Student Handbook

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The Westbrook Board of Education is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons.  Westbrook Public Schools does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, disability (including, but not limited to, mental retardation, past or present history of mental disability, physical disability or learning disability) genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.  The Board of Education does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction.

 

Principal's Message

We welcome you to membership in the Daisy Ingraham Elementary School community.  Our faculty and I value your child and it is our intent to provide a meaningful, productive and safe learning environment.  Our goal is to develop children into life-long learners.  We invite you, as parents and families, to share actively as our partners in this noble endeavor to work toward excellence in education.  Two-way communication between home and school is vital to this partnership. 

The information included in this handbook is intended to provide you with an understanding about the general operation of our school.  Notice folders go home every Wednesday with current information.  The web site, http://dis.westbrookctschools.org,  also contains important district and school information. Teachers also host web pages with specific information for classrooms and grade levels. Please call the school office if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Ruth W. Rose

Principal

 

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Mission Statement

DAISY INGRAHAM SCHOOL, in partnership with parents and other members of the community, promotes the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of each student.  Our staff believes in developing the unique talents of every child.  Our curriculum encourages independent and creative responses to the challenges of a changing world.  Students are encouraged to develop high personal and academic standards as they acquire the knowledge, skills and values they will need to become responsible, contributing members of the world community.

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Code Of Conduct

Safety Are my actions safe for myself and for others?
Respect Do my actions show respect for myself and others?
Honesty Do my words and actions represent truth?
Responsibility Do my actions meet the expectation to take care of myself and be a dependable member of the school community?
Courtesy Do my actions help make Daisy Ingraham a nice place, where people feel welcome and accepted, and they can do their work with support and respect?

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School Hours

Regular Days:

Grades K to 4:   8:30 am - 3:00 pm
   

Half Days

Grades K to 4:   8:30 am - 1:00 pm
   

Instruction Begins at 8:30 - We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that your child is in school by 8:30 am, in order to take full advantage of instruction.  Students arriving after 8:30 are asked to sign in at the office with a parent/guardian. Children who are driven to school should not arrive before 8:00 am since there is no adult supervision prior to that time.

In the event of severe weather conditions or unusual circumstances, school sessions may be delayed or canceled and you will get a phone call and/or email on our student messenger automated service.  Announcements of school closings will be carried on channels 3, 8, 30 on your TV.  In addition, closings will be posted on the internet at www.ctweather.com.    Since it is important that school telephone lines be kept open at this time, parents are asked to tune to these television stations for such information rather than call the school or school officials.  Activity cancellations will also be announced.

Early Closing - When we have our 1:00 dismissal days as well as the rare circumstances when we need to close early due to inclement weather, all K-4 students would go home on the same bus.  Families should have a plan for such events.   Please instruct your child, as well as the school,  as to where he or she should go in the event you are not at home.

Arrival and Dismissal - Bus transportation is provided for the safety of your child and for your own convenience.  It also prevents congestion at the beginning and ending of school.  Should it be necessary to drop off or pick up your child, please note the following:

Morning Drop Off: Children should not arrive before 8:00 am. Children should be dropped off on the sidewalk designated for this purpose and report to the Cafeteria.  Please do not leave your car at the curb in the front circle since this impedes the traffic flow.  If you need to get out of your car, please park in the designated short-term parking area.

Afternoon Pick-Up:   Changes for afternoon transportation must be in the form of written notice from the parent/guardian.  Please send a note with your child if you intend to pick him/her up at the end of the day. If picking up your child will be on a regular basis, a note for the year will suffice.  Please park in a parking space and report to the hallways by the covered walkway (east door for K-2, west door for 3-5) to sign out your child.  Doors will be opened at 2:50 pm.  We ask that you remain in the back corridor for your child  so that the hallways are free for dismissal.

