File: EB 

 Monomoy Regional School District

SAFETY PROGRAM POLICY

 Accidents are undesirable, unplanned occurrences that can result in tragic consequences--bodily harm, loss of school time, property damage, legal action, and even fatality.  The School Committee will guard against such occurrences by taking precautions to protect the safety of all students, employees, visitors and others present on school property or at school-sponsored events.

The Committee will comply with safety requirements established by governmental authorities and will insist that its staff adhere to recommended safety practices as these pertain, for example, to the school plant, special areas of instruction, student transportation, school sports and occupational safety.

The School Committee will disseminate information that will help protect the safety of all students, employees, visitors and others present on school property or at school-sponsored events. It will comply with safety requirements as established and mandated by local, state and federal authorities and it will insist that its staff adhere to recommended safety practices.

 Each principal will be responsible for the supervision of a safety program for his or her school, and the Superintendent will have overall responsibility for the safety program of the school system. It will be the responsibility of the Superintendent to see that appropriate staff members are kept informed of current state and local requirements relating to fire prevention, civil defense, sanitation, public health, and occupational safety.

Including recommendations and requirements relating to fire prevention, public health, personal safety and emergency preparedness within the District. The Superintendent may also establish committees composed of staff members, community members and supervisory personnel to aid in the development of safety procedures and in the implementation of policy.

 Personal safety and emergency preparedness will also be included in the instructional programs of the schools. Opportunities should be sought by principals and educators to address the real and present concerns of wellness and the prevention of illness and of emergency preparedness relating to chemical and biological disasters, as well as long standing issues such as accident prevention, emergency procedures, traffic, fire prevention, bicycle and pedestrian safety. Instruction should be geared to students at all grade levels, and faculty is encouraged to include these topics across the disciplines and as appropriate. Through awareness of surroundings, critical thinking skills and emergency preparedness, the safety of students, faculty, staff and the community will be maintained.

Efforts directed toward the prevention of accidents will succeed only to the degree that all staff members recognize that preventing accidents is a daily operational responsibility.

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 71:55C and Acts of 1985c 614 Sec 1

Board of Education 603 CMR 36:00

CROSS REFS.:  EEAE, School Bus Safety Program

               GBGB, Staff Personal Security and Safety

               IHAM, Health Education

               JLI, Student Safety

Adopted: March 13, 2017

Revised: November 21, 2019

The Monomoy Regional School District is committed to providing a safe and properly maintained environment for all staff, students and visitors. To achieve this end, the District will implement integrated pest management procedures for its buildings and grounds. 

The integrated pest management procedures shall include implementation of appropriate prevention and control strategies, notification of certain pesticide and herbicide uses, record keeping, education and evaluation.

Integrated pest management procedures will determine when to control pests and what method of control to choose. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species, location and whether and at what population level its presence poses a threat to people,
property or the environment. The full range of action alternatives, including no action, will always be considered.

I. Overview And Goals

1. The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement an integrated pest management program.
2. An integrated pest management program is a pest control approach that emphasizes using a balanced combination of tactics (cultural, mechanical, biological, chemical) to reduce pests to a tolerable level while using pesticides and herbicides as a last resort to minimize health, environmental and economic risks.
3. Pesticides and herbicides will be used only as a last resort, based on a review of all other available options.
4. The integrated pest management program shall strive to:
   1. Reduce any potential human health hazard.
   2. Reduce loss or damage to school structures or property.
   3. Minimize the risk of pests from spreading in the community.
   4. Enhance the quality of facility use for school and community.
   5. Minimize health, environmental and economic risks.

II. Restrictions On Use Of Pesticides And Herbicides

1. When pesticides or herbicides are used, they must be classified as an EPA Category III or IV. Application of any pesticide or herbicide may be performed only by certified applicators.
2. Application of pesticides and herbicides may only be accomplished during a school break or when the building will be clear of students for at least 48 hours.  

