Family Handbook

CONTACT INFORMATION

220 MIDDLEBROOKS AVENUE, TRUMBULL, CT 06611

• MAIN OFFICE: 203-452-4411
• NURSE'S OFFICE: 203-452-4412
• FAX: 203-452-4426

 

 

Trumbull Public Schools Website:   https://www.trumbullps.org/

Middlebrook Elementary School Website: http://mes.trumbullps.org

School District Calendar: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1707419159/trumbullpsorg/siy5brorvksvzos53j75/24-25.pdf

 

SCHOOL HOURS:

• REGULAR DAY
  • ARRIVAL: 8:35 a.m. (doors open at 8:20 a.m.)
  • DISMISSAL: 3:30 p.m. (car pickup begins at 3:15p.m.)
• EARLY CLOSING
  • DISMISSAL: 1:00p.m.
• DELAYED OPENING ARRIVAL TIMES
  • ​​​​​​​90 minute delay - 10:05a.m.
  • 2 hour delay - 10:35a.m.
  • 2 1/2 hour dealy - 11:05a.m.

 

 

 

 

MIDDLEBROOK STAFF LIST 2024-2025

 Principal: Debbie Ponte

Assistant Principal: Michele Molloy

School Year Secretary: Dawn Vega Garcia 

School Secretary: Silvana Wilczek 

PPS Clerk: Colleen Schexnaildre

School Nurse: Jeanne Hoggatt

School Security: Keith Golding

School Staff Directory:  https://mes.trumbullps.org/directory

 

Middlebrook School Important Information

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS FOR STUDENTS: 

It is essential that you inform us immediately if you change your home, work, or cell phone numbers or if you change your email address. Unlisted or unpublished phone numbers are always kept confidential and will never be given out without your prior approval.  

The school office should also have the name of a person to contact in case of any emergency when you cannot be reached. It is essential that this information is current. Therefore, if the person you have identified moves, changes a phone number, etc., please notify us so that we can keep our records current.  

NOTIFICATION ABOUT EMERGENCY CHANGES TO THE SCHOOL SCHEDULE:

You will be notified by email, phone, and/or text message about emergency changes in the school schedule.  If your contact information has changed, reach out to the school office and provide the secretary with your updated information so you will continue to receive these emergency messages.  

In addition to these emergency messages, changes in the school schedule will also be broadcast on local radio stations (WICC) 600 AM and WEZN (100 FM) and will be posted on the Trumbull Public Schools website at www.trumbullps.org.   If you prefer, you can register at www.ctweather.com for this information.  

ABSENCES:

It is the responsibility of a parent/guardian to report his/her child’s absence to the school by contacting the school office prior to 9:00 a.m. by:

• Telephoning the school secretary or school nurse and leaving a message (203-452-4411); or

• Emailing the school secretary or school nurse (DVegaga@trumbullps.org or hoggattj@trumbullps.org).

For absences one (1) through nine (9) in a school year, a student’s absences from school are considered excused when the student’s parent/guardian approves such absence and submits appropriate documentation, based on the Trumbull Public Schools attendance policy; Attendance Grades K-8

For the tenth (10th) absence and all absences thereafter in a school year, a student’s absences from school are considered excused for the following reasons only:  student illness if verified by an appropriately licensed medical professional; student’s observance of a religious holiday; death in the student’s family or other emergency beyond the control of the student’s family; mandated court appearance if supported by appropriate additional documentation; the lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the student attends; or extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by District administrators in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidelines.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

The Connecticut General Statutes, Sections 10-184, 10-186, and 10-210, require students over five (5) and under eighteen (18) years of age to attend school on a regular basis. The primary responsibility for adherence to regular attendance rests with the student’s parent/guardian and the individual student. The District will comply with Connecticut State Statutes related to compulsory school attendance.

Attendance Grades K-8

Regular attendance is crucial if you want your child to be successful in school. It is virtually impossible for a child to make up learning that takes place when he or she is absent frequently.  Frequent absences create gaps in learning that prevent a child from mastering new content. It is also important for your child to arrive on time to school each day. When he or she is late, it starts the day in a hurried manner and disrupts learning for the rest of the students in class. 

If you need to make doctor or dentist appointments for your child, please do so after school hours. If you are planning a family vacation, please schedule it during the school breaks in December, February (long weekend) and April.  The Trumbull Public Schools does not condone vacations during school time and staff is not required to provide work for students on vacation.  

Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will be participating in state testing in the spring. Since these are state mandated, high stake tests, it is important that your child be in school during this test window. It is also important that your child arrives on time. If a child arrives once testing has begun, he or she cannot enter the classroom until the test session is complete. If you are scheduling doctor and dentist appointments for your child, please do not schedule them during this test window.

MORNING ARRIVAL

• Students arrive beginning at 8:20 AM. Supervision begins at 8:20 when the doors open. If you need child care before 8:20 please contact the TLC Before and After School Program (203-452-9626). If a student comes to school for prearranged extra help, the teacher will meet the student and open the door. The same is true for parent/teacher meetings.