Early Dismissal:  If your child is to be dismissed early, please send a note to the teacher stating the time and who is to pick up the child.  ALL EARLY DISMISSALS ARE MADE FROM THE OFFICE.  Upon arriving at school to pick up your child, please report directly to the office.  You will be asked to identify yourself and sign a dismissal log before your child will be called to the office. Please notify the office prior to 1:30 pm of an emergency that arises that necessitates a change in plans.

Custodial Issues - If there is any reason why a father/mother/relative should NOT be allowed to see or pick up a child, it is your responsibility to tell the teacher and the office about this situation.  Remember that a natural parent cannot  be kept from making contact with a child without a court order which prevents him or her from doing so.  These are family issues which must be resolved outside of the school.  For the safety and protection of your child, please make sure problems like these are resolved BEFORE your child comes to school.  We need a copy of the written court order or custody papers on file. Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. No child will be dismissed to anyone other than the parent without written permission from the responsible parent.  Even an older sibling must have written permission.  Remember your child’s safety is our first concern.

Parking -  Cars are not permitted to park in the circle area in front of the school or in the North parking lot at ANY time.  The North lot of Ingraham is reserved for authorized vehicles only, twenty-four hours a day.  This is not a safe parking area to turn around in at any time because of children playing. The circle is reserved for buses and emergency vehicles only.  At no time should a car be parked in the circle area.  Children should not be dropped off in the circle.   The Drop-Off Zone is for dropping students off.  Please do not leave a car unattended in that zone or an area that could block buses or other traffic.  When picking up your child, please park in a space and come into the school to sign the child out.  The police monitor the parking situation.  Five short-term parking spaces have been reserved for the purpose of parents who need to come into school for a short period of time (less than 20 minutes). Please follow the traffic pattern.  Cars are to enter the lower parking lot to drop off students.  This is to avoid blocking buses and further ensure the safety of our children.  Please drop students so they step directly on the sidewalk and do not have them walk between cars unattended.

These procedures are for the SAFETY of all and we thank you for your cooperation.

The Westbrook Parks and Recreation Department maintains school fields.  Parents and citizens are encouraged to use playgrounds on school property after school hours.  Use of the fields or school playground facilities during the school day by non-student groups, or by individuals not associated with the school, requires approval of the principal.  Group use of fields and special areas are scheduled through the Parks and Recreation Department or the Board of Education.  Walking your animals on school playgrounds is prohibited, as animal droppings present a health and safety hazard to students.

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Attendance

Daily Attendance - Regular attendance at school is essential for learning.  Illness and emergency situations which may arise are legitimate excuses to be absent from school.  Whenever possible, try to schedule doctor and dentist appointments for after school hours. 

Reporting Absences - If your child is absent, please call the school office before 8:30 am.  The office is covered from 7:30 am - 4:30 pm.  A message may be left on the answering machine.  If we do not receive a call, we will need to contact you.  This procedure is done to ensure the child’s safety.  An unreported absence is an unexcused absence.

Truancy - Students who have more than four unexcused absences in a month or 10 unexcused absences in a year are considered truant.  The parents will be called in for a conference and the school may need to make a formal report.  Students who have 20 unexcused absences will be considered “habitual truants” and will be reported to authorities.

Tardiness - Any student arriving late must report to the office with a parent/guardian upon arrival prior to going to his/her classroom.  If a student accumulates five or more tardies each trimester, a meeting will be scheduled with the school administration and the parent.

School Work Missed During Absences - Parents may request school work for children who are absent due to illness or approved absence.  Please call before 10:00 am to request school work be sent to the office for pick up.  In any given day, a teacher must prepare in excess of five lessons and each day requires planning and preparation involving several hours.  It seems appropriate to review this so that everyone understands why it may be necessary to limit the amount of teacher prepared lessons given to parents in certain circumstances.  For example, it is considered reasonable to request some home assignments for a child who is recuperating for a few days at home, but who is well enough to do a couple of hours of “homework.”   On the contrary, it is considered unreasonable to request one or two weeks worth of prepared daily assignments in several subjects because a child will be taking a vacation, with his/her parents, while school is in session.  We are asking that you join us in committing your children to as many as possible of the 181 days that school is in session.  There is no substitute for teacher/student interaction in the learning process.  Work missed may be made up when a child returns.

