Emergency Handbook

Michael J. Perkins Elementary School
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 2013 – 2014

Craig Martin Principal
Owl illustration by Luke Campion

September 3, 2013

Dear Faculty and Staff, The enclosed documents outline and define emergency procedures for the Michael J. Perkins School. The safety and security of students, staff, families, and welcomed visitors of the school is paramount. Please read the documents carefully to ensure an understanding should an emergency situation arise. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the principal or the lead teacher. Respectfully,

Craig Martin Principal

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Table of Contents
Safety & Security Overview Emergency Backpack & Binders School Communications School Access Control Policy Containment Policy Containment Procedures Lesson Plan Fire Safety Fire Drill Expectations Fire Drill Evacuation Procedures Fire Drill Schedule/Reporting Fire Incidents Boston Fire Dept. Fire Prevention Guidelines Bomb Threats Bus/Transportation Incidents Child Abuse & Neglect Child Abuse & Neglect 51/A Form Communicable Diseases Emergency Plan—Student(s) in Medical Distress Medical Emergency Management Lost Children Procedures Procedures for Reporting Lost Children Chart BPS Incident Report BPS Lost Child Report Release of Students to Authorized Persons Release of Students to Authorized Persons Parent Permission Form Parents Unable to Receive Children Procedures Student Intervention & Bullying Prevention Bullying Prevention & Intervention Incident Reporting Form Policies & Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Bullying & Retaliation Suicide Prevention and Intervention Suicide Prevention: Lethality Assessment Suicide Symptoms Universal Health Precautions For More Information

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4 5 6 7 9 11 13 14 16 17 19 20 22 23 30 32 33 34 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 49 55 59 60 61 62

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Safety and Security Overview
Preventative Measures  Yearly review at start of school organizational meeting of procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency  Review of assignments, duties, and responsibilities of all staff members  Emphasis on importance of quarterly fire drills and need for alternative routes  Awareness of all personnel of location of fire alarm boxes and extinguishers Building Security Team  Principal  Lead Teacher  Secretary  Nurse  Custodian  Floor Teachers  Floor teachers will carry walkie talkies and will check every room, office, closet, coatroom, etc. to assure that everyone has vacated the premises. Once outside, one floor teachers will be stationed at each side of the building and will radio the principal when all students in their assigned location are accounted for. Basement: __________________________________________ 1st Floor: ___________________________________________ 2nd Floor: ___________________________________________ Alternate for all areas: _________________________________ Chain of Command 1. Principal 2. Lead Teacher 3. Secretary 4. Nurse 5. Floor Teachers Process 1. Administrator will alert Security Team of nature of emergency 2. Custodian will check bathrooms and check door security by checking fault zones on the security system 3. Nurse, if on duty, will handle medical emergencies. If not on duty, principal or teacher-in-charge will request necessary medical support. Locked doors All outside doors must be kept closed and locked at all times except when students are exiting or entering the school building. DO NOT PROP DOORS OPEN FOR ANY REASON, EVEN WHEN CARRYING ITEMS TO AND FROM YOUR CAR.

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Emergency Backpack & Binders
For all emergencies (not drills) that require evacuations from the school, teachers must bring their Emergency Backpack. Emergency Backpacks should be stored in a visible location close to the exit. Emergency Binders should include: 1. Flipchart 2. Updated class list/alpha list 3. Up-to-date telephone numbers for students’ parents/guardian and telephone number, and emergency contact and telephone number. 4. Sheet for headcount (leaving and returning) 5. Emergency Handbook Emergency Kit Backpacks should include:  Whistle  Highlighter  Flashlight with working batteries  Red and green signs    

Band-aids Alcohol pads Cold packs Gloves

These kits will be provided by principal during the September 2013

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School Communication
Students A copy of the information sheet for each student should be provided to the main office. We will ensure that a copy of the information sheet is placed in the main and nurse’s offices. Ensuring that information sheets are complete and accurate is the responsibility of the classroom teacher. Emergency sheets must be updated in December and March to reflect new information. Emergency sheets are due in the Main Office by September 13, 2013

Staff All staff members are expected to complete a Staff Information Sheet and turn it into the school secretary for contact purposes. Staff information sheets are due in the Main Office by September 13, 2013

Connect-Ed Messaging If there is a major emergency, staff will be notified via a Connect-Ed automated telephone message. A test of the staff messaging system will be conducted on Friday, September 13, 2013.

IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE MESSAGE ON THE DATE ABOVE, NOTIFY THE PRINCIPAL BY September 16, 2013 to ensure that your updated information is entered into the system

Important Telephone Numbers Mr. Martin, Principal Boston Police Network Superintendent Rick Deraney, Director of School Safety Emergency Preparedness Facilities/Fire Alarm Division Fire Department Danny Glavin, Facilities Management Safety Services Superintendent’s Office Transportation 617-416-3994 911; 617-635-9122 617-635-9042 617-635-7854 617-635-8300 911; 617-343-2880 617-293-3896 617-635-8000 617-635-9057 617-635-9520

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School Access Control - Policy
Student safety is not only of paramount importance in its own right; it is also a critical pre-requisite to learning. With school violence continuing as a frightening reality around the country, Boston Public Schools are expected to develop plans to ensure the safety of all students and provide a safe and secure educational environment. Each school in the district must, through its School Safety Contingency Plan, have clear and comprehensive school access control protocols in place. School access control plans should:    Ensure that only those students, staff and others who are authorized to be in the school building are admitted to the facility. Employ a standard operating procedure that all doors to the school building are locked and secured at all times (while allowing for appropriate egress from inside the building). Require that all visitors sign in and report to the main office upon admittance to the building (please see Superintendent Circular LGL-4: School Visitors Guidelines). School secretaries and other staff should not admit visitors to the building until they can reasonably ascertain the identity of the individual seeking entrance. Mandate that visitors to the building be issued and prominently display a visitor identification badge. Address the safety and security of students, and the integrity of the school building’s entrances during recess and/or physical education that might occur outdoors, and during student arrival and dismissal times. Prohibit prospective employees of the BPS from beginning their work until they have been fully hired, and therefore CORI cleared by the Office of Human Resources. Demand that any facilities /physical plant contractors slated to work in the building prominently display their green BPS identification cards, which demonstrate that they have been CORI cleared. Consider whether to implement a photo identification card system for staff and/or students. Prohibit staff, students or others from “propping open” doors or creating other potential inconspicuous means of unauthorized entry into the school building.

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District personnel will look for these elements when reviewing school safety plans. In addition, plain-clothes School Police Officers will periodically conduct school access control audits to see how easily they can gain access to school buildings. The results of these audits will be shared with the visited schools, so that recommendations can be made to increase student safety. Additionally, school containment (lockdown) procedures should be explicitly planned, discussed and documented. In addition to conducting evacuation procedure drills, school containment procedures should also be practiced periodically. All staff members must exercise extreme vigilance regarding school building security: being alert for trespassers, unsecured doors and/or suspicious persons or activity in the area of the school. School employees should not compromise their own safety or that of students when undertaking these security measures. Sound

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judgment and reasonable action by all school-based personnel is expected. Any potential threats to student or staff safety should be reported in at once to the Principal or Headmaster. In the case of any imminent threat to student or staff safety, the Boston Police should, of course, be notified immediately by dialing 911.

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Containment Policy
Containment occurs when a physical threat is potentially looming inside or outside the school campus. All staff members must be diligently aware of their surroundings and ensure the safety of all of our children. Staff members are expected to be accessible via any communication devices (intercom, cell phone, walkie talkie) necessary. Containment level Level 1 Significant Risk Description Notification Safety Stabilization

It is unsafe for children to be outside (as when there is a violent incident in the neighborhood). It is unsafe for children to leave classrooms, though certain staff members may deliver messages and instructions across classrooms. It is unsafe for children or staff to be visible (even in the building) due to possible threat inside school.

“It’s a Yellow Day at the Michael J. Perkins School. All staff and students must remain indoors until further notice”

Level 2 High Risk

“It’s an Orange Day at the Michael J. Perkins School. All staff and students must remain in their classrooms until further notice.” “It’s a Red Day at the Michael J. Perkins School. All staff and students must go into containment until further notice”

“It’s a Green Day at the Michael J. Perkins School. Enjoy a happy learning day!”

Level 3 Severe Risk

What should faculty and staff do upon notification of containment? 1. Check the hallways for people nearby & bring them into the classroom. 2. Check adjacent classrooms through interior doors for unsupervised students 3. Lock or secure the classroom door & close the windows. 4. Move students away from windows and doors. Stay in your current location. 5. Take attendance. Verify the missing, the injured, and the extra people in your room. Write the names on a sheet of paper & wait for someone to contact you for that list (may be by intercom or in person). 6. Stay with your students in the classroom until further instructions. 7. Only use the intercom to notify the office of emergencies or special needs. 8. Containment ends only when headmaster or designee announces it via intercom or door to door. What else will be happening on campus? 1. Administration will lock exterior doors. 2. Designated teachers will check and lock bathrooms. 3. Administration will notify the police, guidance, library, auditorium, cafeteria, parent center, school nurse, health center, custodial staff: via phone or in person. 4. Administration will notify families during containment via Connect-Ed.

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5. Administration or the police will monitor cameras. 6. Administration or police will do a room-by-room sweep of the entire school. They will engage any person not in a classroom. 7. Administration will send a Connect-Ed notice to all families within a short time after the all clear. What general guidelines should be followed during containment? 1. Stay out of hallways. 2. Stay out of bathrooms. 3. Restrict student cell phone use. 4. Only an announcement ends the containment; silence over the intercom does not end the containment. In what ways will the drill be different than a real containment? . Drill Administrators in the hallways. Real Parents, faculty and staff are sometimes warned of the event. Hallways will be clear. No warning. Relatively short duration. Unknown duration. Media, busy phone lines. No media, clear phone lines.

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Containment Procedures Teaching Students the Containment Protocol: Mini-Lesson
Objectives:  Students will be able to describe what "containment" is and their responsibilities during a containment event.  Students will have the opportunity to have their questions concerning containments heard and answered.  Raise potential concerns that have not yet been addressed to assist in better anticipating issues during containment. Direct Instruction (approx. 10 minutes): 1. Explain containment to students and the possible scenarios that would cause containment to be called over the intercom.  Containment is a protective action used to safeguard faculty, staff, and students when there is Boston Police activity near the school or a potentially dangerous situation near or in the school. It is sometimes also called a lockdown or shelter-in-place.  Examples include: 1) a nearby store is robbed and the police have started a search in the area for the suspect, 2) a person who is suspected of being dangerous is near the school, 3) a dangerous, violent, or suspicious person has entered the school. 2. If there is a containment, the Principal, Lead Teacher, Secretary will announce the following, "It is a Yellow Day at the Michael J. Perkins School. All staff and students must remain indoors until further notice.” “It is an Orange Day…” “It is a Red Day…” etc. 3. Explain to students what they must do during containment. (Please share the Containment Level Poster with students).  Stay in your classroom and be quiet so that your teacher can give you directions. If you are not in a classroom, move to the nearest classroom, stay there, and be quiet. If you are in the lunchroom, quiet down and listen to the directions through the intercom or from the faculty on duty.  In some situations, the teacher will instruct you to move away from the doors & windows, as much as is possible in that room. Meanwhile, s/he will quickly check the hall and lock the classroom door. Your teacher will also identify and report if anyone is missing, injured, or extra (students not usually in the class).  During containment no passes will be issued and no one is to enter or exit classrooms.  If the passing bell rings and the school leader has not indicated the containment is over, stay in your classrooms and wait for further instructions.  General guidelines are: follow directions, stay out of hallways and bathrooms, do not use your cell phone, and wait for the official notification for the end of the containment.  Students not following containment protocol or adult instructions are subject to disciplinary actions.

