TRANSLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To translate: copy the full URL of this document. Open a new browser window and navigate to Google Translate. Be sure that it is set to “Websites.” Paste the URL into the box marked “Website.” Select your preferred language from the dropdown menu in the top right then click the blue arrow. This handbook will appear in your preferred language.

请复制此文件的完整网址。打开一个新窗口并进入谷歌翻译。确保选择 “Websites”

(“网站”) 模式。将网址粘贴到 “Website” (“网站-”) 框中。  从右上角的下拉菜单中选择您的首选语言，然后点击蓝色箭头。 本手册将以您的首选语言显示。

Tanpri, kopye tout adrès kote enfòmasyon an ye sou Entènèt (URL) ki pou dokiman sa a. Ouvri yon nouvo fenèt epi ale sou Google Tradiksyon. Asire w fonksyon “Websites” (“Sit Entènèt”) la seleksyone. Kopye URL la nan kare ki make “Website” (“Sit Entènèt”). Chwazi lang ou prefere a nan meni ki gen lis lang yo ki anwo adwat, epi klike sou flèch ble a. Liv sa a ap parèt nan lang ou prefere a.

이 문서의 전체 URL을 복사합니다. 새 창을 열고 구글 번역으로 이동합니다. “Websites” (웹사이트)로 설정되어 있는지 확인하세요. URL을 “Website” (웹사이트)로 표시된 상자에 붙여넣습니다. 오른쪽 상단의 드롭다운 메뉴에서 원하는 언어를 선택한 다음 파란색 화살표를 클릭합니다. 이 핸드북이 원하는 언어로 표시됩니다.

INSTRUÇÕES PARA TRADUÇÃO: ​​Copie a URL completa deste documento. Abra uma nova janela e acesse o Google Tradutor. Lembre-se de clicar em “Websites” (“Sites”). Cole a URL no campo que indica “Website” (“Site”). Selecione seu idioma de preferência no menu suspenso, no lado superior direito da página, e clique na seta azul. Este manual aparecerá em seu idioma de preferência.

Пожалуйста, скопируйте полный электронный адрес этого документа. Откройте новое окно и перейдите в Google Переводчик. Убедитесь, что в нем установлен режим “Websites” («Веб-сайты»). Вставьте электронный адрес (URL) в поле с надписью “Website” («Сайт»). Выберите предпочтительный язык из выпадающего списка в правом верхнем углу и нажмите на синюю стрелку. Справочник появится на выбранном вами языке.

Por favor, copie la URL completa de este documento. Abra una nueva ventana y navegue a Traductor de Google. Asegúrese de que esté configurado en “Websites” (“Sitios web”). Pegue la URL en el cuadro marcado “Website” (“Sitio web”). Seleccione su idioma preferido del menú desplegable en la parte superior derecha y luego haga clic en la flecha azul. Este manual aparecerá en su idioma preferido.

በጃኹም ምሉእ ዩ.ኣር.ኤል (URL) ናይዚ ሰነድ ኮፒ ግበሩ። ሓድሽ መስኮት ኽፈቱ እሞ ናብ ጉግል ቶርጓሚ ኺዱ። ናብ “Websites” (“መርበባት ሓበሬታ”) ከም ዝተመላኸተ ኣረጋግጹ። ነቲ ዩ.ኣር.ኤል (URL) ኣብቲ “Website” (“መርበብ ሓበሬታ”) ዝብል ምልክት ዘለዎ ሳጹን ለጥፎዎ። ካብቲ ኣብ ላዕለዋይ የማን ዘሎ ንቑልቁል ዝወርድ ዝርዝር ዝደለኽምዎ ቋንቋ ምረጹ፣ ድሕሪኡ ነቲ ሰማያዊ ቀስቲ ጠውቑ። እዚ መጽሓፍ መምርሒ ብዝመረጽክምዎ ቋንቋ ክቐርብ እዩ።

Lütfen bu belgenin tam URL'sini kopyalayın. Yeni bir pencere açın ve Google Çeviri'yi ziyaret edin. “Websites” ('Web Siteleri') seçeneğinin seçili olduğundan emin olun. URL'yi “Website” ('Web Sitesi') olarak işaretlenen kutuya yapıştırın. Sağ üst köşeden tercih ettiğiniz dili seçin ve ardından mavi oka tıklayın. Bu el kitabı tercih ettiğiniz dilde görünecektir.

Vui lòng chép lại toàn bộ URL trên tài liệu này. Mở một cửa sổ mới và điều hướng về Google Dịch. Đảm bảo trang này đã được đặt về “Websites” (Trang mạng). Dán URL này vào hộp đánh dấu “Website” (Trang mạng). Chọn ngôn ngữ quý vị ưu tiên có trong thanh công cụ thả xuống ở phía trên bên phải, sau đó bấm vào mũi tên màu xanh dương. Sổ tay này sẽ xuất hiện bằng ngôn ngữ quý vị ưu tiên.

WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

Wellesley High School cultivates positive learning experiences and fosters responsibility and integrity so that, upon leaving, our students will continue to contribute to their worlds.

CORE VALUES

Wellesley High School is a dynamic learning community guided by our district’s core values:

• Academic excellence
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Caring and cooperative relationships
• Value and respect for human differences
• Commitment to community

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

Our goal is that Wellesley High School students will:

• write effectively for a variety of purposes
• read actively and critically across the curriculum for a variety of purposes
• speak effectively in different settings
• express ideas creatively across the curriculum
• apply reasoning and problem-solving in all disciplines
• use technology effectively and responsibly for a variety of purposes
• perform physical and artistic skills
• identify, evaluate and utilize a variety of resources for obtaining information

Wellesley High School encourages our community to recognize the value of learning for learning’s sake.

SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS

Our goal is that Wellesley High School community members will:

• contribute to the well-being and welfare of others within the school community
• assume responsibility for their own decisions and behavior
• demonstrate a willingness to resolve conflicts responsibly
• respect one another

CIVIC EXPECTATIONS

Our goal is that Wellesley High School community members will:

• foster respectful and productive relationships between the Wellesley High School community and the community at large
• exercise their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society

HONOR CODE

As a member of the Wellesley High School community, I will act with honesty, integrity and respect through the choices I make.

• I will act with integrity and honesty when taking tests or assessments, which means neither offering nor receiving unapproved assistance.
• I will act with integrity and honesty when submitting homework and papers, which means neither copying nor plagiarizing the work of others.
• I will respect the property of the school, my classmates and other members of the WHS community.
• I will speak and behave respectfully to all members of the WHS community.

The Wellesley Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities.

The Wellesley Public School System is committed to maintaining a school environment free of harassment based on race, color, sex, age, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status.

All district academic and nonacademic programs and events are offered regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status.

WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL - STUDENT HANDBOOK

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Wellesley High School Handbook is an informational resource that outlines school procedures and defines policies in order to help students develop the self-discipline necessary to achieve the school's Social Expectations goals. The key purpose of these goals is to foster a climate of caring and cooperative relationships between all members of the community, and to encourage students to advocate for themselves by working maturely and directly with their teachers. Students should use the Handbook as a guide to the behaviors that are appropriate in our school and that will enable us to achieve our educational goals. Students should also realize that the expectations outlined in the Handbook may be different from those in other aspects of their lives; therefore, it is essential to understand this detailed information to avoid unnecessary consequences.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TRANSLATION INSTRUCTIONS        1

WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS        2

SECTION 1        7

GENERAL INFORMATION        7

Communicating With Wellesley High School        7

WPS Policy On Emails And Other Electronic Communication        8

Assistant Principal And School Counselor Assignments        9

Powerschool Acceptable Use Guidelines        10

WPS 2024-2025 Academic Year Calendar        11

WPS 2024-2025 Religious And Cultural Observances Calendar        12

WPS PK-12 Attendance Procedure:        13

Absence and Tardy Information        13

Applicable Laws regarding Student Attendance        14

WHS Class Cut Policy        15

WHS Privileges        16

WHS Traffic Pattern Map        18

SECTION 2        19

ACTIVITIES (Committees, After School, Athletics, Governance, and Extra Curricular)        19

Student Advisory Committees        19

After School And Evening Activities        19

Athletics        20

Philosophy:        20

Athletic Activities Available For Students:        20

Playing Time:        21

Class Governance        25

Class Officers:        25

Guidelines For Class Elections:        25

Community Service        25

Extracurricular Activities        26

Clubs And Activities:        26

Fund Raising:        26

School Council:        26

SECTION 3        27

ACADEMICS (Policies regarding Grading, Homework, Assessment and Program Changes

& Academic Integrity)        27

Academic Midterm Notification:        27

Awards:        27

Credit For Courses Taken Outside Wellesley High School:        27

Enrichment        28

Summer School For Credit Recovery        28

Directed Research:        28

Early Graduation        29

Extra Help:        29

Final Assessment Policy:        29

Grade Point Average:        30

Grading:        30

Grading Term Guidelines        31

Graduation Requirements:        31

Honor Roll:        32

Homework:        32

Accommodations For Religious & Cultural Observances        32

Independent Study:        33

Level Designations:        33

Course Registration:        34

Making Up Class Work:        34

Making Up Incomplete Report Card Grades:        34

Minimum Assigned Class Time:        35

Program Changes:        35

Suggested Credits Per Year        36

Repeating A Course That Has Been Passed:        36

Auditing Courses        37

Powerschool:        37

Semester Or Term Away From Wellesley High School:        37

Senior Projects:        37

Student Assistant Policy:        38

Tests:        38

Withdrawing From A Course:        39

Academic Integrity:        39

Plagiarism - A Form Of Cheating        40

SECTION 4        42

SERVICES (Information on School and Community Services and Resources)        42

Advisory Program:        42

Availability Of Student Directory        42

Bulletin Boards:        42

Bus Transportation:        42

Cafeteria:        43

Cancellation Or Delayed Opening Of School:        43

Community Resources:        44

Outstanding Obligations:        44

Field Trips:        45

Fire Drills/Emergency Evacuation:        45

School Counseling Services:        46

Section 504 Of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973        47

LBGTQ+ Resources:        47

Lockers:        47

Lost And Found:        48

      Nursing Services        48

WPS Health And Wellness Guidelines        49

Screenings:        50

Medication Procedures While At School:        50

Concussion/Head Injury Protocol:        51

Student In Crisis        51

Use Of The Elevator        51

Resource Areas        52

Library:        52

Math Lab:        53

Social Studies Lab:        53

Writing Lab:        53

Motor Vehicle Use:        53

Restricted Areas Of The Building:        53

Security:        54

Work Permits:        54

APPENDIX        55

WPS PREK-12 DISTRICT WIDE SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICIES        55

Alcohol And Drug Policy        55

Screening For Substance Abuse        55

WHS Student/Guardian Agreement        56

Search And Seizure:        56

Anti-Discrimination Policy        57

Nondiscrimination Policy To Protect Students And Staff From Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, Bullying And Hazing        57

Student-To-Student Harassment        57

Sex-Based Harassment        58

Prohibition of Hazing        59

Attendance Policy        59

Student Absence Notification Program        59

Dropout Prevention        59

Bullying Policy, Prevention And Intervention Plan        60

Civil Rights Policies        63

Notification Of Rights Under The Protection Of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)        63

Notification Of Civil Rights And 504 Coordinators        63

Regulations Concerning Physical Restraint:        64

Special Education: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)        64

WPS Policy Regarding Animals In School        64

WPS Policy Regarding The Educational Rights Of Children And Youth In Homeless Situations        64

WPS Regarding Pregnancies        64

Federal Grants        66

Student Conduct, Discipline & Due Process Rights        67

Rules And Regulations:        67

WHS Guidelines For Consequences:        68

Student Discipline:        69

Detention:        69

Mediation:        69

Saturday School:        69

Suspension:        69

Opportunity For Academic Progress During Suspension/Expulsion        71

Student Due Process Rights:        71

Emergency Removal        73

Superintendent’s Hearing:        73

Repeat Infractions:        73

Discipline And Students With Disabilities:        74

Student Dress Code Policy        75

Student Record Regulations & FERPA        75

Transcript And Temporary Records        75

Access        75

Amendment        76

Discipline Records        76

Noncustodial Parent:        76

Release Of Student Information:        77

Technology - Acceptable Use Policy        77

Purpose        77

Availability        77

Acceptable Use        77

Monitored Use        77

Liability        78

Acceptable Use Policy - System And Network:        78

Bring Your Own Laptop (Byol) Guidelines:        79

WHS CYCLE CALENDAR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR        80

COMMUNICATING WITH WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL

MAIN NUMBER - 781-446-6290

A parent or guardian must inform the High School on the day of a student’s absence. Call: 781-446-6290 and press option 1 by 9:00 AM each day of the absence with your name, the student’s name, reason for absence and a phone number where you can be reached. 

Please call to leave a voice message for a specific teacher. Teachers are expected to respond to phone calls or emails within 48 hours. If a parent would like to meet with a teacher, please call the teacher and make an appointment for a mutually convenient time.

Principal: Dr. Jamie Chisum …………………………………………………………………………………………………….... x 4602

Perrin House: Assistant Principal: Mr. Collin Shattuck ……………………………………………………………………....….. x 4638

Phillips House: Assistant Principal: Mr. Andrew Kelton ………………………………………………………………………… x 4651

Bradford House: Assistant Principal: Ms. Sarah Matloff…… …………………………………………………………………… x 4626

Art Department: Mr. Thomas Carter, Director K-12 ……………………………………………………………………………... x 4639

Athletic Department: Mr. John Brown, Director …………………………………………………………………………………. x 4616

World Languages Department: Mr. Timothy Eagan, Department Head …………………………………………………………. x 4619

English Department: Mr. John Finneron, Department Head ……………………………………………………………………... x 4620

Multilingual Learner Education Program: Dr. Merites Abelard,  K-12………………………………………...………        M.S. 446-6210

Family & Consumer Science Department: Mr. Collin Shattuck,  Department Head ……………………………………………. x 4638

Fitness & Health Department: Ms. Joanne Grant, Director K-12 ………………………………………………………. M.S. 446-6250

School Counseling Department: Margaret Walendin, Director…………………………………………………………………. x 4603

Library: Ms. Toni Carlson, Director K-12…………………………………………………………………………………...……. x 4645

Mathematics Department: Ms. Elisa Morris, Department Head …………………………………………………………………. x 4646

METCO: Mr. Nile Fox,  High School Academic Coordinator …………………………………………………………………….x 4152

Nurses: Ms. Krisann Miller, Ms. Shari Johnson, and Ms.Pam Sheridan…………………………………………………………...x 4610

Performing Arts Department: TBD, Director K-12 ……………………………………………………………... M.S. 446-6250 x 4120

Science, Technology and Engineering Department: Ms. Nora Wilkins, Department Head …………………………………….. x 4652

Social Studies Department: Mr. Michael Reidy, Department Head …………………………………………………………….... x 4631

Special Services Department: Mr. Greg Beaupre, Department Head ……………………………………………………………..  x4628

Transportation: Mr. Deane McGoldrick ………………………………………………………………………..... M.S. 446-6210 x 4514

Utilization of School Facilities: Ms. Trisha Slyne ……………………………………………………………….. M.S. 446-6210 x 4511

Virtual High School Coordinator: Mr. Andrew Kelton ………………………………………………………………………….. x 4651

Please access the Wellesley High School web page for the e-mail address of the WHS faculty and staff at the following:

Wellesley High School Staff Directory:  wellesleyps.org/whs/staff-directory/

WHS Athletic Department Website:  wellesleyps.org/athletics/

WPS POLICY ON EMAILS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

OVERARCHING EXPECTATION 

Email and other electronic communication tools can be an effective and efficient means for communication. The detailed guidance below is intended for all members of the WPS community: students, caregivers and staff. Our overarching expectation is that emails and electronic communication should:

• promote productive, honest, and respectful communication
• reflect the spirit of our district value of caring and cooperative relationships
• align with the WPS school improvement goal to foster a safe and welcoming community
• mirror the civility and professionalism of a face-to-face conversation

DETAILED GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS, FAMILIES, & STAFF

Emails are not confidential and are subject to Public Records Law. They can be requested by anyone. When writing/sending emails:

• observe rules of formal English grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.

• avoid the use of all capitals, which many interpret as the equivalent of yelling

• be aware: emails can be forwarded without the original sender’s permission

• limit the use of “reply all”

• avoid unnecessary or aggressive use of cc (carbon copy)

• use Bcc (blind carbon copy) when emailing groups to keep email addresses confidential

• To avoid misunderstandings and/or misinterpretations, keep emails simple, direct, and businesslike (e.g. limit emails to ~100 words).

• Emails should not be used to communicate any information that is highly emotional, sensitive or contentious. In such a case, emails may be used to arrange a time to meet or to have a phone conversation.

• On occasion, an email correspondence that begins cordially may start to feel contentious; when emotions start to run high, it is best to arrange a time to talk face-to-face or by phone.

• In urgent matters and time-sensitive communications such as dismissals, please call the office and speak to someone to have the message relayed to the faculty member. Faculty members are teaching students and are not always checking email during the school day.

• For nonurgent emails, it is reasonable to expect a response within 2-3 school days (excluding weekends).

• Students in Grades 7-12 should use their WPSraiders.org account when emailing teachers and should address email to the staff wellesleyps.org account.

• School email accounts should not be used for business unrelated to the work of the school (e.g. fundraising, political campaigns, advertising non-school events, etc.).

• Educators are not given a school cell phone and therefore, except in predetermined circumstances approved by a supervisor, texting should not be used as a means for caregivers and students to communicate with staff.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS

Students as Advocates for Themselves:

Students at the high school level should be taking on increasingly more and more responsibility for themselves as individuals and as students. Therefore, when a student is having difficulty in a class, they should speak directly with the teacher as a first step in addressing/resolving the issue.

When the Parent/Guardian Becomes Involved:

• If, after the student has spoken directly with his or her teacher, the parent/guardian remains concerned, the parent should then contact the teacher. The issue should not go directly to the department head, assistant principal or principal without first addressing the issue with the teacher.  
• Parents/Guardians can contact teachers by either phone or email.
• Teachers are expected to respond to phone or email messages within 48 hours.  

Guidelines for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Communications:

Occasionally, the number of back-and-forth communications between teachers and parents/guardians becomes excessive. The guideline we have established to address this is the “two response communication” standard. When a parent or guardian makes initial contact with a teacher to express a concern, the teacher will respond with answers to the parent/guardian's questions. The parent/guardian may then ask any follow-up questions they might have, and again the teacher will respond to those questions. At this point, the issue should have been sufficiently addressed; however, if the parent or guardian feels the issue has not been sufficiently addressed and continues to email or phone the teacher, further communications will be forwarded to the department head for consideration. The parent/guardian or student should contact the department head after they have discussed their concerns with the teacher and the concerns still exist, to arrange a meeting.  Requests to avoid a teacher in subsequent years will only be considered if the previous steps have been taken.  Further decisions as such will only be for the student in question, not subsequent siblings.

Meetings:

• The student must attend the meeting unless there is a compelling reason for them not to be there.
• Parents/guardians and students should clearly state their reason for requesting a meeting so that all points can be considered and addressed. This will also help to ensure that the discussion remains focused on the specific issue that is of concern to the student and/or their parent/guardian.
• Meetings should be planned at a mutually agreeable time. All parties should adhere to the agreed upon time frame for the meeting.

POWERSCHOOL ACCEPTABLE USE GUIDELINES

We believe that student, parent/guardian access to grades and attendance through PowerSchool is a means of communication with your child’s teachers during the school year in our effort to support their education.

Please be respectful of this access. There may be times that the information in the PowerSchool system may be out of date. If the issue has to deal with grades, please contact the appropriate teacher. Any other concerns should be directed to the House Office.   

In addition to checking the PowerSchool portal to monitor your child’s academic progress, please follow the protocol outlined below when seeking clarification about their progress:

        1.        Talk with your child

        2.        Have your child talk with their teacher

        3.        Check the teacher’s grading policy.  The computer does the calculation based on the teacher’s grading policy.

        4.        Send an email or call the teacher(s) for further clarification

        5.        Request a meeting with the teacher

        6.        Contact your child’s school counselor

        7.        Contact an administrator (Department Head or Assistant Principal)

As a parent/guardian, I understand that I am agreeing to the following:

        1.        Username and passwords are to be kept confidential.

        2.        Only one username and password will be issued per student and parent/guardian.

        3.        PowerSchool login issues should be submitted via Help Desk. Note: The school system does not provide support for your home/work computer.

        4.         It is your responsibility to determine which parent(s) or guardian(s) will be able to access records.

        5.         After your child speaks to their teacher, a follow up email directly to the teacher or setting up an appointment is the recommended protocol to address concerns about your child’s grades. After talking to the teacher, contact the Department Head, if necessary.

        6.         Even though you will be able to check grades 24 hours a day/7 days a week, teachers will be expected to update their gradebooks monthly, at mid-quarter and at the end of the quarter/semester. Please be patient and do not contact teachers requesting a grade sooner than what is outlined above.

        7.         Please be sensitive to the number of students each teacher grades when contacting them: excessive emails will take away from necessary time needed to prepare for their classes.  If you have questions with any of your child’s grades, please send one email to the teacher inquiring about the grade.

Inappropriate use of PowerSchool may result in discontinued access after a meeting with the Assistant Principal.

WPS 2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR

2024-2025 WPS RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL OBSERVANCES CALENDAR

Wellesley Public Schools values the significance of all holidays celebrated by our families. Please note that the list below may not encompass every holiday. For multi-day holidays, the date listed on the calendar is the first day of the holiday.

* The observance begins at sunset the day before

WPS PK-12 ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE:

The Wellesley Public Schools require a high level of participation in engaged learning. Regular class attendance enables students to benefit from classroom discussions, presentations and interactive activities. These shared academic experiences are integral to the learning process and cannot be re-created or replicated.

Absence and Tardy Information

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences and Tardies

An Excused Absence/Tardy includes:

• Illness or injury (PAWS and elementary parents/guardians are expected to notify the school on the morning of the absence using PickUp Patrol)
• Bereavement/family funeral
• Major religious observances
• Extraordinary family circumstances (excused at the discretion of the principal)
                                                          

An Unexcused Absence/Tardy is not covered by the aforementioned definition. Examples of an unexcused absence may include, but may not be limited to:

• Repetitive or chronic absence or tardiness due to illness or injury not documented by a doctor or other medical professional
• Truancy
• Family vacations
• Undocumented absences
• Non-emergency family situations

PLEASE NOTE:

• When a student has been absent for five (5) or more consecutive days, parents must obtain a medical note and submit it to school.
• Chronic absenteeism may also lead to an impact on student learning, grade retention, or credit attainment.
  

Family Vacations

We strongly discourage family vacations when school is in session. In addition to compromising the attendance law, family vacations interrupt the educational process in each subject area in ways that make-up work cannot reverse. Absences due to family vacations will not be excused and teachers are not required to provide assignments in advance of a family vacation.

Students Arriving Late

PAWS and Elementary School

Students arriving late to school must report to the main office with a parent and be signed in. A student is considered late for elementary school if they are not in the classroom by 8:30 a.m. (8:45 a.m. for PAWS) ready to begin the school day.

Middle School

Students arriving late to school must report to the main office, check in with office staff, and be issued a pass to class. A student is considered late for middle school if they are not in the classroom by 7:45 a.m. ready to begin the school day.

High School

Students arriving late to school must report to the house office, check in with office staff, and be issued a pass to class. A student is considered late for high school if they are not in their first class of the day ready to begin the school day.