• The bell rings at 8:35 AM. Please help your children arrive at school on time.  It is very disruptive to all student learning when children arrive late. Late students must stop at the office and be checked in before going to their classrooms.  Office personnel will mark the child tardy and ensure the child finds the class. Classes may be testing or out at specials, and we need to monitor these situations.

• Car drop-off on the side circle begins at 8:20.  For the safety of both the children and driver, we ask that drivers not exit their vehicles.  Also, drivers should not pass other drivers.  Please have your child exit the car on the passenger side.  We realize some of our students are in car seats, so we have adults in the drop-off circle to help open doors and help children exit, if needed. 

**If you choose to drive your child to school or walk your child to the door, you must park across from the drop off circle on Granite Place where a crossing guard is stationed.  You may NOT pull into the school lot and park during this time.  

• Student Walkers:

Students who walk to school should only cross Middlebrooks Avenue where a crossing guard is stationed.  Walkers will enter through the side school entrance by TLC. Please remember students should not enter the building until 8:20 a.m., as we do not have staff to supervise them prior to this time. 

• For safety reasons, parents cannot escort their children to classrooms. If a student needs assistance, someone in the office will help. Dropping into classrooms is not allowed. It is disruptive to the teaching/learning process and for security reasons is not allowed. If you need to speak to your child’s teacher, please call and make an appointment, or send an email requesting a meeting.

• Please help your children by making sure all school materials (i.e. lunch money, dismissal notes, homework, glasses) are placed in backpacks the night before and are labeled with the child’s name.  We will be working on minimizing class disruptions by asking students to refrain from calling home for items after the school day has begun.  In addition, it really helps your child when he/she knows clear dismissal plans each day.

 

DISMISSAL

CAR PICK UP

Car pick up students are called to the side circle pick up area.  The pickup/drop off circle is a one way traffic lane. Please stay to the right as you enter and leave. If you are picking up your child, please be sure you have the grade level color coded sign distributed by the school with your child’s name displayed on the passenger dashboard.  Each year new signs are distributed so be sure to use the most current sign which you will receive on Monday, August 28th at Meet the Teacher. Parents remain in the car.  Staff will call the student and escort your child to the car.    

We encourage students to ride the bus to and from school as our drop off and pick up line gets very backed up on the street causing a lot of traffic.  

PERMANENT DISMISSAL PLAN:

If there is a change to your child’s permanent dismissal plan (completed via hard copy emailed in your summer packet), you must write a note indicating what your child’s dismissal plan will be for the day.  If your child is registered for an after-school enrichment program, he or she will be dismissed to the program unless a note is provided with a change of dismissal. Students who regularly ride the bus need a note if there is a change in dismissal. If there is no note and parents cannot be reached, students are automatically sent home on the bus. Unless there is an emergency, please do not call the office with changes in dismissal plans. The office is very busy during the day and it is very challenging to accommodate all the parent calls regarding changes in dismissal plans. 

MISSED BUS AT DISMISSAL:

If your child misses the bus at dismissal time, the office staff will call you to arrange for transportation.  Your child must wait in the office until you or your designee arrives. We never dismiss a child to anyone we do not know or to a person who cannot provide proper identification.  

ALTERNATE SAFE DESTINATION: 

There could be times when your child arrives home before you do. In anticipation of this possibility, you should create a plan and then explain the plan to your child so he or she will know exactly what to do if this situation arises. It will be helpful to make prior arrangements with a neighbor/friend who lives in close proximity to you so they can greet your child and care for him/her until you return. Planning now can help avoid a problem later. Please Note: Kindergarten students will not be allowed to exit the bus without a parent or approved adult to receive them. If no one is there to receive the Kindergarten student, they will be returned to school. 

PLANNED EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS:  

During the course of the year, students are dismissed early for holidays, parent conferences and teacher in-service days. These are considered legal days and the dismissal time for these days will be 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served on these planned early dismissal days. 

 

SUPERVISION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Students should not be on school grounds without parental supervision before 8:20 or after 3:35.  Please do not bring students back to school after 3:35 for forgotten items, as there is no staff available to escort you to classrooms or supervise children.

EARLY PICK UP

Teachers plan lessons up to preparation for dismissal, so PLEASE do not pick up your children early unless absolutely necessary.  We greatly appreciate your efforts to plan appointments with this in mind. 

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Trumbull Public Schools has a Transportation Office that can be reached at 203-452-4321.  Parents can contact this department for the day-to-day business of transporting students to and from school.  Children must ride their assigned bus and are prohibited from using the bus as transportation for “play dates”. Parents may not get on their child’s bus for safety reasons. Student conduct on school provided transportation is viewed as an extension of the school day.  School transportation privileges are extended to students conditional upon their satisfactory behavior on the bus. This privilege may be suspended due to misconduct. Please refer to the policy. Student Standard of Conduct. 

