Teachers, guidance counselors, and principals can be reached via telephone and e-mail. Parents/guardians should also take advantage of the Fall Open House and teacher-parent conferences.

TAKING STUDENT OUT OF SCHOOL

Sometimes, family vacation plans are made for times when school is in session. Student absences are the result. The middle school administration and staff remind parents and students that while the school does advocate quality family time together, the first responsibility of children is to be in school. If a planned absence does occur, the school cannot assume the responsibility for compensation for a student’s lost time in classes by advance homework assignments or duplicate instructional information. Students MUST take full responsibility for making up such work upon their return.

Clusters

Each grade is divided into several clusters. Students within each cluster share the same teachers, and attend classes within a few adjacent rooms. Each cluster is like a small school within a large school.

Cluster placement is based on a number of factors, including balance of academic performance, peer relationships, special needs, and numbers of students.

Library/Media Center

The Library /

Media Center hours are from 7:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During those hours you may browse, do research, access references, and borrow material. The librarians will be glad to assist you in finding information. They can also help you with the use of computers and audio-video equipment. Most items that you borrow are due back in two weeks; some items can only be taken out overnight. Although there are no fines for items returned late, you may lose your borrowing privileges, and you may have to pay for items lost or damaged.

When classes are in session, you need to obtain a corridor pass from your teacher before you can come to the Media Center. Please do not bring any food or drink to the Media Center.

Lost and Found

The "lost and found" is located in the main office. If you find anything that belongs to someone else, please bring it there.

PROCEDURES

Corridors and Corridor Passes

You have only three minutes to go from one class to the next, so please walk quickly and orderly, respecting other students, teachers, guests, and property.

When classes are in session, any student outside of a classroom must have a corridor pass – either a token pass obtained from a teacher, or an Agenda Book pass signed by a teacher.

Restrooms

When using restrooms, please behave appropriately and respect the facilities. When in class, please ask your teachers for a pass to go to the bathroom.

Lockers

Student lockers belong to the Arlington School Department and are provided for student use. Backpacks and other items you carry to and from school should be kept in lockers during the school day. You may go to your locker only before and after school and during the mid-day locker break. Please keep your locker locked all the time with the combination lock you were given, and please do not share your combination with anyone else. Lockers may be searched for content that is illegal or that should not be in school. Every locker needs to have a lock on it at all times.

Cafeteria

Lunch period is short, so to avoid crowding, we request that you sit down as soon as you get your food. At the end of the period, tables are dismissed one at a time. Please take your tray, utensils, and trash, and put them into the proper receptacles, then go directly to your next class. Do not take any food, drinks, straws, or utensils out of the cafeteria, and do not bring books into the cafeteria.

Dress Guide

School is a public forum where appropriate attire is expected. We hope you will dress in good taste and take pride in your personal appearance. If you are not sure of what is appropriate, please consult the guide below.

Dress Expectations

¨ Safe and proper footwear.

¨ No clothing that is imprinted with vulgar or obscene language or artwork that relates to alcohol, drugs, or smoking.

¨ No hats, bandannas, and other headgear.

¨ No midriff or belly shirts, spaghetti straps, or torn or revealing clothing.

¨ No sunglasses or wallet chains.

¨ No slippers and/or pajamas.

Please Note: The principal has the final decision on the suitability of what you are wearing, and will base his or her decision on safety or potential disruption to the educational process.

Fire Drills

For everyone's safety, it is of the utmost importance that fire drills be executed expeditiously and taken seriously. Follow teachers' instructions, stay in line, and proceed in an orderly manner without conversations. Fire drill regulations are posted in every room.

Computer Use

Computers are set up in classrooms, labs, and the Library/Media Center for you to use according to the rules of the supervising teachers. The Arlington Public Schools Network has been established for educational purposes (classroom activities, career development, research, and word processing), not for e-mail, chat rooms, games, or commercial purposes. To use the Internet on any Ottoson computer, you and a parent/guardian must have signed an Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Form. The policy itself can be viewed online on the district web site or in the school library. If you violate the policy or misuse computers, you will be denied access to computers and the Internet.

Phone Policy

Classroom phones are not to be used by students. You may use pay phones before and after school but not during the school day.

