Canvas is Weston High School's Learning Management System.
The administration at WHS recognizes the changing role of smartphones and other mobile devices. Navigating the benefits and potential distractions of these devices can consistently take time away from instruction and be burdensome to the teacher and students in the classroom. As we continue to assess the interference of these devices, Weston High School is implementing an entry-to-exit cell phone-free environment for the first quarter of the 25-26 school year. Students are required to stow their phones in their backpacks and keep them stowed for the entire school day. Phones must be turned off.
All personal technology, including AirPods and headphones, is not permitted unless explicitly required by the teacher for curricular purposes. These devices may only be used when directly related to learning and classroom instruction. Additionally, the use of personal technology is strictly prohibited in hallways at all times.
Students must also comply with the provisions of Board of Education Policy 5136. Students who do not meet classroom expectations or who do not comply with Policy 5136 will be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, if students do not meet expectations, staff members are asked to confiscate cell phones or other mobile devices. When a confiscated device is delivered to the main office, the administration will determine whether to return the device to the student at the end of the school day, or require a parent/guardian to come to school to collect the device. Please see below for behavioral consequences:
1st Offense
Phone confiscated by teacher, student picks up in the office at the end of the day.
2nd Offense
Phone confiscated by the teacher, parent picks up the phone from the main office at the end of the day.
3rd Offense
Student must check their phone into the main office at the start of each day for 5 school days.
Referral to school counselor.
4th Offense
Student must check their phone into the main office at the start of each day for 20 school days. Continue support with school counselor.
The school administration may search a student’s cell phone or other mobile device, and retain such device beyond the school day if required to conduct the search, if there are reasonable grounds at the inception of the search for suspecting that the search will reveal evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. Board of Education Policy #5136
Weston High School is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus. As such, our security team has developed clear protocols for use in case of emergency. These procedures will be practiced during drills scheduled at intervals throughout the school year. Please review the procedures below, and ensure that you and your students understand what to do in an emergency.
Emergencies are broadly categorized as “evacuation” or “stay-put.” Within each broad category, various protocols exist.
Evacuation
On-campus
When the fire alarm notification system is activated, all staff, students, and visitors are required to leave the school and assemble at a predetermined location outside the school building. Once outside, attendance will be taken and further instructions may be given. No one will be allowed to leave the assembly location without permission from the school administration. If the alarm sounds for evacuation, do the following:
Close classroom windows/doors, turn off lights; if in use, turn off gas.
Take red emergency folder and cell phone or other mobile device with you.
Ensure assistance of any students with disabilities.
Exit out the nearest emergency door and proceed to one of the pre-designated campus evacuation areas.
Reassemble your students; use teacher name card if necessary.
Take attendance; if any students are missing, hold up red card and relay names of missing students to administrator/security. If all students are present, hold up green card.
Note: a “missing” student is one who was with you prior to the alarm, but who you cannot locate (i.e. went to the bathroom).
Direct any unassigned students to check in with the area captains (school counseling staff).
Hold up medical card if you or anyone in your group is in need of medical assistance.
Remain with students until an administrator gives "all clear" OR gives further instruction.
Accompany students to alternate site, if directed.
When “all clear” is given, accompany students back to the classroom and take attendance; report any missing students to the main office.
At no time during the evacuation should students be allowed to leave the designated areas. Students are not to be in the roadways or in their cars.
The contents of your red emergency folder are as follows:
Item
Purpose/Meaning
Emergency Procedures Flow-chart
Outlines necessary procedures for use in various circumstances
Teacher Name Card
To help students locate their assigned teacher
Green Card
Indicates all persons accounted for
Red Card
Indicates someone in the group is missing
Red Cross Card
Indicates someone in the group needs medical attention
Student Rosters*
All teachers should place paper copies of student rosters in the red folder for attendance purposes
*Teachers will need to add this information to complete the folder.
Off-campus
Certain emergency scenarios may result in the need to relocate further afield. That may mean sheltering
in a neighboring school, or traveling to an alternate site. In these scenarios, you will receive instructions from an administrator, and the above procedures will apply each time the group assembles in a new location.
Stay-put
Lockdown
Lockdown is employed when there is an immediate threat inside of the school. During a lockdown all interior and exterior doors and windows are closed and locked. School staff and students are secured in the rooms they are currently in and no one is allowed to move until the situation has been curtailed. Once the doors have been locked, only law enforcement officials will be allowed to enter the school or to unlock any secure doors.
When you hear the Lockdown announcement, do the following:
Check halls for staff, students, parents, and visitors and sweep them into your classroom or other secure area.
