Student & Family Handbook

Our Vision

Hudson exemplifies excellence in education. “Facilitate and Educate to Elevate”

Our Mission

Innovative learning practices and empowered educators facilitate and inspire learners to achieve personal academic excellence in a safe and dynamic environment that elevates their engagement as valued active community members.

Core Beliefs

The Hudson School Community values and is committed to:

Strong and Respectful Relationships

• Building strong, appropriate relationships
• Respecting individuals • Building on the strengths within the educational environment.
• Embrace and champion the diversity of our school community to foster success.

Curiosity for Learning and Commitment to Excellence

• Fostering a curiosity for life-long learning that inspires commitment to personal excellence
• Continuously driving improvement to achieve greater depths of academic knowledge.

Responsive via Honest and Open Communication

• Strengthening cohesiveness through honest and open communication
• Honest and ethical with integrity in all practice.
• Increasing collaboration that supports systemic connections. Engaging Environment
• Creating dynamic educational environments
• Engaging all learners in authentic, relevant learning

Mission Statement of the Hudson Elementary Schools

Mission Statement of the Hudson Elementary Schools The mission of the Hudson Elementary Schools is to help all members of our school communities to become lifelong learners. Our goal is to create a safe environment conducive to learning; one that challenges students to reach their potential, promotes self-worth, values diversity and encourages involvement
 

Being informed about your child's school can help in their academic success. Hills Garrison School communicates with parents through these methods:

District website - School Board information, budget, departments, policies

Monthly school menu posted on the district website under Food & Nutrition Services and under "Families" on the school website

Nottingham West website https://www.sau81.org/nws/index

Nottingham West Elementary School Facebook page www.facebook.com/NottinghamWestElementary

Nottingham West Parents PTO Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/nottinghamwestpto

Classroom Teachers:  See your child’s Communicator Folder for teacher name, voice mail number, email address, and specialist schedule

School Day: 8:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Drop off Begins at 8:20 a.m.

Students may begin arriving at school at 8:20 A.M.  There is no supervision before that time, and students cannot enter the building until 8:20. Classroom instruction begins at 8:45 AM, which is the official opening time of the school day. Students arriving after 8:45 a.m. must check in at the main office. 

The front of the building serves as the school bus loop. Please refrain from parking and driving past the front of the building from 8:20 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. and from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to enable safe entry and exit of school buses.

Morning Drop Off/Car Pool

Students may be dropped off between 8:20 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. A teacher will be on duty at the rear of the building to supervise student arrival. For the safety of the students and staff, please make three (3) lanes of traffic and wait for the staff member to signal you to move forward. We ask that your child be seated behind the driver if possible, to expedite the drop off process. If you arrive after 8:40 a.m., you must drive to the front of the building and drop off your child at the front door.

The Fire Department has asked that parents dropping off students do not arrive before 8:10 a.m. Please observe STATE LAW and do not idle your car while waiting in the school zone.

Pick up begins at 3:05 p.m. (parents can arrive for pick up at 2:45 p.m.)

Afternoon Pick Up/Car Pool

Dismissal is at 3:05 p.m. and all students must be picked up by 3:20 p.m.  If your child normally rides the bus and you are going to pick up your child at dismissal, please send in a note to your child’s teacher or call the office before 2:00 p.m. on the day of pick-up. 

You will be assigned a CARPOOL PLACARD NUMBER if you will be picking up your student on a regular basis.  The placard must be displayed on your dashboard.  If you do not have a placard, be prepared to show a Photo ID.  

The Fire Department has asked that parents picking up students do not arrive before 2:45 p.m.  Please observe STATE LAW and do not idle your car while waiting in the school zone. 

If you need to dismiss your student early, please park in the front of the building, and plan to depart by 2:45 p.m.  If you arrive after this time, you will be asked to join the carpool line for pick up as you will not be able to pass school buses as they load students.  

Student safety is a top priority for the Hudson School District.  To ensure safety, we follow a dismissal procedure that requires students to be released only to the parents or emergency contacts listed on the emergency release form.  Picture identification is required for all individuals before the child will be released.  If you would like another individual to pick your child up, please send a note stating who will be picking up your child.  

