SMITH ACADEMY

34 School Street

Hatfield, MA  01038

Telephone: (413) 247-5641     Fax: (413) 247-0201

hatfieldpublicschools.net

 

Superintendent of Schools and Director of Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Patrice Dardenne

Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Mr. Scott Goldman

Guidance Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Christine Soverow

Athletic Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Ms. Sherry Webb

                  

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

 

Dear Smith Academy Students,

 

     The 2007-2008 Student Handbook is a valuable resource guide that contains information about graduation requirements, attendance policies, behavioral expectations, sports, clubs, activities and the standards that students must maintain in order to take full advantage of the opportunities available to students at Smith Academy.  Taking some time now, to educate yourselves on your rights, responsibilities and opportunities will help you make decisions today that will impact your future, both at Smith Academy and after you graduate. 

 

     The “Table of Contents” clearly points you toward the information you are seeking.  Many changes have been made to graduation requirements, attendance policies, and other categories over the past two years and you are responsible for keeping up to date with those changes.  Although I will notify you of a change if the change occurs during the school year, reading the Student Handbook is the best way to know how changes impact you and your classmates. 

 

    Please remember that the faculty, staff and I expect you to treat others with respect, demonstrate tolerance for people’s differences, give us your best effort, and take personal responsibility for creating and maintaining a positive school environment during your years at Smith Academy.  Have a wonderful 2007-2008 school year.

                                                                                     

Sincerely,

 

 

 

                                                                                       Scott Goldman

 

 

THE ATHENIAN OATH

 

“We will never bring disgrace to this our town, by any act of dishonesty or cowardice, nor ever desert our suffering comrades in the ranks; we will fight for the ideals and sacred things of the town, both alone and with many; we will revere and obey the town’s laws and do our best to incite a like respect in those above us who are prone to annul or set them at naught; we will strive unceasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty, thus in all these ways we will transmit this town not only less, but greater and more beautiful that it was transmitted to us.”

 

(Athenian boys took the Athenian oath as they approached manhood as a commitment to civic responsibility.  The oath has been adopted by the Town of Hatfield and Smith Academy to encourage all citizens to embrace its ideals.)

                                      TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                           

 

TITLES                                                                            PAGE

 

History of Smith Academy                                                                  4            

Mission Statement/Learning Expectations                                        5                      

Attendance Policies and Procedures                                                   6    

Parent Notification                                                                         7

Acceptable Absences                                                                      7

Early Dismissal                                                                             8

College Visits                                                                                          8

Tardiness                                                                                      8

Truancy                                                                                         9

Attendance for Sports and Activities                                                9

Academics, Grading and Graduation Requirements                           9                

          Academic Honesty                                                                          9

          Graduation Credit Requirements                                                              12

          Grade Level Promotion Requirements                                              13

          Honors and Advanced Placement                                                              13

          Grade Point Average                                                                       14

          Honor Roll                                                                                     15

National Honor Society                                                                   15

Final Exams                                                                                  16

Loss of Credit                                                                                 17

Academic Leaders                                                                          17

Add/Drop                                                                                      17

          College Representative Visits                                                          17

          Failures/Summer School                                                               17

          Repeating Courses                                                                         18

Discipline Policies and Procedures                                                      18

Detentions                                                                                     18

          Internal Suspension                                                                       19

External Suspension                                                                      20

Due Process                                                                                   20

Expulsion/Long-Term Suspension                                                   21

Appealing Suspensions                                                                   21

Discipline for Special Education Students                                       22

Illegal Acts/Illegal Substances                                                        23

Computer Use Policy                                                                      23

Laser Pointers                                                                                25

Athletics and Co-Curricular Activities                                                25

Athletic Fees                                                                                           25

Athletic Teams                                                                               25

Activities/Clubs                                                                             25

Class Dues                                                                                    26

Eligibility Requirements                                                                 26

Insurance                                                                                      27

Chemical Health Rule                                                                    28

Awards                                                                                                                 28

Middle School Sports                                                                                           28

 

Health and Safety                                                                               29

Anti-Harassment Policy                                                                29

Sexual Harassment                                                                               29

Hazing                                                                                         30                                Reporting Illnesses                                                                       30

Dismissal                                                                                     31

Medication                                                                                   31

