2021-2022 OAK KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - "Learning today, Leading tomorrow"
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
OAK KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 23 Bodine Avenue Williamstown, New Jersey 08094 (856) 728-3944 www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us “Learning today, Leading tomorrow” 2021-2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information Board of Education Members /Central Administration 2 District Policy and Belief Statements 3 District Affirmative Action Contact Information 4 School Hours 5 Oak Knoll Staff List 6 Oak Knoll E-mail and Room List 7 District Calendar 8 Oak Knoll Calendar of Events 9 Board of Education Meeting Information 10 Oak Knoll Policies and Procedures Arriving at School 12 Attendance 12 Bicycle Use 13 Bus Transportation 13-14 Cafeteria Information 14-17 Care of School Property 17 Chewing Gum 17 Classroom Visits 17 Discipline 17-18 Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB) 18-19 Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures 19 Early Dismissal Procedure 20 Electronic Devices 20 Elevator Access 20 Extra-Curricular Activities 20 Family Nights 21 Fire, Evacuation, and Lock-Down Drills 21 Health Services 21-23 Home Study Habits - how parents can help 23 Homework Requests 24 Integrated Pest Management 24 Lost and Found 24 Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) 24 Playground Procedures 24-25 Promotion and Retention 25 School Closings (Emergency) 25 School Security and Visitors 26 Special Services - Child Study Team 26 Student Discipline – Code of Conduct 26-31 Student Dress Code 31 Substance Abuse Policy 32 Supervision After School Dismissal 33-34 Terrific Kids Program 35 Textbook Use 35 Toys 35 Walkers 35
Mr. Frank Torcasio – President Mrs. Barbara Chamberlain, Ph.D., Vice-President Mr. Mike D’Andrea Mrs. Jennifer Lewis-Gallagher Mr. Cody Miller Mr. Bruce Rice Ms. Tiffany Walker-Winters Mrs. Susan B. Ficke, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Lynn DiPietropolo, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Lisa Schulz, Business Administrator/Board Secretary Mr. Stanley Krzyminski, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Mr. Michael J. DeAngelis, Supervisor of Transportation OAK KNOLL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Ms. Kristy Baker, Principal Mrs. Caroline Yoder, Assistant Principal Ms. Julie Harrison, Head Teacher Ms. Cheryl Laneader, School Counselor
BYLAWS AND POLICIES The Monroe Township Board of Education shall exercise its rule-making power by adopting bylaws, policies and administrative regulations for the organization and operation of the school district. The Board desires to make this manual of bylaws and policies a useful guide to all members of the Board, administration of this district, all personnel employed by the Board, and the pupils of the district. Therefore, a copy of this manual is located in each district school and in the central administration office building. It is highly recommended that each individual be familiar with the manual, since it will have a direct effect upon the operation of the schools in this district. MISSION STATEMENT The Monroe Township Public School District, an educational team, is dedicated to the development of the potential and uniqueness of the individual student to become effective participants in an evolving global society while providing a safe educational environment for students to attain the skills and knowledge specified in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. PARENT INVOLVEMENT Monroe Township Public Schools involve parents in the decision-making process to plan and implement a parental involvement program and activities to help improve student academic achievement and school performance. Our Parent Involvement Policy is available on our District Website.
Title IX Coordinator - Mrs. Lynn DiPietropolo Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs receiving Federal financial assistance. Athletics are considered an integral part of an institution’s education program and are therefore covered by this law. It is the responsibility of the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, to assure that athletic programs are operated in a manner that is free from discrimination on the basis of sex. 504 Officer - Ms. Jill A. DelConte, Ed.D. This 1973 civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. The 504 Officer fields complaints from parents once a 504 Plan has been developed. Affirmative Action Officer - Mrs. Lynn DiPietropolo The Affirmative Action Officer monitors the district’s employment practices and procedures to insure continuing compliance with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. Monroe Township Public Schools is committed to equal educational opportunity and affirmative action. An Affirmative Action plan is approved by the State Department of Education. Affirmative action or educational access issues are to be expressed initially to the school principal. Additional information will be obtained from the above Board of Education appointed administrators Susan B. Ficke, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Monroe Township Public Schools 75 E. Academy Street Williamstown, New Jersey 08094 629-6400, Ext. 1007
SCHOOL HOURS Pre-School 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Grades K – 4 and Special Education 8:55 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Shortened Days (Grades K-4) 8:55 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. Delayed Openings (Grades K-4) 10:40 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Marking Periods Marking Period 1 September 7, 2021 – December 6, 2021 Marking Period 2 December 7, 2021 – March 14, 2022 Marking Period 3 March 16, 2022 – June 16, 2022
Oak Knoll Elementary School 2021-2022 Staff List GRADE 1 PRE-SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN Mrs. Gayle L. Butler Mrs. Erin S. Bailey Ms. Madison Dowd Mrs. Christina Hiller Ms. Kathleen McKeown Mrs. Tracy J. Gallagher Mrs. Stephanie C. Kupiec Mrs. Diana M. Voci Ms. Karley A. Hall Mrs. Michelle McGuigan Mrs. Michele T. Kreuzer Ms. Madison R. Pagliaccetti Mrs. Julie A. LoSasso Mrs. Lauren J. Parks Mrs. Allison J. McGuire Ms. Carly J. Spinuzza GRADE 2 GRADE 3 GRADE 4 Mrs. Michelle E. Basile Mrs. Cheryl A. Batchelor Mr. Joseph E. Czbas Mrs. Melissa L. DeNobile Mrs. Susan E. Jones Mrs. Deidre J. Drawdy Miss Alexis Jones Mr. Timothy C. Pileggi Jr. Mr. John B. Ford Miss. Allison J. Mancini Mrs. Alisha L. Smart Mrs. Pamela D. Gethers Mrs. Victoria L. Manfredi Mrs. Laura B. Stronski Mrs. Gina B. Malec Mrs. Jennifer L. Seidenberg Mrs. Shannon Turchi Mr. Bradley S. McQuillan Mrs. Ashley R. Meilahn SPECIAL NEEDS ROVING STAFF Mrs. Dara F. DiGerolamo – Self-Contained Ms. Jessica L. Fensch – T.A.G./S.E.A. Mrs. Tracy J. Gallagher – Inclusion/Co-Teach Class Mrs. Marilyn J. Kurz – Technology Mrs. Becky L. Johnson – Inclusion/Co-Teach Class Mr. Michael Kelsey – Inclusion/Co-Teach Class Mrs. Julie A. LoSasso – Inclusion/Co-Teach Class Miss Alison J. Mancini – Inclusion/Co-Teach Class SECRETARIES/SECRETARIAL CLERKS Ms. Danielle B. McDevitt – Self-Contained Ms. Dora Theresa Moore – Secretary Mrs. Ashley R. Meilahn– Inclusion/Co-Teach Class Mrs. Lisa A. Pintozzi – Secretarial Clerk Mrs. Penny L. Mossbrucker – Self-Contained Ms. Lauren J. Parks – Inclusion/Co-Teach Class Mrs. Laura B. Stronski – Inclusion/Co-Teach Class RELATED ARTS & SPECIALISTS ADMINISTRATION Mrs. Nancy Babich – Physical Education Ms. Kristy L. Baker – Principal Mr. Mark A. Camardo – Physical Education Mrs. Caroline Yoder, Assistant Principal Mrs. Rebecca J. Carr – Basic Skills Mrs. Cheryl L. Corbett – School Nurse RESOURCE OFFICER Mrs. Faye B. Dean – Basic Skills Officer Eric Piper Mrs. Kristine L. Fohring – Basic Skills Mr. William Graff, Jr. – Music Ms. Julie E. Harrison – Basic Skills/Head Teacher 3-HOUR PARAS (0) Mrs. Cheryl L. Laneader – School Counselor open Mrs. Suzanne E. Maxwell - Art Mrs. Joni Peterson – Basic Skills Mrs. Marleen J. Sheehan – Media Specialist Mrs. Jennifer L. Shockley – 3/7th Basic Skills ]4 - HOUR PARAS 5 – HOUR PARAS 5 - HOUR PARAS (cont.) 5.5 - HOUR PARAS Ms. Lorier Ashburn Mrs. Jennifer A. Birney Mrs. Robin F. McMaster Ms. Jessica C. Bohanonn Mrs. Karen M. Berg Mrs. Heather M. Brophy Ms. Karen M. Muller Mrs. Josephine M. Lombardi Mrs. Linda J. Caruso Mrs. Kimberly J. Brown Mrs. Charlotte E. O’Brien Mrs. Laura A. Manganello Ms. Moriah K. Fiorilli Mrs. Debra A. Crane Ms. Jennifer L. Richards Mrs. Kaitlyn Porrini Mrs. Elaine Majuri Mrs. Crystal A. Gerhart Mrs. Dawn M. Scarvaglione Mrs. Mildred Z. Woodward Ms. Taylor D. Gresh Mrs. Angela D. Talley 6-HOUR PARAS Mrs. Brookeanne H. Gregorovic Ms. Roxanne L. Wynn Mrs. Dolores A. Carothers Mrs. Barbara A. Malik Mrs. Dana M. Williams
Oak Knoll Staff Email Addresses Grade Teacher Room Email Address Pre-School Mrs. Erin S. Bailey 129 ebailey@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Pre-School Miss Kathleen McKeown 131 kmckeown@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Pre-School Mrs. Diana M. Voci 128 dvoci@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Kindergarten Miss Madison Dowd 134 rcarr@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Kindergarten Mrs. Tracy Gallagher 130 tgallagher@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Kindergarten Ms. Karley Hall 108 khall@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Kindergarten Mrs. Michele Kreuzer 130 mkreuzer@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Kindergarten Mrs. Julie A. LoSasso 134 jlosasso@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Kindergarten Mrs. Allison McGuire 133 amcguire@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Kindergarten Ms. Carly Spinuzza 109 kspinuzza@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 1 Mrs. Gayle Butler 107 gbutler@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 1 Mrs. Christina Hiller 106 chiller@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 1 Mrs. Stephanie Kupiec 231 skupiec@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 1 Mrs. Michele McGuigan 113 mmcguigan@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 1 Ms. Madison Pagliaccetti 226 mpagliaccetti@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 1 Mrs. Lauren Parks 113 lparks@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 2 Mrs. Michelle Basile 201 mbasile@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 2 Mrs. Melissa DeNobile 205 mdenobile@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 2 Miss Alexis Jones 202 ajones@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 2 Mrs. Alison Mancini 204 amancini@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 2 Mrs. Victoria Manfredi 204 vmanfredi@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 2 Mrs. Jennifer Seidenberg 206 jseidenberg@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 3 Mrs. Cheryl Batchelor 225 cbatchelor@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 3 Mrs. Susan Jones 227 sjones@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 3 Mr. Timothy Pileggi Jr. 232 tpileggi@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 3 Mrs. Alisha Smart 229 asmart@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 3 Mrs. Laura Stronski 229 lstronski@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 3 Mrs. Shannon Turchi 228 sturchi@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 4 Mr. Joseph E. Czbas 234 jczbas@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 4 Mrs. Deidre Drawdy 235 ddrawdy@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 4 Mr. John Ford 220 jford@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 4 Mrs. Pamela Gethers 221 pgethers@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 4 Mrs. Gina Malec 236 gmalec@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 4 Mr. Bradley McQuillan 237 bmcquillan@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade 4 Mrs. Ashley Meilahn 236 ameilahn@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grades K-2 SC Mrs. Dara DiGerolamo 131 dgigerolamo@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grades 3/4 SC Mrs. Becky Johnson 230 bjohnson@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grades 3/4 SC Mr. Michael Kelsey 230 mkelsey@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grade K-2 SC Miss Danielle McDevitt 132 dmcdevitt@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Grades 2-4 SC Mrs. Penny Mossbrucker 137 pmossbrucker@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Art Mrs. Suzanne Maxwell 208 smaxwell@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Basic Skills Mrs. Rebecca J. Carr 209 rcarr@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Basic Skills Mrs. Faye Dean 203 fdean@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Basic Skills Mrs. Kristine Fohring 209 kfohring@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Basic Skills Ms. Julie Harrison Main Office jharrison@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Basic Skills Mrs. Joni Peterson 210 jpeterson@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Basic Skills Mrs. Jennifer Shockley 210 jshockley@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Health & PE Mrs. Nancy Babich (Gym) nbabich@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Health & PE Mr. Mark Camardo (Gym) mcamardo@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Media Specialist Mrs. Marleen Sheehan (Media Ctr.) msheehan@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Music Mr. William Graff, Jr. Cart wgraff@monroetwp.k12.nj.us School Counselor Mrs. Cheryl Laneader 111 claneader@ monroetwp.k12.nj.us School Nurse Mrs. Cheryl Corbett (Nurse) ccorbett@monroetwp.k12.nj.us T.A.G./S.E.A. Mrs. Jessica Fensch 233 jfensch@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Technology Mrs. Marilyn Kurz Main Office mkurz@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Secretary Ms. Dora Theresa Moore Main Office tmoore@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Secretarial Clerk Mrs. Lisa Pintozzi Main Office lpintozzi@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Office Para Mrs. Barbara Malik Main Office bmalik@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Head Teacher Ms. Julie Harrison Main Office jharrison@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Principal Ms. Kristy Baker Main Office kbaker@monroetwp.k12.nj.us Assistant Principal Mrs. Caroline Yoder Main Office cyoder@monroetwp.k12.nj.us
