HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-11 School Committee Meeting Packet (PDF)Open Session 7:00 p.m.
Reading Memorial High School Library
Reading, MA
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
September 11, 2025
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
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2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2025-09-11 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Agenda: Revised
Purpose: Open Session
Meeting Called By: Shawn Brandt, Chair
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate
amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at
the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
7:00 p.m. A. Call to Order
7:00 p.m. B. Public Comment
Focus on Excellence – RPS Food Services Summer Success
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (08-21-2025)
2. Request to Surplus Property – RMHS
3. Request to Surplus Property – District
4. Revised Coolidge Quebec Field Trip Request
5. Reading Police Department Backpack and Supplies Donation
6. RMHS Football Field Trip Request
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 08-21-2025
2. 08-28-2025
3. 09-04-2025
Payroll Warrant Reports
1. 07-14-2025
2. 07-28-2025
3. 08-11-2025
Reports
1. Superintendent
2. Liaison/Sub-Committee
7:10 p.m. E. New Business
1. FY25 Q4 Financial Update
a. Recommendation and vote of budget transfer between cost
centers for FY25 end-of-year reconciliation (A)
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 2
2. FY24 Agreed-Upon Procedures over Compliance Applicable to MA
School Districts’ End of Year Financial Report
3. Community Preservation Act Presentation
8:15 p.m. D. Old Business
1. RMHS Student Handbook Revision – Review & Approve (A)
2. Forest Montessori School – Follow up Discussion
F. Information / Correspondence
1. “Re: YMCA Burbank Teen Night Series” – Pinto, Derek
2. “RE: Accountability and Transparency in the Mulberry Forest
Montessori Discussion” – Downing, Marianne
3. “RE: Urgent follow up – potential Mulberry Forest Montessori
Use of Town Property Without Approval” – Downing, Marianne
4. “RE: Reading Pop Warner Cheer” – Cail, Kayla
5. “RE: Reading Pop Warner Cheerleading” – Rizzo, Giuliana
9:00 p.m. Adjourn
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Consent Agenda
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
September 11, 2025
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2025-08-21 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft
Attendees: Members - Present:
Shawn Brandt (remote), Carla Nazzaro, Erin Gaffen (remote), Tom Wise,
Sarah McLaughlin (remote) and Lara Durgavich
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Olivia Lejeune on behalf of the chairperson.
Topics of Discussion:
A. Call to Order – Mr. Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:08pm with roll call attendance
as several members were participating remotely.
Roll Call Attendance – Mrs. Gaffen – here, Ms. McLaughlin – here, Mrs. Nazzaro – here,
Mrs. Durgavich – here, Mr. Brandt – here
Mr. Brandt reviewed the agenda for the meeting.
B. Public Comment
Angela Binda, of Orchard Park Drive, spoke about concerns regarding spending on the RMHS
fieldhouse floor project.
Nancy Docktor, of Pearl Street, expressed concerns about funds being used outside of Town
Meeting approval in relation to the RMHS fieldhouse floor project.
Stephen Herrick, of Dividence Road, raised concerns about the process of spending and
approving funds for projects related to unapproved items and requested greater transparency.
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (07-10-2025)
2. Request to Surplus Property – Joshua Eaton
3. Request to Surplus Property – Killam
4. Request to Surplus Property – Wood End
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5. Parker Nature’s Classroom Field Trip Request
6. Coolidge Science Olympiad Donation
7. Acceptance of FY26 Genocide Education Grant
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 06-30-2025
2. 07-17-2025
3. 07-31-2025
4. 08-07-2025
5. 08-14-2025
Payroll Warrant Reports
1. 06-06-2025
2. 06-16-2025
3. 06-20-2025
4. 07-03-2025
5. 07-18-2025
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Gaffen – yes, Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs.
Durgavich – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes
The vote passed 5-0.
Reports
1. Superintendent – Dr. Milaschewski welcomed the 52 new staff members joining the
district and introduced three of the 63 Rocket Ambassadors, who play a big role in
orienting students as they begin high school. The students spoke about their
experiences as Ambassadors and the advice they share with incoming students. He
then provided updates on the start of the 2025–2026 school year. Over the summer,
the district completed several major projects, including the fieldhouse floor
renovation, modular classroom relocation, and resurfacing of the RISE playground.
Dr. Milaschewski thanked the facilities team for their hard work in preparing the
buildings for opening. Staffing updates were also shared: there are currently only 11
open positions and 52 new hires. Two new roles were added this year—an Inclusion
Specialist and a redefined districtwide METCO Coordinator. Finally, Dr. Milaschewski
recognized several teams for their summer work: the MLL Department for running
its student program, the Extended School Year team for supporting 191 students,
and the Food Services team, which not only ensured students had access to
nutritious meals over the summer but also earned a Silver “Turnip the Beet” award.
2. Liaison/Sub-Committee
a. Mrs. Nazzaro – The Killam School Building Committee advanced the design
process over the summer and will be coordinating an abutters’ meeting to
support planning. The project remains under budget. Mrs. Nazzaro also had
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an opportunity over the summer to visit the new fieldhouse floor and
observe progress on other summer projects.
b. Mrs. Durgavich – Mrs. Durgavich attended the first Recreation Committee
meeting. They provided updates on the Birch Meadow Phase II project,
which is progressing as planned. Playground equipment is scheduled to be
installed between October and November.
c. Mr. Wise – The Finance Committee discussed the fieldhouse and planned
the Financial Forum for October 8th, as well as the Free Cash vote on
October 22nd. Mr. Wise also noted that support for SEPAC Awareness
Month is forthcoming and that he will inform the committee when the
discussion is ready.
d. Ms. McLaughlin – The RCTV Board met and received an overview of the
courses Anna Cuevas is teaching this school year, and contract negotiations
with the Select Board continue.
e. Mrs. Gaffen – No report
f. Mr. Brandt – No report
E. New Business
1. Discuss and potential vote to approve Forest Montessori Microschool (A)
Per Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 76 grants school committees the sole authority to
approve private and independent schools operating within a town. While there is little
formal guidance on the process, the committee is responsible for making the legal
determination that allows a private school to operate locally. Ahead of the meeting,
members received information and submitted questions, which have been included in the
packet.
Head of School Mary Jirmanus Saba, along with members of the Forest Montessori
Microschool team, presented a proposal for the operation of the Forest Montessori
Microschool in Reading. During the presentation, the team highlighted the school’s
curriculum, its partnership with the Reading Conservation Commission, and the steps
involved in launching the program.
Committee members had the opportunity to ask questions and raised concerns related to
facility readiness and occupancy permits, staff credentials and certifications, potential
transportation costs for Reading, and the overall timeline and operational preparedness of
the school.
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the Mulberry Forest Montessori Microschool, seconded
by Mr. Wise. Mr. Brandt amended the motion to be contingent upon three conditions: the
town granting a certificate of occupancy that supports the program as presented in the
submitted materials; reaching an agreement on some degree of reimbursement for any
state-required transportation of students, subject to review by counsel; and satisfactory
progress on MACD certification for all lead teachers, with periodic reports on progress.
The amendment was seconded by Mr. Wise.
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Clarifying questions were asked regarding these conditions. One question addressed
whether lead teachers would be required to obtain MACD certification before beginning
instruction, or whether a provisional period, similar to what is done in Reading Public
Schools, would apply. It was confirmed that a provisional period would be permitted, with
updates expected mid-year. Another question addressed transportation reimbursement,
and it was noted that this would depend on reaching an agreement with the Forest
Microschool. Further consultation with legal counsel will be required to determine Reading
Public Schools’ responsibilities regarding transportation costs.
Roll Call Vote to approve amended motion – Mrs. Nazzaro – no, Mr. Wise – yes, Mrs.
Durgavich – yes, Mrs. Gaffen – yes, Ms. McLaughlin – no, and Mr. Brandt – yes
A final clarifying question was asked about whether the approval was permanent or
provisional. It was explained that while the approval is considered permanent, it may be
revoked at any time. Ongoing conversations with the Microschool are expected.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Nazzaro – no, Mrs. Durgavich – yes, Mr. Wise – no, Mrs. Gaffen – yes,
Ms. McLaughlin – no, Mr. Brandt – yes
The motion failed, 3–3.
2. Review and vote to approve updated School Medication Guidelines (A)
Director of Health Services May Giuliana shared updates to the School Medication
Guidelines, which include new emergency medications, expanded staff training and
delegation protocols, and clarified self-carry rules for students.
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the updated School Medication Guidelines, seconded
by Mrs. Durgavich.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mrs. Gaffen –
yes, Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
Mr. Brandt motioned to move E5 out of order, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mrs. Gaffen –
yes, Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
3. Extended Day Program Update
Community Education Director Chris Nelson provided an update on the Extended Day
program. A copy of the presentation can be found here. The presentation included
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information about renaming Community Education to the BASE Program, separating
enrichment programs from Extended Day, updates on enrollment and waitlists, and the
long-term goals for the program.
4. Review and vote to approve updated Rental Policy Agreement (A)
Dr. Milaschewski provided context on the updates made to the Rental Policy Agreement.
These updates were driven by community input regarding the timing for requesting and
receiving approval for rental dates. Since the approval often comes late, the policy was
changed to refer to general rental dates instead.
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the Rental Policy Agreement, seconded by Mr. Wise.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mrs. Gaffen –
yes, Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
5. Review and approve updated Acceptable Use Policy (A)
Dr. Milaschewski noted that the update to the Acceptable Use Policy involves the
integration of AI language, provided directly by legal counsel. It was also noted that the
Acceptable Use Policy students are signing should include an AI statement (see page 160 of
the packet).
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the Acceptable Use Policy, seconded by Mr. Wise.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mrs. Gaffen –
yes, Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
6. Beginning of 2025-2026 School Year Updates
No additional information was provided, as Dr. Milaschewski shared updates during his
report.
7. Introduction of Full-Time Harvard Resident
Dr. Milaschewski welcomed Ramsey Merritt and briefly shared some of the work that he
will be undertaking during his year in the Harvard Residency.
8. Review of Superintendent Goals
Dr. Milaschewski introduced his draft goals and looks forward to continued discussion. The
goals have been consolidated into three areas: student outcome data, instructional
leadership, and principal development.
9. Review and vote to approve Superintendent review timeline (A)
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Mr. Brandt shared that the decision points around the superintendent review include the
timeline itself and the focus indicators. There was also a discussion noting that a two-year
review timeline would be preferable.
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the superintendent review timeline of a two-year
review cycle timeline with a formative review in May-June 2026 and a summative review
in May-June 2027, seconded by Mr. Wise.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mrs. Gaffen –
yes, Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
D. Old Business
1. District-Wide Student Handbook Revision – Review & Approve (A)
Dr. Milaschewski noted that this revision was driven by the recent Supreme Court ruling in
the Mahmoud case and was made in response to language provided by legal counsel for the
handbook.
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the updated District-Wide Student Handbook,
seconded by Mrs. Durgavich.
Roll Call Vote – Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mrs. Gaffen –
yes, Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
G. Executive Session
Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to adjourn to executive session in preparation for negotiations
with non-unit personnel, or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract
negotiations with non-unit personnel with the Superintendent, and will be returning to
open session in approximately 15 minutes, seconded by Mr. Wise.
Roll Call Vote –Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mrs. Gaffen – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes,
Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
Mr. Brandt called the meeting back to order at 10:34pm.
Roll Call Attendance – Mrs. Gaffen – here, Ms. McLaughlin – here, Mrs. Nazzaro – here,
Mrs. Durgavich – here, Mr. Brandt – here
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E. New Business
10. Potential Vote to Executive Contract with Superintendent
Mr. Brandt shared updates to Dr. Milaschewski’s contract, including a retroactive salary
adjustment to $242,000 effective July 1, 2025. The new contract terms cover the period
from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031. Other inclusions in the contract are a retention
payment to be paid in 2029 and 2031, as well as additional vacation and personal days.
Mr. Brandt motioned to approve the superintendents contract, seconded by Mr. Wise.
Roll Call Vote –Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mrs. Gaffen – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes,
Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
Motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro.
Roll Call Vote –Ms. McLaughlin – yes, Mrs. Gaffen – yes, Mr. Wise – yes, Mr. Brandt – yes,
Mrs. Nazzaro – yes, Mrs. Durgavich – yes
The vote passed 6-0.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jUKQOOhnXg
Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 10:48 pm.
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Erin Burchill, K-8 Humanities Curriculum Coordinator
DATE: September 9, 2025
RE: Request to Surplus Property
In compliance with the surplus disposition requirements of Massachusetts procurement law MGL
Chapter 30B, I ask that the School Committee declare the items outlined below as surplus property:
Reading Public School District
Item Number Age Reason
ARC Core
Kindergarten
Teacher Frameworks
(Units 1-4)
15 2 years Publisher provided
new frameworks with
updates
ARC Core First Grade
Teacher Frameworks
(Units 1-4)
15 2 years Publisher provided
new frameworks with
updates
ARC Core Second
Grade Teacher
Frameworks (Units 1)
15 2 years Publisher provided
new frameworks with
updates
Once declared, the school department will take the required steps to offer these items to Town
departments, or resold, or disposed of in accordance with the laws and regulations of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please feel free to contact me with questions about this
request.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: September 9, 2025
RE: Vote to Approve Revised Quebec Field Trip Request
During the July 10 School Committee Meeting, the committee approved an overnight international field
trip request for Coolidge eighth graders to visit Quebec City, Canada, originally scheduled for April 29 to
May 1, 2026. Since that approval, the trip dates have been changed to April 15–17, 2026, due to price
increases on the original dates.
We are requesting approval for this change, moving the field trip to April 15–17, 2026.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: September 9, 2025
RE: Vote to Approve Reading Police Department Backpack and Supplies Donation
Please vote to retroactively accept a donation on behalf of the Reading Police Department, in
partnership with the Reading Dollar Tree and the Trooper Tamar Bucci Memorial Fund. The donation
consisted of 50 backpacks filled with essential supplies to help students start the school year strong and
prepared.
We appreciate this generosity and partnership in supporting students who may be in need of supplies.
The backpacks were delivered prior to the start of the school year and distributed across the nine
schools for principals to share as needed.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: September 10, 2025
RE: Vote to Approve RMHS Football Field Trip Request
Please vote to approve an out of state field trip request for the RMHS football team to attend a game in
Cumberland, RI. The field trip will take place on September 26, 2025 departing at 2:30pm and returning
at approximately 11:00pm.
Please find attached the field trip approval form.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
New Business
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
September 11, 2025
1 | P a g e
Reading, MA 01867
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
To: Reading School Committee
From: Philip A. Littlehale, Director of Finance & Operations
Date: September 9, 2025
Re: FY25 Q4
FY25 Q4: General Fund
For FY25, $59,994 will be returned to the general fund:
Available balance in Munis $5,674
Insurance Reimbursement for IT Expenses $54,320
Total $59,994
Year End Expenses/Transfers
The following year-end expenses/transfers were made:
Technology Refresh/Renewal $350,000
Special Education Tuition Prepays $1,200,000
Transfer to Special Education Reserve Fund $225,000
Year-End Budget Transfers
The following year-end budget transfers require School Committee approval:
FY25 Q4: Grants
Two small new grants were awarded: Project Bread Summer Eats and Computer Science PD. Effort was made to carry
over as much as allowed in the Title grants. No funds were returned on any of the grants.
Cost Center From To
Administration 15,372.28
Regular Day 392,880.05
Special Education 400,753.50
Health Services 15,000.80
Extra Curricular 18,896.31
Athletics 40,046.48
Technology 87,034.03
School Facilities 5,591.61
Total 487,787.53 487,787.53
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FY25 Q4: Revolving Accounts
The Extended Day Program ended with a slight loss for the year. As presented by the program’s director at the August
21st School Committee meeting, adjustments were made during the year to get expenses in line with revenue. Please refer
to the slides from his presentation for more details on other adjustments being made to achieve this goal in FY26.
The School Lunch Program’s year-end balance has dropped from $1,286,074 to $787,674. The year-end balance does not
reflect the June $116,000 reimbursement from the state. Capital projects and one-time expenses account for
$225,000. Our previous aging food van was replaced with a new one to ensure on-time and efficient transport of food
across the district. Modern ovens were purchased to increase our overall food production capacity. The operating loss was
$180,000, due to an increase in staffing to account for the many Food Services program changes in FY25 and to bring the
overall quality of the program to a higher standard. In FY26, the Director of Food Services will refine those changes and
finetune the staffing needs to bring the program back to at least breakeven.
FY25 Q4: Student Activity Accounts
High School Class of 2025 account has a balance of $0.00.
To: Reading School Committee
From: Philip A. Littlehale, Director of Finance & Operations
Date: September 9, 2025
Re: FY24 Agreed-Upon Procedures over Compliance Applicable to MA School Districts’ End of Year
Financial Report
Please find attached the Independent Accountant’s Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures to the FY24
End-of-Year Report, issued by CBIZ. The auditor did not identify any material findings.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT OF THE
TOWN OF READING, MASSACHUSETTS
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT ON APPLYING AGREED-UPON
PROCEDURES OVER COMPLIANCE APPLICABLE TO MASSACHUSETTS
SCHOOL DISTRICTS’ END OF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024
3 verify [determine] that the data was accumulated and summarized in accordance with the required or stated criteria and methodology, including the accuracy and completeness of the schedules. For Schedule 7, test eligibility criteria for reimbursable riders (pupils residing greater than 1.5 miles from their school of attendance). internally created documented methodology in the procedures for Schedule 4 and Schedule 7 below. b.When intervening computations orcalculations are required between therecords and the schedules, tracereported data elements to supportingworksheets or other documentation thatlink the schedules to the data.Traced the reported data elements to supporting worksheets or other documentation in the procedures for Schedule 4 and Schedule 7 below. Procedure performed without exception. C.Determine if the District's accountingsystem meets the following DESErequirements:a.Determine whether the District uses anaccounting system that 1) provides forthe reporting of all instructional costsby school location and 2) is inaccordance with 603 CMR 10.03 (3)(a).Confirmed the District’s accounting ledger expenditure account structure includes specific account segments for each school location. Obtained copies of the District’s expenditure reports and inspected to confirm that the accounting system is in accordance with 603 CMR 10.03 (3)(a). Procedure performed without exception. b.Determine if the accounting system issupported by up-to-date written policiesand procedures and that the policies andprocedures are followed on a uniformand consistent basis.Obtained the District’s written policies and procedures related to the accounting system and compared them to DESE’s requirements. Procedure performed without exception. c.Determine if the District maintainswritten policies and procedures relatedto the classification of salaries andexpenses by program, function andobject and that the policies andObtained the District’s current set of policies and procedures related to the classification of salaries and expenses by program, function, and object and agree policies meet DESE’s requirements. Procedure performed without exception.
4 procedures are followed on a uniform and consistent basis. 2.Obtain written representation from managementthat the reports provided to the auditor are truecopies of the EOYR submitted or electronicallytransmitted to the Department.Obtained a signed Representation Letter from management which states that the reports provided are true copies of the EOYR submitted or electronically transmitted to DESE. Procedure performed without exception. 3.Determine that the District submitted a signedCertification Statement.Obtained signed Certification Statement submitted to DESE. Procedure performed without exception. 4.Determine if amendments required from prioryear's audit were submitted.Obtained report of amendments [findings] filed with DESE and compared to the prior year’s EOYR agreed-upon procedures report. Procedure performed without exception. Specific Compliance RequirementsI. RevenuesA.Revenue from Local Sources1.Trace Revenues from Local Sourcesreported on Schedule 1 to the municipal andDistrict accounting ledgers. Also, trace therevenues reported on District's accountingledgers to revenues reported on Schedule 1.These amounts should agree.Traced all revenues from Local Sources reported on Schedule 1 to revenue per the accounting ledger reports provided by the District. Traced all local sources revenues reported in the District's accounting ledger to Local Sources reported on Schedule 1. Procedure performed without exception. C, D, and E. Revenues from Federal Grants, State Grants and Revolving and Special Funds 2.Trace the revenue from state aid, federalgrants, state grants, and revolving andspecial funds to the detail in District'saccounting ledgers. Also, trace the revenuesreported on District's accounting ledgers torevenues reported on Schedule 1. Theseamounts should agree with the possibleexception of revenue from state aid, federalgrants and state grants, which are entered bythe state based on allotments. Validate thatthe DESE Administered Federal Grantrevenues entered on line 300 and theTraced all state aid, federal grants, revolving and special funds revenues reported on Schedule 1 to accounting ledger reports provided by the District. Traced all state aid, federal grants, state grants, revolving and special funds revenues reported in the District's accounting ledger to state aid, federal grants, state grants, revolving and special funds revenues reported on Schedule 1. Traced all state aid, federal grants and state Procedure performed without exception.
