Student and Family Handbook
Revised August 2025
NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2025-2026 Board of Education
Dr. OrLando Yarborough, President • Matthew Wilcox, Vice President
Dr. Edward Joyner, Secretary • Mayor Justin Elicker
Andrea Downer • Dr. Abie Benitez • Daniel Juarez
Jonaily Colón • Abdellah Aly
Important Phone Numbers | |||
Superintendent | (475) 220-1000 | Parent Engagement | (475) 220-1063 |
School Choice/Enrollment | (475) 220-1430 | Transportation | (475) 220-1600 |
Youth, Family, & Community Engagement | (475) 220-1734 | Communication | (475) 220-1019 |
Pre-Kindergarten | (475) 220-1463/1482 | Adult Education | (203) 492-0213 |
Special Education | (475) 220-1760 | School Volunteers | (475) 220-1373 |
College & Career Pathways | (475) 220-1785 | School Nursing/ Nursing Section | (203) 946-7301 |
Stay Connected!
More information – www.nhps.net
School Nursing https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/health/divisions/nursing.htm
United Way of Connecticut Free Infoline – Dial 211
New Haven Promise - www.newhavenpromise.org
NHPS App – Search “New Haven Public Schools” (iTunes or Google Play)
NewHavenPublicSchools
New Haven Public Schools is committed to providing an open, welcoming, safe and supportive environment for all students, parents and families. To this end, we encourage all of our families to communicate with us and to play a role in shaping positive school climates that foster learning and personal growth of children, regardless of background, language, or immigration status. The district and our schools are committed to treating all students and parents with fairness and respect and will not discriminate against family members for any reason.
ALL NEW HAVEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS/FACILITIES ARE DRUG-FREE ZONES
UP TO ONE THOUSAND (1,000) FEET IN ALL DIRECTIONS FROM THE BUILDING
LEGISLATIVE SECTION 845A OF TITLE 21, UNITED STATES CONGRESS SEC. 21a 267, CONNECTICUT GENERAL STATUTES
Text Telephone/Teletype (TT/TTY) services for the deaf and hearing impaired: Dial 7-1-1
Upon request, pertinent publications will be enlarged for the visually impaired.
Please be advised that policy and procedures may be updated during the course of a school year. A current copy of the Student-Parent Handbook will be available upon request from the school principal.
New Haven Public Schools
This handbook has been developed to provide students and families with a summary of important New Haven Board of Education policies and procedures. This handbook is not intended to be all inclusive and does not contain all of the rules, regulations, directives and policies of the New Haven Board of Education. The entire policy manual is on file at each school and is available for review upon request of the Principal. In addition, policies can be accessed through the district’s website at www.nhps.net. All violations of NHPS policies will be investigated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be dispensed if needed, including the possibility of suspension, and/or expulsion, and/or referral to police and/or other appropriate agencies. All policies, including the newly developed Unified Code of Conduct, are in compliance with the Constitution of the United States, the State of Connecticut, Federal and Local policies. Please contact your school principal or the office of the superintendent for further information.
Text of Relevant Laws
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Federal)
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Federal)
“It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer
(1) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of such individual’s sex or,
(2) to limit, segregate, or classify his employees or applicants for employment in any way which would deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect his status as an employee because of such individual’s sex.”
It is the policy of the New Haven Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), sex (in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972) or handicap (in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972) in any of its vocational educational programs or regular academic programs or activities.
The following vocational programs are offered; technology education, business technology, life management, school to career opportunities, and health assistance.
Connecticut Human Rights and Opportunities Act -
(Connecticut General Statutes Section 46a-60(a)) -
“It shall be a discriminatory practice in violation of this section:
“(8) For an employer, by the employer or the employer’s agent, for an employment agency, by itself or its agent, or for any labor organization, by itself or its agent, to harass any employee, person seeking employment or member on the basis of sex or gender identity or expression.”
A summary of course offerings, vocational opportunities and admission criteria
is available from the Guidance Department at the high schools.
Enrollment and Registration
Where is the Office of School Choice & Enrollment and what are the office hours?
What do I need to register my child for school?
If l move, how do I change my child’s address?
How do I transfer my child to a different school?
How does Pre-K Registration happen?
How does Kindergarten Registration Happen?
Annual Notification of Obligations
Annual FERPA Notification for the New Haven Public Schools
Translation Services
Grading Scale for Report Card Marks:
High School/Mastery Based Grading
Course Level and Grade Weighting
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Homework for Suspended Students
Grade K-3 Legislation (Retention Policy)
Warning of Failure to Parents (K-12)
Health Assessments and Immunizations
Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
School-Based Child Health Program
Suicide Prevention/Intervention
DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Cell phones/Electronic Devices/Computers/Internet
Food Allergies and Special Dietary Needs
School Policies and Procedures
Early Dismissals Requested By Parent/School
Emergency Closings/Late Openings
Loitering or Causing Disturbance
Student Complaints, Grievances, and Petitions
Summary
Explanation of Restorative Practices
Family Engagement and Empowerment
Visits to the School and Volunteering in the Schools
Translation Services
Fundraising By Parent And/Or Community Organizations
District Level / Title I Parent Involvement Policy
Responsibilities of the New Haven Public Schools:
GENERAL INFORMATION
Enrollment and Registration
New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) operates one of the largest public school systems in the state of Connecticut, with many different educational options and alternatives for students at all age levels. This includes pre-kindergarten programs, magnet school programs, and traditional neighborhood schools for all grade levels. The materials below provide general information about registration into a New Haven Public School. For more detailed information and up-to-date policies, please consult the Office of School Choice & Enrollment and/or the review the Enrollment section of the district's website at : www.nhps.net
Student Registration Information
Where is the Office of School Choice & Enrollment and what are the office hours?
The Office of School Choice & Enrollment is located on the First Floor of the Board of Education Central Offices at 54 Meadow Street, New Haven, CT. This office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 3:30 to the general public and appointments are available by calling the office at 475-220-1430. Dedicated staff are available to register new students into our schools and to assist parents with enrollment questions. Assistance in Spanish is available.
What do I need to register my child for school?
To enroll a child in New Haven Public Schools you must have all appropriate documentation available at the time of registration. These required documents are necessary to verify the age, residency of the child and parent or legal guardian, and health status of the child.. Acceptable documentation for proof of age includes, but is not limited to: 1) the child’s birth certificate (long form) or 2) passport. To establish proof of residency, documents to be presented to the Office of School Choice & Enrollment include: 1) a mortgage statement , 2) a signed and active rental agreement, 3), a current home utility (electricity, home phone, gas, cable or internet) bill (received within the last 30 calendar days) in the name of the parent or legal guardian of the child. Tax bills, cell phone statements and standard mailings will not be accepted as proof of residency. Two proofs of address are required to establish residency.
If a parent is not able to provide proof of residency (e.g., they are not listed on a lease and have no utilities in their name) they must complete a NHPS Residency Affidavit. This document must be notarized and submitted to the Office of School Choice & Enrollment along with additional information from the adult with whom they are residing. All documents can be easily accessed on the district website or by clicking the links below.
Here’s what to do:
- Download and print the residency affidavit in English or Spanish.
- Complete the form and have the adult with whom you are residing complete the form.
- Have the form notarized by a Notary Public.
- Return the form to the Office of School Choice & Enrollment l along with the photo ID of the individual you are staying with and utility bill, lease or mortgage in their name at the address you currently reside.
