Handbook & Policies
School Committee Policy Manual
This manual contains the official policies of the Dedham School Committee; the major regulations intended to implement policy; and certain reference or "exhibit" documents that relate to policies and/or regulations. Policy development in a modern, forward-looking school system is a dynamic, ongoing process. New problems, issues, and needs give rise to the continuing need to develop new policies or to revise existing ones.
Access Full School Committee Policy Manual Online Here
The manual is organized in accordance with the classification system developed by the National School Boards Association. This system provides an efficient means of coding, filing, and finding policies and other documents. There are 12 major classifications each assigned an alphabetical code:
A -- FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS | B -- SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS |
C -- GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION | D -- FISCAL MANAGEMENT |
E -- SUPPORT SERVICES | F -- FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT |
G -- PERSONNEL | H -- NEGOTIATIONS |
I -- INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM | J -- STUDENTS |
K -- SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS | L -- EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS |
Student Handbook
The Dedham Public Schools' Family and Student Handbook is designed to provide the community with detailed information about the day to day operations of our seven schools, student learning and life within our schools, and the processes and procedures by which the district ensures a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
It would be impossible to address in this handbook every situation that could arise during the school year and its related extracurricular/enrichment activities. The administration will develop and implement additional procedures and policies that they see necessary in operating the school.
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Handbook By Topic
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- Student School Life
- Student School Safety
- Disciplinary Practices
School Schedules & Operations
School Schedules
School Start & End Times
Getting the day off to a good start sets the tone for a productive day of learning and growth for children. Getting to school on time and ready to learn is important to their success.
* DHS students may not enter the main building until the 7:25 a.m. bell and must exit the building by 2:30 p.m. except when involved in activities under direct faculty supervision.
** Elementary School Staff supervision begins at 8:30 a.m. and students will line up to enter the building at 8:35 a.m. For this reason, parents are requested not to allow Elementary students to arrive before 8:30 a.m.
School Hours
SCHOOL | OPENING | DISMISSAL | EARLY RELEASE |
---|---|---|---|
Dedham High School | 7:35am | 2:10pm | 11:10am |
Dedham Middle School | 8:05am | 2:35pm | 11:35am |
Elementary Schools | 8:45am | 3:00pm | 12:00pm |
ECEC -Kindergarten | 8:50am | 3:00pm | 12:00pm |
ECEC - Preschool -Full | 8:45am | 2:45pm | 12:00pm |
ECEC - Preschool - AM | 8:45am | 11:15am | 11:15am |
Early Release Days
School Operations
School Cancellation or Delayed Opening
“No School” or “Delayed Opening” announcements will be sent using the District Blackboard Connect notification service, sending email, text or phone alerts to family contact information on file. An alert will be posted on all school websites and announcements will be shared with the following local news stations: WBZ, WCVB, WRKO, WLVI, WBUR, WFXT.
Please do not call the school, police or fire departments for information.
When the Dedham Public Schools delay opening for 1 or 2 hours:
- There will not be morning kindergarten or preschool.
- There will be afternoon kindergarten or preschool.
- Full day kindergarten will begin after the 1 or 2 hour delay.
- Child care will open 1 or 2 hours later, as do the schools.
- Afternoon or evening activities will be notified on a case by case basis.
When the Dedham Public Schools cancel school:
- There will be no morning kindergarten or preschool.
- There will be no afternoon kindergarten or preschool.
- Child care will be closed.
- There will be no afternoon or evening activities.
Family Emergency Contact Information
The Dedham Public Schools uses an application called PowerSchool to manage all relevant student and family demographic information. Accurate emergency contact information is critically important to the safe operation of our schools. Parents and families are asked annually to update this information. Your building principal will send an email in late September or early October with instructions to help you complete this important task.
Attendance
Attendance
Regular and consistent school and class attendance is an essential component of a successful learning experience for all children. Dedham's students must master a wide range of academic, social, and emotional skills and strategies over time. Doing so successfully requires thousands of hours of direct instruction, support, and practice that can only be accessed by attending school.
Attendance is so important that Massachusetts General Law requires it for all children between the ages of six and sixteen. Children who do not attend school regularly as defined by the law are considered truant and, if attendance does not improve, can result in the involvement of the local courts. A school district may excuse up to seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions in any period of six months. In addition to this law, each school may have its own attendance policy with which parents/guardians should be familiar.
Dedham School Committee policy further details the District's expectations for attendance and the processes and procedures by which it is monitored and managed.
- If Your Student Will Be Absent
- When Students Are Repeatedly Absent, Tardy, and/or Dismissed Early:
- Excused Absences
- Tardy / Late Arrival To School
- Early Dismissal
- Absent From Class - DHS
- Attendance Buy Back - DHS
If Your Student Will Be Absent
Absences are excusable for; illness, recovery from an accident, required court attendance, professional appointments, death in the immediate family, observation or celebration of a religious holiday, and such other good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent of Schools.
Absence for such reasons as vacations, non‐school activities, or visiting is discouraged. Late night activities that cause a student to be tardy or absent the following day are also discouraged.
Dedham Public Schools discourages the scheduling of dentist or doctor appointments during school hours unless it is an urgent situation.
Families must call and report their student(s) absent.
Whenever a student will be absent from school, the parents must inform the administration prior to 8:00 a.m. by calling the designated School Attendance Line and providing:
- Student Name
- Grade
- Teacher, Homeroom or Team
- Reason for Absence
An administrator will call home when there is no information. An automated call will be made home at 10:00 a.m. to confirm when a student has been marked absent.
When Students Are Repeatedly Absent, Tardy, and/or Dismissed Early:
+7 Days Absent, Tardy, and/or Dismissed Early
- Parents will receive a letter indicating the total days absent, tardy, and/or early dismissals recorded.
- The Principal will then confer with the parents to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s absences, tardy, and/or early releases to determine if further action is necessary.
+10 Days Absent, Tardy, and/or Dismissed Early
- Parents will receive a second letter indicating the total days absent, tardy, and/or early releases recorded.
- The parent and/or guardian must submit a written statement explaining the reason for the child’s absences, tardy, and/or early releases.
+15 Days Absent, Tardy, and/or Dismissed Early
- The Principal will meet with the parents to determine the need to submit a petition to the Court for resolution with assistance by the Court or Department of Youth and Family Services.
Excused Absences
A doctor or nurse practitioner’s note will excuse an absence(s) from class provided that the note is written on the doctor’s or nurse practitioner’s stationery, showing the name of the patient (student) and stating that the student was under his/her care for a particular time interval. Dates MUST be included, that is, an open-ended/blanket doctor or nurse practitioner’s note will not be accepted. The doctor or practitioner ONLY must sign the doctor or nurse practitioner’s note. No signature stamps or copies will be accepted.
The doctor or nurse practitioner’s note must be brought to the main office no later than two weeks after the student’s return to school. Notes will not be accepted beyond the two week period. If the above procedure has been followed, the excused absence will be accepted for the dates included in the doctor’s /nurse practitioner’s note. In any case, work missed during absence must be made up within a two-week period, and it is the student’s responsibility to follow up with teachers to ensure that make up work is completed within this timeframe.
Absence may also be excused (with proper documentation) for court appearances and death in the immediate family or death of a classmate. If a student’s absence from class is excused under the above criteria, credit for class will be awarded provided that the student has made up all necessary work for the class. In the case of extended absences, a home tutor may be assigned by the School Administration Office.