5 DESE Administered State Grant revenues on 510 match the final FY24 grant revenue file posted on the DESE EOYR website. Note: Amounts deposited in legally authorized revolving accounts (e.g. School Choice) cannot be transferred to the General Fund. grants reported on Schedule 1 to the amounts posted on the DESE website and the amounts reported in the District's accounting ledger. Confirmed that the DESE Administered Federal Grant revenues entered on line 300 and the DESE Administered State Grant revenues on line 510 match the final FY24 grant revenue file posted on the DESE EOYR website. II. ExpendituresA. By School Committee and B. By City or Town3.Trace the amounts reported for general fundeducation expenditures from Schedule 1,line 1850 to the municipal accountingledgers and to the District accountingledgers. Also, trace the expendituresreported on the District's accounting ledgersto expenditures reported on Schedule 1.These amounts should agree. If a crosswalkexists between the accounting ledgers andthe EOYR, verify [determine] that thecrosswalk agrees with the accountingledgers in total and trace a sample ofexpenditures from the crosswalk to theaccounting ledger.Traced amounts reported for General Fund education expenditures in total from Schedule 1, line 1850 to the accounting ledger . Traced the total General Fund education expenditures reported on the District’s accounting ledger to expenditures reported on Schedule 1. Procedure performed without exception. 4.Trace the amounts reported for a sample ofDESE functions (i.e., teachers, principals),object codes (i.e., professional salaries (01),other salaries (02), and other expenditures(04-06)) and DESE programs (i.e., regularday, special education, etc.) in Schedule 1 tothe detail in the accounting ledgers or to thecrosswalk, if applicable. These amountsshould agree.Haphazardly selected a sample of four DESE functions reported in Schedule 1 and traced the amounts reported by function, object code, and DESE program to the accounting ledger. Procedure performed without exception. 5.Test Extraordinary Maintenance (4300)expenditures for the following: VerifyObtained detailed expenditure report for Extraordinary Maintenance expenditures Procedure performed without exception.
6 [determine] that expenditures do not include salaries; verify [determine] that the expenditures include applicable principal portions of a loan or the cost of a lease/purchase agreement; and verify [determine] that expenditures classified as Extraordinary Maintenance (4300) do not exceed the per project per school dollar limit for extraordinary maintenance of $150,000. Trace the expenditures to the detail in the accounting ledgers. reported on Schedule 1 of the EOYR and reviewed the description of the expenditures and confirmed based on the description that these expenditures do not include salaries and that these expenditures include applicable principal portions of a loan or the cost of a lease/purchase agreement, if applicable. Confirmed that these expenditures do not exceed the per project per school dollar limit for extraordinary maintenance of $150,000. Traced all expenditures reported to the accounting ledger. 6. Determine how expenditures for fringe benefits are assigned or allocated to Schedule 1 Employee Benefits, Insurance (5100, 5200). a. Trace the reported cost to the detail in the accounting ledgers using the methodology indicated. These amounts should agree. Traced all expenditures reported for fringe benefits to the accounting ledger. Procedure performed without exception. b. Determine if expenses are charged to 5150 Employee Separation Costs. If no expenses are charged inquire if any District employees retired in FY24. In the event District employees retired, there should be costs/expenses reported. Confirmed the District separately reports Employee Separation Costs (5150). Procedure performed without exception. c. Determine if the District reported Insurance for Retired Employees (5250) separately and appropriately. Confirmed the District separately reports insurance for Retired School Employees (5250) and traced the amounts reported on the EOYR to the accounting ledger. Procedure performed without exception. 7. If amounts are reported for Rental Lease of Equipment or Buildings determine if the required rental lease schedule is maintained locally. Inquired of the District’s management and confirmed no rental lease of equipment or building costs in the accounting ledger, therefore no rental lease schedule is maintained. Procedure performed without exception.
7 8. Verify [determine] that expenditures charged to lines 1683 or 2060, Short-term Interest RAN's (5400) relate exclusively to Revenue Anticipation Notes (RAN's). Confirmed there were no expenditures related to revenue anticipation notes in the accounting ledger and the treasurer’s debt schedule. Procedure performed without exception. 9. Verify [determine] that expenditures charged to line 1684 or 2065, Short-term Interest BAN's (5450) relate exclusively to Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN's). Confirmed there were no expenditures related to bond anticipation notes in the accounting ledger and the treasurer’s debt schedule. Procedure performed without exception. 10. Identify expenditures reported as long-term School Construction debt for principal (8100) and interest (8200). Verify [determine] that BAN's are not included in these functions. Trace the reported costs to the treasurer's debt schedule. Trace the reported amount to the detail in the accounting ledgers. These amounts should agree. Note: If the District received a lump sum wait list or progress payment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), verify [determine] that the revenue was reported on line 130 and that expenses were reported for paydown of principal (8100) or Purchase of Land and Buildings (7100, 7200) if applicable. Traced all amounts reported as long-term School Construction debt for principal (8100) and interest (8200) to the treasurer's debt schedule and to detail in the accounting ledgers and confirmed that BAN's are not included in these functions. Confirmed that all revenue received from the MSBA for a lump sum wait list or progress payment was reported on line 130 and that expenses were reported for paydown of principal (8100) or Purchase of Land and Buildings (7100,7200). Procedure performed without exception. 11. Trace the expenditures for tuition payments to other public-school districts in state (9100), to out of state schools (9200), to non-public schools (9300), to member collaboratives (9400), and assessments to member regional school districts (9500) to the detail in the accounting ledgers. These amounts should agree. Note: If the District prepaid FY25 special education tuition, verify [determine] that prepaid tuition was not included as an FY24 expense. If the District prepaid FY24 tuition from FY23, Traced all expenditures for tuition payments to (1) other public-school districts in state (9100), (2) out of state schools (9200), (3) non-public schools (9300), (4) member collaboratives (9400), and (5) assessments to member regional school districts (9500) to the accounting ledgers. Inspected all supporting documentation (invoices) for prepaid special education tuition and confirmed that the District did not include FY25 special education tuition as an expenditure on the EOYR. Confirmed the District included Procedure performed without exception.
8 that amount should be included as an FY24 expense. FY24 prepaid tuition from FY23 as an FY24 expenditure on the EOYR. 12. For municipal expenditures that result in services directly related to the school committee: a. Obtain a copy of a written agreement between the School Committee and municipal officials documenting agreed upon methodologies to be used when allocating, distributing or assigning Municipal expenditures to the District. Obtained a copy of the written agreement between the School Committee and City/Town which documents the methodologies to be used when allocating, distributing, or assigning municipal expenditures to the District. Procedure performed without exception. b. Test the amounts reported using the documented methodology. These amounts should agree. Traced all amounts reported based on the written methodology previously obtained. Procedure performed without exception. 13. Expenditures from Federal Grants, State Grants and Special Funds a. Trace amounts claimed as Circuit Breaker expenses on line 3080 column 7 to the accounting ledgers or journals. Inquired of the District’s management and confirmed there were no Circuit Breaker expenses in the accounting ledger. Procedure performed without exception. b. Determine if the District charged a restricted indirect rate to grants and indicate so in the report (including the rate charged). Inquired of District personnel whether the District charged a restricted indirect rate to grants. The District did not charge a restricted indirect rate to grants. Schedule 3 14. For Schedule 3 expenditures: a. Verify [determine] that the District's accounting system includes school location codes and trace the amounts reported by school location on the linked file to the accounting ledgers. These amounts should agree. Inspected the District’s accounting ledger and noted that it includes school location codes. Haphazardly selected two schools whose combined expenditures represent over 30% of the combined reported expenditures by school location and traced the amounts reported for these two schools to the corresponding amounts in the accounting ledger. Procedure performed without exception. b. If staff is assigned to more than one school, determine if the District Not applicable as staff not assigned to more than one school.
9 maintains a payroll system or spreadsheet to document the assignment of staff salaries by school location. c. If allocations are used to assign staff salaries to schools, programs, functions, or objects, was the allocation supported by a documented methodology? Not applicable as allocations were not used to assign staff salaries. d. If allocations are used for non-salary expenditures, determine if the District maintains a documented methodology for consistency in application. Allocations are acceptable on Schedule 3 for non-salary expenditures although direct assignment or charging is preferable. Not applicable as allocations were not used to assign non-salary expenditures. e. Ensure amounts reported as Districtwide expenditures cannot be assigned to a specific school. Obtained the Districtwide schedule of expenditures by function and confirmed amounts reported were not assignable to a specific school. Procedure performed without exception. Schedule 4 15. Ascertain the methodology used to allocate, distribute, or assign special education costs to the placement categories on Schedule 4 and review the propriety of the methodology. Test the amounts reported on Schedule 4 using this methodology. These amounts should agree. Obtained the internally created documented methodology used to allocate, distribute, or assign special education costs to the placement categories on Schedule 4. Confirmed through comparison that the internally created documented methodology was consistent with prior years and is based on the number of special education students reported by placement code or direct expenditures reported by placement code. Recalculated all amounts reported on Schedule 4 based on the internally created documented methodology. Procedure performed without exception. Schedule 7 16. Trace the transportation expenditures reported on Schedule 7 to the transportation Traced all transportation expenditures reported on Schedule 7 to transportation expenditures Procedure performed without exception.
10 expenditures reported on Schedule 1. These amounts should agree. Confirm that all expenditures reported do not include unliquidated encumbrances. Determine the methodology used to allocate transportation expenditures on Schedule 7 and verify [determine] the accuracy of the allocations. Also, if applicable, verify [determine] that reimbursable expenditures have been reduced by transportation revenue received from students transported. reported on Schedule 1 and confirmed that expenditures reported did not include unliquidated encumbrances based on testing in step 1.A.b. above. Obtained supporting documentation of the District's internally created documented methodology used to allocate transportation expenditures on Schedule 7 and recalculated the amounts reported based on the methodology. Confirmed there were no transportation fees that should be reported on Schedule 1. 17. Determine if there is adequate detail to support amounts reported (expenses and riders) for special education pupils transported outside the District. Obtained supporting documentation (general ledger accounting system report of special education rider costs and rider lists) to support all amounts reported (expenses and riders) for special education pupils transported out the District. Procedure performed without exception. 18. Trace the riders reported on Schedule 7 to the detailed transportation records and verify [determine] that the amounts reported on Schedule 7 are accurate and consistent with the detailed records. Traced all riders reported on Schedule 7 to the detailed rider lists maintained by the District. Procedure performed without exception. 19. Determine if the District's accounting system separates costs in order to facilitate reporting as outlined in Schedule 7, including in- or out-of-District, pre-school, non-public, school choice, charter school). Confirmed that the District's accounting system separates costs to facilitate reporting as outlined in Schedule 7, including in- or out-of-District, pre-school, non-public, school choice, charter school). Procedure performed without exception. a. Determine if reimbursable expenditures claimed on line 4283 Homeless to Outside the District and line 4285 Homeless from Outside the District are supported by adequate documentation. Inspected supporting documentation (reports from the general ledger accounting system or invoices) for all reimbursable expenditures claimed on Line 4283 for Homeless to Outside the District and Line 4285 for Homeless from Outside the District. Procedure performed without exception. b. Verify [determine] that foster care Confirmed with the District foster care Procedure performed without exception.
11 transportation was not claimed as homeless and is reported appropriately on line 4286. transportation was not included as homeless and is reported appropriately on Line 4286. If a cost allocation plan was used to determine reimbursable expenditures, review the propriety of the plan and test the expenditures reported. Obtained the District’s internally created documented methodology to allocate reimbursable expenditures reported on Line 4283 and Line 4285 and compared the methodology used to the prior year plan and noted it is consistent and it is based on the number of homeless students in each category. Recalculated the amounts reported on Line 4283 and Line 4285 based on the cost allocation plan. Procedure performed without exception. Schedule 19 20. Determine if the school District has reported all changes to Schedule 19 Part A.1 — Appropriation by School Committee to the Department. Compare the final School Committee appropriation to Schedule 19 Part A.1 as filed/amended to determine if all changes were reported. Traced final School Committee Appropriation amount in total per Line 7320 of Schedule 19 to the District’s annual adopted budget. Procedure performed without exception. 21. Determine amounts budgeted in Schedule 19 Part A.2 are consistent with methodologies outlined in the agreement noted in procedure II A. 6 a. above. Obtained documentation to support all amounts budgeted in Schedule 19, Part A.2. Recalculated the amounts in accordance with the methodologies identified in procedure II A. 6 a. above. Procedure performed without exception. 22. Determine that retiree health insurance (5250) is reported separately. Confirmed that amounts were reported for retiree health insurance (5250) on Line 7490. Procedure performed without exception.
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School Department of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts
Supplementary Information
For the Year Ended June 30, 2024
In accordance with Step 13b in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Compliance
Supplement for Massachusetts School Districts Agreed Upon Procedures Engagements, the Town did not
charge a restricted indirect cost rate to grants.
Old Business
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
September 11, 2025
To: Reading School Committee
From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Date: September 9, 2025
Re: RMHS Student Handbook Revision – Review & Approval (A)
At the September 11th School Committee meeting, we will seek approval of the revised RMHS Student
Handbook. The only revision reflects updated language based on feedback from a Reading community
member.
Below are the pieces of feedback that have all been addressed in this updated version:
• E.a.vi.1. In the event of a GPA tie the valedictorian and salutatorian will be determined out to the one
hundredth decimal place of the GPA. This does not actually specify what happens in the case of a tie.
Will there be co-valedictorians, or will there be a coin toss, or will some calculation be done to break
the tie?
• E.f.i says "Grades are updated at least four times during each quarter" but F.a says "Grades are
updated at least three times in every quarter." There is still a conflict in these clauses.
• K.j. Dress Code – See RPS Student Handbook, Section U and School Committee Polic JICA Policy” is
missing a “y.”
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
1
Student Handbook
2025-26
62 Oakland Road
Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Phone: (781) 944-8200
Fax: (781) 942-5435
Ms. Jessica B. Callanan, Principal https://rmhs.reading.k12.ma.us/
Paper copies are available for view in the Main Office upon request.
2
Dear Members of the Reading Memorial High School Community,
This handbook includes helpful information, policies, and procedures about Reading
Memorial High School that reflect and define the overall student experience. It also includes
the behavioral expectations for students, which are designed to keep all members of our
high school community safe and secure. As part of our Core Values and Beliefs, it is
expected that all Reading Memorial High School students act with Respect towards all
members of the school community, take Responsibility for their actions, Persevere through
challenges, and exhibit Scholarship in their studies. Reading Memorial High School is a
place where students are valued and seen as individuals that enrich the collective school
community. All members of the school community are expected to be responsible and
contribute to a culture of respect, safety, and tolerance. Upon entering and exiting this
building each student represents Reading Memorial High School, a school rich in tradition,
and one that is unafraid to embrace progress.
It is important that all students feel physically and psychologically safe to learn and grow
academically, socially, and personally. It is the job of the administration to ensure that all
students feel this safety by enforcing the rules and expectations outlined in the Student
Handbook. The administrative team does so by educating students on the rules and
expectations of the school and by upholding these standards if ever they are not met
through continued education, support and / or disciplinary consequences.
Students planning for the upcoming school year are encouraged to take advantage of
opportunities offered at Reading Memorial High School. We take pride in offering a wide
array of courses and extracurricular opportunities that allow students to further learning,
explore interests and find passions. Students should approach each school year as a fresh
start and strive to build and expand upon prior lessons and knowledge. Thank you in
advance for your help in keeping Reading Memorial High School a safe, engaging and
thought-provoking place for all.
Respectfully,
Jessica B. Callanan
Principal
Reading Memorial High School
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Reading Memorial High School Student Handbook – Table of Contents
A. Handbook Disclaimer
B. RMHS Core Values and Beliefs
C. Definition of the Portrait of a Graduate of Reading Public Schools
D. Expectations for Student Learning
E. Academic Information
F. Communication and Parent / Guardian Involvement
G. Financial Obligations
H. Student Records
I. Student Support Services
J. School Safety and Security
K. Student Life
L. Attendance
M. Code of Conduct and Behavioral Expectations
N. School and District Policies per Federal and State Laws and Regulations
O. Bus Expectations
P. RPS Technology Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies
Q. Co-Curricular Activities
R. Appendices
a. Harassment / Discrimination Complaint Form, Harassment / Discrimination
Reporter Form
b. Bullying Incident Reporting Form, Bullying Investigation Form
c. RMHS Dance / Prom Contract, RMHS School Function Guest Permission to
Attend Form
d. Athletic Permission Form, Band and Color Guard Permission Form, Pre-
participation Head Injury / Concussion Reporting Form for Extracurricular
Activities
e. Instructional Technology Acceptable Use Policy – Student Agreement Contract
District Student Handbook (https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-us/rps-handbook-2f754fb1)
Reading School Committee Policy Manual (https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-us/our-school-
committee-65707192/policy-manual-ae030acb)
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A. Handbook Disclaimer
The laws, School Committee policies, and school rules stated in this handbook are intended
to ensure the safe, orderly, and educationally sound operation of Reading Memorial High
School. In addition to these written provisions, there may be times where; to further ensure
the safe, orderly, and educationally sound operation of the school, the school administration
may enforce a standard of conduct upon students that furthers this end. Furthermore, the
school administration has the right to enforce any law, ordinance, or School Committee
policy not written in this handbook. If a new law or ordinance, or School Committee policy is
passed, it supersedes current rules.
The Reading Public Schools strives to provide a safe, respectful, and supportive learning
environment in which all students can thrive and succeed in their schools. The Reading
Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity,
religion, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation and ensures that all students
have equal rights of access and equal enjoyment of the opportunities, advantages,
privileges, and courses of study.
Please see the https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/rps-handbook-2f754fb1 for additional
information, and rights and responsibilities of all Reading Public Schools students.
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B. RMHS Core Values and Beliefs
The primary goal of Reading Memorial High School is the preparation of students to be
literate, skills, creative, healthy, competent and informed citizens-appreciative of the arts;
capable of critical thinking and problem solving; and able to function intellectually,
emotionally and physically within a complex, interdependent and pluralistic world.
The Core Values that guide all members of the RMHS community and all of our actions and
decisions are:
• RESPECT
• RESPONSIBILITY
• PERSERVERANCE
• SCHOLARSHIP
As educators, we believe our work centers on the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of
intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being. We help out students enhance their ability to
think by teaching the symbols and concepts through which thought, and creativity take
place, and by developing the skills for using these symbols and concepts. The uses of
intelligence with which we are concerned include critical thinking, observing, information
gathering, processing, evaluating, listening, logic, computation, oral and written
communication, and the application of these skills in decision-making and problem solving.
We help our students by imparting knowledge of their bodies and providing opportunities for
physical activity.
We believe that a positive learning community:
• Is safe, caring, consistent, fair, flexible, open and democratic.
• Meets the needs of all students through educational programs that promote
individual fulfillment in a variety of ways as well as encompassing the complex
interdependence of the world and community.
• Achieves educational excellence in an environment which promotes free and open
exchange of ideas; encourages mutual respect, creative expression, and problem-
solving skills; fosters human dignity; and recognizes and respects racial, ethnic,
cultural, and sexual differences.
• Promotes individuality; nurtures self-esteem, health, and well-being; and encourages
participation in a democratic society.
We believe that the education of our young people is the shared responsibility of the school,
student, family, and community.
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C. Definition of Portrait of a Graduate of Reading Public Schools
Reading Public School (RPS) graduates are leaders of their own learning journey who
demonstrate kindness and empathy towards others and a commitment to wellness. They
persevere through challenges, embrace multiple perspectives, and aspire to be their best
selves in the service of others to better our community and our world.
Learn-Grow-Teach
RPS graduates are critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. They take ownership of
their learning journey and are open to struggle to foster personal growth. They are confident
in their beliefs and consider the thoughts and ideas of others. They embrace collaboration to
help teach others and remain curious life-long learners.
Emphasize-Consider Perspectives-Practice Communal Care
RPS graduates show kindness and empathy towards others and a commitment to personal
wellness and communal care. They are able to persevere through challenges and
demonstrate resilience. They authentically reflect through hearing and understanding the
experiences, perspectives, and needs of people around them. To navigate relationships with
generosity and patience, they listen actively and compassionately.