3. Open the class up for questions from students. Use the attached questions & answers for assistance. Any questions that you cannot answer or do not feel comfortable answering should be written down and submitted to the main office. Please include your name on the questions so that the office can get back to you with answers. Guided Practice (approx. 5 minutes): Teachers may want to do a dry run of what students should do in your classroom. If so, the following is one model of how to do it:

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1. “Let's practice what you would do if there is a critical situation and we hear the containment announcement." 2. Direct students to move to the most appropriate corner of your classroom. 3. Step into the hall and look down the hallway (but do not direct students to come into your classroom if they are not your students) then lock and close the door. 4. Inform students that during a containment event, they would stay in this position until they are given instructions to move. 5. Inform students that it would be important to remain quiet so that they can hear directions. 6. After students have settled and are quiet, conclude the simulation by directing students to return to their seats. Closure (approx. 2 minutes): 1. If any questions remain, write them down and submit them to the office with your name on it. 2. Inform students that there will be a drill, but they will not be informed as to exactly when.

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Fire Safety Practices
As we begin another school year, it is essential that we review and update fire prevention, life safety and evacuation plans / procedures in all of our schools. Accordingly, appropriate communications and cooperation with Fire Department Authorities is imperative. The Boston Fire Department and Director of School Safety / Emergency Preparedness cite specific areas of concern and responsibility in this directive, which must be brought to your attention.

Fire Alarms
All fire alarm systems must be maintained in working order at all times. It is important to remember that the sounding of any fire alarm box automatically transmits a signal to the Fire Alarm Office which simultaneously dispatches fire apparatus to the school. Fire Department regulations and Mass. General Law Chapter 268, Section 32 prohibit the shutting off of or tampering with any fire alarm box unless the procedure has the approval of the Fire Department. Any deficiency or trouble noted with the Fire Alarm System must be reported immediately to Facilities Management/Fire Alarm Division at 617-635-8300. Upon the evacuation of a school building because of an alarm, no person or persons shall re-enter the building without the authorization of the Fire Officer in charge. The Principal / Headmaster or his / her designee must, as a part of their fire drill procedures, establish a command procedure for such evacuations. Upon the sounding of a fire alarm, approved evacuation procedures for all building occupants are to be followed immediately, as well as a verification call made to the Fire Department at 911 or 617-343-2880. Upon arrival, the Boston Fire Department will exercise its authority to order any and all measures that are deemed necessary for the protection of persons and property. This authority includes building evacuation and reentry.

Fire Drills
All schools shall conform to the following fire drill regulations: 1. The responsible school administrator in charge of the school, shall formulate a plan for the protection and evacuation of all persons in the event of fire or other emergency, and shall include alternate means of egress for all persons involved; such plan is to be developed in consultation with appropriate representatives of the Boston Fire Department and Facilities Management. 2. The Principal or her designee shall see that each staff member receives and understands proper instructions on the fire drill procedure specified for the room or area in which that person carries out his/her duties before he / she assumes such duties. A log or sign-off list must be maintained at the school which documents staff receipt of procedures and familiarization with Fire Safety Practices. 3. A fire drill must be conducted quarterly (September, December, March and June) involving all students and staff. A record of each drill is to be documented on Form 482, Quarterly Report of Fire Drill (see Attachment B), and either emailed to Rick Deraney at [email protected] or faxed to 635-7854. Record of Fire Drills should also be maintained with documents in the Fire Safety section of your building’s School Safety / Contingency Plan.

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4. Every student in all schools shall be advised of the fire drill procedure and shall take part in a fire drill within three days after school begins in September. Fire drill procedures for particular rooms shall be posted within those rooms. Alternate and obstructed drills shall be exercised and every other quarter alternate routes shall be used. 5. As required by Massachusetts Law, CMR 527, 10.09, the head of the Fire Department, or person designated by him, shall visit each school four times each year for the purpose of quarterly inspections, reviewing Building Fire Safety Plans, conducting fire drills and questioning the administrators. Drills may be conducted without advance warning to the school personnel other than the person in charge of the school at the time. 6. Fire drill plans must ensure adequate procedures for the emergency evacuation of students and staff with handicaps. These procedures must also be incorporated in the School Safety / Contingency Plan for your school building. Fire Drill Procedures must address student and staff accountability in an evacuation. This element of plan should identify person(s) in charge, insure accurate class attendance rosters are available and identify specific location for evacuees to assemble.

Other Procedures and Requirements Storage of Flammables and Hazardous Materials
Flammables shall be stored in an approved locked metal cabinet suitably vented. If the amount being stored warrants, a locked storage vault should be provided. The storage facility must be under the control of a school official with authorized personnel only allowed access. Faculty members should not allow students to fuel individual devices nor to transport any fuel container from one location to another. All school personnel should be thoroughly instructed as to the hazard involved in a particular flammable liquid, chemical or gas and in its safe and proper handling prior to intended use. Material Safety Data sheets should be on file in the main office. No fuel container should be allowed to remain in any classroom but should be immediately returned to its permanent storage facility. The above procedures should be incorporated in the School Safety / Contingency Plan for each school building. Materials used in school science laboratory experiments are to be stored in compliance with related laws, codes and ordinances. Quarterly school fire inspections are complemented by specialized inspections conducted by Boston Fire Department Special Occupancies’ Officers. *Hazardous storage areas must be secured and identified with the appropriate warning label. The appropriate chemical storage room door identification is the National Fire Protection Association’s 704 Diamond. *(Reference Superintendent’s Circular FSE-6 – Student Safety / Health in School Shops, and / or Laboratories and Classrooms and the Chemical Inventory Sheet in Superintendent’s Circular FMT-7 – Right to Know Law )

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Fire Drill Expectations
1. In each classroom, post the evacuation route that each classroom will take at the time of a fire drill. Routes must be posted in the room at all times on the right-hand corner of the front whiteboard. Make sure the fire drill procedure for your classroom is thoroughly understood by the pupils. 2. Means of Egress: There must be two designated egresses. Designated exits must be maintained as means of egress and must be kept free and clear at all times. The use of chains, ropes, wood, so-called “dutch locks” or any other devices that would impede progress is prohibited during times when school buildings are occupied. 3. Teachers must lead their line. Teachers must take their FIRE DRILL ENVELOPE WITH RED AND GREEN CARDS AND CLASS LIST. Make sure that all pupils are out of the room and the doors are closed. Always take a headcount before leaving and entering the building. 4. The teacher must accompany his class the entire route. Exception: If the teacher has a physically handicapped pupil in his classroom, he will accompany the handicapped pupil personally and place his class in the change of another teacher in the vicinity. 5. Take children as far to outside the perimeter of the school (just inside the fence or walls) as possible. 6. There should be two lines at a time on the stairway and corridor. 7. Teachers must keep lines moving quickly and silently. There is to be no running, loitering, or linking of arms. 8. Absolute silence is essential. 9. If the designated exit is blocked, the teacher will direct his pupils to the nearest unobstructed exit. Teachers should be familiar with an alternate route of departure in the event of such an emergency. 10. In such an emergency, pupils may become confused and noisy. Please eliminate the possibility of such an occurrence by explaining to the pupils beforehand the possibility of an obstructed exit, and the necessity of maintaining the strictest silence while emergency instructions are given. The success of a fire drill depends on the efficiency, alertness, and cooperation of every teacher and pupil. Return to the classrooms on the bell signal or signal from the person(s) in charge.

11. 12.

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Fire Drill Evacuation Procedures
*Everyone will exit building and line up silently on the playground courtyard next to BHA Building

ROOM
001 002 FAMILY CENTER FOOD KITCHEN MAIN OFFICE PRINCIPALS OFFICE 101 102/102B 103B 104 105 106 NURSE’S OFFICE 201 202 203 204 205 206 207/208 TEACHER’S LOUNGE MS. ENOS

ROUTE OF EXIT
EXIT CLASSROOM DOOR OR STAIRWELL D EXIT CLASSROOM DOOR OR STAIRWELL D EXIT STAIRWELL C EXIT STAIRWELL C EXIT FRONT DOORS/STAIRWELL A EXIT FRONT DOORS/STAIRWELL A EXIT FRONT DOORS/STAIRWELL A EXIT STAIRWELL C EXIT STAIRWELL B EXIT FRONT DOORS/STAIRWELL A EXIT STAIRWELL D EXIT STAIRWELL D EXIT STAIRWELL D EXIT STAIRWELL C EXIT STAIRWELL C EXIT STAIRWELL B EXIT STAIRWELL B EXIT STAIRWELL D EXIT STAIRWELL D EXIT STAIRWELL D EXIT STAIRWELL C EXIT STAIRWELL B

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2013 -2014 Fire Drill Schedule
Teachers should record the dates below in their calendars and their substitute folders. Please be sure to read all safety and security documents and are aware of all of the rules and exits throughout the school. A dated checklist is required to prove that fire evacuation plans have been disseminated and discussed. Remind children that if they are making a delivery or are in the bathroom when an alarm goes off, THEY SHOULD NOT RETURN TO THEIR CLASS, BUT SHOULD GO OUT THE NEAREST EXIT IMMEDIATELY and walk with the closest staff person. The staff person will bring the student to his/her class or communicate or to the Principal and/or Lead Teacher. Students should not be told about fire drills. That would negate the purpose of the drill! We do not get our coats, etc. prior to leaving the building during a drill. We treat every drill as if it were a real fire.      September 13, 2013 November 13, 2013 January 14, 2014 April 9, 2014 June 11, 2014 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m.

Reporting of Fire Incidents
The Boston Fire Prevention Code requires the following: a. Upon any person's discovery of a fire or smoke in a building or premises, s/he shall immediately notify the Fire Alarm Office of the Boston Fire Department of the location of the discovery and of the circumstances he/she has observed. The Boston Fire Department must be notified both by sounding the nearest fire alarm box (Pull Station) and by telephone (911 or 617-343-2880) in the event of a fire. 1. Any discovery or evidence of a fire or attempt to burn shall be reported to the Boston Fire Department by calling either 911 or 617-343-2880 in order to begin an arson investigation. BFD considers any fire started by a child as a potentially serious mental health issue that if addressed early enough, may prevent more serious problems in the future. 2. This section shall not be construed to forbid any person who discovers a fire, or the owner, lessee, person in charge of the building or premises, any occupant, or any of their agents, after notifying the Fire Department, from using all means necessary to extinguish or control the fire prior to the arrival of the Fire Department. 3. No person shall require, make, issue, post, or maintain any order, direction or regulation, written or verbal that would require or direct anyone to delay reporting a fire to the Fire Department. 4. All personnel must be familiar with fire reporting procedures. 5. The Boston Fire Department and then Facilities Management are to be notified of all fire-related incidents. These include but are not limited to following:  Fire or Explosion Overpressure Rupture Rescue and EMS Hazardous Conditions Service Calls  Fire Extinguished by Occupant  Good Intent Calls  False Alarm/False Call  Natural Disaster

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 Hazardous Materials (i.e. fuel spills or chemical leaks) 6. Any fire (including paper towels or tissues, even if extinguished), must be reported to Boston Fire Department in accordance with procedure delineated in sections a. and b. above. 7. The principal shall submit a written report (available with this link: http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dfs/osfm/forms/fp200.pdf of any fire within the school building or on the school grounds to Rick Deraney, Director of School Safety / Emergency Preparedness at 635-7854, who will then forward it to the Boston Fire Department within 24 hours. This is in compliance with Mass General Law, Chapter 148.s2A, which went into effective September 2006. This information is also essential for arson-prevention action.

