PARENT STUDENT
HANDBOOK
2024-2025
Table of Contents
BLUE HILLS REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE 6
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION 6
HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 6
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT 6
Superintendent’s Welcome 7
Statement of Equal Opportunity 7
I. INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION 8
Mission: 8
Vision: 8
Core Values: 8
II. ACADEMIC & VOCATIONAL 9
Promotion-Graduation Requirements 9
Course Requirements for Graduation 10
Grading/Unweighted GPA Scale 11
Class Rank 11
Honor Roll Requirements 12
Physical Education Requirements 12
National Honor Society 12
III. ATTENDANCE 13
Attendance Policy 13
Attendance Regulations 13
Academic Review Board 14
Notification Of Absence 14
Tardiness To School 14
Dismissal from School 15
Age of Majority 15
Students Being Dropped Off Early 16
Students Arriving By Bus 16
Students Driving On Campus 16
Bell Schedule 17
IV. DISCIPLINE 18
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Eligibility To Participate In School Activities And Events 18
Code of Conduct 19
Classroom and Vocational Program Conduct 19
Examples of Violations of Code of Conduct 20
Teacher Detention 25
Office Detention 26
Saturday Suspension Procedures 27
Additional Penalties 27
Discipline And Due Process Procedures 28
Suspensions 28
Out-Of-School Suspension Procedures 28
Short-Term Suspension Procedures 30
Long-Term Suspension Procedures 31
Exclusion/Expulsion 35
Felony Complaint or Conviction 36
Education Services And Academic Progress Under Sections 37h, 37h1/2 And 37h3/4 37
School-Wide Educational Services Plan 38
Alternative Remedies for Disciplinary Consequences 38
In-School Suspension Regulations and Procedures under M.G.L. c.71, 37H3/4 39
Suspension Of Students With Disabilities 40
Students Who Have Not Yet Been Determined Eligible for Special Education 42
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School Bullying Prevention And Intervention Plan 42
District Bullying Policy 43
Hazing – Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269 47
Section 17 - Crime Of Hazing: Definition: Penalty 47
Section 18 – Duty To Report Hazing 48
Section 19 – Hazing Statutes To Be Provided; Statement Of Compliance And Discipline
Policy Required 48
Substance Use, Treatment, Education And Prevention 49
Transgender Rights 49
Physical Restraint 49
Blue Hills Acceptable Computer Use Policy including Internet, Email and Computer
Network 50
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Computer Network Usage Guidelines 50
Privacy 52
Penalties and Violations 52
Guidance 53
Voter Registration 53
Exploratory - Vocational-Technical Program Placement 53
Testing 53
Homework Assignments 53
Home Tutoring 54
Student Records 55
Progress Reports 58
Report Cards 58
Incomplete Grades 58
Final Exam Policy 58
Parent Notification Related To Sex Education 59
Homework 59
Extra Help/Make-Up Work 59
V. SCHOOL SERVICES 59
Accommodations of Disabled And Special Education Students Of Special Services 59
Special Education 59
Students at Risk For Self Harm 60
Health Services 60
Health Requirements 60
Library 62
Student Activity Fee 63
Parking Fee 63
Elevator Use 63
Cafeteria ID Card 63
School Insurance 63
VI. PROCEDURES & INFORMATION 64
Student Dress Code 64
Dress and Appearance Code For Classes 64
Personal Protection and Equipment Requirements 65
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Vocational Program Uniform Requirements 65
Wearing Of Jewelry 66
School Cancellations/Delayed Opening 66
No Smoking 66
Visitors 67
Telephone 67
Food And Drink 67
Drugs And Alcohol 67
VII. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 68
Parent Responsibility 68
Student Responsibilities 68
Student Rights 69
VIII. SAFETY 69
Student Safety 69
Fire Drills 69
School Emergencies 70
School Property 70
Students Must Use Lockers and Desks As Assigned 70
Search and Seizure 71
Standard Precautions for School Setting 71
Vandalism Process 71
IX. ATHLETICS 72
Athletic Code of Conduct 72
Sport Activities 75
Student Activities and Clubs 76
X. TRANSPORTATION 76
Bus Transportation 76
Private Transportation 76
Field Trips and Athletic Transportation 77
Cooperative Education Program - Student Requirements 78
Job Placement 79
XI. FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS 80
Nondiscrimination 80
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Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973 81
Harassment/Discrimination/Bullying Complaint Procedure 81
Discrimination/Harassment/Bullying - Administrative Investigation Procedure 82
Sexual Harassment and Title IX 86
Appendix A: Articulation Agreements & Apprenticeship Information 103
Post-Secondary Linkage Activities and Services 103
Dual Enrollment 105
Apprenticeship Opportunities 106
Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Cooperative Education 106
APPRENTICESHIPS 106
Appendix B: Admission Policy 107
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BLUE HILLS REGIONAL DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Carl Walker Avon
Eric C. Erskine ’81 Braintree
Mark Driscoll ‘87 Canton
Thomas R. Polito, Jr. Dedham
Taryn Mohan ‘96 Holbrook
Clinton Graham Milton
Kevin L. Connolly Norwood
Karen Graves Randolph
Sheila Vazquez Westwood
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Jill Rossetti, Superintendent-Director
Jill Brilhante, Business Manager
HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Phone: (781) 828-5800
Administrator Position Admin. Assistant Ext.
Geoffrey Zini
Principal
Cindy Fama
2256
Mark Aubrey
Assistant Principal
Christine Connolly
2250
Angelo Dimitriou
Special Services Director
Tracey Monti
2240
Paul Bavuso
Academic Director
Courtney Wall
2670
Michelle Sylvia
Vocational Director
Madelyn Kewer
2201
Stephanie Albernaz
Director of Admissions
Carole Martins
2271
Kim Poliseno
Co-op Coordinator
2272
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
Phone: (781) 828-5800
Counselor Ext.
Ms. Emily Burns, Counselor
2264
Mr. John Henry Davis, Counselor
Ms. Laura Serpa, Counselor
Ms. Sarah Titus, Counselor
2261
2263
2262
Ms. Laurie Driscoll, Guidance Secretary
2260
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Superintendent’s Welcome
Dear Parent, Guardian and Student:
Welcome to Blue Hills Regional Technical School. Our Parent/Student Handbook has
been developed to acquaint both student and parent with the rules, regulations, and
provisions under which Blue Hills Technical School operates, and to better understand
the expectations and responsibilities of being a student at BHR.
The entire Blue Hills Staff and Administration wish you the best of success. Our goal is
to make sure that our school is a safe and respectful environment for everyone, and
that your education at Blue Hills is beneficial to your future goals.
The contents of this handbook have been reviewed by a committee consisting of
parents, students, and teachers, in compliance with Massachusetts General Law,
Chapter 71, Section 37 H.
If you require a translated version of this document, please contact the High School
Main Office at 781-828-5800, extension 2256.
Jill Rossetti
Superintendent Director
Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Statement of Equal Opportunity
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School District is an equal opportunity educational
institution. All programs, courses of study and activities are open to all students
without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national
origin or disability. The School District is in full compliance with Massachusetts Law,
Chapter 622 of the Acts of 1971, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
(U.S. Code), and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Individuals may make
inquiries relative to Chapter 622 and Title IX from the coordinator, at the school
address, or by phoning 781-828-5800.
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I.INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION
Mission:
To continue Blue Hills' history of academic achievement, technical training, and
character development through a curriculum which emphasizes the integration of
cutting-edge technical programs and challenging academic courses; enabling its
students to become competent, caring and productive people in a diverse and changing
world.
Vision:
To be the premier secondary-level technical training and college-preparatory institution
in the state of Massachusetts. In keeping with industry standards and emerging
technologies, we aim to increase our leadership in the development of world-class
Career and Technical graduates who are highly sought for both employment and higher
education.
Core Values:
Blue Hills is committed to:
Community
● Creating an atmosphere of mutual respect through collaboration, inclusion, and
relationships.
Opportunity
● Offering various diverse opportunities where ALL students can reach their full
potential both in and out of the classroom.
Relevance
● Providing a relevant, high quality, cutting-edge, and innovative education that
promotes individual growth for the future.
Employability
● Uniquely preparing our students for the many possible college and career
pathways.
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II.ACADEMIC & VOCATIONAL
Promotion-Graduation Requirements
All Blue Hills students will spend approximately half of their time in vocational-technical
programs and the other half in academic classes, alternating on a weekly basis. In order
to satisfy our local graduation requirements, students must earn a prescribed number
of credits (p. 5-6) in their vocational program and in academic classes. Students and
their families will have the opportunity to select courses in English, Mathematics,
Science, Social Studies, Physical Education/Health, and Electives. The chosen courses
should be interesting, challenging, and should meet the students’ needs and goals for
higher education and/or future employment. Guidance counselors, teachers, and
administrators all work to help students make well-informed choices regarding which
classes will build a strong foundation for college and career readiness.
Promotion and graduation requirements are as follows:
● Year-long academic classes that meet for two periods each day are worth TWO
(2) credits
● Year-long academic classes that meet for one period each day are worth ONE (1)
credit
● Half-year academic classes that meet for one period each day (or any one-period
classes that meet on an alternating day schedule) are worth HALF (.5) of one credit
● Full participation in the career vocational technical education program, as well as
its technical/related class, is worth EIGHT (8) credits
● All students must earn a minimum of 17 credits at Blue Hills in order to be
promoted to the next grade.
● Students will not be eligible for promotion if they fail their vocational program
for the year. There is no summer school option for failed vocational programs.
● MCAS Competency Determination (CD) Mandated by the DESE
❑ Students must either earn a scaled score of at least 240 on the grade 10 MCAS
ELA and Mathematics tests or earn a scaled score between 220 and 238 on these tests
and fulfill the requirements of an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP).
❑ Students must also earn a scaled score of at least 220 on one of the high school
MCAS Science and Technology tests: Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics or
Technology/Engineering.
● All students seeking to earn a high school diploma must meet the Competency
Determination (CD), in addition to meeting all local graduation requirements.
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Please note:
❑ A yearly average of a 60 or above is required to pass a course.
❑ If a student fails an academic course for the year, they must have a minimum
final average in that course of a 49 in order to be eligible for summer school.
❑ Students who have questions pertaining to these credits and grading
requirements should contact their guidance counselor.
❑ If a student fails their vocational program for the year, they will not be eligible for
promotion, graduation, or summer school.
❑ A student will be required to attend summer school upon the accumulation of
sixteen (16) absences in order to fulfill BHR attendance requirements. An additional
course will be required for every five (5) absences accumulated after sixteen (16). All
such courses must be taken at the Blue Hills Regional Summer School. All course
subjects must be approved by the (ARB) Academic Review Board.
❑ An Academic Review Board meets at the end of the school year to review
individual students’ eligibility for promotion or graduation.
Course Requirements for Graduation
While at Blue Hills, you will have many opportunities to make choices about the
academic classes and vocational programs that best meet your needs as a student.
However, in order to be eligible for graduation, you must earn the following credits
over your four years as a student:
Please consult the Program of Studies at www.bluehills.org for course descriptions.
CLASSES of 2019 and after
Department/Subject
Maximum Credits Earned
Toward Graduation
Required Credits for
Graduation
English
8
8
Mathematics
8*
8*
Science
6
6
Social Studies
6**
6**
PE/Health (alternate – P.A.S.S.)
4
4
Electives
4
4
Career Vocational Technical
Education Program (9-12,
including Exploratory)
32
32
68
68
● *9 credits required if enrolled in Math Skills 2303 during sophomore year
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● **5 credits required if enrolled in Math Skills 2303 during sophomore year
● Summer reading and academic enrichment packets are required for all grades.
Please see the school website for selections in the spring.
● Additional selections in any of the core academic areas may be taken for elective
credit, subject to availability of the course, and room in a student’s schedule.
Grading/Unweighted GPA Scale
The grading system for Blue Hills Regional Technical School consists of numerical
grades. Numerical grades are rounded to the nearest whole number. Grades are
converted to letter grades for transcripts. Blue Hills uses the following system in
determining letter grades:
Letter Grade
Numerical Grade
Grade Point Average
A
93-100
4.0
A-
90-92
3.7
B+
87-89
3.3
B
83-86
3.0
B-
80-82
2.7
C+
77-79
2.3
C
73-76
2.0
C-
70-72
1.7
D+
68-69
1.3
D
63-67
1.0
D-
60-62
0.7
F
Below 60
0.0
Class Rank
Quality points are applied to a student’s grade point average in order to determine a
Weighted GPA. Many of the core academic classes are offered at different levels:
AP* = 4.25QP
Honors * = 4 QP
College Preparatory and All Vocational = 3 or 3.5 QP
Standard or Team = 2 QP
Resource/Other = 1 QP
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* Honors level courses (4 Quality Points) may require Lead Teacher approval.
* AP courses require Lead Teacher and Academic Director approval.
Grade point averages (GPA) and class rank are important to students seeking
scholarships, financial assistance, and other post-secondary endeavors. GPA and class
rank are calculated using a system of levels and credits.
Honor Roll Requirements
Students are placed on the Honor Roll after each quarter, provided they have earned
the following grades:
1. Students receive high honors when they receive A’s in all subjects listed on the
report card.
2. Students receive honors when they receive A’s and B’s in all subjects on the report
card.
High Honors and Honors for Graduation follow the same requirements as above, but
look at final, year-end grades for each class.
Physical Education Requirements
Physical education, consisting of gym, wellness, pool and health, is required of all
students unless a physician’s letter is on file stating that participation in physical
education would be injurious to the student’s health. One credit towards
promotional/graduation requirements will be earned each year for passing physical
education/health. Credit adjustments due to special programs may alter some of the
above requirements.
National Honor Society
The William A. Dwyer Chapter of the National Honor Society at the Blue Hills Regional
Technical School received its official charter in the winter of 1987. The National Honor
Society Constitution states: “The purpose of this organization shall be to create
enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote
leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools.”
To be considered for membership, students must demonstrate an exemplary academic
and conduct record at Blue Hills Regional. The National Honor Society faculty advisor
shall invite students who meet the following criteria to provide evidence of leadership,
service and character. To be invited, students must:
1. Be members of the sophomore, junior or senior class.
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2. Maintain a 3.75 weighted Grade Point Average (GPA).
Invited students will be required to submit an essay explaining how they meet the
ideals of the National Honor Society, a student activity sheet, a copy of their report
cards, and three letters of recommendation. The advisor will then meet with a five
member faculty council to present the candidates to them but will not vote in the final
screening process. Candidates approved by the faculty council will be formally inducted
into the National Honor Society at a traditional candle lighting ceremony. National
Honor Society members will continue to be responsible for upholding the high
standards of scholarship, leadership, character, and service that originally qualified
them for membership and must regularly attend charter meetings and participate in
ongoing service projects for the benefit of the school and community at large.
III.ATTENDANCE
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is an absolute necessity for achievement in high school. Excessive
absenteeism indicates a lack of interest and application. Furthermore, it is a hindrance
to the teaching process and cannot be tolerated. As a vocational high school, Blue Hills
expects that its students will learn to be trained professionals in the work force. Good
work habits and attendance are the most important requirements by employers of
their employees.
Attendance Regulations
A student will be required to attend summer school upon the accumulation of sixteen
(16) absences in order to fulfill BHR attendance requirements. An additional course will
be required for every five (5) absences accumulated after (16). All such courses must
be taken at the Blue Hills Regional Summer School. All course subjects must be
approved by the (ARB) Academic Review Board. If a student is absent on consecutive
days, it will be counted as one day’s absence if accompanied by a doctor’s note. Notes
must be provided within one week of the student’s return to school. All notes must be
originals with an authorized signature and date(s) on the doctor’s office stationery.
The student’s home phone number and homeroom must be on all doctors’ notes.
Absences on special days, assemblies, etc. will be counted as a full day’s absence. A
student must be in attendance for at least half the school day to be counted present.
Half the school day means being in school from 7:47 am to 11:00 am or 11:00 am to
2:20 pm. Participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities may be denied or
removed at the Assistant Principal’s discretion for excessive absence. Two dismissals
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will equal one absence. Four tardy arrivals after 8:30 will equal one absence. All
out-of-school suspensions will be counted day for day towards a student’s maximum
number of absences.
To receive course credit, students will be required to make up all missed work. All work
must be made up within three weeks. Extenuating circumstances will be addressed on
a case by case basis by the (ARB) Academic Review Board. Family vacations will not be
considered extenuating circumstances and will not be excused.
Academic Review Board
The Academic Review Board is a decision-making body consisting of administration and
guidance counselors, with administrators being voting members. The purpose of the
ARB is to provide a timely response to student issues as they pertain to student
academic and attendance status, relative to promotion, graduation, retention, summer
school, credit recovery, etc. The ARB typically meets at the end of the school year. The
decision of the ARB may be appealed only to the Superintendent.
Notification Of Absence
If a student is absent from school, a parent or guardian must call the school before 9:00
AM at extension 2250 to notify the office that he/she will be absent and the reason for
the absence. Your signature is required on the Parent Student Information Sheet,
acknowledging that you and your student have read and understand this policy.
Tardiness To School
If you are not in class or homeroom by 7:48 AM, you are considered absent from
school. You must sign in at the Main Office and receive an admittance pass in order to
attend class. If you arrive late for school, you are considered tardy, and you must report
to the Main Office prior to admission.
On the 4th tardy per term and every 4 tardies thereafter, you will be subject to
Saturday detention. You and your parent/guardian may be required to meet with the
Principal. Parking privileges may be suspended or revoked. Continued tardies may
result in more severe penalties being assigned.
Special situations relating to tardiness:
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Number
Situation
Consequence
1
If you arrive after
11:00 AM
You are considered absent due to
tardiness. You are given credit for the
work for which you are present. However,
you are subject to the above
consequences.
2
If you are dismissed before
11:00 AM
You are considered absent for one full day
due to dismissal.
You are given credit for the work which
you complete.
3
If you are dismissed on or
after 11:00AM
You are considered absent for one-half
day due to dismissal. Two dismissals will
equal one absence.
4
If you are tardy and are
dismissed after 11:00 AM
You are considered absent for one full
day.
However, you are subject to the following
consequences.
You receive no credit.
5
Repeated arrival to school
after 8:30 AM.
For every TWO times you arrive after 8:30
AM, it will count as one dismissal.
Dismissal from School
If you need to be dismissed from school, a written request from your parent/guardian
must be presented to the Main Office during the homeroom period. Dismissals will not
be allowed without a written request or email. Phone calls are not allowed. With any
extenuating circumstances, permission must be granted by the Principal or Assistant
Principal. Age of Majority students must sign out at the Main Office prior to dismissal.
If you are dismissed, you may not return without prior approval.
Age of Majority
Once you reach the age of eighteen, Massachusetts Law holds that you are an adult
and have reached the age of majority. This means that you as an eighteen-year-old are
capable of signing legal documents and entering into contracts. Consistent with this
definition of “adult” is the ability to sign related documents, including permission slips,
absence notes, and educational plans. However, there is nothing that would prohibit a
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school from notifying parents/guardians concerning their child’s progress in school or
absence from school, regardless of age. The school cannot require the signature of the
parent as a condition for these documents.
If you are eighteen or over, you are subject to the same rules as all other students.
Thus, you are subject to school-based discipline on the same basis as students who
have not attained the age of eighteen. Parents/guardians will be notified when you
apply for the Age of Majority status.
They retain the right of access to the school records of their children, regardless of age.
In addition, no student over sixteen can be considered to have permanently left school
unless the student’s parents/guardians have been notified and offered the opportunity
to meet with school officials.
Students Being Dropped Off Early
If you are dropped off at the school before 7:40 AM, you must enter the building by the
main front doors near the Administrative Offices and report directly to the cafeteria.
You are not to go to your locker, classrooms, or vocational area prior to the 7:40 AM
bell.
Students Arriving By Bus
Students who take the bus are eligible to get off the bus upon arrival if participating in
the breakfast program in the cafeteria. All other students remain on the bus until 7:40
AM.
Students Driving On Campus
Students who drive to and park on campus are reminded to abide by all rules,
regulations and laws associated with driving on any roadway in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. Students should be mindful of the following:
● Refrain from cell phone use while driving
● Always maintain control of your vehicle
● Do not drive above any normally acceptable speed limit; 15 MPH
● Obey all traffic signs on campus
● Students are not allowed to drive behind the building during arrival and dismissal
● Park only in permitted areas
● Secure your vehicle
● Under appropriate circumstances including reasonable cause to believe school
rules are being violated, administration may search student’s cars on school property
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Bell Schedule
PERIOD START OF PERIOD END OF PERIOD
Buses unload 7:40 AM 7:48 AM
Period 1 7:48 8:35
Period 2 8:38 9:20
Period 3 9:23 10:05
Period 4 10:08 10:50
First Lunch 10:53 11:18
Period 5 10:53 11:35
Second Lunch 11:39 12:04 PM
Period 5 11:18 12:03
Third Lunch 12:20 PM 12:45
Period 6 12:08 12:50
Period 7 12:53 1:35
Period 8 1:38 2:20
MAKE-UP /
DETENTION 2:27 3:10
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IV.DISCIPLINE
Respect is at the heart of Blue Hills Regional Technical School; respect for yourself,
respect for the staff, and respect for your school. Every student has a right to an
education in a safe, secure and supportive environment, and every teacher has a right
to expect respectful, prepared students in his/her classroom. The administration will
treat all students consistently and equitably, and will respect the rights of all students
to an education in a safe and healthy environment. It is the policy of the Blue Hills
Regional Technical School to ensure fair and effective disciplinary practices.
Accordingly, the following rules and regulations will be administrated fairly and
consistently to all students:
The Code of Conduct of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School is administered within
the framework of the United States Constitution and state laws and regulations with
regard to due process for students. The Code of Conduct is intended to be
administered for disciplinary infractions that occur on school grounds or at
school-sponsored events (on and off school grounds) OR for disciplinary infractions that
occur off school grounds but substantially disrupt the educational environment or
create a hostile environment at school.
The Code of Conduct is based on a system of progressive discipline with a goal of
limiting the use of long-term suspension as a consequence for student misconduct until
other consequences have been considered, as appropriate. The administrator will
exercise discretion in determining disciplinary consequences. The administrator may
utilize his/her discretion to significantly increase penalties in the cases of second and
third offenses or for other factors. In determining the severity of the penalty or
suspension, the appropriate administrator may consider all relevant facts, including but
not limited to: 1) previous disciplinary record, 2) severity of disruption to the
educational process, 3) degree of danger to self and/or others, 4) the degree to which
the student is willing to change his/her inappropriate behavior and 5) whether
alternative consequences are appropriate to re-engage the student in learning.
Alternative consequences may include the use of evidence-based strategies and
programs such as mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and positive
behavioral interventions and supports.
Eligibility To Participate In School Activities And Events
Extracurricular activities and events are an important part of the educational
experience for our students, but participation in these activities is a privilege, not a
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right. The variety of clubs, activities and events is extensive and students are
encouraged to become involved in one or more of these opportunities.
Eligibility for participation in activities, events, clubs, awards, scholarships and honorary
positions at Blue Hills Regional Technical School is limited to students who are currently
enrolled in and attending Blue Hills Regional Technical School in good standing. To
participate in school activities, events and clubs, students are expected to maintain
good attendance and demonstrate good behavior and citizenship during school and at
school-sponsored events. Students not meeting these expectations may be excluded at
the discretion of the Principal or his/her designee.
A student’s removal from extracurricular activities and attendance at school sponsored
events is not subject to the procedural requirements of Massachusetts Laws Chapter
37H ¾ (Principal’s Hearing). The removal is not a suspension for the purpose of
counting the school days that a student is suspended. Parents will be notified when a
student is removed or excluded from extracurricular activities.
Code of Conduct
A positive school climate is essential for your learning. The school attempts to provide
you with such an atmosphere for learning vocational technical, academic, and other
important life-long skills. Teachers, administrators, and a variety of support staff and
services are available to help you benefit from your studies. This section tells you in
clear terms what the guidelines are for proper order and safety for the normal
operation of the school. If your behavior disrupts this order, the school will use its
resources to help you learn how to behave in a civil manner. If, however, you are unable
to conduct yourself in a manner consistent with school rules, you will be subject to the
consequences. A Discipline Report Form will be filed with the Main Office. The
administration has the right to involve the police or other authorities as needed.
