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HPS Public Notices

School Entry Requirements (Kindergarten)
Children who attain the age of 5 on or before August 31 are eligible to enter kindergarten in September. Children who have not attended public kindergarten and who have reached the age of 6 on or before August 31 are eligible for enrollment in Grade 1. There will be no exceptions to these district policies.

A birth certifi cate is required upon original entry to kindergarten or fi rst grade. A physician’s certifi cate is required and must state that the child has been successfully immunized against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and poliomyelitis. A medical or religious waiver may be granted for the immunization requirement.

Curriculum Accommodation Plan and Learning Support Team (LST)
Each school follows a Curriculum Accommodation Plan that describes how the school addresses student learning diffi culties in regular education through extra help, program activities and classroom accommodations. (Each school’s plan is available on their webpage under the Parent link.) The plan identifi es school personnel who can assist with different types of diffi culties and school adjustment issues. Each school also has a Learning Support Team (LST) that meets regularly to problem-solve appropriate responses to students’ learning diffi culties. Each school’s guidance counselors and administrators provide ongoing support to teachers in addressing students’ needs. If a child is having learning diffi culties, parents should discuss the problems with the child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Special Education Child Find Notice
Under federal and state special education statutes the Hopkinton Public Schools has a duty to locate, identify, refer, evaluate and, if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students (34 CFR 300.451) who reside in the town of Hopkinton. For parents or guardians of children ages 3-21 years of age who have a disability or developmental delay, and who would like more information, please contact Marijane Hackett, Director of Student Services and Child Find Coordinator, at 508-497-9850.

Parent’s Rights Brochure
A special education Parent’s Rights Brochure is available from the Offi ce of Student Services, 508-497-9850, and this brochure is available in a number of different languages at http://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/prb/.

§504 Child Find Notice
Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination in publicly funded activities, the Hopkinton Public Schools has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate, and, if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students in its jurisdiction. For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or for answers to any questions you might have about identifi cation, evaluation, and placement into Section 504 programs, please contact the District’s Section 504 Coordinator at the following:
Marijane Hackett, District §504 Coordinator
Hopkinton Public Schools
89 Hayden Rowe Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748

Annual Notice of Administration of Standardized Tests, Surveys, and Collection of Data

The Hopkinton Public Schools adheres to the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), a federal law that affords parents and eligible students (those who have reached the age of 18) certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. The Hopkinton School Committee policy on implementation of the PPRA can be found at
(http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php)
or by requesting a copy from the Offi ce of the Superintendent of Schools.

Massachusetts regulations require that school districts notify parents at least on an annual basis about research as well as standardized testing programs to be conducted and of routine information to be collected or solicited from students during the year. Included in this page is a schedule of standardized testing for the 2010-2011 school year, which serves as annual notice.

Notice of Activities: The schools will provide direct notice to parents/eligible students of the activities or surveys identifi ed in the PPRA that the Hopkinton Public Schools anticipates conducting. The school will provide parents/eligible students with consent forms or the opportunity to opt a child out of activities, if applicable.

Inspection of Materials: Parents or eligible students who wish to exercise their right to inspect surveys as identifi ed in the PPRA may do so by sending written notice to the school principal. The principal will respond to requests within ten calendar days. Opportunity for inspection of applicable materials will be provided at the school or district administrative offices.

Protections of Student Privacy: The Superintendent will insure that procedures are in place to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and in the collection, disclosure or use of personal information for marketing, selling or other distribution purposes. Parents or eligible students who believe their rights under the PPRA have been violated may fi le a complaint within the district by contacting:

Assistant Superintendent of Schools
District PPRA Compliance Officer 508-417-9360
Complaints may also be filed with: Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605