Fire Extinguisher/Kitchen Systems
1. Portable fire extinguishers must be serviced annually and located in accordance with the building’s Fire Safety Plan. 2. Kitchen extinguishing systems must be serviced twice a year. 3. It is the responsibility of senior custodians to ensure extinguishers are visually inspected weekly and recharged / inspected annually to unsure they are ready for emergency use. 4. Requests for fire extinguisher servicing should be made to Facilities Management at 617-635- 9122. 5. If extinguishers are not hanging in corridors, they must be readily accessible. A list of fire extinguisher locations shall be posted in the office and maintained in the Fire Safety section of your building’s School Safety / Contingency Plan.

Flammable Decorations
1. Flammable decorations including examples of students work must not be displayed in paths of egress including doorways and stairwells. 2. Boston Fire Department expects us to display reasonable amounts of student work. This is to be in accordance with National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code and 527CMR. “Art work and teaching materials shall be permitted to be attached directly to the walls and shall not exceed 20 percent of the wall area.” Please see Attachment C from Boston Fire Department. 3. Certain buildings have more fire protection features than others and this may be considered when displaying student work. 4. Please refer to Superintendent’s Circular FSE-3 - Building Codes and Fire Regulations.

Right to Know – Chemical Inventory
Each school / facility must maintain an accurate inventory of toxic and hazardous substances stored and used in the building. Please refer to Superintendent‘s Circular FMT-7 - “Right to Know” Law – Chemical Inventory. Summary of significant dates and deadlines: Date Activity September Quarterly Fire Drill Report Due December Quarterly Fire Drill Report Due March Quarterly Fire Drill Report Due June Quarterly Fire Drill Report Due

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Boston Fire Department Fire Prevention Division School Display of Materials 527CMR 10.09(5)
AREA Classroom WITH NO SPRINKLERS 20% wall coverage with combustible materials allowed. Nothing within 5 ft. of egress door. No limit if in viewing cabinet, covered with Polycarbonate, or materials are flame retardant* 10% wall coverage with combustible materials allowed. Each grouping to be maximum of 6 ft. high and 12 ft. wide. Groups to be separated by at least the width of the largest adjacent group. No limit if in viewing cabinet, covered with Polycarbonate, or materials are flame retardant. No materials within 5 ft. of egress door. Nothing permitted.

Exit passageway, corridors, and assembly area.

Exits and enclosed stairs NOTES: (1) Door and window openings are to be included when calculating wall areas. *(2) Documentation must show compliance with NFPA 701 or CA 13115 to be flame retardant. 3. (3) Plexiglas is not allowed; covering must be glass or Polycarbonate. 4. (4) The posting of exit signage or evacuation plans shall not be prohibited by this regulation. 5. (5) 527 CMR 10.09(5) shall not be applicable to any election materials required by law to be posted during any local, state or federal election. 6. This regulation is effective 9-19-03

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Bomb Threat Procedures
Upon the receipt of a bomb threat, all Headmasters/Principals and Building Administrators are instructed to act in accordance with the following procedures: A. Telephoned Bomb Threats: 1. When taking the call, use the attached Bomb Threat Report Form (attachment A) to record all information. This form must be available at the main telephone(s) in the school and should be completed immediately after reporting the threat to the building administrator. A copy of the Bomb Threat Report Form is also to be submitted with the incident report. 2. Call the Boston Police Department on line 911 and report the incident. If the particular bomb threat is a 2nd or 3rd call, please note this in your conversation with the 911 Operator. 3. Call the Office of the Superintendent at 617-635-9057. 4. Call Safety Services at 617-635-8000 and your appropriate Operational Leader, Dacia Campbell. 5. Alert staff via the school’s internal communication method (ref. Superintendent’s Circular - School Safety/Contingency Plans, Tier I, Containment Procedures) to visually survey their room/office for suspicious packages. If anything unusual is observed, immediately report this information to the building administrator and update Boston Police via 911 that something unusual has actually been found. Designated members of the school’s Site Incident Command Team will be responsible to survey unsupervised common areas, both internal and external. During this survey, all bells/classes will be held until search is completed. 6. In the event a suspicious package or device is found: 1. Report the sighting to the Building Administrator immediately. 2. Do not move, touch or handle object. 3. Do not use two-way radios. 4. Do not turn off lights or touch switches. 5. Keep loud noise to a minimum. 6. Restrict use of telephone to urgent business only. 7. Move people from area. EVACUATE the school building. The Police Department will be fully in charge. This action is to be preceded by an announcement which provides specific evacuation routes to be followed for the particular incident and manner in which the evacuation signal will be given (fire alarm, bell, intercom, and runner). 7. In the event that no suspicious package or device is found, appropriate containment procedures are to be followed. However, classes should not be changed until the BPD Bomb Squad has arrived and evaluated the situation. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS, EVACUATE. 8. The Police Department will assist the person in charge of the building when searching for bombs or other incendiary device. Appropriate school personnel should assist, as necessary. 9. The Police Department will assist and advise the person in charge of the building regarding resumption of regular school schedule and activities. The Operational Leader and Safety Office must be notified once a decision is made. 10. Send a complete incident report within 24 hours of the incident to the Department of Safety Services. Attach a copy of the Bomb Threat Report Form noted above to the Incident Reporting Form (attached for your reference).

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B. Electronic (E-mail and Web-site Received): The person accessing the threat shall: 1. Save the message on the system. DO NOT DELETE THE MESSAGE. 2. Call 911. 3. Notify the Superintendent’s Office at 635-9057. 4. Print copies of the message to turn over to the police and any others who may require them. EVACUATION/REENTRY PROCEDURES The Principal or Building Administrator must develop specific evacuation and re-entry plans for their individual buildings (c.f. Superintendent’s Circular FSE-1: School Safety/Contingency Plan). A copy of these plans should be included in each school’s Contingency Plans. Such procedural plans should include the following: 1. Instruction of office staff with regard to proper procedures for answering, documenting and reporting of such telephone calls. 2. Method of notifying staff and students of emergency conditions. 3. Method of leaving building (Fire Drill Procedures may be followed). Special attention should be given to identify assembly points, which are recommended to be located 300 yards from the building when evacuating for a suspected bomb. Any area that is being used as a staging or assembly area must be searched by a designated staff member prior to sending people to that area. 4. Specific plans should be made for special needs and physically impaired students. 5. Supervision of students by classroom teachers at all times while outside the building (prior planning should be done with local Police authorities in schools that would require extra police surveillance and supervision outside that school).

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Bus/Transportation Incident
In the event of a school transportation incident resulting in student injury, the school administrator will contact the parent(s) and provide appropriate information in accordance with Superintendent's Circular #FSE5 Medical Emergency Management The Headmaster/Principal will maintain copies of all incident reports filed by drivers and utilizes reports for remedial action as needed. Department of Safety Services: Notification: In the event of a serious school bus incident or accident requiring Boston Police and/or Emergency Medical Services, the Department of Safety Services confirms the incident with the Boston Police Communication Center and that appropriate assistance is en route. Medical Facility destinations for any injured students are also confirmed if available. In the event of a school transportation incident resulting in student injury after normal operating hours of the Level Office, the Department of Safety Services will assist in the parent notification process. Response: Personnel from the Department of Safety Services will respond to the scene in accordance with operational procedures and serve as the on-site school official and communications link with the School Safety Office. Communications: The Department of Safety Services will advise the Office of the Superintendent, Transportation Department, appropriate Level Office and School Administrators of developments. Investigation: Upon receipt of a criminal complaint in progress on board a school bus, the Department of Safety Services will notify Boston Police in accordance with operational procedures. Upon receipt of a prior criminal incident on board a school bus, the Department of Safety Services personnel, in cooperation with Transportation Company officials and the Headmaster/Principal, will conduct an investigation. Appropriate Boston Police division will be advised. Determination will be made as to which agency will prosecute in those cases where court action is taken. The Department of Safety Services personnel will inspect alternate drop-off points if requested. Evacuation Drills: The Department of Safety Services personnel will assist school administrators conducting bus evacuation drills as required by M.G.L. Chapter 90, section 9B.

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Child Abuse and Neglect
General Information: Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 119, Section 51A) requires that certain persons who in their professional capacity have reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of eighteen (18) years is suffering serious physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse, including sexual abuse, or neglect, including malnutrition, inflicted upon him or her SHALL IMMEDIATELY, VIA TELEPHONE, REPORT THIS ABUSE OR NEGLECT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (either via the attached Area Offices Telephone Directory or via the 24-hour reporting hotline: 1-800-792-5200). Within forty-eight hours of the initial oral report, these professionals are required under Massachusetts law to notify the Department of Children and Families (the Department) IN WRITING using the attached Report Form. The Report Form should be sent by registered mail, with return receipt requested, to the appropriate Department of Children and Families (DCF) Area Office. A new Report Form must be completed for each new injury or re-injury. WHO MUST REPORT? By law, the following professionals, among others, must report cases of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children and Families: Physicians, Medical Interns, Medical Examiners, Dentists, Nurses, Teachers, Educational Administrators, Guidance Counselors, Family Counselors, Probation Officers, School Attendance Officers, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Police Officers. When these professionals are employed at a school, they must either notify the Department directly or, alternatively, must notify the person in charge of the school or that person’s designated agent. Accordingly, as indicated in the attached Procedures for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Cases (Procedures), Boston Public School employees who are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect shall do so by informing the Building Administrator or designee, who must then report the suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with the attached Procedures. Nothing in this policy, however, prohibits such a professional from notifying the Department of Children and Families (DCF) directly when such professional has reasonable cause to believe abuse or neglect occurred. In such a case, the Building Administrator must be informed that the suspected abuse or neglect was reported. Any other person may report a case of child abuse or neglect when there is reasonable cause to believe that a child’s health or welfare is being harmed, or is at substantial risk of being harmed, as a result of abuse or neglect. WHAT TO REPORT? Any incident in which there is reasonable cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare is harmed or is threatened with substantial risk of harm through abuse or neglect must be reported. Truancy by itself is not a reportable matter. ABUSE: Abuse includes: a. Physical, mental, or emotional injury by other than accidental means, i.e., beatings, cuttings, burns, broken bones, multiple bruises; b. Physical dependency on an addictive drug at birth; and

