Student Handbook

2009 - 2010

Revised August 2009

The Hunter School
678 Doetown Road
Rumney, NH  03266
603-786- 2922 or 9427

Hunter School Academic Calendar 2009 - 2010
School Hours 8:30am - 3:00pm

Mission Statement

The Hunter school is a private day and boarding school for children in grades kindergarten through eighth grades, with Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without hyperactivity), Asperger’s, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral difficulties and other co-occurring disorders, who have not found success in more traditional educational settings.

The mission of the school is to give students with social and emotional difficulties, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and hyperactive students (ADHD), who maybe coded or not coded in special education, a strong sense of dignity, self-esteem, and self-respect for themselves and others.  Our goals are to help the students become aware of their strengths to provide them with strategies, support, and networks necessary for them to succeed.  This school is designed to develop, in the students, a sense of citizenship, character, honesty, and ethics, both in the school and in the community environment, while providing a good academic background.  

The Hunter School is based upon holistic philosophy, which recognizes the emotional, mental, and physical needs of the students.  Central to our concept is the employment of whole foods and a vegetarian diet.  Minimally processed foods, without artificial colors and preservatives, are also utilized.

Philosophy

We view children with Attention Deficit Disorder not as disabled or disadvantaged, but as possessing unique perceptual abilities which if properly harnessed, can unleash powerful talents to learn and succeed. We encourage every student to establish goals in order to reach their fullest potential in life.

We build on a student’s strengths and work on individual areas of need.  While providing a well rounded education, our mission is to instill in the student a sense of self-discipline, citizenship, character, honesty and ethics. The Hunter philosophy does not stop at the school door.  It is an integral to all aspects of campus life.  The dorm parents carry it into the family style living environment; helping the children to manage themselves well, improve social skills and become responsible members of the Hunter community.

Hunter takes a holistic approach to the learning process and development of a child’s character in order to enhance a student’s chance for future success. Our focus is on educating the whole child.  We encourage the growth of every child’s intellectual, emotional, social, creative, and physical potential.

According to Thom Hartmann, the founder of New England Salem Children’s Trust and the Hunter School, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) children are the “hunters” who are able to take in continuous stimuli and react quickly to changing circumstances.  Non-ADD children are the “farmers” who are patient, methodical, and focused over long periods of time.  Unfortunately for ADD children, traditional schools teach for the patient “farmers”, and not the alert and quick to respond “hunters”.  The concept of the hunter in the farmer’s world was outlined in Thom Hartmann’s numerous books on ADD, including the groundbreaking, Attention Deficit Disorder:  A Different Perception.

Our History

The Hunter School is a corporation of The New England Salem Children’s Trust, a non-profit, non-denominational charitable organization.  For many years, the Trust has operated Salem Children’s Village; a residential care facility for abused, abandoned, or otherwise disadvantaged children.  The Salem organization is affiliated with Salem Villages worldwide and their headquarters are in Stadtsteinach, Germany.  Gottfried Muller, who believed that children should be taught to non-violently coexist with other human and animal inhabitants of the planet, founded the first Salem Village, Kinder-Und Jugendhilfswerk Salem, in Germany.  The Salem organization is dedicated to teaching children respect for the earth and for all creatures.

In 1979, Thom and Louise Hartmann founded The New England Salem Children’s Trust in New Hampshire, and continued to spread the Salem message of peace and environmental respect.  Since that time, many children have grown up at Salem Children’s Village and the village continues to be a leader in treating children with attention and behavioral challenges.  In 1998, the Salem Children’s Village at Stinson Lake, New Hampshire determined that the children who lived there, and many others in the surrounding region and beyond, were not being adequately educated because of the challenges that their attention deficit disorders presented.  In order to provide these children with quality educational opportunities, The New England Salem Children’s Trust established The Hunter School in 1998.

Directions to the Hunter School

Situated on 137 beautiful acres of wilderness, our campus borders Stinson Lake to the west and the White Mountain National Forest to the east.  We are located on the west slope of Stinson Mountain.  The campus and adjacent forests include a sandy beach and dock, hiking and horseback riding trails, cross-country ski trails wildlife preserves and an organic garden and orchard.

From Interstate 93:

1. Take Interstate 93 to Exit 26 (this will put you on Rte. 25 west)
2. Follow Rte. 25 for about 3 miles to the traffic circle (you will have passed Dunkin Donuts, and Burger King)
3. Take first road out of the traffic circle (still Rte. 25 W) Pass Polar Caves and Plain Jane’s Diner.
4. At the second set of flashing lights, take a Right onto Main Street (Rumney) (Steve’s Restaurant will be on the left.)
5. Main Street becomes Stinson Lake Road.  Follow for about 5 miles
6. You’ll come to a place where there are two signs on the right (“Hawthorne Village” “Stinson Lake Association”) Take a Right at these signs onto Cross Road.
7. The road becomes dirt.  Bear right at the fork (Camp Road).  You will still be on Cross Road.
8. Follow this road to the end (“Stinson Mt. Trail” sign will be in front of you.) and take a left onto Doetown Road.
9. Follow Doetown Road for 2½ miles.  On the Right will be our sign “Salem New England & the Hunter School”.  Take a Right into our driveway (it’s a steep hill.)
10. At the top if the hill, on the left is a large white building.  This is the school and office building.

From Interstate 91 and 89:

1. From Interstate 91 take Exit 10 onto Interstate 89 South (just outside of White River Jct., Vermont)
2. From Interstate 89, Take Exit 17.  At the bottom of the ramp go Right onto Rte. 4 East.
3. Go through Enfield, In Canaan, bear Left onto Rte. 118.
4. At the first set of flashing lights, take a Left onto Main Street (Steve’s Restaurant will be on the left.)
5. Follow steps 5-9 from above.

School Attendance

We expect all students to attend the Hunter School and to receive an education as mandated by the State of New Hampshire.  We understand that on occasion there are circumstances that will cause a student to stay home.  If you are sick, you should remain at home and return when you are well enough to attend your classes.  This absence does not excuse you from the work you have missed during the school day.  You are expected to find out from your teachers what class work you missed at school.  This is your responsibility.

Absence from School

If you are going to be absent from school, a responsible party should inform the school as early as 24 hours in advance.  It is imperative that the school receives notice of absences, especially if the student is transported to school each day.  If a student does not arrive at school by 9a.m. there will be a phone call placed to the residence of the student.

Tardiness to School

Being punctual is an important life skill and is fostered at The Hunter School.  If you are tardy to school, you are expected to check in with the Behavior Specialist or the Special Education Coordinator of the school, prior to going to class.  Repeated tardiness interferes with your classroom learning and repeated tardiness may lead toward further consequences to student education.

Early dismissal from School

If you need to leave school early for any reason, staff should receive proper notice in order to make necessary arrangements.  Students are responsible for any work missed during the time out of school.  The school should receive at least 24-hour notice of any early dismissal.

Illness at School

Any student that is sick during the school day or is suspected of coming down with a contagious disease of a flu-type illness, will be sent home or to the dormitory.  If warranted, the student may need to see a physician.

Parents will be notified to come and pick up their child.  If a residential student is ill, then the student will be sent to their dormitory to be supervised by the house parent.  If it is determined the student needs further attention, the school will send the student to a physician with the house parent.  All life threatening situations will go directly to Speare Memorial Hospital, or other local hospital, and parents will be notified as soon as possible.

Academic Policies and Information

Birthdays

The Hunter School recognizes each student’s birthday on or as close to their birthday as possible.  Please do not send in presents as there usually is no party at school.  Each month the kitchen makes a birthday cake to celebrate all the birthdays happening each month.  If any parent does not want the child’s birthday recognized at school, please inform the school of their decision. 

Communication

Communication is important with any educational program.  There are many formats that the Hunter School uses to facilitate open communication with the many people in the student’s life.  The following is a list of ways that we use to communicate.

Student organizer book

• Behavior charts.
• Communication of all rules throughout the Salem/Hunter organization to benefit the students through “care, welfare, safety, and security.”
• Contact with Parents (personal contact, phone calls, and e-mail).
• End of the day house parent/teacher meetings.
• In-houses communication boards.
• Journals and log books.
• Telephone calls (Parents, Therapists, and Doctors…).
• E-mails and memos.
• Regular IEP meetings, treatment plan meetings and committee meetings.

Computers and electronic equipment

Students are discouraged from bringing these items to school. The Hunter School is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal computers or electronic equipment brought to school. 

Students 12 years of age and over are allowed to bring computers to school as long as they are used for educational purposes.  Exceptions to this age may occur as outlined in an agreed upon behavior plan developed by the Behavior Specialist and Residential Coordinator.

Students may use their personal computer or electronic devises according to classroom policies and individual behavior plans. Students may not view or play any websites, movies or games which are violent in nature, sexually inappropriate, or rated above the child’s actual age.

All computers and gaming devices shall be locked up by staff when not in use by the owner.  When in use, the computer or personal device shall be used in full view of the school or house staff.  At times, staff shall randomly check the computer/device for use history and content. If website searches, games and illicit material are found, parents shall be notified and device use shall be modified by the behavior specialist.  Illicit use may result in discontinuation of personal computer and device privileges.  

The student and his or her parent or guardian is required to sign the “Use of Electronic Equipment” contract prior to the start of the school session. The behavior specialist must approve any other electronic equipment brought to school.  Special considerations will be made on field trips for the use of electronic equipment in the van.

Individual home play stations are not allowed on the campus.  If a child brings a system to school, it shall be sent home via USPS or UPS.

Curriculum

The Hunter School strives to challenge each and every one of our students.  Students are placed in groups that are designed to emphasize their individual strengths and to improve upon their weaknesses.  Each student will receive instruction in the areas of ready-to-learn, communication skills, personal organization, behavior management, language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and outdoor recreation.

The Hunter School follows the NH Curriculum Frameworks.  We address the subjects through many hands-on activities that place an emphasis on cooperative learning.   Students are evaluated on both their knowledge of the subject areas and their ability to work as a team.  Through peer interaction, the students learn valuable social and leadership skills that will help them to succeed in our increasingly integrated world.  The teaching staff will also address specific IEP goals for each child.

Daily Schedule

Students will receive an individualized daily schedule on the first day of school.  Typical for all students is the following schedule:

Dress Code

Hunter School students may wear the following items: dress pants, blue or black jeans, collared shirts, and comfortable shoes.  Jeans must be free of holes and clean.  T-shirts maybe worn underneath a collared shirt, but must be free of any offensive material. Any clothing item with the following is NOT allowed during school hours and after school hours:  symbols of drugs insignia, alcohol and cigarettes advertisements, any sexual or inappropriate language, and any other item deemed inappropriate by the Behavior Specialist, Principal, or the Special Education Coordinator.  Hats of any kind may not be worn inside the building during school hours.  Any body piercing other than girl’s pierced ear shall be removed during school hours.

In New England weather, it is essential that children come to school dressed appropriately for the weather.  During the warmer months, students are allowed to wear shorts as long as they are not made of jean material, free of holes, fit well, and are not too short.  Swimsuits should be brought to school when the students will be swimming.  During the winter months, students should bring (or wear) to school, a winter coat, hat, gloves, snow pants, and boots.  If rain is in the forecast, the student should bring a raincoat and appropriate footwear.  Many of the academic and recreation programs are held outdoors. The students are expected to participate in outdoor education each day and appropriate dress is important.

Emergency procedures

Fire drills

A drill is practiced once a month at the school.  At the sound of the fire alarm, students are expected to exit the nearest door.  The teachers will take attendance according to homerooms.  All students will leave the building quickly with no talking.  All students meet at the Lake House parking lot.  If there is an extended period of time outside, we will bring all students inside Lake House until it is safe to go back to the Hunter School. 

Unexpected natural disasters and storms

In the case of a natural disaster, the Hunter School staff will notify Parents, House Parents, and Guardians.  In the event of a snowstorm, hurricane, or other natural disaster please tune to 100.1 FM or WMUR television for news of school cancellations.

Fieldtrips and Winter Program

The Hunter school is an experiential program that utilizes its natural resources to their full extent...  There are two types of field trips that we take:  educational fieldtrips which supplement academic curriculum and will affect the students’ grades; merit-based fieldtrips are fun, activity-based fieldtrips that students earn with their good behavior points.  In order for a student to participate in a field trip, they must be on the appropriate behavioral level to leave campus.  All rules that are implemented in the school also apply during trips off campus.

Homework Policy

Although we understand the importance of getting students ready for the next school environment, at The Hunter School, we maintain that academic instruction should occur during the school days, not after school. Students in grades K-6 will receive minimal amounts of homework four nights a week.  Our seventh and eighth grade students will receive more homework, starting with small amounts and increasing during the course of the year, to prepare them for normalized high school requirements.  Homework plans are also developed on an individual basis to address each child’s needs and capabilities.

Lunch and Snacks

Our on-campus chefs provide lunch and snacks.  All of our food is vegetarian in nature.  We emphasize a healthy, tasty, nutritionally balanced diet. Foods such as soda, candy, and “junk food” are not allowed to be brought on campus.  Meat and fish product of any kind are also forbidden on the property.  However, arrangements can certainly be made if your child has specific, dietary needs, excluding eating meat. Specific dietary needs shall be documented and signed by the child’s physician. 

Outside Items

Toys, outside food, and drinks are not allowed inside the school building.  This prevents competition amongst students and cuts down on distractions.  There are no exceptions to this rule.

Pets

Hunter School students are not allowed to bring pets on campus.  House parents and staff often bring pets onto the campus after they are cleared by a veterinarian and proof of vaccinations is filed in the school office. Pets are found to be extremely therapeutic and the children are encouraged to interact with the animals. 

Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the Hunter School not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, and national origin, social or economic status.  This pertains to its educational programs or activities, and employment policies as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Civil Acts Right of 1964.  Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Director of Education.

Report Cards, Progress Reports

The Hunter School operates on trimesters.  Students are issued report cards three times a year.  These will be issued in late fall, late winter, and late spring. (Please see the academic calendar for exact dates.)  Included with each report card, are also IEP evaluations and a progress report on any therapy session that was held on campus for the students.

For each content area the students shall receive a letter grade, as well, as written comments about their academic performance.  Additional data is available regarding behavioral, therapeutic and attentional progress, and requests should be in writing to obtain such data.  Specific data is obtained at the time of application to the school from the Achenbach series and this can be re-issued to chart progress as well.  Please contact Admissions or the Behavior Specialist with any questions.

Sexual harassment

The Hunter School thrives on respect for self and respect for others.  The school seeks to eliminate patterns of harassment whether it is verbal, gestures, or denial of equal rights and opportunities.  Sexual harassment is illegal, unacceptable, and prohibited.  Incidents should be reported to the Principal. Students will be counseled, parents notified and a team meeting held to determine outcome and as appropriate, a behavior plan shall be written for any incident of sexual contact (both verbal and physical). 

Snow Days

Typically the Hunter School does not cancel school due to inclement weather.  The majority of the student body resides on-campus and are able to walk to school.  If you are a day student and your sending school district cancels school for the day, the transporters will not pick you up for school that day.  Students are still responsible for missed schoolwork due to inclement weather.  On occasion, school will delay an opening or students may be dismissed early due to weather conditions.  If school is cancelled early, parents will be notified prior to transporting home for the day.  If the sending school district has a delayed opening, then the transporters will pick the student up for the day, but they may arrive later than normal.  Parents have the right to refuse transportation due to weather concerns.

Student Organizer

Each Student receives a Student Organizer developed by the teachers at the Hunter School.  The organizer is to assist the student in planning, organizing, and scheduling the day-to-day as well as the long-term events.  Parents should support the use of this organizer during the day and on weekends.  In specific cases, the Hunter School will use the student organizer as a means to communicate with parents, and staff or teachers may ask the parents to sign the student organizer each night.

Telephone Calls

Students may make telephone calls home during non-academic times with teacher permission.  Students must demonstrating safe and respectful behavior at the time when the request to use the phone is made.  Parents may call the school during the day to speak with their child and other staff when the student and staff are available.  The Hunter School phone number is 603-786-9427. 

Visitors and Parents

Parents and/or Guardians are welcome to visit The Hunter School at any time.  We encourage strong communication between the school and homes so that the specialized program that is so unique to the Hunter School works best to benefit the students.  If planning a visit, parents may wish to contact the school prior to arriving on campus.  This may avoid a long trip when the children are off campus.

Tours Guests, Interviews, and Admissions

The Hunter School is a progressive, unique school.  We have people visiting the school from many public school districts and organizations.  The Hunter School provides tours for student’s enrollment as part of the admissions process.  The Hunter School also provides seminars, hosts IEP meetings and other events, which may include tours. In order to keep the students informed of what is happening in their school, they are told about any visitors in the building.  All visitors must report to the office prior to the tour, or visit.

Specialized School Services

Transportation

Students receive transportation on an individual basis as the Special Education Team agrees is necessary.  Transportation is also privately funded.  All students are expected to use respect and appropriate behavior.  Any inappropriate behavior will result in direct consequences at the school.

Referrals

If at any time, Parents, House Parents, Guardians, the staff at the Hunter School, or any one that bears responsibility for the student suspects the student may have a disability that is not addressed in their IEP, they are encouraged to make a referral to the Principal or Special Education Coordinator of the Hunter School.  The appropriate referral forms will be filled out and the process to identify and address the disability will be reviewed.

Speech and Language

The Hunter School, on an individual basis offers speech and language services.  Students identified for this service, are seen individually or in small groups by the speech therapist.  Speech and Language goals will be identified in the IEP, and will be monitored as part of the regular reviews. There is an additional cost to receive speech and language services.

Others OT, PT

Students with needs for physical or occupational therapy will receive this service individually or in small groups.  This type of therapy will be identified in the IEP, and will be monitored as part of the regular reviews.  There is an additional cost to receive physical or occupational therapy.

Title I Reading

Title I is a Federally funded program which provides one to one and / or small group reading instruction to primary grade students having difficulty learning to read.  Reading Recovery, a program within Title I, offers specialized reading assistance to students in the first grade that meet the criteria.

IEP work

The instructional services and other assistance for students with disabilities must be tailored to meet their needs.  This plan is accomplished by preparing an individualized education program (IEP) annually.  The IEP includes a statement of the student’s current level of functioning, a set of goals and short-term objectives for reaching those goals and clear specification of who is responsible for delivering the student’s services, how long they will last, where they will be provided, and how progress will be evaluated.

Education for All Handicapped Children Act

The Federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that public schools must provide special education to all children found to have an educational disability.  The major provisions of IDEA are outlined as follows:

Free Appropriate Public Education

Students are entitled to receive the education that they need.

Least Restrictive Environment

Students must be educated in the least restrictive environment in which they can succeed with support. 

Individualized Education

The instructional services and other assistance for students with disabilities must be tailored to meet their needs.  This plan is accomplished by preparing an individualized education program (IEP) annually.

Nondiscriminatory Evaluation

Students should be assessed using instruments that do not discriminate based on race, culture, or disability. 

Due Process

No changes may be made until the issue has been resolved by an impartial hearing.

Major Disciplinary Offenses

The Hunter School handles these offenses independently through a Discipline Committee that consists of counselors, teachers, and administrative staff and parents or guardians.  All major disciplinary offenses will be reported directly to the principal or designee as soon as possible. 

• Major Disciplinary Offenses includes, but are not limited to:
• Possession or use or procurement of tobacco;
• Possession or use or procurement of alcohol;
• Possession or use or procurement of illegal drugs;
• Creating a fire hazard;
• Possession or use of explosives, firearms, knives, darts, fireworks, bows and arrows, or other dangerous materials;
• Vandalism, including any act of intentional destruction of personal or community property.

The Hunter School reserves the right to search any student if suspected they are in possession of any weapon, illegal drugs, or other dangerous items.  Students may also be suspended from the Hunter School for possessing any of the above items, and the police may be called to assist the school.

