Sparhawk Lower School Parent Handbook 2015-2016

Sparhawk Lower School
Parent Handbook 2015-2016
Academic theme: Digging for our American Roots
Social Theme: Creating a Culture of Kindness
Important phone numbers
Marion Cipolle, Lower School School Director
978-517-7030
Carole Cowper, Administrative Assistant (until 4pm)
978-517-7020
Louise Stilphen, Headmaster
978-388-5354
Kaitlyn MacDonald, Assistant Headmaster & Admissions
978-388-5354
Cheryl Fuller, Chief Finance Officer
978-517-7122
Main Telephone Number
978-388-5354
After School Program Phone - after 3:30pm Mon-Fri- 978-998-5809
Table of Contents
The Sparhawk Credo
Principles to Guide Actions
page 3
page 4
Introduction
Faculty
History
Philosophy
Curriculum Overview
Grouping Philosophy
page 5
page 6
page 7
Procedures and Policies
Absences
page 7
Attendance
Arrival, Dismissal, Late policy
page 8
Academic Classes/Schedule
page 9
Admissions Policy
page 10
Academic Probation
Accommodating Students with Disabilities/Disclaimer
Behavior in Class and Codes of Behavior
Class Placement
page 11
Communications
Community Service
Computers
Dress Code, Language, & Pop Culture page 12
Electronics
page 13
End of Day and After school Activities page 13
Field Trips and Permission Slips
Fundraising
Homework Policy
page 13 & 14
Labeling Property and Lost and Found page 14
Lunch
Mailboxes
page 15
Open Door Policy
Parameters of School Jurisdiction
Parent Feedback and Complaints
Parent Volunteer Opportunities/PTO
Parking and Exiting
Personal and School Property
page 16
Personal Events and Birthday Parties
Property Loss and Liability
Religious Holidays
Report on Student Progress
Rights and Privacy Policy
page 17
School Calendar page 17
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School Hours
School Closings and Delays in Opening page
Social Conduct
Scholastic Book Clubpage 18
Smoking Policies
Solicitation
Sparhawk Lower School Family List
Student Records
Student: Outside Referralspage 19
Termination of Enrollment
Visitors on campus
Health and Emergency Policies and Procedures
Health Requisites / Immunization Record page 20
Physical Exam
Health and Sickness Policy
Emergency Medical Procedures
Injuries/ First Aid page 21
Evacuation Policy (MEMA)
Fire Drills
Food Restriction- 2014-2015 is a Peanut Free Year
Appendix A: Bullying/Harrassment page 22
Appendix B: Student Computer Agreement page 23
Appendix C: Financial Policies and Provisions Disclaimer page 24
Handbook Disclaimer Statement page 25
MEMA Maps
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THE SPARHAWK CREDO
Sparhawk students
are willing to learn.
Courageous in the face of unknowns,
they are willing to ask questions and persevere until understanding comes.
Sparhawk students
respect themselves enough to do their best, or hold that as a goal.
They understand their abilities,
optimize their strengths and excel,
and through diligence, they cultivate success in other areas of importance.
Success leads to confidence
and confidence is a feeling that endows happiness.
Sparhawk students
treat peers and adults with the kindliness they deserve.
They look for and lovingly support one another's virtues
and have patience with one another's growth.
Sparhawk students
count their blessings, realizing and celebrating
the riches we have.
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Principles
to guide actions
Rules are developed with student input and the values stated in the
Credo are used as a guide.
Rules and consequences of breaking those rules are clearly defined and
communicated to students. Then:
We trust each student until he or she no longer merits trust.
We deal with behavioral consequences on an individual basis.
We do not make global rulings or policy changes on the basis of
individual student(s) misbehavior or mistakes.
We return trust to erring student(s) as soon as it is prudent to do so.
We offer our students all the patience and support we can give them
because growth happens over time.
We flourish in a culture of kindness. Everyone, students, teachers,
parents, and administrators must value this culture in order for it to be
sustainable. As the Credo states: We treat one another with the
kindliness we each deserve.
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Introduction
Our Faculty and Staff this year:
Director: Marion Cipolle, Program Coordinator/Art Teacher: Catherine Kulik
Program Assistant: Carole Cowper
PreK Teacher: Sarah Guard
KindergartenTeacher: Maryclaire Paullis
Grade 1-2 Teacher: Kristin Spinney
Grade 2-3: Paula Torrisi
Grade 4-5: Lisa Hughes and Eric Getz,
Music: Susan Carter-Kruegman
Chinese: Yun Nong preK-5, Spanish grades 4&5: Anne McCoy
Enrichment and club: David Casali (Upper School Music)
After School Staff: Amy Pertl-Clark (M-F), Gracie Pedersen (M, T, & F), Sarah Guard(W&Th)
Maintenance: Josiel Silviera and Jeff Burr
Sparhawk History
The Sparhawk history is, in one way, more than fifty years old, for the Sparhawk formula represents a
lifelong dream come true. In September of 1994, Sparhawk School opened in an eleven-room Victorian
home at 99 Elm Street, in Amesbury, Massachusetts, with an enrollment of 15 students. We began our
second year of operation with 35 students but by the end of that year, the location, though ideal, quickly
became too small.
In our third year of operation, we purchased a 6-acre farm at 259 Elm Street, one mile from our original
location, and just what we needed for expansion to 76 students in 1996. The farmhouse, like the Victorian, is
a sun-lit beauty with many large rooms perfectly suited to our needs; and the more than 6-acres of land
provides the space for parking, and future development. Until 2000 our kindergarten and first grade groups
remained at 99 Elm Street and everyone else was at the new Farm Campus.
In the summer of 1998, volunteers built a small addition onto the farmhouse enabling us to increase the
enrollment to 86 in year five. In our sixth year, two antique houses were donated to the School. In June and
August of 1999, respectively, we moved those houses to our 259 Elm Street campus. One was restored for
use as a library/administration center, and the other housed our art and music programs, with a gathering
room large enough for small performances and meetings. For school year, 2000-2001, all of Sparhawk was
housed at the 259 Elm Street campus; eighty-five students were then enrolled in grades kindergarten through
nine. But in year seven, we outgrew that space.