Use of office phones is prohibited. Cell phones must be turned off and kept in lockers during school hours. They are not allowed to be used in the school building. Students may not use their cell phones to call home if they are not feeling well. They must see the Nurse. Students who do not follow this policy will have their phones confiscated and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Other Electronics

Such as I Pod’s, video games and MP3 players are not allowed in school.

Visitors

All visitors must use the entrance next to the main office and must check in with the secretary before going anywhere else. Due to increased security concerns, visits should be prearranged. Students may not bring friends or relatives to class as guests.

Valuables

Any valuables or large sums of money should not be brought to school. If you must bring them in, please leave them in the main office during the school day.

Elevator

Elevator is only for students whose physical condition requires the use of an elevator. Elevator keys are issued in the morning and must be returned at the end of the day.

ATTENDANCE

Illness

If you are sick, please stay home. If you are not feeling well and you are not sure whether you should stay home, you may consult the Arlington Public School guidelines (on school web site). If you do stay home, please have your parent/guardian call the office to let us know before 8:15 a.m., and please note the parent/guardian must follow up with a written notice.

Absence

In case of unanticipated absence, please have a parent/guardian call and let us know before 8:15 a.m. (781-316-3744); and please remember that every absence must be explained in a written note signed by a parent or guardian and returned to your homeroom teacher within three days of the absence. A note is required even after a phone call. The school secretary will call parents/guardians to check absences, as time permits. Excessive absences will result in a parent/guardian conference to address the issue.

Tardy

If you arrive late, please go to the main office to fill out a tardy slip. The slip has two portions; one is kept in the office, the other you take with you to first show your teacher, then take it home to have it signed by a parent or a guardian. Please return the signed portion to your homeroom teacher the following day. You will be issued office detention if you are tardy more than three (3) times in a marking period. Frequent tardiness will result in a parent/guardian conference to address the issue. Excusable tardies are if you have a Doctor/Dentist appointment. They are not held against the regular tardy procedure. However, to receive an excusable tardy, the office must receive a doctor/dentist note.

Dismissal

If you have to leave before the end of school day, you must bring a note from home and take it to the main office before the start of the school day. You will be asked to fill out a dismissal form. That form has two sections. The top section will be attached to the note from home, and will be kept in the office. The bottom section you are to take with you and show it to the teacher whose class you are going to leave. Next, take the bottom section home; have it signed by a parent or a guardian, and return to your homeroom teacher the following day. Please remember that due to safety concerns, you cannot be dismissed based solely on a telephone call. Please schedule appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

Perfect Attendance

To be recognized for perfect attendance you must not be tardy, absent or dismissed for any reason, even if you return to school the same day. If you are absent for a religious holiday, a parent/guardian must send a note to the office so your perfect attendance will remain intact.

Bad Weather

School closings or delays are reported at www.town.arlington.ma.us and on the following TV and radio stations: CHANNELS 4, 5, 7, 25, 56; WEZE (1260), WRKO (680), WBZ (1030), WXKS-FM (107.9) and WBUR-FM (90.9). For a recorded message call 781-316-3510.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Grades

Grades are based on, quiz and test results, homework, projects, portfolios, and class participation. Grades A, B, C, are passing grades, while grades D, F, and I require that you attend extra help. Grades have the following interpretation:

A = Excellent

Superior work, Indicates excellent effort and accomplishments.

B = Good

Better than average. Indicates good effort and consistently good work.

C = Satisfactory

Average. Above minimum standards.

D = Below average

Low passing. Indicates effort, but poor knowledge or skill; or ordinary achievement accompanied by indifference or neglect.

F = Failing

Failure to meet passing standard.

I = Incomplete

Incomplete work. Requirements of the subject have not been met due to excused absence.

S/U = Ace and Follow-up.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued four times a year in November, January, April, and June. They are distributed in classrooms to be brought home by the students, and viewed and signed (but not kept) by parents/guardians. Signed report cards must be returned to homeroom teachers within three days. A new copy will then be given back to students to take home again. Final report cards will be mailed home.

Warning Notices / Progress Reports

If during the year your grades, effort, or participation is inadequate or incomplete, you may be issued a written warning from your teacher. Such a warning must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned within three days to the teacher who issued it. Such a warning also means that you need to seek extra help and work hard to improve your grade.