Early Dismissal

PAWS and Elementary School

Parents/Guardians will communicate dismissal through PickUp Patrol.

Middle School

Parents/Guardians must complete the absence reporting form online or telephone the main office.

High School

Parents/Guardians must provide notification through a telephone call, email, or written note to the house office.

Absence Reporting

At the commencement of each school year, parents/guardians will be sent a notice instructing them to call a

designated telephone number or report their student’s absence through an online platform at a designated time to inform the school of the student’s absence and the reason for such absence. The notice will also require such parents or guardians to furnish the school with a home, work or other emergency telephone number where they can be contacted during the school day. If the school does not receive a message from the parent/guardian by the designated time, then the school shall call the telephone number(s) furnished to inquire about the student’s absence.

Student Absence Notification Program

Parent(s) or Guardians will also be notified when a student who has at least five (5) days in which the student has missed two (2) or more classes/periods (unexcused) or who has five (5) or more unexcused absences in the school year. Due to the unexcused absences, a meeting may be scheduled with the building Principal (or designee), the Parent(s)/Guardian, and the student to develop a written action plan to improve the student’s attendance. (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1B)

Parent(s) or Guardians must ensure their child misses no more than 7 full days or 14 half-days in a six month period. Schools may excuse cases of necessary absences not exceeding seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions in any period of six months. (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, Section 1)

Dropout Prevention (For students age 16 or over)

Massachusetts law provides that “No student who has not graduated from high school shall be considered to have permanently left public school unless an administrator of the school which the student last attended has sent notice within a period of 5 days from the student's tenth consecutive absence to the student and the parent or guardian of that student in both the primary language of the parent or guardian, to the extent practicable, and English. The notice shall initially offer at least 2 dates and times for an exit interview between the superintendent, or a designee, and the student and the parent or guardian of the student to occur prior to the student permanently leaving school and shall include contact information for scheduling the exit interview. The notice shall indicate that the parties shall agree upon a date and time for the exit interview, and that interview shall occur within 10 days after the sending of the notice.” (Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, Section 18)

Wellesley School Committee Policy File: JH - STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND EXCUSED ABSENCES

Applicable Laws regarding Student Attendance

The following is a summary of some of the Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to attendance:

School Attendance

Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that all children between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school. A school district may excuse up to seven (7) full day sessions or fourteen (14) half day sessions in any period of six months. In addition to this law, each school may have its own attendance policy with which parents/guardians should be familiar.  

Student Absence Notification Program

Chapter 76, section 1B of the Massachusetts General Laws requires that all school districts have a student absence notification program, whereby notice is sent to the parent/guardian of a student who has at least five (5) days in which he/she has missed two (2) periods or more unexcused in a school year or who has missed five (5) or more school days unexcused in a school year.  After issuing this notice, the school principal, or his/her designee, will make reasonable efforts to meet with the parent/guardian and develop action steps to encourage student attendance.  

Supervisor of Attendance

Chapter 76, section 19 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that each school committee must employ a supervisor of attendance. A supervisor of attendance has the power to apprehend and take to school any child who is truant and is required to investigate all cases where a child in the district fails to attend school.

Parental Responsibility

Chapter 76, section 2 of the Massachusetts General Laws provides that parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that a child under their control attends school daily. It is a crime for a responsible parent or guardian not to cause such a child to attend school. If a child fails to attend school for seven (7) full-day sessions or fourteen (14) half-day sessions within any six (6) month period, the supervisor of attendance may file a criminal complaint in court against the responsible parent/guardian.

51A

A 51A is a report of suspected child abuse or neglect that is filed with the Department of Social Services. Under Chapter 119, section 51A of the Massachusetts General Laws, a report can be filed on behalf of a child under the age of eighteen for educational neglect if a child is not attending school on a regular basis.

CRA (Child Requiring Assistance) Application

Under Chapter 119, section 21 of the Massachusetts General Laws, a “CRA” (Child Requiring Assistance) application may be filed in court by a school district if a school-aged child who is “habitually truant,” that is, who willfully fails to attend school for more than eight (8) school days in a quarter, or who repeatedly fails to obey the lawful and reasonable regulations of his or her school. The Court’s authority pursuant to a CRA petition includes the power to place the child in the custody of the state agency known as the Department of Children and Families.  

Inducing Absences

It is a crime to induce or attempt to induce a minor to miss school, or unlawfully to employ or to harbor a minor who should be in school.

WHS CLASS CUT POLICY

Students are expected to follow their assigned class schedule.  Students who are present in school but absent from an assigned block will be assigned a class cut. A class cut will result in no credit for missed in-class work including tests, projects, quizzes, homework, etc.

The student’s Assistant Principal will process class cuts and notify the caregiver, teacher and counselor. Appropriate consequences will be assigned.

Tardiness to Class

If a student misses more than half of the class period without an approved excuse, the teacher will mark the student as absent and the Assistant Principal will assign a class cut. If a student is fewer than 30 minutes late to class three times in a term, the teacher may email the student’s Assistant Principal of the dates and blocks of the three tardies and the Assistant Principal will assign a class cut.

Teacher Tardiness/Absence from Class

In the event that a teacher does not report to class 10 minutes into the period, students must follow these procedures.

DO NOT ASSUME THAT THE CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELED:

1. The students assigned to the class must remain in the classroom until excused by a Department Head or an administrator.
2. One member of the class should go to report the teacher’s tardiness to the Department Head or to either the Principal or an Assistant Principal who will determine if the class should be canceled.

WHS PRIVILEGES:

Handheld Electronic Devices including Cell Phones  

In order to prevent disruption in classrooms and to respect the academic environment the use of handheld electronic devices is prohibited during class time without expressed teacher approval.

Students may use their personal electronic devices silently in the library. Headphones are required for all applications that produce sound. Voice and video calls (Facetime/Zoom/GoogleChat) are prohibited in the library. If use becomes a distraction, library staff may require that the device be used outside the library or put away. Personal devices that are persistently disruptive will be taken away by a library staff member and turned over to the appropriate Assistant Principal for resolution.

Taking pictures, recording videos or recording conversations without consent at any time during the school day is strictly prohibited.

Failure to comply with a teacher request regarding a student’s cell phone or handheld electronic device will result in consequences deemed appropriate by the Assistant Principal.

Guests to School:

Students may not bring guests to school. Prospective students and their families are welcome to visit the school after school hours. Tours with a New Student Ambassador can be arranged and occur at 2:45pm. If you are interested in arranging a tour please contact the Director of Counseling.

Outdoor Privileges:

This privilege applies only to juniors and seniors during all blocks and to all students during lunch block.

Permanent Dismissals:

Sophomores who have a Directed Research class Block 2 as their first class of the day or during Block 6 may file a Permanent Dismissal Form on the House Office Canvas page. This form requires the signature of the student’s parent or guardian as it excuses the student from their DR. Students who have this privilege Block 2 are expected to arrive on time for Advisory, and students who have Block 6 must leave the building.

In reflecting on the challenges of the transition to high school, we have decided to limit Permanent Dismissals for 9th graders to those students who have a Directed Research class Block 2 as their first class of the day. Students may file a Permanent Dismissal Form on the House Office Canvas page. This form requires the signature of the student’s parent or guardian as it excuses the student from their DR. Students are expected to arrive on time for Advisory.

Juniors or Seniors who do not have a class scheduled during Blocks 2 and/or 6 may be dismissed from school during these periods. Permanent Dismissal Forms are available on the House Office Canvas page and must be signed by a student’s parent or guardian.

Senior and Junior Privilege Pass:

The Privilege Pass allows a senior/junior who meets the necessary criteria to leave school grounds during unassigned time. The Privilege Pass is an extension of freedom awarded to students who demonstrate by their good grades and citizenship that they are mature, responsible young adults who have earned the opportunity to exercise their good judgment in the use of their unassigned time. Parent/guardian permission is required to obtain a Privilege Pass.

The application form will be signed by the student indicating acceptance of the criteria and responsibilities entailed by the parent/guardian indicating consent and by their house office indicating that the criteria has been met.

Students are required to sign out of school on a form for this purpose, indicating the time they left and their destination. The sign-out log is located with the Student Supervisors.

Students are required to present their pass, which is their High School ID with a special sticker attached, upon request.

At the beginning of their senior/junior year, students who meet the following criteria based on their grades and behavior in the fourth term of their junior/sophomore year may apply for a pass by filling out the form available on Canvas. Students who do not meet these criteria at the end of their junior/sophomore year may apply at the end of any term in their senior/junior year.

These same criteria apply for retention of the pass:

Attendance:        No truancy from school

                         No class cuts

        No more than one notified unexcused absence

Academic:        Minimum grade of C in each class

                         Minimum of 34 academic credits per year

Behavior:        Will have no suspensions

                         Will not drive students without passes off campus or drive other students if they have not had their license for 6 months

                         Will not be off campus with a student who does not have a pass

                         Will not fail to show their pass and the High School I.D. when requested to do so by a staff member

                         Will not be a disturbance to the community when off campus

                         Will not give their pass to anyone else to use

The Privilege Pass may be revoked by an administrator for failure to meet these criteria and may also be revoked by a parent or guardian for any reason. If revoked, the pass can be reinstated at the beginning of the next term if the criteria is met again. Revocation of the Senior Pass is for a minimum of four weeks.

All students are required to renew their passes at the beginning of each semester.

Upper Class Unassigned Periods

Students are not to leave the school grounds during unassigned class time unless officially dismissed or unless they have a Privilege Pass, or Permanent Dismissal Pass.

General Rules

1. Juniors and seniors may use the cafeteria, Library, Math, Social Studies and Writing Labs, and courtyard area during their free blocks.  
2. Traffic in the corridors during class time must be kept to a minimum as it disturbs class activities
3. Students should not be in gym areas or locker rooms without the approval of a Fitness and Health teacher. Unauthorized presence is grounds for disciplinary action.
4. If a student violates any of these rules, they may be assigned to a Directed Research class and may be subject to further disciplinary action

WHS TRAFFIC PATTERN MAP

STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEES

STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO SCHOOL COMMITTEE:

The purpose of the Advisory Committee to the School Committee is to:

• Provide for a meaningful link and promote a mutual sense of respect and understanding between the student body and the School Committee.
• Represent the attitudes, interests, and concerns of the student body to the School Committee.
• Advise and add insight to the deliberations of the School Committee.
• Bring and support before the School Committee specific proposals and items of concern to the student body; also, to initiate, on the behalf of students and in conjunction with the School Council, projects and proposals for presentation to the School Committee.
• Inform the student body of the functions and workings of the School Committee.
• Represent a cross-section of the student body to the School Committee.

One student will be elected to the School Committee by Student Congress. The representative will attend School Committee meetings to represent the interests and perspectives of the student body.

STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION:

The Greater Boston Regional Student Advisory Council (GBRSAC) to the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is a legislatively-mandated organization unique to Massachusetts. Each spring, every high school in the Commonwealth elects two students to attend monthly meetings of the GBRSAC. The role of this regional council is to advise the State Student Advisory council (SSAC) on issues pertinent to its region. On the GBRSAC, the students decide which issues concern them most. Each year, they formulate bills to be presented to the BESE and/or develop white papers/pamphlets to be sent to the Commonwealth’s schools and distributed to students. The SSAC is elected from members of the Regional councils to coordinate and oversee this work. The SSAC also elects a Chairperson who serves as a full-voting member of the BESE and represents all students throughout Massachusetts. Elections to the GBRSAC are open annually in March to 9th graders, sophomores, and juniors to serve for the following school year. The term of office is one year.

AFTER SCHOOL AND EVENING ACTIVITIES

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, to work with their teachers, and to use approved areas such as the library after school. Students are prohibited from being in unauthorized areas of the building.

With the exception of end-of-year dances, school social activities are provided for Wellesley High School students only and all school rules apply. The High School Administration reserves the right to use breathalyzers at school-related events.

Students should be in attendance in all their classes on the day of the event to attend/participate in an evening activity/event/performance.

A student will not be allowed to attend dances and/or end-of-the year activities for which the student has bought a ticket if the student owes detention time or has outstanding obligations, including food service, parking and library fines, or activity fees, unless there are extraordinary circumstances which have been pre-approved by the student’s Assistant Principal. Students who need financial assistance should see their Assistant Principal.

Once a student enters the building for an evening social activity, they cannot leave and then later return to the activity.

ATHLETICS

As a member of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the Bay State Conference, Wellesley High School is governed by the Association and Conference rules and regulations. The athletic department posts online a "Family Information and Reference Guide" designed to better acquaint students and their families with many of the policies, practices, and regulations that govern the high school athletic program. The material in the guide supplements the information in this Handbook. The guide is available at the WHS website, wellesleyps.org/athletics/.

PHILOSOPHY:

The Interscholastic Athletic Program at Wellesley High School is committed to the total physical, emotional, social and mental development of its participants. The program is an extension of the values and ideals of our school and aims to promote the development of a well-rounded individual. Wellesley High School athletes should take pride in themselves and in their team, school and community while learning to work together to achieve common goals. Every athlete should enjoy the experience of being a team member.

Tryouts for the athletic program are open to all students, provided they meet the standards of academic eligibility and school citizenship, and meet basic physical/health qualifications. Participation in the program is a privilege granted to students who meet and maintain these standards. Wellesley High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness.

As members of the Wellesley athletic program, students are expected to demonstrate proper respect for all coaches, teammates, officials, spectators and equipment. Student athletes are expected to exhibit the highest level of conduct and sportsmanship both on and off the playing field as they are, at all times, representatives of their team, school and community.

ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS:

(Coaches names and contact information available on the Athletics Department Website )

PLAYING TIME:

Daily

When trying out for and after being selected to be a member of a Wellesley High School team, students are expected to make at least a 2 to 3 hours per day, 5 days per week commitment to the team for the extent of the season. Practices will consist, on average, of 2 hours of team activity daily, usually between the hours of 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Preparation time before and after practice and/or games bring the total time to 3 hours.

At the Varsity and JV level, weekend and/or evening practices and games are common. Students should expect regular involvement during these times. Because many of our teams share facilities and/or use facilities off campus, practice and game hours may vary considerably. Contact the coach or the athletic office for more specific information concerning practice and game times.

Tryouts/Cuts

Participation in athletics is a privilege; students try out voluntarily and, for some teams, risk being cut. During the tryout period, the coach will provide an explanation of their expectations. It is the student’s responsibility to demonstrate to the coach that they can meet them. Students cut from one team are encouraged to try out for another team if there is space on that team. Students who are cut from a team will be informed individually by the coach. After tryouts begin, no athlete may voluntarily leave one team and try out for another without the consent of the coaches of both teams and the Athletic Director.

Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Varsity Teams: Families of student athletes should understand that all three regularly scheduled school vacations, in December, February and April, are in the heart of the athletic seasons. The athletic program continues to operate. PRACTICES AND CONTESTS ARE SCHEDULED during school vacation weeks. Although extended absences from team functions during school vacation periods or while school is in session are discouraged, the Athletic Department recognizes that certain circumstances do require them. Students who plan to be absent from team activities for an extended period due to reasons such as family trips, religious obligations, or college visits are expected to inform their coaches regarding the absence as soon as plans are made. If an athlete misses one game or more than one practice under such circumstances, they may miss the first scheduled contest after their return. Although prior notification for a planned absence is mandatory, such notification does not eliminate the possibility of consequences following an absence. An athlete is required to earn his or her position back upon return.

Junior Varsity and 9th Grade Teams: During school vacation periods, Junior Varsity and 9th grade teams, with the exception of ice hockey, will not be scheduled for contests against other schools. Coaches may elect to hold practices for students who are not on an extended absence as defined in the Varsity Section above. All available team members are expected to attend team practices. Efforts will be made by the Athletic Department not to schedule contests against other schools until sufficient practice time has been allowed on school reopening at the conclusion of the vacation period. Once contests resume, all team members are eligible to compete.

Daily Team Attendance

Coaches expect their athletes to attend all team-related activities and may suspend a team member from contests who has been absent from class. While students are excused from team activities for illness, injury, academic, family or religious reasons, prior notification is expected.

MIAA Athletic Eligibility Rules

As with all MIAA rules, there is a waiver process. Waivers of MIAA rules must be initiated by the school principal. For more information and questions about a waiver, contact the Athletic Office.

Enrollment in Courses/Scholastic Achievement

Student athletes must be enrolled in and passing at least 24 credit hours of work at the conclusion of each marking period. For the fall season, year-end grades from the previous school year are used to determine eligibility. At Wellesley High School, a credit hour is defined as any credit that counts towards graduation.

Age

A student athlete shall be under 19 years of age, or may be 19, provided that their birthday falls on or after September 1st of the school year in which they compete.

Time Allowed for Participation

A student has four consecutive years of eligibility starting from the date they enter the 9th Grade. This means that they may participate in a maximum of 12 consecutive athletic seasons. A 5th year high school student is usually ineligible for interscholastic competition.

Transfers to Wellesley High School

Complex rules govern students entering Wellesley High School from another high school. Information regarding the athletic eligibility of transfer students should be requested from the Athletic Office.

Academic Achievement

Scholastic “extra help” sessions and make-up work are expected to be completed as soon as possible. On practice days, students should stay after school to complete work whenever necessary. Coaches should be informed by students, in advance if possible, when practice time will be missed due to academic obligations. Once the obligations are completed, students are expected to report to practice as soon as possible on that same day. If the coach was not notified in advance, students should ask their teacher for a note explaining their tardiness. Students arriving late to practice due to make-up work or extra help will not receive an athletic team penalty. On game days, unless time allows, students should ask their classroom teacher if make-up work or extra help may be postponed until the next practice day. A classroom teacher may or may not grant such a postponement. The Athletic Department reserves the right to remove a student from a team for poor academic performance and may reinstate that student after obtaining evidence of sufficient improvement. Reinstatement cannot be granted if MIAA scholastic eligibility requirements are not met.

School Discipline Obligations

Any student athlete with a school disciplinary obligation is expected to fulfill the disciplinary obligation before reporting to an athletic practice and/or game. Students cannot expect, and should not request, disciplinary action to be postponed or cancelled for any athletic related reason. The Athletic Department reserves the right to remove a student from a team for excessive disciplinary problems and may reinstate that student after obtaining evidence of sufficient improvement. It is expected that our athletes be model citizens both in and out of school; they should set an example for all students.

Daily Attendance, Class Cuts

Students are expected to attend all scheduled periods during the school day. Athletes should be in school a full day in order to practice or play on that day. Exceptions, such as doctor appointments or college visits, must be cleared in advance by the Athletic Director or Assistant Principal whenever possible. The Athletic Department reserves the right to remove a student from a team for excessive unexcused absences or class cuts and may reinstate that student after obtaining evidence of sufficient improvement.

Fitness and Health

All students are required to participate in regularly scheduled Fitness and Health classes. A student who is excused from a Fitness and Health class for medical reasons will not be allowed to participate in their team practice or game that same day.

School Nurse

Students who spend time in the nurse’s office due to illness on a school day will not be allowed to participate in any athletic activities on that same day.

Transportation to and from Contests

The school provides bus transportation or a suitable substitute to most “away” contests. All team members are expected to travel to these contests using school-provided transportation, when available. Exceptions to this policy must be requested in writing to the Athletic Director, by a student’s parent, prior to the contest. Reasonable requests will be honored. A coach may allow students to ride home from a contest with their parents provided personal contact is made between the parent and coach at the game site. In most instances, students will not be allowed to ride to and from contests with other students. Non-team members may occasionally be allowed to ride team transportation if space allows, the coach in charge has given approval, and prior, written consent has been given from the parent to the Athletic Director.

In the event that a student engages in a dangerous activity while on the athletic bus, that student may be prohibited from riding the athletic bus for the remainder of the season. Additional penalties (i.e., suspension/removal from team) may be issued if deemed appropriate by the head coach and/or the Athletic Director/Assistant Principal. If the season is over, the student may be prohibited from riding the bus during the student's next complete season. Transportation to and from athletic events will become the responsibility of the parent/guardian and must be approved by the Athletic Director.

Athletic Fees

According to School Committee policy, each student athlete at Wellesley High School is required to pay a fee to participate on a team according to the following guidelines:

Student athletes are required to pay an athletic fee of $300.00 for each season they participate on a team. The maximum charge per family, per school year is $1,800.00. Athletic fees are due when the student registers to participate in a sport. A student may be excluded from contests if their athletic fee has not been paid. Any costs incurred for returned checks will be charged to the student.  The fee schedule is in no way designed to exclude students from participating in the athletic program. Exemptions from the athletic fee may be granted by the Athletic Director, Principal, or their designee. A coach does not have the authority to grant an exemption. We ask parents to make a call to the Principal or Athletic Director to request an exemption. All such requests will remain confidential. Any student who voluntarily leaves a team or is dropped from its roster for disciplinary or eligibility reasons will not be granted a refund. In other instances a refund may be granted, upon request from a student. Refunds are made in the form of a credit, good for the next season of athletic participation. If the athletic fee credit is never used, a check for the refund will be issued by the Town of Wellesley.

MIAA Drug and Alcohol Policy

As a member of the MIAA, Wellesley High School strictly enforces the following Rule:

From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product including e-cigarettes; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as “NA or near beer”.  It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by their doctor.  This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render “guilt by association”, e.g. many student athletes might be present at a party where only a few violate this standard. If a student in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that student is able to participate.

Minimum Penalties

First Violation:  When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 25% of all interscholastic contests in that sport.  For the student, penalties will be determined by the current or next season of participation. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that the student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation. Any fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 25% of the season.

Second and Subsequent Violations: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contest totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. For the student, penalties will be determined by the current or next season of participation. Any fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 60% of the season.

If after the second or subsequent violations the student of their own volition becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of 40% of events provided the student was fully engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school principal in collaboration with a chemical dependency treatment program must certify that the student is attending or issue a certificate of completion. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 40% of the season

Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year but serving the penalty could carry over for one year. Or, if the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual participation, which may affect the eligibility status of the student during the next academic year.

Team Captains

It is a coaching decision as to how and when team captains are selected. Captains may be elected by their team or appointed by their coaches prior to their first regularly scheduled contest. Captains may also be elected or appointed on a game-by-game basis.

Captains of teams may be relieved of their position for violation of team, department or school rules. Discussion between the coach and the athletic director must take place before an athlete is dismissed as a team captain.

MIAA Tournament Participation/Bona Fide Team Members

Participation in any Meet or Tournament sponsored by the MIAA is limited to students of institutional member schools which have registered that sport with the Association during the summer membership renewal process.

A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g. practices tryouts, competitions). Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. First Offense: Student Athlete is suspended for 25% of the season. Second Offense: Student Athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season and is ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the violation.

Sportsmanship

Wellesley High School expects all parties present at a contest to display the highest possible level of sportsmanship. Players, coaches and spectators should treat opponents, game officials and visiting spectators with respect. The MIAA reserves the right to “warn, censure, place on probation or suspend up to 1 calendar year any player, team, coach, games or school official or school determined to be acting in a manner contrary to the standards of good sportsmanship.”  Wellesley High School in turn, reserves the right to impose the same penalties on spectators displaying poor sportsmanship at any of our contests, both home and away.

CLASS GOVERNANCE

CLASS OFFICERS:

Class officers and officers of student organizations are expected to model the qualities of a good citizen of Wellesley High School. They are required to sign an Officer's Agreement noting their understanding of these standards. It is expected that class officers be leaders of their class and should be ready to assume duties as outlined by their advisors. They are expected to be highly aware of school rules and of their responsibilities. Class officers may be dismissed from their positions for violation of school rules; however, discussion between the advisor and an administrator must take place before an officer is dismissed.  If a student fails to meet expectations as outlined in the Agreement, they may lose the opportunity to run in subsequent class elections.