If you are in the hallway or away from your assigned classroom, bring your students and any others in the immediate vicinity to the nearest classroom or secure area.
Close and lock door, place covering over door’s glass. Once secure, do not open the door for anyone.
Turn off the lights.
Close and secure windows, lower shades.
Move everyone to a safe corner, out of the line of sight.
All telephone lines kept open. No outgoing phone calls except 911 as necessary.
Take attendance; keep record of any missing students, and any present but unassigned students/staff with you.
All activity ceases; remain quiet.
Ignore all bells, alarms and PA announcements.
Only police will be allowed to enter your room, do not open doors for ANYONE under ANY circumstances.*
If outside the building, find shelter or evacuate to an off-campus location as appropriate.
Follow police instruction.
*During a drill, you will be released from lockdown when your door is unlocked by an officer or administrator.
Secure School
When a threat exists outside the school or in a nearby area, secure school will be utilized. During a secure school drill all exterior and classroom doors and windows are closed and locked. No one will be allowed to remain outside of the school. Once the outer doors have been locked, only law enforcement officials and authorized personnel will be allowed to enter the school. Students and staff are expected to stay out of the hallway, remaining in secured areas.
When you hear the Secure School announcement, do the following:
Check halls for staff, students, parents, and visitors and take them into your classroom or other secure area.
If you are in the hallway or away from your assigned classroom, bring your students and any others in the immediate vicinity to the nearest classroom or secure area.
If you are outside, immediately return to the school building and enter the nearest classroom or secure area.
Close and lock the door (no need to turn off lights).
Close and secure all windows and close shades.
Click ‘Acknowledge’ on the Alertus screen.
Continue classroom instruction unless directed otherwise.
Ignore bells.
If an emergency arises and someone needs to leave the room, call the Main Office.
Alertus sounds will stop, but beacons will remain flashing; at this point, follow directions from administrators via the PA.
Event ends with ‘ALL CLEAR’ announcement via Alertus and/or school administrator.
Shelter in Place
Where an environmental hazard exists, you may be instructed to shelter in place. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining indoors. Where you are instructed to take refuge will depend on the known facts.
If you are told to shelter-in-place, do the following:
Listen for instructions over the PA.
If you are outside, return to the building unless directed otherwise by an administrator.
Lead students to shelter area.
Close doors.
Take attendance; report missing students to the main office, and advise regarding other unassigned students/staff in your area.
If the the shelter appears compromised, inform the main office. Relocate as instructed to another part of the building.
Do not allow anyone to leave the shelter until the “all clear” is given.
Field trips are encouraged and appreciated - start with the field trip process document - within that doc are links to all of the forms you will need to submit. Paperwork for day trips must be submitted 2 months in advance - be sure to include the checklist cover page with all of your submitted documents. If you are interested in planning an overnight field trip, talk to an administrator - paperwork must be submitted 6 months (domestic) to 8 months (international) in advance.
If you're interested in doing an in-school field trip, submit this form at least 3 weeks in advance.
Fundraisers may become necessary to support student clubs and activities or to help support student access to various field trips.
If you're interested in organizing a fundraiser, please submit this form at least 3 weeks in advance.
Independent Study Application Form 2023-24
The Independent Study program is open to all students who have the desire, interest, maturity, and skills necessary to pursue an in-depth study. It allows for topical investigations and enrichment opportunities. Students can earn academic credit for independent work beyond the existing high school curriculum. Independent Study credits may not count toward a GPA nor used to meet full time status. It is not permitted in an area that is offered as a course in the Program of Studies. All projects are graded for Standard or Honors Credit. No letter grades appear on transcript. Students should see their school counselor for detailed guidelines.
Academic Integrity Committee
CORE Team
This team is composed of the Director of School Counseling, school counselors, school social workers, school psychologist, school nurse, school resource officer, Assistant Director of PPS-WHS and when needed assistant principals. A consultation model is utilized during this meeting, where counselors use this opportunity to discuss students of concern, gather feedback and review Request for Assistance referrals from teachers. Weekly
Program Council
This team is composed of 6-12 Curriculum and Instruction Leaders, Director of School Counseling, Special Education Team Leader, Library Media Specialist, Assistant Principals and Principal. The purpose of this meeting is to collaborate on school wide initiatives with a focus on achieving the goals of the School Improvement Plan. 1x per cycle, Period 8 on B days.
