Hyannis West Handbook
Dear Hyannis West Community,
This handbook was created to provide important information about the policies, procedures, and expectations for Hyannis West Elementary as well as policy information for the Barnstable Public Schools.
Please review this handbook thoroughly and share the contents of it with your child. We hope it will provide you with all the information you need to have a successful year at Hyannis West. If you have any questions, please call the front office at (508) 790-6480 or email.
Sincerely,
Kathi Amato Eric Currey
Principal Assistant Principal
amato_kathi@mybps.us currey_eric@mybps.us
Hyannis West Vision for Success
Hyannis West is a warm, welcoming, diverse school community that inspires and empowers students by establishing a sense of belonging and strong family partnerships. Together, we believe all students’ social-emotional, personal, and academic growth and success can be fostered through a climate of high expectations.
Mission Statement
The Hyannis West school community will bring together students, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds by providing culturally responsive engagement opportunities for all. Barriers to educational access will be identified and overcome using a supportive, inclusive, collaborative approach. Students’ race, culture, identity and learning styles will be celebrated and will drive instruction for our educators. We commit to using real-time data to accelerate growth for all learners through joyful, rigorous learning experiences and timely support so that all students leave Hyannis West compassionate citizens, proficient readers, masterful mathematicians, and creative thinkers and problem-solvers.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION/CHANGE OF INFORMATION
For student safety, parents/guardians need to provide an annual update of information. Information is updated through the Aspen Portal that can be accessed at https://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/family-students/student-annual-update-information. If you have difficulty completing the update, please contact Mrs. Booth at the front office, (508) 790-6480.
VISITING OUR SCHOOL
All visitors are required to buzz in at the front door and state their name and purpose for the visit. You will need to sign in and out with Mrs. Booth at the front desk.
NO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
A delayed opening, early dismissal, or cancellation of school may occur due to inclement weather or other extraordinary circumstances. Radio and television stations may broadcast school delays and cancellations. It will also be announced on the Barnstable Public Schools website and social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). Other than during a power outage, families will also be notified through an automated telephone and/or email message. To ensure that we are able to contact you, please keep your child’s contact information up to date.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
The Hyannis West Elementary school day is 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Arrival
8:50 - Students may enter the building. Children who arrive before that time will not be supervised. Students enter the building and walk directly to their classrooms. Upon arrival, breakfast is available to all students in the cafeteria.
9:00 - Official start of the school day. Students arriving after 9:00 are tardy and must be escorted to the main entrance by a parent/guardian. All students should be in their classrooms at this time.
Car Drop-off
All students who arrive by car must be dropped off at the bus/carport between 8:50 and 9:00. Remain in your car and pull forward and a staff member will meet your child at your car. Please do not drop your child off and leave before a staff member greets you. If you do not arrive by 9:00 a.m., you will need to walk your child into the main office and sign them in tardy.
Bus Drop-off
Students who arrive by bus will be dropped off at the main entrance in front of the school and walk directly to their classrooms.
Dismissal
3:25 – Students being picked up are called to the bus/carport when their parent/guardian arrives. . For safety purposes, have your car sign visible, remain in your vehicle, follow the line of cars, and staff will escort your child to your car. Students not picked up by 3:40 will be escorted to the front office.
3:30 - Bus students are dismissed from their classrooms when their bus arrives. Buses typically depart by 3:40 p.m.
Late Pick-ups
Students not picked up by 3:45 or who are brought back to school by bus (no parent/guardian at stop) will be considered a late pick-up, and will need to be signed out by an adult.
After 5 late pick-ups a reminder letter/call will be made to the parent/guardian.
After 10 late pick-ups a meeting with parent/guardian will be requested and additional action may be taken.
BEFORE / AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE
Hyannis West offers before/after school child care to students in grades K-3. Before school care is available starting at 7:00 a.m. with a cost of $160 per month. After school hours are 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. with a cost of $200 per month. Children must be picked up by 5:30 p.m. or you will be subject to additional fees. A waitlist may be used based on enrollment and/or staffing needs. Program information may be obtained by emailing the Site Coordinator, Jeanne Ciliberto @ ciliberto_jeanne@mybps.us or the Program Director, Kathy Blackwell @ blackwell_kathy@mybps.us
TARDINESS/ATTENDANCE/DISMISSAL PROTOCOL
Hyannis West Elementary School considers consistent daily attendance essential for maximum academic and social growth. This includes arriving on time, staying until the end of the school day, and being present every day. We recognize that parents of children attending our school have special rights as well as responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their children attend school regularly, in accordance with state law.