Representing your class as an officer is a privilege. In the event that a student displays inappropriate behavior at any time, particularly during the election process or while in the officer role, their Assistant Principal may prohibit them from seeking office in the future.

The class officers of Wellesley High School coordinate a variety of activities that relate to the social and financial well-being of their class and to the school in general. They work closely with class advisors throughout the year and with other members of the school community.

A candidate for office must be a member of the class they seek to represent and must have an appropriate number of course credits. A candidate should realize that a great deal of time is necessary to meet the many commitments of the office. A student experiencing academic difficulty should not jeopardize their grades or limit the time they can devote to class activities by running for office. The activities for the class officers are as follows:

• Attend leadership class; class meets during A Block once per cycle
• Attend weekly officer meetings with their advisors to plan and coordinate class activities and class meetings
• Plan and organize activities that promote class and school spirit, pride and involvement
• Plan and organize class social and community service activities
• Raise money to support class activities

GUIDELINES FOR CLASS ELECTIONS:

It is necessary for the candidates to adhere to election guidelines to assure fairness and to facilitate election procedures. Students who are interested in running for a class officer position must attend an informational meeting that describes the responsibilities of a class officer, expectations with respect to conduct and execution of duties, and campaign procedures. Any action taken by a candidate that belittles other candidates or explicitly offends any individual/group will result in the student’s removal from the Class Officer election and may result in further disciplinary action.  Interested candidates are required to submit a Candidate Statement within the defined time frame. If the Candidate Statement is approved, the candidates will prepare a speech (60-75 seconds in length) that will be delivered to their classmates either during an in-person class meeting or virtually during an Advisory. Elections will be held in the days to follow. The four students who earn the most votes from their classmates will be offered a Class Officer position.  If you have any questions, see Mr. Shattuck, Assistant Principal.

These guidelines are subject to change. Guidelines are made available to students at the beginning of the election period. If a student fails to follow the election guidelines, (sign-up, statement, meeting) they will not be allowed to run for a class officer position.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community service is an important part of the student experience at the High School. Community service develops and instills in students an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the larger community and the responsibility of each citizen to help others for the benefit of all. Students are encouraged to become involved through class-sponsored service projects. Support is also provided to individuals who wish to design service projects. Many faculty members support service learning opportunities in the curriculum.

The senior class will spend time during their final week of school on service activities that are identified by the class.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES:

Clubs and activities meet periodically after school, in the evenings and/or on weekends. Students may join any club and activity at no cost. Please refer to the Wellesley High School webpage for the meeting times for each club. Advisors for these clubs are Wellesley School faculty members or are non-school personnel approved by the School Committee.

Initiation activities are not permitted as a part of any school-sponsored activity. Students violating this rule are subject to suspension from school for a first offense. Initiation activities also fall under the State Hazing Law in the Code of Conduct section.

Some clubs and activities may include extended trips such as the French, German and Spanish Programs.

Clubs and extracurricular activities may vary from year to year.  Please consult the Wellesley High School - Complete List of Clubs for our current offerings including;  club names, descriptions, advisors, meeting times, and locations.

FUND RAISING:

Often during the course of the school year certain activities or classes participate in fundraising projects. The necessity of fund raising is understood and supported by the school. However, in order to protect the reputation of the school and those activities sponsoring fundraising, certain guidelines should be followed.

A request for a fundraising activity will be made to either the Director of Athletics or the Assistant Principal for Student Activities at least three weeks prior to the starting date using the Request for Fund Raising Activity form. Fundraising for personal projects and/or non-school groups will not be allowed in the school.

SCHOOL COUNCIL:

The governance body at Wellesley High School is called the School Council. Through open discussion, it serves to advise the Principal on matters relevant to the school and approves changes to the Student Handbook. The Council meets regularly with the Principal and assists in identifying the educational needs of the students attending the school, reviewing the annual school budget, and the formulating of a school improvement plan. It also reviews the Handbook each spring to consider changes in policy. The Council is composed of: students, parents, teachers, a community representative, and the Principal. For students, the term of office is one year. One student serves as Co-Moderator with the Principal annually. The position of Secretary is open to election from the Council.

ACADEMIC MIDTERM NOTIFICATION:

Teachers must contact families, counselors, and the Assistant Principal if a student is in danger of earning a D or F for the term, for the semester, or for the year. In the event that the initial contact does not receive a response, the teacher must try a different mode of communication. A grade of D or F may not be issued unless it has been preceded by personal contact or an e-mail in which the teacher explicitly states that a student is potentially earning a D or F grade.

If a student who is earning a D or F in the last week of the grading period and/or earns a D or F on a test that would mean a failing term grade and previous contact has not been made with the family regarding this matter, a call must be made to the family, and an email must be sent to the counselor and Assistant Principal indicating that fact. In addition, the teacher must discuss the situation with the student.

In the event that the teacher has not communicated with the family in a timely manner, the student’s grade will become an “incomplete” and the student will have the requisite two weeks to make and carry out a plan with the teacher(s) to address the D or F grade.

AWARDS:

Each year, an awards ceremony is held for seniors and underclass students. Students are noted for achievement in academics, co-curricular activities, leadership, and service to the school and community. A complete listing of awards is available from the Principal’s office.

CREDIT FOR COURSES TAKEN OUTSIDE WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL:

Wellesley High School students may take courses outside the high school curriculum.  No courses taken outside of Wellesley High School will count toward a student's WHS Grade Point Average.  

Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership (CDEP)

WHS students may take courses at a Commonwealth public institution and receive credit for this work.  Enrollment in the CDEP program is completed directly with the Commonwealth public institution.   Through Mass Bay Community College, CDEP courses are tuition free. A student’s WHS transcript will reflect that they participated in the (CDEP) Dual Enrollment Program and the credits they received.   A transcript from the Commonwealth public institution will be placed in the student’s folder and accompany the WHS transcript when applying to post-secondary institutions.  These courses do not count towards graduation core requirements. These courses do not  count towards a student’s WHS Grade Point Average. Wellesley High School advises students and families that the taking of college courses during the regular Wellesley High School day may prevent a student from taking certain WHS classes if the course meeting times conflict.

Massachusetts Bay Community College

WHS students wishing to take general education courses at Mass Bay may do so at their own expense. If a student is wishing to receive WHS elective credit upon completion of the course, they should secure pre-approval from the WHS Department Head of the subject the course would be before registering for the course. Registration is done directly through  Mass Bay. A transcript from Mass Bay will be placed in the student’s folder and accompany the WHS transcript when applying to post-secondary institutions. These courses do not count towards graduation core requirements. These courses do not  count towards a student’s WHS Grade Point Average.

Wellesley High School Virtual High School (VHS)

Courses may be taken through VHS after consultation with the student's school counselor under the condition that a student is unable to enroll in the same course at WHS or wishes to enroll in a course that is not offered by WHS. In order to enroll in a course that is offered by WHS the student and their school counselor must get approval from the department head of the course they are unable to be enrolled in.

• The VHS registration paperwork will be provided to the interested student by their school counselor. Upon completion of the VHS paperwork, the interested student should meet with the VHS site coordinator to clarify expectations and to have any questions answered.
• VHS courses that are enrolled by the VHS site coordinator will appear on the WHS transcript and the course does count towards the students overall credit total.
• VHS courses that are not enrolled in by the VHS site coordinator such as summer, flex and credit recovery courses will not be added to the students transcript but will be an addendum to the WHS transcript.  
• Students must print their VHS transcript and submit the transcript to their school counselor.
• Students enrolling in VHS summer, flex and credit recovery courses must pay for the course and register for the course on their own and will not be enrolled by the VHS site coordinator.
• VHS Flex courses are not considered full year-long equivalent courses and are worth 3 credit hours.
• VHS courses do not count toward WHS Grade Point Average.
• VHS courses do not count toward specific graduation requirements.  The VHS and WHS school calendar are not aligned.  
• When the calendars are in conflict the VHS site coordinator will follow the WHS calendar.
• Students enrolled in VHS courses may be required to work on the VHS classwork during holidays and school vacations.
• The VHS site coordinator will prioritize the enrollment of upper class students.
• Students enrolled in VHS courses must remain in their VHS courses during their Senior Project.
• Enrollment is managed through our VHS Coordinator, Mr. Andrew Kelton on a space available basis.

ENRICHMENT

Students may take courses at accredited institutions for enrichment at any point during the year. Students may not take a course in place of WHS prerequisite courses.  Consideration for courses to advance in the WHS curriculum (ie taking Geometry outside of WHS) must be pre-approved by the Department Head, and MUST be a year-long equivalent course (ie not RSM) Transcripts showing successful completion must be turned in prior to the start of the school year before schedules can be adjusted.

• Enrichment courses will be awarded elective credit only.
• Enrichment courses do not appear on the WHS transcript. A transcript from the accredited institution can be placed in the students folder and accompany the WHS transcript when applying to post-secondary institutions.  
• Enrichment courses do not count toward WHS Grade Point Average.  
• Enrichment courses do not count toward specific graduation requirements.

SUMMER SCHOOL FOR CREDIT RECOVERY        

Review courses are offered only to those students who have already studied the subject for a full year and can be taken for credit if the student completed the course during the regular school year with a failing grade. To receive graduation credit for review courses, students may need to pass a department exam, paper or portfolio review.

• Summer School courses do appear on a student’s WHS  transcript.
• Summer School grades are not included in the Grade Point Average.

Wellesley High School students may take courses outside the high school curriculum.  No courses taken outside of Wellesley High School will count toward a student's WHS Grade Point Average.  Additionally, no courses will count toward WHS graduation core requirements without approval from their assistant principal and the appropriate department head .  

DIRECTED RESEARCH:

With the exception of Block 1 (A Block), 9th graders and sophomores are assigned to a Directed Research class when not assigned to a class. These Directed Research classes are supervised by a teacher and provide areas for research, reading or other quiet activities. Students who need to use the library for academic resources must sign out of their Directed Research class by using the QR code to complete and submit the Google form stating their reason for using the library. Students must report directly and promptly to the library and place their student ID in the basket. Sign-in using the online sign-in system at the front desk. If a student is denied admission to or asked to leave the library, they must return immediately to their Directed Research class. (The same sign-out procedures are used for other areas of the school such as the Labs and Health Office.) Students may sign out of the library for no more than 5 minutes at a time to use the restroom, locker, and water fountain. Students who leave for longer than 5 minutes for the academic labs, guidance, or nurse must return with a pass. Students are expected to stay until the bell. Students found signing-out other students will be referred to their Assistant Principal for disciplinary action.

Students are not permitted in the corridors, cafeteria, gym, or outside the building during their Directed Research class. If they are in these areas, detention/s may be assigned.

Students are not to leave the school grounds during their Directed Research class unless officially dismissed from school.  If a student does leave school grounds, three (3) detentions may be assigned and the student’s parent/guardian notified.

EARLY GRADUATION

If a student is considering early graduation, the student and family should contact their school counselor and Assistant Principal.

EXTRA HELP:

Teachers shall be available after school (except on Fridays and preceding holidays) to meet with students who request help unless there is a required department/faculty meeting. They may also be available at 7:30 A.M. Students are advised to make an appointment in advance.

A student may be asked to report before or after school for help. If a student does not report after school as assigned by a teacher, they may be referred to their Assistant Principal.

FINAL ASSESSMENT POLICY:

Final assessments, prepared by members of each department, are given at a prescribed time in each course. End-of-course evaluations of seniors, whether by examination, paper, project, or other, are given at the discretion of the teacher. Failure to take the final assessment in any course may result in failure of that course.

Knowing full well that extenuating circumstances can develop for caregivers and students, the High School faculty has agreed to the following policy:

1. All textbooks/materials must be returned (or paid for). Students may keep books that are essential until the day that the assessment is administered. Non-essential texts may be returned earlier, if desired. When a student returns a text, the teacher will return the book card if applicable.  In the event that a student must pay for a textbook, they will receive a receipt. This receipt should be kept in case the textbook is found and returned. Presentation of the receipt will permit a refund of the book charge if the book is returned to the High School prior to July 1.

Return of the student’s textbook/materials is an element of the completion of the course. Therefore, on the day of the final assessment, the student must turn in either a textbook, book slip, or receipt of payment to the teacher. If the student does not have the book/materials assigned to them, the assessment will be given to the student. It is the teacher's responsibility to reach out to the student's family by phone and email to attempt to collect the book/materials. If they are not returned by the last day for teachers, the teacher will alert their department leader. The student and family may be held accountable for the cost to replace the book/materials.

2. Early Release: School Sponsored Programs (AFS, Amigos, World Challenge) For a student to finish their school year prior       to the official ending, and to participate in one of these programs, individual arrangements to make up the exam(s) will be made with the student's teachers and Assistant Principal.

3. Students whose families request withdrawal before the final assessment period for such reasons as summer camp, employment or vacations will be given an incomplete in each of their major courses.  Students are responsible for all course content through the end of the academic year. Exams will be made up during the summer by appointments with the administration. The grading of the exams will be done no later than the first full week of school in September.  

4. Arrangements may be made with the Department Head for obtaining textbooks necessary for summer study. A deposit may be required.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE:

The level of the course and grade attained in the course are the basis for computing grade point average (GPA). All major academic courses and selected elective courses completed in grades 9-12 at Wellesley High School are counted. Only courses taken in Wellesley High School are computed. Transfer students' GPAs will be calculated upon completion of their first semester at Wellesley High School. The following scale will be used:

GRADING:

Grades are issued at Wellesley High School in alphabetic form. Provided here, for general information and to promote consistency, is the numeric conversion for all high school courses.

        A+        97-100        B+        87-89        C+        77-79                  D+        67-69

        A        93-96                  B        83-86        C         73-76                  D        63-66

        A-        90-92                  B-        80-82        C-        70-72                  D-        60-62        F        0-59

A student’s transcript will only show final grades.  Senior report cards are sent to colleges term 1 and 2.

W/U        Withdrawn from course, no credit, due to unexcused absences.

N        No grade and no credit is computed.

Our goal is for students to earn grades for every quarter. However, a student may receive an N grade if they miss a total of 11 class periods in a term (13 in a course with a lab), including excused or unexcused absences in a class. Students who cannot justify this number of absences will not be eligible for an N and will receive a term grade. Teachers will notify school counselors and administrators of attendance concerns and a student’s team will meet before issuing an N grade. If there are extenuating circumstances presented to the student’s Assistant Principal, the Assistant Principal may allow the student to receive credit for the term. In the event that a student loses credit due to absences, there is still a possibility of earning a final grade in the course.

Term 4 seniors - A senior will receive an N grade if they miss a total of 6 class periods in the term, including excused or unexcused absences in a class that meets 5 or 6 times per cycle.  If there are extenuating circumstances presented to the student’s Assistant Principal, the Assistant Principal may allow the student to receive a letter grade for the 4th term.

• If the student receives 1 N in a year-long course, 25% of the credit will be reduced but the student will pass the course and meet the graduation requirements as long as they earn a passing final grade.
• If the student receives 1 N in a semester course, 50% of the credit will be reduced but the student may still pass the course.
• If the student receives 2 N's in a semester course, the student will not receive credit in the course.
• If the student receives 2 N's at any time in a year-long course, the student's support team (Assistant Principal, counselor, teacher, family and/or student) will meet to determine whether the student can continue in the course. If they can continue, 50% of the credit will be reduced; if the student passes the course for the year, the student will meet the graduation requirements.
• If the student receives 3 N's at any time in a year-long course, the student will receive an N for a final grade, will not receive credit, and will not meet the graduation requirements.

The total number of absences from each course in each marking period is recorded on PowerSchool. Absence and/or lack of class participation will affect grades.

Any student whose achievement grade is below C in the core academic subjects of English, mathematics, science, social studies and world language may be assigned to Directed Research classes, including those scheduled during the first period, when they are not enrolled in a class.

See Report Cards, Making Up Class Work, and Code of Conduct - Attendance.

GRADING TERM GUIDELINES

In careful consideration of the significant stress on senior students during the first quarter, the WHS Administration, in its discretion, will make every reasonable effort to avoid ending the first quarter on a date that coincides too closely with (e.g., within approximately 3 school days of) the November 1 Early Decision(ED)/Early Application(EA) college application deadlines.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:

The following are required for graduation from Wellesley High School:

1. Earn 136 credits* in grades 9-12, Pass 4 years of English, 2 years of math (3 years beginning with the Class of 2028), 2 years of science, 2 and ½ years of social studies (1 of which must be U.S. History), 1 quarter of Physical Education in 9th, 11th and 12th grade, and a semester of Health in 10th grade.
2. All Massachusetts State Colleges and Universities require in-depth study in the areas of mathematics (4 years), science (3 years) and World Language (2 years) to qualify for admission. It is important that you and your school counselor consider this in your course selection and post-secondary planning.
3. Pass all required MCAS tests.

* A student must fulfill all their graduation requirements prior to the graduation ceremony in order to participate in the ceremony.

In Massachusetts, public school students must meet both local and state requirements in order to earn a high school diploma. The Massachusetts Education Reform Law of 1993, G.L. c. 69, § 1D, requires that all students meet the Competency Determination (CD) standard, which is usually done by earning a passing score on MCAS. Students scoring in a certain range, designated by year of graduation, may require additional courses beyond the WHS graduation requirements to meet state graduation requirements, including, but not limited to taking 4 years of math and academic support courses.

HONOR ROLL:

The school recognizes scholarship by announcing a scholastic honor roll at the end of each quarter. All students who carry a minimum of four major subjects and who receive no grade below C in any subject are eligible for the honor roll. Students earn High Honors for all A’s in all major subjects; Honors for A’s and B’s in all major subjects; and Honorable Mention for A’s and B’s in all but one major subject if a C in that major subject is offset by an A in another major subject.

HOMEWORK:

Homework Philosophy

At Wellesley High School, we believe homework reinforces the value of students being alone with the work in a space – both physical and intellectual – that allows for challenge, discovery, and growth.

Short and long term assignments are meaningful tools whose purposes will be clearly communicated to students. Homework will promote academic excellence, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and time management skills to enable all students to be lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

Homework Expectations

Homework is a very individual and subjective activity. Student intellectual abilities vary and expectations about quality of performance on assignments are different. The student’s passion, personal experience and interest for subjects may vary as well.

A typical Wellesley High School student can expect up to 3 hours of homework per evening (more or less depending on subject, long term assignments and levels taken). Nightly homework will not be due on a day that the course does not meet nor will additional homework be assigned to compensate for time missed due to the drop day.  In addition, nightly homework assignments are expected to be announced in class and materials needed to complete the assignment should be available to students either physically or on-line by 3pm.

When selecting an overall program, be mindful that all students are growing young human beings who need time to learn, think, study, reflect, socialize, sleep, relax and play.

Factors to consider that can impact student ability to be successful with homework include:

• Extra-curricular activities
• Performing arts requirements
• Service and club responsibilities    
• Athletic team commitments
• Work obligations
• Family commitments
• Balance of course load

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL OBSERVANCES

The Wellesley Public Schools District is a religiously and culturally diverse community.  In keeping with the district's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) mission statement, our moral responsibility is to welcome, celebrate and affirm the full spectrum and intersections of human differences in and beyond our community. Therefore, the school district intends to be aware of and respect the religious and cultural observances of its students, families and staff.

Toward that end, any student absent due to a religious or cultural observance will have their absence excused upon notification by the caregiver.  Families will be encouraged and invited to notify the school of such plans at the start of the school year.

The District expects that classroom teachers will:

• Impose no penalty or detriment on students who participate in observances of their family's major religious and ethnic holidays and treat any absence related to such observance without penalty;
• Provide ample and flexible accommodations to allow students to make up subject material, assignments, and assessments within a reasonable time (assuming students will not do schoolwork or study during their absence);

Similarly, families will be encouraged to notify coaches, advisors, club leaders, etc., of student absences for religious or cultural observances.  Students will not be penalized (e.g., held out of post-absence participation) in their extra-curricular activities (e.g., sports, theater, clubs, etc.) for such absences. Open and timely communication between students, families, and educators shall ensure that the opportunity to make up work does not burden any parties. Annually, the District will notify all educators of this policy and provide a list of religious and cultural observances and their dates for the current academic year. See this year’s list.

The guidelines outlined in this policy only apply to events and activities regulated by the district, such as school-sponsored events and activities. It is outside the district's authority to reschedule or adjust the dates for events such as AP exams, MCAS, and other standardized tests. However, we strongly advocate for these entities to avoid scheduling these tests on days that conflict with major religious observances or cultural holidays to ensure access for all students.

Teachers will not assign homework or tests to be due the day after any of the religious holidays when Wellesley High School is not in session.  Teachers will give appropriate consideration to students unable to complete homework assignments and to those who are unable to participate in other activities that interfere with religious holidays and observances. No assignments should be due and no tests/quizzes should be given on the day following Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Good Friday, and the first night of Passover. 

Vacation Policy

Academic excellence is a core value at Wellesley High School, and we remain committed to rigorous instruction and an enriching curriculum. We also value the importance of rejuvenation and reflection time for both staff and students.

As such, nightly homework will not be assigned over the school vacations (Thanksgiving, December, February and April).  Continued work on long-term assignments may be necessary. Long-term assignments or assessments will not be due until at least the third day after the break.

INDEPENDENT STUDY:

Students may engage in Independent Study for credit. These opportunities do not include serving as Student Assistant (refer to the Student Assistant description). A course of Independent Study is student initiated, has a faculty advisor, and is approved by the student's family, counselor, faculty advisor, Department Head and Assistant Principal. Students need to be aware that due to workload, teachers may not be able to act as an advisor. Credit for Independent Study will be established based on the number of hours spent on the study per cycle and lasts for a semester or year. Students are graded pass/fail.

LEVEL DESIGNATIONS:

In order to meet the individual needs of a wide range of students, Wellesley High School offers a variety of courses taught at three different levels; H (Honors), ACP (Advanced College Preparatory) and CP (College Preparatory). It is recommended that students take no more than four courses at the H level at a given time due to the demanding workload required for these courses.

All Advanced Placement courses will have the A.P. designation preceding the course title. In courses designated as Advanced Placement, a syllabus approved by the College Board is used. These courses are the equivalent of college/university level courses, and students are strongly encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination.

H – Honors Level courses require a great deal of independent initiative and outside preparation. The pace is accelerated. Student work requires thoughtful analysis and attention to detail leading to synthesis of ideas and prior learning. Written work must exhibit complexity in structure, thought, and vocabulary. Outside reading, problem solving, and study usually precede classroom discussion.  Advanced Placement courses are included at this level.

ACP-Advanced College Preparatory courses are demanding courses requiring a great deal of outside preparation. The pace is rigorous. Student work requires thoughtful analysis with substantiation of ideas under study. Consolidation and application of concepts are developed both independently and with teacher guidance. Written work must exhibit proficiency in sentence structure, sophistication of vocabulary, and in the development and integration of themes and concepts. Outside reading, problem solving and study usually precede and follow classroom discussions.

CP-College Preparatory courses are designed to develop a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of a subject, the skills needed to understand relevant material, and the application of concepts. Material is presented at a deliberate pace in both abstract and experiential formats. Considerable instructional support is provided by the teacher with the goal of building independent study skills. Written work must be clear and thoughtful, demonstrating basic understanding of vocabulary and accuracy of expression. Outside reading, writing, and problem solving are structured by the teacher.

