Marguerite E. Small Elementary School Handbook
Marguerite E. Small Elementary School Handbook
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Welcome to the Marguerite Small Elementary School! Our school prides itself on providing a safe, nurturing, and rigorous learning community for all of our pre-K through grade 3 students. Our students show the Dolphin Way every day by being respectful, responsible, ready for learning, caring, and safe.
We welcome family partnerships and have many opportunities to be involved in our wonderful school community through volunteering, serving on our PTO, and involvement in our school council.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about our school, we would love to hear from you! Thank you for visiting our new and improved school website!
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MAIN OFFICE
Craddock, Jesse- Principal
Bohl, Kelly- Assistant Principal
Tourgee, Katherine- Administrative Assistant
Hayles, Sheila- Data Secretary
MES Office: 508 778-7975
Fax: 774 352-2509
Attendance Line: 508 778-7975 (Option 1)
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The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District, a community of learners, will be an innovative leader in supporting the aspirations of all students for college, career, and civic readiness so that they can be active and engaged members of society, continually seeking new challenges and ways to make a positive difference.
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School Calls:
The school's number is (508) 778-7975. Students and teachers will be called to the telephone during class time ONLY in cases of emergency. A message of your call will be given to staff. Your call will be returned as quickly as possible.
ParentSquare Notifications:
Your child’s safety and keeping you informed are top priorities of the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. ParentSquare is a service that allows us to send a text message and/or email message to all our families on all their contact numbers within minutes if an emergency occurs at school or if we’d like to pass along key information regarding school events. The ability to deliver a message is only as good as the contact information we have for our families, so please make certain we have the most up-to-date direct dial numbers and email addresses (if desired). If this information changes, please let the office know immediately.
Our school will use ParentSquare to share our weekly newsletters. These newsletters will be archived on the school website and will be available to your review and reference throughout the school year. Please find our newsletters on the “Principal’s Page.”
School Updates:
Go to the D-Y website: View District website here to receive the latest in school news. You can click on “schools” to go specifically to MES’s webpage. ParentSquare is used for daily and weekly school-wide communication.
School Newsletters:
Weekly school newsletters will be sent via ParentSquare and will be posted on the school website. Translations in your family’s home language will be available through Remind. You can also select a language at the top right drop down menu on the school/ district website.
Weather Related Closures:
If the weather calls for a delayed start or an early dismissal, families will be notified using the Remind voice, text, and email system. This information will also be announced on the View District website here, and on local radio stations. If weather conditions are such that our parents suspect, or hear that school may be dismissing early, we urge you to log on to our website, or listen to the radio stations for those kinds of announcements.
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At the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District, our curriculum is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks and our instruction is focused on meeting all of our students’ needs, building upon their strengths, and providing them with support in order to grow and achieve in all content areas. Below you will find more information that is specific to instruction in our district and at Marguerite E. Small Elementary School.
Great Minds — Eureka Math
This math program helps students build deep mathematical understanding rather than relying on simple memorization. Students learn multiple strategies to solve problems. In class, students use manipulatives alongside paper-and-pencil and digital tools to represent their mathematical thinking and build deep understanding. To support learning at home, families receive "Family Math" guides with clear pictures, key words, and "Practice Partners" that show examples of step-by-step thinking to help parents support their children.
HMH Into Reading is our comprehensive English Language Arts curriculum that strengthens students' reading, writing, speaking, listening, and vocabulary skills through engaging, grade-level texts. During the 2026–2027 school year, Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate School will begin its first full year of implementation, with teachers participating in ongoing professional learning to ensure high-quality instruction and consistent practices across classrooms. Our goal is to foster lifelong readers, thoughtful writers, and effective communicators while building strong literacy skills that prepare students for future academic success.
K-3: Our Multilingual Learners (MLs) in grades K-3 receive daily literacy and English Language instruction that utilizes HMH Into Reading and HMH English 3D curricula.