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Building Security

Visitors and Volunteers - Please use the main front doors to be buzzed in to the school.  All parents, volunteers, and visitors are required  to sign in at the school office and pick up a visitor/volunteer badge before going anywhere in the building.  During school hours, parents are requested not to interrupt classes without permission from the office. 

Emergency Evacuation Information -     The Westbrook School System has a planned procedure to safeguard your child in the event of a natural disaster or other severe emergency.  When there is limited warning, students will be sheltered in those areas of the school buildings deemed most safe, under the direct supervision of staff members.  As soon as possible, the Superintendent of Schools will direct the release of students to their homes.  (This might cause delay in students returning home.)  When there is adequate warning for evacuation, arrangements will be made for the transportation of all students.  If only the school building needs to be evacuated, the students would be sent home early.  Please consider the following recommendations, which contribute significantly to the success of our emergency plan.

  • Be in your home when your child arrives from school.  If personal considerations make this impossible, arrange for a responsible adult to supervise your child when he or she arrives from school.
  • Do not come to the school to pick up your child.
  • Do not attempt to telephone the school or the office of the Superintendent.  This will result in tying up the lines and may result in the delay of the school receiving important information.
  • Listen to the Emergency Radio Broadcast System and follow instructions.  If these recommendations are not followed, the effectiveness of the protective action features of our emergency plan will be impaired.

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Communications

Office Hours - The office is covered between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm.  At other times, a message may be left on the answering machine.

Newsletters - Each Wednesday a folder is sent home with notices.   We try to include all notices in the folder.  We are sending out, as much as possible, information electronically.  Expect newsletters by email.  Lunch menus are available at http://dis.westbrookctschools.org/group_calendar.aspx?id=614e0610-b447-483a-a602-e13e46c952c9.

School/District Websites- Our school and district websites are regularly updated with important information.  Please refer to these websites often.

Questions - The answer to most questions concerning school affairs is as close as your telephone.  Messages for teachers may be left between 7:30 am and 4:30 pm.  Your call will be returned when the teacher is free.  We ask your consideration and cooperation in not phoning school personnel at their homes; most concerns can wait until the next day during school hours.  You may also leave a message on the answering machine.

Directory Information - Directory information is information that we may release to others without your consent unless you provide us with a written objection, and it includes various things like name, address and telephone numbers.  A complete list of such information, as well as the procedure for making objection to the release of directory information is found at the back of this Handbook and on the website.

Emergency Cards - Emergency forms must be completed each year.  Please keep the school advised of any changes in your home  phone or place of employment.  We need to know how you can be reached in case of an emergency.  Parents are responsible for transporting their child home or to a doctor in case of illness or injury occurring in school.

    PLEASE NOTIFY US OF ANY CHANGES IN THIS INFORMATION.

Student Phone Calls - Students will be allowed to make only emergency phone calls.  Arrangements for visiting friends must be made the night before and a note from the parent sent in with the child.   Changes in buses cannot be made for this purpose.  In order to help develop responsibility, phone calls will generally not be allowed for items the students may have left at home including homework and lunches.

Cell Phones - Students are not allowed to use cell phones during school hours.

Resolution of Problems - Any problem or concern a parent has should be pursued in the following manner:  Discuss the problem with the teacher.  If this does not produce satisfactory results, discuss it with the principal.  If for some reason the parents are not satisfied, the problem can be taken up with the Superintendent of Schools.  It is generally understood that the principal is fully responsible for the building, the pupils and the personnel.

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School Rules

At school, students are part of a larger community.  In order to be a responsible member of that community,  all children are expected to adhere to the following rules:

  1. Respect each other's feelings, the right to learn, and personal property.
  2. Be in control of your body.
  3. Follow the directions of adults in the school.
  4. Walk at all times.
  5. Report problems to adults.
  6. Keep voices at a reasonable level and use appropriate language.
  7. Do your best work.

