letter from the  Quincy Public Schools Executive Director of CVTE  indicating that the applicant was not accepted or was placed on a waiting list for a particular CVTE  Program.  The Parent and/or guardian will be informed that they may request a review of this decision by sending a letter of appeal to the Superintendent of Schools within thirty days of the receipt of the letter.  The Superintendent will respond in writing to the letter with the finding of the review within thirty days.  If after a review, the parents/guardians wished to appeal the findings of the review, they may do so by sending a letter requesting that they be scheduled to appear before the School Committee to appeal the Superintendent’s findings.  The School Committee will respond in writing to the parents/guardians with a scheduled date for the appeal within thirty days of the receipt of the letter.  The School Committee will respond in writing to the letter with their decision on the appeal within thirty days of the School Committee meeting when the appeal is presented. 

Revised:          May 2011; February 9, 2022

Approved:        May 19, 2004

 

LEGAL REFS.: General Laws of Education Relating to School Committees as of January 1, 1978

  M.G.L. Chapter 76, Section 1

ADMISSION, RESIDENCY AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY – File 10.5.4

RESIDENCY AND VIOLATION OF RESIDENCY:

M.G.L.  76:5:  “Every person shall have the right to attend the public schools of the town where he actually resides, subject to the following section.  No school committee is required to enroll a person who does not actually reside in the town unless said enrollments is authorized by law or by the school committee.  Any person who violates or assists in the violation of this provision may be required to remit full restitution to the town of the improperly-attended public schools.”

 

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

M.G.L. 76:2 States “Every person in control of a child described in the preceding section shall cause him/her to attend school as therein requires, and if he fails to do so for seven day session or fourteen half-day sessions within any period of six months, he shall, on complaint by a supervisor of attendance, be punished by a fine of not more than twenty dollars ($20.00).  No physical or mental condition capable of correction or rending the child a fit subject for special instruction at public charge in institutions other than public day schools, shall avail as a defense unless it appears that the defendant has employed all reasonable measures for the correction of the condition and the suitable instructions of the child.”

INDUCING ABSENCES; PENALTY M.G.L  76:4  “Whoever induces or attempts to induce a minor to absent himself unlawfully from school, or unlawfully employees him or harbors a minor who, while school is in session, is absent unlawfully there from, and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200.00.”

 

Revised:          May 2009

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

  September 26, 1979

LEGAL REFS.:            M.G.L. 71:6; 71:6A; 74:8; 76:6; 76:12; 76:128

ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO SCHOOLS – File 10.5.5

 

Pupils shall attend the school in the attendance district in which they reside unless assigned to some other school by the superintendent of schools.  Pupils changing residence within the Quincy Public School System may complete the school year at the schools, which they have been attending.

Individual school attendance boundaries shall be established by the office of the superintendent of schools with approval of the school committee and may be changed as population conditions warrant or capacities of buildings require adjustment of pupil loads.

 

PHYSICAL DISABILITY GROUNDS

Any pupil who, due to a physical handicap, wishes to enter (or continue in) a school outside his neighborhood school shall present a certificate from a physician stating that the pupil's physical condition is such as to warrant the transfer.  Such transfers shall be made only by action of the school committee.

 

TRANSFERS

1.       The superintendent of schools may grant school transfers on a space available basis.

2.       Requests for transfers will be forwarded to the director of student support services, who will work with the Superintendent to act on requests.

3.       Transportation will be the responsibility of the student and/or his parents.

4.       On a space available basis only, as determined by the Superintendent, siblings of students enrolled in a school under the Open Enrollment Policy shall be given preference for open enrollment to that school.  When making his/her decision to admit open enrollment students, the Superintendent shall consider the capacity of the school building to accommodate open enrollment students both for the present school year and future years.

A request of a parent for preferential enrollment of a sibling presently enrolled in the school for which open enrollment is requested may be submitted by a certain date.

 

Revised:  2008

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

                        May 23, 1979

STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL – File 10.5.6

When a student transfers from the Quincy Public Schools to a new school system, the Quincy Public Schools will automatically provide the new school system with the entering student’s complete school record, including his discipline record.  This record will include, but is not limited to “any incidents involving suspension or violation of criminal acts or any incident reports in which such student was charged with any suspended act. 

A student transferring into the Quincy Public schools must provide the school system with the student’s complete school record, including the discipline record, as described above.

 

Revised:   May 2009

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Prior to  1990

LEGAL REFS:  Handbook 2008-2009

M.G.L. 71 s.37L

HOMELESS STUDENTS: ENROLLMENT RIGHTS AND SERVICES File 10.5.7

To the extent practical and as required by law, the district will work with homeless students and their families to provide stability in school attendance and other services. Special attention will be given to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of .homeless students not currently attending school. Homeless students will be provided district services for which they are eligible, including Head Start and comparable pre-school programs, Title I, similar state programs, special education, bilingual education, vocational and technical education programs, gifted and talented programs and school nutrition programs.

