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2007-2008
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This handbook has been created to establish a foundation of understanding between home and school. We believe that being aware of basic policies and procedures at
With mutual cooperation, we at
On behalf of the White Township Board of Education,
faculty and staff -
Linda M. Heilman,
Chief School Administrator
Protocol for Resolving Conflict
- Contact classroom teacher or specialist
- If the issues is not resolved:Contact the administration
- If the issue is not resolved: Contact the Bd. of Education
Mr. Gary Meddaugh (meddaugh@warrennet.org) President
Committees: Finance, Special Services, Planning & Expansion, Public Relations, Board Funds Appeal
Mr. Jeffrey Herb (herb@warrennet.org) Vice President
Committees: Board policy, Building & Grounds, Finance, Planning Board Liaison, Transportation
Mr. Nelson Abrams (abrams@warrennet.org)
Committees: Building & Grounds, Textbook & Curriculum, Planning & Expansion, Public Relations
Mr. Ronald Buckenmyer (buckenmyer@warrennet.org)
Committees: Personnel, Building & Grounds, Board Policy, Finance
Dr. John Fritz (fritz@warrennet.org)
Committees: Textbook & Curriculum, Board Policy, Special Services, Board Funds Appeal, Finance
Mr. Stephen Muscat (muscat@warrennet.org)
Committees: Textbook & Curriculum, Transportation, Personnel, Public Relations
Mr. Frank Panetta (panetta@warrennet.org)
Committees: Building & Grounds, Planning & Expansion, Planning Board Liaison, Board Funds Appeal
Mr. David Rader (rader@warrennet.org) Belvidere BOE Representative
Committee; Transportation
Mrs. Anna Marie Skoog (skoog@warrennet.org)
Committees: Personnel, Board Policy, Special Services, Public Relations
Mrs. Donna Palmiere (palmiere@warrennet.org) Bd. Sec./Bus. Adm.
Ms. Kathleen Reinalda Custodian of School Monies
The White Township Board of Education meetings are held at the White Township Municipal Building the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 PM. Meetings are open to the public and the community is encouraged to attend.
ADMINISTRATION
Mrs. Linda Heilman (heilman@warrennet.org) Chief School Administrator
Mrs. Trish Meyers(meyers@warrennet.org) Transportation/CST Secretary
Mrs. Ann Carlson (carlson@warrennet.org) Office Staff/Receptionist
The White Township Board of Education operates a single K-8 elementary school located at the intersection of County Route 519 and U.S. Route 46. The district has a pupil population of approximately 450 students at the elementary level and sends over 170 pupils to
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education, administration and staff of White Township Consolidated School White Township Consolidated School
Vision & Mission Statements
The vision of
Educational Goals
The school community accepts the responsibility for coordinating available resources in the school, community and at home in an effort to guide each pupil toward becoming confident, productive, and contributing members of a global society. We believed that every pupil should be given the opportunity to:
1. Develop the ability to think logically and creatively;
2. Recognize the inter-relatedness of all subjects in the curriculum and relate them to the needs of society;
3. Learn to express ideas and participate meaningfully in spoken, written, and nonverbal communication;
4. Search for, organize, evaluate, and apply information;
5. Acquire the mathematical skills, understandings, and attitudes necessary to be successful in daily lives and careers;
6. Understand mathematical concepts, pose and solve meaningful problems, and use technology to solve problems;
7. Understand fundamental scientific principles and develop scientific skills;
8. Understand the principles and acquire the skills needed to participate
intelligently in public affairs and national state and local decision-making;
9. Understand that the arts are products of complex social, cultural, and
intellectual trends and that this understanding can lead to creative and inventive decision-making and communication;
10. Develop the ability to obtain, interpret and understand basic health information and services and to use this information to enhance health;
11. Develop a physically active lifestyle and understand the benefits of involvement in physical activity; and
12. Develop positive work habits and self-management skills.
DAILY OPERATIONS
Length of School Day
Kindergarten
Morning Sessions 9:00 AM to 11:50 AM
Afternoon Session 12:25 PM to 3:15 PM
Grades 1-8 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM
Early Arrival To School
The school will be open for students at 9:00 AM each school day. Please be sure that your child does not arrive before 9:00 AM, since no supervision can be provided.
Attendance
Developing habits of punctuality and regular attendance help determine success through school and into adult life. Students should be absent from school only in cases of illness and emergencies. Unnecessary absences tend to minimize the value of school and interfere with a student's progress. The following is a summary of newly adopted Board of Education Policy that is in keeping with state mandates.
1. A pupil will be considered to have attended school if he/she has been present at least four (4) hours during the school day. [A kindergarten pupil will be considered to have attended school if he/she is present at least two (2) hours during the session to which he/she is assigned.]
2. "Excused absence" consists of:
a. A pupil's illness
b. Family illness or death
c. Educational opportunities
d. Excused religious observances
e. Required attendance in court
f. Interviews with an admissions officer of an institution of higher education
f. Necessary and unavoidable medical or dental appointments that cannot be
scheduled at a time other than the school day
g. An absence for a reason not listed above, but deemed excused by the Chief School Administrator or her designee, upon a written request by the pupil's parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence and requesting that the absence be an excused absence
3. "Unexcused absence" is a pupil's absence for all or part of a school day for any reason other than those listed in #2 above.
4. Notice to school of a pupil's absence
a. The parent or legal guardian is requested to call the school office before 9:00 AM on the morning of the pupil's absence. (Parents/guardians of afternoon kindergarten pupils are asked to call the school office before 11:00 AM.)
5. Readmission to school after an absence
a. A pupil returning from an absence of any length must present to the school nurse a written statement, dated and signed by the parent(s) or guardian(s), of the reason for the absence.
b. A note explaining a pupil's absence for noncommunicable illness for more than three (3) school days must be accompanied by a physician's statement of the pupil's illness.
c. A pupil who has been absent by reason of having or being suspected of having a communicable disease must present to the school nurse written evidence of being free of communicable disease.
6. Instruction
a. Parents/guardians may request that homework be collected for his/her child when calling to report his/her absence. (This request must be made before 9 AM.)
b. Pupils absent for any reason are expected to make up the work missed. In grade six and above, the pupil is responsible for requesting missed assignments and any assistance required.
c. In general, pupils will be allowed one day to make up missed work for each day of absence.
7. Denial of course credit
a. An elementary pupil may be retained at grade level when he/she has been absent 18 or more school days, whatever the reason for the absence, except that absences for the observance of religious holidays and during a pupil's suspension will not count toward the total.
8. Unexcused absences
a. Absences without a written statement of the reason for the pupil's absence, dated and signed by the parent/guardian will be considered unexcused.
b. For up to four (4) cumulative unexcused absences, the Chief School Administrator or designee shall:
1. Make a reasonable attempt to notify the pupil's parent or legal guardian.
2. Conduct an investigation of the cause of each unexcused absence.
3. Develop an action plan in consultation with the pupil's parent/guardian to address patterns of unexcused absences, if any, and to have the child return to school and maintain regular attendance.
4. Proceed in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 9:6 et seq., and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-11, if a potentially missing or abused child situation is detected; and
c. For between five (5) and nine (9) cumulative unexcused absences, the Chief School Administrator or designee shall:
1. Follow 1 & 2 above.
2. Evaluate the appropriateness of the action plan developed pursuant to #3 above and revise the action plan to include (if appropriate):
a. Referral to the Intervention and Referral Services Team;
b. Testing, assessment or evaluation of the pupil's academic, behavioral, and health needs;
c. Consideration of an alternate educational placement;
d. Referral to a community-based social and health provider agency or other community resource;
e. Referral to the court program designated by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts; and/or
f. Proceeding in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 9:6 et seq., and N.J.A.C. 6A:16-11, if a potentially missing or abused child situation is detected.
g. Cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities and agencies, as appropriate.
d. For cumulative unexcused absences of ten or more, the pupil between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16) is truant, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:38-27, and the Chief School Administrator or her designee shall:
1. Make a mandatory referral to the court program required by the
2. Make a reasonable attempt to notify the pupil's parent or guardian of the mandatory referral;
3. Continue to consult with the parent or guardian and the involved agencies to support the pupil's return to school and regular attendance;
4. Cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities and agencies as appropriate; and
5. Proceed in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:38-28 through 31, Article 3B, Compelling attendance at School, and other applicable State and Federal statutes, as required.
9. Discipline
a. Pupils may be denied participation in co-curricular activities if their attendance fails to meet the standards set forth in Board of Education Policy.
b. No pupil who is absent from school for observance of a religious holiday may be deprived of any award or of eligibility for or opportunity to compete for any award because of absence.
c. In addition to the requirements as outlined above, a pupil deemed truant shall be subject to appropriate pupil discipline.
Adopted by the
Reporting Absences
Please follow the procedure outlined below when your child is absent:
a. Telephone the School Nurse at 908-475-3612 before 9:15 AM
and state the nature of the illness. (To request homework please call
475-4773 X222 BEFORE 9 AM.)
b. After an absence of five school days, a doctor's excuse is
necessary.
c. Please note the nature of the child's illness when writing an excuse.
d. Student’s arriving after 11:00 AM will not be credited for a full day of school.
