The Shutesbury Elementary School Learning Commons features a collection of 13,000 books and other print resources, a full computer lab with seventeen machines (Macintosh), a range of technology including an interactive whiteboard, and flexible space for individuals to read, as well as small group study and larger meetings.
In keeping with the mission of our school, the goal of the Shutesbury Elementary School Learning Commons is to nurture each child's curiosity, growth, and to foster a lifelong love of learning while empowering the 21st Century learner. With a fully integrated curriculum, our focus is on information literacy, which is team-taught by the Library and Technology Teachers.
We believe that one of the best ways to accomplish our goals is to get books into the hands of our readers. Therefore we have a “no limits” loan policy for students in grades 1-6. The loan period is three-weeks and there is one allowable renewal period. Kindergarten students are encouraged to choose 1-2 books each week and return them the following week. In an effort to teach responsible borrowing behavior, students who have difficulty managing their books or returning them on time may be limited to fewer checkouts.
Overdue notices are distributed each month as a reminder for students to return their books. It is the responsibility of families to pay for any library materials that are damaged or lost. Replacement cost will be determined by the publisher’s suggested retail price.
The school provides weekly lessons in string (violin, cello and bass) and band (clarinet, trumpet, flute, and drums) instruments. We will charge a fee (for this school year: $40) for students to participate in the Instrumental Music program. This charge is made in order to meet the financial constraints that the school faces as state and local funds for education become increasingly constrained. Families may choose to make two payments, the first by December 1st and the second by May 1st. These funds should be delivered to the school office and not paid directly to the Instrumental Music teachers. No student will be prohibited from being part of the program due to a lack of financial resources. All that a family has to do is contact the principal to gain partial or full support for their child’s fee. All requests are kept in strict confidence. The principal does maintain the option of waiving the fee under extraordinary circumstances. Treat the property with respect.
While not every child with a disability will require special education services, every child whose disability affects their school progress is entitled to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), which meets their unique needs. In this era of school reform, it is expected that high standards will guide the teaching of all students.
A parent, teacher, or other professional may refer a student for special education evaluation at any time by contacting the school's principal or administrator of special education.
If you are concerned that your child may have a disability that is affecting his or her ability to make progress in school, you should first speak with the classroom teacher. As you speak with the teacher, explain your concerns and ask the teacher to share his or her concerns. As part of your discussion, it may be decided that classroom accommodations will be used to address concerns for a short period of time. Teachers also discuss their concerns with other staff as part of the school’s Student Support Team. This team is organized to provide advice and recommendations to the classroom teacher in an effort to support the student through classroom accommodations and to gather additional information to better inform any future interventions. If your child continues to have difficulty with schoolwork, you may make a referral for a special education evaluation.
The Director of Student Supports for Erving Union 28 and can be reached at 413-423-3331. Evaluation, re-evaluation, and annual review meetings of students with an Individual Education Plan are scheduled on Thursdays to accommodate the schedules of the many specialists and therapists that work with the students.
School Health Services promote the health of students through prevention, case-finding, early intervention and evaluation of specific problems. In addition, there is the provision of direct services for students with specific needs, and provision of health counseling to promote an optimal level of wellness for students and staff.
Consultations with parents/students
The nurse is available for consultation about your child’s health. If you have a concern about your child’s health, please call the nurse, Katie Harrington, at 259-1212 (x112). Keep us informed of any special health requirements, illnesses, or injuries, so that we can best meet the needs of your child. You will be contacted if your child is significantly injured or ill. If your child comes to school very congested, frequently coughing, he/she will be sent home. Please help us in this regard by completing, signing, and returning your emergency cards by the end of the first week of school.
Vision and Hearing
All children are screened for vision and hearing during the year. Vision and hearing however, can change rapidly, and if you have any concerns during the year, please call the school and the nurse will check your child. Weight and height are also monitored and recorded for all students in 1st and 4th grade per state requirement. Postural screening of fifth and sixth graders is done in the spring to check for any abnormal curvature of the spine. Parents will be notified prior to the actual screening.
Please note that these are just screenings and not in-depth evaluations. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, hearing, posture or general health, you should make an appointment with your family physician or pediatrician.
NOTE:
If your child has a communicable disease or a condition which can be spread to others (i.e. strep throat, head lice, scabies, impetigo, etc.) please keep your child home and notify the nurse in order that we may prevent, as much as possible, the spread of the illness. Children should remain home if they have had diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever in the past 24 hours.
Children may return to school after they have been fever free, without the use of fever reducing medications, for 24 hours. Children sent home with lice may return after being given a head treatment and if live bugs are no longer present.
Medications at School
Policies have been put in place to comply with existing Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations to ensure the health and safety of children needing medicines during the day.
Our school district requires (School Committee Policy: 5140.1 SH; JLCD) that the following forms must be on file in your child’s health record before we begin to give any medicine at school:
Signed consent by parent or guardian to give medicine.
Signed medication order. The written Medication Order forms should be taken to your child’s licensed health practitioner for completion and returned to the school nurse. This order must be renewed with any medication changes and at the beginning of each school year.
Note: For a prescription medicine (i.e. antibiotic) of less than 10 days in duration, only a parent/guardian consent form is required.
Non-prescription medications require a doctor’s order to be given in school. These can include Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, Dramamine, or any homeopathic remedies. The nurse is able to administer these with the order.
No child should bring in his/her own medications. Medicines should be delivered to the school in a pharmacy or manufacturer-labeled container by the parent or guardian or a responsible designated adult. Pharmacies will provide separate containers for the school and home.
All of the necessary parent and physician consent forms are available at the school. When your child needs a medicine to be given during the school day, please act quickly to follow these policies so we may begin to comply with the doctor’s order immediately.
The Erving Union #28 Public Schools will offer as a service to parents, a Student Accident Insurance Program with benefits that are described in literature that is sent home during the first week of school. This is provided by C.N.A. through Bob McCloskey Insurance.
Every effort is made in the interest of safety for our students; however, accidents do happen. The intent of this program is to keep parents free from out-of-pocket expenses incurred for medical treatment due to accidents. This program does not duplicate benefits provided by any other hospital/medical insurance plans that parents may have. Typically most insurance plans pay only a portion of medical costs. This Student Insurance Plan fully covers expenses that are not covered by such plans up to a certain maximum. By avoiding duplication of coverage, this plan is offered at the lowest possible premium. Past experience has demonstrated that many families have had to pay medical bills in excess of the cost of the basic plan. Participation is encouraged because we believe that inexpensive yet comprehensive medical protection is in your best interest. Parents are urged to carefully read the brochure so that it will be fully understood.
The plans go into effect on the date of premium receipt but not before the start of the school year. All applications with payment (check or money order, no cash please) must be returned to school. Please see here for more information.