School Climate Committee
Special Education Staffing
This team is composed of the Special Education Team Leader, Assistant Director of PPS-WHS, special education teachers, school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists and when needed Assistant Principals. The purpose of this meeting is to review upcoming PPTs, referrals and consult on current students with IEPs or who may have areas of concern. Weekly?
Student Assistance Team
This team is composed of Assistant Principals, school counselor, teacher representatives, special education team leader, and school psychologist. The team meets 1x per cycle, period 3 on F Days.
A school day absence is defined as any day in which a student is in attendance for less than half the school day. Therefore, when running a regular bell schedule, a student who does not attend at least three full classes will be considered absent for the purposes of daily attendance. Exceptions include absences sanctioned by the school, such as curricular field trips.
The student has the responsibility to have their parent or guardian officially notify the school on or before the morning of a legitimate absence by calling the attendance line or submitting a note and providing a reason for absence. Administration shall determine whether the absence will be considered excused. If no reason is provided, the absence will be considered unexcused.
If no notification has been received by 9:00 a.m. on the day of absence, the parent/guardian will be notified via the SwiftK12 system. Students who are absent without timely parental notification and administrator approval will be subject to disciplinary consequences, loss of privileges, and/or removal from co-curricular activities.
Legislation mandates school attendance, so it is up to the school to decide what will or will not constitute an excused absence. The determination of whether an absence is excused will be made by the building principal or the principal’s designee. Absences may be classified as excused under the following circumstances*:
Illness or injury of the student
Death in the family or other emergency beyond the control of the student’s family
Serious illness of a member of the family which necessitates the absence of the student
Medical appointment that cannot be scheduled outside of regular school hours**
College interview or visit (not permitted during midterm or final examination days)
Religious holiday
Mandatory court appearance
Lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than Weston Public Schools
Extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by the district administration and in accordance with Connecticut State Department guidance, Board policies, and Administrative regulations
Such other absences which have had prior approval of the principal. Students who plan to be absent for reasons other than those listed above, should seek approval by presenting a note from home to the principal who will then indicate approval or disapproval
Such other exceptional circumstances as approved by the principal
* All absences, whether period or full day, are subject to verification at any time.
**Whenever possible, medical appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours; documentation may be requested when more than 4 absences accrue due to medical appointments.
Any school-day absence up to and including the 9th absence may be considered excused for one of the above reasons provided that the school has received parental notification on or before the date of absence describing the reason for absence. For the 10th absence and all absences thereafter, the absence will be unexcused until verified through submission of appropriate documentation for one of the following reasons only:
student illness (verified by an appropriately licensed medical professional);
religious holidays;
mandated court appearances (documentation required);
funeral or death in the family, or other emergency beyond control of the student’s family;
extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by the district administration and in accordance with Connecticut State Department guidance and this regulation;
lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the student attends.
All make-up work will be completed within twice the number of school days of absence when the student returns to school. A building administrator may authorize an amended make-up deadline. Whether or not students are given an opportunity to make up work missed as a result of an unexcused absence, or to receive credit for work missed as a result of an unexcused absence, will be at the discretion of the principal or the principal’s designee in consultation with the teacher(s) and school counselor. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all make-up work in a timely manner.
Weston High School’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports(MTSS) 2024-25
Intervening to support student’s academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs.
The Weston Public Schools and the Weston High School community believe in the success of all students. The Multi-Tiered System of Support(MTSS) structure at WHS works to ensure all students are provided an appropriate and supportive school environment and academic program.
Research has repeatedly indicated that adoption of a multi-tiered approach can be an effective means of supporting students both academically and behaviorally, with favorable outcomes including improved academic achievement, decreases in referrals and eligibility for special education services, reduced disruptive behavior, increased school safety, improved teacher climate and self efficacy, and increased social competence and emotional regulation in students (McIntosh & Goodman, 2016).
MTSS emphasizes the central values of equity, inclusion, collaboration, and family and community partnership throughout all aspects of implementation. These values serve as a primary filter for decision making and action planning at all levels of implementation (CSDE). The MTSS approach at WHS strongly supports student, teacher, counselor and family involvement in crafting a plan of support for a student demonstrating need.
The first tier of intervention is based in the classroom with teachers supporting the needs of all students and adjusting appropriately to support a differentiated approach to learning. If the teacher identifies a concern or area of need they will first attempt classroom-based interventions and call home to confer with the student’s family. If concerns remain after initial interventions the teacher will submit a Request for Assistance form which will engage the student’s counselor and our Student Support Specialist to brainstorm ideas. The counselor and Student Support Specialist may make additional recommendations for interventions in the classroom. The suggested interventions are implemented in the classroom, the parent is made aware of the interventions and progress is monitored. If the concerns are not resolved, the counselor will refer the student needs to the Student Assistance Team for consultation, data review and to seek further support. Additional interventions may be recommended.