It is the policy of Blue Hills to comply with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71
section 37H, 37H ½, and 37H ¾, as well as 603 CMR 53.00 et seq.
Classroom and Vocational Program Conduct
Teachers are responsible for keeping order and handling routine misbehavior. They will
discuss with you their expectations and rules which have been established so that
effective teaching and learning can occur. Teachers will deal with violations of the rules
governing normal school behavior in a variety of ways, including the following:
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● Teacher warning/reprimand
● Teacher/student conference
● Teacher Detention
● Consultation with Lead Teacher
● Parental Contact/Meeting
● Referral to a Counselor, Peer Mediation
● Office Referral
If violations continue, the matter is to be referred in writing, on the appropriate form,
to the Assistant Principal. The matter will be reviewed and a firm warning or other
disciplinary measures will be taken.
Examples of Violations of Code of Conduct
The listing below is not exhaustive, but is provided for illustrative purposes. The
administration reserves the right to discipline students for any violation of behavioral
norms not listed herein. The administration will exercise discretion in disciplining
students.
Students will be held accountable for irresponsible behavior resulting in theft or
damage to school or client property (outside projects), by making financial restitution.
In the event that an individual cannot be identified, the school reserves the right to
temporarily revoke or terminate involvement in outside projects by individuals or the
entire group.
Students must be aware that discipline for infractions made on an off-site crew,
placement or field trip (as well as off-site school functions) will be the same as if
committed on school grounds. Offenses committed at an off-site school function may
revoke a student’s right to further participation in that activity.
**All listed consequences are minimums and may be increased with the severity of the
incident, at the sole discretion of the Administration. Consequences will increase for
repeated offenses.
For security purposes, all students should be aware that they may be videotaped by
school security cameras in all public areas of the school building or on school grounds.
VIOLATION
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIOLATION
MINIMUM PENALTY
Abusive or
Vulgar, obscene words, graphics, gestures,
2 Days OD
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Disrespectful
Language
disrespectful language or actions.
Academic
Dishonesty
Includes plagiarism; cheating; fabrication;
aiding and abetting; falsification of records
and official documents; unauthorized access,
obtaining unfair advantage
Minimum of zero for all
work and parental
notification. Possible SS
or OSS for repeated
offenses
Alcohol
The possession, consumption or being under
the influence of alcoholic beverages on
school property or at school-sponsored
events.
1 Day OSS
Assault
Putting a person in fear of bodily harm
1 Day OSS with Parent
meeting for re-entry
AWOL
OD or TD
Failure to serve a scheduled office or teacher
detention
1 Day SS
AWOL Class
2 periods
Failure to attend class during the day
without teacher approval
2 Days OD
Battery
Violent physical contact/physical contact
intended to do harm to another person.
Students violating this regulation will be
subject to suspension, expulsion, and/or
police and court action
2 Days OSS with
mediation
Being in an
Unauthorized
Area/
Wandering
Students who are found in unauthorized
areas, including wandering the hallways after
school, in sections of the building without
cause or permission, will be disciplined
accordingly.
2 Days OD (1
st
offense)
SS (2
nd
offense)
Bullying
Bullying 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 victim
(see page 19)
1 Day OSS with possible
longer term suspension
based upon
circumstances.
Drugs
The use and/or possession and/or sale of
drugs or drug paraphernalia by any student
on the buses, school grounds, in the school
building or at school sponsored activities is
prohibited at all times. Students violating
this regulation will be subject to suspension,
3 Days OSS pending a
hearing with Principal.
Possible Expulsion
21
expulsion, and/or police and court action.
E-Cigarettes or
Vaporizers
The use or possession of
e-cigarettes, vaporizers or any smoking
device or delivery system is prohibited at all
times in the school building, on the grounds,
on school buses, and at school related
activities. Smoking or knowingly being in the
presence of persons who are using these
devices is totally restricted for all students
regardless of age. Paraphernalia that is
confiscated will not be returned.
Any vape device that is suspected to contain
a controlled substance (ex: Marijuana) will
be subject to the “Drugs” section of the
discipline code. If the school requires testing
of the vape, the cost will be borne by the
parent/guardian.
*1st offense…3
consecutive days of OD
commencing the day
after offense, if AWOL
then Saturday
Suspension
*2nd offense…1 day SS
(if Saturday already
scheduled then 1 day out
of school substituted)
*3rd offense…1 Day OSS
*4th offense…2 days
out of school suspension
& individual behavior
contract
Electronic
Devices / Cell
Phones
Visible possession or use of any electronic
devices.
Cell phones may only be used during
passing, shop break, academic break or
lunch. Cell phones may also be used with
teacher supervision and permission for
instructional purposes.
Headphones (all types, including earbuds,
etc.) may not be worn during the school day.
Headphones may be allowed by an
instructor with teacher supervision and
permission for instructional purposes.
Cell phones may not be used to record other
students or staff without their permission.
Will be confiscated and
held in Main and
returned to the student
at dismissal.
*1st offense…3
consecutive days of OD
commencing the day
after offense, if AWOL
then Saturday
Suspension
*2nd offense…1 day SS
(if Saturday already
scheduled then 1 day out
of school substituted)
*3rd offense…1 Day OSS
*4th offense…2 days
out of school suspension
& individual behavior
contract
22
Recording of students or
staff without their
permission may result in
more serious
consequences,
depending on the nature
of the offense.
Explosives
Pyrotechnic devices - possession or
activation of exploding devices of any kind,
including fireworks, caps, bullets or other
forms of ammunition. Students violating this
regulation will be subject to suspension,
expulsion, and/or police and court action
3 Days OSS
Possible Expulsion
Extortion
Taking, attempting to take, or threatening to
take anything of value from someone
without his/her consent.
1 Day OSS
Fighting
Violent physical contact. Any physical
struggle between two or more individuals is
considered fighting.
1 Day OSS
Fire Alarms
Whoever, without reasonable cause, by
outcry or the ringing of bells, or otherwise,
makes or circulates or causes to be made or
circulate a false alarm of fire shall be
punished by a fine of not less than one
hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in a jail
or house of correction for not more than one
year. Amended by St. 1968, c. 122; St. 1970,
c.391.
3 Days OSS
Firearms
The possession of a firearm or parts on
school property or at a school-sponsored
activity.
3 Days OSS pending a
hearing with Principal.
Possible Expulsion.
Harassment
Unwanted, pervasive, and unwelcome
attention through words, gestures, touching,
or other actions, sexual or otherwise which
disturbs, torment or pesters an individual or
interferes with their learning or duties.
1 Day OSS
Hazing
Intimidating or harassing another student by
verbal or physical, or other means.
1 Day OSS
23
Insubordinatio
n/Disrespect
Disrespectful behavior or refusing to respond
or carry out a reasonable request of
authorized personnel, or refusing to comply
with school policy.
Failure to provide your name when asked by
staff is not allowed – see additional
consequence.
Two Days OD
Saturday Suspension;
repeated offense will
result in 1 Day OSS
Knives and
other harm
inflicting
devices
(weapons)
The unauthorized possession of harm
inflicting devices on school property or at
school-sponsored events is forbidden. All
confiscated knives and devices may be
turned over to the Canton Police
Department.
3 Days OSS pending a
hearing with Principal.
Possible Expulsion
Malicious
Behavior
Behavior that puts the safety of the students
involved or others in jeopardy
1 Day OD
Misuse of
School
Equipment
Using tools to cause harm, unauthorized use
of computers or software
1 Day OD
Safety
Refusal to use/wear safety equipment as
required/ misuse of equipment
1 Day OD
Simulated
Weapons
The possession of a simulated weapon or
harm inflicting device on school property is
forbidden and will be confiscated.
2 Days OSS with parent
meeting for re-entry.
Possible expulsion.
Smoking
The use or possession of tobacco products is
prohibited at all times in the school building,
on the grounds, on the school buses, and at
school related activities. The Surgeon
General has determined that smoking is
harmful to health. Smoking or knowingly
being in the presence of persons who are
smoking is totally restricted for students in
all grades. Possession of matches or
cigarette lighters is prohibited.
*1st offense…3
consecutive days of OD
commencing the day
after offense, if AWOL
then Saturday
Suspension
*2nd offense…1 day SS
(if Saturday already
scheduled then 1 day out
of school substituted)
*3rd offense…1 Day OSS
*4th offense…2 days
out of school suspension
& individual behavior
24
contract
Tardiness
Excessive reporting late for school, class or
other activities.
1 Day SD
Terrorism
Verbal or physical actions that result in
feelings of fear, intimidation or danger on
the part of individuals, groups or the school
community at large.
1 Day OSS with parent
meeting and at-risk
evaluation prior to
re-entry.
Theft
The unauthorized taking of property
belonging to the School District or to a
student or employee of the school.
1 Day OSS. Students must
make restitution to the
other party if the items
are not returned or are
damaged.*
Threat
A verbal, physical, or written statement to
harm a student or staff member or to do
physical damage to their real or personal
property.
1 Day OSS with parent
meeting for re-entry.
Possible restitution to be
paid.
Truancy
An unauthorized absence from school,
cutting classes and leaving school grounds
during the day.
2 Day SS, possible
referral to law
enforcement
Vandalism
Destroying or defacing equipment, property
or building
1 Day OSS with parent
meeting for re-entry and
repayment of costs.
Students will be charged
for any cost incurred by
an act of vandalism.*
*See Vandalism Policy
O.D. - Office Detention O.S.S. - Out-of-school Suspension
I.S.S. - In-School Suspension S.S. - Saturday Suspension
S.D. - Saturday Detention (for tardiness)
Teacher Detention
● Teacher Detentions are held on Monday through Thursday afternoons from 2:25
PM to 3:10 PM.
● If you are given Teacher Detention, you should sign the teacher’s copy of the
detention slip. Failure to sign the teacher’s copy of the detention slip does not
eliminate the required detention. It will be noted on the slip that you chose not to sign.
25
You are allowed a “day of grace” (24 hours) to notify your parent/guardian and/or
employer that on a future day you will have an obligation to the school.
● If you are absent on a scheduled day of detention, you will be required to serve
the detention upon your return on the next available detention day. If you have
extenuating circumstances to miss a detention and permission given by the Assistant
Principal, you must make up the detention the very next school day.
● You must report directly to the teacher by 2:25 PM. If you arrive after 2:25 PM
without a legitimate pass/reason and/or fail to keep yourself productively busy and
quiet during detention, you will remain in the classroom but receive “no credit”.
Further disturbances may result in suspension.
● If you cannot stay for that teacher for a legitimate reason, it is your responsibility
to see that teacher and request a change in the date. You must receive teacher
approval for this change.
● If you have been asked to remain after school by more than one teacher, you
should report to the teacher who requested you to stay first. You must make
arrangements with the other teacher(s) to make up the other teacher detention(s) at a
later time.
● If you do not stay for a teacher detention, you will be assigned a Saturday
Suspension.
Office Detention
● Office Detentions are held Monday through Thursday from 2:25 PM to 3:10 PM
and will be scheduled by the Assistant Principal.
● If you are assigned an Office Detention, you are allowed a “day of grace” to
notify your parent/guardian and/or employer that on a future day you will have an
obligation to the school.
● You are to report to the assigned room for Office Detention by 2:25 PM, with
ample school work to keep yourself productively busy and quiet until the detention
session is over.
● If you arrive after 2:25 PM without a legitimate pass/reason and/or you fail to
keep yourself productively busy and quiet until the detention session is over, you will
be considered AWOL and receive a Saturday Suspension. You must remain in the
detention room but receive “no credit” for that day’s Office Detention until the 3:10
late bus arrives. Further disturbances may result in suspension.
● If you are absent on a scheduled day of detention, you will be required to serve
the detention upon your return on the next available detention day that is scheduled.
● Office Detention has priority over teacher detentions, make-up, practices,
intramural games, athletic events, driver’s education or any other after school activity.
26
It is your responsibility to inform the Administrator if there is a legitimate conflict at the
time the Office Detention is assigned.
Saturday Suspension Procedures
● It will run from 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Students arriving late will be sent home
and will receive no credit for attending.
● Students may do school work with teacher’s permission or will be assigned work
while here.
● Students who fail to appear for a scheduled Saturday are required to return on
Monday with a parent or guardian for a parent conference.
● The conference will be with the student, parent/guardian and the Assistant
Principal. At that conference, a second day will be contracted. Students who return
without a parent/guardian will be assigned two (2) days OD and have the Saturday
rescheduled. Failure to appear for the contracted day will result in an out-of-school
suspension and conference. The second conference may be with the parent, student
and may include the Principal. This meeting will be to discuss other educational
opportunities. A third offense will mandate a meeting with the Principal.
There are 6 ways a student can receive a Saturday Suspension:
● Accumulation of 4 tardies = 1 Saturday Detention
● AWOL from either “TD” or “OD” = 1 Saturday
● AWOL 2 or more periods = 1 Saturday
● AWOL 4 or more periods = 2 Saturdays
● 2nd violation of the cell phone rule, smoking rule, e-cigarette rule
● Other violations of student handbook, as outlined in the chart above
Additional Penalties
In addition to, or in place of the penalties described above, the school administration
may, in its discretion, impose further or other conditions or consequences for
misbehavior. These conditions/consequences may include, but are not limited to:
restitution for any damages caused, a risk assessment, counseling or drug/alcohol
screening, restriction or loss of certain privileges, such as participation in
social/co-curricular activities, confiscation of materials, and referral to law enforcement
authorities.
27
Discipline And Due Process Procedures
Suspensions
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School adheres to the Student Discipline Laws and
Regulations as set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 37H, 37 H1/2 and 37 H
¾ and 603 CMR 53.00 et seq.
Out-Of-School Suspension Procedures
Due Process Procedures for Out-of-School Suspensions:
There are two types of out-of-school suspensions, Short-Term Suspensions and
Long-Term Suspensions. The principal or his/her designee shall determine the extent of
the rights to be afforded the student at a disciplinary hearing based on the anticipated
consequences for the disciplinary offense. If the consequence may be long-term
suspension from school, the principal or his/her designee shall afford the student,
additional rights as described below, in addition to those rights afforded to students
who may face a short-term suspension from school. All students facing out-of-school
suspension shall have the right to oral and written notice, as described below.
Notice for Any Out-of-School Suspension:
Prior to suspending a student, the Principal or his/her designee will provide the student
and the Parent oral and written notice of the possible suspension, an opportunity for
the student to have a hearing and the opportunity for the Parent(s) to participate in the
hearing.
The notice will be in English and in the primary language of the home if other than
English as identified in the home language survey, or by other means of communication
where appropriate. The notice will set forth in plain language:
(a) The disciplinary offense;
(b) The basis for the charge;
(c) The potential consequences, including the potential length of the student's
suspension;
(d) The opportunity for the student to have a hearing with the principal or his designee
concerning the proposed suspension, including the opportunity to dispute the charges
and to present the student's explanation of the alleged incident, and for the parent to
attend the hearing;
28
(e) The date, time, and location of the hearing;
(f) The right of the student and the student's parent to interpreter services at the
hearing if needed to participate;
(g) If the student may be placed on long-term suspension following the hearing with
the principal:
o The rights set forth in 603 CMR 53.08(3)(b) ; and
o The right to appeal the principal's decision to the superintendent.
(h) Alternate measures the principal or his/her designee have taken to correct the
behavior
The principal or his/her designee shall make reasonable efforts to notify the parent
orally of the opportunity to attend the hearing. Prior to conducting a hearing without
the parent present, the principal or his/her designee will document reasonable efforts
to include the parent.
The principal or his/her designee is presumed to have made reasonable efforts if the
principal or his/her designee has sent written notice and has documented at least two
(2) attempts to contact the parent in the manner specified by the parent for emergency
notification.
Written notice to the parent may be made by hand delivery, first-class mail, certified
mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or any
other method of delivery agreed to by the principal and parent.
Emergency Removal of Student
Under certain emergency circumstances, it may not be practical for the principal or
his/her designee to provide prior oral and written notice before removing a student
from school. The principal or his/her designee may remove a student from school
temporarily when a student is charged with a disciplinary offense and the continued
presence of the student poses a danger to persons or property, or materially and
substantially disrupts the order of the school, and, in the principal's (or his/her
designee’s) judgment, there is no alternative available to alleviate the danger or
disruption. The principal or his/her designee will immediately notify the
superintendent in writing of the removal and the reason for it, and describe the danger
presented by the student.
The temporary removal shall not exceed two (2) school days following the day of the
emergency removal, during which time the principal or his/her designee shall:
29
a) Make immediate and reasonable efforts to orally notify the student and
the student's parent of the emergency removal, the reason for the need for
emergency removal, the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, the
potential consequences, including potential length of suspension, the
opportunity for a hearing including the date/time/location of the hearing, the
right to interpreter services, and other rights permitted for students who may be
placed on long-term suspension as set forth in 603 CMR. 53.08(3)(b);
b) Provide written notice to the student and parent, including the
information described in 603 CMR 53.06(2);
c) Provide the student an opportunity for a hearing with the principal or
his/her designee that complies with 603 CMR 53.08(2) or 53.08(3), as applicable,
and the parent an opportunity to attend the hearing, before the expiration of the
two (2) school days, unless an extension of time for hearing is otherwise agreed
to by the principal, student, and parent.
d) Render a decision orally on the same day as the hearing, and in writing no
later than the following school day, which meets the requirements of 603 CMR
53.08(2)(c) and 53.08(2)(d) or 603 CMR 53.08(3)(c) and 53.08(3)(d), as
applicable.
A principal will not remove a student from school on an emergency basis for a
disciplinary offense until adequate provisions have been made for the student’s safety
and transportation.
Short-Term Suspension Procedures
A Short-Term Suspension is the removal of a student from the school premises and
regular classroom activities for ten (10) consecutive school days or less. The principal,
or his/her designee, may, in his or her discretion, allow a student to serve a short-term
suspension in school. Any student facing a potential short-term suspension is entitled
to a hearing with the Principal or his/her designee with the following process:
a) The purpose of the hearing with the principal or his/her designee is to
hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the
student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the
charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident,
determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the
consequences for the infraction. At a minimum, the principal or his/her designee
shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other
pertinent information. The student shall also have an opportunity to present
30
information, including mitigating facts, that the principal or his/her designee
should consider in determining whether other remedies and consequences may
be appropriate as alternatives to suspension. The principal or his/her designee
shall provide the parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's
conduct and offer information, including mitigating circumstances, that the
principal should consider in determining consequences for the student.
b) Based on the available information, including mitigating circumstances,
the principal or his/her designee shall determine whether the student
committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, what remedy or consequence will
be imposed.
c) The principal or his/her designee shall notify the student and parent of the
determination and the reasons for it, and, if the student is suspended, the type
and duration of suspension and the opportunity to make up assignments and
such other school work as needed to make academic progress during the period
of removal, as provided in 603 CMR 53.13(1). The determination shall be in
writing and may be in the form of an update to the original written notice.
No Right to Appeal
The decision of the Principal or his/her designee is the final decision for short-term
out-of-school suspensions not exceeding ten (10) days, consecutively or cumulatively,
during a school year.
Long-Term Suspension Procedures
A Long-Term Suspension is the removal of a student from the school premises and
regular classroom activities for more than ten (10) consecutive school days, or for more
than ten (10) school days cumulatively, for multiple disciplinary offenses in any school
year.
The principal or his/her designee, may, in his or her discretion, may allow a student to
serve a long-term suspension in school. Except for students who are charged with a
disciplinary offense set forth in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, §37 H, or in
Massachusetts General laws Chapter 71 § 37H ½, no student may be placed on
long-term suspension for one or more disciplinary offenses for more than ninety (90)
school days in a school year beginning with the first day that the student is removed
from school. No long-term suspension shall extend beyond the end of the school year
in which such suspension is imposed. Any student facing a potential long-term
suspension is entitled to a hearing with the Principal or his/her designee with the
following process:
31
Principal Hearing - Long-term Suspension
a) The purpose of the hearing with the principal or his/her designee is to
hear and consider information regarding the alleged incident for which the
student may be suspended, provide the student an opportunity to dispute the
charges and explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident,
determine if the student committed the disciplinary offense, and if so, the
consequences for the infraction. At a minimum, the principal or his/her designee
shall discuss the disciplinary offense, the basis for the charge, and any other
pertinent information. The student also shall have an opportunity to present
information, including mitigating facts, that the principal should consider in
determining whether other remedies and consequences may be appropriate as
alternatives to suspension. The principal or his/her designee shall provide the
parent, if present, an opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer
information, including mitigating circumstances, that the principal should
consider in determining consequences for the student.
b) In addition to the rights afforded a student in a short-term suspension
hearing, the student shall have the following additional rights:
1. In advance of the hearing, the opportunity to review the student's
record and the documents upon which the principal may rely in making a
determination to suspend the student or not;
2. the right to be represented by counsel or a lay person of the
student's choice, at the student's/parent's expense;
3. the right to produce witnesses on his or her behalf and to present
the student's explanation of the alleged incident, but the student may not
be compelled to do so;
4. the right to cross-examine witnesses presented by the school
district;
5. the right to request that the hearing be recorded by the principal,
and to receive a copy of the audio recording upon request. If the student
or parent requests an audio recording, the principal shall inform all
participants before the hearing that an audio record will be made and a
copy will be provided to the student and parent upon request.
c) The principal or his/her designee shall provide the parent, if present, an
opportunity to discuss the student's conduct and offer information, including
mitigating circumstances, that the principal should consider in determining
consequences for the student.
32
d) Based on the evidence, the principal or his/her designee shall determine
whether the student committed the disciplinary offense, and, if so, after
considering mitigating circumstances and alternatives to suspension, what
remedy or consequence will be imposed, in place of or in addition to a long-term
suspension. The principal or his/her designee shall send the written
determination to the student and parent by hand-delivery, certified mail,
first-class mail, email to an address provided by the parent for school
communications, or any other method of delivery agreed to by the principal and
the parent.
If the principal or his/her designee decides to suspend the student, the written
determination shall:
1. Identify the disciplinary offense, the date on which the hearing took place,
and the participants at the hearing
2. Set out the key facts and conclusions reached by the principal
3. Identify the length and effective date of the suspension, as well as a date
of return to school
4. Include notice of the student's opportunity to receive education services
to make academic progress during the period of removal from school
5. Inform the student of the right to appeal the principal's decision to the
superintendent or designee, but only if the principal has imposed a long-term
suspension. Notice of the right of appeal shall be in English and the primary
language of the home if other than English as determined by the home language
survey, or other means of communication where appropriate, and shall include
the following information stated in plain language:
The process for appealing the decision, including that the student or parent must file a
written notice of appeal with the superintendent within five (5) calendar days of the
effective date of the long-term suspension; provided that within the five (5) calendar
days, the student or parent may request and receive from the superintendent an
extension of time for filing the written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar
days; and that the long-term suspension will remain in effect unless and until the
superintendent decides to reverse the principal’s determination on appeal.
Superintendent's Appeal Hearing
1. A student who is placed on long-term suspension following a hearing with
the principal shall have the right to appeal the principal's decision to the
superintendent.
2. The student or parent shall file a notice of appeal with the superintendent
33
within five (5) calendar days of the effective date of the long-term suspension;
provided that within the five (5) calendar days, the student or parent may
request and receive from the superintendent an extension of time for filing the
written notice for up to seven (7) additional calendar days. If the appeal is not
timely filed, the superintendent may deny the appeal, or may allow the appeal in
his or her discretion, for good cause.
3. The superintendent shall hold the hearing within three (3) school days of
the student's request, unless the student or parent requests an extension of up
to seven (7) additional calendar days, in which case the superintendent shall
grant the extension.
4. The superintendent shall make a good faith effort to include the parent in
the hearing. The superintendent shall be presumed to have made a good faith
effort if he or she has made efforts to find a day and time for the hearing that
would allow the parent and superintendent to participate. The superintendent
shall send written notice to the parent of the date, time, and location of the
hearing.
5. The superintendent shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the
student committed the disciplinary offense of which the student is accused, and
if so, what the consequence shall be. The superintendent shall arrange for an
audio recording of the hearing, a copy of which shall be provided to the student
or parent upon request. The superintendent shall inform all participants before
the hearing that an audio record will be made of the hearing and a copy will be
provided to the student and parent upon request.