OAK KNOLL Calendar of Events 2021-2022 DAY DATE TIME ACTIVITY Wednesday September 1 School Closed Staff In-Service Thursday September 2 School Closed Staff In-Service Friday September 3 School Closed Labor Day Weekend Monday September 6 School Closed Labor Day Tuesday September 7 During School First Day of School Tuesday September 7 During School 1st Marking Period Begins Monday September 13 During School Spirit Wear Sale Begins Wednesday September 15 During School Fall Picture Day Tuesday September 21 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Back-To-School Night Monday – Friday September 20 - 24 During School PTO Fall Scholastic Book Fair Friday September 24 During School Spirit Wear Sale Ends Monday – Monday October 4 - 18 During School Joe Corbi Fundraiser Tuesday October 5 7:00 p.m. PTO Meeting Monday October 11 School Closed Staff In-Service Monday – Friday October 18 – 22 8:55 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Shortened Day – Parent Conferences Thursday October 21 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Evening Parent Conferences Friday October 29 During School Halloween Parade Friday October 29 8:55 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. Shortened Day for All Students Tuesday November 2 School Closed Election Day Thursday & Friday November 4 & 5 Schools Closed NJEA Convention Monday – Friday November 15 -19 TBD Joe Corbi Fundraiser Delivery Tuesday November 16 10:00 a.m. Terrific Kids Wednesday November 24 During School Fall Picture Make-Up Day Wednesday November 24 8:55 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Shortened Day for All Students Thursday & Friday November 25 & 26 Schools Closed Thanksgiving Recess Monday December 6 During School 1st Marking Period Ends Monday – Friday December 6 – 10 During School PTO Holiday Shop Tuesday December 7 During School 2nd Marking Period Begins Tuesday December 7 7:00 p.m. PTO Meeting Tuesday December 21 7:00 p.m. Winter Choral Concert Thursday December 23 8:55 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Shortened Day for All Students Friday – Friday December 24 – Schools Closed Winter Recess December 31 Tuesday January 11 10:00 a.m. Terrific Kids Monday January 17 Schools Closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Friday January 21 Schools Closed Staff In-Service Tuesday February 1 7:00 p.m. PTO Meeting Monday February 7 Schools Closed Staff In-Service Friday February 11 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Winter Wonderland Dance Monday February 21 Schools Closed Presidents’ Day Observance Monday – Friday February 28 – During School PTO Spring Scholastic Book Fair March 4 Tuesday March 8 10:00 a.m. Terrific Kids Monday March 14 During School 2nd Marking Period Ends Tuesday March 15 During School 3rd Marking Period Begins Wednesday - Friday March 23 - 25 8:55 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Shortened Day – Parent Conferences Thursday March 24 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Evening Parent Conferences
Tuesday March 29 During School Spring Picture Day Tuesday April 5 7:00 p.m. PTO Meeting Friday April 8 6:00 p.m. Variety Show DAY DATE TIME ACTIVITY Wednesday April 13 During School Special Persons Day Thursday – Tuesday April 14 – 19 School Closed Spring Recess Thursday April 28 During School Take Your Kid To Work Day Monday – Friday May 2 – May 6 During School Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Tuesday May 10 10:00 a.m. Terrific Kids Tuesday May 24 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Spring Concert/Art Expo Friday May 27 School Closed Memorial Day Weekend Monday May 30 School Closed Memorial Day Friday June 3 During School PTO Spring Fun Day Monday June 6 During School PTO Spring Fun Day – Rain Day Tuesday June 7 School Closed Staff In-Service Wednesday June 8 10:00 a.m. Terrific Kids Wednesday June 8 4:00 p.m. PTO Meeting Wednesday June 9 10:00 a.m. 4th Grade Farewell Thursday June 16 8:55 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. Last Day of School Report Cards Sent Home 8/12/2021
RESOLUTION FOR COMPLIANCE OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW FOR THE MONROE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION WHEREAS, Public Law 1975, Chapter 231, Open Public Meetings Law was enacted into law on October 21, 1975, and took effect on January 19, 1976, and; WHEREAS, the declared purpose of the Open Public Meetings Law also referred to as the “Sunshine Law”, is to ensure the right of all citizens to have advance notice of and to attend all meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon, with certain limited exceptions to protect the public interest and preserve personal privacy, and; WHEREAS, the Monroe Township Board of Education does hereby wish to comply with the general requirement of the law; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Monroe Township Board of Education does hereby establish the following schedule of regular meetings to be held by the said Board for the 2019-2020 school year and through to December 16, 2021: Regular Meetings January 7, 2021 – Re-Organization – 7 p.m. January 21, 2021, February 18, 2021, March 4, 2021 – Special Budget Meeting March 18, 2021, April 15, 2021 – Personnel Recommendations May 6, 2021 – Tentative Budget Public Hearing June 3, 2021, June 24, 2021 – End of year meeting July 15, 2021, August 19, 2021 September 16, 2021, October 21, 2021, November 18, 2021, December 16, 2021. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the aforementioned regular meetings shall be held at 6:00 P.M., prevailing time in the Williamstown High School Lecture Hall, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that regular items of business may be conducted at Committee-Workshop meetings provided that the Board convenes as a body prior to 8:00 P.M., prevailing time, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Monroe Township Board of Education will immediately, after calling the regular meeting to order, retire to Executive Session at 6:00 p.m. (caucus) to discuss matters pertaining to negotiations, personnel, and/or litigation or other matters as permitted by the Open Public Meetings Act. The Board will resume the regular public meeting at or about 7:00 p.m. immediately following the Executive Session; I hereby certify the above to be a true copy of a resolution adopted at the Reorganization Meeting of the Monroe Township Board of Education held on January 7, 2021.