Educational Trips
A key factor to successful school performance is class attendance. The school district does not recommend lengthy student absences whether excused or unexcused. Parents/guardians who are planning educational trips, which are not school sponsored, are advised of the following district policy:
1. Parents/guardians must request approval at least two weeks prior to the trip. (Requests should be directed to the CSA.)
2. A total of five (5) school days in an academic year may be excused for educational trips. Additional absences for educational trips will be unexcused.
3. Students may be given appropriate assignments as determined by the teacher either before for after the trip.
4. Any exception to this policy due to extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Chief School Administrator.
Tardiness
Any child who arrives after the scheduled beginning time for a session is required to report to the school office. Students must present a written note explaining the tardiness. Tardiness results in poor student attitudes toward school. It also takes valuable teaching time from the entire class since the teacher must change absence and lunch slips, repeat assignments, etc. Please help your child think positively about school by seeing that he/she arrives promptly.
Emergency Closing
When inclement weather or emergency conditions make it necessary to close school, delay opening, or dismiss early, announcements will be made through the Instant Alert messaging system. Telephone messages will be sent to each family, but should you not receive a call and conditions warrant, please consult the following:
WRNJ (Hackettstown) - 1510 AM
WVPO (
WSBG (
WODE (
WFMZ (
WLEV (
Announcements also appear over:
WFMZ-TV (
(Comcast Cable Customers - Channel 18)
and on the Internet at: http://www.wfmz.com
You may also call:
908-475-4773 and Press 7 at the prompt for announcements
Please DO NOT call the school office, radio stations or homes of school personnel regarding closing. PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRANGE A PLAN TO FOLLOW IF AN EMERGENCY REQUIRES AN EARLY DISMISSAL. FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR CHILD MIGHT GO TO A NEIGHBOR'S HOME OR YOU COULD LEAVE A KEY IN A SPECIFIED PLACE, ETC. DO NOT ASK THEM TO CALL HOME SINCE THE OFFICE PHONE MUST BE KEPT OPEN FOR INCOMING CALLS.
On days when inclement weather is causing hazardous road conditions that are expected to clear up before or shortly after buses begin their pick-ups, we will institute a 2 hour delayed school opening. This means that ALL BUS PICK-UPS ON THESE DAYS WILL BE DELAYED 2 HOURS, and we will begin school at 11 AM. LUNCH WILL NOT BE SERVED ON DAYS WHEN THERE IS A DELAY, BUT STUDENTS MAY BRING A SNACK TO SCHOOL.
If hazardous road conditions have not improved, school will be closed for the entire day. Announcement of the cancellation of school for the entire day will be broadcast through the media mentioned above. ALL afternoon and evening activities will also be cancelled for that day if school is closed.
KINDERGARTEN PARENTS PLEASE NOTE:
When school has a delayed opening due to inclement weather or an emergency situation, ALL kindergarten students will be attending the PM session. The session will be conducted from 12:25 PM until 3:15 PM. ALL kindergarten students will come to school on the kindergarten buses. (For the AM class this will be the bus on which they are normally transported home. Parents will receive a separate letter regarding time of pick-up). ALL kindergarten students will be transported home beginning at 3:15 PM on the regular school buses.
Student Dress
Clothing should be appropriate for the weather and season. It should be comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and in good taste for the school environment. On rainy or snowy days, children should wear suitable outer clothing and waterproof footwear. It is advisable to plainly mark your child’s clothes with his/her name or some other identifying symbol. School regulations prohibit student dress or grooming practices which interfere with schoolwork, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program. Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct.
The wearing of black soled hiking boots is banned because of maintenance problems. ALL FOOTWEAR MUST BE APPROPRIATE TO THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT.
"Heelies" may not be used on school grounds.
Records
Cumulative record folders are kept for each child in our school district. They include copies of test results, duplicate report cards, and other significant information. Parents or legal guardians may, upon request, have access to their child’s school records. Formal procedures are available whereby parents may challenge inclusion of certain information. A school district Educational Records Policy insures the privacy rights of both parents and child in the collection, maintenance, release and destruction of these records. The policy incorporates provisions of the New Jersey School Code and other legal statutes. Parents who wish to review their child's permanent records should make an appointment by calling Mrs. Trish Meyers at 475-4773 X222.
Emergency Card
Parents are REQUIRED to fill out an information card for each child attending school. The card is used whenever an emergency makes it necessary for the school to get in touch with you. It also gives permission for school personnel to obtain emergency medical help if parents are unavailable. This form is vital to the well being of your child. This card is included in the information sent home on the first day of school. Please return the emergency card immediately, and be sure to update the information whenever it changes.
(New for 2007-2008: There is an area on the emergency card for parents/guardians to opt in or out of having their contact information included in a Family Directory. Please be sure to complete this section. If the section is left blank, contact information will not be included.)
Reporting Pupil Progress
Evaluating student progress is an important part of the education process. Report cards are sent to parents of students in November, January, April and June (see District Calendar). Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in November and/or February. Parents are also encouraged to contact their child’s teacher whenever questions or problems arise. Parents/guardians should always discuss issues with the child’s teacher before approaching the administration or Board of Education.
Honor Roll - Grades Six, Seven & Eight
For the purposes of Honor Roll Calculation, the following averages apply:
High Honor Roll – 94.00 or higher Honor Roll – 85.00-93.99
(Averages are rounded to the nearest hundredth)
High Honor Roll – A “94.00” average or better, but there can be no grades lower than a “70.00” or it’s letter equivalent on the report (i.e., “N” or “U”). This includes art, health & fitness, music, physical education, and world language.
Honor Roll - An “85.00” average or better, but there can be no grades lower than a “70.00” or it’s letter equivalent on the report (i.e., “N” or “U”). This includes art, health & fitness, music, physical education, and world language.
Student Group Accident Insurance
The school carries accident insurance on each child with limitations. The insurance policy is a co-pay policy along with the policy of the parent/guardian.
Students Transferring Out
Many districts will not accept a student from another school without a transfer card and immunization card. In order to receive the cards, the parent/guardian must notify the school of the new address one week in advance of the date the child is to move. A permission to release school records will be provided for a parent/guardian’s signature. The transfer card will be mailed to the new school on the last day of attendance.
Books & Supplies
All textbooks and electronic materials are provided by and are the property of the
Loss or Destruction of School Supplies
The school district policy on the loss or destruction of school supplies is as follows: It is expected that all students will return all books and supplies in a condition acceptable to the district. If any article is abused, misused,or lost, the following fines will be imposed:
Full replacement cost for any article other than a book.
Book fine rates:
A new book…...........................100% of replacement cost
A good book….......................... 75% of replacement cost
A fair book…............................ 50% of replacement cost
Report card covers……………………. $.25
Report cards and all other records will be held until the financial obligation is met.
Loss of Personal Items
Articles found at school or in the buses are to be taken to the office. Clothing, books, school bags, and lunch boxes that are properly marked with the child’s name will be returned immediately. Children losing something should report it to the office as soon as possible. Please note: The school cannot be responsible for articles that are lost or stolen.
Information for Non-Custodial Parents
All written information sent home from the school will be mailed to non-custodial parents upon their request and payment of $25 for copying and mailing expenses. Please contact Mrs. Mrs. Ann Carlson (908-475-4773 X221) for further information.
TRANSPORTATION
Dropping Children Off in the Morning – Route 519
Please follow the traffic pattern for entering and exiting the school parking lot. It is marked by cones and directed by staff members. If you will be getting out of your car to escort your child, please find a parking space in the lot. We ask that you proceed with extreme caution and with the highest regard for the safety of our students and staff.
Picking Up Children by Car – Route 519
IF YOU WILL BE PICKING YOUR CHILD UP DURING SCHOOL OR AT THE END OF THE DAY, PLEASE SEND A NOTE to the Office stating that you will be coming for your child. If an adult family member (must be 18 years of age or older by Board Policy) other than yourself is to pick up your child, this information must be contained in a note. As a precaution, all persons picking up children are required to appear in person at the school office and present identification such as a driver's license. Parents/guardians (or others over 18 years of age and designated in writing) who are picking up a student should enter the building from the middle wing door and report to the Office. Students are not dismissed from any other area of the school building or parking lot.
Phone calls in such cases will not be accepted in lieu of a note. In case of an emergency, you will be able to sign your child out of school by coming into the Office. Over four hundred children are transported to and from
On days when parties are scheduled, we ask room parents to leave the parking lot by 3:00 PM in order to avoid traffic congestion and interfering with buses entering the school parking lot.
Going Home From School
Your child must go directly home after school unless he/she has a note to participate in an after school activity. Bus changes may be granted for childcare purposes only. If you wish to request a change of bus in a childcare situation, a note must be sent to the office. We also request a note when children will be departing their bus at a different stop for childcare purposes. (With regard to kindergarten students, this change can only occur within the geographic location of the respective sessions.) If a bus change is requested causing an overloading of the bus, the request will be denied.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Health Services
Mrs. Serniuk, our school nurse, serves the health needs of the district. She is available for conferences with parents/guardians and school personnel whenever the need arises. The law requires that medical examinations be given students before their initial year in school (kindergarten or grade one), in the second, fifth and eighth grade. If not completed privately, examinations will be done in school. All children, regardless of grade, who are entering the
· D.P.T. Series (3)
· D.P.T. Booster - The latest being after age 4
· Sabin Oral Polio Series (2)
· Sabin Oral Polio Booster - At least one after 4th Birthday
· Rubella Vaccine (2) - After the 1st Birthday
· Mumps Vaccine (2) - After the 1st Birthday
· Measles Vaccine (2) - After the 1st Birthday
· Hepatitis B (3) – Kdg., 1st, 6th Graders and 8th Graders before High School
· Students transferring from OUT OF STATE must have a Mantoux Test.