Engage-Serve-Thrive
RPS graduates responsibly share our world through collaboration with their community. They
engage with and communicate multiple perspectives, aspire to be their best selves in the
service of others in order to thrive, and bring their skills and knowledge to action for the
benefit of each other and our world.
D. Expectations for Student Learning
a. Students will act effectively and responsibly:
i. Students will use sound reasoning to defend their own actions,
thoughts and decisions.
ii. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the need to act
responsibly and ethically in making life decisions related to
economics, civics, and health related behaviors.
iii. Students’ actions and thoughts will demonstrate an awareness of their
place as citizens in a global society.
b. Students will search for knowledge and understanding:
i. Students will pursue learning with persistence as demonstrated
through reading, comprehension, and interpretation in an effort to
effectively access information and deepen their understanding and
quality of their work.
ii. Students will demonstrate cultural literacy.
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c. Students will communicate with clarity:
i. Students will communicate clearly and effectively in written form.
ii. Students will effectively articulate in oral form a stand on issues and
support their position with credible information and cogent arguments.
iii. Students will use technology to communicate responsibly and
effectively.
d. Students will think creatively and critically:
i. Students will demonstrate flexibility in their thinking by considering
multiple solutions to a problem.
ii. Students will work collaboratively with team members to produce /
create complex, well-conceived answers and solutions.
E. Academic Information
a. Academic Honors
i. Award Ceremonies
1. Each year there are senior and underclass award ceremonies
in which students are recognized for overall and / or subject
specific academic or extracurricular achievements. Students to
be recognized and their families are invited to the respective
award ceremonies at the end of each academic year.
2. The number and type of awards and recognitions may change
from year to year, especially those dependent on outside
donors or universities, but every effort is made to secure as
many awards and recognitions for students as possible.
ii. Graduation Recognitions
1. Valedictorian and Salutatorian
2. Class and Student Government Officers
3. Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude
a. Cum Laude is any senior with a GPA of 3.5-3.69
b. Magna Cum Laude is any senior with a GPA of 3.7-3.89
c. Summa Cum Laude is any senior 3.9 – 4.00+
d. The GPA used will be either the weighted or
unweighted, whichever is highest, spanning grades 9-
12.
e. Transfer students will also be considered for this honor.
The GPA from their previous school(s) will be averaged
with the GPA earned at RMHS.
iii. High Honor and Honor Roll
1. High Honor and Honor Roll is calculated at the end of each
quarter. To earn High Honor and Honor Roll the following
qualifications must be met:
a. There must be a minimum of 4-graded, full-time
courses for the quarter.
8
b. There must be no incomplete on the student’s report
card for the quarter.
c. High Honor Roll: All grades must be an A- or above.
d. Honor Roll: All grades must be a B- or above.
e. Students that achieve High Honor and Honor Roll are
recognized by the principal at the end of each quarter,
and this recognition is also recorded on students’ report
cards.
iv. National Honor Society
1. RMHS NHS Website: https://rmhs.reading.k12.ma.us/en-
US/national-honor-society-333aa7e9
2. Selection to the RMHS Chapter of National Honor Society
conforms to the guidelines set forth by the National Council.
Eligible students are invited to provide information to the
RMHS Faculty Council to support their candidacy for
membership to the RMHS NHS Chapter. The selection
process is open to juniors and seniors who meet the following
criteria:
a. The student must maintain a weighted GPA of 3.5 or
better. The average is calculated based upon grades in
five college preparatory departments: English, math,
social studies, science and world language; however,
low grades in subjects not included in the GPA will be
considered a character issue to be considered by the
Faculty Council.
b. The student must have devoted a minimum of 40 hours
during their time in high school to community service.
Service much be documented and verified by a
supervising adult.
c. The student must have fulfilled a minimum of 2
significant leadership roles in the school community
activities since starting high school. Leadership must
be documented and verified by a supervising adult.
d. The student must be considered of outstanding
character. A letter of reference attesting to the student’s
character is required. Outstanding character is
demonstrated by honesty, integrity, responsibility,
respectfulness, fairness, citizenship, and behavior
consistent with school rules and public law.
e. Students meeting the scholastic criteria for membership
are asked to submit a portfolio (application) showing
that they fulfilled the other three criteria, leadership,
service and character. Teachers are given a chance to
9
submit their observations about how well individual
students meet the criteria, The NHS Faculty Council
then selects those students who will be inducted into
the society. The portfolio (application) requires a
statement by the student regarding any discipline
issues beyond the classroom that involve the high
school administration or police since the start of high
school. Any violation of school rules or public law
substantial enough to result in suspension from school
will be grounds for not considering a student for
selection as a member until at least 12 calendar
months have passed.
3. Once selected, members are expected to continue to meet the
selection criteria. Each member must:
a. Maintain a 3.5 GPA
b. Volunteer at least 20 hours of service every 6 months
c. Participate in RMHS NHS chapter activities
d. Continue to demonstrate good character
e. Fulfill at least one significant role each year
4. A member’s records will be reviewed at the start of each
semester. Not meeting the above standards will leave the
member subject to the possibility of probation for a semester.
Should non-compliance extend into another semester, the
member will be considered for dismissal from the society and a
hearing will be scheduled. Any report of flagrant violation of
either school rules or public law by a member will cause the
Faculty Council to:
a. Review the report
b. Hear the member’s account of the situation
c. Determine whether probation, dismissal or no action is
merited
5. Timeline for potential NHS members
a. At the end of sophomore year, students who have a
GPA of 3.45 or above are invited to a meeting to learn
about the criteria for selection to NHS
b. At the end of first semester, juniors who meet the
academic eligibility requirements are notified of a
meeting explaining the selection process with
instructions and the deadline for submitting a portfolio
(application), usually due by mid-March. The induction
ceremony is held in the fall of senior year.
v. Principal’s List
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1. Students will be recognized by the Principal each year for
achieving the Principal’s List, which includes any student that
earns all A / A+ in all classes for the school year.
2. Ideally students that earn the Principal’s List honor will be
recognized at the end of year award ceremonies. In order to
make this possible quarter 4 grades will be determined by the
mid-term grades of quarter 4.
vi. Valedictorian and Salutatorian
1. The valedictorian and salutatorian are named at the end of
third quarter or the beginning of fourth quarter senior year
based on their weighted cumulative GPA. At a minimum, a
student must be enrolled as a full-time student at RMHS
throughout both junior and senior year to be eligible for
valedictorian and salutatorian. In the event of a GPA tie the
valedictorian and salutatorian will be determined out to the one
hundredth decimal place of the GPA. In case of ties, co-
valedictorians and/or co-salutatorians will be named.
2. Both the valedictorian and salutatorian traditionally give
speeches at the graduation ceremony. The valedictorian and
salutatorian will be encouraged to give speeches at graduation
by the principal but can decline if they are not comfortable
speaking at the ceremony. All speeches will be reviewed and
approved by the principal prior to the graduation ceremony.
b. Bell Schedule for RMHS in the 2025-26 School Year
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c. Calendar for RPS and RMHS in the 2025-25 School Year
12
d. Course Selection Processes
i. The Program of Studies is posted on the RMHS website and updated
annually. The Program of Studies includes a description of every
course offered in the next academic year. Teachers conference with
students and then make recommendations for courses for the next
academic year in student portals.
ii. Students are then required to select courses, both first choice and
alternatives, in their online student portal. The teacher
recommendation process takes place each school year typically prior
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to the February recess, and then students select courses immediately
after teacher recommendations are entered.
iii. Parents / guardians should also review teacher recommendations and
student course selections. School counselors review all course
recommendations and selections to ensure students have the
required courses to progress towards graduation.
iv. Once student course selections are reviewed by school counselors
and approved or edited as needed to meet graduation requirements,
the master schedule for the next school year is built. This process
usually takes place through the end of the school year. Students are
sent a list of approved courses through the student portal in the
summer.
v. In the event that a student does not submit a course selection sheet or
transfers into RMHS after the course recommendation and selection
process, a schedule of courses is devised by the student’s school
counselor working in cooperation with the principal or their designee.
e. Course Changes
i. Required Core Courses: It is recommended that students choose
courses carefully with the advice or their current teachers and school
counselors. Once in a course, if a student finds a course too difficult or
not challenging enough, they may request a transfer to a more
appropriate level of the same course. This applies to required core
courses (ex. math, English, science, social studies, world language),
not electives.
ii. The process for requesting a course change for a core course is as
follows:
1. Student or parent / guardian initiated requests:
a. A change request should be directed to the student’s
school counselor who will discuss the request with the
student and outline the process to be followed.
b. The student and parent / guardian will begin the
process by discussing the change request with the
current classroom teacher. Efforts to be successful in
the course will be considered. Meeting with the teacher
of the course for extra help and completion of assigned
work is evidence of effort.
c. The department head reviews the change request.
d. The school counselor makes the schedule change and
informs the new teacher receiving the student of the
reason for the change.
e. The student must continue to attend the originally
scheduled course until they are notified that the
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schedule change is finalized by the school counselor
and, if necessary, the principal or their designee.
f. The parent / guardian is informed when the schedule
change is finalized.
2. Teacher, school counselor, or administrator initiated request:
a. The change request is directed to the appropriate
school counselor.
b. The teacher or principal or their designee discusses the
change request with the student and parent / guardian.
c. The department head reviews the change request.
d. The school counselor makes the schedule change and
informs the new teacher receiving the student of the
reason for the change.
e. The parent / guardian is made aware when the
schedule change is finalized.
3. Students seeking to drop a full year course must seek
permission from the principal or their designee. A “withdraw” or
“W” will be recorded on the student’s transcript for courses
dropped after the first 4 weeks of the course.
a. Exceptions include:
i. A course change is necessary for a grade 12
student to fulfill a graduation requirement.
ii. An error was made when the students’ course
selections were made.
4. Electives: Students should choose elective courses, including
alternatives, carefully and wisely at the time of course
selection. As some popular elective courses fill quickly,
students are asked to designate alternate elective course
options. Alternate electives will be chosen by school
counselors for those who do not designate alternative options.
Please be aware that students will be expected to fulfill the
commitments made when the course selection sheet is
submitted.
5. During the summer students will be sent schedules which
consist of a list of courses, but not the assigned teachers or
periods, through the student portal. Once schedules are sent, if
there is an error in a required core course assignment,
students should submit the Schedule Change Request Form
sent in the summer by the Director of School Counseling to
every student. Elective change requests are honored only in
extenuating circumstances. School counselors do not work
through the summer but do have scheduled days to review
such requests prior to the start of the school year and host a
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day during the summer in which any unresolved schedule
issues can be addressed in person. This summer date is
communicated by the principal or their designee when
schedules are shared.
f. Grading
i. Grade Reporting and Report Cards: Students, parents / guardians can
access student grades through the online student portal at any time.
Grades are updated every 2 weeks during the quarter, including mid-
quarter and end of quarter grade reports, on student portals. Year-end
report cards are sent on the student portal at the start of the summer.
Paper copies of report cards are available upon request. Parents /
guardians will be notified when report cards are published in the
student portal.
ii. Grading System and Tra nscripts:
1. Report Card Grade Scale
A+ 97-100
A 93-96
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F 0-59
P Pass
N No Credit
I Incomplete
X Medical Excuse
W Withdrawn
WF Withdrawn and Failure (no credit given)
2. Incomplete Grades: Work is incomplete because of illness or
other verified reason. Incompletes must be made up within two
weeks of the end of the quarter. Those not made up within two
weeks may be considered failures. A student is not eligible for
the high honor or honor rolls until the incomplete is closed.
iii. Graduation Requirements: The curriculum includes a combination of
required and elective courses to meet the needs and interests of all
students. Instruction is provided at a variety of levels in major
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academic courses. Placement is based on teacher, counselor, and
parent recommendations.
1. Link to School Committee Policy IKF (Graduation Req.)
2. Students must earn a minimum of 90 credits and pass all
required courses to earn a Reading Memorial High School
diploma.
3. Full year courses offer 4 credits. Semester courses run for half
a year, or 2 quarters, and earn 2 credits.
4. Each semester students will be enrolled in courses 6 out of 7
periods in the cycle, unless otherwise approved by the
principal or their designee.
5. All students must also take MCAS tests in English Language
Arts, Mathematics, and Science to graduate.
6. All students must carry at least 24 credits and EARN A
MINIMUM OF 19 CREDITS IN THEIR SENIOR IN ORDER TO
GRADUATE.
7. Certain graduation requirements may be waived under
extreme circumstances. Any exceptions require principal or
designee approval.
a. English – 4 years
b. Mathematics – 4 years (Class of 2026+)
c. Science – 3 years
d. Social Studies – 3 years
e. World Language – 2 years
f. Business & Technology – 2 semesters
g. Fine & Performing Arts – 2 semesters
h. Wellness (Physical Education) – 4 semesters
i. Health – 2 semesters
iv. Transcripts: The permanent student transcript includes all end of year
course grades. Transcripts sent as part of the student’s college
application process report only the final grades for grades 9-11.
Transcripts sent during grade 12 include Quarter 1 and 2 and / or
Semester 1 grades. Quarter 3 grades for grade 12 students are only
sent to colleges as needed.
v. Weighted Grade Point Average & Weighting Scale
1. Only courses taken during the school day at RMHS are
included in the calculation of GPA. Credit towards graduation
may be awarded for courses taken at other high schools,
summer school, night school, colleges, etc., but those courses
are not included in the calculation of the GPA.
2. Exceptions may be made for a student who has exhausted a
sequential program of courses offered at RMHS.
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ii. Semester length courses generally have a final exam which counts for
20% of the student’s grade at the end of the semester. In courses
where an exam may be inappropriate, an alternative evaluative
activity is scheduled. In courses that meet every other day,
appropriate assessments are scheduled.
iii. School support and special education services are available to
students during exam days.
iv. Students are not required to be in school except when they have a
scheduled exam or presentation during exam week.
h. Senior Final Examination Exemptions: Seniors (grade 12) who earn an
average of at least a B through the end of the 4th quarter (83 or higher) and
have had less than 6 unexcused absences during second semester, will be
exempt from taking the final exam. See attendance policy for excused versus
unexcused absence reasons.
i. Summer School: While it is the hope that all students are as successful as
they can be, some students benefit from additional instruction and
reinforcement during the summer months. Summer school is recommended
for students who failed a required course but earned an average higher than
or equal to a 50% in that course. Students whose average is a 49% or lower
must repeat the course and are not eligible for summer school. The School
Counseling Department will communicate information on approved summer
school options to students and parents / guardians at the end of each school
year. This communication will be to students and parents / guardians of
students that failed a course with a 50% or higher.
i. Credit is only awarded for courses previously failed at RMHS.
ii. The original grade and the summer school grade appear on the
student’s transcript.
iii. Summer school grades have no effect on weighted GPA.
iv. All make-up work during summer vacation shall be subject to
evaluation within two weeks after the fall opening of school.
F. Communication and Parent / Guardian Involvement
a. Communication between school and home is a key ingredient to school
success. The RMHS website, student grading portals and newsletters are
primary methods for broadcasting information from the school to families.
Parent/guardian (s) can keep updated regarding students’ grades by checking
them on the Student Information System (Plus Portals), which can be
accessed through the school website https://rmhs.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US.
Grades are updated every 2 weeks during the quarter, including mid-quarter
and end of quarter grade reports, on student portals. Teachers may also be
contacted via telephone voice message or e-mail to engage in more
interactive dialogue regarding student performance. Please understand that
due to the nature of a teacher’s role and responsibilities, teachers will not
necessarily have the opportunity to answer emails and phone calls
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immediately during the school day. Consider the following when contacting a
teacher or staff member:
i. Urgent and time sensitive issues can be facilitated by contacting the
main office, student’s school counselor, principal or their designee.
ii. Responsiveness issues can be facilitated by contacting the student’s
school counselor, principal or their designee.
iii. Teachers are only able to check messages when they are not
instructing students. Please also be mindful that Reading Public
School email is a public record.
b. There are a variety of ways parents/guardians can contribute to the student
experience at RMHS. Volunteer opportunities are available through the
various booster organizations for co-curricular activities. The Parent Teacher
Organization (PTO) meets quarterly and provides a forum for
parents/guardians to learn about and support our school. The School Council
is an advisory body to the principal with parent / guardian, teacher / staff,
community, and student representatives.
G. Financial Obligations
a. Students who owe the Reading Public Schools money for equipment, loss of
damaged books and materials, vandalism damage, or for other reasons are
expected to pay for the cost of replacement as promptly as possible and must
pay before graduation. Students are encouraged to look and return the
equipment and materials and ensure their account is credited. The parents /
guardians of students owing bills will be notified in writing via email at the end
of each school year or season if it relates to a sport or activity.
b. Athletics and Student Activities:
i. Families for whom athletic and/ or co-curricular activities user fees
present a hardship may apply for fee waivers through the Federal
Free and Reduced Meals (FFRM) program. Please see the Financial
Assistance Information document on the RPS District Food Services
website.
ii. Applications for the FFRM are found online under Food Services.
iii. User fees are payable the first week of each season. The online
payment system My School Bucks is the preferred method of payment
for athletic fees, there is a different interface for food services which
can be found on the RPS District Food Services website.
iv. If paying by check, submit to the Athletic/Student Activities
Department, Room 220. Checks are payable to: Town of Reading.
v. All outstanding financial obligations out of the Athletic & Student
Activities Office must be resolved before the next season in order for
students to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics.
vi. At the end of the school year any outstanding debt will be reported to
the main office for collection.
c. Library Books and Materials:
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i. Students who fail to return library books and materials can use
materials in the library media center but will not be permitted to sign-
out overnight books or materials until they have settled their debts.
ii. At the end of the school year any outstanding debts will be reported to
the main office for collection.
d. Other Equipment or Materials:
i. Students who lose equipment that has been issued or loaned to them,
such as computers, books, gym locks, will not be issued replacements
until they have settled their debts.
ii. At the end of the school year any outstanding debt will be reported to
the main office for collection.
e. Damaged Property:
i. Students who owe money for breakage due to negligence or
vandalism will be expected to make restitution.
ii. If restitution as a single payment is not possible, the student and the
building principal will make an agreement on how and when restitution
will be made.
iii. At the end of the school year any outstanding debt will be reported to
the main office for collection.
f. Senior (Grade 12) Financial Obligations:
i. Include any of the items listed above such as books, locks,
athletic/activity fees, equipment, etc.
ii. Any outstanding debts from freshmen year to senior year that have
not been collected can be included in the final total to be collected.
iii. Students will be able to participate in the graduation week
activities/ceremony only after any outstanding financial obligations
have been resolved.
H. Student Records
a. The Reading Public Schools complies with applicable federal and state laws
and regulations pertaining to Student Records. Those laws and regulations
are designated to ensure parents’ / guardians’ and eligible students’ rights to
access, inspect, and to request amendment of the child’s record.
b. The Massachusetts Student Record Regulations and the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) apply to education records maintained by a
school on a student in a manner such that he or she may be individually
identified.
c. See RPS School Committee Policy J, JRA as well as RPS Student Handbook
section S for additional information on Student Records.
I. Student Support Services
a. Academic:
i. Students are encouraged to seek academic assistance from their
classroom teachers. Students may be recommended for additional
support by teachers, school counselors, or other building
21
professionals. Academic assistance opportunities include, but are not
limited to:
1. Flex Block
2. After School Support from Teachers
3. Math Lab
4. Academic Lab
5. General Peer Tutoring - contact the School Counseling
Department for more information.
6. National Honor Society Tutoring – contact the NHS
Coordinator or School Counselor
b. District Wide Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP): In accordance with
M.G.L. c.71, §38Q1/2 and 603 CMR 28.03(3), the Reading Public Schools
has developed and adopted a district-wide curriculum accommodation plan to
meet the needs of diverse learners in the general education environment.
This plan can be located on the RPS District website through the following
link: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-us/teaching-learning-91a7d2a0
c. Health Services:
i. The school nurses can be reached at 781-944-8200, Ext. 867.
ii. Medical excuses from Physical Education should be brought to the
Health Office.
iii. A complete and detailed account of the RPS Health Policies and
Procedures can be found on the RPS website at
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-us/health-services-83f6862d.
iv. Screening:
1. Hearing and vision screening is performed for all 10th grade
students.
2. All 10th grade students will have their height and weight
checked.
3. Postural screening is performed on all 9th grade students
unless verification of a recent screening by a physician is
provided.
4. SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to
Treatment) will be conducted for all 10th graders.
5. Parents / Guardians may opt out of some or all of health
screenings annually by providing written notice to the RMHS
Health Office.
v. Medication in School:
1. The school nurse may dispense acetaminophen and/or
ibuprofen if the parent/guardian has signed permission for the
nurse to do so as noted on the Emergency Information Health
Form. This form will be provided to each student on the first
day of school.
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2. The only two medications that students are allowed to carry in
school are Epi-Pens and inhalers, provided the nurse has
doctor’s orders and parental/guardian permission forms
updated each year.
3. Any prescription medication to be dispensed from the Health
Office must be in a container with a pharmacy label which
includes the student’s name, drug’s name, dosage, and time
and duration of administration.
4. If a student is attending a school-sponsored event and
requires medication, the nurse must be notified, and the same
process should be followed. The nurse will then provide an
approved list of names to the principal or their designee.
5. Any Over The Counter (OTC) medication, except for
acetaminophen and ibuprofen, requires the labeled medication
provided to the Health Office.
6. Doctors’ orders and parental/guardian permission forms are
required for all medication, with the exception of
acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
7. The administration of medication in schools is subject to the
provisions of 105 C.M.R. § 210.006.
vi. Physical Examinations:
1. All athletes are required to have an annual physical exam by
the school doctor or their personal physician before they can
compete in the sports program.
vii. Illnesses:
1. Any student who becomes ill during school should report
directly to the Health Office. The student should bring a pass
from the classroom teacher.
2. If a child is demonstrating symptoms of illness that require
dismissal from school, the parent/guardian or responsible party
shall be notified. Parental/guardian permission is necessary for
dismissal unless the student has reached Age of Majority and
filled out the necessary form.
3. When reporting to the Health Office, students must be sure
that they are signed in by the Nurse.
viii. Immunizations:
1. State law requires that all students attending high school
should have been sufficiently immunized during middle school
years.
2. Parent/guardian (s) will be notified if a student needs a booster
(DPT, polio and MMR) according to school health records.
23
3. Parents / guardians will be notified if a student needs any
immunizations. Lack of compliance with this law could mean
risk of exclusion from school.
ix. Accident Reports:
1. Students who are injured during school hours must report to
the school nurse and file an accident report in the Health
Office if necessary.
2. If an injury occurs during an after-school activity, it should be
reported immediately to the advisor or coach.
x. Home Hospital Tutoring:
1. If a child will be absent from school for medical reasons for
more than 10 school days, contact the school nurse or school
counselor to discuss the procedures for obtaining tutorial
services if the student is physically unable to attend school. It
is the physician’s responsibility to fill out the “28R/3 form.”
Parent/guardian (s) may have to remind their physicians to
take this action.
d. Library Media Center: Library Media Center hours are typically 8:00 am –
3:30 pm, Monday – Friday. To attend the Library Media Center during study,
students are required to obtain a library-issued pass and may do so prior to
school at between 8-8:30 am or after school the day before until 3:30 pm as
availability may be limited. Students must first check in with their assigned
study hall teacher for attendance purposes prior to reporting to the Library
Media Center. Students are expected to be in either their study or the Library
Media Center. If students go to a directed study, they may not leave halfway
through the period to go to the Library Media Center, except for an academic
emergency and only with a pass from their study teacher. Students may not
use cell phone devices to game in the library media center at any time.
Failure to comply with these policies may result in loss of access to the
Library Media Center.
i. The following tips are provided to guide students in taking full
advantage of the Library Media Center:
1. The Library Media Center is PC and Mac friendly/ Wireless
internet access
2. Students have access to powerful research databases in all
core subject areas.
3. Students and others may reserve a project space for quiet or
group study. Sign up at the front desk.
4. Students may stop by or make an appointment with the library
media specialist for help in the following:
24
a. Managing research projects
b. Finding and evaluating sources
c. Digital video
d. Writing and editing
e. Bibliography and documentation
5. The Library Media Center prides itself on its student-friendly
policies.
e. School Counseling and Behavioral Health:
i. School counselors, social workers and school psychologists assist
students in making choices concerning their personal growth and
development that are realistic, suitable and align with the student’s
goals. Emphasis is placed upon educational, vocational, and personal
interests. Conversations between students’ and school counselors,
social workers and school psychologists are held in private and
treated confidentially.
ii. Students can make appointments to meet with their school counselor
at any time by arranging one directly with the counselor or by seeing
the administrative assistant to the School Counseling Department.
iii. Each student is assigned a school counselor for 4 years alphabetically
by last name. Please see the school counseling page on the RMHS
website for a detailed list. Incoming freshmen are assigned RMHS
school counselors in the summer before their freshman year. Before
assignments are shared, the Director of School Counseling is the
contact for all incoming freshmen and their parents / guardians. Link
to school counseling website:
https://sites.google.com/reading.k12.ma.us/school-counseling/home.
iv. Students with disabilities have access to school social workers and /
or school psychologists that they can make an appointment with, in
addition to their school counselor, either by contacting the staff
member directly or asking their special education case worker for
assistance in doing so.
v. Developmental Counseling Program: Counselors meet with students
in each grade level to present a sequentially designed program of
school counseling workshops beginning in the fall of the freshman
year. These sessions are conducted often during our flex blocks in a
classroom setting with approximately 15 to 25 students. Topics
covered include:
1. Grade 9: Transition from middle to high school and
expectations at the high school level
2. Grade 10: Career interests/aspirations
3. Grade 11: Standardized testing and post-secondary
issues/planning
25
4. Grade 12: Transitional issues of moving from high school to
work or post-secondary education
vi. Group and individual tests of learning ability, academic aptitude,
academic achievement, vocational aptitude and interest, or
personality traits and characteristics may be administered by the
Student Services Department in order to gather objective data
concerning the student's relative strengths and weaknesses. This
objective data is used by school counselors in assisting individual
students with program planning and program changes.
vii. Each year the School Counseling Department arranges a series of
educational and occupational conferences with representatives of
colleges and universities, institutions of further training, business,
industry, labor, and the armed services.
viii. It is important to share concerns with trusted adults throughout the
building. This may include a trusted teacher or staff member in the
building. Additionally, school counselors, nurses, school psychologists,
social workers, administrators, and the School Resource Officer
(SRO) are available to assist students with issues that interfere with
their school experience. Referrals for assistance outside of school
may be recommended in consultation with students and families.
ix. More information about resources for students’ behavioral health is
available at https://sites.google.com/reading.k12.ma.us/school-
counseling/home.
f. Services and Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
i. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and
M.G.L.c. 71B, some students with disabilities may be eligible for
services if they require specialized instruction and/or supportive
services to help them make effective progress in school. These
services can include, but are not limited to, speech therapy, physical
therapy, occupational therapy, specialized instruction, or placement in
a learning center. Students may be referred to the Special Education
Department for an evaluation of eligibility for special education
services. Within five (5) school days of such a referral, a consent form
authorizing an evaluation of the student will be forwarded to the
parent/guardian (s). Within forty-five (45) school days of receipt of the
parent/guardian (s)’ consent, an evaluation will be conducted, and a
Team meeting will be held to determine if the student is eligible for
special education services. If the student is found eligible for special
education services, the Team will develop an Individualized Education
Program (IEP) identifying the necessary services.
ii. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a
federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities
in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance
26
from the U.S. Department of Education. Section 504 provides: “No
otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . .
shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal
financial assistance…” Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990 (Title II) is a federal law that applies to public entities, including
the conforming amendment to Section 504 that affects the meaning of
a disability under Section 504.
iii. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of
individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive
federal funding or federal financial assistance. These regulations
require a school district to provide a “free appropriate public
education” (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in
the school district’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of
the disability. Under Section 504, a FAPE consists of the provision of
regular or special education and related aids and services designed to
meet the student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the
needs of nondisabled students are met. Compliance with the IDEA is
one means of complying with Section 504. An appropriate education
may comprise education in regular classes, education in regular
classes with the use of related aids and services, or special education
and related services in separate classrooms for all or portions of the
school day. Special education may include specially designed
instruction in classrooms, at home, or in private or public institutions,
and may be accompanied by related services such as speech therapy,
occupational and physical therapy, psychological counseling, and
medical diagnostic services necessary to the child’s education.
iv. An appropriate education will include:
1. Education services are designed to meet the individual
education needs of students with disabilities as adequately as
the needs of nondisabled students are met;
2. the education of each student with a disability with nondisabled
students, to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of
the student with a disability;
3. evaluation and placement procedures established to guard
against misclassification or inappropriate placement of
students, and a periodic reevaluation of students who have
been provided special education or related services;
4. and establishment of due process procedures that enable
parents / guardians to:
a. Receive required notices;
b. review their child’s records;
27
c. and challenge identification, evaluation, and placement
decisions.
v. Due process procedures must also provide for an impartial hearing
with the opportunity for participation by parents and representation by
counsel, and a review procedure.
vi. The quality of education services provided to students with disabilities
must equal the quality of services provided to nondisabled students.
Teachers of students with disabilities must be trained in the instruction
of individuals with disabilities. Facilities must be comparable, and
appropriate materials and equipment must be available.
vii. In addition, students with disabilities may not be excluded from
participating in non-academic services and extracurricular activities on
the basis of disability. Persons with disabilities must be provided an
opportunity to participate in non-academic services that is equal to
those provided to persons without disabilities. These services may
include physical education and recreational athletics, transportation,
health services, recreational activities, special interest groups or clubs
sponsored by the school, and referrals to agencies that provide
assistance to persons with disabilities and employment of students.
The Reading Public Schools is, however, generally permitted to
establish and utilize skill-based eligibility criteria for participation in
extracurricular programs and activities (e.g., school-sponsored
athletics) so long as the criteria are rationally related to the purposes
and goals of the specific program or activity.
viii. For more information regarding the services available to students with
disabilities please contact the Reading Public Schools’ Director of
Special Education at (781) 942-9129 or visit the RPS Special
Education and Student Support Services website at
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/student-services-6c4af96a.
J. School Safety and Security
a. Fire Drill / Evacuation / Lockdown Procedures:
29
i. The Reading Police Department sponsors a 100% anonymous Text A
Tip line (see below).
c. Visitors: All visitors to Reading Memorial High School between the hours of
8:00am and 3:30pm must report to the main entrance, state their purpose for
entering the building, and then sign in at the RMHS Main Office. Visitors
must obtain a badge that will be displayed visibly during their visit. This
practice will ensure that only properly identified and approved visitors will be
admitted to offices where they may have direct or incidental contact with
students. Finally, parents/ guardians must present a photo ID when picking
up a student for dismissal.
K. Student Life
a. Cafeteria and School Lunches
i. There are three 30-minute lunch blocks daily. Hot lunches are served
every day with two different menus usually available. A la carte items
are also available. Lunch is to be eaten in the cafeteria or designated
areas approved by school administrators. Free and Reduced Lunch
application forms are available via the RPS Food Services link online.
The first breakfast and lunch for each student is free, additional meals
are available for the established price. A link to the district nutrition
services is available here:
https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=1701802399
965
b. Lockers
30
i. Every student will be assigned a locker at the start of their freshman
year and / or upon enrolling at RMHS:
1. Students are advised to lock up valuable personal belongings.
2. Students are not to share lockers.
3. If a student needs a lock one can be issued by the main office.
4. If a locker needs to be searched the student owner will be
asked to open the locker if secured by a lock. If the student
owner cannot or will not open the lock, then it will be cut by a
school administrator or their designee.
5. The school does not assume liability for lost or stolen items.
6. Students must clean out lockers at the end of the school year.
Any remaining articles will be disposed of at that time by the
school staff.
c. Parking Regulations / Idling on School Grounds
i. Students who drive automobiles or motorcycles to school should note
the following regulations:
1. Students are only allowed to park in areas designated for
students.
2. Students may not be in or near any automobiles during the
school day without permission from a school administrator.
Students with no cause to be in or around an automobile will
be considered “out-of-bounds” and will be subject to
disciplinary consequences.
3. Permission to go to an automobile may only be granted by a
school administrator to any student who makes a valid request
to go to his/her automobile during the school day.
4. Any student violating these rules will not be permitted to park
on school grounds. Furthermore, students violating motor
vehicle laws will be reported to the Reading Police
Department. Students should take care when driving to and
from school and in school zones.
ii. Idling on School Grounds – See RPS Student Handbook, Section CC
d. Working Permits
i. Every individual from fourteen to seventeen years of age in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts must have a working certificate
(permit) to hold a job (MA General Law, Chapter 149, Section 86).
ii. Working permits are issued through the School Counseling Office
during the school year and the Main or Athletics and Activities Offices
during the summer.
iii. Proof of age must be presented.
iv. Students must appear in person to obtain a working permit.
v. A new work permit must be obtained with each job change. If you are
a student, your working permit only allows part-time work.
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e. Guests
i. Students are discouraged from bringing guests to school as it may
interfere with the educational process. If a student wishes to bring a
guest to school, permission must be obtained from the principal or
their designee at least 72 hours prior to the visit, and it will be granted
only if there is a valid reason for the guest to be present in school.
ii. The guest must check into the Main Office on the day of the visitation
and be introduced to the principal or their designee.
iii. Guests are permitted to attend certain school dances, such as the
semi-formal and formal dances like proms, for which the guest must fill
out and have authorized the “Permission to Attend” form. Guests must
be under the age of 21.
f. Release of Students from Class for an Activity
i. Students must obtain permission from the teacher excusing them from
class prior to the activity a minimum of 2 days prior to the date of
excusal.
ii. Release of the students is at the discretion of the excusing teacher.
iii. Students who fail to obtain permission of their teachers and miss class
are subject to a zero for that period’s work or assessment.
iv. This does not apply to school sponsored events such as athletic
competitions, drama, band or choral events for which the principal or
their designee will grant permission for student dismissals.
g. Pass System
i. Every student is assigned to a particular classroom or supervised area
each period of each school day. Students leaving any assigned area
during a class period must have an approved pass from the assigned
teacher. Any student without an approved pass is considered
unauthorized from class and will be subject to penalties for cutting /
skipping class.
h. Assemblies
i. Assemblies are scheduled periodically for class meetings or special
presentations on topics relevant to the RMHS school community.
Respectful attention is expected during any school assembly.
Whistling, raucous applause, talking, using electronic devices and
other distracting actions are forbidden.
i. Dance Contracts
i. The dance contract (see Appendix C) states rules that must be
followed at all school events, on or off campus. This includes dances,
semi-formals, proms, and banquets (heretofore referred to as dances).
By signing the dance contract, students are signifying that they
comprehend and will abide by the rules outlined in the contract. All
students are subject to a bag search and breathalyzer check before
admission to a school dance and during the event. Furthermore, it is
32
understood that if the student breaks a rule he/she will be subject to
disciplinary consequences and / or removed from the dance. In order
for any student to attend any dance, both the student and
parent/guardian must sign the dance contract.
ii. Students must attend school on the day of the dance, or if on a
Saturday they must attend school on the Friday before the dance or
the last day of school before the dance.
iii. Students are expected to wear appropriate attire for the dance.
iv. All school rules apply during the dance whether on or off school
grounds.
v. Students must also adhere to any specific rules for a specific dance or
dance location.
vi. Once a student leaves the dance, they may not return.
vii. Students must remain within the physical boundaries of the dance
area.
viii. Entrance to dances will be closed one half hour after the stated start
time of the dance. If a student is late for a valid reason, prior
authorization for entry must be obtained from the principal or their
designee.
ix. Certain RMHS dances are open to outside guests. For these events,
the Permission to Attend Form must be submitted and approved for
the guest before a ticket may be purchased. (See Appendix C for a
copy of the Permission to Attend Form).
j. Dress Code – See RPS Student Handbook, Section U and School Committee
Policy JICA
k. Food Regulations
i. Due to sanitation issues, food must remain in the cafeteria or in
approved designated areas. Students found with open containers of
food outside of these areas will be asked to put them away in a sealed
container or dispose of the food.
ii. Blatant disregard for the cleanliness of the RMHS building will result in
disciplinary consequences.
iii. Students are not allowed to order food delivery to the school during
school hours.
l. Identification
i. All students asked to identify themselves by a staff member must do
so. Failure to comply or providing a false name will be considered
insubordination and will result in disciplinary consequences.
m. Leaving School Grounds
i. Students enrolled in internships programs such as field seminar,
career / community service, senior internships, or work study have
specific permission to leave school grounds during the school day as
part of their educational program.
33
ii. With the exception of those leaving for the aforementioned legitimate
reasons, or those that have prior permission from the Main Office,
students are not allowed to leave the RMHS campus. Students who
leave without permission during any part of the school day will be
subject to disciplinary consequences.
iii. The following areas are out-of-bounds for students during the school
day:
1. Any area outside of the building, unless students are
accompanied by a faculty or staff member. This includes
parking lots, walkways and roads.
2. Any area in the vicinity of automobiles.
3. If a student needs to go to their automobiles, they must have
permission from the principal or their designee.
4. Students who are found to be, or have been, out-of-bounds are
subject to disciplinary consequences.
n. Skateboards and Inline Skates
i. Students who ride skateboards or wear inline skates to school must
carry them to and from their lockers and keep them in their lockers
during the school day.
L. Attendance
a. See RPS Student Handbook, Section V and School Committee Policy,
Section J, JE.
b. The following is attendance guidance specific to RMHS:
i. The school day begins at 8:30 am, at which time students should be in
their first period class.
ii. Tardiness to school before 8:45 am, without appropriate excusal
documentation. Students can be assigned an office detention if they
arrive tardy to school more than three times in a single term. Students
that arrive tardy to school more than eight times in a single term may
be ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities for the remainder
of that term.
iii. Tardiness to school after 8:45 am. Students arriving at school after
8:45 am, without appropriate excusal documentation, have missed
more than 15 minutes of class and will therefore to have skipped their
first period class. This counts against the eight-absence limit for the
class per term. Additionally, students may be assigned one or more
office detentions for skipping a class or multiple classes.
iv. If a student is less than 15 minutes late to class, a teacher can assign
a teacher detention. If this becomes habitual, the teacher will submit a
disciplinary referral to school administration which can result in
disciplinary consequences.
v. If a student arrives late to any class by more than 15 minutes without
a pass, or leaves class for more than 15 minutes, the teacher will
34
submit a discipline referral to school administration which can result in
disciplinary consequences.
vi. Skipping Class: When a student misses 15 minutes or more of a class
without permission, that student has skipped class. The administration
will address students who skip class after receiving a disciplinary
referral from the teacher. The skipped class counts as an absence that
adds to the student absence limit for the term. If this absence limit is
met during the term the student will lose credit for the class.
vii. Students can also incur disciplinary consequences or skipping
classes, examples include office detentions, attendance contracts,
calls home to parents / guardians, pass plans. Students may not be
permitted by teachers to make up work or receive credit for work
missed as a result of skipping classes. If a student continues to skip
classes, the school administration will consider interventions
consistent with a progressive discipline approach.
viii. Truancy: Students are truant from school when they are absent
without parental / guardian permission or knowledge. Absences due to
truancy will count against a student’s absence limit. Students who are
truant from school may not be permitted to make-up work or receive
credit for work missed during their absences.
ix. When working with students to account for attendance specific
violations, the administration will make every effort to avoid
exclusionary accountability (i.e. suspension). However, there may be
occasions when a student’s poor attendance disrupts the school
learning environment and compromises the experience of other
students. Additionally, there may be cases when students continually
fail to account for or improve their poor attendance, tardiness or
truancy. In these instances, the administration may consider
exclusionary accountability, filing a Child Requiring Assistance (CRA)
with the Probation Department and / or considering other options to
ensure the student receives their education and educational services.
x. Student Leadership: Any student who holds a student leadership
position at RMHS will be held to a high standard of behavior to
maintain their leadership position. If a student leader engages in a
significant violation of the Code of Conduct or exhibits chronic
behavioral problems, the principal or their designee maintains the right
to suspend or remove the leadership position from the student.
c. Quick Guide for RPS Attendance Policies:
Topic Details
35
Excused
Absences
1. Illness communicated by Parent/Guardian.
2. Medical appointments (a doctor or dentist certificate should be
provided for appointments scheduled during the school day)
3. Death in the student’s family
4. Observance of a religious holiday
5. Court appointments
6. College visits (gr.11/12 only) – Up to 3, any in addition must
be approved by the principal or their designee.