Policies and Procedures for Oak Knoll Elementary School
ARRIVING AT SCHOOL All pupils who walk to school or are transported by car should arrive between 8:40 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. Students must be in class at 8:55 a.m. to avoid being marked late. Parents are responsible for their child/ren prior to 8:40 a.m. Students should not be left unattended prior to school opening. ARRIVING AT SCHOOL LATE Students arriving late to school after 8:55 must sign-in at the main office upon their arrival. A late pass will be issued to the student before he/she is permitted to proceed to the classroom. A documented lateness will be given if the student has a doctor’s note ONLY. All other lateness’s will be considered unexcused. Lateness to school disrupts the student’s day, puts him/her at a disadvantage and may mean he/she misses critical directions/assignments, etc. State Statute (18A:38-25, 26) as well as school district policies and regulations state that children must attend school regularly and on time. We will therefore be closely monitoring student lateness. The following district procedure will be strictly adhered to: 1. When a student is late to school 3 times during a month, a letter is sent home and a demerit is issued. 2. If a student accumulates 4 late demerits (which equals 12 latenesses to school), the student may be suspended from school for 1 day. 3. A student that is not late for 30 days following the issuance of a late demerit will have the demerit removed. Being on time to school promotes a strong work ethic necessary for success in the world of work. Encourage your student to be on time for school to ensure a successful academic career. ATTENDANCE The Board of Education requires that pupils enrolled in the schools of this district attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the State. (Policy #5200) School attendance shall be a factor in the determination of a pupil’s promotion or retention. Only extenuating circumstances should permit the promotion of a pupil who has been in attendance fewer than 160 days during the school year. Policy #5410 Students must have a written explanation for their absences on the day they return to school. A doctor’s note is required when a student is absent five (5) days or more. In order for us to dismiss a child early, the child’s teacher must receive a written request from a parent or guardian, and the Principal must approve the request. The parent or guardian must come to the school office to pick up the child. The office staff will call the teacher to send the child to the office for early dismissal. If a non-parent/guardian is being sent to retrieve a child, such as a grandparent or friend, the note must specify the name of the person, and that person must show ID in order to sign the student out. Students dismissed between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. are charged with a half-day absence; beyond 1:30 p.m. is considered a full-day present; prior to 11:00 a.m. students are marked absent for the day.
BICYCLES Any parent or guardian who permits their child to ride a bicycle to school must present a written and signed note to the Principal. HELMETS ARE A LAW AND MUST BE WORN. If a student receives permission to commute to school on a bicycle, then he/she must park their bicycle in the designated area, by the side parking lot where there is a bike-rack to secure it. The school is not responsible for lost or vandalized equipment. In the interest of safety, bicycle riding is not permitted on the walks or the grounds of the school. BUS TRANSPORTATION Each student who rides a bus to and from school MAY NOT use any other bus except for one assigned to him/her. If a bus student plans to go home by any other means than his/her regularly assigned bus, we MUST have a written note from his/her parent or guardian on record in the school office. A bus pass will be issued from the office once the note is verified. Parent Responsibility 1. Help the driver stay on schedule by making sure pupils get to their bus stops on time. 2. Do not ask the drivers to stop at places other than the regular bus stop. Drivers are not permitted to do this except by authorization from a school official. 3. Teach your children to be courteous and respectful to the bus driver. 4. Take time to review with your child the school bus rules and regulations listed below. Rules and Regulations It is a privilege for students to ride school buses, and the privilege will be temporarily or permanently revoked if the student disobeys the following rules and regulations. Parents or guardians of any student who damages the bus shall be liable for the amount of damage to the Board of Education. 1. Leave home early enough to arrive at the bus stop on time. 2. While walking to/from the bus stop, do not use the property of others as a “short cut.” 3. Wait for your bus in a safe place – well off the roadway. 4. Do not destroy or damage surrounding property while waiting for the bus. 5. Do not fight, bully, harass, or use inappropriate language on the way to, or at the bus stop. 6. Do not cause crowding or push when getting on or off the bus. While on the Bus 1. Follow the instructions of your school bus driver or bus aide. 2. Go immediately to your assigned seat, buckle your seatbelt, and remain seated until you have arrived at your destination. 3. Keep arms or other body parts inside the school bus at all times after entering and until leaving the bus. 4. Keep all parts of your body and your belongings out of the aisle.
5. Be quiet and orderly at all times. 6. Be courteous and obey the bus driver. 7. Respect the rights of others. Be courteous to fellow passengers. 8. Do not distract or disturb the bus driver or other children. 9. Do not throw or project any objects on the bus or out of the bus window. 10. Do not use unacceptable language and do not call out to pedestrians and motorists. 11. Students will be held responsible and pay for any damage to bus equipment. 12. Be alert to traffic when leaving the bus. Bus Discipline and Procedures Riding the school bus is a privilege. Breaking the rules will result in the loss of this privilege for a period of time. The “Four Step Plan for Student Management” is as follows: FIRST OFFENSE: The administrator, depending upon the infraction will have the option of either warning the student or denying the student the privilege of riding the school bus. If the student is denied the privilege of riding the school bus, a meeting with the bus driver, student, parents, and bus company designee and administrator will be held at the option of the administrator or parent. The bus driver may also request a meeting. SECOND OFFENSE: A second infraction may result in the student losing the privilege to ride the school bus. The length of suspension will be determined by the administrator and based upon the Discipline Policy established by the Board of Education. The administrator has the option of warning the student a second time, if the length of time between referrals is substantial and the infraction is a minor one. THIRD OFFENSE: The student may lose the privilege of riding the school bus until a face-to-face conference is held with the student, the parent, the bus driver, transportation office designee and administrator. The administrator will determine the length of the suspension. FOURTH & SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES: Steps for the third offense will be followed, plus the student may lose the privilege of riding the school bus the remainder of the school year. CAFETERIA PROCEDURES The following guidelines apply in the cafeteria: • Upon entering the cafeteria, students will line up in one (1) of two (2) lines on the ramp; one on the left for students purchasing their lunch, and one in the center for students who brought their lunch. • Each morning the teachers will collect money from those students purchasing lunch or snack and forward to the Cafeteria staff. The monies will be credited to the student’s account before he/she arrives for their designated lunch period. This practice allows the students to be able to move through the line much quicker and enjoy more of the time allotted for their lunch. • With more than 100 students eating at a time, we must try to maintain order. In order for students to move about the cafeteria (to purchase a snack, use the restroom, to throw away trash, etc.), they must raise their hand and be acknowledged by the paraprofessionals monitoring the cafeteria. • All students are expected to clean up their table area after eating.
• Students are encouraged to eat their lunch before getting snacks. • Any student wishing to join a friend and sit at the table designated for students with food allergies, must have his/her lunch checked by a paraprofessional to insure that no food puts others at risk. • Students must remember to take lunch with them to the cafeteria. If forgotten, students may not return to classrooms, which are locked at all times. CAFETERIA SERVICES Chartwells Dining Services provides nutritious meals for all schools in the district. Breakfast and Lunch are available to all students grade 1-12 and both programs are governed by the USDA’s National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs. All students should have a completed “lunch application” on file. Even if you feel your student does not qualify for free or reduced lunch benefits, we encourage you to complete the application. Should your status change during the course of the school year, you may reapply for free and reduced meal benefits. All students who qualify for free and reduced lunch are also qualified for free and reduced breakfast. PRICING Breakfast Free - No Cost For All Students During The 2021-2022 School Year Lunch - Free - No Cost For All Students During The 2021-2022 School Year Registers/How It Works A computerized register system is in place so we may better serve the students and account for purchases made. This system utilizes your student’s ID number for purchasing breakfast, lunch, and a la carte items in the cafeteria. Your child will be given an ID number to access his/her cafeteria account. Students will enter the ID number into a keypad near the register while in line. When they reach the register their “cafeteria account,” along with a picture ID, will be brought up onto a screen. Students who qualify for free or reduced meals or pre-pay for meals will have this information available to the cashier automatically. If your child forgets his/her ID number the cashier can access the account by last name. Unfortunately, this will slow the line down, so we will work with students to help them remember their ID number. When students do not have money to pay for lunch they will be afforded the opportunity to charge a meal. Letters will be sent home to parent s/ guardians at the end of the month if a student has a negative balance. Students who charge five meals will be subject to revoked school privileges. How to Make Payments You may send in cash or check made out to “Monroe Twp BOE Café” to deposit funds into your student’s lunch account. There is no minimum or maximum to the amount of money you can deposit into your child’s account. When sending in a check or cash put it in an envelope with your child’s name and ID # on it. Students who only purchase snack, milk or a la carte items, may also have money added on their account for that purpose. Student Debit System An account will be established for every student. For the purpose of tracking food service transactions and student access to the debit account system, all students will be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Parents may deposit funds by either mailing a check to the food service department or by crediting it to their credit card via the internet. Meal/Debit System Policy In the event that a student forgets his/her money or that the debit account is depleted, or carries a negative balance from one school year to another, the student will be provided a basic lunch that will contain the
essentials in balanced nutritional selections as prescribed by the Bureau of Child Nutrition Programs, New Jersey Department of Agriculture (peanut butter and jelly sandwich or cheese sandwich, fruit and milk component) and the cost of the meal will be added to the student’s food service debit account. • Snacks and a la carte items will not be purchased while account is in arrears. • At the end of the day, all transactions will be reported to the Principal's office. • The Principal shall send correspondence to the home of the parent(s) reminding them to make payment in full. • Parents/guardians will be charged a bounced check fee in accordance with bank charges. N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-42.1; 18A:33-3 et seq.; 18A:58-7.1 N.J.A.C. 6A:23-2.6 et seq. N.J.A.C. 8:24-2.1 through 7.5 District Policy 8550- OUTSTANDING FOOD SERVICE CHARGES Section: Operations Date Created: October, 2015 Date Edited: June, 2016 The Board of Education understands a student may forget to bring breakfast or lunch, as applicable, or money to purchase breakfast or lunch to school on a school day. When this happens, the food service program will provide the student with breakfast or lunch with an expectation payment will be made the next school day or shortly thereafter. However, there may be circumstances when payment is not made and a student’s school breakfast/lunch bill is in arrears. The school district will manage a student’s breakfast or lunch bill that is in arrears in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:33- 21 and this Policy. In the event a student’s school lunch or breakfast bill is in arrears, the Principal or designee shall contact the student’s parent to provide notice of the amount in arrears and shall provide the parent a period of ten school days to pay the full amount due. If the student’s parent does not make full payment to the Principal or designee by the end of the ten school days, the Principal or designee shall again contact the student’s parent to provide a second notice that their child’s lunch or breakfast bill is in arrears. If payment in full is not made within one week from the date of the second notice, the student will become ineligible for extracurricular activities until the bill is paid in full and will be provided a basic lunch that will contain the essentials in balanced nutritional selections as prescribed by the Bureau of Child Nutrition Programs, New Jersey Department of Agriculture beginning the eighth calendar day from the date of the second notice. A parent who has received a second notice their child’s lunch or breakfast bill is in arrears and who has not made payment in full within one week from the date of the second notice will be requested to meet with the Principal or designee to discuss and resolve the matter. A parent’s refusal to meet or take other steps to resolve the matter may be indicative of more serious issues in the family or household. In these situations, the Principal or designee shall consult with and seek necessary services from both the County Board of Social Services and the Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency, as appropriate.
When a parent’s routine failure to provide breakfast or lunch is reasonably suspected to be indicative of child abuse or neglect, the Principal or designee shall immediately report such suspicion to the Department of Children and Families, Division of Child Protection and Permanency as required in N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10. Such reporting shall not be delayed to accommodate a parent’s meeting with the Principal or designee. The provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:33-21 and this Policy will be made available to parents of all children in the school district in a manner as determined by the Superintendent. N.J.S.A. 18A:33-21 Adopted: 15 October 2015 Revised: 23 June 2016 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY Each student is responsible for keeping their school, and the grounds surrounding it, neat and clean. Students are to leave pencils, crayons, markers, pens, or other writing implements in the classroom when they go to the lavatory. Parents or guardians of any student who damages or destroys any school property shall be liable to the Board of Education for the amount of the damage. Students should be aware: Teachers and school administration may search their desk area at any time deemed necessary. CHEWING GUM Chewing gum is prohibited at all times in and around the school, on the school bus, on field trips, or at any school function. CLASSROOM VISITS We welcome parent involvement however we need to avoid instructional disruptions as much as possible. Therefore, adults may not visit a classroom unless special arrangements have been made with the classroom teacher and approved by the principal. DISCIPLINE Discipline is everyone’s responsibility. Any disciplinary action taken by a school official is intended to effect a favorable change in student behavior. We try to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and one which encourages proper conduct. It shall be the responsibility of each teacher to enforce the rules of the school at all times. The initial counseling or disciplinary action shall be his or her duty. When a student is sent to the office, the administrator in charge or head teacher will enforce established penalties after a thorough investigation of the offense. When an office referral is made, parents will be contacted by the referring teacher and/or an administrator to inform the parents of the specific incident warranting the referral. The disciplinary action shall include one or a combination of the following: 1) Counseling, 2) Parent Conference, 3) Detention (recess time or after school), 4) Demerits, 5) Out-Of-School Suspension. A written record of any student sent to the office will be maintained. Communication to parents of students who demonstrate inappropriate behavior/conduct will be done by telephone call and/or letter. Demerits are given for repeated referrals to the office for minor offenses or immediately upon the first referral for the more serious offenses. Parents will be notified of all demerits issued. The accumulation of four (4) demerits will lead to a suspension from school for up to three (3) days. Good conduct for a 30-day period
will result in the elimination of one (1) demerit. Severe disciplinary situations can warrant an automatic suspension. Rules of Conduct All students are bound by law, policies of the Board of Education, and the administrative regulations of this school district. The behavior of all children should reflect the 5 Core Values associated with our Community of Caring: 1. Caring 2. Respect 3. Responsibility 4. Trust 5. Family With those core beliefs in mind, students shall: a. be respectful and responsive to all directives of teachers or other staff members. b. not use threatening words or actions against others. c. respect the property of the school and others. d. demonstrate tolerance toward others e. use appropriate language at all times f. follow all school rules. Harassment, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB) Monroe Township Public Schools have adopted the Olweus Anti-Bullying program to address the new state HIB law. Under this new law, HIB is defined as: …any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds as provided for in section 16 of P.L.2010, c.122 (C.18A:37-15.3), that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students that: a. a reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to his person or damage to his property; b. has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students; or c. creates a hostile educational environment for the student by interfering with a student’s education or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the student. In addition, the Olweus program identifies bullying as “when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending him/herself.” The Olweus program is based upon four basic rules governing anti-bullying behavior, and emphasizes that all students should take an active stance against any type of bullying behavior—“Be the G” is the catch phrase because in the Olweus Bullying Circle (A-G), A is the student being bullied, the G is the active defender against bullying behavior. B through F represent varying levels of involvement with the bullying behavior. All students should ascribe to “be the G.” The following rules will be shared with all students and staff, and will be reinforced throughout the school year: Rule 1: We will not bully others. Rule 2: We will help students who are bullied.
Rule 3: We will include students who are left out. Rule 4: If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home. Each allegation of HIB MUST be reported to the principal or designated bullying specialist in each building, and thoroughly investigated. Afterward, any action deemed to be an act of bullying, is reported to the superintendent, and ultimately the Board of Education. Incidents of bullying will not be tolerated, or taken lightly. Corrective action will be taken in the instances of HIB, including, but not limited to discipline and counseling, depending upon the severity of the negative action. The student being bullied, in addition to the bully, will be provided counseling. With increased awareness, and the Olweus program, the goal is to stamp out all types of harassment, intimidation and bullying. Together with the staff, parents, and students Oak Knoll will be an anti-bully zone! (For district HIB policy, see the district website under Students & Parents). DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES As part of our commitment to provide a safe and secure arrival and dismissal from school the following procedures will be followed: WALKERS: The walkers will be dismissed from the Bodine Avenue South Entrance/Exit and escorted down the sidewalk to the corner of Church Street. There the crossing guard will cross them. We ask parents who are coming on a sporadic basis to park in the Little League Lot on Church Street so that the children can follow a consistent pattern. CAR RIDERS: Please adhere to the following: IN THE MORNING: Those who wish to literally drop-off (remaining in your vehicle) should continue to follow the already-established procedures and pull all the way up to the designated sign and have your child exit your car curbside. Parents are to remain in their cars. Teachers on duty will help your child get out of the car. Please DO NOT stop at the front door to drop your child off, you must pull up if space is available. DO NOT park in that side lot and send your child through the line of cars. We have seen several children almost hit by this practice. NO ONE is to park in that side lot for drop-off or pick-up PARKING ~ MORNING: Those who wish to park should park in one of the parking lots across Bodine Avenue, either the main lot, or the Maple Grove lot AND walk your child to the CROSSWALK for safe passage. AFTERNOON: Parents who wish to pick up their child(ren) at dismissal (3:30pm) are to line up along the front of the building and remain in their car. Students will be dismissed via the door closest to Church Street. Please have the placard that will be issued to all car riders displayed in your front window. Parents must remain IN THEIR CARS. Teachers on duty will help students get into the car. We are deeply concerned with the safety of all children and appreciate your anticipated cooperation in this matter.
EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURE It is important that your child remains in school until dismissal time each day. Please do not sign him/her out of school prior to 3:30 unless it is absolutely necessary. The end of the day is an important time - children are finishing work, receiving last minute instructions, and organizing their homework and belongings. Leaving early may be detrimental to your child and may disrupt the class routine. We understand that medical appointments or family emergencies may arise. In these instances, please send a note to your child’s teacher that day so that the teacher will have the child prepared to leave school. “Beating the rush in the parking lot” before dismissal time is not a reason to sign your child out early. This also applies to early dismissal days. If an early dismissal is necessary, it should take place before 3:15 p.m. NO STUDENT WILL BE DISMISSED BETWEEN 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The parent should report to the general office to sign out and receive your child. Office personnel will notify the teacher to send the student to the office. Please do not request that your child be sent to the office prior to your arrival to have him/her wait for you. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will any adult be permitted to go to the classroom to pick up a child. If you should happen to go to the classroom, the teacher will ask you to report to the office and will not turn any child over to any adult unless notified by the office. This practice is part of our safety procedures for the children of Oak Knoll. Your immediate assistance and cooperation is greatly appreciated. It is important to everyone that the momentum of the learning atmosphere not be interrupted. ELECTRONIC DEVICES Students are not to bring electronic devices to school, including, but not limited to: iPods, cell phones, and hand-held game systems. If a student has any such device in view, it will be taken and ONLY returned to a parent/guardian. If a student MUST carry a cell phone, as directed by you, the parent/guardian, it must remain away (backpack/cubby) and off during the course of the school day. ELEVATOR ACCESS Only students with a doctor-verified medical condition will be permitted to use the elevator. Students using the elevator will have an escort. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students are encouraged to become involved in non-academic activities in order to gain a sense of community, sharing, giving, and altruism. In addition, students benefit from involvement in organizations that peak their interest and enhance a sense of self-worth. However, students who choose to participate in extra-curricular activities are responsible for any missed assignments due to their participation in any given activity. Students must maintain adequate grades and class performance in order to continue participation in extra-curricular activities. If academic performance is jeopardized by such participation, the child will be removed from the activity.
FAMILY NIGHTS Designated Family Nights have been set aside to encourage families to enjoy the evening together without the stress of needing to complete homework. Throughout the school year there will be school-sponsored activities on Family Nights providing opportunities for structured fun. If not, families are encouraged to spend time together just enjoying one-another’s company. FIRE, EVACUATION, and LOCK-DOWN DRILLS (School Security Drill) The purpose of a drill is to practice evacuating or locking-down the building quickly, orderly and safely. We are responsible for conducting one fire-drill and one other type of security drill each month. HEALTH OFFICE POLICY AND PROCEDURE VISITING THE NURSE: Students who request to see the nurse must have a referral slip from the teacher/paraprofessional stating the reason for the visit. If in the professional opinion of the nurse, the student’s condition interferes with the student’s ability to perform adequately in class, you or a designated person on the emergency card will be contacted to pick the student up from school. ATTENDING SCHOOL WITH AN INJURY: If a student is to attend school with a cast, crutches, sling, boot, etc., a NOTE FROM THE PHYSICIAN stating the student’s clearance to attend school and any limitations or restrictions MUST be provided to the school nurse BEFORE the student is allowed into the classroom. WHEN SHOULD I KEEP MY CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL Every day we have children who are absent or sent home from school with various illnesses. Please remember to follow these guidelines in determining when your child is healthy enough to return to school: Students should be “fever-free” (less than 100.0 F) for a full 24 hours before returning to school. Fever free means without the aid of a fever reducing medication. Students should be able to tolerate foods/fluids for a full 24 hours following a “stomach bug” with vomiting and/or diarrhea and be symptom free for 24 hours. Students diagnosed with a strep infection should have 24 hours of antibiotic and should feel well before returning to school. The common cold: Since transmission of the common cold typically occurs before symptoms develop, it is not necessary to exclude children with a mild disease. However, a child with a fever, fatigue, constant coughing, lack of appetite or inability to concentrate on school activities should be allowed to remain home. Having sick children come to school only to be sent home shortly after arrival makes the child uncomfortable, inconveniences the parent, and exposes other children who then become sick also. For now, stay healthy. Take some time to observe your child to make sure they are free from these nasty germs that are going around. When children feel well and are healthy, they enjoy school more and learn better. Plenty of rest, a nutritious diet and good hand washing are our best defenses against spreading illness. Please reinforce this with your children. Thank you.