 

CAFETERIA/LUNCH

We have a “no sharing food” rule in our school.   We strongly encourage healthy foods for snacks and lunch. Breakfast and lunch are served everyday.

BACK TO SCHOOL 2024/2025 Breakfast/Lunch INFORMATION 

• Our school’s nutrition staff looks forward to welcoming students back to school! We will continue serving healthy school meals to fuel our students for success. 

• During the 2024-2025 school year, breakfast and lunch will be available to each student. A la carte items will also be available for an additional charge.  You can send a check to deposit money in your child’s account or you can set up an account at MySchoolBucks.com.  

• The cost for school meals for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:

Elementary School Breakfast= $2.50     Elementary School Lunch = $3.30

• Parents can still complete a 2024-2025 Application for Free and Reduced-price School Meals, which may offer other benefits. Applications are available on the Trumbull Public Schools website, as well as the weekly menus at https://www.trumbullps.org.  If you have a question please call the Food Services office at 203-452-4500

 

CAFETERIA SEATING AND BEHAVIOR

• Students are expected to follow the PAWS rules in the cafeteria:

• Sit at your assigned table

• Walk and sit safely 

  • hands by your side

  • feet under the table

  • two hands on your tray

• Follow procedures in cafeteria line

• Use an inside voice

• Use appropriate language

• Listen to directions from the cafeteria aides

• Be respectful

• Handle food properly and do not touch another student’s food

• Clean up at the table

• Respect school property

• Proper use of the restrooms during lunch time

Students with any known allergies may sit at the allergan free table.  Please contact our school nurse to make arrangements or develop a plan. For more information about Food Management, see Food Allergy Management

 CLASSROOM SCHEDULES:

Your child’s academic schedule varies according to his or her grade level; however, all students participate in math and language arts classes daily as well as social studies and science on most days. Students also have two thirty-minute periods of music and physical education each week, thirty minutes of library and one-hour period of art each week. 

BIRTHDAYS

Student birthdays are announced by the office and receive a birthday pencil. Please do not send any food treats to celebrate your child’s birthday. Check with the teacher for other options.  Birthday invitations can be distributed only if the entire class is invited. Based on student privacy policies, we cannot share class lists with addresses and phone numbers.  

SNACKS:  

Teachers will provide time for a snack each day. Since snack time is limited, please send only one healthy food item such as cheese, vegetables or fruit and a small drink, preferably water.

RECESS:  

Students in grades K-5 will have recess daily. Weather permitting, students will have recess outdoors. Be sure to send your child to school with a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat from the late fall through the winter months.  If there is snow on the ground, please be sure your child wears boots. We use the Child Care Weather Watch Chart as a guideline in determining if indoor recess is necessary. 

COMMUNICATION:  

We urge you to contact your child’s teacher when issues arise. Our experience shows very clearly that the most expedient and satisfactory solutions are achieved by direct contact between the parent and the teacher.  If you are puzzled, worried or concerned about some aspects of our school program or policies or about your child’s school experience, tell the teacher. In the vast majority of cases, the parent and teacher will achieve a mutually satisfying solution. If necessary, the assistant principal or principal will be happy to assist.  Here is the appropriate chain of communication you should follow when issues arise: Teacher 🡪Assistant Principal/Principal 🡪Superintendent of Schools 🡪Board of Education  Parent/Guardian Complaint Policy

COMMUNICATION WITH THE CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND SPECIALISTS: 

If you need to speak with your child’s teacher or a specialist, call the office (452-4411) and leave a message for the teacher or e-mail the teacher directly. You will find the staff email addresses on our website and a link in this handbook. You should receive a response within 24 hours.

LOST AND FOUND 

There are two wooden bins in the cafeteria that hold lost items. Please check these bins periodically.  To ensure your child gets clothing back, please label all items with your child’s name.

NEWSLETTERS:  

Our school weekly newsletters will be communicated electronically.  It will also be posted on our website, http://mes.trumbullps.org. These newsletters contain important information about upcoming school events, resources that are available to parents and students, parenting suggestions, and tips about ways you can help your child become a better student. 

WEBSITES:

• http://mes.trumbullps.org 

Our school website contains valuable information such as a schedule of events of the year, a staff directory with a link to teacher email addresses and websites, the current issue and back issues of Middlebrook’s weekly update, as well as other important information about our school.

• www.trumbullps.org

This is the district website and it also contains valuable information about the various schools in the district, curriculum, district policies, the school lunch program, as well as Board of Education agendas, meeting dates, and minutes.

 

PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES:  

Conferences are an opportunity for teachers and parents to share important information about students.  We urge you to attend.  Please make alternative arrangements for children during conferences.  Supervision is not available during these times.  Information will be available on how to sign up for a conference as the dates get closer.  Here are the conference dates for this school year:

Fall:

• October 22, 2024: Afternoon Conferences Grades PreK-5
• October 24, 2024: Afternoon Conferences Grades PreK-8
• November 7, 2024: Evening Conferences PreK-5

Spring:

• March 13, 2025: Afternoon/Evening Conferences PreK-5

 

Beyond set conference days, parents may call for teacher conferences any time during the school year.  Please do not try to meet with a teacher without an appointment. Arrival and dismissal times are busy times and not conducive to proper communication.  Teachers are focused on the safe arrival /dismissal of their students at these times.

