WINTERGREEN INTERDISTRICT MAGNET SCHOOL Making the World a Better Place… Educating the whole child through inquiry, innovation and the arts in a diverse, compassionate, mindful learning community 2016-2017 670 Wintergreen Avenue Hamden, Connecticut 06514 203.281.9668 Office Staff/General Services Principal Assistant Principal Secretary Receptionist Afternoon Receptionist Nurse Nurse Nurse’s Assistant Library Media Specialist Tech Integration Teacher Tech Specialist Custodian Custodian 2016/2017 WIMS STAFF Suzanne Duran Crelin Vicki Rose Debra Olson Debra Spencer Paula Shea Peggy Schoen Joan Cagginello Naomi Saunders Dawn Fitzpatrick-Hanna Carol May Scott Olm Russell Wolcott Gary Rowland Classroom Teachers Primary Academy Junior Academy Kindergarten Erica LaFrance Kathleen Naimo Beth Petr Sixth Grade Mary Connolly Tatyana Duncan Mary Ellen Rourke First Grade Christie Hull Sarah McKane Amy Perrone Second Grade Zachary LeClair Darrylle Olsen Sarah Smith Seventh / Eighth Grade Nancy Hovanec Laura O’Reilly Kathi Reid Dave Ridgway Rocco Villavicencio Joseph Whiting Kala Zawalich Intermediate Academy Teacher Assistants Third Grade Sharee Baskin Denise Pappa Debbye Vitti Danette Balog Jenny Cai Amy Cassello Amy Gagne Courtney Jackson Matthew Jordan Kim Riley Jessica Sharpe Beth Spose Joanne Waznis Dennis Yacono Fourth Grade Imani Jones Ellen Rowland Vicky Sullivan Fifth Grade Justine Lavoie David Levine Marissa White Special Area Teachers Art Art General & Instrumental Music General & Instrumental Music General & Instrumental Music General & Instrumental Music J.A. Seminar Physical Fitness/Health Physical Fitness/Health Physical Fitness/Health Spanish Spanish Strings Jennifer Place Jocelyn Pugh Kathy Morse Carmella Rossomando-Heise George Sanders Glenn Stevens Christine Blacker/Rachel Williams Quentin Kaczmarek Eric Lanzl Marcy Milhomens Amy Keena Christine Bowman Jan Farrar-Royce Support Services Guidance Counselor Psychologist Social Worker Social Worker Special Educator Special Educator Special Educator Special Educator Behavioral Technician Speech/Language Pathologist Speech/Language Pathologist Christine Blackler Rachel Williams Kate Richardson Raquel Cooper Carolyn Chirico Monica Gagliardi Eric Kallberg Jason Zoock Terez Pitt Leah Posey Diane Mital Literacy Specialist Anna Wasiolek Instructional Coach Ingrid Ellinger-Doviak Chartwell Food Service– Manager Cindy Chocolate Cafeteria Aides Debra Gugliuzza Rosalie Hill Geneva Jackson Peggy Kramer Barbara Simone IMPORTANT INFORMATION MAGNET THEME STATEMENT Making the world a better place… Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School (WIMS) is a K – 8 magnet school that is dedicated to educating the whole child through inquiry, innovation and the arts in a diverse, compassionate and mindful learning community. WIMS offers a rigorous and engaging curriculum which integrates state of the art technology to support student innovation, collaboration, creativity and skillful problem solving. SCHOOL HOURS School hours are 8:00.a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students arriving by bus or car may enter the building from 8:00 to 8:10 a.m. Students arriving after 8:10 a.m. should report to the office. Those students will be marked tardy. Buses begin to load students at 3:20 p.m. Buses leave school grounds after 3:30 p.m. Students being picked up by an adult at the end of the day will be dismissed from class at 3:15 p.m. Parents choosing to pick up their child should sign their child out at the designated pick- up location by 3:30 unless arrangements have been made with administration. OFFICE HOURS The office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The school may be reached by phone at (203) 281-9668 or by FAX at (203) 281-7946. Voice mail is available at 2819668 to record messages. PLANNED EARLY DISMISSALS The calendar contains 19 early dismissal days which are scheduled for parents’ conferences, at the end of each trimester, for teacher professional development and prior to some holidays. School hours for early dismissal days are 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Early dismissal days this year occur on the following dates: Hopes & Dreams Conferences: August 22, 23, 24, 25 Parent Conferences: December 6, 7, 8, and March 21, 22, 23 Professional Development: September 22, October 27, and May 18 Day before holiday recess: November 23 and December 23 End of Trimester November 23, March 10, and June 15 Last days of School: June 13, 14, and 15 *(Nine (9) weather or emergency days requiring the closing of school will be added in June; additional days will be taken from Spring Recess beginning April 10, 2016. EARLY CLOSINGS In the event of an emergency closing during the school day, an automated telephone call will be made through School Messenger to designated contact numbers to notify parents that their children will be coming home early. The time of the emergency closing will depend on weather conditions and/or other emergency factors, but typical inclement weather early dismissals begin at 11:30 a.m. It is recommended that parents should discuss contingency plans