COURSE REGISTRATION:

Wellesley High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or housing status.

The Registration Process

Teacher recommendations for level placement and realistic assessments of ability and work habits should be considered seriously by students and families during the course selection process. These recommendations and assessments are intended to place students in courses where the pace, expectations and standards are appropriate to their needs and abilities. As students formulate their course registration plans, attention to the Program of Studies is essential because it contains statements of prerequisites, course recommendations, and course expectations.

The Course Registration Procedure

        1.        The student and their school counselor discuss the overall course selection process and timetable in their Grade Level Seminar.

        2.  Teachers meet individually with students to recommend courses and levels. These recommendations are followed unless a student submits an override form after consulting with their school counselor.

        3.        The student and their family discuss program choices for the following year, review specific language in the Program of Studies, and review the student’s current grades. The student completes their elective course selections on-line. The student submits their course selection and completes an on-line verification form confirming the courses by the published deadline in mid March.

        4.  For academic courses where there is a disparity between a request and a recommendation, the level recommended by the teacher will be followed. In order to resolve the disparity, the student may submit a Course Level Change Request Form to change the course recommendation.  Forms must be submitted by the end of the course selection process.

MAKING UP CLASS WORK:

Whenever students are absent from school, they should contact their teacher, refer to Canvas or contact a classmate.  If a student is absent for a minimum of two days and an extended absence is anticipated, families may request assignments on behalf of their student by contacting the teacher. Teachers will provide homework assignments in a timely manner. Teachers will send homework assignments electronically whenever possible or will provide hard copies to be left in the House Office.

A student needs to meet with their teachers immediately upon their return to school to schedule makeup work. Previously assigned school work including, but not limited to tests, quizzes, homework, etc. is due on the day a student returns to school, unless a teacher has previously specified that a long term project is due even though a student is absent. Students who are suspended will have their work due on the day of their return to classes.

A student must submit all school work (homework, papers and projects) that is due on the day of a field trip, before they leave on the field trip.

When a student has been in attendance and work has not been passed in on the due date, the student’s grade on the assignment may be affected. The teacher’s policy regarding late work should be clearly outlined in their course syllabus which is available on Canvas.

MAKING UP INCOMPLETE REPORT CARD GRADES:

Incomplete grades are awarded when an excused absence has prevented a student from completing required work. All students are required to complete the missing assignments or work that resulted in the incomplete report card grade within two weeks of the preceding marking period. Work not made up within this time will be recorded as 0 and the grade computed. The only exception to this policy is when a student has extenuating reasons for their absence which have been brought to the attention of and approved by the student’s Assistant Principal.

MINIMUM ASSIGNED CLASS TIME:

All students are advised to be enrolled in 37 credits per year in order to meet the graduation requirement of 136 credits earned.

9th Graders and Sophomores

9th graders and sophomores are required to be in a supervised area for the duration of the school day.  In the event that a 9th or 10th grader has a free block, they will be assigned to a Directed Research class.

Juniors and Seniors

Juniors and seniors are required to be enrolled in 34 credits for the year. Work Study and Independent Study credits count toward the minimum assigned class time.

PROGRAM CHANGES:

For grades 10 - 12

Students receive a list of their courses for the following academic year in June so they can plan their summer assignments.  For those students interested in requesting a higher level or AP course in the fall, they should complete the summer assignments for that course in case their request can be facilitated.

Students have an opportunity to request a schedule change at any point after they receive their courses in June until the week before school starts by filling out an electronic request form.  If the requested change was possible within the constraints of the schedule, students will see the change reflected in their schedule when it is released in late August.  If the change was not possible, their counselor will reach out to them to discuss options.

Once school begins, students are required to experience the courses they selected by attending their currently assigned classes for the first cycle of school.  During that period, should students wish to request a change, the process to do so is as follows:

• Between Wednesday, August 28th at 3pm and Friday, September 6th at 3pm, students must complete a course request change form available in the House offices. Counselors will be available for students to make appointments to discuss possible scheduling changes. Students are also encouraged to consult with their teacher(s), if appropriate.  It is important to emphasize that there is no priority given to students who contact their counselors earlier in the week.  Please make sure to take your time, think through your options, and make an informed decision.
• All students and parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss the decision together.
• Schedule changes will be processed on Monday, September 9th.  
• There is no guarantee that a request for a schedule change will be met. The master schedule is built upon the original course selections of our students and space is created to meet these requests. All attempts to honor the requested change to an individual schedule will be limited to the predetermined space available.
• School counselors will contact students on September 9th to inform them of the status of their request.  Students must continue to attend their current assigned classes until they learn if their request was accommodated.

The processing of the schedule change requests will not occur until September 9th. At that time, counselors will come together to process all change requests in an equitable manner that will go course by course and attempt to meet all requests. If there are more requests to add a course than spaces available, a random lottery system will be used without consideration to the day or time that the student made the request. Students unable to gain entry into the course will be placed on a waitlist based on the lottery selection.

After September 9th, no other elective changes can be made to a student’s schedule. The only exception is adding an elective within the first cycle rotation of a quarter/semester to replace a DR.

For Incoming 9th Graders - Class of 2028

When schedules are released in August, students with one of the following issues with their schedule can make an appointment to see their assigned school counselor prior to school starting in late August.

Reasons for a meeting include:

• Under enrolled - For 9th graders, this would be fewer than 34 credits
• Missing a Major Class - Including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language, Fitness and Health
• Mistake in schedule

If 9th graders wish to make a change for any reason other than what is listed above, they should follow the same procedure as 10th, 11th and 12th graders.

After September 9th, no other elective changes can be made to a student’s schedule. The only exception is adding an elective within the first cycle rotation of a quarter/semester to replace a DR.

After September 9th, level change guidelines are as follows:

When making level decisions for high school courses, students need to make informed decisions, conference with their teachers and consider their passion for learning.

Up Level:

A student moves up a level in a year-long course must do so by the mid-term:

• A student’s current grade will be sent forward for consideration by the receiving teacher.
• If the student is not up to date with the work in their current class, the current teacher has the discretion to factor this in when determining the grade that will move forward to the new class.
• The receiving teacher will assign the Q1 grade.
• For semester courses, the deadline to move up a level in a course is the midterm of Q1/Q3 for semester 1 and semester 2, respectively.

Drop Level:

If a student drops a level in a year-long course during term 1 then:

• Grades will not move with a student from one course to a new course prior to one cycle before the end of the quarter. However, If the student is not up to date with the work in their current class, the current teacher has the discretion to factor this in when determining the grade that will move forward to the new class.
•  If a course change is made prior to the mid-term, the student will receive a term 1 grade from their new teacher.
• NG (no grade) will be a reporting option for students who move courses after the mid-term of first quarter. The receiving teacher will decide if the student has enough grades in the new course to earn a grade for term 1. In the event that the receiving teacher feels an NG is appropriate, the decision will be made in collaboration between the assistant principal and the teacher.
•  If the 1st term grade is NG, then the year grade will be based on terms 2 - 4. The student will earn full credit for the course.
• A student may drop a level at any time throughout the year except the last cycle rotation of a quarter.

Teacher Change Request

Families may request not to have a teacher for a second time for their child, but this does not apply for siblings.  This aligns with the belief that each student-teacher relationship is unique. If families wish to request a change in teacher for their student who has already had that teacher, please contact the subject area Department Head. We cannot honor requests for students to have specific teachers.

SUGGESTED CREDITS PER YEAR

A student should have earned 34 credits by the beginning of their sophomore year, 68 credits by the start of their junior year and 102 credits by the start of their senior year. (All students are advised to take 37 credits per year).

REPEATING A COURSE THAT HAS BEEN PASSED:

When a course is passed in grades 9-12, graduation credit is automatically awarded for that course. If a student wishes to repeat that course for any reason, it is possible to do so, but additional credit will not be awarded upon completing the course the second time. (There are exceptions to this rule. Some elective courses that have been passed previously can be taken a second or third time for credit. The opportunity to earn credit more than one time in these courses must be designated in the description that appears in the Program of Studies).

If a ninth grade student wishes to repeat a math or world language course passed in the eighth grade to improve their background or skills, they may do so and receive graduation credit. A request to repeat a course that has been passed (other than those designated in the Program of Studies) must be pre approved by the appropriate Department Head.

AUDITING COURSES

Students may only audit a class to enrich their understanding of content

• Only 11th grade, 12th grade or transfer students may audit a course
• Audited classes cannot serve as co/prerequisites for other courses
• Students may be allowed to audit after two full cycles of courses
• Students may be required to participate in classroom activities and are expected to attend class regularly. If they do not, this privilege may be revoked.
• Students will not be graded or receive feedback in audited classes and the class will not appear on the student’s transcript
• Students may not audit classes from which they dropped or audit a section that is full or becomes full.

In the event that a student can no longer audit a course, their assistant principal will communicate with the student and their family

Interested students should see their school counselor. The next step is to gain approval from the teacher, department leader and their assistant principal.

POWERSCHOOL:

In addition to the grade earned in each subject, the total number of absences from each course during each marking period is recorded. This number includes absences due to illness, tardiness to school, dismissals, class cuts, field trips and special school activities. The number of graduation credits earned previously in high school courses (grades 9-12) is also included. PowerSchool online gradebook will be open throughout the school year and teachers will update their grades monthly at minimum. The final grade is an evaluation of the entire school year and represents all term grades, including the final assessment grade.

(See also Grading; Marking Periods; Making Up Incomplete Report Card Grades.)

SEMESTER OR TERM AWAY FROM WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL:

Students must withdraw from Wellesley High School for the semester or term they are not attending the High School. The student, caregiver, counselor and Assistant Principal should meet prior to their withdrawal to outline the process to reenroll at the High School and the implication for the student's credits and graduation. If a student is an athlete they should meet with the Director of Athletics in order to confirm participation upon their return.

While at their semester or term away from school, students must be enrolled in an educational program that offers its own curriculum and instruction. Students may not have access to Wellesley High School’s online Canvas program nor will they receive instruction from their Wellesley teachers. Grades earned at the new school will be awarded credit and will count towards the student’s core graduation requirements. The grades earned for each class at the away school will not be calculated into the student’s final year end grade nor in their GPA.

SENIOR PROJECTS:              

Coordinator: Mr. Thom Carter, Ms. Toni Carlson and Ms. Sarah Matloff

Seniors are offered a unique opportunity for independent study in an area of personal or career interest during the fourth term. Projects are individually designed and must meet the approval of the Senior Project Committee. In most cases, the project takes place outside of school and requires students to complete their regular course work at the end of the third term. Student projects cannot be under the supervision of a parent/guardian/caregiver or worked on at the home property (i.e. garage) during school hours. A community service component is strongly encouraged in all senior projects.

A sampling of recent projects include: internships at the State House, a biotech laboratory, a financial institution, a physical therapy facility, and  a veterinary office, working as a teaching assistant in a local elementary school, designing and creating a web page, and working at a homeless shelter.

At the conclusion of Term 3, a student's grade in each class must be a C- or above to receive approval to begin a Senior Project. Any class cuts during the third quarter may prevent a student from signing out of that class.

Students may be removed from their Senior Project if they do not meet the expectations of their job site or if they have multiple unexcused absences in a class they did not sign out of.

A student withdrawing from a course in the fourth term must have their teacher sign a withdrawal form indicating that the student has met the teacher's final requirements.

STUDENT ASSISTANT POLICY:

Students may apply to be student assistants (SAs) for teachers if they follow the guidelines set below:

• SAs must be approved by both the teacher and the Department Head
• SAs serve at the discretion of the teacher
• SAs have reached a certain level of proficiency as determined by the teacher and department head. 
• There can be no more than 2 SA's per teacher
• Students on 504s, IEPs and/or with medical issues may not be identified to SAs and therefore SAs cannot have access to any of these forms
• SAs may not grade any student assignment or assessment
• SAs may assist in the preparation of assessments provided the questions are made available to all students prior to the assessment date
• SAs may not have any access to assessment materials or grades
• SAs may not make copies for the teacher
• SAs can do some preparation and organization work for the class but their primary function is to support other students as if they were a tutor.
• SAs can take paper attendance for the teacher who will enter it into Powerschool at a later time.
• SAs can work with the teacher to write warm-ups and/or tickets-to-leave
• SAs and their cooperating teacher must be communicating regularly with each other
• SAs can keep journal entries on what they have learned, what they have noticed, what progress has happened and/or how they might explain something differently the next time.
• SA can be available once a cycle to assist with office hours/extra help sessions.
• SAs could be asked to do some reading in preparation for lessons.
• SAs will attend all class meetings of the course for which they are SAing (ie, if the course meets 5 times a cycle, the SA is expected to be in the classroom all 5 times)  SAs must be enrolled in the course for the full duration of the course they are SAing.  Students are not eligible to join a class as a SA for the second semester of a course.
• SAs will receive the same number of credits for the course as students in the course
• SAs will be graded on a Pass/Fail scale.

Students wishing to apply to be a SA must complete the SA form that is available in the House Offices.  SAing is not an option in all departments, and being approved to SA in a department does not fulfill a  graduation requirement (i.e. SAing in the Fitness and Health Department).  

TESTS:

Teachers will announce in class all major, in-class assessments at least one week in advance.  ("In class" can mean orally, on the board, etc., but prohibits solely announcing on the class Canvas page.)  These assessments include tests, in-class essays, "quests," etc., which are expected to last more than half of a period. Major projects and major out of class essays as defined by the teacher are also included. One week's notice should provide students with sufficient time to prepare and also time to inform teachers if several major assessments are scheduled for the same day. Schedules will be changed when a student has more than two major assessments including writing assessments scheduled for the same day and if written confirmation of the student's conflicting assessment schedule is submitted by the student to each teacher at least five days prior to the conflict.  Preference regarding assessment due date will be given to the earliest assigned assessment.  Assessments scheduled on a snow day will be moved to the next scheduled class.

Teachers will not schedule assessments for students taking MCAS (9th/10th graders) on their scheduled MCAS testing days.

WITHDRAWING FROM A COURSE:

Withdrawing from a course by a student requires the approval of parent/guardian and a signature from the teacher, department leader and counselor. In order for a senior to make any changes in their program after November 1st, they must have a conference with their counselor.  Seniors making changes in their program should contact colleges to which they have applied and/or been accepted to notify them of the change.

If a student withdraws after the midpoint of the duration of the course, regardless of whether it is a quarter, semester or year long course, a "W" will appear on the student's transcript. Any changes made before these dates will not appear on the student's transcript.

A student who withdraws from a course at any time during the school year cannot take a summer school review course. The opportunity to take a summer school review course is reserved for students who have completed the course during the school year.

Partial Credit

    Partial credit will not be given for successful completion of partial coursework, except for the following reasons:

1. Prior arrangements have been made by the student, Department Head, counselor and Assistant Principal as part of a plan for graduation or as a result of extenuating circumstances.
2. It is determined to be a necessary procedure for a student who is transferring to another school.
3. It is necessary because of an approved Independent Study Project.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Academic integrity is perhaps the most important virtue with respect to a student’s academic work at Wellesley High School. A student’s integrity and credibility are based on this honesty which is one of our core values of academic excellence. Wellesley High School students are expected to understand that dishonesty on exams, papers, and homework is a violation of our academic integrity policy and is a very serious matter. Students are expected to avoid all forms of cheating including practices which allow others to cheat from them. It is unfair to the students who earn their marks with hard work; it undermines the integrity of grades; it destroys the trust between teachers and students; it is unacceptable.

Cheating can take a number of forms, including, but not limited to:

• The use of unauthorized books, notes, electronic aids, or other materials in an examination.
• Obtaining an examination ahead of its authorized release.
• Unauthorized collusion; i.e. either aiding or obtaining aid or actual work, from another student, any person, or any printed or electronic sources, where such aid is not explicitly required in the assignment.
• Copying homework or notes to be evaluated by a teacher.
• Acting dishonestly in any way, whether before, during or after an examination or other assessment so as to either obtain or offer to others an unfair advantage in that examination or assessment.
• Submitting the same or similar work on more than one occasion or in more than one class or submitting another student’s work who had previously submitted the work for a grade.
• Students may not use an artificial intelligence program to aid their work on an assignment unless explicitly directed to do so by their instructor.

Any student found to be providing information to a fellow student during a test, or examination, or the preparation of graded work will be considered as guilty of cheating as the student receiving the assistance, and the full force of the rule will apply to them as well. Even if the student who shared their work completed the course previously, their final grade would be impacted because academic integrity extends beyond the completion of the course.  When this occurs, the student’s Assistant Principal and guidance counselor will meet with the student, if possible, to discuss the infraction and consequence

Wellesley High School students will sign an honor code on all final assessments/exams as well as on major papers and projects. The honor code for assessments will read, I will neither give nor receive help on this exam. This pledge is to be copied by the student prior to taking the exam and followed by the student's signature. The honor code for papers and projects will read, I certify that this paper/project is my own work, and I have cited any and all sources as necessary. This pledge will be handed in along with the paper or project and will be accompanied by the student's signature.

PLAGIARISM - A FORM OF CHEATING

Definition

Plagiarism is copying or adopting any part of a literary, musical or artistic composition, a computer program, any electronically retrieved data, or the work of another and publishing it as one’s own original composition or work. The following types of papers are considered dishonest:

1. Papers on which the student has received assistance other than incidental criticism from any other person.
2. Stories, the plots of which are taken from stories in books, magazines, television or films.
3. Articles of whatever nature in which thought, information or structure is derived without statement of indebtedness from books, magazines, lecture or any other sources.
4. Papers containing quoted material/others words without the use of quotation marks and footnotes.
5. Papers not actually written by the person submitting them.

When a student borrows from any source, the extent and nature of the borrowing must be fully and explicitly stated to avoid the charge of dishonesty. The indebtedness may consist of:

1. Actual words: Quotation marks must be used in the paper and the person or book quoted must be cited in either the text or a footnote.
2. Summary of substance (the paraphrase): The fact and amount of indebtedness must be made clear by introductory sentence or by a footnote.
3. Guiding suggestion: If the student’s part consists only in development, credit must be given for the guiding idea.

A student’s name on a paper is regarded as an assurance that the paper is original and is the student’s own work. Therefore, the submission of any work copied from another student will be considered plagiarism.  Even if the student who shared their work completed the course previously, their final grade would be impacted because academic integrity extends beyond the completion of the course. 

Consulting Spark Notes, Cliffs Notes, or other similar summaries or book guides will be considered cheating, even if the student has already read the required text. Furthermore, consulting SparkNotes.com or similar online books guides in school constitutes a violation of the school's acceptable use policy and will warrant appropriate consequences. Students are reminded that their teachers and Writing Lab instructors are eager to help them overcome reading and writing challenges and that there are no shortcuts to becoming better readers and writers.

Disciplinary Procedure

1.     First Offense in the student’s high school career (across disciplines and academic year/s):

• The teacher will confer with their department leader and then will meet with the student to verify cheating or plagiarism and to discuss the matter.  If there is a violation, the teacher’s department head and the student’s Assistant Principal will be notified.  The House Office will log the incident in Powerschool.  If this is the student’s first Academic Integrity offense as a student at Wellesley High School, the student will be able to retake an assessment or re-submit the work for a grade no higher than 50%.  The student’s parent/guardian will be notified by the teacher.
•  If the student is a member of the National Honor Society or, Foreign Language Honor Society, etc the advisors will be notified of the infraction for possible disciplinary action and/or dismissal; if the student is not a member of an Honor Society, the incident may affect the student’s selection for membership in that society.

2.    Second Offense in the student’s high school career (across disciplines and academic year/s):

• The teacher will confer with their department leader and then will meet with the student to verify cheating or plagiarism and to discuss the matter. If there is a violation, the teacher’s department head and the student’s Assistant Principal will be notified and the House Office will record the violation.  The Assistant Principal will schedule a meeting with the teacher, department head and counselor. The teacher and team will decide whether to allow the student to retake an assessment or re-submit their work for a maximum of 50% OR assign a zero.  The student’s parents/guardians will be notified by the teacher. Additionally, the student’s teachers may be notified by the Assistant Principal.
• The student will have a Saturday school.
• If the student is a member of the National Honor Society or, Foreign Language Honor Society, etc the advisors will be notified of the infraction for possible disciplinary action and/or dismissal; if the student is not a member of an Honor Society, the incident may affect the student’s selection for membership in that society.

3.    Third Offense in the student’s high school career  (across disciplines and academic year/s):

• The teacher will confer with their department leader and then will meet with the student to verify cheating or plagiarism and to discuss the matter. If there is a violation, the teacher’s department head and the student’s Assistant Principal will be notified and the House Office will record the violation.
• If student discipline records show that this is the student’s third Academic Integrity offense as a student at Wellesley High School (from another course or a previous year/s), the Assistant Principal will schedule a meeting with the student and the student’s parents/guardians. The student will receive a zero on their work and will lose privileges for the year, including removal from all student activity leadership positions, loss of junior/senior pass, and loss of permanent dismissal privilege Additionally, the student’s teachers may all be notified by the Assistant Principal.
• The student will have an in house suspension.
• The student may appeal the decision to an Academic Integrity Appeal Committee on the third offense. The Committee will be composed of the five academic department heads and the three Assistant Principals.
• If the student is a member of the National Honor Society or, Foreign Language Honor Society, etc. the advisors will be notified of the infraction for possible disciplinary action and/or dismissal. If the student is not a member of an Honor Society, the incident may affect the student’s selection for membership in that society.
• If the third infraction occurs in the same course, the student may be removed from the class.

ADVISORY PROGRAM:

The aim of the Advisory Program is to personalize the educational experience for all students. Students will meet with a staff member who will serve as their advisor daily to engage in dialogue on a wide array of topics, such as school issues, current events, and student wellbeing. Advisory groups will be structured according to grade, and students will be randomly placed in sections. Students will stay with the same advisor and advisory group while they attend Wellesley High School. Students must speak to their school counselor and Assistant Principal if they feel the need to switch advisory groups.

The mission of the High School Advisory Program is to offer opportunities for students and staff to interact in a safe and supportive environment. The Advisory Program will further develop our sense of community, enhance the student experience, and foster positive social connections.

Cutting an Advisory is viewed as cutting a class; therefore, the appropriate Student Handbook consequences apply and detentions may be assigned.

AVAILABILITY OF STUDENT DIRECTORY

Names, addresses, and phone numbers of students and their families are provided to select non-commercial groups involved with school-related or support activities at the discretion of the Principal. If you wish for your student’s name and pertinent contact information to be removed from this list, please notify the Principal in writing. 

BULLETIN BOARDS:

Ample bulletin board space is provided for the use of students and student organizations. The following rules regarding posting apply:

        a.        The school will not allow any materials to be posted which cause or contribute to a disruption of the educational process or which an administrator judges to be offensive or in poor taste.

        b.        Materials to be posted must be dated, signed by the student group wishing to post them and approved by either the group's advisors or an Assistant Principal.

        c.        Materials may be posted on bulletin boards, brick walls using painters’ tape.  Windows, painted surfaces and stairway posting is not permitted.

        d.        Students posting materials are responsible for removing those materials after publicizing an activity or after a reasonable amount of time has passed so that others may use the space.

BUS TRANSPORTATION:

There are four morning buses with. Routes start at 6:35 A.M. and arrive at the High School no later than 7:05 A.M.  There is a second morning bus that starts at 7:45 A.M. and arrives at the school at 8:15 A.M.  Four afternoon buses pick up students at 2:30 P.M.  