Appropriate consequences will be given to students who cannot follow these rules. Parents will be advised when a problem persists. We have a zero tolerance for threats. Strict disciplinary action will be taken for any student who threatens serious injury to another person or brings any type of weapon -- including a toy.

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Insurance

School Accident - Student accident insurance is available for those who wish the coverage.  Students are not protected by accident insurance through the Board of Education.  Application forms are sent home during the first week of school.  The form must be returned to the school signed by the parent, indicating whether or not coverage is desired.  School accident insurance is in effect at school during school hours, while going directly to and from school, and during school-sponsored activities.  Twenty-four hour coverage is also available.

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Lunch and Snacks

Lunch Money - Lunches are served every day including early dismissal days unless noted in the menu which is sent home with students monthly.  Students may pay on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. We accept checks made payable to Westbrook School Lunch Program.  If a child forgets his or her  lunch money or lunch, she or he may get a lunch with the understanding that repayment will be made the following day.  We are no longer able to allow children to charge.  Please call the office if there is a specific problem with which we can help.

Our Point of Service (POS) program, Powerlunch allows each student to have money deposited on their account to pre-pay for breakfast, lunch and a la carte items (where available). Students are expected to pay in advance or at the time of meal purchases by having funds available in their account or having cash at the time of sale. Parents may send cash or a check prior to breakfast or lunch purchases being made. We encourage parents to send in a check so you can have a record of each deposit made to your child’s account. Checks should be made payable to Westbrook Lunch Program, noting the student’s name; those funds will be deposited into each student’s Powerlunch account.  Every meal or item purchased will be “debited” or deducted from the balance at each sale. This process will ensure a more efficient and confidential process, moving the lines more quickly and allow students additional time to enjoy lunch.

Any child who forgets or loses money will be able to charge one meal, although this should be a limited occurrence.  A note or e-mail (if one has been provided) will be sent to notify the parent or guardian of the charge, who is expected to pay in full by the next school day. If the charge is not repaid and the child needs another meal, a courtesy meal of a plain cheese sandwich and milk will be provided at a cost of $1.25.  NO A La Carte items may be charged at any time, including milk.

Free or Reduced - Free and reduced lunches are available for families qualifying for the federal program.  Forms are sent home at the beginning of the school year or are available from the office at any time during the year.  Information is handled confidentially.

Prices

Hot Lunch - $2.50

Milk - $.50

Extra snack items are not sold.

Breakfast - A breakfast program is offered beginning the first day of school between 8:00-8:30 am.  The cost of breakfast is $1.25.  Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch automatically qualify for free or reduced  breakfast.  Children may get off a bus and go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast.

Lunch - At this time there is not on a restriction on the food a child brings to eat at lunch in the cafeteria.  Children who have food allergies are assigned to a specific table.  Please make sure the school knows of any concerns.

Snacks - Students in grades 1-4  are given time for a morning snack.  In the interest of nutrition and helping students concentrate on school, we encourage you to send in healthy food choices.  Please avoid candy, gum, soda, or food high in sugar.  Please do not send in red juice drinks for a snack.   Since Kindergarten students eat early, they do not have a morning snack.  There is time in the afternoon for snacks.  We encourage children to drink water with classroom snacks rather than juice drinks.  Students have access to a water fountain in the classroom or they may bring a water bottle in from home. Below is a list of suggestions that make healthy snacks.

  • Fresh and dried fruits and vegetables
  • Popcorn, pretzels, crackers, rice cakes, bread sticks
  • Cookies such as graham crackers and ginger snaps
  • Cheese cubes 
  • Skimmed milk pudding

We do have children with peanut and other allergies.  Please alert us if your child has any allergies and keep this in mind when sending class snacks in.

Birthdays - A child's birthday may be celebrated by sending a special snack in for the class.  Finger foods are easiest for teachers to manage and we encourage healthy snacks.  We request that students are not sent flowers, balloons, or gifts to receive at school.