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c. Any sexual act against another person either by force, or by threat of force or bodily injury, or against the person’s will. This includes a sexual act against another person who is incapable of giving consent either because of her/his temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity or because s/he is a minor. Such crimes as indecent assault and battery, rape, rape with force, rape and abuse, assault with intent to rape and unnatural and lascivious acts constitute a sexual assault. Indecent assault and battery includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate and unwanted touching of private body parts. A person under the age of 14 is legally unable to consent to this type of sexual activity. NEGLECT: Neglect is deemed to exist when the person or persons responsible for a child’s care, although financially able to do so, fail to provide the child with: a. Adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, or medical care and/or b. Proper supervision and/or guardianship. The attached Procedures for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect detail the relevant reporting procedures to be followed by Boston Public School employees. IMMUNITY All reports will be held in strict confidence. No person required to report who does in fact make a report shall, including a report of abuse or neglect by personnel in the public school system, be held liable in any civil or criminal action by reason of that report. In addition, a person who, although not required to do so by statute, voluntarily makes a report shall not be liable in any civil or criminal action by reason of that report if it was made in good faith and that person did not perpetuate, inflict, or cause the reported abuse or neglect. In accordance with Massachusetts law (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51B), persons who are mandatory reporters of child abuse shall share any relevant information requested by the Department of Children and Families during the investigation of a specific 51A child abuse report. Those persons who are required to share information are protected from civil or criminal liability for providing such information without parental consent. CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE REPORTING REQUIREMENT Under Massachusetts law, any person required to make oral and written reports of suspected child abuse or neglect who fails to do so and any person who knowingly files a frivolous report will be subject to penalties as prescribed by law. Boston Public School employees required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect who fail to do so in accordance with the attached Procedures will be subject to discipline. PROHIBITION OF RETALIATION Retaliation against any Boston Public School student or employee for filing a complaint of abuse or neglect, including a report of abuse or neglect against personnel in the public school system, is strictly prohibited. Complaints of retaliation should be filed as specified in the Uniform Procedures for Student Grievances of

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Discrimination or Harassment, or in the Uniform Procedures for Employee Discrimination or Harassment, as applicable. In accordance with both Massachusetts law and the attached Procedures, any Boston Public School employees who themselves perpetuate, inflict, or cause the abuse of any child will be subject to discipline as outlined in the attached Procedures. Attachments: 1. Procedures for Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Cases 2. Area Offices and Telephone Directory Guide for Reporting Purposes 3. DCF 51A Reporting Form

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Attachment 1 (p. 1 of 4) PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES 1. A teacher or other adult within the school building with an awareness or heightened level of concern about a child will likely provide the first step in identifying possible cases of child abuse or neglect, including abuse or neglect in the public school system. Upon such suspicion of physical abuse or neglect of a child under 18 years of age, a teacher, or any other mandated reporter, will immediately report his or her concerns to the Building Administrator and will confer with the school nurse. Such abuse includes but is not limited to physical, mental, or emotional injury by other than accidental means, i.e., beatings cuttings, burns, broken bones, multiple bruises, etc.) The nurse will be responsible for examining and documenting the child’s physical condition immediately. Appropriate Special Education and Support Services Staff should be notified of the situation concerning the suspected abuse or neglect. Upon such suspicion of sexual assault, please refer immediately to the Policy on Sexual Assault (Legal #13) and complete the Confidential Log Sheet. School personnel responding to sexual assault concerns will obtain only basic minimal facts of the alleged incident. These basic facts should include: (1) when the incident occurred; (2) where the incident occurred; (3) who assaulted the student, if known; (4) the nature of the incident; and (5) whether there are known witnesses and/or other victims? In an attempt to minimize the emotional stress victims of abuse experience and to preserve the integrity and reliability of the required DCF and law enforcement investigations, additional interviews and more detailed probing questioning are not to be conducted by school officials. A student who reports being a victim of a sexual assault should never be asked to submit a written report detailing the incident nor be asked to discuss the incident with the alleged perpetrator present at any time and under any circumstances. School personnel are mandated reporters but should not investigate the allegations and prepare a probing and/or detailed incident report. 4. Through discussions with school administrators, teachers, student support personnel, and a check of appropriate educational and health records, the Building Administrator or designee will obtain the data to be used when reporting the case to the appropriate Department of Children and Families (DCF) Area Office. After collecting the relevant information concerning the child’s abuse or neglect, the Building Administrator, in consultation with the reporting employee, the nurse, and others as necessary, will determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the child may be suffering abuse, including sexual abuse, or neglect.

2.

3.

5.

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6. 7.

Do not send the child home from school before filing the verbal 51A report with the Department of Children and Families. Written report must be forwarded within 48 hours. In the case of a disagreement concerning the need to report, the Building Administrator may not substitute his or her judgment for that of any mandated reporter within the school. Although the agreement of all professionals involved is desirable, the Building Administrator MUST report to the Department of Children and Families even if he or she believes that the teacher, nurse, or other mandated reporter is mistaken in suspecting abuse or neglect. Failure to file a report as mandated by law will subject the Building Administrator (or other mandated reporter who fails to meet his or her statutory obligations) to discipline in accordance with the Deputy Superintendent’s Memorandum – Procedures Relating to the Discipline of Employees (Employee Discipline Procedures). Accordingly, once the Building Administrator or other mandated reporter makes the decision to file, the Building Administrator or designee must immediately call the Screening Area Office of the Department of Children and Families to report the case, or, if after 5:00 PM, the Department of Children and Families Hotline number at 1-800-792-5200. Within 48 hours of the initial oral report, the Building Administrator or designee will send written notification to the Department of Children and Families Area Office by registered mail. A confidential copy of the written notification form (copy attached) should be retained in the office of the principal or headmaster. If the alleged abuser is an employee of the Boston School Department, a copy of the notification should also be forwarded to the Office of the Legal Advisor (Attention: Alissa Ocasio), 26 Court Street, Boston, MA. If an investigation confirms the allegations, the offending employee will be subject to discipline in accordance with the Employee Discipline Procedures. The Building Administrator, in consultation with others as necessary, will decide how, when, and by whom the family, including the child who is suspected of being abused or neglected, will be notified of this report. Although the school is not required by law to notify the family, such notification is recommended. In deciding whether to notify, the Building Administrator and others should consider whether notification will create a substantial risk to the student’s health, safety, or welfare. DCF and the police can provide consultation in making this determination to ensure the child’s safety and well being. Department of Children and Families investigators, who report to the school in order to conduct one phase of their investigation, should be required to identify themselves and to verify their assignment to the case. School-based staff should encourage them to interview the child at home in the presence of the parent or caregiver, unless the 51A has been filed against the parent. In this latter case, the interview of the child may be conducted in school in the presence of the building administrator or designee. Within sixty days of filing a report, the Building Administrator should receive a feedback report from the Department of Children and Families detailing the Department’s findings and specifying the social services that the Department intends to offer the child. This feedback report may be used to plan further collaboration with other professionals assisting the family. Certain cases that the schools report to the Department of Children and Families (sexual abuse and exploitation, serious physical abuse, and some others) will also be referred by DCF to the police and the District Attorney’s Office for investigation. In these circumstances, these agencies will typically

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

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conduct a multidisciplinary team investigation. This investigation will typically include an interview with the alleged victim(s), alleged perpetrators(s), and witness(es). Relevant investigative information will be provided to the school when appropriate, and as permitted by law. 15. Throughout the reporting, investigation, and follow-up process, school documentation must be done in a way that assures confidentiality. Accordingly, reports of suspected abuse or neglect will not be part of a child’s educational record, but will instead be kept separately. The school will maintain files of the 51A reports of suspected abuse or neglect for no more than five years. Each school building will designate a representative who will ensure that, in the event of the Building Administrator’s absence, the above reporting procedures are followed as required by law. School Health will make arrangements for emergency nursing staff coverage so that the required investigation, discussed above, will begin before the end of the day.

16.

Emergency Protocol
In the event of a clear emergency where the life or safety of a child is in imminent danger, the Building Administrator, designee, or other mandated reporter should IMMEDIATELY notify the appropriate DCF Area Office and file the required 51A Report. After 5:00 PM, the school official should use the Child Abuse Hotline, at 1-800-792-5200. Alternatively, the official may report the suspected abuse or neglect to the evening hours office, which is located at the Judge Baker Children’s Center, located at 53 Parker Hill Avenue, Boston MA 02120. A written report must be filed within forty-eight hours. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51B(3) authorizes the Department of Children and Families to take a child into immediate temporary custody, without parental permission or prior notice, if the Department has reasonable cause to believe that this action is necessary to protect him or her from further abuse or neglect. Emergency responses by the Department of Children and Families may include law enforcement, depending upon the nature of the incident reported. If DCF seeks to exercise this authority in the school setting, the Building Administrator shall: 1. Verify the DCF representative’s identification; and retain a copy of the identification in the student record. 2. Contact the DCF representative’s immediate supervisor to verify the need for the DCF action; 3. Maintain a log, which should be filed with the office copy of the 51A report, of the action, the DCF employee(s) involved, and the DCF area office involved; and provide any other pertinent information related to the suspected abuse or neglect.

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DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Boston – Brookline Region Area Directory AREA Area 220 AREA OFFICE Hyde Park Area Office 1530 River Street Hyde Park, MA 02136 Local Number: (617) 363-5000 Fax Number: (617) 360-2650 Dimmock Street Area Office 30 Dimmock Street Roxbury, MA 02119 Local Number: (617) 989-2800 Fax Number: (617) 445-9147 Park Street Area Office 5OB Park Street Dorchester, MA 02122 Local Number: (617) 822-4700 Fax Number: (617) 282-1019 Harbor Area Office 45 Spruce Street Chelsea, MA 01250 Local Number: (617) 660-3400 Fax Number: (617) 884-0215 AREA DIRECTOR Martha Taylor

Area 230

Barbara Curley

Area 250

William Brown

Area 260

Monica Fernandez-Cartro

Boston Police Department – Family Justice Center (Formerly the Sexual Assault Unit)

Telephone (617) 343 - 4400

SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S Child Abuse Unit Number (617) 619 - 4300 OFFICE

Main Number

(617) 619 - 4000

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Communicable Diseases
Massachusetts General Law and public health regulations govern the reporting and control of communicable diseased in public schools. All suspected cases of a communicable disease require confirmation from local health authorities before a plan of action is developed. When a student is suspected of having a reportable communicable disease, the principal or designee will:  Contact the school nurse  The nurse or principal/headmaster will contact health services administration  Health Services contacts the public health commission to confirm the diagnosis  The school nurse, in conjunction with principal/headmaster or designee, health services and local health authorities, will assess the health risks and develop a plan of action to address the issues. Questions or concerns may be directed to Health Services at 617-635-6788. DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY SERVICES The Department of Safety Services, 213 Townsend Street (Rear of Boston Latin Academy), Dorchester, MA 02121, Telephone 617-635-8000, A school administrator must notify the Department of Safety Services, via the telephone (617-6358000), of any serious illness or injury after notifying Emergency Medical Services via 911. Personnel of this Department have received various levels of First Aid Training and may initiate assistance appropriate to their level of training. An Administrator of this Department will respond to the scene if practical. Department of Safety Services may be used as a resource to assist in making parent/guardian notification. NOTIFICATION TO SCHOOL STAFF AND PARENTS OF SERIOUS INCIDENTS The principal/headmaster should follow the guidelines established in Superintendent’s Circular - School Safety Contingency Plans, providing feedback to staff. Should an incident become generally known and be a matter of concern to parents, the administrator should meet with the School Parent Council to advise them of the precautionary measures taken to prevent the reoccurrence of such an incident. In the event of a serious illness/injury involving a student, the parent or guardian must be notified as soon as possible. This notification should include all available information, including hospital destination if the child is transported to a medical facility. If a student is a witness to a medical emergency his or her parent or guardian shall be notified prior to that student being removed from the school for interviewing by police or any other member of an emergency response agency.