with their children for emergency closings. DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS In the event of school cancellation, delayed openings or early dismissals, families will receive an automated phone call through School Messenger. Please note: It is important that the phone number and other contact information in Power School is up-to-date as this is the information which will be used for automated phone calls. Delays and cancellations will also be posted on the website ~ www.aces.org. During school days, become a weather watcher to be aware of weather forecasts. In the event of predicted inclement weather causing the delay of school opening or a cancellation of school for the day, announcements will be made on the following stations: Radio and Television Stations to Monitor Weather Radio: KC101 (101.3 FM), WEBE (107.9 FM), WICC (600 AM) TV: WTNH (Channel 8), WFSB (Channel 3), WVIT (Channel 30) WTNH, Channel 8 does the most reliable job of announcing Wintergreen information. It is recommended that you watch Channel 8 News. Always look for ACES Wintergreen School. ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF INFORMATION BY TOPIC ACES - Area Cooperative Educational Services is a regional education service (RESC) for twenty-five school districts in south central Connecticut and a local education agency (LEA). ACES provides high quality education programs and services. ACES operates and administers Wintergreen as an interdistrict magnet school, providing central office administration and staff. ASSESSMENTS - Assessment of student progress occurs on a regular basis. Within the classroom, teachers review student progress relative to daily lesson objectives. Curriculum-based assessments are conducted following each major unit of study. District assessments are also conducted throughout the year. In addition, students in grades 3 through 8 are administered the Smarter Balanced Assessment. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES - Any person registered in a public school is expected by law to be in attendance each day school is in session. In the event of an absence, the parent should telephone the school prior to 9:00 a.m. A message may be left on the voice mail system prior to staff arrival at 7:30 a.m. If a parent/guardian does not call in the morning to verify that the student is absent, school personnel will call home. Following an absence, parents should send a note explaining the reason for the absence. Family vacations should be planned during the school year’s regular vacations whenever possible. Truancy is defined as staying away from school without permission. Students who are absent for more than five days in a given school month without a known reason or more than 9 days in a school year are considered truant. Parents will be notified in the case of a student being truant and an attendance PPT may be held. AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) - All students and their parent or guardian must sign an agreement to follow school and district policies concerning use of technology and the internet. Any misuse of technology can result in loss of privileges. BULLYING - is defined as one or more students repeatedly using written, verbal, or electronic communication, such as cyber bullying, or a physical act or gesture directed at another student in the same school district that: Causes physical or emotional harm to the student Places the student in reasonable fear of harm Creates a hostile environment at school for such student and/or others Infringes on the rights of the student at school, or Substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school The Wintergreen Community is committed to nurturing a compassionate community. Therefore bullying is not tolerated. Students who engage in any act of bullying are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or referral to law enforcement officials. BUS TRANSPORTATION - Wintergreen students are provided bus transportation by our partner districts. Students may ride ONLY the bus to which they are assigned. Students who behave in an unsafe manner will receive referrals from bus personnel to the school; disciplinary action may include: a warning, parent phone call, lunch detention, or bus suspension. Students are to follow these guidelines for safe bus behavior: Be on time at the bus stop Follow the directions of the driver and/or bus monitor; he or she is the person of authority on the school bus Stay seated facing forward Keep voices low and use appropriate language Do not eat or drink while riding the bus Be polite, considerate, and respectful at all times Abide by the *WIMS Constitution CAFETERIA - Breakfast and lunch are provided by Chartwell Services. The cost for breakfast is $1.40 per day. Families must pre-pay for breakfast each week on Thursday for the following week. Payment by check is preferred. The cost for lunches is $2.70 per meal for grades K-4 and $2.95 for grades 58. Lunches may be purchased on a daily basis; however, payment by the week, or in advance is preferred. Checks should be made out to ACES School Lunch Program. Unused