In accordance with Connecticut State law, children MUST have up to date physical examinations and immunization records . Physical Health and Immunization Records must be provided at the time of registration. Records can be uploaded to Student Health Records or brought to the New Haven Health Department located at 424 Chapel Street. Please note: Students will NOT be allowed to attend school if they do not meet their grade level health requirements, under CT state law.
If l move, how do I change my child’s address?
In order to change the address of a child, proof of residency documents must be provided which include: 1) a mortgage statement, 2) a signed and active rental agreement, 3), a current home utility (electricity, home phone, gas, cable or internet) bill (received within the last 30 calendar days) in the name of the parent, legal guardian of the child. Tax bills, cell phone statements and standard mailings will not be accepted as proof of residency. The documents may be brought to the child’s school or the Office of School Choice & Enrollment. Parents may also update their home address via their PowerSchool parent portal account.
How do I transfer my child to a different school?
It is important that students have a consistent school experience. Therefore, transfers during the school year are granted only for extenuating and urgent circumstances. To apply for a transfer for the child’s next school year, parents need to visit the Office of School Choice & Enrollment to apply for an intra-district transfer for their child(ren). Transfers may be granted if space is available at the school the parent requests. Transfers require the approval of one of the following central office administrators: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, or Director of School Choice & Enrollment. Transferring schools in the middle of the school year can be harmful for a student’s progress. Parents cannot transfer their children between January 1 and June 30 unless approved by the Office of the Superintendent. These transfers may only occur under circumstances deemed most necessary.
How does Pre-K Registration happen?
The New Haven Public Schools operates one of the largest preschool programs in the state of Connecticut, serving more than 2,000 students. Pre-Kindergarten, or Pre-K, is an exciting and important way for young students to start their education. NHPS offers Pre-K through three distinct programs: magnet school pre-kindergarten, Head Start and School Readiness. These Pre-K programs operate in a variety of public schools and free-standing early childhood sites around New Haven. There are Pre-K programs in New Haven for 3- and 4-year- olds. Magnet Pre-Ks are open to New Haven and suburban residents, and students must be accepted through a lottery application process. Head Start Pre-Ks are designed for low-income families and School Readiness programs, which operate both in NHPS schools and in independent sites, have a sliding fee scale for New Haven residents only.
The application processes are different for the three different Pre-Kindergarten programs
- To enroll in Magnet Pre-K programs for the next year, families must apply through the NHPS school placement (lottery) process, with applications due in the winter of each year and placements made shortly thereafter. More information is available at: www.Newhavenmagnetschools.com and www.nhps.net .
- To enroll in Head Start or School Readiness Programs, families must apply in person at the Office of School Choice & Enrollment. To make an appointment to ask a question, call 475-220-1440. Placements in Head Start and School Readiness are awarded first-come first-served as families complete applications. More information is available on the website, www.nhps.net.
How does Kindergarten Registration Happen?
There is ONE enrollment process and ONE lottery for all Magnet Schools, Charter Schools, and Kindergarten seats in district operated schools. Applications and all information about our school options are generally available in January of each school year. The school choice placement process takes place in the winter/spring of each year. Families who move to New Haven after the lottery has happened should contact the Office of School Choice & Enrollment at 475-220-1430.
Annual Notification of Obligations
Connecticut law requires that the New Haven Public Schools provide you with this written notice of your obligations under Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-184. This law provides that each parent or other person having control of a child five years of age and older and under eighteen years of age is obligated to cause the child to attend school regularly during the hours and terms public school is in session, unless such parent or other person shows that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction. The parent or person having control of a child sixteen or seventeen years of age may consent to withdraw the child from school. Parents/guardians must appear at the district office to sign a withdrawal form. Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-185 provides that each day’s failure to comply with these requirements is a separate offense, punishable by a $25.00 fine.
Regular student attendance is essential to the education process. Any child, even under age five who is registered and/or attending the New Haven Public Schools will be subject to the school district policies, including the attendance policy. So that we may seek to inform you if your child is absent without explanation, the law also requires that we obtain active telephone numbers, full names and phone numbers of emergency contacts, or other means of contacting you during the school day.
Parents of all students in the New Haven Public Schools are notified annually of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) by the publication of these rights in a handbook distributed to parents by district personnel in the beginning of the school year. The annual notification of rights informs eligible students and parents that they have a right to:
- Inspect and review the student’s educational records;
- Request the amendment of the student’s educational records to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights or other rights;
- Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA regulations authorize disclosure without consent;
- Disclose educational records to officials of another school, school system or institution of postsecondary education for which the student seeks or intends to enroll;
- File a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the New Haven Public Schools to comply with FERPA regulations, and;
- Obtain a copy of the New Haven Board of Education policies for student education records. Copies of the policies are located in the office of the Superintendent of Schools and in the principal’s office of each school in the district.
Annual FERPA Notification for the New Haven Public Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, et seq., affords parents and eligible students (i.e., students over 18, emancipated minors, and those attending post-secondary educational institutions) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are:
(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within forty-five (45) calendar days of the day the New Haven Public Schools (the “District”) receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parents or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parents or eligible student believe are inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise violate the student’s privacy rights.
Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the District to amend a record should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record the parents or eligible student want changed, and specify why it should be changed.
If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents or eligible student, the District will notify the parents or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parents or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to a school official with legitimate interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the Board of Education; a person or company with whom the District has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the District discloses a student’s education record without consent to officials of another school, including other public schools, charter schools, and post-secondary institutions, in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. Further, and in accordance with state and federal law and guidance, the District may disclose education records to another school for enrollment purposes, which may include exploration of educational placement options by the District or educational placement decisions made by a planning and placement or Section 504 team, or in order to explore placement options for the provision of alternative educational opportunities.
(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-8520
Unless notified in writing by a parent or eligible student to the contrary within two weeks of the date of this notice, the school district will be permitted to disclose “Directory Information” concerning a student, without the consent of a parent or eligible student. Directory Information includes information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the parent’s name, address and/or e-mail address, the student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photographic, computer and/or video images, date and place of birth, major field(s) of study, grade level, class lists, enrollment status (full-time; part-time), participation in school-sponsored activities or athletics, weight and height (if the student is a member of an athletic team), dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received, the most recent previous school(s) attended and student identification numbers for the limited purposes of displaying a student identification card. The student identification number, however, will not be the only identifier used when obtaining access to education records or data. Directory information does not include a student’s social security number, student identification number or other unique personal identifier used by the student for purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems unless the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN or password.
The school district may disclose directory information about students after they are no longer in enrollment in the school district. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the district will continue to honor any valid objection to the disclosure of directory information made while a student was in attendance unless the student rescinds the objection.
An objection to the disclosure of directory information shall not prevent the school district from disclosing or requiring a student to disclose the student’s name, identified or institutional email address in a class in which the student is enrolled. Parents and/or eligible students may not use the right to opt out of directory information disclosures to prohibit the school district from requiring students to wear or display a student identification card.
The written objection to the disclosure of directory information shall be good for only one school year. School districts are legally obligated to provide military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary school students, unless the secondary student or the parent of the student objects to such disclosure in writing. Such objection shall be in writing and shall be effective for one school year. In all other circumstances, information designated as directory information will not be released when requested by a third party unless the release of such information is determined by the administration to be in the educational interest of the school district and is consistent with the district’s obligations under both state and federal law.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Common Core State Standards
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of learning standards for reading and math designed to help students master the skills necessary to succeed in college, compete globally for the best jobs, and become our future leaders. NHPS has curriculums/programming that aligns with the Connecticut Common Core State Standards.