Homeless students are defined as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including:

1. Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship

2. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations

3. Living in emergency or transitional shelters

4. Being abandoned in hospitals

5. Awaiting foster care placement

6. Living in public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings

7. Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, transportation stations or similar settings

8. Migratory children living in conditions described in the previous examples

9. Unaccompanied youth – a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

The superintendent shall designate an appropriate staff person to be the district's liaison for homeless students and their families.

To the extent feasible, homeless students will continue to be enrolled in their school of origin while they remain homeless or until the end of the academic year in which they obtain permanent housing. Instead of remaining in the school of origin, parents or guardians of homeless students may request enrollment in the school in the attendance area in which the student is actually living, or other schools. Attendance rights by living in attendance areas, other student assignment policies, or intra and inter-district choice options are available to homeless families on the same terms as families resident in the district.

If there is an enrollment dispute, the student shall be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute. The parent or guardian shall be informed of the district's decision and their appeal rights in writing. The district's liaison will carry out dispute resolution as provided by state rule. Unaccompanied youth will also be enrolled pending resolution of the dispute.

Once the enrollment decision is made, the school shall immediately enroll the student, pursuant to district policies. If the student does not have immediate access to immunization records, the student shall be admitted under a personal exception. Students and families should be encouraged to obtain current immunization records or immunizations as soon as possible, and the district liaison is directed to assist. Records from the student's previous school shall be requested from the previous school pursuant to district policies. Emergency contact information is required at the time of enrollment consistent with district policies, including compliance with the state's address confidentiality program when necessary.

Homeless students are entitled to transportation to their school of origin or the school where they are to be enrolled. If the school of origin is in a different district, or a homeless student is living in another district but will attend his or her school of origin in this district, the districts will coordinate the transportation services necessary for the student, or will divide the costs equally.

The district's liaison for homeless students and their families shall coordinate with local social service agencies that provide services to homeless children and youths and their families; other school districts on issues of transportation and records transfers; and state and local housing agencies responsible for comprehensive housing affordability strategies. This coordination includes providing public notice of the educational rights of homeless students in schools, family shelters and soup kitchens. The district's liaison will also review and recommend amendments to district policies that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless students.

Homeless students are to be provided services and education programs comparable to those received by other students and for which they meet eligibility criteria. Homeless preschoolers will be given the same opportunities to enroll, attend, and succeed in preschool as non-homeless preschoolers.

 

Revised: 11/12/2008, 9/11/2019

Adopted: 2004

Codified: 2004

REFS.:Title I, Part C No Child Left Behind Act, 2002

STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE: ENROLLMENT RIGHTS AND SERVICES File 10.5.8

 

To the extent practical and as required by law, the district shall ensure the enrollment, attendance, and opportunity to succeed in school for children and youth in foster care. The district will collaborate with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) to implement the provisions for providing educational stability for students in foster care, as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Students in foster care are those who are placed by DCF into 24-hour out-of-home care, away from his/her parents or guardians. These placements include, amongst others: foster family homes; foster homes of relatives (kinship placements); emergency shelters (including STARR programs and Transitional Care units); residential facilities; child care institutions; group homes; and pre-adoptive homes.

The district shall designate a Foster Care Point of Contact (POC) to be responsible for ensuring the educational stability and rights of students in foster care and to collaborate with DCF.

To promote educational stability, and unless determined not to be in the student’s best interest, the student has the right to continue to attend the school of origin - the school that a student was attending at the time of placement in foster care or the school a student is attending at the time of any subsequent change in a foster care placement. The student shall remain in that school either for the duration of the student’s time in foster care or until the student completes all the grades in that school, whichever occurs first. At any time that a student’s Educational Decision Maker (EDM) and other interested parties determine that remaining in the school of origin is not in a student’s best interest, the student shall enroll in the local school district. The district’s POC shall initiate a school-to-school transfer of records with the enrolling district and ensure that the student is attending school while the records are being transferred. When a student exits foster care during a school year, the district shall permit the student to continue in the school of origin through at least the end of the academic year, pending the student’s best interest. For students with an IEP that designates placement in an out-of-district approved private or public special education school or collaborative, the district of origin is the district in which the student was enrolled at the time of the DCF placement.

Best interest determinations shall focus on the needs of each individual student. Students shall continue to attend their schools of origin while best interest determinations are being made. If there is disagreement regarding school placement for a student in foster care, DCF shall finalize the best interest determination. Decisions about whether a student in foster care should continue to attend the school of origin shall be made collaboratively by DCF, the student (as appropriate), the student's family and/or foster family (and if different, the person authorized to make educational decisions on behalf of the student), the school and district of origin, and (when different) the local district where the student is placed. If needed, the district shall seek review of DCF's decision by utilizing a Foster Care School Selection Dispute Resolution Process established by ESE and DCF.