English 3D® is an explicit and interactive English Language Development curriculum designed by Dr. Kate Kinsella. English 3D enables multilingual learners in grades K–12 to rapidly acquire the language skills necessary for academic success. The linguistic, cultural, and background knowledge multilingual learners bring to their classrooms are at the heart of English 3D. These assets are elevated through relevant topics and texts, translanguaging, contrastive analysis, and home language connections. Lessons and assessments align with the content students will encounter on their state English Language Proficiency assessment, ensuring they are always advancing toward reclassification.
Science
K-7
Accelerate Learning — STEMscopes Science and Mystery Science
STEMscopes is a hands-on science curriculum where students learn by exploring real-world scientific phenomena. Using a clear 5-step learning model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), lessons combine digital activities, reading tools, and hands-on lab experiments. The curriculum provides flexible resources and literacy support to ensure science is accessible and engaging for all students. Classrooms may also incorporate Mystery Science, a video-guided program available in English and Spanish that uses everyday questions and simple hands-on activities to spark student curiosity.
Wayfinder is our district's Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum that helps students develop the skills they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Through engaging lessons, reflection, discussion, and real-life application, students build self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. At Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate School, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive school community where every student develops confidence, resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging while learning to navigate challenges with kindness and purpose.
Social Studies:
Children Discovering Justice (CDJ) is a Massachusetts standards-based K-5 civics curriculum engaging students in topics such as community, rules, leadership, and equity while answering the essential question, what is justice and how do I use my voice to advocate for it? The curriculum provides students with the foundational knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be engaged, critical, compassionate, and active leaders of our democracy, and provides teachers with the culturally responsive scaffolds, entry points, and tangibles to explore critical topics and conversations. Flexible tools and lesson activities can be integrated across multiple parts of the school day to deepen understanding, extend vocabulary, and provide opportunities for students to explore justice and make personal connections to the happenings of the world around them.
Consistent with Massachusetts regulations, 603 CMR 26.05(1), the Dennis-Yarmouth Public Schools, through its curricula and materials, encourages respect for the human and civil rights of all individuals, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. In accordance with district guidelines, families may request information from the building principal on available accommodations related to curriculum content.
Dennis-Yarmouth AI Vision and Guidelines
In Dennis-Yarmouth, we believe that equitable access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and education is essential to preparing every student for success in a rapidly evolving world. Our schools are committed to empowering all learners to be ethical, informed, and creative problem solvers who can adapt, collaborate, and lead in an increasingly technological society.
Guidelines:
- Students may only use District approved AI tools with a teacher's explicit permission for specific assignments
- Students will use District approved AI responsibly and safely, including identifying and avoiding plagiarism and bias
- Students will have opportunities to demonstrate their use of AI tools at school events
STATE ASSESSMENTS
All third-grade students in Massachusetts participate in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. Our third graders will be assessed in the areas of reading and math. The grade 3 ELA and the Grade 3 Math will be administered in the spring. Individual student results will be sent home to parents, while group results will be examined to help us strengthen our curriculum.
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School Hours:
School begins at 8:58 AM. Parent drop-off begins at 8:48 AM. Students are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. to Parent Pick-Up and dismissed at 3:40 for Buses.
Daily Schedule:
K-3
8:48 AM Teachers Report
8:48-8:58 AM Student Arrival - Breakfast
8:58 AM School begins – Students are marked tardy after 8:58 AM
3:30 PM Parent Pick-Up dismissal (upper and lower lots)
3:40 PM Students dismissed to buses
Early Education (Tuesday- Friday)
AM Drop Off 8:58 AM Pick up 11:28 AM
PM Drop Off 1:10 PM Pick up 3:30 PM
Half Days/Early Release Days:
Half Day-
Early Education Dismissed at 11:50 AM
Parent Pick-up Dismissed to Upper and Lower Lots at 12:00 PM
Buses Dismissed at 12:10 PM
Early Release Day-
Parent pick-up will be dismissed to the upper and lower lots at 1:50 PM.
Buses will be called at 2:00 PM.
The school day ends at 2:05 PM for early release days.