Tardy / Late Arrival To School
On time arrival at school each day allows students to get their day started in a calm and orderly fashion with their peers and teachers. Students who arrive after the school's designated start time are considered tardy and must follow the school's specific late arrival procedures (see below). Students who are regularly late to school will be contacted by the school to work with the family to support a timely arrival each day.
- Elementary students who arrives to their classroom after 8:45 am will be reported as tardy.
- Middle School students not in homeroom by 8:25 am are marked absent for the day. Students reporting late for school must report to the main office to assure the accuracy of the school’s attendance records.
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Dedham High School official attendance is taken during the third period of classes.
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Students entering school after 7:35 a.m. must report to the Assistant Principal’s office. Students failing to follow this procedure will receive no credit for any class that they attend that day.
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Attendance is also taken for each period of the day.
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The warning bell for school rings at 7:25 a.m. Students must be in their Block A classroom and in their seat when the order bell rings at 7:35 a.m.
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If a student is late for the Block A class, he/she will be recorded as absent by the Block A teacher.
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Up to four tardies per term will be allowed without disciplinary action. On the 5th tardy students will be assigned after-school detention. When a student is tardy for the tenth time an administrator may require a parent/guardian meeting to accompany the student to school whenever the student is late. Additional disciplinary consequences may apply. Additionally, any student who misses the first period without an approved excuse will be considered cutting that class.
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Early Dismissal
For reasons other than illness, early dismissals are discouraged if appointments can be made after school hours. If an early dismissal is absolutely necessary, please follow the school/level specific procedures that follow:
Elementary Student Dismissal
- Any change in dismissal plans must be communicated in writing in advance to the child’s teacher.
- All students who are dismissed early must be signed out by a parent or guardian at the office with school personnel before dismissal.
DMS Student Dismissal
- For reasons other than illness, early dismissals are discouraged if appointments can be made after school hours. If a dismissal is absolutely necessary, it can be authorized by the administration upon receipt of a note from the student’s parents. Dismissal notes must be brought to the office prior to 8:10 am. Parents must report to the main office prior to the student’s dismissal. If a student does not return to school that day, he/she is not allowed to attend after school/evening school activities on the same day. If a student becomes ill during the school day and wishes to be dismissed, permission must be secured from the school nurse. Parents will be notified and transportation arrangements must be made with the nurse prior to dismissal.
DHS Student Dismissal
- Dismissal for reasons other than illness is discouraged when appointments can be made after school hours. If, however, such a dismissal is absolutely necessary, it can be authorized by one of the administrators.
- A note from the student’s parent/guardian is necessary; a dismissal request by phone or fax cannot be honored.
- The student will present an office dismissal pass to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the period before being dismissed.
Absent From Class - DHS
Any student who has five (5) or more unexcused absences from a class that meets five (5) times in a seven (7) day cycle during any marking period will receive no credit for that subject for that term.
Any senior who has three (3) or more unexcused absences from a class during the fourth (4th) marking period will receive no credit for that subject for that term.
Any student who has seventeen (17) or more unexcused absences from class in a year-long course, or 9 in a semester course, meeting five (5) times in a seven (7) day cycle, will not receive credit for that course.
If a student receives no credit for a subject during any term it will be reported as an “NC” on the report card and be calculated as a 50.
Attendance Buy Back - DHS
Any student who has been absent will have the opportunity to buy back (i.e., waive) up to one day of absences each term, according to the following guidelines:
• Inform your Assistant Principal of your intention to buy back a day and obtain the appropriate form
• Show that form to each of your teachers for initialing on the first day
• Attend school for seven consecutive days without incurring any tardiness or any discipline referrals
• Complete all assignments (including homework) for seven consecutive days • On the seventh day, have each teacher re-sign the form, verifying your attendance and class work
• Return the form at the end of the seventh day to the Assistant Principal’s office • If the student successfully fulfills the above guidelines, a one-day waiver will be granted • Students must check in with teachers regarding potential field trips or other issues.
Transportation
Transportation is available to all Dedham students who live more than two (2) miles from school. Students living 2 miles or less from their school are not eligible for bus transportation, and must instead walk, bike or arrange for their own transportation.
In case of any misconduct on a bus, the incident will be reported by the bus driver on the proper form to the school principal or assistant principal. He/She will report the incident in writing to the parent concerned, with a copy to the transportation office.
Transportation is available to all Dedham students who live more than two (2) miles from school. Students living 2 miles or less from their school are not eligible for bus transportation, and must instead walk, bike or arrange for their own transportation.
Riders must be on time. Bus drivers will not wait. Riders will enter or leave the bus at regular stops only.
It is expected that all students riding school buses and vans conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the District’s general expectations for student conduct at all times while riding school buses and vans.
If a DHS student must drive to school, the car must be parked in the student lot at the pool. Cars are not to be parked in the teachers’ assigned spaces or on the streets around the school. Students violating this regulation risk having their vehicles tagged or towed.
All school buses are equipped with cameras that will record audio and video. There should be no expectation of privacy on school buses. All audio and video recordings can and will be used as part of any disciplinary proceedings.
Students who are walking to and from school should walk on the sidewalks and not on the roads. During inclement weather, when conditions are slippery, extra caution should be taken. For the safety of all students, pets who accompany students and families walking to school will not be allowed on school grounds.
Communications
Communications
Our educators and administrators are committed to the success and well-being of all our students and will work diligently to resolve concerns, maintain confidentiality, and return communications in a timely manner. Much like we ask students to stay present and focused in the classroom, we ask the same of our teachers. So, please be patient if you do not receive an immediate response to a message.
Email and other electronic communication tools can be an effective and efficient means for communication. When writing/sending emails, we ask students and parents to respectfully observe the following guidelines:
Our educators and administrators are committed to the success and well-being of all our students and will work diligently to resolve concerns, maintain confidentiality, and return communications in a timely manner.
Much like we ask students to stay present and focused in the classroom, we ask the same of our teachers. So, please be patient if you do not receive an immediate response to a message.
School social media accounts are used to share school updates, interesting snapshots from the school day and celebrate school achievements and news. DPS does not regularly monitor social media channels. Questions, concerns and ongoing issues should be communicated directly to the appropriate school staff via telephone or email.
Occasionally, we may post class pictures or exemplary work completed by students on the DPS website, classroom web page or our private DPS Intranet. Additionally, digital video photography may be used to film school events that could appear on Dedham’s local cable access station or local newspaper.
“No School” or “Delayed Opening” announcements will be sent using the District family notification service, sending email, text or phone alerts to family contact information on file.
Behavior & Conduct
Expectations of Student Conduct
Members of the Dedham Public School Community are expected to be:
Respectful: Treat others as you want to be treated
Responsible: Be accountable for your choices
Resilient: It’s about acknowledging the fear and still taking courageous leaps
It is expected that all students will be thoughtful of others, respect school property and property of others and be conscientious. Students are expected to respect their peers and teachers, parents, police, traffic officers, bus drivers and other school personnel.
All students are expected to practice self-discipline and conduct themselves in a courteous and polite manner that respects the rights and privileges of all members of the school community.
This code of conduct is in effect on school property during school hours and at school-related functions. Any student interfering with the proper operation of a Dedham School by constantly and/or deliberately misbehaving and violating rules and regulations shall face appropriate disciplinary consequences.