III. Notification Of Pesticide And Herbicide Use

1. When pesticides or herbicides are used outdoors, notice of their use will be provided to parent/guardians, staff and students and will also be posted in a common area.
2. When pesticides and herbicides are used in a building, the site will provide a 48-hour pre-notification in the form of posting the product name, purpose, application date, time and method and the Material Safety Data Sheet on all entrance doors. A contact person will also be listed.
3. In the event of an EPA registered pesticide or herbicide application in or around a building site during the school year or summer session, a notice (including the product name, purpose, contact person, and application date, time and method), will be sent home in writing with students in the affected building at least 5 days prior to application.

IV. Record-Keeping

1. The District will keep a record of pesticides and herbicides used, amounts and locations of treatments and will keep any Material Safety Data Sheets, product labels and manufacturer information on ingredients related to the application of the pesticides or herbicides.
2. All records of pesticides and herbicides used and correspondence will be available for public review upon notice and during normal school hours. 

V. Staff Responsibilities And Education

1. Designated staff (School Nutrition, Buildings and Grounds, etc.) will participate in sanitation and pest exclusion procedure appropriate to their roles. For example: keeping doors closed, repairing cracks, removing food waste within 12 hours, keeping lids on garbage receptacles and keeping vegetation properly out.
2. Ongoing education of all appropriate District staff will be a priority to ensure a safe and clean environment.

Legal references:

Chapter 85 of the Acts of 2000, "An Act to Protect Children and Families from Harmful Pesticides."

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

The District attempts to provide a safe environment. If an accident or sudden illness occurs,  school personnel will administer first aid and, if warranted, call the school physician. 

First aid is defined as the immediate and temporary care given in case of an accident or sudden illness, which enables the child to be taken safely home or to a physician. It does not include diagnosis or treatment. Any care beyond first aid will not be given.

At each school, procedures will be developed for the proper handling of an injury to, or sudden illness of, a child or staff member. These will be made known to the staff and will incorporate the following requirements:

1. The school nurse or another trained person will be responsible for administering first aid. 

2. When the nature of an illness or an injury appears in any way serious, every effort will be made to contact the parent and/or emergency medical services (911). 

3. No young child who is ill or injured will be sent home alone, nor will any older child unless the illness or injury is minor. A young child who is ill or injured will not be taken home unless it is known that someone is there to receive him or her.

4. In extreme emergencies, the school nurse, school physician or principal may make arrangements for immediate hospitalization of injured or ill students, contacting parent or guardian in advance if at all possible. Emergency medical consent forms must be signed by parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year.

5. The teacher or other staff member to whom a child is responsible at the time an accident occurs will make out a report on an official form providing details about the accident. This will be required for every accident for which first aid is given. 

6. All accidents to students and staff members will be reported as soon as possible to the Superintendent and, if the Superintendent deems appropriate, to the School Committee.

Legal references:

M.G.L. 71:55A; 71:56

Cross references:

JLC, Student Health Services and Requirements

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

The Monomoy Regional School District recognizes that from time to time circumstances may occur within the school community which constitute a crisis and require prompt and immediate action. A crisis is defined as a tragedy, disaster or a dangerous situation occurring during or after school
hours which could profoundly impact students, staff and/or parents.

The Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall develop a crisis protocol for the District and identify a crisis team who shall receive specific training for implementing the crisis plan. Successful implementation of the crisis protocol depends on having the crisis team in place in each school, and
in providing staff training in its use. The crisis team shall review the crisis protocol prior to the start of the academic year and ensure that appropriate personnel are in place and trained.

The guidelines set forth in the crisis protocol shall assist the crisis team in responding quickly and appropriately when a crisis occurs. Additionally, these guidelines will help members of the school community to respond to the needs of the students and staff at times of grief, loss and crisis in order to ameliorate present conditions of stress, and to help individuals to remain physically and psychologically healthy and to help prevent the development of later psychological problems.