The CCSS raise the bar for all students, so no matter what school a child goes to or where a child lives, that child is held to the same high standards and is challenged to read critically, understand math more deeply and learn how to solve problems.
Along with the new standards comes a computer-based state assessment called the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA).
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) assessment is given district-wide in grades 5, 8, and 10. The NGSS will be given in the spring.
With Common Core, the emphasis is on critical thinking and problem solving. Students are asked to go deeper into literature and nonfiction texts and to use evidence to support their writing. In math, students must fully grasp one concept before moving on to the next, so the foundation of understanding is stronger.
Parents can help by reading with their children and asking them to talk about and explore ideas about what they read, work with children on vocabulary, and encouraging them to learn new words and try them out in sentences.
Grading
Student grades are intended to be a measure of student progress in the skills and concepts that are taught in each of their courses of study. While the individual components used to calculate students’ grades will vary between schools, subjects, and teachers, the intention behind those grades remains to inform students and their families of their growth, progress, and achievement. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s grades on the PowerSchool Parent Portal.
K-8
- The academic year is divided into four marking periods. A student’s grade in each class is based on the following: daily work, class participation, homework assignments, projects, tests, and overall effort.
- Interim/progress reports will be sent home for students in grades 5-8 midway through each marking term.
High School
- Interim reports of a student’s progress in each course are provided to parents midway through each marking term. These reports include the current grade average of the student and should also include comments on the student’s attendance, performance, and demeanor in each class. In addition to these reports, parents are encouraged to stay informed of their child’s progress through the PowerSchool online system and through communication with their teachers.
- Report cards are provided to parents at the end of each marking term (four times yearly). The grades on the report card take into account all of the work a student has done during that quarter of the school year. The weighting of individual assignments will vary based on the requirements of each school, course, and teacher, but will typically include homework, classwork, and assessments. A student’s final grade for a course will be the average of the marking term and midterm and final examination grades.
Grading Scale for Report Card Marks:
A+ | = | 97-100 | C+ | = | 77-79 |
A | = | 94-96 | C | = | 74-76 |
A- | = | 90-93 | C- | = | 70-73 |
B+ | = | 87-89 | D+ | = | 67-69 |
B | = | 84-86 | D | = | 64-66 |
B- | = | 80-83 | D- | = | 60-63 |
F = 59 and below | I= Incomplete* | ||||
*Incomplete grades are given only for specific reasons: illness for a long period of time; emergency or by arrangement with the teacher and the guidance office. Missed work must be made up within four weeks of the date the incomplete was issued and is the responsibility of the student. Failure to make up work may result in a grade of “F”.
High School/Mastery Based Grading
Mastery Based grading is an alternative approach to assessment and grading. Grades are indicated in terms of relative mastery of learning goals rather than traditional letter grades. Mastery based grading is a way to grade kids on their understanding of specific skills within a subject.
Grade Scale
Our standards-based grading scale is consistent with the 4.0 scale used in many colleges:
A = Advanced Demonstration of Mastery
B = Strong Demonstration of Mastery
C = Developing Demonstration of Mastery
NR = Not Ready to Demonstrate Mastery
Other notations that appear on progress reports and report cards:
IN = Incomplete. Students with an excused medical or personal absence can qualify for more time and support beyond the end of a course.
NG = No Grade. Students who are Not Ready at the end of a course and who have a Not Ready in Responsibility in the course get no grade for that course. These students must demonstrate mastery of course standards in a different semester or year, or successfully complete a different course to take its place.
Honor Roll
Making the honor roll in any school is a commendable achievement. The New Haven Public Schools has the following set of guidelines for determining honor roll status:
- High-Honors-Students are determined by their B+ or above average. No grade of C or below is allowed in any subject.
- Honors-Students are determined by a B- or above average. No grade of C or below is allowed in any subject.
Graduation Requirements
The New Haven Board of Education mandates that high school students complete the following credit requirements:
English 4 credits
Mathematics 4 credits
Science 3 credits
Social Studies 3 credits
World Language 2 credits
Fine Arts 1 credit
Technology/Integrated Arts and/or Careers 1 credit
Physical Education 1 credit
Project/Senior Capstone/Service 1 credit
Health 0.5 credits
Open Electives 3 credits
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)-1 elective beyond required 1 credit
Humanities – 1 elective beyond required 1 credit
Also, please be informed that each high school mandates additional courses and community service hours for graduation based on the uniqueness of their program design. Parents/guardians are requested to check with their child/children school(s) to get the information regarding graduation.
Course Level and Grade Weighting
New Haven Public Schools assigns levels to all academic courses in high school for the purpose of differentiating course weighting and calculating weight grade points. Levels assigned to courses communicate the degree of academic challenge inherent in each course to students and their parents. Added grade points are the weights that are assigned to courses in order to communicate their differing academic challenge. Advanced Placement courses will be distinguished with 1.0 added grade points, and honors courses will be distinguished from other college preparatory courses with 0.5 added grade points for the determination of the weighted GPA. Courses available to NHPS High School students are classified as one of the following levels:
• Level 4: Advanced Placement or College Course | • Level 2: College |
• Level 3: Honors | • Level 1: Basic |
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Students are provided with a weighted and unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA). Unweighted GPAs range from 4.33 to 0; weighted GPAs range from 5.33 to 0. In each case, the higher the student’s numeric GPA, the more successful the academic performance.
Weighted GPA:
Weighted Grade Point Average is calculated as the arithmetic average (total grade points divided by credits) of all weighted courses taken. Grade point allocation by grade earned and level is as follows:
Standard Weighting | Honors Weighting | AP/College Weighting | |
Mark Received | Level 2 and 1 (College and Basic) | Level 3 (Honors) | Level 4 (AP / College Course) |
A+ | 4.33 | 4.83 | 5.33 |
A | 4.00 | 4.50 | 5.00 |
A- | 3.66 | 4.16 | 4.66 |
B+ | 3.33 | 3.83 | 4.33 |
B | 3.00 | 3.50 | 4.00 |
B- | 2.66 | 3.16 | 3.66 |
C+ | 2.33 | 2.83 | 3.33 |
C | 2.00 | 2.50 | 3.00 |
C- | 1.66 | 2.16 | 2.66 |
D+ | 1.33 | 1.83 | 2.33 |
D | 1.00 | 1.50 | 2.00 |
D- | 0.66 | 1.16 | 1.66 |
F | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Unweighted GPA:
Unweighted GPA applies the Standard Weighting to all courses, regardless of level and is calculated as the arithmetic average (total points divided by credits taken) of all courses taken.
**Note: Some non-academic courses are not assigned a level and are not included in GPA calculation. This applies to the following courses: Physical Education, Community Service, Teacher Assistant, and Work Study/Internship.
Rank in Class
Class rank is the calculation of a student’s standing in his or her class. Class rank is determined based on a student’s weighted GPA. Only students who have been enrolled in New Haven Public Schools for 3 or more years will be included in the calculation of class rank.
Honor Diploma
To receive an Honor Diploma, a student must have received honors for four years and achieved a weighted grade point average of 3.5. New Haven High School honor standards will apply in assessing the transcripts of transfer students. When cases of student and/or parent appeal arise relative to transcript assessment, the high school principal, supervisor of school counseling, appropriate subject supervisor and director of instruction - high schools will be convened as the Hearing Panel.