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Emergency Plan – Student in Distress
If an emergency occurs: 1. Stay with the student. 2. Call or designate an adult to call the nurse or designee. 3. a. State who you are. b. State where you are. c. State the problem. 4. An administrator or designee is responsible to institute the Emergency Plan. Emergency Telephone Procedure: 1. Dial 911. 2. State who you are. "I am _______________, a teacher/paraprofessional in the Boston Public Schools." 3. State where you are. "I am at the ________________School, address __________________. The telephone number is ______________________." 4. State the problem. "There is a _______ year old child here that is _____________. We need an ambulance now." 5. Give specific directions. "_________________ will meet you at ________________ to direct you." (address) 6. Don't hang up. Ask for the information to be repeated back to you and answer any questions the dispatcher may have. Hang up the telephone when all information is correct and verified. 7. Notify the school principal or administrator. State the nature of the emergency and the location of the student. 8. The school official or designee will: 1. Meet and direct the EMT's. 2. Call parent/guardian. 3. Call the Superintendent’s Office at 617-635-9057. 4. Call School Safety at 617-635-8000. 9. The school nurse or designee will accompany the student to the hospital. 10. Paramedics will decide which hospital is appropriate. 11. DO copy emergency and health care information. 12. Administration (not necessarily the school nurse) will accompany student in the ambulance. Paramedics will take over care of the student when they arrive. School personnel designated by the principal must accompany the student in the ambulance and remain with the student until the parent/guardian arrives or the child is being taken care of by appropriate and qualified medical personnel who have taken over the custody of the child, whichever occurs first. The school representative should bring the student's 1. emergency information card (copy), 2. health card (copy) and 3. all available information pertinent to the student and the incident/illness to the hospital. Department of Safety Services may be used as a resource to assist in notification to the parent/guardian. Telephone # 617-635-8000. School Department personnel will not in any case transport a sick or injured child in a privately owned motor vehicle. Under no circumstances should a student be sent to any location via taxi

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based solely on notification received by telephone. It is strongly recommended that the student emergency information card (Form 460) be regularly updated.

Medical Emergency Management – Individual Students
The school nurse assigned to each school should assist in the development and implementation of medical emergency protocols. The elements to be included in the protocol are: Emergency Information Prevention of medical emergencies begins with the knowledge of underlying medical issues. Therefore, Emergency Information Cards (Form 460 or electronic equivalent), containing the basic pertinent data to activate an emergency medical plan for the student, MUST be on file at each school. This information should be completed upon the opening of school in September and updated by January 1 and again by April 1 each school year. In addition to parental contact phone numbers, alternate emergency contacts, primary language spoken at home and custody issue documentation, the card or electronic equivalent should contain: Insurance company Policy number Clinician name and phone Hospital where the child is taken in an emergency Listing of health problems Listing of medications taken at home as well as in school Allergies Vision or hearing problems History of surgery or serious illness in the last year Each Building Administrator may practice the most expeditious means of securing necessary information. Medical Emergencies The Principal has administrative and programmatic responsibility for all activities that occur in his/her school. HOWEVER, IN THOSE CASES WHERE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY EXISTS, PRINCIPALS SHOULD CONSULT WITH AND FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF THE ASSIGNED MEDICAL STAFF. o A medical emergency is defined generally as a potentially life-limiting or life-threatening situation requiring immediate medical attention as well as cases of indecent assault/rape. Protocols for management of specific medical emergencies are available to nurses and are to be kept on file in the nurses’ office. o In the beginning of each school year, school nurses should communicate to relevant staff, the known potential health emergencies of individual students. This meeting should be documented on the student’s Individual Collaborative Health Plan. o If no nurse is present, the Principal/Headmaster or his/her designee is the responsible party. o Principals should compile a list of staff with CPR, AED and First Responder training, to provide immediate life saving measures until EMS arrives. These staff members should be members of the School Safety Team. o Immediate phone support is also available through the Health Service office at 617-635-6788. o Each school nurse should complete a list of staff trained in the administration of Epinephrine in the event of a life threatening allergic reaction. This list must remain on the file with the school administrator.

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Serious Injury/ Illness Protocol
    

 





Stabilize the student using the most qualified school staff. Activate the Emergency Medical System (EMS), by calling 911. Cases of indecent assault/rape require Boston Police notification via 911.* Call the Superintendent’s Office at 617-635-9057. Notify School Safety Services at 617-635-8000. The responding ambulance crew of Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics will consult with the qualified school officials and assess the need for transportation to a medical facility. EMS assumes medical management of the child. The school’s representative should bring the student’s Emergency Information Card, the Individual Collaborative Health Plan and all other pertinent medical information to the hospital. If the emergency occurs on the school bus, the driver (and/or monitor, if present) will provide for the safety of the child and call the dispatcher, who notifies 911. When EMS arrives, the dispatcher will be called with the name of the child and the hospital that the child will be transported to. The dispatcher then calls the School Safety Services 617- 635- 8000, who will notify the family. A Safety Officer will proceed to the Emergency Room to meet with the student and family. School personnel designated by the principal/headmaster (not necessarily the school nurse), must accompany the student in the ambulance and remain with the child until the parent/guardian arrives or the child is being taken care of by appropriate and qualified medical personnel who have taken over the custody of the child, whichever occurs first. Accompanying staff do not need to have medical experience and are there for the comfort of the child, as the EMS system has assumed medical responsibility. If a nurse accompanies the child, the school is left without health services coverage.

* Release of a student who is a victim of indecent assault/rape must comply with procedures outlined in both this memorandum and Superintendent’s Circular SAF-8 - Release of Students to Authorized Persons.

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Lost Children Procedures
From time-to-time, students may be “lost” – that is, a student leaves home in the morning but does not arrive at school, or a student arrives at school but be missing later in the day, or the student may leave school at dismissal and not arrive at home. The following are standard procedures to follow whenever any of these scenarios should happen.

The First Receiver of Information will: 1. Gather as much information as possible from person reporting the lost child, such as child's name, student number, school, grade, address, phone number, bus stop, bus number, names of friends/classmates if known, and name and phone number of caller. 2. Notify Principal/Headmaster or Program Director. 3. Notify appropriate Academic Superintendent 4. Notify Safety Services The Principal/Headmaster or Program Director will: 1. Contact parent/guardian 2. Contact teachers, students, and other parent who may have information about the lost child. The Network Superintendent will: 1. Make every effort to assist in locating child. 2. Once child is located, make arrangement to get child home. BPS Transportation may be used as needed, subject to availability. 3. Notify First Receiver of Information and Principal/Headmaster of child's school that child is located. Safety Services will: 1. Coordinate search process for lost children. 2. If transported student, call the bus company (who in turn will call bus driver) and check students who travel on same bus. 3. Notify Superintendent’s Office 4. Notify the Boston Police Department If late/serious situation If the report of the lost child is not received until after 4:00 P.M., or a special situation warrants it: The First Receiver of Information will: 1. Gather as much information as possible from person reporting the lost child, such as child’s name, student number, school, grade, address, phone number, bus stop, bus number, names of friends/classmates if known, and name and phone number of caller. 2. Notify Safety Services at 617-635-8000.

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Safety Services will: 1. Coordinate search process for lost children. 2. Update parent/guardian of situation and assure him/her of continued efforts. 3. Provide parent/guardian with telephone numbers of central Transportation and Safety Services as additional resources. 4. If transported student, call bus company (who in turn will call bus driver) and check students who travel on same bus. 5. Notify Superintendent’s Office. 6. Notify the Boston Police Department. 7. Notify First Receiver of Information, Principal/Headmaster, Transportation, and Superintendent’s Office that child is located. The Transportation Unit will: 1. Make every effort to assist in locating child. 2. If this department resolves situation, inform BPS Safety Services. Note: If Boston Police Department finds a child wandering, it informs BPS Safety Services of having located child. Boston Police will make arrangements on getting the child home.

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Procedures for Reporting Lost Children

1st Receiver
2

1
*Principal

3
Safety 635-8000 (Ph.) 635-8006 (Fax) Superintendent’s Office 635-9050 (Ph.) 635-9059 (Fax)

Network Superintendent 635-9042

Parent/Guardian

Teacher(s) Other Parents, Students

 Transportation 635-9520

Boston Police 911

Procedures for Serious/Late Situations
1st Receiver
Safety Office 635-8000

Parent/Guardian

*Principal, Headmaster, or Program Director

Boston Police 911

 Transportation 635-9520

Superintendent’s Office 635-9050 (Ph.) 635-9059 (Fax)

*Principal, Headmaster, or Program Director advises parent/guardian to call 911 and file a missing child report.
 Only used for Bus student.

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BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS INCIDENT REPORT

Obtain as much of the following information as possible: Received by: __________________________ Date: _________________ Time: ________________ Child’s Name ______________________________________________ Student # _________________ Speaks English: Yes No Language: ______________________ Spec. Needs Yes No

Name of Parent/Guardian _______________________________________________________________ School ____________________________ Grade ___________ Dismissal Time __________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone # (Home) __________________________ (Emergency) ____________________________

Place of Incident _________________________________________________ Bus # ______________ Description of Incident _________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need of Medical Help? _________________________ Type of Help? ___________________________ Request for Medical Transportation? _______________ Student Sent to Hospital? _________________ Parent Contacted? _________________________________ Time?_____________________________ Names of Child’s Friends/Classmates/Witness ________________________________ Notified Parties: Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Signature Principal/Headmaster _________________________________________________________________ Principal’s/Headmaster’s Signature Safety Notified _______________ Contact Person ________________________________________ Time _________________________________ _________________________________

Academic Supt’s Office Notified ___________________________ Contact Person_________________ Time (Use other side for additional comments)

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Boston Public Schools Lost Child Report

Obtain as much of the following information as possible: Received by: _______________________________ Date: _______________ Time: ____________ Child’s Name: _________________________________________________ Speaks English: Yes No Student #: ____________ No No

Language: __________________________ Spec. Needs: Yes

Name of Parent / Guardian: _________________________________________ Notified: Yes

School: _____________________________ Grade: _____________ Dismissal Time: ____________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone # (Home): __________________________ Emergency #: __________________________

Bus Stop: _____________________________________ Bus #: _______________________________ Name of Teacher: ____________________________________________________________________ Names of Child’s Friends / Classmates: ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Caller’s Name ________________________________________ Telephone # _____________________ Relationship to Child: Parent Other ________________________________________________ Specify: Relative (Aunt, Grandfather, etc.), Friend, Teacher, etc.

Notify the Following Parties: Principal / Headmaster Academic Supt’s Office

Notified ________ Time Notified ________ Time

Notified ________ Time Boston Police: 911 Notified ________ Time (If child not found within 1 hour of drop-off or by 4:30 p.m. or if warranted by other circumstances)

Safety: 635-8000

Resolved __________________________________________ Date/Time

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Release of Students to Authorized Persons
Headmasters/Principals must use extraordinary care in releasing a child to a parent or guardian. Such care should be further emphasized when an administrator has been informed that a court order exists prohibiting release of that child to a certain person(s). It is essential to exercise extreme caution in this area to prevent a parent or guardian from attempting to remove a child from school. It is both essential and mandatory that headmaster and principals regularly update the STUDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARD (Form 460). In the event telephone notification is received from a party authorizing release of a student, it is the responsibility of the building administrator to verify that telephone call. Ask for the telephone number from which the party is calling, and then to cross-check that number with the information from the emergency card, and then call the party back at that number. Headmasters/Principals must require proper identification from any person removing a child from school. No child is to be released to anyone other than a custodial parent without the parent's consent and proper identification. Principals should note that the Department of Children and Families has statutory authority to take immediate custody of any child, if DCF has reasonable cause to believe that such action is necessary to protect the child from abuse or neglect. In such cases, the child will be brought before the Court on the next business day. The Court typically grants the Department of Children and Families custody for an additional seventy–two hours while further proceedings are conducted. Such emergency measures are usually taken without the consent of the parent. However, before Headmasters or Principals release any child to an agent of the Department of Children and Families, the agent should be required to present his or her official photo identification and prepare a simple signed statement to the effect that the Department of Children and Families is exercising its authority to take immediate custody of the child on the grounds of suspected abuse or neglect. Under no circumstances should a child be sent to any location by way of a taxicab or any other transportation service based solely on notification received by the telephone. Headmaster or principals having doubts about the release of a student should immediately contact the Boston Police, by way of the 911 emergency line. There are some situations in which parents have authorized a third party to transport their children to or from school on a regular basis in a van, bus, or some vehicle other than that assigned by the School Transportation Department. Headmasters, principals, and program directors must obtain written permission from such parents authorizing alternative transportation arrangements. The attached form entitled PARENT PERMISSION TO RELEASE STUDENTS TO AUTHORIZED PERSONS must be completed by the parent before administrators put a child into a vehicle operated by a third party. It is important to record the name of the driver, the name of the bus company, if applicable, the type of vehicle and the vehicle registration number. Headmasters, principals and program directors are to retain a copy of each completed form.