Students Dismissed as Walkers

If your child is to be dismissed as a walker, please write a note authorizing their release. Students will exit the front door of the building. 

Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential to your child’s success in school.  Absences and tardiness can result in the loss of instructional time which may impact educational progress. Please refer to the Hudson School District Attendance, Tardiness, and Truancy Policy.  Please make every effort to have your children in school every day unless they are ill or in cases of emergency.  

Reporting Absences

Please contact us to let us know if you child is going to be absent from school.

• Use the absentee form  
• Call our absentee voicemail line at Nottingham West:  603 595-1570, X-3

To ensure the safety and well-being of all our students, we will notify parents/guardians if we have not received a call or absence form about a student who has not arrived at school.  Notifications will be made through the School Messenger system of the PowerSchool Parent Portal.  When your child returns to school, please send a note explaining the reason for the absence.  This information is kept on file for the annual report of illness to the State Department of Health.

If a student is expected to have an extended absence due to illness, study materials may be requested from your child’s teacher.  Please understand that it is not always possible for teachers to provide assignments when requested in advance of student absence. Although teachers may be able to provide materials for students to use at home, specific assignments may need to wait until a child returns to school following an absence.  Assignments completed by students while absent from school may not adequately replace missed instruction in the classroom.

Permission for Early Dismissal

If your child must be dismissed early from school, please write a note to the teacher stating the reason and time of the dismissal.  Parents or guardians are to report to the Main Office to sign out the student. 

For Students:

There are four Core Values at Nottingham West to guide student behavior.  These are called the PAWS rules.  The purpose of these rules is to create a safe and caring school community where everyone can learn.  Students are expected to follow these rules during every part of their school day, including on the bus, on the playground, in the classroom, in the cafeteria and in the halls.  Your teacher will help you and your classmates create specific behavior guidelines for the classroom to be sure you have a positive place to learn.

• Positive Attitude
• Act Responsibly
• Work and Play Safely
• Show Respect

Positive Attitude means coming to school each day ready to learn, trying your best even when things are hard, and encouraging and supporting your classmates and school community.

Accept Responsibility means following routines and expected behaviors, taking care of your belonging, and keeping your focus on your schoolwork. 

Work and Play Safely means using your body safely, staying in your personal space, and following health and safety guidelines.

Show Respect means treating others with kindness and courtesy, being cooperative and being a good listener.

Parents: Please see the Appendix for more information on the PAWS Expectations for Nottingham West, and the Hudson School District Student Behavior Standards.  These standards provide the framework for our progressive discipline system and identify specific behaviors and possible school responses.

All members of the Nottingham West community, including students, teachers, staff and family members, are expected to meet PAWS Core Values in their communication and interactions with each other at school.                                  

Student Behavior Action Report

When a student has difficulty meeting school wide behavior expectations, a behavior action report may be completed.  This report notifies parents of the specific concerning behavior and action taken to help support more positive choices in the future.

Student Support Center/In-School Suspension/Out of School Suspension

Students having behavioral challenges may visit our Student Support Center during a recess and/or lunch meeting. This time provides an opportunity to discuss and process the problem behavior, and to make plans for handling similar problems in the future.   Students may spend this time learning about positive behavior with books, videos, writing or other activities, and through conversations with Student Support Center staff, School Counselors or administrators.

During an in-school suspension, students will continue to receive academic support in the Student Support Center, while being separated from the classroom community for a period of time.  In-school suspension is also a time for students to continue learning about how their behavior affects others.

Students may be suspended out of school after repeated in-school detentions/suspensions, or for safety violations and gross misconduct as defined in the Hudson School District Behavior Standards.  Suspension may be from one to five days.  After a suspension, a re-entry meeting will be held with the student, parent(s) and administration to outline expectations for return to school.

The Hudson School District is committed to providing all pupils a safe school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect. Bullying is conduct which subjects a person to insults, taunts, or challenges, whether verbal or physical in nature, that are likely to intimidate or provoke a violent or disorderly response from the person being treated in this manner. Please refer to the School District policy on bullying for more information on how school staff responds to reports of alleged bullying behavior.