Related Arts:
Our school has four related arts classes that your child attends. Art, Music, Library, and Physical Education are often referred to as “specials.” These classes rotate throughout the school year on a 4 Day Rotation Cycle that is specific to your child’s classroom. For example, on every “Day 1,” Mrs. Caldwell’s first grade class has Art and on every “Day 2” Mrs. Criser’s class has Library. This schedule is for our kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms. It is important to note that the “days” of the 4 Day Rotation Cycle are not attached to the day of the week. You should also keep in mind that we never lose a “day.” If school is canceled due to inclement weather, the next school day will be the following “day” of the 4 Day Rotation Cycle. Our Early Education classrooms have a related arts schedule, too! Early Education classrooms visit related arts classes Tuesdays through Fridays on a daily schedule.
Recess/Lunch Schedules:
Students in kindergarten through grade 3 have an hour for lunch and recess daily. It begins with forty minutes of recess followed by 20 minutes of lunch in the cafeteria. Early education students have daily recess time in our inner courtyard.
Breakfast/Lunch Procedures:
School breakfast and lunch are available to every student at no cost. The lunch menu is available monthly. Breakfast will be served as a “grab and go” model. Our school has Universal Breakfast. All students will be able to “grab” breakfast on their way to class without paying. Students eat lunch in the cafeteria. All students can eat school lunch free of charge. Each day there are several lunch items from which to choose. A lunch menu is posted on the school website. Students may choose to bring lunch from home as well. Each early education classroom has a daily snack. Snacks will be provided by the family.
Non-food celebrations & Birthday Books:
Students are invited to celebrate birthdays with a “Birthday Book” with their class and by choosing one from our school Book Vending Machine! This will give each student the opportunity to have a special celebration on their birthday, share a favorite book, and will help to promote a healthy classroom. More information will be coming home on opening day regarding this policy. Please do not send any food to school for birthdays. We also ask that invitations to parties or other events not be delivered at school or on a school bus under any circumstances. Thank you.
Attendance:
Attending school has a huge impact on student success. The practice of getting to school every day builds a habit that helps a student persist and succeed beyond high school. Regular attendance also provides students with more and better opportunities to learn. It is our goal that all students attend at least 90% of the school year.
We realize that some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. We want to be proactive in addressing any potential concerns if there is the possibility that a student will miss ten percent or more of school days. As a district, we are committed to partnering with families to establish clear lines of communication to ensure that you stay informed regarding your student’s current rate of attendance. This will include the following actions:
- Phone calls from the school whenever we have not been notified of your child’s absence;
- Attendance letters will be sent to families when your child has been absent 4 or more days; 8 or more days; and 12 or more days. Each tier will provide an opportunity to discuss any barriers or concerns that may be interfering with your child’s attendance;
- Helpful tips and strategies for managing a variety of common issues that contribute to absenteeism.
We appreciate your partnership in this important effort.
If your child will be absent or tardy, you must call 508-778-7975 to report this. Our school social worker is the school attendance officer and will work with families of students with chronic absences.
Tardiness:
Students arriving at school after 8:58 AM are considered tardy and must be escorted to the office by a parent/caregiver so that their attendance
Notes:
A note is necessary from a parent or guardian when:
- Your child is not going home as usual after school.
- Bus students must bring a note if they are being picked up after school.
- Your child is being dismissed early.
- Your child will be absent for an extended period of time.
Early Dismissal Requests:
We ask that you only request early dismissal in unavoidable situations and that such requests be kept to a minimum. When children are dismissed early, they miss important instruction. Children must bring in a note to their teacher if parents are requesting that they be dismissed early from school. Families can park in the lower parking lot and walk to the main entrance when picking up their children for early dismissals. When picking up a child, parents should stop at the office to sign them out of school.
Any parent may make an adjustment to your child’s pick up routine. If you wish to pick your child up at dismissal time, rather than having them ride the bus, please send a note to your child’s teacher stating your intent.
A student will not be dismissed to anyone other than a parent/caregiver, unless a written note is sent to the school office prior to such dismissal. The Main Office staff will check licenses/identification of individuals picking up a student if needed.