For year eight, we had separate campuses once again. We rented a small, turn-of-the-century public school
building from the Town of Salisbury, and moved our growing middle school there; our K-5 grades stayed at
our Farm Campus. But, once more, we had outgrown our space. Not only had our middle school population
grown, but also in the fall of 2001, we opened a high school program. We used the Memorial School
building in Salisbury Square for our middle and upper school. This building gave us space to grow, and the
long-desired luxuries of a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and extra room for performances. It also offered us time to
consider our best long-term options for our high school program.
In 2009, the FarmSchool had exciting changes: the addition of a Pre-Kindergarten program, a new art space
in the downstairs of Emerson, and a new music room, built as a timber frame addition to the building. It was
designed, and the timbers made, by our high school students, over the course of two years, in one of their arts
electives, a woodworking class. In 2009 we also built a new middle school building and we extended our
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outdoor play space. And, in 2011, we purchased and refurbished a new home for our high school, located on
196 Main Street, Amesbury.
Sparhawk Philosophy
Sparhawk is an innovative application of several fundamental principles, some old, some new, making it
distinctive among other schools. It is founded on a comprehensive educational philosophy and dedicated to
creating a school experience that cultivates independent thinking, protects children's natural joy and ease in
learning, and preserves their curiosity, creativity, and self-esteem.
In a resource-rich environment, and within family-like multi-age groupings, students are encouraged to
pursue their interests, working independently and in small groups within clearly defined behavioral limits.
Teachers focus on guiding small groups and on providing individualized instruction, using systematic
methods that match each student's learning style. Because such carefully tailored instruction produces real
progress in minimal time, a great deal of time is available to provide a greater range of academic study than
is available in most schools, and it allows time for self-initiated, self-directed exploration.
Because we wish our students to become self-governing and responsible members of the community, at
Sparhawk, children take an active role in managing their own lives and in managing their school. Our
approach honors children, values inquiry and celebrates ideas.
Sparhawk School is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education and is accredited by
New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
*Meeting the needs of each child - Two Ways
Sparhawk School tailors its classroom curriculum in two ways. First, we approach each student as an
individual in the group. Our small ratios allow for this to happen. This does not mean that each child has
their own lesson plan, it means that the teacher keeps in mind what each student can do and what comes next
for them. Expectations in class are based on nudging a student’s “growing edge” or comfort zone.
The second method of meeting the needs of each child is to create lessons that respond to a need in the
student population. Sometimes staff will create either extra challenging lessons for students who are ready or
a catch-up time for a student who may need extra support in a particular skill set.
Curriculum Overview PreK-5
The function of elementary school education is to lay the foundation for more advanced study and mastery in
high school and college to create enrichment opportunities for students to explore numerous possibilities in
order to expand their interests and fulfill their potential.
Children must have the opportunity to acquire and practice the basic skills: reading, writing, discourse, and
arithmetic. These are the bricks for the foundation. The materials are strengthened through the stockpiling of
concrete, sensory-motor experiences from which abstractions can be induced or at least comprehended.
Children need to touch reality, manipulate objects, learn by doing, and not rely solely on books. The mortar,
that which holds it all firmly together, is the child's innate abilities and natural enthusiasm for learning.
Creating conditions within which children are able to keep their sense of wonder, and can act to satisfy their
curiosity by using their emerging basic skills, is the primary responsibility of elementary educators.
The core curriculum at Sparhawk School consists of a focus on Language Arts, Science, Social Studies,
and Mathematics. The subjects incorporated into Community Time and the curricular theme each
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year is: History, Geography, Government, Ethics, Art, Music, Language Arts, Math, and Science.
Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Art, Music, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish (Upper
Elementary grades 4-5), are also taught as separate subjects. Other classes, such as Socratic Seminar, help
students develop critical thinking and reading skills that will enable them to analyze the world around them.
Other components of the core curriculum occur throughout the school year. Each class achieves major
academic and social goals to lay the foundation for subsequent work. Every year, for example, fourth and
fifth grade students research, organize, and write Artist Research papers and role-play their artist of choice
for the community in a Wax Museum presentation.
Grouping Philosophy
Sparhawk’s Lower School uses multi-age groupings. The students are placed in their classes based on social
development, maturity, and academic readiness. This year’s groups are: Pre-K/K; 1-2; 2-3; and two 4-5
classes. Our campus is organized by neighborhoods. The PreK/K is located in the Woodsview Building. The
1-2, 2-3, and one 4-5 class, are housed in the Farm Building; and the second 4-5 class is in the second floor
of Emerson. Groupings are identified by bird names, researched and chosen by the classes during the first
few weeks of school.
Procedures and Student Life/ Policies
Attendance, Arrival, Pick-Up, Dismissal, After School Program, Door Policy, and Daily
Schedule
•Absences from School
Parents are required to call and report the absence and reason to Carole Cowper at 978-517-7020 by 9:00 am
or sooner- we have a 24 hour message line.
•Attendance
Please have your child come to school on time. The successful progress of students depends greatly on
prompt and regular attendance. We expect students to attend school on time and on a regular, daily basis in
order to receive the maximum benefits of instruction. Each teacher will take attendance daily and report this
information to the office. Your child will be marked absent if he/she is not signed in to the office.
•Arrival: For Grades Pre-K-5, the school day begins at 8:30 am. Drop off can be as early as 8am.
!PreK and K arrive in the Woodsview Building.
•Parents sign their student in on the clipboard in the entryway.
!Grades 1-5 arrive in the Farm House.
•Parents sign their student in on the clipboards in the Farm Locker Room
oLate arrivals disrupt the flow of classes, and late students frequently miss important information
and valuable social time with peers and the teacher. Each teacher will be keeping track of
student attendance and the office will maintain updated records. If your child is late to
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school, it is up to you to help your student sign-in late by visiting the office in the
downstairs of the Brick Building. Our doors lock as soon as the last child enters the
building at 8:30am.
!
