Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is committed to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation or age in its education programs and activities, including admission to or employment in such programs or activities.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the school’s non-discrimination policies and have been designated as Title IX coordinators:
Principal Luis G. Lopes or Principal Linda Enos
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
1121 Ashley Boulevard
New Bedford, MA 02745
(508) 998-3321, ext. 674 or ext. 670
Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the Title
IX coordinators or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, 33 Arch St. - Suite 900, Boston,
MA 02110-1491
The Principals have been designated to receive student reports and complaints, including those alleging civil
rights violations or any actions that would be prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972;
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, Section 5; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The Principals will strive for prompt and equitable resolution of such complaints.
Students should check with the Principals for more information.
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School recognizes that possession, use, sale/distribution
of drugs or alcoholic beverages can cause substantial interference with classroom and shop instruction and, in
particular, will endanger the physical safety of the student and the safety of others both within the student
population and instructional staff in a vocational school environment. In recognition of this concern, it is the
declared policy of the District Committee to expel any student who, while on school grounds, knowingly possesses,
transmits, sells, or is under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, or
alcoholic beverage or intoxicant of any kind.
In order to ensure that a student’s constitutional rights are protected, he or she is afforded due process of
law.
Any student who is found on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic
games, in possession of a dangerous weapon, including, but not limited to a gun or a knife, may be subject to
expulsion from the school by the Principals.
Any student who assaults a principal, coordinator, teacher, teaching assistant, or any staff member on school
premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion
from the school by the Principals.
Students found guilty of the following are subject to expulsion by the District Committee:
The practice of “hazing” at GNB Voc-Tech is prohibited. “Hazing” means any conduct or method of initiation into
any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the
physical or mental health of any student or person. Such conduct includes whipping, beating, branding, forced
calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of food, beverage, drug or other substance, or any brutal
treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such
student or other person to extreme mental stress, including deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Any organization that practices hazing shall be disbanded for the remainder of the school year and for the
following school year. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing and is at the scene of such crime
shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to
an appropriate official as soon as reasonably possible. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by
removal from the position (advisor) with an official reprimand from the Superintendent-Director, and / or called
before the School Committee (advisor and / or student) for possible dismissal, suspension, or expulsion.
Threatening comments will be taken seriously and will be investigated fully.
Students will be held accountable and responsible for any inappropriate and/or threatening remarks, suggestions
or actions made directly or indirectly to another student, faculty or staff member of our school.
Students will be held accountable and responsible for any inappropriate and/or threatening remarks, suggestions
or actions made directly or indirectly to another student, faculty or staff member of our school.
- Introduction
It is the goal of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School to promote a workplace
and educational experience that is free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment of employees or students
occurring in the school, or in other educational settings in which employees or students may find themselves,
is unlawful and will not be tolerated. Further, any retaliation against an individual who has complained
about sexual harassment or retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation of a
sexual harassment complaint is similarly unlawful and will not be tolerated. To achieve our goal of
providing a school free from sexual harassment, the conduct that is described in this policy will not be
tolerated and we have provided a procedure by which inappropriate conduct will be dealt with, if encountered
by employees or students.
Because Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School takes allegations of sexual
harassment seriously, we will respond promptly to complaints of sexual harassment and where it is
determined that such inappropriate conduct has occurred, we will act promptly to eliminate the conduct
and impose such corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action where appropriate.
This policy sets forth our goals of promoting a school that is free of sexual harassment. It is not
designed or intended to limit our authority to discipline or take remedial action for conduct which we
deem unacceptable, regardless of whether that conduct satisfies the definition of sexual harassment.
- Definition of Sexual Harassment
In Massachusetts, the legal definition for sexual harassment is this:
“Sexual harassment” means sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of
a sexual nature when:
(1) submission to or rejection of such advances, requests or conduct is made either explicitly or
implicitly a term or condition of employment or the provision of educational benefits, privileges or
placement services, or as a basis for employment decisions or the evaluation of academic achievement:
(2) such advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
employee’s work performance or student’s education by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or
sexually offensive work or educational environment.
Under these definitions, direct or implied requests by an administrator or teacher for sexual favors
in exchange for actual or promised benefits, such as in the case of employees, favorable reviews, salary
increases, promotions, increased benefits, or continued employment or, in the case of students, better
grades or promotion, constitutes sexual harassment.
Both males and females may be victims of sexual harassment. Co-workers or students may commit sexual
harassment. Same gender harassment may occur. Victims need not suffer economic injury. A victim may be
someone other than the individual at whom the harassment is directed. Sexual harassment is defined in part
by how conduct is perceived by the victim, not by the intent of the harasser.
Sexual harassment by students against other students or employees is prohibited.
The legal definition of sexual harassment is broad and in addition to the above examples, other sexually
oriented conduct, whether it is intended or not, that is unwelcome and has the effect of creating an
environment that is hostile, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating to male or female workers or students
may also constitute sexual harassment.
While it is not possible to list all those additional circumstances that may constitute sexual harassment,
the following are some examples of conduct which, if unwelcome, may constitute sexual harassment depending
upon the totality of the circumstances including the severity of the conduct and its pervasiveness:
- Unwelcome sexual advances - whether they involve physical touching or not
- Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life;
comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individuals sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess
- Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons
- Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, suggestive or insulting comments
- Inquiries into one’s sexual experiences
- Discussions of one’s sexual activities
All employees and students should take special note that as stated above, retaliation against an individual who
has complained about sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals for cooperating with an investigation
of a sexual harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated.
- Complaints of Sexual Harassment
If any of our employees or students believes that he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment, he or she
must make it clear to the offender that they find such behavior offensive and must file a complaint with our
administration. This may be done in writing or orally.
If you would like to file a complaint you may do so by contacting:
Principal Michael Gagliardi or Linda Enos Maria Fredette, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent-Director
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School 1121 Ashley Boulevard New Bedford, Massachusetts
02745 Telephone: (508) 998-3321
The Principals and Mrs. Fredette are also available to discuss any concerns you may have and to provide
information to you about our policy on sexual harassment and our complaint process.
CUSTODY
Any parent whose child is the subject of a custody order is requested to file the order with the Coordinator of
Guidance / Pupil Personnel Services. It is assumed that the court order submitted to the school is the most recent
and is in effect. If no custody agreement or order is submitted, we will assume that there is joint custody and
that both parents have equal rights.
STUDENT RECORDS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is the federal law that covers the maintenance of student
records. FERPA affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect
to the student’s education record. These rights are:
- The right to inspect and review the student’s education record within 45 days of the day the school receives
a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the Superintendent-Director a written
request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school will make arrangements for access and notify
the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
- The right to request the amendment of the student’s education record that the parent or eligible student
believes is inaccurate. Parents or eligible students seeking to amend a record should write the Superintendent-
Director, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the
school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the
parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for
amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible
student when notified of the right to a hearing.
- The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s
education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which
permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A
school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff
member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school
committee; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney,
auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school
official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to
fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in
which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
In addition, certain information in the student record classified as “directory information” may be released to
third parties without prior consent. “Directory information" is information that is generally not considered
harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed.
GNB Voc-Tech has designated the following as directory information: the student's name, address, telephone
listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of members of
athletic teams, grade level, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, degrees, honors and
awards received, most recent educational agency or institution attended, and post-high school plans. Parents and
eligible students who wish that such information not be released without their prior consent must notify the
Superintendent-Director, in writing.
- The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school
to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints may be directed to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.
Access by Military Recruiters and Institutions of Higher Education. Under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001,
the school is now required to provide a list of student names, addresses and telephone numbers to military
recruiters or institutions of higher education when they request such information. However, an eligible student or
his / her parent may request that such information not be released without prior consent. Such requests must be
made, in writing, to the Superintendent-Director.
Access by Non-Custodial Parents. A non-custodial parent may have access to the student record in accordance
with M.G.L. Chapter 71, §34H. Information about accessing the student record can be obtained by contacting the
guidance office.
Temporary and Permanent Records. The temporary student record will be given to students upon graduation. If
the temporary record is not claimed, it will be destroyed after five (5) years. The permanent record (transcript)
will be destroyed sixty years following graduation, transfer or withdrawal from the school.
EDUCATIONAL SURVEYS AND COLLECTION OF DATA
A federal law called the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment affords parents and students who are 18 or
emancipated minors (“eligible students”) certain rights regarding the way we conduct surveys, collect and use
information for marketing purposes, and perform certain physical exams. In this policy, “surveys, analyses, or
evaluation” refers to methods of gathering data for research purposes.
Without the prior written consent of the student’s parent/guardian, or of the student if he/she is at least 18
years of age, no student shall be required as part of any program wholly or partially funded by the U.S. Department
of Education to submit to any survey, analyses, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:
- Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
- Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
- Sex behavior or attitudes;
- Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
- Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
- Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
- Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
- Income, other than as required by law to determine eligibility for school programs or for receiving financial
assistance under such program.
All instructional materials, including teachers’ manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which
will be used in connection with any such survey, analysis, or evaluation shall be available upon request for
inspection by the student’s parent/guardian. For the purpose of this policy, “instructional material” does not
include academic tests or assessments.
A parent may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or
distributed to a student.
The Superintendent-Director or designee will be responsible for implementing any procedures necessary to protect
the privacy of participating students and to provide parents with access to surveys within a reasonable time before
administration or distribution.
The School District will notify parents of this policy at least annually at the beginning of the school year and
within a reasonable time of any substantive change in policy. Where practical, the District will also directly
notify parents annually at the beginning of the school year when surveys, analyses, or evaluations are scheduled or
anticipated. Parents shall have the opportunity to opt their child out of participation in any survey, analysis, or
evaluation. Students who are 18 years of age or older may opt out of such surveys, analyses, or evaluations.