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Parent Permission to Release Students to Authorized Persons The Boston School Department is concerned about the safety and well being of all students and consequently, will release a child to a third party (someone other than the parent or legal guardian) only with the parent’s or guardian’s written authorization. If you plan to release your child to a third party, you must complete this form and return it to the principal of your child’s school. Date______________________ I, as parent or guardian, give permission for __________________________________ Print Name of Student to be transported to and/or from the ____________________________________ by Name of School __________________________________________ during the period from _______________ Name of Third Party or Driver start date

to _________________________. end date I further understand that _____________________________ will be responsible for my Name of Third Party or Driver child’s transportation services and his or her safety. I release the Boston School Department from any liability in case of any accident, injury or other mishap as a result of the Boston School Department releasing my child to the person or agency noted above. _______________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian _______________________________________ Address _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Name of Third Party…company or individual name Type of vehicle (check as appropriate): Vehicle Registration Number: Van Bus _________________________ Telephone Number Automobile Other Vehicle _________________________ Home Telephone Number _________________________ Work Telephone Number

_____________________________________

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Parents Unable to Receive Children - Procedures
In the event that:   A student receives door-to-door transportation and has no one at home to receive him / her; or *The bus driver determines that a young student who receives corner transportation should not be dropped off at his / her corner stop because the student is unsure of his / her surroundings or the student expresses an unwillingness to be dropped off without his / her parent being present; or o *NOTE: Corner bus stops are generally located within a few blocks of a student’s home but can be up to a quarter mile or more from home. A student assigned to a corner stop will be dropped off even in the absence of a parent or guardian. As part of each student’s annual classroom instruction in safe bus riding practices, discussion should include confirmation that each student is aware of how to walk home from his / her bus stop. A student is a walker and parent has not picked up child at elementary school; then all Boston Public School staff are directed to implement the following procedures.



IF STUDENT IS BUSED: The Bus Driver will: 1. Inform dispatcher of situation, who in turn will inform Safety Services (635-8000) and Transportation (635-9520). 2. Continue route and drop off all other students. 3. Return again to regular bus stop in order to drop off child in question. 4. Stay in communication with dispatcher. Dispatcher in turn will stay in communication with Safety Services and Transportation. BPS Transportation will: 1. Attempt to reach parent / guardian / relative by telephone. 2. Inform Safety Services of situation. Safety Services will: 1. When situation warrants it or by 5:00 p.m., whichever comes first:     Inform the Michael J. Perkins School (635-8601) of intent to transport student. Pass on all pertinent information to the Michael J. Perkins School staff: name, address, etc. of student. Inform Transportation, the appropriate Academic Superintendent and the School Principal of intention to move child to the Michael J. Perkins School. Provide dispatcher with authorization for bus driver to transport child to the Michael J. Perkins School.

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IF STUDENT IS A WALKER: Principal / Headmaster or designee must: 1. Attempt to reach parent / guardian / relative by telephone. 2. When situation warrants it or by 5:00 P.M., whichever comes first:  Inform the Michael J. Perkins School (635-8601) of intent to transport student.  Pass on all pertinent information to the Michael J. Perkins School staff: name, address, etc. of student.  Inform Safety Services and Academic Superintendent of intention to move child to the Michael J. Perkins School.  Contact the Transportation Department to make arrangements for transport of student to the Michael J. Perkins School. ONCE CHILD HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO THE MICHAEL J. PERKINS SCHOOL: Michael J. Perkins School Staff will: 1. Continue trying to reach parent / guardian / relative by telephone. 2. If contact is made with parent / guardian / relative, make arrangements for pick-up of child. 3. When repeated attempts have not been successful in reaching parent / guardian / relative and all efforts have been exhausted, turn child over to the Department of Social Services (but not before 7:00 P.M.). Notify Safety Services of this. 4. If child is turned over to DSS, file a 51A. Department of Social Services will: 1. Continue trying to reach parent / guardian / relative by telephone. Keep child until parent / guardian / relative is reached. 2. Make arrangements with parent / guardian / relative for pick-up or delivery of child. 3. Provide the Michael J. Perkins School staff and Safety Services with status of case. NOTE: For BPS After-School Programs, if a parent / guardian / relative fails to pick up child 1/2 hour after close of program, person in charge must: 1. 2. 3. 4. Attempt to reach parent / guardian / relative by telephone. Inform the Michael J. Perkins School (635-8601) of intended transport of student. Pass on all pertinent information to Michael J. Perkins School staff: name, address, etc. of student. Inform Safety Services and Academic Superintendent of intention to move child to the Michael J. Perkins School. 5. Contact the Transportation Department to make arrangements for transport of student to the Michael J. Perkins School. 6. Michael J. Perkins School staff should continue to attempt to reach parent / guardian / relative.

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Student Intervention and Bullying
What is bullying? Bullying is a form of emotional or physical abuse that has three defining characteristics: 1. Deliberate: A bully’s intention is to hurt someone. 2. Repeated: A bully often targets the same victim again and again. 3. Power imbalanced: A bully chooses victims he or she perceives as vulnerable. Bullying is different from conflict, fights, or disagreements. It must meet the above criteria. It causes great harm! It is not acceptable! It is against the law! Warning Signs of Bullying When children are bullied, they may have difficulty communicating, or be unable to express, what happened. Many students are afraid or embarrassed to tell. Some students think adults will not be able to help. It is important to pay careful attention to the warning signs of bullying. Warning signs of bullying include:  Dislike of school or refusal to go to school  Stomachaches, or other physical complaints  Problems with eating and sleeping  Unexplained damage or loss of clothing and other personal items  Evidence of physical abuse, such as bruises and scratches  Negative self-talk, self-harm, or loss of confidence  Loss of friends or changes in friends  Sudden (negative) change in behavior  Depression, anxiety, fear, or panic  Risky behavior, bullying others, aggression What School Personnel Can Do  Review the Boston Public School’s state-mandated plan to prevent bullying, respond to bullying incidents, and train staff.  Monitor hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, bathrooms, and buses.  Implement age-appropriate bullying prevention curricula.  Embed bullying prevention messages into your everyday lessons.  Create a classroom and school culture of respect, acceptance, kindness, and cooperation.  Intervene immediately when you see or hear about bullying.  Report bullying immediately to administrators.  Provide counseling and social skills training for students who bully.  Teach students what to do if they are bullied or witness bullying.  Involve families by communicating regularly and including them in bullying prevention activities.  For students with disabilities, include bullying prevention in the student’s IEP or 504 Plan.  Create a bullying-free environment in your classroom and school. Bully Prevention and Intervention Hotline (617) 592-2378 Boston Public Schools

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Bullying Prevention and Intervention Incident Reporting Form
1. Name of Reporting Person Filing the Report – Reports May be Completed Anonymously: Note: Reports may be made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an anonymous report. 2. Check whether you are the Target of the behavior Reporter – Not the Target 3 Check if you are a Student Staff member (specify role) _______________ Parent Administrator Other Your contact information/telephone number: 4 If staff, state your school or work site: 5 Information about the incident Name of Target (Person who received the behavior) Name of Aggressor (Person who engaged in the behavior) Date of Incident Time of Incident Location of Incident (be as specific as possible) 6 Witnesses – List people who saw the incident or have information about the incident Name Student Staff Name Name Student Student Staff Staff

Other Other Other

Describe, the details of the incident, including names of people involved, what occurred, and what each person did and said, including specific words used. Please use additional space on back if necessary.

7

Signature of Person Filing Report

Date

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Bullying Prevention and Intervention Incident Reporting Form – Continued
Person Receiving Form Signature Position Date Received Date:

Investigator: Interviews Aggres Name1 Aggres Name2 Aggres Name3 Aggres Name4 Any prior documented incidents by the aggressor(s)? If yes, have incidents involved target or target group?

Position:
Target Target Target Target Witness Witness Witness Witness Date Date Date Date Y Y Y N N N

Any previous incidents of bullying or retaliation? Summary of Investigation – Please attach a summary of investigation Conclusions from the Investigation Finding of Bullying or Retaliation? Incident is documents as: If discipline referral, complete the following: Date: Contacts Target’s Parent/Gardian Action Taken Loss of privilege Detention STEP referral Suspension Community Service Education Other Describe Safety Plan Follow up with Target: Scheduled Follow up with Aggressor Scheduled Date Forwarded to Principal Date Forwarded to Superintendent Aggressor’s Parent Guardian Date: Date

Y

N

Date Completed Date Completed

Signature _________________________Title__________________________ Date__________

Bully Prevention and Intervention Hotline 617-592-2378

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Academic and Non-Academic Activities The Boston Public Schools will provide age-appropriate instruction on bullying prevention in each grade that is incorporated into the school’s or district’s curricula. Curricula will be evidenced-based. Effective instruction will include classroom approaches, whole school initiatives, and focused strategies for bullying prevention and social skills development. A. Specific bullying prevention approaches.  Listen and start conversations with students about bullying  Be empathic and compassionate and encourage those qualities in your students  Be proactive and ready to intervene when necessary  Let students know that they don’t have to solve everything by themselves  Encourage students to report bullying and always follow up  Whenever bullying or any other type of harassment comes up in conversation, give a clear message that you disapprove; your silence will be taken as acceptance and approval  Don’t expect peer mediation to work in cases of bullying because of nature of bully-target dynamics, especially the innate power imbalance that is typically present  Help all students develop assertiveness and conflict-resolution skills and focus more intensely on students who are involved in bullying incidents  Model the behaviors of respect and tolerance that you expect from your students. Track bullying incidents and how they were addressed; share effective strategies with others  Deal with bullying consistently and immediately and focus on outcomes, not punishments  Always consider the needs of students with exceptionalities when they are involved in bullying incidents B. General teaching approaches that support bullying prevention efforts.  To develop school-wide positive behavior and intervention systems that support nurturing and supportive school cultures  To create a strong anti-bullying Plan that will be enforced first and foremost by adults  To empower bystanders who witness bullying activities and do not intervene  To promote acceptance, tolerance and respect in order to improve the school climate to include all students in meaningful ways  To recognize the dynamics and complexities involved in bully- target relationships  To develop intervention programs that will reduce the prevalence of bullying behaviors and crate a safe school climate that fosters positive learning experiences for all students  To be creative in developing strategies to promote social competence for children who bully, targets of bullying, and bystanders  To develop ways to help students who bully find more socially acceptable ways of experiencing positive rewards  To build an effective support system for protecting targets of bullying

