SECTION V - SCHOOL SERVICES

GUIDANCE SERVICES

The guidance program at Ludlow High School has been founded on the premise that each student is important as an individual. By means of counseling and testing, the individual discovers his/her interests, abilities, and potential to be able to make intelligent decisions throughout his/her high school career. The choice of a high school program is a major decision. As a further aid in this decision, the guidance facilities include a comprehensive occupational informational center with college and school catalogs which students may make use of during regular appointments. The assignment of students to guidance counselors will be made each year upon the opening of school.

The LHS guidance Department has embraced the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School counseling endorsed by the Commissioner of Education in October 2006. The guidance counselors in grades 9-12 conduct workshops with their counselees throughout the school year.

Homework assignments -Parent/guardian should contact the guidance counselor to obtain homework assignments only if student will be absent for more than 3 days.

The Standardized Testing Program is an essential part of the guidance program. Our battery of tests includes MCAS (state mandated), aptitude test and interest measurements. Analysis and interpretation of test results provide additional information to the student and counselor for sound decisions. In addition to our own testing services, Ludlow is a test center for the College Entrance Examination Board for SAT's.

Counseling services are available to all students to discuss educational and vocational plans. Students and parents may request an appointment with a counselor at any time to discuss any problem or future plans.

College admission is a very complex process today and the counselors are well-versed on admissions policies and requirements. Many colleges and educational institutions send representatives to LHS to interview students. Among college criteria for selection are the high school record, teacher and school recommendations, scholastic ability, standardized tests, character, and potential of success at the particular institution.

Career Services -The guidance department will conduct career workshops. Career Inventory assessments will be administered to help the student discover interests and qualifications and match them with those needed in various occupations. Scholarship Information -materials on scholarship and financial aid are available in the guidance office.

Scholarship information is always available from admissions offices of colleges and universities, and students should check the college website for updated lists of available scholarships.

Tutoring Services -Student tutoring services are accessed through your guidance counselor depending on the availability of student tutors through the National Honor Society. Students, who are absent for an extended period of time (ten consecutive days or more) due to medically verified illness, should contact the Guidance Director at 583-5674. If the length of the tutoring extends beyond ten weeks, the course title may be changed to reflect the tutoring (i.e. Biology becomes Tutored Biology).

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DROPPING A SUBJECT OR CHANGING A COURSE

Permission to drop a course or change a course is granted by the school administration only for the following reasons:

• To amend the student's schedule so it reflects accurate academic placement.
• To appropriately reschedule a course if a prerequisite course was failed or not taken.
• To meet college admission requirements or to participate in an alternative education program, which is part of the school curriculum.
• To eliminate a course conflict because two courses are scheduled in the same period.
• To reschedule because a course was cancelled and another course needs to be included.
• To conform to Instructional Support Services laws.

In the case of extenuating or unusual circumstances, the administration may decide a program change is necessary for the best interest of the student. In all requests to drop a subject or change a course, the final decision rests with the high school administrator.

To drop or change a course, the student must first consult the guidance counselor and subject teacher. Parental approval for level changes must occur before the request is presented to an administrator for a decision.

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EARNING CREDITS OUTSIDE OF LUDLOW HIGH SCHOOL

Any student who plans to take a course at an outside institution as a summer school option to make up high school credit must meet the same eligibility requirements as articulated for summer school in the LHS handbook. Students/parents must submit in writing to the Guidance Director a statement indicating why the student needs to attend an outside institution instead of the LHS summer school.

A student whose class has already graduated and is not planning to return to LHS may petition the high school principal to take a course or courses at an outside institution. Such approval will allow those outside institution courses to be applied to the LHS transcript.

WITHDRAWAL OR TRANSFER

Any student who plans to withdraw from school or transfer to another school must follow this procedure:

• Inform your guidance counselor
• Obtain a withdrawal form from the guidance office to be signed by all teachers, administrator, and main office personnel and the librarian verifying that all books have been returned.
• Give the completed form to your guidance counselor
• If transferring to another school, please provide authorization for the forwarding of your transcripts and records.
• Any student who is absent 15 or more consecutive days will be sent a letter requesting a meeting to initiate withdrawal from LHS. The LHS withdrawal procedure will be followed. Special education students will withdraw through the special education team process.

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AUTHORIZED LEAVE FROM CLASS TO SEE THE SCHOOL NURSE

A student will not be permitted to go to the nurse until such time as the following requirements are met. A student desiring to meet with the school nurse during an assigned class period, and/or study period must obtain a pass from the teacher indicating the exact time and date of the meeting.