To facilitate immediate enrollment of foster care students placed in the district, DCF shall present the district with a Notice to LEA indicating the student is in foster care, along with their state-agency identification badge, and emergency contact information for the student. DCF shall also present a Notice to LEA to the school district in which a student is currently enrolled to indicate a change of placement/residential address within the same school district and/or a change of contact information of legal guardian(s), foster parent(s), EDM, or social worker. The student shall be enrolled in the district immediately, without delay due to lack of enrollment documentation including proof of residency; academic records; IEPs; discipline records; documents evidencing proof of custody (e.g., birth certificates, or custody or guardianship orders); identification documents; and medical, health, and immunization records.

Students in foster care shall be assigned to schools in the same manner and according to the same process used for all other students in the district (with the exception of immediate enrollment as described above). The district shall provide a comparable placement for students whose IEPs call for out-of-district or other specialized placements.

Absent other agreements between the district and DCF, the district shall be responsible for providing, arranging, and funding transportation to and from the school of origin for the duration of the student’s time in foster care, or until the student completes all grades in a particular school, whichever occurs first.

 

Approved 9/11/2019

Citations:

http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx?id=24765

January 2018 Advisory

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/edhhsfostercarenonregulatorguide.pdf

Non-Regulatory Guidance:

Ensuring Educational Stability for Children in Foster Care

http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx?id=24765

 

Massachusetts DESE and DCF Joint Guidance - Educational Stability for Students in Foster Care — January 2018

ESEA Section 1112(c)(5)(A, B) — District Assurances

HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY:  File: 10.6

There is no more powerful predictor of student achievement in high school than is student attendance.  The following policies are meant to underscore and enforce every student’s responsibility to attend all scheduled classes on all scheduled days.

Attendance

A.              Students are expected to be in class 100% of the time.  Students who have seven (7) or more absences (not school approved) from class or school during a marking period shall fail for that term with a grade of 62, or less, if they have earned a lower grade.  On the fourth (4th) absence, the parent/guardian shall be notified.

B.              All absences require a parent/guardian approval.  After the sixth (6th) absence, a valid professional note is required.  The following are considered valid professional notes:  medical, verified by a doctor’s note; legal, verified by a note from a member of the legal profession; funeral, verified by a note from the parent or guardian on the day the student returns to school; religious observance, verified by a note from the parent or guardian; and college visits, not to exceed four days per school year, verified by a note from the parent/educational institution on the day the student returns to school.  Students are required to present valid absence or professional notes by the close of each marking period.  Any exceptions to this time frame must be approved by the principal or his/her designee.

C.              Students who fail because of this policy may appeal to the principal’s designee.

D.              Vacations are not condoned during school time.  Any vacations taken during school time shall be counted toward the six (6) absences unless a written request for a waiver is approved by the principal’s designee thirty (30) days before the planned vacation.  Prior attendance taken into consideration.

E.              Five (5) points are deducted from the term grade for each class cut.

F.              Unexcused absence (without parent/guardian approval) from school is counted as truancy and as a cut from every class for that day.

G.             Excessive dismissals should be reviewed by the assistant principal.  This review may be initiated by the faculty/staff.

 

Tardy Procedures

A.                        Students who bring a note from home, which has been approved by the assistant principal or designee, shall have an excused tardy listed on their record.  There will be a limit of three (3) approved notes per term.

B.                        Students who do not have an approved note shall be considered unexcused and shall have an unexcused tardy on their record.

C.                        Students with excused tardies shall sign in and be sent to class without any penalty assigned.

D.                        Students with unexcused tardies (homeroom only) shall be issued the following penalties:

1.               Five (5) tardies in a term shall result in a mandatory detention.  The dean or designee, by telephone or letter, shall notify the parent that the next tardy shall result in a suspension hearing.

2.               Six (6) or more tardies in a term shall result in suspension hearing for each tardy.

E.                        For unexcused tardies after homeroom, on the first occasion a detention shall be issued and the parent shall be notified.  On the second and subsequent occasions, a suspension hearing shall be held.

F.                        Students with an unexcused tardy, who miss more than half a class (a class cut), shall lose five (5) points from their term grade in that subject for that class.

All attendance and tardy policies and penalties are subject to specific provisions in the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) approved for any student under Individual Disability Education Act (IDEA).

 

Approved:   June 2006

 

 


 

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS POLICY     File 10.6

 

ATTENDANCE

Daily attendance at school is required by state law. Truancy or willful, deliberate absence from school is not allowed and will result in disciplinary action. Regular attendance is the foundation of success in school.

Any student absent for 28 days or more will be recommended for summer school or a program established by the principal/designee. The student may be retained in his/her current grade at the principal’s discretion.

Family vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged.  Following an absence, the student is expected to make up missed work at the discretion of the teacher.

Parent/guardian must call the school before 9 A.M. on the day of an absence.

All absences require a note of explanation from the parent/guardian.  Extended absences may require formal documentation.