Academic Integrity
Dedham Public Schools believe that academic integrity and honesty are cornerstones of learning in a democratic society. Fundamental to the development of character is a willingness to be honorable and responsible. Specifically, we wish to emphasize our concern in two areas: cheating and plagiarism.
The consequences of cheating and plagiarism will be the loss of credit and in some cases no credit at all on the quiz, test, examination, project, or homework assignment etc. The staff member will report the incident in writing to the appropriate administrator and disciplinary action is possible after the student is afforded due process.
Disciplinary action can range from a warning, suspension, and/or removal from school leadership positions, including but not limited to National Honor Society (DHS).
A repeat of this action could result in a failure grade for the entire course. The staff member will document the incident in writing with a copy going to the department chair and to the appropriate administrator.
In all cases involving academic integrity, the teacher will contact the student and parent(s) so that all facts are clear and consequences are known.
Cheating* embraces any action wherein a person defrauds, deceives, or violates regulations unfairly (*Random House Dictionary).
Examples of cheating are (but not limited to):
• Copying another’s homework and indicating that it is yours
• Using unauthorized notes, “cheat sheets”, or looking at another’s work while taking a quiz or examination/test
• Allowing another to copy work or assignment
• Giving information about a test to members of another class who have the same course
• Damaging the project's/work of others
• Accepting unauthorized assistance with project, take home quiz or assignment when the intent of the assignment is to have you demonstrate your ability in the matter.
- Use of AI tools when not authorized
Plagiarism * is the act of stealing the language, ideas or thoughts of another and representing them as your own original work (*Random House Dictionary).
Examples of plagiarism are: (but not limited to)
• Paraphrasing a passage in a book without using a citation or bibliographic entry to indicate the source
• Submitting an assignment in part or whole that has been copied from a published source or downloaded from the computer
• Having another complete a project for you and then submitting it as your work
• Not using proper documentation or bibliographic reference; this includes citing use of AI tools when use is authorized by the teacher
Athletic Sportsmanship
Respect for the sport in which a Dedham student athlete participates also demands respect for the opponents and game officials.
Student-Athletes participating in MIAA sponsored events are expected to treat opponents and referees with respect. There will be absolutely no tolerance for disrespectful name-calling, trash talking, taunting, or baiting of opponents. Dedham student athletes must appreciate and understand that they are perhaps the most visible representatives of their school. In addition, their behavior is observed and emulated by many who are younger. Dedham student-athletes must honor the responsibility that accompanies the privilege of representing their school by behaving with dignity and class on or off the field.
IF ANY STUDENT, IN ANY SPORT, WILLFULLY, FLAGRANTLY, OR MALICIOUSLY ATTEMPTS TO INJURE AN OPPONENT, HE/SHE SHALL NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY SPORT SEASON FOR ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF THE INCIDENT.
Bullying & Harassment
DPS Educational approaches focuses on character development and bullying prevention throughout the developmental years.
Bullying and Cyberbullying are strictly prohibited on school grounds, property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at school-sponsored or school-related activities, functions or programs whether on or off school grounds, at school bus stops, on school buses or other vehicles owned, leased or used by the Dedham Public Schools, or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased or used by the Dedham Public Schools and at a location, activity, function or program that is NOT school-related, or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the Dedham Public Schools, if the bullying creates a hostile environment at school for the victim, infringes on the rights of the victim at school or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of school. MGL 37O
Report An Incident
As always, parents, caregivers and students are encouraged to reach out directly to school counselors, educators, and administrators if they are experiencing a challenging social situation. If you have concerns or would like to report an incident, please complete the form linked below. If an incident or issue is reported, it is thoroughly investigated by school administrators, and the team works collaboratively with families, teachers and students to determine the best course of action.
What is a bully? A bully is someone who tries to control others by verbal, emotional, or physical intimidation.
What does a bully do? A bully may threaten, taunt, tease, call names, hit, push, kick, punch, restrain another, gesture, intentionally exclude someone from the group, or refuse to comply with another person’s reasonable expectations, repeatedly and over time.
Where can bullying occur? Bullying can occur at the bus stop, on the bus, in the corridors, in the lavatories, in the classrooms, in the gym, in the locker room, in the cafeteria.
What can you do if you are being bullied? Tell a parent, teacher, advisor, counselor, principal, or the nurse, who can help you.
What happens if you bully someone? If you bully someone, you will be held accountable for your behavior. Your parent or guardian will be called. Bullying is considered harassment and may include:
- Social media sites
- Internet
- Text messaging/instant messaging
How DPS Defines:
Bullying
Bullying is defined as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at the victim that causes physical or emotional harm to the victim or damage to the victim’s property, places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to his property, creates a hostile environment at school for the victim, infringes on the rights of the victim at school, or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.
Cyberbullying
Cyber-Bullying is defined as bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, which shall include but is not limited to electronic mail, internet communications, instant messaging, posting on social networking sites, or facsimile communications.
Cyber-bullying includes creating a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person, the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages, or the distribution by electronic means or communication of messages that meets the definition of bullying above, whether distributed directly or creating a posting that may be accessible by one or more persons.
Hostile Environment
Harrassment
Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct, whether verbal or physical, that is based on: race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age. Harassment is prohibited by the Dedham Public Schools, and violates the law. Discrimination and /or harassment include, but are not limited to:
• Display or circulation of written materials or pictures that are degrading to a person or group based upon the criteria listed above
• Verbal abuse or insults about, directed at, or made in the presence of an individual or group described above because of one of the criteria listed above
• Any action or speech that contributes to, promotes or results in a hostile or discriminatory environment to an individual or group described above
• Any action or speech that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent that it either (i) interferes with or limits the ability of an individual or group (as described above) to participate in or benefit from a school program or activity of the Dedham Public Schools; or creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment
Many forms of harassment have been recognized as violations of the civil rights laws (including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the ADA, Title VI, Title IX and state statutes like M.G.L. 151C) by federal courts, state courts, the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
The definitions of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment are broad. In addition to the above examples, other unwelcome conduct, whether intended or not, that has the effect of creating a school environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating may constitute discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment.
Sexual Harrassment
Sexual Harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
• Submission to or rejection of such advances, requests, or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of employment, academic standing, school- related opportunities, or as a basis for employment decisions
• Such advances, requests, or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic or work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or sexually offensive work or educational environment
While it is not possible to list all circumstances that may be considered sexual harassment, the following are examples of conduct that violate the law and policy and which, if severe and pervasive, constitute sexual harassment. In each case, such a determination will depend upon the totality of the circumstances, including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to:
• Unwelcome sexual advances, whether they involve physical touching or not • Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments
• Sexual epithets, jokes, written or verbal references to sexual conduct, comments about an individual's body, comments about an individual's sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess • Discussions of one's own sexual activities or inquiries into others' sexual experiences • Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons
The definitions of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment are broad. In addition to the above examples, other unwelcome conduct, whether intended or not, that has the effect of creating a school environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating may constitute discrimination, harassment and/or sexual harassment.
How DPS Approaches Bullying Prevention
At Elementary Levels
Every elementary school builds a sense of community and accountability to respectful behavior by identifying CORE values which articulate character traits that are taught and reinforced throughout elementary years. Kindness, safety, inclusion and respect are ideals that are explicitly addressed throughout the year in a variety of ways. Whole school assemblies, speakers, in-class workshops, class mini-lessons, and individualized support are some of the ways staff target these skills and values for students.
