Policies, Regulations and Additional Information

A student seeking enrollment in the Greenwich Public Schools for the first time or following attendance in another Connecticut public school District, out-of-state attendance, private school attendance or admission through a bona fide foreign exchange program should contact the principal. A student who is transferring from non-public schools or schools outside the District will be placed at his/her current grade level pending evaluation and observation of the student after such assessment and consultation with the parents, the principal will determine the grade placement of the child.  A student who has attained the age of sixteen and who has voluntary terminated enrollment in the District’s schools and subsequently seeks admission may be denied readmission for up to ninety school days from the date of such termination. A student, nineteen years of age or older may be placed in an alternative school program or other suitable educational program if he/she cannot acquire a sufficient number of credits for graduation by age twenty-one. Students who are classified as homeless under federal law and do not have a fixed residence will be admitted pursuant to federal law.

Residency is verified for all students new to the Greenwich Public Schools at the District central office using a standard set of acceptable proofs (photo id, tax bills, mortgage statements, verifiable rental agreements, and utility bills other than telephone).  Once residency is verified, registration materials including an application, verification of the student’s birth date and medical form are processed at the school level.  Changes of address are also verified at the District level.  Students who are living with someone other than a parent or legal guardian are referred to central office for sponsorship.  In this case, the adult with whom the student is living provides proof of residence and signs an affidavit attesting that the student is living with him or her on a permanent basis.  Once residency and sponsorship have been verified, the registration process is completed at the school level.

Students enrolled in a school identified for school improvement pursuant to federal law may transfer to another public school within the District that has not been identified for school improvement. The transfer will be allowed in accordance with law. Transportation will be provided by the District.

Homeless Students: 
Homeless students, as defined by federal and state legislation, will have all programs, services and transportation that other students enjoy and may continue to attend the school origin.  The local liaison for homeless children is Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Services.

Migrant Students:
The District has a program to address the needs of migrant students. A full range of services will be provided to migrant students, including but not limited to: applicable Title I programs, special education, gifted education, vocational education, language programs, counseling programs and elective classes. Parents/guardians of migrant students will be involved in and regularly consulted about the development, implementation, operation and evaluation of the migrant program.

The schools play three important roles in helping to prevent student drug, tobacco, and alcohol use. Operating in conjunction with the home and community, they:

• Try to prevent drug use through education

• Intervene with drug users and at-risk students

• Promote recovery through referrals and reentry support

Smoking and/or use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited for elementary, middle, and high school students. Students shall not manufacture, possess, sell, distribute, or use illegal or harmful substances in school buildings, on school grounds, or while involved in any school or school-approved activity.

In addition to the prohibition pertaining to alcohol, drugs, tobacco and inhalants, the Board of Education prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids and food supplements, including Creatine, by students involved in school-related athletics or any co-curricular or extracurricular school activity or program, other than use for a valid medical purpose as documented by a physician.

Alcohol Use, Drugs, Vape Products and Tobacco (including Performance Enhancing Substances) (5131.6)

The State of Connecticut enacted legislation requiring all public buildings to be reevaluated to determine if asbestos is present and if it poses a significant health hazard to the building’s occupants. Greenwich Public School buildings have on file plans showing the location of asbestos in each building and measures undertaken to comply with regulations to maintain a safe school environment. Requests to review these plans may be made in the school office. Asbestos Management Plans are updated every three years and more frequently as required, often as a result of capital projects.

The Board of Education (Board) promotes a secure and happy school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behavior (as defined herein).  Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Board that bullying of a student by another student is prohibited.

The Board believes that a school environment in which students feel safe, supported, engaged and appropriately challenged is optimal for learning and healthy development. The Board seeks an environment in which students and adults feel socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically safe; an environment that is free of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Students who engage in any act of bullying, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, and outside of the school setting are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement officials. 

The Board expects prompt and reasonable investigations of alleged acts of bullying and teen dating violence. The safe school climate specialist of each school is responsible for handling all complaints of alleged bullying and teen dating violence. The safe climate specialist shall investigate or supervise the investigation of all reports of bullying and teen dating violence promptly.