If you arrive on campus after classes begin (8:30) and before pick-up (3:00), come to
the office, as the doors will be locked as a safety precaution. The doors on
Woodsview, Emerson, and Farm will be locked at 8:30am and unlocked at
3:00pm.
!
The Brick Building front door will remain unlocked, except in the winter. The
entrance will change in the colder weather to the ramp-side door.
•Dismissal
If you plan to have another adult pick up your child from school, do the following:
1. Inform the office.
2. Inform your child in advance, if possible.
oHours for dismissal:
!Dismissal on most days is between 3:00-3:30.
!On Mondays, Kindergarten, grade one, and grade two are dismissed at 3:30.
!On Wednesdays, grades, three, four, and five are dismissed at 3:30. It is at these times
the students have Chorus.
oEarly dismissal
!Please let your child and the office know if you are going to pick up your child earlier or
later than usual and have Carole record it in the office logbook. It is best to try not to
schedule appointments during regular school hours or on a day when a field trip is
scheduled. For an early dismissal, parents should report to the office and a staff
member will notify your child and he/she will meet you in the office.
oLate Policy
!Late Policies for grades 1-5 and non-fulltime PreK and K students: After 3:30 pm, per
the Policy & Fees agreement, parents will be charged, for late pick up if the student is
not enrolled in the After School Program. The fee is 25 dollars for After School
Program.
!Late fees also apply for pickup after 5:30 pm.
•Schedule: The teachers and students will implement their respective regular daily schedules during the
second week of school. The daily schedules for Mondays through Fridays will consist of Language Arts,
Math, Social Studies, and Science classes, as well as the "specials" (music, art, world languages, chorus,
and athletics), along with other topics appropriate to the integrated curricular theme during the year.
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!Chorus: Mondays, 3:00-3:30 for grades K-2, and Wednesdays, 3:00-3:30 for grades 3-5.
!Monday Community Time for the early and upper elementary students supports the study of our theme
each week. In addition to bringing history to life, Community Time offers us an opportunity to
address community concerns, extend areas of curricular interest, and to plan and enjoy varied group.
•All students participate athletics this year once per week, either on Tuesday or Thursday morning as a part
of their regular schedule. The games and lessons learned in athletics will be reinforced during recess and
group activities.
•Every student participates in Community meeting on Fridays. Students and faculty benefit from this time to
celebrate one another and address community concerns.
•Enrichment Classes are offered to round out the core curriculum offerings, broaden and stretch students’
abilities, and further develop critical thinking skills.
oOn Friday afternoons this year, students in Grades 1-5 participate in Enrichments. The students
choose from a variety of courses (typically 5-6 week sessions) taught by Sparhawk faculty
and staff, parents, and sometimes students, on subjects of interest. When enrichments require
an outside expert or extra materials, there is a fee attached.
oIn the PreK and K, please be certain to connect with Maryclaire or Sarah if you are able to offer
a workshop.
•On Fridays we enjoy Pizza! The Pizza business is a curricular extension of the grades 4&5 math classes.
The monies raised helps fund trips and provide the students with philanthropic experiences.
Academic and Personal Honesty and Integrity
Sparhawk School is committed to the highest standards of academic honesty.
!Such standards are central to the process of intellectual inquiry, the development of individual character
and the maintenance of a civilized community. Students of all ages are responsible for knowing what
constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is the submission of material as one's own work, which is not the
result of one's own effort. It is the use or imitation of the work of another author/artist and
representation of the work as one's own.
At Sparhawk School we value trust.
! We embrace the importance of honest interactions between all who study and work here. Breeches of
integrity include: lying, cheating, plagiarism, breaking commitments, forging signatures, stealing or
any action that compromises the well-being of the community that we foster. Breaches of integrity
may result in action by the school administration.
Admissions Policy
Sparhawk School admits students of any sex, religion, race, color, and national and ethnic origin to all the
rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It
does not discriminate on the basis of gender, religion, race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration
of its educational policies, admissions policies or other school-administered programs. Sparhawk School
adheres to the principles provided for in The Americans with Disability Act of l992.
Accommodating Students with Disabilities/ Provision of Services Disclaimer
Sparhawk does not offer and undertake education for special needs students as defined under Massachusetts
or Federal Law, nor does the school hold related licensure. Any concerns about accommodation needs for
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students with disabilities should be directed to the Headmaster or Assistant Headmaster.
Disclaimer: Sparhawk School is not a provider of special education services. Your child will experience
success at Sparhawk School to the extent that he or she can benefit from the design of our program, as it
exists for the benefit of the general student body.
Respect for children and trust in their inherent enthusiasm for learning are the tenets that determine the
design of our educational processes and objectives. The design assumes that students are of average to
superior ability and have no extraordinary special needs. Although from time to time some of its faculty may
have training in special education, Sparhawk School does not hire them for the purpose of providing these
services, nor does it claim to be a provider of such services.
Academic Probation
The administration may place any student whose academic standing is in question on academic probation.
Should this not be a solvable issue, the student may be asked to leave Sparhawk for a more suitable
environment.
Behavior in Class
At Sparhawk School, we expect students to conduct themselves according to the values represented in the
Sparhawk Credo and Mission Statement, as well as applicable student conduct policies. Simply, this means
that students should behave in a manner that encourages learning for both themselves and their peers. Any
kind of behavior that disrupts or impedes the learning process will not be tolerated. It will result in the
student being asked to leave class and the parent will be notified. It is unfair to impede the education of
others.
Behavior: Codes of Behavior
At Sparhawk School, assuring that ours is a supportive and enriched culture is not only the responsibility of
the faculty and administration, it is the responsibility of every member of our community. This is integral to
everything we do – caring and respect for others are a hallmark of the Sparhawk community as illustrated in
our credo and mission statement.
Class Placement
Generally, the following criteria are considered for each student and for balancing every class: academic
readiness, general maturity, attention span, and social needs.
Before the start of each new school year, the Director and the teachers confer to make class placement
recommendations for returning students that address the above criteria. For new students, the Director will
make a decision based upon admissions information.