2011–2012 Schedule for MCAS and MEPA Testing

Fall 2011 MEPA: Grades 1–12
MELA-O    October 3–31
MEPA-R/W    October 24-31

November 2011 MCAS ELA and Mathematics Retests: High school
Mathematics, Session 1    November 9
Mathematics, Session 2    November 10
ELA Composition, Sessions A and B    November 14
ELA Reading Comprehension, Sessions 1 and 2    November 15
ELA Reading Comprehension, Session 3    November 16

February 2012 MCAS High School Biology Test : High school
Biology, Session 1    February 1
Biology, Session 2    February 2

March 2012 MCAS ELA and Mathematics Retests: High school
ELA Composition, Sessions A and B    February 29
ELA Reading Comprehension, Sess. 1 and 2    March 1
ELA Reading Comprehension, Session 3    March 2
Mathematics, Session 1    March 5
Mathematics, Session 2    March 6

Spring 2012 MEPA: Grades K–12
MELA-O    Feb. 13– March 16
MEPA-R/W    March 5–16

2012 MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt)
Grades 3–12 MCAS-Alt    April 2 (Deadline for submitting portfolios)

March–April 2012 MCAS Tests
Grades 4, 7, 10 ELA Composition, Sessions A and B    March 20
ELA Composition Make-Up    March 29
Grades 3, 5, 6, 8 ELA Reading Comprehension    March 20– April 2
Grades 4 and 7    March 21– April 2
Grade 10 ELA Reading Comprehension, Sess. 1 and 2    March 21
ELA Reading Comprehension, Session 3    March 22

May 2012 MCAS Tests
Grades 3–8 Mathematics    May 8–May 22
Grades 5 and 8 Science and Technology/Engineering (STE)    May 18–May 22
Grade 10 Mathematics, Session 1    May 15*
Mathematics, Session 2    May 16*

June 2012 MCAS: High School STE Tests: High School
Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, Technology/Engineering
High School STE, Session 1    June 5
High School STE, Session 2    June 6

* Advanced Placement (AP) exams have been scheduled on the same dates as tjhe grade 10 MCAS Mathematics test sessions (May 15 and 16, 2012). For spring 2012, tenth graders participating in the MCAS test session when fi nished with the AP exam, or participate in the MCAS test session as a make-up session as soon after the regularly administered session as possible.

Policy Pertaining to Student Records

Under both state and federal laws, parents and students have rights related to student records including rights to access records and rights to confi dentiality of records. Regulations adopted by the State Board of Education pertaining to student records have the force of law and apply to all public schools. They are designed to insure parents’ and students’ rights of confi dentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of student records, and to assist school authorities in their responsibilities for the maintenance of student records. The Hopkinton Public Schools comply with all state and federal statutes and regulations regarding student records.

See School Committee Policy JRA (http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php) for further information or obtain a copy of this policy from the principal. This policy will also direct you to original sources of law and regulation including M.G.L., c.71, & 34E and 603 CMR 23.00.

Divorced or legally separated parents who do not have physical custody of their child (also called “non-custodial parents”) must meet certain criteria before being allowed access to their child’s records and school information pursuant to M.G.L. c. 44-53A; 71- 37A. See School Committee Policy KBBA on the district website (http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php) for further information.

The student record may be forwarded to a school to which the student is transferring without the student’s or parent’s consent. When records are requested and transferred, parents will be notifi ed. Regulations provide that the parent may notify the school that he/she does not wish the student record to be forwarded to a school to which the student is transferring without prior consent. Such requests should be addressed in writing to the principal.

Parent May Exempt Student from Instruction in Human Sexuality

Human sexuality is a part of the established curriculum. It includes the following topics: Grades 5-12 – puberty, dating, relationships, and communication, communicable and non-communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS and universal precautions Grades 6-12 – reproductive anatomy and physiology, responsible pregnancy prevention. Material is presented in a balanced, age appropriate, and factual way. During the course, students will be able to ask questions, which will be answered in an age appropriate manner.