P.B.I.S: 

Middlebrook students follow P.A.W.S. As part of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports system our students are taught the meaning of the acronym P.A.W.S.  This gives a consistent set of guidelines for us to respectfully function as a greater school community. Students are taught to display the traits:  We Promise to: Act responsibly, Work with heart and Show respect.

PUBLISHED STUDENT IMAGES/MEDIA COVERAGE

Throughout the year there are a variety of activities in the classroom and sponsored by our PTA where students may be photographed.  These images are routinely displayed or shown in a variety of settings including, but not limited to staff meetings, bulletin boards, weekly SMORE newsletter and the school’s website.  For those who do not want their child videotaped/photographed you must send in a written request to the principal.  We ask that parents exercise safety in terms of video and photographic material.  We ask parents to not take pictures/videos while visiting school or during school hours, as we need to protect our students’ privacy rights.

REPORT CARDS: 

Your child’s report card will also provide valuable information about your child.  Report cards will be posted to the Parent Portal three times during the school year: December, March, and the last day of school. Hard copies are not sent home. 

SAFETY: 

Doors are locked while school is in session. Please never pass a door to someone behind you. When visiting the building you must show an appropriate picture ID, sign in to the red kiosk to receive a name badge, and report to the security officer. Staff will clear your movement to a classroom after a teacher has given permission for you to enter. Please be patient and wait in the office area with cell phones silenced. 

 

TRUMBULL PUBLIC SCHOOL ALERT SYSTEM: 

Emergency Terms - In the event of an emergency at your child’s school, it is important to know these terms:

• Lockdown - A lockdown takes place if an internal threat is identified at the school.  All school doors are locked and students are confined to classrooms.  No entry into or exit from the school will be allowed.
• Stay-Put – A stay-put takes place if an external threat is identified at the school.  All school doors are locked; however, movement within the school may be limited or permitted.  Entry or exit from the school will be controlled.
• Extreme Weather – Students take refuge in designated areas to protect them from hazardous materials or severe weather.  Entry or exit from the school will be controlled. 
• Reunification - In the event of certain building emergencies, students will be relocated to an appropriate evacuation assembly area. 

SPECIAL RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND STUDENTS:

CHILD FIND:  If you are concerned about your child’s development or suspect that your child may be experiencing a problem with speech, hearing, language, vision, movement, behavior, socialization or learning, please contact Trumbull Public Schools at 452-4504.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST AND SOCIAL WORKER:  

The school psychologist and social worker are available to assist children and families in matters pertaining to children’s success in school and family issues.  Confidentiality is always respected.  Any family wishing to speak to either Lindsay Lee (school psychologist) or Meghan Doyle (school social worker) should call 452-4411.

TOYS/PERSONAL ITEMS:  

Toys and electronic games are not allowed at school, this includes collectible cards such as Pokemon. If a child brings an item to school please note that our school is not responsible if it gets lost or broken. With advance special permission from the classroom teacher a student may bring an item to share during “share time.” The item should be immediately returned to the child’s backpack and go home the same day. 

MONEY AT SCHOOL:

Payments for PTA items/Lunch should be cashless whenever possible. If you must send cash or a check please be sure it is in a sealed envelope clearly labeled with the child’s name, teacher and purpose. 

VISITORS / VOLUNTEERS: 

Visitors/Volunteers are always welcome at Middlebrook. Anyone coming into Middlebrook classrooms and having direct contact with the children, must complete the Volunteer Form: Volunteer Forms

This is required for volunteering at any event during the school day, (ex. field trips, classroom events, book fairs, field day, book reading). Please submit the form to the Middlebrook office. Thank you as always for your time and commitment. We welcome visitors however please note any visits to the classroom must be scheduled ahead of time and should be made with the purpose to enhance instruction. Please do not hold the door for someone behind you as each person must be checked in individually.

MIDDLEBROOK HEALTH SERVICES AND GUIDELINES

HEALTH CARE:

Health Rooms are staffed by Registered Nurses daily. Services include: 

• Assessment of the ill and injured

• First Aid to the ill and injured 

• Prevention, control and tracking of communicable diseases 

• Immunization review to insure state compliance; CT state law immunization requirements can be found at: School Immunization Requirements

• Exemptions from required immunizations are granted for medical reasons certified by a physician with proper documentation. Contact the school nurse with questions.

• Health Screenings based on grade level; color deficiency, vision, hearing, scoliosis

• Maintain student health records 

• Coordinate chronic health condition management 

• Connect school community with health resources

• Medication administration with physician authorization form completed by both physician AND parent (for both prescribed AND over the counter medication). Over the counter medication must be in the original, unopened container, prescribed medication must have a current prescription label with child's name, medication name, physician's name, and administration directions clearly marked on the container. All medication must be brought to school by an adult.