payments will be carried over to the following week. All students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks to school. Glass bottles, soda, gum, and candy are not permitted in school. Information about the requirements for free and reduced-price lunches is available in the school office and is distributed to every family in the annual back-to-school mailing. Please note: There has been a slight increase in the cost for breakfast and lunch. CANVAS - Canvas is a web-based learning environment which facilitates student and parent communication with teachers online. Each teacher maintains information pertaining to courses, assignments, and syllabi. Students and parents are given access information at the beginning of each school year. CELL PHONES/PERSONAL DEVICES – Students have access to WIMS technology to support their learning throughout the school day. They also have access to telephones to contact home when necessary. Students are not allowed to use personal devices during the school day or during on-site after school activities without permission. Bringing any personal device to school is done so at one’s own risk. Cell phones and other electronics must remain turned off and locked in lockers or placed in cubbies. If such items are being used without permission, they may be confiscated by staff and will be turned in to the office. The parent/guardian will be required to pick up the item from the office. CONTACT INFORMATION - Parents must keep the school up to date with regard to any changes to address, telephone numbers and email. Parents must provide the school with names of family members and friends who have permission to pick up children from school routinely or in an emergency. No child will be released without written permission. Persons who may not be familiar to office staff and administrators will be asked for identification. DAMAGE TO SCHOOL PROPERTY - Students who damage school property are expected to pay for the damage. This includes walls, windows, floors, furniture, and educational and personal property. DISCIPLINE Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School uses a responsive/restorative approach to discipline, which is aligned to our commitment to nurturing a compassionate, diverse and mindful community. Our approach reflects the belief that discipline is a subject that can be taught just like academic subjects are taught. Our approach to discipline helps students develop selfcontrol, understand how positive behavior looks, feels and sounds, and helps them come to value such behavior. We have clear, shared expectations for behavior and we actively teach children how to live up to those expectations, so they feel safe and can learn at higher levels. Our school-wide constitution was authored by our student government in 2013 and serves as a shared code of ethics from which clear developmentally appropriate expectations are constructed in each classroom every year. Our Wintergreen Constitution states: Act with integrity and compassion Respect everyone and everything Live up to your true potential Do your best every day Be yourself and let others be themselves It’s the inside that counts Be safe and stay safe The staff at WIMS takes time to model, and teach students how to translate these rules into action. At the beginning of the year, we introduce rules and behavior expectations, and guide students in practicing them. Using respectful words and tone of voice, we remind students of these expectations, and reinforce positive behavior. When students misbehave, the adults at school handle it firmly while preserving the student’s dignity. Our first step is to stop the misbehavior quickly with a brief word or gesture. If, needed, we take further steps to help students regain self-control, fix any problems that may have been caused by his or her behavior, and get back to productive learning. In deciding how to handle students’ misbehavior, we take into account how severe the misbehavior and how likely it is to happen again. We may: Give a reminder or tell the student to do something different Move the student closer to the teacher or away from distractions Use “take-a-break” (the student goes to a distraction-free space to reflect and regain self-control) Limit student’s choice of activities Guide the student in fixing problems caused by his or her mistake When a student needs additional supports we may: Use a partnership room (the student goes to a distraction-free space in another room to reflect and regain self-control) Use private “take-a-break” ( the student goes to a supervised non-classroom space) Meet with the student’s parent/guardian to find other solutions Have the student stay for a longer period of time in the supervised space (in school suspension) Have the student spend a period of time at home (out of school suspension) When a student is asked to stay home from school, a parent/guardian must accompany the student to school for a re-entry meeting with an administrator. We at WIMS strongly believe that students want to and can meet expectations. We value our partnerships with parents and feel that