Teachers are encouraged to provide progress reports to all students at the mid-term of the 1st and 3rd marking periods. These reports must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned within three days to the teachers that issued the reports. In special cases parents may request biweekly progress reports through the guidance office.

Students must be in good academic standing to be promoted. Students failing two or more core courses for the year should attend summer school.

Extra Help

If you need extra help after school, please ask your teachers about the days and times when they are available to provide extra help.

Agenda Book

Please record all your homework assignments and projects in the Agenda Book. It will help you keep track of these assignments and project, and will let parents/guardians monitor your work.

Homework

Completing homework assignments is very important and it counts towards your grades. We expect one to two hours of solid work every evening. Please do not procrastinate or dawdle; what matters is not the time you spend, but the quality of work you do. If you find yourself frequently spending a lot more than two hours, please talk to your teachers or your guidance counselor.

If you were absent or forgot the assignments, you may still be able to get them from the following sources:

*call a friend in your cluster

*check your cluster’s web site if there is one

*call the homework hotline - an automated voice-mail system in which some teachers record assignments each day. To access the Homework Hotline, call 781-316-3745 and follow the voice instructions.

Homework make-up

Homework missed due to absence has to be made up when you come back. For each day missed you have two days to complete the missed assignments. In extreme situations, your teachers may give you more time, or may waive or modify some of the assignments. Please consider using the Homework Hotline (781-316-3745) or calling classmates for getting a lead on the missed assignments.

Study Habits

Good study habits will make you a better student. Here are some suggestions:

¨ Record your assignments in this agenda book and be sure you understand your assignments before you leave class. Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask for clarifications. Teachers actually like to be asked when you don't understand something, because they see that you care.

¨ Think about what the teacher is trying to teach, not just the details of the specific assignment. Read for meaning and take notes. This will help you learn more and perform better on tests.

¨ Prepare for your work. Gather the necessary materials. Think of all that has to be done and make a plan. Be sure you have an adequate work surface free of clutter and distractions. Establish a regular time for studying and be sure to get adequate sleep.

¨ Be proactive. Don’t leave long-range assignments until the day before they are due. Avoid cramming. Use teacher's grading policy to prioritize your work.

High School Placement

Most courses in Arlington High School are offered at two or more levels of difficulty. The levels at which you will be successful depends on your interests and how well you prepare yourself in the middle school.

High school placement forms are filled out before the end of the 8th grade with the help of guidance counselors. The actual schedules are determined during the summer. Some subjects may become unavailable because they are oversubscribed or cancelled due to insufficient interest.

PROGRAMS & STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Curriculum

An overview of the Ottoson Curriculum can be accessed and printed from Ottoson web site, and is available for reading in the Ottoson Library or Robbins Library. The teachers at Ottoson have aligned this curriculum with the state standards, also known as the Frameworks. The Frameworks can also be accessed on the web site.

Impact and Connected Math

In grades 7 and 8, Ottoson offers two curriculum programs for mathematics: the Connected Math Project (CMP), and the Impact Math. The CMP program presents mathematics as a connected whole of numerical, graphical, and analytical models, presented to students through challenging problems, and emphasizing verbal explanations and logical reasoning. The Impact Math program is also problem-based, but introduces symbolic representation and algebraic concepts earlier. For a more complete description of the two programs, please consult the Ottoson Curriculum Guide (available on the Ottoson web site).

Placement in the Impact Math program is based on teacher recommendation, test assessments, and the grades obtained in 6th grade math.

Band, Orchestra, Chorus

Students with musical interests are encouraged to join the Ottoson Band, Orchestra, or Chorus. There are no auditions. Participation in these programs is scheduled with other subjects during normal school hours.

ACE Program

The purpose of the ACE program is to provide advanced, challenging work for students with multiple academic talents. Curriculum units are planned to address these talents through small group activities or through individualized work. If you are tested and qualify for the ACE program in elementary school you may participate in the middle school program. Students are tested in grades three and four; no testing is conducted at the middle school level. There are a variety of curriculum units, which are covered during each school year, and you must commit to studying all of them if you enroll in ACE at the Ottoson.