Teachers, school counselors, administrators and the School Resource Officer work together to educate students about bullying, including:

• Bullying behaviors
• How to respond to negative behaviors and bullying
• How to seek help from adults and how to report bullying
• How to support peers who may be experiencing bullying

Students: If you live outside the walking limits to school you have the privilege of riding the bus to and from school. To maintain an efficient, orderly, and safe means of transportation, please remember to be on your best behavior on the bus, in the bus lines at school, and neighborhood bus stop areas.

Parents: While riding the bus, students are expected follow the same expectations as they are throughout the school day.  While driving the school bus, the school bus driver is in complete charge of the school bus and the students, and has the same authority in maintaining discipline as a teacher in the classroom.  Riding the bus is a privilege which may be revoked if students are not able to maintain safe and appropriate behavior.

Students are assigned to one bus route and cannot ride another bus unless permission is given by the Transportation Coordinator and/or the principal. In case of emergency, parents must request in writing a change for the specified day. Students will be given a Bus Pass. Please provide the name of the student and the address to which they will be transported with a name and phone number for the adult at that address.   

Boarding the School Bus

1. Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is due.
2. Keep at least five feet away from the roadway until the bus has fully stopped. In the winter, DO NOT stand on the snowbanks.
3. At the driver’s signal, approach the bus in a single file. Do not push and shove or run to the bus. When approaching the road, keep at least ten feet from the bus (safety zone) until you are at the entrance door.
4. If you must cross in front of the bus, do not begin to cross until the driver signals you that it is safe to do so. Then look left and right, before crossing. Always keep at least ten feet in front of the bus (the student should always be able to see the driver). Cross only in front of the bus.
5. After boarding the bus, go directly to a seat and sit down facing forward with arms, legs, and belongings out of the aisle. NOTE: Drivers will often assign seats during the year and are encouraged to do so. There is NO changing seats along any bus route once it is started unless requested by the driver.

Leaving the School Bus

1. Pay attention to your surroundings. Know when the bus is approaching your stop and be ready when it reaches your stop. Remain in your seat until the bus has fully stopped.
2. When the bus has fully stopped, walk directly to the door, and carefully exit the bus. Immediately move at least ten feet away from the bus.
3. If you must cross in front of the bus, wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to do so. Then walk to the headlight on the driver’s side of the bus, stop and wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to continue. When the driver signals that it is safe to continue, step to the corner of the bus and look left and right yourself before doing so. Always keep at least ten feet in front of the bus (the student should always be able to see the driver). Cross only in front of the bus.
4. Never try to pick up or go after an object that has been dropped near or under the bus without telling the driver first. Wait for the driver to tell you that it is safe for you to go after the object before doing so.

Students are expected to follow the same rules of behavior while on a school bus that they do in the classroom. Bus rules and consequences are provided so each student and parent are clear on expectations and consequences. The school bus driver is in complete charge of the school bus and the students. The driver shall be responsible to the transportation coordinator and shall have the same authority in maintaining discipline as a teacher in the classroom under the supervision of the school board and the superintendent of schools. The school supports the bus drivers’ judgment in providing for the safety of students on each bus.

Parents: The School District’s Transportation Coordinator/Business Administrator handles any problems related to busing schedules and routes; any concerns should be directed to him/her. Contact information is available under Bus Routes.

Celebrating a birthday is an exciting thing for many students, and we recognize that many wish to share some of the joy with their classmates. There are many ways to recognize a birthday here at school, and we ask anyone wishing to send a snack for the class to share to remain mindful of policy JLCF Wellness by the Hudson School Board. Fruit cups, cheese and crackers, or other healthy treats are a welcome way to celebrate, as are non-food items like pencils or bookmarks. Please also remain mindful of any allergy restrictions in your child’s classroom.

We discourage sending balloons or flowers to your child at school as it is a distraction from the learning in the classroom. Additionally, these items cannot be transported on the bus.

Classroom celebrations are for holidays or special events are at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Information will be sent to you directly regarding any classroom events. During Halloween or other special events during the school day, costumes must be safe and should not include masks, make-up, or weapons of any kind.