If you have information about your child that may be significant for class placement, please share this with
the Director by calling or writing a letter. Each placement is considered on an individual basis and is given
the utmost care. Please contact the Director immediately if there are any concerns.
Communications
!Classroom:
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oThe teachers will write weekly electronic newsletters to inform you of the happenings in the
classroom, as well as any homework and field trip reminders.
oThey will also communicate with you via email, as well as in person or on the telephone.
!Administration:
oEmails: You will be the recipient of email communication from the administration,
administrative support, the PTO, marketing, and the faculty. Your email has been placed on a
school email list, which is only used for school purposes.
oQuestionnaire/Survey: We will, on occasion, send out surveys to let us know how we are doing.
Please complete it at your convenience to inform us of things that are going well and those
that need some improvement. Your input is invaluable.
oNewsletters- You will receive current school wide news via email or through our website on a
monthly basis.
Community Service:
As a lower school, we will participate in Community Service within our own community and outside the
Sparhawk Community, typically occurring on Mondays or Fridays.
Students have many opportunities to volunteer within the school community and during Community Time.
ComputersComputers and iPads are available for student use in school. Lower School students will be monitored when
using electronic devices. They are used for academic enrichment and document creation, as well as research.
Each student will sign a computer agreement at the beginning of his or her start to the school year. If a
student is using his or her own computer, the agreement terms still hold. (See Computer Agreement
Appendix).
o Sparhawk computers are available to students and faculty to serve their technological needs, and will
be available during each school day. Because we value our academic goals, work for school always
takes priority. Game playing, personal emailing, personal web browsing, use of social networking
sites, during school hours, unless connected to a class assignment, and specifically permitted by a
student’s teacher for class use, is prohibited. Any violations to this policy will result in the
revocation of the privilege of using the computers. All Internet and computer activities will be
monitored with monitoring software that will record every site visited. Sparhawk School will make
reasonable efforts to ensure privacy and security for user accounts and any workstations. Sparhawk
School has the authority to examine files, passwords and account information to protect the security
of Sparhawk School’s computing resources and its users. Hacking, spamming, spoofing, attempting
to break in, or breaking into any workstation, server, mass storage device, or ancillary hardware
connected to the Sparhawk School network or any foreign network connected to the internet by
students, faculty or staff while connected to the Sparhawk School network is a violation of school
policy and will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Headmaster. Sparhawk School
does not condone, sponsor or support such activity and holds no liability for any possible legal action
brought against any student, faculty or staff found to be in violation of this policy by Sparhawk
School or any outside agent or party.
Dress Code, Language, and Pop Culture
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Because we have a small, family-like setting with multi-age grouping, the rules need to be more limiting than
if age groups were separate. For that reason, as a school, we must make policies that protect the largest
number of children and assume the expectations of the most conservative parents.
oDress Code: There is not a formal dress code at Sparhawk. Though we do have guidelines and
requirements.
oComfortable clothing: Please be sure that your child wears comfortable clothing that will allow
him/her to play at recess. Clothing must be free of violent and inappropriate
images/messages/language.
oAppropriate footwear: Encourage your child to wear sneakers or a shoe that fits on the heel and
is appropriate for running. Our students run, hike, and actively play during recess. Shoes with
an elevated heel or one that is loose fitting will interfere with your child’s school experience
oSneakers are required for everyone on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the days we enjoy
Athletics.
oBe sure that your child has a complete change of clothing at school.
oLanguage: For all students, a few points need to be emphasized.
oWe define “profane language” not only as swearing. Use of words/phrases such as “crap”, “that
sucks”, “shut up”, or pointed verbal insults are not tolerated.
oPop Culture:
•Students must keep the following items at home: cell phones, iPods, magazines about pop
culture issues, cards and miscellaneous items, and clothing that promotes it. If a student has
the need to bring such an item to school, the director must be consulted.
•Students may not play CDs, tapes, or the radio at school without permission from the director.
We are not determining the appropriateness of any item for a particular child or questioning any individual
parent's judgment; rather, we are deciding the appropriateness of material for the general population at
Sparhawk. The question becomes, then, what principles should be used in establishing guidelines? Because
we have a small, family-like setting with multi-age grouping, as a school, we must make policies that protect
the largest number of children and assume the expectations of the most reasonably conservative parents. The
school reserves the right to change this policy as the need arises.
Electronics, personal: iPods,iPads, MP3 players, laptops, and Cell Phones
oiPods, MP3 players and earphones are not allowed at school unless such a devise enhances independent
study, and is approved by the director or the student’s teacher requests them.
o Keep cell phones at home. Student cell phone use is not permitted during school hours.
o
Cell phones will be collected at the beginning of the school day and returned at the end of
the day.
o
Phones are available in the office if students and parents need to contact one another.
o
Sparhawk is in no way responsible for the loss of or damage to any of the before mentioned items it
is strongly recommended that these items not be brought to school. If the cell phone policy is violated,
the cell phone will be confiscated and can be collected at the end of the day.
End of the day: After-school Activities
In addition to our After-care program (3:30-5:30), Sparhawk School has a variety of extra-curricular clubs
open to members of the Sparhawk community that meet during after school and early evening hours, such as:
oPrivate music lessons with experienced musicians
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oDrama, Chess Club, and Mandarin Chinese Club and a problem solving- based robotics and Lego club.
The Director will inform you via email and brochures about upcoming clubs near the beginning of each new
trimester.
If you are interested in teaching a club in a particular area of interest in which you have experience, please
contact the director for a consultation.
Field Trips and Permission Slips
Field trips are an important part of the Sparhawk experience. However, in order for students to attend field
trips off-campus, the school must have written permission from a parent or guardian.
•At the beginning of each school year, general written permission is given for children to walk or ride to
field trips in the local communities (Amesbury, Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Byfield,
Merrimac, and nearby southern New Hampshire towns). These trips could happen on the spur of the
moment and therefore advance notice via phone call or email is not given.
•For each field trip outside of the local communities, written permission must be secured from parents or
the child cannot attend the field trip. Field trip costs are paid separately and will not be deducted
from your materials and activities account.