In the event that a crisis should occur within the school community, and the crisis protocol implemented, it shall be reviewed immediately thereafter by the crisis Team for its effectiveness in handling the given situation. Appropriate changes shall be made to the crisis protocol as necessary.

Cross references:

EBCD, Emergency Closings

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

• It shall be the responsibility of each school principal, in concert with the fire chief, to formulate an action plan for evacuation of all persons in the event of a fire. This plan shall contain alternate means of egress for all persons involved, including any special evacuation procedures necessary to accommodate handicapped individuals.
• The principal shall ensure that all staff receives proper instructions on the fire drill procedure specified for the room or area in which that person carries out his/her duties.
• The principal shall ensure that every student is advised of the fire drill procedure or shall take part in a fire drill within three days after entering such school. 
• The principal shall ensure that all school employees become knowledgeable in the EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN for FIRE - SMOKE -GAS - EXPLOSION found in the crisis protocol, and in the activation of the fire alarm system, in the event of an actual emergency.
• Each school shall conduct a minimum of one fire drill per month in collaboration with the fire-rescue department. Fire drills shall be held at various times of the school day and under various circumstances, including when students are in areas other than their normal classrooms. All fire drills shall be conducted without advance warning to school personnel other than the principal or person in charge of the school at that time.

Legal references:

Massachusetts Department of Safety Regulations Chapter. 148, Sec. G-L, #16

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

The Superintendent may delay the opening or close the schools in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies that threaten the health or safety of students and personnel. While it may be prudent, under certain circumstances, to excuse all students from attending school, to delay the opening hour or to dismiss students early, the Superintendent has the responsibility to see that as much of the administrative, supervisory and operational activity is continued as may be possible. Therefore, if conditions affect only a single school, only that school will be closed.

In making the decision to close schools, the Superintendent will consider many factors, including the following principle ones relating to the fundamental concern for the safety and health of the children:

• Weather conditions, both existing and predicted.
• Driving, traffic and parking conditions affecting school and private transportation.
• Actual occurrence or imminent possibility of any emergency condition that would make the operation of schools difficult or dangerous.
• Inability of teaching personnel to report for duty, which might result in inadequate supervision of students.

The Superintendent will weigh these factors and take action to close the schools after consultation with public works and public safety authorities and with school officials from neighboring towns. Students, parents and staff will be informed early in each school year of the procedures that will be used to notify them in case of emergency closings. When schools are closed for emergency reasons, staff members will comply with  administrative policy in reporting for work.

When schools are closed all other activities, including athletic events, will be canceled.

Legal references:

MGL 71:4; 71:4A

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

File:  EBCFA

Policy EBCFA was rescinded by the Monomoy Regional School Committee on February 17, 2022; effective February 28, 2022.

 Monomoy Regional School District

FACE COVERINGS 

The Monomoy Regional School District is committed to providing a safe environment as schools operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining a safe environment is critical to the District’s ability to offer students a full-time classroom learning experience.

 According to public health experts, one of the best ways to stop the spread of coronavirus and to keep members of our school community safe is the use of face masks or face coverings. Therefore, using the guidance and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Department of  Public Health (DPH), the District has established the following requirements which will remain in place until further notice.

 Face Covering Requirements - Per CDC guidance

1. A face covering that covers the nose and mouth must be worn by all individuals in school buildings and on school transportation, even when social distancing is observed.
2. Individuals may be excused from the requirement for the following list of reasons The individual:

• has a documented serious medical condition
• is unconscious
• is incapacitated
• cannot remove the mask or face covering without assistance

1. In addition, masks or face coverings will not be required for anyone who has a medical, behavioral, or other challenge making it unsafe to wear a face mask or face covering.  
1. Formal documentation from a physician is required for a requested exemption. 
2. Additionally, consent to communicate with the physician will be requested as well as a medical evaluations/assessments to review and consider.  
3. Parents may not excuse their child from the face mask requirement by signing a waiver.
2. Additionally, face masks or face coverings will not be required when appropriate social distancing is enforced