Medicine:
No student is permitted to carry medicine of any kind (including cough drops) while in school. If it is necessary for a child to take medicine during school hours, parents must submit an “Authorization for Dispensing Medicine” to the school nurse. The medicine will then be dispensed under the provisions of Chapter 76, Section 54B of the General Laws. Please contact the school nurse for further information.
School Visits & School Security:
All visitors must enter the school via the front entrance which is locked during the school day, as are all other doors to the school. Visitors are required to be “buzzed in.” Press the button to the right of the front doors and the main office will be able to allow entry. Once inside, check in at the front office by bringing your driver’s license and a visitor badge will be printed for you.
CORI Forms for Volunteers:
All volunteers at D-Y Schools must be CORI approved before volunteering their time. CORI forms are in the main office and must be filled out, signed and a copy of your current driver's license must be attached. The process takes about 2 weeks, so it is good to think ahead and get this form filled out early. Thank you to all our volunteers!
Dress Code:
Children should dress comfortably and safely. Closed-toe shoes with rubber soles are recommended. Please see the District Dress Code in the Policy section of this Handbook. Elementary, Middle and High School codes will be consistent in expectations and are based on the following principles:
- Attire shall be appropriate for all activities and not detract from the educational process.
- Attire shall comply with school requirements for health and safety.
Students and parents will be responsible for choosing attire that conforms to the guidelines established in each school. Adults are expected to conform and model the Student Dress Code while on school district property and at school functions.
Electronic Games, Toys, Cell Phones, Smart Watches, Trading Cards:
Because of the age of our students and the expense of the above items, we request that these items remain at home. Lost or traded items have caused problems in the past, both on the bus and in school. Only in special circumstances will such items be permitted at school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please review the School Committee Policy of this handbook for more details.
Lost & Find:
Please mark your child’s belongings with his or her name. Items that we can’t identify with an owner will be kept in our lost and found area in the front lobby. The lost and found area will be emptied and items will be donated to charity.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:
Morning Student Drop-Off:
Students may arrive at school between 8:48-8:58 AM. The upper lot is reserved for buses at drop-off until 9:00AM. We have several staff to assist students’ transition to classrooms. We ask that students walk on their own to their classroom.
Drop-off takes place in the lower lot. Enter the lower lot from Higgins Crowell Road and stay to the left. There will be two lanes that form. The green lane (outer lane) is for kindergarten through grade 3. The blue lane (inner lane) is designated for Early Education only. Please stay in your designated lane and do not switch lanes.
K-3 Green Lane:
- K-3 students can exit their vehicles within the unloading zone when signaled. Students may not exit their vehicles until they are told to do so. The drop off zone begins at the sign holder.
- Students walk directly to the sidewalk and enter the building through the main entrance.
- Drivers should stay in and with their cars at all times. The sign holder will signal when it is safe for vehicles to drive away.
Pre-school Blue Lane:
- Vehicles will be directed to drive past the unloading zone for K-3 and to the Early Education drop-off area. This area is a single lane drop-off area with five spots for drop off.
- Please wait until you are directed to pull your vehicle up safely and unload your student.
AM Early Education Dismissal (11:28)
Early Education students who attend the morning classes are dismissed at 11:28. Families picking up their children will enter the upper lot from Higgins Crowell Road and form a single lane. Buses will also be parked in the upper lot. Do not pass a bus while in the upper lot.
Vehicles will wait until there is room to pull up safely to pick up students.
PM Early Education Dismissal Procedure:
Parent Pick Up: Students will be dismissed for parent pick up at 3:40. The lower parking lot will be used to dismiss students to parent pick up. Enter the lower lot from Higgins Crowell Road and stay to the left. Two lanes (blue and green) will form. Unlike morning drop off, the color lanes are not reserved for grade levels at dismissal. Please pull all the way up to the sign holder and six vehicles at a time will be asked to pull forward into the loading zone. Drivers should remain with their vehicles.
Students will be lined up at the gym entrance door and will make their way to your vehicle when all cars are stopped and it is safe to do so. Placards will be made up for each family that picks up their student on a regular basis. Please make sure this is visible in your front window.