At developmentally appropriate levels at each grade level, students work toward:
- Respecting and valuing differences are embedded in curricular learning, shared texts, and whole group conversations.
- Students are taught and expected to speak up when they witness unkind behavior -
- Students are taught the skills to acknowledge and repair when they have been unkind
- Students are taught how to identify trusted adults within the school community who they can connect with when there is an issue.
If an incident or issue is reported, it is thoroughly investigated, and the team works collaboratively to determine the best course of action.
At Dedham Middle School
At the middle school, we also believe it is important to be extremely clear not only about our expectations for student behavior but also about the anti-bullying law in Massachusetts.
Each year, our Assistant Principal presents to all students on the definitions of key terms such as bullying and cyberbullying. In addition, he reviews the steps taken if someone reports bullying behavior. These include leading an investigation, speaking with all students involved, notifying families and assigning disciplinary consequences as needed.
To promote a positive school culture and emphasize a focus on student connection, we have a longstanding partnership with Sources of Strength. Through multiple events throughout the year and a team of Sources students and advisors, we highlight the importance of multiple sources of support so that if times get difficult, they have many strengths to rely upon.
In addition, in each grade our health curriculum includes topics such as friendship, bullying, and managing and resolving interpersonal conflicts as well as healthy relationships.
At Dedham High School
Building on the strong foundation of anti-bullying education at both the Elementary and Middle School level, the High School reinforces these ideals and expectations in many ways.
- Prior to transitioning to high school, incoming ninth-grade students are invited to join Freshman Orientation with Link Crew, where they learn teambuilding and relationship-building skills through the leadership of current upperclassmen.
- At the start of the school year, the principal and assistant principals hold class meetings within the first two weeks and remind students of positive behavioral expectations and review potential consequences of bullying and cyberbullying behavior. These class meetings are held at least once a quarter to continue to reinforce these messages.
- X-Block is also used throughout the year to promote relationship-building opportunities and to support inclusion of all students by providing them with what they need at that time.
- School counselors and administration work closely to identify potential student conflicts and proactively work with students and parents to resolve issues.
- When an incident of bullying is reported, it is investigated immediately, and all involved students and their guardians are notified immediately. Consequences are assigned in a progressive manner when it is deemed appropriate by the administration.
As always, parents /caregivers are encouraged to reach out directly to school counselors, educators, and administrators if they are experiencing a challenging social situation with their student.
Dress Code
The dress code for Dedham Students (PK-22) is governed by School Committee policy JICA which states:
- The responsibility for the dress and appearance of the students will rest with individual students and parents.
- They have the right to determine how the student will dress providing that the attire is not destructive to school property, complies with requirements for health and safety, and does not cause disorder or disruption. The administration is authorized to take action in instances where individual dress does not meet the stated requirements.
- This does not mean that students, faculty, or parent groups may not recommend appropriate dress for school or special occasions. It means that students will not be prevented from attending school or a school function, or otherwise be discriminated against, so long as their dress and appearance meet the requirements set forth above.
Additional Guidelines By School Levels
PreK - Grade 5
Children need to wear clothes that are clean, comfortable and appropriate for the weather. The school reserves the right to question the appropriateness of a student’s dress when such dress interferes with the learning environment, the student’s health, and /or safety.
Student dress should enhance, not interfere with the teaching‐learning environment. Any article of clothing that endangers the health and safety of students or interferes with the teacher‐learning process is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Clothing that displays inappropriate, obscene, or profane emblems, slogans or images.
- Excessively tight clothing
- Spandex, tank tops, mesh shirts, halter tops, etc.
- Hats and outer clothing, such as coats and jackets, being worn in the school building during school hours.
- Any other attire that may disrupt the proper order of the school or distract from the educational environment.
Middle School
All students are encouraged to dress in a manner that is comfortable and conducive to an active and safe school day.
All students should be able to engage and focus in the educational environment without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline.
Student dress code enforcement should not result in unnecessary barriers to school attendance.
Teachers should be able to focus on teaching without the additional and often uncomfortable burden of dress code enforcement.
Students MUST wear:
- Bottoms (that covers buttocks)
- Tops (with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms)
- Shoes
Students MAY wear:
- Fitted pants, including leggings and yoga pants
- Sweatpants, shorts, skirts, dresses, pants
- Midriff baring shirts
- Pajama bottoms
- Ripped jeans
- Tank tops, including spaghetti straps, halter tops
- Athletic attire
- Religious headwear
Students CANNOT wear clothing WITH:
- Violent language or images
- Images or language depicting drugs, alcohol, or vaping (or any illegal item or activity) or the use of same
- Hate speech, profanity, pornography, or anything of a sexual nature
- Images and/or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class
- Visible underwear, bathing suits of similar design, or sports bras/bralettes as shirts. Visible waist bands or straps on undergarments worn under other clothing are not a violation.
- Hats, hoods or other headgear that obscures the face (except as a religious observance)
- Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon
Disciplinary Consequences:
Students who fail to meet the DMS Dress Expectations, and are in violation of the "cannot" or "must" wear sections, will face disciplinary consequences. Consequences will NOT result in any of the following:
- Excessive loss of class time. Time missed will be kept to a minimum.
- Students can't be forced to wear clothing that is not theirs.
- Discipline will not be given disproportionately based on gender, race, body size, or body maturity.
High School
It is the responsibility of the school to provide the means for students to be educated, and it is the responsibility of the home to prepare the students to be educated. This preparation includes decisions about appropriate dress for those students in school. Thus, parents should monitor the attire of their children. However, we as a school community feel that it is necessary to establish basic guidelines of dress to ensure the well being of the entire student body. We feel the guidelines to be followed by all students should be safety, cleanliness, neatness, and decency. Student dress should facilitate a positive teaching/learning environment.
The following are NOT considered acceptable:
- Hemlines or clothing that allows any part of a student’s underwear to be visible. ● Clothing that displays obscene/profane slogans or emblems or promotes or advertises alcohol/drug usage.
- Excessively tight clothing.
- Clothing that allows overexposure of a person’s thighs, chest, or stomach.
- Spiked collars, bracelets, chains, etc. that jeopardize safety.
Safety regulations in classes may require that shirts, blouses, and tee shirts be tucked into pants or skirts.
Hats (headgear of any kind) including bandanas and outer clothing such as coats, jackets, etc. may not be worn in school. Hats are not to be visible during the school day (unless for religious reasons). Pants and shorts must be worn above the hips. If the health and safety of the student is endangered or the proper order of school may be disrupted by the student’s attire or appearance, he/she will be referred to the administration and will not be permitted to attend class until properly attired.
Local and state health laws prohibit bare feet in all public buildings.
It is expected that students will dress in a manner which is conducive to good health practices, safety regulations and not detrimental to the classroom atmosphere. The wearing of any clothing that substantially interferes with the educational process is unlawful and forbidden. Dress code enforcement begins at home. A student in violation of the dress code may be sent home to correct the violation immediately or a parent may be asked to bring the appropriate dress. Please be aware that clothing that promotes inappropriate messages is unacceptable and forbidden.