Bus passes are available only at the Transportation Office which is located at the Middle School. They identify the bus route the student is authorized to use and must be presented to the driver. If a bus pass is lost, a new one may be obtained from the Transportation Office for $5.00. Permission for temporary transportation cannot be authorized by anyone at the High School.

Call 781 446-6210 ext. 4514 for information about transportation.

Late Buses

Late buses will pick up students at approximately 3:40 P.M., Monday-Friday, except on early dismissal days when late buses are not available. There are two buses that make a broad circuit of the Town of Wellesley.

METCO BUS: Procedure for Late Arrival and General Information

        1.        Wait 10 minutes beyond the time that appears on your schedule before leaving your bus stop.

        2.         Call your family and inform them that you are proceeding to school on public transportation.

        3.         Your parent or guardian should call the school immediately at the following number: 781-446-6248.

        4.         When the entire bus is tardy, the METCO Coordinator will report the time of its arrival to the main office.

        5.         The METCO Office will contact the transportation provider to determine the cause of the late arrival.

        6.         All METCO students are expected to follow this procedure or your lateness will be considered an unexcused tardy.

Transportation provided by the school system is intended to convey Wellesley Public School students to and from their homes. Parents and guardians may travel on school buses in order to attend parent conferences and to participate in school sponsored activities. School sponsored transportation is not available to guests who are not Wellesley Public School students.

Bus Transportation Regulations:

Students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior while riding on any school bus to or from school or to or from any school-sponsored activity. When a student fails to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with acceptable public behavior, transportation privileges may be revoked. The following procedures will apply:

Suspension of Transportation Privilege:

When it becomes necessary to revoke transportation privileges as a result of a student's failure to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with commonly accepted public behavior, the following procedure for such suspension shall apply.

1. Poor behavior or unsafe conduct by a student while boarding, leaving or in transit, shall be reported on a Wellesley Public School "Bus Conduct" Report Form. Forms should be submitted to the Assistant Principal of the receiving school or their designee.
2. The student’s Assistant Principal shall meet with the student and may require the parent or guardian of the student to be present.  An administrator may suspend the student's transportation privilege for up to two days without further hearing.
3. If a student has repeated instances where suspension by the Assistant Principal has resulted in no improvement of behavior, the Principal may recommend to the Superintendent or their designee that a hearing be scheduled to consider a more lengthy suspension of the privilege. The Superintendent or their designee will, upon receiving this request, schedule a hearing with the student, the parents/guardians, and the receiving school Principal. The Superintendent may, at their discretion, permit the student to continue on the transportation service pending the outcome of the hearing.
4. Any Category B, C or D Infractions that occur on the school bus will result in a hearing with the student’s Assistant Principal that may lead to school discipline up to and including suspension or expulsion.
5. See Wellesley METCO Program Bus Contract for additional information.

CAFETERIA:

The Cafeteria is open for breakfast from 7:00-8:00 A.M. and serves food throughout the day, until 12:22 P.M. Lunch is served from 10:55 A.M. to 12:22 P.M. Lunch is not served on early dismissal days. Full meals may be purchased at lunchtime or items may be purchased a la carte. Students who use the cafeteria have the right to and should expect to find a clean table at which to eat. Each student is responsible for cleaning his or her table.

CANCELLATION OR DELAYED OPENING OF SCHOOL:

When school is cancelled for the day or when the opening of school is delayed, an announcement is made through School Messenger and on all major radio and television stations. The cycle calendar is not changed when a day is missed. For example, if a snow day is Day 1, the following school day is Day 2, etc. When the opening of school is delayed, students should report to the block in session when school begins. For example, if a two-hour delay is announced, students should report to their Advisory class at 9:38 A.M. If a one-hour delay is announced, students should report to their second block class at 8:34 A.M.

Teachers may not assign additional homework because of the snow day. No homework will be due on a snow day. Students may still work on long-term assignments and are expected to complete previously assigned homework (i.e. reading calendar, AP courses may maintain their content schedule). Assessments scheduled on a snow day will be moved to the next scheduled class.

Please do not call the high school or the police station to obtain cancellation information since phone lines need to remain open for emergencies. Students and caregivers are alerted to a school cancellation, delay or unplanned early release by email, phone and text message. Caregivers should confirm that their information is accurate in Powerschool. Alternatively, families can consult Wellesley Cable channel 9, TV channels 4, 5, or 7, radio stations WBCN, WBUR, WBZ, WCRB, or WVBF for school cancellation information.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

Alateen/Al-Anon – 508-366-0556 

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center - 800-841-8371

Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline - 800-792-5200

Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233)

Behavioral Health Help Line - 833-773-2445

Fenway Community Health Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Hotline -888-340-4528

Human Relations Services of Wellesley -781-235-4950 or www.hrshelps.org

The Human Relations Services is Wellesley’s community mental health agency. Its goal is to prevent and/or help solve personal and family problems. Those who come to HRS include children, teenagers, adults and families who are faced, as everyone is at times, with personal difficulties such as: school problems, family illness or death, divorce, or drug or drinking problems. The HRS staff includes psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers who offer counseling to anyone in need. Fees are charged, but no one is denied assistance for financial reasons. A psychologist from HRS is in the High School Guidance Department full time.

Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association - 617-558-1881

Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline c/o The Medical Foundation - 800-327-5050

LGBT National Youth Hotline - 800-246-7743

Newton Wellesley Hospital - 617-243-6000

OUT MetroWest: 

OUT MetroWest builds communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive. We offer multiple programs each week for LGBTQ+ youth as well as programs for families and educational offerings for the community.

Parental Stress Hotline - 800-632-8188

Peer Listening Line - 800-399-PEER

PFLAG: PFLAG 

PFLAG is  a group of parents, families, friends, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. We help change attitudes and create an environment of understanding so that our LBGTQ family members and friends can live in a world that is safe and inclusive. We accomplish this through support, education, and advocacy.

Wellesley Police - 781-235-1212

Riverside Community Emergency Service/Crisis Care – 800-529-5077

Runaway Hotline - 800-Runaway (1-800-786-2929)

STD Hotline - 800-227-8922

The Trevor Project: thetrevorproject.org  hotline: 866-488-7386

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LBGTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning) young people.

Wellesley Youth Commission -

The purpose of the Wellesley Youth Commission is to serve as an advocate and a representative voice for the youth of Wellesley as well as to ensure that the needs and concerns of the youth are recognized by those Town boards, departments and agencies involved with youth. Programs include employment, volunteer, Youth Council, and after-school drop-in center.

OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS:

Students will not be allowed to attend school events and/or end-of-the-year activities (even if they have already bought a ticket for that event) if the student owes detention time, if they have outstanding obligations including food service, library, books, lab fees, parking tickets or any other outstanding obligations. Exceptions may be granted by the student’s Assistant Principal in cases where extraordinary circumstances have prevented a student from meeting their obligations.

FIELD TRIPS:

Specific units of the curriculum are occasionally enriched by on-site visits to locations which highlight a particular area of study. Class and activity advisors occasionally plan trips to allow students to participate in or perform as representatives of the High School.

Students and families are informed that any student who chooses to participate on such a trip, whether day or overnight, is under the direct supervision of the teacher(s) and chaperone(s) assigned to the trip. While involved in the activity, students must follow the policies and procedures of Wellesley High School as indicated in this Student Handbook. All information regarding field trips (itinerary, mode of transportation, costs, information regarding chaperones, etc.) will be sent to families prior to the trip along with a field trip permission slip and consent form to sign and submit.

Points to consider in planning to participate on a field trip:

1. Completed permission slip and consent form signed by parent or guardian must be received seven days before the trip in compliance with any due date specified for the trip.
2. Students going on the trip are responsible for all transportation expenses and fees.
3. Students are responsible for notifying their teachers in advance of the trip and for making up all work missed because of field trips. If a student fails to make up work, they will be given a failing grade for that work. A student is expected to take a test missed because of a field trip the day after the field trip. A student must submit their school work (homework, papers, or projects) which is due on the day of a field trip before they leave on the field trip.
4. Any student who violates the school's alcohol and drug policy included in Section D of this Handbook or any other Handbook rule may face school consequences.

Students are advised that missing school for extended trips can have an adverse impact on academic achievement in some courses. Class teachers are not responsible for tutoring or reteaching a student who has missed school because of a school sanctioned field trip.

FIRE DRILLS/EMERGENCY EVACUATION:

Everyone must exit the building in an orderly manner whenever an alarm sounds. If you are not in an area that has an immediate life safety threat, exit with your class during school hours.  After school hours, leave in an orderly fashion and report to the nearest faculty member.  Students are expected to cooperate fully and to follow the direction of any adult during a building evacuation. Fire Exits are clearly marked throughout the building and shall be utilized if it is the quickest way to exit the building. If a fire alarm is sounding, leaving via a Fire Exit marked alarm will not trigger an additional alarm. All teachers will lead students from classrooms and corridors to the appropriate exit and outdoor area. At no time will you have to cross a street or congregate in the parking area during a non-emergency drill. Students will remain with their class at all times. Emergency response vehicles arrive from different routes, so be aware of your surroundings and oncoming vehicles.  If an exit becomes bottlenecked, look for an alternate route.

Expectations for students

1. Leave the building quietly, promptly,  no texting/cell phone use until you have reached the designated evacuation area.        
2. Remain with your classroom teacher for attendance during the entire evacuation.
3. Do not stand in roads, driveways or courtyard.                    
4. Do not return to the building until directed to do so by a teacher, even if the alarm stops.

Expectations for teachers

1. Teachers should report missing students to either the Student Supervisor or Administrator in their designated area.
2. Teachers who are free should assist moving the students to the designated areas.
3. Administrators in each designated area will notify students and teachers when they can return to the building and they will determine if there are students missing.      
4. Administrators or designees in designated areas shall sweep the bathrooms to ensure 100% evacuation prior to exiting the building.            

SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES:

The School Counseling Department provides a variety of services in three areas:  education, career and personal domains. Within these three broad areas are nine specific services: grade level seminars, counseling, teacher consultation, resource coordination, information delivery, family education/consultation, placement, evaluation/planning and records/testing. While students are the primary focus of these activities, counselors also work closely with families, teachers and administrators.

School counselors spend the majority of their time in direct service to students. Through individual counseling and grade level seminars, counselors address the developmental needs of their students and provide crisis intervention. They are also in frequent communication with faculty, staff and families in order to coordinate services and provide an optimum school experience for all students. Counselors work closely with special educators, serving as referral agents and as members of the core evaluation team. They also meet regularly with the Assistant Principals, school psychologists and special educators to share concerns and develop strategies to meet the specific needs of individual students' concerns.

School Counseling Resources

The School Counseling website is: https://sites.google.com/a/wellesleyps.org/whsguidance

• Admissions officers from over 100 colleges and vocational schools visit the high school throughout the year. Visits are scheduled during the students' lunch periods and after school. Other post-high school opportunities are publicized throughout the school year on the school counseling website.
• The web-based  program, Naviance enables our counseling department to offer a comprehensive website that students can use to help in making decisions about college and careers.

School-to-Career

The primary goal of the program is to broaden the scope of existing work-based learning and enhance career education resources throughout the school system. The program will provide a variety of career exploration opportunities.

Grade Level  Seminars

All students meet with their counselor in groups of ten to fifteen, once a cycle, for one quarter each year in a program to assist students in maximizing learning and planning for the future.

Any student who wishes to meet with their counselor individually should make an appointment in advance. In emergencies, however, a student should feel free to come in to see their counselor without advance notice. If the counselor is not available, the student can see their House Assistant. Families are encouraged to call with questions or request a conference when appropriate.

College and Career Testing

Wellesley High School is a test center for the College Board. Registration Bulletins and college testing booklets describing the testing program listed below are available in the House Offices..

ACT-American College Testing: This standardized test is used throughout the country by college and university admission offices. Similar to the SAT Reasoning Test, it is curriculum based and includes tests related to high school content areas: English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning.

AP-Advanced Placement Exams: Three-hour tests administered in May each year at Wellesley High School for students seeking advanced standing or credit in college in certain subject areas. WHS only administers AP exams for students enrolled in WHS AP courses, WHS sponsored VHS AP courses, or for the AP Language & Composition, AP Literature, AP Chinese or AP World History exams. Students taking AP courses or preparatory classes outside of WHS will need to find an alternative test site.

CB-College Board: This agency, which is in charge of many tests and services connected with the college admissions process, administers the SAT Reasoning Test.

Pre-ACT: The Pre-ACT is a practice test for the ACT.

PSAT/NMSQT: Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Tests: The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test.

SAT Reasoning Test: This standardized test is used throughout the country by colleges and university admission offices. The SAT is a multiple-choice test designed to measure your verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities.

Testing plans are discussed in Grade Level Seminars; a typical testing pattern is as follows:

• Sophomore Year-The Pre-ACT is administered in October. 
• Junior Year-The PSAT/NMSQT is administered in October. Test booklets and scores returned in December provide a study guide to assist students in their preparation for the SAT Reasoning Test in the spring. It is also the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

• The ACT and/or SAT Reasoning tests are usually taken in March, May and June.  

• Senior Year-Seniors typically take the ACT/SAT Reasoning Test in September, October or November. Advanced Placement Exams are administered in May.

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

The Wellesley Public Schools, in conjunction with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, prohibits discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, age or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Furthermore, the Wellesley Public Schools has procedures regarding the referral, evaluation and placement of students with disabilities who are eligible for accommodations under Section 504. The 504 Coordinator for the High School is the Director of School Counseling, TBD Interim Director. The 504 Coordinator for the Wellesley Public Schools is Ms. Kathleen Bernklow, the Director of Student Services. Please contact the Director of School Counseling at the High School or the Student Services Office of the Wellesley Public Schools at 781-446-6210 ext. 4529 for more information.

LBGTQ+ RESOURCES:

Gender neutral bathrooms are located on each floor around the corner from the large, main, single gender bathrooms. Students are also welcome to use the lavatories in the Nurse's Office. The gender neutral bathroom on the first floor will remain open after school and for evening events in the school building.

Students are invited to include their pronouns as part of their Raider email signature by going to settings> see all settings> signature and type in your name and pronouns. This will assist in reminding others how you would like to be addressed.

​​Students are invited to set their pronouns in Canvas by going to Account > Settings > Edit Settings > select preferred Pronouns from the dropdown > Update Settings.

Students who would like to be addressed by a name other than their legal name can have this name added to their Powerschool account. Students can see their School Counselor to make the change.  Parents/guardians must be informed of this, but their approval is not required. For those who have not yet shared this with their families, they can elect to inform or ask their School Counselor to inform their teachers of the change. With this option, students should be aware that substitutes and other building staff may not be aware of your actual name.

GLoW and LBGTQ+SET are some organizations and clubs in particular that students (and allies) are welcome to join.  For more information, please reference the Clubs and Activities section of the handbook.

Additional community resources for LGBTQ+ youth and allies can be found in the Community Resources section of the handbook.

LOCKERS:

If a student is interested in being assigned a locker, they should see their House Assistant. Lockers are school property and as such, writing on the lockers is not permitted. If a student damages the finish of a locker, they will be held responsible for restitution. A student may be held responsible for other types of damage to their locker. Problems should be reported immediately to the student’s House Assistant. Do not use lockers that do not lock.

Keep your locker locked. It is assumed that the contents of your locker belong to you. Do not share a locker with another student. Do not leave valuable items or money in your regular locker or gym locker. Students can only use school issued locks on their hallway lockers. Other locks will be removed.

LOST AND FOUND:

Found personal articles are kept in the Cafeteria’s lost and found box for a reasonable period of time, then donated to a charitable organization. Lost books returned to the office are sent to the appropriate department center. A form for reporting the loss or theft of an item is available in the House and Main Office and should be filled out as soon as possible after a loss or theft occurs. 

NURSING SERVICES

“The WPS Department of Nursing Services provides comprehensive health care that enhances the optimal state of wellness for the whole child in order to support academic success.”

The purpose of the comprehensive school health program is to encourage the best possible health outcomes for each student and to teach concepts that help students make responsible decisions regarding their own health in the future.      

The members of the Nursing Department collaborate with parents/guardians and staff to provide every possible educational opportunity for all students by providing services to support their health, well being, and safety in school.

The comprehensive school health program includes screening procedures, protocols to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, emergency care, and procedures to facilitate school attendance of children with special health care needs.  Due to nursing assessment and intervention, more students are able to stay in school. The school nurse identifies health related barriers to learning, and collaborates with teachers to accommodate students with special health care needs. The nurse may act as liaison between schools and physicians and/or refer students to appropriate resources within the school or community.

The Wellesley Nursing Department utilizes the SNAP Parent Health Portal. The health portal is an online platform that gives you direct access to your student’s health record and streamlines communication and health services directly with your school nurse. The health portal is where you will upload medical documentation such as immunizations, medical notes, or send non-urgent questions or comments directly to your school nurse.

The SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral for Treatment) program is a direct response to the opioid crisis and provides motivational interviewing for students in grade 10.  This is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to prevent and/or delay substance use and early identification of the small percentage of students thought to be at risk for substance abuse. Recognizing the increasing rates of reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the adolescent population, condoms are available to students through the Nurse’s Office only after the school nurse has met with the student and provided counseling and education.  

WPS HEALTH AND WELLNESS GUIDELINES:

School attendance is key to your child’s success in school. Students should be in school if they are rested, eating well, feeling good and are fever free. If a student is feeling ill, they should stay home.  The information below should give you direction when making the decision to send your child to school or keep them home. REMEMBER: Your school nurse is an excellent resource if you need any guidance or direction when making this decision. Never hesitate to consult with your school nurse.

Absence

Please notify the school when your child will be absent and indicate whether it is due to illness or injury. Providing information about your child’s absence allows for the school nurses to track and trend illness in school and begin interventions should a pattern of illness develop.        

Illness

Students should remain out of school for vomiting, diarrhea and or fever. Students receiving antibiotics for contagious conditions such as strep throat must remain out of school for the first 24 hours of antibiotic therapy.

 ** It is also important to notify the school nurse of any contagious diagnoses, (i.e. COVID-19, pertussis, chicken pox etc.) at 781-446- 6290 ext. 4503/4611

If your child will be absent from school for an extended period of time due to a medical procedure/condition, let the school nurses know so that they can assist with the transition process as your child returns to school.

Injury

A student who has sustained an injury including a sport injury and has been treated by a physician or at an emergency room and whose activity will be restricted for a limited period of time (stitches, sprains, fractures, etc.), must bring a note from the physician to the nurse stating the nature of the restrictions. The student will not be allowed to return to sports or fitness class until a note is received from the physician indicating that they are cleared to return to full activity with no restrictions. If a student sustains an injury that they feel will affect school performance, or if a parent/guardian of an injured student feels school activity should be limited for 1-2 days, the parent/guardian must send a note to the nurse.

Fever

If your child has a temperature in the morning, it is recommended that your child remain home. Students should remain home for 24 hours after a fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin).  If your child develops a fever during school hours, they will not be allowed to return to the classroom and will remain in the health office until dismissed to a parent/guardian or their designee.

Dismissal

Students who become ill or injured at school must report to the nurse’s office. Students are not allowed to go home without parental/guardians’ (or parental designee’s) consent and the nurse’s permission.  The nurse must speak with a parent/guardian prior to allowing a student to find a way to transport themselves home after an injury or illness at school. Students must have someone to call in an emergency if a parent/guardian cannot be reached. It is the family’s responsibility to update contact information in PowerSchool or through their House Office

Immunizations

Massachusetts law requires that students be immunized against DPT, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Varicella.  Any student who does not have an up-to-date immunization record on file by the first day of school will be excluded from school by order of the Department of Public Health until their health record is brought up-to- date.                                                                                                                                         

Physical Examinations

Physical examination by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant are required for 9th graders and new students. The examination must occur within one year prior to the student entering school or within 30 days after they enter. In order to participate in any interscholastic sport, documentation of a physical examination within the last 13 months by the student’s primary health care provider must be on file with the school nurse prior to tryouts.

SCREENINGS:

1. Vision and Hearing Screenings are conducted for grade 10 students according to guidelines provided by MDPH (http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/). A referral letter is sent home when the student does not meet the screening parameters recommending evaluation by your physician.
2. Postural screening is conducted annually in collaboration with the Fitness and Health Department for students in Grade 9. A report from the student’s doctor is required in order to be excused from the school screening. A referral letter is sent home when the student does not meet the screening parameters so that further evaluation can be done.
3. Students’ heights and weights are recorded in Grade 10. Body Mass Index (BMI) and corresponding percentile is calculated and recorded following guidelines from the MDPH for each student. The results will be recorded in the student’s cumulative health record at school. Parents are welcome to call the school nurse to discuss the findings.
4. SBIRT Screening (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral for Treatment) will be conducted for all grade 10 students.                 

MEDICATION PROCEDURES WHILE AT SCHOOL:

There are times during the school day when students will require the administration of medication. When at all possible, medication should be given at home but there are circumstances when it is important to maintain therapeutic levels or to keep a student pain free and comfortable during school hours. Students with medical conditions should have emergency and as needed medication available at school as well.

The following information is a guideline for you in deciding if medication administration during school is appropriate for your child.  This information is part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations on administration of medication in a school setting. Your school nurse will help you navigate through the process of establishing a medication routine for your child while at school.

1. Medication orders must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.
2. All medications require a written order from the health care provider and written parent/guardian consent. This includes all daily medications, both prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications.
3. Medications are administered only by the school nurse and are stored in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office. The nurse may delegate administration of student medication during a field trip. Students are not allowed to carry prescription medication in school.
4. If short-term antibiotic medication (10 days or less) is to be administered during the school day, the original pharmacy container may be used as the  “written order” from the health care provider. A written consent form signed by the parent/guardian is required.
5. All medication must be supplied in the correctly labeled original pharmacy container. Only a thirty (30) day supply will be accepted at any time.
6. At the high school, the nurse may administer ibuprofen or acetaminophen to the student once during the school day for dental pain, headache, menstrual cramps or muscle soreness. Written parent/guardian consent is required. The middle school and high school supply ibuprofen and acetaminophen in tablet form only. The parent/guardian must provide chewable or liquid medication if their child is unable to swallow tablets.
7. The nurse may administer allergy eye drops to an individual child once during the school day for treatment of allergy symptoms. The parent/guardian will provide written consent and the medication in its original container.
8. Complementary/Alternative medications such as homeopathic medications, herbal medications and dietary supplements require a written order from a licensed Massachusetts physician and written parent/guardian consent. Medication must be FDA approved and provided in its original container.
9. For safety reasons, students should never transport medication to and from school or keep medicine in their possession during the school day. The parent/guardian or an authorized adult are requested to deliver medication to the health office. Exception to this policy is the “self-administration” consent, which allows students to carry their personal inhaler and/or EpiPen and self-administer as directed. Consent from their health care provider and parent/guardian are required for the self-administration order.
10. School nurses and trained non-nursing personnel may administer Epinephrine (Epipen) by auto-injector to students with identified severe allergic reactions.
11. At the end of the year, all medications must be picked up by a parent/guardian. Any medications not picked up will be discarded.

CONCUSSION/HEAD INJURY PROTOCOL:

The nurses, counselors, teachers and athletic trainer collaborate to ensure prompt identification of a student concussion and/or head injury symptoms in order to initiate an appropriate management plan. Recognizing that each student responds and recovers from a head injury differently, families should contact the school nurses so that the appropriate accommodations can be put in place in order to support your child during the brain healing process. Student athletes must have an ImPACT test prior to participation in interscholastic sports.