Middle school administrators and staff use many strategies, programs, and incentives to promote regular attendance.  “A Parent’s Guide to School Attendance” is distributed to parents/guardians in September.  For students who exhibit a pattern of excessive absenteeism, the following procedures may be taken at the discretion of the Principal:

·       The attendance aide calls home daily and shares accumulative absences with assistant principal/guidance counselor

·        The nurse/counselor follows up on consecutive absences or after a pattern of absences by speaking to the student individually and to the parent/guardian

·       The student is discussed at weekly Student Support Services Team/Grade Level Team meetings

·        A letter may be sent to parent/guardian after 4 days of absences per term

·        A parent/guardian meeting may be held

·        A follow-up letter may be sent to parent /guardian after 7 absences per term

·        An attendance hearing may be held with supervisor of attendance

·        The supervisor of attendance may visit the home

·        A referral to outside counseling may be recommended

·        A referral to the “Family Assistance Conference” may be made.

 

In extreme cases:

·       A referral to the Department of Social Services may be made

·       A CHINS petition may be filed with the court by the supervisor of attendance

·       A “Failure to Send” petition may be filed with the court by the supervisor of attendance.

  

Tardiness Procedures:

All tardies require a note of explanation from the parent/guardian. 

·       Unexcused tardies may result in detention

·       A letter may be sent to the home at the discretion of the principal

·       Repeated tardies may necessitate an attendance/suspension hearing

·       Interventions may include a home visit by the supervisor of attendance

·       Other strategies, e.g., community service and incentives, will be used to promote promptness

·       A referral to outside counseling may be recommended

·       A referral to the “Family Assistance Conference” may be made.

 

 

Approved:  June, 2006

 


STUDENT DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS – File 10.6.1

 

DISMISSAL OF PUPILS

No school or grade may be dismissed before the regular hour for dismissal except with the approval of the superintendent of schools.

No teacher may permit any individual pupil to leave school prior to the regular hour of dismissal except by permission of the principal.

Dismissals shall be made only for reasons of necessity and, except in emergencies, shall be at the written request of the parent or guardian.

Students who become ill during the school day can only be dismissed by the nurse or the principal’s designee.

Under no circumstance is any student permitted to leave school grounds during the school day.  Failure to follow the proper procedure will be considered an unexcused absence and may be subject to disciplinary action including suspension.

No pupil may be permitted to leave school prior to the dismissal hour at the request of or in the company of anyone other than a school employee, police officer, court official, or parent of the child, unless the permission of the parent has been first secured.  If any police or court official requests the dismissal of a pupil during school hours, parents should be notified at once.

 

Revised:   May 2009

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Prior to 1990

LEGAL REFS.: Student Handbooks

STUDENTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES – File 10.7

The school committee has the responsibility to afford students the rights that are theirs by virtue of guarantees offered under the federal and state constitutions and statutes.  In connection with rights there are responsibilities that must be assumed by the students.

Among these rights and responsibilities are the following:

1.       Civil rights‑‑including the right to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others.

2.       The right to attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly and to observe school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school.

3.       The right to due process of law with respect to suspension, expulsion, and decisions that the student believes injure his/her rights.

4.       The right to free inquiry and expression; responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these rights.

5.       The right to privacy, which included privacy in respect to the student's school records.

It is the committee's belief that as part of the educational process, students should be made aware of their legal rights and of the legal authority of the school committee to make, and delegate authority to the staff to make, rules regarding the orderly operation of the schools.

Students have the right to know the standards of behavior that are expected of them, and the consequences of misbehavior.

The rights and responsibilities of students, including standards of conduct, will be made available to students and their parents through handbooks distributed annually.

 

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:37H; 71:82 through 71:86

Quincy Public Schools Tobacco and Smoke Free School Policy 10.8.5

SECTION I. RATIONALE

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Most daily smokers began smoking before the age of 18. The use of tobacco products on school grounds, in school buildings and facilities, on school property or at school-related activities or school-sponsored events, including but not limited to athletic events is detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff and visitors.

The Massachusetts Smoke-Free Workplace Law prohibits smoking in all enclosed workplaces, including public and private schools. In addition, Massachusetts requires that all public schools through high school prohibit smoking on school grounds, on school buses, and at school sponsored events. The law is commonly referred to as the “Education Reform Act” (MG.L. ch. 270, §22(b)(2); MGL c. 71, §§2A, 37H; c. 90, §7B(10)). Governor Baker signed legislation in 2018 that amends the “Education Reform Act” to include e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery products. This took effect on December 31, 2018 and is chronicled in M.G.L. Chapter 71 Section 2A (2019) and M.G.L. Chapter 74 Section 58 (2019).  The Quincy Public Schools adopts the aforementioned laws into its school policy.

SECTION II. DEFINITIONS

Administrator:          Person(s) including but not limited to principals, vice-principals, office personnel, and others who have disciplinary and managerial authority to enforce school policies and penalties.