Hazing
Sections 17-19 Every year, secondary school principals or headmasters must:
Certify that he or she has read and understands the Anti-Hazing policy and that the school complies with the law by logging into the Anti-Hazing application accessible via MassEdu Gateway at https://gateway.edu.state.ma.us/.
High school principals/headmasters (or a designee) who need access should be assigned their school's Anti-Hazing User role by their district's Directory Administrator. If you have questions about this, contact your Directory Administrator.
If your school does not have a Directory Administrator or if you need help with your user ID and password, please contact Nermina Peric atnperic@doe.mass.edu.
Section 17 Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one hundred days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, drug, or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Section 18 Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such a crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.
Search & Seizure
Searches may be conducted based on reasonable grounds including personal observation or a report from a reliable source, that a student possesses contraband material on school property. In very serious cases, (e.g. possession of a weapon) an anonymous report would be considered reasonable grounds. (See Appendix A, School Committee Policy, Search and Seizure.)
SEARCH AND SEIZURE STATEMENT
Reasonable searches are conducted when:
1. There are reasonable grounds to suspect that a student has violated or is violating the law or school rules.
2. The search is conducted in a manner appropriate to its objectives and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student, and the nature of the infraction.
3. The search is necessary for the safety of the student, student body, and/or school personnel. This search must be conducted by the building administrator and witnessed by another school administrator. If the student and building administrator are opposite sexes, the witness must be the same sex as the student. If the building administrator determines a need for police involvement and requests a police search, a search warrant must be issued. Students choosing not to be searched will be notified that they will be detained until the police arrive with a warrant. Parents will also be notified.
Student Health
Student Health
To minimize the spread of infectious disease and to provide for a safe environment, students are asked to remain home if they exhibit any signs of illness.
Every Dedham Public School building has a full-time nurse on duty during regular school hours. The nurse is responsible for maintaining accurate health records for all of our students, administering first aid and overseeing the general health needs of all our students while they are attending our schools. The school nurse can be reached by telephone or email if you have any questions about guidelines for school attendance or if you are in need of any health-related information.
Any accident that occurs on school property is to be reported immediately to the Main Office and the name or names of the people involved and a brief description of their injuries, if known, should be included in the report. The Main Office will immediately inform the Health Office and either the Nurse or Principal/teacher will respond.
Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury can occur whenever there is a blow or jolt to the head. DPS seeks to prevent concussions and provide a safe return to activity, both academic and athletic, after a head injury.
Student Information
Dedham Public Schools privacy and data policies ensure that the District is ethically and legally protecting student safety and student information, including student work. Protecting students from harm--identity theft, harassment, and unauthorized data collection-- are critical concerns. As educators, it is our job to ensure our students are protected in this manner. Dedham Public Schools (DPS) seeks to ensure the protection of the privacy of students. This is in support of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Massachusetts student record regulations, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), and other applicable laws. DPS continues to work diligently in its implementation of effective practices to ensure that student privacy is protected.
In today’s world of advancing online resources teachers, students, and parents are benefiting from an ever increasing wealth of tools to support teaching and learning. The growth in these tools is extraordinary with great potential to improve student outcomes. Along with this explosion in growth of online learning tools, comes the inherent risks of leakage of student data and understandable concerns over student privacy.
As part of our commitment to student data privacy and security, the District has established a Data Privacy Team (DPT) which consists of Central Office Administrators. This team meets twice a month and annually reviews data privacy as outlined in section VII of the Student Data Privacy Policy.
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FERPA laws protect the privacy of student education records and give parents or legal guardians the right to review student records. Under FERPA, schools have the right to disclose directory information (name, phone, address, grade level, etc...), but parents may request the school not disclose this information.
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COPPA law restricts the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors. Our district commits to not publishing confidential education records (grades, student ID #, etc...) for public viewing on the Internet.
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Parents have the right to restrict the posting of student-related items including images of their child and student work
Academics
Academic Integrity
Dedham Public Schools believe that academic integrity and honesty are cornerstones of learning in a democratic society. Fundamental to the development of character is a willingness to be honorable and responsible. Specifically, we wish to emphasize our concern in two areas: cheating and plagiarism.
The consequences of cheating and plagiarism will be the loss of credit and in some cases no credit at all on the quiz, test, examination, project, or homework assignment etc. The staff member will report the incident in writing to the appropriate administrator and disciplinary action is possible after the student is afforded due process.
Disciplinary action can range from a warning, suspension, and/or removal from school leadership positions, including but not limited to National Honor Society (DHS).
A repeat of this action could result in a failure grade for the entire course. The staff member will document the incident in writing with a copy going to the department chair and to the appropriate administrator.
In all cases involving academic integrity, the teacher will contact the student and parent(s) so that all facts are clear and consequences are known.
Cheating* embraces any action wherein a person defrauds, deceives, or violates regulations unfairly (*Random House Dictionary).
Examples of cheating are (but not limited to):
• Copying another’s homework and indicating that it is yours
• Using unauthorized notes, “cheat sheets”, or looking at another’s work while taking a quiz or examination/test
• Allowing another to copy work or assignment
• Giving information about a test to members of another class who have the same course
• Damaging the project's/work of others
• Accepting unauthorized assistance with project, take home quiz or assignment when the intent of the assignment is to have you demonstrate your ability in the matter.
- Use of AI tools when not authorized
Plagiarism * is the act of stealing the language, ideas or thoughts of another and representing them as your own original work (*Random House Dictionary).
Examples of plagiarism are: (but not limited to)
• Paraphrasing a passage in a book without using a citation or bibliographic entry to indicate the source
• Submitting an assignment in part or whole that has been copied from a published source or downloaded from the computer
• Having another complete a project for you and then submitting it as your work
• Not using proper documentation or bibliographic reference; this includes citing use of AI tools when use is authorized by the teacher
Homework
The School Committee, administrators and faculty believe that homework, an assignment given to students outside the regular class period, is of vital importance in the earning of a quality education. Homework must be assigned, completed, reviewed, and become a part of a student’s assessment.
A hierarchy developed by Lee and Pruitt provides an excellent model for classifying assignments. They set forth four major categories of homework for:
• Practice: to support the mastery of specific skills and to reinforce material presented in class.
• Preparation: to prepare students for upcoming classroom lessons.
• Extension: to transfer new skills and knowledge to new situations.
• Creativity: to integrate many skills and ideas into a new product or performance that involves planning and analysis over several days or weeks.
Homework is an extension of the school day. Homework assignments are expected to be developmentally appropriate and meaningful.
Elementary Class Placement
Each spring, the principal joins with classroom teachers and specialists to place children into classrooms for the following school year. Every attempt is made to balance each class academically, socially, historically, (mixing populations of previous classes), and by gender. Requests by parents for specific teachers are not allowed. If you have specific concerns regarding your child’s placement please submit them for consideration in writing to the principal.
Student School Life
Student School Safety
Disciplinary Practices
Disciplinary practices will remain at an individual level with an increased focus on re-teaching expected behaviors when incidents occur.
Disciplinary consequences are cumulative in nature. First or second minor offenses typically result in a warning, written apology or lunch detention, third through fifth result in office (after school) detention, and habitual inappropriate behavior results in more severe consequences including Saturday detention, in-school and out-of-school suspensions. Students who engage in chronic inappropriate behaviors will also be referred to the Assistant Principal for additional behavioral interventions and parents will be contacted. Excellence through education must include the proposition that all students should learn as early as possible that they should always be held accountable for their actions.