Pupils entering from other schools must present any records of additional immunizations (other than those required). No child will be admitted unless these are complete. Only documented medical and religious exemptions are acceptable. The school nurse administers periodic screenings for vision and hearing. Parents/guardians are requested to notify the nurse of any specific health conditions (epilepsy, allergies, etc.) to further safeguard the welfare of their child. As a result of the Federal Privacy Guidelines, parents/guardians who wish to share medical information with teachers must complete a forming giving Mrs. Serniuk permission to release the information. This form must be completed each year and is included in the packet sent to each family on the first day of school
Administering Medication
This is to inform you of the White Township School Policy regarding ANY and ALL medication being dispensed at the school during school hours. This policy will be enforced and is applicable in ALL cases.
The policy states the following:
1. Students with a life-threatening illness (asthma, diabetes, bee-sting allergies) may carry their medication on their person under the following conditions ONLY:
(a) There is a certification signed by the doctor that says the
student has been trained in proper, safe, self-administration
of the medication.
(b) There is a form signed by the parent/guardian that releases
White Township Board of Education, its employees and
agents from any claims arising out of self-administration of
medication by the student.
The above authorizations are good for the current school
ONLY.
(c) ALL Students using asthma medications must have an Asthma
Action Plan on file.
2. Students carrying/requiring Epi-Pens must have an Emergency Action Plan on file. This authorization is good for the current school year ONLY.
3. ALL other medication is to be kept by the Nurse and dispensed by her at the proper time.
4. The Nurse must have on file a note signed by the doctor, which includes the diagnosis, name of medication, dosage and frequency. (This may be written on either the doctor's prescription paper or the form available through the school.)
5. The medication must be in the original container from the pharmacy, properly labeled for the particular student.
THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE ABOVE POLICY.
Please have the doctor's note completed WHEN YOUR DOCTOR PRESCRIBES THE MEDICATION. Your foresight in this matter will save everyone involved much time. Any medication coming into the school without the above orders and permission WILL NOT be given in school and will be returned to you.
The proper form is available from the Nurse if you have reason to anticipate its need in the near future. Many doctors in the area also have some of these forms in their office; please ask that the form be used if available.
In the event there is a need for self-medication or if you have any questions regarding any of the above, please contact Mrs. Lynn Serniuk, School Nurse, at 475-3612.
Lactose Intolerant Students
We will accommodate lactose intolerant students. If your child is medically documented with this problem, we will need the following in order to address his/her individual needs at lunch:
1. A note from the physician documenting the condition.
2. A note from the physician listing approved substitutes.
This note will only remain valid for the current school year and will need to be renewed annually.
Sickness or Accidents During School Hours
When children become sick during school hours, the nurse will determine if the child should be sent home. In this case, the secretary or nurse will contact the parent and make arrangements for transporting the child home. Parents are expected to provide this transportation. If the parent cannot be contacted, reference will be made to the information noted on the Emergency Card. If a minor accident occurs, the school nurse will administer first aid, and the parents will be notified. The school nurse will give no care beyond first aid. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of complete, up to date, and accurate information on the Emergency Card which you complete each year.
Homebound Instruction
If a child becomes ill or disabled and will be absent from school for a long period of time (more than 10 days) a teacher may be sent to his/her home for instruction for a maximum of five hours weekly. Requests should be made to the school nurse (Mrs. Serniuk at 475-3612). A physician must describe the confinement, etc. and then a request will be submitted to appropriate personnel and the Chief School Administrator for approval.
Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS)
An Intervention and Referral Services Team is in operation at the school. Teachers may seek assistance from team members in dealing with children having academic difficulties or related problems in the classroom. The purpose of the I&RS Team is to explore alternative teaching or behavioral strategies in order to assist the pupil. The end result is a written plan to address the needs of those pupils requiring modifications to their regular educational plan.
Parents/guardians will be notified by the referring teacher if their child is to be discussed by the I&RS Team. Parents/guardians will also be notified of any changes made in the child's program.
Special Services - Phone No. 475-3729
The school district employs a Child Study Team to provide for children with exceptional learning needs. Personnel include a psychologist, a learning disability teacher consultant, a speech and language therapist and a school social worker. The school houses three resource centers and two learning disabilities classrooms to meet the needs of our students. Children who require more than resource center or learning disabilities classroom services are sent to classes outside the district on a tuition basis.
Classroom teachers, administrators, and parents may refer a pupil for testing to determine if special services are needed.
Counseling
Basic Skills Improvement Program (BSIP)
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade may be included in our Basic Skills Improvement Program (BSIP), which is funded by Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and coordinated by Mrs. Alison Walsh. Student eligibility for this program is based upon a year-end evaluation as well as the recommendations of classroom teachers. Our program attempts to meet each student's individual needs by providing him/her with extra help from either a Basic Skills teacher or aide in the regular classroom or in a pull-out setting. Parent conferences are held each year, and home reports of progress are sent at the end of the second and fourth marking periods. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Mrs. Walsh at 908-475-4773 X324.
Gifted & Talented Program - GEM (Gifted Education Matters)
GEM is the school's gifted and talented program. Selection for the various components of the program is based on procedures outlined by the State and approved by the Board of Education. The program consists of a variety of course offerings, from which each student chooses his/her program for the year, to suit his/her interests and schedule. Also included in the program is the school's participation in the Johns Hopkins CTY program (for 5th & 6th Graders and for 7th Graders), CONVO, and National History Day. Mr. Idenden is the coordinator for GEM and questions may directed to him at 908-475-4773 X230.
Character Education – “Character Counts Program”
Mission Statement –
The Six Pillars of Character
Caring
Showing concern for the well being of others
Citizenship
Being an informed, responsible and caring participant in your community
Respect
Showing high regard for self, other people and property
Responsibility
Being accountable for your own behavior
Trustworthiness
Being honest and reliable in carrying out commitments, obligations and duties
Fairness
Being impartial and equitable to others
Goal – The goal of Character Education is to build attitudes, habits, instincts and a predisposition toward doing what is right, because it is right, not because it is advantageous.
Danger Stranger
On occasion strangers have approached children at play at home or going and coming from school to enter their automobiles. Our teachers discuss these dangers and discourage children from going to anyone they do not know. Please take time as a parent/guardian to sit down and discuss with your child or children the dangers of being approached by strangers.
State Assessments
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires all states to develop assessments to determine whether students are meeting the curricular standards adopted by the state.
Library Services
Each class will be scheduled to visit the library weekly. Our media specialist, Mrs. Pohlidal, and classroom teachers will assist children in addressing their individual and class areas of interest.
When library books are not returned, parents/guardians will be charged according to school policy. Report cards and all other records will be held until the financial obligation is met. (See "Loss or Destruction of School Supplies").
Physical Education & Fitness Programs
In the interest of safety, all students in grades kindergarten through eight are requested to wear sneakers or low-cut, soft-soled shoes during physical education and fitness classes. Girls are asked to wear suitable apparel (preferably slacks or shorts) for gym.
If your child has special medical considerations, please discuss your concerns with Mr Husser, our physical education specialist, and our school nurse, Mrs. Serniuk. In addition to contacting Mr. Husser and/or Mrs. Serniuk by telephone, both individuals are available at Open House in September. Parents/guardians may also request a conference with Mr. Husser during the regular conference schedule or on an as-needed basis.
Excusal from Physical Education/Fitness Classes
In order to be excused from gym for one day, a student must have a written excuse from his/her parent or guardian stating why the child is to be excused. For a period longer than one day, students must provide a written excuse from a doctor to the school nurse.
Request to Remain Indoors During Gym
When your child is recuperating from an illness, an accident or has an unusual medical condition, and you wish him/her to remain indoors, a note to this effect should be sent to the school nurse. A doctor's statement is required if the request to remain indoors or be excused from gym is for more than one day.
School Lunch
Maschio’s Food Service will provide a well-balanced, reasonably priced, nutritious lunch for all students. Alternate choices are offered. Milk is available for students who wish to bring a home-packed lunch. Food and beverages brought from home should be manageable in a lunchroom setting. Soda is not recommended. Lunch & Milk Ticket Day will be WEDNESDAY for the 2007-2008 School Year. (However, please note that lunch and milk tickets can be purchased any other day of the week as well.) Please refer to the information packet that has been provided by Maschio’s, which includes a menu, prices and ala carte items.
Information regarding free or reduced lunches is sent home at the beginning of each school year. Interested parents/guardians must complete the forms and return them to school. Please be assured that this information is dealt with at the highest level of confidentiality.
Lunch/milk prices for the 2007-2008 school year (as approved by the Board of Education on July 23, 2007):
Daily lunch: $2.15 Weekly lunch (ticket): $10.75 Milk: $0.45
Snack for Kindergarten
A time is provided for kindergarten students to have a snack. If a child chooses to purchase the school snack, the cost for milk and a snack for is $1.00 for one week. Money for this snack/milk ticket is collected every WEDNESDAY.