Staff:                          Person(s) employed by the Quincy Public Schools as some full-time, part-time or independent contractors, as well as volunteers.

Parent/Guardian:     Person(s) that have legal guardian status and responsibility over a student enrolled in the Quincy Public Schools for educational purposes.

School Building:        Any building or enclosed walkway that is used or leased for educational purposes.

School Grounds:       All school buildings, parking lots, athletic fields, loading docks, and /or other school outdoor facilities, and other premises owned or leased by the school for educational purposes.

Student:                     Person(s) legally enrolled in the Quincy Public Schools for educational purposes.

Visitors:                   Person(s) physically present on school property who are not administrators, students, faculty or staff as defined above.

Tobacco

Paraphernalia:          Any device used to aid, ingest, light, burn, or consume any tobacco product as defined herein, including but not limited to pipes, rolling papers, matches or any component or part of a tobacco product.

Tobacco Product:      Any product containing, made or derived from tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff, or electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes, vape pens, electronic hookah, or other similar products, regardless of nicotine content, that rely on vaporization or aerosolization.  “Tobacco product” includes any component or part of a tobacco product. “Tobacco product” does not include any product that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration either as a tobacco use cessation product or for other medical purposes and which is being marketed and sold or prescribed solely for the approved purposes.

SECTION III.  USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS PROHIBITED

Use of Tobacco

Product:                   No person(s) shall, at any time, use a tobacco product in any school building, on any school grounds, at any athletic event or any school-sponsored event or in any school bus or other vehicle used for school purposes.

Possession of

Tobacco

Product:                   No student shall at any time possess any tobacco product or tobacco paraphernalia in any school building, on any school grounds, at any athletic event or any school-sponsored event or in any school bus or other vehicle used for school purposes.

Confiscation:          When there is evidence that a student is in possession of tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia, administrators or other designated staff may confiscate such items.

 

SECTION IV.  PENALTIES FOR STUDENTS

First Offense:         The student will be warned that smoking is prohibited per school policy and that continued use of tobacco products in violation of school policy will result in further disciplinary action.  The student shall be warned that this disciplinary action could include detention and suspension from school.  Parents will be notified of the warning by letter.  The student shall also be referred to counseling services that address the health risks related to the use of tobacco products and promote healthy decision making. 

Second Offense:    The parents of the student will be informed of the second violation.  The offending student will be assigned one (1) hour of detention and be required to attend additionally counseling services.  In the event that this is not completed, after a due process hearing, the student may be given an in-house suspension.  During the in-house suspension, the student will be required to complete all required schoolwork.

Third Offense:       The parents will be informed of the continuing violation.  After a due process hearing, the offending student will be assigned three (3) hours of after school detention.  If the student does not complete this detention, a due process hearing shall be held and the student may be suspended in school.   The student will also be suspended from all extracurricular school activities for the remainder of the quarter.  During the suspension the student will be required to complete all required schoolwork.

Four or More

Violations:              The parents will be informed of the violation and after a due process hearing the offending student will be assigned five (5) hours of after school detention.  If the student does not complete the detention, a due process hearing shall be held and the student may be further in-house suspended, or, at the discretion of the building principal, an out of school suspension may be imposed.  A recommendation of further action will be forwarded to the Director of Student Support Services.  During the suspension, the student will be required to complete all required schoolwork and may not participate in extracurricular school activities for the remainder of the semester.

 

SECTION V.  EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The K-12 Quincy Health Education Program includes units directed to the dangers inherent in the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco products.  The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, sponsored by the Quincy Police Department and operates in Quincy’s middle and elementary schools.  This program teaches skills necessary for students to resist peer temptation, media advertisement, drug, alcohol and tobacco product use.  At the high school level, there will be a continuation of the elementary and middle school health education program.  Alcohol, tobacco product and drug education seminars will be conducted throughout the school year.   

 

SECTION VI.  EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy shall take effect immediately upon its passage by the Quincy School Committee.

Approved 9.6.2019

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES – File 10.11.3

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE CONTROL

Infectious diseases that can be spread from one individual to another are called contagious or communicable diseases. Some disease control activities are required by law or regulation. The Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) establishes specific reporting and surveillance requirements.  The regulations also outline the isolation and quarantine requirements for contacts of persons with certain communicable diseases in school settings. These requirements include attendance guidelines for non-immune students when cases of vaccine-preventable diseases are reported. 

The following rules and regulations have been established by the Mass. Department of Public Health which concerns the more common communicable diseases:

   Disease

Minimum Period of Isolation of patient

Minimum period of quarantine of contacts

Chicken Pox

Within 5 days of rash or until all vesicles have formed scabs.

susceptible contacts excluded for 10 -21 days from exposure.

Shingles 

Unless rash can be completely covered, isolate patient until rash is crusted over.

 

Pertussis

Exclude patient with confirmed pertussis until 3 weeks after onset of cough or after completion of 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy.