Fundraising
•Fundraising opportunities exist at Sparhawk School and are usually headed by the PTO or the Student
Activities Committees (the student body). Please contact them for current details. The students
fundraise for community service to help others and to fund a special school trip.
Homework Policy for Younger Students
It is our policy, in the Lower School, to individualize homework requirements, as needed. The amount of
work, and the nature of the work, is dependent on individual development and readiness. If children are
given homework before they are ready for the responsibility, a counterproductive dependency on the parents
is established. Once in place, this dependency is hard to shake. As developmentalists, we are willing to wait
until a child is ready to benefit most from homework and the work given is work that the child can do, for the
most part, without help from parents. And so, you may find that your child has homework and another child
in the same group does not; or that your child has more or less of it than another child. Usually by fourth
grade, and depending on their previous experience with homework, children are ready to enjoy the
responsibility of bringing in work. It is a gradual developmental process.
Homework Policy for Older Students
Once homework expectations are in place, students are expected to do their work in a timely fashion,
meeting deadlines. Many parents ask us for advice about how to accomplish that. Those with experience
already know that it is not always easy. The homework struggle is notorious but not inevitable. A relaxed
“partnership” is most effective for you and them; however, there is a delicate balance.
Even well intentioned guidance from parents can sometimes be interpreted as criticism; suggestions can be
seen as indictments. So, we are going to take the pressure off of you and the students. Trust us that if your
child has done their best, if they have worked hard at something, the work is done, even if it is not perfect.
We want you to provide as little direct help as possible. Don’t do the work for the child.
When a student has difficulty with assignments, we do not want you to correct everything. The work is then
yours, and the message to the child is that their work is not good enough. With writing assignments, in
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particular, it would be helpful if you simply ask your child to read their essay aloud. It is one of the best
ways for students to discover their mistakes, commissions and omissions, on their own.
Students are responsible for completing their homework and bringing it to school on time. The student will
be assessed on the quality of the work done as well as timeliness.
Use of a Student Planning Book/Homework page, online communication, and talking with the teacher is the
lifeline to homework, for both parents and students. Once homework expectations are in place, students are
expected to do their work on time.
You know your children best. If you have questions about how to help your child with any particular type of
homework, you or your child may email the teacher or talk with her/him before or after school. In these ways
we will work together to help our children become skillful, confident, and independent learners.
Labeling Property and Lost and Found
Please label all clothing, boots, indoor shoes, lunch boxes, food, and drink containers. Many look alike. Also
back packs and clothing should be labeled with the student's name. We cannot be responsible for lost
clothing and other belongings, although every effort will be made to teach children to care for their property.
Regardless of our effort to have students take care of their belongings, various items collect nonetheless.
Your child’s teacher will inform you of the location of the Lost and Found. Unclaimed items in Lost and
Found will be donated to a charity during every school vacation. We do not take financial responsibility for
the replacement of lost items.
Lunch Procedures
All Sparhawk students must bring their snack & lunch (including eating utensils) to school every day except
Fridays or on Splunch days. Your child will still need to bring in snack on Fridays and Splunch days. Friday
is pizza day and students may purchase pizza from the student run pizza business. If your child does not have
a lunch, we will call you, as we do not keep lunches in storage.
Mailboxes
oEach PreK and Kindergarten family has a mailbox in Woodsview
oEach first through fifth grade family has a mailbox in the locker room of the Farm Building. Please
check your mailboxes on a daily basis. Please also check the parents’ section of our web page,
sparhawkschool.com.
Please note that the Director, the Headmaster, or Assistant Headmaster, must approve any notice put in
parents’ mailboxes or posted at the school. We will allow parents to use school mailboxes to notify others of
events of common interest. For example, if you would like to send out a notice about a wonderful speaker
you think our community would be interested in hearing, we will gladly give permission. We will not allow
endorsement of any products or political candidates.
Open Door Policy
Parents are welcome to visit Sparhawk School any time. Always check in at the main office in the Brick
Building upon arrival. A call in advance is always appreciated.
Parameters of School Jurisdiction
Having chosen to belong to the Sparhawk School community, and as representatives of the school, all
Sparhawk students are expected to act responsibly whether on or off campus. The school reserves the right
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to address unacceptable behavior that occurs on or off campus before, during and after school hours, this
includes all electronic communication, social networking sites, texting, e-mail, chat rooms etc. The student's
parents and the student may be required to meet with the Headmaster to discuss the seriousness of any
offense. The Headmaster reserves the right to determine whether a student's behavior merits separation from
the community. This applies to all students, even those over 18.
Parent Feedback and Complaints
If there are any issues troubling you about the school, we appreciate your being candid and letting us know
right away, whether by email, a note, a phone call, or speaking directly to one of the teachers, to the Director,
Marion Cipolle, or the Headmaster, Louise Stilphen. You may email the Director at
mcipolle@sparhawkschool.com or the Headmaster at headmaster@sparhawkschool.com.
We will be able to address any issues expeditiously, if you come directly to a staff member or the Director
with concerns. We welcome your input.
Parent Volunteer Opportunities, the PTO and Special Events
Parents are welcome to help in the classroom, on field trips, reading to the class, science exploration,
publishing stories, and setting up the library, to name a few. If you have an idea or talent to share, please
feel free to speak with your child’s teacher.
Our PTO is active and provides our school with so much. Please volunteer and participate.
Parking and Exiting 259 Elm Street
There is a parking lot on our campus. Town officials have required, and safety dictates, that no one park on
Old Portsmouth Road or allow students to walk onto school property along the driveway. The driveway is a
two-lane access road and egress. Please enter slowly and use the designated parking area. Upon leaving the
school, you must take a right turn at the end of the driveway and follow the island around to the left.
Then, you may take a right or left turn onto Elm Street.
Personal and School Property
As members of the Sparhawk School community, all students are expected to respect all property of the
school and the personal property of other community members. Stealing is a serious violation of personal
rights and community standards and will not be tolerated. Vandalism is an affront to all community members
and will result in a meeting with the Director. Willful damage and unreported accidents will be considered
vandalism; please report any accidental damage of property immediately to a faculty or staff member.