TARDINESS
It is imperative that your child arrives at school on time. The school day begins at 9:00 a.m. If your child arrives after 9:00 a.m. they are considered tardy and you will need to walk them to the front door to sign-in.
When tardiness interferes with your child’s learning, a letter may be sent home and a parent/guardian meeting may be requested.
DISMISSAL DURING SCHOOL HOURS (EARLY DISMISSAL)
The school day is from 9:00-3:30. When a child leaves school early they are missing important learning. However, we do recognize that there are times when a child must be dismissed early for a doctor’s appointment or other important reasons. Please do your best to schedule appointments outside of school hours.
When you request early dismissal for your child, a note, phone call, or email is required. Please indicate the time of dismissal and the name of the person who will pick up the child. NO child will be dismissed to anyone other than their parent/guardian or a pre-identified contact unless approved verbally or in writing in advance by the parent or guardian.
When frequent early dismissals interfere with a child’s learning, a letter may be sent home and a parent/guardian meeting may be requested.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is necessary if your child is to progress socially and academically. Regular attendance enables students to benefit from classroom discussions and instruction as well as interactive activities. These shared academic experiences are integral to the learning process and social development of the child. They cannot be re-created or replicated.
If your child is going to be absent from school, please call (508) 790-6480, Ext. 1781, to notify the school nurse. You may also email or call Mr. Currey (Ext. 1003) or your child’s classroom teacher. A doctor’s note may be requested upon a prolonged illness at the discretion of school administration. The School Nurse or Assistant Principal will call the parent/guardian any time the student is absent and no call or message has been received. We need to account for each student daily.
The Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education holds schools accountable for chronic absenteeism. Hyannis West Elementary School recognizes the importance of regular and consistent attendance. Research shows that chronic absenteeism is a predictor of future student success. Our goal is to limit student absences to 5% or fewer (approx. one a month). The state defines chronic absenteeism as having missed 10% or more of the school days.
Excused absences/tardies, as determined by the school principal or designee, must be communicated to the school and are limited to the following circumstances:
personal illness;
medical appointments that cannot be made outside of school hours;
death of a family member;
weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child;
observance of major religious holidays;
legal obligations requiring personal appearance;
verified post-high school visits, such as college visits (two days during a student’s junior year and three days during a student’s senior year); and
other exceptional reasons with approval of the Principal or designee.
The provision of a written explanation will not automatically result in the absence being documented as excused. Excused absences are limited to the categories set forth above.
Unexcused Absence - An absence for which no written verification or documentation is provided (i.e. a “no call-no show” absence) or that occurs for a reason that cannot be considered an excused absence.
Some Attendance Tips:
Make sure your students keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine. School-aged children need 10-12 hours of sleep each night.
Turn off all electronics, including TVs, phones, and tablets, 1 hour before bedtime.
Make sure clothes and backpacks are ready the night before.
Check with our school nurse if you are unsure when to keep your child at home due to illness or use this reference How Sick Is Too Sick?
Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session. If unavoidable, schedule appointments early or late in the day and come to school.
Inform teachers and counselors if your student feels anxious about going to school so we can support you and your student.
Bus passes can be obtained from the transportation department if you need transportation. BPS Transportation
Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your student to school even if tardy.
We use a supportive approach to improving attendance by identifying barriers and working with families to overcome those barriers. However in the case of excessive absences/tardies (excused or unexcused), the following could occur:
Upon the fifth absence/tardy: Phone call and/or letter sent home to the family expressing the school’s concern. Efforts will be made to meet with the parent or guardian of the student to develop action steps for student attendance.
Upon the seventh absence/tardy:
A letter will be mailed home to the family which documents the school's increasing concern regarding the child's attendance. Additional efforts will be made to meet with the parent or guardian of the student to develop action steps for student attendance.
Upon the tenth absence/tardy:
A letter will be mailed home to the family documenting the school’s serious concern regarding the child's attendance. The parent/guardian is required to call the School Counselor to schedule a meeting.