Student cell phone use is NOT allowed in school.  We discourage students from bringing cell phones on school property or the school bus. If a child brings a cell phone into school, it must be turned off at all times and kept in a student backpack or locker. If a student uses a cell phone during the school day, a school administrator will hold the cell phone until a parent/guardian can pick it up.

Students are discouraged from bringing any personal electronics (including smartwatches) to school as these devices are not allowed in the classroom or on the playground. Students using cell phones or other personal electronics on the school bus must use headphones or ear buds. 

The goal of classroom placement is to ensure that classes are balanced by gender, number, diversity, special needs, academic levels and behavioral/social needs. Placement decisions are made by a school team of teachers, School Counselors, Special Educators, Reading Specialist and Administrators. 

If you have a concern about your child’s placement for the next year, please notify their teacher, school counselor or administration in writing. Your concerns will be taken into consideration when classroom placement is determined. We cannot accept requests for specific teachers or for specific students to be placed together.

The Hills Garrison clothing guidelines are designed to ensure that students, parents, staff members and members of the community will not be offended or distracted. For safety reasons, students are encouraged to wear practical clothing and footwear at school. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather and activities of the day as students routinely go outside for recess. Only students wearing appropriate footwear will be permitted to use the playground equipment. Hats and hoodies should not be worn inside the school building with the exception of special events or accommodations for medical conditions.

Inappropriate dress would consist of, but is not restricted to:

• Items that promote drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
• Items with rude words or pictures
• Halter-tops, tube tops, cropped shirts, very short shorts or skirts
• Flip-flops, backless shoes or high heeled shoes

School staff use their discretion about the guidelines so that standards and safety are maintained. We may offer students a change of clothing, send a reminder home or make a phone call to a parent.

Parents, due to the substantial number of families we serve, it is important to inform the office of any custody stipulations/restrictions that are in place. It is your responsibility to provide legal documentation and to work out all special arrangements for student pick-up and such. All matters will be handled in a confidential manner. Our priority is the safety and the well-being of each child, and the school will remain a neutral haven for them. We expect and appreciate your cooperation. Without written legal documentation on file the school is unable to enforce any restrictions. An original or notarized copy must be presented.

Policy JICH Drug and Alcohol Use by Students is required to be included in all handbooks. This policy is part of the student verification process that parents and guardians must complete prior to the start of the school year. Address the topic using your discretion with your child.

In October, elementary schools participate in Red Ribbon Week, a school wide event organized by the guidance departments to promote healthy decision-making.

The goal of classroom placement is to ensure that classes are balanced by gender, number, diversity, special needs, academic levels and behavioral/social needs. Placement decisions are made by a school team of teachers, School Counselors, Special Educators, Reading Specialist and Administrators. 

If you have a concern about your child’s placement for the next year, please notify their teacher, school counselor or administration in writing. Your concerns will be taken into consideration when classroom placement is determined. We cannot accept requests for specific teachers or for specific students to be placed together.

Chorus

A chorus program is open to interested fifth grade students who love to sing!  Chorus meets after school in the music room.  Students rehearse for 10-12 weeks to prepare for a 30-minute evening concert for parents. There is a fall and a spring session of chorus. Students participate in one or both sessions. An activities fee covers the cost of a student t-shirt as well as a pizza celebration at the end of the year for all participants. Students are engaged in a more rigorous study of the singing voice than in their general music setting and use a variety of current and traditional choral arrangements to demonstrate their growth over the course of the choral program.

Students who participate in the chorus program receive an informative packet with pertinent rehearsal and concert dates, field trips, attendance policies and behavioral expectations. 

Band

A band program is open to interested fifth graders who are interested in instrumental music. Instruments offered are flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion (xylophone or “bell set”). Band meets before school for instruction. Students work throughout the year toward performing an evening concert for parents. Students who participate in the band program receive a student handbook with pertinent rehearsal and concert dates, practice log requirements, attendance policies and behavioral expectations. 

Chorus and band programs are directed by Ms. Kirsten Mohring, NWES Music Teacher and provide a foundation for participation in music programs at the middle school and high school level. 

Early in the school year, parents are invited to school to meet classroom and related arts teachers, and to learn about school programs, educational technology and philosophy. Parents are encouraged to ask questions concerning curriculum, visit classrooms, and learn about classroom procedures. This evening is not designed for individual conferences but is intended to give you an overview of what your child will experience during the school year at Nottingham West.

