Parsons Elementary School 899 Hollywood Street

North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Telephone 732-289-3400

Fax 732-435-1709

Family Handbook

Mr. Luis F. Ramirez Principal

Mrs. Patricia D. Puleio

Director of Elementary Instruction

Mrs. Cari Lopez Instructional Dean

2015-2016

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year!

September 2015 Dear Parsons’ Families, Welcome to Parsons. This handbook was prepared for you and your child to provide information regarding activities, school policies and procedures. A yearly calendar of school holidays and scheduled events can be found in the 2015-2016 district calendar. Also, please check the district and Parsons’ web site for updated information throughout the school year (www.nbtschools.org). Please read and discuss the contents of this handbook with your child. All students are expected to know and follow the rules and regulations described within the handbook. Your child’s teacher will send home a separate sign-off sheet documenting your review of this handbook. Please sign and return by Friday, September 18, 2015. We look forward to building a home-school partnership to create a nurturing environment for the children. Please do not hesitate to call the office if you need any additional information. Sincerely, Mr. Luis Ramirez Mrs. Patricia Puleio Mrs. Cari Lopez Principal Director of Elementary Instruction Instructional Dean lramirez@nbtschools.org ppuleio@nbtschools.org clopez@nbtschools.org

Our Human Rights

I have the right to be happy

and to be treated with compassion in Parsons School: This means that no one will laugh at me

or hurt my feelings.

I have the right to be myself in Parsons School: This means that no one will treat me unfairly because of my skin color,

being fat or thin, being tall or short,

being a boy or a girl, or by the way I look.

I have the right to be safe in Parsons School:

This means that no one will threaten me, hit me,

kick me, push me, pinch me,

or hurt me. Others are expected to keep their hands to themselves.

I have the right to hear and to be heard in Parsons School:

This means that no one will yell, scream, shout, or make loud noises unnecessarily.

I have the right to learn about myself in Parsons School:

This means that I will be free to appropriately express my feelings and opinions without being interrupted or punished.

I have the right to learn according to my own abilities in Parsons School:

This means that no one will call me names or make fun of the way I learn.

NORTH BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL CALENDAR, 2015 – 2016

School Days September Tuesday, September 1 Staff Orientation 14 Wednesday, September 2 Staff In-Service Day Monday, September 7 Labor Day (Schools Closed) Tuesday, September 8 Schools Open – First Day for Students Monday & Tuesday, September 14, 15 Rosh Hashanah (Schools Closed) Wednesday, September 23 Yom Kippur (Schools Closed)

October 22 Thursday, October 29 4-Hour Session for All Schools –

November Tuesday, November 3 Election Day – (Schools Closed) In-Service Day for Staff 16 Thursday & Friday, Nov.5, 6 N.J.E.A. Convention (Schools Closed) Wednesday, November 25 4-Hour Session for All Schools In-Service for Staff Thursday & Friday, Nov. 26, 27 Thanksgiving (Schools Closed) December Thursday, December 3 4-Hour Session for All Schools In-Service for Staff Wednesday, December 23 4-Hour Session for All Schools 17 Thursday, December 24 through Thursday, December 31 Winter Recess (Schools Closed) January Friday, January 1 New Year’s Day (Schools Closed) 19 Monday, January 4 Schools Reopen Monday, January 18 Martin L. King's Birthday (Schools Closed) Thursday, January 21 4-Hour Session for All Schools February 20 Friday, February 12 4-Hour Session for All Schools** Monday, February 15 February Recess (Schools Closed) Thursday, February 25 4-Hour Session for All Schools In-Service for Staff March 18 Thursday, March 14 4-Hour Session for All Schools In-Service for Staff Thursday, March 24 4-Hour Session for All Schools Friday, March 25 through Thursday, March 31 Spring Recess (Schools Closed)

April Friday, April 1 Spring Recess (Schools Closed) 20

May Friday, May 27 4-Hour Session for All Schools** 21 Monday, May 30 Memorial Day (Schools Closed) June Wednesday, June 22 Last Day for Students/Staff 16 Thursday, June 23 HS Graduation / In-Service for Staff Friday, June 24 Make-up Flex Day for Staff

________ Student Days: 183 Staff Days: 188

* Three snow days have been added to the calendar. If there are any unused snow days, they will be deducted from the calendar. For planning purposes, please be aware of the following: If any additional days are needed they will be taken from the following scheduled holidays: January 18; February Recess (Feb. 15); Spring Recess (to be determined); Memorial Day (May 30). Use of personal days will not be approved for any planned vacations during these holiday periods.