Gift Exchange
Gift exchanges are not permitted at school. This includes exchanging among pupils and also between teachers and pupils.
Pets & Animals
Pupils are not to bring animals or pets to school. Bites and diseases are a hazard at all times. The Chief School Administrator may make consideration for special projects.
HOME SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS
Instant Alert
For the first time this year,
Administration
Mrs. Trish Meyers is in charge of the district's transportation and may be reached at 908-475-4773 X222 or via e-mail at meyers@warrennet.org. Mrs. Linda Heilman is the district's Chief School Administrator and can be reached at 908-475-4773 or via e-mail at heilman@warrennet.org.
504 Rights - Parents
If you require special assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, please call the school office to make arrangements. (Two weeks notice is required in order to secure the services needed.)
Role of Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
The school has a Parent-Teacher Organization to which we hope you will want to belong. You are encouraged to take advantage of this avenue of communication between home and school. In addition to providing programs for your enlightenment, our PTO also promotes activities that give parents an opportunity to improve facilities and programs for our children.
Visiting School & Classrooms
ANY PERSON ENTERING THE
Guidelines for Classroom Visitations
REASON FOR YOUR VISIT: If you are unable to identify specific interests and/or subject areas which you would like to observe, your child's teacher will be better able to choose an appropriate time for you to visit.
LENGTH OF VISIT: In most cases, we suggest that you plan the length of your stay for thirty to forty-five minutes; this is typically the length of one lesson. A wealth of information can be gained from observing one lesson.
CONFERENCE WITH THE TEACHER: It may be helpful to meet with the teacher prior to the school day or after school following your visit. This is a good opportunity to ask questions related to the lesson you observed. If you think that this would be helpful, contact your child's teacher to arrange for an appointment.
Teachers may not be able to confer with parents during the same day as a visit. The school Office will provide assistance for teacher contact.
Delivery of Articles to Children
If you find it necessary to bring articles of clothing, lunches, books, etc. to the school during the day, please leave them in the Office. Delivery will be made as soon as possible.
PARENT GUIDE TO HOMEWORK
The Board of Education and instructional staff acknowledge the educational validity of homework as an adjunct to and extension of the instructional program of the school. Although individual teachers develop their own policies and procedures regarding homework, the following guidelines serve as the basis from which these policies and procedures are derived.
a. Homework is a planned part of the curriculum, extending and reinforcing
the learning experience of the school.
b. Homework helps children learn by providing practice in the mastery of skills, experience in data gathering and integration of knowledge, and an extension of classroom experiences.
c. Homework helps develop the student's responsibility by providing an opportunity for the exercise of independent work and judgment.
d. Homework also provides parents an opportunity to stay informed about their children's educational progress.
e. The amount, frequency, and degree of difficulty of homework assignments are based on the ability and needs of the student.
On the average, the homework students receive should require ten minutes per grade level or 15-20 minutes per subject per evening. If your child is spending too much or too little time on homework, please contact his/her teacher(s) to discuss the matter. (Please note that when a student has a "double period" of a subject, homework for that subject may take between 30-40 minutes to complete.)
Homework Evaluation – All homework will be evaluated in some manner. At times, homework will be graded and/or critiqued. At other tines, homework might be scored in a way similar to the following; a check (√) for completion, a minus (-) for incomplete work, and an (x) for work not completed.
Homework will be a factor in determining the grade for each marking period. The subject matter and type of assignment(s) affect the weight given the homework portion of the marking period grade. Criteria for the above will be established by each teacher and announced at the beginning of the school year.
Homework Responsibilities – Students, teachers, and parents must be active participants in the homework process if students are to receive maximum benefit from doing homework. (Parents may request homework for students when they are absent, but must do so before 9 AM by calling 475-4773 X221.)
A student must consistently record assignments, complete homework on time, and work to the best of his/her ability in order to reach the maximum benefit of his/her education. Students must recognize that homework is their responsibility, including contacting teachers about makeup work due to absences from class for any reason. Notebooks/assignment books are effective organizational tools when used consistently, and all students are encouraged to use these tools.
It is the classroom teacher’s responsibility to:
*inform students of each assignment, the requirements, and the deadline
*monitor the student’s progress and give assistance when necessary
*take appropriate action when quality homework is not completed on a consistent basis.
Research shows that parents are a key element in the homework process and student success in school. Parents can communicate that homework is a priority by establishing a designated time and place in which to do homework, by providing a quiet environment, by encouraging independence yet offering assistance if necessary, and by providing positive reinforcement whenever possible. If any problems arise, parents should contact the teacher.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
Student Code of Conduct
Please review the White Township Consolidated School Student Code of Conduct with your child. The final page must be completed and returned to each child’s homeroom teacher.
What Parents Can Do To Help
Parents are the major teachers in a child's life, so they have an important role to play in improving school discipline.
Parents can:
l. Provide strong, consistent discipline at home. Children need to know their parents have firm, fair rules that will be enforced. Children also need to know the reasons for these rules. Children need to understand that there are consequences for choosing to break rules.
2. Discuss goals with your child (not too high or too low) and help him/her attain these goals. Assigning jobs at home helps a child learn responsibility,
self-discipline, etc.
3. Take an active interest in all of your child’s school and extra-curricular
activities.
4. Talk with other parents about their problems with discipline and motivation and discuss possible solutions.
5. Cooperate with the school by knowing the school rules and encouraging children to respect them.
6. Encourage good behavior by showing support, interest and by giving
praise. Discipline includes rewarding good behavior, not just addressing
inappropriate behavior.
7. Have a positive attitude about schoolwork and education in general. Children usually reflect their parents' attitudes and values.
8. Listen to both sides of the problem - the child's and the school’s. Better
solutions to problems can be found when parents are well informed. Call
the school if you are concerned about a problem. Be sure to contact your child’s teacher before turning to the administration.
9. Keep in touch with teachers by attending parent-teacher conferences, school functions, and via notes, e-mail and/or telephone. Let teachers and counselors know about any problems at home that might affect school performance.
10. Meet children's needs for love and affection, wholesome food, rest and
exercise. Provide a time and place to study. These are all essential for good
school performance.
Remember -- children learn from their parents. Love, positive attitudes, setting a good example and encouragement usually lead to positive behavior.
WARRANTLESS SEARCH BY TEACHING STAFF MEMBERS
The following regulations for the conduct of a warrantless search have been prepared to protect the school community, cooperate with municipal or state authorities, and ensure the rights of the student.
A teaching staff member must have reasonable grounds to suspect evidence of illegal activity or activity interfering with school discipline and order before a search of a pupil, his/her desk, his/her locker or his/her belongings can be made. If circumstances permit, the teaching staff member shall communicate his/her suspicions to the Chief School Administrator or designated person in authority.
A. The following elements, among others, may be considered in determining whether reasonable suspicion has been established:
l. The source of the information. Is the informant reliable? (An anonymous tip does not meet the standard.) Is there additional substantiating evidence?
2. Has the student acted in a manner which would reasonably give rise to a
suspicion of wrongdoing?
3. Is the contemplated search directly related to the alleged wrongdoing and not overreaching?
4. The student's age, history, and school record
5. The prevalence and seriousness of the problem in the school to which the
search would be directed
6. Exigency - would the evidence be destroyed or removed if an immediate search was not conducted? Is there time to request parental permission?
B. If possible, staff members will inform the pupil of the grounds for reasonable suspicion, preferably in the presence of another staff member.
C. A student may waive his/her constitutional rights and consent to a search of his/her person or property. The teaching staff member will request the pupil's voluntary consent to the search whenever practical. Several requirements must be met in order to obtain a pupil's voluntary consent:
1. The student must have the capacity to voluntarily consent. He/She must be of sufficient age to understand his/her predicament. Obviously, the younger the student, the less likely he/she will have such capacity.
2. The consent must be voluntary, without threat or coercion. Securing con-sent by threatening suspension or any other discipline is not acceptable.
3. The student shall be informed of his/her right not to consent.
If the student exercises his/her right to refuse, a teaching staff member may proceed with the search based on the grounds of reasonable suspicion.
D. The search will be conducted in a careful, methodical, and professional way with due regard for courtesy and the humane needs of the suspected pupil. Whenever possible, the search will be conducted in the presence of the pupil and a teaching staff member other than the Chief School Administrator. An attempt will be made to notify the parents or guardians of the pupil by telephone.
E. Staff members will contact law enforcement officials and the Chief School Administrator if criminal activity is involved.
F. Staff members will comply with the following procedures for handling evidence:
1. Evidence seized shall be marked as follows:
a. initials of person obtaining the evidence;
b. date that possession was taken;
c. name of student or students involved, if known.
2. The seized evidence shall be kept in the custody and under the sole control, whenever possible, of the staff member who discovered it, or the Chief School Administrator before it is turned over to the police if criminal activity is involved (e.g., seizure of alcohol or suspected drugs).
The chain of custody. If the evidence changes hands, the names of the persons involved in the chain of possession shall be reflected in the school incident report. A written receipt for such evidence shall in all instances be obtained from the person to whom it is given. This receipt is to be signed and dated.
3. Evidence shall be maintained in the same condition from the time of seizure until turned over to the police. Suspected narcotics, for example, would be placed in an envelope, sealed, and marked as indicated above;
or alcohol may be kept in the container or container may be saved.