Buses: Students will be dismissed for buses at 3:35. The upper lot will be closed to families beginning at 3:30.
DYRSD Photo/Media Opt-Out Process
Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District uses photos and/or videos of students and student work to showcase educational activities and programs in our schools and share the D-Y experience with families and the community.
Student photographs and/or videos may be used on the district website, yearbooks and/or social media.
Student photos and videos are generally used without student names, unless a specific award, honor, or achievement by the student is being highlighted.
Student names are released without photos for Honor Rolls.
Names of Dennis-Yarmouth High School graduates are shared each year.
Occasionally, student photos and/or news may be shared with local media outlets
If you DO NOT give Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District permission to include your student’s image or name in any way, please send a letter to your school principal explicitly stating your wish to opt out. This letter must be received by October 1 (or 30 days after registration for students entering mid-year).
Please note that DYRSD does not control the disclosure or use of photographs or video taken by participants at events that are open to parents, community members, and/or the news media. Additionally, this form does not apply to students participating in public events, such as performances, academic competitions, and athletic events. Student photos and names from these events may be published by the news media.
Upon receipt of an opt-out letter, school staff will document your student’s status in PowerSchool Student Information System for the current school year.
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School Health Services
Physical Examinations-School Entrance Requirements:
- Within one year prior to entry into school, or within 30 days after school entry, at the early education, kindergarten or first grade level, a student shall have a physical examination completed by a private physician. The examination shall be recorded on forms provided by the school nurse at the time of registration. A student who transferred from another school system shall be treated as any other entering student. Health records transferred from the student’s previous school may be used to determine compliance with this requirement.
All children entering kindergarten must show evidence of having been screened for
lead poisoning and evidence of a vision screening examination.
School Immunization Requirements:
This policy is intended to comply with Chapter 76, section 15 of the General Laws relating to Education and to ensure the well-being of all students enrolled in the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District.
1. Prior to initial entry into school, parent/guardian must present to school nurse the following:
a. a physician's certificate listing immunizations given and/or the diseases the student has had, or
b. a physician's certificate stating immunization is contraindicated for health reasons, or
c. a parent or guardian's written statement that immunization conflicts with religious beliefs,
2. Non-immunized or partially immunized students whose private physician certifies they are in the process of receiving the required immunizations shall be regarded as in compliance with this policy.
3. At the time of the initial school registration, the parent or guardian will be informed of this policy.
4. Parents should inform the school nurse of ANY immunization that a student received from a private physician, hospital, or medical center AT ANY TIME, in order that the health record of each student be kept current and accurate.
Emergency Procedure Contacts:
Information is shared via PowerSchool. Three (3) separate telephone numbers would be appreciated, whenever possible. Please list a local person who can be reached when you are not at home. Only first aid treatment can be provided at school. No student is allowed to leave the school alone when ill, and parents are expected to provide transportation. Please inform the school nurse of any medical problems that could affect the student's performance in school.
Medication:
No medication will be dispensed in school unless prescribed by a physician, this includes over-the-counter medications. When a student is required to take medicine during school hours an authorization form must be signed by the parent and physician BEFORE any such medicine will be dispensed. The medicine must have a prescriptive label and must contain no more than a thirty (30) day supply. All medicine, excluding epi-pens will be kept under lock and key and dispensed only in the Health Office.
Health Care Plans:
Students receiving medications at school should have a completed health care plan signed by a physician and parent/guardian. This includes epi-pens and inhalers.
Supervision of Health Screening Programs:
1. Annual vision and hearing screening, grades K3.
2. Fluoride rinse, grades 1-3.
3. Pediculosis screening, periodically during the school year
4. Annual height, weight and BMI (body mass index) grade 1.
Dismissal from School Due to Illness:
If a child is sent home from school with a fever or vomiting, they should not return to school until they have been symptom-free for twenty-four (24) hours.
If you have any questions regarding school health policies, please call the school nurse.
Safety Procedures:
Evacuation Drills
Fire drills are practiced routinely along with the Yarmouth Fire Department who is present. We focus on this important safety procedure especially in September for students to get used to the routine. Lining up and listening are stressed as the students and staff exit and re-enter the building.