GUIDELINES:

Please use the following guidelines to prevent the spread of infection and illness in the school environment. Keep your students at home for:

• Fever (temperature of 100 degrees or over- must be fever free for 24 hours without medication in order to return to school)

• Nausea &/or Vomiting in the last 24 hours

• Sore throat persisting longer than 2 days

• Persistent coughing

• Red, inflamed, swollen eyes with discharge

• Persistent rash that is not allergy related

 

The following are suggested guidelines for the protection of the health of your child and for the other children in school:

• If your child is ill during the night or complains of stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches in the morning, please DO NOT send him/her to school to see the nurse. Keep him/her home.  

• The school nurse (or in her absence, the principal or a designated teacher) may administer medication to a student ONLY with the written authorization of the attending physician and the written permission of the child’s parent or legal guardian.  No exceptions will be made. 

• You should notify the nurse if your child is taking any medications on a regular basis.  If the medication or the dosage is changed, you should also notify her of these changes.  This is a safety precaution in case your child experiences any side effects from the medication.

• If you expect your child to be absent from school, you must notify the absentee line by phone at 452-4411.  Remember, if your child is absent, he or she cannot attend after school activities or evening events at Middlebrook that take place on the day of your child’s absence.

• Injuries that occur at home cannot be treated by the school nurse.  

• All pupils are required to be immunized by CT state law against polio, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, Hep A, Hep B, varicella, age appropriate hib, pneumococcal, and flu.  A student may be exempt from the requirements if the parent presents a certificate from the physician certifying that these immunizations would not be prudent because of health reasons.

PHYSICALS: 

The Trumbull Board of Education requires all pupils to have a physical health assessment when entering school and in grades three, six, and nine.  If you have any questions regarding this, please contact the school nurse at 452-4412.  

ACCIDENTS, ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION, SUDDEN ILLNESS, HEALTH ASSESSMENTS AND IMMUNIZATIONS

School Nurses are employees of the Town of Trumbull Department of Nursing Services.  They are guided by expectations and policies set under TPS, Trumbull Health Department and the Department of Nursing Services.

The following TPS policies guide their actions:

• Accidents and Sudden Illnesses Occurring in Schools
• Administration of Medication by School Personnel 
• Health Assessments and Immunizations

 

DISTRICT POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

For a full list of all policies, please visit Trumbull Board of Education Policies

For your convenience, some of the frequently accessed policy links have been highlighted specifically are below:  

• ATTENDANCE GRADES K-8
• BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) AND PROTOCOL FOR THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS
• BULLYING PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
• FIRE SAFETY CRISIS RESPONSE AND AUTHORITY IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
• FIELD TRIPS 
• FOOD ALLERGY MANAGEMENT

 

DISTRICT POLICIES AND REGULATIONS CONTINUED

• HAZING
• HOMEWORK
• INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
• NON-DISCRIMINATION IN INSTRUCTION/CLASSROOM 
• PAY TO PARTICIPATE
• REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
• SELECTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS 
• SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment of Students and Personnel  Sexual harassment will not be tolerated among students of the Trumbull Public Schools, and any form of sexual harassment is forbidden, whether by students, supervisory or non-supervisory personnel, individuals under contract, or volunteers in the schools. Students shall exhibit conduct which is respectful and courteous to employees, to fellow students, and to the public. 
• STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES
• STUDENT DATA PROTECTION
• STUDENT STANDARD OF CONDUCT
• STUDENT DRESS CODE
• STUDENT USE and POSSESSION OF SMOKING PRODUCTS, TOBACCO PRODUCTS, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 
• STUDENT NETWORK/INTERNET USE
• FEDERAL POLICIES AND ACTS:
  • TITLE VI (Civil Rights Act of 1964) – prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin) for violations call the Superintendent at 452-4301.
  • TITLE IX (Education Amendments of 1972 – sex equity/prohibits discrimination in education programs or activities) – for violations call the Superintendent at 452-4301. 
  • SECTION 504 – (Rehabilitation Act of 1973) – prohibits discrimination on the basis of a handicap – for violations call the Director of Special Education at 452-4352.

 

TRUMBULL PUBLIC SCHOOLS CODE OF CONDUCT DISCIPLINARY CHART

PREFACE

This policy provides only a summary of the rules governing student disciplinary procedures used in the Trumbull Public Schools, and is based upon the policies of the Trumbull Board of Education.  The Code of Conduct Disciplinary Chart provides a clear, concise description of student offenses, penalties, and procedures for handling disciplinary problems. However, it is virtually impossible to anticipate every type of infraction. Therefore, the Administration reserves the right to address any other infractions not specified in this chart. All disciplinary actions need to reflect the Administration’s ability to use best practices and professional judgment under the recognized disciplinary administrative due process guidelines. A copy of the policies of the Trumbull Board of Education, including this policy, can be viewed at the office of the Superintendent of Schools, in the main office at each school and online at www.trumbullps.org. Students are held responsible for their actions and for compliance with both this policy and the policies of the Trumbull Board of Education.