STUDENT IN CRISIS

When an administrator determines that a child is in crisis, they will contact the parent/guardian. If an administrator deems that a student's safety is in immediate jeopardy, emergency services may be called and the student may be transported to the nearest emergency room. When a parent/guardian has notified the student’s Assistant Principal that they have received safety assurance for their child, a re-entry meeting will be scheduled. The re-entry meeting may include the parent/guardian, student, Assistant Principal, guidance counselor, school nurse, other school support personnel, and a representative from the Bridge Program. The Bridge Program is a short-term program that assists students and their families with the process of re-entry and reintegration into the school community following psychiatric and medical interventions. Bridge staff can provide a variety of services including clinical and academic support, and communication between the school and other service providers.

USE OF THE ELEVATOR

An elevator pass will be distributed to students who need them at the discretion of the nurse. Student use of the elevator without a pass after a warning may be assigned detention/s.

RESOURCE AREAS

Students who use a lab or the library during a Directed Research class must first notify their Directed Research teacher and then sign in to the lab or library where attendance is recorded.

LIBRARY:

The staff of the Wilbury Crockett Library welcomes students and teachers to use the facility and its resources. The library staff is available to answer questions and provide assistance with research projects before, during, and after the school day. Please make it a point to visit the library and see the opportunities that it provides to the Wellesley High School community.

The library is open from 7:15 A.M. to 3:45 P.M., Monday through Thursday, and 7:15 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Friday. 

The Library is an academic space and should be used for academic purposes. Academic purposes may include: homework, research, reference assistance, group project work, quiet study, reading, school-related computer use, and use of the copy machine. If a class or special event is scheduled in the library, space may be limited and access controlled by the library staff.

Block One Guidelines

7:15 - 8:30 A.M.

The library is open for students to come and go freely. Students may enter the library to do school work as space allows and at the library staff’s discretion.

Announcements concerning library changes or limitations will be posted outside the library.

Blocks Two through Six

To use the library, 9th and 10th graders must adhere to the following protocols:

1. Students who choose to access the library during DR must sign out of their DR classroom and must sign into the library.
2. Students are to report directly and promptly to the library and remain for the entire block.
3. Students must sign-in using the online sign-in system at the front desk of the library and sign-out at the end of the block. Students who need to leave for longer than five minutes to visit academic labs, guidance, or the nurse need to return with a signed pass.
4. Students may only sign themselves in and out of the library: They may not sign other students in or out.

Juniors and seniors do not need to sign-in or out of the library and may use the library on a space-available basis. When the library is at capacity, the library staff may ask students to leave or deny admittance to newly arriving students.

Circulation Policy

All books checked out to students circulate for three weeks, and students may renew a book they are still using. The library will email overdue notices to the student’s parents/guardians. Although students are not charged fines for overdue books, if materials are not returned, the students will be billed for these materials. After three email notices, a letter requesting payment for the lost material will be mailed to the student’s parents/guardians.

Lost or Damaged Library Materials

Prices for lost or damaged books are as follows:

Hardcover Fiction $30.00, Paperback Fiction $20.00, Hardcover Nonfiction $45.00, Paperback Nonfiction $30.00. Some materials such as reference books, art books, and DVD’s are billed at replacement cost to the library.

Students who find a book that they have already paid for will be reimbursed if the book is returned in satisfactory condition by the last day of school.

MATH LAB:

The Math Lab, a drop-in center staffed by members of the Mathematics department, is located in room 437. Students are encouraged to bring homework, assignments,  and challenging math problems to the Math Lab for one-on-one conferencing and support.

SOCIAL STUDIES LAB:

The Social Studies Lab is located in room 327. Students should check with their social studies teacher or check the door of the lab to see when help is available to them for independent enrichment, research, writing projects, makeup work, and computer-assisted activities. 9th and 10th graders may not be in the lab during unsupervised blocks. The books in the lab are not to be removed for any reason.

WRITING LAB:

The Writing Lab, a drop-in writing center staffed by English teachers is located in room 227. The Writing Lab schedule can be found on our website on our English Department page. It is also posted in hard copy outside of the lab.

MOTOR VEHICLE USE:

Parking Lottery

Each spring and winter, seniors will have the opportunity to enter the Parking Lottery.

Regulations

All cars must be registered with the Student Supervisors in the Main Office. The Wellesley High School parking tag must be visible, either hanging from the rear view mirror or on the dashboard. .  Seniors are to park only in the designated student parking area.  

All cars parked on school property must be kept locked and anything in the car is assumed to belong to the owner of the car. The Administration retains the right to search any vehicle parked on school grounds.

Students may not be in the parking lot except when arriving or departing from school and should therefore not store books, lunches or other materials needed during the school day.  

Motor Vehicle Violations 

Parking at the school is a privilege granted by the school. A $25 motor vehicle violation will be issued for the following reasons.

1. Failure to display parking sticker
2. Parking in unassigned area
3. Parking in the faculty area
4. Parking in a HANDICAP space
5. Parking in NO PARKING area or a FIRE LANE
6. Parking in RESERVED OR DESIGNATED area
7. Blocking driveway or access road
8. Speeding
9. Improper/dangerous use of motor vehicle.

All Student Handbook rules apply to the parking lot.  Leaving campus with a student who does not have permission to leave will result in school consequences. Junior/Senior passes may be revoked for failure to adhere to the parking lot/school ground rules and regulations.

For repeat offenders, the student's motor vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense. If the student does not pay their fine(s), they will not be allowed to purchase tickets to any school events. If a fine remains unpaid after two weeks from the date of the violation, junior/senior privileges may be suspended for the remainder of the term.  

RESTRICTED AREAS OF THE BUILDING:

Student use of the following restricted areas is permitted only in an emergency or when authorized by a staff member. Presence in the following areas without permission is a Category A Infraction

        1.        Auditorium and stage.

        2.        Locker rooms unless supervised.

        3.        Teachers' offices and work rooms.

        4.         Classrooms not in use.

Under no circumstances should more than one student be in a bathroom stall or stand alone bathroom. Doing so may result in school consequences as well as possessions being searched by an administrator or school supervisor.

SECURITY:

The Wellesley Public Schools works in collaboration with the Wellesley Police and Fire Departments to ensure that all students are safe and our buildings are secure. Each year the high school participates in emergency evacuations so students and teachers will know what to do in the event of an emergency. To further ensure school safety and security, all doors to the high school are locked at 8:45AM each day. Students and parents/guardians arriving after that hour will need to ring the doorbell to gain admittance. Security cameras are located throughout the school, on school buses and on school grounds. Letting students into the building or pegging doors open is a serious violation of our security protocol and may result in suspension.

Protection Of Valuables:

Students are urged not to bring valuables or large sums of money to school. DO NOT LEAVE MONEY OR VALUABLES IN HALLWAY OR UNLOCKED GYM LOCKERS.

WORK PERMITS:

Per Mass General Laws, individuals under 18 must obtain a work permit from their local superintendent before starting a new job. In Wellesley, the Superintendent has designated WHS Guidance Secretary Lucretia Burns to manage the work permit process.

Please reach out to Ms. Burns for an appointment only after taking the following steps:

1. Download the Youth employment permit application and Youth Employment Permit Process. You can also access these forms in Spanish (Español), Portuguese (Portugués), Chinese (中国人), and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt).
2. Once a job offer is made by an employer, the employer must complete and sign the “Promise of Employment” section.
3. For 14 and 15 year old students only: Please have your doctor complete the Physician’s Certificate of Health, which must be signed within 12 months from the date the application is presented to the school for issuing the permit. A copy of a physical exam report will not be accepted.
4. If you are not a Wellesley Public Schools Student: If you are not enrolled in WPS, you must provide a letter from your attending school stating your enrollment status. This letter must be on your school’s letterhead.
5. Both the prospective employee and a parent, guardian, or custodian must sign the permit form.
6. The permit form must be submitted with one of the following documents:

• Massachusetts Driver’s License
• Massachusetts Learner’s Permit
• Birth Certificate
• Passport

Once you have all the appropriate signatures and documents, please contact WHS Guidance Secretary Lucretia Burns at burnsl@wellesleyps.org or 781-446-6290, ext. 4601, to schedule a time to submit your paperwork. Please note: it can take up to 5 days to obtain a work permit once the documentation is submitted, so it is advisable to coordinate your start date to this timeline.

See Mass.gov and the Youth Permit Process Flowchart for more information.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

It is the policy of the Wellesley Public Schools that the school environment shall be free from the usage, possession, transfer or distribution of drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, or other controlled substances as defined in the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, and heroin), as well as any other chemical substance that can impair the normal functioning of a person, other than medication specifically prescribed to an individual.

The primary purpose of the Wellesley Public Schools is to provide services, facilities and an atmosphere that encourages each student to identify and achieve their full potential. Alcohol and drugs do not help either the student or the Wellesley Public Schools to achieve this purpose. The Wellesley Public Schools will take every reasonable step to eliminate alcohol and drugs and their effect from the schools. This includes health and substance abuse education, close communication and cooperation with parents, guardians and other interested persons and fair enforcement of this policy and the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Wellesley Public Schools focuses these activities on the welfare and development of the individual student.

Therefore, it shall be a violation of this policy for any student to display evidence of:

        1.        Using or having used alcohol and/or drugs;

        2.        Having the alcohol and/or drugs on their person or under their control;

        3.        Being knowingly in the presence of alcohol and/or drugs;         

        4.        Transferring or distributing alcohol and/or drugs; or

        5.        Knowingly or willfully assisting another person in using alcohol and/or drugs.

The policy shall be in effect during the school day and at all extra-curricular and school-related activities. School is considered to be any location where a school-sponsored activity is taking place.

Students who violate the alcohol portion of this policy will be prohibited from performing or competing in any school-sponsored extracurricular activity or event for two weeks or two events, whichever is greater, from the date of the offense. Students who violate the drug portion of this policy may be subject to expulsion from school.

SCREENING FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The WPS complies with General Law chapter 71, section 97, which requires verbal screening of students at two grade levels for substance abuse disorders. Parents/guardians have the right to opt their child out of this screening by notifying the child’s school at any time prior to the screening.

WHS STUDENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT 

This agreement states the rules that must be followed at all school sponsored events including end-of-year class events. By signing your name to this agreement, you acknowledge the following rules and agree to abide by them. It is understood that if you violate the code of conduct, you will be subject to the following consequences, listed below. Both student and parent/guardian must sign this agreement in order to attend any school events.

Rules and Consequences

The student will attend the school event alcohol and drug free. The student will attend school events alcohol and drug free. This fall will see the introduction of night games on Hunnewell Field and the excitement of these events create temptations to violate our alcohol and drug policy so we will be paying special attention in order to keep our events safe. It shall be a violation of the alcohol and drug policy for any student to display evidence of :

        1.        Using or having used alcohol and/or drugs;

        2.        Having the alcohol and/or drugs on their person or under their control;

        3.        Being knowingly in the presence of alcohol and/or drugs;

        4.        Transferring or distributing alcohol and/or drugs; or

        5.        Knowingly or willfully assisting another person in using alcohol and/or drugs.

Consequence: The parent/guardian will be notified immediately and the student will be sent home. If a parent or another responsible adult is not available, the student will be placed in protective custody by the Wellesley Police. Following a due process hearing, the student may be suspended up to 10 days. Any student who is in possession of a controlled substance as defined in Chapter 94 C, including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, and/or heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school district.

Consequence: The student will not be permitted to attend the next class activity or class event.   If the remaining class event is a class end-of-year activity, the student may not attend that activity (i.e. junior cruise, senior prom, banquet, etc.). If the student is invited as a guest to an end-of-year activity of another class, (i.e. senior prom), the student may not attend. If there are no more class activities or class events held during that school year, this penalty will apply for the first class activity or class event of the following school year.

Consequence: The Athletic Director will be notified, the MIAA Drug and Alcohol Policy will be imposed and the Student Handbook Policy on Team Captains will be reviewed. (See the Athletic Handbook for complete details.).

Consequence: The student will be prohibited from participating, performing or competing in any school-sponsored extracurricular activity or event for two weeks or two events, whichever is greater, from the date of the offense.

Consequence: The National Honor Society advisors will be notified of the incident for possible disciplinary action and/or dismissal.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE: 

The Principal or Assistant Principal retains the right to search a student's person, property, including, but not limited to, any vehicle parked on school grounds when they have reasonable cause to believe that the student has violated a school rule, has committed a crime or possesses evidence of a disciplinary violation/crime.  However, lockers, desks, computer/lab tables and similar property are the property of the Wellesley Public Schools, and a student has no expectation of privacy in these areas. Therefore, these areas may be searched at any time for any reason.

Searches by school officials will be conducted in a way that protects the students’ rights consistent with the responsibility of the District to provide an atmosphere conducive to the educational process.

ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Wellesley Public School District conducts its programs and activities in conformity with Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, MGL, Ch. 76, Sec 5 and MGL, Ch.151, Sec.3A. It is the policy of the Wellesley Public School District not to discriminate, and not to allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, handicap/disability housing status, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, military status, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law in any of it activities. This policy also ensures that students should be free from retaliatory and/or harassment based upon any of the foregoing attributes. Anyone having a complaint alleging a violation of any anti-discrimination laws or regulations, including the proscription against sexual harassment, should immediately bring the complaint to the attention of the administration of the Wellesley Public School District who will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation into the charges. In the event that the charges are substantiated, the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action. The Director of Human Resources, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02181, 781-446-6200, has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating the Wellesley Public School district’s efforts to implement this nondiscriminatory policy. Any inquiries concerning the application of any anti-discrimination laws or regulations by the Wellesley Public Schools may be addressed to the Department of Education, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148 (781-388-3300). The full policy can be found in our policy manual on the Wellesley Public Schools web page under the School Committee tab.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY TO PROTECT STUDENTS AND STAFF FROM HARASSMENT, INCLUDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT, BULLYING AND HAZING

Wellesley Public Schools have the responsibility to overcome, insofar as possible, any barriers that prevent children from achieving their potential. The public school system will do its part. This commitment to the community is affirmed by the following statements that the School Committee intends to:

The Committee's policy of nondiscrimination will extend to students, staff, the general public, and individuals with whom it does business; No person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, handicap/disability housing status, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, military status, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If someone has a complaint or believes that they have been discriminated against because of their race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability, their complaint should be registered with the Title IX compliance officer.

STUDENT-TO-STUDENT HARASSMENT

Harassment of students by other students or staff will not be tolerated in the Wellesley Public Schools. This policy is in effect while students are on school grounds, School District property or property within the jurisdiction of the School District, school buses, or attending or engaging in school activities.

Harassment prohibited by the District includes, but is not limited to, harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, handicap/disability housing status, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, military status, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions. Students or staff whose behavior is found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including student suspension or expulsion or staff suspension or termination.

Harassment means conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble students when:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s education or of a student’s participation in school programs or activities;
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions affecting the student, or;
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s performance or creating an intimidating or hostile learning environment.

Harassment as described above may include, but is not limited to:

• Verbal, physical or written (including texting, blogging, or other technological methods) harassment or abuse;
• Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;
• Implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, achievements, or other school matter.
• Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student.

The District will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of harassment. The Principal (or their designee) of each building will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging harassment.

Retaliation against a student because a student has filed a harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited. A student or staff member who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including student suspension and expulsion or staff suspension or termination.

SEX-BASED HARASSMENT

All persons associated with the Wellesley Public Schools including, but not necessarily limited to, the Committee, the administration, staff, and students, are expected to conduct themselves at all times so as to provide an atmosphere free from sexual harassment. Any person who engages in sexual harassment while acting as a member of the school community will be in violation of this policy. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained about sexual harassment or retaliation against individuals for cooperating in an investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated.

Because the Wellesley School Committee takes allegations of sexual harassment seriously, it will respond promptly to complaints of sexual harassment and where it is determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, it will act promptly to eliminate the conduct and impose such corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate.

Please note that while this policy sets forth the Committee’s goals of promoting a workplace and school environment that is free of sexual harassment, the policy is not designed or intended to limit its authority to discipline or take remedial action for workplace or school conduct which it deems unacceptable, regardless of whether that conduct satisfies the definition of sexual harassment.

Definition of Sex-based Harassment

Sex-based harassment prohibited by Title IX is a form of sex discrimination and means sexual harassment and other harassment on the basis of sex, including as described in § 106.10 of Title IX, that is:

(1)  Quid pro quo harassment. An employee, agent, or other person authorized by the District to provide an aid, benefit, or service under the District’s education program or activity explicitly or Impliedly conditioning the provision of such an aid, benefit, or service on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;

(2)  Hostile environment harassment. Unwelcome sex-based conduct that, based on the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the District’s education program or activity (i.e., creates a hostile environment).

(3)  Specific offenses. (i) Sexual assault (ii) Dating violence; (iii) Domestic violence; (iv) Stalking

Complaint Procedure

Because the District takes allegations of harassment, including sexual harassment, seriously the District shall respond promptly and meaningfully to every known report of sexual harassment and shall investigate every formal complaint of harassment including sexual and sex-based harassment as well as retaliation and following an investigation where it is determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, the District shall act promptly to eliminate the conduct and impose corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate. Complaints made pursuant to Title IX will be handled in accordance with the District's Title IX Policy and accompanying Title IX Grievance Policy.

Students who believe that they has been subjected to sexual harassment should report the incident to a member of the faculty or administration at the High School. Any member of the school community who believes that they have been subjected to sexual harassment will report the incident(s) to the appropriate grievance officer. The grievance officer for STAFF complaints is the Director of Human Resources. The grievance officer for STUDENT complaints is the Director of Student Services. All complaints shall be investigated promptly and resolved as soon as possible.

​​Knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during a grievance process, including but not limited to harassment/bullying reports, may result in disciplinary action.

PROHIBITION OF HAZING 

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269, the School Committee hereby deems that no student, employee or school organization shall engage in the activity of hazing a student while on or off school property, or at a school sponsored event regardless of the location. No organization that uses the facilities or grounds under the control of the School Committee shall engage in the activity of hazing any person while on school property.

Any student who observes what appears to them to be the activity of hazing another student or person should report such information to the Principal including the time, date, location, names of identifiable participants and the types of behavior exhibited. Students and employees of the District are obligated by law to report incidents of hazing to the police department.

Any student who is present at a hazing has the obligation to report such an incident. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the school against that student and could involve suspension from school for up to three days.

Any student who participates in the hazing of another student or other person may, upon the approval of the Superintendent of Schools, be suspended from school for up to ten (10) school days.

Any student determined by the Principal to be the organizer of a hazing activity may be recommended for expulsion from school but will receive no less disciplinary action than that of a participant.

In all cases relating to hazing, students will receive procedural due process.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

WELLESLEY SCHOOL COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE POLICY

File: JH - STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND EXCUSED ABSENCES

Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for success in school. The Committee recognizes that parents of children attending our schools have special rights as well as responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their children attend school regularly, in accordance with state law.

Therefore, students may be excused temporarily from school attendance for the following reasons: illness or quarantine; bereavement or serious illness in family; weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child; and observance of major religious holidays.

A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee. Parents will notify the school of the absence or tardiness of a child. This will be required in advance for types of absences where advance notice is possible.

In instances of (5) or more consecutive days of reported illness or chronic or irregular absence reportedly due to illness, the school administration may request a physician´s statement certifying such absences be justified.

Student Absence Notification Program

Each Principal or designee will notify a student´s parent/guardian within 3 days of the student´s absence in the event the parent/guardian has not informed the school of the absence.

Each Principal, or designee or designee shall make a reasonable effort to meet with any student, and that student´s parent/guardian, who has missed five (5) or more unexcused school days (a school day shall be equal to two (2) or more class periods in the same day) in a school year. The meeting shall be to develop action steps to improve student attendance and shall be developed jointly by the Principal or designee, the student, and the student´s parent/guardian. The parties may seek input from other relevant school staff and/or officials from relevant public safety, health and human service, housing, and nonprofit agencies.

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 76, § 1, the Superintendent and/or designee may excuse absences not exceeding seven full day sessions or fourteen half day session in any six month period. Should a student´s attendance exceed this standard, the District may file a 51A report of suspected child abuse or neglect with the Department of Social Services, file an application for "Child Requiring Assistance" (CRA) with the Juvenile Court or file a criminal complaint in court against the responsible parent/guardian.

Dropout Prevention

No student who has not graduated from high school shall be considered permanently removed from school unless the Principal has sent notice to a student, and that student´s parent/guardian, who has been absent from school for ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absence. The notice shall be sent within five (5) days of the tenth consecutive day of absence and shall offer at least 2 dates and times within the next ten (10) days for an exit interview with the Superintendent or designee, the student, and the student´s parent/guardian. The notice shall be in both English and the primary language of the home, if applicable. The notice shall include contact information for scheduling the exit interview and shall indicate the parties shall reach an agreement on the date/time of the interview within the ten (10) day timeframe. The timeframe may be extended at the request of the parent/guardian and no extension shall exceed 14 days.

The Superintendent or designee may proceed with any interview without a parent/guardian present, provided the Superintendent has documented a good faith effort to include the parent/guardian.

The Superintendent or designee shall convene a team of school staff to participate in the exit interview and shall provide information to the student and, if applicable, the student´s parent/guardian on the detrimental effects of early withdrawal from school and the alternative education programs and services available to the student.

LEGAL REFS.:  M.G.L. 76:1; 76:1B; 76:16; 76:18; 76:20

Voted: June 21, 2016

BULLYING POLICY, PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PLAN 

PRIORITY STATEMENT

The Wellesley Public Schools (WPS) are committed to creating a supportive learning environment that fosters intellectual, social, and emotional development. In support of the WPS core value of academic excellence, and in keeping with the WPS core values of cooperative and caring relationships, respect for human differences, and commitment to community, all members of WPS will treat each other with respect, civility, and consideration so that all students can reach their highest potential.

To this end, every student, parent/guardian, and staff member in the Wellesley Public Schools community has the potential and the responsibility to have a positive effect on the school culture and should act in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Treat others with courtesy, consideration, and respect.
• Tell individuals behaving in a disrespectful manner towards you that you want them to stop.
• Tell individuals behaving in a disrespectful manner towards someone else that you want them to stop.
• Notify a WPS staff member about disrespectful or bullying behavior.
• Help create, maintain, and restore a sense of safety and respect for all.

"Bullying" is the repeated use by one or more students or school staff members including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional/teaching assistant of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at a target that:

• causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target´s property;
• places the target in reasonable fear of harm to themself, or of damage to their property;
• creates a hostile environment at school for the target;
• infringes on the rights of the target at school; or
• materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

"Cyber-bullying" means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include, but shall not be limited to, any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, or photo-electronic or photo-optical system, including, but not limited to, electronic mail, internet communications, instant messages or facsimile communications.

Cyber-bullying shall also include the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or knowingly impersonates another person as author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Cyber-bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

The Wellesley Public Schools are committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is free from bullying and cyber-bullying. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning and encourage social/emotional development. We will support this work in all aspects of our school community, including curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities, and parent/guardian involvement.

The Wellesley Public Schools community understands that certain students may be more vulnerable to becoming targets of bullying, harassment, or teasing based on actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or expression, physical appearance, pregnant or parenting status, sexual orientation, mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability or by association with a person who has or is perceived to have one or more of these characteristics.

The WPS will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable populations in the school community, and provide all students with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.

The WPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP) is a comprehensive approach to addressing bullying and cyber-bullying. The Wellesley Public Schools are committed to working with students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent issues of bullying. In consultation with these constituencies, we have established this Plan for preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents of bullying, cyber-bullying, and retaliation. The Wellesley Public Schools Principals are responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan at their respective buildings except when a reported bullying incident involves the Principal or the Assistant Principal as the alleged aggressor. In such cases, the Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for investigating the report, and other steps necessary to implement the Plan, including addressing the safety of the alleged victim. If the Superintendent is the alleged aggressor, the School Committee, or its designee, shall be responsible for investigating the report, and other steps necessary to implement the Plan, including addressing the safety of the alleged victim.

PROHIBITION AGAINST BULLYING AND RETALIATION

Acts of bullying, which include cyber-bullying, are prohibited:

• On school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds; at a school sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds; at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district or school; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by the school district; and
• At a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the Wellesley Public Schools, if the acts create a hostile environment at school for the victim or witnesses, infringe on their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
• As stated in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, nothing in this Plan requires the Wellesley Public Schools to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs.

Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is also prohibited.

REPORTING    

In order to preserve the safe learning environment of the schools, all community members may report any suspected instances of bullying. A member of a school staff including, but not limited to, an educator, administrator, school nurse, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, athletic coach, advisor to an extracurricular activity or paraprofessional/teaching assistant shall immediately report any instance of bullying they have witnessed or become aware of to the school Principal or their designee. Students who believe that they are a target of bullying, who observe an act of bullying, or who have reasonable grounds to believe that these behaviors are taking place, are strongly encouraged to report incidents to a member of the school staff or by using an online or written form. The target shall, however, not be subject to discipline for failing to report. Each school shall have a means for students to anonymously report incidents of bullying. No formal disciplinary action against an alleged perpetrator shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

Any student who knowingly makes a false accusation of bullying shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Parents/guardians and members of the community are encouraged to report an incident of bullying as soon as possible.

INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES    

The Principal or their designee, upon receipt of a bullying report, shall promptly conduct an investigation.  The principal or designee may contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) of students who have been the alleged target and alleged perpetrator of bullying. Relevant school staff and parent(s)/guardian(s) will discuss actions being taken to ensure safety pending an investigation.

The Principal or a designee shall promptly investigate the report of bullying, using a Bullying/Cyber-bullying Report Form which may include interviewing the alleged target, alleged perpetrator, staff members, students and/or witnesses.

Staff shall assess an alleged target's needs for protection and create and implement a safety plan that shall restore a sense of safety for that student where appropriate. The details of this safety plan will be communicated to the target and their parent(s)/guardian(s).

Confidentiality and/or other necessary means shall be used to protect a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, is witness to, or has reliable information about an act of bullying.

If the Principal or a designee determines that bullying has occurred, they shall consider appropriate consequences including disciplinary action. If it is believed that criminal charges against the perpetrator may be warranted, the Principal shall notify the School Resource Officer and the Superintendent to determine if local law enforcement should be notified about the incident.

Recognizing the importance of expeditious investigation, but also that such investigations can be complex and time-consuming, the Principal/designee shall endeavor to complete the investigation within fourteen school days when possible. The parents or guardians shall be contacted upon completion of the investigation and informed of the results, including whether a violation of this policy was found. The Principal/designee will communicate regularly with the parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding updates on the investigation and safety plan.

Disciplinary actions for students who have committed an act of bullying or retaliation shall be in accordance with district disciplinary policies, which are in compliance with federal and state law. Any disciplinary actions taken are subject to student privacy and confidentiality laws. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will only have access to information about disciplinary actions that pertain to their own student. Confidentiality shall be maintained to the extent consistent with the school's obligations under law.

The Principal/designee shall maintain a report of each bullying investigation and shall send a report of the investigation to Central Office.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE

In collaboration with families, the school district may provide counseling or referral to appropriate services, including guidance, academic intervention, and protection to students, both targets and perpetrators, affected by bullying, as necessary.

TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT

At the start of the school year, all school employees will participate in training on preventing, identifying, responding to, and reporting incidents of bullying.

Age-appropriate, evidence-based instruction on bullying prevention shall be incorporated into the curriculum for all K to 12 students.

Data gleaned during the reporting process shall inform the adoption of new anti-bullying curricula.    

PUBLICATION AND NOTICE

Annual written notice of the relevant sections of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP) shall be provided to students and their parents or guardians, in the Student Handbook using  accessible and age-appropriate terms.

Annual written notice of the BPIP shall be provided to all school staff.  The faculty and staff at each school shall be trained annually on the bullying prevention and intervention plan.

Relevant sections of the BPIP relating to the duties of faculty and staff shall be included in the school employee handbook.

The BPIP shall be posted on the school district website.

Each year, the Superintendent shall report to the School Committee an overview on bullying within the WPS community in the preceding year. To the extent possible without compromising confidentiality, these data shall be disaggregated by school and by targets' memberships in vulnerable groups as defined above. The purpose of these reports shall be to assess the efficacy of the anti-bullying training and curricula being used within the schools, and shall help determine the course of future teaching on the subject. This annual reporting does not preclude the reporting/discussion of bullying at other times in the year as deemed necessary by the administration or committee.                                                                        Voted: May X, 2022

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

Federal Regulation 74676 issued by EEO Commission, codified in 29 CFR § 1604.11

Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972

603 CMR 26.00 (Access to Equal Educational Opportunity)

603 CMR 49.00 (Notification of Bullying or Retaliation

Regulations)M.G.L.  71:37O; 265:43; 265:43A; 268:13B; 269:14A

REFERENCES:  Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Model Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan

WPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (BPIP)

WPS Bullying Incident Report Form (Online)

WPS Bullying Incident Report Form (PDF)        

CIVIL RIGHTS POLICIES

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) gives parents/guardians and eligible students (age 18 years or older or emancipated under Massachusetts law) rights when a school conducts certain activities including the administration of student survey, analysis, or evaluation.  These rights include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Parents/guardians and eligible students have the right to provide consent before students will be given a survey that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”) if such survey is funded by the U.S. Department of Education:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

2.  Parent/guardians and eligible students also have a right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt-out of:

1. Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing purposes ("marketing surveys”);
2. Any other protected information survey regardless of funding source;
3. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the Wellesley Public Schools or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings or any physical exam or screening permitted or required by Massachusetts law.

Wellesley Public Schools will provide parent/guardians and eligible students notice within a reasonable period prior to the administration of these surveys and activities and an opportunity to opt-out, as well as an opportunity to review the protected information surveys.  

Please note that parent/guardians are not required by PPRA to be notified about the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.

Parent/guardians and eligible students who believe that their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:

Student Privacy Policy Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.  20202

NOTIFICATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS AND 504 COORDINATORS

The Wellesley Public Schools Coordinator for Title VI and Title IX is  Ms. Monica Visco, Director of Human Resources . She can be reached by mail at 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481 or by telephone at (781) 446-6210.  For concerns related to your child, we encourage you first to contact the Director of School Counseling.

The Wellesley Public Schools Coordinator for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Ms. Kathleen Bernklow. Director of Student Services. She can be reached at 40 Kingsbury St., Wellesley, MA 02481 or by telephone at 781-446-6210.  For concerns related to your child, we encourage you first to contact your Principal.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights address is:

Office for Civil Rights/ED, 8th floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921, (617) 289-0111.

REGULATIONS CONCERNING PHYSICAL RESTRAINT:

Maintaining an orderly, safe environment conducive to learning is an expectation of all staff members of the school district. Further, students of the district are protected by law from the unreasonable use of physical restraint. Such restraint shall be used only in emergency situations as a last resort and with extreme caution after other lawful and less intrusive alternatives have failed or been deemed inappropriate.

When an emergency situation arises, and physical restraint is the only option deemed appropriate to prevent a student from injuring themselves, another student or school community member, a teacher or employee or agent of the school district may use such reasonable force needed to protect students, other persons or themselves from assault or imminent, serious, physical harm.

The District adheres to the Massachusetts regulations regarding the Prevention of Physical Restraint and Requirements If Used at 603 CMR 46.00. The definitions of forms of restraint shall be as defined in 603 CMR 46.02.

SPECIAL EDUCATION: INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) and 603 CMR 28.00, the Wellesley Public Schools provides services to identify and support students with disabilities who reside within Wellesley or who are otherwise entitled under IDEA 2004. If a student is unable to progress effectively within the general education program, a student may be referred for an evaluation by a parent or any person in a caregiving or professional position who is concerned with the student’s development. Students over 18 years of age may also refer themselves. Upon consent of the parent, the school will arrange for the evaluation of the student by a team of specialists in the area(s) related to the suspected disability. A team meeting, including parents, is held to determine if the student has a disability and if the disability significantly affects the student’s progress. If it is determined that the student has a disability and requires specially designed instruction and/or related services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed identifying the specific type and focus of special education services necessary to support that student’s progress, and special education services are implemented upon written parent consent.

Any Wellesley resident who has not graduated from high school is entitled to this process until his/her 22nd birthday.

WPS POLICY REGARDING ANIMALS IN SCHOOL

No animal shall be brought to school without prior permission of the building Principal. The Wellesley Public School District is committed to providing a high quality education program to all students in a safe and healthy environment.

WPS POLICY REGARDING THE EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN HOMELESS SITUATIONS

The Wellesley Public Schools comply with federal and state laws and regulations in the identification and education of children who are in homeless situations. The intent of this policy is to provide each child and youth equal access to the same free appropriate public education, including public preschool, as provided to other children and youth. An overview of the requirements is provided below.

In accordance with requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act, the Superintendent has designated the Director of Student Services as the Homeless Education Liaison. The responsibility of the Liaison includes assisting homeless students in enrollment, working to obtain records by contacting districts of previous attendance, and ensuring these students receive the educational services for which they are eligible.

WPS is dedicated to the educational stability of students in foster care and their equal access to the same free and appropriate public education through high school graduation as provided to other children and youth. Foster care students may continue to attend WPS as their school of origin, unless it is not in the student's best interest. Students in foster care will be immediately enrolled, even if records normally required for enrollment cannot be quickly produced.

WPS REGARDING PREGNANCIES

The Wellesley Public Schools wishes to preserve educational opportunities for those students who may become pregnant and/or take on parenting responsibilities.

Pregnant students are permitted to remain in regular classes and participate in extracurricular activities throughout their pregnancy, and after giving birth are permitted to return to the same academic and extracurricular program as before the leave.

The Wellesley Public Schools does not require a pregnant student to obtain the certification of a physician that the student is physically and emotionally able to continue in school.

Every effort will be made to see that the educational program of the student is disrupted as little as possible; that health counseling services, as well as instruction, are offered; that return to school after leave is encouraged; and that every opportunity to complete high school is provided. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 84

FEDERAL GRANTS

The Wellesley Public Schools participates in several federal grant programs including Titles I, IIA, III and IV. Funding for these grants is contingent on criteria established at both the state and federal levels. Below are more details about each of these programs.

Title I

The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) requires school districts that receive federal Title I funding to notify parents/guardians of their right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct their child.

As a recipient of these funds, the Wellesley Public Schools will provide families with this information in a timely manner upon request it. Specifically, families have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:

• Whether the teacher meets the state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grades and subjects they teach.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status because of special circumstances.
• The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.
• Whether paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications.

The Wellesley Public Schools is committed to providing quality instruction for all students and does so by employing the most qualified individuals to teach and support each student in the classroom. If you would like to receive any of the information listed above for your child’s teacher, please contact the Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent at 781-446-6210 x4503. If you would like to receive information for your child’s paraprofessional, please contact your building principal.

In addition, the Wellesley Public Schools are committed to continued efforts to encourage parent/guardian involvement in both their child’s academic achievement and in school improvement efforts. Written parental involvement policies are distributed to parents whose children are supported by the Title 1 funds of the ESSA.

Title I Parent Involvement Policy:

The administration, staff and parents of this school believe that the improved academic achievement of each student is a responsibility shared by the entire school community to ensure student success.

Parent/guardian involvement activities in the school will include opportunities parents to:

• Volunteer and be involved in school activities.
• Attend parent/guardian education events.
• Provide home support for their child’s education.
• Participate in school decision-making.
• Effectively communicate between the school and parents/guardians.

The schools will:

• Involve families in an organized, ongoing and timely way in the planning, review, and improvement of Title programs, plans, and policies through School Council.
• Provide opportunities for the participation of families with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, by providing translated information and school reports.
• Involve families in the planning, review, and improvement of the Parent Involvement Policy and School-Parent Compact through School Council.
• Conduct and annually evaluate all the content and effectiveness of the Parent Involvement Policy.
• Make the Parent Involvement Policy and School-Parent Compacts available to the school community through the Elementary Student Handbook, Back-to-School nights, and online at wellesleyps.org.
• Host an annual meeting during Back-to-School night with the child’s paraprofessional in September of each year to inform families of the schools’ participation in Title I, the requirement of Title I and the rights of parents to be involved.
• Encourage families to attend the meeting and other school events through notices sent home with students, monthly newsletters, and via the district and school web pages.  

Title IIA

Title II Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides supplemental resources to school districts to support systems of support for excellent teaching and leading. The priorities of Title IIA are to:

1. Increase student achievement consistent with the challenging State academic standards;
2. Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders;
3. Increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and
4. Provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders.

Title III

Title III of the ESSA provides supplemental funds to improve the education of English learners (ELs), including immigrant children and youth, by assisting the children and youth to learn English and meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards.

Title III Priorities are to:                                                         

• increase English proficiency and academic achievement in core academic subjects of English learners by providing high-quality language instruction programs and content area teaching;
• develop, implement, and provide extended day, weekend, and summer opportunities for English language and academic content instruction for EL students;
• provide high-quality professional development such as that which would enhance the skills and knowledge of classroom teachers to deliver effective sheltered content and English language instruction        

Title IV

The purpose of Title IV, Part A of the ESSA is to build the capacity of districts to help ensure that all students have equitable access to high quality educational experiences. Title IV priorities are to:

• provide all students with access to a well-rounded education
• improve school conditions for learning to ensure safe and healthy students
• improve the use of technology to improve academic achievement
• ensure better outcomes for students

STUDENT CONDUCT, DISCIPLINE & DUE PROCESS RIGHTS

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with school rules and regulations to the end that a positive learning atmosphere be established. Among other things, student conduct shall reflect care and respect for all other members of the school community. The District addresses student discipline consistent with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, section 37H, 37H½, and 37H¾ and Massachusetts student discipline regulations at 603 CMR 53.00.

Certain breaches of conduct are so serious that the Principal may long term suspend or expel a student under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 71, §37H and 37H ½. These include:

• Possession of a dangerous weapon while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event
• Possession of a controlled substance while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored event
• An assault on a School Administrator, teacher, teacher’s aide, or other staff person.
• A felony charge or conviction

Expulsion means the removal of a student from the school premises, regular classroom activities, and school activities for more than 90 school days, indefinitely, or permanently, as permitted under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H or 37H½ for: (a) possession of a dangerous weapon; (b) possession of a controlled substance; (c) assault on a member of the educational staff; or (d) a felony charge or felony delinquency complaint or conviction, or adjudication or admission of guilt with respect to such felony, if a principal determines that the student's continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school, as provided in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H or 37H½.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

Mature and responsible behavior is fundamental to maintaining a safe environment which encourages learning and respect for self, for others and for the community. Students are expected to behave as responsible citizens of the school and to differentiate between inappropriate and appropriate behavior in and outside the classroom, on the school bus, and during any school sponsored or related activity. Students will be held accountable for inappropriate behavior and are advised to familiarize themselves with school rules and regulations, which are in effect during the school day, at all extra-curricular and school sponsored activities, and all school sponsored events.

Violations of the code of conduct will subject a student to disciplinary action up to and including mediation, detention, suspension, or expulsion.

WHS GUIDELINES FOR CONSEQUENCES:

The Principal/Assistant Principals have authority to exercise discretion in deciding consequences for a student who has violated school rules. The list below contains possible consequences for the following infractions: 

INFRACTIONS - CATEGORY A:        

Cell Phone/electronic handheld device        Cutting Detention

Elevator use without a pass        Forgery and/or impersonating a parent/guardian        

Failure to report to a teacher        Gambling and/or related activities

Presence in unauthorized areas        Leaving school grounds without authorization

Truancy        Cutting class

CONSEQUENCES FOR CATEGORY A INFRACTIONS:

First Infraction - Detentions & Loss of Privileges        

Second Infraction - Assigned to Saturday School

Third Infraction – Assigned to 2 Saturday Schools

INFRACTIONS - CATEGORY B:

Disrespect/Insubordination1                                

Possession and/or use of Tobacco and Nicotine-Delivery products (i.e. E-cigarettes, Juul)2

CONSEQUENCE FOR CATEGORY B INFRACTIONS:

First Infraction – Assigned to Two (2) Saturday Schools

Second & Additional Infractions – In-school suspension 1 - 3 days

1        Disrespectful conduct to a student or staff member or insubordination to a staff member. This includes but is not necessarily limited to abusive language, sounds or gestures; defiance in the face of a reasonable request, i.e. refusing to give cell phone/electronic handheld device; repeated and/or inappropriate use of the Internet; failure to give one's name when asked to do so.  

2        Possession and/or use of tobacco and nicotine delivery products is prohibited at all times within the school building, school events, on school grounds and/or school buses by all individuals including school personnel. In the event that a student possesses tobacco products and nicotine delivery products, the products will be confiscated, Saturday Schools assigned and may be required to complete a research assignment.  If the student uses tobacco and nicotine delivery products, a fine of $30.00 (or the maximum fine in effect at the time of the offense) will be issued, payable to the Town of Wellesley. The student will be required to have three meetings to gain support from adults in the building with the school outreach worker.

INFRACTIONS- CATEGORY C

Disrupting School Activity

Endangering Safety and Well Being of Others        

Fighting

Theft and/or Shoplifting

Threats

Unacceptable Use of Technology

CONSEQUENCE FOR CATEGORY C INFRACTIONS:

First Infraction – In-school suspension 1 – 3 days

Second Infraction – In-school suspension 3 – 5 days

Third Infraction – In-school suspension 5 – 10 days

INFRACTIONS – CATEGORY D

Arson

Assault and Battery

Possession of a Weapon3

Vandalism And Destruction Of Property 4

Violation of Alcohol and/or Drug Policy

3        Items not normally considered weapons may be so considered if they are used in an inappropriate manner to do harm to another person or to place another person in fear.

4        Property that is willfully, maliciously, wantonly or destroyed or personal real property of another. Students will be assessed the cost of repair or replacement. Destruction of property, theft, and vandalism apply to electronic media as well as real property, and including tampering with or releasing confidential information.

CONSEQUENCES FOR CATEGORY D INFRACTIONS:

•        Suspension of 1 to more than 10 days, or expulsion.

•        Referral to the Police or Fire Department and/or for psychiatric evaluation where appropriate or required.

•        Restitution where applicable.

INFRACTIONS – CATEGORY E

Bullying•

Discrimination*

Harassment•

Hazing/Initiation•

*See Wellesley Public School Policies

CONSEQUENCES FOR CATEGORY E INFRACTIONS:

•        Suspension of 1 to more than 10 days, or expulsion.

•        Referral to the Police Department and/or for psychiatric evaluation where appropriate or required.

•        Restitution where applicable.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE:

The Principal/Assistant Principal has the authority to exercise discretion in deciding the consequences for a student who has violated disciplinary rules. The Principal/Assistant Principal shall first consider ways to re-engage the student offender in the learning process, and shall avoid using suspension and expulsion until other remedies and consequences have been employed.

Detention:

Detention is scheduled for 60 minutes after school from 2:35 to 3:35 P.M. for Category A Infractions. When detention is assigned by the student’s Assistant Principal, all other student commitments must be rescheduled (work, appointments, athletics). If a student fails to report to detention as assigned, their parent/guardian will be notified to inform them of the situation and to explain the consequences of cutting detention. If a student fails to report to detention on the second day, a Saturday School may be assigned.

Mediation:

Mediation is an alternative to punitive discipline which allows students and staff to resolve disputes. It is a way of looking at a problem, identifying the issues, and thinking through the alternatives and consequences. Mediation is a voluntary activity, and is most successful when done before a situation escalates or a fight occurs and may be an alternative to some disciplinary actions when approved by the Assistant Principal.

Saturday School:

Saturday School is scheduled on Saturdays from 8:00 A.M to 11:00 A.M. for Category B Infractions. When Saturday School is assigned by the student’s Assistant Principal, all other commitments must be rescheduled. If a student fails to report to Saturday School as assigned, their home will be called to inform the parent/guardian and a one day suspension may be assigned.

Suspension:

A suspension is a short term or long term removal from regular classroom activities.  Short term suspension is the removal of a student from the school premises and regular classroom activities for 10 consecutive days or less. Long term suspension means the removal of a student from the school premises and regular classroom activities for more than 10 consecutive days, or for more than 10 days cumulatively for multiple disciplinary offenses in any school year.   

A suspended student is restricted from entering the school buildings, or coming onto school grounds; and a suspended student may not participate in any school sponsored activities or functions during the suspension period.

The Principal or their designee has the sole responsibility for determining who is suspended. A parental conference will be scheduled with the suspended student upon their return to school.

In School Suspension:

At the discretion of the Principal/Assistant Principal, in-school suspension may also be imposed when a student is determined to have committed a suspendable offense. In-school suspension means the student is removed from regular classroom activities, but not from the school premises, for no more than 10 consecutive school days. Students will be subject to limitations on their movements and activities as determined by the Principal/Assistant Principal. In-school suspension for less than 10 days shall not be considered a short-term suspension. An in-school suspension of more than 10 days shall be deemed a long-term suspension.

For an in-school suspension, the Principal/Assistant Principal shall inform the student of the disciplinary offense charged and the basis for the charge, and provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. If the Principal/Assistant Principal determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the Principal/Assistant Principal shall inform the student of the length of the student's in-school suspension, which shall not exceed 10 days, cumulatively or consecutively, in a school year.

On the same day as the in-school suspension decision, the Principal/Assistant Principal shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent/guardian orally of the disciplinary offense, the reasons for concluding that the student committed the infraction, and the length of the in-school suspension. The Principal/Assistant Principal shall also invite the parent/guardian to a meeting to discuss the student's academic performance and behavior, strategies for student engagement, and possible responses to the behavior. This meeting shall be scheduled on the day of the suspension if possible, and if not, as soon thereafter as possible. If the Principal/Assistant Principal is unable to reach the parent/guardian after making and documenting at least (2) attempts to do so, such attempts shall constitute reasonable efforts for purposes of orally informing the parent of the in-school suspension.

The Principal/Assistant Principal shall send written notice to the student and parent/guardian about the in-school suspension, including the reason and the length of the in-school suspension, and inviting the parent/guardian to a meeting with the Principal/Assistant Principal, if such meeting has not already occurred. The Principal/Assistant Principal shall deliver such notice on the day of the suspension by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, or email to an address provided by the parent/guardian for school communications, or by other method of delivery agreed to by the Principal/Assistant Principal and the parent/guardian.

In-school suspension for ten days or less, consecutively or cumulatively during a school year, shall not be considered a short-term suspension. An in-school suspension of more than ten days, consecutively or cumulatively during a school year, shall be deemed a long-term suspension for due process, appeal, and reporting purposes.

Opportunity For Academic Progress During Suspension/Expulsion

Any student receiving in-school suspension, short-term suspension, or long-term suspension shall have the opportunity to make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal from the classroom or school.  