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Personal Items

Toys should not be sent to school with your child.  We have had too many unhappy children because of lost, broken or traded possessions.  Items that are not necessary for the classroom will be held by the teachers and sent home.  Inappropriate items may be confiscated and not returned.  Items that are potentially dangerous will be turned over to the office and parents will be contacted to collect them.  Please work with your child to assure that she/he does not bring inappropriate or dangerous items to school because we care about the safety of all of our children.

Clothing - Children are expected to come to school dressed neatly and appropriately.   Beach sandals  (i.e.,  “flip flops”) or backless sandals are not permitted because they pose a safety hazard for our students, especially on playground equipment.  Students should wear clothing that allows them to participate in all school activities including physical education.  Sneakers are required to participate in gym classes.  Students should be appropriately dressed for weather since outside recess occurs daily.  In order to help in fuel conservation, temperatures are kept at cooler levels so sweaters or layered clothing should be worn daily during winter months.  Clothing should not distract from the instructional program.  Students should not wear clothing displaying inappropriate language or slogans.  They are asked not to wear hats inside the building, except in special circumstances. Lost and found clothing and other items left at school are kept in the cafeteria.  Please check the "Lost and Found" box regularly.  Labeling clothing and belongings with the child's name is very important.

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Responsive Classroom

The Responsive Classroom Approach - is a way of teaching that emphasizes social, emotional and academic growth in a safe and secure school community.  Developed by classroom teachers in 1981 and continually refined to meet schools’ needs, the approach consists of practical strategies for helping children build academic and social-emotional competencies day in and day out.  In urban, suburban and rural settings nationwide, educators using these strategies report increased student engagement and academic progress, along with fewer discipline problems.

Guiding Principles - The Responsive Classroom approach is informed by the work of educational theorists and the experiences of exemplary classroom teachers.  Seven principles guide this approach:

  • The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.
  • How children learn is as important as what they learn: Process and content go hand-in-hand.
  • The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.
  • To be successful academically and socially, children need a set of social skills: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy and self-control.
  • Knowing the children we teach -- individually, culturally, and developmentally -- is as important as knowing the content we teach.
  • Knowing the families of the children we teach and working with them as partners is essential to children’s education.
  • How the adults at school work together is as important as their individual competence: lasting change begins with the adult community.

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Academic Progress

Written Reports - Progress reports are sent home three times a year:  December, March and June.  Interim reports are sent home as needed.

Parent Teacher Conferences - A parent teacher conference is an opportunity to share perceptions and evaluate your child's progress.  Conferences are scheduled during October and February.  Teachers will send home specific times for your appointments.   Conferences may be requested by parents or teachers at other times by dropping a note or calling the school office to request that your child's teacher contact you.  Please avoid drop-in conferences.  It is not a productive time to discuss your child since teachers have other responsibilities.

School Wide Assessments - In addition to curriculum assessments, the following are administered to students on an annual basis:

  • Otis Lennon School Ability Test Grade 3 in the Fall
  • Dibels - Reading Fluency K-4, three times a year
  • DRP - Reading Comprehension Grade 1-4, two times a year
  • DRA--Developmental Reading Assessments
  • Curriculum Based Math & Reading Assessment, Grades K-4
  • Writing Prompts K-4, three times a year
  • Standardized Assessments-- Grade 3 & 4 during the month of March

Remedial Support - Intervention and support for students are provided, as appropriate, with the following structures. Teachers will  contact parents if extra support is necessary.

  • Tier I - Classroom teacher may modify curriculum to meet the needs of a child’s learning style. This may happen individually or in small groups during class time.
  • Tier II - This support is generally additional instructional time that is given in specific skill areas for a specific time period and is monitored for student growth.
  • Tier III - This is a more intensive support where additional reading and/or math time and individualized program may be necessary.

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Special Education Services

Special Education - A continuation of services is provided for students with Special Educational needs within the school by special education teachers, a reading specialist, speech therapists,  a school psychologist, tutors and aides.  Madeline Illinger,  Special Services Director, coordinates  these services. 