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
The valedictorian is usually the student in the graduation class who ranks highest in academic achievement. This student generally delivers a valedictory or farewell speech at the graduation ceremony. To be selected, a student must have attended high school in this school district for a minimum of two years and attained academic standing in the top two (2) of the graduating class. In addition, the student must have been involved in extracurricular activities that may include, but are not limited to, athletics, peer mediation, student council, cheerleading and/or community volunteerism as a representative of the school district. The salutatorian generally is a student selected to deliver an address of welcome at the commencement exercises. This student will be selected based on the same criteria used for selecting the valedictorian.
Homework
Homework provides an opportunity for reinforcement and practice of the skills and concepts that are taught during the school day. While not a requirement of all courses, students should expect to receive homework assignments in their courses. The amount of homework assigned will vary based on the requirements of each school, course, and teacher. It is expected that students complete assigned homework and that scored homework will be part of a student’s total grade. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s completion of homework.
Homework Tips
• Set up a well-lit homework area in your home.
• Keep supplies (pencils, paper, ruler, scissors, glue sticks, etc.) close by.
• Keep distractions to a minimum (radio, TV, phone conversations, etc.)
• Require students to complete their assignments on their own.
• Be available for encouragement, questions or concerns.
• Check completed homework.
Homework Policy K-8
Students at all levels are required to perform assignments and tasks beyond those performed during regular school hours. Homework will be corrected and given appropriate ratings on the student’s report card and permanent record card. This includes both regular and bilingual classes. Incomplete homework assignments may result in additional assignments and/or detention. Parents will be notified of such occurrences. Incomplete homework may also impact a student’s grades.
Homework for Student Absence
It is the responsibility of the student to follow up on all missed assignments and make up work after an excused absence. Teachers are always ready to help pupils do their work. Students must not hesitate to make arrangements with the teacher as soon as possible once they return to school.
Homework for Suspended Students
Homework will be given for an absence of 3 days or longer. Suspension Form and Homework Notification Form will be sent home with the student and/or parent.
- Teachers will be notified by clerical staff via email. Email will include suspension length, dates, and the date the homework is due in the office.
- Teachers are expected to provide appropriate and current homework by the end of the 2nd day.
- Clerical staff will create a bin or specific area for suspension homework and put together a folder for suspended students. Student’s name will only be written on the front of the folder.
- Clerical staff will staple the following inside the cover of the folder: Copy of the Homework Notification Form and teacher signoff sheet with names of the teachers who will provide the homework.
- Homework will be placed in the folder. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to retrieve the homework from the school.
- Clerical staff or teacher will check off the subject as homework is placed in the folder.
- As homework is picked up, clerical staff or designee will:
- Check off the appropriate box
- Write in the name of the person who obtained the homework at the bottom of the Homework Notification form. A copy of the completed Homework Notification Form will be stapled to the student’s suspension form and filed. In the event that the homework is not picked up, the folder will remain in the bin.
Promotion/Retention
Promotion (Grades 7 and 8)
The New Haven Board of Education has academic expectations for all students and has set forth the following minimum criteria for promotion in grades seven and eight:
- Students must pass three of four major subjects (English, mathematics, science and social studies);
- Students can fail no more than one major and one enrichment subject (art, music, physical education, technology education, world language, etc.);
- Students can fail no more than three enrichment subjects;
- Students’ attendance at school must be in compliance with the Board of Education’s attendance policy;
- Students must pass at least one year of English and one year of mathematics prior to being promoted to a senior high school.
Retention Policy
Our goal is to have all regular education students reading at grade level by the end of grade 3. In order to achieve this, critical intervention steps are necessary. Over the past several years we have developed the following interventions to provide support for students in reading.
• After School Reading Programs • Birth to Three Program • Early Childhood Program
• Parent Support Workshops • Summer School Reading Programs
• Paraprofessionals in K, Grade 1 • Literacy Mentor Support
Grade K-3 Legislation (Retention Policy)
Section 10-265 g (b) of the Connecticut General Statutes states that each priority school district, which includes New Haven, must evaluate all kindergarten students at the end of the school year and Grades 1-3 students at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The statute further states, “A student shall be determined to be substantially deficient in reading based on measures set by the State Board of Education.”
The intent of this legislative requirement is to identify students who are the most at risk of failing to read on grade level by the end of each grade (Grade K through grade 3) and to provide immediate and ongoing intervention for identified students until they are reading at a level determined to be proficient. The legislation requires that if a student’s reading level is found to be “substantially deficient ” then the school shall notify the parents or guardians of the student of such result. Additionally, an Individual Reading Plan (IRP) that outlines additional instructional support and monitors progress must be completed for each student failing in the substantially deficient range.
Furthermore, state legislation requires students in Grades K-3 who are determined to be substantially deficient in reading at the end of the school year, to attend summer school. If a grade K-3 student fails to attend summer school, the school may not promote the student to the next grade level.
Testing Program
Throughout the school year, the New Haven Public Schools implement testing/assessments to better assess students’ progress and plan for their academic programs.
The following assessments will be administered to students:
- Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) – Spring semester, Grades 3-8
- SAT - Spring semester, Grade 11
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Spring semester, grade 5 and 8
- Career Aptitude Placement Test – Fall Semester, 8th grade
Warning of Failure to Parents (K-12)
Warning and failure notices will be sent to the parents of those students who are in danger of failing for specific marking periods. These notices will be sent home at the middle of each marking period and must be signed by the parent and returned to the school. In addition, we encourage parents/guardians to check their child(ren)’s PowerSchool account.
STUDENT HEALTH / SAFETY
Health Assessments and Immunizations
In accordance with Connecticut State law, all students in New Haven Public Schools must meet minimum health requirements required for school attendance. New students must present a current physical and immunization requirements prior to school entry. Current students will be required to present updated physical examination and immunization records prior to admission to pre-k, kindergarten, 7th grade and 10th grade. Students qualify for school enrollment if documentation is presented that (1) proof of all required immunizations have been received in writing and (2) a current health assessment record (HAR-3 blue form) has been completed, dated, and signed by a healthcare provider. These documents must be dated on or after September 1, 2023. Any student who fails to provide this documentation as required shall not be allowed in school.
**Please contact the Nursing Section at 203-946-7301 with any questions on this policy.
Mandated Health Policies
The New Haven Health Department Nursing Section is the agency responsible for providing school nurses, maintaining student health records and ensuring compliance with State and local law. A student without a current physical exam or proof of proper immunizations cannot enroll in school until the student has had a physical exam and necessary immunizations are completed.
Students who are ill with any type of communicable disease cannot return to school without a doctor’s note stating that the student is well and able to return. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school nurse of any allergies or medical conditions that may hinder their child’s education and to provide proper documentation and medication for that condition.
Inquiries concerning services should be made through your school principal or, for children younger than 5 years of age, by calling the Early Childhood Assessment Team.
Medication
Connecticut law permits, under specific circumstances, oral, topical, inhalant or injectable medications as ordered by the student’s prescribing provider to be administered to individual students by the school nurse or other designated school personnel. The Board has resolved that it is appropriate to permit during school hours the application of this law for schools under its jurisdiction; i.e., authorization may be granted for administration of medication including controlled drugs currently listed in the Connecticut General Statutes. In the absence of the school nurse, school personnel, permitted to do so under existing Connecticut General Statutes with proper training and school-based health clinic nurses are authorized to administer medications as prescribed for individual students. The student’s healthcare provider must provide orders to the school nurse for administering the medication(s).