This is to be done before the student leaves the classroom/study hall during that assigned period. The student will then report directly to the nurse's office. The nurse will countersign the pass indicating the time the student leaves her office to return to class/study hall. If the treatment runs beyond the period, the student has the responsibility of seeing that the pass is returned to the teacher. Failure to comply with these procedures will be treated in the same manner as an unexcused absence from class. In emergency students will be accepted into the health office without a pass. The nurse will issue a return pass, teacher will be notified.

Students witnessing or experiencing a medical emergency must notify the nearest staff member immediately.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND INFESTATIONS

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has identified the following as being particular problems among school population:

*This list is not all inclusive. Please contact the school nurse if you have any questions.

Parents/Guardians are asked to call the school nurse to report any communicable disease. If the child's physician diagnosis the condition, please request a certificate from the doctor when he/she can return to school. A "no nit" pediculosis policy has been adopted by Ludlow Public Schools. A copy of this policy will be provided to the parents of affected students.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

Nursing services include assessment, emergency care, referral, and follow- up for illness or injury at school by our certified school nurse.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of Immunization as required by Massachusetts State Law.
• Copy of most recent physical exam. State recommendations include physical exams upon entering kindergarten, 4th, 7th and l0th grade. Physical Exams are required on a yearly basis for anyone participating in sports as listed by the MIAA regulations.
• Health History Update Forms and Emergency Contact Sheets must be returned by the end of the first week of school. Health History Forms gives the Health Office permission to receive care and medication in school. It also give consent to the Health Office to share information with outside agencies in an emergency. If the Health History is not on file, no treatment/medication can be given except in an emergency situation. Students will not be able to attend any school activities without the Health History Update Form on file in the Health Office.

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HEALTH OFFICE PROTOCOL

• All students must have a pass from the teacher in order to come to the health, office, unless it is an extreme emergency (bleeding, broken bone, difficulty breathing, etc.). Preschool and Kindergarten students must be escorted by an adult. Students can visit the nurse without a pass before school starts or at their lunchtime.
• First aid is treatment given to protect the life and comfort of the student until authorized treatment is secured and is limited to first treatment ONLY. Subsequent treatment is the responsibility of the student's parent(s)/legal guardian(s).
• Home injuries and illness should be treated by the parent/guardian and child's physician. If your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees, diarrhea, and/or vomiting, the child should remain at home. Children are encouraged to address their complaints of injury or illness with their parents/ guardians for further follow up.
• Health office visits are computerized. The nurse will contact both parent and administration if a student is abusing the nurse's office and missing time from the classroom.
• It is assumed that every child who attends school on a given day is able to participate in all activities that are offered. When a student returns to school after surgery, injury or an extended illness a doctor's note is required indicating any restriction in gym/sports activities, stairs/elevator use or need for medications/treatments.
• When a student transfers to another school or school system, upon receipt of a signed "Release of Information" form from the student's parent(s)/legal guardian(s), the health record may be sent with other school records. The nurse places the health record in a sealed envelope that is clearly labeled to the school nurse of the receiving school. If the school records have been forwarded already, the health record shall be sent directly to the school nurse of the receiving school. Prior to transfer, the nurse's office requests a 48 hour notice in order to process the school health record.
• Students transferring in to Ludlow Public Schools should set up an appointment to meet with the nurse to discuss any health issues and secure required paperwork for medication, physical exams, sports physicals; state funded insurance programs, etc.
• School nurses are mandated reporters by law and must report any suspicions of abuse or neglect to appropriate agencies.
• The nurse's office is closed daily for a thirty minute lunch break, and 1/2 hour at the end of the day to complete required paperwork. The office may be closed (except for extreme emergencies) to conduct-mandated hearing, vision, postural screenings, parent conferences, or to attend 504 meetings.

CHILDREN LEARN BEST WHEN THEY ARE ATTENTIVE, ENERGETIC, HAPPY AND WELL. THE HEALTH OFFICE STAFF IS COMMITTED TO KEEPING YOUR STUDENT IN CLASS AND OUT OF THE HEALTH OFFICE. THE NURSES IDENTIFY HEALTH NEEDS AND PROVIDE INTERVENTIONS TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC SUCCESS.

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HEALTH PROBLEMS

Any health concerns should be recorded on the Health History Update Form (migraines, asthma, diabetes, seizures, allergic reaction, gynecologic, urologic, and psychiatric issues.) If a health problem develops after the submission of the Health History Update Form, it is the parents/guardians responsibility to notify the nurse. This will enable the nurse to assist the guidance department with making educational adjustments and develop a school health care plan when necessary.