For purposes of this policy, “Bullying” means an act that is direct or indirect and severe, persistent or pervasive, which:

• causes physical or emotional harm to an individual
• places an individual in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm, or
• infringes on the rights or opportunities of an individual at school

Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, a written, oral, or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance,  or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics. (The student against whom the activity is directed must be attending school in the same district as the students engaged in the activity.)

Bullying Policy & Bullying Regulation  (5131.911 and 5131.911R)

Ceremonies and Observances (6115)

All school employees, including teachers, superintendents, administrators, coaches of intramural or interscholastic athletics, paraprofessionals and other professional school staff including guidance counselors, school counselors, paraprofessionals, social workers, psychologists, licensed nurses, physicians, licensed behavior analysts, and substitute teachers are obligated by law (C.G.S. 17a-101) to report suspected child abuse, neglect, or if a child is placed in imminent danger of serious harm or sexual assault by a school employee to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families Services. Specific procedures governing the reporting of abuse and neglect are in effect, and staff receives training in their use, as required by state law.  

Reporting of child abuse, neglect and sexual asault by a school employee is a responsibility which is taken seriously.  If there is any doubt about reporting suspected abuse, neglect or a sexual assault a report will be made.  the school will work with the parents and appropriate social agencies in all cases.  

Child abuse is defined as any physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means or injuries which are not in keeping with the explanation given for their cause. Improper treatment such as malnutrition, sexual molestation, deprivation of necessities, emotional abuse, cruel punishment or neglect are also considered child abuse.

A certified professional staff member or instructional aide who has reasonable cause to suspect a child has been subject to abuse shall make or cause to be made an oral report to the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families or a law enforcement agency within 12 hours of reasonably suspecting a child has been abused or neglected.

See Reporting of Child Abuse, Neglect and Sexual Assault (5141.4)

Civil and Legal Rights and Responsibilities (5145)

Communicable/Infectious Diseases (5141.22)

Computers: Responsible Computer, Network and Internet Use (6141.321)

Electronic Devices (5141.81)

Crisis Response (5141.6)

Exploitation/Sexual Harassment (5145.5)

Fire Emergency/Crisis Response Drills (6114.1)

• The following guidelines are to help us provide a healthy environment for your child in school. Please keep your child home when he/she has:
  • when your child feels too sick to take part in the school day
  • rash (undiagnosed – not seen by M.D.)
  • fever (for any reason)
  • eye drainage (profuse &/or thick)
  • diarrhea &/or vomiting
  • cold symptoms with fever, malaise, cough, discolored nasal drainage
• Your child may return to school when:
  • Temperature is normal for 24 hrs after stopping Tylenol or Ibuprofen
  • diarrhea &/or vomiting has stopped for 24 hrs
  • rash has been seen by M.D (must bring note to school nurse)
  • Children are generally non-infectious:
    • 24 hrs after starting antibiotics
    • 1 week after the onset of any communicable disease
• Any injury (causing the child to wear a cast, splint, or to use crutches or have stitches) or illness which would prevent the child from participating in activities, such as phys ed, requires a note from the child’s health care provider explaining the restrictions and the anticipated time frame.
• Greenwich School District and the public health school nurses reserve the right to send home any student who displays signs of ill health or injury that, in the nurse’s judgment, may jeopardize the general welfare of the student and/or the class.

The Superintendent directs his/her designee to provide adequate and appropriate notice to students, staff and parents/guardians prior to pesticide application in school buildings and on school grounds, in conformity with applicable statutes.  The definition of pesticide application excludes disinfectants, sanitizers and bait formulations.  Parents/guardians who want to be notified prior to pesticide applications inside their child’s school assignment area may contact their school office for information.

Hazardous Materials in Schools – Pesticide Application (3524.1)

Hazing (5131.91)

The use of the Greenwich High School name or the names of Greenwich High School publications without permission will result in disciplinary action including a legal response. Any student(s) or organization that wishes to use the name “Greenwich High School” for any purpose must obtain written permission from the Principal.