Self-administration by students may occur under certain circumstances. The student’s healthcare provider must provide orders and permission for self administration. The parent/guardian must also give permission for self administration. The school nurse will give final authorization after review provider orders/permission and parent permission are received and reviewed and an evaluation of student readiness for self-administration has been performed. Students may not carry medication with them without authorization by the school nurse.
Nursing Services
School nursing services are provided through the New Haven Health Department Nursing Section. Each school nurse has a schedule based on the needs of the student population of the school. Please contact the Nursing Section at 203-946-7301 with any questions on your school nurse’s schedule. The school nurse is responsible for compliance with health requirements, maintaining health records, managing emergencies and minor injuries/sickness. The school nurse will contact parents of ill or injured students and manage other health-related matters. Students who must take medication must consult the school nurse.
Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
It is the New Haven Board of Education’s policy to implement and comply with all the state law mandates concerning the reporting and prevention of suspected child abuse and neglect. It is the Board’s policy that when there is reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child under the age of eighteen years has been abused or neglected, has had non-accidental physical injury, or injury which is at variance with the history given of such injury, or is placed at imminent risk of serious harm, all mandated reporters are required to report suspected abuse to the proper authorities in accordance with state law and this policy.
As defined by state law, all school employees are mandated reporters, and this includes but is not limited to the superintendent, administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, physicians, paraprofessionals, custodians, and coaches either employed by the Board or working in one of the Board’s schools, or any other person who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the Board’s schools.
It is the Board’s policy that a school/district employee and/or all other mandated reporters shall make an oral report either by telephone or in person to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or a law enforcement agency as soon as possible, but no later than twelve hours after the school employee has reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been abused or neglected. The mandated reporter shall inform the building principal or the principal’s designee that he or she will be making such a report. Not later than forty-eight hours after making an oral report, the mandated reporter shall submit a written report to DCF. The mandated reporter shall also give a copy of the written report to the building principal or the principal’s designee.
School-Based Child Health Program
The Medicaid program was established under Title XIX of the Social Security Act and is jointly funded by the Federal and state governments to provide medical assistance to certain individuals with low income and resources. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), formerly called the Education of the Handicapped Act, authorized Federal funding to states for programs that impact Medicaid payment for services provided in schools. Under Part B of IDEA, school districts must prepare an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for each child, which specifies all special education and “related services” needed by the child. The Medicaid program will pay for some of the “health related services” included in the IEP, if they are among the services specified in Medicaid law and included in the state’s Medicaid Plan.
In Connecticut, the Department of Social Services (State agency) is responsible for administering the Medicaid program. The State agency’s Medicaid Plan includes School Based Child Health (SBCH) services and allows for reimbursement of these services that are provided by or through a Local Education Agency (LEA) to students with special needs pursuant to the IEP.
Suicide Prevention/Intervention
The Board directs that all school employees who have knowledge of a suicide threat or attempt must report this information to the school principal who will notify the appropriate emergency services, staff members, and student’s family.
Tuberculosis Screening
All students undergoing a health assessment (1) at any of the times mandated by state statute or (2) at the time of first entry into the New Haven Schools must have an assessment performed of their risk of exposure to tuberculosis as recommended by the CT Department of Public Health Guidelines. Furthermore, all students assessed to be at high risk of exposure to tuberculosis whose PPD status is not already known, must be tested and the interpretation of their testing reported to the Nursing Section before they are permitted entry. All students testing positive should have a written management plan submitted to the school nurse and the Department of Health. Failure to submit a written management plan is a basis for exclusion from class.
STUDENT LIFE
School Climate
New Haven Public Schools is committed to providing an open, welcoming, safe and supportive environment for all students, parents and families. To this end, we encourage all of our families to communicate with us and to play a role in shaping positive school climates that foster learning and personal growth of children, regardless of background, language, or immigration status. The district and our schools are committed to treating all students and parents with fairness and respect and will not discriminate against family members for any reason. Each school has a designated Title IX Coordinator who is responsible for handling and addressing issues related to bullying, harassment and sexual harassment including harassment based on LGBTQ status and other Title IX concerns. The list of Title IX coordinators is located in Appendix A.
Bullying
“Bullying” means unwanted and aggressive behavior among children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.
Teen Dating Violence means any act of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing, and threatening, that occurs between two students who are currently in or who have recently been in a dating relationship.
Challenging Behavior means behavior that negatively affects school climate or interferes, or is at risk of interfering, with the learning or safety of a student or the safety of a school employee.
Cyberbullying means any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile electronic devices or any other electronic communication.
A climate specialist in each school shall lead in the prevention, identification, and response to challenging behavior, including, but not limited to, reports of alleged bullying and harassment, according to the district’s School Climate Plan.
The New Haven Board of Education will not tolerate any form of bullying of members of the community by students, parents, victors, or employees of the New Haven Public Schools, while on school grounds, at school bus stops, at school-sponsored or school-related activities, on school buses, or other vehicles owned, leased, or used by a local regional board of education. Bullying occurring outside of the school setting is also prohibited and will not be tolerated if such bullying creates a hostile environment at school for the individual against whom such bullying was directed, infringes on the rights of the individual against whom such bullying was directed, or substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of the school.
The Board also expressly prohibits teen dating violence as defined in this policy and recognizes that teen dating violence may take many different forms and may also be considered bullying and/or sexual harassment.
The New Haven Public Schools requires students, staff, and/or parents to report all cases of bullying immediately, to the school's principal or school climate specialist, or to the district Title IX coordinator. Discrimination and retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying are prohibited. Teachers and other school staff who witness or receive reports of bullying are required to notify the appropriate administrator immediately. The notification must be made in writing.
Additional Definitions:
· “Electronic communication” means 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, photo electronic or photo-optical system.
· “Hostile Environment” means a situation in which bullying among students is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the school climate.
· “Mobile electronic device” means any hand-held or other portable electronic equipment capable of providing data communication between two or more individuals, including, but not limited to, a text messaging device, a paging device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, equipment that is capable of playing a video game or a digital video disk, or equipment on which digital images are taken or transmitted.
· “Outside of school setting” means at a location, activity, or program that is not school related, or through the use of an electronic device or mobile electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education.
· “School employee” means a teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, school superintendent, guidance counselor, school counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional or coach employed by a local or regional board of education or working in a public elementary, middle or high school, pursuant to a contract with the local or regional board of education.
LINKS:
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination. Sexual harassment and sexual violence are prohibited under both Federal and State Title IX laws.
Should sexual harassment be alleged, it is the policy of the New Haven Board of Education that the allegations(s) shall be thoroughly investigated, that there shall be no retaliation against the victim of the alleged harassment, and that the issue shall be expeditiously and appropriately addressed. Teachers and other school staff who witness or receive reports of sexual harassment are required to notify the appropriate administrator within one (1) school day. No form of sexual harassment will be tolerated in the New Haven Public Schools.
DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is conduct on the basis of sex. It can be defined in one or more of the following ways:
- A district employee conditioning aid, benefit, or service on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (quid pro quo);
- Unwelcome sexual conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school district’s education programs or activities..
- Sexual assault includes: rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object.
Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances or request for sexual favors or any verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment; when submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, or her/his academic status or progress.