• during mask breaks
• while eating or drinking
• during outside physical education and Recess/Fresh Air Time 

1. Exceptions to this policy under certain circumstances, such as for students with medical, behavioral, or other challenges who are unable to wear masks, must be approved by the building principal in consultation with the school nurse or local Board of Health.  
1. Face shields with a mask or physical barriers, such as plexiglass partitions, may provide an alternative in some instances. 
2. A written note from a physician is required for a requested exemption.  
3. Parents may not excuse their child from the face mask requirement by signing a waiver.

 Face Covering Responsibility

1. A student’s mask or face covering is to be provided by the student’s family.  
2. Staff members are responsible for providing their own face coverings. 
3. However, the district will supply disposable face covering for individuals who arrive at a building, or board school transportation, without one.

Violations of Policy

1. If students are in violation of this policy, the building principal will consult with the parents/guardians/caregivers to determine whether an exception is appropriate, or the students may be removed from the school building for in-person learning until such time as they can comply with the requirement or the requirement is lifted.
2. Violations of this policy by staff will be handled in the same manner as other violations of School Committee policy.
3. Visitors in violation of this policy will be denied entry to the school/district facility.

 Term of Policy

1. This policy will remain in place until rescinded by the School Committee.

 Guidance Statements

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Center for Disease Control and Prevention  

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Adopted: 9/10/2020

Revised: 11/4/2021, 1/20/22

Rescinded: 2/17/22 effective 2/28/22

The School Committee's most important function is to provide for the education of children, and it recognizes that the education of children is dependent upon many factors, including a proper physical environment that is safe, clean, sanitary, and as comfortable and convenient as the
facilities will permit or the use requires. 

The supervision over the care and safekeeping of property used by the school department will be the general responsibility of the Superintendent. He/she will work with other town departments, as necessary, to develop a comprehensive and well-defined plan for the proper maintenance, cleanliness, and safekeeping of all school buildings and grounds to ensure that each school is equally well maintained, equipped, and staffed. 

The Superintendent will establish procedures and employ such means as may be necessary to provide accurate information in regard to the nature, condition, location, and value of all property used by the school department; to safeguard the property against loss, damage, or undue depreciation; to recover and restore to usefulness any property that may be lost, stolen or damaged; and to do all things necessary to ensure the proper maintenance, cleanliness, and safekeeping of school property.

Within the separate schools, the building administrator will be responsible for proper care, maintenance, and cleanliness of buildings, equipment and grounds.

Legal references:

M.G.L. 71:68

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

Public school buildings and grounds are one of the greatest investments of the town. It is deemed in the best interest of the school department and town to protect the investment adequately. 

Security should mean not only maintenance of a secure, locked building, but protection from fire hazards and faulty equipment, and safe practices in the use of electrical, plumbing, and heating equipment. The Committee expects close cooperation with fire and law enforcement departments and with insurance company inspectors.

Access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours will be limited to personnel whose work requires it. An adequate key control system will be established, which will limit access to buildings to authorized personnel and will safeguard against the chance of entrance to buildings by unauthorized persons.

Funds and valuable records will be kept in a safe place and under lock and key. 

Protective devices designed to be used as safeguards against illegal entry and vandalism will be installed when appropriate to the individual situation. Employment of security personnel may be approved in situations where special risks are involved.

The School Committee recognizes that acts of vandalism committed against public and private property are costly and require positive action through educational programs. Consequently, the Committee will support various programs aimed at reducing the amount of vandalism. 

Every citizen of the town, staff members, students, and members of the police department are urged by the School Committee to cooperate in reporting any incidents of vandalism to property under control of the school department, and the name(s) of the person or persons believed to be
responsible. Each employee will report to the principal of the school every incident of vandalism known to him/her and, if known, the names of those responsible.