Injury                                                                                          31

Special Services                                                                           31

General Policies and Practices                                                            32

          Awards Philosophy                                                                      32

          Book Policy                                                                                 32

          Bulletin Boards                                                                            32

Bus and Transportation Policy                                                      32

Cafeteria and Lunch Policy                                                           33

Complaint Procedure                                                                    34

Discrimination                                                                             34

Dances                                                                                        34

Delayed Opening                                                                          35

Dress Code                                                                                  35

Eighteen Year-Old Rights                                                             35

Elections                                                                                     36

Evacuation Procedures                                                                 36

Food                                                                                            36

Guests                                                                                         36

Lavatory Passes                                                                           36

Locker Policy                                                                                         37

Lost and Found                                                                            37

Make-Up Policy                                                                            37

Motor Vehicle Regulations                                                                     38

No School Announcements                                                           38

Outside Privileges                                                                        38

Religious Holidays                                                                        38

Security of Building                                                                               38

Telephone Use                                                                             39

Appendix                                                                                             39

Sexual Harassment Policy                                                                     39

Student Records                                                                           39

          Drug Free Environment Policy                                                      40

          Illegal Acts                                                                                  40

Bomb Threat Procedures                                                                                    42

School Safety Plan                                                                               43

Asbestos Report                                                                           47

Hatfield School Committee Member Contact Information            48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HISTORY OF SMITH ACADEMY

 

The groundwork which led to the establishment of Smith Academy began in 1870, when Sophia Smith, in her will, instructed that a board of trustees be formed for the purpose of building, organizing and maintaining a co-educational learning institution in Hatfield.  Of the $75,000 earmarked for this undertaking, about a third was to cover the cost of a suitable “building of brick", the remaining two thirds to provide for all phases of instruction.

         

Sophia Smith's vision and the trustees' efforts came to fruition when Smith Academy began accepting students in 1872.  Although tuition was charged, all that had mastered the three R's were welcome.  The Academy was considered a very advanced institution for its day, containing a library open to students and townspeople, modern science labs, and a hall for lectures and indoor exercising. In addition to providing educational opportunities, the Academy building hosted numerous community and social events, a tradition which has continued into modern times.

         

The third annual catalogue, printed in September 1875, stated that the total enrollment was 95. In those days, many young people came to Smith Academy from out of town in order to take advantage of Hatfield's “higher education”.  The catalogue lists students from New York, Texas, Ohio, and Vermont, as well as from Hatfield and surrounding communities.

         

In 1921, Smith Academy became Hatfield's public secondary school.  An agreement between the trustees and the town fathers split jurisdiction over the school, with the former group maintaining responsibility for the building while an elected school committee oversaw educational supplies and curriculum.  Eliminating private control was considered a “healthy” tendency during the early part of this century.

         

In September of that year, Smith Academy opened for the first time as a public high school by welcoming 80 students.  Through the years, Smith Academy has mirrored the lives and fortunes of the town's people.  During the Depression years of the thirties, courses in Economics, Agriculture, and business subjects prepared students to make their way in a difficult and changing world.  The Academy and other buildings along Main Street withstood the ravages of the great flood of 1936, when several feet of water inundated the area.

         

During the Second World War, Smith Academy served as a local center for registering townspeople for the rationing of food and other scarce commodities.  In 1940, a hot lunch program was initiated at the school in conjunction with the WPA.  Smith Academy faculty and pupils played a major role in celebrating the 275th anniversary of the town, which was held in 1946 instead of 1945 so returning service men and women could participate.  In the late forties, Smith Academy established evening courses, primarily in the field of agriculture to aid returning Veterans.  With the advent of the atomic age, changes in curriculum abounded, placing more emphasis in math and sciences and less on agriculture and home economics.

         

Completion of a new twelve-room elementary school in 1960 made it apparent that the town's secondary facilities would need attention in the near future.  Many ways to remedy this lack of space and facilities were explored, including renovating existing structures and regionalizing with other communities.  A plan for a new high school was proposed just prior to the state's establishing minimum enrollment standards for building assistance, but the voters turned it down.