Dedham Public Schools believe that:
Each teacher has a responsibility to teach.
Each student has a responsibility to learn.
- Elementary
- Middle School
- High School
- Students With Special Accommodations
- Appealing A Disciplinary Decision
- Schoolwide Services Plan
Elementary
It is expected that all students will be thoughtful of others, respect school property and property of others and be conscientious. Students are expected to respect their peers and teachers, parents, police, traffic officers, bus drivers and other school personnel. We are all working together toward a “Hands – Off” policy and mutual respect.
Our intention is to work with students in this conflict resolution process as an important part of their learning experience and to communicate with parents about the process.
Middle School
Detention
Students who commit infractions of the discipline code of the classroom or the school may be assigned detention. Students who are assigned teacher detention stay for the teacher for a time and number of days designated by the teacher. Students who are assigned to office detention stay for a number of days determined by an administrator based upon the seriousness of the offense. Office detention is held after school on Tuesday & Thursday from 2:35 - 3:30 pm. A late bus is available on both of these days leaving DMS at 3:40 pm. Students are given twenty-four hours notice before serving a detention, additionally parent/guardians will be notified via a phone call prior to the student serving the detention. Students may call parents prior to staying for detention. Students who exceed the designated number of tardies during a quarter may be required to attend Saturday detention (See Attendance Policy - Tardiness to School). Additionally, students who receive multiple detentions for behavioral infractions may also receive Saturday detention.
Suspension
Suspension means that a student is sent home or assigned in-school suspension for a specified period of time. During an out-of-school suspension, the student is not allowed on school property and may not participate in any school activity. During an in-school suspension, the student attends school, but reports to the main office, where daily work will be completed. The student is not allowed to participate in classes or attend any school activity during an in-school suspension. Students will be held accountable for all work assigned during the suspension period and may be allowed extra time to complete work during the suspension. A parent conference must be held following out of school suspension before the student is readmitted to the regular school program.
The following breaches of discipline may be cause for a suspension from DMS:
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In-School Suspension (less than 10 cumulative days during a school year)
An in-school suspension is a removal of a student from regular classroom activities, but not from the school premises. The procedure for an in-school suspension of no more than (10) school days (consecutive or cumulatively for multiple infractions during the school year) will be as follows:
Out of School Suspensions (10 cumulative days or less in a school year)
Except in the case of an Emergency Removal as provided on page 25, prior to imposing a short-term out-of school suspension (10 days or less in a school year) for conduct not covered by M.G.L. c. 71, §37H AND 37H ½, an administrator will provide the student and his/her parent/guardian oral and written notice and an opportunity to participate in an informal hearing.
Long-Term Suspension
Except in the case of an Emergency Removal provided on page 24, prior to imposing a long-term suspension (more than 10 days of suspension, whether in-school or out-of-school, whether consecutive or cumulative for multiple offenses during a school year), an administrator will follow the procedures for short-term suspension plus additional procedures as follows:
Exception for Emergency Removal
Notwithstanding the provisions for short or long-term suspension set forth above, a student who is charged with a disciplinary offense may be removed temporarily from school if the continued presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the administrator’s judgment, there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger or disruption. The administrator will immediately notify the superintendent in writing of the removal and the reason for it, and describe the danger [or disruption] by the student. The temporary removal will not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the emergency removal, during which time the administrator will provide the following, as applicable to the length of suspension:
Appeal to Superintendent or his/her Designee
If a decision by an administrator, following the parent meeting, results in suspension of a student for more than 10 cumulative school days for the school year, the student may appeal the decision to the superintendent or his/her designee. In order to do so the student or parent must file a notice of appeal with the superintendent within five (5) calendar days with a seven (7) day postponement option.
The superintendent must hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student’s request, unless the student or parent requests an extension of up to seven (7) additional calendar days. If the appeal is not filed within this time frame, the superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in his or her discretion, for good cause. The following apply:
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The administrator will inform the student of the disciplinary offense charged, the basis for the charge, and provide the student an opportunity to respond. If the administrator determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the administrator will inform the student of the length of the student’s in-school suspension, which may not exceed 10 days, cumulatively or consecutively, in a school year.
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On the same day as the in-school suspension decision, the administrator will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally of the disciplinary offense, the reasons for concluding that the student committed the infraction, and the length of the in-school suspension. The administrator will also invite the parent to a meeting to discuss the student’s academic performance and behavior, strategies for student engagement, and possible responses to the behavior. Such meeting will be scheduled on the day of the suspension if possible, and if not, as soon thereafter as possible. If the administrator is unable to reach the parent after making and documenting at least (2) attempts to do so, such attempts will constitute reasonable efforts for purposes of orally informing the parent of the in-school suspension.
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The administrator will send written notice to the student and parent or guardian about the in-school suspension, including the reason and the length of the in-school suspension, and inviting the parent/guardian to a meeting with the principal for the purpose set forth above, if such meeting has not already occurred. The administrator will deliver such notice on the day of the suspension by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent/guardian for school communications, or by other method of delivery agreed to by the administrator and the parent/guardian. An in-school suspension of more than 10 cumulative days in a school year will be subject to the procedures for Procedures for Long-Term Suspension .
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Notice. The written notice to the student and the parent will be in English and in the primary language of the home if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate and will include the following: a) the disciplinary offense; b) the basis for the charge; c) the potential consequences, including the potential length of the student’s suspension; d) the opportunity for the student to have a hearing with the administrator concerning the proposed suspension, including the opportunity to dispute the charges and to present the student’s explanation of the alleged incident, and for the parent to attend the hearing; e) the date, time, and location of the hearing; f) the right of the student and the student’s parent to interpreter services at the hearing if needed to participate; Written notice to the parent may be made by hand delivery, first-class mail, certified mail, email to an address provided by the parent/guardian for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the school and parent/guardian.
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Efforts to involve parent/guardian. The administrator will make reasonable efforts to notify the parent/guardian of the opportunity to attend the hearing. To conduct a hearing without the parent/guardian present, the administrator must be able to document reasonable efforts to include the parent/guardian. The administrator is presumed to have made reasonable efforts if the administrator has sent written notice and has documented at least two (2) attempts to contact the parent/guardian in the manner specified by the parent for emergency notification.
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Format of hearing. The administrator will discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other pertinent information. The student also will have an opportunity to present information, including mitigating facts, that the administrator should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate. The administrator will provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student’s conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the administrator should consider in determining consequences for the student.
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Decision. The administrator will provide written notice to the student and parent/guardian of his/her determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period of removal. The notice of determination may be in the form of an update to the original written notice of hearing. The parent or guardian shall be requested to attend a readmission conference with the principal or designee upon the student’s return to school. At the principal’s discretion, the conference may be held by telephone. Expectations for the student’s reentry to school shall be outlined at this conference.
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Notice. The notice will include all of the components for a short-terms suspension in Section C above, plus the following: a) In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student’s record and the documents upon which the administrator may rely in making a determination to suspend the student or not; b) the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the student’s choice, at the student’s/parent’s expense; c) the right to produce witnesses on his or her behalf and to present the student’s explanation of the alleged incident, but the student may not be compelled to do so; d) the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school district; e) the right to request that the hearing be recorded by the administrator, and a copy of the audio recording provided to the student or parent upon request; and f) the right to appeal administrator’s decision to impose long-term suspension to the superintendent.