Under Massachusetts law, parents have a right to inspect and review program instruction materials and parents may request an exemption for a child from any portion of the curriculum that primarily involves human sexuality education. To receive an exemption, simply send a letter to the Principal requesting an exemption for your child. No student who is exempted from this portion of the curriculum will be penalized. See School Committee Policy IAHMB for further information or obtain a copy of this policy from the Principal. (http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php)

Parents May Restrict Publication of Student Photograph or Image

During the year, we often take photographs of students, parents, teachers, and school activities and may include these pictures on school bulletin boards, in school and HPTA publications, in local newspapers, and on our web site.

Students’ addresses and phone numbers will not be included with any information posted on the web site.

If you DO NOT want your child’s photo to appear in these public places, please complete the form provided by your child’s school, sign it, and return it to school by October 1, Forms are also available in the main offi ce of each school.

This policy shall not limit the right to publish photographs of any student participating in school sports, school plays or concerts or other activities in the public domain.

For more information on this School Committee policy, please see policy JRD at (http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php) or obtain a copy of this policy and additional information from the Principal.

Acceptable Internet Use

Students are held responsible for proper behavior on school computer networks just as they are for proper behavior throughout the school. Network access is provided for students for the purpose of research, communication, and online course participation. Access to the network for these purposes is provided as long as it is used responsibly.

Students must use appropriate electronic information protocol, including never giving out personal information about oneself or another. If anyone tries to contact the student for illicit or suspicious activities, the student must notify parents/guardians, a teacher, or a school administrator.

It is a violation of this policy for any student to engage in computer activity that does not adhere to the rules and policies of the Hopkinton Public Schools. Internet use is governed by School Committee policy, school rules, and applicable laws and regulations. See School Committee policy IJNDB, which is found at: http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php.

Notice Re: Non-Discrimination and Civil Rights Protections

The Hopkinton Public Schools provide a safe and secure learning environment for all its students without differences based on race, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, genetics or sexual orientation. Discrimination, sexual and bias-motivated harassment, and violations of civil rights disrupt the educational process, are illegal, and will not be tolerated.

It is an explicit violation of district policy for any pupil, teacher, administrator or other school personnel to engage in sexual or bias-related harassment (referred to as “wrongful harassment”) or to violate the civil rights of any pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel. A failure of such personnel to address conduct which violates this policy also constitutes a violation of civil rights. Conduct amounting to a hate crime is a particularly serious infraction that will result in referral to law enforcement agencies.

The Hopkinton Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities. Each school’s principal is charged with ensuring that educational programs comply with all aspects of law pertaining to the educational rights of students with qualifying disabilities.

The Hopkinton Public School System is committed to full access of all students, parents, and interested persons to educational programs, facilitites, and events. If you need assistance in order to have access, please call the school or Superintendent’s offi ce at (508) 417-9360. If you require sign language interpretation, please request as far in advance as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Each school will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual or bias-related harassment or violations of civil rights and will take appropriate action against any pupil, teacher, administrator, or other school personnel who is found in violation. Inquiries or complaints should be directed to the principal. Issues or complaints that cannot be resolved at the building level can be brought to the attention of the District Civil Rights Coordinator, or to the Massachusetts Department of Education or to the U.S. Department of Education, Offi ce for Civil Rights. Dr. Mary Colombo is the school district coordinator for Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, §504/ADA, Chapter 622, and coordinator for the provisions of all Massachusetts laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination. The grievance procedures set forth in Hopkinton School Committee policy ACER can be used to resolve any discrimination complaints alleging non-compliance with any of the above statutes and related regulations. (http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php)

BUS CHANGES

• Grades K-5 students are not allowed to make day-to-day bus switches.
• Grades 2-5 students are allowed to take different buses under specifi c guidelines.
• Grades 6-12 are allowed to switch except on early dismissal days and only with a valid bus pass for the year.
• Grades K-5 may be transported to and from up to two childcare locations under these conditions:
• The bus has available space
• The childcare locations are continuous throughout the year and are on an approved bus stop
• Notification of the childcare stop is received in the transporation office by June 1.