Lockdowns/Safety Procedures:
Another safety precaution taken in D-Y schools is the Lockdown procedure. M.E. Small has drills with Yarmouth and Dennis Police during the school year.
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PTO
The P.T.O. extends a warm welcome to all parents/guardians of students attending M.E.Small as well as an invitation to join in on the activities of the group. Each and every adult in the lives of our school children can play an important part in the PTO efforts to enhance the educational experience of the students. There are as many ways to help as there are children in the schools, so please join in and have some fun.
What does the PTO do? The PTO works in conjunction with the educators and staff of MES to offer additional cultural enrichment activities, book fairs, field trips and family oriented programs. The PTO hosts fundraisers during the school year and works to build a bridge between the schools and the community at large.
When and where are PTO meetings? PTO meetings are scheduled in early September and will be listed in the school newsletter as well as our website, and the PTO Facebook Group Page, “M.E. Small PTO”
What if I need to take my children along to the meetings? PTO will provide crayons and coloring books. If this is appropriate for your children, feel free to bring them along.
What if I have some great ideas or want to be available to help but can't make it to the meetings? Notes can also be left in the PTO mailbox in the main office. Volunteer sheets will be sent home for seasonal activities. If each person signs up for just one activity, we will be sure to have a successful year!
The PTO is a great way to get involved in your children's education! Please join us.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 provides for a comprehensive strengthening of local school system leadership for school improvement. The school-based planning and responsibilities of local school councils form the foundation for a more focused, responsive and accountable system of serving our students. The councils are also a vehicle for involving parents and teachers in school decision making and for strengthening the bonds between schools and the communities they serve.
Here at MES our School Council is made up of the Principal, several teachers, parents and community representatives. The school council advises the principal on matters of school policy, budget, and the School Improvement Plan. Meetings are open to the public. If you have any interest in participating in this group, please let the principal know.
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At Marguerite E. Small Elementary School, students adhere to the expectations that we are respectful, responsible, ready, caring, and safe. This is referred to as the “Dolphin Way.”
Students receive direct instruction from teachers about what the expectations are in all areas of our school, including their classroom, hallways, recess, lunch, bathrooms, and bus loading zones. Students who are experiencing difficulty following these expectations will receive additional support and/or consequences for inappropriate or unsafe behavior.
What is PBIS?
PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) is an organized, data-driven system of interventions, strategies, and supports that positively impact school-wide and individualized behavior planning. PBIS is a framework that seeks to set up clear, consistent expectations so that each student knows exactly what is expected of them in every situation in school.
Here are some examples of our school expectations throughout your child’s day:
In the hallway: Quiet Voice, Give space to others in line, Straight lines, Do not touch artwork, Hands to side, Calm body, Walking
In the cafeteria: Raise a quiet hand, Enter and exit lunch quietly, Stay seated, Be in charge of your own food, Get your milk and tray, Use kind words, Help others Stay seated while eating
At the playground or field: Enter and exit recess quietly in line, Remember your belongings, Clean up recess equipment, Stop, look, and listen when you whistle blows, Follow the rules of the playground, basketball court, and the field
On the bus: Stay seated, Listen to the driver, Keep your hands to yourself, Talk quietly, Keep your possessions in your backpack, Watch for your stop, Have your things ready, Use kind words and a “talking voice, “ Listen to others, Stay out of the aisles, Sit facing forward, Stay seated and hands to yourself
In the bathroom: Wait your turn, Quiet voice, Hands to yourself, Knock, Keep bathroom clean, Ask first, Tell the teacher, Use soap
Responses to Behaviors:
It is the principal’s responsibility, in conjunction with the teacher, to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. Discretion and common sense prevail in dealing with young children. We hope students will learn appropriate behavior when it is addressed fairly and consistently. We ask parents to partner with us in expecting safe and positive behavior at bus stops, on buses, and in school.
All Dennis-Yarmouth Schools follow the Student Discipline Regulations approved by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as specified in 603 CMR 53.00.