Sexual harassment is not limited to prohibited behavior by a male toward a female, or by a supervisory employee toward a non-supervisory employee, or a teacher to a student. Harassment may be student to student, teacher to student, student to teacher, or teacher to teacher. The victim does not have to be the opposite sex of the harasser. The gender of the complainant and/or the alleged harasser is irrelevant, even if they are of the same gender. Sexual harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is also prohibited under State law. Sexual harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is also prohibited under state law
LINKS:
NHPS Code of Conduct
Title IX Coordinators
Title IX Coordinator
office: 475-220-1161
cell: 203-859-2009
School Climate Coordinator
Monica Abbott
Email: monica.abbott@new-haven.k12.ct.us
Office: 475-220-1455
Title IX School Deputy Coordinators in each school shall investigate or supervise the investigation of reported acts of teen dating violence and sexual harassment incidents in the school, in accordance with the Title IX: 2020 Rule, Grievance Process.
LGBTQ Protections & Supports
NHPS is committed to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all students and staff.
Pursuant to the guidance provided by the state of Connecticut, as a general rule, schools may not separate or otherwise distinguish students on the basis of their sex, including gender identity or expression, in any school activities or the application of any school rule. State and federal laws, however, do permit school districts to provide single-sex restrooms, locker rooms, shower facilities, and athletic/physical education activities. School districts have certain obligations in protecting the rights of their transgender students with respect to single-sex facilities and activities.
A school’s obligation to provide transgender and gender non-conforming students with equal access to educational programs, activities and facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms, applies irrespective of concerns or objections raised by other students, parents, staff or community members. A desire to accommodate others’ discomfort is not a permissible basis for failing to treat students consistent with their gender identity or expression.
While the objections of others cannot serve as the basis for failing to provide access to facilities consistent with the student’s gender identity, as noted above, appropriate accommodations must be provided for any student seeking additional privacy. Schools may find it helpful to note the availability of the private option in addressing objections from students, parents/guardians or staff.
Students have the right to be addressed by a name and pronoun that the student prefers and corresponds to their gender identity even if education records or identification documents indicate a different name or sex. Using the student’s chosen name and pronoun is important not only for legal compliance but also for ensuring the student’s dignity and well-being. If school staff are unsure what name and pronoun to use, privately asking students what their preferred gender pronouns and names are in an age-appropriate manner is the best place to start. It is important to remember that some students may not identify as male or female but, instead, consider themselves non-binary (i.e., otherwise not conforming to gender binary references to the two categories of male and female). Using these terms may be unfamiliar at first and it may take time for school staff to become accustomed to new terminology on gender identity, but, as with any new term or usage, these terms will become familiar with practice, appropriate training and support.
If any of these protections are violated contact your School Title IX Coordinator and complete the external bullying form. If you are not satisfied that the situation is being addressed contact the District Title IX Coordinator. External Bullying Report Form
Cell phones/Electronic Devices/Computers/Internet
If students bring electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, iPods, mp3 players, etc. to school, the devices should be secured in a locker so as not to disrupt the educational process. Cell phones and other electronic devices may be permissible if the classroom teacher indicates they are acceptable for classroom use. Without permission from a teacher, electronic devices may be confiscated and returned to parents. Schools will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices. Students may be suspended from school if they persist in using electronic devices inappropriately in the school building. As the district considers new and innovative uses for technology in the classroom, this policy could be updated.
The purpose of providing Internet and computer network access in this district is to promote the exchange of information and ideas with the global educational community. All network use must be consistent with the policies and goals of this school district. Inappropriate use of district technology will result in the loss of technology use, disciplinary action, and/or referral to legal authorities. All Internet and other computer network users will be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.
Dress and Grooming
Students should be well-dressed and well-groomed at all times. Students’ attire considered distracting or inappropriate will not be permitted. When students’ attire is considered inappropriate, the principal may require the students to return home to change to suitable attire.
Hats/Coats/Dress Code
One’s dress and appearance will foster a healthy and conducive environment for learning. In addition, proper dress and grooming promotes good health and personal hygiene. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to wear “hats, caps, coats, or hoods” in school buildings, unless for medical or religious reasons or otherwise approved by the building leader. In the case of medical or religious reasons, proof must be submitted to an appropriate administrator. Students failing to comply with this directive will be considered insubordinate. Principals are instructed to take all the necessary steps in ensuring that this directive is communicated to their respective parent group, student body and staff.
*Students who attend any school with a dress code/uniform code must be in compliance with the school’s dress or uniform code.
School Activities
Dances
School dances are held only for students who attend the respective school. Invited guests are permitted only by the consent of the principal. Other social activities will be scheduled to enhance the social development of students. School dances must be approved by the school principal.
Field Trips
A field trip is defined as a visit to an area away from the school grounds by a group of students under faculty supervision. Field trips are considered part of the school program and are related to the curriculum being studied. A permission slip must be signed by a parent for a student to go on a field trip. Requests for all overnight/foreign land trips must be submitted in writing to the Curriculum Committee of the Board of Education for approval at least two months prior to the scheduled trip.
School Food
School Meal Program
New Haven Public Schools offers free breakfast and lunch at all New Haven Public Schools.
Healthy Meals
New Haven Public Schools is committed to serving your student meals that meet or exceed the federal meal standards. NHPS participates in the CT Nutrition Standards (CNS) for food and the CT Healthy Food Certification (HFC). The CNS applies to all sources of food sold to students on school premises. This includes school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, and any fundraising activities at the school.
Food Allergies and Special Dietary Needs
It is the policy of the Board of Education to follow the guidelines developed and promulgated by the Connecticut Department of Health and Connecticut Department of Education for students within the district with life-threatening food allergies. Such guidelines include (1) education and training for school personnel on the management of students with life threatening food allergies, including training related to the administration of medication with a cartridge injector, (2) procedures for responding to life-threatening allergic reactions to food, (3) a process for the development of individualized health care and food allergy action plans for every student with a life-threatening food allergy, and (4) a process for the development of individualized health care and glycogen storage disease action plans for every student with glycogen storage disease and such plan shall include, but not limited to, the provision of food or dietary supplements by the school nurse or by any school employee approved by the school nurse, to a student with glycogen storage disease provided such plan does not prohibit parent/guardian or a person so designate, to provide food or dietary supplements on school grounds during the school day, (5) develop a communication plan for school personnel, families, students and relevant community partners.
The entire NHPS Policy on Students with Specific Health Care needs may be found in its entirety under policies 5141.25.
All student meal modifications for children participating in the USDA School Nutrition programs require that a medical statement be received to allow the school food authority to understand the extent of the student’s special dietary needs. Forms are available on the NHPS.net website and at the school nurse office.
School Policies and Procedures
Early Dismissals Requested By Parent/School
Any time it is necessary for a student to be dismissed from school before the regular dismissal time (sickness, canceled after school programs, etc.), the parent will be notified in advance by either phone, written notice, or messenger. In order to ensure students’ educational experiences, parents are encouraged to schedule doctor appointments after school hours. If a parent must pick up a student prior to the end of the day, she/he must notify the school. In such cases, it is necessary for a responsible designated adult to personally come to school and pick up the student from the main office.