our partnership is absolutely critical to helping students do well in school and feel good about going to school. (ACES Policy) Students may be suspended or expelled for conduct that endangers persons or property, or whose conduct, on or off school grounds, is seriously disruptive of the educational process, or is in violation of a publicized policy of the ACES Governing Board. DRESS REGULATIONS - Generally, how a student dresses is a matter to be decided by the individual student and his/her parents. The school reserves the right to draw reasonable limitations if a student’s appearance is distracting or unsafe. Undershirts, cut-off shorts, camisoles, torn clothing, flip flops or other backless footwear, underwear as outer wear, midriffs, shirts with derogatory statements or pictures which include advertisements for alcoholic beverages and the like, are inappropriate. No hats may be worn inside the school building. Students must wear sneakers or athletic shoes in order to participate in physical education class. Jewelry that is oversized or can get caught on equipment is not permitted. DROP OFF - Students may be dropped off at school at 8 a.m. Students cannot be dropped off prior to this time as supervision begins at 8 a.m. EARLY DISMISSAL - Parent requests for early dismissal or any change for dismissal must be made only in emergency and unusual circumstances, and must be submitted in writing to the main office. Please do not leave messages on teacher phones. All students must be picked up by 3:30 p.m. FIELD TRIP PROCEDURES - Although field trips are an extremely valuable part of our academic program, they are offered as an extension to student learning. During a field trip, the student is the responsibility of the school and remains subject to school rules. Infractions of stated rules, violations of good citizenship, and failure to heed necessary directions may result in disciplinary measures. If it is determined that a child is not ready to participate safely, the child will attend a full in-school academic program in lieu of attending the trip. All students must submit permission slips on time in order to attend. A fee may be required to cover the cost of transportation and/or admissions. Parents who feel that the cost of a field trip will produce a financial hardship should submit a written inquiry addressed to the principal about the availability of scholarship funds. Teachers will contact parents regarding chaperones and support for field trips. Chaperones are expected to attend to the class they are assigned to and may not bring additional adults or children with them on any school sponsored trip. It is expected that students will use transportation provided by ACES. Any changes in that plan should be communicated to the child’s teacher well in advance of the field trip. Parents should not plan on attending a field trip or picking up their child from the trip without prior approval from the teacher and/or administrator. FIRE DRILLS - Fire drills are conducted on an average of once a month. Instructions for evacuation of the building are posted in each room, and exit signs help guide occupants out of the building. If there should be any change in the normal exit routine, instructions will be given by the office and/or the teacher. Students exit in silence. Students remain quietly in class rows positioned away from the building until they are directed to return by the designated personnel. FIRE ALARMS - Fire alarms are essential to safety. Anyone guilty of tampering with fire alarms or detection equipment will be prosecuted to the full extent of law P.A. 53A-180. The False Reporting of an Incident is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison and/or up to a $1,000 fine. FOOD - Due to severe food allergies, we do not use food as rewards or for celebrations. Students are encouraged to bring healthy snacks to school, but food is never shared due to safety for those with allergies. Glass bottles, soda, gum, and candy are not permitted in school. HEALTH - Connecticut state law requires that all students entering school must have up to date immunizations. Upon entry into the school, usually included in the kindergarten registration process, parents must present a medical form, which has been completed by the family physician indicating physical exam and immunization dates for the student. A physical examination is required upon entrance to kindergarten and seventh grade. The forms are available through the school office, and they are supplied to parents as part of the kindergarten registration package. The school seeks to provide a safe environment for all students. In case of injury to a child in school or on the playground, first aid will be administered by the school nurse or a member of the school staff. The responsibility of further treatment and subsequent care rests with the parent and family physician. It is important that parents contact the school with updated student information, home and work telephone numbers and emergency contact information. The school nurse may administer medication to students during school hours by adhering