Personal Events and Birthday Parties
Please DO NOT distribute birthday invitations at school.
We cannot, would not, and should not create a policy about anything that happens outside of school, but we
feel the need to point out what a dilemma birthday parties present. Considering the fact that, at this age,
birthday parties are "the highlight of the social season" for children, they create an opportunity for some to
be insiders and others outsiders, for some to gloat and others to feel spurned.
Imagine the excited chatter that precedes the parties, the uninvited all the while hoping that their invitation is
lost in the mail, and wishing that someone would remedy the situation. Imagine their sadness when party
time comes, and then, again on Monday when bonds of friendship are further cemented while reliving party
events, further alienating those not invited.
Parents and staff should encourage children not to talk about parties at school. That will be difficult for
some, but it is one way to open a discussion about the feelings of others. A rule of thumb might be: if almost
all of a group is being invited, maybe they all should be. We appreciate your cooperation.
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Property Loss and Liability
Sparhawk School is not responsible for student's personal belongings such as, but not limited to, clothing,
cell phones, laptop computers, Ipods, Ipads,MP-3 players, etc. The School cannot be held liable should a
student sustain a loss.
Religious Holidays
As a community respectful of diversity, Sparhawk School recognizes that an individual's religious beliefs
may prohibit attendance at class or participation in required events on a day of religious observance. The
School policy allows for a student who wishes to observe a religious holiday to be excused from class, or
work, on that day with prearranged parental consent. The student will be provided with the opportunity to
make-up missed exams or work. We ask that you follow the regular attendance policy and let the school
know by 9:00 am of the day in question or any day prior to the absence. The parent may do so in writing, by
email, or by telephone.
Report on Student Progress
Communication between home and school helps bind the student, parents, teachers, and administration into a
team working toward a common goal of development and growth for the student. Parents may request
conferences with the Director, the teachers, and/or Headmaster at any point in the year. Sparhawk Lower
School evaluates student progress, which includes setting personal and academic goals with the students.
Skill sets developed in Math, Language Arts, and Science, Art, Music, and Spanish will be assessed and
shared with parents. Our grade-level expectations are aligned with state and national curriculum frameworks.
October- Students and teachers design sets of attainable goals for the student. A parent-teacher meeting will
take place to discuss these goals.
Nov./Dec.- Trimester 1: Portfolio Conference presentation to parent by the student (during the school day)
and teachers prepare skill assessments (check lists) to share with parents and for the student’s file.
March- Trimester 2: Students and teachers design sets of attainable goals for the student. A parent-teacher
meeting will take place to discuss these goals. Teachers prepare skill assessments (check lists) to share with
parents and for the student’s file.
May/June- Trimester 3: Portfolio Conference presentation to parent by the student (during the school day)
and teachers prepare skill assessments (check lists) to share with parents and for the student’s file. Teachers
of PreK-grade 5 students prepare an end-of-the-year narrative of the child’s social and emotional
development throughout the year.
Rights and Privacy Policy
Sparhawk School is obligated by law to communicate the following notice. The intent of this notice is to
inform currently enrolled students of the School's authority to release certain basic information. The School
generally uses the information noted in press releases, program directories and other typical publications.
Any questions or requests to withhold this information should be addressed to the Headmaster.
School Calendar
The academic school year runs from September through June. Please refer to the annual school calendar for
dates. Electronic copies will be available. Paper copies are available through the program assistant.
School Hours
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Sparhawk School is open from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm each day for the convenience of working parents. The
school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:00/3:30 pm, with a pick-up time suggested at 3:15 pm (to alleviate traffic
congestion in the driveway). Tuition includes care from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm for grades 1-5. Parents who will
routinely need after-school care for their child until 5:30 pm may enroll in our Extended Day program.
Parents who need occasional after-school care please contact the office and pay the daily rate as per the
Policy & Fee agreement.
School Closings and Delays in Starting
If the Amesbury Public Schools close because of weather conditions, Sparhawk will also be closed.
Amesbury Public Schools close when the superintendent of the Amesbury Schools receives weather alerts
from the highway department, or the police, and after consultation with other local superintendents.
If the Amesbury Public Schools have a delayed opening, add the number of hours delayed to 8:00 am, our
regular opening time. If there is a two-hour delay, your child should arrive no later than 10:00 am.
Social Conduct
Any behavior that infringes on the personal rights or sense of well-being of others will not be tolerated at
Sparhawk School. Examples of inappropriate social conduct include, but are not limited to: aggressive
behavior (either verbal or physical), rudeness, insensitivity, hazing and any action or behavior that takes
advantage of another’s trust and/or caring. Any of the above will result in action by the administration
Scholastic Book Clubs
Through the Scholastic Book Club, you have the opportunity to order books at great savings. Most
paperback books are under $5.00 and hardcover books are significantly less expensive than the prices in
most bookstores. This is possible only through motivated parent volunteers who wish to head up this
program.
Each month we will send home the Scholastic Book Club News containing descriptions of books and an
order form. If you want to order any of the books, please complete the order form and return it to the mailbox
of the person designated to collect the book orders for your child's class. Checks should be made out to
"Scholastic Book Services", one check for each order form sent in. The books usually come to the school
two weeks after they are ordered.
You will receive copies of the Book Club News for several age groups, because you may wish to order
books on various levels. One tip: Newbery Award Books win for excellence in writing, and Caldecott
Medals are awarded for excellence in illustration. They are usually excellent.
Sparhawk does not make any money from these orders, but we are given some free books to build and
update our collection.
Smoking Policy
Smoking, in any form (e.g. cigarettes, snuff, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes) is prohibited in all buildings
on both of the Sparhawk School campuses, on any outside school grounds, and within any Sparhawk School
vehicle.
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Solicitation
No person, including individuals and organizations, may distribute literature (with the exception of advertising for
school-funded or sponsored programs), advertise, solicit, seek donations or make sales on campus, or through use of
the Sparhawk School contact list, which contains telephone numbers, mailing addresses and email addresses, without
the authorization of the Director or Headmaster. Any notices placed on any of the school bulletin boards or in school
mailboxes, must be approved as well.