6. The student shall have all the rights afforded the student at the principal's
hearing for long-term suspension.
7. The superintendent shall issue a written decision within five (5) calendar
days of the hearing which meets the requirements of 603 CMR 53.08(3)(c)1
through 5. If the superintendent determines that the student committed the
disciplinary offense, the superintendent may impose the same or a lesser
consequence than the principal, but shall not impose a suspension greater than
that imposed by the principal's decision.
8. The decision of the superintendent shall be the final decision of the school
district, with regard to the suspension.
A parent conference (re-entry meeting) with the Principal or his/her designee is
strongly encouraged before students who are suspended return to school. This
conference will be used to promote the engagement of the parents or guardians in
discussions of the student’s misconduct and to assist the student in re-engaging with
34
the school community.
Exclusion/Expulsion
The exclusion or expulsion of a student from school will be in accordance with
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71, Section, 37H. The grounds for exclusion or
expulsion include but are not limited to the following:
a. Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or
school-related events, including athletic games, in possession of a dangerous
weapon, including, but not limited to, a gun, a knife, or their facsimile, or
anything used in the commission of assault and battery; or a controlled
substance as defined in Chapter 94 C, including, but not limited to, marijuana,
cocaine, and heroin, may be subject to expulsion from the school or school
district by the principal.
b. Any student who assaults a principal, assistant principal, teacher, teacher’s
aide, or other educational staff on school premises or at school-sponsored or
school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion
from the school or school district by the principal.
c. Any student who is charged with a violation of either paragraph (a) or (b)
shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing; provided, however,
that the student may have representation, along with the opportunity to present
evidence and witnesses at a hearing before the principal. After said hearing, a
principal may, in his/her discretion, decide to suspend rather than expel a
student who has been determined by the principal to have violated either
paragraph (a) or (b).
d. Any student who has been expelled from a school district pursuant to
these provisions shall have the right to appeal to the superintendent. The
expelled student shall have ten days from the date of the expulsion in which to
notify the superintendent of his/her appeal. The student has the right to counsel
at a hearing before the superintendent. The subject matter of the appeal shall
not be limited solely to a factual determination of whether the student has
violated any provisions of this section.
e. If the student moves to another district during the period of suspension or
expulsion, the new district of residence shall either admit the student to its
schools or provide educational services to the student in an education service
plan.
f. Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this section shall
have the opportunity to earn credits, as applicable, make up assignments, tests,
35
papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the
period of his or her removal.
g. Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this statute for
more than ten (10) consecutive days shall have the opportunity to receive
education services and made academic progress toward meeting state and local
requirements, through the school-wide education service plan.
Felony Complaint or Conviction
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 37 H ½, the following procedures
shall be implemented for students charged with or convicted of a felony:
Upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a felony or upon the
issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against a student, the principal or
headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may suspend such student for
a period of time determined appropriate by said principal or headmaster if said
principal or headmaster determines that the student’s continued presence in school
would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school. The
student shall receive written notification of this right to appeal and the reasons for
such suspension taking effect.
Upon expulsion of such student, no school or school district shall be required to
provide educational services to the student shall also receive written notification of this
right to appeal and the process for appealing such suspension; provided, however, that
such suspension shall remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the
superintendent.
a. The student shall have the right to appeal the suspension to the
superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent in writing of his
request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date
of the suspension. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and
the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the student’s
request for an appeal. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to counsel.
The superintendent shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of
the principal or headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational
program for the student. The superintendent shall render a decision on the
appeal within five calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final
decision of the city, town, or regional school district with regard to the
suspension.
b. Upon a student being convicted of a felony or upon an adjudication or
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admission in court of guilt with respect to such felony or felony delinquency, the
principal or headmaster of a school in which the student is enrolled may expel
said student if such principal or headmaster determines that the student’s
continued presence in school would have a detrimental effect of the general
welfare of the school. The student shall receive written notification of the
charges and reasons for such expulsion prior to such expulsion taking effect. The
student shall also receive written notification of his right to appeal and the
process for appealing such expulsion; provided, however, that the expulsion shall
remain in effect prior to any appeal hearing conducted by the superintendent.
c. The student shall have the right to appeal the expulsion to the
superintendent. The student shall notify the superintendent, in writing, of his
request for an appeal no later than five calendar days following the effective date
of the expulsion. The superintendent shall hold a hearing with the student and
the student’s parent or guardian within three calendar days of the expulsion.
d. At the hearing, the student shall have the right to present oral and written
testimony on his behalf, and shall have the right to counsel. The superintendent
shall have the authority to overturn or alter the decision of the principal or
headmaster, including recommending an alternate educational program for the
student.
e. The superintendent shall render a decision on the appeal within five
calendar days of the hearing. Such decision shall be the final decision of the city,
town, or regional school district with regard to the expulsion.
f. Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this section shall
have the opportunity to earn credits, as applicable, make up assignments, tests,
papers, and other school work as needed to make academic progress during the
period of his or her removal.
g. Any student who is suspended or expelled pursuant to this statute for
more than ten (10) consecutive days shall have the opportunity to receive
education services and made academic progress toward meeting state and local
requirements, through the school-wide education service plan.
Education Services And Academic Progress Under Sections 37h, 37h1/2 And 37h3/4
Any student who is serving an in-school suspension, short-term suspension,
long-term suspension, or expulsion shall have the opportunity to earn credits, as
applicable, make up assignments, tests, papers, and other school work as needed to
make academic progress during the period of his or her removal from the classroom or
school. The principal shall inform the student and parent of this opportunity in writing
when such suspension or expulsion is imposed.
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Any student who is expelled or suspended from school for more than ten (10)
consecutive days, whether in school or out of school, shall have an opportunity to
receive education services and make academic progress toward meeting state and local
requirements, through the school-wide education service plan. A description of the
school-wide education service plan is provided below.
The principal shall notify the parent and student of the opportunity to receive
education services at the time the student is expelled or placed on long-term
suspension. Notice shall be provided in English and in the primary language spoken in
the student's home if other than English as determined by the home language survey,
or other means of communication where appropriate. The notice shall include a list of
the specific education services that are available to the student and contact
information for a school district staff member who can provide more detailed
information.
School-Wide Educational Services Plan
The School-Wide Educational Services Plan for Blue Hills is found on the district
website. Written copies are available at the Superintendent’s Office located at 800
Randolph Street, Canton, MA.
Alternative Remedies for Disciplinary Consequences
Prior to issuing any disciplinary consequences pursuant to G.L. c. 71, § 37H ¾ and not
subject to G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H ½, as discussed below, the Principal or designee
will consider alternative remedies to such consequences. This policy applies only to
short-term or long-term suspensions, emergency removals, or expulsions that are not
issued under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H ½. This policy does not apply to disciplinary
consequences issued under G.L. c. 71, §§ 37H and 37H ½, which include: assault of
educational staff, possession of controlled substances or a dangerous weapon on
school grounds, and felony charges or conviction.
The Principal or designee will consider methods to re-engage the student in the
learning process when deciding disciplinary consequences for the student. Specifically,
the Principal or designee will consider and use alternative remedies including but not
limited to mediation, conflict resolution, restorative justice, and collaborative
problem-solving. The use and results of such alternative remedies will be documented
in writing. The Principal or designee will consider, use to the extent possible, and
document in writing such alternative remedies before the Principal or designee may
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suspend or expel a student. The Principal will also implement school or district models
to re-engage students in the learning process, including positive behavioral
intervention and support models and trauma sensitive learning models. The Principal
or designee will not implement such models in direct response to a specific incident.
The Principal or designee will document specific reasons where alternative remedies
are unsuitable or counter-productive.
The Principal or designee will document specific reasons in situations where the
student’s continued presence in school would pose a specific, documentable concern
about the infliction of serious bodily injury or other serious harm on another while in
school, the Principal or designee will document specific reasons.
In-School Suspension Regulations and Procedures under M.G.L. c.71, 37H3/4
(1) The principal may use in-school suspension as an alternative to short-term
suspension for disciplinary offenses.
(2) The principal may impose an in-school suspension for a disciplinary offense under
603 CMR 53.10, provided that the principal follows the process set forth in 603 CMR
53.10(3) through (5) and the student has the opportunity to make academic progress
as set forth in 603 CMR 53.13(1).
(3) The principal shall inform the student of the disciplinary offense charged and the
basis for the charge, and provide the student an opportunity to dispute the charges and
explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. If the principal determines
that the student committed the disciplinary offense, the principal shall inform the
student of the length of the student's in-school suspension, which shall not exceed ten
days, cumulatively or consecutively, in a school year.
(4) On the same day as the in-school suspension decision, the principal shall make
reasonable efforts to notify the parent orally as soon as possible of the disciplinary
offense, the reasons for concluding that the student committed the infraction, and the
length of the in-school suspension. The principal shall also invite the parent to a
meeting to discuss the student's academic performance and behavior, strategies for
student engagement, and possible responses to the behavior. Such meeting shall be
scheduled on the day of the suspension if possible, and if not, as soon thereafter as
possible. If the principal is unable to reach the parent after making and documenting at
least two attempts to do so, such attempts shall constitute reasonable efforts for
purposes of orally informing the parent of the in-school suspension.
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(5) The principal shall send written notice to the student and parent about the
in-school suspension, including the reason and the length of the in-school suspension,
and inviting the parent to a meeting with the principal for the purpose set forth in 603
CMR 53.10(4), if such meeting has not already occurred. The principal shall deliver such
notice on the day of the suspension by hand-delivery, certified mail, first-class mail,
email to an address provided by the parent for school communications, or other
method of delivery agreed to by the principal and the parent.
Suspension Of Students With Disabilities
All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in the
student handbook. Federal and state laws require that additional provisions be made
for students who have been found by an evaluation team to have an eligible disability
and whose program is implemented under an Individual Education Program (IEP) or a
504 Plan or who are protected under IDEA of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973. Blue Hills will conduct all discipline proceedings involving students entitled to
protections under special education statutes or Section 504 according to pertinent
statutes and regulations.
The following requirements apply to the discipline of students with disabilities:
1. The Principal will notify the Special Education Office of the suspendable
offense of a special needs student, and a record will be kept of such notices.
2. A suspension of 11 or more consecutive days represents a change in
placement. Suspensions for fewer than 10 consecutive days may constitute a
change in placement if Blue Hills determines that the removals represent a
pattern. When disciplinary removal is determined to constitute a change in
placement, a manifestation determination meeting is held.
3. A student’s conduct is a manifestation of his/her disability if the conduct in
question has a direct and substantial relationship to the student’s documented
disability, or if the conduct in question was the direct result of the district’s
failure to implement the student’s IEP or 504 plans.
4. If the Team determines that the student’s conduct IS a manifestation of
his/her disability and/or if the student’s conduct was found to be a direct result
of BHR’s failure to implement the IEP, Blue Hills must take immediate steps to
remedy those deficiencies and/or Blue Hills will conduct a functional behavioral
assessment and develop a behavioral implementation plan, or review and modify
an existing plan as needed. In addition, if the Team determines that the conduct
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in question is a manifestation of the student’s disability, the student will be
returned to placement from which he/she was removed, unless that parent and
District agree to a change of placement as part of the modification of the
behavior intervention plan, or except as provided by the Special Circumstance
Provision of the IDEA (see Paragraph 6 below).
5. If district personnel, the parent, and other relevant members of the Team
determine that the behavior is NOT a manifestation of the disability, then the
suspension or expulsion may go forward consistent with policies applied to any
student without disabilities, except that the district must still offer services to
enable the student, although in another setting, to continue to participate in the
general education curriculum and to progress toward IEP goals; and as
appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention
services and modifications, to address the behavior so that it does not recur.
6. Any student with a disability who is removed from his/her current
educational placement for more than 10 days in a school year, cumulative or
consecutive, regardless of whether the behavior is determined to be or not to be
a manifestation of the disability, must continue to receive educational services so
as to enable the student to continue to participate in the general education
curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the
goals set out in the student’s IEP.
7. Special Circumstances Provision of the IDEA.
Regardless of the manifestation determination, the district may place the
student in an interim alternative educational setting (as determined by the
Team) for up to 45 school days on its own authority if the behavior involves
weapons or illegal drugs or another controlled substance or the infliction of
serious bodily injury on another person while at school or a school function or,
considered case by case, unique circumstances; or on the authority of a hearing
officer if the officer orders the alternative placement after the district provides
evidence that the student is “substantially likely” to injure him/herself or others.
8. Blue Hills will provide written notice to the parent of all rights to appeal
and to an expedited hearing. If the parent chooses to appeal, during the appeal
the student will remain in the interim alternative placement unless the parent
and district agree otherwise.
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Students Who Have Not Yet Been Determined Eligible for Special Education
Students who have not been determined to be eligible for special education and
related services and who have engaged in behavior that violates the school district’s
code of conduct may assert any of the protections provided to students with disabilities
if the school district had knowledge that the student was a student with a disability
before the behavior that resulted in the disciplinary action occurred.
The school district may be considered to have prior knowledge if, before the behavior
that resulted in the disciplinary action occurred , the parent expressed concern in
writing to administrative personnel of the student’s school or to the student’s teacher
that the student is in need of special education and related services, or the parent
requested an evaluation of the student, or District staff expressed, directly to the
special education director or other supervisory personnel, specific concerns about a
pattern of behavior demonstrated by the student.
The district may not be deemed to have had knowledge if the parent has not consented
to an evaluation of the student or has refused special education services, or if an
evaluation of the student was completed and resulted in a determination of
ineligibility. If the School does not have knowledge that a child is a child with a
disability prior to taking disciplinary measures against the child, the child may be
subjected to the disciplinary measures applied to children without disabilities who
engage in comparable behaviors.
If the district had no knowledge that the student is a student with a disability, the
student may be subjected to disciplinary measures applied to students without
disabilities. However, if the parent requests an evaluation during the time period in
which the student is subjected to these disciplinary measures, the district must
conduct and expedited an evaluation to determine whether the student is eligible for
special education and related services. Until the evaluation is completed, the student
remains in the educational placement determined by the district, which can include
suspension or expulsion without educational services. If, after the evaluation, the
student is determined to be eligible, the district must provide special education and
related services in accordance with the IDEA.
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School Bullying Prevention And Intervention Plan
To support efforts to respond promptly and effectively to bullying acts and retaliation,
Blue Hills Regional Technical School “BHRTS” has put in place policies and procedures
for receiving and responding to reports of bullying or retaliation. These policies and
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procedures will ensure that members of the school community – students, parents,
and staff – know that steps/actions will be taken to document and address reported
incidents or acts of bullying and retaliation.
This plan details procedures staff will use when reporting of incidents, what reports are
made available for students and parents/guardians to report incidents, the order
process in which a report of bullying is responded to, and the procedures followed by
the principal or designee once a report is made.
District Bullying Policy
Blue Hills Regional Technical School “BHRTS” is committed to maintaining a school
environment free of bullying. Bullying of students by other students or by staff will not
be tolerated by Blue Hills Regional Technical High School. Acts of bullying are to be
reported and acted upon while students are on school grounds, properly within the
jurisdiction of the School District; on school buses, attending or engaging in
school-related activities. In situations where bullying occurs at non-school related
locations or through non-school technology, BHRTS will respond if the bullying causes a
hostile environment for others at school.
Each student and staff member of BHRTS is personally responsible for ensuring that
his/her conduct is not intimidating to any other student. Students or staff members
exhibiting intimidating behavior are required to cooperate in any investigation of
alleged bullying if requested to do so by the person conducting the investigation.
Any individual who prevents or attempts to hinder an individual from making a
complaint of bullying or fails to cooperate with, or interferes in any way with the
investigation of such a complaint, will be subject to disciplinary action.
Bullying Prohibited: It is a violation for anyone, including another student or staff
member, to bully or intimidate a student through conduct or communication as defined
below.
Definition of Bullying
Bullying is defined as the severe or repeated use of a written, verbal, or electronic
communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, by one or
more students, or a staff member, directed at another student that has the effect of:
● causing physical or emotional harm to the other student or damage to his or her
property;
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● placing the other student in reasonable fear of harm to him or herself or of
damage to his or her property;
● creating a hostile environment at school for the bullied student;
● infringing on the rights of the other student at school; or
● materially and substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly
operation of a school
● power imbalance
Acts of bullying, which include cyberbullying, are prohibited in the following areas
● 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 school, through the use of technology or an electronic
device owned, leased, or used by a school district or school
● 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 or school
● if the acts create a hostile environment at school for the target or witnesses,
infringes on their rights at school, or materially and substantially disrupt the education
process or the orderly operation of a school.
What constitutes bullying?
Bullying is determined by the perspective of a reasonable person being made fearful,
intimidated, or unsafe. Therefore, students and staff should consider how their
behavior might reasonably be viewed by other individuals. It is also important for
students to make it clear in a mature/non-threatening or intimidating manner to others
when a particular behavior or communication is unwelcome, intimidating, hostile or
offensive.
What bullying is not:
It is equally important for all members of the school community to understand that
conflict is not automatically synonymous with bullying. Arguing, bantering
back-and-forth, ignoring, roughhousing and fighting, while potentially serious forms of
conflict that may necessitate disciplinary action by the school, are not necessarily
instances of bullying. Bullying is characterized by intention, repetition and/or power
imbalance. Not every conflict meets these criteria.
Students with Perceived Vulnerabilities
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The bullying intervention plan school will recognize that certain students may be more
vulnerable to become a target of bullying and harassment based on actual or perceived
differentiating characteristics, including “race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin,
sex, socioeconomic status, homelessness, academic status, gender identity or
expression, physical appearance, pregnant or parenting status, sexual orientation,
mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability or by association with a person
who has or is perceived to have 1 or more of these characteristics.” The District’s
bullying intervention plan will include the specific steps that each school will take to
support these vulnerable students and to provide all students with the skills,
knowledge and strategies needed to prevent or respond to bullying or harassment.
Reporting Bullying:
Students who witness bullying are strongly encouraged to report incidents to a teacher,
administrator, or counselor. An administrator will record and/or investigate all reports
and make a determination regarding future steps to be taken. Students involved in
bullying may be asked to meet regularly with a guidance counselor or administrator.
Many consequences for bullying may include disciplinary action and/or referral to the
Canton Police Department. Knowingly or intentionally making false accusations about
bullying will result in disciplinary action.
Parents or guardians, or members of the community, are encouraged to report an
incident of bullying as soon as possible. A member of a school staff shall immediately
report any instance of bullying the staff member has witnessed or becomes aware of to
the school principal or their designee. On an annual basis, the District will report
bullying incident data to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
(DESE).
Bullying and Retaliation Prohibited
Bullying in any form or for any reason is absolutely forbidden. In addition, retaliation
against a student who has brought a bullying complaint to the attention of the School
District or who has cooperated in an investigation of a complaint under this policy is
also prohibited and will not be tolerated by BHRTHS. Retaliation can be considered a
second act of aggression toward a target or others.
Blue Hills Regional Technical High School Process for Responding to a Report of Bullying
This process applies only to situations where bullying is alleged. Disciplinary incidents
will be reported using the school disciplinary action process or the collective bargaining
45
agreement, as appropriate. Investigations of staff members alleged to be engaging in
bullying behavior may, upon the discretion of the administration, be conducted with
different procedures than those reported below.
1. Step One: Complete Incident Report
If a staff member or other adult witness reports an incident:
a) Reports incident to designated administrative staff member
b) Determine if there are safety issues that must be addressed immediately
c) Written incident Report Forms are filled out
If a student reports an incident to a staff member:
a) Acknowledge student’s feelings
b) Determine if there are safety issues that must be addressed immediately
c) Staff member completes written incident report and gives to designated
administrative staff member
**Anonymous reports will be accepted by the school administration**
2. Step Two: Administration Investigation
1. If criminal activity is alleged, make contact with the School Resource Officer.
Interview alleged Target of bullying:
a) Alleged Target and alleged Aggressor should be separated
b) Interview the alleged Target (Do not speak to the alleged Target in presence of
alleged Aggressor)
c) Interview any witnesses
d) Document any witness accounts
e) Collect and preserve evidence
f) Protecting the alleged Target’s confidentiality is extremely important
g) Reinforce and encourage the alleged Target to report any additional incidents
with the alleged Aggressor
Interview the student accused of being the Aggressor:
a) Identify the problem
b) Interview the alleged Aggressor.
c) Try to focus more on the alleged Aggressor’s behavior
d) In case of denial or if further information is needed, interview witnesses
e) Document the witness account
f) Collect and preserve evidence
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g) Make the alleged Aggressor aware of consequences of retaliation against alleged
Target and reporter
h) After speaking with both the alleged Target and alleged Aggressor, communicate
with parents and document conversation. Make the school principal aware of the
situation.
3. Step Three: Create an Action Plan-Assign Consequences if needed
a) Assign appropriate consequence, if necessary
b) If bullying has been substantiated, create a safety plan for the Target as
appropriate
c) Contact Parents of alleged Target and alleged Aggressor to explain actions/if any
d) If the alleged Aggressor denies the incident or there is insufficient evidence, tell
the alleged Aggressor that you will continue to monitor behavior
e) School Staff will be notified of the alleged incident and will be asked to monitor
safety of the Target and the school community
f) Counselors will be made available to meet with student(s) individually
4. Step Four: Document Incident and Consequences/Follow-up
a) Document outcome of investigation on the Incident Report Form/Action Plan
Form
b) Follow up: provide update to appropriate staff member(s)
c) School Staff monitor students’ behavior of alleged Aggressor
d) Notify teachers who have contact with the alleged Target and alleged Aggressor,
as well as notify Law Enforcement when appropriate. When a determination is made
that bullying has occurred, the school Principal will inform the parents/guardians of the
victim about DESE’s problem resolution system (administered through PQA) and the
process for seeking assistance or filing a claim.
Hazing – Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 269
Section 17 - Crime Of Hazing: Definition: Penalty
Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined
herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by
imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine
and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall
mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on
public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental
47
health of any student or any other person.
Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure
to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage or drug or other
substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to
adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or
which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including
extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not
be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action. Added by St.1985,
c.536; amended by St1987, c.665.
Section 18 – Duty To Report Hazing
Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section
seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do
so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law
enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such
crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars. Added by
St.1985, c.536; amended by St.1987, c.665.
Section 19 – Hazing Statutes To Be Provided; Statement Of Compliance And Discipline
Policy Required
a) Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of
post-secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student
organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or
permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution
to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy
of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an
institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies
of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups,
teams or organizations.
b) Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and
sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants
for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting
through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested
acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of
this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of it members, plebes,
48
pledges or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that
such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the
provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
c) Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of
post-secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment,
deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of
this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
d) Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of
post-secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of
higher education and in the case of secondary schools, the board of education,
certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student
groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the
provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that
said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and
participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate
emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s
policies to its students. The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institution,
the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and
frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such
institution which fails to make such report. Added by St.1985,c.536; amended by
St.1987, c.665. If you are found to be hazing, you will be subject to all applicable laws
and to suspension or possible expulsion by the District School Committee.
Substance Use, Treatment, Education And Prevention
Chapter 52AN ACT RELATIVE TO SUBSTANCE USE, TREATMENT, EDUCATION AND
PREVENTION - SECTION 1. Section 118 Of Chapter 6 Of The General Laws, As
Appearing In The 2014 Official Edition
Transgender Rights
H.4343 Gen. Court: 189 SECTION 1. Section 92A of chapter 272 of the General Laws:
Several Massachusetts laws exist to ensure that all students have access to the
education they need to thrive, including: MA Student Anti-discrimination Law, Chapter
76, Section 5 and An Act Relative to Gender Identity, Chapter 199 of the Acts of 2011.
Physical Restraint
Massachusetts General Laws provide for the adoption of a physical restraint policy by
all public education programs. The purpose of this regulation (603 CMR 46.00) is to
ensure that every student is free from the unreasonable use of physical restraint. A full
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copy of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School Physical Restraint Policy is available for
parental information and inspection at the Main Office. Additionally, medication
restraint, mechanical restraint, prone restraint, and seclusion are prohibited unless
permitted by 603 CMR 46.03(1)(b). Any restraint inconsistent with 603 CMR 46.00 is
prohibited.