Students will not be allowed to return to school the same day he/she is dismissed due to illness without a physician's note.

Students must be 24 hours symptom-free before returning to school if dismissed due to vomiting, intestinal viruses, or high fever unless cleared by a physician's note.

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HEALTH SERVICES

The Health Services at Ludlow High School include one full-time nurse and one part-time doctor and provide:

• Health Appraisal: nursing assessment, vision and hearing tests.
• Health Counseling: relative to health appraisals, health problems and referrals.
• Communicable Disease Control, immunization clinics, tuberculin testing, in cooperation with the Board of Health.
• Emergency Cases: illnesses and accidents occurring in school

HEARING/VISION SCREENING

Massachusetts General Laws requires hearing and vision screening on all grades unless exempt by a waiver approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. A record of the result is kept in the nurse's office. Parents will be notified if their child is unable to pass the screening examination. These screenings are not diagnostic. Only the physician can make a diagnosis and recommend whether treatment is necessary. Please return the physician form included in the failure notice that is sent home with your child. This is the only way the nurse knows if the failure has been evaluated. Students who have prescription glasses should bring them to school each day and use them as directed.

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HEIGHT & WEIGHT / POSTURAL SCREENING

Height and Weight/ BMI/ Postural Screening is a requirement for all grades. Postural screening is required in the grades 5-9. The initial screens are competed by physical education staff. The re-screens are conducted by the school nurse. Those parents wishing for their child's to be screened by their own physician, should make arrangements directly with their child's physician and provide the nurse with a copy of the results. The school nurses by law must have records that reflect all students have been screened.

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ILLNESS/INJURY

If a student becomes ill during the school day, his/her teacher must give the student a pass to the health office. If determined by the nurse that the student is unable to remain in school, a parent/guardian will be contacted to make arrangements for dismissal. Students are not allowed to call from the public telephone to make arrangements for dismissal due to illness or injury. ALL DISMISSALS DUE TO INJURY OR ILLNESS MUST BE AUTHORIZED BY THE NURSE.

In the event of a serious illness or an accident requiring immediate attention, the nurse or a designated person will make every attempt to contact the child's parent(s) or guardian(s). If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the school will attempt to reach a person listed on the child's emergency contacts. Thus it is very important that you list an individual on the emergency contacts that can make decisions about your child's health. It is also very important that you list an individual on the emergency contacts that can make decisions about your child's health. It is also very important to notify the school in writing of any changes to the emergency contacts, i.e. address, phone number, or contact persons.

We will send your child to the nearest hospital in an emergency.

Dismissals will be made to only people on the contact list. We will not release by phone or fax.

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IMMUNIZATIONS

Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 75-15A. No child shall be admitted to school except upon presentation of a verified up-to-date physician's immunization record. To remain in school, it is the responsibility of the parent/ guardian to keep his/her children's immunization records current.

Immunization Laws change and new vaccinations for some diseases are added, therefore parents should consult with the school nurse as to the latest requirements.

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MEDICATIONS

The school nurse shall be the supervisor of the medication administration program. 210.003. Prescription and over the counter medication may not be administered to a student while at school unless such medication is given by the school nurse acting under the specific request of a parent or guardian and under written directive of the student's personal physician or school physician in accordance with 105 C.M.R. 210.00 and the Board of Registration of Nursing Policy for the administration of over-the-counter-medications dated June 3, 1992. In the instance of a filed trip when the nurse is inaccessible, the school nurse will delegate medication administration privileges to a responsible adult in accordance with Department of Public Health Regulations 210.004 (E) (1) (0). It is recognized that over the counter medications include a wide array of medical substances from common aspirin to herbal remedies, homeopathic treatment and nutritional supplements. In accordance with all state guidelines, the school nurse will administer medication under the following guidelines:

• Physician, dentist, or nurse practitioner written order is on file
• Parent/guardian consent is on file
• Pharmacy label or original manufactures container with drug name, dose, dosage and dosage interval is written on bottle. *for prescription medication, please request the pharmacy to supply a separate bottle for school use.
• Indications and contraindications for drug use are known.
• Potential adverse effects of the drug are known.
• Medication is appropriate in the school setting
• Previously arranged plan in place for school field trips.

A parent/guardian or responsible adult must bring the medication to school to leave with the school nurse. If a parent or guardian would like his/her child to receive medication during school hours without oversight from a licensed prescriber in accordance with aforementioned guidelines, he or she has the option of coming to school to administer the treatment to his/her child at a predetermined time.

