Policies, Resources, and Handbooks

Windham Technical High School is a comprehensive high school that engages students in trade technology and academic programming. The Windham Technical High School Faculty and Staff are dedicated to ensuring that ALL students reach their individual potential. Instruction that supports our vision requires a myriad of teaching methods to ensure that all Windham Technical High School students reach their potential. Curricula are integrated, challenging, and adapted to students’ needs. Students demonstrate their knowledge in various ways with multiple opportunities: authentic, proficiency-based, standardized, and Work-Based learning (WBL) to show their progress.

Our vision of a graduate highlights creativity, adaptability, and professionalism.  Graduates excel in problem-solving, effective communication, teamwork, and cultural empathy. ? They demonstrate strong work ethic, industry-specific skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning, preparing them to thrive in diverse and dynamic environments.

What Students Can Expect of Administration 

We will demonstrate respect toward you and all members of the school community.

We will do our best to maintain your anonymity if you bring an issue to one of us that concerns another student or adult.

We will listen to your account of an incident and expect you to listen to the accounts of faculty, staff, and other students.

We will wait until a more appropriate time to talk if you are too angry, frustrated, or upset to talk immediately after an incident.

We will arrange for other people to be in a meeting (another student, teacher, school counselor, etc.) if requested by the student.

We will ask that you give descriptive accounts of incidents in writing to ensure accuracy.

We will contact your parents or guardian regarding any incidents.

We will make all efforts to ensure the process and consequences are a learning experience and not solely disciplinary in nature.

What Administration Can Expect of Students 

Whether you agree with them or not, abide by teachers, shops, and school rules.

Respect all members of the school community, along with their personal space and property.

When we talk about an incident, tell the truth about what you do know to the best of your ability, even if you are afraid of the consequences, embarrassed, or unsure of exactly what happened.

If you are aware of an issue that involves physical or emotional harm to another student, adult, or school property, tell someone in the school that you trust.

Don’t stand by while someone is bullied or harassed: Say something to a staff member or an adult that you trust.  Even if you cannot do it right away, tell someone as soon as possible.

Realize that although you may disagree with the consequences you receive, it is our responsibility to enforce the school and district rules and policies to provide a safe and positive environment for all school community members.

At Windham Technical High School, our core values—Professionalism, Integrity, and Community—serve as the foundation for all we do. We expect all students to demonstrate professionalism by taking pride in their work, meeting deadlines, and presenting themselves with respect and responsibility in both academic and technical settings. Integrity means being honest, accountable, and making ethical choices, even when no one is watching. As a school community, we foster a culture of support, respect, and collaboration where every member contributes to a safe and inclusive environment. These values guide our behavior, strengthen our school culture, and prepare students for success in the workplace and in life.

Students are expected to complete all work honestly and independently. Plagiarism, cheating, or using AI to do assignments is not acceptable. If a student is found to have submitted work that is not their own, they will be required to redo the assignment or complete an alternative task to show their understanding. A zero is not automatically given, but disciplinary action may be taken based on the situation. Our goal is to ensure all students learn and take responsibility for their work.

Procedures for Absences 

All students absent must report to the Dean’s Office upon return.  When entering the day after an absence, notes contain the following: 

• The student’s full, printed name
• The student’s grade, shop, and ID number
• The date(s) absent 
• The reasons for the absence
• The signature of the parent or guardian and a phone number where they may be reached for verification.

Tardiness

All students who are tardy to school must report to the Dean’s Office.  Excused Tardies may be issued with proper documentation.  Habitual tardiness should be seen as a correctable behavior requiring counseling and parent conferences.  Consequences may still be given:  3 tardies = 1 detention, 5 tardies = 2 detentions, 6+ tardies = SAIL.  