Please see School Committee Transportation Policy EEA at (http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php)

Lunch Pre-payment at High School, Middle School, Hopkins, and Elmwood

We hope you take advantage of the automated lunch pre-payment system. It works like a debit account with a “PIN” (personal identifi cation number).

Advantages of prepayment are ease of use, secure PIN numbers, no cash involved, assurance money is being used for the cafeteria, low account balance warnings, history reports, and automatic roll-over or return of unused funds.

To get started (at any time), send a check payable to Hopkinton School Lunch in the amount (lunches are $2.50/ premium $3.00 at the secondary level and $2.25 at the elementary level) you wish to pre-pay to:
Sherry Toscano
Food Service Director
89 Hayden Rowe Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-417-9314

Lunch pre-payments are also accepted online:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) for School Volunteers

Under M.G.L. c. 71, §38R, the Hopkinton Public Schools must request criminal offender record information (CORI) from the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) for all employees and volunteers who have direct and unmonitored contact with children. (Note that this does not include volunteers who are escorted to classrooms and conduct a whole group activity under the teacher’s continuous supervision.) Every employee and volunteer must renew their CORI clearance at least once every three years. No one can volunteer past the third year anniversary of the last CORI report.

The school system requires every volunteer to complete and sign a VOLUNTEER APPLICANT DISCLOSURE FORM available at each school or on the district website. Applicants must allow their license or other government issued identification to be photocopied and attached to the disclosure form. Volunteers with expired CORI clearance will not be allowed to continue until clearance is given again. Note: CORI clearance through another organization such as an employer or youth sports organization can not be used for clearance in the school or in any other organization.

CORI applications are sent to the superintendent’s offi ce and processed only by personnel certifi ed to handle CORIs. Only authorized school personnel may receive CORI reports and these reports, as well as the authorization forms, are maintained in secure fi les. If a question arises as the result of the CORI report, the Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent will offer to meet to discuss the report. A copy of the report will be made if requested, but a Copy Request Form must be signed and maintained in the files.

The School Committee policy on CORI can be found at http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/newweb2/schoolcommittee/policies/policies.php and the Massachusetts CORI regulations can be found at http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/chsb/cori_public_hearing_of_regs.pdf.

Home-School Communications: In order to reduce paper usage, the Hopkinton Public Schools will rely on the district website (www.hopkinton.k12. ma.us) and email listserv for non-emergency communications. The schools do not send paper notices home with students. To receive Listserv email messages and e-fl yers parents must provide thier current email addresses on their child’s School Contact Information verifi cation sheet at the beginning of the year, and update the school with any email address change that occurs during the year.

School Involvement

School Councils
The 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act mandated the creation of a School Council for each school to serve as an advisory group to the principal. The School Councils are comprised of the principal, a parent and teacher representative for each grade, a member of the community who does not have a child in that school and at the secondary level, a student. Duties of the School Council Representatives include adopting educational goals for the school, identifying educational needs of students, reviewing the school’s budget, and formulating a school improvement plan. School Council reports are available at each of the school offi ces and the Superintendent’s offi ce. All School Council meetings must comply with open meeting law and therefore are open to the public.

Interested candidates should contact Lee Burns at schoolcouncil@hptaonline.com or 508-497-5174 by August 26, 2011 to place their names in nomination and submit a profile for distribution. Elections for School Council members will take place at each school’s Curriculum or Back To School Night.

Hopkinton Public Schools
www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us

Teaming Up For Education

HPTA
www.hptaonline.com

Non-Discrimination Notice
The Hopkinton Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, genetics, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities.

The Hopkinton Public School System is committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Harassment by administrators, certified and support personnel, students, vendors and other individuals at school or at school-sponsored events is unlawful and is strictly prohibited. The Hopkinton Public School System requires all employees and students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect to their fellow employees, students and all members of the school community. Also see the HPS Public Notices section of the Source Book.