Students cannot carry any medication, without prior approval from the school nurse and the child's physician. Any student found carrying an over-the-counter medication or prescription medication will be sent to administration for disciplinary action.

Cough drops will not be permitted in school any longer due to the chocking hazard created by cough drops. Site based nurses will not provide cough drops to students. Students will not be permitted to bring cough drops into school from home. Students who require cough drops will require an order from their physician along with necessary medication forms on file in the nurse's office. Increasing fluid intake is the single most recommended treatment for coughs. If your child's cough is persistent, please contact your physician for medical advice and treatment.

Parent/guardian must return signed health history update form for the "standing order" medications to be administered in school. A Copy of the standing orders is sent home each fall with the emergency forms and health room questionnaires. If you have question or restriction regarding the standing orders, you must present them in writing to the school nurse.

• Field Trip Medication: must have required paperwork completed 3 days prior to departure. Proper dose of medication for the time away from school must be delivered to the school nurse 3 days prior to a scheduled field trip.

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PHYSICAL EXAMS

Physical exams are required for transfer students, preschool students, grades K, 4, 7 & 10 students, and yearly for students participating in high school sports. Every student should have a health care provider. If you do not have medical insurance to cover the cost of a physical exam, you should contact the school nurses office for information about state supported programs.

Yearly exams for participants in sports as listed in the MIAA regulations.

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SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSESSMENT

Students must be advised of this assessment and agree to it. This will be kept confidential.

SUMMER SCHOOL COURSES

The summer school program offers academic and enrichment courses beginning shortly after the close of school. Each course meets for two hours Monday through Friday for 6 weeks. The hours of summer school run from 8 AM to 12:15 PM during the 6-week period of operation. LHS students are allowed only 2 absences from classes as an attendance requirement.

LHS students must achieve a grade of 50% in courses taken during the school year in order to receive summer school make-up credit. Students who receive no credit (NC) due to the attendance policy may also make that credit up in summer school contingent upon achieving a grade of 50% in the course taken during the school year. Additionally, in order to obtain Ludlow High School credit, students must pass the summer school course and also pass the LHS final exam comparable to the one given for that course. If a student failed English 9, the student must have at least a 50% in that course to take it for credit and in order to earn that credit must pass the summer school course and must also pass the English 9 final comparable to the one given for that course in June.

Students who are granted approval by the principal to use outside institution courses a summer school option must meet the same eligibility requirements for LHS summer school attendance, i.e. 50% minimum average, etc. (see above).

No credit will be given for courses taken in summer school, which have not been previously taken during the regular school year. In extraordinary circumstances such as prolonged illness, (when a student has been unable to complete a course in which he/she has been doing satisfactory work for the greater part of the school year), special Permission may be given by the high school principal for the student to receive credit for summer school work.

In the event that a student goes to an approved institution to make up a course that he/she failed at Ludlow High School, he/she must be advised that Ludlow High School will give only the amount of credit that the failed course was worth. For example, if a student fails English literature, a 2 1/2 credit course, and makes the course up in summer school, only that number of credits will be given. Summer and evening school courses will be given a difficulty factor of two (2) in computing grade point average.

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USE OF THE LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER (LMC)

Hours

The library media center will be opened as follows:

Library hours will be posted on the main library door for all to see.

Access

Pre-sign program -- Students who would like to use the library during a DLT will pre-sign for that block in the library that day before school, between periods (excluding the period desired), or after school the previous day. Students pre-sign to remain in the library for the entire block and will receive a pass at the time of pre-signing.

Students will go directly to their DLT's at the beginning of the period and check in. The DLT teacher will sign and put the time of departure on the student's library pass received when he/she presigned. Upon entering the library, students must stamp their passes in the time clock at the circulation desk and sign in. Attendance will be taken and requires a valid ID. If a student remains in the library for the entire period, there will be no need to sign out. Names of students who have used the library that day will be posted in the main office at the end of each block and at the close of each school day for teacher verification.

Passes - In most cases, the presign system replaces the former pass system. However, school passes can be used as follows:

To ensure accurate time of arrival and departure from the library, students with passes will use a time clock placed at the circulation desk. Students must stamp their passes and sign in and out upon arrival and departure from the library.