In the Trumbull Public Schools, the following chart shall be used in determining the appropriate disciplinary consequence for a given violation of Board policy. Parents/guardians, staff, and students are hereby notified that the appropriate consequence will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and that, depending on the situation, the severity of the offense, the student’s level of involvement, the student’s prior record for discipline, academics, and attendance, and the level of cooperation exhibited by the student at the time of the investigation, the consequence may vary within these guidelines. The Administration and the Trumbull Board of Education reserve the right to impose disciplinary consequences up to and including expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense.

Repeat infractions or a course of conduct in any of the categories will result in more severe disciplinary action, including possible expulsion, which may include referral to school and community resources. Where appropriate, guidance counselors or other support staff will be actively involved in all cases. Chronic or particular offenses, in conjunction with administrative review of the student’s record, may cause a student to be referred to the Early Intervention Team, PPT/IEP Team. §504 Team, or a Student Assistance Team (SAT) for review of the student’s need for additional types of assistance and in extreme cases be recommended for expulsion from school.

SALE/DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS / WEAPONS POSSESSION

Students and parents/guardians are hereby notified that, pursuant to State law, students who offer a controlled substance for sale or distribution either on or off school grounds, students who are found in possession of a firearm, deadly weapon, or dangerous instrument on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, and students who are found to have used a weapon in the commission of a crime either on or off school grounds must be brought before an impartial hearing officer or an impartial hearing board, as provided by State Statute, for an expulsion hearing. If the student is found to have committed one of these offenses, the student will be expelled from school for one full calendar year, provided that the impartial hearing officer or impartial hearing board may modify the period of expulsion on a case-by-case basis. In addition, it is the policy and practice of the Trumbull Public Schools for the Administration to recommend the immediate expulsion of any student in grades three to twelve, inclusive, found in possession of and/or using a controlled substance on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, including transportation.

 

SECTION I

RESPECT FOR ORDERLY TEACHING/LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

EXAMPLES OF CONDUCT REQUIRING DISCIPLINE	DISCIPLINE OPTIONS
Attire Inconsistent with Teaching/Learning Environment (Student Dress: Policy Code 5132)	Teacher intervention Administrative notification Parent/guardian notification Change of attire Refer to counselor or support staff	Detention  Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension
Bringing Unauthorized Visitors to School	Teacher intervention                              Administrative/Security notification        Visitor must leave Student is given a warning Parent/guardian notification	Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension
Cafeteria Misbehavior	Teacher/Security/Administrator intervention Change seat location                               Removal from lunch room Detention                                              Parent/guardian notification	Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension and loss of cafeteria privileges for one week
Cutting Class	Teacher intervention                               Administrative notification                        Refer to counselor or support staff             Detention Parent/guardian notification	Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)            Consider alternate placement     1-5 day in-school suspension        1-10 day out-of-school suspension
Disruption of the Educational Process	Teacher intervention                                   Security intervention                                             Parent/guardian Notification  Administrative notification                         Detention                                                     Refer to counselor or support staff              Consider alternate setting	Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)       1-5 day in-school suspension    1-10 day out-of-school suspension  Expulsion possible Possible Police referral
Failure to Serve Detention	Teacher intervention                               Multiple Detentions    Administrative notification Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension
Failure to Serve In-School Suspension	Teacher intervention Parent/guardian notification	1-10 day out-of-school suspension

Gambling	Teacher intervention                                  Security notification                                   Parent/guardian notification Administrative notification                        Refer to counselor or support staff	Written/verbal warning 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Possible Police referral
Inappropriate Physical Contact	Teacher intervention                                   Security intervention                                   Parent/guardian Notification Administrative notification                         Refer to counselor or support staff        Consider alternate setting	Detention   Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible
Leaving School without Permission	Teacher intervention                                   Administrative notification   Security notification                                    Parent/guardian notification                        Refer to counselor or support staff	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension   Possible Police Referral
Loitering/No Hallway Pass	Teacher intervention                               Administrative/Security notification     1 detention  Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension
Possession of and Use of Electronic Devices (Policy Code 6141.328)	Teacher intervention                                   Confiscation (to be returned to parent)         Parent/guardian Notification	Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-5 day in-school suspension for repeated offenses
Tardiness to Class/Homeroom (Attendance Grades K-8: Policy Code 5113.1; High School Attendance/Loss of Credit: Policy Code 5113)	Teacher intervention                               Parent/guardian notification   Administrative notification                         Detention	Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)   1-5 day in-school suspension Potential loss of course credit
Tardiness to School (Attendance Grades K-8: Policy Code 5113.1; High School Attendance/Loss of Credit: Policy Code 5113)	Teacher intervention                               Verbal warning                                                Administrative notification     Parent/guardian notification /conference         Refer to social worker                                      Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Possible Juvenile Court referral Potential loss of course credit