** Designated as half­day in­service day for staff be taken from the following scheduled holidays: January 19; February Recess (Feb. 16); Spring Recess (dates to be determined); Memorial Day (May 25). ** Designated as half-day in-service day for staff

Parsons School Hours 2014-2015

Kindergarten to Fifth Grade

K-5 Doors

Open First Bell Late Bell Dismissal

Regular Day 8:35 8:45 8:55 3:30 1:30 Closing 8:35 8:45 8:55 1:30 Delayed Opening 10:05 10:05 10:25 3:30

Please refer to the District School Calendar or go to www.nbtschools.org for more information.

Please note, our teachers BEGIN INSTRUCTION DAILY AT 9:00 am. Students arriving at 8:55 will be marked tardy. Our doors open at 8:35. Please aim to have your child to school between 8:35 and 8:50 so that they have time to get to class and get settled before the instructional day begins. Students must not arrive before 10:00 on a delayed opening day.

Parsons School Reporting Dates 2015-2016

Interim Progress Reports

Interim Reports Sent home October 10

December 19 March 6 May 15

Marking Period Closure Dates/Report Cards

Marking Period End of Marking

Period* Grades Distributed to Parents

First Quarter November 5 November 14 Second Quarter January 23 January 30

Third Quarter March 27 April 2 Fourth Quarter June 12 June 19+

Dates subject to change. *. +Tentative based on snow days

Family Handbook Topics

ABSENCE FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE A student, who is absent for religious observation, will be given opportunity to make up any missed work. A written excuse, signed by the parent/guardian, must be presented to the homeroom teacher upon the student’s return to class. ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Academic Support teachers provide support in Language Arts and Mathematics to students on an as needed basis. ANIMALS/PETS Animals are not to be kept in the classroom without permission from the principal. Consideration must be given to health and safety issues. Parents may bring in animals to show the class providing that the parent obtains permission at least one day in advance and the parent remains with the animal at all times. Whether leashed or unleashed, dogs may not be brought onto school property while the school building is occupied. ARRIVAL PROCEDURES Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:35 a.m. There is no adult supervision before that time and students will not be allowed in the building (unless they are enrolled in the morning LEAL program or part of a before-school activity).

Kindergarten students who do not take the bus, will enter through Exit No.10/11 (Park side of building) and line up outside their classrooms

Grade 1 and 2 and 5 students who do not take the bus, will enter through the front door and go directly to their hallway.

Grade 5 students who do not take the bus, will enter through the front door and go directly to their hallway.

Grade 3 and 4 students enter through the front door and go directly to the cafeteria. Buses: Buses will transport students to and from the school. Students will exit the bus, enter through Exit 2 and report to their meeting place. Please insure that your child knows his/her bus route number. All students must behave appropriately while waiting for the bus at their designated bus stop, while

riding the bus, and while leaving the bus. Infractions of accepted behavior will be reported to parents and may result in suspension of bus privileges.

Any difficulty involving buses should be referred to the district transportation director, Mr. Ray Kuehner, at the Board of Education office (732-289-3000 ext. 3034).

No one should walk between the buses. Tardiness: A student is considered tardy if arrival to the classroom is after 8:55 a.m. A student who arrives late to school must report to the security aide in the front lobby where his/her

time of arrival will be recorded and a late pass will be issued. It is the parent’s responsibility to accompany a tardy student into the school and sign the student in. Continued tardiness on the part of any student will be viewed as a serious matter. Frequent tardiness may result in reporting to the district attendance officer. Legal action will be instituted in cases of excessive tardiness.

ART Formal art classes are scheduled once per week for all students, K-5. Other art activities are integrated within the core curriculum content areas. You may receive a request for a smock or an old shirt for your child to protect clothing during art class. Kindergarten students have Art & Literature with the CD (Child Development) teacher. ASSEMBLY AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS Our PTO and community organizations provide a number of assembly programs throughout the year. Classes will be invited to those programs that are appropriate to each grade level. Information on other whole school programs will be sent home with students or found in the district calendar.