Early Dismissal

It is not the school’s policy to dismiss students during school hours. Parents are asked to schedule medical, dental, and other appointments after school hours. Students have daily assignments and commitments that are an essential part of the school’s total educational program, and they should not be missed, except for emergencies. When a student must be excused, the parent must send a note explaining the reason for dismissal. Early dismissal for medical or dental appointments should be accompanied by an appointment card or other verifiable documentation. The written early dismissal request must include the phone number where

the parent or guardian may be reached that day, so the request may be verified.  If the request cannot be verified, the student may not be dismissed.

Any request for early dismissal must be presented in writing to the Dean of Students.  Students with requests should report to the attendance office immediately after homeroom. Early dismissal requests may be denied if they negatively impact the educational interest of the student.

In an emergency requiring a student to be dismissed early and a note has not been sent, the parent or guardian must call the Dean of Students and come into the school to sign the student out.

Tardies/Early Dismissals and Participation in School Activities or Sports

On full-length school days, for a student to participate in a school extracurricular activity or interscholastic sport, they must be in school for at least half the scheduled school day (3hrs, 25mins). 

Success in both academic and trade environments is rooted in regular and punctual attendance. Demonstrating consistency in being present mirrors the professionalism and responsibility expected in the workplace, which are vital traits for every career path.

The front courtyard serves as the primary entry point for all students. Upon arrival on campus, students must remain on school grounds until the final dismissal bell. For morning entry, these doors are unlocked at 6:45 a.m. It is expected that students have their ID badges prepared to SWIPE in at the designated stations. Following entry, students report to their assigned staging areas: grade 9 to the small gymnasium, grades 10 and 11 to the large gymnasium, and grade 12 to the TLH. Those choosing to eat breakfast may visit the cafeteria, where they must stay until 7:15 a.m. after obtaining their meal.

Students who arrive prior to the start of the school day are required to go directly to their assigned locations. Access to shops or homeroom classrooms is strictly prohibited before the bell. Additionally, gathering or loitering in the parking lot or outside the building is not allowed.
***The doors will be locked at 7:15; any student who enters the building from that time on is considered late and will need to SWIPE in with the Dean of Students and get a late pass.  Students need to be in their HR/1st period classroom by 7:17.

The final dismissal bell will ring at 2:08 p.m. At that time, all students should leave the building, and buses will depart.  At dismissal, all students are to immediately vacate the building unless they have after-school activities, sports, detention, or an appointment with a faculty member.  

More information can be found on the Dean’s website.  

Senior Release

Windham Tech has a policy whereby seniors who are in good standing may be excused from 6th period during their trade cycle.  For more information, please reach out to your school counselor.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria provides breakfast before school for free this year. Also, lunch periods are scheduled during the school day. Students should note their scheduled time to eat. During lunch, a full meal is served at no cost.

To help all students have more time to enjoy their lunch, it is helpful to keep the lunch lines moving. All students should have their ID at all times!

To ensure a clean and pleasant dining area, students are expected to clean up after themselves. The table and the surrounding area should be checked for items to be picked up so there is a clean spot for the next person who will be using the table. Students who do not cooperate with instructors and cafeteria staff may be subject to disciplinary action. Food and items on the floor constitute a safety hazard.

Challenging Behaviors

As a technical high school, Windham Tech is committed to developing the intellectual, emotional, physical, ethical, and social potential of each student in preparation for postsecondary success. The rules and consequences are designed to create an environment that encourages and protects this growth. All members of the Windham Tech community must be respectful of the needs and rights of others. The effectiveness of our school’s regulations and policies depends upon the commitment and self-discipline of everyone who is a member of the community. 

Consequences are utilized when individuals choose to violate the rights of others or to ignore the policies and regulations established for the good of our learning community. Students who opt to attend Windham Tech, and parents/guardians who choose to send their children to Windham Tech, join a community of learners who desire to engage in career and technical education. This choice is an explicit agreement to accept the rules and regulations of the Student Handbook. 

Windham Tech utilizes a blend of progressive and restorative approaches to manage challenging behaviors. While a framework for consequences exists and is utilized by staff, each student and situation is different. In the same way that we teach and support students who struggle with academics, we aim to teach and support students who struggle behaviorally.   In all matters of student accountability, as educators, we take seriously our obligation to teach students better behavioral strategies.  Therefore, in all matters requiring behavioral accountability, we will seek first to restore relationships and repair harms done. 