The Superintendent is authorized to sign a criminal complaint and to press the charges against perpetrators of vandalism against school property, and is further authorized to delegate, as he/she sees fit, authority to sign such complaints and to press charges.

Parents and students will be made aware of the legal implications involved. Reimbursement will be sought for all or part of any damages.

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

The Monomoy Regional School District is most conscientious in providing its pupils and teachers the best of building and materials with which to carry on our work. In return, we are expected to be equally conscientious in seeing that these materials are used with a maximum of care and efficiency and a minimum of loss and destruction.

We do this by sharing equally in the supervision of the school plant and grounds, by keeping accurate and up-to-date accounts of equipment and materials put in our charge, by expecting of all pupils reasonable care of materials loaned them, and by trying to develop in students a sense of responsibility in dealing with school-owned property. Pupils should be given some dates for maintenance as a part of their training.

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

Maintenance of the building is the responsibility of the building principal.

Custodians shall do all work that may be necessary to keep the building, appurtenances, thereto, and the grounds in a proper condition throughout the year and be held directly responsible to the principals for the care of the same. They shall perform such other reasonable duties as may be
required of them.

Custodial employees shall use due precaution in regard to fire hazards. They shall see that all fire extinguishers are properly charged and ready for immediate service at all times. They shall use metal ash cans; they shall keep their storerooms free from oil, waste or paint, unless protected by
fireproof materials. They shall not use attic closets, obscure recesses or closets under stairs for storage, except by permission of the superintendent. They shall keep exit doors and paths, in such condition, that easy exits may be always possible, and they must keep the fire escapes and exit doors and paths free from snow, ice, and obstacles tending to retard the safe and rapid exit of teachers and pupils.

In order to protect the health of students and staff members and to support the goal of maintaining a healthy, safe and clean environment, the District will support the use of green cleaning products where feasible.

Custodians shall report to the principal any repairs that may be needed but shall have no authority to order any repairs to be made or to contract any bills.

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

The health, comfort, and learning environment of students and staff are important aspects of the Monomoy Regional School District (MRSD) mission. Working with the EPA and their IAQ Tools for School Program, the District developed an IAQ Management Plan that will help monitor and improve the quality of air in the school buildings. The objectives of this IAQ Management Plan are:

• Reduce the levels of indoor air pollutants through preventive measures such as routine maintenance activities, periodic building evaluations and inspections, and IAQ-specific policies.
• Provide and maintain adequate airflow by repairing and maintaining ventilation equipment, which will promote a comfortable and healthy learning and working environment.
• Respond to IAQ-related concerns and problems in a prompt and thorough manner, and effectively communicate the progress of investigations and their resolutions to all interested parties.

1. Food in the Classroom Policy: Food should not be left in classrooms. When it is necessary to store food in classrooms, it must be kept in airtight, sealed containers to minimize the potential for pests, odors, and biological growth.
2. Painting Policy: The Schools must use latex, water-based paints for the physical plant; using paints that contain mercury or lead is prohibited. Painting and drying should only occur when the area of the building is unoccupied and properly ventilated. It is also important to inform all affected staff and students before a painting job begins.
3. Hazardous Materials Policy: The District will handle hazardous materials according to the manufacturers’ guidelines. Wastes generated from hazardous materials, common in art, science, and vocation/industrial classes will be stored separately from regular aste and disposed of in appropriate containers. Training sessions for staff responsible for these materials will explain the risks associated with hazardous materials and the importance of complying with this policy. The school district’s hazardous materials plan is located in the Facility Director’s office. Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Plan: An AHERA Management plan is required by Federal law and is intended to prevent staff exposure to asbestos during general operation and maintenance activities. It describes the location and condition of asbestos-containing building materials, and documents their removal and repairs. The AHERA Management Plan also describes the proper recordkeeping practices that school officials must follow. Schools must update their AHERA Management Plans with information collected from their periodic surveillance every 6 months, inspection of buildings for asbestos-containing material every 3 years, and response actions taken within the school. The AHERA Management Plan is located in the Business Managers Office.
4. Lead Policy: Lead can adversely affect the nervous system. Young children are particularly susceptible. If lead is determined to be present in existing school building paint coatings, renovation procedures will be employed that minimize the exposure of building occupants to airborne lead-based paint particles. “Lead in Water Plan” has been implemented that includes water sampling, faucet replacement, education, and record keeping in conjunction with the towns of Chatham and Harwich. Reports on the lead in water are located in the facility director’s office.
5. Emergency Response Policy: An emergency is defined as an unforeseen circumstance that requires immediate action, assistance or relief. This includes situations that are potentially life threatening, such as:
   • Spills of hazardous materials;
   • Complaints of severe headaches, nausea, and combustion odors; and
   • Diagnosed Legionnaire’s disease or tuberculosis