ATTENDANCE School hours: 8:55 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (see schedule) Each student is required to attend school regularly and to arrive on time. Excessive absences and tardiness will be noted and sent to the Superintendent of Schools. Regular, on-time attendance is an essential part of academic success. State school attendance laws require that students attend whenever school is in session, unless the child is personally ill. Excessive absences will be dealt with through the office. State approved reasons for absences include:

Death in the family Religious holidays approved by the Board

Family vacations are not considered excused absences. Parents are requested to schedule vacations in accordance with our school calendar. If a trip is planned during school totaling more than 10 school days the parent must complete a withdrawal form, found in the school office. After 10 days, the student will be taken off the school register. Upon returning, the parent must make an appointment to register the child again as a new student in North Brunswick. A place in the class or the school is not guaranteed. No homework will be assigned or given during the unexcused absence. (see: Vacations)

Absence: The school operates a Student Absence Calling system. Parents are responsible for calling the school at

732-289-3400, extension: 44054 to leave a message. If we do not hear from the parent or guardian, we will contact you. The school nurse may also make a family

contact when a child has been absent for three consecutive days and the school has not been notified. If your child is absent from school; your child may not participate in an after school/evening event. Delayed Openings/Emergency Closings: Emergency closings due to inclement weather will be announced between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. on local radio

stations (WCTC 1450 AM, New Jersey 101.5 FM and WMGQ 98.3 FM) as well as via the District’s phone/email notification system. Information will also be available on the School and District websites:

(www.nbtschools.org). In the event of an emergency early dismissal these same sites will also make announcements. It is extremely

important that you keep us informed of current home or emergency phone numbers for all children. In addition, children should know what contingency plan is in place in the event that their parent cannot be reached.

Delayed openings are 90 minutes in length. (Note that the regular late bell is 8:55, while the delayed opening late bell is at 10:25.) Buses run on a 90-minute time delay. See page 2 of the Handbook for a detailed list of school hours.

Students must arrive between 10:00 and 10:15. Parents are asked to simply drop children off at the school entrance and NOT to enter or wait inside the building.

The Late Bell (tardy) rings at 10:25; instruction begins. Lunch will be served at the regular time. If a delayed opening occurs on a day when school has been

scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. closing, the school day will be extended to the regular closing times of 3:30

Safety note to Parents: If there is a delayed opening and you drop your child off at school at the regular time, there will be no staff members available to receive him or her. Early arrivals on these days present a very significant safety issue because those children who arrive prematurely are unsupervised. Please also discuss with your children any arrangements you have made for their care in the event of an emergency closing. Children should have a plan for what to do or where to go in an event such as this.

Tardiness A student is officially tardy if arrival occurs after 8:55a.m. A student who arrives late to school must report

to the front desk where his/her time of arrival will be recorded and a late pass will be issued. Continued tardiness on the part of any student will be viewed as a serious matter. Frequent tardiness will result in parent notification as well as possible loss of recess. Legal action may be instituted in cases of excessive tardiness.

Transfers:

If you transfer your child to another school district, please notify the office at least one week in advance. You will need to provide your new home address and the name of the new school and school address, so the appropriate papers can be prepared for you in a timely manner.

Truancy: Any unauthorized absence from school shall be considered truancy. All truancies will be reported to the

district attendance officer for review and possible legal action. Early Pick Up Parents are urged to leave their children in school for the entire day. With the exception of sudden or serious

illness, medical and other appointments should be scheduled outside school hours or on school holidays whenever possible. Removing a student from school before the regular dismissal time must be reserved for only urgent instances.

PICKUPS AFTER 3:00 PM, REQUESTS FOR EARLY DISMISSAL CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED. If you need to pick up a child early, this must be done before 3:00 on a regular day and before 1:00 on an early dismissal day. Please realize that with such a large student body, requests for pick up during the final 30 minutes of the day become disruptive and create problems with students being dismissed to their proper locations.

PUPILS MAY NOT BE EXCUSED EARLY WITHOUT A WRITTEN REQUEST FROM A PARENT OR GUARDIAN. The note is to be presented to the office and will be copied to the classroom teacher. Parents picking children up early must come into the school office to sign the youngster out.