7. School-sanctioned absences: representing the school, field
trips.
8. Extreme personal circumstances as determined by the
principal of their designee.
Parents/guardians must contact the school main office via email or
phone to report a student absent with the above listed reasons.
Please consult with the main office staff regarding questions about
legitimate absence from school.
Students are expected to make up any missed work within
parameters defined by the teacher.
Notification Parents/guardians must notify the school of an absence, tardy or
dismissal by phone, email or Google form which is available on the
school website. RMHS Attendance Line: (781)-670-2819
Unexcused
Absences
Parents/guardians are legally responsible for ensuring a child under
their control attends school daily.
A school administrator will reach out to engage an RPS family when
a student is having an attendance issue to help mitigate the problem
and provide support to the family. At a minimum, the school
administrator will reach out in the following circumstances:
• Each time a student is absent, and it has not been reported
by the parent / guardian, the school’s office staff must
communicate with the family
(ex: robocall, personal call from administrative assistant)
• 5 absences or 10 half days per semester
• 8 absences or 16 half days per semester
Students who are chronically absent as outlined in the attendance
policy could be subject to loss of credit or have other consequences.
36
Truancy Truant - Under state law, a school-aged child who is not excused
from attendance, is deliberately late to school, or leaves early
without permission and "willfully" fails to attend school is truant.
This applies to students at all grade levels.
Truancy will result in an unexcused absence for each class period
missed due to the absence. These absences will be subject to the
Loss of Credit Policy. Students who are truant are subject to
disciplinary consequences.
Students who are proven truant and are members of extra-
curricular activities are ineligible to participate in the activity for
the duration of the truancy as well as during the resultant
disciplinary consequences unless excused by the principal or
their designee.
Habitually Truant- A school aged child is “habitually truant” when not
otherwise excused from attendance in accordance with lawful and
reasonable school regulations and willfully fails to attend school for
more than 8 school days in a quarter.
Tardies Students are expected to arrive on time per their school’s designated
arrival time. Late arrivals impede time on learning. RMHS starts
promptly at 8:30am. The first class of the day begins at 8:30 am, and
this is when students are expected to be in their classrooms.
Only previously outlined reasons for tardiness / absences will be
considered excused. It is incumbent upon the student to obtain and
deliver this official documentation for being tardy upon return to
school, or the tardiness will be considered unexcused. A student who
is tardy on the day of an assessment may be expected to make-up
this assessment on the same day if missed due to tardiness.
Secondary School Specific: A student not in their first period class
at the designated school start time is considered tardy to school and
must sign in with the Main Office. The number of tardies is
cumulative over the course of the quarter.
• One unexcused tardy equals ½ of an absence
• More than 8 unexcused absences in any class may result
in loss of credit in that class.
• Frequent tardiness to school may also lead to disciplinary
measures including detention, or loss of privileges.
• The parent/guardian will also be informed of recurring
tardiness issues.
37
• If a student misses more than half of a period due to
tardiness or dismissal, the missed period will be logged as
an absence for that class.
Dismissal If a parent/guardian wishes to have a student dismissed early from
school for any reason, a note/email must be given to the school’s
main office prior to morning attendance on the day the dismissal is
desired.
Parents/guardians may be asked to present a photo ID when
picking up a student for dismissal.
Medical dismissals must be determined by the nurse.
The student should report to their school’s main office to sign out
at the dismissal time.
Teachers will note students who miss a test/quiz/lab as a result of
dismissal after feeling ill at school. On the second occasion, the
school nurse may contact the parent/guardian. Any further
occurrence may be considered “test avoidance” and, upon
investigation by a designated administrator and a meeting with
student and parent/guardian, the designated administrator may
determine that no makeup will be allowed.
Unscheduled dismissals are also permitted under certain
circumstances. These dismissals will require the following:
• A personal appearance from the parent/guardian
• Approval from the principal of their designee.
A student is considered absent if they report to school after 12:00
p.m. or is dismissed prior to 12:00 p.m.
Co-Curricular /
Extra-
Curricular
Activities and
Sport
All students must be in attendance at school in order to
participate and/or attend co-curricular activities that day. This
includes athletic events, dances, proms, etc. If the event occurs
on a weekend, students must be in attendance on the Friday
preceding the event, or the last school day. Exceptions may be
made if the absence from school is considered excused by the
principal or their designee.
Students who are dismissed or tardy/absent (arrival after 12:00)
must see their principal or their designee prior to dismissal or
38
upon arrival for a decision on participation. To be considered in
attendance for the day (and be eligible for co-curricular activities)
a student must either arrive before 12 p.m. and remain for the
rest of the day or arrive on time and not be dismissed until after
12 p.m.
Exceptions may be made, such as college visits, family emergencies,
funerals, scheduled appointments etc., or other excused absences.
These all require a note and must be cleared by the principal or their
designee who will notify the Director of Athletics in advance,
whenever possible.
If a student athlete is dismissed by the school nurse due to illness;
he/she is ineligible to participate in athletics that day. If a contest is
scheduled on a weekend day or over a school vacation, the student
must be in attendance the preceding Friday in order to participate.
Students who are on suspension cannot participate and/or attend
co or extra-curricular activities on the day(s) they are suspended.
If the suspension should occur on a day prior to a non-school day,
students cannot participate until they are reinstated in school as
members in good standing on the next school day.
Unexcused
Absences and
Loss of Credit
Upon eight (8) unexcused absences, the school will schedule a
parent/guardian conference to discuss and/or investigate the root
cause and plan the implementation of intervention.
Excessive unexcused absences (more than 8 per semester)
could result in a loss of credit/loss of other privileges and may be
reported to the Department of Children and Families. Department
of Children and Families.
Absences are considered unexcused unless they meet the
excused criteria above.
Each time a student is absent, and it has not been reported by
the parent / guardian, the Main Office staff will communicate with
the family (ex. robocall, personal call from an administrative
assistant) A student is considered absent if they report to school
after 12:00 p.m. or are dismissed prior to 12:00 p.m.
39
A student who has been absent from school is not eligible to take
part in any practice session, game, event, co-curricular,
extracurricular activity which is scheduled for the same day.
Any student changing classes during the marking period will have
their total accumulation of absences in the former class carried
over to the new class.
Credit
Recovery
More than 8 unexcused absences (or 16 tardies/dismissals) in
any class per quarter will result in potential loss of credit for that
semester.
When a student has more than 8 unexcused absences in a
quarter, their parent/ guardian may be invited in for a
conversation around attendance. During that meeting, the
student will make commitments to mitigate the attendance
problem. Progress will be tracked and communicated with the
student and their parent/guardian.
If a student is passing an academic class, and has more than 8.5
absences in that class, they may be eligible for credit recovery or
an attendance buy-back plan. The credit recovery assignment or
buy-back plan will be communicated to the student and their
parent/guardian. The student will have two weeks (14 calendar
days) to complete the assignment to reinstate the credit or agree
to participate in the buy-back plan prior to losing credit.
Massachusett
s General
Laws Relating
to School
Attendance
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXII/Chapte
r76
https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXVII/Chapt
er119/Section39
Age of
Majority See RPS Student Handbook, Section E
Withdrawal See RPS Student Handbook, Section F
40
a. Absences Due to Suspension
i. Days of school missed due to suspension will not be counted as absences.
The principal or their designee shall ensure suspended students have an
opportunity to make academic progress during the period of suspension or
expulsion, to make up assignments and earn credits missed, including, but
not limited to, homework, quizzes, exams, papers and projects missed. The
suspended student is responsible for making up all missed work.
ii. Students who are suspended for more than ten (10) consecutive days will
also have the opportunity to receive educational services.
b. Vacation Absences
iii. Vacations should be planned for those times when school is not in
session. If vacation interferes with the school year, the principal
should be notified in writing in advance. All classes missed will be
counted toward cumulative absences in each class. Vacations are
unexcused absences.
iv. The last day of the school year is a tentative date based upon whether
there are snow days during the school year. Students are expected to
attend school to the end of the school year, including any days added
as a result of snow days.
v. “Teachers are not required to provide advance assignments to
students, and the school and the individual teacher(s) are not required
to assume responsibility for providing individual tutoring or extensive
individual help for the student when he/she returns,”(per the Reading
Public School Policy Manual, Section J, Student Attendance.
vi. Students are expected to make up any missed work within parameters
defined by the teacher.
M. Code of Conduct and Behavioral Expectations
a. Code of Conduct
i. Disciplinary action for code of conduct violations shall be issued in
compliance with all student discipline due process requirements, pursuant
to RPS 2024-25 Student Handbook.
ii. A safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment is essential to the
academic and social-emotional development of all students. A
comprehensive education should endow students with the skills to
develop and maintain respectful, healthy, and productive relationships
among themselves and with faculty members, and should prioritize
citizenship and responsible behavior at school and at school-sponsored
events.
iii. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to 1) outline expectations for
maintaining positive relationships and upholding the fundamentals of
good citizenship within the Reading Memorial High School community
and 2) establish accountability for students who fail to act as safe,
respectful, a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment is
essential at school and during school-sponsored events.
41
iv. The Reading Memorial High School Code of Conduct and the potential
approaches to accountability for violations of the Code of Conduct apply
to students during the school day, when students are on Reading Public
Schools grounds, while students are engaged in or attending school or
school-sponsored activities, and while students are traveling to and from
school or a school-sponsored activity. Students may be held accountable
for violations of the Code of Conduct while away from school at other
times if the conduct or incident is related to school, adversely impacts the
school community, disrupts the school environment, or creates an unsafe
environment at school.
b. Accountability
i. An essential part of learning is the expectation that students be required
to account for the decisions they make and behaviors they engage in. At
Reading High School, accountability should include students accepting
responsibility for their actions and engaging in logical, timely, and
equitable consequences for these actions. The Code of Conduct is rooted
in the theory of restorative and progressive accountability and attempts to
limit the use of exclusionary accountability practices (i.e. suspension)
when appropriate.
ii. Restorative Accountability: Either in lieu of or in conjunction with
traditional, progressive accountability practices, the school administration
may recommend approaches to accountability, especially when incidents
arise as the result of conflict between Reading Memorial High School
community members.
1. Any approach to an incident or conflict will be with the intent to
assist a student or students to accept accountability by working
with them to:
a. Acknowledge responsibility,
b. Directly engage with the person or people impacted, and
c. Agree to a plan to avoid similar incidents or behavior
moving forward.
2. A resolution to an incident will also be with the intent to restore a
sense of safety and belonging for any Reading Memorial High
School community member impacted by an interaction or incident.
3. Prior to facilitating any response to an incident, the administration
will confirm that all parties are willing participants and have been
oriented to the response protocols. Additionally, when possible,
the administration will enlist the support of the school counseling
faculty, or other sources of student support, to assist with the
process.
4. Accountability interventions may consist of but are not limited to:
a. Conferences
b. School or community conferences
c. Community service
d. Additional supports for community members in need
e. Restitution
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f. Academic and social-emotional support upon
reentry/return to school
iii. Progressive Accountability: When requiring students to account for their
behavior or decisions, the staff may consider consequences that consist
of, but are not limited to the following, in accordance disciplinary due
process requirements:
1. Parent Outreach The school faculty will prioritize parental
engagement when requiring a student to account for violations of
the Code of Conduct. This engagement may be in the form of
email communication, a phone call, or a meeting. Parents may be
required to meet with the school administration when students
repeatedly violate the Code of Conduct. This includes violations of
the Attendance Policy.
2. Confiscation of Belongings: If the administration determines that a
student has something in their possession that either violates the
law or substantially disrupts the learning process for that student
or for other students, the administration may confiscate those
items.
3. Withholding of Privileges: This may include the withholding of
privileges during the school day or after school activities.
4. Short Term Suspension: Will be determined by the principal or
their designee in accordance with disciplinary due process
procedures; student’s removal from school for no more than ten
(10) school days.
5. Long Term Suspension: Will be determined by the principal or their
designee in accordance with disciplinary due process procedures;
student’s removal from school for more than ten (10) to ninety (90)
school days.
6. Expulsion: Will be determined by the principal in accordance with
disciplinary due process procedures; student’s removal from
school for more than 90 school days, including permanent
removal from school.
7. When considering progressive accountability measures, the
administration will consider all relevant facts, which include, but
are not limited to
a. Previous incidents involving the student,
b. The severity of the disruption caused by a student’s
actions,
c. The degree of the safety risk or the harm to a student or
other students or staff members, and
d. The degree to which a student is willing to change their
behavior or has been willing and able to change their
behavior in the past.
8. When school administrators consider suspending students from
school, as the result of an inappropriate exchange, incident, or
behavior, they will adhere to the notification protocols and due
43
process requirements contained in Massachusetts General Law
Ch. 71, Sections 37H, 37H1/2, and 37H3/4.
c. Behavioral Expectations
i. The physical and emotional safety of all students and Reading High
School community members is a top priority of the Code of Conduct.
Additionally, in keeping with the Core Values and Beliefs of the Reading
Public Schools, Reading Memorial High School community members are
expected to foster respectful and responsible relationships and contribute
positively to a diverse and inclusive learning environment. Students who
detract from these community goals, or fail to act as positive community
members, will be required to account for their behavior in accordance with
the school’s or progressive approach to accountability.
ii. Behavioral expectations apply to students during the school day and at
any school sponsored event.
iii. Students will not engage in the following list of behaviors:
1. Discrimination against a student based on that student’s race,
color, religion, national origin, ethnic background, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
2. Targeting, ridiculing, or using as a source of humor another
student’s race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic background,
gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
3. Create, post, or inappropriately comment on any online or social
media item that harasses, threatens, intimidates, abuses, or
demeans individuals or groups on the basis of race, ethnicity,
religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, creed, national
origin, or disability status.
4. Possession, intent to possess, consumption, distribution, selling,
purchasing, or being under the influence of any drug or drug
paraphernalia, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind, to
include the possession, use, or distribution of tobacco related
products, electronic cigarettes, vaping products, and vaping
paraphernalia.
5. Possession of a weapon of any kind, including, but not limited to
knives, blades, guns, or other dangerous instruments such as
lighters and pepper spray. This includes the possession of mock
weapons.
6. Sexually harassing another person, either by words or actions.
This includes words, expressions, or images posted online or on
social media platforms.
7. The issuance of a criminal complaint charging a student with a
felony or the issuance of a felony delinquent complaint.
8. Assaulting, fighting, or striking another person, or threatening to
assault, fight, or strike another person.
9. Profanity, obscenity, discourtesy, or disrespect directed toward
school staff members.
10. Insubordination, or failure to comply with, or ignoring the requests
of a staff member. This includes a student’s failure to properly
44
identify themselves when asked by a staff member for their name.
It is the expectation of all students that they comply with staff
members’ directives. If a student disagrees with a directive, they
should at first comply and then appeal to their counselor or
assistant principal for support.
11. Dishonesty, which includes, but is not limited to academic
dishonesty (i.e. cheating and/or plagiarism), forgery, and
dishonesty about incidents or behavior.
12. Theft, or attempts to steal, the belongings of another. This
includes the theft or attempt to steal school equipment, materials,
or supplies.
13. Vandalism, destruction or attempt to destroy school property or the
property of others. This includes the misuse of lockers.
14. Leaving the building, school property, or a mandatory school
sponsored event without permission.
15. Being present in an unauthorized area of the building or the
Reading High School campus. This includes, but is not limited to,
loitering in bathrooms, unsupervised use of the athletic facilities
before, during, and after school, parking in unauthorized (i.e.
faculty) parking spaces, and being in the lower parking lot during
school hours.
16. Failure to report to an assigned detention, to include assigned
teacher detentions.
17. Ordering food and having it delivered to school during school
hours.
18. Disrupting school by pulling a fire alarm or falsely reporting a risk
that leads to an emergency response (i.e. a bomb threat).
19. Inciting or provoking another student to violate school rules,
disrupt school or a school-related event, or engage in dangerous
or inappropriate behavior.
20. Any behavior not listed above that compromises the discipline and
routine of the school day or a school-sponsored event or a
person’s physical or emotional safety, or that the administration
determines is inappropriate for the school environment. Any
behavior described in the RPS Student Handbook, Sections H – P.
iv. All employees are required to report to the principal or their designee any
incident in which a student is found in possession or use of a dangerous
weapon on school property or a student-sponsored event. Principals will
file reports under as required by M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 37L. This
state law then requires follow-up reporting and assessment for students.
d. School-Wide Expectations
i. Arrive at school on time with a school-issued computer and charger.
ii. Comply with all classroom expectations.
iii. Carry an official school pass when in the hallways, and refrain from
wandering the halls. Passes can be electronic.
iv. Refrain from engaging in overt public displays of affection.
v. Dress appropriately (See RPS Handbook, Section U)
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vi. Refrain from the use of profanity
vii. Treat others respectfully
viii. Respecting physical boundaries
ix. Clean up after oneself (ex. Classrooms, cafeteria, bathrooms, fieldhouse)
e. Classroom Expectations
i. Arrive to class on time.
ii. Participate in class.
iii. Complete assigned tasks
iv. Bring the appropriate materials to class, including school-issued computer
fully charged.
v. Remain attentive for the entire period.
vi. Pass in assigned work on time.
vii. Make up missed work in a reasonable timeframe.
viii. Follow any rules and/or guidelines specific to a particular class/laboratory.
Remain in class until the bell rings.
f. Disciplinary Due Process – See School Committee Policy J, JC and JEC-R
i. Detention:
1. Office Detention is held after school Monday through Thursday.
Location is in a classroom determined by the principal or their
designee.
2. Detention starts promptly at 3:05 P.M. and runs until 3:45 P.M.
3. Students should be prepared to work while there. They will not be
allowed to return to their lockers.
4. Any student who skips detention is subject to added
consequences. Students who disrupt detention or who are in any
way insubordinate are subject to added disciplinary
consequences.
5. Seniors must make up all detentions before they may attend
graduation and receive their diploma.
6. Detention takes precedence over any other school related activity,
including social commitments and athletic competitions. There are
a few exceptions.
7. The principal or their designee may consider outside conflicts or
problems (doctor’s appointments, work, etc.), if presented
beforehand.
8. Students are not permitted to communicate with others while in
detention.
9. Students are to check in their cellphones at the beginning of
detention and will receive them back after detention is served.
ii. Social Probation (used with major infractions)
1. Some violations of the code of conduct may cause a student to be
placed on social probation for a period of time to be determined by
the principal or their designee. Social probation is defined as
follows:
a. The student may lose the privilege of participating in
athletic events, practices, or games or after-school clubs
and activities.
46
b. The student may not attend school functions, including
those open to the public.
c. Student leaders (i.e. class officers, captains, etc.) must
vacate their position during the term of social probation.
d. Any violation of social probation can result in additional
disciplinary consequences.
g. Detailed List of Infractions and Consequences by Level and Type
i. Please note that the consequences and interventions below are merely
guidelines. In each case, school administrators are expected to consider
the individual circumstances, as well as the student’s prior conduct
history. A school administrator always has the discretion to impose a more
or less severe consequence or determine that an offense should be
addressed at a different level than described below.
ii. Level 1 Infractions & Consequences—Minor Infractions: A student who
fails to abide by the classroom or school-wide expectations listed above
will generally be warned on a first offense. A second offense may result in
the assignment of a teacher or office detention. Recurring offenses will
result in an office detention.
iii. Level 2 Infractions & Consequences—Major Infractions: A student who
commits an infraction from the list below will be referred to the office, and
the student will be subject to additional consequences and / or
interventions, depending on the infraction. At the discretion of the
principal or their designee, office detentions, social probation, restriction
from co-curricular activities, restorative justice/restitution/community
service or in-school suspension may be incorporated into the resulting
discipline as deemed appropriate. Examples of such infractions may
include:
1. Verbal abuse, insolence, or insubordination toward school staff.
2. Truancy (see Attendance).
3. Refusing to hand in a personal electronic device if directed to do
so by a staff member.
4. Forging, falsifying, stealing or otherwise altering any school-
related document or record including passes.
5. Dropping or throwing food in cafeteria or stairwells.
6. Disruptive behavior: Any actions that disturb lessons, classes, or
disrupt the educational process in the school building or during
school-related functions.
7. Food deliveries. RMHS is a closed campus. Students should not
order food for delivery to RMHS. If a student violates this policy
food/drink will be confiscated. We discourage delivery of flowers,
candy, and non-related school materials during the day.
8. Attempt to purchase/Use/possession of tobacco/nicotine product
including delivery devices such as vape pens, e-cigarettes, etc.