Ottoson Student Advisory Council (OSAC)

The Ottoson Student Advisory Council (OSAC) addresses student concerns. The goal of this council is to create a forum where you are free to express your ideas and to explore ways to put these ideas into action. Some of the projects that you may initiate include student dances, social events, fund-raisers, community outreach, and charity events. OSAC is open to all students in grades 6 - 8. If you are curious, friendly, imaginative, and energetic, OSAC may be just the place for you! OSAC will meet on a weekly basis after school. This is an opportunity to help make the Ottoson an even more student-friendly community.

Performing Arts

Students interested in one of the performing arts can participate in Drama, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Select Chorus. These activities are scheduled before or after regular school hours, and may require auditions.

AM/PM Program

The AM/PM program runs social, sport, and special-interest activities before and after school. The hours are 7:00 - 7:55 AM and 2:30 - 3:30 PM. Membership is quarterly and there is a $35 fee per quarter. Some activities can be attended on a drop-in basis, while other activities have a limited number of slots and require a prior sign up. Some are offered daily, while others meet on a regular weekly schedule. Participating students may attend more than one activity. The actual list of activities varies depending upon student interest and staffing, and is posted in the main office. Students may also suggest or initiate new activities if they can find willing adult volunteers to supervise. The sign-up forms are distributed in homerooms and can be dropped in the designated box in the main office.

The Chronicle

The Chronicle is a quarterly school newspaper written and produced by students. The newspaper provides a forum for interested students who wish to manifest their creative writing, art, interviews, or editorials.

STARS Program

The STARS (Students Taking Action and Responsibility for Success) Program is an in-house suspension intervention program that places a student having difficulties in particular aspects of their school experience in a quiet environment, with a supervisor who can help the student resolve academic, behavioral, or social problems, and be an intermediary between that student and teachers, counselors, parents, and administrators.

CONDUCT

Respect and Dignity

Everyone has to be treated with respect and dignity. You expect teachers to treat you well and fairly, and teachers expect you to treat them with esteem and proper regard. Do not be tempted to belittle and harass anyone, or succumb to disruptive behavior or the use of vulgar language. You will not impress anyone by being rude, and in the long run, you may find others to be reluctant to socialize with you or help you. The surest way to gain respect is to be respectful of everyone around you.

Responsibilities

We all share responsibilities for making our school a safe and enjoyable place of learning. Please do your part by working hard and by behaving well. And please remember that teachers and administrators have the responsibility of maintaining order in classrooms and safety in the building, so any disorderly behavior will not be tolerated.

Behavior Outside of School

When you are outside of school, you are still a member of the Ottoson Middle School community. You are a representative of our school, so please act in a way that will make others think well of our school. Be concerned about your safety and safety of fellow students.

Citizenship Code

Students at the Ottoson Middle School are governed by a citizenship code that was established through input from teachers, parents/guardians, students, and administrators. During the first few days of school this citizenship code is explained thoroughly as part of your orientation. At that time, you will sign your code grid sheet indicating you understand the expectations. This sheet becomes an incident log for the year and will be kept on file in the office. It does not become part of your permanent record. We have adopted the following citizenship code to insure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their studies and activities in an atmosphere of harmony and consistency.

General Citizenship Guidelines:

¨ You are responsible for your behavior.

¨ The code is designed to supplement teachers' disciplinary practices.

¨ Parent/guardian notification is built into the system.

Discipline

Suspension or Expulsion/Police Involvement

¨ Possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon

¨ Assaulting school personnel

¨ Assaulting another student

¨ Possession/use of alcohol, drugs, or fireworks

¨ Harassment/Bullying

¨ Possession/use of cigarettes, matches and/or lighters.

Suspension

¨ Fighting

¨ Destruction/

defacing of school property including textbooks and library books

¨ Defiance

Detention

¨ Class disruption

¨ Out of class without a pass

¨ Class cut

¨ Inappropriate behavior during a fire drill

¨ Gum Chewing

¨ Unexcused tardies/absences

¨ Failure to report after school

¨ Unexcused noise or disturbance while passing between classes

¨ Use of laser devices, beepers/pagers, cell phones, skateboards, portable radios, CD players, or electronic games.

¨ Cheating

Please Note: Three detentions in one category, within six weeks, may result in suspension, with a parent/guardian conference for re-entry.

Harassment and Bullying

If you are being harassed or bullied you should:

¨ Ask the person to stop.