Blue Hills Acceptable Computer Use Policy including Internet, Email and Computer
Network
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School offers Internet access to its students. Access to
the school’s computer network and the Internet and email service is a privilege, not a
right. The intent of this policy is to ensure that students utilize this access in a
responsible manner for educational research, curriculum support and career
development. The Blue Hills Administration reserves the right to place reasonable
limits on materials posted or accessed through its computer network. Blue Hills
reserves the right to monitor its computer network and individual computers, including
but not limited to e-mail accounts.
The Blue Hills community is responsible for good behavior on school computer
networks, just as they are in classroom and in the school building. General rules for
behavior and communications apply. In order for a member of the Blue Hills Regional
Technical School Community to use the computer network, he/she must read the
following guidelines and sign the User Contract. For users under the age of 18, a parent
or guardian must sign the User Contract.
Computer Network Usage Guidelines
Network access is a privilege, not a right. The use of the network must be consistent
with, and directly related to, the educational objectives of the Blue Hills Regional
Technical School.
Violations of this Computer Use Policy include, but are not limited to, the following
conduct:
● Revealing personal information such as last names, addresses, telephone
numbers, photographs, etc. that could identify the user or other students
● Revealing one’s password to anyone else, using anyone else’s password, or
pretending to be someone else when sending information over the computer network.
Password and IDs are provided for each user’s personal use only and should not be
shared with anyone else.
● Using profane, vulgar, threatening, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory,
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harassing or objectionable or criminal language in a public or private method…and/or
deemed by the school to be inappropriate
● Violating copyright laws. Users should assume that all materials available on the
Internet are protected by copyright.
● Sending “chain letters” or “broadcast” messages to lists or individuals, or
subscribing to list serves or newsgroups without prior permission.
● Seeking, accessing or downloading material that is not relevant to assignments
or coursework.
● Using the computer network for recreational purposes or activities relating to
personal hobbies. For example, accessing chat rooms is prohibited and games must not
be played, accessed or downloaded.
● Participating in other types of use which would cause congestion of the network
or interfere with the work of others.
● Attempting to harm, modify or destroy data of another user.
● Distributing or intentionally accessing materials that are obscene, sexually
explicit, or without redeeming educational value.
● Vandalizing school computers or equipment by causing physical damage,
reconfiguring the computer system or destroying data.
● Failing to log off the computer network at the request of system administrators.
● Attempting to gain unauthorized access to system programs or computer
equipment, including attempts to override any firewalls established on the network.
● Using the network in a manner that would violate any U.S. or state law or subject
the user of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School to any civil or criminal action.
This includes, but is not limited to, the transmission of threatening material, the
spreading of computer viruses, participating in software piracy, using the Blue Hills
technology network for gambling, or arranging for the sale or purchase of drugs or
alcohol.
● Receiving or transmitting information pertaining to dangerous instruments such
as bombs or other explosive devices, automatic weapons or other firearms, or other
weaponry.
● You may not use the network for commercial or political purposes.
● You may not order or purchase materials or services.
Blue Hills Regional Technical School assumes no responsibility for:
● Any financial obligations arising out of unauthorized use of the system.
● Any cost, liability or damages caused by a user’s violation of these guidelines.
● Any information or materials that are transferred through the network.
● The reliability of the data connection. The Blue Hills Regional School shall not be
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liable for any loss or corruption of data resulting while using the network.
● A student’s illegal distribution (pirating) of software.
If a user finds materials that are inappropriate while using the Blue Hills Regional
Technical School network, s/he shall refrain from downloading this material and shall
not share the material with other students.
Should a user encounter any material that s/he feels may constitute a threat against
the safety of fellow students, staff members or the property of Blue Hills Regional
Technical School, the user is obligated to report his/her discovery of such materials to a
teacher or to his/her principal.
Privacy
Internet and email messages are public communication and are not private. Electronic
mail messages and other use of electronic resources are the property of the Blue Hills
Regional Technical School and should not be considered confidential. Copies of all
information created, sent or retrieved are stored on the network and archived. Blue
Hills reserves the right to monitor all messages and files on the computer system as it
deems necessary and appropriate. These purposes include, but are not limited to
ensuring proper use of educational resources and conducting routine network
maintenance. Network storage areas will be treated like school lockers and may be
inspected at any time. Communication including text and images may be disclosed to
law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the sender or receiver,
as appropriate.
Penalties and Violations
A violation of the terms of this Computer Use Policy may result in suspension or
termination of network access privileges (other than directly supervised access during
classroom instruction) and may also result in other disciplinary action consistent with
the disciplinary policies of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School, as well as possible
criminal prosecution where applicable.
In the event that there is a claim that a student has violated any of the guidelines in this
policy, he/she will be provided with notice of the suspected violation and an
opportunity to be heard, consistent with progressive discipline outlined in the Parent
Student Handbook.
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School will cooperate fully with local, state, and
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federal law enforcement officials in any investigation relating to any illegal activities
conducted through the Blue Hills Regional Technical computer network.
Guidance
The Guidance Department is available for you if you wish assistance with vocational or
educational planning, as well as assistance with personal, social, or educational
problems. Appointments with individual teachers should be scheduled with the teacher
not through the Guidance Department
Voter Registration
The registration form for voting is available in the guidance office.
Exploratory - Vocational-Technical Program Placement
All Grade 9 students will participate in an Exploratory Program during Terms 1 and 2.
Final vocational program selection will be done mid-year. Vocational placement will be
determined through the exploratory process including the use of career interest
inventories, individual and group counseling, parental input, student choice, as well as
physical space limitations. The Admissions Policy outlines the full placement procedure.
Exploratory evaluations are graded based on the project and participation during the
full week of exploratory experiences. All students must demonstrate acceptable
behavior and attendance in order to remain in their vocational program. Students who
consistently demonstrate an inability to meet basic performance expectations as
outlined in the PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS section of this handbook will be placed
in an alternative setting. Additional information on vocational technical program
placement can be obtained from the Guidance and Vocational Director’s offices
Testing
Testing will be conducted on an individual and group basis. The testing program has
been established to help you identify vocational and educational interests and
aptitudes. Testing will be conducted periodically by the Guidance Department,
Admissions Department. Academic Achievement Testing will also be done under the
direction of the Academic Director.
Homework Assignments
If you will be out-of-school for a period of three (3) or more consecutive school days,
upon request, your Guidance Counselor will provide you with homework assignments
from your teachers. It will be the student’s responsibility to complete the assignments
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and submit them to your teachers upon your arrival back at school.
Home Tutoring
If you will be confined to the home or hospital for a period of not less than fourteen
(14) consecutive days by order or formal recommendation of a physician due to
medical reasons, home tutorial services can be provided so that you will be able to
continue to make educational progress. At a minimum, the physician’s signed
statement must include the following information:
● The date the student was admitted to the hospital or was confined to home;
● The medial reasons for confinement;
● The expected duration of confinement;
● What medical needs of the student should be considered in planning the home
or
● hospital education services
Once it is determined by your physician that you will be out-of-school for not less than
fourteen days, arrangements for home tutorial will be made by the Special Services
Department.
Tutoring will be provided in English, math, science, and history. Vocational assignments
that are textbook-related or classroom related (example: written or research
assignments) can also be provided through tutoring.
Prior to your return to school, the Assistant Principal may schedule a review meeting,
to which you and your parent may be invited, to discuss any of the following:
● To determine whether it is appropriate for you to return to school
● To develop a reasonable method and time frame for the make-up of vocational
coursework or projects.
● To determine if any supportive services may be required.
● To determine if you should be referred for a special education evaluation
Once a plan is devised concerning a make-up schedule for vocational work (if
necessary) your Guidance Counselor will contact your parent/guardian. The Academic
Review Board may convene to discuss and consider any unusual circumstances that
may affect the schedule and requirements of make-up work, grading etc.
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Student Records
Effective February 1976, the Massachusetts Department of Education approved
regulations concerning student and parent rights to review the “Student Record.”
Complete copies of the regulations are available at the school. The following synopsis
of the regulations will highlight the major points.
The regulations provide that:
Location
The school records are located in the Main Office and the Special
Services Office and includes all data in the school identifiable by
name or number to a particular student.
Part one:
Permanent
The record is to be considered in two parts:
Permanent and Temporary.
* The permanent record is the transcript and contains only the
following information: student’s name, address, telephone
number and birthdate; the parent/guardian’s name, address,
telephone number; course titles, grades, grade level completed
and the year completed.
Part two:
Temporary
* The temporary record contains all the other information
concerning the student including attendance, health, discipline,
activities, and sports. Personal notes of teachers are not part of
the student record
* Also, included are Special Education records containing an IEP,
evaluation reports, and progress reports.
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Access &
Handling Of
Records
Information in the student record may be handled by the following
authorized personnel:
● School administrators, teachers, consultants and counselors
who are employed by the school committee and who are working
directly with the student in an administrative, teaching,
counseling, and/or diagnostic capacity.
● Administrative office staff and clerical personnel who are
employed by the school committee and whose duties require that
they have access to student records for the purpose of processing
information for the student record.
● The student, parent or legal guardian may view student
records in accordance with State regulations.
● Non-custodial parents may have access to student records
unless the school district is informed that the non-custodial parent
is denied access to the records for reasons stated in 603 CMR
23.07 (5). Custodial parents will be informed of a request for
records by a non-custodial parent.
● The Evaluation team, which evaluates the student.
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Release of
Information
Information in the student record may not be disseminated in
whole or in part, in any manner or form, orally or in writing, to a
third party without the written consent of the student and/or
parent/guardian, whichever is applicable. This, however, does not
prohibit the publication of a student’s name, class, participation in
school activities, honors, awards or post high school plans. To
exclude their name from such publication, a student and/or
parent/guardian, whichever is applicable, should notify the school
office. Also, certain court officials may have access, for cause, to a
student’s records. Reasonable efforts will be made to notify
parents if records are subpoenaed by a court or lawfully issued
subpoena. The No Child Left Behind legislation of January 2002,
requires schools to provide home addresses, and other student
information to any representative of the military who request it.
You may notify the school if you do not wish this information to be
distributed. It is possible for parts of the school record to be
forwarded, without parental or student consent, to authorized
school personnel of a school to which a student is transferring
unless the parent or student requests within ten (10) days that
these records not be transferred.
Maintenance of
Permanent Records
The permanent record must be maintained by the school for sixty
(60) years after the student graduates, transfers, or withdraws
from the school.
Maintenance of
Temporary Records
The temporary record must be destroyed within five years after
the student graduates, transfers, or withdraws from the school.
Special Education temporary records are destroyed within seven
years.
Add to / Destroy
Records
The student and/or parent/guardian has the right to request that
information in the record be amended or deleted, with the right of
appeal to the Assistant Superintendent-Director if the request is
denied.
These regulations were adopted to ensure that the records of each and every student
be kept confidential and to give parents/guardians and/or students the right to inspect
the student record and be satisfied with its contents. In conformance with c. 71, § 34 E
of the Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a parent or guardian may inspect
the school records of their son or daughter.
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Progress Reports
An academic and a vocational progress report will be issued at the middle of each term
for all students. These reports indicate student performance on class/shop
assignments, homework and tests. Your parents and guardians may work with you to
improve your performance and/or prevent a failing grade. Progress reports will be
issued electronically through PowerSchool.
Report Cards
Report cards will be published to students four times during the school year:
November, February, April and July. Report cards will be issued electronically through
PowerSchool.
The grades for students who have transferred in from another school will be averaged
into the final grade for identical courses. The district will determine grade and credit
transfer status for students entering the Blue Hills Regional Technical School District
from non-identical courses. Credits for vocational-technical classes will be waived. A
transfer student must be present for at least four (4) weeks at Blue Hills in order for an
instructor to average the grades together for the report card.
Incomplete Grades
An INC (incomplete) appearing on a report card in any given subject will indicate that a
student has failed to make up missed work. It is expected that students will complete
make-up work within three (3) weeks of returning from an extended absence, unless
other arrangements are made with school officials. Instructors must obtain permission
to give an incomplete to a student from their appropriate director. This applies to all
technical classes and academic classes.
A student receiving an incomplete grade is responsible for making arrangements with
his/her teacher(s) to make up the work within the next three-week period. Failure to
make up work within the prescribed time will result in a grade of zero for the missed
work and will be factored in the determination of a numerical grade point average.
Incompletes may not be given during the fourth term.
Final Exam Policy
Final exams will be given in grades 9, 11 and 12. This will assist in validating that
students have demonstrated mastery of key concepts and standards. Final course
grades are calculated by factoring in the four marking period grades and the final exam.
The final exam is 10% of the final grade.
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Parent Notification Related To Sex Education
Parents or Guardians have the flexibility to exempt their children from any portion of
said curriculum through written notification to the school principal. No child so
exempted shall be penalized by reason of such exemption. (M.G.L. c. 71, § 32A)
Homework
You are advised to observe the following homework guidelines. You should spend a
minimum of two hours on homework each night, including time on assignments during
vocational week, in order to successfully complete the academic and technical
requirements for all programs. A homework club may be available for students to
complete homework in a supervised area, including peer tutoring from NHS students.
Extra Help/Make-Up Work
Students are encouraged to seek support for their classes by attending extra help
sessions after school with their instructor. Instructors will be available two days per
week (Monday –Thursday) after school. It is the student’s responsibility to take the
initiative in making arrangements to see teachers for extra help or make-up work.
V.SCHOOL SERVICES
Accommodations of Disabled And Special Education Students Of Special Services
Under State and Federal laws, the school district is required to identify and provide
services to eligible students who have special education needs, and is also required to
accommodate the needs of disabled students. As a school serving a diverse student
body, the Blue Hills Regional Technical School makes efforts to provide a flexible and
varied approach to dealing with the educational needs of all its students.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination in education on
the basis of a disability and requires accommodation of students with disabilities.
Students eligible under Section 504 are entitled to accommodations necessary to
participate in the curriculum and in extracurricular activities.
Special Education
Special Education services are available if you have been identified as eligible under
pertinent federal and state laws and regulations. Students having an Individual
Education Program (IEP) are provided with specialized instruction and/or related
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services so that they can have a free and appropriate public educational experience at
Blue Hills. All concerns regarding special education should be directed to the special
education office.
Students at Risk For Self Harm
If you are thought to be at risk for suicide or for other forms of self-harm or harming
others, you will be referred immediately to either the Main or Special Education
Services office, depending on the severity and nature of the situation. Concerns of the
referring staff member will be put in writing and given to the Assistant Principal or the
Assistant Superintendent/Principal. Under appropriate circumstances, the law
enforcement or other state agencies may be notified.
Your parents/guardians will be contacted and arrangements should be made for an
emergency evaluation to determine the level of risk to you or to other students. You
may be asked to provide written information from a licensed physician or clinician
chosen by the school district verifying that it is safe for you and your peers at school
before you are able to return to school. If such an evaluation results in more than one
day’s absence from school, a meeting will be held with you to insure your return to
school at the earliest possible time.
Health Services
The nurse’s office and the service of the school nurse will be available to you in case of
sudden illness or accident. If you wish to visit the health room, you should first receive
permission from your instructor.
Health Requirements
Required Physical
ALL NEW STUDENTS ENTERING THE BLUE HILLS REGIONAL
TECHNICAL SCHOOL ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A PHYSICAL.
Deadline for Physical
ANY NEW STUDENT ENTERING BLUE HILLS REGIONAL
TECHNICAL SCHOOL THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THIS
REQUIREMENT BY THE END OF THE 2ND FULL WEEK IN
OCTOBER WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL UNTIL THEY
RECEIVE THEIR PHYSICAL.
Emergency Aid
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School District has a school
health policy to provide emergency aid when needed.
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Other Public Health
Requirements
Blue Hills Regional Technical School conforms to other public
health requirements as they apply to school attendance.
Several of these requirements are listed below. Parents or
guardians are notified, on an individual basis, of others as
the need arises.
Immunization
It is also a Department of Public Health requirement that a
student be immunized, in accordance with their regulations,
in order to attend school. Where there is a need to update a
student’s immunization, the parent/guardian will be
contacted and provided with the necessary information.
Externship Program
Students of all grade levels in the Health Occupations
Department and Early Education Care are required to have
an annual TB test and any other tests which are required by
the medical and child care facilities used as training sites in
the externship program. Health Occupations Department
students, as part of their program, receive externship
training under the supervision of the Blue Hills instructors
and staff of the medical or child care facilities.
Medication In School
The policy of Blue Hills as mandated by 71 M.G.L. 54B and
the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 105 CMR,
210.001 et seq. “Regulations Governing the Administration
of Prescription Medications in Public and Private Schools” is
that prescription medication is not to be dispensed without
a written order from a licensed physician as described in 105
CMR 210.002 and written parent/guardian's consent. Over
the counter medication and medicinal substitutes such as
nutritional supplements will not be dispensed without a
physician’s order or parental consent, as deemed necessary
by the school nurse. Required orders and consents must be
renewed as necessary and at the beginning of each
academic year. All medications must be in the original
container, properly labeled and delivered to the school nurse
by a responsible adult (parent/guardian or designee).
Students may be permitted to self-administer medications in
accordance with state regulations and law.
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Special
Information
All medications must be stored in the nurse’s office, in a
locked container. Students are not allowed to carry
medications around school, with the exception of an EpiPen
for severe allergies and multi-dose inhalers for asthma.
Parents are encouraged to discuss the medication schedule
with the prescribing physician in an attempt to schedule all
doses to be given at home. Medication must be retrieved in
person by the parent/guardian. Medication will be destroyed
if it is not picked up within one week following the
termination of the order or one week beyond the close of
school. Prescriptions for long-term treatment are valid only
for the year in which they are submitted, and therefore must
be renewed by the child’s doctor at the beginning of each
school year.
Library
The Thomas F. Mellett Memorial Library is open from 7:40 A.M. to 2:20 P.M. on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday, it is open from 7:40 A.M.
to 3:10 P.M. The extended hours provide an opportunity for students to use the library
after school. During the school day, students are allowed to visit the library with a pass
during class, shop, homeroom and lunch. Food and drink are not allowed.
The library offers a comfortable learning environment, and is staffed by a certified
library teacher. The main area of the library has computers with Internet access, a
black/white printer and ample space for students to work on assignments. The
computer lab has 22 student computers, 3 printers, 1 teacher computer and a SMART
Board.
An extensive collection of print and electronic resources is available to the students.
The library’s webpage offers 24/7 access to a wide range of electronic reference
resources, including databases that provide credible multimedia selections and
scholarly research material. The school subscribes to over 50 periodicals in print, many
relating to vocational interests. Throughout the school year, fiction and non-fiction
books are added to the collection. Students may borrow a book for a period of two
weeks, and may renew a book if necessary. Students are not fined for overdue books;
but if a book is not returned, the student will be billed for the non-returned book.
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Student Activity Fee
For all high school students, a Student Activity Fee of $45.00 (Forty-five dollars) will be
due and payable on “Opening Day.” This charge will cover school insurance, Skills USA
membership and will allow students’ participation in school extracurricular activities,
etc. Additional vocational program fees may be charged.
Parking Fee
Each Junior or Senior student who drives a vehicle to Blue Hills will pay a parking fee of
$25. (Twenty-five dollars). Stickers must be purchased in the Main office. If a student
drives an alternative vehicle to school, they must notify the Main office when they
arrive in the morning. If a student drives an alternative vehicle for an extended period
of time, they must notify the Main office. The District reserves the right to revoke
parking privileges for infractions of the disciplinary code or otherwise.
Elevator Use
An elevator is available for use by physically disabled students only. Students who
become injured and are temporarily non-ambulatory, should get written permission
from the Main office. All other students require written permission to use the elevator.
Cafeteria ID Card
The cafeteria is now using a computerized point of sale debiting system, which requires
students to use a personalized Cafeteria Identification Number (Student ID Number.)
Students must enter their ID number each time they purchase an item from the hot
lunch line, à la carte line, salad bar or snack bar.
Parents/Guardians may deposit funds into their child’s account from home by utilizing
our Internet Pre Pay System (myschoolbucks). Blue Hills Regional Technical School
participates in the Federal School Lunch Program. Eligible students may participate in
the free or reduced cost meal program. Application forms are mailed home in August,
and are also available in the High School Main Office throughout the year.
School Insurance
School accident insurance is required for all students attending this school. The cost for
this insurance is included in “Student Activity” fees. This insurance is a secondary
insurance and covers only those expenses not covered by the student’s primary
insurance. All students participating in interscholastic sports activities are covered by
the school accident insurance policy. Insurance coverage on a twenty-four hour,
twelve-month basis is available at an additional expense. A partial payment of $25.00
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will be required of all Health Care students to help defray the cost of MALPRACTICE
INSURANCE.
VI.PROCEDURES & INFORMATION
Student Dress Code
School Policy
The responsibility for the dress and appearance of the students will rest with individual
students and parents/guardians. They have the right to determine how the student
will dress providing that attire is not destructive to school property, complies with
requirements for health and safety, and does not cause disorder or disruption. The
administration is authorized to take action in instances where individual dress does not
meet the stated requirements. This does not mean that student, faculty, or parent
groups may not recommend appropriate dress for school or special occasions. It
means that students will not be prevented from attending school or a school function,
or otherwise be discriminated against, so long as their dress and appearance meet the
requirements set forth above.
Dress and Appearance Code For Classes
● Excessive hair length must be regulated due to the safety and health education
requirements for programs. The individual program will dictate the extent of these
regulations.
● Appropriate footwear is required.
● It is expected that students will wear clean clothing and have a neat appearance
while in school.
● Students may wear shorts or skirts only during the academic week according to
the following guidelines: They must provide sufficient coverage to be allowed.
● Tank tops or short shirts/blouses which do not provide sufficient coverage will
not be allowed.
● The wearing of hoods (other than for religious reasons) is not permitted within
the school building.
● The possession or wearing of chains or other jewelry considered to be hazardous
will not be permitted in school, per the discretion of the administration.
● Any form of clothing (shirts, jackets, pants, blouses, etc.) which displays offensive
or inappropriate logos, symbols, or wording is prohibited.
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Personal Protection and Equipment Requirements
For students’ personal protection and in keeping with accepted standards of industry
and recognized safety regulations, students’ hairstyles and the wearing of jewelry in
vocational program settings may be prohibited by the vocational director, lead teacher
and/or the vocational instructors. Students who fail to comply with this requirement
for their personal protection and safety will only be able to take part in those
meaningful learning situations where their personal safety is not jeopardized, or at the
discretion of the instructor, may be prohibited from participation until the situation is
rectified.
Where the nature of the program requires, parents must provide stable boots and/or
steel toes for your personal protection. Such footwear should have a substantial sole,
and be approved. Flip-flops, clogs, sandals, or any other footwear considered to be
hazardous in light of the school’s occupational objectives will not be permitted in
vocational program areas.
Safety glasses will be provided to all freshmen students whose program requires their
use. If these glasses are lost, the cost of replacement is your responsibility. During such
periods where the student is without safety glasses, only meaningful learning situations
will be assigned that would not jeopardize their personal eye safety. The student will
not be allowed to participate in or near hands-on activities. You may also be subject to
disciplinary action if you fail to adhere to safety rules.
Vocational Program Uniform Requirements
All the vocational programs require uniforms or smocks. Your instructor will advise you
of the specific requirements. Students enrolled in these programs must wear the type
of uniform or smock designated for that particular program. Failure to wear approved
uniforms may result in removal from the vocational program pending administrative
approval. Your parent/guardian may be notified to either bring in a uniform or take you
home. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action. Leggings, Yoga Pants,
sweatpants, flip-flops, slippers and similar type clothing are prohibited unless
specifically allowed, in writing, by the lead teacher or vocational director.
Uniforms cannot be marked up, defaced, or worn with holes, tears or with dangerous
portions not secured such as shirttails or loose pieces of ripped clothing. Uniform shirts
or shirts with tails must be worn tucked inside pants.
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Wearing Of Jewelry
The rules regarding wearing of jewelry will differ from program to program, keeping in
mind the safety of the student. Programs with jewelry and body piercing restrictions
will give handouts to all students during the first and second week of school explaining
the rules as applied to their respective programs. These rules will be adhered to or
disciplinary action may be taken.