Key Information Regarding Chromebooks

Windham Technical High School is proud to partner with Google Apps for Education, which is used by thousands of schools and universities worldwide to provide students with collaboration tools. Students will now be able to work collaboratively on documents, presentations, and projects. All student work will be stored online and will be accessible from home, school, and anywhere there is an Internet connection.  

To access Google Apps, we will be providing Chromebooks for all students. Students will be assigned a Chromebook for the entire year, which they may bring home and return at the end of the school year. 

Google accounts allow students and teachers to communicate and collaborate safely and in a structured manner with their class.  Students will take home their login and password information. Teachers and staff will work with students on accessing their accounts and discuss digital citizenship and online safety. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their child about using online tools safely. Students should consider their school Google Account as an extension of the classroom, subject to the same rules of respect and courtesy that we expect in school.  

It is strongly advised that you purchase protective covering for the device that you have been issued. Students only get one accidental damage repair with the manufacturer. Anything beyond that must be paid for by the student. Cracked screen options include repair at the school or send to the manufacturer (Student pays for repair if he/she has already used up their 1-time accidental damage repair). The manufacturer will generate a damage report that will determine if damage was accidental or purposeful. If purposeful, the school will be notified, and the student pays for damage.  Please see the Library Media Specialist with any questions.  

Key Information Regarding Personal Electronics

In an effort to mitigate social media distractions and interruptions to the learning process, personal mobile devices must be stored in lockers, bags, or designated school storage units. Usage within the instructional setting is prohibited.

With the provision of school-issued Chromebooks offering full internet connectivity, the necessity for personal smartphone use during class is removed. It is expected that these devices remain secured in lockers or bags throughout academic and technical instruction. Students may access their phones exclusively before the start of school, after final dismissal, or during their scheduled lunch break.

Should students choose not to meet these requirements, the following steps for progressive accountability will be implemented:

• 1st infraction - Correct violation with restorative conversation
• 2nd infraction - Teacher detention with communication home

Items taken by staff will be secured until final dismissal. Depending on the circumstances, administration may request that a parent or guardian come to the school to pick up the device.

Any additional violations, progressive behavior management applies.

School will be in session every day as specified on the school calendar. On occasion, it may be necessary to delay school opening, close school for the day, or dismiss early due to mechanical failure or weather emergency. In this event, announcements will be made through radio and television, as well as through the “all call/email” alert system through ParentSquare. Windham Tech generally follows Windham Public Schools with respect to weather-related delays, early dismissals, and cancellations; however, news outlets will list Windham Tech’s status separately.

If your hometown school district is canceled due to inclement weather, transportation will not be provided to Windham Tech, and the absence is excused.  

Food and Beverage
Maintaining a clean and professional environment requires that all food and drink items remain within the cafeteria. Items obtained from external sources for breakfast must also be finished before leaving this area. This policy applies to all beverages, including coffee and iced coffee. To prevent accidental spills, any containers brought into the building must be equipped with a secure, screw-top lid. The ordering or delivery of outside meals to the school campus is strictly forbidden. We further request that families do not deliver outside food to students while school is in session. Any such items will be confiscated by administration and held until final dismissal.

Maintaining presence in designated locations is a fundamental expectation for every student from morning arrival until final dismissal. Any student departing an academic or technical setting must possess a valid hallway pass authorized by their instructor. This documentation must explicitly state the date and duration of the absence and bear the teacher’s signature. Adherence to the following protocols is mandatory when utilizing a pass:  

• Individuals are required to record their departure on the official classroom log or digital device.  
• Students must utilize the most direct path to their destination and access the nearest available restroom facilities.  
• Movement between academic and shop wings is restricted and requires explicit administrative authorization or an emergency justification.

Failure to follow these established procedures or being found in an unauthorized area will result in progressive accountability measures, including pass restrictions or formal disciplinary action such as SAIL.

Policy for administration of medications by Technical High School Personnel

State law requires doctor permission, as well as parental permission, for administration of non-aspirin pain relievers, i.e., Tylenol, Ibuprofen. Aspirin will not be given under any circumstances. No medication other than prescribed medications will be administered to students in the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System. Only medications prescribed by a written order of a physician or dentist licensed to practice medicine in Connecticut will be administered, and there must be a written authorization by the student’s parent or guardian.  Students may not possess prescription or over-the-counter medications at any time. If students need to take medication, it must be stored with the school nurse.

The school nurse is responsible for the general supervision of the administration of medications in the school. Prescribed medication is administered in compliance with the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System approved procedures and in accordance with regulations. Further information regarding these policies and/or procedures is available from the School Health Office at (860)456-3879, Ext. 24309.

Prescription Drugs

Students who must take prescription drugs during school time must do so under the supervision of the school nurse. Connecticut State Law Public Act No. 723 requires a physician’s written order and a parent or guardian’s authorization for the school nurse to administer any medication. All necessary forms are available from the School Nurse. All prescription medications must be in a properly labeled pharmacy container. This includes inhalers and EpiPens.

Only seniors who have met the requirements regarding grades, discipline, and senior class dues are eligible to park in the school parking lot. Juniors, by special permission of the Dean of Students, may be considered after the second marking period. Restrictions may apply. All students who park in the school lot do so as a privilege, and only with the Dean’s permission.  All cars must be registered.  Cars parked in the school’s lot are subject to search by school administration if there is reasonable suspicion of contraband connected to an incident under investigation or believed to be in the car. Parking privileges may be revoked for reasons such as reckless driving, failing grades, administrative discipline, misuse of a parking sticker, or excessive tardies to school.

Students should not park in the first row at the front of the school, or in handicapped, faculty, or office parking spots. Faculty, students, and parents may not park behind the school, alongside the school, along the fence behind the school at the top of the athletic fields, or in the roadway that leads from the top of the athletic field to the cafeteria.  No one should enter the driveway that leads to the back of the school with the intention of parking next to or behind the school.  The only areas permitted for parking are in the designated spaces in the parking lot in front of the school.  These restrictions are enforced every day of the year, regardless of if school is in session.  Failure to comply may result in the vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense. These rules comply with state and local fire ordinances.

For eligible students to obtain a parking sticker, they must provide the school with the following:

• a copy of their driver’s license
• a copy of the car’s registration and insurance
• a signed copy of the CT State Teen Driving Regulations form
• a completed parking application form

Once the application has been approved, students will apply the sticker (while under the supervision of a school staff member) to the inside rear, driver’s side window. Parking stickers are non-transferable and may not be shared or borrowed by other students.  

Maintaining respectful and professional communication is a core expectation for all students at Windham Tech, spanning both academic and technical environments. To ensure our community remains a preparation ground for the workforce, vulgar, offensive, or discriminatory speech will not be tolerated. We expect our students to utilize language that demonstrates maturity and adheres to established professional standards. Faculty members are committed to modeling and upholding these expectations to foster a school culture rooted in safety and mutual respect.

Students have the right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures under the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Balanced against this right is the school administration's responsibility to create and maintain an environment consistent with the school's educational mission. School officials have a duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students under their authority.

Desks, lockers, and other storage spaces are provided to students for their convenience. These storage areas remain school property, and as such, are subject to periodic inspections and searches by school authorities. Such inspections allow responsible school authorities to confirm that lockers are being used appropriately in a manner consistent with the health and safety of all students. Students should not store items in lockers that violate school policy or law.

School authorities are authorized to conduct searches of students or their property when reasonable suspicion indicates that a particular student is in possession of an item or a substance that represents a material threat to school routine or is prohibited by school policy, administrative regulations, or by law. Student property shall include purses, bags, toolboxes, and cars. School authorities, in cooperation with the local or state police departments, reserve the right to also conduct searches with dogs.

Student Assistance Team

The Student Assistance Team (SAT) serves as a collaborative school-based resource designed to aid students facing academic or social-emotional challenges that may hinder their success. By employing a strengths-focused methodology, the SAT provides diverse interventions tailored to meet individual student needs and overcome barriers to learning.

The team accepts referrals from multiple sources, including the students themselves, faculty, family members, peers, or external organizations. Composed of school leadership, educators, and support professionals, the SAT evaluates the scope of each concern and maintains consistent communication with involved parties. 

Beyond individual support, the SAT addresses systemic school improvements, processes special education and crisis intervention needs, and manages attendance or health-related concerns—both chronic and acute—that impact a student's educational progress.

NO SMOKING OR VAPING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS (including school-sponsored activities).  All persons, including students, are prohibited from smoking, using tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or vapor products in school buildings and on school grounds.  Students may also be subject to discipline and arrest.  Please refer to CTECS Student/Parent Handbook for additional information.  Students may be fined if found in violation of applicable State Statutes regarding use of tobacco, electronic (vape devices), or illicit substances. 

All Connecticut Technical High Schools, including Windham Tech, have a mandatory uniform policy approved by the Board of Education. This uniform policy supersedes the dress code policy in the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System Student-Parent handbook. A dress code has been found to have a positive effect on school pride, student identity, and safety. Following the school uniform is practice for your future job and sets the stage for your success. Most jobs have some sort of uniform or dress code, especially in the trades. Graduates all agree that dress code compliance gave them an edge over their peers.

All students are expected to be in uniform and should have their ID badge. Students are expected to be in uniform as they enter the school and SWIPE in with their ID badges. ID badges must be with them at all times, especially in the cafeteria to purchase food.  Students out of uniform (academic or trade) will be referred to the SAIL.  

Exploratory Uniforms 

All 9th grade students must wear the exploratory t-shirt during exploratory trade cycles. They can be purchased online @ Darter. 

• Exploratory students must wear work pants in black or tan.
• Exploratory students must wear work boots at all times. 
• Safety glasses are required. 

Trade Uniforms 

Each trade makes an individual decision concerning the trade uniform. 

• Shirts must have some logo or script identifying the trade. 
• Full button-down shirts must be tucked in and buttoned all the way up. 
• Students must wear the assigned work pants. The color will be determined by the trade department head and instructor. 
• Students must wear shop-assigned footwear. 
• Safety glasses are required.
• Hats, if worn in the shop, are NOT ALLOWED out of the shop. They should be removed before going into the hallway, the cafeteria, etc.

Academic Uniforms 

Academic uniforms are standard across grade levels and must be worn during the academic cycle.  All school clothing can be purchased at Darter

Shirts: 

• Polo, button-down shirts, and T-shirts must have the Windham Tech Logo and may be purchased through our vendor.
• Hooded sweatshirts with Windham Tech logos are allowed. 
• Students may also wear their sports team or extracurricular activities (NHS, SkillsUSA) spirit wear throughout the academic cycle.

 Pants/Skirts/Shorts: 

• All students need to wear black or tan pants with 4 pockets.  No leggings, no sweatpants, no rips.  
• Black and tan shorts or skirts must be no shorter than mid-thigh. 

Shoes: 

• Students must wear sneakers, closed-toed shoes with backs, or work boots.  
• Slippers, moccasins, flip-flops, clogs, and slides are not acceptable ANYWHERE in the building. 

Whether or not the student can obtain the uniform components to go to class, students in violation are subject to the following: 

• 1st infraction - Correct uniform violation with restorative conversation
• 2nd infraction - Teacher detention with communication home and correct uniform violation

Any additional violations, progressive behavior management applies. 

PE Uniform:

• We do not require the PE uniform on the website, but we do require students to change into appropriate athletic attire.
• Sneakers are mandatory for full credit in PE class.  

Wristbands or rings with metal spikes, wallet chains, and similar kinds of jewelry that can cause a safety hazard will be confiscated by administration. Sunglasses and reflective lenses are not to be worn unless they are part of a medical accommodation.