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Format of hearing. The Hearing will afford the rights set forth in the notice above. The administrator will also provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student’s conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the administrator should consider in determining consequences for the student.
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Decision. Based on the evidence, the administrator will determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, after considering mitigating circumstances and alternatives to long-term suspension, what remedy or consequence will be imposed, in place of or in addition to a long-term suspension. The administrator will send the written determination to the student and parent/guardian by hand delivery, certified mail, first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent/guardian for school communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the school and the parent/guardian.
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If the administrator decides to suspend the student on a long-term basis, the written determination will:
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Identify the disciplinary offense, the date on which the hearing took place, and the participants at the hearing;
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Set out the key facts and conclusions reached;
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Identify the length and effective date of the suspension, as well as a date of return to school;
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Include notice of the student’s opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the period of removal from school (if more than 10 consecutive days);
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Inform the student of the right to appeal the administrator’s decision to the superintendent or designee. Notice of the right of appeal will be in English and the primary language of the home if other than English, or other means of communication where appropriate, and will include the following information stated in plain language: a) the process for appealing the decision, including that the student or parent must file a written notice of appeal with the superintendent within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar days, the student or parent may request and receive from the superintendent an extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar days; and that b) the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the superintendent decides to reverse the administrator’s determination on appeal. No long-term suspension will extend beyond the end of the school year in which such suspension is imposed.
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Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and the student’s parent of the emergency removal, the reason for the need for emergency removal, and other applicable matters;
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Provide written notice to the student and parent as outlined in Procedures for Short-Term Suspension on Page 23 and Procedures for Long Term Suspension on Page 24, as applicable.
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Provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the administrator, as applicable, and the parent an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the two (2) school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed to by the administrator, student, and parent.
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Render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no later than the following school day. An administrator may not remove a student from school on an emergency basis for a disciplinary offense until adequate provisions have been made for the student’s safety and transportation.
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The superintendent will make a good faith effort to include the parent/guardian in the hearing. The superintendent will be presumed to have made a good faith effort if he or she has made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the parent and superintendent to participate. The superintendent will send written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location of the hearing.
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The superintendent will conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence will be. The superintendent will arrange for an audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which will be provided to the student or parent upon request. The superintendent will inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made of the hearing and a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request.
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The student will have all the rights afforded the student at the administrator’s hearing for long-term suspension as described in Section D above.
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The superintendent will issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing which meets the requirements for a long-term suspension as described in Section D above. If the superintendent determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the superintendent may impose the same or a lesser consequence than the administrator, but will not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the administrator’s decision. The decision of the superintendent constitutes the final decision of the school district.
High School
Cutting Class
Any student who misses a class two times in any marking period by cutting that class shall receive a failing grade (50) for that term. Any work missed during that class needs to be made up by the end of that school day, if not the work will be considered a 0. A cut is defined as missing fifteen (15) or more minutes of class without an authorized excuse.
Saturday Detention Program
At the discretion of the School Administration, a student may be given the opportunity to participate in an academic/work program on designated Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00. This program is in lieu of a suspension. Parents will be notified and students would be required to arrange their own transportation. Students who fail to attend Saturday Suspension without an approved reason will be suspended on the next school day.
Suspension
The following breaches of discipline are severe enough to be cause for suspension from Dedham High School:
- Disrupting the classroom teaching/learning process (1-3 days)
- Using abusive, profane or obscene language. (1-3 days)
- Insubordination/non-compliance with a reasonable request made by any staff member (1-3 days) • Failure to identify oneself to any staff member (1-3 days)
- Cutting class (1-3 days)
- Smoking in school or on school grounds (1-3 days)
- Possession of smoking materials (e.g. tobacco products, lighters, pipes, cigarette holders, or e cigarettes etc.) will result in confiscation. Material will only be returned to the parent/guardian (1- 3 days)
- Leaving school grounds without permission (1-3 days)
- Continued disregard, disrespect, and disobedience of school rules (3-10 days) • Bullying 1-10 days. (see page 32)
- HAZING, actions or harassment or violence upon an individual. (1-10 days depending upon severity)
- Theft (1-10 days, plus restitution)
- Gambling and or use of gambling materials (1-10 days, plus restitution)
- Fighting and/or provoking a fight with other students or school employees (3-10 days) • Assault of another student or school employee (3-10 days, referral to police, possible expulsion)
- Vandalism of school property or to property belonging to a school employee (3-10 days plus restitution, referral to police, possible expulsion)
- Possession of, use and/or sale of alcohol, weapons or gunpowder device, drugs or other illegal substances while under school supervision during school hours or at a school event (3-10 days, referral to the police, possible expulsion)
- Disruption of the school progress in general, such as bomb scares, false alarms, or false information additionally (5-10 days, referral to police, and possible expulsion)
- Behavior that disrupts the good order of a school (public place)
- Any action or activity that leads to or contributes to an unsafe situation
- Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy, or the Electronic Device Policy
- Under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Disseminating without permission photos, video, or audio of a member of the school community
- Any criminal activity (1-10 days)
Out of School Suspension
Suspension means that a student is not permitted to attend school for a specified time period because he/she has violated the Dedham High School discipline code. Students suspended are not to be in school, on school grounds, or at school activities at any time during their suspension. A parent/guardian conference must be held before the student is readmitted to school, if deemed necessary by the Assistant Principal. Suspended students are responsible for obtaining and making up work missed during the period of suspension. Out-of-school suspension is an unexcused absence from school.
Detention
The following are prohibited in general as contrary to good behavior and carry a penalty of office referral and/or detention:
- Tardy to school or class
- Being unprepared for class
- Lack of participation in class after several redirections from the teacher (e.g., head on the desk)
- Dress code infractions
- Use of non-approved electronic devices
- Wearing of or possession of hats/head covers (unless approved by an administrator)
- Classroom disruption
- Any disruption of the educational process
- Students who fail to serve detention or who continue to receive detention for the same offense may be assigned a Saturday Detention or an Out of School Suspension
Expulsion
- Any student who is found on school premises or at school sponsored or school related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun or a knife; or a controlled substance as defined in Chapter 94C, including, but not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, is subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
- Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school sponsored or school related events including athletic games, is subject to expulsion from the school or school district by the principal.
- Any student who repeatedly violates the Discipline Code/Guidelines, and has been subject to multiple suspensions, as well as other attempts at behavioral modification, is subject to a recommendation for expulsion. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (1) (2) or (3) shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing and provided, the information that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present evidence and witnesses at said hearing before the principal. Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to these provisions shall have five days (5) from the date of expulsion in which to notify the superintendent of his appeal. The student has the right to counsel at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has violated any provisions of this section.
Students With Special Accommodations
Discipline for Students with Special Needs
All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in this handbook Chapter 71B of the Massachusetts General Laws requires that additional provisions be made for students who have been found by an Evaluation TEAM to have special needs and whose program is described in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The following additional requirements apply to the discipline of special needs students.
1. The IEP for every special needs student will indicate whether the student can be expected to meet the regular discipline code or if the student’s handicapping condition requires a modification. Any modification will be described in the IEP.
2. The Principal (or designee) will notify the Special Education Office of the suspendable offense of a special needs student and a record will be kept of such notices.