Out of School Misconduct (5131.8)

All sophomores are required by state law to have a physical examination or be excluded from school. This information must be presented to the health office on the appropriate form(s). Please see the GPS website for details

Student promotion is dependent on each student’s mastery and acquisition of basic learning objectives.  Normally, students will progress annually from grade to grade.  Students who master objectives at an exceptional rate may be considered for acceleration to another grade or class.  Students who fail to master basic learning objectives at a normal rate will be provided remediation by the teaching staff during the school year and their parents will be notified of such.  If remediation efforts fail to result in mastery of the learning objectives, retention will be considered.  Retention and acceleration decisions will be the responsibility of the teaching staff and principal, after prior notification and discussions with parents.  The final decisions rest with the building principal in accordance with regulations established by the superintendent.

Promotion/Acceleration/Retention (5123)

It is the policy of the Board to hold students responsible for any loss of or damage to the property of the school under the jurisdiction of the Board when the loss or damage occurs through fault of the student. Any student damaging or defacing school property will be financially liable for restoring the property regardless of the condition of the property at the time of the destructive act, in addition to any other discipline up to and including arrest or civil prosecution as deemed appropriate. In addition, anyone who witnesses such an act and fails to report it to the proper authorities will be considered as having contributed to that action. Such charges for damaged property will be exactly those which the school must incur to repair the damage. Each student is assigned a locker and other materials and equipment. These items are the property of the school, loaned to students for their convenience during the school year, should be kept in good order and not abused, and may be opened and subject to inspection from time to time by school officials. Lockers and desks are school property and are loaned to students, and therefore may be searched.

School personnel members are prohibited from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any student enrolled within the school system. Members of the school medical staff, including school nurses, may recommend that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner. Additionally, with written consent from student’s parent/guardian, school personnel may consult with the medical practitioner regarding the use of such psychotropic drugs.

Psychotropic Drug Use (5141.231)

Connecticut General Statute and Greenwich Board of Education Policy require students enrolling in Greenwich Public Schools to be residents in the Town of Greenwich. Prior to registering, parents are required to provide proof of residency. Verification is required of all incoming and rising ninth grade students. Verification is conducted at the students school; all required forms detailing required documentation can be found on the GPS Registration & GPS Residency Verification pages.

Parents who move during the school year must re-verify their new address and complete numbers 1 through 4 on the Residency Verification Checklist before the new address can be added into the student database. Parents who lease property must supply a new lease or extension letter from their Landlord/ Property Manager along with a Parent/Guardian Affidavit when their lease expires.

Students who are living with someone other than a parent or legal guardian are referred to central office for sponsorship. In this case, the adult with whom the student is living provides proof of residence and signs an affidavit attesting that the student is living with him or her on a permanent basis. Once residency and sponsorship have been verified, the registration process is completed at the school level. Sponsorship must be re-verified every year.

• Student Safety Policy (5142)
• Safety- Student Dismissal Precautions Regulation (5142.2R)

• Safety – Sex Offender Notification (3516.4)

• School Visitor Policy (1250) & School Visitor Regulation (1250R)
  • All visitors to Greenwich High School, including alumnus, must sign in at the school’s Visitors/Information Desk where they will be given an identification badge. The Greenwich High School Visitors/Information Desk, located in the glass corridor, is in operation between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At the end of the visit, the visitor must sign out and return the badge.
  • A current student wishing to sponsor a visitor to the high school must apply to his/her House Administrator at least two days in advance of the visit and indicate the purpose of the visit. Only prospective GHS students are permitted a day’s visitor’s pass. The sponsor must have each classroom teacher sign the visitor’s pass, thereby agreeing to have the visitor attend classes with the sponsoring student. On the day of the visit, the sponsor must have the visitor sign in at the Visitors/Information Desk; at the end of the day, the student will return the pass to the House Office. The guest must remain with the GHS student sponsor and attend classes for the entire day. Visitors are not permitted during a testing period, on the day preceding a vacation, or during the first two weeks of the school year or the month of June. The administration reserves the right to deny visitor access at any time.
• School Volunteers Policy (1212) & School Volunteers Regulation (1212R)
  • See also School Volunteers (6162.4)

Search and Seizure (5145.12)

Special Education (6171)

• Please also see GPS Office of Special Education and Student Supports

Special Health Services (5141)