Pre-School Screening - We offer a developmental screening for children between the ages of three and five bi-monthly.  The purpose is to give parents a general idea of how their child is developing in language, motor, and cognitive areas.  The screening also helps identify children who may need early intervention in some area. Screenings are on the district calendars & web site.

Pre-School Program - When a child is identified through the screening as possibly needing early intervention or is referred by parent, nursery school, or doctor, the child may be considered for our preschool program.  This is a Special Education program designed to provide early intervention to children between the ages of three and five.  A Planning and Placement Team meeting is held to determine what program is appropriate.  Non-identified children may be considered for the program as community peers.  Individual speech and language therapy are also available to preschool children.  Please contact the school if you have a concern or would like more information.

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Elementary Assignments

All decisions relating to the assignment of children to teachers will be made by the professional education staff of the school.  Separate grade-level meetings are held each spring to make class assignments for the upcoming year.  These grade-level meetings include the classroom teachers, appropriate special education personnel and the principal since these staff members know best how individual children function in the educational setting of the school.  When developing class lists and assigning children to teachers, the professional staff considers the following factors:

  1. The learning style of the child and the teaching style of the teacher.
  2. Any special educational needs of the child that must be met.
  3. Personality compatibility between the child and the assigned teacher.
  4. Social and personal interactions between children being assigned to a given class.
  5. Balance of class sizes and achievement levels within a class to develop a heterogeneous group.

Any concern or information that a parent has that would affect a child's placement for the following year should be made in writing to the Principal by May 15. We are not able to honor requests for specific teachers.

Under no conditions can changes be made after the child's assignment is sent home.

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Transportation to and from School

Bus Transportation - All children who ride a school bus are subject to certain regulations that are designed to protect their safety while they are being transported.  Any misbehavior that distracts the driver is a very serious hazard to the safe operation of the vehicle and jeopardizes the safety of all passengers.  It is important that parents/guardians fully understand and support the rules and procedures that are in effect which reflect the school's ever-present interest in the personal safety of your children.  Students must comply with the following rules: 

  • Stay seated at all times and sit properly.
  • Keep your hands to yourself and inside the bus.
  • Keep voices at a reasonable level.
  • Obey the driver.

If your child receives a written referral for a bus problem, disciplinary action will be taken, generally as follows:

  • First and Second Offenses - A warning to the student with a written report to the parents and student will serve a lunch/recess detention. It is hoped that parents will help prevent a recurrence.
  • Third Offense - This will usually result in suspension of riding privileges, the length of time to depend on the seriousness of the infraction. A written report will be sent to the parents.

Drivers have been instructed to communicate all incidents of misbehavior directly to the principal who will make the necessary contact with parents.  Your support and cooperation are essential if we are to continue to maintain our excellent safety record.  Please contact the school office about any concerns you may have regarding the bus. Permission cannot be granted for a child to ride another bus to a friend's house or party.  Arrangements for regular child-care transportation should be made through the school office.  All changes must be in writing and approved by the principal.

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Parent Involvement

Volunteers - We welcome volunteers.  There are many different ways to be involved in our school.  Sign-up sheets are sent home at the beginning of school.  The PTO also has a sign-up sheet for some assignments or you may leave your name in the school office.  Volunteers are asked to report to the office, sign in and obtain a badge.  Please remember to sign out in the office when you leave the building.  

PTO - The main purpose of the Parent Teacher Organization is to "open the lines of communication between the community and the elementary school system in Westbrook."  The PTO is governed by the Executive Committee consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Cultural Arts Coordinator, Membership Chairman, Elementary School Principal, and chairman of standing committees.  The PTO has a business meeting four times a year.  Programs are also scheduled for these meetings to help parents better understand the curriculum and services offered by the school and to sponsor interesting speakers on child development and parenting issues.  Each month, the PTO sends out a newsletter with special announcements.   Many parents give generously of their time and energy.  The PTO asks that you try to help out at least once or twice a year if not on a regular basis.  Every family is invited to join.  Membership forms are sent home at the beginning of the year.  Members receive a student directory.