If the child’s attendance does not improve after the above steps have been taken, a letter will be mailed home signed by the District Attorney’s Office and School Administration. A meeting will be held with the School Counselor, Principal and representatives from the District Attorney’s Office. Community resources will be made available to assist families, if necessary.
Under MGL c. 119, § 21, (Mass. General Law) a child may be eligible for “Child Requiring Assistance" services through the juvenile court system if the child is “habitually truant. ” A school aged child is “habitually truant” when not otherwise excused from attendance in accordance with lawful and reasonable school regulations or willfully fails to attend school for more than 8 school days in a quarter. The school may pursue a CRA or assist parents with pursuing “CRA” services and supports.
Under Chapter 119, section 51A of the Massachusetts General Laws, a report can be filed on behalf of a child under the age of eighteen for educational neglect if a child is not attending school on a regular basis. This report of suspected Child Abuse or Neglect, commonly referred to as a 51A, is filed with the Department of Children and Family Services. By law, school personnel are mandated reporters.
STUDENT SERVICES
RECESS
A supervised 20 minute recess is held each day for all students immediately before or after lunch. Students will go outdoors, weather permitting. They should be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions of the day. It is recommended that students not wear flip flops for safety reasons.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Hyannis West has a number of support services available to our students. Since Hyannis West is a school-wide Title I School, licensed Title I teachers assist students in meeting Reading and Math Standards in and out of the classroom setting. English Language Education, Gateway, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, resource room, and counseling are services available to all students.
GATEWAY PROGRAM
The Barnstable Public Schools Gateway Program is designed to broaden thinking skills, decision making skills, to encourage creativity, and to train students in skills necessary for independent research and projects. Students in Kindergarten through grade 3 participate in Gateway activities.
Gateway facilitates the Destination Imagination Program, available to students whenever family members are available to serve as trained coaches. For more information about the Gateway Program or if you are interested in becoming a DI coach, please call Kari Andrade, Director of the Gateway Program, at (508) 790-6372.
SPECIAL SUBJECTS
Students in grades K-3 receive specialized instruction in Art, Health, Music, Physical Education (Gym), and Science/Technology. Specials are 60 minutes per day. All students must wear sneakers on Gym day in order to fully participate.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips enhance the curriculum and are worthwhile means of learning. Each teacher will provide families with specific field trip information. A signed permission slip is required for each student to attend. Students not participating in a field trip should be in attendance at school. A student who does not have written permission to attend may be denied participation.
HYANNIS WEST SCHOOL COUNCIL
Hyannis West is committed to shared decision making by members of the school community. The decision making body of our school is the School Council. The team is composed of staff, parents/guardians, a community member, and the principal. The group meets one time per month to develop and monitor the School Improvement Plan. All meetings are virtual and open to the public. A public comment period is offered at the beginning of each School Council meeting.
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
We need you! The Hyannis West PTO is an active and supportive group consisting of parents/guardians and staff members. The purpose of the PTO is to help organize fundraisers and other events that enhance family involvement and to fund school-wide enrichments and activities. We believe it is important that our PTO reflects our diverse student population. Child care and interpreters for Spanish and Portuguese are available at each meeting. PTO information is available on our website and on the Hyannis West PTO Facebook Page. Meeting dates will be provided at the start of the year and meetings are one hour in length.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
If you are interested in chaperoning for a field trip or volunteering in our school, you need to register as a volunteer. A CORI/ background check is required for every individual who applies to be a volunteer. Information can be found in this flyer: English, Spanish, Portuguese
FAMILY/TEACHER CONFERENCES
A positive partnership between school and home is key to a child’s educational success! While Family/Teacher conferences are formally scheduled in October, a meeting with your child’s teachers and/or school administration may be held at any time throughout the school year. A meeting may be arranged by contacting your child’s teacher or the main office.
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
The Principal, in consultation with the Hyannis West Staff, determines classroom assignments for students. A great deal of time is spent considering the individual needs of each child as well as creating balanced classrooms. As per the policy of the Barnstable Public Schools, the building principal shall have the final decision in regards to assignment of students to grades and/or classes, including retention. Parent requests will not be accepted.
INTERPRETER SERVICES
Interpreter services are available to assist those with hearing impairments and for families who require assistance with English. For the Portuguese interpreter, call Mara Araujo at (508) 790-6480 Ext. 1216 or email araujo_mara@mybps.us. For the Spanish Interpreter, call or email Adela Blanco Roman at (508) 790-6445 (x 1243) blancoroman_adela@mybps.us.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH
Hyannis West’s federal Title I funding is based on the percentage of free/reduced lunch students.
Hyannis West participates in the Universal Breakfast and Lunch Program which means that every child is eligible for FREE breakfast and lunch every school day. The lunch program offers a choice of hot and cold lunches. Breakfast and lunch menus can be found here.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards for Grade K-3 are issued in December, March and June. An explanation of the grading system is provided on the report card. Examples of report cards and rubrics for each grade level are available on the Barnstable Public Schools website. Each trimester report card is accessible to families through the Aspen Portal.
HEALTH EDUCATION
The essence of the Barnstable Public School system’s Health Curriculum Pre K – 12 is to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible, well-informed, personal health decisions. The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics including: Nutrition and Fitness, Drug Prevention, Personal and Mental Health, Human Growth and Development, the Second Step Program and Safety and First Aid. We strongly recommend that all students participate in the lessons scheduled for their own grade level. However, if you do not want your child to participate, you have the right to exempt your child from class when a particular issue is being taught by submitting a request in writing to the building principal.
TECHNOLOGY POLICY
iPads and Internet are available to students and staff to enhance the curriculum and promote educational excellence. Use of devices and the internet is a privilege, not a right, and access will be provided to those who act in a responsible manner. Information sent or received by email, the internet or other means over the computers available to students and staff is the property of the Barnstable Public Schools and may be accessed at any time by the Barnstable Public Schools for its review. In the event that a review reveals that this policy has been violated in any way or that the privilege of using the computer and the internet is being abused in any way, appropriate action will be taken against the individual or individuals involved. Violations will be referred to a school administrator for disciplinary or legal action. Building administrators will determine the consequence for inappropriate use that includes, but is not limited to loss of computer/internet use. Some consequences may be based on policies established in the Student Handbook. Federal and State law may cover other violations. The internet user log shall be archived for a period of six months. Each student and his/her parent/guardian are required to sign an acceptable use agreement prior to initial computer/internet use.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES/TOYS
Electronic devices such as cell phones, Apple watches, personal tablets, and other toys are not allowed in school. They are disruptive to the learning process, expensive, and easily broken, lost or stolen. Hyannis West Elementary will not be responsible for objects students bring to school from home. If an electronic device is brought into school, it will be given to the Principal and a parent/guardian will need to pick it up.
BIRTHDAYS
Per our District Wellness Guidelines, families sending in food (ie. cupcakes) to celebrate their child’s birthday is prohibited. Alternatives to acknowledge birthdays have been established at our school and within each classroom.
DRESS CODE
The way we dress has an impact on our educational atmosphere. Students are not permitted to dress in a manner that is disruptive to the educational process. Examples of items that could be considered disruptive include:
Extremely short skirts or shorts, tank tops, halter-tops or other garments that reveal the midriff or undergarments.
Clothing with language or pictures that are profane or suggestive, or which promote products or activities that are illegal or violent.
Clothing which is disparaging to others.
Clothing, pins, insignias, colors, jewelry, or emblems that identify students as a member of a gang.
It is also assumed that children will dress properly for the weather conditions during outdoor activities. Sneakers are required for the weekly Gym class. The principal has the authority to request/require a student to change their clothing in school and/or send students home to change their clothing. Parents may be contacted when a student does not comply with the dress code.
BEHAVIOR
At Hyannis West we utilize the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching and learning that promotes a safe, inclusive, and joyful school.
SCHOOL-WIDE/CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
School-wide expectations are displayed in every classroom and office space and are explicitly taught to students. Students will have the opportunity to practice these expectations throughout the school year.
- Classroom expectations are developed by each class based on their hopes and dreams for the year.
- Classroom expectations are agreed upon, displayed in each classroom, and referred to frequently.
CONSEQUENCES
Consequences for not following classroom and school-wide expectations will be based upon the frequency and/or severity of the incident(s). Parents/guardians will be notified of incidents resulting in serious classroom disruption and/or physical harm. Due process will be followed.