Trespassing

Teacher intervention                                    Parent/guardian notification Administrative notification      Security notification       Request to leave

Warning                 Written/verbal warning       Possible Police referral Recommend arrest

 

Truancy from School (Attendance Grades K-8: Policy Code 5113.1; High School Attendance/Loss of Credit: Policy Code 5113)

Teacher intervention                                    Parent/guardian notification                         Administrative conference    Refer to social worker

Referral to DCF Follow State Statutes Possible Juvenile Court referral Possible loss of course credit

 

SECTION II

SAFETY, FREEDOM FROM FEAR

EXAMPLES OF CONDUCT REQUIRING DISCIPLINE	DISCIPLINE OPTIONS
Arson, False Alarm, Bomb Threat	Administrative notification Police/Fire Marshal referral Refer to counselor or support staff	Parent/guardian notification  10-day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Police/Fire report submitted
Assault, Hazing, Bullying (Bullying and Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Intervention: Policy Code 5131.911; Hazing: Policy Code 5131.91)	Teacher intervention Administrative notification Parent/guardian notification Refer to counselor or support staff	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension   Expulsion possible Possible Police referral
Bus Misbehavior (Student Conduct on School Buses: Policy Code 5131.1)	Teacher/Coach/Administrative intervention                               Verbal warning Written warning Assigned seat Detention Parent/guardian notification  1-5 day in-school suspension	Suspension or revocation of bus privileges 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Consider expulsion from bus/school Possible Police referral
Fighting	Teacher intervention                                   Security notification Parent/guardian Notification Administrative notification Refer to counselor or support staff	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Possible Police referral
Gang Colors, Decoration, or Attire	Teacher intervention                               Parent/guardian notification   Administrative notification     Security notification                     Student required to change inappropriate attire	Refer to counselor or support staff 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension
Intimidation/Instigation	Teacher intervention                               Administrative notification     Security notification Parent/guardian notification /conference         Refer to counselor or support staff	Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)             1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Potential Police referral
Smoking/Tobacco Products and/or Possession of Lighters and Matches (Student No Smoking and Tobacco Products Use: Policy Code 5116)	Teacher intervention                                    Administrative notification      Parent/guardian notification Refer to counselor or support staff Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Potential Police referral
Threats	Teacher intervention                                    Administrative notification      Parent/guardian notification Refer to counselor or support staff Psychological evaluation, if deemed necessary	1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Potential Police referral  Expulsion possible
Using, Selling, Possessing, Distributing Controlled Substances: Alcohol, Drugs, or Paraphernalia	Please see Drug and Alcohol: Drug and Alcohol Use or Possession by Students, Policy Code 6164.11, for Summarization of Administrative Regulations	Parent/guardian notification
Weapon Possession and/or Facsimile or Replica (including fireworks)	Administrative notification Police/Fire Marshal referral Refer to counselor or support staff	Parent/guardian notification  10-day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible

SECTION III : RESPECT AND COURTESY EXAMPLES OF CONDUCT REQUIRING DISCIPLINE DISCIPLINE OPTIONS Cheating/Lying/Plagiarism (Refer to Trumbull High School Academic Honesty Handbook) Teacher intervention Administrative notification Parent/guardian notification Possible grade reduction Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) Possible loss of credit 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Harassment Teacher intervention Administrative notification Parent/guardian notification Refer to counselor or support staff          Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension   Expulsion possible Possible Police referral                   Insubordination Teacher intervention                               Parent/guardian notification  Refer to counselor or support staff Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-5 day in-school suspension  1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Racial or Other Discriminatory Slurs Teacher intervention                               Administrative notification    Parent/guardian notification   Refer to counselor or support staff  1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Possible Police referral Refusal to Identify Self When Asked Teacher intervention                               Parent/guardian notification    Administrative/Security notification     Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)            1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Sexual Harassment (Policy Code 5131.4) Teacher intervention                                    Administrative notification      Parent/guardian notification Detention (Elementary) Refer to counselor or support staff 1-10 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Potential Police referral      Expulsion possible                                     Swearing; Obscene, Vulgar, Abusive, Inflammatory, or Disrespectful Language, Gestures, Attire, or Behavior Teacher intervention                                   Administrative notification Parent/guardian Notification Refer to counselor or support staff Student required to change inappropriate attire Saturday Morning Detention (HS only) 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Possible Police referral Verbal or Gestural Abuse toward Staff Teacher intervention                                    Administrative notification      Parent/guardian notification Refer to counselor or support staff 1-10 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible                                           SECTION IV: RESPECT FOR PERSONAL AND PUBLIC PROPERTY   EXAMPLES OF CONDUCT REQUIRING DISCIPLINE DISCIPLINE OPTIONS Criminal Mischief/Graffiti Security notification Restitution required Parent/guardian notification 1-10 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Police report submitted Littering Teacher intervention Administrative notification Security notification Parent/guardian notification Clean-up, removal Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)  1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension   Possible Police referral                   Tampering with School Records Teacher intervention          Administrative notification                      Parent/guardian notification  1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Possible Police referral Theft or Possession of Stolen Goods Teacher intervention      Restitution required                          Administrative notification    Security notification Parent/guardian notification   Detention (Elementary) 1-10 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Possible Police referral Throwing Objects Teacher intervention      Administrative notification                          Parent/guardian notification    Verbal warning Saturday Morning Detention (HS only)             Detention (Elementary) 1-5 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible Possible Police referral Vandalism Teacher intervention         Clean-up, restitution                            Administrative notification      Parent/guardian notification 1-10 day in-school suspension 1-10 day out-of-school suspension Expulsion possible                                     Potential Police referral