Emergency Closings/Late Openings
On rare occasions, schools may have to be opened late, dismissed early, or even cancelled for bad weather, power failure or other reasons. In the event of such an emergency, the superintendent will have this information announced (late openings and cancellations between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.) on any of the following radio or TV stations: WTNH (News8), WVIT (NBC), WFSB (3), FoxCT, WTIC Radio
Parents must make provisions for their children in the event of emergency closings. The Board will also endeavor to make all closing/late opening announcements by posting such notices on the Board website, www.nhps.net, Facebook, New Haven Public Schools smartphone app and through the Parentlink telephone system when practicable.
Freedom of Speech/Expression
The school board recognizes and protects the rights of student expression. In order to protect the educational process and school environment, printed material produced or distributed within the confines of school district property shall meet the following criteria:
- Material shall be noncommercial.
- Material shall not contain libelous or obscene language.
The school district shall assume no responsibility for the contents of any written material.
Gang Activity or Association
The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or any other attribute that indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger. Any student wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities will be subject to disciplinary action.
Guidance
Guidance and counseling services are available to students. Many problems concerning both school and one’s personal life may be helped by counseling. The school counselor or your teacher will be happy to help you with these problems. Appointment procedures will be covered in school meetings at individual schools. Individual student records must be kept up to date. Changes in address, telephone number, etc., must be reported to the school.
Loitering or Causing Disturbance
All parents/visitors must sign in with School Safety Officers, as well as register in the school office. Staff members should be alert to the possibility of unauthorized visitors and promptly report any concerns to the principal. Any person shall be considered loitering on school grounds when he/she loiters or remains in or about a school building or grounds, without any reason or relationship involving custody of or responsibility for a student or any other license or privilege to be there. Any disturbances caused by parents or visitors may result in banning from the school and legal action. Threats against school personnel, students, or others may result in a person being banned from the school and shall be reported to the principal immediately for appropriate action.
Military Recruitment
The high schools shall provide the same directory information and on campus recruiting opportunities to representatives of the armed forces of the United States of America and state armed services as are offered to nonmilitary recruiters, recruiters for commercial concerns and recruiters representing institutions of higher education. Directory information or class lists of student names and/or addresses shall not be distributed without the knowledge of the parent or legal guardian or by the student if he or she has turned 18. The school administrator may make the determination of when and where the recruitment meetings will take place and reserves the right to deny such meeting when it will materially and substantially interfere with the proper and orderly operation of the school.
Petitions
Students may collect signatures on any petition they support provided they follow the school’s established guidelines in not interfering with the orderly process of the school day. When such petitions relate to school matters, they may not be libelous or obscene. An acceptable petition may express legitimate criticism of school activity or governance, or request redress of actual student grievances. Students have a right to present such petitions to school officials.
Pupil Personnel Services
The Department of Pupil Personnel and Special Education Services provides services in two (2) general categories:
- Guidance, psychological, social work, and speech and language.
- Identification and programming for students identified as disabled, mentally and/or physically challenged and/or Talented and Gifted.
Recess Policy
In addition to physical education classroom time, the NHBOE requires principals to provide PreK-6 students with at least 20 minutes a day of supervised recess (not including transitions) to encourage physical activity and socialization.
- Outdoor free play is encouraged regardless of temperature so long as weather conditions are appropriate. In the event outdoor play is not possible, schools will provide physical activity indoors.
- Schools and parent groups will work together to provide appropriate space and equipment for recess use.
- Recess should be in addition to physical education class time and not be a substitute for physical education.
- School staff shall not withhold participation in recess from students for disciplinary reasons or cancel recess to make up for missed instructional time.
- Recess plans may be modified for shortened school days
- Schools should utilize the NHBOE Recess Guide for best practices of recess implementation.
- Schools are encouraged to provide recess for grade 7-8 students.
Smoking
The following rules shall apply to all facilities operated by the Board of Education. As used here, “smoke” or “smoking” shall mean the lighting or carrying of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or similar device (e-cigarettes).
- No person shall smoke in any room of any school district facility.
- Students are not permitted to smoke in any school district facility or on school grounds at any time, nor while under school supervision away from the school facilities, nor while on a school bus.
- E-cigarettes are considered a tobacco product. No student is permitted to use this device on school grounds, school facilities, nor while on a school bus.
Student Complaints, Grievances, and Petitions
A grievance shall mean a complaint by a student that he/she has been treated unfairly or inequitably by any teacher or administrator in the interpretation or application of the provisions of the Board’s statement on Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Any student may bring a grievance using the following procedures:
Step 1: A student shall first discuss the problem with the school official serving as the teacher’s immediate superior (i.e., department head, house master, assistant principal or principal).
Step 2: If the school principal is the subject of the complaint or if the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved within a week at the school level, the student may appeal, in writing, to the appropriate director for a meeting, setting forth specifically the basis of the grievance.
Step 3: The district director shall convene a meeting within a reasonable time and shall decide the issue within a reasonable time of such meeting.
Textbooks and Library Books
Textbooks and library books are very important to the educational program. The Board of Education accepts the responsibility for providing students with appropriate instructional materials. The Board also recognizes the importance of students assuming the responsibility for books assigned to them. It is, therefore, the policy of the Board to hold parents financially liable for the cost of lost and/or damaged textbooks and library books assigned to students. Fee schedules for lost or damaged books may be obtained from the main office in your school.
Library books, textbooks, and other educational materials are loaned to the students for their use, and shall be returned when requested by school authorities. To minimize the extent to which textbooks and library books are lost or damaged and to allow the Board to utilize allocated book funds to expand and enhance the educational program rather than to continually replace lost or damaged books, the following policy will be in effect:
- Students and their parents will be held financially liable for all textbooks and library books assigned in the student’s name when such books are lost or damaged as a result of the student’s carelessness when a student failed to return books assigned to them, or when books are not returned in proper condition.
- An appropriate fee will be charged taking into consideration cost and condition of the books;
- A student’s report card, transcripts and grades will be withheld, and/or the student, where applicable, will not be allowed to participate in graduation exercises if students or parents do not make financial restitution;
- Until restitution is made for lost or damaged books assigned, students will only be allowed use of school materials in supervised settings administered at school level.
Transportation
The New Haven Public Schools has established the following guidelines in reference to the busing of pupils to and from the assigned schools. Transportation will be provided for students in grades:
- K-8 who live more than half (0.5) a mile walking distance from the assigned school;
- 9-12 who live more than one and one-half (1.5) miles walking distance from their assigned school;
However, the right to free transportation is dependent on the student’s good behavior while waiting for and riding on school buses. Suspension and/or termination can be a consequence of poor behavior. For further information, please review the Transportation Handbook or contact your school.
Student Discipline
Summary
The purpose of Code of Conduct is to provide school personnel, students, parents and guardians with a consistent framework of expected behaviors and responses to behaviors that are harmful or negatively affects others’ ability to learn. The Code is designed to ensure that:
- Behavioral expectations are fair, age-appropriate, and consistent across all schools.
- Behavioral expectations protect and support the educational process and every student’s right to an education.
- All students understand the behaviors expected of them.
- All students understand what will happen if they engage in behaviors that harm others and/or disrupt the learning environment.
This Code applies to every student under the jurisdiction of the New Haven Board of Education. It is in effect on all school properties and wherever school personnel has responsibility for students. It also applies to all students when they travel to and from school.
The Code reflects a restorative approach to supporting cooperative and productive behaviors in our school communities. Restorative Practices “are processes that proactively build healthy relationships and a sense of community to prevent and address conflict and wrongdoing.”1 Therefore, a restorative approach is meant to restore balance, improve or build relationships, and promote cooperation between community members. It is most effective when used proactively to prevent conflict and harm, rather than solely as a response to events.