¨ Inform the harasser/bully or a friend how you feel

¨ Tell a trusted adult in the school.

¨ Keep a record of the actions of the harasser/bully (how, where, when, what, and any witnesses) and your responses and actions.

Please Note: If the above has not stopped the harasser/bully, send a copy of the recorded behaviors to the main office.

Arlington Public School System is committed to providing a safe education for all and we will do whatever it takes to stop any form of harassment/bullying.

PARENT NOTIFICATION LAW

In accordance with the Parental Notification Law relative to sexuality education in schools (MGL 71 Section 32a), Arlington School Committee has adopted the following policy: "It is the policy of the Arlington Public Schools to notify parents and guardians if and when curriculum primarily involves human sexual education or human sexuality issues. Parents and guardians may exempt their children from any portion of said curriculum through written notice to the school principal. No child so exempted shall be penalized by reason of such exemption. To the extent practical, program instruction materials for said curricula shall be made reasonably accessible to parents, guardians, educators, school administrators, and others for inspection and review.

Kindergarten through Grade twelve sexuality education may include topics such as puberty, dating, abstinence, relationships and communication skills, pregnancy, birth control, abortion, homosexuality, prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections and prevention of sexual abuse.

In Grades Kindergarten through six, students participate in the Great Body Shop curriculum, Child Assault Prevention Program, Human Growth and Development Program, and science studies.

Middle School students participate in Health, Child Care, and Science classes as well as school wide assemblies. At the High School, programs include Life Issues I, Junior/Senior Health Seminar, Young Adult Living, Child Study, Preschool Theory, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Behavioral Science courses as well as school wide assemblies and field trips.

Parents who desire additional information or would like to view curricular materials may contact the building principal.

Important Phone #’s

Absentee line

781-316-3744

Voice Mail line

781-316-3745

ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
K-12 HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION POLICY

ADOPTED BY ARLINGTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE, REVISED 1/16/96

A. Introduction

The Arlington Public Schools is committed to providing a safe educational environment that promotes equal access to educational and occupational opportunities for all adults and children regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, qualifying disability or religion. Consistent with its pledge of equity for all students and staff, discrimination or harassment based on any of the above mentioned characteristics will not be tolerated. It is the goal of the Arlington Public Schools to prevent harassment through on-going and appropriate means of staff and student awareness, staff training, and policy dissemination. However, should an incident of harassment occur, the school system shall provide for swift action to eliminate such harassment or discrimination among or between students and staff.

B. Definition

Harassment includes unwelcome verbal or physical conduct which may or does offend denigrate or belittle any individual because of, or due to, any of the characteristics described above. Such conduct includes pictures, jokes, comments, innuendoes or any other behavior which creates an environment which is offensive, intimidating, or hostile to anyone. While this policy addresses issues related to sexual harassment it is important to note that Arlington Public Schools will not tolerate any form of harassment based on any of the protected characteristics named in paragraph A above. See Addendum for Definitions.

C. Procedure for Reporting Incidents of Harassment and Discrimination are as Follows:

During our opening of school orientations, all students and staff are informed that harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated and all incidents must be reported to the Principal, Assistant Principals or designee for appropriate recording and follow-up. Every adult in our school system has a responsibility, when aware of harassment or discrimination, to take whatever action is necessary to eliminate it. These measures may range from direct intervention, to referral to the administrators, guidance counselors, nurses or other trusted staff members. As stated in the Arlington Public School's K-12 Policy on Harassment and Discrimination, all complaints will be taken seriously and will be investigated thoroughly and promptly.

D. Sexual Harassment or Discrimination

1. Legal Protections

a. Freedom from harassment is protected by state and federal law. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act defines

Sexual Harassment as “Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment.”

b. In addition, Federal Law protects students from discrimination and harassment.

c. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. Under the Massachusetts law on fair educational Practices (Chapter 151C of the Mass. General (Laws), the term “sexual harassment” is defined as follows: any sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (i) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of the provision of the benefits, privileges or placement services or as a basis for the evaluation of academic achievement; or (ii) such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's education by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive educational environment, Massachusetts General Laws c. 151C, s. 1(e)

2. Responsibilities

a. It is the responsibility of every employee to recognize acts of sexual harassment and take every action necessary to ensure that applicable policies and procedures are implemented.

b. Through this policy the Arlington Public Schools assures that all complaints are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and promptly.

c. If incidents of sexual harassment are substantiated the Arlington Public Schools takes action to end the harassment and ensures that such harassment will not be repeated. Remedies available to the school system may include others: mediated conferences, warnings, transfers, suspensions, expulsions, probation’s, and discharge. These actions will be taken in accordance with state and federal laws and will incorporate appropriate due process procedures.

d. Any staff member or student who is dissatisfied with the results or progress of the school’s investigation may discuss his/her dissatisfaction directly with the Superintendent of Schools.