Parents or eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Family
Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
USE OF STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS
From time to time, members of the school staff may take pictures of students or may engage professional
photographers to take such pictures. These photographs may be used to promote the school and its programs or to
highlight the accomplishments of individual students. Photographs may be used on the school’s website, in school
publications, or in newspapers or other publications.
Students wishing that their pictures not appear in such publications must notify the Superintendent-Director, in
writing, of their objection. If the school receives no such notice, it will assume that the student has granted
permission to the school to use his or her likeness in a manner consistent with this section.
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
GNB Voc-Tech provides technology resources to its students for educational and administrative purposes. The goal
in providing these resources is to promote educational excellence in the school by facilitating resource sharing,
innovation, and communication with the support and supervision of the administration. The use of technology is a
privilege, not a right.
With access to computers and people all over the world comes the potential availability of material that may not
be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. GNB Voc-Tech firmly believes that
the value of information, interaction, and research capabilities available outweighs the possibilities that students
may obtain material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the district.
Proper behavior, as it relates to the use of computers, is no different than proper behavior in all other
aspects of school activities. All students are expected to use the computers and computer networks in a responsible,
ethical, and polite manner. This policy is intended to clarify those expectations as they apply to computer and
network usage. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, a loss of computer privileges, and if
appropriate, legal action. The school will cooperate with local, state or federal officials conducting an
investigation related to any allegedly illegal activities conducted through the school computer network.
Users of the school computer system are cautioned that any work on school computers generates an electronic
record subject to public disclosure.
Personal Use
School computers, networks, and Internet access are provided to support the educational mission of the school.
They are to be used primarily for school-related purposes. Incidental personal use must not violate any of the
rules contained in this policy and must not damage the school’s hardware, software or computer communications
system.
Copyright
Publication or copying of copyrighted material is illegal and students will be held personally liable for any
of their own actions that violate copyright laws.
Fundraising, Commercial and Political Activities
Students may not utilize the school’s network for fundraising activities and/or private for profit commercial
activities unless they have received prior approval from the Coordinator of Information Technology. Use of school
computers or other school equipment for political campaigns is strictly prohibited.
Accessing Other Student’s or Teacher’s Files
Viewing another individual’s files or computer work, copying, modifying or erasing their work is improper. It is
taking someone else’s property. It is a violation of this policy and makes a student subject to the expulsion
policy for theft contained elsewhere in this Student Handbook.
Confidentiality
Students are instructed not to transmit confidential information concerning students or others over systems not
designated for that use (e.g., e-mail), and to use care to protect against negligent disclosure of such information.
Privacy
GNB Voc-Tech reserves the right to monitor and review all transmitted electronic communications and data stored
on school technology.
Harassment
School Policies against sexual harassment and any other forms of discrimination apply equally to communication
on school computer systems.
Inappropriate Use
Inappropriate use of school computers or school computer accounts is strictly prohibited. Inappropriate use
includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: sending or displaying obscene or offensive messages or
pictures, using obscene or insulting language, or using language that attacks or threatens others, either in
documents or in electronic messages. Such use is not permitted on any school computer or on any school computer
account.
Online Messaging
Students are prohibited from engaging in online messaging or “chatting” on any of the school’s computers except
when approved in advance by an instructor. Any online messaging or use of “chat rooms” must be for educational
purposes only. Language used in such communications must be appropriate for a school setting.
Misuse of Networks, Hardware or Software
Damage caused by the intentional misuse of equipment will be charged to the student who intentionally misused
the equipment.
Safeguard Accounts and Passwords
Students are responsible for all usage on their accounts. As such, students should safeguard their passwords.
Students will be held accountable for the consequences of intentional or negligent disclosure of this information.
Downloading or Loading Software Applications
There is an enormous quantity and variety of free software available on the Internet. In addition to viruses
that could infect the school’s system, the cumulative effect of widespread downloading on the school’s computers,
in terms of degradation and additional maintenance, can be significant. Therefore, downloading or loading software
or maintenance updates on school-owned computer systems is not allowed.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
GNB Voc-Tech believes that parental involvement is critical to the success of the school and its students.
Parental participation is encouraged and indeed, required. Parents, the entire school staff, and students share the
responsibility for improved student achievement.
The school’s Parent Involvement Policy is available in the office of the Superintendent-Director.
STUDENT RESTRAINT POLICY
School staff may use physical restraint only in emergency situations and with extreme caution. Physical
restraint shall be limited to the use of such reasonable force as is necessary to protect a student or another
member of the school community from assault or imminent, serious, physical harm. Reasonable force includes physical
restraint or actions necessary to prevent bodily harm to self, others or quell a threat to the general school
environment. Only school personnel who have received training pursuant to state regulations shall administer
physical restraint on students. A person administering physical restraint shall discontinue such restraint as
soon as possible.
Additional information, including a copy of the regulations, can be obtained from either of the Principals,
who may be reached at (508) 998-3321. A copy of the regulations may also be found at
http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr46.html.