Explanation of Restorative Practices
As applied in the New Haven Public Schools, restorative practices describe an approach to building positive, healthy relationships and community as a means to cultivating safe, supportive, and positive learning environments; preventing conflict as much as possible and responding to conflict and harm within the school community by seeking to repair the harm.
Restorative practices promote and nurture:
- Respect for all persons
- Social and emotional skills
- Cultural competency
- Building and restoring positive relationships
- Collaborative approaches to solving community issues
- Recognizing and addressing the needs of students, teachers, parents, guardians, school staff and district administrators
- Taking responsibility for harm
- Repairing harm
Restorative practices foster improved learning through positive relationships and interactions among peers, teachers, and staff. Restorative practices recognize the impact of trauma and loss on our youth, while also establishing consequences and accountability for those causing harm and repairing harm that disrupts the learning environment. These practices recognize the importance of social and emotional health as a central component of learning.
The consequences for disruptions to the learning community are outlined in this Code. Whenever possible, the New Haven Public Schools strives to avoid exclusionary responses by employing consequences that seek to repair the harm done to individuals and the community. A restorative response includes solutions that support both the recipient of the harm and the person who has committed the harm, so that both move forward safely, cooperatively, and productively.
These practices address the needs of the community through:
- Identification and discussion of community and individual needs
- Building healthy relationships
- Resolution of conflict by exploring how each person has been affected and holding individuals and groups accountable
- Repairing harm and restoring positive relationships
- Reducing, preventing and improving harmful behaviors
When thinking about a consequence, key questions to inform the choice are:
- Has the person(s) who was harmed met with the person who committed the harm?
- Did the person harmed express his/her needs and identify what is needed to repair the harm?
- Will this consequence work to repair the harm that has been done?
- Will this consequence restore the relationships in the community to one that promotes mutual respect and cooperation?
This Code represents the collaborative work of representatives from the Mayor’s office, administrators, teachers, parents, the New Haven Federation of Teachers, consultants, and community members.
For further information about discipline policy and procedures, please see the Unified Code of Conduct, adopted February 8, 2021.
PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Family Engagement and Empowerment
As part of the New Haven Board of Education’s School Change strategy, the work of the school system will be as aligned as possible with the parents, community organizations and agencies who work on behalf of our students – who together build community investment for the promise of college.
New Haven Promise
New Haven is home to an innovative college scholarship and support program for students who live within city boundaries and attend New Haven Public Schools or approved public charter schools. New Haven Promise scholarships provide up to full tuition to 2- and 4-year public universities and college in Connecticut and up to $2,500 to private, nonprofit in-state universities and colleges.
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative high school grade-point average
• No more than 72 absences during high school career
• At least 40 hours of community service
• Enrollment & residency since at least freshman year
THE PROCESS BEGINS
• Scholars should pledge between sixth and 11th grade at app.newhavenpromise.org.
• High school seniors will be able to apply for the New Haven Promise scholarship and Passport to Promise beginning in the fall.
To learn more, visit www.NewHavenPromise.org
School-Community Associations
The Board of Education recognizes school-community groups such as Parent Leadership Teams and Councils and Parent-Teacher Organizations and Associations as integral parts of the school community, which can promote better educational and non-academic support programs. The Board of Education encourages parents and community members to be engaged in schools through these groups and through schools’ School Planning Management Teams (SPMT) and School Governance Councils (SGC). In addition, the Board encourages parents to participate in citywide parent organizations, including the Citywide Parent Leadership Team, the Title I Advisory Council and District-wide Parent Involvement Team, the Parent Partnership Council, Grandparents on the Move, as well as in other opportunities and working groups that may arise.
Visits to the School and Volunteering in the Schools
The Board of Education and school personnel welcome and strongly encourage parents, adult members of the community and other interested persons to visit the schools.
The Superintendent shall establish regulations which:
- Encourage parents/visitors to observe our schools;
- Ensure that staff will greet and assist the parents/visitors;
- Channel expressions of approval and constructive criticism to the Board as appropriate;
- Strongly suggest that, to the extent possible, parents/ visitors make an appointment prior to coming to the school. This will ensure that public visits will not hinder the educational program;
- Require all-parents/visitors to register in the school’s office upon arrival at school and state the purpose of the visit.
- Exclude parents from school if they cause a disruption to the education environment.
- Outline procedures for parents and adult members of the community to become volunteers, including background checks and protocols.
Translation Services
Families who wish to have translation services provided for any meeting with a school teacher or administrator should contact the school office to request those services, and the request will be granted. Any meeting--whether in-person, via Zoom, or on the telephone--can be translated, provided the request is made in a timely fashion.
Fundraising By Parent And/Or Community Organizations
The New Haven Board of Education supports the concept of fundraising by parent and community organizations for school-related activities. Such activities must operate within the regulations and guidelines of the New Haven Department of Education.
District Level / Title I Parent Involvement Policy
It is the policy of the New Haven Public Schools to promote maximum parent involvement in its schools. The New Haven Public Schools recognizes the important role parents play in their children’s education and realizes that school success increases as parents become more involved in the daily education of their children. The New Haven Public Schools recognizes that the district, parents and the community have a mutual responsibility to ensure the success of our students.
Responsibilities of the New Haven Public Schools:
- The New Haven Public Schools will make information available to parents regarding:
- Curriculum
- State and local standards
- State and local academic assessment tools and data
- Ways to monitor a child’s progress and improve achievement
- Enrichment activities and afterschool programs
- Parent involvement workshops and opportunities
- The New Haven Public Schools will allow parents to participate in the joint development and review of school wide plans by: including parents in designing each school’s Comprehensive Improvement Plan; including parents on school leadership and decision making teams; collaborating with parents to design and implement enrichment programs for families and in the allocation of Title I parent funds; and including parents in the drafting and review of school based parent involvement policies and school-parent compacts.
- The New Haven Public Schools will notify all parents of children eligible for Title I services of the nature of the Title I programs available and their rights to be involved and consulted regarding the planning, development and operation of such programs, as well as a copy of this parent involvement policy.
- The New Haven Public Schools will support parents’ efforts through training of parents and by providing support and resources as needed.
- The New Haven Public Schools will create a welcoming environment in its schools to encourage parent involvement.
- The district will encourage parents to volunteer, mentor and spend time in the school building.
- The New Haven Public Schools will, to the extent practicable, ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings and other activities is sent to parents in a format and language the parents can understand and that coordination and integration of parent involvement programs and activities take place to the extent that it is feasible and appropriate.
- The New Haven Public Schools will make information available upon request regarding the qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals in its schools.
- The New Haven Public Schools will strive to educate all staff on the importance, value and utility of parental involvement, the contribution of parents, and how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as partners.
Responsibilities of Parents:
- Parents will take an active role in their child’s education by reinforcing, at home, the skills and knowledge the student has learned in school.
- Parents will actively communicate with school staff.
- Parents will attend orientation, report card conferences and attend school functions and meetings.
- Parents will promote education and learning by setting high expectations for their child and their child’s school.
- Parents will be aware of rules and regulations of the school.
- Parents will utilize opportunities for participation in school activities.
- Parents will be active partners with their child’s school to create a positive, effective learning environment by volunteering, participating in the Parent Teacher Organization and spending time in the school building.
- Parents will complete and return the annual School Climate Survey.