4. A seized item shall be stored in a locked desk or storage closet until it
is given to the police if criminal activity is involved. Access to the area shall be limited to the person who placed it there.
5. After the evidence is relinquished to the police, if criminal activity is involved, the school incident report shall note the name of the officer to whom the evidence was given, as well as the date. This continues the chain of custody.
G. The Chief School Administrator will be informed in writing, of the major events of the incident.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
The following is the Board Policy regarding Drugs:
DRUGS – PUPILS
The Board of Education recognizes that the misuse of drugs by any pupil seriously impedes that pupil's education and threatens the welfare of the entire school community. The Board is committed to the prevention of drug abuse and the remediation of drug users by educational means, but will take necessary and appropriate steps to protect the school community from harm and from exposure to drugs.
For the purpose of this policy, “drug” includes all dangerous controlled substances set forth in N.J.S.A. 24:21-1 et seq., and all chemicals that release toxic vapors set forth in N.J.S.A. 2A:170-25.9 et seq. and 18A:40-4.1 and related paraphernalia for the ingestion of any of the above.
The Board prohibits the use, possession, and/or distribution of any drug on school premises, at any event away from the school premises that is sponsored by this Board, and on any transportation vehicle provided by this Board. Pupils suspected of being under the influence of drugs will be identified, evaluated, and reported in accordance with law. A pupil who uses, possesses, or distributes a drug, on or off school premises, will be subject to discipline, which will be graded to the severity of the offense and may include suspension or expulsion according to Board Policy. The pupil will be reported to appropriate law enforcement personnel. Incidents of drug involvement will be reported to the Commissioner on the state-approved form. Pupils suspected of involvement with drugs remote from school premises will be referred for appropriate treatment and remediation.
The Board will enforce the laws of
All teaching staff members shall be alert to signs of drug use by pupils and shall respond to those signs in accordance with procedures established by the CSA. The Board will provide in-service training to assist teaching staff members in identifying the pupil who uses drugs, in teaching pupils about the consequences of drug use, and in helping pupils with drug-related problems who are in a program of rehabilitation.
The Board directs the Chief School Administrator to develop administrative regulations for:
1. A program of drug education;
2. The identification and remediation of pupils involved with drugs;
3. The examination and referral to community resources for treatment of pupils suspected of being under the influence of drugs;
4. The treatment and discipline of pupils who use, possess, or distribute drugs in violation of law or this policy;
5. The evaluation of such pupils to determine their need, if any, for special education and/or related services;
6. Support services to aid pupils under medical or therapeutic care for drug dependency.
7. The re-admission to school and referral for treatment of pupils who have been convicted of drug offenses.
The Board policy and implementing administrative regulations on drugs shall be reviewed and evaluated annually, with input from members of the community and local health agencies, and shall be made available annually to all school staff members, pupils and parents.
N.J.S.A. 18A:4-28.1 et seq.; 18A:35-4; 18A:40-4.1
N.J.A.C. 6:29-9
Instruction
In accordance with Board policy, the following procedures are established for the instruction of pupils in drug abuse and the evaluation and treatment of pupils who possess drugs or are under the influence of drugs, or are involved with drugs.
1. Teachers shall be guided by the drug education program approved by the Board of Education as a part of the health and family life education curriculum in accordance with State Board rules and Department of Education guidelines. Drug education will be appropriate to the age and maturity of pupils.
2. Teachers, community members, and administrators will be requested to evaluate annually the effectiveness of the drug education program.
3. Efforts to determine and aid remediation of the underlying causes of drug abuse within the school environment will be encouraged.
4. Special assignments may be provided as required to meet the needs of pupils with drug problems.
Identification and Remediation of Pupils Involved with Drugs
1. A pupil is “involved with drugs” when he or she uses or is influenced by drugs, but not necessarily on school premises or during the school day. A suspicion or determination that a pupil is involved with drugs does not depend on a finding that the pupil is under the influence of a drug or possesses or distributes a drug on school premises.
2. Teaching staff members will be alert to the signs of a pupil's involvement with drugs: impaired health or fatigue; excessive truancy or tardiness; lower grades; depressed appetite or loss of weight; appetite extremes; eyes that are bloodshot, watery, extremely wide, or have extremely small pupils; an unusual body or breath odor; needle tracks; a change in attitude, personality, temperament, appearance, or peer groups; mental confusion; financial problems; resorting to excuses and rationalization. See TEACHER REFERRAL FORM.
3. A teaching staff member who suspects that a pupil is involved with drugs should refer the pupil to the school nurse who shall notify the Chief School Administrator of the referral; the Chief School Administrator should notify the Child Study Team, and the pupil's parent of the referral and discuss with the parent the possibility of medical or therapeutic treatment. The pupil will also be referred to an appropriate community resource for evaluation and possible treatment.
4. When a pupil involved with drugs has discussed his or her drug involvement with a teaching staff member with an expectation of confidentiality, the member may respect that confidence in order to assist the pupil toward remediation. The teaching staff member should encourage the pupil to seek aid from a professional trained in counseling and to confide in his or her parent. When the member believes that the pupil requires professional counseling or intervention that the pupil will not seek on his or her own, the member may report the pupil to the Chief School Administrator, who shall notify the pupil's parent, and refer the pupil to the Child Study Team for evaluation to determine eligibility and need for special educational programs. The pupil will also be referred to an appropriate community resource for evaluation and possible treatment.
5. Pupil in care or returning from care for drug dependency will be monitored by the Child Study Team with follow-up as necessary in accordance with Board Policy and regulations.
Evaluation and Treatment of Pupils Under the Influence of Drugs
1. A pupil is under the influence of drugs when he or she is observed in the use of drugs or exhibits physical and/or behavioral characteristics that indicate drug intoxication.
2. Whenever it appears to an employee of the school district that a pupil may be under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance or any chemical or chemical compound that releases vapor or fumes causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system, the employee shall report the matter as soon as possible to the school nurse or the school medical inspector and the Chief School Administrator (or, in the Chief School Administrator's absence, to a person designated by the Chief School Administrator). A written report by the referring employee is to be submitted to the Chief School Administrator as soon as possible after the referral.
3. The Chief School Administrator shall immediately notify the pupil's parent.
4. The Chief School Administrator shall arrange for the immediate examination of the pupil by a doctor selected by the parent or guardian or, if the parent's doctor is not immediately available, by the school medical inspector. If neither the parent's doctor or the school medical inspector is immediately available, the pupil shall be taken to the emergency room of the nearest hospital for examination. The pupil shall be accompanied by the pupil's parent/guardian if possible and by a member of the school staff appointed by the Chief School Administrator. An examination conducted at parental request, by a physician other than the school medical inspector shall not be at district expense.
5. The pupil shall be examined as soon as possible for the purpose of diagnosing whether or not he or she is under the influence of a drug or chemical described in paragraph one above.
6. A written report of the examination of the pupil shall be furnished by the examining physician to the pupil's parent and the Chief School Administrator within twenty-four hours. The CSA shall determine, in the light of all circumstances, and following consultation with the Child Study Team, whether the pupil shall be admitted to school pending the receipt of results of the examination.
7. A pupil found to be under the influence of drugs shall be returned to his or her home as soon as possible. The pupil shall not be re-admitted to school until he or she submits to the Chief School Administrator a written report, signed by the pupil's physician, the school medical inspector, or the examining physician, certifying that the pupil is physically and mentally able to return.
8. The Child Study Team will advise the pupil and parents of referral services available, and required, the Child Study Team will examine and recommend procedures designed to provide rehabilitation for the pupil. The Child Study Team and out of district agencies including appropriate medical personnel shall be responsible for the observation and support of the pupil following his/her return to school. The Child Study Team shall be responsible to keep all appropriate school personnel informed of the pupil's progress.
Possession and Distribution of Drugs
1. A pupil's person, effects, or school storage places may be searched for drugs in accordance with Board policy. The Chief School Administrator or other school officer conducting the search shall confiscate as evidence any drug found in the pupil's possession. Drug evidence shall be sealed in an appropriate container; labeled with the date, name of the pupil, and the name of the school official who conducted the search and found the drug. The evidence shall be locked in a secure place until the school official delivers the evidence to a law enforcement officer, from whom the official shall obtain a receipt. A written report is to be submitted to the Chief School Administrator as soon as possible after the drug has been turned over to the law enforcement officer.
2. A pupil found to have possessed, distributed, or used drugs in violation of law and Board policy will be reported to appropriate law enforcement officers and is subject to discipline in accordance with Board policy on suspension and expulsion. A written report of the alleged violation will be submitted to the Chief School Administrator as soon as possible. Sanctions or suspensions will be graded according to the severity of the offense.
OFFENSE FIRST OFFENSE SECOND OFFENSE
a. Under the influence Up to 10 days suspension 10-day suspension
b. Possession Up to 10 days suspension 10-day suspension
c. Possession with intent to Long term suspension* Long term suspension*
distribute*
*Long-term suspension pending disposition by Child Study Team. (No suspension of a pupil by a Chief School Administrator shall be continued longer than the second regular meeting of the Board of Education of the district after such suspension unless the same is continued by action of the Board, and the power to reinstate, continue any suspension reported to it or expel a pupil shall be vested in each Board of Education. 18A:37-5.)
A pupil convicted of drug use, possession, and/or distribution may be admitted to school on the recommendation of the Child Study Team. A pupil who has been removed from school for his or her involvement with drugs, other than a pupil who has been expelled from school, shall be placed on home instruction.
Reporting Substance Abuse
Incidents of drug involvement will be reported to the Commissioner on the state-approved form (Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Incident Report).
ALCOHOL – PUPILS
The Board of Education recognizes that alcoholism and the misuse of alcohol are serious social problems that have far-reaching implications for both the consumer of alcohol and for the entire community. The Board accepts responsibility for instructing pupils in the nature of alcohol and its effects and for assisting in the early identification and remediation of pupils who become involved with alcohol. The Board directs the CSA to cooperate and consult with a local organization involved in the prevention, detection, and treatment of alcohol and approved by the
Department of Health, such as the Warren Council on Alcoholism, Family Guidance Center or Warren County, and Family Life, Substance Abuse, Alcohol Committee in the development of appropriate curriculum and procedures to implement this policy.
The Board of Education prohibits the possession and consumption of any alcoholic beverage in a school building, on school grounds, on school transportation, or at any school - sponsored function. A pupil who possesses or consumes an alcoholic beverage on school premises will be subject to discipline, which will be graded to the severity of the offense and may include suspension or expulsion according to Board Policy. Incidents of alcohol involvement will be reported to the Commissioner on the state-approved form.
The Board will enforce the laws of
All teaching staff members shall be alert to signs of alcohol abuse by pupils and shall respond to those signs in accordance with procedures established by the CSA. The Board will provide in-service training to assist teaching staff members in identifying the pupil who misuses alcohol, in teaching pupils about the consequences of alcohol abuse, and in helping pupils with alcohol-related problems who are in a program of rehabilitation.
The Chief School Administrator shall develop administrative regulations for:
1. A comprehensive program of alcohol education;
2. The identification of pupils involved with alcohol and remediation through referral to community resources;
3. The examination and treatment of pupils suspected of being under the influence of alcohol;
4. The treatment and discipline of pupils who consume, possess, or distribute alcoholic beverages in violation of law or this policy;
5. The evaluation of such pupils to determine their need, if any, for special
education and/or related services;
6. Support services to aid pupils under medical or therapeutic care for alcohol dependency;
7. The re-admission to school of pupils who have been convicted of an offense involving alcohol and the educational support of treatment programs.
Board policy and implementing administrative regulations on alcoholic beverages shall be reviewed annually, with input from members of the community and local health agencies, and shall be made available annually to all school staff members pupils, and parents.
N.J.S.A. 2C:33-15
N.J.S.A. 9:17B-1
N.J.S.A. 18A:4-28.13; 18A:26-8; 18A:35-4; 35-4a; 18A:37-2
N.J.A.C. 6:29-9
Instruction
In accordance with Board policy, the following procedures are established for the instruction of pupils in alcohol abuse and the evaluation and treatment of pupils under the influence of alcohol or involved with alcohol.
1. Teachers shall be guided by the curriculum approved by the Board of Education, in accordance with State Board rules and Department of Education guidelines for the instruction of pupils in the nature and effects of alcoholic beverages.
2. Supplemental activities, such as movies, poster campaigns, discussion of appropriate reading materials, outside speakers, and visits to rehabilitation centers are encouraged.
3. Teachers and administrators will be requested to evaluate annually the effectiveness of the alcohol instruction program.
4. Efforts to determine and remediate the underlying causes of drug abuse within the school environment will be encouraged.
5. Special assignments may be provided as required to meet the needs of pupils with alcohol problems.
Identification and Referral of Pupils Involved with Alcohol
1. A pupil is “involved with alcohol” when his or her consumption of alcoholic beverages whether or not on school premises or during the school day, interferes with the pupil's learning and/or threatens the education of other pupils.
2. Teaching staff members will be alert to the signs of the misuse of alcohol by a pupil: impaired health or fatigue; excessive truancy or tardiness; lower grades; depressed appetite or loss of
weight ; a change in attitude, personality, temperament, appearance, or peer groups; financial problems; resorting to excuses and rationalization.
3. A teaching staff member who suspects that a pupils is involved with alcohol should refer the pupil to the school nurse, who shall notify the Chief School Administrator of the referral; the Chief School Administrator shall notify the Child Study Team, and the pupil's parent of the referral and discuss with the parent the possibility of medical or therapeutic treatment.
4. When the pupil involved with alcohol has discussed his or her alcohol involvement with a teaching staff member with an expectation of confidentiality, the member may respect that confidence in order to assist the pupil toward remediation. The teaching staff member should encourage the pupil to seek aid from a professional trained in counseling and to confide in his or
her parent or guardian. When the member believes that the pupil requires professional counseling or intervention that the pupil will not seek on his or her own, the member may report the pupil to the building Chief School Administrator, who shall notify the pupil's parent, and may refer the pupil to the Child
Study Team for evaluation to determine eligibility and need for special educational programs. The pupil will also be referred to an appropriate community resource for evaluation and possible counseling and/or treatment.
5. Pupils in care or returning from care for alcohol dependency will be monitored by the Child Study Team with follow-up as necessary in accordance with Board policy and regulations.
Evaluation and Treatment of Pupils Under the Influence of Alcohol
1. A pupil is under the influence of alcohol when he or she exhibits the physical and behavioral characteristics of alcoholic inebriation.
2. A staff member who suspects that a pupil is under the influence of an alcoholic beverage on school premises or at any activity sponsored by the Board of Education shall report the matter immediately to the school nurse or school medical inspector and Chief School Administrator (on in the Chief School Administrator's absence, to a person designated by the Chief School Administrator). A written report is to be submitted to the Chief School Administrator as soon as possible after reporting the incident.
3. The pupil shall be removed to a protected environment with as little disruption to the educational program as possible. The pupil's parent and the CSA shall be notified promptly and given a description of the circumstances and the pupil's symptoms. The parent of the inebriated pupil shall
be requested to assume promptly the care of the pupil. Pending the arrival of the parent or guardian and when the parent cannot be reached or is not available to assume care, the pupil may be retained in the nurse's care or taken to a physician or hospital at the discretion of the school nurse.
4. A pupil who has become unconscious or requires medical treatment as a result of alcoholic inebriation shall be given emergency medical assistance in accordance with Board policy and regulations on emergencies. The parent of any such pupil will be promptly notified.
5. The parent of a pupil found under the influence of alcohol on school premises or at school events shall be requested to confer with the building Chief School Administrator and shall be encouraged to seek aid from a qualified agency.
6. The Chief School Administrator and appropriate staff members including a representative of the Child Study Team shall develop a plan to address the pupil's needs, including, if appropriate, the pupil's evaluation.
7. A pupil removed from the school because of his or her alcoholic inebriation and permitted to return to school when the state of inebriation no longer exists has been excluded from school for health reasons.
8. A pupil removed from school because of alcoholic inebriation may be suspended by the building Chief School Administrator for a period of time not to exceed 10 days, provided that the school nurse or other health professional certifies reasonable suspicion to the Chief School Administrator that the pupil is in a state of inebriation. The pupil shall be offered an opportunity to explain his or her condition to the Chief School Administrator; when the pupil's condition interferes with his or her ability to offer an explanation, the pupil shall be offered an opportunity for an informal hearing before the building Chief School Administrator within twenty-four hours when school is in session.
Possession and Consumption of Alcohol
1. The possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage in school, in a motor vehicle, in a public conveyance, or in any public place by a pupil under the age of twenty-one is a disorderly persons offense, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-15, and such possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage on school premises, at a school sponsored event, or on a school bus by a pupil of any age is a violation of district rules.
2. A pupil under the age of twenty-one years who possesses or consumes an alcoholic beverage on school premises, on a school bus, or in any public place in which an event sponsored by the
Board takes place shall be reported immediately to the building Chief School Administrator. The Chief School Administrator small summon the pupil and may, in accordance with Board policy on pupil privacy, search the pupil and
his or her property for the alcoholic beverage. A pupil found to have possessed or consumed alcohol in violation of law and Board policy will be reported to appropriate law enforcement officers and is subject to discipline in accordance with Board policy on suspension and expulsion. A written report is to be submitted to the CSA as soon as possible after the reported incident.
3. Sanctions or suspensions will be graded according to severity of the offense (harsher penalties for more grievous acts.)
OFFENSE FIRST OFFENSE SECOND OFFENSE
a. Under the influence 10 days suspension Long term suspension*
b. Possession 10 days suspension Long term suspension*
c. Possession with intent to Long term suspension* Long term suspension*
d. Selling or distributing Long term suspension* Long term suspension*
*Long-term suspension pending disposition by Child Study Team.
Long-term suspension as defined in N.J.S.A. 18A:37-4-15
Reporting Substance Abuse
Incidents of alcohol involvement will be reported to the Commissioner on the State approved form (Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Incident Report).
SMOKING ON SCHOOL PREMISES
Public law enacted by the State of
The Board prohibits smoking by pupils at anytime on school premises, at events sponsored by this Board away from school, and on any transportation vehicle supplied by the White Township Board of Education.