3. Parents of students who are on IEP’s have the right to appeal to the courts on decisions for suspensions that exceed ten (10) cumulative days.
4. When it is known that the suspension (s) of a special needs student will accumulate to ten days in a school year, a review of the IEP will be held to determine the appropriateness of the student’s placement or program. The TEAM will make a finding as to the relationship between the student’s misconduct and his/her handicapping condition and either:
• Design a modified program for the student or
• Write an amendment to provide for the delivery of special education services during the suspension and any needed modification of the IEP relative to discipline code expectations. In addition, the Department of Education will be notified as required by law and the procedures promulgated by the Department of Education for requesting approval of the alternative plan will be followed
As circumstances warrant, discipline will be affected on an individualized basis. Unless stipulated by statute, final appeals will be made to the Principal.
Discipline of Students Whose Eligibility for Special Education is Suspected:
The IDEA protections summarized above also apply to a child who has not yet been found eligible for services under the statute if the district is “deemed to have knowledge” that the child was eligible for such services before the conduct that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred. The IDEA provides that a school district is “deemed to have knowledge” if: (1) the child’s parent had expressed concern in writing to district supervisory or administrative personnel or the child’s teacher that the child needs special education and related services; (2) the child’s parent had requested an evaluation of the child to determine eligibility for special education services; or (3) the teacher of the child or other school district personnel had expressed specific concerns about a pattern of behavior by the child directly to the district’s director of special education or to other supervisory personnel.
However, a school district is not “deemed to have knowledge” if the district evaluated the student and determined that the child was not eligible for special education services or the child’s parent refused an evaluation of the child or IDEA services. If the school district has no knowledge that a student is an eligible student under the IDEA before taking disciplinary measures against the student, the student may be disciplined just as any other student may be.
If, however, a request is made for an evaluation to determine eligibility while the student is subject to disciplinary measures, the district must conduct the evaluation in an expedited manner. Pending the results of the evaluation, the student must remain in the educational placement determined by school authorities, which may include suspension or expulsion without services. If the student is determined eligible for an IEP as a result of the evaluation, the school district must provide the student with special education and related services in accordance with the IDEA.
Appealing A Disciplinary Decision
Appeal to Superintendent or his/her Designee
If a decision by an administrator, following the parent meeting, results in suspension of a student for more than 10 cumulative school days for the school year, the student may appeal the decision to the superintendent or his/her designee. In order to do so the student or parent must file a notice of appeal with the superintendent within five (5) calendar days with a seven (7) day postponement option.
The superintendent must hold the hearing within three (3) school days of the student’s request, unless the student or parent requests an extension of up to seven (7) additional calendar days. If the appeal is not filed within this time frame, the superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in his or her discretion, for good cause. The following apply:
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The superintendent will make a good faith effort to include the parent/guardian in the hearing. The superintendent will be presumed to have made a good faith effort if he or she has made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that would allow the parent and superintendent to participate. The superintendent will send written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location of the hearing.
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The superintendent will conduct a hearing to determine whether the student committed the disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and if so, what the consequence will be. The superintendent will arrange for an audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which will be provided to the student or parent upon request. The superintendent will inform all participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made of the hearing and a copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request.
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The student will have all the rights afforded the student at the administrator’s hearing for long-term suspension as described in Section D above.
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The superintendent will issue a written decision within five (5) calendar days of the hearing which meets the requirements for a long-term suspension as described in Section D above. If the superintendent determines that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the superintendent may impose the same or a lesser consequence than the administrator, but will not impose a suspension greater than that imposed by the administrator’s decision. The decision of the superintendent constitutes the final decision of the school district.
Schoolwide Services Plan
A School Wide Services Plan is the document developed by the school principal, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 76, § 21, that includes a list of education services available to students who are expelled or suspended from school for more than ten consecutive days.
Schoolwide Services Plan
Under M.G.L. c. 71, § 37H¾, in cases where a suspension may be imposed, the principal will exercise discretion in deciding the consequence for the offense. The principal will avoid using long-term suspension until alternatives have been tried. A School Wide Services Plan is the document developed by the school principal, in accordance with M.G.L. c. 76, § 21, that includes a list of education services available to students who are expelled or suspended from school for more than ten consecutive days.
The purpose of a School Wide Services Plan is to:
For those discipline offenses subject to M.G.L. 71, § 37H¾, as set forth in 603 CMR 53.01(3)(a),
- to limit the use of long-term suspension as a consequence for student misconduct until other consequences have been considered and tried as appropriate;
- to promote engagement of a student's parent in discussion of the student's misconduct, and options for responding to it;
- to assure that every student who is expelled or suspended, regardless of the reason for suspension or expulsion, has the opportunity to receive education services to make academic progress during the period of suspension or expulsion; and
- to keep schools safe and supportive for all students while ensuring fair and effective disciplinary practices.
Implementation of the rules of conduct is the responsibility of the School Principal. The principal must ensure that the rules of discipline are consistent with the MA General Laws and the School Committee Policies.
The primary purpose of Disciplinary action is to maintain safety, restore adaptive behavior, and to educate. At Dedham Public Schools, we believe discipline should be administered fairly and equitably while maintaining the rights of all students to a safe and supportive environment as well as access to the curriculum. We believe removal from the educational environment is a last resort. In keeping with that belief, Dedham Public Schools will offer educational services that serve as alternatives to discipline, as well as services that allow academic progress during a period of removal.
Services include, but are not limited to:
- Online academic services such as APEX Tutoring services. The District may use a tutoring service such as Boston Tutoring or existing Dedham teaching and/or paraprofessional staff to provide tutoring.
Alternatives may include but are not limited to:
- Specific counseling modules intended to address root causes of behavior (eg. MATCH-ADTC)
- Participation in a drug cessation program (eg. ASAP)
- Participation in the RENEW (Resilience, Empowerment, and Natural Supports for Education and Work) wrap around program. The program facilitators use person-centered planning to assist students in developing goals and support networks for life.
- Think Kids strategies
It is the responsibility of the building principal to notify and identify, in collaboration with the student (when appropriate), parents and/or guardians the educational services necessary for the student to continue to make academic progress. Once an Educational Service Plan is established, it is the responsibility of the building principal to verify and monitor student participation.
In accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Sections 37H, 37H ½, and 37H ¾, the Dedham Public School District must provide opportunities for students to earn credits, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during a period of in-school suspension, short-term suspension (10 days or less), long-term suspension (10 days or more) or expulsion.
Any student who is expelled or suspended for more than ten (10) consecutive days may select one of the following education service options for the duration of the school suspension:
- Access to tutoring services: Students choosing this option are expected to attend tutoring sessions at a designated public site identified by the school district. The tutoring will be provided by qualified personnel or contracted providers as assigned by the Dedham Public Schools. The academic work will be consistent with the academic standards and curriculum frameworks established for all students under G.L. c. 69 §§1D and 1F. Students’ tutoring schedule is by appointment and prepared weekly. Based upon the availability of qualified tutors, tutoring services may only be available before or after school hours.
- Access to online education: Students choosing this option are enrolled in an online platform and taught by MA licensed teachers in each subject area. Work hours are flexible but students are expected to access online instruction by logging in at least 5 days per week for a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour per subject. Daily attendance is imperative in order to ensure success in the virtual program. The academic work will be consistent with the academic standards and curriculum frameworks established for all students under G.L. c. 69 §§1D and 1F.