For safety reasons, if a person other than the parent/guardian is designated to make the student pick-up, that person must be listed on your child’s emergency contact form. Proper picture identification and written parent/guardian permission will be required for sign out.

Note: Children are not permitted to walk home alone during the school day.

BICYCLES Students are not permitted to ride their bicycles to school. There are no provisions for locking them up. BOOK BAGS Please provide a book bag for your child to carry his school materials. Rolling book bags are not permitted. These have caused a safety problem in our hallways and on buses. BREAKFAST (also see LUNCH) Breakfast is available to all students through our food service. It is delivered to homerooms in the morning and is usually eaten in the homeroom during the first few minutes of the school day. Students participating in the breakfast program are encouraged to arrive early enough to complete their meal by 9:00. Breakfasts are available for purchase at a daily cost of $1.25* (regular price) or $.00 for those on free or reduced lunch plans. Homeroom teachers will distribute order forms each week for pre-ordering breakfast. (*Price at time of publication.) A simple breakfast is available to all students through our food service. . For any further questions regarding breakfast please contact Director of Dining Services, Adam Sawchak at 732-289-3014 or asawchak@nbtschools.org. BUS TRANSPORTATION Students receive their bus assignment, bus stop and boarding time from our Transportation Department. It is the bus driver’s responsibility to insure the safety of the passengers. Students are required to obey all bus safety rules. School law, Title 18, 18A: 25-2 states “A pupil may be excluded from the bus for disciplinary reasons by an administrator, and his parents shall provide for his transportation to and from school during the period of such exclusion.” There is no eating or drinking on the bus. The bus driver will report all incidents to the school.

Only students assigned to a bus by our transportation department may ride a school bus. Parents must send a note if they do not want their child to take the bus home on a particular day. Without written instructions, the child will be put on their regular bus at dismissal. No changes will be made after 3:00, unless an emergency occurs. Guidelines for Riding the Bus: Please talk to your child about the following rules and procedures for riding the bus to and from school. Help your child understand that the bus is a privilege and requires students to follow a set of rules and procedures in order to continue to ride the bus. Buses: All students must exhibit behavior that is safe and orderly while waiting for the bus at their designated bus stop, while riding the bus and while exiting the bus. Infractions of bus safety and conduct rules that do not promote safety, order and the rights of others will be reported to parents and may result in disciplinary action including verbal warnings, reassignment of seats and suspension of bus privileges. 1st offense: verbal warning, possible reassignment of seat and warning that next offense will result in a bus suspension

2nd offense: reassignment of seat, 1 day bus suspension with warning that additional offenses will result in longer suspension from the bus

3rd offense: 3 day suspension from the bus

4th offense: 5 day suspension with warning that next offense leads to a permanent suspension from the bus

Any problems involving buses should be directed to Ray Kuehner, Transportation Coordinator, Board of Education, 732-289-3066. CAFETERIA/ RECESS Children may buy standard lunch each day or bring lunch from home. Lunches may be prepaid. Beverages are sold separately. Please do not send glass containers, carbonated beverages or energy drinks to school. More information is available on the lunch menu your child will bring home or the district website. (www.nbtschools.org) Free and reduced price meals are available to those who qualify for financial assistance; applications are online. The options for purchasing lunch each day include:

Lunch $2.55* Reduced cost lunch $ .40* Milk $ .50* *Note: Prices at time of publication

While in the cafeteria, children are assigned to tables and are expected to behave appropriately. The following guidelines have been established in order to provide a safe and pleasant atmosphere.

An adult in charge will send students to the lunch lines. Cutting in line is not acceptable behavior. Students must stay in their assigned seats. Tables must be kept clean. Trash must be picked up around the table and discarded properly. School rules such as walking, using proper language and manners, and respecting others are consistently

enforced in the cafeteria. If a child does not behave appropriately in the cafeteria, recess may be forfeited.

There will be a Nut free table for students with allergies.

Recess: When weather and time permit, students will go outside for recess. Students will bring necessary clothing outside and will not be permitted to return to classrooms once lunch/recess has begun. Food and drink are not permitted outside. Candy/gum-chewing is never permitted anywhere in the school or on the campus. Games involving bodily contact, such as football, wrestling, etc., are not permitted. Students must keep within the boundaries of the playgrounds. Students will follow the directions of the adults supervising the playground.