If contacts are symptomatic as for cases A symptomatic use same restrictions contacts receive treatment but not exclusion is necessary.

Streptococcal Pharyngitis  

Exclude until at least 24 hrs. after beginning antibiotic therapy and resolution of fever.

 

                                                                                     

A comprehensive list of the current reportable diseases that are subject to control under general reporting isolation and quarantine regulations is made available to school nurses by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  See Procedures / Protocols for additional infectious disease control management within the schools in the QPS Health Services Manual.

In addition, the following situations involve specific reporting requirements:

  • Illnesses due to food consumption must be reported immediately to the local board of health or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
  • When vaccine preventable diseases occur they must be reported to the local board of health.
  • Any cluster or outbreak of any unusual disease or illness must be reported to the local board of health.

School nurses are responsible for reporting communicable diseases to the City of Quincy Health Department.

Revised May 2009; September 2020 (added Face Coverings requirement section); February 16, 2022 (Face Coverings section rescinded)

Current practice codified 1990

Adopted:          Date of Manual Adoption

LEGAL REFS.:. M.G.L. 71:54B, Student Handbooks

 

 

 

 

QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY GRADES 6-12 – File 10.19

 

Purpose:This policy provides for the implementation of Massachusetts Law 105 CMR 201.000, Head Injuries and Concussions in Extracurricular Athletic Activities.  The policy applies to all public middle and high school students who participate in any extracurricular athletic activitity.  This policy provides the procedures and protocols for the Quincy Public Schools in the prevention and management of sports–related head injuries within the district or school.  Review and revision of this policy is required every two years.

 

Definition of Terms:

Head Injury means a direct blow to the head or indirect trauma to the head including a concussion or traumatic brain injury.  Scalp or facial laceration alone is not a head injury as specified in 105 CMR 201.000.

Concussion means a complex disturbance in brain function, due to direct or indirect trauma to the head, related to neurometabolic dysfunction, rather than structural injury.

Pre-participation Requirements and Training

Concussion training is a pre-participation requirement for all students and must be completed prior to practice or competition.  The following persons annually shall complete one of the head injury safety training programs approved by the Quincy Public Schools (QPS):

  • Coaches and Advisors
  • Certified athletic trainers
  • Volunteers
  • School and team physicians
  • School nurses
  • Athletic Director
  • Directors responsible for a school marching band, whether employed by a school or school district or serving in such capacity as a volunteer
  • Parents of a student who participates in an extracurricular athletic activity
  • Students who participate in an extracurricular athletic activity

     

    This requirement may be met by:

         1.     Completing one of the approved free online programs.  The on-line courses can be found at: www.cdc.gov/headsup/   “Heads Up Concussion Training in Youth Sports”  www.nfhslesrn.com “Concussion in Sports – What You Need to  Know”, and providing a certificate of completion to the Athletic Director/Coach, or 

         2.    Signing an acknowledgement that they have read and understand written materials provided to them by the Athletic Director/Coach (See Appendix A and B)

    1. Attending a QPS sponsored training session and signing the attendance roster
    • The Athletic Director will keep all certificates, signed acknowledgements and training session

             rosters for three years, or at a minimum until the student graduates.

     

  • The training must be repeated every subsequent year.

     

  • Game officials must also complete an approved training annually and provide QPS with verification of completion upon request.

     

  • Additionally, students who plan to participate in extracurricular athletic activities and their parents must complete and sign the pre-participation MIAA Sports Medical Questionnaire” (See Appendix C)prior to each season of participation. The questionnaire will be distributed through the athletic department and may also be obtained in the health office.The questionnaire will be reviewed by the school nurse prior to athletic participation. The school nurse will provide appropriate follow-up when necessary.Annually, students are also required to provide a physical exam to the school nurses’ office.No student shall be medically cleared for extracurricular athletic activities until the school nurse has reviewed both the questionnaire and physical exam.The school nurse shall consult with the student’s primary care physician or the QPS school physician advisor as necessary regarding a student’s medical history and/or eligibility.

     

  • QPS may use a student’s history of head injury or concussion as a factor to determine whether to allow the student to participate in an extracurricular athletic activity or whether to allow such participation under specific conditions or modifications.

     

  • High school student athletes will be requiredto take a baseline “ImPACT Test” prior to the start of their participation in sports (See Appendix D and E).The Athletic Director or designee will coordinate scheduling of baseline ImPact testing for students with coaches and middle school health educators.

     

    Additional parental requirement:

     

  • If a student sustains a head injury or concussion during the season, but not while participating in an extracurricular athletic activity, the parent shall complete the “Report of Head Injury Form” (Appendix F) and submit same to the school nurse and Athletic Director.

     

     

    Exclusion from Play

     

  • Any student, who during a practice or competition, sustains a head injury or suspected

    concussion, or exhibits signs and symptoms of a concussion or loses consciousness, even briefly, shall be removed from the practice or competition immediately and may not return to the practice or competition that day.