 

Each avenue available to solve Hatfield's secondary school problem was again explored over the next five years.  Because Hatfield did not have the required enrollment to qualify for state building assistance funds, a decision was made to request a special act of the Massachusetts Legislature giving the town an exemption from this requirement.  A decision favorable to the town was enacted on December 21, 1977, and state funds were made available.  Construction work began in the fall of 1978.

 

The new 59,000 square foot junior-senior high school, built for a projected enrollment of 300 students and located on a 42-acre site on School Street, was opened for classes on

September 3, 1980.  Enrollment at that time was 268.

 

SMITH ACADEMY - MISSION STATEMENT

 

Smith Academy endeavors to use its resources to enable all students to achieve their fullest potential by providing a learning environment conducive to growth.  This includes acquiring an appreciation for the values of our society, a respect for self and others, and an academic background necessary for the students' understanding of their role as citizens in a pluralistic society.  This learning environment will stress the importance of independent and critical thinking, while recognizing individual strengths and talents.  It will also encourage a closeness which will assist students to overcome adversity and provide hope for the future.

 

 

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING

 

ACADEMIC:

 

1.     Reads, writes, and speaks effectively.

2.     Understands world and United States history, geography, economics and sociology,                     

      and their relationship to local and global issues.

3.   Uses and applies technology ethically, effectively, and creatively.

4.   Learns, experiences, and appreciates fine and performing arts.

5.   Understands and applies the fundamental principles of the sciences and scientific 

      process.

6.   Understands and applies the interrelationship among health, wellness, and physical   

      fitness which leads to a healthy lifestyle.

7.   Is able to communicate in a foreign language and understand related cultures.

8.   Understands and effectively utilizes mathematical concepts.

9.   Exhibits good problem solving and critical thinking skills.

 

SOCIAL:

 

10.  Accepts responsibility for personal decisions and behavior.

11.  Makes productive use of free time.

12.  Works co-operatively in a variety of settings.

13.  Practices good manners, integrity, and respect for others.

14.  Takes pride in one's work.

 

CIVIC:

 

15.   Understands and demonstrates personal responsibility as a citizen in a democratic    

        society.

16.   Understands and respects cultural diversity and individual differences in our own   

        society and throughout the world.

17.   Recognizes one's role in local, national, and global communities. 

 

 

 

SMITH ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

The philosophy of the Smith Academy Middle School is to encourage a respect for learning, to promote mastery of basic skills, to instill a desire for educational excellence, to foster an understanding of world cultures, and to encourage social responsibility in a democratic society.  To accomplish this, the Middle School program recognizes the uniqueness of each student’s personality, capabilities, aspirations, and capacity to make choices.

 

OBJECTIVES

 

  • Recognize the unique intellectual, emotional and physical needs of this age group.
  • Create a sense of community within the Middle School.
  • Foster respect for privacy, others' feelings and personal space.
  • Identify and promote respect for self, peers and adults.
  • Help students assume more academic and social responsibility appropriate to their age group.

 

 

HATFIELD SCHOOL COMMITTEE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

 

We, the Hatfield School Committee, agree to adopt the following statement::

 

          "The Hatfield School Committee strongly supports the right of each citizen to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as stated in the Declaration of Independence.  We vigorously condemn any action, which diminishes the dignity, security, or well being of any person.

 

          We will not tolerate any form of discrimination or insensitivity by any employee or student and will deal swiftly and appropriately with anyone who engages in such acts."

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE

 
ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

 

Smith Academy students are expected to be present every day that school is in session. Students may enter classroom areas as early as 7:20 am.  The use of school days for personal vacation time or medical/dental appointments is not encouraged.  Parents/guardians should notify the school by calling 247-5641 early on the day a student is absent.  A secretary is available to handle calls as early as 6:30 am.

 

A student who has been absent must submit a written note signed by the parent or guardian to the Main Office.  The note must contain the date and reason for the absence.  A note is necessary even if the parent/guardian has notified the school by phone on the day of the absence.  The school will make every attempt to call the homes of students who are absent and whose parents/guardians have not notified the school of their child’s absence.

 

 

 

GUIDELINES AND CONSEQUENCES FOR ABSENCES

 

The Hatfield School Committee has established general guidelines and consequences for student absences.  When a student reaches the level of absence outlined below, the following steps will be taken.  It is understood that an absence can be a full-day absence or an absence from a particular class or classes as a result of a student being tardy or being dismissed early.