School Cancellations/Delayed Opening
If it becomes necessary to cancel or delay the opening of school, for storms or
emergencies, announcements will be made on radio stations WBZ-AM 1030, TV
Channel 4, Channel 7, and Channel 5, Fox 25, as well as the school Website
www.bluehills.org The school will also send out a Connect Ed when appropriate. A
school delay will postpone the start of the bus schedules and bell schedule. Do not call
your local police or fire department, as they will not have any information on Blue Hills
Regional School cancellations. Blue Hills Regional Technical School is listed separately
and is not included as part of any town school system announcement.
No Smoking
The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that smoking is harmful to
health. It is widely acknowledged to be the single most preventable cause of death and
disease in the United States. The Blue Hills Regional Vocational District School
Committee has established the policy that smoking is totally restricted for students in
ALL grades.
Smoking is prohibited at all times in the school building, on school grounds, on school
buses and on external job sites. Tobacco products of any kind are not allowed on school
property. If you are found smoking, in the presence of persons who are smoking, or in a
location where smoke is present in any of the above areas, you will be subject to
suspension. Possession of these products will also be a suspend-able offense.
Sections 6 and 7, Chapter 270 of the General Laws, prohibits the selling or distribution
of tobacco in any of its forms to any person under the age of eighteen, under the
penalty of fines up to a maximum of three hundred dollars.
Additional smoking offenses may result in punitive and/or remedial action. Smoking
cessation programs may be made available to all students who voluntarily wish to quit.
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School may use smoke detectors to determine if a
smoking offense has been committed.
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Visitors
All requests by you to bring visitors into the school for a day to explore a vocational
program will be generated through the office of Admissions through the Vocational
Director. No student visitors will be allowed in the school unless the request has had
prior approval. The only time that student visitors will be allowed to explore vocational
areas will be during the week that you are in the program.
Alumni or other student visitors may arrange to visit teachers or vocational programs
AFTER 2:30 PM to avoid disruptions to the learning environment.
For the protection of our students and staff, any visitor who wishes to enter the school
must present their Driver’s License to Security for identification. Persons who fail to
provide identification will not be permitted to enter the school.
Telephone
If an emergency arises, and you must make an outgoing call at any time, you should
obtain a pass to the NEAREST ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE. The call can be made from
that office on the school phone or the student’s cell phone, if the emergency is
legitimate. Talking to a parent/guardian on a cell phone outside the administrative
office during instructional time is a violation of the school’s discipline code and
appropriate consequences will be applied.
Incoming phone calls to students must be directed to the Main Office. Staff will contact
students for parents or other authorized callers.
Food And Drink
Personal water bottles are allowed to be brought into the building and used
throughout the day. All beverage containers must be deposited into trash receptacles
or appropriate recycle bin after use. Any misuse of beverage containers will be
considered a disciplinary offense. In classrooms and vocational programs, food and
drink will only be allowed at the discretion of the teacher and within established class
rules. In all cases where food and beverages are allowed to be consumed, standard
safety precautions (allergies, sanitation, etc.) must be followed.
Drugs And Alcohol
The use, distribution, sale and/or possession (including constructive possession) of
drugs, or alcohol by any student on the buses, school grounds, activities, or in the
building is prohibited at any time. Students violating this regulation will be subject to
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suspension, expulsion and/or police and court action and substance abuse
counseling/testing.
VII.RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a student, you are considered a citizen of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Community. Citizenship, as in any community, is something which confers fundamental
rights and equally important responsibilities upon each of its members.
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School District makes every effort to provide a safe
and secure educational environment in which the rights of all students are respected.
Parent Responsibility
● To review and initial homework, class notes and Agenda Notebook(s)
● To attend Parent-Teacher Nights
● To communicate with your child’s Guidance Counselor and Teachers
● To ensure that your child attends school and arrives on time
● To encourage your child to comply with all school rules and regulations
Student Responsibilities
As a member in the Blue Hills Regional Technical School, you have the responsibility to:
● treat all members of the school community, both students and staff, with respect
● help make the school a safe place for all
● ensure proper care and security of all personal and school property
● help keep the school a clean and pleasant place for everyone
● conduct yourself in a manner that will not interfere with learning or cause
embarrassment to others
● know and understand individual classroom and school wide discipline policies
and to avoid behaviors which would be deliberate violations of these behavioral
expectations
● personally benefit from the quality instruction in all areas of the school along
with your classmates
● pay all fees, charges and activity costs in a timely fashion
● engage yourself fully and productively in all learning activities
● Students should use PowerSchool, their school email, and teacher online
platforms such as Google Classroom to keep up with school work, communicate
professionally, and track their progress in school.
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If used properly, it will help them be better students. It will keep them organized and
successful. You will also be able to check your child’s progress on a daily basis.
Student Rights
As a member in the Blue Hills Regional Technical School, you have the right to:
● be treated with respect by all members of the school
● be personally safe and to expect that your personal property will be secure
● do your school work in clean and pleasant surroundings
● a full and appropriate education for the real world
● know all the programs, services, support systems, as well as rules and regulations
which govern this school community
● freedom of expression and opinion so long as you do not cause disruption or
disorder within the school and communicate in a respectful, appropriate manner
● “due process” in the fair application of individual classroom and school wide
discipline policies
● prepare yourself to become a skilled, creative, problem-solving, and adaptable
learner
A Student ID Policy has been instituted to promote school wide security and to provide
students with a photo ID for activities both in school and outside of school. STUDENTS
MUST FOLLOW THE ID POLICY AS DETERMINED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
VIII.SAFETY
Student Safety
Safety is vitally important. School safety includes fire evacuations, special emergencies,
and classroom, laboratory, and vocational program safety. The Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1971 mandates by public law that occupational and health standards be
known and followed by all students.
As part of the educational programs, the faculty of the Blue Hills Regional Technical
School will provide instruction in all phases of occupational safety as applied to school
programs, as well as instruction in the correct use of tools and personal safety
equipment. Safety exams are given to each student which must be passed with a grade
of 100% in order to use tools, equipment and machinery in the program. Any Safety
Tests given must be passed with 100% accuracy.
Fire Drills
During fire drills, all students must leave the building in an orderly, quiet, and
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expeditious manner. They are to follow the directions of the teacher and remain
outside, at a safe distance from the building, until the signal to re-enter is given. The
signal to return is three (3) rings of the school bell.
School Emergencies
When a medical emergency has occurred in the building, an announcement will be
made over the public address system of the emergency and that all students are to
remain in their assigned classroom or vocational program until further instructions are
given. Students in lavatories and halls are to return directly to their classroom or
vocational area. The teacher will refer to the safety/crisis flip chart.
When a disruptive incident has occurred in the school or on our grounds, an
announcement will be made describing the incident/situation based on real time
information. Faculty/staff and students are asked to respond based on the real-time
information given over the PA. The teacher will refer to the safety flip chart.
School Property
All books, tools, and equipment issued to you remain the property of the school. You
are required to return all school materials before leaving school. You are financially
responsible for the loss or damage to issued items.
Prior to graduation, all 12th grade students must return all school materials and satisfy
all financial obligations.
You are provided with lockers and desks. It is very important that you keep your locker
clean and locked at all times. An unlocked locker is an open invitation to theft and
vandalism. Only school issued locks are to be utilized. Lockers and desks are the
property of the School District and are available for your use on a temporary basis.
Lockers and desks may not be used to store illegal substances, dangerous weapons, or
for any other illegal purpose.
Students Must Use Lockers and Desks As Assigned
The school reserves the right to search lockers and desks, use metal detectors and drug
detecting dogs at any time throughout the school building and grounds without
warning.
The Blue Hills Regional Vocational School District, members of the School Committee,
Administrators, Teachers, or Employees are not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
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Search and Seizure
The following rules shall apply to the specific search of school property assigned to a
specific student and the seizure of any items which violate school policy or the law
found therein:
● The school reiterates that it retains the right to search lockers, desks, student
storage areas, bags, backpacks and persons, or use metal detectors and other
technology related to conducting searches.
● School authorities will have reasonable grounds to believe that possession of
such items constitutes a violation of law or the rules of the school.
● When possible, search of an area assigned to a specific student will be made in
the presence of a witness, and, when reasonably possible, in the presence of the
student.
● Illegal items (weapons, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages,
stolen property, etc.) or other items reasonably determined to be a threat to the
health, safety, or security of the student or of others will be seized by the school
authorities and/or the police. See the school discipline section.
● Breathalyzer tests may be administered to students at school-related events
based on the school’s need for such action.
Standard Precautions for School Setting
The operation plan dealing with the “universal precautions” that school staff are to
follow in order to reduce their risk of infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, as
well as other blood-borne organisms (such as Hepatitis B virus) is on file in the
Superintendent-Director’s Office.
Vandalism Process
High School Administration supplies to Building and Grounds, Academic Office &
Business Office:
● Incident, name and address of student, date of incident
Copy given to Academic Secretary, records student’s name and incident
Letter sent home to student’s parents, invoice to follow
Building and Grounds
Incident is repaired/replaced, cost of incident is sent to Business Office includes labor
and material, copy of invoices and account number to charge to (Vandalism revolving
account) given to Business Office, copy of Student Affairs form with student’s name
sent to Business Office.
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Business Office
Business Office will generate/send a letter to parent directing payment be submitted to
Business Office within 60 days. Once payment is received, the Business Office will
deposit it into the Vandalism revolving account. Notification will be sent by the
Business Office to Student Affairs, Academic Secretary and Building and Grounds when
final payment is received. This will complete the vandalism process. If payment is not
received from the parent within the 60 days, a follow-up letter will be sent by the
Business Office to the parent. The letter will state that we need the cost of the
vandalism to be paid in full within the next 30 days, or it will be turned over to a
collection agency.
IX.ATHLETICS
A full program of interscholastic sports is available to all students. Each student
involved in interscholastic sports is required to have a complete physical examination
arranged by the parent/guardian prior to the start of the sport.
In order to be eligible for interscholastic athletics, a student must successfully complete
100% of the vocational program classes. Students must pass the equivalent of six out of
nine credits of academic courses.
In addition, a student must secure, for the period from the beginning of the school year
up to the end of the regular ranking period next preceding the contest, a cumulative
passing average in at least fifteen periods of prepared work or its equivalent. Decisions
regarding eligibility are made in conformance with the MIAA regulations.
Athletic Code of Conduct
Student athletes are representatives of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School. This
privilege demands that athletes be held to the highest standards of conduct while they
are members of an athletic team.
I. General
Regulations
Legal Infractions
A. Any legal infraction or conduct by a student athlete that is
determined by the head coach and school administration to
be detrimental to the athletic program, school, or school
district, will result in counseling by the head coach and school
administrator with possible suspension. All athletes who are
recommended for team expulsion by the coaches will be given
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due process by the Athletic Director and the Principal.
Travel to contests
B. On athletic trips, all team members must travel to and from
contests in transportation provided by the school. The only
exceptions are:
1. Prior arrangement in writing between the participant’s
parent and the coach for student transportation.
2. Injury to a participant, which would require alternate
transportation.
Attendance Absences
C. Attendance at practices and games is mandatory. Absence
from scheduled practice may result in: suspension for one
contest following the second violation, suspension for the
remainder of the season following the third violation.
Suspensions
D. Any athlete suspended from school will not be allowed to
scrimmage or play in a game. If the suspension includes a
Friday or a Saturday, the student will not be allowed to
participate in any game or scrimmage on the weekend. If an
athlete receives an In-School Suspension, he/she must report
to practice and participate.
School
Attendance and
Participation
E. A student must be in school prior to 11:00 AM in order to
participate in an activity that day. Students absent from school
on a Friday may not participate on that day or on the
weekend. Exceptions may be granted only by the Principal,
Assistant Principal or Athletic Director.
Eligibility
F. Eligibility for participation in interscholastic athletics is set
by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association
(M.I.A.A.). The school administration reserves the right to set
stricter standards. Eligibility is determined at the end of each
marking period and is the responsibility of the head coach.
Eligibility information will be obtained from the Principal.
Student Conduct
Fighting
A. If any athlete strikes out against another player, coach, or
fan through physical violence, obscene language or gestures,
or unsportsmanlike conduct, said athlete may be suspended
or expelled from the team, depending upon the seriousness of
the act. Such acts during a game could result in a full year ban
from competition in that sport (see M.I.A.A. rules). Students
may also face further school disciplinary action.
Alcohol, drug,
tobacco, etc.
B. During the season of practice or play, a student shall not,
regardless of the quantity, use or consume, possess, buy/sell
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or give away any beverage containing alcohol, any tobacco
product, marijuana, steroids, or any controlled substance (see
M.I.A.A. rules). It is not a violation for a student to be in
possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for
the student’s own use by his/her doctor.
Penalties-minimum
First Violation
First Violation: According to M.I.A.A. rules, when the Principal
confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be
heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose
eligibility for the next 2 consecutive interscholastic events, or 2
weeks of a season in which the student is a participant,
whichever encompasses the greater number of contests. No
exception is permitted for a student who becomes a
participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that
the student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose
of rehabilitation.
Penalties-Second and
Subsequent
Violations
Second and Subsequent Violations: When the Principal
confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be
heard, that a second or subsequent violations have occurred
the student shall lose eligibility for the next 12 consecutive
interscholastic events or 12 consecutive weeks, whichever
encompasses the greater number of contests in which the
student is a participant.
If after the second or subsequent violations, the student of
his/her own volition becomes a participant in an approved
chemical dependency program or treatment program, the
student may be certified for reinstatement in M.I.A.A.
activities after a minimum period of 6 weeks. Such
certification must be issued by the director or counselor of a
chemical dependency treatment center. Penalties shall be
cumulative each academic year, but a penalty period will
extend into the next academic year, (e.g. if the penalty period
is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty
shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual
participation which may affect the eligibility status of the
student during the next academic year).
Detentions
C. If student athletes receiving detentions miss the assigned
detention, he/she will receive further consequences, which
may include not being able to participate.
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General conduct
D. Conduct, at all times, is expected to project the best
possible image of the school and ensure individual safety.
Vehicles used for
traveling to contests
E. Transportation vehicles and locker rooms are to be left in
clean and undamaged condition.
AWOL from contest
area
F. Leaving the immediate area of the contest is strictly
prohibited.
Dress Code for travel
to and from contests
G. Non-uniform dress to and from competition must meet the
standard of the classroom dress code.
Care for equipment,
etc.
H. Equipment, clothing, and facilities are to be cared for in a
way that will prevent damage or loss.
Sport Activities
The following is a list of all sport activities available, subject to appropriate funding:
Fall
Football Varsity Junior Varsity Freshman
Girls Soccer Varsity Junior Varsity
Boys Soccer Varsity Junior Varsity
Volleyball (Girls) Varsity Junior Varsity Freshmen
Golf (Co-ed) Varsity Junior Varsity
Winter
Boys Basketball Varsity Junior Varsity Freshman
Girls Basketball Varsity Junior Varsity Freshman
Ice Hockey Varsity Junior Varsity (When applicable)
Swimming (Co-ed) Varsity
Spring
Baseball Varsity Junior Varsity Freshman
Softball Varsity Junior Varsity Freshman
Track & Field Varsity
Lacrosse (Co-Ed) Varsity Junior Varsity (When Applicable)
Rugby Varsity Junior Varsity
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Student Activities and Clubs
Anime
Newspaper
Gay Straight Alliance
Non-Traditional by Gender
Green Team
Robotics
Math Club
Skills USA
Multicultural Club
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
National Honor Society
Student Council
Dungeons and Dragons
Yearbook
X.TRANSPORTATION
Bus Transportation
First Student Bus Company - 781-961-3824
Bus transportation to and from school is a privilege granted by the District School
Committee. This privilege carries with it the duty on the part of the student to refrain
from any conduct that may cause damage to the bus, harm to others, activity that may
distract the driver, or any other form of behavior that may cause an accident. Students
who wish to take a bus other than their own may do so only with the permission of the
driver or a member of the BHR administrative staff. Smoking on a school bus is
prohibited by State Law, and is a serious offense. A student found to be smoking on the
bus may lose the privilege to ride the bus.
Misconduct on the bus may result in the following actions:
● Disciplinary Action
● Warning and/or seat assignment
● Loss of bus riding privileges
● Suspension or exclusion
Any action of gross misconduct may necessitate an escalation of the indicated actions
and may include suspension or exclusion from school.
Private Transportation
Use of private transportation is a privilege allowed by administration based on grades,
attendance, discipline and other factors determined by the administrator.
Only Seniors and Juniors will be allowed to drive to school and park their vehicles in the
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student parking area based on the available spaces and with the following
requirements:
● The vehicle must have a school parking permit displayed (see parking fees).
● Students must enter and leave the parking area by the high school gates only.
Students must park only in assigned areas. Once on school property, the vehicle is to
be parked. Driving around on school property is prohibited.
● Maximum speed on school grounds is 10 MPH.
● Reckless or dangerous driving is prohibited.
● Speeding or reckless driving on Randolph Street in front of the school is
prohibited.
● Excessive tardiness (4 tardies per term) may result in loss of the parking privilege.
● Students must follow all motor vehicle laws, including the wearing of safety
belts.
● Under appropriate circumstances, the administration may search cars on school
property.
The following penalties have been established for violating the previous rules unless
there are extenuating circumstances which necessitate an escalation of the indicated
actions due to the severity of the violation and may be implemented by the Assistant
Principal:
Disciplinary Action
● Immediate removal of the vehicle from school property and a suspension of the
parking privilege for one week
● Suspension of the parking privilege for one month
● Suspension of the parking privilege for the remainder of the year.
No student shall go to the parking area during school hours without adult supervision
and permission from the Main Office. Students being transported to and from school
must exit and enter the vehicle at the designated area.
THE DISTRICT DOES NOT ASSUME LIABILITY FOR VEHICLES.
UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES MAY BE TOWED AND STORED AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE.
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT PERMISSION WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF
PARKING PRIVILEGES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR.
Field Trips and Athletic Transportation
In order to comply with the requirement for parents to give their approval for field trips
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and athletic transportation, the following language should be included when school
passenger vans are used: “I choose the authorized teacher (or coach) to drive the
school passenger van. I understand that this passenger van is not considered a ‘school
bus’ and is not required to meet the requirements of M.G.L. Chapter 90, Sections 7B or
7D, but is required to meet the same standards as an ordinary private passenger
vehicle.”
Cooperative Education Program - Student Requirements
The Co-op program provides students the opportunity to apply their technical training
and develop additional skills in a paid work environment while earning credit towards a
diploma.
Seniors may apply to the co-op program at any time during their senior year. To be
eligible for co-op in the senior year, students must have a combined average of 73% in
their academic subjects and a grade of 80% or better in their vocational program for
the previous term. Students MUST pass all subjects. Student’s attendance and behavior
will also be a factor when determining eligibility for the co-op program. Co-op
placement must be approved by the vocational teacher, Assistant Principal, Director of
Vocational Programs and the Co-op Coordinator.
Juniors may apply to the co-op program at the beginning of their third term of their
junior year. To be eligible for co-op in the junior year, students must have a combined
average of 73% in their academic subjects and a grade of 80% or better in their
vocational program for the previous term. Students MUST pass all subjects. Student’s
attendance and behavior will also be a factor when determining eligibility for the co-op
program. Co-op placement must be approved by the vocational teacher, Assistant
Principal, Director of Vocational Programs and the Co-op Coordinator.
While placed on co-op, students must continually maintain the same grade minimums
as stated above, as evidenced by the student’s progress reports and report cards.
Performance below the stated standards may be cause for being placed on probation*
and/ or removal from co-op.
Students may also be removed from co-op for issues relating to school discipline and/or
school attendance.
● The work experience must directly relate to the curriculum of vocational
program for which the student has been trained. The validity of a cooperative
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education placement may be denied by the Co-op Coordinator or the Director of
Vocational Programs if there is not a direct relationship to the student’s curriculum and
the competencies that correlate to the vocational program.
● Students must complete the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Course and return
all forms required by the school before he/she will be allowed to begin the co-op
program.
● Students are only allowed to go on co-op during their technical training week.
● Students who have accepted and committed to a cooperative education job will
not leave or change a job without first meeting with the Co-op Coordinator.
● The Co-op Coordinator must be notified immediately if there are any job related
issues. If a job related issue cannot be resolved, the agreement will be terminated by
the administrator in charge of the cooperative education program. Changes will not be
made by the student.
● Students must have their weekly time sheets faxed to the Co-op Coordinator at
781-828-3872 at the end of the day on Friday of their co-op week or the Monday
immediately upon returning to school during the academic week. Failure to turn in the
time sheet by 9:00 AM on Monday will result in the loss of cooperative education
privileges for the next technical training week. Students are required to provide pay
stubs with each timesheet.
● It will be the responsibility of the student to notify the employer that he/she will
not be able to participate in the program because of the failure to submit the time
sheet.
● If the student is absent for any reason, he/she must notify the employer and
Co-op Coordinator at 781-828-5800 ext. 2272 before 8:00 AM. Sick days must be
indicated on the time sheet.
● If the cooperative education employer does not need the co-op student during a
typical co-op week, the student must report to school that week and notify the Co-op
Coordinator and Attendance Officer that he/she is present in school.
● The student is required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week. If there is any
change in the schedule, the student must notify the Co-op Coordinator.
● The student is required to provide a resume before starting their co-op
assignment.
*Probation is a period of time (determined by the co-op coordinator) the student has
to bring up a grade to meet the stated minimums.
Job Placement
The placement staff can assist you to find appropriate employment on a part or
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full-time basis through its contacts with employers in the Massachusetts region. You
are encouraged to take advantage of the current job listings in the Career Development
Center. These services are also available to Blue Hills graduates.
XI.FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS
Nondiscrimination
According to G.L. c. 76, § 5, no person shall be excluded from or discriminated against
in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges
and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, gender
identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. Additionally, pursuant to Federal
and state law, no person shall be discriminated against on account of disability, or
homelessness.
The District does not discriminate against any group officially affiliated with the Boy
Scouts of America, or any other youth group listed in Title 36 of the United States Code
as a patriotic society, and rather provides equal access and fair opportunity to any
group under this classification.
The District will reasonably accommodate and modify the policies in this Handbook for
individuals with disabilities when necessary to ensure that individuals with disabilities
have an equal opportunity to access and participate in the programs of the District and
to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public
education. If a student or other individual requires a reasonable accommodation or
modification to a policy or procedure, please contact the Special Services Office. This
policy extends to students, staff, the general public, and individuals with whom the
school does business.
It will be a violation of this policy for any student, district employee or third party based
on a student’s, employee’s or third party’s actual or perceived race, color, creed,
ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex/gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or homelessness, to: (1) harass a student, district employee or third party
through conduct or communication (e.g., physical, verbal, graphic or written); or to (2)
inflict, threaten to inflict or attempt to inflict violence; or to (3) discriminate against or
treat differently a student, District employee or third party.
This policy applies to all the academic and nonacademic (for example, athletic and
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extracurricular) programs of the District and will be enforced before, during, or after
school hours on all school property, including the school bus, school functions, and/or
events held at other locations. The policy also applies to any off-campus conduct that
causes or threatens to cause a substantial and material disruption at school, or
interferes with the rights of students, employees or third parties to be free from a
hostile school or workplace environment, taking into consideration the totality of the
circumstances on and off campus.
Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973
Federal Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in educational programs
or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. In accord with the requirements of
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Blue Hills Regional Vocational School
District hereby makes notice that it does not discriminate in any educational program
or activities or in employment therein. The Guidance office has been designated as the
office responsible for coordinating the Blue Hills Regional Vocational School District’s
efforts to implement this nondiscriminatory policy. Any inquiries concerning the
application of Section 504 to the practices and policies of the Blue Hills Regional
Vocational School District may be addressed to the Guidance Office or Section 504
Coordinator. For questions or concerns related to Section 504, individuals may also
contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Boston Office, 5 Post
Office Square, Boston, MA 02109, Telephone Number: (617) 289-0111.
Harassment/Discrimination/Bullying Complaint Procedure
Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile environment.
Harassing conduct may take many forms, including but not limited to verbal acts and
name-calling, as well as nonverbal behavior that is physically threatening, harmful, or
humiliating. Conduct is unwelcome if the student or employee did not request or invite
it and considered the conduct to be undesirable or offensive.