 

TRUMBULL PUBLIC SCHOOLS NETWORK/INTERNET USE AGREEMENT  

SUMMARY STATEMENT

The following Summary Statement is provided to explain principles of the Trumbull Board of Education Policy 6141.321, “Student Network/Internet Use.” The full policy is posted on the Trumbull Public Schools website and is also available at the District and school offices.

The District provides access to its computer networks and the Internet for educational purposes only. If there is any doubt on the part of a user about whether a contemplated activity is educational, the activity should not be engaged in until the Principal or his/her designee makes a determination as to its instructional value.

The use of the network/Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use may result in the denial or withdrawal of access, and the user may be subject to additional disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension and/or expulsion.

The user is responsible for all of his/her actions and activities involving the network/Internet. Examples of user responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Keeping all accounts and passwords confidential.

• Logging on with your own user id and password.

• Logging off when leaving a machine.

• Using a computer and/or personal electronic device only with teacher permission and supervision.

• Taking precautions to prevent computer viruses.

Examples of prohibited conduct involving the network/Internet include but are not limited to:

• Using Trumbull’s instructional network or Internet access for commercial business use, political or religious advocacy purposes, or to execute a commercial transaction not related to school business.

• Accessing materials inappropriate for minors (i.e., those that are obscene, pornographic, harmful to minors, etc.).

• Violating the law or encouraging others to do so.

• Causing harm to others or damaging others’ property (e.g., defamation, using another’s password, misrepresenting oneself as another, uploading a harmful form of programming or vandalism, participating in “hacking” activities, etc.).

• Jeopardizing the security of outside networks on the Internet.

• Sending material critical of or which may be threatening or harassing to school administrators, teachers, staff, students, or anyone associated with the school District, or using the network or Internet to threaten or harass others.

• Disclosing personal information about oneself or another student.

• Intentionally bypassing Internet filters.

 

**Please SIGN AND RETURN to Middlebrook Elementary**

Trumbull Public Schools NETWORK/INTERNET USE AGREEMENT 2024-2025

Acknowledgment of Receipt

By signing below, I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Trumbull Public Schools Summary Statement provided to explain principles of the Trumbull Board of Education Policy 6141.321, “Student Network/Internet Use.” Additional Board policies related to District network/Internet use are Policy 6141.323, “Internet Filtering,” and 6141.328, “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Protocol for the Use of Technology in the Schools.” All policies are posted on the Trumbull Public Schools website and are also available at the District and school offices.

As a user of the Trumbull Public Schools computer network, I hereby agree to comply with the guidelines as set forth in the Summary Statement, as well as the regulations of Board Policy 6141.321.

Student Signature _________________________________________________________

As the parent or legal guardian of the minor student signing above, I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Trumbull Public Schools Summary Statement provided to explain principles of the Trumbull Board of Education Policy 6141.321, “Student Network/Internet Use.” I have reviewed these with my child and understand what is acceptable use of the District network/Internet. I understand that individuals and families may be held responsible for inappropriate use of the District network/Internet and that any unacceptable District network/internet conduct is unacceptable and result in the termination of access and possible disciplinary action as indicated by State Statute, Board Policy, and the Standard of Conduct. I am aware that some material on the Internet may be objectionable and that reasonable effort on the part of the District has been made to filter such material. I accept responsibility for guiding Internet use by setting and conveying standards for my son or daughter to follow when selecting, sharing, or exploring information and media, and release the Trumbull Public Schools and its members, employees, and agents from any claims in connection with use of the District Network or the Internet. I understand that the Trumbull Public Schools is not liable for any personal electronic device lost, stolen, or damaged on school grounds, during any school activities, or on District transportation. In addition, the responsibility to keep the device secure rests solely with the owner of the device.

Name of Student:__________________________________________________ 

Grade: __________________Teacher: _____________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________  Date:______________ 

 

Middlebrook Elementary School 

PARENT HANDBOOK SIGNATURE PAGE 

2024-2025

I have read the 2024-2025 Middlebrook School Parent Handbook and have discussed these policies with my child. 

__________________________ _________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date 

My parent/guardian has read the 2024-2025 Middlebrook School Parent Handbook and has discussed these policies with me. 

_______________________ _________________

Student Signature Date