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Policies and Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Bullying and Retaliation
To support efforts to respond promptly and effectively to bullying and retaliation, the Boston Pubic Schools have policies and procedures in place for receiving and responding to reports of bullying or retaliation. These policies and procedures ensure that members of the school community – students, parents, staff – know what will happen when incidents of bullying occur, (see Appendix B). A. Reporting bullying or retaliation. Reports of bullying or retaliation may be made by staff, students, parents or guardians, or others, and may be oral or written. Oral reports made by or to a staff member must be recorded in writing. All employees are required to report immediately to the principal/headmaster or designee any instance of bullying or retaliation when the staff member becomes aware of or witnesses. Reports made by students, parents or guardians, or other non-employees may be made anonymously. The schools will make reporting resources available to the school community including, but not limited to, The Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Incident Reporting Form, available on the Boston Public Schools website. Use of the Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Reporting Form Report is not required as a condition to making a report. Schools will: 1) include a copy of the Incident Reporting Form in the beginning for the year packets for students and parents or guardians; 2) make it available in the school’s main office, the counseling office, the school nurse’s office, and other locations determined by the principal/headmaster or designee; and 3) post it on the school’s website. At the beginning of each school year, schools will provide the school community, including administrators, staff, students, and parents or guardians, with written notice of its policies for reporting acts of bullying and retaliation. A description of the reporting procedures and resources, including the name and contact information of the principal/headmaster or designee, will be incorporated in student and staff handbooks, on the school or district website, and in information about the Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan that is available to parents or guardians. 1. Reporting by Staff A staff member will report immediately to the principal/headmaster or designee when he/she witnesses or becomes aware of conduct that may be bullying or retaliation. The requirement to report to the principal/headmaster or designee does not limit the authority of the staff member to respond to behavioral or disciplinary incidents consistent with each school’s policies and procedures for behavior managem ent and discipline. 2. Reporting by Students, Parent or Guardians, and Others Boston Public Schools expects students, parents or guardians, and other who witness or become aware of an instance of bullying or retaliation involving a student to report it to the principal/headmaster or designee. Reports may be made anonymously, by calling the Bully Hotline (617-592-2378), but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an anonymous report. Students, parents, guardians, and others may request assistance from a staff member to complete a written report. Students will be provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and discuss an incident of bullying with a staff member, or with the principal/headmaster. B. Responding to a report of bullying or retaliation. 1. Safety : Before fully investigating the allegations of bullying or retaliation, the principal/headmaster or designee will take steps to assess the need to restore a sense of safety to the alleged target and/or to protect the

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alleged target from possible further incidents. There may be circumstances in which the principal/headmaster or designee contacts parents or guardians prior to any investigation. Notice will be consistent with state regulations at 603 CMR 49.00. Responses to promote safety may include, but not be limited to, creating a personal safety plan; pre-determining seating arrangements for target and/or the aggressor in the classroom, at lunch, or on the bus; identifying a staff member who will act as a “safe person” for the target; and altering the aggressor’s schedule and access to the target. The principal/headmaster or designee will take additional steps to promote safety during the course of and after the investigation, as necessary. The principal/headmaster or designee will implement appropriate strategies for protecting from bullying or retaliation a student who has reported bullying or retaliation, a student who has witnessed bullying or retaliation, a student who provides information during an investigation, or a student who has reliable information about a reported act of bullying or retaliation. The confidentiality of students and witnesses reporting alleged acts of bullying will be maintained to the extent possible given the school’s obligation to investigate the matter. 2. Obligations to Notify Others a. Notice to parents or guardians: Upon determining that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the principal/headmaster or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the aggressor of this, and of the procedures for responding to it. b. Notice to Another School or District: If the reported incident involves students from more than one school district, charter school, nonpublic school, approved private special education day or residential school, or collaborative school, the principal/headmaster or designee first informed of the incident will promptly notify by telephone the principal/headmaster or designee of the other school(s) of the incident so that each school may take appropriate action. All communications will be in accordance with state and federal privacy laws and regulations, and 603 CMR 23.00. c. Notice to Law Enforcement: At any point after receiving a report of bullying or retaliation, including after an investigation, if the principal/headmaster or designee has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the aggressor, the principal/headmaster or designee will notify the local law enforcement agency. Notice will be consistent with the requirements of 603 CMR 49.00 and locally established agreements with the local law enforcement agency. Also, if an incident occurs on school grounds and involves a former student under the age of 21 who is no longer enrolled in school, the principal/headmaster or designee shall contact the local law enforcement agency if he or she has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the aggressor. In making this determination, the principal/headmaster will, consistent with the Plan and with applicable school or district policies and procedures, consult with local law enforcement/school resource officer, and other individuals the principal/headmaster or designee deems appropriate. C. Investigation: The principal/headmaster or designee will investigate promptly all reports of bullying or retaliation and, in doing so, will consider all available information known, including the nature of the allegation(s) and the ages of the students involved.

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During the investigation the principal/headmaster or designee will, among other things, interview students, staff, witnesses, parents or guardians, and others as necessary. The principal/headmaster or designee (or whoever is conducting the investigation) will remind the alleged aggressor, target, and witnesses that retaliation is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action. Interviews will be conducted by the principal/headmaster or designee, other staff members as determined by the principal/headmaster or designee, and in consultation with the school counselor, as appropriate. To the extent practicable, and given his/her obligation to investigate and address the matter, the principal/headmaster or designee will maintain confidentiality during the investigative process. The principal/headmaster or designee will maintain a written record of the investigation. Procedures for investigating reports of bullying and retaliation will be consistent with district policies and procedures for investigations and for possible disciplinary action. If necessary, the principal/headmaster or designee will consult with the Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent regarding consultation with legal counsel pertaining to the investigation of the alleged report. D. Determinations: The principal/headmaster or designee will make a determination based upon all of the facts and circumstances. If, after investigation, bullying or retaliation is substantiated, the principal/headmaster or designee will take steps reasonably calculated to prevent recurrence and to ensure that the target is not restricted in participating in school or in benefiting from school activities. The principal/headmaster or designee will: 1) determine what remedial action is required, if any, and 2) determine what responsive actions and/or disciplinary action is necessary. Depending upon the circumstances, the principal/headmaster or designee may choose to consult with the student’s teacher(s) and/or school counselor, and the target’s or aggressor’s parents or guardians, to identify any underlying social or emotional issue(s) that may have contributed to the bullying behavior and to assess the level of need for additional social skills development. The principal/headmaster or designee will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the aggressor about the results of the investigation and, if bullying or retaliation is found, what action is being taken to prevent further acts of bullying or retaliation. All notice to parents must comply with applicable state and federal privacy laws and regulations. Because of the legal requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the principal/headmaster or designee cannot report specific information to the target’s parent or guardian about the disciplinary action taken unless it involves a “stay away” order or other directive that the target must be aware of in order to report violations. E. Responses to Bullying: The Boston Public Schools have incorporated a range of individualized strategies and interventions that may be used in response to remediate a student’s skills or to prevent further incidences of bullying and/or retaliation. 1. Teaching Appropriate Behavior through Skills-Building Upon the principal/headmaster or designee determining that bullying or retaliation has occurred, the law requires that the school or district use a range of responses that balance the need for accountability with the need to teach appropriate behavior. M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O. Skill building approaches that the principal/headmaster or designee may consider include:  offering individualized skill-building sessions based on the school’s/district’s anti-bullying curricula;

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   

providing relevant educational activities for individual students or groups of students, in consultation with school counselors and other appropriate school personnel; implementing a range of academic and nonacademic positive behavioral supports to help students understand pro-social ways to achieve their goals; meeting with parents and guardians to engage parental support and to reinforce the anti bullying curricula and social skills building activities at home; adopting behavioral plans to include a focus on developing specific social skills; and making a referral for evaluation.

Please see BPS Website on Anti-Bullying Resources for support. 2. Taking Disciplinary Action If the principal/headmaster or designee decides that disciplinary action is appropriate, the disciplinary action will be determined on the basis of facts found by the principal/headmaster or designee, including the nature of the conduct, the age of the student(s) involved, and the need to balance accountability with the teaching of appropriate behavior. Discipline will be consistent with the Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, the Boston Public Schools Code of Conduct, and with the school’s code of conduct/student handbook. Discipline procedures for students with disabilities are governed by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which should be read in cooperation with state laws regarding student discipline. If the principal/headmaster or designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of bullying or retaliation, that student may be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the school’s code of conduct/student handbook.

3. Promoting Safety for the Target and Others The principal/headmaster or designee(s) will consider what adjustments, if any, are needed in the school environment to enhance the target's sense of safety and that of others as well. Within a reasonable period of time following the determination and the ordering of remedial and/or disciplinary action, the principal/headmaster or designee will contact the target to determine whether there has been a recurrence of the prohibited conduct and whether additional supportive measures are needed. If so, the principal/headmaster or designee will work with appropriate school staff to implement them immediately. VI. Collaboration with Families The Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan include strategies to engage and collaborate with students’ families in order to increase the capacity of each of our schools as well as the district to prevent and respond to bullying. Resources for families and communication with them are essential aspects of effective collaboration. The bullying prevention and intervention curricula used by the schools and made available to parents and families include information about: (i) how parents and guardians can reinforce the curricula at home and support the school or district plan; (ii) the dynamics of bullying; and (iii)online safety and cyberbullying. Parents and guardians will also be notified in writing each year about the student-related sections of the Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan. Schools will collaborate with School Councils and parent organizations to create parent resource and information networks. Schools will join with these parent groups to offer education programs for parents and

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guardians that are focused on the parental components of the anti-bullying curricula and any social competency curricula used by the school(s). Schools will annually inform parents or guardians of enrolled students about the anti- bullying curricula that are being used. This notice will include information about the dynamics of bullying, including cyber bullying and online safety. The schools will send parents written notice each year about the student related sections of the Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan and the Boston Public Schools Internet Acceptable Use Policy. All notices and information made available to parents or guardians will be in hard copy and electronic formats, and will be available in the language(s) most prevalent among parents or guardians. Each school will post the Boston Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan and related information on its website. VII. Prohibition Against Bullying and Retaliation The Boston Public Schools will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyber bullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school bus stops or in school-related activities. Schools will investigate promptly all reports and complaints of bullying, cyber bullying, and retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety. The Boston Public Schools will support this commitment in all aspects of our school community, including curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities, and parent or guardian involvement. Acts of bullying, which include cyberbullying, are prohibited:  on school grounds and property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at a school- sponsored or school-related activity, function, or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a school district; or through the use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by a school district, and  at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by a school district, if the acts create a hostile environment at school for the target or witnesses, infringe on their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Retaliation against a person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying is also prohibited. As stated in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, nothing in this Plan requires the district or school to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs. VIII. Definitions Several of the following definitions are copied directly from M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, as noted below. Aggressor is a student who engages in bullying, cyber bullying, or retaliation. Bullying, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: · causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property; · places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or her property; · creates a hostile environment at school for the target; · infringes on the rights of the target at school; or · materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

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Cyberbullying is bullying through the use of technology or electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings. See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O for the legal definition of cyberbullying. Hostile environment, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is a situation in which bullying causes the school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule, or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of a student’s education. Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying. School Community Members consist of students, parents and staff Staff includes, but is not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, or paraprofessionals. Target is a student against whom bullying, cyber bullying, or retaliation has been perpetrated.