• Meeting Students’ Needs: “Students with Special Health Care Needs” refers to those students who have a medically diagnosed chronic health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, life threatening food or insect allergies, seizures, cardiac abnormalities, chronic infectious disease, acquired disability, mental health conditions, or a significant acute illness or injury requiring treatment and a recovery period, such as mononucleosis, lyme disease, or a fractured arm or leg. These students have needs that often require accommodations in a school setting to provide a safe environment where the child is able to achieve at a level equal to his/her ability. For those students, access to education may require:
  • Assessment and periodic reassessment of the child’s health status and level of functioning in order to determine what special services or program modifications he or she may need; 
  • Close collaboration with families;
  • Development of an individualized health care plan (ICHP) and/or school health plan (SHP), and/or emergency care plan (ECP) to address health and safety needs for school attendance;
  • Related services necessary to ensure successful functioning in educational settings;
  • Enhanced communication with staff health and social service providers in the school and the community;
  • Education of school personnel. The State of Connecticut Department of Education Guidelines for Serving Students with Special Health Care Needs, 1992, as adapted, will be used to develop and promote safe and appropriate educational opportunities for students with special health needs on a case-by-case basis.

School insurance is made available to families through a specific program. Brochures are distributed to all students at the beginning of each academic year. While the program is not mandatory, it is desirable that parents take advantage of the opportunity to provide adequate protection for their children while in school. Any such arrangement is contractual between the parent and insurance carriers and the Greenwich Public Schools assumes no liability from disputes arising from such contract.

A student’s school records are confidential and are protected by federal and state law from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each student from the time the student enters the District until the student withdraws or graduates. This record moves with the student from school to school.

By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under 18 or a dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.

The principal is custodian of all records for currently enrolled students at the assigned school. The Superintendent is the custodian of all records for students who have withdrawn or graduated. Records may be reviewed during regular school hours upon completion of the written request form. The record’s custodian or designee will respond to reasonable requests for explanation and interpretation of the records. 

Parents of a minor or of a student who is a dependent for tax purposes, the student (if 18 or older), and school officials with legitimate educational interests are the only persons who have general access to a student’s records. “School officials with legitimate educational interests” include any employee, agents, or facilities with which the District contracts for the placement of students with disabilities, as well as their attorneys and consultants, who are:

1. Working with the student;
2. Considering disciplinary or academic actions, the student’s case, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for a student with disabilities under IDEA or an individually designed program for a student with disabilities under Section 504;
3. Compiling statistical data; or
4. Investigating or evaluating programs.

Certain other officials from various governmental agencies may have limited access to the records. Parental consent is required to release the records to anyone else. When the student reaches 18 years of age, only the student has the right to consent to release of records.

The parent’s or student's right of access to, and copies of, student records does not extend to all records. Materials that are not considered educational records, such as teachers’ personal notes on a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher and records pertaining to former students after they are no longer students in the District, do not have to be made available to the parents or student.

A student over 18 and parents of minor students may inspect the student’s records and request a correction if the records are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. If the District refuses the request to amend the records, the requestor has the right to a hearing. If the records are not amended as a result of the hearing, the requestor has 30 school days to exercise the right to place a statement commenting on the information in the student’s record. Although improperly recorded grades may be challenged, parents and the student are not allowed to contest a student’s grade in a course through this process. Parents or the student have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe the District is not in compliance with the law regarding student records. The District’s policy regarding student records is available from the principal’s or superintendent’s office.

Copies of student records are available without a charge for the first set of copies and then at a cost of $0.50 per page, payable upon receipt for duplicate copies of records. Parents may be denied copies of a student’s records (1) after the student reaches age 18 and is no longer a dependent for tax purposes; (2) when the student is attending an institution of post-secondary education; (3) if the parent fails to follow proper procedures and pay the copying charge; or (4) when the District is given a copy of a court order terminating the parental rights.

Certain information about District students is considered directory information and will be released to anyone who follows procedures for requesting it, unless the parent objects to the release of any or all directory information about the child. This objection must be made in writing to the principal within ten school days after the issuance of this handbook. Directory information includes a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, grade levels, photograph, e-mail address, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, awards received in school, and most recent previous school attended.