ANNUAL RE-NOTIFICATION REQUIRED BY AHERA
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR 703 requires all schools from pre-K to Grade 12 to conduct inspections to determine if they contain asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM). If they do the ACBM must be categorized according to the type of material, its locations, current damage, and its potential for future damage and a detailed Asbestos Management plan must be developed. The Management Plan details the inspection findings, and outlines the response actions the Board of Education intends to implement.
The accomplish these goals, the School District now has on file at each school in the District Office a NJ State Department of Health approved Asbestos Management Plan for all school facilities. The provisions of the plan are being implemented in a timely and on-going fashion. The Board of Education will also schedule and perform a 3-year re-inspection and 6-month surveillance as required by the AHERA regulations. It is your Board’s desire to provide a safe and healthy facility for all students, employees and visitors.
The purpose of this memorandum is to satisfy the requirements of AHERA for written notice of the availability of the Management Plan for review. Should you desire, please contact the office of the Chief School Administrator for further details.
Also the notice of any construction or other activities involving the use of hazardous substances will be posted on a bulletin board in the school prior to the initiation of the project; hazardous substances may be stored at the school at various times during the year; HSPS’s for any substance used or stored at the school are available.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT – WATER TESTING
The Federal Safe Drinking Water Act calls for public community water systems to develop a “Consumer Confidence Report”, a report about their treated drinking water quality.
-Asbestos
-Primary Inorganic Compounds
-Nitrate
-Secondary Inorganic Compounds
-Volatile Organic Compounds
-Bacteria/Coli form Monitoring
-Lead and Copper Monitoring
Testing has found
SCHOOL CHOICE
The White Township Board of Education has limited the number of its district students allowed to participate in the choice school program by adopting a resolution to do the following:
- Limit the enrollment of its students in a choice district to 2 percent (2%) of the number of students per grade level per year in the sending district, limited by any resolution adopted pursuant to paragraph 2, below; and/ or
- Limit the enrollment of its students in a choice district to 7 percent (7%) of the total number of students enrolled in the sending district.
In the event that a district adopts any resolution restricting the enrollment of its students in choice districts and student requests for participation exceed the limits set by the district of residence, the district must conduct a lottery. (N.J.A.C. 6A:12-3.1(a)4).
ANTI-BULLYING LAW
In keeping with the statewide campaign to educate professionals and the public about the dynamics of bullying and about the new anti-bullying law (N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13-19) we have included a copy of the White Township Board of Education Policy #5512 (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Hazing) and Regulation R5512 (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and Hazing) and Policy 5512.01 (Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying) which was adopted on 16 December 2002.
R 5512 REPORTING PROCEDURE - HAZING AND/OR HARASSMENT,
INTIMIDATION, OR BULLYING
The Board of Education recognizes the need for a procedure to be in place for persons to report and investigate allegations of hazing and/or harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior. For the purposes of this Regulation, "behavior" shall mean acts, or planned acts, of hazing as defined in Policy 5512 and/or acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying as defined in Policy 5512.01 Unless otherwise noted, "Building Principal" means the Principal and/or designee of the school building.
The following complaint procedure shall be used for an allegation(s) of hazing and/or harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior:
1. Reporting of Hazing and/or Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying Behavior
a. Any person with any information regarding actual and/or planned hazing and/or information regarding acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a pupil by any school employee or other pupils must report the information to the school Building Principal
(1) If the Building Principal deems it appropriate, he/she may immediately notify the parents/legal guardians of the alleged pupil(s) who may be, or was, the victim of this behavior and the accused pupil(s) who may or did this behavior.
(2) The Building Principal will not disclose the name(s) of the person(s) accused or alleged victim(s) to the other party prior to completing a preliminary investigation.
(3) The Building Principal will notify the district’s Affirmative Action Officer of the report prior to conducting a preliminary investigation. Nothing in Policies 5512 and 5512.01 or in this Regulation prohibits the school district’s Affirmative Action Officer from complying with the requirement of the district's Affirmative Action Program as outlined in Policy 1550 and N.J.A.C. 6:4-1.1 et seq. In the event the Affirmative Action Officer believes an affirmative action plan violation may be present, the Affirmative Action Officer may conduct an investigation in accordance with Policy 1550.
b. The school district can learn of this behavior through other means such as from a witness to an incident, an anonymous letter or telephone call, web-based reporting systems, and/or locked boxes throughout the school where a report can be submitted without fear of being observed.
c. Nothing in Policies 5512 and 5512.01 and this Regulation shall preclude the Building Principal and/or designee, from complying with the provisions of Policy No. 5600 — Pupil Discipline in order to maintain the health, safety and welfare of staff and/or pupils.
d. In the event the Building Principal determines, after a preliminary investigation, that hazing and/or harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior may have been present, the Building Principal shall notify the parents/legal guardian of all involved pupils and any other involved individuals of the process to be followed in investigating a report or complaint.
2. Building Principal’s In-depth Investigation
a. The Building Principal will begin an immediate in-depth investigation in the event he/she believes behavior may have been present after a preliminary investigation. The Building Principal, at his/her discretion may request the Affirmative Action Officer assist in the investigation. The Building Principal will promptly investigate all alleged complaints, whether or not a formal complaint is filed, and steps will be taken to resolve the situation, if needed. This investigation will be prompt, thorough, and impartial. The investigation will be completed by the Building Principal no more than ten working days after receiving notice.
b. When a pupil or the parent/legal guardian of a pupil provides information or complains about hazing and/or harassing, intimidating, or bullying behavior of a pupil, the Building Principal will initially discuss what actions the pupil or parent/legal guardian is seeking in response to the behavior.
c. The Building Principal’s investigation may include, but is not limited to, interviews with all persons with potential
knowledge of the alleged behavior, interviews with any pupils who may have been hazed and/or harassed, intimidated, bullied by any school employee or other pupils and any other reasonable methods to determine if this behavior existed.
d. The Building Principal will request, if relevant to an investigation, the parent/legal guardian of any pupil involved in the investigation to assist in the investigation to determine if the behavior exist(ed).
e. The Building Principal will provide a copy of the Board Policies and Regulation on Hazing and Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying to all persons who are interviewed with potential knowledge and to any other person the Building Principal feels would be served by a copy of such documents.
f. The Building Principal will explain the avenues for formal and informal action, including a description of the complaint procedure that is available for hazing and/or harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaints and an explanation on how the procedure works.
g. Any person interviewed by the Building Principal may be provided an opportunity to present witnesses and other evidence.
h. The Building Principal and/or Chief School Administrator may contact law enforcement agencies if there is potential criminal conduct by any party.
i. The school district administration may take interim measures during a Building Principal’s investigation of a complaint in order to alleviate any conditions that prohibit the pupil from assisting in the investigation.
If there is a dispute about whether inappropriate behavior occurred the following types of information may be helpful in resolving the dispute:
(1) Statements made by any witnesses to the alleged incident.
(2) Evidence about the relative credibility of the alleged accused or alleged victim.
(3) Evidence that the alleged accused has been found to have hazed and/or harassed, intimidated, or bullied others may support the credibility of the pupil claiming the behavior.
(4) Evidence of the allegedly victim’s reaction or behavior after the alleged behavior.
(5) Evidence about whether the pupil claiming behavior against them filed a complaint or took other action to protest the conduct soon after the alleged incident occurred.
j. The scope of a reasonable response also may depend upon whether a pupil or parent/legal guardian reporting the behavior asks that the pupil’s name not be disclosed to the accused or that nothing be done about the behavior. The Building Principal:
(1) Will provide an overview of the Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and the Hazing Policy to the pupil, parent and/or legal guardian. In the event the pupil, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), request the pupil’s name remain confidential, the Building Principal will inform the pupil, parent and/or legal guardian that the request may limit the school district’s ability to respond.
(2) Will evaluate the confidentiality request in the context of its responsibility to provide a safe environment for all pupils. The factors to be considered shall be the seriousness of the alleged behavior, the age of the pupils involved, whether there have been any other complaints or reports. And the rights of the accused individual to receive information about the accuser and the allegations if a formal proceeding with sanctions may result.
(3) May use other means available to address the behavior. Steps that may be taken to limit the effects of the alleged behavior and prevent its reoccurrence without initiating a formal complaint and revealing the identity of the complainant. These steps may require training at the site where the problem occurred, taking a pupil survey concerning any problems that may exist, or other systematic measures where the alleged behavior occurred.
(4) By conducting a limited investigation without revealing the name of the victim the Building Principal may be able to learn about or confirm a pattern of behavior based on claims of different pupils that were hazed and/or harassed, intimidated, or bullied by the same individual. The Building Principal may place an individual on notice of allegation of behavior and counsel appropriately without revealing, even indirectly, the identity of the pupil who notified the school district.