CAFETERIA / LUNCH and RECESS PLEASE REVIEW AND DISCUSS THIS ENTIRE SECTION WITH YOUR CHILD. Students may either buy food or bring their lunches from home. Parents/guardians of children who buy lunch are encouraged to purchase it by the week by sending cash or a check in an envelope labeled with the child’s name and teacher’s name. Free or reduced price meals are available to those who qualify for financial assistance; Applications are sent home early in the school year. The options for purchasing lunch each day include: a. Buying the entire lunch $2.55* b. Reduced cost lunch $ .40* c. Milk $ .50* d. Juice $ .75* *Note: Prices at time of publication LUNCH SCHEDULE for 2015-16 Gr 1- 11:06 – 11:48 Gr 2 - 11:26-12:08 Gr 3 - 11:48-12:30 Gr 4 - 12:08-12:50 Gr 5 - 12:28-1:10 K - 12:48-1:30 While in the cafeteria, children are assigned to tables by class and are expected to behave in a calm, quiet and orderly fashion. The following guidelines have been established in order to provide a safe and pleasant atmosphere.

· The adults in charge will send students to the lunch line. · All jackets, coats, etc. will be left at the student’s cafeteria seat when the students are called to the lunch line. · Cutting in line is not acceptable. · Students must stay in their seats and request permission (via hand raising) if they wish to leave their seat to

dispose of garbage or to use the lavatories. · Tables must be kept clean. Students are responsible to pick up their own trash and discard it properly. · School rules regarding safe movement, use of proper language and manners, and respect for others will be

consistently maintained in the cafeteria.

Recess after LUNCH Whenever weather permits, students will go outside for recess. Students will bring necessary clothing outside and will not be permitted to return to classrooms once lunch/recess has begun. Food and drink are not permitted outside. Candy/gum chewing is never permitted anywhere in the school or on the campus. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Any equipment brought to the playground from the classroom must be used responsibly. Courteous respectful play is always expected. Games involving body contact such as wrestling, touch football, tackling, piggyback rides, etc. are not permitted. Students must keep within the boundaries of the playgrounds.

Students will line up when the whistle is blown and return playground equipment to its proper place. Students will follow the directions of the adults supervising the playground. *See Discipline for more. CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE It is extremely important that the school office has a current address and telephone number for every student. Please notify the school immediately of any changes made during the school year. (See EMERGENCY FORM.) CHILD STUDY TEAM Members of the Child Study Team consist of a Social Worker, Psychologist, and Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC). Classroom teachers who request assistance in dealing with individual students or parents who seek assistance for their children make referral to this group through the I&RS team. CLASSROOM PARTIES, FOOD, and BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS/BIRTHDAY TREATS We welcome the opportunity to acknowledge birthdays and to share these happy events with our students. If you wish to send in a class treat, you are invited to do so. However, because there are so many children at Parsons Elementary School with allergies and special dietary needs, we recommend sending small non-edible treats in lieu of food items. These may include stickers, pencils, small games, and other appropriate items. Another alternative is to donate a book to the Parsons Elementary School Library as a long-lasting remembrance of a child’s birthday. These special books will be inscribed with the child’s name and birth date. If in doubt about a selection, you may contact your child’s teacher. If you wish to send edible treats, they must be they must satisfy the following criteria:

ALL ITEMS SENT IN WITH YOUR CHILD FOR CONSUMPTION IN THE CLASSROOM (I.E. SNACKS) MUST BE NUT FREE

ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST BE COMMERCIALLY PACKAGED WITH CLEAR AND VISIBLE INGREDIENT LABELS. Items with nuts or nut products will not be allowed.

BAKERY ITEMS WITHOUT AN INGREDIENT LABEL WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. Likewise, Dunkin Donuts products are NOT permitted because they are processed in an environment that has the potential for cross contamination with nuts, they also do not contain an ingredient label.

