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School and District Policy Highlights

School and District Policy Highlights

Note: all applicable District policies can be found online at on Simbli.

Personal Safety & Safe School Zones (Policy CIBB)

The Dresden School Board is committed to providing a learning and working environment that ensures the physical and emotional safety of all its members. Students and staff at Richmond Middle School have an absolute right to remain safe from violence, intimidation, and fear. 

Consistent with our S.P.I.R.I.T. values, physical or verbal intimidation, harassment, hazing, bullying, verbal abuse, or physical assault of any person will not be tolerated. This policy is strictly enforced in school, on school grounds, on school transportation, and at all school-sponsored events. 

Legal Reporting & Records 

To maintain a safe community and comply with state and local laws, RMS observes the following legal protocols: 

  • Assault: As defined by NH Statute 631:2-a and Vermont Statute 1023, all cases of simple assault causing bodily injury will be reported to the police. Cases involving serious assault will be reported to the Dresden School Board. 
  • Weapons: No employee, student, or visitor, other than an authorized law enforcement officer, is permitted to possess a dangerous weapon on school property, school buses, or at school-sponsored events. 
  • Mandated Records: As required by NH Statute 193-D:8, the school must maintain a permanent written record of any incident involving suspension, expulsion, theft, property destruction, violence, or delinquent/criminal acts occurring on school sites. This becomes a permanent part of a student’s complete school record. 

Theft and Property Issues 

  • School Property: The school will automatically report any theft of school property to the Hanover Police Department. 
  • Personal Property: Thefts of personal property are not typically reported to the police by the school unless requested by a family or caregiver. 
  • Family Notification: Families and caregivers will be notified by administration in all cases of theft. 

Our Community Standards & Responses 

School responses to violent or unsafe acts are learning opportunities designed to help students understand three core concepts: 

  1. Community Standard: Safety is a shared priority. Violence, abusive language, and harmful behaviors are never acceptable. 
  2. Public Impact: Our actions in school are public and directly affect the well-being and learning of others. 
  3. Restorative Alternatives: There are always constructive, non-violent paths available to resolve interpersonal conflicts. 

Depending on the severity and context of an incident, the principal or associate principal will investigate and determine the appropriate restorative and disciplinary response, which may include: 

  • Temporarily removing the student from regular school activities for the remainder of the day while an incident is investigated. 
  • Promptly contacting the student’s families and caregivers. 
  • Partnering with a school counselor for restorative support. 
  • Contacting law enforcement when mandated by law. 

Incidents resulting in suspension or expulsion must be included in the student’s file as required by New Hampshire law. For full details, families can review the district’s Policy JICD: Student Discipline and Due Process (JICD).