(first offense--see smoking/tobacco policy).
9. Directing vulgar and/or abusive language or gestures at a member
of the school community.
10. Gambling, or playing a game of chance for stakes.
47
11. Intimidating, bullying, or threatening another student (see
Harassment).
12. Skipping class and/or leaving the school building without
permission from the principal or their designee. (A student’s ability
to succeed in school is severely impacted by choosing not to
attend class. Students who wish to see their school counselor,
social worker, principal / assistant principal, nurse, etc. must
obtain a written pass and present it to their assigned teacher prior
to their appointment. Students may not be eligible to make up
work missed because of skipping class or work that is due on the
day of the skipped class.)
13. Refusing to identify oneself upon request.
14. Misbehaving at a co-curricular activity or event, on a field trip, or at
an interscholastic athletic contest.
15. Lying to a member of the faculty of staff or defying the authority of
a member of the faculty or staff through willful non-compliance or
insubordination (not following instructions from staff members.)
16. Speeding, reckless driving, or parking in areas other than the
student parking lot. (This will also result in the loss of the student’s
privilege of driving the car on school grounds.)
17. Direct insubordination concerning penalties assigned by the
principal or their designee.
18. Refusing to report to the principal or their designee when told to
do so by a teacher.
19. Any unauthorized use/abuse of computer system or equipment.
20. Improper use of student ID. Students will be issued identification
badges which must be visible when in the building and for
entrance to classrooms. Anyone in the school without an
identification badge will be considered to be an intruder and may
be charged with trespassing. Unauthorized use or reproduction of
ID’s will result in disciplinary action. Defacing, destroying, or
altering assigned badges will be considered acts of vandalism and
restitution will be required.
21. Horseplay or rough housing
22. Possession of drug paraphernalia
23. Repeated and/or extreme violations of Level 1 or 2 infractions.
iv. Level 3 Infractions & Consequences—Major Infractions: A student who
commits an infraction from the list below will be subject to additional
disciplinary consequences and / or interventions. The principal or their
designee might also impose the sanctions set forth for Level 1 or Level 2
Infractions. Depending on the nature and severity of the conduct in
question, a referral to the police department might also be made.
Depending on the infraction, and at the discretion of the principal or their
designee, Saturday detention might be incorporated into the resulting
discipline.
1. Fighting (see Fighting).
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2. Any student who records a fight without bringing it to the
immediate attention of a school administrator will be subject to
disciplinary consequences, including suspension. Any student
who, by word or action, is determined to have provoked or
instigated a fight involving themselves or others will be subject to
disciplinary consequences, including suspension.
3. Stealing, or being found to be in possession of stolen personal or
school property.
4. Participating in the practice of hazing (see Hazing).
5. Enabling unapproved access to the school building to non-school
personnel, or to students who do not attend Reading Memorial
High School.
6. Destruction, damaging, or defacing of school property, or any
other deliberate act of vandalism. (Restitution of property and any
associated clean-up costs will be required and police will be
notified, if warranted.) parent/guardian (s) should know that under
the Laws of Massachusetts parent / guardians are liable in a civil
action for any willful act committed by a minor child which results
in damage to the property of another person or municipality up to
$1,000.
7. Repeated and/or extreme violations of Level 1, 2 or 3 infractions.
8. Discriminatory Harassment
9. Sexual Harassment
v. Level 4 Infractions & Consequences—Major Infractions: In the case of
serious or flagrant disregard of school rules, the school administration
may consider long-term suspension or expulsion (under M.G.L. c. 71,
37H and 37H ½) Principal for an expulsion hearing. The administrator
might also, in his or her discretion, impose the sanctions set forth for
Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 Infractions. The student might also be subject
to an immediate referral to the police department.
1. Disrupting school by creating or perpetrating a false fire alarm or
bomb scare.
2. Using, possessing, distributing, or selling controlled or banned
substances, or items purported to be controlled or banned
substances, including but not limited to: drugs (see JICH & JICH-
R per Reading School Committee Policy and refer to detailed
Chemical Health Policies for RMHS outlined in Section IX Part F
of the Handbook)
3. Possession of alcohol, dangerous weapons, and pyrotechnics.
4. Arson, or starting a fire.
5. Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment
6. Violating another student’s civil rights—including hate crimes.
Students have the right to be free from discrimination including
verbal or physical attacks based on gender, gender identity, race,
religion, national origin, ethnic background, color, age, sexual
orientation, or disability. Any student who violates another
student’s or students’ rights to be free from discrimination will be
49
subject to disciplinary sanctions which will vary, depending on the
seriousness of the offense, from detention up to and including
expulsion. Particularly serious violations will also be referred to the
police.
7. Assaulting, and/or attempting or threatening bodily harm to a
member of the faculty or staff.8. Any attack or assault on another
student that would appear to a neutral observer to be unprovoked.
(One-sided student on student attack)
8. Student is charged with a felony offense, and their continued
presence would have a substantial detrimental effect on the
general welfare of the school.
9. Repeated and/or extreme violations of Level 1, 2, or 3, or 4
infractions.
vi. Chemical Health Policy – See RPS Handbook, Sections I – P
1. RPS 2024-25 Student Handbook
2. RMHS Specific Related to Chemical Health
Penalties for Tobacco, Nicotine, Vaping:
First Offense Second Offense Third Offense
More than 3 Offenses
Disciplinary
consequences
Progressive /
Additional
disciplinary
consequences
Progressive /
Additional
disciplinary
consequences
Progressive / Additional
disciplinary
consequences
Notification to
parent/guardian and
parent/guardian
conference
Notification to
parent/guardian and
parent/guardian
conference
Notification to
parent/guardian
and
parent/guardian
conference
Notification to
parent/guardian and
parent/guardian
conference
Referral to Approved
Program (The
Coalition/RMHS
Chemical Health
Education Program
Class)
Referral to Approved
Program (Visit to
Primary Care
Provider)
Referral to
Approved
Program (Return to
Primary Care
Provider)
Referral to Approved
Program (Return to
Primary Care
Provider)
Confirmation of class
completion provided
by The Coalition
Confirmation of visit
to PCP provided to
The Coalition
Mandatory
parent/guardian
conference prior to
re-admission to
school
Mandatory
parent/guardian
conference prior to re-
admission to school
50
3. FIRST Violation due to possession or use of a substance
a. Student Meeting with School Administrator(s)
b. Parent/guardian Notification
c. Student must complete the Approved Program
d. Student experiences 25% loss of competitive
sport/club/activity season if engaged in extracurricular
activities at RMHS.
4. The Approved Program for FIRST Violations contains three
elements carried out by the staff of The Reading Coalition for
Prevention and Support and Reading Memorial High School
(RMHS):
a. Group Education: The Coalition & RMHS host a
monthly Chemical Health Education Program (CHEP)
class for 2 hours after school. The Coalition provides
the class schedule to the School Administrators for the
school year. RMHS will send a letter home with the
next class date following the issuance of a first
violation. The Coalition & RMHS staff will host the class
as directed.
b. Youth Support: At their class, students will be given a
date to return to meet individually with the designated
staff member to debrief on their experience in the class.
At their debriefing meeting, students will receive their
official “Letter of Completion.”
c. Family Follow-up: The Coalition will contact
parent/guardian after the child completes the class and
mail a packet of resources for follow-up.
d. Student Responsibilities
i. Attend Chemical Health Education Class and
complete assignments.
ii. Attend debriefing meeting with Class Facilitator
to obtain “Letter of Completion”
iii. Attend practices/meetings.
iv. Remain in good standing with their
team/club/activity.
v. Sit out 25% of competitive play/activities as
directed by principal or their designee
5. SECOND Violation due to possession or use of a substance
a. Student Meeting with School Administrator(s)
b. Parent/guardian Notification
c. Student must complete the Approved Program for
SECOND Violations
d. Student experiences loss of competitive
sport/club/activity for 40-60% of the season
51
e. The Reading Coalition and RMHS coordinate the
approved program for SECOND violations that comply
with the School Chemical Health Policy. The
requirement for SECOND violations due to nicotine
including vaping is a visit with the child’s Primary Care
Provider (PCP). The 57 approved program for
SECOND violations for all other substances is a
Substance Use Assessment by a Licensed
Professional with a specialty in addiction counseling. A
list of suggested providers will be included in the
information sent to parents/guardians by The Coalition.
f. Assessment: The Coalition will send a letter to the
family outlining the requirement for their child to meet
with a Licensed Health Professional to assess their
child’s level of substance use. The Health Professional
will complete the required Coalition form and make
recommendations for follow-up.
g. Counseling: Students that complete their assessment
and follow the recommendations from their Health
Professional including counseling may reduce their
competitive season penalty from 60% to 40%. Most
professionals recommend at least 3 sessions of
counseling and support for students.
h. Confirmation: For nicotine violations, the PCP will
return the required form to The Coalition. For other
substance use violations, the Licensed Professional will
provide progress updates to The Coalition. The
Coalition will communicate with the necessary school
officials upon completion of requirements.
i. Student Responsibilities
i. Attend PCP appointment and complete
recommendations.
ii. Return with required signed paperwork provided
by The Reading Coalition indicating completion
of recommendations.
iii. Remain in good standing with their
team/club/activity.
iv. Sit out 40%* of competitive play/activities as
directed by principal or their designee (if the
requirements above are met). Increases to 60%
loss if program requirements are not met to
seek assistance of a healthcare provider.
6. THIRD Violation due to possession or use of a substance
a. Student Meeting with School Administrator(s)
b. Parent/guardian Notification
52
c. Student must complete the Approved Program for 3rd
violations which includes a formal substance abuse
evaluation or re-assessment and comply with treatment
recommendations.
d. Student experiences a loss of competitive
sport/club/activity for six months to one year.
e. Student Responsibilities
i. Follow recommended program by Treatment
Provider
ii. Provide required paperwork as directed.
iii. Sit out competitive play/activities as directed by
Assistant Principal
h. Academic Integrity: Cheating and Plagiarism
i. In order to develop the skills to become effective communicators, learners
and ethical citizens of the 21st century, students must maintain high
standards of personal and academic integrity. Cheating and plagiarism
undermine the educational process and deny students the opportunity to
maximize their learning potential. Cheating is defined as obtaining an
unfair advantage in completing academic work.
ii. Examples of cheating include but are not limited to:
1. Copying another student’s homework, paper, project or idea.
2. Using books, calculators, translators, notebooks, “cheat sheet”, or
other resource during a test or to complete an assignment which
has not been authorized by the teacher.
3. Using unauthorized electronic resources (cell phones, text
messages, iPods, etc.) to access information during an
assessment.
4. Copying or allowing another student to copy answers during a
test, quiz or exam.
5. Any form of unauthorized communication during an assessment or
about an assessment.
6. Purchasing an assignment from another person or online
resource.
7. Discussing a test/quiz with students who have not yet taken that
test/quiz.
8. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complete class assignments or
assessments that is in a manner that breaches academic integrity
and presents ideas other than your own.
iii. Plagiarism occurs when a student copies information and/or ideas from
another source, fails to give credit to that source, and passes the
information off as his/her own. Examples of plagiarism include but are not
limited to:
1. Failure to properly cite text, pictures, or ideas obtained directly
from books, articles, internet resources, instant messages, or
emails.
2. Failure to cite quoted material or paraphrased material.
53
3. Use of false data or citations.
4. Buying research papers or paying someone to write research
papers and submitting them as original work.
5. Allowing someone else to submit your work as their own.
6. Submitting someone else’s work as your own Consequences for
Cheating and Plagiarism (Please note that offenses are
cumulative over a student’s high school career)
iv. First Offense of Cheating or Plagiarism:
1. The teacher will notify the principal or their designee to establish
that this is a first offense.
2. The student cannot receive a passing grade on the assignment
and may receive a score of zero.
3. The teacher will notify the student’s parents / guardians and
school counselor.
4. The student should meet with their school counselor.
5. If the student has applied for entry into the National Honor Society,
NHS advisors will be notified of the infraction.
6. The principal or their designee reserves the right to impose
disciplinary measures.
v. Second Offense of Cheating or Plagiarism:
1. The teacher will notify the principal or their designee.
2. The student will receive a score of zero on the assignment.
3. The teacher will notify the student’s parent / guardian and school
counselor.
4. The student will meet with their school counselor.
5. The principal or their designee will document the incident in the
student’s discipline file.
6. If the student has applied for entry into the National Honor Society,
NHS advisors will be notified of the infraction.
7. The principal or their designee will impose disciplinary measures.
vi. Subsequent Offenses of Cheating or Plagiarism: All of the above with
second offense and disciplinary measures consistent with progressive
discipline at the discretion of the principal or their designee.
N. School and District Policies per Federal and State Laws and Regulations
a. Restraint
i. The Reading Public Schools (“the District”) seeks to ensure that every
student is free from the use of physical restraint that is inconsistent with
the requirements of 603 C.M.R. 46.00 effective January 1, 2016 and
DESE Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2016-1, July 31, 2015).
Physical restraint is an emergency measure of last resort. It may be
administered only when necessary to protect a student and/or school
community member from assault or imminent, serious physical harm.
When, based on this standard, physical restraint is necessary, staff will
strive to prevent or minimize any harm to the student as a result of the
use of physical restraint. Refer to Policy J Students JA-JRD and FF for
more information.
b. Protections of Pupil Rights and Amendments
54
c. Harassment and Discrimination Policies
i. Refer to RPS District Policy C for more information.
ii. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
1. The Reading Public Schools does not tolerate discrimination
against students, parents/guardians, employees or the general
public on the basis of sex. The Reading Public Schools is also
committed to maintaining a school environment free of
harassment based on sex, including harassment based on
gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or
pregnancy status. The Reading Public Schools’ policy of
nondiscrimination extends to students, staff, the general public,
and individuals with whom it does business; no person shall be
excluded from or discriminated against in employment, admission
to a public school of Reading or in obtaining the advantages,
privileges, and courses of study of such public school on account
of sex.
2. How to Report Sexual Harassment: Individuals are encouraged to
report allegations of sexual harassment to the Title IX
Coordinator(s) identified below or the principal. Any report of
sexual harassment, as defined under Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, will be responded to promptly in
accordance with the District’s Title IX Sexual Harassment
Grievance Procedures, available at:
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/district-information/title-ix-
information/.
3. Reports of discriminatory harassment not constituting sexual
harassment as defined under Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, will be initially addressed through the
District’s Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure and
may, if dismissed under that procedure, be investigated in
accordance with the District’s Civil Rights Grievance Procedures.
4. Upon receipt of a report of sexual harassment, the Title IX
Coordinator will: (1) promptly and confidentially contact the
complainant to discuss the availability of supportive measures; (2)
inform the complainant of the availability of supportive measures
with or without the filing of a Title IX Formal Complaint; (3)
consider the complainant’s wishes with respect to supportive
measures; (4) if the school district does not provide the
complainant with supportive measures, document the reasons
why such response was reasonable; and (5) explain to the
complainant the process for filing a Title IX Formal Complaint.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be directed to the
District’s Title IX Coordinator and/or the Assistant Secretary of the
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
55
d. Bullying Prevention
i. Reading Memorial High School is committed to providing a safe, positive,
and productive learning environment for all—and to discourage any
behavior that interferes with that goal. Accordingly, Reading Memorial
High School complies with the Reading School Committee Policy
regarding Bullying Prevention and Intervention summarized below. A
complete copy of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan is
available on the Reading Public Schools’ website as is a Bullying
Reporting Form which may be submitted online on the Reading Public
Schools website or from Appendix B below. Refer to Reading Public
School Policy JICFB and RPS District Policy C for more information.
e. Pregnant Students
i. Refer to School Committee Policy JIE
ii. In accordance with state and federal law, the district does not discriminate
against nor exclude students from its educational programs, or activities,
including classes and extracurricular activities, on the basis of the
student’s pregnancy, childbirth, or recovery there from. Exceptions will be
made only when a physician expressly prohibits the student’s
participation. The district requires a pregnant student to obtain the
certification of a physician that the student is physically and emotionally
able to continue in school only to the extent that such certification is
required for all students for other physical or emotional conditions
requiring the attention of a physician. The district will provide reasonable
accommodations for students with medical conditions relating to
pregnancy to the extent such accommodations are provided to students
with other temporary medical conditions. A student may take a leave of
absence relating to pregnancy and childbirth for any period of time
deemed medically necessary by the student’s physician. Following any
such leave, the student will be reinstated to the status she held when the
leave began.
f. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
i. Refer to RPS District Policy Z for more information.
g. Hazing
i. Refer to RPS District Policy II for more information.
h. Student Due Process Rights - Refer to RPS District Policy Q for more
information.
56
i. Under M.G.L. c. 71 37H 3/4 – All offenses except for possession of
dangerous weapons, possession of controlled substances, assault on
staff, and felony offenses.
ii. Under M.G.L. c. 71 37H and 37H 1/2 – Offenses involving dangerous
weapons, drugs, assaults on staff and felonies
i. Discipline of Students with Disabilities
i. Refer to RPS District Policy Q for more information.
j. Opportunities to make Academic Progress
i. Under M.G.L. c. 76, 21- Refer to RPS District Policy Q for more
information.
k. Parent / Guardian Notification Regarding Sexual Education and Human Sexuality
Issues and Sex Education
i. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 32 A notes that
parent/guardian (s) be provided an “opt-out” provision for courses
(typically sex education or sciences) school assemblies, or other
instructional activities and programs that focus on human sexual
education, the biological mechanics of human reproduction and sexual
development, or human sexuality issues. Parents / guardians wishing to
review curricula and/or exempt their child(ren) from instruction of the
aforementioned topics must contact the building Principal in writing. Refer
to Reading Public School Committee Policies IHAM, IHAM-1, and IHAM-
R for more information.
ii. SEX EDUCATION: In accordance with General Laws Chapter 71, Section
32A, all parents/ guardian s of students in our school are notified by
means of this handbook of the high school courses and curriculum we
offer that primarily involves human sexual education or human sexuality
issues. Parents/guardians of students who enroll in school after the start
of the school year will be provided with a handbook at the time of
enrollment. If the planned curriculum changes during the school year,
parents/guardians will be notified of this fact in a timely manner before
implementation.
iii. Within the scope of the existing curriculum, the following courses have
components that include issues of human sexual education or human
sexuality issues for high school level courses and curriculum: Diverse
Voices, Anatomy & Physiology, Health, Biology, Psychology,
Environmental Science and Child Development.
iv. Under Massachusetts Law, parents/guardians may:
1. Exempt their child from any portion of the curriculum that primarily
involves human sexual education or human sexuality issues,
without penalty to the student, by sending a letter to the principal
requesting an exemption. Any student who is exempted by
request of the parent/guardian under this policy may be given an
alternative assignment.
2. Inspect and review program instruction materials for these
curricula, which will be made accessible to parents/guardians and
others to the extent practicable. Parents / guardians may arrange
57
with the principal to review the materials at the school and may
also review them at other
l. Search and Seizure Policy
i. Refer to RPS District Policy O and School Committee Policy JIH for more
information.
m. Use of Breathalyzers at School Sponsored Events
i. Refer to Reading School Committee Policy JIH for additional information.
ii. Breathalyzers to detect the use of alcohol by individual students may be
used at school or at school sponsored events whether on or off school
property under the follow conditions:
1. Upon admission to school dances, proms and other school
sponsored events on or off the school property every student (and
approved guest) shall be subject to the following:
a. The rules and consequences in the school handbook
b. Upon entrance, a search of the student pocketbooks, book
bags, athletic bags, or backpacks
c. Upon entrance a breathalyzer test to detect the use of
alcohol
d. Upon entrance confiscation of water bottles or other
beverage containers
e. A requirement is that coats and jackets be left at a table by
the entrance door which will be monitored by event
chaperones.
2. In addition, a student shall be subject to a breathalyzer test in the
event that a member of the school personnel has reasonable
suspicion to believe that a student is under the influence of alcohol
at school or at school sponsored events whether on or off school
property.
3. Breathalyzers shall be administered by school administrators.
4. Results of a breathalyzer test will be used as one component for
determination of school based disciplinary consequences.
5. The results of the school administrator administered breathalyzer
test are for school use only.
6. Breathalyzer instruments shall be maintained in the same manner
as those maintained by the Reading Police Department.
n. Use of Drug and Bomb Sniffing K-9 Dogs
i. Use of a drug sniffing dog may be conducted under the following
conditions:
1. The drug sniffing dog employed for such purposes shall be a law
enforcement dog trained for such purposes and the search shall
be conducted by law enforcement personnel.