In addition, emergencies include situations where there is limited time available to prevent serious property damage, such as flooding in carpeted areas or health problems.

It is up to the discretion of the school administrators to identify and react to emergencies on a case-by-case basis, using the above definition as a general guideline only. If doubt exists about whether exposure to a specific hazard constitutes an emergency, a precautionary approach should
be used where the matter is handled as an emergency. Non-emergency situations are addressed according to the “Reporting and Response Policy.”

District officials must respond to emergencies immediately. If there is any doubt, contact the fire department for support. If the problem cannot be resolved with in-house resources, external help should be acquired (e.g. local fire department, local health agency, IAQ professionals). If a
hazard poses an immediate threat to the students and staff, the affected building areas must be evacuated. All avenues of communication need to be utilized to warn and inform affected or interested parties in a prompt manner.

The District encourages staff, students and parents to report any IAQ concerns, regardless of how trivial the issue may seem. The prompt reporting and resolution of IAQ issues has the potential to prevent serious problems from developing, which will help to prevent potential health effects, discomfort, and unnecessary costs. This makes the investigation of all reported concerns worthwhile.

The IAQ Coordinator will address concerns and create a history that can be referred to at a future date. All written concerns should be sent to the IAQ Coordinator to initiate an official IAQ concern reporting process. The resolution of the issue will be documented and the affected
parties should be informed in writing about the measures taken. Information collected will be processed and stored according to the school district’s policies.

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

The School Committee wishes to be of assistance, whenever possible, to other town departments and community organizations. Therefore, permission to use school equipment may be granted by the Superintendent upon request by responsible parties or organizations.

Staff members may use school equipment when the use is related to their school employment, and by students when the equipment is to be used in connection with their studies or extracurricular activities.

Proper controls will be established by the Superintendent to assure the user's responsibility for, and return of, all school equipment.

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised:

The major purpose of the school system's transportation services is to aid students in getting to and from school in an efficient, safe, and economical manner.

The school system will contract for transportation services. The Committee will award contracts on a competitive bid basis. Bus contractors and taxi contractors, who will be held responsible for the safe operation of school buses, will comply with all applicable state laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

1. Specifications for school bus design and equipment
2. Inspection of buses
3. Qualifications and examinations of bus drivers
4. Driving regulations
5. Small vehicle requirements, if applicable
6. Insurance coverage
7. Adherence to local regulations and directives as specified in bid contracts

The Superintendent, working with the bus contractor and other appropriate administrators, will be responsible for establishing bus schedules, routes, stops, and all other matters relative to the transportation program.

Legal references:

M.G.L. 40:5; 71:7A, B and C; 71:37D; 71:48A; 71:68; 71:71A; 71B:4; 71B:5; 71B:8; 74:8A; 76:1; 76:12Bi; 76:14

Cross references:

EEAA, Walkers and Riders

Adopted: March 27, 2013

Revised: