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Newton Public Schools - Parents and Guardians

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Parents and Guardians

When a school emergency occurs, check your telephone and e-mail for important Connect-ED messages.
Click here to download the parents emergency preparedness information bulletin.

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Connect-ED

Student Emergency Information Cards

Student/Family Reunification Procedures

Help Stop Bullying

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Family Emergency Preparedness

Connect-ED

Connect-ED is a mass notification system used by Newton Public Schools to broadcast information to parents and guardians. Connect-ED will be used to broadcast emergency instructions, so be sure your home and cellular telephone numbers have been reported.

Student Emergency Information Cards

Be sure your son or daughter's emergency contact information is correct. Contact his or her school if your home or cellular telephone number changes.

Student/Family Reunification Procedures
Following a School-Based Emergency

  • If there is an emergency at one of the Newton Public Schools, wait for official instructions that will be communicated using Connect-ED. This telephone and email message will inform you what has happened and what you should do (if anything.)
  • Please do not call the school since they will be busy managing the incident.
  • Please do not go to the school unless instructed. Traffic jams impede the movement of emergency vehicles and can make a difficult situation worse.
  • Students will be kept in school or at a neighboring school or other shelter until the end of the school day if possible. If you are asked to pick up your child, the reunification site and the time when you can meet your child will be announced by school officials using Connect-ED.
  • When you go to the reunification site, bring a government issued identification card (e.g., driver’s license, passport, etc.) and check in with school officials.
  • Students will be released to parents or guardians who have present acceptable identification and who are named on the student emergency information card.
  • If a legal guardian cannot pickup a child, the child will remain at the reunification site. Other adults who may be asked to pick up your child must be identified in advance on the student emergency information card.

What you should do to prepare for a school emergency

  • Be sure your son or daughter's emergency contact information is correct.
  • Identify who would be authorized to pick up your child if there is a school or community emergency. Make sure anyone identified as an emergency contact is listed on your child's student emergency information card.
  • Inform your school's nurse if your child has any medical conditions or physical limitations that emergency responders would need to know. Please make sure that the school has an appropriate amount of medication on hand. The appropriate amount should be based upon advice from the student’s physician.
  • Establish a family preparedness plan including a communications plan. This will enable you to communicate with all family members during an emergency.

How can I tell if my child is being bullied?

If your child shows several of these warning signs, it'spossible he or she is being bullied. You may want to talk with your child to find out what is troubling him or her, and schedule a conference to discuss your concerns with school staff.

  • comes home from school with torn or dirty clothing, or damaged books
  • has cuts, bruises or scratches
  • has few, if any, friends to play with
  • seems afraid to go to school, or complains of headaches or stomach pains
  • doesn't sleep well or has bad dreams
  • loses interest in schoolwork
  • seems sad, depressed or moody
  • is anxious or has poor self-esteem
  • is quiet, sensitive or passive.

Talking with Your Child About Bullying

  • Talk often with your child and listen carefully.
  • Ask about your child’s school day, activities and friends.
  • Ask if your child feels safe and comfortable at school.
  • Talk about what bullying means.
  • Teach that bullying is unacceptable and can be dangerous.
  • Stop bullying when it happens at home.
  • Be clear about your expectations and consistently discipline when hurtful teasing and bullying occurs among siblings and peers.
  • Help your child understand the meaning and positive roles of friendship.
  • Teach that people can be different in many ways.
  • Teach and practice basic manners.
  • Help your child find and develop his/her personal talents.
  • Help your child choose positive and respectful friends.
  • Help your child choose TV, music and video programs that promote respect, kindness and understanding.
  • Talk with your child about their school experiences and peers.
  • Encourage your child to tell you when bullying happens at school.

Talking with Teens about Bullying and Harassment

  • Bullying is disrespectful and can be dangerous.
  • Bullying of a sexual nature is sexual harassment and is against the law.
  • Hazing is a form of group bullying and can be against the law depending on your state.
  • Bullying on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexual orientation is a form of hate behavior and is in some cases a hate crime.
  • Bullying can have a lifetime of consequences for the person who is bullied and the bully.

Source: Bullying In Schools Fighting the Bully Battle, National School Safety Center

Counseling and Mental Health Services

Counseling

A traumatic event such as a family, school, or community emergency can be overwhelming for those who experience it. A traumatic event often leaves a person feeling vulnerable or helpless. Newton Public Schools has a Citywide Crisis Team consisting of experienced psychologists and mental health professionals who can provide immediate assistance.

For additional guidance on helping your child who has experienced a traumatic event or crisis, check out Parent Guidelines for Crisis Response. This is an excerpt from "A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools" published by The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

Mental Health Services

Project INTERFACE is a community based initiative to improve the integration of mental health services within school systems and their greater community. Their website provides telephone numbers and access to resources and service providers.

Family Emergency Preparedness