2. In the absence of a warrant granted by the appropriate authorities
to the law enforcement agency(s) or the existence of exigent
circumstances by the law enforcement agency(s), the
determination to conduct the search shall be made solely by the
school administration and not members of law enforcement.
58
3. The scope of the administration determined search shall be all
school owned properties (including desks and lockers) and all
public areas of the buildings. Additionally, students have no
expectation of privacy in the exterior of vehicles parked on District
property and a law enforcement canine may be employed for the
detection of narcotics or other material at any time.
4. While belongings in the legitimate areas searched shall be subject
to evaluation in this manner, no person shall be subject to
evaluation in this manner.
5. If the evaluation by the drug sniffing dog determines the possibility
of the existence of drugs, that shall constitute the level of
reasonable suspicion to allow the school administration to
continue the search of the specific item(s). Such continuation shall
be consistent with this policy.
ii. Use of a bomb sniffing dog may be conducted when it is determined by
law enforcement and the school administration that such a search is
warranted for the safety of individuals and school property. The scope of
the search shall be determined by the law enforcement agency and the
school administration.
O. Bus Expectations
a. Any violation of the bus code of conduct is expected to be resolved as soon as
possible. The bus driver and monitor will work closely with each school Principal,
the METCO Director, and the METCO Coordinator to make sure the bus rules
and guidelines are followed. To ensure students have a safe and efficient ride to
and from Reading every day, all students must adhere to the following rules and
guidelines on the bus.
b. Rules:
i. Respect
1. Be respectful to the driver, monitor and peers.
2. Always remain seated.
3. Use appropriate language and content.
4. Physical contact, even as a form of greeting, is discouraged.
5. No horseplay or play fighting.
6. Recording of other students is not allowed.
ii. Responsibility
1. North Suburban Transportation prohibits eating on the bus, please
respect that by eating prior to entering the bus.
2. Use of musical devices and cell phones with headphones is
allowed.
3. Speakers may not be used on the bus.
4. Students are to clean up after themselves.
c. Seating
i. All students will sit two to a seat.
ii. No student will have their own seat unless designated by a building
principal or their designee, METCO Coordinator, METCO Director, or bus
monitor/bus driver.
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iii. Any student refusing to let a student who needs a seat sit with them will
be subject to disciplinary actions.
iv. High School students will be given the opportunity to pick their own seats.
If this becomes problematic, then the Principal, METCO Coordinator, or
METCO Director will assign seats.
v. All 9th grade students will sit in the front of the bus, 10th graders will sit
behind the 9th graders, 11th graders will sit behind the 10th graders and
seniors get preference to the back seating.
P. RPS Technology Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policies
a. See RPS Handbook, Section GG
Q. Co-Curricular Activities
a. Activities, Organizations and Clubs
i. RMHS provides a wide array of activities/organizations/clubs as an outlet
and opportunity for the diverse talents and interests of the student body.
Participation in these groups is a privilege predicated on positive
participation in accordance with all rules contained in this handbook.
Therefore, each participant is bound by all requirements and regulations
as established by this handbook. By participating in any co-curricular
activity, students accept the high school rules governing participation.
Members are subject to suspension from the group for major violations of
the school rules. See the school’s web page for specific information about
the range of school sponsored groups.
ii. No high school activities (e.g., Color Guard, drama) shall permit middle
school students to participate without permission or a waiver when
needed. No middle school student will be given a performance role in an
activity before all high school students are included.
iii. RMHS will provide nonacademic and co-curricular activities in such a
manner as is necessary to afford students with disabilities an equal
opportunity for participation. The school district is, however, generally
permitted to establish and utilize skill-based eligibility criteria for
participation in co-curricular programs (e.g., school-sponsored athletics)
so long as the criteria are rationally related to the purposes and goals of
the specific program or activity.
b. User Fees
i. In order to support the cost of the performing arts activities and teams
that provide RMHS students with rich experiences beyond the classroom,
RMHS assesses a user fee for the co-curricular activities. The revenue
received from these user fees allows the school to maintain the present
level of programs, advisors, and an adequate number of coaches and / or
advisors.
ii. Families for whom fees present a hardship may apply for fee waivers
through the Federal Free and Reduced Meals (FFRM) program.
Applications for the FFRM are found on the Reading Public Schools
website under Food Service.
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iv. If a student leader / team captain has a second Chemical Health violation
they forfeit the right for all student leadership positions for the remainder
of their time as a student at RMHS.
d. Athletic Participation Guidelines
i. All students who meet the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic
Association (MIAA) eligibility requirements, pass a physical examination,
and are members in good standing at Reading Memorial High School are
welcome and encouraged to try out for a team. In addition, students
should understand that participation in athletics is a privilege; students try
out voluntarily and risk being cut after a minimum trial period of five (5)
practice sessions (excluding golf).
ii. A student must meet the academic eligibility standards defined by the
MIAA to participate on an athletic team or activity. If during the season the
term changes, the student must still maintain academic eligibility to
participate.
iii. Participation in athletics is a privilege. Each student tries out voluntarily
and risks being cut.
iv. During the tryout period coaches will provide an explanation of their
expectations. It is the student’s duty to demonstrate to the coach that
he/she can fulfill these expectations.
v. If a student is cut, the coach will schedule a time for the athlete and coach
to meet for an explanation, within 24 hours of the cut.
vi. Students cut from one team are encouraged to try out for another
program with the consent of both coaches.
vii. No athlete may voluntarily leave one sport and try out for another after the
season has begun (first day of practice), without the consent of both
coaches involved and that of the Director of Athletics. (This restriction
includes cheerleading).
e. Parent / Guardian Permission (via registration on FamilyID.com)
i. Permission can be documented via FamilyID.com which can be accessed
through the link on the RMHS Athletics website. Alternately, parents /
guardians can see Appendix D in this handbook for more information.
ii. No student will be allowed to practice without parental / guardian
permission that has been documented through one of the two methods
described above.
f. Physical Examination
i. All athletes are required to receive medical clearance by a physician
before they can compete in a practice session.
ii. All athletes must have an updated (within the last 13 months) physician
on file to participate in any athletic season conducted by a physician.
Physicals are at the expense of the parent / guardians of the student
athlete or can be conducted by the school physician.
g. Equipment Care and Financial Obligation
i. Students have an obligation and responsibility for all equipment issued
and for its proper care from the date issued to the date of a return.
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ii. Students who fail to turn in all issued equipment or turn in equipment
damaged through misuse are responsible to meet the current
replacement cost of the equipment.
iii. Until all financial obligations are taken care of, the student will not be
allowed to practice for or play in the next season's athletic season.
h. School and Class Attendance
i. All students must be in attendance at school in order to participate in
practice or play a game that day.
ii. Exceptions may be made if the absence from school is considered
legitimate, and the coach has cleared it through the principal or their
designee.
iii. Students who are dismissed or tardy/absent on the day of the game must
see the principal or their designee prior to dismissal or upon arrival for a
decision on participation. Failure to do so will result in the student being
unable to participate.
iv. Students who are on suspension cannot practice or participate in
competition on the days they are suspended.
i. Practice, Contest and Team Attendance
i. Athletes who have made a team have also made a commitment to be at
all practice sessions, contests, and team meetings.
ii. If the player must be late or miss a practice, game, or meeting for any
reason, the player has the responsibility to confer with the coach prior to
that session. Absence from practices, games, or meetings jeopardizes
one’s position on the team.
iii. Attendance at all practices and games is mandatory. Special requests to
be excused may be accepted before, (if possible) or immediately after the
fact.
j. Bonafide Team Member - MIAA RULE (MIAA Handbook Link)
i. A bonafide member of the school team is a student who is regularly
present for and actively participates in all team practices and
competitions. Bonafide members of a school team are precluded from
missing a high school practice or competition in order to practice or
compete with an out-of-school team.
k. Lockers
i. Most team members are issued lockers for their particular sport in the
athletic locker rooms. The lockers are RMHS property and students have
no expectation of privacy in those lockers. RMHS reserves the discretion
to search student lockers at any time.
ii. If a player terminates their place on the team, the student must clean out
their locker immediately. If there is a delay, the coach will clean out the
assigned locker and place its contents in the Physical Education
Equipment Room after verbally reminding the player of a specified time
limit to give up the locker for use by others.
iii. Athletes should keep their personal items and issued equipment locked in
lockers when not in use.
l. Athletic Team Membership Rules
i. All previously outlined.
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ii. Carrying of the equivalent of four (4) full year courses (including English
and math).
iii. Stealing means immediate dismissal from the athletic team for that
season or as determined by the principal or their designee.
iv. Athletics should wear team issued equipment only to practice or games,
or when determined it should be worn for school spirit (ex. on game day
to school).
v. Changing from one sport to another is not allowed once games begin.
vi. Athletes must travel with their team unless they have prior approval by
the coach and parent / guardian to travel separately.
vii. Practices begin only when a coach is present.
viii. All injuries must be reported to the coach, trainer and / or school nurse. If
an injury occurs as part of a team activity (practice, game, etc.) an
Accident Report must be filed. Accident report can be located at the
school nurse and / or trainer.
m. MIAA E ligibility and Participation Rules (MIAA Handbook Link)
i. The athlete must have a current physical exam from a physician (within
13-months).
ii. There is a limit to 12 consecutive semesters beyond grade 8 that a
student athlete can participate in high school athletics.
iii. A player must be under 19 before September 1.
iv. A player disqualified from a game shall miss at least the next game.
v. A player disqualified from a game twice in the same season is disqualified
for one year.
vi. Striking an official results in the loss of playing privileges for one year.
vii. If hazing occurs and is verified by the building principal or their designee,
following regular due process procedures, those involved in the hazing
shall be suspended from school for up to ten (10) days or more, at the
discretion of the school principal or their designee.
n. Academic Eligibility – see MIAA Rule 658
i. 58.1: A student must secure during the last marking period preceding the
contest (e.g. second quarter marks and not semester grades determine
third quarter eligibility) passing grade, and full credit, in the equivalent of
four traditional full time, major courses (that meet every day). A transfer
student may not gain academic eligibility if he/she was not, or would not
be, eligible at the sending school, unless transfer was necessitated by a
move of parents / guardians and then eligibility would be determined by
receiving schools’ eligibility standards. (see Rule 57.7.1)
ii. 58.2: A student cannot at any time represent a school unless that student
is taking courses which would provide credit units equivalent to four, full
time, major courses (that meet every day).
iii. 58.3: To be eligible for the fall marking period, students are required to
have passed for the previous academic year the equivalent of four, full
time, major courses (that meet every day).
iv. 58.4: Academic eligibility of all students shall be considered as official and
determining only on the date when the report cards for that ranking period
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have been issued to the parents / guardians of all students within a
particular class.
v. 58.5: Incomplete grades may not be counted toward eligibility. (moved
from section below)
vi. 58.6: A student who repeats work upon which they once received credit
cannot count that subject a second time for eligibility. (moved from section
below)
vii. 58.7: A student cannot count for eligibility any subject taken during the
summer vacation, unless that subject has been previously pursued and
failed. All cooperative team athletes must meet the eligibility standards of
their own school as well as the host school. (moved from section below)
viii. The violation of any eligibility rule may result in the forfeiture of a game
won or the elimination of a player from participation for one year. If, in
your opinion, there is any doubt concerning your eligibility, consult your
principal or the director of athletics. The rules apply to all teams - varsity,
junior varsity, sophomore, and freshman - all grades, and to both girls'
and boys' sports. The Board of Control of MIAA will resolve all questions
on eligibility.
ix. The MIAA academic eligibility standards are designed to ensure that a
student is fully enrolled in school and actively engaged in their academic
life on a consistent basis throughout the school year.
o. Insurance Coverage
i. All participants in athletics must have health insurance.
Parents/guardians are responsible for proper insurance coverage. No
athlete may participate in RMHS sports without proper medical coverage.
p. Transportation Liability Release
i. It is not always feasible to hire transportation for small groups such as
golf, gymnastics, and tennis, and it can become necessary to ask parents
/ guardians to give their consent and / or to help with transportation.
When signing the RMHS Athletic Permission Form, the parent / guardian
understands and agrees that no member of the Athletic Department, or
the School Department, or the Town of Reading will be liable in case of
injury, claim, or loss of any kind in connection with the transportation of
pupils.
q. Vacations
i. All student athletes who plan to take any type of vacation during the
scheduled season must apply to the Athletic Director one (1) week before
the first game of the season. Student athletes who take school-
sponsored or family vacations during the scheduled season will not be
penalized unless, in the opinion of the coach, the student athlete is not
physically prepared to participate because of health or safety reasons.
r. Conduct
i. Proper conduct is expected both on and off the field by all participants in
our athletic program.
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ii. Respect for facilities (locker rooms, fields, etc.) used by RMHS athletes,
both home and away, is expected and falls under the category of proper
conduct.
R. School And District Policies per Federal and State Laws and Regulations
a. RPS Handbook: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/rps-handbook-2f754fb1
b. School Committee Policies: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/our-school-
committee-65707192/policy-manual-ae030acb
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S. Appendices
a. Appendix A: Harassment / Discrimination Complaint Form - File: ACAB-
P/ACAC-P - R (STAGE 1)
Name:________________________________ Date:____________________
School:_______________________________ Grade: __________________
Who was responsible for the alleged harassment or discrimination?
Describe the alleged harassment or discrimination:
Date, time and place the alleged harassment or discrimination occurred:
Were there others involved with the alleged harassment or discrimination? If so, who were
they? Describe their involvement:
List any witnesses and describe what they may have seen or heard.
What was your reaction to the alleged harassment/discrimination?
Describe any subsequent incidents.
___________________________________________________________________
Signature of Complainant
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ii. Harassment / Discrimination Reporter Form: File: ACAB-P/ACAC-P
Name:________________________________ Date:____________________
School:_______________________________ Grade: __________________
Name of individual harassed / discriminated against:
Who was responsible for the alleged harassment/discrimination?
Describe the alleged harassment/discrimination:
Date, time and place the alleged harassment/discrimination occurred:
Were there others involved with the alleged harassment/discrimination? If so, who were
they? Describe their involvement:
List any other witnesses and describe what they may have seen or heard.
Describe any subsequent incident Signature of Reporter
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iii. Stage 1 Harassment / Discrimination Complaint – Initial Investigation Administrative
Follow Up Form
Date of Complaint:______________ Name of Complainant:______________________
Name of person(s) allegedly harassing or discriminating
Description of Complaint: Date of Conference:__________
Description of Investigation:
Action Taken:
Date of follow-up conference with complainant:________________
Describe action taken:
( ) Resolved.
( ) Referred to Assistant Superintendent
( ) Not Resolved. Further action to be taken is:
Signature of Administrator Signature of School Counselor
(if form is completed by counselor)
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b. Appendix B (School Committee Policy File: JICFB)
i. Bullying Incident Reporting Form (https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-
US/student-services-6c4af96a/bullying-5faa1f69
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ii. Bullying Investigation Form (https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/en-
US/student-services-6c4af96a/bullying-5faa1f69)
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RMHS Student Signature: __________________________________ Date:
________/________/________
Parent/Guardian Signature:_________________________________ Date:
_______/________/_________
Parent/Guardian (Print): ___________________________________ Contact
Phone:__________________ NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO
BUY A TICKET WITHOUT A SIGNED DANCE CONTRACT.
Please return to Main Office or Class Advisor
75
i. RMHS School Function Guest Permission to Attend Form - Reading
Memorial High School Function
Due at least 72 hours before deadline for tickets for event
This form must be accompanied by a clear photocopy of a picture ID and returned to the
Class Advisor before the purchase of any event ticket. The same ID must be presented at the
door upon entering the event. Tickets will not be sold until this form and all accompanying
documents and information meet the approval of the principal or their designee.
Please print the following information.
The person whose signature appears below recommends the above-named guest as
someone who demonstrates good citizenship and character. [For students with guests who
are no longer in high school, see RMHS A.P. first.]
Principal or Designee
Printed Name: _________________________________________School/Employer Title:
____________________ Principal or Designee
Signature: ____________________________________________Phone: _______________
Date: ____________
Guest Agreement
As a guest, I realize that I am required to follow ALL policies and procedures of RMHS and that
any failure to comply will result in dismissal from the event and contact with legal guardians as
well as possible legal actions. I have read and understand the Dance Contract, which has been
printed on the back of this form.
Guest’s Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:
____________________
RMHS Student’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date:
____________________
Reading Memorial High School Parent/Guardian Agreement
As a parent of an RMHS student, I understand that all school rules apply to my son/daughter
and to his/her guest. I also understand that non-compliance will result in dismissal from the
event and that additional disciplinary measures may be taken.
RMHS Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Date:
____________________ Landline/Cellphone where a parent/guardian can be reached
during the event: _________________________ The RMHS principal or their designee
reserves the right to approve all guest applicants.
RMHS Administrator: ____________________________ Date: _________
Approved Not Approved
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d. Appendix D
RMHS Athletic Permission Form
Athlete’s Name ________________________________________________________
Grade ____________________
Sport ________________________________________________
Home Phone _________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________________
Work Phone _________________________________
Address
_________________________________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian Name _______________________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________
Family Doctor / Pediatrician (Name / Phone Number)
___________________________________________________________
Insurance Company
_________________________________________________________________________
In order that your son, daughter, or ward may participate in the above activity it is necessary
for you to give your consent. This consent should be given recognizing that neither the School
Department nor the Town of Reading is liable for injuries incurred by the pupil, nor for medical
care.
INSURANCE - All participants in athletics must have health insurance. Parents are
responsible for proper insurance coverage. No athlete may participate in R.M.H.S. sports
without proper medical coverage. Optional coverage may be purchased by parents/guardians
through ISI New England.
TRANSPORTATION LIABILITY RELEASE - Because it is not always feasible to hire
transportation for small groups such as golf, gymnastics and tennis, it becomes necessary to
ask parents to give their consent and to help with transportation. When signing this document
the parent understands and agrees that no member of the Athletic Department, or the School
Department, or the Town of
Reading will be liable in case of injury, claim or loss of any kind in connection with the
transportation of pupils.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS - Our school rules require that all students pass a medical
examination to participate on any athletic team. Our school or team doctor will examine those
students trying out for the activity. Your own doctor, at your expense, may do the examining.
In either case this form must be stamped by the examining physician and dated with last
physical or you may attach a copy of a valid physical, certifying the above named to be
physically able to compete in the sport indicated.
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All students must pass a physical examination within 13 months of the start of each
season. Students who meet these criteria at the start of the season will remain eligible
for that season.
TRYOUTS - All students who meet the MIAA eligibility requirements, pass a physical
examination, and are members in good standing at Reading Memorial High School are
welcome and encouraged to try out for a team. In addition, students should understand that
participation in athletics is a privilege; students try out voluntarily and risk being cut after a
minimum trial period of five (5) practice sessions (excluding golf).
VACATIONS - All student athletes who plan to take any type of vacation during the scheduled
season must apply to the Athletic Director one (1) week before the first game of the season.
Student athletes who take school sponsored or family vacations during the scheduled season
will not be penalized unless, in the opinion of the coach, the student athlete is not physically
prepared to participate because of health or safety reasons.
USER FEES- User fees are payable each season at the Athletic Department. Checks are
payable to the Town of Reading. The fee is due by the first week of each season. User fees
are non- refundable nor transferable. Failure to pay user fees by due date will result in your
child being prevented from participating until the user fees are remitted.
RELEASE FROM LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
I/ We, __________________________________, parent/guardian of
_________________________________, a minor, do hereby consent to his/her participation
in the __________________________________ program, and do forever release, discharge,
indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Reading, Reading Public Schools, and its employees
and volunteers from any and all actions, causes of action, and claims for personal injury (ies)
or damages on account of, or in any way arising out of my minor child’s participation in the
program, which I, as the parent or guardian of the minor child may have now or in the future.
I further release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Reading from any claims
or rights of action for person injury(ies) or damages which said minor has or hereafter may
acquire, either before or after he/she has reached his/her majority resulting from or in any way
arising out of his/her participation in the above-referenced athletic program or activity.
Furthermore I/we hereby agree to indemnify, reimburse or make good to the Town of Reading
or its successors, employees, agents, servants and officers any loss or damages or costs,
including attorney’s fees, that the Town or its representatives may incur if any litigation arises
from said minor’s intentional, grossly negligent, or reckless acts or omissions while
participating in said sports programs.
Please list any medical conditions your son/daughter may have:
_________________________________________________________________________
Please list any life-threatening allergies to food/drugs/other your son/daughter may
have:
____________________________________________________________________________
Physical within the last 13 months on file in athletic office Yes____ No ____
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Doctor Stamp ________________________________
Date of Examination____________________
Parent/Guardian has completed the REQUIRED Massachusetts state annual concussion
training using WWW.NFHSLearn.com Yes____ No____
Student Signature _____________________________
Date: _________________
Parent / Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________________
Date: ______________
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RMHS Band and Color Guard Permission Form
Student’s Name ________________________________________________________
Grade ____________________
Activity ________________________________________________
Home Phone _________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________________
Work Phone _________________________________
Address
_________________________________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian Name _______________________________________________
Cell Phone ________________________
Family Doctor / Pediatrician (Name / Phone Number)
___________________________________________________________
Insurance Company
_________________________________________________________________________
In order that your son, daughter, or ward may participate in the above activity it is necessary
for you to give your consent. This consent should be given recognizing that neither the
School Department nor the
Town of Reading is liable for injuries incurred by the pupil, nor for medical care.
INSURANCE - All participants in the Marching Band and Color Guard must have health
insurance. Parents are responsible for proper insurance coverage. No athlete may participate
in RMHS Marching Band or Color Guard program without proper medical coverage. Optional
coverage may be purchased by parents/guardians through ISI New England.
TRANSPORTATION LIABILITY RELEASE - Because it is not always feasible to hire
transportation for small groups such as golf, gymnastics and tennis, it becomes necessary to
ask parents to give their consent and to help with transportation. When signing this document,
the parent understands and agrees that no member of the Music Department, Band Staff, or
the School Department, or the Town of Reading will be liable in case of injury, claim or loss of
any kind in connection with the transportation of pupils.
USER FEES- User fees are payable each season at the Athletic/Extra-Curricular Activity
Office. Checks are payable to the Town of Reading. The fee is due by the first week of each
season. User fees are nonrefundable nor transferable. Failure to pay user fees by due date
will result in your child being prevented from participating until the user fees are remitted.
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RELEASE FROM LIABILTY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
I/ We, __________________________________, parent/guardian of
_________________________________, a minor, do hereby consent to his/her participation
in the __________________________________ program, and do forever release, discharge,
indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Reading, Reading Public Schools, and its employees
and volunteers from any and all actions, causes of action, and claims for personal injury (ies)
or damages on account of, or in any way arising out of my minor child’s participation in the
program, which I, as the parent or guardian of the minor child may have now or in the future.
I further release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Reading from any claims
or rights of action for person injury (ies) or damages which said minor has or hereafter may
acquire, either before or after he/she has reached his/her majority resulting from or in any way
arising out of his/her participation in the above-referenced program or activity. Furthermore
I/we hereby agree to indemnify, reimburse or make good to the Town of Reading or its
successors, employees, agents, servants and officers any loss or damages or costs, including
attorney’s fees, that the Town or its representatives may incur if any litigation arises from said
minor’s intentional, grossly negligent, or reckless acts or omissions while participating in said
sports programs.
Please list any medical conditions your son/daughter may
have:_____________________________________________ _____________________
Please list any life-threatening allergies to food/drugs/other your son/daughter may
have: _________________________________________________________________
Physical within the last 13 months on file in athletic office Yes____ No ____
Doctor Stamp: _______________________________________
Date of Examination: ____________________
Parent/Guardian and Student must complete the REQUIRED Massachusetts state annual
concussion training using WWW.NFHSLearn.com before they may participate in any RMHS
Marching Band or Color Guard program. If completed please initial. Parent initial Student
initial
Student Signature: _______________________________
Date: __________________________________
Parent / Guardian Signature: __________________________
Date: __________________________________
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e. Appendix E
Instructional Technology Acceptable Use Policy – Student Agreement (Gr. 6-12)
To all students: Please read this agreement carefully and sign the Contract for Use of
Technology.
● I will respect and protect personal information (which includes but is not limited to
login IDs, passwords, social networking account information, email account
information, grades, phone numbers, addresses) belonging to myself or others.
● I will not access accounts belonging to other students, faculty, staff or others related
to Reading Public Schools.
● I understand that school resources and equipment include, but are not limited to,
computers, audiovisual recording and distribution devices, all peripherals, and
wireless and local networks.
● I will not use school resources to participate in criminal acts.
● I will respect the integrity, availability and security of all electronic school equipment.
● I will not try to access unauthorized data or networks.
● I will report security risks or violations to my teacher or administrator.
● I will comply with all copyright and intellectual property laws.
● I will follow the school policy regarding plagiarism as described in the student
handbook.
● I will not harass anyone. Harassment is repeated, unwelcome interaction despite
being asked to stop.
● I will not cyberbully anyone. Cyberbullying is repeated bullying through the use of
technology or any electronic communication technology that causes someone to feel
unsafe or negatively affects his/her ability to participate in the school community.
● I will not access, transmit, copy, or create material that violates the Reading School
Committee’s Policy on Harassment and Discrimination (such as messages that are
pornographic, harassing, threatening, or discriminatory).
● I will not send spam, chain letters, or other unrequested messages.
● I will not buy, sell, advertise, or conduct business without explicit permission from the
principal or their designee.
● I understand that I must follow all established Internet Safety Guidelines as outlined
in the RPS AUP and Internet Safety Agreement for Students.
I understand that I may be subject to disciplinary action if I fail to follow the Acceptable Use
Policy. I understand that my Parent/Guardian and or local authorities may be notified to support
the school in enforcing these guidelines.
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Contract for Use of Technology -
I have reviewed the student agreement and agree to follow it.
Student Name: ___________________________________________ Date:__________
Signature:_______________________________________________________________
Please sign and return to your homeroom teacher. Failure to return this form indicates
that you do not have permission to use technology at school.
Correspondence
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
September 11, 2025
t%20Redacted%204%2025%202022.pdf , refers at page 30 of the report to Mission Hill school administrator
writing in 2012 how that administrator gladly violated federal special education laws [emphasis added]:
“Two teachers and I met with the head of the special needs department about changing the
composition of the substantially separate group so that all of our children were heterogeneously grouped
in inclusive classrooms. We were told that it could not be done, that it was illegal. Well, we did it
anyway. Doing so meant that I could not be honest about our classroom make-ups or the number of
students in classrooms. That got very sticky when folks from the Special Education Department came to
visit. I was relieved to hear that after a visiting Special Education Department staff member’s car was
towed [name redacted] would not be returning”
Again, that recollection of open and deliberate violation of federal special education laws was written in 2012,
during Mr. McGovern’s tenure at the Mission Hill School. Another 2012-era incident is recounted at page 112 of
the above report, where a parent of a student who uses they/them pronouns reported that the student, who
started at the school in 2012, left shortly thereafter because the student “felt emotionally and physically unsafe at
the school,” and that, “Mission Hill had a ‘loose supervision model,’ which resulted in students getting harmed or
bullied in different areas of the building,” and that other students targeted their child “for not complying with
gender norms,” and that the school did nothing about it, even after it was reported.
Of course, no one on the school committee or in this email is accusing Mr. McGovern of being personally
responsible for any of these actions, but whether he was aware of these incidents is something that needs to be
explored. He was, after all, a mandated reporter. These reports paint a picture of such widespread concerns at
Mission Hill school, even during the time he worked there, that it would be important to understand Mr.
McGovern’s perspective and experience there. James McGovern should have been prepared to address these
types of questions if asked. Instead, he became visibly irate and briefly stormed off camera during Vice Chair
Nazzaro’s very straightforward questions. McGovern’s inability—or unwillingness—to engage with legitimate
concerns should have raised alarms. Instead, Chair Brandt chose to silence Ms. Nazzaro and apologize to Mr.
McGovern.
Her questions were not trivial. They spoke directly to his integrity and his future advisory role over a proposed
school whose staff lacks experience teaching academic subjects to pre-K–6 students and who lacks experience
overseeing – and disciplining – larger groups of students in a full day school setting. Mulberry Forest’s leadership
admitted it would be relying on advisors like Mr. McGovern. Vice Chair Nazzaro was doing her job. Chair Brandt
failed to do his.
Also concerning was the statement by Ms. Mary Jirmanus Saba that Mulberry Forest Montessori is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit through Access Culture Inc.—another organization she herself founded. When I accessed the federal
501(c)(3) lookup tool that night, and multiple times since, neither Mulberry Forest nor Access Culture appears.
Those organizations are not 501(c)(3) organizations. Yet Ms. Saba stated flatly that they are a 501(c)(3), and the
Access Culture website makes the same claim. Misrepresenting federal nonprofit status is not a minor error—it
can constitute federal tax fraud. Ms. Saba should know this. Nearly every PTO in Reading is a registered 501(c)(3),
as are respected community organizations like the Mission of Deeds, Reading Rotary, and CATO. It is not difficult to
apply for and receive this status—but apparently, it is very easy to misrepresent to others that you have it when
you do not.
I would not have cause to raise these issues if Mr. McGovern and Ms. Saba had not made these claims publicly
and repeatedly. But they did. And when Vice Chair. Nazzaro attempted to get answers to the most basic of
questions, Chair Brandt chose to shut her down rather than support transparency and protect the interests of
Reading families.
Chair Brandt owes the school committee an apology. More importantly, he owes the town an apology.
Rather than asking certain School Committee members to justify their No votes, I respectfully ask that the Chair
instead ask each member who voted Yes whether they would still vote Yes in view of the facts I’ve shared and the
concerns Vice Chair. Nazzaro attempted to raise.
This is not about politics. It’s about truth, accountability, and the safety of our children. I urge Mr. Brandt to reflect
on his role as Chair and the example he sets for our community.
Sincerely,
Marianne McLaughlin Downing
Heather Drive
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing
13 Heather Drive
Reading MA 01867
Email: mariannedowning@comcast.net
It’s worth noting that local groups such as Scouting organizations are required to obtain permits and formal
permission from the Town to bring a portable toilet onto Town property—even for one-time events like overnight
campouts. It does not seem equitable or appropriate for a non–Reading-based private school to place and remove
a toilet daily without any inspection, oversight, or approval from Town departments. If such facilities are being
used, the Town should be formally notified and involved in reviewing the sanitation plan.
Additionally, if the Town is not made aware that this school is operating on-site, it presents serious safety risks.
Forestry crews, DPW personnel, and other Town staff may be scheduled to conduct land clearing, tree cutting, or
operate heavy machinery in the area. The presence of children and staff, without formal coordination, could result
in dangerous conflicts or liability issues. And, of course, I’ve already made known (at the July 15, 2025 Select
Board meeting) my concerns about how hunting is allowed in the Bare Meadow areas at certain times of the
year. If this school is operating on or adjacent to Bare Meadow property without town permission or knowledge,
during hunting season, tragedy may result.
Finally, I remain concerned about the school’s misrepresentation of its nonprofit status. The “About Us” section of
the website states that “Mulberry Forest Montsesori [sic] is a project of the 501(c)(3) organization Access Culture
Inc.” However, as of a check conducted today via the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool, neither Mulberry
Forest Montessori nor Access Culture Inc. appears in the federal database under any permutation. This
discrepancy, previously raised in my earlier correspondence, remains unresolved.
It is troubling that this school appears to be moving forward with operations on Town property without approval,
without basic sanitary infrastructure, and while making public claims that are demonstrably false. I urge all
relevant boards and departments to investigate this matter promptly and ensure that no unauthorized use of
Town land is occurring, especially one that could pose health risks to children and the public.
I am happy to provide documentation and links supporting all of the concerns outlined above.
Sincerely,
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing
Heather Drive
Reading Resident
From: mariannedowning@comcast.net <mariannedowning@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 12:42 AM
To: 'schoolcommittee@reading.k12.ma.us' <schoolcommittee@reading.k12.ma.us>
Cc: 'Reading Select Board' <selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us>; 'Milaschewski, Thomas'
<Thomas.Milaschewski@reading.k12.ma.us>
Subject: Accountability and Transparency in the Mulberry Forest Montessori Discussion
August 27, 2025
Dear Reading School Committee
As a longtime Reading resident and parent in the Reading Public Schools—and someone who has followed the
School Committee closely for over 15 years—I am writing to express my deep disappointment in the conduct of
Chair Brandt during the recent discussions surrounding the Mulberry Forest Montessori School proposal.
I have never seen a School Committee chair demand written justification for votes from fellow members. Nor have
I ever seen a chair shut down a vice chair who was asking serious, valid questions about individuals appearing
before the Committee seeking endorsement. Chair Brandt’s treatment of Vice Chair Carla Nazzaro during the
August 21st meeting was not only inappropriate—it was a disservice to the Committee and to the community it
serves.
Ms. Nazzaro’s questions about Mr. McGovern’s background were entirely appropriate. Mr. McGovern claimed to
be a “founding member” of the Mission Hill School and gave conflicting information about his tenure during the
meeting on the 21st – at one point saying he began there in 1998 and worked there for 18 years, then insisting
minutes later he actually left around 2006/2007. Even an elementary student would pick up on that math error.
Moreover, multiple online public sources—including archived newsletters, a documentary filmed at the school,
and City of Boston salary records—demonstrate that McGovern was employed at Mission Hill from 1998 through
at least 2014, receiving, for example, an $87,283 salary in 2013 as a Boston Public Schools teacher and a smaller
amount in 2014, which appears to be the year he actually left Mission Hill.
Why would someone who claims to have spent most of his teaching career at one school misrepresent the dates
of their employment? Wouldn’t a man who claims to have taught for 25 years remember the years when he
worked at a school for 18 of those years? And if he were truly a “founding member,” why would the actual
founder, Deborah Meier, write in a January 1998 Mission Hill School newsletter that the staff was just getting to
know him before hiring him that month? That newsletter, publicly archived (see
https://fedora.dlib.indiana.edu/fedora/get/iudl:886162/OVERVIEW ), describes Mr. McGovern as a candidate who
had previously declined a position and was now being considered again. That is not the language used for a
founder.
But more troubling than the inconsistencies in Mr. McGovern’s résumé was his reaction when asked about
lawsuits and investigations into serious misconduct at Mission Hill—some of which occurred adjacent to his
tenure and possibly during the final year of his tenure. This misconduct, which was serious enough for the city of
Boston to shut down the Mission Hill School, involved things like failure to stop sexual and physical abuse of
vulnerable populations like special needs student and gender nonconforming students. Several phases of that
report and investigation can be found at links here (see
https://ma01906464.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/MA01906464/Centricity/Domain/4/Final%20BPS%20Phase%20III%
20Report%20Updated%20and%20Redacted%209272022pdf.pdf ). These reports indicate troubling behavior took
place at times that overlapped with Mr. McGovern’s tenure at that school. For example the phase 1 investigation,
at
https://ma01906464.schoolwires.net/cms/lib/MA01906464/Centricity/Domain/162/BPS%20Phase%20I%20Repor
t%20Redacted%204%2025%202022.pdf , refers at page 30 of the report to Mission Hill school administrator
writing in 2012 how that administrator gladly violated federal special education laws [emphasis added]:
“Two teachers and I met with the head of the special needs department about changing the
composition of the substantially separate group so that all of our children were heterogeneously grouped
in inclusive classrooms. We were told that it could not be done, that it was illegal. Well, we did it
anyway. Doing so meant that I could not be honest about our classroom make-ups or the number of
students in classrooms. That got very sticky when folks from the Special Education Department came to
visit. I was relieved to hear that after a visiting Special Education Department staff member’s car was
towed [name redacted] would not be returning”
Again, that recollection of open and deliberate violation of federal special education laws was written in 2012,
during Mr. McGovern’s tenure at the Mission Hill School. Another 2012-era incident is recounted at page 112 of
the above report, where a parent of a student who uses they/them pronouns reported that the student, who
started at the school in 2012, left shortly thereafter because the student “felt emotionally and physically unsafe at
the school,” and that, “Mission Hill had a ‘loose supervision model,’ which resulted in students getting harmed or
bullied in different areas of the building,” and that other students targeted their child “for not complying with
gender norms,” and that the school did nothing about it, even after it was reported.
Of course, no one on the school committee or in this email is accusing Mr. McGovern of being personally
responsible for any of these actions, but whether he was aware of these incidents is something that needs to be
explored. He was, after all, a mandated reporter. These reports paint a picture of such widespread concerns at
Mission Hill school, even during the time he worked there, that it would be important to understand Mr.
McGovern’s perspective and experience there. James McGovern should have been prepared to address these
types of questions if asked. Instead, he became visibly irate and briefly stormed off camera during Vice Chair
Nazzaro’s very straightforward questions. McGovern’s inability—or unwillingness—to engage with legitimate
concerns should have raised alarms. Instead, Chair Brandt chose to silence Ms. Nazzaro and apologize to Mr.
McGovern.
Her questions were not trivial. They spoke directly to his integrity and his future advisory role over a proposed
school whose staff lacks experience teaching academic subjects to pre-K–6 students and who lacks experience
overseeing – and disciplining – larger groups of students in a full day school setting. Mulberry Forest’s leadership
admitted it would be relying on advisors like Mr. McGovern. Vice Chair Nazzaro was doing her job. Chair Brandt
failed to do his.
Also concerning was the statement by Ms. Mary Jirmanus Saba that Mulberry Forest Montessori is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit through Access Culture Inc.—another organization she herself founded. When I accessed the federal
501(c)(3) lookup tool that night, and multiple times since, neither Mulberry Forest nor Access Culture appears.
Those organizations are not 501(c)(3) organizations. Yet Ms. Saba stated flatly that they are a 501(c)(3), and the
Access Culture website makes the same claim. Misrepresenting federal nonprofit status is not a minor error—it
can constitute federal tax fraud. Ms. Saba should know this. Nearly every PTO in Reading is a registered 501(c)(3),
as are respected community organizations like the Mission of Deeds, Reading Rotary, and CATO. It is not difficult to
apply for and receive this status—but apparently, it is very easy to misrepresent to others that you have it when
you do not.
I would not have cause to raise these issues if Mr. McGovern and Ms. Saba had not made these claims publicly
and repeatedly. But they did. And when Vice Chair. Nazzaro attempted to get answers to the most basic of
questions, Chair Brandt chose to shut her down rather than support transparency and protect the interests of
Reading families.
Chair Brandt owes the school committee an apology. More importantly, he owes the town an apology.
Rather than asking certain School Committee members to justify their No votes, I respectfully ask that the Chair
instead ask each member who voted Yes whether they would still vote Yes in view of the facts I’ve shared and the
concerns Vice Chair. Nazzaro attempted to raise.
This is not about politics. It’s about truth, accountability, and the safety of our children. I urge Mr. Brandt to reflect
on his role as Chair and the example he sets for our community.
Sincerely,
Marianne McLaughlin Downing
Heather Drive
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing
13 Heather Drive
Reading MA 01867
Email: mariannedowning@comcast.net
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the
content is safe.
Good afternoon,
I’m writing as a concerned parent of two Reading Pop Warner cheerleaders regarding the incident
yesterday involving the gym space our team had reserved. It is simply unacceptable that our young
athletes were left waiting outside in the pouring rain for nearly two hours due to a miscommunication
regarding access to the facility. Our team had booked and paid for that space in advance, and the lack of
communication or contingency planning was deeply disappointing.
Reading Pop Warner Cheer is a nationally competitive and winning program — one built entirely through
the dedication of its volunteer staff and coaches. These individuals work tirelessly to support our athletes
and the broader community, often with limited resources and even less recognition. Gym space is
already incredibly difficult to secure, and this incident highlights a broader issue: our program is not
receiving the level of support and coordination it deserves.
The program has grown immensely year after year, and it’s disheartening to feel that the future of this
incredible program may be in jeopardy simply because we do not receive adequate support from the
Town and Reading Public Schools in securing practice space. It’s unimaginable that we are not being
supported in our efforts to provide young athletes with a safe space, a positive environment, team and
relationship building, mentorship, confidence boosting and so many other vital opportunities this program
contributes to our children. Why don’t you as a town and school committee value this?
We strongly urge you to take this matter seriously. There must be a better system in place to prevent this
kind of situation in the future and allow our teams the practice space and support when they need it —
both for the safety and well-being of our athletes, and out of respect for the efforts of the coaches and
families who make this program possible.
Sincerely,
Kayla Cail
Parent, Reading Pop Warner Cheer
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