Dress Down Days 

When appropriate (fundraisers, spirit days, etc.), students may be allowed to dress down. Non-uniform days will only apply to those students in the current academic cycle. Students in trade/technology classes will be required to remain in the trade/technology uniform.  On these days, hats, cut-off shorts, cut-off shirt sleeves, ripped jeans that expose the thigh, ‘spaghetti’ straps, or other inappropriate for school attire are not allowed. 

Off Campus Activities 

Unless otherwise directed by school administration, students leaving school to attend school-sponsored activities (field trips, recruiting visits, etc.) are required to wear the uniform representing the cycle in which they are currently assigned. 

To promote school spirit, T-shirts, long-sleeved T-shirts, and sweatshirts positively displaying Windham Tech are also allowed for all students. Uniform add-ons such as ties, scarves, hats, gloves, blankets, etc. are not allowed. Additional Windham Tech uniform items are available with Darter Specialties at www.WindhamTechClothing.com.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is offered during the trade/technology cycle as an extension of the technical training offered in the trade/technology component of the school year. Students are allowed specific hours of release from school time based on their academic standing as a junior or senior student. The experience may legally extend beyond school hours. The student’s shop grade reflects input from the employer, and the release time from school replaces the credit-bearing time in the shop or at a production site.  WBL may be extended to the academic cycle if the student's schedule permits. This would be in lieu of Academic Access or last period(s) study halls.  

To be eligible to participate in the WBL program students must, at a minimum, meet the following criteria:

• Successfully complete their sophomore year at a Technical High School
• Be at least 16 years old
• Maintain an overall marking period grade average of 70 or above with no failures and a minimum grade of 70 or above in trade/technology, and
• Demonstrate trade/technology proficiency based on performance criteria established in the curriculum

Final decision of eligibility rests with the principal in consultation with the trade/technology department head, the student’s counselor, and the WBL coordinator.  Students under 18 enrolled in a WBL program can work in most age-restricted and hazardous occupational areas. The student may be withdrawn from the program at the request of the student’s parent/guardian, the school, the employer, or the student.

In accordance with 19a-333-1 through 13, “Asbestos Containing Materials in Schools,” we are required to inform you that asbestos-containing materials have been identified in various areas of the school, primarily in maintenance areas not accessible to students.  Much of the material has been removed. What remains is included in an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) program. This program is designed to prevent asbestos fiber release through proper cleaning, maintenance, and repair.  The O&M program will remain in effect until all ACBM is removed from the buildings.

The buildings are inspected every six (6) months to determine any changes in the conditions of the materials. Additionally, the buildings are thoroughly re-inspected every three years by licensed asbestos inspectors following the same basic criteria as the original inspection.

Windham Tech maintains an updated copy of the AMP in the main office.  It is available during business hours for inspection. The designated person for the Asbestos Program is John Woodmansee, and he can be contacted at 860-807-2233.

Q: If the climate is cold, what type of warm apparel can they wear in school?

A: Students can wear either a solid long-sleeve tee under their collared shirt, a WT fleece, WT windjacket, or a WT sweatshirt. 

Q: Are the students allowed to enter the building with hoodies?

A: Yes – If they are Windham Tech hoodies, but they must not wear the hoods on their heads.  

Q: Are moccasins allowed if they have rubber soles?

A: No. As per the uniform policy:  slippers, moccasins, and clogs are not allowed. Snow boots and footwear adorned with furry materials at ankle/foot level are not allowed in school.

Q: What about WT athletic-related outerwear?

A: Yes, if the outerwear is student-athlete owned. Students still need to have a uniform shirt underneath.

Q: Are students allowed to wear different T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts with Windham Tech logos?

A: Yes, all students can wear Spirit wear purchased from the PFO (Parent Faculty Organization) or athletic teams.

Q:  How can I get a hold of my son or daughter during the school hours?

A:  Please do not phone or text your son or daughter during school hours.  If you need to speak with your child, please phone the school counseling department, and we will ensure that contact is made.