HOME STUDY HABITS – SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS 1. Get involved with what your child is doing in school. a. Keep a journal b. Ask your child questions about what he/she does in school c. Communicate concerns with the teacher 2. Help your child with organization. a. Set aside a work area for doing homework b. Have a supply box that is well maintained c. Have an established time for doing homework 3. Provide on-going academic support (even when there’s no homework!) a. Make it a routine to read to your child and have them read to you. b. Get your child a town library card and take advantage of the reading selections offering a variety of reading materials. c. Have various reading materials available for your child at home. d. Compliment your child’s strengths and give praise often. e. Play learning games. f. Talk to your child about subjects that are interesting to them. g. Listen to your child. h. Write notes to your child and encourage him/her to write letters to relatives, friends, etc. i. Subscribe to a children’s magazine in your child’s name. j. Encourage your child to keep a scrapbook. k. Look up words in the dictionary. 4. Have your child become more responsible. a. Encourage him/her to pack his/her own schoolbag. b. Give your child specific duties to perform on a regular basis at home. c. Let your child help you prepare dinner. 5. Give your child meaningful incentives. a. Let your child pick the dessert or dinner menu. b. Let him/her pick a video to watch. c. Allow your child to select a bedtime story to read, or give extra “awake” time to read. d. Have your child pick a family weekend activity. 6. Get involved early with the Oak Knoll Community: a. Attend Back-to-School Night and conferences. b. Keep communication open between you and the teacher/s. c. Be sure to be familiar with the classroom teacher’s policies. d. Join the Parent Teacher Organization. e. Keep abreast of the calendar of events and attend as many as you can. HOME STUDY HABITS – SPECIFIC FOR – GRADES K-2 1. Go through your child’s backpack daily; check for important notices from the teacher. 2. Go over directions for assignments with your child, have your child repeat them to you. 3. Make sure your child’s manuscript is written neatly and correctly. 4. Guide your child when completing homework. 5. Assist your child with organization, making sure there is an area set aside for folders, books, homework, etc.
HOMEWORK REQUESTS When your child is absent from school and you wish to obtain homework, please contact the Oak Knoll School office between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM. The telephone number is (856) 728-3944. Requesting the work during this hour will allow the teacher to have work ready for pickup between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. When calling to request homework, please provide the following: Child’s name Child’s teacher Type of book/s or materials already at home Reason for absence Anticipated number of days absent Name of person picking up the work for home INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) Oak Knoll Elementary School follows all IPM protocols for treating pests in and around the building. Methods of treating any pest problems always begin with non-chemical remedies. Specific information regarding IPM practices is located in the main office, or can be discussed by contacting Butch Burgland, Director of Operations at the central administration building: 856-262-8200, ext. 2436. LOST AND FOUND All articles found on school property should be brought to the office. Do not forget to check in the office or Nurse's office if you have lost an item. All unclaimed articles will be disposed of at the end of the school year. PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION - PTO Our staff and the Parent/Teacher Organization of Oak Knoll Elementary School intend to work together for the benefit of the students. Volunteers are always welcome and needed for the PTO. The PTO meeting dates are given on the Calendar of Events in the front of this booklet. Annual dues are $5.00. Each parent is encouraged to join the PTO, attend its meetings, and support its fundraisers as they fund many school projects and improvements, benefiting all students. In addition, current information regarding PTO events and activities, and important notices are available from the district website. Executive Committee Mrs. Antonia Doelling, President Mrs. Danielle Casalunovo, Vice President Mrs. Jes Ball, Secretary Mrs. Yvonne O’Donnell, Treasurer PLAYGROUND On days when students are permitted to go outdoors, the following rules must be obeyed: 1. Play in the assigned areas of the playground; never leaving school grounds. 2. Fighting, pushing, tackling, and throwing rocks or sand is prohibited. 3. Baseballs (hard balls), softballs and outside footballs are not permitted on the playground. 4. Students may not bring hand-held electronic games, head sets, etc. for use at lunch or on the playground.
5. At the conclusion of the playground period (recess), a teacher or an aide will blow a whistle. At that time, all students are to walk in an orderly manner to form a line on the sidewalk and proceed back into the building under supervision. PROMOTION AND RETENTION The Board of Education recognizes that each child develops and grows in a unique pattern and that students should be placed in the educational setting most appropriate to his/her social, physical, and educational needs. Each student enrolled in this district shall be moved forward in a continuous program of learning in harmony with his/her own development. Standards for student promotion shall be related to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and district goals and objectives. A student in the elementary grades will be promoted to the next succeeding grade level unless significant gaps in academic development are present, and it is believe to be in the best interest of the child to repeat a grade. We want all children prepared for a successful learning experience in the next grade. Promotion policies and procedures will be provided to parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as appropriate. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and students shall be regularly informed during the school year of the student’s progress toward meeting promotion standards. A teacher who determines that a student’s progress may not be sufficient to meet promotion standards shall notify the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and the student and offer immediate consultation to the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Every effort shall be made to remediate a student’s deficiencies before retention is recommended. Procedures for Student Promotion 1. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and students will be provided via on-line a minimum of three reports each year as to a student's progress towards meeting promotion standards. 2. Teachers who determine that a student's progress may not be sufficient to meet promotion standards shall notify the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the student and offer consultation with parents or legal guardians. 3. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified no later than four weeks prior to the end of the year when the possibility of a student not being promoted is determined. 4. Attendance shall be a factor in the determination of a student's promotion or retention. Only extenuating circumstances should permit the promotion of an elementary student fewer than 160 days during the school year. 5. Classroom teachers shall provide input to the Principal who makes the final decision concerning the promotion or retention of each student. 6. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may appeal a promotion/retention decision to the Superintendent whose decision is final. SCHOOL (EMERGENCY) CLOSINGS Our school closing number is “811” and it will be announced on radio station KYW in the event of school closing due to snow. You may also access our web site at www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us, KYW1060.com or you can call KYW News radio School Closing Line at 1-900-737-1060 for 95 cents a call by punching in the school number “811” and on TV: KYW-3, WPVI-6 or NBC-10. The school will not be responsible for pupils after emergency dismissal. Parents who are not home during school hours should make arrangements for their children in advance of such emergencies. Students are to be made aware of where they are to go if an emergency closing should be necessary.
You can also read