LANDMARK SCHOOL STUDENT PARENT HANDBOOK 1 WELCOME FROM THE HEADMASTER Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians, Landmark is pleased that you are members of the Landmark community, and everyone at the school warmly welcomes you with an optimistic sense of what we will achieve together. Landmark School has evolved and grown since 1971, maintained a singular and focused mission, and has had the honor of teaching thousands of stu- dents from throughout the United States and several other countries. Their successes constantly motivate everyone at the school. While there have been refinements and changes over the years, certain ba- sic principles critical to success have been consistent and form the founda- tion for the policies and procedures detailed in the Student-Parent/Guardian Handbook. Landmark believes that every student accepted to the school CAN and will learn to his or her potential, and develop self-confidence and independ- ence. Landmark cannot guarantee success, yet the probability of achieving success is greatly enhanced when the entire community accepts and ad- heres to the basic principles of flexibility, accountability, respect, and health and safety. Each student, parent, and guardian should thoroughly read the Student- Parent/Guardian Handbook. As you do, apply the principles to each section by asking: Is this about Flexibility? Accountability? Respect? Health and safety? Most importantly, keep in mind the common primary goal of working together to create success, and come prepared for an uplifting, productive, and rewarding year. Sincerely, Robert J. Broudo President and Headmaster 1 FOREWORD A word about Handbooks in general and about this one in particular, the fact that standards of accountability exist to make Landmark a is in order. happy, productive, and safe place for students to learn, and that no good reason really exists for you to bring upon yourself any of the School communities are not unlike other sub-sections of society. consequences described. It is important, therefore, that you clearly They are inhabited by people of diverse backgrounds, varying inter- understand what is expected of you. In short, to be a responsible, ests, and dissimilar values, but, it is hoped, by people who can caring, contributing, and cooperative member of this community come to understand that they must share some common goals, get placing emphasis during your presence here on achievement, ac- along with and respect one another, and live within a set of clearly ceptance, happiness, and success. You will find our adults eager to stated and enforceable guidelines which are necessary to lend or- help you do just that. der to the community. Having stated this, we ask that all Parents/guardians and students Most schools publish such guidelines in a student/parent handbook. will have read this student-parent handbook thoroughly prior to the Handbooks, therefore, seem to be an endless recital of things that opening of school and will continue to refer to it throughout the year can go wrong and the consequences to the students who cause as a source of guidance and information. The school administration them to go wrong. That is too bad, since school communities are and staff will assume Parents/guardians and students’ knowledge of populated mostly by young people who accept and observe the its contents. rules, like one another, and respect other students' privacy, their space, their personal belongings, and their right to pursue their pro- We expect you to abide by our policies as specifically outlined, and grams without unwelcome intrusions. embrace the spirit of their intent. As we all know, things do go wrong - in the country, in the state, in We look forward to having you as members of the Landmark school the town, in the school - and, in part, this handbook describes what community and to your uniquely personal contribution to the mainte- occurs when things go wrong. In places, therefore, its tone may nance of our school as a living and learning environment of which seem to be persistently negative. We want to call your attention to we can all be proud. 2 2 MISSION, HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
 429 HALE STREET
 PRIDES CROSSING, MA 01965-0227 PHONE: 978-236-3010
 FAX: 978-927-7268 Robert J. Broudo ............................................................. Headmaster Dan Ahearn .................... Assistant Headmaster/Director of Outreach Elizabeth Parker ............................................. Director of Admissions Mark R. Brislin........................................................ Business Manager Carolyn Orsini-Nelson.............. Director of Institutional Advancement It is the policy of Landmark School not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, religion, handicap, race, color, sexual orientation, na- tional or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admis- sions, financial aid, and employment policies and programs. 3 MISSION Landmark School’s mission is to enable people with language based learning disabilities (LBLD) to reach their educational and social poten- tial through an exemplary school program complemented by outreach and training, diagnosis, and research. Landmark serves a special group of students. It accepts young people who are struggling in regular classrooms because their reading, writ- ing, spelling, and mathematical skills have not caught up with their thinking or problem-solving capacities. We serve language based learn- ing disabled individuals with strong capabilities, striving for success. Landmark is looking for young people who are committed to realizing their learning potential and willing to accept this school placement as a means of meeting their academic goals. The school's mission is to nurture the talent and promise now going unrecognized in many students who are not achieving because of a late or irregular development of language skills. HISTORY Landmark School traces its origins to the Reading Research Institute founded in Berea, Kentucky in 1956. The institute was moved to Massa- chusetts in 1963 where, in 1967, its name was changed to the Learning Disabilities Foundation. In 1985, its name changed again, this time to the Landmark Foundation. In 1971, under the auspices of the Foundation, Landmark School was founded at its High School site in Prides Crossing, Massachusetts. The Elementary/Middle School Campus was established in Manchester in 1973 as a site for younger students. Landmark’s corporate name changed to Landmark School, Inc. in 1998. SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY The academic and residential programs are structured to provide a safe and positive environment which supports students in their attempts to acquire and improve academic and social skills. Students who practice the ideals of respect, honesty, and commitment contribute to and gain satisfaction from the Landmark community. They learn to succeed in Landmark's classrooms and residences, and benefit from the skills they have attained. They come to understand their own strengths and to build their self-esteem. The Landmark community shows respect and dignity through the following: • Dedication to self-discovery and growth. • Respect for the feelings, efforts, and physical well-being of others. • Commitment to a safe, clean, congenial, and productive learning and living environment. • Honesty in academic endeavors and in all aspects of campus life. Value for the property and materials of all members of the Landmark community. 4 3 INDEX PLEASE NOTE: Page numbers reflect page numbers. For PDF add 1 from page number listed Foreword...........................................................................................................2 Central Administration......................................................................................3 Mission..............................................................................................................4 History...............................................................................................................4 School Philosophy............................................................................................4 WHO'S WHO AT LANDMARK HIGH SCHOOL ...........................................11 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS..............................................................................17 Founder’s Academic Program........................................................................18 Expressive Language Program......................................................................18 Preparatory Program......................................................................................18 Academic Advisor Model...............................................................................18 Library ...........................................................................................................18 Student Advocates Program .........................................................................19 Saturday School.............................................................................................20 ACADEMIC STANDARDS.............................................................................22 Absences and Academic Credit....................................................................23 Medical Leave Policy......................................................................................24 Academic Dishonesty.....................................................................................24 Academic