1. Subject class time -- A student sent to the library during class time needs a school pass from his/her subject teacher of that period.
2. Accelerated Reader -- A student enrolled in the Accelerated Reader program that requires some extended time, but not a full period, to choose Accelerated Reader books may, upon the discretion of his/her English teacher, secure from that English teacher a school pass that stipulates "AR" to use during his DLT.
3. Plastic pass -- Students may use the school's "plastic pass" from a DLT for quick library transactions such as paying fines or returning books.
4. Lunch-Students who wish to use the LMC during their lunch blocks should pre-sign for the lunch periods they desire or secure a school pass as stated above.
5. After school-Passes are not required to use the LMC before or after school. ID's are required. Students must sign in and out as they do during the regular school day.
6. Permanent passes-Students with honor cards and long-term passes must present these special passes together with their ID when requested by library staff and must sign in and out as described above. National Honor Society (Pro Merito), and high honors students may obtain long-term passes to the LMC during their DLT's.

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Library Aides

The library aide program has been created to assist in copying material for students and routine work in the library under the supervision of the library paraprofessional. These students will receive one credit per year. Students in the program must be of good academic standing and be good school citizens.

Computer and Internet Use

Use of computers, technology, and the Internet in school is only for educational purposes as stated in the district's Technology Acceptable Use Policy.

Computers are for the use of individual students. In the instance where a student might need to conference with a fellow student regarding an assignment using the same computer, a request should be made to the adult at the circulation desk. If permission is granted, a second student may also use the same computer. There should never be more than two students using the same computer, except as designated by the teacher of a library class or adult library staff.

The LHS Student Handbook contains the district's Technology Acceptable Use Policy. By default, the Ludlow Public Schools provide content-filtered Internet access to all students. Parents may choose to withdraw their child's Internet access permission by annually filing a written request with the school's principal. (--Adapted from the Lion's Pride, October 2001, p. 2) The LMC's student Internet connection is available for student research; all other uses, including game playing, listening to music, and viewing non-educational materials, are not permitted and will result in the suspension of LMC computer and pre-sign privileges and possibly other disciplinary measures.

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LHS Library Media Center Web Site

You will find useful links on the Ludlow High School Library Media Center Web site at http://www.samnet.net/ludlowhs/lmc. Ludlow High School LMC's membership in the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System entitles LHS students to valuable Internet resources at home as well as at school. You may access from home the so designated links on the LMC Web site by following directions available either on the Web site or at the LMC.

Loan Periods

Students may check out three items unless given permission by the library media specialist to borrow more.

Most items can be borrowed for two weeks and renewed once. Items requested by another borrower cannot be renewed. Items placed on reserve do not circulate. Most reference books do not circulate; however, certain specially marked reference books with "HOME" on the card/ pocket and some periodicals may be borrowed for one week.

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Fines and Fees

The LMC supports the academic needs of a large community of users, often with similar requests, and prompt return of borrowed items is appreciated by all. Overdue materials are fined at the rate of five cents per school day for each item overdue; fines on reserved items increase to fifty cents per day per item. Payment for lost or damaged books will be assessed to reflect replacement costs. Lost or damaged date due cards, charge cards, barcodes, and pockets are assessed at $1.00 each. Minor damage as determined by the adult library staff is assessed at $2.00 per damage. Within a school year, should a student find and return a book for which he has paid the cost in full, he is entitled to a refund, minus the fine due, assessed as of the date he paid for the item.

Students will be held responsible for materials checked out in their names. A student has not officially returned an item until an adult LMC staff member processes it in. When returning borrowed materials, do not leave the LMC until you witness the adult staff member clearing you; otherwise, someone else might take your item while it is still in your name. Students owing money to the LMC will lose library media center borrowing privileges until debts are removed.

Students should assume their first due date notice is the one stamped on the date due card inserted into the borrowed item. Any outstanding debts for overdue, lost, or damaged materials, including fines and copy fees, will preclude a student's participation in extracurricular activities until cleared by the LMC and/or the office.

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Copies

Students may request copies at ten cents a copy and must complete a copy request form upon prepaying. While the library staff makes every effort to complete copies as soon as possible, students should allow 48-hour notice. Once requested, a student is financially responsible for any copies made to his/her specifications.

Individual and Group Study

The LMC is primarily a workroom for students and respects each student's right to a relatively quiet place in which to concentrate. Therefore, it is not to be used solely as a leisure-time discussion room. Quiet student conferencing for collaborative and group work is permitted in the library. However, with large numbers of students using the library, the noise level can quickly rise to unacceptable levels. Please be considerate of your fellow students, since everyone deserves a reasonably quiet atmosphere in which to do their work. Loud, disruptive conversation is not permitted. There are two tables in Al 05 reserved for silent work. The other tables will accommodate quiet student conferencing for collaborative and group work. Small-group study rooms may be used by a limited number of students with library staff permission.

Library Media Center rules will be strictly enforced and infractions will be addressed immediately.

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