3. Investigation Results
a. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, but not later than ten working days after reported, the Building Principal will prepare a summary of findings to the parties. At the least this shall include the person(s) providing notice to the school district the pupil(s) who were alleged to be the victim of hazing and/or harassing, intimidating, or bullying behavior, and the Affirmative Action Officer.
b. The Building Principal shall make a determination whether hazing and/or harassing, intimidating, or bullying behavior was present.
c. If the Building Principal concludes the behavior was not, or is not present, the investigation is concluded.
d. If the Building Principal determines the behavior has occurred, the school district administrators and staff shall take reasonable, age—appropriate, and effective corrective action, including steps tailored to the specific situation. Appropriate steps will be taken to end the hazing and/or harassment, intimidation, or bullying such as counseling, warning, and/or disciplinary action, as specified in pupil and/or staff discipline policies and regulations. The steps will be based on the severity of the behavior or any record of prior incidents or both. A series of escalating consequences may be necessary if the initial steps are ineffective in stopping the harassment, intimidation, bullying and hazing.
e. The school district administrators may need to deliver special training or other interventions to repair the educational environment. Other measures may include directing the person(s) to apologize to the victim(s), dissemination of information, distribution of new policy statements or other steps to communicate the message that the Board does not tolerate harassment, intimidating, bullying and/or hazing and will be responsive to any pupil that reports such conduct.
f. In some situations, the school district administrators may need to provide other services to the victim(s) if necessary to address the effects of the behavior on that pupil. Depending on the type of behavior found, these additional services may include an independent re—assessment of the pupil’s work, re—taking a course with a different instructor, tutoring and/or other measures that are appropriate to the situation.
g. The school district administrators will take steps to avoid any further hazing and/or harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior and to prevent any retaliation against the pupil who made the complaint, was the subject of the behavior, or against those who provided the information or were witnesses. The Building Principal will inform the victim pupil and his/her parent how to report any subsequent problems and make follow—up inquiries to see if there has been any new incidents or retaliation.
h. All grievances and accompanied investigation notes will be maintained in a confidential file by the Building Principal.
4. Building Principal’s Investigation Appeal Process
a. Any person found by the Building Principal’s investigation to be guilty of hazing and/or harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior, or any pupil who believes they were hazed and/or harassed, intimidated, or bullied , but not supported by the Building Principal’s investigation, may appeal to the Superintendent. The Chief School Administrator will review the Building Principal’s report and any other information he/she deems appropriate, to make a determination. The Chief School Administrator will make his/her determination within ten working days of receiving the appeal.
b. Any person who is not satisfied with the Superintendent’s determination may appeal to the Board. The Board will review the Building Principal’s report and the Chief School Administrator’s determination, along with any other information the Board deems appropriate to make a Board determination. The Board will make its determination within forty-five calendar days of receiving an appeal from the Superintendent’s determination.
Office Of Civil Rights (OCR) Case Resolution
Parents or pupils not satisfied with the resolution by the school district officials or the Board may request the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) of the United States Department of Education to investigate the allegations.
Issued: 16 December 2002
Revision Adopted: 20 October 2003
5512.01 HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING
Policy Statement
The Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying. A safe and civil environment in school is necessary for pupils to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation or bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is conduct that disrupts both a pupil’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its pupils in a safe environment; and since pupils learn by example, school administrators, faculty, staff and volunteers should be commended for demonstrating appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment, intimidation or bullying.
Definition
"Harassment, intimidation or bullying" means any gesture, written, verbal or physical act that takes place on school property, at any school-sponsored function or on a school bus and that:
1. Is motivated 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
2. By any other distinguishing characteristic; and
3. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, that the act(s) will have the effect of harming a pupil or damaging the pupil’s property, or placing a pupil in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage to his/her property; or
4. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any pupil or group of pupils in such a way as to cause substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.
Expected Behavior
The Board expects pupils to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of development, maturity and demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other pupils and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment.
The Board believes that standards for pupil behavior must be set cooperatively through interaction among the pupils, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), staff and community members, producing an atmosphere that encourages pupils to grow in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires respect for self and others, as well as for school district and community property on the part of pupils, staff and community members.
The Board believes the best discipline is self-imposed, and it is the responsibility of school district staff to use disciplinary situations as opportunities to help pupils learn to assume and accept responsibility for their behavior and the consequences of their behavior. Staff members who interact with pupils shall apply the best practices designed to prevent discipline problems and encourage pupils’ abilities to grow in self-discipline.
General guidelines for pupil conduct will be developed by the Chief School Administrator, in conjunction with school staff, and approved by the Board. These guidelines will be developed based on accepted core ethical values from broad community involvement with input from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and other community representatives, school employees, volunteers, pupils and administrators. These guidelines for pupil conduct will be suited to the age level of the pupils and the mission and physical facilities of the individual school(s) in the district. This Policy requires all pupils in the district to adhere to these rules and guidelines and to submit to such disciplinary measures as are appropriately assigned for infraction of these rules and guidelines.
The district prohibits active and passive support for harassment, intimidation or bullying. Pupils are encouraged to support other pupils who walk away from these acts when they see them, constructively attempt to stop them, and report these acts to the Building Principal or his/her designee.
Pupils are required to conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior; respect the person, property and rights of others; obey constituted authority; and respond to school district teaching, support and administrative staff. Each school Principal will develop and provide a school-based program for appropriate recognition for positive reinforcement for good conduct, self-discipline, good citizenship and academic success.
The Chief School Administrator will provide annually to pupils and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) the rules of the district regarding pupil conduct, pupil’s due process and other rights. This Policy will appear in all publications of the school district’s comprehensive rules, procedures and standards of conduct for school(s) within the district, including pupil handbooks. Provisions will be made for informing parent(s) or legal guardian(s) whose primary language is other than English.
Consequences and Appropriate Remedial Actions
The following factors will be considered in determining the appropriate response to pupils who commit one or more acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying:
1. The developmental and maturity levels of the parties involved;
2. The levels of harm;
3. The surrounding circumstances;
4. The nature of the behavior(s);
5. Past incidences or continuing patterns of behavior;
6. The relationships between the parties involved; and
7. The context in which the alleged incidents occurred.
Concluding whether a particular action or incident constitutes a violation of this Policy requires a determination based on all of the facts and surrounding circumstances.
An appropriate consequence will be determined after meaningful consideration of these factors. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for pupils who commit acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion. The appropriate consequence will be consistent with case law, Federal and State statutes, and district/school policies and regulations.
Reporting Procedure
Complaints alleging violations of this Policy shall be reported to the Principal or his/her designee. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this Policy to the Principal or his/her designee. All other members of the school community, including pupils, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), volunteers and visitors are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this Policy. While submission of an Incident Report Form to the Principal or his/her designee is not required, the reporting party is encouraged to use the Incident Report Form available from the Principal of each building or available at the school district office. Oral reports will also be considered official reports. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be based solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
Investigation
The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this Policy. The Principal or his/her designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough and complete investigation of the alleged incident. The Principal or his/her designee will maintain a record of each investigation regarding allegations of harassment, intimidation and bullying.
Response to an Incident of Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying
Some acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying may be isolated incidents requiring the school to respond appropriately to the individual(s) committing the acts. Other acts may be so serious or part of a larger pattern of harassment, intimidation or bullying that require a response either at the classroom, school building or school district level or by law enforcement officials.
Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for pupils who commit an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1, Discipline of Pupils.
In considering whether a response beyond the individual level is appropriate, the administrator will consider the nature and circumstances of the act, the level of harm, the nature of the behavior, past incidences, past or continuing patterns of behavior, and the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred. The school district’s responses can range from school and community surveys, to mailings, to focus groups, to adoption of research-based bullying prevention program models, to training for certificated and non-certificated staff. The district’s responses may include participation of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and other community members and organizations, to small or large group presentations for fully addressing the actions and the school district’s response to the actions in the context of acceptable student behavior or the consequences of such actions and involvement of law enforcement officers, including school resource officers.
Reprisal or Retaliation Prohibited
The school district prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of harassment, intimidation or bullying. The consequence and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the Principal or his/her designee after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, in accordance with case law, Federal and State statutes and regulations and district policies and procedures.
Consequences for False Accusation
Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a pupil found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion, as permitted under N.J.S.A. 18A:37-1, Discipline of Pupils.
Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be disciplined in accordance with district policies and procedures.
Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a visitor or volunteer, found to have falsely accused another as a means of harassment, intimidation or bullying shall be determined by the Principal or his/her designee, after consideration of the nature and circumstances of the act, including reports to appropriate law enforcement officials.
Policy Publication
This Policy will be disseminated annually to all school staff, pupils, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), along with a statement explaining that the Policy applies to all acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying that occur on school property, at school-sponsored functions or on a school bus.
The Chief School Administrator shall develop a process for the Principal(s) to discuss the school district’s policy on harassment, intimidation and bullying with pupils on an annual basis.
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Prevention Programs
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17.c., information regarding the district’s Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy shall be incorporated into a school’s employee training program.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17.a., the district will establish bullying prevention programs, and other initiatives involving school staff, pupils, administrators, volunteers, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), law enforcement and community members in developing such programs and initiatives.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-17.b., the district is encouraged to, and to the extent funds are appropriated for these purposes, provide training on the school district’s harassment, intimidation and bullying policies to school employees and volunteers who have significant contact with pupils and develop a process for discussing the school district’s harassment, intimidation and bullying policies with pupils.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37-19, the school district may apply to the Commissioner of Education for additional costs due to the implementation of the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through N.J.S.A. 18A:37-18.
The Chief School Administrator will forward a copy of this Policy to the County Superintendent of Schools by September 1, 2003.
N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13 through 18A:37-19
Adopted: 16 December 2002
Revision Adopted: 20 October 2003
(Student/Parent Handbook Approved by the White Township Board of Education – August 28, 2006)