The following actions may be taken when expectations are not followed:
Verbal reminder
Time out or work in alternative location within the classroom or school
Restitution
Loss of privilege (ie. recess, use of material, special activity, etc.)
Emergency Removal and/or School suspension (in or out of school)
Parent/guardian meeting
Expulsion
BARNSTABLE SCHOOL BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
If you have questions regarding bus stops, pick-up or drop off times or other concerns please contact First Student Bus Company 508-362-4663 or Barnstable Public Schools Transportation Coordinator, Sandy Gifford at 508-790-6478.
Students are expected to follow the directions of the driver, and to behave in a safe and courteous manner. The school discipline code is in effect on the school bus and when loading and unloading. Any of the following rules violations may result in a School Bus Incident Report being filed with the Principal:
Pupils will only be allowed on a bus with a proper bus pass.
Pupils will be under the authority of the bus driver while being transported.
Pupils will not open or close the bus windows without the driver’s permission.
Pupils will keep hands, arms or heads inside the bus.
Pupils will conduct themselves in a safe, respectful manner on the bus.
Pupils will use quiet, respectful voices - inappropriate language and shouting are not allowed.
Pupils will be courteous to the driver, to fellow pupils and to the passerby.
Pupils will enter the bus in an orderly fashion, go directly to a seat and remain seated until the destination is reached.
Pupils will board and depart from the bus only at their school and their assigned stop.
Pupils will cooperate with the bus driver for the safety of all.
The bus driver may assign pupils individual seats if he/she feels it is in the best interest of safety.
Pupils may ride ASSIGNED BUSES ONLY.
All articles such as athletic equipment, books, musical instruments, etc. are to be kept out of the aisles.
Littering or defacing of the buses is not allowed.
The emergency door is to be used for emergency only. Safety equipment on the bus must not be touched.
Transportation by school bus is dependent upon good behavior and conforming to the School Bus Rules and Regulations of the Town of Barnstable.
Consequences for Bus Misbehavior
First Bus Incident Report: Discussion with the principal, a warning, and the parent may be contacted and a loss of one recess may result.
Second Report: The parent will be contacted; the child may lose recess time for one to three days, and could lose bus privileges for one day.
Third Report: The parent will be contacted; the child may lose recess privileges for three to five days, and may lose bus privileges for one to three days.
Fourth Report: Automatic loss of bus privileges for three to five consecutive days. Parents will be notified and a conference may be held. The child may also lose recess privileges for five days.
Fifth Bus Report: The child will be removed from the bus until a conference is held with the bus contractor, driver, principal, and at least one parent of the child, and consequences determined. Such consequences may include the permanent loss of bus privileges or expulsion from school.
**Infractions noted may result in disciplinary measures appropriate to step 3, 4, or 5, even if those steps had not previously been reached.
RETURN HOME BUS POLICY - KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS
The health and safety of young children is a primary concern of the Barnstable School District. Therefore, no Preschool, Kindergarten, or student with special needs (as identified by the IEP team) will be left at a bus stop unless there is an adult present. The parent/guardian may choose to opt out of this requirement by providing written notice to the Transportation Department. A parent/guardian may submit a note to dismiss a child to an older sibling or to another adult.
In the event no parent/guardian or designee is at the bus stop, the procedure will be:
1. The bus driver will radio the company.
2. The bus company will call the parent/guardian and notify the school.
3. The bus driver will continue the bus run and make a second pass at the bus stop.
4. If there is no parent/guardian response, the child will be returned to school.
5. The child will be placed in the after-school day care program if the child attends a school that provides such a program. In that instance, thirty minutes prior to the close of the program, if the parent/guardian has not been reached, the police may be notified. If the child attends a school that does not provide an after-school day care program, the child will be returned to the office of the school. If qualified school staff are available, they will monitor the student for up to 30 minutes. If qualified school staff are not available, or after 30 minutes the parent/guardian has not been reached, the police may be notified.
6. The police, school personnel, and the child may be transported to the home to conduct an investigation.
7. The police and school personnel will remain with the child until a responsible adult is found. If necessary, the Department of Children and Families will be contacted.