     

  • The student shall not return to practice or competition unless and until the student provides

          medical clearance. The coach shall provide the necessary forms for the student to take to 

          their medical provider.  (see Appendix G) “Medical Clearance and Authorization Form”.

     

    QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY – File 10.19 (continued)

     

  • The coach shall communicate the nature of the injury directly to the parent in person or by

    phone immediately after the practice or competition in which a student has been removed from play due to a head injury, suspected concussion signs and symptoms of a concussion, or loss of consciousness.  The coach also must provide this information to the parent in writing, (see Appendix H) “QPS Head injury Notification and Home Instruction Handout”.

     

  • The coach or his or her designee shall communicate, by the end of the next business day, with the Athletic Director, and school nurse that the student has been removed from practice or competition for a head injury, suspected concussion, signs and symptoms of a concussion, or loss of consciousness. The coach will complete a “QPS Accident Form” (see Appendix I) and “Report of Head Injury Form” and send to the school nurse and Athletic Director.

     

    Return to Play

     

  • A QPS multidisciplinary team will develop a plan for the student’s return to play. This team may consist of guidance counselor, school nurse,teaching staff,with direction from primary care physician or physician managing the student’s recovery, and parent.

     

  • The plan shall include the academic recovery plan recommendations from the physician and the return to play protocol.

     

  • Students must be symptom free and medically cleared in order to return to play.

     

  • The following individuals may authorize a return to play:
    • A duly licensed physician
    • A duly licensed certified athletic trainer in consultation with a licensed physician
    • A duly licensed nurse practitioner in consultation with a licensed physician, or
    • A duly licensed neuropsychologist in coordination with the physician managing the student’s recovery

     

    Athletic Director Responsibilities:

     

  • The Athletic Director participates in the biannual review and revision of the policy.

     

  • The Athletic Director completes an annual training.

     

  • The Athletic Director shall:

     

    • Ensure the training of coaches, staff, parents, volunteers and students.

     

    • Maintain certificates of completion, attendance rosters, and signed affidavits.

     

    • Ensure that the medically cleared list is provided to all coaches, assistants, and volunteers and that no student participates without this clearance.

     

     

     

    QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY – File 10.19 (continued)

     

     

    • Ensure the Report of Head Injury Formsare completed by parents or coaches and reviewed by the school nurse.

     

    • Ensure that athletes are prohibited from engaging in any unreasonably dangerous athletic technique that endangers the health or safety of an athlete, including using a helmet or any other sports equipment as a weapon.

     

    • Maintain records of annual trainings, completions, affidavits, and/or attendance rosters for three years.

     

  • Report annual statistics to the Department of Public Health:

     

    • The total number of Head Injury Reports received from both coaches and parents.

     

    • The total number of students who incur head injuries and suspected concussions when engaged in any extracurricular athletic activities.

     

    Coach Responsibilities:

     

  • The coach completes the annual training and provides the Athletic Director with a certificateof completion.

     

  • The coach reviews the pre-participation information provided by the school nurse regarding a student’s history and/or risk of head injury.

     

     

  • The coach shall:
  •  

     

    • Ensure that all student athletes are offered ImPACT baseline testing prior to participation.

     

    • Ensure that all student athletes are on the medically cleared list prior to participation.

     

    • Identify athletes with head injuries or suspected concussions that occur in practice

    or competition and remove them from play.

     

    • Communicate the nature of the injury directly to the parent/guardian in person or by phone immediately during or after the practice or competition in which a student has been removed from play due to a head injury, suspected concussion signs and symptoms of a concussion, or loss of consciousness notify parent of any student removed from practice or competition and provide a “QPS Head injury Notification and Home Instruction Handout” and “Medical Clearance and Authorization Form”.

     

    • Complete the“QPS Accident Form”and “Report of Head Injury Form upon identificationof a student with a head injury or suspected concussion that occurs during practice or competition.

     

    QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY – File 10.19 (continued)

     

    • Promptly notify the Athletic Director and school nurse of any student removed from practice or competition by the end of the next business day.

     

    • Teach techniques aimed at minimizing sports-related head injury.

     

    • Discourage and prohibit athletes from engaging in any unreasonably dangerous athletic technique that endangers the health or safety of an athlete, including using a helmet or anyother sports equipment as a weapon.

     

    School Nurse Responsibilities:

     

  • The school nurses complete the annual training.

     

  • The school nurses participate in the biannual review and revision of the policy.

     

     

  • The school nurse shall:
  •  

     

    • Review all pre-participation questionnaires.

     

    • Review all annual physical exams.

     

    • Review all Report of Head Injury forms; and provide student who is head injured a copy of baseline ImPACT Test.

     

    • Maintain all questionnaires, physical exams, Report of Head Injury Forms, QPS Accident Form and any other pertinent medical information in the student health record.

     

    • Share on a need to know basis any head injury information regarding a student that may impact their ability to participate in extracurricular athletic activities or places a student at greater risk for repeated head injuries.