Student’s Grievance Policy

Our purpose at the school is to create an environment where students contribute to the management of their program and their lives as much as possible.  Research demonstrates a higher success rate when children are involved in the development of their personal goals and objectives.  The staff in the school recognizes that the students will learn from their own mistakes, as well as those from their peers.

The school board and staff have determined the basic rules for the safety of the school.  If any of the rules are broken, the staff will determine the consequences.

When a student does violate an established rule, the established consequence will follow.  If there is no pre-established consequence, the staff involved will determine the consequence for the student.  If the student feels they have been treated unfairly, they can put the specifics of their position in writing or on a tape.  A staff member uninvolved in the complaint may help the student compose the letter or tape.  The student will give the letter or tape to the staff with who the student is in a disagreement.  Both parties will sit down and work toward a mutual understanding of what had happened.  If the mutual agreement cannot be developed, the student and staff will meet with the Principal to arbitrate the disagreement.  If the student is in disagreement with the principal, the student and the principal will meet with the Executive Director of Salem/Hunter.  It should be understood that a student always has the right to speak with their parents and social worker/therapist and the staff will reinforce this.  When the consequence being imposed on the student is termination from the school, the student shall be informed of this decision with their social worker/therapist present at a face-to-face meeting after consultation with the parent/guardian.

Discharge Procedure/Termination Process

Occasionally, upon the decision of the principal and the Discharge committee, a student maybe discharged for reasons that include the health and safety of the student or the health and safety of others in the school or for other reasons.

The school district and parent/guardian is notified that the child is being discharged. The process of termination is as follows:

The school district/parent is notified that the student is being discharged. It is our intention to notify the school district/parent of the discharge by telephone 30 calendar days prior to the last day of attendance.
A two-week written notice prior to the date of the discharge conference shall be sent to school district/parent.
The written notice will include reasons for termination of the student’s enrollment.  There may be a 10-calendar day suspension if a medical or criminal condition existed on campus.  Various laws and standards state-related to certain students may cause this to vary.

The discharge conference will include the following:

• A review of the IEP and any suggested changes.
• A discussion of possible alternatives for placement in another school or program based on the revised IEP or based on infractions.
• A detailed discussion of the education/behavior program needs of the student.
• A detailed discussion of the student’s transition to the alternative placement.
• A complete plan and schedule for follow-up conferences between involved parties.

Due Process

The Hunter School shall abide by all state and federal laws and regulations regarding special education and will therefore seek to follow all procedures related to due process.

The school will ensure that all parents or guardians of students with educational disabilities have an opportunity to inspect and review all education records relating to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the student, in accordance with Ed. 1123.04 (a) (2).  Legally authorized persons requesting copies will be charged a fee for duplication of records.

Health Services

Medication

Students are not allowed to have any medication on their person or in the classroom, except those medications that need to be on hand such as inhalers.  Medication brought in from home is sent directly to the Behavior Specialist.  This includes cough drops, throat lozenges and other over-the-counter cough suppressants.  Only the person(s) designated by the principal will administer prescription and non-prescription medication.  All medications on-campus shall be stored in a triple lock system.

All medication:

• Prescription medication must be labeled with the name of the medication, dosage, times, and signature of the physician.
• Over-the-counter medications must have a note attached to the container with a name, dosage, and signature of a parent or guardian.
• Parents and their physician need to sign a release form that gives the students permission to take any over the counter medication in school.  If this is not signed, your child cannot receive any medication you may typically administer at home.
• Any change in medication needs to be communicated to the school with a written prescription from the prescribing doctor including the medication change, time and dosage.  Prescriptions must remain in their original prescription bottles.         

Equal Opportunity

The Hunter school believes that all students possess unique strengths and methods of learning. The Hunter School is committed to bringing out the personal best in each student.  We do our best to accommodate the individual needs of each student allowing the student to thrive to the best of their ability.

In the rare instance that a student appears to be experiencing difficulty in our program the team will do everything within our power to help them.  If the Hunter School is not meeting a student’s needs, staff will assist with identifying and transitioning to a more appropriate program. In addition, when a student no longer needs the services of the Hunter school, we will likewise work with the family and home district to transition them to the public school.