Staff or student complaints of discrimination or harassment based upon sex, race,
color, religion, national origin, gender identity, and sexual orientation should be made
to Student Affairs, Equity Coordinator. Complaints of discrimination or harassment
based upon disability should be made to the Principal. Complaints relevant to Title IX
and sexual harassment should be made to the Title IX Coordinator. Title IX procedures
are outlined in another section of the Parent-Student Handbook.
Bullying 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 victim
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that: (a) causes physical or emotional harm to the victim or damage to the victim’s
property; (b) places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to himself or of damage to
his property; (c) creates a hostile environment at school for the victim; (d) infringes on
the rights of the victim at school; or (e) materially and substantially disrupts the
education process or the orderly operation of a school. For the purposes of this policy
and related procedures, bullying shall include cyber-bullying. Complaints of bullying
should be made to the Assistant Principal and/or the Principal.
This procedure outlined below applies to complaints pursuant to state and federal laws,
including to complaints under Title VI, G.L. c. 76, § 5. G.L. c. 151B, § 504 and the
Americans with Disabilities Act; as well as G.L. c. 71, § 370 and c. 71B, § 3.
When a complaint of discrimination, bullying or harassment is made, the following
investigative and appeal procedures will be followed:
1. Complaints may be made verbally or in writing. Anonymous complaints will be
permitted for claims of bullying. Complaints should be made promptly, within a short
time after the occurrence giving rise to the complaint, to assure a prompt investigation
and fair resolution. All complaints will be thoroughly investigated. Both the
complainant and the subject of the complaint will be interviewed and given a full
opportunity to state their case. Witnesses, if any, will also be interviewed. A record will
be kept of each investigation.
2. The complaints will be investigated within a reasonable time, usually not to
exceed ten (10) school days after the complaint has been received. Both the
complainant and the subject of the complaint, and their parents, will be informed of
the result of the investigation in writing. If the complaint is substantiated, the
investigator will refer the matter to the proper supervisor or administrator for
appropriate disciplinary action. For students, discipline may include a warning or
reprimand, in school or out-of-school suspension, expulsion from school or other
consequences. Discipline of school staff will be consistent with collective bargaining
procedures and may include reprimand, suspension from employment, or discharge.
3. The parties have the right to appeal the decision of the decision maker to the
Superintendent in writing within ten (10) calendar days after the decision is formally
made. The Superintendent of Schools will offer the other party an opportunity to
respond in writing and then will send the parties a decision within thirty (30) calendar
days.
Discrimination/Harassment/Bullying - Administrative Investigation Procedure
The following checklist presents a series of actions for initiation and completion of
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harassment, bullying discrimination complaint investigation. Please note that the steps
outlined below will be completed according to the timelines set forth in the School’s
Policy on Complaint Investigation and Grievance Procedure.
Step 1 - Initiation of investigation
When approached by a student or employee with information that harassment or
discrimination may be taking place in the school environment, the responsible
complaint officer will initiate an investigation.
1. The investigation will commence as soon as possible after the complaint has
been brought to the attention of the complaint officer. Usually, the investigation
should commence within one school day of such complaint.
2. The complaint officer must be objective and fair in both fact and appearance in
all matters related to the investigation. If the matter involves a student, the complaint
officer will be the Assistant Principal.
3. In the event a complaint involves an employee, the complaint officer will be a
person of sufficient authority to fully investigate and resolve the matter (i.e. principal).
Step 2 - Conducting interviews/investigation
The complaint officer will demonstrate sensitivity and reaffirm that harassment,
bullying or discrimination violates the school policy, that it will not be tolerated and
that no retaliation will occur because of the complaint.
1. The complaint officer will learn all the facts and circumstances relating to the
alleged discrimination or hostile environment (e.g. the frequency of harassing conduct;
or bullying; severity of conduct; whether the conduct is physically threatening to the
complainant, humiliating, or a mere offensive utterance; or whether it unreasonably
interferes with the functioning of the complainant in the school environment) or
bullying.
2. The complaint officer will identify the specific dates and location of relevant
events; identify witnesses or other possible victims of the alleged harassment, bullying
or discriminatory conduct.
3. The complaint officer will request copies of any documentary evidence that may
exist (e.g. diaries, discipline or conduct notes, reprimands, calendars, personal notes,
etc.).
4. The complaint officer will ask the complainant whether he/she perceived his/her
school or work environment to be hostile or abusive at the time of each instance of
alleged harassment, bullying or discrimination occurred.
5. The complaint officer will request complainant to write out the complaint in
detail during the interview or shortly thereafter and sign the statement; and/or The
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complaint officer will prepare a statement of complainant’s complaint based upon the
interview and request him or her sign it.
(Where the alleged perpetrator is an employee represented by a Union, the complaint
officer will advise the employee of his/her right to have union representation at any
meeting held to investigate the complaint.)
6. The complaint officer will take notes of all witness interviews, including the
interview with the alleged.
7. The complaint officer will remain objective during the investigative process and
will not automatically take the complainant’s accounting of events as the truth of the
matter. The complaint officer will assure that both sides have equal opportunity to
present their version of the facts and will weigh the credibility of their positions
thereafter.
● During the investigation process, all communications and files will be kept
confidential and secure. Findings will be shared only with others on a “need to
know” basis.
● The complaint officer will determine the merits of the complaint based on
factors such as corroborating evidence, the timing of the complaint after the
alleged harassment/bullying/discrimination action, any documentary evidence
and the credibility of the parties and any witnesses interviewed.
● The complaint officer will reduce his/her final determination to writing,
including a statement summarizing the allegations, all steps taken as part of the
investigation, summaries of all witness statements and evidence considered and
conclusions reached.
The complaint officer shall forward his/her final determination report to the
Superintendent for further action.
Step 3 - If the complaint is substantiated
The matter should be referred to the Superintendent for further action consistent with
the guidelines set forth below.
If an employee is charged party:
1. Take prompt and effective action reasonably calculated to end the problem.
2. Take appropriate disciplinary action against the employee, taking into
consideration doctrines of progressive discipline and any and all just cause and/or due
process protections to which the employee is entitled by statute, collective bargaining
or other agreement. At this point, it is strongly advised that the District’s counsel be
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consulted to ensure that any disciplinary action complies with applicable statutory and
collective bargaining provisions.
3. Where an employee is represented by a union, provide the right to union
representation at each and every meeting which might reasonably lead to disciplinary
action. This includes any meetings conducted as part of the initial investigation.
4. Accompany all discipline, short of termination, with a written warning that the
Employer does not condone conduct of a discriminatory or harassing nature and any
repetition of such conduct will result in further disciplinary action up to and including
termination.
5. Closely monitor employee’s conduct after initial incident.
On an annual basis, redistribute to all employees the Blue Hills Regional Vocational
School District Sexual Harassment Policy and Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan.
If a student is the charged party:
1. Take prompt and effective action reasonably calculated to end the harassment or
bullying.
2. Notify law enforcement as necessary or appropriate.
3. Take appropriate disciplinary action against the student, taking into
consideration any and all due process protections afforded by statute and/or school
policy. Comply with all Special Education regulations and procedures which may be
implicated by such discipline. Where appropriate, take steps to minimize student’s
contact with complainant.
4. Closely monitor student’s conduct after initial incident.
On an annual basis, redistribute to all students the Blue Hills Regional Vocational School
District Sexual Harassment Policy and Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan.
Nothing in this policy is designed or intended to limit the BHR’s authority to discipline
or take remedial action under G.L. Chapter 71, §37H or other statutes or regulations,
or in response to violent, harmful, or disruptive behavior, regardless of whether this
policy covers the conduct. Reports of cyberbullying by electronic or other means,
occurring in or out of school will be reviewed and, when a nexus to work or school
exists, will prompt disciplinary action.
BHR will follow guidelines issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education related to bullying. Other specific actions regarding students and/or staff
may be necessary under G.L. c. 71, § 370; and G.L. c. 71B § 3.
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Nothing in this policy or procedure shall be deemed to affect a complainant’s right to
other remedies at law, including the administrative appeal or lawsuit.
Sexual Harassment and Title IX
(pending District School Committee final approval of Sexual Harassment and Title IX
policy, September 2024)
The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in
any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in
admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S.
Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. The District’s Title IX
Coordinator is Jill Brilhante, Business Manager, 800 Randolph St., Canton, MA,
781-828-5800, jbrilhant[email protected]. The District’s Title IX Coordinator may
delegate specific duties to one or more designees as the Title IX Coordinator finds
appropriate.
To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a
complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to the procedures below.
Definitions
Discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of sex
stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation,
and gender identity.
Under state law, sexual harassment is sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and
other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment under
Massachusetts law when:
● Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of an individual's advancement (quid pro quo harassment);
● Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis
for employment decisions;
● Such conduct interferes with an individual's job duties; or
● The conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.
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Under Federal law, sex-based harassment is a form of sex discrimination and means
sexual harassment and other harassment on the basis of sex, including on the basis of
sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation,
and gender identity, that is:
● Quid pro quo harassment. An employee, agent, or other person authorized by
the District to provide an aid, benefit, or service under the District’s education
program or activity explicitly or impliedly conditioning the provision of such an
aid, benefit, or service on a person’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
● Hostile environment harassment. Unwelcome sex-based conduct that, based on
the totality of the circumstances, is subjectively and objectively offensive and is
so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or
benefit from the District’s education program or activity (i.e., creates a hostile
environment). Whether a hostile environment has been created is a fact-specific
inquiry that includes consideration of the following:
o The degree to which the conduct affected the complainant’s ability to
access the District’s education program or activity;
o The type, frequency, and duration of the conduct;
o The parties’ ages, roles within the District’s education program or activity,
previous interactions, and other factors about each party that may be
relevant to evaluating the effects of the conduct;
o The location of the conduct and the context in which the conduct
occurred; and
o Other sex-based harassment in the District’s education program or activity.
● Specific offenses.
o Sexual assault meaning an offense classified as a forcible or nonforcible
sex offense under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation;
o Dating violence meaning violence committed by a person:
▪ Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate
nature with the victim; and
▪ Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined
based on a consideration of the following factors:
● The length of the relationship;
● The type of relationship; and
● The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in
the relationship;
o Domestic violence meaning felony or misdemeanor crimes committed by
a person who:
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▪ Is a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim under
the family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction of the
District, or a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim;
▪ Is cohabitating, or has cohabitated, with the victim as a spouse or
intimate partner;
▪ Shares a child in common with the victim; or
▪ Commits acts against a youth or adult victim who is protected from
those acts under the family or domestic violence laws of the
jurisdiction; or
● Stalking meaning engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person
that would cause a reasonable person to:
o Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
o Suffer substantial emotional distress
The following additional definitions apply:
“Complainant” means:
● A student or employee who is alleged to have been subjected to conduct that
could
constitute sex discrimination under Title IX or its regulations; or
● A person other than a student or employee who is alleged to have been
subjected to
conduct that could constitute sex discrimination under Title IX or its regulations
and who
was participating or attempting to participate in the District’s education program
or activity at the time of the alleged sex discrimination.
“Complaint” means an oral or written request to the District that objectively can be
understood as a request for the District to investigate and make a determination about
alleged discrimination under Title IX or its regulations. The Title IX Coordinator will file
this complaint if the Title IX Coordinator determines that the conduct as alleged
presents an imminent and serious threat to the health or safety of the complainant or
other person, or that the conduct as alleged prevents the District from ensuring equal
access on the basis of sex to its education program or activity. The following factors go
into the decision by the Title IX Coordinator:
● The complainant’s request not to proceed with initiation of a complaint;
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● The complainant’s reasonable safety concerns regarding initiation of a complaint;
● The risk that additional acts of sex discrimination would occur if a complaint is
not initiated;
● The severity of the alleged sex discrimination, including whether the
discrimination, if established, would require the removal of a respondent from
campus or imposition of another disciplinary sanction to end the discrimination
and prevent its recurrence;
● The age and relationship of the parties, including whether the respondent is an
employee of the District;
● The scope of the alleged sex discrimination, including information suggesting a
pattern, ongoing sex discrimination, or sex discrimination alleged to have
impacted multiple individuals;
● The availability of evidence to assist a decisionmaker in determining whether sex
discrimination occurred; and
● Whether the District could end the alleged sex discrimination and prevent its
recurrence without initiating its grievance procedures.
“Disciplinary sanctions” means consequences imposed on a respondent following a
determination under Title IX that the respondent violated the District’s prohibition on
sex discrimination.
“Relevant” means related to the allegations of sex discrimination under investigation as
part of these grievance procedures. Questions are relevant when they seek evidence
that may aid in showing whether the alleged sex discrimination occurred, and evidence
is relevant when it may aid a decisionmaker in determining whether the alleged sex
discrimination occurred.
“Remedies” means measures provided, as appropriate, to a complainant or any other
person the District identifies as having had their equal access to the District’s education
program or activity limited or denied by sex discrimination. These measures are
provided to restore or preserve that person’s access to the District’s education program
or activity after a District determines that sex discrimination occurred.
“Respondent” means a person who is alleged to have violated the District’s prohibition
on sex discrimination.
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“Retaliation” means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any
person by the District, a student, or an employee or other person authorized by the
District to provide aid, benefit, or service under the District’s education program or
activity, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or
its regulations, or because the person has reported information, made a complaint,
testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an
investigation, proceeding, or hearing under the Title IX regulations.
“Respondent” means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of
conduct that could constitute sexual harassment.
“Supportive measures” means individualized measures offered as appropriate, as
reasonably available, without unreasonably burdening a complainant or respondent,
not for punitive or disciplinary reasons, and without fee or charge to the complainant
or respondent to:
● Restore or preserve that party’s access to the District’s education program or
activity, including measures that are designed to protect the safety of the parties
or the District’s educational environment; or
● Provide support during the District’s grievance procedures or during an informal
resolution process.
“Parental status” means the status of a person who, with respect to another person
who is under the age of 18 or who is 18 or older but is incapable of self-care because of
a physical or mental disability, is:
● A biological parent;
● An adoptive parent;
● A foster parent;
● A stepparent;
● A legal custodian or guardian;
● In loco parentis with respect to such a person; or
● Actively seeking legal custody, guardianship, visitation, or adoption of such a
person
“Pregnancy or related conditions” means:
● Pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation;
● Medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or
lactation; or
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● Recovery from pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, or
related medical conditions.
Complaints and Reports of Sexual Harassment
The following people have a right to make a complaint of sex discrimination, including
complaints of sex-based harassment, requesting that the District investigate and make
a determination about alleged discrimination under Title IX:
A “complainant,” which includes:
● a student or employee of the District who is alleged to have been subjected to
conduct that could constitute sex discrimination under Title IX; or
● a person other than a student or employee of the District who is alleged to have
been subjected to conduct that could constitute sex discrimination under Title IX
at a time when that individual was participating or attempting to participate in
the District’s education program or activity;
● A parent, guardian, or other authorized legal representative with the legal right
to act on behalf of a complainant; or
● the District’s Title IX Coordinator
Note that a person is entitled to make a complaint of sex-based harassment only if they
themselves are alleged to have been subjected to the sex-based harassment, if they
have a legal right to act on behalf of such person, or if the Title IX Coordinator initiates
a complaint consistent with the requirements of 34 C.F.R. § 106.44(f)(1)(v).
With respect to complaints of sex discrimination other than sex-based harassment, in
addition to the people listed above, the following persons have a right to make a
complaint:
● Any student or employee of the District; or
● Any person other than a student or employee who was participating or
attempting to participate in the District’s education program or activity at the
time of the alleged sex discrimination.
The District may consolidate complaints of sex discrimination against more than one
respondent, or by more than one complainant against one or more respondents, or by
one party against another party, when the allegations of sex discrimination arise out of
the same facts or
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circumstances. The District cannot consolidate if it would violate FERPA. Consolidation
would not violate FERPA when a District obtains prior written consent from the parents
or eligible students to the disclosure of their education records.
The District will address a sex- based hostile environment allegation under its education
program or activity, even when some conduct alleged to be contributing to the hostile
environment occurred outside the District’s education program or activity or outside
the United States.
Obligation to Report
All employees who are not confidential employees must notify the building principal or
the Title IX Coordinator when the employee has information about conduct that
reasonably may constitute sex discrimination under Title IX.
Informal Resolution
In lieu of resolving a complaint through the District’s Title IX grievance procedures, the
parties may instead elect to participate in an informal resolution process. the District
does not offer informal resolution to resolve a complaint that includes allegations that
an employee engaged in sex-based harassment of an elementary school or secondary
school student, or when such a process would conflict with Federal, State, or local law.
Facilitators of informal resolution will be designated by the Title IX Coordinator and
must not be biased against any of the parties. Prior to beginning informal resolution,
the Title IX Coordinator will send notice to the parties of the process and their rights.
Informal resolution is entirely voluntary. Parties may elect to pursue formal procedures
at any step in the process of making their complaint, including prior to filing one.
If the complainant and the respondent feel that their grievances have been sufficiently
addressed via informal resolution, then no further action needs to be taken. This
voluntary conversation must occur within thirty (30) school days after receiving the
allegations, unless both parties agree otherwise. The results of an informal resolution
shall be maintained by the facilitator, in writing.
Supportive Measures
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Upon receiving actual notice of alleged sexual harassment without a formal complaint,
staff members must notify the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator must then
contact the complainant within five school days of receiving the complaint and do the
following:
● Discuss and offer supportive measures;
● Consider the complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive measures;
● Explain that supportive measures may be received with or without filing a
complaint;
● Determine whether the complainant wishes to file a complaint; and
● Explain to the complainant the purpose of filing a complaint.
The Title IX Coordinator must document in writing the supportive measures
offered/provided or why no supportive measures were offered/provided.
A respondent will be offered supportive measures if the District has initiated a Title IX
complaint or if the District has offered informal resolution. If the Title IX Coordinator is
initiating the complaint, the Title IX Coordinator will notify the complainant prior to
doing so and appropriately address reasonable concerns about the complainant’s
safety or the safety of others, including by providing supportive measures.
Supportive measures may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other
course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort
services, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, changes in work or
housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas
of the campus, and other similar measures. The district must maintain as confidential
any supportive measures provided to the complainant or respondent, to the extent
that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the District to
provide the supportive measures.
If the complainant or respondent is a student with a disability, the Title IX Coordinator
will consult with one or more members, as appropriate, of the student’s IEP or 504
Team to determine how to comply with the requirements of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq., and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794, in the implementation of supportive measures.
Grievance Process Overview
During the grievance process, the District will treat complainants and respondents
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equally.
The District requires that any Title IX Coordinator, investigator, or decisionmaker not
have a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally
or an individual complainant or respondent. A decisionmaker may be the same person
as the Title IX Coordinator or investigator.
The District presumes that the respondent is not responsible for the alleged sex
discrimination until a determination is made at the conclusion of its grievance
procedures.
The District has established the following timeframes for the major stages of the
grievance procedures:
● Within five business days, the District will decide whether to dismiss or
investigate a complaint.
● Within sixty business days, the District will investigate and decide on the
complaint.
● The parties will have ten calendar days to appeal a decision from the
decision-maker or of a decision to dismiss the complaint. The District will decide
an appeal within thirty calendar days of receipt.
The District will provide all parties with a reasonable extension of timeframes on a
case-by-case basis for good cause with notice to the parties that includes the reason for
the delay. If a party is seeking an extension, they should request an extension from the
Title IX Coordinator in writing, explaining the reasons for the requested extension. The
Title IX Coordinator will rule on the extension in writing to all parties. If the District
requires an extension for good cause, it will notify all the parties of the reasons.
The District will take reasonable steps to protect the privacy of the parties and
witnesses during its grievance procedures. These steps will not restrict the ability of the
parties to obtain and present evidence, including by speaking to witnesses; consult
with their family members, confidential resources, or advisors; or otherwise prepare
for or participate in the grievance procedures. The parties cannot engage in retaliation,
including against witnesses.
The District will objectively evaluate all evidence that is relevant and not otherwise
impermissible—including both inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. Credibility
determinations will not be based on a person’s status as a complainant, respondent, or
witness.
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The following types of evidence, and questions seeking that evidence, are
impermissible (i.e., will not be accessed or considered, except by the District to
determine whether one of the exceptions listed below applies; will not be disclosed;
and will not otherwise be used), regardless of whether they are relevant:
● Evidence that is protected under a privilege recognized by Federal or State law or
evidence provided to a confidential employee, unless the person to whom the
privilege or confidentiality is owed has voluntarily waived the privilege or
confidentiality;
● A party’s or witness’s records that are made or maintained by a physician,
psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional in connection
with the provision of treatment to the party or witness, unless the District
obtains that party’s or witness’s voluntary, written consent for use in its
grievance procedures; and
● Evidence that relates to the complainant’s sexual interests or prior sexual
conduct, unless evidence about the complainant’s prior sexual conduct is offered
to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the alleged
conduct or is evidence about specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual
conduct with the respondent that is offered to prove consent to the alleged
sex-based harassment. The fact of prior consensual sexual
conduct between the complainant and respondent does not by itself
demonstrate or imply the complainant’s consent to the alleged sex-based
harassment or preclude determination that sex-based harassment occurred.
Notice of Allegations:
Upon initiation of the District’s Title IX grievance procedures, the District will notify the
parties of the following:
● the District’s Title IX grievance procedures and any informal resolution process;
● Sufficient information available at the time to allow the parties to respond to the
allegations, including the identities of the parties involved in the incident(s), the
conduct alleged to constitute sex discrimination, and the date(s) and location(s)
of the alleged incident(s);
● Retaliation is prohibited; and
● The parties are entitled to an equal opportunity to access the relevant and not
otherwise impermissible evidence.
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If, in the course of an investigation, the District decides to investigate additional
allegations of sex discrimination by the respondent toward the complainant that are
not included in the notice provided or that are included in a complaint that is
consolidated, the District will notify the parties of the additional allegations.
Dismissal of a Complaint:
The District may dismiss a complaint of sex discrimination if:
● the District is unable to identify the respondent after taking reasonable steps to
do so;
● The respondent is not participating in the District’s education program or activity
and is not employed by the District;
● The complainant voluntarily withdraws any or all of the allegations in the
complaint, the Title IX Coordinator declines to initiate a complaint, and the
District determines that, without the complainant’s withdrawn allegations, the
conduct that remains alleged in the complaint, if any, would not constitute sex
discrimination under Title IX even if proven; or
● the District determines the conduct alleged in the complaint, even if proven,
would not constitute sex discrimination under Title IX. Before dismissing the
complaint, the District will make reasonable efforts to clarify the allegations with
the complainant.
Upon dismissal, the District will promptly notify the complainant of the basis for the
dismissal. If the dismissal occurs after the respondent has been notified of the
allegations, then the District will also notify the respondent of the dismissal and the
basis for the dismissal promptly following notification to the complainant, or
simultaneously if notification is in writing.
The District will notify the complainant that a dismissal may be appealed and will
provide the complainant with an opportunity to appeal the dismissal of a complaint. If
the dismissal occurs after the respondent has been notified of the allegations, then the
District will also notify the respondent that the dismissal may be appealed. Dismissals
may be appealed on the following bases:
● Procedural irregularity that would change the outcome;
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● New evidence that would change the outcome and that was not reasonably
available when the dismissal was made; and
● The Title IX Coordinator, investigator, or decisionmaker had a conflict of interest
or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual
complainant or respondent that would change the outcome.
If the dismissal is appealed, the District will:
● Notify the parties of any appeal, including notice of the allegations, if notice was
not previously provided to the respondent;
● Implement appeal procedures equally for the parties;
● Ensure that the decisionmaker for the appeal did not take part in an investigation
of the allegations or dismissal of the complaint;
● Ensure that the decisionmaker for the appeal has been trained consistent with
the Title IX regulations;
● Provide the parties a reasonable and equal opportunity to make a statement in
support of, or challenging, the outcome; and
● Notify the parties of the result of the appeal and the rationale for the result.
When a complaint is dismissed, the District will, at a minimum:
● Offer supportive measures to the complainant as appropriate;
● If the respondent has been notified of the allegations, offer supportive measures
to the respondent as appropriate; and
● Take other prompt and effective steps, as appropriate, through the Title IX
Coordinator to ensure that sex discrimination does not continue or recur within
the District’s education program or activity.