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Suicide Prevention and Intervention
POLICY STATEMENT It is the policy of the Boston Public Schools to provide an array of services for students, through the utilization of both internal and external support resources, in order to promote their social and emotional growth and wellbeing. In those cases where individual students are at-risk or in-crisis, all staff shall cooperate in providing those supports needed to address the student's problem and to normalize, insofar as possible, the student's learning situation. In those cases where a death occurs within the school community, staff shall collaborate, under the direction of the building administrator, in addressing those problems and issues raised by that death among the students, staff and parents. POLICY GUIDELINES The following policy guidelines have been established to address the issue of suicide prevention and intervention and shall be followed in all schools: 1. All staff should be aware of suicide distress signals and symptoms outlined herein. 2. All staff have an obligation to be knowledgeable about and to cooperate fully in the implementation of the Boston Public Schools' Suicide Prevention and Intervention Policy Statement and Policy Guidelines. 3. Building administrators shall provide leadership in addressing the issue of suicide prevention and intervention and shall establish and maintain the following support mechanisms required to address the issue within the wider school community: a. Be sure that staff is knowledgeable about the purpose of the Student Support Team (SST), its membership, and the process for making referrals to the team. b. Ensure the provision of in-service for staff in the fall of each school year concerning the issue of suicide/crisis intervention and prevention. c. Establish and maintain linkages with appropriate community-based support agencies that will assist the school in addressing this issue. d. Provide information and services to students with a view to implementing fully the letter and spirit of the Boston Public Schools' Suicide Prevention and Intervention Policy. PREVENTION STRATEGIES It should be the goal of the school community to work together, under the leadership of the building administrator, to establish and maintain a program of suicide prevention. The following strategies are recommended as part of a school based suicide prevention and intervention approaches. 1. Student Success Team - The Team should provide a systematic process for identifying and referring students in need of support services and emphasize suicide prevention interventions. This can consist of parental contact in regard to concerns, referral to a partner, or other agency for provision of service, group counseling, etc.

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2. Ensure that all staff are familiar with suicide symptoms and report such to the building administrator in a timely fashion. INTERVENTION STRATEGIES All staff should be familiar with intervention strategies. Different levels of intervention are required depending on the nature and seriousness of the situation. 1. ACT OF SELF ABUSE OR SELF DESTRUCTION HAS OCCURRED Emergency Medical Treatment is the primary and immediate need. a. Action required of the Staff Person 1. Contact the Headmaster/Principal or designee. 2. Contact the school Nurse. 3. Do not leave the person alone. 4. Remove anything that may enable the person to hurt himself/herself. 5. Initiate first aid if possible.

b. Action required of the Headmaster/Principal 1. Initiate the procedures in Superintendent’s Circular, FSE-5 Medical Emergency Management. 2. Contact the Superintendent’s Office, 617-635-9055 to report the incident. 3. Contact the parent/guardian and inform him/her of the situation and the hospital to which the student is being taken. 4. The nurse should accompany the student to the hospital. If the nurse is not present another staff member should accompany the student. 5. Complete required reports. c. Action required of the nurse 1. Initiate required medical procedures. 2. Accompany the student to the hospital. 3. Remain with the student until the parent arrives or for as long as possible. 4. Inform the building administrator of the student’s condition. This includes informing the administrator when the nurse is leaving the hospital.

2. STUDENT HAS MADE SELF THREATENING GESTURES OR STATEMENTS Emergency evaluation at a hospital or mental health facility may be needed. a. Action Required of the Staff Person on the Scene 1. Contact the Headmaster/Principal or designee. 2. Take the situation seriously. 3. Never ignore or underestimate a suicide threat. 4. Remove the person calmly but firmly from any immediate means of hurting himself/herself. 5. Remain calm, be a concerned and willing listener. 6. Do not leave the person alone. 7. Follow the instructions of the Headmaster/ Principal or designee.

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b. Action Required of the Headmaster/Principal 1.Continue the support initiated by the staff person. 2.Contact the parent/guardian and request his/her immediate presence. 3.Consult with appropriate members of the school's Student Support Team, such as the nurse, Student Support Coordinator, ETF, etc. 4.Referral to an external community support agency should be discussed by the administrator and Student Support Team members. 5.Submit reports as required. 3. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT In the case of a student that has made self threatening gestures or statements, the Headmaster/Principal or designee should provide the parent with a full report upon arrival at the school. The Headmaster/Principal or designee should release the student to the parent after: 1. attempting to provide the parent with the name of a medical person, a mental health worker, or a resource agency. 2. urging the parent to immediately bring the student to that person or agency. 3. urging the parent to provide the school with any follow-up information that may be forthcoming from medical or mental health personnel in order for the school to better provide for the student. 4. If the parent refuses to come to school or to cooperate, the Headmaster/Principal should contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) at the HOT LINE 1-800-792-5200. The student should be kept at the school until a DSS worker arrives. In these cases, Child Abuse and Neglect Procedures. (c.f. Superintendent's Circular, SSS-17 Child Abuse and Neglect) should be implemented and a form 51A should be filed. If no DSS worker arrives, emergency medical procedures should be implemented and the Superintendent’s office should be notified (617-635-9055). If a parent cannot be contacted after two hours, the Department of Social Services should be contacted and/or emergency medical procedures implemented. Under no circumstances should a student in such a situation be allowed to go home.

4. REFERRAL TO EXTERNAL SUPPORT AGENCIES It is recommended that all students, both those "in-crisis" and those who have exhibited or expressed any symptoms of suicide, be referred for support by external agencies with staff trained and experienced in providing suicide intervention. 5. RETURN TO SCHOOL

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All students returning to school after a period of absence are required to bring notes of explanation/excuse for the absence, signed by the parent/guardian. For students returning to school after emergency treatment for suicide intervention, schools should make all reasonable efforts to obtain documentation from a medical/mental health provider indicating that the student is able and safe to return to school. Failure of a school to receive such documentation, however, shall not be grounds for excluding the student from school. Those students unable to return for medical or mental health reasons after a crisis situation are served under the provisions of Home and Hospital Instruction. All returning students should report first to the school nurse (or, in the absence of the nurse, to the school Headmaster/Principal or designee), who will take the following actions: a. Review and file the letter from the medical/mental health provider as part of a confidential health record. b. Accompany the student to the homeroom for re-admission. Every effort should be made to do this with sensitivity and to maintain as great a degree of confidentiality as possible. c. Inform the Headmaster/Principal and Student Support Coordinator of the students return. d. Bring the case to the school's Student Support Team for: 1. review, and 2. assignment, by the building administrator, of an internal liaison person. This liaison person will monitor the student's re-entry and serve as the person to whom staff should report re-occurring warning signs. The liaison might be a homeroom or subject area teacher, a guidance counselor, the nurse, or other member of the faculty trusted by the student. This liaison might also serve as the link with the parent/guardian concerning the student's status and, with written permission of the parent/guardian, serve as a liaison with any external agency staff providing special support to the student.

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SUICIDE PREVENTION: LETHALITY ASSESSMENT

THESE SIGNS, SEEN EVEN ONLY ONCE, REPRESENT A VERY HIGH LETHALITY Giving away of personal possessions Discussion and/or making of suicide plans Discussion and/or gathering of suicide methods Previous suicide attempts or gestures Scratching, marking body, other self-destruction Death themes throughout spoken, written and art works Expression of hopelessness, helplessness, and anger at self and the world Use of dark, heavy, slashing lines, unconnected bodies in art work and doodling Statements that family and friends would not miss them Recent loss through death Recent loss through suicide Sudden positive behavior change following a period of depression Anniversary of a significant loss YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO NO NO NO NO

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES

NO

YES YES YES

NO NO NO

YES

NO

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Michael J. Perkins Emergency Management Handbook Draft 2013

SUICIDE SYMPTOMS / WARNING CUES Verbal Symptoms/Cues  Discussion and / or making suicide plans  Discussion and / or gathering of suicide methods / information  Statements that family and friends would not miss them  Expression of hopelessness, and / or anger at self and the world Direct statements like “I want to die” or “I do not want to live anymore” Indirect statements like “I’m no good to anyone”, “Nothing matters, anyway”, “I want to go to sleep and never wake up”, “They’ll be sorry when I’m gone” Behavioral Symptoms/Cues  Previous suicide attempts or gestures  Giving away of personal possessions  Recent loss through death  Dramatic change in school performance  Being “accident” prone  Taking unnecessary risks  Alcohol and/or Substance abuse  Bored attitude, listlessness  Sadness, Crying and tearful  Sudden positive behavior change following a period of depression  Chronic failure experiences  Sudden mood swings  Excessive school absences  Running away  Pulling away from friends  Scratching, cutting, marking body, other self destruction behaviors  Significant weight increase or decrease, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene  Death themes through spoken, written and / or artwork  Use of heavy, slashing lines, unconnected bodies in art work and / or doodling Situational Symptoms/Cues  Deep or prolonged grief over any loss – a death, breaking up of a relationship, divorce of parents, death of a pet  Recent suicide in the family or history of suicide in the family  Witnessed or experienced recent violence  Trouble with the law or problems in school  Family disruption  Anniversary of a significant loss

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Universal Health Precautions
Human blood can carry Hepatitis B, C, and the AIDS virus; these are not easily transmitted in our environment by a splash in the eye or contact with an open cut of infected blood are vulnerabilities. With any blood contact, wash with soap and water right away. Plastic gloves are recommended if blood contact is anticipated. Clean up of blood needs a 1:10 solution of bleach/water. Health Issues The main office and teachers should review information on the emergency cards. Any noted health and medical information will be recorded in the SIS system (ASPEN) can we do this??? Individual Health Plans Student with the following health concerns will have Individual Health Plans:  Sickle cell disease – issues are pain and or infection – watch for fever.  Asthma – can be mild, or severe and life threatening  Seizures: A seizure in a child who has a history of epilepsy is not a medical emergency unless it lasts more than 4-5 minutes or there are multiple seizures. Keep child safe during seizures, loosen clothing around neck, move sharp objects away from students, etc. Note: nothing should be placed in mouth during a seizure.  Allergies: food and bee sting response can be can be life threatening and require use of an Epi-pen in those who are allergic. Medication Use: Medications cannot be used in school without the involvement of the nurse. This includes Tylenol, eye drops, nasal sprays, inhalers and ointments. Please have parent with medication questions call the nurse should they have any questions. Field Trips: Provide the nurse with two weeks notification of any field trip in the event that any student should have a medication issue. There is special paperwork and the teachers will need to participate in training.

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For More Information
School cancellation due to snow/extreme weather will be announced in the following ways:  On Boston’s TV and radio stations: Television channels 4, 5 and 7 (beginning at 6 a.m.) WBZ 1030 am WHDH 830 am WEEI 850 am   BPS Website: http://www.bostonpublicschools.org Connect-Ed telephone messages will be sent to students and staff by the Superintendent

Important Telephone Numbers Mr. Martin, Principal Boston Police Network Superintendent Rick Deraney, Director of School Safety Emergency Preparedness Facilities/Fire Alarm Division Fire Department Danny Glavin, Facilities Management Safety Services Superintendent’s Office Transportation 617-416-3994 911; 617-635-9122 617-635-9042 617-635-7854 617-635-8300 911; 617-343-2880 617-293-3896 617-635-8000 617-635-9057 617-635-9520

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