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Dennis-Yarmouth AI Vision and Guidelines
In Dennis-Yarmouth, we believe that equitable access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and education is essential to preparing every student for success in a rapidly evolving world. Our schools are committed to empowering all learners to be ethical, informed, and creative problem solvers who can adapt, collaborate, and lead in an increasingly technological society.
Guidelines:
- Students may only use District approved AI tools with a teacher's explicit permission for specific assignments
- Students will use District approved AI responsibly and safely, including identifying and avoiding plagiarism and bias
- Students will have opportunities to demonstrate their use of AI tools at school events
Grades K-3 Responsible Use Agreement
Please Review This With Your Child
Using Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District (DYRSD) online and digital technology, I will be a good digital citizen. I acknowledge that I understand the following:
I am responsible for practicing positive digital citizenship.
- I will practice positive digital citizenship, including appropriate behavior and contributions on websites, social media, discussion boards, media sharing sites, and other electronic communications, including new technology.
- I will be honest in all digital communication.
- I am responsible for keeping personal information private. I will not share personal information about myself or others, including, but not limited to, names, home addresses, telephone numbers, birth dates, or visuals such as pictures, videos, and drawings.
- I will not meet anyone in person that I have met only on the Internet.
- I will abide by all laws, this Responsible Use Agreement, and all District security policies.
I am responsible for my passwords and my actions when using District accounts.
- I will not share any school or district usernames and passwords with anyone.
- I will not access the account information of others.
- I will log out of unattended equipment and accounts to maintain privacy and security.
I am responsible for my verbal, written, and artistic expression.
- I will use appropriate school language in anything I post online.
I am responsible for treating others with respect and dignity.
- I will not send unkind, untrue or harassing comments, pictures, videos or websites to anyone. I understand that bullying in any form, including cyberbullying, is unacceptable.
I am responsible for accessing only educational content when using DYRSD technology.
- I will only seek out, display, or circulate school appropriate content.
I am responsible for respecting and maintaining the security of DYRSD digital resources and networks.
- I will not try to get around security settings and filters.
- I will not install or use illegal software or files, including copyright-protected materials, unauthorized software, or apps on any DYRSD technology equipment.
I am responsible for taking all reasonable care when handling DYRSD equipment.
- I understand that vandalism in any form is prohibited.
- I will report any known or suspected acts of vandalism to the appropriate person.
- I will respect my and others' use and access to DYRSD equipment.
- I am responsible for respecting the works of others.
- I will not copy another person’s work and represent it as my own. I will properly cite all sources.
- I will not download illegally obtained music, software, apps, or other works.
I am responsible for the data I create and for protecting it.
- I understand that I should save any important schoolwork that I’ve created to my Google Drive.
- I understand I should not save or store personal data or files on any device.
Students and parents/guardians participating in the DYRSD iPad initiative must adhere to the DYRSD program procedures, Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, Technology Responsible Use Agreement, School Committee Policies, and federal and state laws.
The technology device covered by this agreement is an iPad. One iPad and case are being loaned to the student. It is the student’s responsibility to care for the equipment on a daily basis and ensure that it is safely stored in the classroom cart. Any technical or mechanical issues with the iPad must be reported to the school for evaluation and repair.
This equipment is, and at all-times remains, the property of the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District and is subject to random inspection. The equipment will be returned to the District during the final week of school or sooner if a student withdraws from the District.
Grades K-3 iPad Loan Agreement
Please review these iPad rules with your child. In order to use an iPad, you and your child must be willing to accept the following responsibilities:
Student Responsibilities
- I understand that the iPad is my responsibility.
- I will not remove my iPad from the case, write on or destroy the case, or change cases without approval from the Technology Office.
- I will do everything I can to prevent my iPad from being damaged.
- I will not leave my iPad outside or in any unsupervised areas.
- I will honor the DYRSD iPad Procedures and Use Guidelines and the DYRSD Technology Responsible Use Agreement.
- I will not view, create, send, or download inappropriate material.
- I will treat the iPad as a valuable piece of equipment and will report any issues with my iPad to a teacher immediately.