3. Confidentiality

Reports of sexual harassment will be kept as confidential as possible, consistent with the school’s legal obligation to conduct a thorough investigation.

4. Retaliation

Retaliation in any form against any person who has filed a complaint relative to sexual harassment is prohibited. If it occurs, it could be considered grounds for dismissal of staff personnel and/or removal from the educational setting for a student.

5. Monitoring, Reviewing, Training

a. The Arlington Public Schools will provide ongoing and appropriate means of policy dissemination and staff/student training.

b. To ascertain if we are achieving our goal of eliminating sexual harassment from our schools, the Chapter 622 coordinator for the Arlington Public Schools reviews and monitors the policy and guidelines on a yearly basis. The coordinator also maintains data on all activities related to the implementation of this policy. Reports are made to the School Committee annually.

ADDENDUM (Types of Harassment)

1. Sexual Harassment

Definition

Conduct which constitutes sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when:

Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term of condition of an individual’s employment and/or the provision of the benefits privileges or placement services or as a basis for the evaluation of academic evaluation of academic achievement; Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or student placement decisions affecting such individual; or Such advance, requests or conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance and/or education by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive work and/or educational environment.

2. Racial Harassment

Definition

Words, actions or other verbal, written or physical conduct which are offensive because of their racial connotation. Prejudice, stereotyping or bigotry constitutes racial harassment when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance as student or staff member or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working and/or learning environment.

3.Handicap-related Harassment

Definition

Harassment on the basis of an individual’s handicap is a violation of the Arlington Public School’s Non-discrimination Policy. Conduct which ridicules, scorns, mocks, intimidates, threatens, or coerces any individual due to his/her physical or mental handicap, real or perceived, or which has the effect of unreasonably interfering with the work performance of students or staff members or creating an offensive, hostile, intimidating working environment will be considered handicap related harassment.

4. Homophobic Harassment

Definition

Harassment on the basis of an individual’s sexual orientation, or perceived orientation, is prohibited. Words, actions or other verbal, written or physical conduct which ridicules, scorns, mocks, intimidates or otherwise threatens any individual because of his/her sexual orientation or perceived orientation constitutes homophobic harassment when it has the purpose or effect of interfering with the work performance of staff or student or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

5. Ethnic Harassment

Definition

Words, actions or other verbal, written or physical conduct which are offensive because of their ethnic connotation, prejudices, stereotyping or bigotry constitutes ethnic harassment. When such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance of student or staff or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

6. Religious or Non-Religious Harassment

Definition

Harassment on the basis of an individual’s religious or non-religious affiliation is a violation of the Arlington Public School’s Nondiscrimination Policy. Words actions or other verbal, written or physical conduct which are offensive because of their religious connotation, prejudice, stereotyping or bigotry constitutes religious harassment when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

7. National Origin Harassment

Definition

Harassment on the basis of an employee's accent or manner of speaking or other characteristic or national origin is prohibited. Words, action or other verbal, written or physical conduct which are offensive because of their connotation as they relate to the employee’s national origin, surname or accent constitutes harassment based on national origin when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile working environment.

The preceding POLICY ON HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION was unanimously adopted by the Arlington School Committee on December 6, 1994. After holding many meetings, seeking legal counsel, and consulting with other communities on their policies, a fully inclusive policy was developed that strongly and clearly demonstrates respect for all students and staff. The members of the Policies & Procedures Sub-Committee of the Arlington School Committee who worked on the development of the policy are Janice Bakey, Barbara Goodman, and David McKenna. Assistance was provided by Health Coordinator, Cindy Bouvier.


Student Handbook Ottoson Middle School

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