Conferences are scheduled twice a year in November and February. Conferences provide an opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss strengths and challenges in all facets of development. Parents have the option to attend conferences in person or remotely. Parents wishing to meet with teachers at any other time in the school year may contact the teacher by email or phone to make an appointment.

The NWES Parent Teacher Organization and the Help Our Teachers volunteer program are two key opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s school. Volunteers are needed during the school day, and at other special activities.  More details are available on the PTO webpage. Please join us!

Report cards provide information to parents about student performance.  Report cards are issued three time per year, after each trimester marking period, and are available through the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Student progress is compared to a clearly defined standard, and not to the performance of other students.  Standards allow each child, parent and teacher to know the expectations before instruction, and the progress a student is making toward mastery of the topic or skill.

The best interest of the student is the primary factor when retention is being considered. Research has shown that in most cases, retention does not have a lasting benefit academically and may also be detrimental to students emotionally and socially. If a parent or teacher would like to consider retention, they should contact the Assistant Principal or School Counselor as early in the school year as possible.

Consideration of retention is a last resort after providing interventions and support for the child. Multiple sources of data are used for objective information to help school staff make recommendations to parents. During a meeting with parents, the Student Success Team shares input regarding the child and will help parents make an informed decision about their child’s promotion or retention.

School counseling and guidance services are available to all students. Counselors provide instruction in the classroom, work with students in small groups or individually, and consult with families on concerns for their children. The goal of Nottingham West School Counselors is to assist students in developing important social/emotional skills, including making healthy decisions and solving problems. If concerns or conflicts are impacting your child at school, please contact the School Counselor.

All schools are designated NON-SMOKING zones! All staff members, visitors and students must refrain from smoking anywhere on the school grounds. This includes vehicles on school property.

Children are encouraged to bring a snack from home each day. Teachers will set aside time during the school day for students to have snack in their classrooms. Please consider sending healthy snacks that will support your child’s energy and focus on learning. Filtered water fill stations are available at school. Students should bring a refillable water bottle to school daily.

Gum is only allowed in classrooms at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Gum chewing is not allowed in any other part of the school building.

Suicide Prevention Plan

The Hudson School District uses computers and technology tools to support learning and to enhance instruction. The use of computers at school, as well as access to the Internet, is a privilege. Students and staff are expected to use behavior that is responsible, ethical, considerate and legal while using these resources. Student who use school computers/technology inappropriately may have their computer privileges revoked.

Students may not reveal personal contact information about themselves or other people. Students may only access websites that have been approved by the teacher. Students must report to their teacher or another school official any message or content that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable. When using computers, students may not alter the desktop in any way.

Good Digital Citizenship Student Agreement

Students sometimes bring toys or other personal items to school for use at recess time. Any toy that is brought to school is the responsibility of the owner. This means that if a toy/personal item becomes lost or broken, the school will not replace it. Toys or other items may be taken away from a student to be returned later if they are used during inappropriate times or if they are not used properly.

Certain items are not permitted at any time. These include: electronic/video games, music players, radios, toys that make noise, and toys that resemble guns, knives, or other weapons. Additionally, students are advised not to bring trading cards (such as Pokemon) to school. Teachers and school administrators may make decisions to prohibit other toys/personal items to ensure that learning and the orderly procedures of the school are not disrupted.

The possession of a dangerous object in the school building, on school property and school buses or at school functions is not allowed and may result in suspension, police intervention, and possible expulsion from school. Dangerous objects include, but are not limited to knives, slingshots, pepper spray, and other similar chemicals and/or sprays. In addition to these dangerous objects, almost any object can be potentially dangerous, depending upon its use. Any object used in an aggressive or reckless manner shall fall under the consequences of this section. Look-a-likes and/or toy weapons will be included in the category of “other weapons.” Students who use these items to frighten, harass or intimidate others will be subject to the same potential consequences as for the possession of dangerous objects. All students are encouraged to turn in “dangerous objects/other weapons” which were accidentally brought to school as soon as they are discovered. Students should turn the object in to their classroom teacher or an administrator.