Suggestions to Parents - Parenting is the most noble and perhaps the most difficult profession.  To help your child have a successful school experience we would suggest the following:

  • Go over your child's work.
  • Talk about what your child's day was like.
  • If your child reports something you don't understand or raises a concern, contact the school.
  • Read to/with your child.
  • Help your child organize school items the night before so mornings can run smoothly.
  • Make sure your child gets enough rest and has an adequate breakfast.
  • Monitor the TV programs your child watches as well as computer activities.

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School Sponsored Programs

After School Activities - Information will be sent home for any after-school activity run by the school, the PTO or the Park & Recreation.  Parents must pick up their children on time.  We discourage students from making last minute calls home for permission.

Band - Band and small group lessons are offered to 4th grade students during a special or recess or before school. Parents provide transportation if a lesson is before school.  Notices are sent home in the Fall.

Cultural Events - The PTO sponsors periodic cultural arts programs which enhance our curriculum.  Watch the PTO newsletter for announcements.   Parents are welcome at these performances.

Field Trips - Field trips are planned at each grade level to enhance the curriculum.  Since field trips are an integral part of our school program and occur generally during school hours, students are expected to attend.  The classroom teacher and an adequate number of parent volunteers accompany students at all times.  Transportation is generally by school bus.  Notice of field trips will be sent home with any special instructions and explaining the nature of the trip.  Parent signatures will be asked for so that we know you are aware of the trip.

Swim Lessons -   First graders will take swim lessons on a eight-week rotating basis because learning to swim and being safe around water is an important life skill.  Students will be bused to the YMCA who will run the program with their qualified staff.

Safety Programs - In order to increase safety awareness, programs such as bus, bike and boat safety are presented each year.  We have also developed an extensive program on personal safety.  Teachers and the support staff show videos and help children learn about this important issue.   Parents will be notified when the children will be starting this topic.  Parents are welcome to view the material that is used.  Call the school office if you have questions.

Support Groups - In addition to our full-time school psychologist, we are fortunate to have interns from the graduate program of Marriage and Family Therapist at Central Connecticut State College who help lead the following groups:

  • Children of Divorce Groups: Children who are experiencing divorce in their families can be recommended by parent or teacher for a six-session group, which is held several times a year. Information will be in the Principal’s Newsletters or call us at school.
  • Lunch Bunch and Social Skills Groups: Selected students are invited into a lunch group or support group that meet weekly with the School Psychologist or a counselor intern. Parent permission is required.
  • Individual Counseling: Our school psychologist can see individual children through an IEP or at the parent request.

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School Health

The school health office is staffed during regular school hours by a registered nurse.

Administration of Medication by School Personnel - Should your child require medication during school hours, we must have:

  • Written authorization from the doctor and the parent for the school to administer any medication. Forms are available through the school nurse and need to be filled out on a yearly basis.
  • Medication must be brought to school in the original prescription bottle by a parent/guardian.  Ask your pharmacist to provide medication bottled for school usage. When possible, medication should be given by the parent outside of school hours.
  • Parents/guardians are requested to bring the medication to school. Students should not have the responsibility of bringing the medication nor should medication be on school buses.
  • We are not able to give out over the counter medicine (aspirin, etc.) without a doctor's written authorization to give "as needed.”

Illness - If your child is ill in the morning, he or she should remain at home.  If he or she does not feel well, your child will be unable to function, may have to be sent home during the day, and is exposing other children to possible infection.  Some childhood diseases necessitate exclusion from school for definite lengths of time.  Check with the School Nurse before returning your child to school if you have any questions.  The Health Officer has recommended the following schedule of exclusion periods:

  • Chicken Pox - Must be out of school at least seven (7) days from the appearance of rash. Once the sores have scabbed over the child may return to school.
  • Scarlet Fever - Must have a doctor's permission to return to school.
  • Mumps - Must be out of school until all swelling disappears.
  • Strep Throat - Must be out of school after being diagnosed and has been on medication for 24 hours.
  • Lice - Must be out of school until proper treatment is administered.
  • Pink Eye - If a child is found to have pink eye, she or he must be excluded from school and seen by a doctor. Once medication has been administered for 24 hours, the child may return to school.