On an annual basis the school system gives parents annual notice of their rights, including the right to refuse to permit disclosure of any or all Directory Information as defined. Denial to disclose Directory Information represents a denial to disclose same information to any/all institutions without express permission.  If a parent (or eligible student) does not object within the time specified in the notification, school and district administrators will release such information upon request without the specific consent of the parents or eligible student to the following entities.  Each organization may request the information in a standard print or electronic format. The production of mailing labels or the development of custom formats is the responsibility of the requesting organization using the data provided.

1. Federal, state and local governmental agencies including but not limited to regional, inter-district, and other specialized schools and programs.
2. Representatives of the news media
3. Employers or prospective employers
4. Nonprofit youth organizations
5. Parent Teacher Associations for the purpose of producing and distributing class lists and/or school directories to members of the school community
6. Military recruiters or institutions of higher education. 

No information may be released directly or indirectly to a private profit-making entity other than employers, prospective employers and representatives of the news media.   School or district administrators should forward any questions regarding disclosure, including but not limited to the type of organization, to the Deputy Superintendent.

The District, when a student moves to a new school system or charter school, will send the student’s records to the new District or charter school within ten business days of receiving written notice of the move from the new District. Unless the parents/guardians of the student authorize the record transfer in writing, the sending District is required to send a notice when the records are sent to the new District.

Parents and eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the Requirements of FERPA. Complaints may be addressed to: 

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 5400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

The District’s HIPPA Privacy Officer is the School Nurse Supervisor.

See also Student Records; Confidentiality (5125) & Directory Information (5145.15)

Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process (5114)

Parents have the right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher(s). The response will indicate whether the teacher is certified for the subject matter and grade taught; the teacher’s undergraduate major and any graduate degrees or certifications a teacher may have. Parents will also be advised, if requested as to whether the child is provided service by paraprofessionals and their qualifications.

Title IX Policy (5145.44) & Title IX Regulation (5145.44R)

Title IX Coordinator, GHS: Mr. Thomas Pereira, Dean of Student Life, Phone Number: 203-863-8891 Email: thomas_pereira@greenwich.k12.ct.us

Parents or other interested parties should report any and all bus issues and/or questions using the on-line transportation reporting system available on the Transportation page of the GPS Website.  Those who do not have access to a computer should contact their youngster’s school office where someone will either answer the question or file an on-line transportation report.

If the question, concern, request or complaint is not addressed at the school level or by the Transportation Manager to the satisfaction of the person who initiated the process, the escalation procedure, which should be communicated to parents through school handbooks and by those addressing problems, is as follows:

• Submit a written appeal to the Chief Operations Officer who will consent with the individual filing the appeal and others as appropriate (supervises the Transportation Manager)
• If no resolution matter is forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools for review
• In accordance with Section 10-186 Connecticut General Statutes, the parent or guardian of any child denied transportation may, in writing, request a hearing with the Board of Education. The Board of Education shall conduct such a hearing within ten (10) days using an impartial hearing officer. The recommendations of the hearing officer shall be binding on the Board. The hearing officer will be guided by state law. This must be submitted in writing and should include a description of the transportation issue (e.g., substantiation of a claim of a pedestrian safety condition, or variance from the procedures), and the requested change.

To ensure the safety of students and adults, the use of skateboards and inline skates is prohibited. Students are prohibited from bringing these items to school. These items may be confiscated by the school staff and given to the student’s House Administrator. If a student persists in bringing the above-named items to school, the item will not be returned until a parent conference is held.  Throwing snowballs is also prohibited.

The Board of Education is concerned for the safety and welfare of all students and school personnel in school or at school-sponsored activities.  For this reason, the Board prohibits student possession of a firearm, a deadly weapon, a dangerous instrument, or a martial arts weapon in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity.  A violation of this policy will result in the mandatory recommendation by the Superintendent of expulsion for one calendar year.

Further, the possession of a facsimile of a weapon, dangerous instrument, or martial arts weapon in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity may result in disciplinary action including suspension and/or expulsion.

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments (5131.7)