7000 Students

Policies

Middletown Public Schools                                                                                        No. 7000

Students

STUDENTS

ADMISSION __**

To be admitted to the public schools in Middletown, a child less than eighteen  years old must reside in Middletown with their parents or legal guardians (as  required by law) and must be at least five years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year. Each child shall be eligible to attend first grade, only  upon completion of a State recognized or accredited kindergarten program  (Rhode Island General Law, Section 16-2-28). A waiver Rhode Island General  Law 16-2-28 may be obtained from the Commissioner’s Office.

All children entering the Middletown Public Schools must present  documentation giving proof of residency, age and such other records, including  health records, as are required by law. Such documentation is subject to Rhode  Island General Laws, Section 11-18-1 (false documents) and section 11-33-1  (perjury). Admission of non-resident students is subject to administrative  procedures.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Every student entering a public school in Rhode Island for the first time shall  have a complete medical history and physical examination. Physical  examinations must be repeated in grade seven. Other physical exams may be  required for activities such as athletics.

IMMUNIZATION

Every student must present evidence of immunization as required by law prior  to entrance into school.

COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

In accordance with State LawRhode Island General Laws Title 16. Education § 16-19-1, (a) Every child who has completed, or will have completed, six (6) years of life on or before September 1 of any school year, or is enrolled in kindergarten, and has not completed eighteen (18) years of life, shall regularly attend some public day school during all the days and hours that the public schools are in session in the city or town in which the child resides.

ABSENCE AND TARDINESS

Pupils who have been absent or tardy shall be required to explain their absences  or tardiness including such substantiation for same from parents or legal  guardians as may be required by the Superintendent or Principal or their  designees. Student with excessive absences and tardiness will be referred to  Truancy Court. In addition, excessive absences and/or tardiness may affect  grades and class advancement.

DISMISSAL

Pupils shall not leave the school before the end of the school day, for non-school  purposes, except by permission of the Principal or their designated  representative.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All pupils shall participate in the regular program of physical education, as  required by law, unless excused by a statement signed by a physician.

CONDUCT

Each pupil is required to conduct herself/himself in a respectful, orderly  manner, within or outside their schoolroom and in going to and returning from  school. Pupils shall not loiter or use obscene language. Willful and persistent violation of any school  regulation shall be considered reason for suspension by the Principal and will be subject to administrative action.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible to participate in any special school activity such as athletics,  publications, clubs or extracurricular activities, a student must have a satisfactory  record of attendance, conduct and scholarship in accordance with the existing  regulation. Rules on eligibility shall be formulated and made known to students  by the Building Principal. Decisions on eligibility shall be made by the Building  Principal or their designee.

TUITION

The rate of tuition for non-resident pupils shall be determined annually by the  Superintendent of Schools and approved by the School Committee.

PAYMENT OF TUITION TO OTHER SCHOOLS FOR MIDDLETOWN PUPILS RESIDENT

The Superintendent shall approve the payment of tuition on behalf of  Middletown resident children who by Individualized Education Plan (IEP), state  regulation, law or mandate must be provided with a specialized program not  regularly offered by the Middletown Public Schools. The Superintendent will report regularly to  the School Committee on decisions that meet criteria.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation shall be provided for pupils as the School Committee may deem  necessary and expedient or as may be prescribed by law. (See Policy # 3541).

*History: 5110  *

Revised and Approved November 14, 1996, Revised May 14, 1998,

Revised and Approved April 26, 1999,  Revised February 11, 2004, Revised July 15, 2004

Revised and Approved August 19, 2004

Revised and Reviewed August 16, 2025

3 Year Review Due - August 2028