Sparhawk Families' List - Addresses and Phone Numbers
Every fall we ask parents to give us permission to release their addresses and phone numbers to other parents
in the Sparhawk community. This facilitates playgroup arrangements and so forth and is limited to such
personal use and not for sales or solicitation.
Student Records
Confidentiality:
The only persons permitted to see your child's record will be you (the parent) and Sparhawk staff
directly involved with your child. All information in your child's record is confidential and
privileged.
Transfer of Records:
Upon the written request of the parent, Sparhawk will transfer the child's records. A child's parent has
the right to request deletion or amendment of any information contained in the child's record. A
child's parent also has the right to add information, comments, data or any other relevant materials to
the child's record. This can be done by requesting a conference with the Headmaster to state his or
her objections to material in the record.
Student Referrals (outside referrals for students)
If your child's teacher feels it is necessary to suggest a referral for child regarding a concern in the areas of
social, education, mental health and/or medical service, we follow specific procedures. This insures a
communication process that includes parents, teachers, and specialists who can help provide support and
assistance.
The process includes a review of your child's record with a child study team, which consists of the child's
teacher(s), the Director, and the Headmaster. Teachers provide written documentation of observations with
specific details including any effort made to accommodate the child's needs. A meeting is scheduled with
parents to share the information gathered and the concerns and reasons for the referral. The Headmaster is
available throughout the process to assist parents with contacting possible local services and speak with any
specialists. If it is determined that your child is not in need of services at this time, the school will review the
child's progress every three months.
Termination of Enrollment
Sparhawk works to provide for the needs of its families within the parameters of the school's philosophy and
goals. In the event that Sparhawk feels that it is not able to meet the needs of the child or the family, we
reserve the right to terminate an enrollment for the child's and the school's best interests. Situations that may
result in the termination of a child from our program are as follows:
1.
Behavior that harms other people physically or emotionally.
This includes behavior that makes it impossible for students and teachers to live by the
principles in Sparhawk’s Credo. The Credo is both a value promise we exact from each
student as they enroll - and it is the promise we make regarding the kind of culture students
can expect at Sparhawk.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
Inadequate Participation
This includes “academic refusal” (refusal to participate in class or to do required work
outside of class) and excessive absences or tardiness.
Disruptive Behavior
At Sparhawk, we consider class time to be precious; therefore, students who are excessively
disruptive are stealing academic opportunity from others. (We do take developmental
expectations into account with younger students.)
Unwillingness or inability of parents to help the school meet the needs of their child.
This includes, but is not limited to, refusal to seek professional assessment, counseling, or
tutoring that the school believes is necessary to the student’s success; refusal to participate in
programs the school sets up to help students achieve goals, and refusal to attend
parent/teacher conferences designed to address problems and proposed solutions to problems
the student is having at school.
Non-payment of tuition or other contracted fees
Visitors on Campus
All campus visitors (any individual who is not an enrolled student, Staff, Faculty member, or a
parent/guardian, including visitors of employees) must sign in with the main office in advance of their visit
and wear a nametag. If the visitor is under 18, he or she must have emergency information and parental
permission on file in the office. These rules apply to Sparhawk alumni as well. If a student has been
expelled from Sparhawk School, he or she is not allowed back on Sparhawk property without the written
approval of the Assistant Headmaster or Headmaster.
Health and Emergency Policies and Procedures
Immunization Record
Each student is required to have on file in the Sparhawk office an updated immunization record. For students
under eight years of age, the child’s physician on an annual basis must update this record. For students nine
years of age and older, this record must be updated by the child's physician every other year. This is a state
requirement that Sparhawk School must follow.
Physical Examination
In addition to a current immunization record, each student must have on file in the Sparhawk office a record
of a physical examination by the student's physician updated on an annual basis for children under eight
years of age, and every other year for children nine years of age and older.
Health and Sickness Policy
Children may not come to school, or will be sent home if they have a fever or other indications that they are
in a contagious stage of an illness or condition.
Contagious conditions common to school-age children include: (1) colds accompanied by a fever; (2)
conjunctivitis; (3) skin rashes that could be contagious; (4) upset stomach/vomiting; and (5) head lice.
Fever is indicative of a contagious stage, or of more serious implications such as strep throat or pneumonia,
for example.
Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious condition. Early symptoms include red itchy eyes,as in an allergic
response, but with conjunctivitis there is generally a discharge as well. Conjunctivitis can be viral or
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bacterial in origin. Children diagnosed with conjunctivitis can return to school with written approval of their
doctor.
Skin rashes that require attention include Roseola, Impetigo, etc.
Obviously, illnesses that manifest with vomiting are highly contagious; however, vomiting can also be
indicative of other complications, such as appendicitis. Students who are sick to their stomachs must be at
home.
Head lice: If you have even a suspicion that your child has had contact with someone with head lice, please
let us know. We can help you check your child's hair and coach you through the treatment process if lice are
found. We do have a No-Nit policy; that is, children may not return to school if there are any eggs remaining
in the hair. Even if the hair is treated, eggs can hatch and the problem begins again.
We do routine head checks on the first day of school. This action has kept us from having an epidemic. We
will do everything we can to protect your child's dignity, but if you expect it to be disturbing, please let us
know. You may wish to be present.
We know that many parents are under pressure to attend work, creating pressure to send sick
children to school. We believe that if everyone is scrupulously careful about keeping contagious
children home, in the long run, everyone will benefit. Each child (and teacher) is less likely to get sick
because there will be less exposure; and those who stay at home are more apt to recover quickly with
rest and treatment.
Emergency Medical Procedures
In addition to parent permission to administer first aid when appropriate, the emergency medical permission
forms signed by the parents set forth the emergency medical procedures Sparhawk staff are authorized to
take on behalf of Sparhawk students. The school also requires Sparhawk families to complete the medical
information forms provided to provide a medical history of their child for the school's records. In the event
of a medical emergency of a serious nature, the Amesbury 911 emergency team would be called.