to the following: Connecticut state law requires a physician’s written order and parent’s written authorization for the school nurse to administer medications to a student while in school. Medications must be brought to school in the original containers by the parent or authorized adult and given to the nurse. All necessary forms are available in the Health Office. Presently, vision screenings are provided annually for students in Grades K-6. Hearing screenings are conducted for all students in grades K-3, and 5 & 8. Scoliosis screenings are conducted for all children in Grades 5-8. HOMEWORK - Homework is part of the educational program. To be effective, homework must be properly designed, carefully planned, and appropriately aligned to the development of individual students. Homework is assigned for the following reasons: To improve, reinforce, and extend skills which have been taught To encourage students to become independent learners To develop responsibility for completing an assigned task and returning it to school To provide parents with an opportunity to support their child’s progress as a learner Students should be able to complete homework assignments with minimal assistance from an adult. If the student appears to be unable to complete assignments or if homework completion takes an unreasonable amount of time for the student, the parent should contact the teacher. LOST AND FOUND - Students are encouraged to put their names on any item brought to school. Children should report lost items to their teacher. From time to time unclaimed items are displayed in the lobby. During vacations, unclaimed items are donated to a local charity. LUNCH TIMES - Lunch periods are 30 minutes long. Approximate lunch wave times are: 11:00-11:45 a.m. Kindergarten – Grade 2 12:00-12:45 p.m. Grades 3-5 1:00- 1:45 p.m. Grades 6-8 Children are expected to remain in their seats at their assigned tables during lunch time. Lunch times are adjusted for Early Dismissal days. In the event of an inclement weather dismissal, lunch will be served only to Primary Academy. MINDFULNESS - Mindfulness is defined as the intentional, kind, gentle, curious, non -judgmental direction of awareness to the present moment. (J. Kabat Zinn) Research on mindfulness in school-based context reveals many benefits such as: better focus, an increased sense of calm, decreased stress and anxiety, improved impulse control, increased self-awareness, skillful response to difficult emotions, increased empathy, development of conflict resolution skills, and an increase in the ability to coordinate and execute multi-step tasks. Many staff members at Wintergreen have been trained in mindfulness theory and pedagogy, and integrate mindfulness into their approach to teaching and learning and share mindfulness techniques with students. MUSIC LESSONS - Music lessons are offered in grades 5-8. Children have the opportunity to select an instrument and participate in beginning classes. All musicians are expected to practice playing their instruments at home on a daily basis. NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY– Sixth, Seventh and eighth grade students who maintain a 3.8 grade point average for three consecutive marking periods, exemplify citizenship, and have good attendance with no more than three unexcused absences may be eligible for induction during a ceremony held in June. NON-DISCRIMINATION - It is the policy of the school that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise discriminated against in any of its educational programs, activities or employment practices because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, Intellectual Disability, and/or mental or physical disability (in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974), including, but not limited to, blindness or other provisions stated in accordance with Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. PARENT/STUDENT CONFERENCES - Parent/student conferences are scheduled for August, December and March. The conferences occur during early dismissal days and are planned to coincide with the Trimester Report Cards. Additionally, parents are encouraged to contact teachers at any time for a conference throughout the school year, if there are concerns that they wish to discuss. PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO) - The Parent/Teacher organization is dedicated to supporting and enriching the educational experience for Wintergreen students and their families. Subcommittees manage program planning, design family activities, coordinate fundraising, and schedule book fairs and other special events. Announcements about the meetings and events are published in the weekly school update— “This Week at WIMS”. For more information, please contact: [email protected] PTO OFFICERS: President - Melissa Dirzius Vice Presidents - Cheryl Ellison Treasurer - Dawn Fitzpatrick-Hanna Secretary - TBD PERSONAL PROPERTY - Personal property brought to the school by students is done so at the student’s risk. Toys, electronic games, and collectibles are best left at home. Footballs, baseballs, and other hardballs are not allowed in play areas as a safety precaution. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Personal items that may be potentially dangerous or disruptive to the educational process should not be brought to school and will be confiscated. POWERSCHOOL - The PowerSchool Public Portal is an online component that will provide access to your student's current grades, assignments and real-time attendance through the internet. RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM - A widely used, research-based approach to education that increases academic achievement, decreases problem behaviors, improves social skills, and leads to higher quality instruction. RESTORATIVE DISCIPLINE - A collaborative process that recognizes the needs and purposes behind behavior, as well as the harm caused by the behavior. Appropriate consequences encourage accountability, responsibility, and empathy. Conflict is considered an opportunity for learning, growth, community-building, and positive change. SEARCH POLICY - The school administration has the right and duty to inspect student desks, cubbies, lockers, or personal possessions if there is knowledge or suspicion about dangerous, illegal, or prohibited matter or goods. SECURITY - All doors are kept locked throughout the day and monitored via video camera and visitors may only enter if they are buzzed-in by front office staff. From 7:50-8:00 doors are unlocked for arrival and from 3:15- 3:30 for dismissal. Surveillance cameras are installed in common areas, such as hallways, front offices, entry ways, parking lots, and cafeterias. These surveillance cameras are strictly for security purposes, so that we may maintain a safe school environment. All visitors must sign in at the front office and wear a visitor’s pass. SEXUAL HARASSMENT - Sexual Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature which interferes with a student’s right to learn, study, work, achieve, or participate in school activities in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. Under federal and state laws and policies, sexual harassment is illegal and is prohibited in school settings. Students are legally protected against sex discrimination and sexual harassment by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law prohibiting discrimination in schools on the basis of sex. Sex discrimination is also covered under Connecticut state law. School principals are the building contacts. Ms. Claudette Beamon, Assistant Executive Director is the ACES Coordinator, 203498-6810. SCHOOL MESSENGER - School Messenger is a notification and communication system that ACES has set up so that all parents/guardians can be notified of important events, changes or in case of emergency. School Messenger will notify families through phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts about a wide range of important topics. SMOKING - Effective September, 1992, smoking in all public school buildings is prohibited at all times. Possession of smoking materials by students is banned in school buildings and on school property. SPECIAL AREAS OF INSTRUCTION - Instruction is provided to students in visual arts, music, health, physical fitness, and world language (Spanish). STRINGS PROGRAM - Generally, students in second and third grade are offered the opportunity to begin string instrumental lessons. Rental is offered by an outside agency at the school site. Lessons typically are scheduled during school hours. STUDENT COUNCIL - The purpose of the Student Council is to provide students with the opportunity to serve the school and the community through planning, communication, and responsible action. Students are elected annually by their peers. Each classroom, K-8 elects one representative and an alternate. In addition, the Junior Academy students elect a school-wide executive team (president, vice president, secretary). SUPPORT SERVICES - The support service team consists of special educators, a mental health team and speech/language pathologists. In addition to supporting the social/emotional and academic needs of all students, the members of the team serve students who receive special education services and 504 accommodations. VISITORS - Classroom visitations must be arranged in advance with the teacher. Visitors are welcomed into the school for conferences, meetings, special events and performances. All visitors must check into the office, sign the Visitor’s Log, and be issued a volunteer or visitor badge. These procedures are in effect to protect the safety of the students and to keep office personnel informed of all people in the building at all times. VOLUNTEERISM - Parents and other members of the community are encouraged to volunteer in the school. Volunteers are needed throughout the school year for special projects and events. Please look for updates and notices. WEEK AT WIMS - This Week at WIMS (TW@W) is an essential communication tool between school and home. Important happenings as well as general announcements, flyers for upcoming events, and other vital information is included.
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