HEALTH OFFICE
Director of Health Services: Julia Pachico, MSN, RN, NCSN - pachico_julia@mybps.us
Hyannis West Nurse: Meg Crocker/Dacia Beans
BPS School Nurses assess illnesses and injuries which occur at school, provide acute emergency care and referrals, administer skilled nursing care and case management for specific health care needs and collaborate with caregivers, providers and school staff regarding individual student health concerns or issues. A health record is maintained on each child throughout the school years. Please call your child’s school nurse directly with any health related questions or information.
Physical Exams/Immunizations
Please supply the school nurse with a copy of all updated physical exams and immunizations. School requirements by grade can be found HERE.
Medications
Parents should update the school nurse when new medications are prescribed and if current medications are changed or discontinued. Whenever possible, medications should be given at home. When this is not possible, medications will be dispensed in the Health Office following district medication guidelines, including:
For medication to be given at school, a signed authorization form, completed by both parent/guardian and physician, is required by law. The nurse must receive this paperwork before any medication, including over-the-counter medication, can be stored and/or dispensed at school.
All medication must be brought into the Health Office by a parent/guardian (or other designated adult) and must be in a current pharmacy labeled container or the original container.
Students may not carry any medications (except inhalers or rescue medications with previous school nurse and doctor approval).
The following over-the-counter first aid topical medications are available to be used by school nurses, under the orders of the district physician consultant. Please notify the school nurse if your child should NOT have any of the following products used:
Band-Aid Wound cleaner (benzalkonium chloride)
Bacitracin
Hydrocortisone
Vaseline
Benadryl Anti-Itch Gel
Eye wash
Hand sanitizer is also available throughout school buildings for use by students
Annual consent for oral OTC medications (ex: ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacids and/or allergy medication) must be completed through the annual student information update.
Absences/Dismissals due to Illness
In order to attend school, students must be free of the following:
Fever - Students must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (ex: ibuprofen, acetaminophen) before returning to school. A fever is considered to be a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher.
Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours (unless due to known, non-infectious cause)
Untreated bacterial infections such as strep throat, bacterial conjunctivitis, or impetigo. Students may return 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Rash of unknown origin that has not been assessed by a healthcare provider
Any student not well enough to remain in school must report to the health office where a determination for dismissal will be made and the parent/guardian contacted. Parents are advised to annually update their own contact information as well as alternative emergency contacts through the annual student information update on the Barnstable Public School website.
Notification of Injuries, Surgeries, Hospitalizations or Other Important Medical Information
Please provide the school nurse with doctor's notes or hospital discharge paperwork upon a student’s re-entering school with a new or updated medical and/or psychological diagnosis(es) so that appropriate accommodations may be made before the student returns to the classroom.
Medical Equipment
Any student coming to school with crutches, a cast, wheelchair, brace, or other medical equipment due to an injury must report to the health office with medical documentation and physician’s orders.
Physical Education Participation
Footwear that is intended for the purpose of physical activity is necessary for the safety of all students. This excludes flip flops, sandals, slippers, platform sneakers, high-heeled sneakers, clogs/heelies and rocker sneakers, etc.
Physical Education Excuses
Students may be excused from one physical education class with a parent note. Any student being excused for a second consecutive class must have a doctor's note. A written excuse should be given to the nurse, who will inform the homeroom teacher and the PE teacher. Students who are medically restricted from PE class must have a clearance note from a healthcare provider to return to regular activity.
Screening Programs
Health screenings are conducted as mandated by Massachusetts General Law and the Department of Public Health. At the beginning of each school year, parents/guardians can request in writing that their child not participate. Parents/guardians are notified of any concerns.
Vision: Grades PK-5, 7, and 10
Hearing: Grades K-3, 7, and 10
Height and Weight: Grades 1, 4, 7, and 10
Postural (Scoliosis): Grades 5-9
SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment): Grades 7 and 10
Medicaid Consent/Billing
Under the School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP), Barnstable Public Schools may bill MassHealth for some health care services that students receive in school. These health services include:
Annual health screenings (vision, hearing and grade 7/10 SBIRT)
Skilled nursing services
In order for Barnstable Public Schools to receive this reimbursement, parental consent is needed. Parents/guardians only need to complete a consent form one time during their child’s time in Barnstable Public Schools and can revoke it at any time. Providing (or revoking) consent will have NO IMPACT on your child’s insurance coverage for any care received outside of school, nor does it affect care received at school. If you have not already completed a consent form, you can find them HERE
To access the Barnstable Public Schools District Handbook, click here.