Investigation:
The District will provide for adequate, reliable, and impartial investigation of
complaints.
The District uses a single investigator/decision-maker.
The District will provide an equal opportunity for the parties to present fact witnesses
and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence that are relevant and not otherwise
impermissible.
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The District will review all evidence gathered through the investigation and determine
what evidence is relevant and what evidence is impermissible regardless of relevance.
The District will provide each party with an equal opportunity to access the evidence
that is relevant to the allegations of sex discrimination and not otherwise
impermissible, in the following manner:
● the District will provide an equal opportunity to access either the relevant and
not otherwise impermissible evidence;
● the District will provide a reasonable opportunity to respond to the evidence;
and
● the District will take reasonable steps to prevent and address the parties’
unauthorized disclosure of information and evidence obtained solely through the
grievance procedures. Disclosures of such information and evidence for purposes
of administrative proceedings or litigation related to the complaint of sex
discrimination are authorized.
Questioning the Parties and Witnesses:
The District will require the decisionmaker to question parties and witnesses to
adequately assess a party’s or witness’s credibility to the extent credibility is both in
dispute and relevant to evaluating one or more allegations of sex discrimination. The
decisionmaker will question witnesses and parties directly to make this determination.
Determination Whether Sex Discrimination Occurred:
Following an investigation and evaluation of all relevant and not otherwise
impermissible evidence, the District will:
Use the preponderance of the evidence standard of proof to determine whether sex
discrimination occurred. The standard of proof requires the decisionmaker to evaluate
relevant and not otherwise impermissible evidence for its persuasiveness. If the
decisionmaker is not persuaded under the applicable standard by the evidence that sex
discrimination occurred, whatever the quantity of the evidence is, the decisionmaker
will not determine that sex discrimination occurred.
The decisionmaker will:
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● Notify the parties in writing of the determination whether sex discrimination
occurred under Title IX including the rationale for such determination, and the
procedures and permissible bases for the complainant and respondent to
appeal, if applicable;
● Not impose discipline on a respondent for sex discrimination prohibited by Title
IX unless there is a determination at the conclusion of the grievance procedures
that the respondent engaged in prohibited sex discrimination.
● If there is a determination that sex discrimination occurred, the Title IX
Coordinator will, as appropriate:
o Coordinate the provision and implementation of remedies to a
complainant and other people the District identifies as having had equal
access to the District’s education program or activity limited or denied by
sex discrimination;
o Coordinate the imposition of any disciplinary sanctions on a respondent,
including notification to the complainant of any such disciplinary
sanctions; and
o Take other appropriate prompt and effective steps to ensure that sex
discrimination does not continue or recur within the District’s education
program or activity.
o Comply with the grievance procedures before the imposition of any
disciplinary sanctions against a respondent; and
o Not discipline a party, witness, or others participating in the grievance
procedures for making a false statement or for engaging in consensual
sexual conduct based solely on the determination whether sex
discrimination occurred.
Following a determination that sex-based harassment occurred, the District may
impose disciplinary sanctions, which may include revocation of privileges, detentions,
suspensions or expulsions. the District may also provide remedies, which may include
supportive measures, counseling, stay away orders, class switches or any additional
measures that are appropriate.
After the grievance process, the District may as appropriate, modify or terminate
supportive measures. If the District does so, it will provide the parties to timely seek
from an appropriate and impartial employee, modification or reversal of the District’s
decision to provide, deny, modify, or terminate supportive measures applicable to
them. The impartial employee will be someone other than the employee who made
the challenged decision and must have authority to modify or reverse the decision, if
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the impartial employee determines that the decision to provide, deny, modify, or
terminate the supportive measure was inconsistent with the definition of supportive
measures. The District will also provide a party with the opportunity to seek additional
modification or termination of a supportive measure applicable
to them if circumstances change materially.
Appeal
The District offers the following process for appeals from a determination whether sex
discrimination occurred:
● The parties have the right to appeal the decision of the decisionmaker to the
Superintendent in writing within ten (10) calendar days after the decision is
formally made. The Superintendent of Schools will offer the other party an
opportunity to respond in writing and then will send the parties a decision within
thirty (30) calendar days.
Training
All employees will be trained annually and upon hire on:
● the District’s obligation to address sex discrimination in its education program or
activity;
● The scope of conduct that constitutes sex discrimination, including the definition
of sex-based harassment; and
● All applicable notice and information requirements.
All investigators, facilitators of informal resolution, decisionmakers and other persons
responsible for supportive measures/Title IX process will have additional training on:
● The District’s grievance procedures;
● How to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue,
conflicts of interest, and bias;
● The meaning and application of the term “relevant” in relation to questions and
evidence, and the types of evidence that are impermissible regardless of
relevance; and
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● rules and practices associated with the district’s informal resolution process and
on how to serve impartially, including by avoiding conflicts of interest and bias.
In addition, the Title IX Coordinator and designees will receive training on their specific
responsibilities, recordkeeping and any other training necessary to implement Title IX.
Records
A record will be maintained for a period of seven years of any actions, including
supportive measures or informal resolution, taken in response to a report or complaint
and district staff will document the basis for the district’s conclusion that its response
was not deliberately indifferent.
External Grievance Procedure
Any student, parent or employee who chooses not to use the District's internal
grievance procedures or who is not satisfied with the District's internal grievance
procedures may file a complaint of discrimination or harassment with an appropriate
state or federal agency.
For complaints related to discrimination/harassment of students:
The Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Education
5 Post Office Square, 8
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Telephone: 617-289-0111, FAX: 617-289-0150, TDD: 877-521-2172
OR
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
One Ashburton Place
Sixth Floor, Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
Phone 617-994-6000, TIY: 617-994-6196
For complaints related to discrimination/harassment of parents:
The Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Education
5 Post Office Square, 8
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
101
Telephone: 617-289-0111, FAX: 617-289-0150, TDD: 877-521-2172
For complaints related to discrimination/harassment of employees:
The Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Education
5 Post Office Square, 8
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Telephone: 617-289-0111, FAX: 617-289-0150, TDD: 877-521-2172
OR
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
One Ashburton Place
Sixth Floor, Room 601
Boston, MA 02108
Phone 617-994-6000, TIY: 617-994-6196
OR
The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
475 Government Center
Boston, MA 02203
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Referral to Law Enforcement, Other Agencies
Some alleged conduct may constitute both a violation of District policies and criminal
activity. The building Principal, coordinator, Superintendent, or designee will refer
matters to law enforcement and other agencies as appropriate under the law or District
policy, and inform the complainant/ alleged victim of the right to file a criminal
complaint.
Retaliation
Complainants and those who participate in the complaint resolution process or who
otherwise oppose in a reasonable manner an act or policy believed to constitute
discrimination are protected from retaliation by law and District policy. The coordinator
or designee will inform all involved individuals that retaliation is prohibited, and that
anyone who feels that they have experienced retaliation for filing a complaint or
participating in the resolution process should inform the coordinator. The coordinator
will investigate reports of retaliation and, where retaliation is found, take separate
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remedial and disciplinary action.
Appendix A: Articulation Agreements & Apprenticeship Information
Post-Secondary Linkage Activities and Services
In accordance with the definition of an articulation agreement found in the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, Blue Hills Regional
Technical School’s vocational programs are linked with multiple public and private
two-and four-year colleges through articulation agreements. The intent of these
agreements are to establish and foster the linkages by which admission, college credit
and advanced standing may be awarded to vocational students who meet articulation
criteria. Students who successfully complete selected vocational programs at the
secondary level are offered advanced standing and/or college credits in these
post-secondary schools, seamlessly continuing their education from one level to
another without delay or duplication.
Articulation Agreements (as of March 2017):
BHR Vocational Area
College
Course(s)
Automotive
Technology
Mass Bay CC
AB100, AY 100, or AT100, plus TESPAI101
UTI
Challenge Test (up to 4 courses)
Central
Maine CC
AUT 110, AUT120, AUT200
UNOH
AU126, AU127
BFIT
AT-259
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
Auto
Collision/Refinishing
UTI
Challenge Test (up to 4 courses)
Construction
Technology
Central
Maine CC
BCT133, BCT101, BCT134
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
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Computer
Information Systems
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
BFIT
CT212, CT213
Quincy
College
CSI 101, CSI 116
Culinary Arts
Central
Maine CC
CUA 121, CUA 171
Bristol CC
CUL 113, CUL 140
CIA
$2500 grant, $2000 if SAT>550, ServSafe credits,
$500 alumni referral letter, waive application fee
Johnson &
Wales
CUL1345, CUL1355, CUL1385 (credited via 3 hour
practical exam)
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
Drafting/CAD
BFIT
BT110
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
Design & Visual
Communications
Quincy
College
CSA225, CSA228
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
Early Education &
Care
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
Quincy
College
EDU101, PSY103
Electrical
Bristol CC
EGR 131, EGR151, EGR190
BFIT
EL110, EL127, EL129, EL213
Quincy
College
EGR101
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Electronics
Bristol CC
EGR131, EGR151, EGR 190
Massasoit
CC
ENGT111, ENGT114, ENGT227
Quincy
College
EGR101, EGR 105
Engineering
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
Bristol CC
ERG190
Quincy
College
EGR101, EGR 105, EGR201
Graphic
Communication
Central
Maine CC
GRC103, GRC105
Bristol CC
ART 260 (req. portfolio prereq.)
Quincy
College
CSA225
Health Assisting
Quincy
College
HSC140
All MA CC
http://masscc.org/articulation
Legal and Protective
Services
Quincy
College
CJS101, CJS202
Statewide Articulation Agreements with MA Community Colleges and Chapter 74
approved Secondary Career/Vocational Technical High Schools:
http://www.masscc.org/partnerships-initiatives/voc-schools-articulation-agreements
Dual Enrollment
Dual Enrollment is a cooperative program with the Massachusetts Universities and
Community Colleges, enabling high school students to enroll in tuition-free or
reduced-tuition college courses while still in high school. After successful completion of
a Dual Enrollment course, students will receive college credit. (These credits cannot
replace required high school credits.) Enrollment is on a space-available basis. Classes
may be taken only after regular school hours.
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Apprenticeship Opportunities
Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Cooperative Education
APPRENTICESHIPS
Registered apprenticeships must be completed for many occupations known as
“apprenticeable occupations.” For example, students in Chapter 74-approved
vocational technical education programs in electrical must complete an apprenticeship
after completion of their Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education program
in order to become licensed as journey worker electricians. Students receive credit
from the State Board of Examiners of Electricians for their in-school electrical shop and
related instruction work, as well as for their cooperative education.
It is important for the cooperative education to be aligned with apprenticeship
programs so that students will be eligible for credit transferred from the high school
vocational technical education program to the apprenticeship program and that
non-essential duplication of learning is avoided in favor of new learning.
Many Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) of apprenticeship
programs registered with the Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce
Development, Division of Apprenticeship Training are developing articulation
agreements with Chapter 74-approved vocational technical education programs.
For more information on registered apprenticeship programs, the Directory of Joint
Apprenticeship Training Centers in MA
at http://massbuildingtrades.org/directory-apprenticeship-programs
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Appendix B: Admission Policy
BLUE HILLS REGIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL
ADMISSION POLICY
This policy is available in multiple languages upon request. Este documento está
disponível em múltipla forma de linguagem sobre petição. Este documento está
disponible en múltiples forma del idioma sobre la petición. Ce document est
disponible dans la forme de langue multiple sur demande. Dokiman sa a disponib
nan fòm sa a nan plizyè lang sou demann.
I. INTRODUCTION
An admission process is necessary in career and vocational technical education
schools where space is a limiting factor. Each career and technical education (CTE)
program is designed and equipped to serve a maximum number of students,
resulting in the inability to accommodate all applicants. Therefore, a selection
process is necessary. All applicants to Blue Hills Regional Technical School for
grades nine through twelve will be evaluated using the selection criteria contained
in this Admission Policy. The Blue Hills Regional Vocational School District
Committee approved this policy. Blue Hills Regional Technical School’s Admission
Policy is on file at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
II. EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Blue Hills Regional Technical School admits students and makes available to them
its advantages, privileges and courses of study without regard to race, color, sex,
religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, limited English
proficiency, disability or housing status.
Blue Hill Regional Technical School has an on-line application that is adaptable to
languages other than English. Applications are available to send by mail and will be
adapted to languages other than English upon request, as well. If there is a student
with limited English proficiency, a qualified representative from Blue Hills Regional
will assist the applicant in completing the necessary forms and assist
in interpreting during the entire application and admission process upon the
request of the applicant. Please contact the Admission’s Office at 781-828-5800,
ext. 2270, if you have any questions or need help filling out the application form.
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Blue Hills Regional Technical School is committed to providing educational
opportunities to students experiencing homelessness. Please contact our school’s
781-828-5800 ext. 2241, by fax at 781-828-0794 or in-person at Blue Hills
Regional Technical School, 800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021 with any
questions.
Students with disabilities may voluntarily self-identify themselves, Blue Hills
Regional Technical School to request reasonable accommodations during the
entire application and admission process.
Information on limited English proficiency and/or disability submitted voluntarily
by the applicant, for the purpose of receiving assistance and accommodations
during the entire application and admission process, will not affect their admission
to Blue Hill Regional Technical School.
Consistent with Massachusetts regulations, Blue Hills Regional Technical School
has created a plan with “deliberate specific strategies to promote equal
educational opportunities and attract, enroll, and retain a student population that,
when compared to students in similar grades in sending districts, has a comparable
academic and demographic profile.” These strategies are included in this policy
and discussed regularly at public meetings.
III. ELIGIBILITY
Any rising or current eighth or ninth grade student residing in the Blue Hills
Regional Vocational School District (Avon, Braintree, Canton, Dedham, Holbrook,
Milton, Norwood, Randolph and Westwood) expecting to be promoted by their
sending school district is eligible to apply for fall admission or admission during
the school year, subject to the availability of openings at Blue Hills Regional
Technical School. Resident students will be evaluated using the criteria contained
in this Admission Policy. Homeschooled students must provide documentation
from their local superintendent showing approval of curriculum and evidence of
work reflecting state benchmarks. Please refer to Section VI. F for
additional information. Students may only be admitted to Blue Hills Regional
Technical School if they have been promoted to the grade they are seeking to enter,
so students should be aware that their admission is conditional – if they are not
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ultimately promoted to enter the grade they have applied for, their admission will
be rescinded. Priority for admission is given to District residents who meet the
minimum admission requirements before any non-residents seeking the same
program.
NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS:
Non-residents of the Blue Hills Regional Technical School District may apply for fall
admission or admission during the school year, subject to the availability of
openings. This is also contingent upon promotion by their sending school district
to the grade they seek to enter. Non-resident students will be evaluated using the
criteria contained in this Admission Policy. A nonresident student seeking
admission to Blue Hills Regional Technical School in grades 9 and 10, under M.G.L.
c.74 Sections 7 and 7C must follow the admission process outlined in this
Admissions Policy. All nonresidents will be evaluated and ranked using the criteria
set forth in this Admissions Policy.
Students who begin their enrollment as District residents and move outside the
District during their enrollment, who request to remain at Blue Hills Regional
Technical School as nonresidents under M.G.L. c74, Section 7 and 7C will be
allowed to do so providing that they obtain approval from the Superintendent of
the student’s District of Residence in accordance with the Massachusetts
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Guidelines for the Vocational
Technical Education Program Nonresident Student Tuition Process located at:
https://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/.
In all cases, nonresidents must file an application for admission and a Chapter 74
Vocational Technical Education Program Nonresident Student Tuition Application
(located at:
https://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/ ) no later than March 15
th
of
the preceding school year with the Admissions Office for completion of Part I and
Part II. In addition, By April 1 of the preceding school year, the non-resident
student must forward the application to the Superintendent of the student’s
district of residence for Completion of Part III in accordance with the
Massachusetts Department of Education Guidelines for the Vocational Technical
Education Program Nonresident Student Tuition Process pursuant to M.G.L. c.74
located at https://www.doe.mass.edu/ccte/cvte/admissions/. Upon receipt, the
Superintendent of the student’s district of residence must either indicate approval
or disapproval of the application. The application must be returned to the
Admissions Office within ten (10) business days.
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The student’s parent/guardian or school that has been denied nonresident tuition
by the district of residence may request that the Commissioner review the denial of
tuition. The application. And supporting documents must be submitted in writing
to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for
review no later than May 1 in accordance with the Guidelines for the Vocational
Technical Education Program Nonresident Student Tuition Process pursuant to
M.G.L. c.74, M.G.L. c.74.
Section 8A requires that the municipality of residence provide
transportation to students admitted to Blue Hills Regional Technical School
as nonresidents under M.G.L. c.74 Sections 7 and 7C.
HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS:
Homeschooled applicants may apply to attend Blue Hills Regional Technical School
full-time and will be subject to the same admissions standards as other applicants.
Students who are formally being homeschooled may apply for admission to Blue
Hills Regional Technical School, including admission during the school year, in
accordance to the selection criteria contained in the Admission Policy, provided
all admission selection criteria are followed. The Home School student’s
parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit a copy of the home school approval letter from
the sending school superintendent. Homeschooled students will be accepted to
Blue Hills Regional Technical School according to the selection criteria contained in
this Admission Policy. Please refer to Section VI: Application Process, F.
Home-Schooled Students.
TRANSFER STUDENTS:
Transfer students from other M.G.L. c.74 state approved vocational technical
programs, who move into the Blue Hills Regional Vocational School District, may
apply for fall admission or admission during the school year to grades 9-12,
provided their expectation is to be promoted by their current school to the grade
they seek to enter at Blue Hills Regional Technical School. For Fall Admission to the
9th and 10th grade, applicants may pursue a different program of study and 11th
and 12th grade applicants must pursue the same program of study at Blue Hills
Regional Technical School. For Admission during the current School Year, 9th grade
and 10th grade applicants (during first term only) may pursue a different program
of study. As of second term of 10th, 11th and 12th grade, applicants must pursue
the same program of study at Blue Hills Regional Technical School. Transfer
students will be evaluated using the selection criteria contained in this Admission
Policy.
HOMELESS STUDENTS:
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Students who are homeless will be accepted to Blue Hills Regional Technical School
according to the selection criteria contained in this Admission Policy.
SCHOOL CHOICE:
Blue Hills Regional Technical School does not participate in the inter-district school
choice program.
4
IV. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Blue Hills Regional Technical School is a public regional vocational technical school
located in Canton, Massachusetts. It is operated by the Blue Hills Regional
Vocational School District, approved by the Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education and accredited by the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges. Blue Hills Regional Technical School is
committed to providing quality academic and career/technical education
programs.
The Superintendent-Director of Blue Hills Regional Technical School is: Jill M.
781-828-5800 x4001
The Principal of Blue Hills Regional Technical School is: Geoffrey Zini
Contact Information: email: [email protected]; telephone: 781-828-5800 x2257
The Director of Admissions is: Stephanie Albernaz
x2271
It is the responsibility of Blue Hills Regional Technical School’s
Superintendent-Director to supervise the administration of the policies and
procedures used to admit and enroll students, consistent with all applicable laws,
regulations, and guidance.
The Director of Admissions and Financial Aid is responsible for supervising all
aspects of the admission process. This includes: the developing and
implementation of the admission procedures, processing of applications, ranking
of students, acceptance of students and establishing/maintenance of a waiting list
of acceptable candidates. Additional responsibilities include disseminating
information about the school and collecting applications from sending schools.
111
It is the responsibility of the Principal to review student admission and enrollment
process, meet with parents/guardians and applicants regarding school discipline
hearings and admission appeal meetings.
The Blue Hills Regional Technical School Admissions Committee is charged with
the process of selecting applicants for admission. This Committee is comprised of
the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Principal, Director of Student
Services, Vocational Director, Academic Director, Dean of Students and Co operative
Education Coordinator. Additional staff will be trained on the admission policy,
scoring rubric and the interview process to assist in the admission process, if
necessary. Prior to interviewing applicants, all interviewers have gone through
implicit bias training.
According to guidelines set in the District Agreement, there are no quotas for the
number of students eligible to apply or a quota to have a certain number of
acceptances from member towns.
Blue Hills Regional Technical School does not participate in the School Choice
Program.
V. ADMISSIONS COMMUNICATION POLICIES
Blue Hills Regional Technical School disseminates information about the school
utilizing a variety of approaches.
Events and timelines of admission activities are developed in the fall. This
information is posted on the school website, where it provides information on the
admissions process, as well as other information about its programs. Students and
families can request hard copies of the calendar by calling or emailing the
guidance offices, principals and superintendents of each sending school district as
well as disseminates to eighth grade students in the Blue Hills Regional Vocational
School District.
Informational Assembly Programs are scheduled for eighth grade students at
district schools. The information presented includes a recruitment PowerPoint,
which describes the technical programs, academic courses, cooperative education,
special education resources, sports, clubs, other extracurricular activities and the
application process. The Director of Admissions may coordinate other presenters,
which may include administration, guidance, faculty and student representatives.
The Director of Admissions will disseminate recruitment information and
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applications for admission at High School Nights for 8th grade students, at
private/parochial schools in the District.
An annual open house is held in the fall for all residents of the District. Prospective
students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) have an opportunity to see
demonstrations and speak with teachers, staff and students regarding academic
courses, career and technical programs and co-curricular areas.
All eighth grade students are invited to an annual Showcase held in the fall.
Students can participate in live interactive demonstrations and spend 30 minutes
in three out of seventeen CTE programs and learn about our academic offerings.
Dates and times are scheduled with the public middle/junior high schools. Blue
Hills Regional provides bus transportation for these students. Interested students
and parents from private/parochial schools and parents are welcome to attend.
Dates and time are available at the district public schools and Blue Hills Regional
Technical School; Admissions Office and website at www.bluehills.org.
All ninth and tenth grade applicants who have not attended Open House or
Showcase may schedule a “Warrior for a Day” visit. Applicants will shadow a
student host through the day visitation program.
The school’s recruitment material describes Open House, Showcase, Warrior for a
Day Programs, the career and technical programs, non-traditional career options,
academic courses, sports, clubs, cooperative education and special education
resources. The materials are mailed and emailed to every seventh and eighth grade
student in the district. It is distributed during open house and
informational sessions. This information is also available on the school website at
www.bluehills.org. All disseminated information and events allows students to
make informed decisions based on its offerings. Blue Hills Regional has a
comprehensive website available as a public service. Blue Hills Regional will
provide translation and interpreter services to parents and students whose
primary language is not English.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) may schedule individual visits at a mutually convenient
time.
VI. APPLICATION PROCESS
A. APPLICATION PROCESS - FOR FALL ADMISSION TO THE NINTH and
TENTH GRADE
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1. Students interested in applying to Blue Hills Regional Technical School
for fall admission to the ninth and tenth grade must go through the
appropriate stages of the process: The Timeline Guide and Instructions are
below. The Timeline Guide provides general dates for the purpose of this
policy document. Reference to the specific dates are published on the
school’s annual Admissions Timeline and Events calendar and posted on
our school website at www.bluehills.org. If the timeline needs to be
adjusted, the changes will be posted publically and on our school website at
www.bluehills.org. Applicants will also be notified in writing.
Obtain an Application for Admission, fill out and return it Early Fall
to their Guidance Counselor/School Designee
Receipt of Completed Applications Form for Gr. 9 on or before Third
Friday in December Receipt of Completed Application Form for Grade 10
on or before Mid-June
Interviews for Gr. 9 Completed on or before Last school day in January
Interviews for Gd. 10 Completed on or before Mid-July
Letters of Notification for Gd. 9 Sent Out on or before Mid-February
Letters of Notification for Gd. 10 Sent out on or before Mid-August
Confirmation by Parents/Guardians for Gd. 9 on or before First Friday in
March
Confirmation by Parents/Guardians for Gd. 10 Within one week of
acceptance
Next Round of Notification Letters sent out for Gd. 9 Mid-March
(For Late Applications & Interviews completed after last day in Jan.)
Next Round of Notification Letters sent out for Gd. 10, During School Year
If there are any openings available.
Next Round of Confirmation by Parents on or before: 1st Friday in April
The application and notification process will continue until all
placements are filled.