Injuries / First Aid
At the beginning of each school year, Sparhawk parents/guardians are required to provide written permission
authorizing Sparhawk staff to administer first aid to their child when appropriate. Staff members are certified
in First Aid and CPR.
Evacuation Policy
The Sparhawk School has developed a plan for the safety of students in the event of an emergency condition
at Seabrook Station. This plan was developed several years ago in cooperation with the Town of Amesbury
Emergency Management Agency. If an emergency at Seabrook Station required evacuation of the school,
students and teachers would be transported to a Host School Facility located at the Methuen High School in
Methuen, MA, which would serve as a shelter until students could be picked up by parents or an authorized
individual. Two copies of a map and directions from Sparhawk School to Methuen High School are
included: one for your car and one to keep at home.
If Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ authorities announce that an evacuation has been directed, parents are
requested not to pick up their children at the Sparhawk School, but to meet their children at Methuen High
School. Parents or other persons authorized to pick up a student will be requested to show identification and
to sign a roster prior to release of a student to their custody.
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Fire Drills and Emergency Response Drills
Fire Drills are completed routinely under the inspection of the Amesbury Fire Department. We also hold inhouse fire drills once per month and emergency drills on a regular basis.
Food restrictions- This year is a Tree Nut and PEANUT –FREE year
There are children at the Farm Campus who have allergies. Please inform us if your child has an allergy so
the entire staff will be aware and educated. We also have the following policies when children are nut and
peanut allergic:
1. Advise and train all staff members in the use of an Epi-pen
2. Post food allergy and emergency information in a conspicuous place
3. Conduct a discussion with fellow students about the seriousness of food allergies
4. The campus will become nut-free.
5. Clean all tables after lunch and snacks with a bleach solution
6. Ensure that all craft and art activities are free from peanuts or nut products
7. Advise parents that there is a peanut/nut-allergic student in their child's class and ask that any food sent in
for special occasions be peanut/nut-free
9. An Epi-Pen, provided by the parents, needs to be brought along on all field trips.
10. A means of calling for emergency help will be available on all trips.
Appendix A
Bullying/Harassment
Students, Staff, and guests of Sparhawk School are prohibited from bullying any other student or persons on the
premises of Sparhawk School either in a public setting or alone.
Bullying includes, but is not limited to, insults, taunts, or challenges, either verbal, written or physical which result in
intimidation of another student or used in order to incite a violent or disorderly response. Cyberbullying will not be
tolerated at Sparhawk School.
Harassment/Sexual Harassment
Students, Staff and guests of Sparhawk School are prohibited from unwanted and/or aggressive touching of any other
student or persons on the premises of Sparhawk School either in a public setting or while alone.
Touching includes, but is not limited to unwanted touching, kicking, spitting, biting, rubbing, stroking, tickling,
grabbing, slapping, punching, swatting patting, shouldering, and the throwing of objects at a person.
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Touching does not include inadvertent contact during an athletic activity. Determination of the appropriateness of the
contact rests on the staff member in charge of the activity.
Appendix B
Student Computer Agreement Statements:
I agree to use the computer for school related work only.
I agree to use teacher approved internet sites only and use the computer under a teacher’s supervision.
I agree to take care of the computer by keeping it charged, keeping the case and screen free from damage and
not leave it on the floor.
I agree to return the computer to the shelf at the end of the school day or class.
I agree to report any loose keys, or problems and damage of any kind to my teacher.
I agree to use the computer my teacher assigns to me.
I agree to leave the computer at school.
I agree to be honest about my computer usage and that which I observe from others.
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I agree to not change anything on the desktop or the operating system.
I agree to cite sources and understand plagiarism is not allowed, per the Academic Honesty Policy.
I agree to uphold the credo and not use the computer technology against another person in any way.
Appendix C
Financial Policies
Policies & Fees Agreement
Sparhawk is a distinctive and affordable private school. Sustaining an excellent program requires substantial
investment in equipment and in a low teacher-to-child ratio.
The Policies and Fees Agreement sets forth the agreed upon policies and procedures which govern the
agreement between Sparhawk and enrolled families. Signature of either parent or guardian indicates
knowledge and agreement to abide by the school's policies and the terms of the Agreement. A student is
accepted for the full academic year and parents/guardians are responsible, unconditionally, for the full
amount of the annual tuition, unless otherwise determined.
Tuition Payment
It is the responsibility of the parent, or (whomever signed the Policies and Fees Agreement) to comply with the tuition
payment plan option, which he/she has chosen. Please pay particular attention to financial due dates, as the Policies
and Fees Agreement is considered your billing statement.
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Billing
Sparhawk School does not send bills for tuition or fees unless an account is in arrears. Please refer to your Policies
and Fees Agreement or call the Finance Office for due dates.
Address all questions to Cheryl Fuller, via email at cfuller@sparhawkschool.com or by phone 978-517-7122.
Provisions Disclaimer Statement
The provisions of the Student Handbook are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between students
and Sparhawk School. Sparhawk School reserves the right to change any provisions or requirements at any
time within the student's term of enrollment, and shall not be responsible for any interruptions whatsoever in
the student's educational program due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the school.
Please contact the Headmaster if you have any questions or concerns regarding academic policies and
procedures that are discussed in this handbook.
Handbook Disclaimer Statement
The provisions of the Parent Handbook, with the exception of the Policies and Fees Agreement, are not to be
regarded as an irrevocable contract between parents and Sparhawk School. Sparhawk School reserves the
right to change any provisions or requirements at any time within the term of enrollment.
Contact the Headmaster if you have any questions or concerns regarding academic policies and procedures
that are discussed in this handbook.
__________________________________________________________________________________
This is your copy of The Sparhawk Parent Handbook. Please take the time to review the Handbook.
Please sign and return the portion below indicating that you have received and read it.
____ I have read and understand the information contained in the handbook.
Parent’s Name ____________________________________________ Date_____________________
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Child’name_______________________________________________________________________
Student’s Class _____________________________________________
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