- I will not attempt to add, delete, access, or modify other user accounts on the iPad.
- I will not do anything that could interfere with the DYRSD network.
- I will return the iPad in good working order at the end of the school year, when requested, or if I withdraw from the school District
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
Your child has been issued an iPad as part of the DYRSD initiative to enhance the educational experience and prepare students to use technology in the 21st century. It is essential that all procedures and guidelines be followed to ensure the safe, efficient, and ethical operation of this device. Therefore, we ask that you agree to the following:
- I will discuss the DYRSD iPad Procedures and Use Guidelines and the DYRSD Technology Responsible Use Agreement information with my child
- I will ensure that my child understands the Student Responsibilities in this loan agreement
- I will ensure that my child reports any mechanical or technical issues with the iPad to a teacher or administrator
- I agree that the iPad will be returned to DYRSD in good working order at the end of the school year, when requested, or upon withdrawing from the school District
- I agree to pay a replacement cover fee if the cover is returned with intentional damage such as graffiti or other similar damage
Failure to uphold the responsibilities listed above is misuse. Misuse of DYRSD online and digital technologies may result in restricted access. Such misuse may also lead to disciplinary and/or legal action against students, including suspension, expulsion, or criminal prosecution by government authorities. The District will tailor any corrective action to the specific issues related to each violation.
Disciplinary action may also be taken when a student intentionally posts speech online understood by school officials to threaten, harass and intimidate a staff member or fellow student, even when such online action originated and was disseminated off-campus without the use of school resources.
Students are welcome to take and post pictures online in their uniforms and/or with the school logo, recognizing that those images should display appropriate decorum. Disciplinary action may also be taken if students post pictures online in their uniforms and/or with the school logo that displays conduct unacceptable of the team/school and/or disrupts the school’s operation.
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read this iPad Loan Agreement for DYRSD and have discussed it with my child. I agree to the terms above and accept responsibility for the DYRSD-owned iPad. I understand that I am accepting responsibility for any damage, destruction, or loss of the assigned iPad. I understand that I am responsible for the total cost of replacing a damaged, destroyed, or lost iPad.
I understand that technology access is provided by DYRSD and is for educational purposes in keeping with the academic goals of DYRSD, and that student use for any other purpose is inappropriate. I recognize that it is impossible for DYRSD to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold the school responsible for materials acquired on the school network. I understand that children’s technology activities at home should be supervised as they can affect the academic environment at school.
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BUS SAFETY - GOOD MANNERS AND COMMON SENSE MAKE FOR A SAFE RIDE
Bus transportation is provided by Five Star Bus Company located in South Yarmouth. They can be reached at 508-443-5080. Please consider adding this number to your phone contacts.
Any transportation changes must be documented with a written note by the parent/guardian. Children will not be allowed to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop without written permission from the parent. Permission to change buses will generally be granted, unless to do so would cause overcrowding of a bus. Drivers are informed of any passenger changes.
In the interest of safety, all students will not be dropped off at their bus stop unless the parent, guardian, or other pre-authorized adult, known to the bus driver, is at the bus stop. If no one is at the bus stop, the school will be notified and the child will be brought back to MES. You will be called by the school to come and pick your child up.
PARENTS: Please familiarize yourself and your child with the Bus Rules & Regulations. This is sent home the first day of school. All riders are required to follow these procedures. A specific system of warnings has been established by the bus company and the school district. The responsibility of transporting school students to and from school each day requires the cooperation of the students' parents. Parents must understand that it is their responsibility to ensure proper conduct of their children while traveling to and from bus stops. Parents should make every effort to make their children aware that students riding on school buses MUST obey the regulations or forfeit their right to ride on the bus.
STUDENTS: Your school day begins when you board the school bus in the morning and ends when you leave it in the afternoon. You come under the jurisdiction of the school administration during this entire period. Remember it is a privilege to ride the school bus. If you are not well behaved and courteous, and if you endanger the health and safety of other students, this privilege will be taken away from you. The bus driver shall be considered to have the same authority for maintaining good order as a teacher in the classroom