If your child has been ill with a fever, she or he should be kept home until the fever has been normal for 24 hours without the administration of either aspirin or acetaminophen.  Children are excluded from school with an oral temperature more than 100 degrees or some other symptoms of illness.  If your child is injured at home, she or he should be treated at home, either by you or your physician. In cases where a child is returning to school after five or more days of illness, he or she should be seen by the school nurse for readmission.  For those children who are out less than five days, the teacher can refer the child to the school nurse for readmission. If the school nurse has any specific questions or concerns regarding your child's treatment, she may contact your pediatrician for consultation.

Vision and Hearing - is done at school annually.  When a child fails the screening test a second time, a referral form will be sent home for your doctor to complete and return to the nurse.

Dental Exams - Offered to children on an annual basis.  Notices will be sent home.  Treatment cannot be done at school.

Physicals - Students entering Kindergarten and Pre-School must have a physical examination prior to entrance.  This is a State regulation. Students entering from outside Connecticut must have proof of a recent physical. Immunizations must be up to date - 4 DPT, last dose received after 4th birthday, 3 Polio and 1 MMR.  Students entering school before age five must show proof of immunization against hemophilus influenza, type B (HIB). A record of the physical examination must be sent to the nurse's office. Physicals are also required in 6th and 10th grade and for students playing sports.

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Residency

Residency - Connecticut State Statutes requires a school district to deny enrollment if it suspects the enrolled is not a bona fide resident.  It is the parent’s responsibility to prove that they and their child reside in Westbrook.  Parents will be charged back tuition if it is determined they are not residents and did not have special Board of Education permission to attend school in Westbrook on a short term basis.  Proof of residency is required as part of the registration process and can be requested by the school whenever a question arises. 

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Reporting Protocol for Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

Policy - Connecticut General Statutes 17a - 101a  requires that any certified personnel in the school system who suspects child abuse must report it to the Department of Children and Family Services.  When any member of the certified staff and/or the school nurse suspect child abuse, he or she will immediately report this to the Commissioner of Children and Family Services. The personnel filing such reports are protected by immunity, and failure to report abuse will result in a fine. 

Definition - Child abuse includes injuries inflicted upon a child by a person responsible for his/her health, welfare or care or by a person given access to the child by the responsible person, other than by accidental means or has injuries which are at variance with the history given of them, or is in a condition which is the result of maltreatment. A child is defined as any person under the age of eighteen. 

Proper Agency - Commissioner of DCF or his representative at the Middletown DCF office, 860-638-2100, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. or CARELINE, 1-800-842-2288, weekends, holidays, and weekdays after 4:30 p.m. and prior to 8:30 a.m. or the State Police, Troop F, 860-349-2325 or the Resident Trooper 860-399-7304.

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Important Phone Numbers

Daisy Ingraham School (860) 399-7925
Westbrook Middle School (860) 399-2010
Westbrook High School (860) 399-6214
Superintendent's Office (860) 399-6432
First Student Bus Company (860) 526-5833
Westbrook Public Library (860) 399-6422
Westbrook Park and Recreation (860) 399-3095
Westbrook Youth and Family Services (860) 399-9239
Poison Control Hotline (800) 343-2722
AIDS Hotline (800) 342-2437
Drug and Alcohol 24 Hour Hotline (800) 252-6465
Depression / Mental Health (800) 842-1501
Child Abuse (800) 842-2288
National Youth Crisis Hotline (800) HIT-HOME
Domestic Violence Services of Women Center of SECT (860) 399-2457
State Police Crime Tips Hotline (800) 258-1205

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Board of Education Policies

Board of Education polices can be found on the Westbrook Public Schools Board of Education web page.    

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