The intent of each meeting and step along this process is to be responsive to family, community and teacher concerns regarding a student's academic progress or social/emotional interactions within the classroom or in regards to the WHS community.
A student may be referred to the SAT team by any member of the school community, by parents/ guardians or through conversations with other concerned students. Parents/guardians concerned for their child should contact their child’s counselor to make this request or alert the counselor to any concerns. Examples of next steps taken at an SAT team meeting may include:
Further detailed file review.
Gathering of teacher reports from student’s current teachers.
Additional communication with home, parents/guardians
Academic inventory
Social/emotional inventory
Once the student’s case is reviewed, classroom supports may be recommended as well as further interventions which may include:
Observation of the student.
Close monitoring of student attendance.
Course recommendations.
Executive functioning strategies.
Classroom management strategies.
Differentiation strategies.
Meeting with the student’s parent/guardian(s)
The student’s school counselor in coordination with our Student Support Specialist will communicate the plan with the student, the student’s current teachers and parent/guardian(s). The team will draft a plan to add to the student’s file.
Student Assistance Team
This team is composed of Assistant Principals, school counselor, teacher representatives, special education team leader, and school psychologist. The team meets 1x per cycle, 1st Block on F Days.
CORE Team
This team is composed of the Director of School Counseling, school counselors, school social workers, school psychologist, school nurse, school resource officer, Assistant Director of PPS-WHS, Assistant Principals and Principal. A consultation model is utilized during this meeting, where counselors use this opportunity to discuss students, programs, and gather feedback. The team meets Thursdays at 1:30 in the Counseling Conference Room.
Tardy to School
The expectation for school attendance is that all students arrive at school on time. Entering class late is disruptive to the academic environment in the classroom and students will be asked to make up that time and account for the disruption. Tardies will be excused for reasons 1-11 above provided that the parent/guardian provides notification of, reason for, and time of the late arrival before the opening of school on the date of occurrence.
Circumstances such as car trouble, oversleeping, etc., though unforeseen, are not emergencies and will not be considered excused. If the school is responsible for a student’s lateness (e.g., the school bus is late), the tardiness will be excused.
Tardy To Class
Tardy 1
The student receives a warning from the teacher
Tardy 2
The student stays after school in the main office
Tardy 3
The student stays after school in the main office
Tardy 4+
Referral to the office, loss of privileges
Students who accumulate four or more tardies in one class will be referred to an administrator who will determine the appropriate disciplinary consequences which may include detention, loss of privileges, and/or removal from co-curricular activities.
Students arriving more than fifteen minutes after class begins will be marked Tardy Absent; this absence will be treated as an unexcused absence and may result in disciplinary consequences, including detention, loss of privileges, and/or removal from co-curricular activities.
Students who request permission to leave the classroom for any reason must return to class within five (5) minutes. Extended absences from class will carry similar consequences to tardies above. Students requesting to see the nurse must return to class with a note from the nurse excusing their time out of class.
Students are required to attend all classes, quiet studies, advisory periods, and special activities/assemblies. An absence, tardy absence, or early dismissal occurring without legitimate reason, parent/guardian permission, timely notification to the school, and administrator approval will be considered unexcused, and disciplinary consequences will apply:
For the first unexcused absence in a school year, an administrator will communicate a warning to the student and reiterate applicable attendance procedures.
For the second and third unexcused absences, the student will be assigned a detention and the student’s parents or guardians will be notified.
For the fourth unexcused absence, and for subsequent absences, students will be subject to more severe disciplinary consequences as determined by the school administration. Consequences may include suspension from school. The student may also be subject to other disciplinary measures including, but not limited to, loss of privileges (open campus, parking, etc.) and removal from co-curricular activities. A parent conference(s) may be scheduled.
In severe circumstances, repeated unexcused absences in any single course may result in the student being withdrawn from the course(s) with a failing grade. For the purposes of a, b, and c above, an unexcused absence shall be defined as an absence during a single class period. Students who have multiple unexcused absences on a single day will receive consequences as stated in b and c above as appropriate.
The decision of the principal regarding discipline imposed under the Policy and Administrative Regulations is final.
In addition, while a student with an unexcused absence may obtain any notes, assignments, and/or assessments given during the missed class, they forfeit the right to receive credit for any such work completed.