114
Stage 1: Obtain an application form by applying online, obtaining an
application from their guidance counselor/school designee, accessing
Blue Hills Regional School District webpage at www.bluehills.org for an
application or visiting the Admissions Office at Blue Hills Regional
Technical School as early in the school year as possible.
Stage 2: Complete the application online or return the completed
application form to the Admissions Office. The completed application
packet will be sent to the student’s guidance counselor or school
designee to complete and submitted to the Admissions Office.
Stage 3: Completed application packets may also be sent directly to the
Blue Hills Admissions Office, provided the guidance counselor/school
designee has completed their portion of the application. After the
application is submitted online or entered online, the applicant can
review the status of their application by logging on the account that they
created when they submitted an online application. The applicant can
also get status updates from the local Guidance Counselor or the
Admissions Director or designee at Blue Hills Regional Technical School.
Stage 4: Upon receipt of a completed application packet, each applicant
will have an interview at either their sending school or at Blue Hills
Regional. If the applicants or parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot provide
transportation, a representative from Blue Hills Regional will go to the
local school to interview the applicant.
Applications received after the Third Friday in December deadline, may limit
the student’s opportunity for admission.
2. Complete applications include:
a. For Grade 9
1.) Completed application form (including signature of the
parent/guardian. Student’s signature is recommended, but not
required).
2.) The final averages of grade 7 and all current grades for term 1 grade
8 in English language arts, social studies, math and science from the
115
school report card.
3.) Completed and signed Attendance Evaluation Form, which includes
the sum of unexcused absences from grade 7 and all current
unexcused absences from term 1 of grade 8 from the sending school
report card.
4.) Completed and signed Recommendation Form which provides
equitable standards for measuring the sending school’s
recommendation.
5.) Completed and signed School Discipline/Conduct Form which
includes the discipline records from the sending school’s records for
the sum of discipline from grade 7 and the current discipline record
from term 1 grade 8 concerning incidents resulting in suspension or
expulsion pursuant to M.G.L. c.71 Section 37H and 37H ½ and
incidents resulting in more than ten (10) days of suspension for a
single infraction or for cumulative infractions pursuant M.G.L. c.71
Section 37H ¾.
6.) Upon receipt of a completed application packet, each applicant will
have an interview at their sending school or Blue Hills Regional. Our
goal is to have all interviews completed by the last school day in
January.
b. For Grade10
1.) Completed application form (including signature of the
parent/guardian. Student’s signature is recommended, but not
required).
2.) The average of the previous school year and all current grades for
term 1 of the
current school year in English, social studies, math and science from
the school report card.
3.) Completed and signed Attendance Evaluation Form, which includes
the sum of
unexcused absences from the previous school year and term 1 of the current
9th
grade school year’s sending school report card.
116
4.) Completed and signed Section Recommendation Form providing
equitable standards from the sending school’s recommendation.
5.) Completed and signed School Discipline/Conduct Form which
includes the discipline records from the sending school’s records for
the sum of discipline record from the
previous school year and the term 1 of the current 9th grade school
year concerning incidents resulting in suspension or expulsion
pursuant to M.G.L. c.71 Section 37H and 37H ½ and incidents
resulting in more than ten (10) days of suspension for a single
infraction or for cumulative infractions pursuant M.G.L. c.71 Section
37H ¾.
6.) Following receipt of a completed application packet, an interview
with each applicant will take place at Blue Hills Regional. Our goal is to
have all interviews
completed by mid-July.
3. If incomplete applications are received, the following procedures will be
followed:
a. The Admission Office will notify the applicant’s Guidance
Counselor/school designee responsible for submitting the application
that the application is incomplete. This notification will specify what is
needed for completion.
b. The applicant's parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by our
Admission Office in the event that the problem is not resolved by the
applicant’s Guidance Counselor/school designee. The notification
specifies what part(s) of the application are missing.
c. If after notifying the applicant’s Guidance Counselor/school designee
and parent(s)/guardian(s), the application remains incomplete for ten
school days, the application will be placed on ‘inactive’ status, until such
time as the additional information is received.
9
B. APPLICATION PROCESS - FOR ADMISSION TO THE NINTH AND TENTH
GRADES FOR THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR
117
1. Students interested in applying to Blue Hills Regional Technical School for
admission for the current school year must:
Stage 1: Obtain an application by applying online, obtaining an
application from their guidance counselor/school designee, accessing
Blue Hills Regional School District website at
www.bluehills.org for an application or visiting the Admissions Office at
Blue Hills Regional Technical School as early in the school year as
possible.
Stage 2: Complete the application online or return the completed
application form to the Admissions Office. The completed application
packet will be sent to the student’s guidance counselor/school designee
to complete and submit it to the Admissions Office.
Stage 3: Completed application packets may also be sent directly to
the Blue Hills Admissions Office, provided the guidance
counselor/school designee has completed their portion of the
application. After the application is submitted online or entered
online, the applicant can review the status of their application by
logging on the account that they created when they submitted an
online application. The applicant can also get status updates from the
local Guidance Counselor or the Admissions Director or designee at
Blue Hills Regional Technical School.
Stage 4: Upon receipt of a completed application packet, each applicant
will have an Interview at Blue Hills Regional. If the applicant or
parent/guardian cannot provide transportation, the Director of
Admissions or a representative will go to the school to interview the
applicant.
Applications received after the first school day of October, may limit the student’s
opportunity for admission.
2. It is the responsibility of the applicant’s Guidance Counselor/school
designee to:
a. complete their portion of the application form.
b. forward the completed application to the Director of Admissions at Blue
Hills Regional Technical School. Complete applications include:
118
1.) Completed application form (including signature of the parent/guardian.
Student’s signature is recommended, but not required).
2.) For applications to grades 9 and 10 (admission during the school year),
submit the previous school year and the current school year to the date of
the application grades in English language arts, social studies, math and
science. An official report card is required.
3.) For applications to grades 9 and 10 (admission during the school year),
submit the previous school year and the current school year to the date of
the application unexcused absences from the official report card.
4.) For applications to grades 9 and 10 (admission during the school year),
submit the previous school year and the current school year to the date of
the application discipline records from the previous school year and the
term 1 of the current school year concerning incidents resulting in
suspension or expulsion pursuant to M.G.L. c.71 Section 37H and 37H ½
and incidents resulting in more than ten (10) days of suspension for a
single infraction or for cumulative infractions pursuant M.G.L. c.71 Section
37H ¾.
5.) For applications to grades 9 and 10 (admission during the school year)
the sending school's recommendation is required.
6.) Following receipt of a completed application packet, an interview with
each applicant will take place at Blue Hills Regional. Our goal is to have all
interviews completed by First Friday in November.
3. If incomplete applications are received, the following procedures will be
followed:
a. The Admission Office at Blue Hills Regional will notify the applicant’s
Guidance Counselor/school designee responsible for submitting the
application, that the application is incomplete. This notification will specify
what is needed for completion.
b. The applicant's parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by the Admission
Office in the event the problem is not resolved by their Guidance
Counselor/school designee.
c. If after notifying their Guidance Counselor/school designee and
119
parent(s)/guardian(s) the application remains incomplete for ten school
days, the application will be placed on ‘inactive’ status, until such time as the
additional information is received.
C. LATE APPLICATIONS, Any rising or current eighth or ninth grade student
Applications from any rising or current eighth grade student received after
Third Friday in December and/or interviews completed after the last school
day in January will be evaluated using the same criteria as other applications
and their composite score will be integrated in rank order on the established
waiting list.
Applications from any rising or current ninth grade student received after the
mid-June and/or interviews completed after mid-July will be evaluated using
the same criteria as other applications, and their composite score will be
integrated in rank order on the established waiting list.
D. TRANSFER STUDENTS
Applications from students who are enrolled in a state-approved (Chapter 74)
Vocational Technical School program in another school (transfer students)
will be considered for admission) if they relocate away from their current
school. For Fall Admission to the 9th and 10th Grade, applicants may pursue a
different program of study and 11th and 12th Grade applicants must pursue
the same program of study at Blue Hills Regional Technical School. For
Admission during the current School Year, 9th grade applicants and 10th
grade applicants during their first term may pursue a different program of
study. As of second term of 10th, 11th and 12th Grade, applicants must pursue
the same program of study at Blue Hills Regional Technical School. All transfer
applicants must be interviewed by Blue Hills Regional Technical School. If the
applicant or parent/guardian cannot provide transportation, the Director of
Admissions or a representative from the admissions staff at Blue Hills
Regional Technical School will go to the applicant’s school to interview the
applicant. Their applications will be evaluated according to the provisions of
this Admission Policy.
E. WITHDRAWN STUDENTS
Students who withdraw from Blue Hills Regional Technical School and who
are attending or not attending another high school may reapply to Blue Hills
Regional following the procedures contained in this admission policy and will
be evaluated using the criteria contained in this Admission Policy. A student
who has withdrawn from Blue Hills is not guaranteed an acceptance.
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F. HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS
Students who are formally being homeschooled may apply for admission to
Blue Hills Regional Technical School, including admission during the school
year, provided all admission criteria are followed. The homeschooled
student’s parent(s) guardian(s) must submit a copy of the homeschooled
approval letter from the local school superintendent, provide documentation
showing the approval of the curriculum, and provide evidence of work
reflecting state benchmarks. Homeschooled students will be accepted to Blue
Hills Regional Technical School according to the selection criteria contained in
this Admission Policy. The Admission Policy for homeschooled students
include:
Students who are homeschooled may apply for admission to Blue Hills
Regional Technical School, including admission during the school year,
provided all admission policy criteria is followed:
a) The homeschooled student must submit a copy of the “Home School
Approval Letter” from the local superintendent.
b) If grades are not available, a representative sample portfolio of student’s
body of work in English, Math, Science and Social Studies must be submitted
to the District Middle School Principal or designee and the Director of
Admissions to review together for evaluation based on academic achievement.
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VII. SELECTION CRITERIA
Completed applications are processed by the Admission Committee using
weighted admissions criteria. Each applicant will be assigned a score derived
from the sum of the sub scores of the following criteria:
A. Scholastic Achievement: Maximum 20 points
Grade Averages Points
90 – 100 (A) 20
80 – 89 (B) 15
70 – 79 (C) 10
60 – 69 (D) 5
0 – 59 (F) 0
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For applications for grade 9 (fall admission), the average of grade 7 and term 1
grade 8 marks in English, social studies, mathematics and science from the
sending school report card are required. For applications for grades 10 (fall
admission) the average of the previous school year and term 1 of the current
school year marks in English, social studies, mathematics and science from the
sending school report card are required. For applications to grades 9 and 10
(admission during the school year) the previous school year and the current
school year to the date of the application marks in English, social studies,
mathematics and science from the sending school report card are required.
B. Attendance: Maximum 15 points
Number of Unexcused Absences Points
0 15
1 15
2 14
3 13
4 12
5 11
6 10
7 9
8 8
9 7
10 6
11 5
12 4
13 3
14 2
15 1
16 0
For applications to grade 9 (fall admission), the sum of grade 7 and term 1
grade 8 unexcused absences from the school report card are used. For
applications to grades 10 (fall admission) the sum of the previous school year
and term 1 current school year unexcused absences from the sending school
report card are used. For applications to grades 9 and 10 (admission during
the school year) unexcused absences from the five previous completed terms
will be used.
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C. School Discipline/Conduct: Maximum 15 points
Discipline Reported by Sending School Points
1 or more 37H or 37H ½ infractions 0
1 or more 37H ¾ infraction resulting in 10+days of suspension
Either for a single infraction or cumulatively 0
No 37H, 37H ½ and/or 37H ¾ infractions resulting in 10+ days
of suspension, either for a single infraction or cumulatively. 15
For applications to Grade 9 (fall admission), the sum of Grade 7 and Term 1 of
Grade 8 discipline records from the sending school are used. For applications
to Grade 10 (fall admission) the sum of the previous school year and Term 1
of the current school year’s discipline records from the sending school are
used. For applications to Grades 9 and 10 (admission during the school year),
the school discipline records from the five previous completed terms will be
used.
Any student whose application indicates disciplinary infractions resulting in
0 (zero) awarded points will be given the opportunity to present mitigating
evidence and an explanation of the suspension(s), in writing to the principal.
The principal will have the authority to adjust the awarded points according
to the following guidelines.
Evidence provides a reasonable explanation and assurance of changed
behavior: 10 points
Evidence provides a limited explanation and partial assurance of changed
behavior: 5 points
Evidence does not provide a reasonable assurance of changed behavior:
0 points
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D. Sending School’s Recommendation: Maximum 5 points
Rating Points
Excellent 5 – 4.5
Above Average 4 – 3.5
Average 3 – 2.5
Below Average 2 – 1.5
Poor 1 – 0.0
An equitable recommendation form is used and completed by the sending
school. The sending school guidance counselor, teacher or designee will
complete the form based on the applicant’s potential for success in a
vocational school environment. There are ten (10) tasks rated in ability/skill.
Each task is given points ranging from .5 points for Excellent; .4 points for
Above Average; .3 points for Average; .2 points for Below Average and .1 points
for Poor.
E. Interview: Maximum 45 points
Rating Points
Excellent 37 - 45
Above Average 28 - 36
Average 19 - 27
Below Average 10 - 18
Poor 0 – 9
Upon receipt of a completed application packet, each applicant will have an
interview. An interview form is used and completed by Admission
Interviewers. Each student is asked the same sets of questions and rated
according to a standard rubric.
After points are given in each area, the points are totaled for each applicant. A
maximum total of one hundred (100) points can be earned.
VIII. SELECTION PROCESS
The Admission Committee at Blue Hills Regional Technical School will examine,
discuss and make recommendations for action on the applicants.
The Admission Committee considers scholastic achievement, attendance,
school behavior, sending school’s recommendation and interview results.
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Applications are reviewed, processed and assigned points by grade level.
After a point total for each resident applicant has been determined, all resident
applicants are placed in order of their "point total". Resident applicants are
then accepted in order of the point total they have achieved. The resident
applicant with the highest point total is accepted first, the resident applicant
with the second-highest point total is accepted second, and so on until all
seats are filled. The second official application will be offered the second seat
and so forth. All resident applicants are accepted or placed on a waiting list.
Applicants who applied by the initial application deadline are awarded ten
additional points when placed on the waiting list. If openings occur, the seats
are filled by accepting resident applicants from the waiting list. These resident
applicants, like those accepted earlier, are accepted in order of their place on
the waiting list determined by the total points given according to the selection
criteria. In the event that there are more resident applicants with the same
“point total” than there are seats available, therefore creating a tie for one or
more available seat(s), the applications with the same “point total” will be put
in order by date of the official application, first to last date. The first official
application will be offered the seat first. The second official date of application
will be offered the next seat and so forth. For example, two applications with
the same “point total” of 80 are applying for one available seat. One application
has an official application date of September 1
st
and the other application has
an official application date of November 15
th
. The application submitted first
according to the official application date of September 1
st
will be the first one
on the list, followed by the next official application date of November 15
th
.
Non-resident applicants are evaluated using the criteria in this Admission
Policy and will be placed on the waiting list after the resident applicants.
Non-resident applicants on the waiting list will only be accepted if all resident
applicants on the waiting list have been accepted. Non-resident applicants for
Fall Admission will be considered only after the first Friday in May.
Rising or Current Eighth Grade Applicants
Rising or current eighth grade applicants whose completed application forms
are received on or before the Third Friday in December application deadline
date will be interviewed. It is expected that application packets and interviews
will be completed by the last school day in January.
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Applications received from rising or current eighth grade students and
interviews completed after the last school day in January will be evaluated
using the same criteria as other applications, and their composite score will be
integrated in rank order on the established waiting list. Applicants will be
notified of their status by a letter and email to the student by Mid-February.
Applicants whose completed application packets are not received and have not
been interviewed by Mid-January will receive a letter informing them of their
status.
Accepted rising and current eighth grade students must notify the Admissions
Office of their intention to attend Blue Hills Regional by the first Friday in
March. If no such notification is received, applicants on the waiting list will be
accepted in their place. Thus, a second round of acceptance letters will be sent
by Mid-March. The number of acceptance letters sent will be based on the
number of unfilled openings.
Accepted students from the second round must notify the Admissions Office of
their intention to attend Blue Hills Regional by the first Friday in April.
A third round of acceptances will take place, if openings remain, based on the
process described above.
Rising or Current Ninth Grade Applicants
Rising or current ninth grade applicants whose completed application forms
are received on or before the mid-May application deadline date will be
interviewed. It is expected that application packets and interviews will be
completed by mid-July. If after notifying the applicant’s Guidance
Counselor/school designee and parent(s)/guardian(s), the application remains
incomplete for ten school days, the application will be placed on an ‘inactive
withdrawal’ status, until such time as the additional information is received
and/or applicant reactivates his/her application
Applications received from rising or current ninth grade students and
interviews completed by mid-July will be evaluated using the same criteria as
other applications, and their composite score will be integrated in rank order
on the established waiting list. Applicants will be notified of their status by a
letter and email to the student by Mid-August. Applicants whose completed
application packets are not received and have not been interviewed by Mid-July
will receive a letter informing them of their status.
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Accepted rising and current ninth grade students must notify the Admissions
Office of their intention to attend Blue Hills Regional by mid-August. If no such
notification is received, applicants on the waiting list will be accepted in their
place. Thus, a second round of acceptance letters will be sent by Mid-March.
The number of acceptance letters sent will be based on the number of
unfilled openings.
Please note that students accepted in the initial round who notify the
Admissions Office after the Confirmation deadline date will be placed on the
wait list based on their rank order score.
A second and/or third, etc. round of acceptances will take place, if openings
remain, based on the process described above.
All notifications will state that the admissions decision is conditional on
meeting the requirements noted in the Enrollment section of the policy.
IX. ENROLLMENT
In order to enroll at Blue Hills Regional Technical School for the fall, applicants
must have been promoted to the grade they wish to enter by their sending
school district. An official final transcript of grades/report card is required to be
submitted to the Director of Admissions prior to enrollment.
Rising and current grade 9 applicants will be advised to make up any failed
courses required for graduation from Blue Hills Regional Technical School.
Acceptance and enrollment at Blue Hills Regional Technical School is based upon
the accuracy and completeness of the student’s application. Blue Hills Regional
Technical School reserves the right to revoke its acceptance of any student, at
any time, if it determines that the student, the student’s parent/guardian(s), or
the student’s sending school district provided inaccurate, incomplete,
or misleading information during the application process.
All accepted incoming students will participate in a placement testing.
Additionally, prior to the first day of school, and in accordance with the
Massachusetts State Law, updated physical examination and immunization
records of incoming students must be forwarded to Blue Hills Regional Technical
School.
X. VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL PROGRAM PLACEMENT
All ninth graders who enroll in Blue Hills Regional Technical School participate in
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a technical exploratory program. First, the mini exploratory program is the
preliminary introduction to Blue Hills Regional’s technical program offerings. For
the mini exploratory, students rotate through all seventeen (17) technical
programs for one period of time (about 40 minutes). Students then choose the
top nine (9) vocational technical programs they wish to explore for a one-week
(approx. 30 hours) period of time during nine (9) technical week cycles.
A universal exploratory evaluation form is used by each technical program. Each
student will be assigned a total score derived from the sum of the sub scores
(points) in the following areas: Professionalism/Employability, Participation,
Quality/Completeness of Work, Safety and Tech/Related for a maximum total of
100 points. At the end of the last exploratory, each student selects his/her first,
second, and third choice programs for final placement.
Students are admitted into the technical program of their choice based first on
the total point score they received in that program. The student with the highest
total point score for a technical program is admitted first. The student with the
next highest point total score in that program is admitted second, and so on. In
the event that equal grades are earned by multiple students applying to the same
vocational program, consideration will be given to the overall average students
received in all exploratory programs. For example, if two students earned a 94 in
Culinary Arts and only one seat is available, the student with the highest overall
average of all exploratory grades will be placed in Culinary Arts. If a student does
not receive his/her first choice, their second choice becomes their new first
choice for the purpose of placement. Students will be placed in their second
choice area following the same procedure as their first choice placement, that is,
based on the score they received in that program, and so on. Students are
admitted to the second or third choice of program in order of his/her rating for
the technical program.
If a student is not able to be placed in his/her first, second or third choice of
program, the guidance counselor will meet with the student and present a list of
the technical programs with openings and invite the student to select their top
choices in rank order. If the student chooses a technical program in which he/she
previously explored, the technical program placement will be made using the
same criteria discussed above. If several students are vying for one seat, students
will be placed in the program based on the grade received in the program during
exploratory. If a student did not explore the program, they may be assigned to
the program after students who have received an exploratory grade for the
program. In the event of a tie, we will use the overall average of all exploratories
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to break the tie. In a case where the overall average is also a tie, we will blindly
draw a student’s name.
Students who enroll at Blue Hills Regional in the tenth grade may explore the
technical programs that have openings. Students are evaluated using the same
criteria and scale during the period of exploration. If the number of enrollees
seeking a technical program exceeds the number of openings, the evaluative total
point score/grades would determine the placement. Additional guidance
is available to students and parents.
Students who wish to transfer from one technical program to another during the
school year may apply for transfer only once up until October 1 of a student’s
sophomore year. Transfers will not be allowed for students in grades 11 or 12.
Transfer requests will be considered subject to the availability of openings in the
requested program. Each transfer applicant will be interviewed and
counseled individually to determine the appropriateness of the transfer for the
particular student. Transfers will not occur without parent(s)/guardian(s)
permission.
XI. REVIEW and APPEALS
Acceptance at Blue Hills Regional Technical School is based upon the accuracy of
the admission criteria information provided by the sending school district and
the accuracy of information provided by parents/guardians and students on the
admission application form.
Upon the receipt of a letter from the Admissions Committee of the Blue Hills
Regional Technical School indicating that the applicant has not been accepted or
placed on the wait list, the parent(s)/guardian(s) and/or applicant may appeal
the decision to the Director of Admissions, Stephanie Albernaz. The appeal must
be in the form of a letter that states the reasons(s) why they think the decision
should be reconsidered. The Appeal Letter can be sent to the Director of
781-828-0794; mailed to 800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021 or
hand-delivered the letter to the Admissions Office to deliver to Ms. Albernaz’s
attention. The appeal letter must arrive within thirty (30) days of the date on the
non-accept determination letter. The Director of Admissions will conduct an
administrative review of the application materials and notify the
parent/guardian of the results of this review within thirty (30) days.
A parent/guardian who is not satisfied with the decision of the Director of
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Admissions may request a second appeal on the matter with Principal Geoffrey
Zini. This request must be made in writing and must arrive within thirty (30)
days of the administrative review with the Director of Admissions. This Appeal
fax: 781-828- 0794; mailed to 800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021 or
hand-delivered the letter to the Principal’s
Office to deliver to Mr. Zini’s attention. The Principal’s Office will schedule an
appeal meeting on the matter with the applicant, the parent/guardian and the
Principal. At this appeal, a decision will be rendered. If a parent/guardian is not
satisfied with the decision of the Principal, the parent/guardian and/or
applicant may appeal the decision to Superintendent-Director Jill Rossetti. This
request must be made in writing and must arrive within thirty (30) days of the
meeting with the Principal. The third Appeal Letter can be sent to the
781-828-0794; mailed to 800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021 or
hand-delivered the letter to the Superintendent’s Office to deliver to Ms. Jill
Rossetti’s attention. The Superintendent-Director’s Office will schedule an
appeal on the matter with the applicant, the parent/guardian and
the Superintendent-Director. At this appeal, a decision will be rendered. The
decision of the Superintendent-Director will be final.
If the decision to deny admission is upheld by Superintendent-Director Jill
Rossetti, Superintendent Director Jill Rossetti will retain documents detailing the
specific admission requirements used to deny admission and such will be made
available to the parent/guardian and student upon request.
With regard to program placement, the parent/guardian of a student, who was
not placed in a particular technical program, may request a review of the
decision by sending a letter to the Principal. She/he will review the matter and
respond in writing within thirty days.
Blue Hills Regional Technical School – 800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021; Website: www.bluehills.org;
Telephone: 781-828-5800; Fax: 781-828-0794 The Blue Hills Regional Vocational District School Committee
Approved the Admission Policy on September 19, 2023.
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