     

    • Participate in the reentry planning for students to discuss any necessary accommodations or modifications with respect to academics, course requirements, homework, testing scheduling and other aspects of school activities consistent with a graduated reentry plan for return to full academic and extracurricular athletic activities after a head injury and revising the health care plan as needed.

     

    • Monitor recuperating students with head injuries in collaboration with Student SupportTeam Members and teachers to ensure that the graduated reentry plan is being followed.

     

    • Provide annual and ongoing educational materials on head injury and concussion to teachers, staff and students.

     

     

     

     

     

    QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY – File 10.19 (continued)

     

     

    Guidance Counselor Responsibilities:

     

  • Be designated as the contact or “point person” once informed by the school nurse that a student has been diagnosed with a concussion.

     

  • Work with the student on organizing work assignments, making up work an giving time for

assignments and tests/quizzes.

 

  • Assist teachers in following the recovery stage and academic accommodations for student.
  • Convene meeting and develop rehabilitative plan as needed.
  • Notify teachers to decrease workload if symptoms reappear.
  • Educate staff on the educational impact concussions may have on students.
  • Communicate with school nurse and any concerns or report of students’ progress and give any medical reports to school nurse.
  •  

Classroom Teacher/Specialist Responsibilities:

 

Classroom Teacher/Specialist will be offered the annual concussion training.

 

The Classroom Teacher/Specialist shall:

 

  • Follow the academic guidelines set forth in the Academic Expectations During Post Concussion Recovery Plan.
  • Work in conjunction with the guidance counselor to follow the recommendations and accommodations.
  • Communicate with guidance counselor and/or school nurse student’s progress, academic needs, and/or any issues or concerns.  

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

Parent/Guardian will complete the annual concussion training and provide the Athletic Director with accompanying documentation.

The Parent/Guardian shall:

  • Complete and return to coach or school nurse the MIAA Medical Questionnaire/Permission/Medical Forms.
  • Pre-participation Head Injury/Concussion Reporting forms and annual physical form

     

    QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY – File 10.19 (continued)

     

     

  • Inform the coach or school nurse if your child sustains a concussion outside of school hours and complete the Report of Head Injury during a sports season form and give to coach or school nurse.
  • Watch for changes in your child that may indicate that your child does have a concussion or that your child’s concussion may be worsening.  Report to a physician:
  •  

    1. Loss of consciousness
    2. Headache
    3. Dizziness
    4. Lethargy
    5. Difficulty concentrating
    6. Balance problems
    7. Answering questions slowly
    8. Difficulty recalling events
    9. Repeating questions
    10. Irritability
    11. Sadness
    12. Emotionality
    13. Nervousness
    14. Difficulty with sleeping

     

  • Encourage your child to follow concussion protocol.
  • Enforce restrictions on rest, electronics and screen time.
  • Reinforce academic accommodations and gradual return to play plan.
  • Communicate about your child’s progress, academic needs or concerns with guidance counselor.
  • Observe and monitor your child for any physical or emotional changes.
  •  

     

  • Recognize that you child will be excluded from participation in any extracurricular athletic event if all forms are not completed and on file with the athletic department.
  •  

     

     

    QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY – File 10.19 (continued)

     

     

    Student and Student Athlete Responsibilities:

     

    Student Athletes or students participating in the Marching Band will complete the annual concussion training and provide the Athletic Director or Band Director with a certificate of completion.

     

    Student Athlete shall:

     

     

  • Return to coach or school nurse the Registration/Permission/Medical Forms
  •  

  • Pre-participation Head Injury/Concussion Reporting forms and annual physical form prior to

       participation in athletics

  • Recommended completion of  Baseline ImPACT Test prior to participation in athletics
  • Report all symptoms to coach and/or school nurse
  • Follow academic accommodations and return to play recovery plan
  • Rest
  • No athletics
  • Be honest
  • Keep strict limits on screen time and electronics
  • Don’t carry books or backpacks that are too heavy
  • Tell your teachers and guidance counselor if you are having difficulty with your class work
  • See the school nurse for pain management
  • Return Medical Clearance Form to coach prior to beginning gradual return to play protocol
  • Return to sports only when cleared by physician.
  • Report any symptoms to the coach and/or school nurse and parent(s)/guardian(s) if any occur after return to play
  • Students who do not complete and return all required trainings, testing and forms will not be allowed to participate in sports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONCUSSION POLICY – File 10.19 (continued)

 

Record Maintenance

 

QPS shall maintain the following record for three years or at a minimum until the student graduates:

 

Verifications of completion of annual trainings

 

Pre-participation Questionnaires

 

Annual physical exams

 

Head Injury Reports

 

Concussion Return to Play Protocols for injured students

 

These records will be made available to the Department of Public Health and DESE upon request or         in connection with any inspection or program review.

 

 

Approved:     February 8, 2012