Any student who is expelled or suspended from school for more than 10 consecutive days shall have an opportunity to receive a school-wide educational service plan that will enable the student to make academic progress toward meeting state and local requirements through the school-wide educational services plan. The school-wide educational plan includes access to tutoring services or access to an online education platform. The academic work will be consistent with the academic standards and curriculum frameworks for all students under G.L. c.69 sections 1D and 1F.

STUDENT DUE PROCESS RIGHTS:

In administering discipline, school officials will be careful to observe the right to due process under the law for each student. The nature of the violation determines the due process that school officials follow.  

1. DUE PROCESS RIGHTS FOR STUDENTS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON, POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, ASSAULT ON SCHOOL STAFF AND/OR STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH OR CONVICTED OF A FELONY (M.G.L. c. 71, §37H and M.G.L. c. 71, §37H ½).

Short Term Disciplinary Sanctions: Prior to the imposition of any disciplinary sanction that might result in a student’s suspension from school for ten (10) consecutive school days or less, the student will be given oral notice of the offense with which they are charged and an opportunity to respond. In the event that the Principal/headmaster or designee determines that the student will be suspended from school, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by telephone and in writing.

Long Term Disciplinary Sanctions: Prior to the imposition of any disciplinary sanction that might result in the student’s suspension from school for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or expulsion, the parents/guardians will be given written notice of a hearing at which they may be represented by an attorney at their expense and may examine and present witnesses and documentary evidence. Following this hearing, a written decision will be issued. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will have the right to appeal any decision imposing a long term suspension or expulsion from school to the Superintendent. Where the student is excluded in accordance with M.G.L. c. 71, §37H, the student shall have ten (10) days from the effective date of the exclusion to file a written appeal with the Superintendent of Schools. For exclusions imposed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 71, §37H ½ , the student shall have five (5) days from the effective date of the exclusion to file a written appeal with the Superintendent. For exclusions imposed by the School Committee in accordance with M.G.L. c. 76, §17, the student shall have the right to file a written request for reconsideration by the committee within ten (10) days of the effective date of the exclusion. Pending the outcome of any such appeal, the disciplinary sanction imposed by the principal shall remain in effect. M.G.L. c. 76, §17, M.G.L. c. 71, §37H and M.G.L. c. 71, §37H ½.

2. DUE PROCESS RIGHTS FOR STUDENTS CHARGED WITH OTHER VIOLATIONS (M.G.L. c. 71, §37H ¾ )  

Alternative Remedies

Consistent with M.G.L. c. 71, s. 37H ¾, any principal or person acting as a decision-maker at a student meeting or hearing, when deciding the consequences for the student, shall consider ways to re-engage the student in the learning process; and shall not suspend a student under 37H ¾ until alternative remedies have been employed and their use and results documented, following and in direct response to a specific incident or incidents, unless specific reasons are documented as to why such alternative remedies are unsuitable or counter-productive, or in cases where the student’s continued presence in school would pose a specific, documentable concern about the infliction of serious bodily injury or other serious harm upon another person while in school. Alternative remedies may include, but shall not be limited to: (i) mediation; (ii) conflict resolution; (iii) restorative justice; and (iv) collaborative problem solving. The principal, headmaster, superintendent or person acting as a decision-maker shall also implement school- or district-wide models to re-engage students in the learning process  which shall include but not be limited to: (i) positive behavioral interventions and supports models and (ii) trauma sensitive learning models; provided, however, that school- or district-wide models shall not be considered a direct response to a specific incident.

Notice and Principal’s meeting:

For any suspension under this section, the Principal or designee shall provide notice of the charges and the reason for the suspension or expulsion to the parent(s)/guardian(s) in English and the primary language spoken in the student’s home. The student shall receive written notice of the charges and the opportunity to meet with the Principal or designee to discuss charges and reasons for the suspension and/or exclusion prior to suspension/exclusion taking effect.

The Principal or designee shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally of the opportunity to attend the hearing. The meeting may take place without the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) so long as the Principal has sent written notice and has documented at least two (2) attempts to contact the parent in the manner specified by the parent for emergency notification.

The purpose of the Principal’s hearing is to hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the consequences for the infraction.

The Principal shall determine the extent of the rights to be afforded the student at a disciplinary hearing based on the anticipated consequences for the disciplinary offense.

a.)   Short-term Suspension

The Principal shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information. The student also shall have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts, that the Principal should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate. The Principal shall provide the parent/guardian, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.

Based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances, the Principal shall determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, what remedy or consequence will be imposed.

The Principal shall notify the student and parent of the determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal. The determination shall be in writing and may be in the form of an update to the original written notice.

b.)  Long Term Suspension

In  addition to the rights afforded a student in a short-term suspension hearing, the student shall also have the opportunity to review the student's record and the documents upon which the Principal may rely in making a determination to suspend the student or not; the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student's choice, at the student's/family's expense; the right to produce witnesses on their behalf and to present the student's explanation of the alleged incident, but the student may not be compelled to do so; the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school district; the right to request that the hearing be recorded by the Principal, and to receive a copy of the audio recording upon request. If the student or parent requests an audio recording, the Principal shall inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made and a copy will be provided to the student and parent/guardian upon request.

If present, the parent/guardian shall have an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the Principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.

Based on the evidence, the Principal shall determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, after considering mitigating circumstances and alternatives to suspension, what remedy or consequence will be imposed, the Principal shall exercise discretion in deciding the consequence for the offense, consider ways to re-engage the student in learning, and avoid using long-term suspension from school until alternative remedies have been employed. The Principal shall send the written determination to the student and parent/guardian by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the Principal  and the parent.

If the student is suspended for more than 10 days for a single infraction or for more than 10 days cumulatively for multiple infractions in any school year, the notice will include written notification of the right to appeal to the Superintendent and the process for appealing in English and the primary language spoken in the student’s home. No student will be suspended for greater than 90 days, beginning on the first day the student is removed from the building.  The long term suspension shall remain in effect and until the Superintendent decides to reverse the Principal’s determination on appeal

Emergency Removal

The Principal may remove a student from school temporarily when a student is charged with a disciplinary offense and the continued presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the Principal's judgment, there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger or disruption. The Principal shall immediately notify the Superintendent in writing of the removal and the reason for it, and describe the danger presented by the student. The temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency removal.

In the event of an emergency removal, the Principal shall make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and the student's parent of the emergency removal, and the reason for the need for emergency removal. The Principal shall provide written notice to the student and parent as provided above, and provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the Principal as provided above, and the parent an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the two (2) school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed to by the Principal, student, and parent.

The Principal shall render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than the following school day, which meets the requirements as described above.

In the event of an emergency removal from school, the Principal will not release the student until adequate provisions have been made for the student's safety and transportation.

Superintendent’s Hearing:

The parent(s)/guardian(s) shall have 5 calendar days following the effective date of the suspension or expulsion to submit a written request for an appeal to the Superintendent but may be granted an extension of time of up to 7 calendar days. If the appeal is not timely filed, the superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in his or her discretion, for good cause.

There is no right to appeal a short term suspension. A student who is placed on long term suspension following a hearing with the Principal has a right to appeal the Principal’s decision to the Superintendent.

The Superintendent will hold a hearing with the student and the parent(s)/guardian(s) within 3 school days or the student’s request for an appeal. The time may be extended up to 7 calendar days if requested by the parent(s)/guardian(s). The Superintendent’s hearing may proceed without the parent(s)/guardian(s) if a good faith effort was made to include parent(s)/guardian(s). The Superintendent shall be presumed to have made a good faith effort if he or she has made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the parent and Superintendent to participate. The Superintendent shall send written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

At the hearing, the Superintendent shall determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence shall be. Students shall have all of the rights afforded to students at the Principal/headmaster’s hearing for long-term suspension. The Superintendent will issue a written decision within 5 calendar days of the hearing. If the Superintendent determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the Superintendent may impose the same or a lesser consequence than the Principal/headmaster, but shall not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the Principal/headmaster's decision. The Superintendent’s decision is the final decision of the district.

Repeat Infractions:

If a student who has been suspended during a school year is found, after a hearing, to have acted in such a way as to have violated the student code again during the same school year, then that student may be subject to another suspension appropriate to the circumstances for up to another ten day period. In the usual case, first offenders shall be subject to a suspension of not more than five days for any one infraction, except that any student found to have violated the policy on alcohol and drugs, possession of a dangerous weapon, assault on a school staff, or to have endangered the safety of themselves or others may be subject to greater penalties up to and including expulsion, even on their first offense. See Expulsion.

Discipline and Students with Disabilities:

All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in this handbook.  In addition to those due process protections afforded to all students, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and related regulations require that additional provisions be made for students who have been found eligible for special education services or who the school district knows or has reason to know might be eligible for such services. The school is deemed to have knowledge that a student is a student with a disability if before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred: (1) the student’s parent/guardian expressed concern in writing to administrative personnel, or the student’s teacher/counselor, that the student is in need of special education and related services; (2) the student’s parent/guardian requested an evaluation of the child; or (3) the student’s teacher/counselor or other school personnel, expressed specific concerns directly to the Director of Special Education or to other supervisory personnel about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the student.  The school is not deemed to have knowledge of a disability if (1) the parent/guardian has not allowed an evaluation or refused special education and related services, or (2) the child has been evaluated and determined not to be a child with a disability.  If a request for an evaluation is made during the time period in which the student is subject to disciplinary measures, the evaluation must be conducted in an expedited manner.

Students who have been found to have a disability that impacts upon a major life activity, as defined under §504 of the Rehabilitation Act, are, generally, also entitled to increased procedural protections prior to imposing discipline that will result in the student’s removal for more than ten (10) consecutive school days or where there is a pattern of short term removals exceeding ten (10) school days in a given year. The following additional requirements apply to the discipline of students with disabilities:

1. Students with disabilities may be excluded from their programs for up to ten (10) school days to the extent that such sanctions would be applied to all students. Before a student with a disability can be excluded from their program for more than ten (10) consecutive school days in a given school year or ten (10) cumulative school days in a given school year, building administrators, the parents/guardians and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 team will meet to determine the relationship between the student’s disability and behavior (Manifestation Determination). During disciplinary exclusions exceeding ten (10) school days in a single school year, a student with an IEP shall have the right to receive services identified as necessary to provide them with a free appropriate public education during the period of exclusion.
2. If building administrators, the parents/guardians and relevant members of the student’s IEP determine that the student’s conduct was not a manifestation of the student’s disability, the school may discipline the student in accordance with the procedures and penalties applicable to all students but will continue to provide a free appropriate public education to those students with IEPs. The student’s IEP team will identify the services necessary to provide a free appropriate public education during the period of exclusion, review any existing behavior intervention plan or where appropriate, conduct a functional behavioral assessment. For students with Section 504 Plans, there is no automatic right to receive educational services beyond the 10th school day of suspension under federal law, however, state law does provide all students with the rights to receive educational services during periods of suspensions lasting longer than ten days.
3. If building administrators, the parents/guardians, and relevant members of the student’s IEP or 504 Team determine that the conduct giving rise to disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student’s disability, the student will not be subjected to further removal or exclusion from the student’s current educational program based on that conduct (except for conduct involving weapons, drugs or resulting in serious bodily injury to others) until the IEP or 504 Team develops, and the parent/guardians consent to, a new placement, or  unless the District obtains an order form a court or from the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) authorizing a change in the student’s placement. The Student’s Team shall also review the student’s IEP, and modify as appropriate, any existing behavioral intervention plan or arrange for a functional behavioral assessment.
4. If a student with a disability possesses or uses illegal drugs, sells or solicits a controlled substance, possesses a weapon, or causes serious bodily injury to another on school grounds or at a school function, the District may place the student in an interim alternative educational placement (IAES) for up to forty-five (45) school days. A court or BSEA hearing officer may also order the placement of a student who presents a substantial likelihood of injury to self or others in an appropriate interim setting for up to forty-five (45) school days.

STUDENT DRESS CODE POLICY

File: JICA

The responsibility for the dress and appearance of the students will rest with individual students and parents.

They have the right to determine how the student will dress providing that attire is not destructive to school property, complies with requirements for health and safety, and does not cause disorder or disruption. The administration is authorized to take action in instances where individual dress does not meet the stated requirements.

This does not mean that student, faculty, or parent groups may not recommend appropriate dress for school or special occasions. It means that students will not be prevented from attending school or a school function, or otherwise be discriminated against, so long as their dress and appearance meet the requirements set forth above.

Voted: June 21, 2016

STUDENT RECORD REGULATIONS & FERPA

STUDENT RECORD REGULATIONS & FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that provides two basic rights to parents in regards to student records:

1. The right to inspect and review their child’s education records
2. The right to prevent unauthorized persons from seeing the same records

The Commonwealth’s student record regulations (603 CMR 23.00) are designed to ensure parents and students of confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of student records, and to assist school authorities in carrying out their responsibilities under state and federal law.

To request records, please send a written request to your child’s school and/or to the Student Services Office, 40 Kingsbury Street, Wellesley, MA 02481.

Transcript And Temporary Records

The following is a summary of the Student Records Regulations adopted by the Massachusetts Board of Education on January 28, 1975. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure parental and student rights are protected regarding the confidentiality, inspection, amendment and destruction of student records. For students aged 14-17, or in ninth grade or above, these rights shall be exercised by the student and their parent/guardian, or by either acting alone. If a student is 18 or older, they alone shall exercise these rights, although a parent may continue to exercise them until expressly limited by a student who has filed the appropriate form in the Main Office.

The student record shall consist of the transcript and the temporary record. The transcript shall contain records that constitute a minimum amount of data and shall be limited to the name, address and phone number of the student and of the parent or guardian, the student’s birth date, course titles, grades, grade level completed and year completed. The temporary record shall consist of all information, not in the transcript, that is of importance to the educational process. The transcript shall be maintained by the School Department and may only be destroyed sixty years following a student’s graduation, transfer or withdrawal from the school system. The temporary record shall be destroyed within seven years after the student transfers, graduates or withdraws from the school system.

Access

The eligible student and their parent/guardian, or either one as applicable, shall have access to the student record and may obtain copies of any information in the record. Authorized school personnel shall also have access to student records. In general, no information in a student record shall be disseminated without the specific, informed, written consent of the eligible student or the parent/guardian. Please note that federal student record regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"),  34 C.F. R. §99 also apply. A log shall be kept to record the dissemination of any information in the student record.

A parent or guardian has the right to see a copy of their student’s academic record and can exercise this right by writing to the school counselor.

Amendment

The eligible student and their parent/guardian, or either one, has the right to add information or other relevant material to the record. They also have the right to request the deletion or amendment of any information in the record. The school Principal or their designee is required to make a decision regarding such a request which may be appealed first to the Superintendent and then to the School Committee.

“Parent” shall mean a student’s father, mother, guardian, or person or agency legally authorized to act on behalf of the child in place of or in conjunction with the father, mother or guardian. The term, as used in these regulations, shall include a divorced or separated parents, subject to any written agreement between parents or court order governing the rights of such a parent that is brought to the attention of the school principal. (CF. Chapter 71, section 34H). Unless notified by the custodial parent to the contrary, the non-custodial parent will have access to the same information as the custodial parent.

Discipline Records

A student transferring into the high school must provide the new school system with complete school records from their prior school/s. Said records shall include, but not be limited to, reports of any incidents involving suspension or violation of criminal acts or any incident reports in which such student was “charged with any suspendable act.”

NONCUSTODIAL PARENT:

(5)        Access Procedures for Non-Custodial Parents. As required by M.G.L. c. 71, § 34H, a non-custodial parent may have access to the student record in accordance with the following provisions.

(a)        A non-custodial parent is eligible to obtain access to the student record unless:

        1.        the parent has been denied legal custody or has been ordered to supervised visitation, based on a threat to the safety of the student and the threat is specifically noted in the order pertaining to custody or supervised visitation, or

        2.        the parent has been denied visitation, or

                3.        the parent's access to the student has been restricted by a temporary or permanent protective order, unless the protective order (or any subsequent order modifying the protective order) specifically allows access to the information contained in the student record, or        

        4.        there is an order of a probate and family court judge which prohibits the distribution of student records to the parent.

        (b)        The school shall place in the student's record documents indicating that a non-custodial parent's access to the student's record is limited or restricted pursuant to 603 CMR 23.07(5)(a).

        (c)        In order to obtain access, the non-custodial parent must submit a written request for the student record to the school Principal.

        (d)        Upon receipt of the request the school must immediately notify the custodial parent by certified and first class mail, in English and the primary language of the custodial parent, that it will provide the non-custodial parent with access after 21 days, unless the custodial parent provides the Principal with documentation that the non-custodial parent is not eligible to obtain access as set forth in 603 CMR 23.07 (5)(a).

        (e)        The school must delete all electronic and postal address and telephone number information relating to either work or home locations of the custodial parent from student records provided to non-custodial parents. In addition, such records must be marked to indicate that they shall not be used to enroll the student in another school.

6. Upon receipt of a court order that prohibits the distribution of information pursuant to G.L. c. 71, §34H, the school shall notify the non-custodial parent that it shall cease to provide access to the student record to the non-custodial parent.

RELEASE OF STUDENT INFORMATION:

The school may release for publication a student's name, class, photograph, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, honors and awards. Parents who do not wish to have such information released to the news media should indicate “No” in Powerschool.

Pursuant to 603 CMR 23.07(g), the WPS may provide student record information (including the special education record) to a school to which a student seeks or intends to transfer without the consent of the eligible student or parent, so long as the parent receives annual notification of this law.

Right to Request That Student’s Information Be Withheld From Armed Forces Recruiters:

The National Defense Authorization Act requires that school officials provide military recruiters with student information including names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Parents/guardians and students of majority age have a right to request that their information be withheld from military recruiters. To do so, notify your child’s House Assistant in writing.

TECHNOLOGY - ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

PURPOSE

The Wellesley Public Schools shall provide access for employees and students to the system/network, including access to external networks, for limited educational purposes. Educational purposes shall be defined as classroom activities, communication, career and professional development, and high quality self-discovery activities of an educational nature. The purpose of the system/network is to assist in preparing students for success in life and work by providing access to a wide range of information and the ability to communicate with others. The system/network will be used to increase communication (staff, parent, and student), enhance productivity, and assist staff in upgrading existing skills and acquiring new skills through a broader exchange of information. The system/network will also be utilized to provide information to the community, including parents, governmental agencies, and businesses.

AVAILABILITY

The Superintendent or designee shall implement, monitor, and evaluate the District’s system/network for instructional and administrative purposes.

Access to the system/network, including external networks, shall be made available to employees and students for instructional and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative regulations and procedures.

Access to the system/network is a privilege, not a right. All users shall be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative regulations and procedures governing use of the system and shall agree to comply with such regulations and procedures. Noncompliance with applicable regulations and procedures may result in suspension or termination of user privileges and other disciplinary actions consistent with the policies of the Wellesley Public Schools. Violations of law may result in criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by the Wellesley Public Schools.

ACCEPTABLE USE

The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement administrative regulations, procedures, and user agreements, consistent with the purposes and mission of the Wellesley Public Schools as well as with law and policy governing copyright.

MONITORED USE

Electronic mail transmissions and other use of electronic resources by students and employees shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use for instructional and administrative purposes.

LIABILITY

The Wellesley Public Schools shall not be liable for users' inappropriate use of electronic resources or violations of copyright restrictions, users' mistakes or negligence, or costs incurred by users. The Wellesley Public Schools shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy or usability of any information found on external networks.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY - SYSTEM AND NETWORK:

1. Commercial use of the system/network is prohibited.
2. The District will provide training to users in the proper use of the system/network.
3. The District will provide each user with copies of the Acceptable Use Policy and Procedures.
4. Copyrighted software or data shall not be placed on the District system/network without permission from the holder of the copyright and the system administrator.
5. Access will be granted to employees with a signed access agreement and permission of their supervisor.
6. Access will be granted to students with a signed access agreement and permission of the building administrator or designee(s).
7. Initial passwords provided by the network administrator should be set to expire on login.
8. Passwords are confidential. All passwords shall be protected by the user and not shared or displayed.
9. Students completing required coursework will have first priority for after hours use of equipment.
10. Principals or their designee will be responsible for disseminating and enforcing policies and procedures in the building(s) under their control.
11. Principals or their designee will ensure that all users complete and sign an agreement to abide by policies and procedures regarding use of District technology. All such agreements are to be maintained at the building level.
12. Principals or their designee will ensure that training is provided to users on appropriate use of electronic resources.
13. Superintendent or designee shall be authorized to monitor or examine all system activities, including electronic mail transmissions, as deemed appropriate to ensure proper use of electronic resources.
14. Individual users shall, at all times, be responsible for the proper use of accounts issued in their name.
15. The system/network may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any activity prohibited by District policy.
16. System users shall not use another user’s account.
17. System users should purge electronic information according to District retention guidelines.
18. System users may distribute copyrighted material only with the written permission of the copyright holder or designee. Such permission must be specified in the document or in accordance with applicable copyright laws, District policy, and administrative procedures.
19. System administrators may upload/download public domain programs to the system/network. System administrators are responsible for determining if a program is in the public domain.
20. Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment, materials, data, or programs is prohibited.                
21. Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance may be viewed as violations of District policy and/or as criminal activity under applicable state and federal laws. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.  
22. Vandalism will result in the cancellation of system privileges and will require restitution for costs associated with hardware, software, and system restoration.
23. Forgery or attempted forgery is prohibited.
24. Attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other users or to interfere with the ability of other users to send/receive electronic mail is prohibited.
25. Use appropriate language; swearing, vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs, and other inflammatory language is prohibited.
26. Pretending to be someone else when sending/receiving electronic messages is prohibited.
27. Transmitting or viewing obscene material is prohibited.
28. Revealing personal information (addresses, phone numbers, etc.) is prohibited.
29. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the District’s system/network.

A user who violates District policy or administrative procedures will be subject to suspension or termination of system/network privileges and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action and/or prosecution.

BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP (BYOL) GUIDELINES:

Laptop Use:

1. I will use the laptop as a learning tool for educational purposes as directed by the teacher including turning off messaging and message notifications during class time.
2. I will use the laptop in ways that are appropriate and meet the Wellesley Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy. 
3. I will obtain explicit permission before taking and/or sending pictures/video/audio of other people.
4. I will not take or share inappropriate pictures/video/audio of myself or others.
5. I will make sure my laptop is charged and ready to use for my first class of the day.
6. I understand that the Wellesley High School Honor Code as stated in the Student Handbook applies to my laptop and email use in the classroom.

Email Use:

7. I will use my Wellesley Raiders Gmail account  for all school related work.
8. I will not send emails that contain inappropriate content, harassing/offensive language, gossip, bullying, or viruses.
9. I will not send or read email during class time (unless a teacher gives permission).
10. I will not use the account of another person.

Laptop Care:

11. I will notify the Wellesley Technology Department immediately if any school owned laptop is missing or damaged.
12. I will never leave my laptop unattended and will know where it is at all times.
13. I will keep food and beverages off my desk when I am working on my laptop and will clean the screen with an appropriate cloth when necessary.
14. I will report to my teacher if I think my laptop has been tampered with.

Other & Damage/Loss:

15. I understand that the use of electronic resources shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use (as stated in the Acceptable Use Policy).

I will notify the school and file a police report with my parents in case of theft or vandalism.

WHS CYCLE CALENDAR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

Most updated Cycle Calendar can be found here.