Detention.......................................................................................28 Homework Policy............................................................................................28 Homework Make-up.......................................................................................28 On Review Process........................................................................................29 GRADING POLICY.........................................................................................30 Philosophy......................................................................................................31 Performance Grades......................................................................................32 6 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.................................................................33 Declaration of Intent.......................................................................................35 Attendance Requirements..............................................................................35 Medical Leave................................................................................................36 Minimum Chronological Age..........................................................................36 Grade Level Placement..................................................................................36 Required Core Courses..................................................................................37 Competency Testing......................................................................................37 Academic Grades..........................................................................................38 Other Notes and Policies...............................................................................39 Financial Obligations......................................................................................39 Graduation Dates...........................................................................................39 STUDENT LIFE..............................................................................................40 Goals for Students ........................................................................................ 41 Privacy/Dignity Policy ................................................................................... 41 Buildings and Grounds .................................................................................41 Student Store ................................................................................................ 41 Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Communication ............................42 Roller Blading, Skateboarding/long-boarding and Biking ............................42 THE RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM .................................................................. 43 Houseparent and Residential Staff ................................................................44 Typical Residential Schedule ........................................................................44 Residential Facilities ......................................................................................44 Pets ...............................................................................................................45 Prohibited Items and Fire Safety .................................................................. 45 Student Rooms ............................................................................................. 46 Personal Items ...............................................................................................46 Housekeeping/Maintenance .........................................................................46 Damages .......................................................................................................46 7 Student Expenses..........................................................................................47 Allowances ....................................................................................................47 Weekend Recreation......................................................................................47 Special Events................................................................................................47 Other Expenses and Supplies........................................................................48 Day Passes....................................................................................................48 Weekend Passes ...........................................................................................48 Travel Arrangements to and from School ......................................................48 Local Transportation.......................................................................................49 Laundry .........................................................................................................49 DAY STUDENT PROGRAM ..........................................................................50 Transportation .............................................................................................51 After-School Activities..................................................................................51 Procedures for Remaining On Campus After School ....................................51 Day Student Overnight Procedures ...............................................................51 STANDARDS OF ACCOUNTABILITY...........................................................52 Statement of Philosophy.................................................................................53 Statement of Procedure ................................................................................ 53 Standards Committee ....................................................................................55 Types of Accountability .................................................................................56 Suspension/Expulsion/Termination.................................................................57 Behavior and Actions That May Lead to Dismissal........................................58 Behavior and Actions That WILL Lead to Dismissal.......................................59 Credit and Expulsion......................................................................................59 PERSONAL APPEARANCE .........................................................................60 Acceptable and Expected: ............................................................................61 Dress Code ....................................................................................................61 Unacceptable Dress ......................................................................................63 Accessories/Grooming ..................................................................................63 8 Tattoos ...........................................................................................................63 Outerwear ......................................................................................................64 Hair ................................................................................................................64 PRIVILEGE SYSTEM.....................................................................................65 HEALTH CENTER .........................................................................................74 COUNSELING SERVICE...............................................................................76 Needs Assessment.........................................................................................77 Statements of Self-Harm, Self-Injurious Behavior or Harm to Others ............77 Acknowledgement of Self-Injurious Behavior ................................................78 MEDICAL LEAVE...........................................................................................80 CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT ......................................................................82 HARASSMENT/BULLYING/HAZING POLICY...............................................84 Bullying...........................................................................................................86 Cyber -Bullying ..............................................................................................86 Sexual Harassment ........................................................................................87 Procedure for Reporting Harassment/Bullying/Hazing .................................87 Hazing ...........................................................................................................88 CH. 269, S. 17. Crime of Hazing; Definition; Penalty......................................88 CH. 269, S. 18 Duty to Report Hazing............................................................88 SUBSTANCE USE POLICIES.......................................................................89 General Statement of Policy ..........................................................................90 Illegal Drugs Defined .....................................................................................91 Prescription and Non-Prescription Medications.............................................91 Household Cleaning Solutions ......................................................................91 Sale or Distribution of Substances ................................................................91 Possession , Use of Substances or Tampering with/Falsifying urine sample.........................................................92 9