No homemade products will be allowed. PARTY INVITATIONS Private and at-home parties are wonderful for those who attend, but they can be very difficult for those who have not been invited. In order to respond sensitively to this issue, we have instituted the following Parsons guidelines: Teachers will gladly permit the distribution of invitations provided that everyone in the class is invited. If only select children are being invited, invitations must be distributed privately from outside of the school building. For privacy reasons, the school cannot give out class lists. CLASS TRIPS Trips for off campus programs and enrichment activities for each grade level vary from year to year. Such excursions are viewed as a privilege and good school behavior is required for a child to be eligible to attend. As representatives of Parsons, students are expected to dress appropriately and conduct themselves properly on field trips. Teachers will arrange for chaperones from among the class parents. Every trip, no matter how short, in which students leave the school grounds during a school day, requires a signed permission slip from parents. No student will leave without a signed permission slip, a phone call is unacceptable. When a child goes on a class trip, the child must leave with the class on the bus and return with the class on the bus. NO EXCEPTIONS.

CONTACTING TEACHERS Teachers cannot be called to the telephone from their classrooms except in emergency situations. You may leave a message on the teacher’s phone mailbox. Parents may be assured a return call will be forthcoming from the teacher within 24 hours. Teachers must not be disturbed while carrying out supervision duties or when children are in the classroom. Please do not contact teachers at home. Email is the preferred method of communication with staff. Everyone has an assigned address with their first initial, last name@nbtschools.org (example: jdoe@nbtshcools.org). DISCIPLINE A safe and respectful environment is critical if quality teaching and learning are to take place in our school. A key element in achieving such an environment is to ensure that parents and students understand the rights and responsibilities that students have at school, what conduct is expected of them, and the consequences for inappropriate or dangerous behaviors. There will be a zero tolerance for fighting. Mrs. Lopez, our Instructional Dean, is our administrator in charge of discipline. DISMISSAL PROCEDURES Students are dismissed and will exit the building at 3:30 p.m. each day, except for early closings. Walkers must immediately make their way home. Parents should wait for their children outside of their assigned dismissal door. Kindergarten, First and Second grade students will have a hand-off from the classroom teacher to a parent. When parents are late, they must come into the building to get children so that we are certain children are leaving with parents/guardians. Any students remaining after 3:50 p.m. will be safely placed with LEAL. LEAL will charge parents a $20.00 minimum for this service. If an early dismissal is absolutely necessary, we ask that you do not call for your child during the last 30 minutes of the day. Such requests are disruptive to closure in the classroom. A written request is required and must be submitted to the student’s teacher for early dismissal. Parents or the person named in the note must sign the child out in the lobby. Students will be called from the class once you arrive at school. For student security no telephone messages will be accepted. In case of emergency call our security desk at 732-289-3400 extension 43031 and state your emergency and we will try to make the necessary emergency arrangements. Proper identification will be required when you pick-up your child. Parents/ Guardians are asked to promptly exit the school grounds with their children. DRESS AND GROOMING Student dress and grooming must be neat and in good taste so that each student shares in a positive, healthy, and safe school environment. Student dress will be the responsibility of each individual with the following guidelines:

Dress or grooming may not interfere with the teaching/learning process or cause undue attention to an individual student; or create an unsafe situation (Policy # 5511).

Sneakers are required of all students participating in physical education classes. Clothing must be modest and appropriate for the school setting. Clothing with profanity, inappropriate images, or suggestive wording is inappropriate as is beachwear, beach

shoes, sunglasses and hats. Hats, head covers (including visors, scarves, caps, etc.) coats, jackets, and gloves are not to be won in the

building. Additional dress requirements may be made of students as needed. Any child, who comes to school wearing clothing that is inappropriate or contains unacceptable graphics, may be asked to change into something available at school or call home for a change of clothing.

*** DRESS GUIDELINES PLEASE REVIEW AND DISCUSS THIS ENTIRE SECTION WITH YOUR CHILD. Dress guidelines at Parsons Elementary School are intended to help provide a safe, healthy, respectful while also promoting self-discipline and supporting the integrity of the educational process. To that end, these guidelines are to be followed by all students:

All school attire should be neat, clean, and modest. Spaghetti straps, halter tops, bare midriffs, short shorts and skirts, extremely low-riding pants, and tube tops may not be worn.

Footwear shall be safe and appropriate for school activities. Flip-Flops often cause tripping hazards and are strongly discouraged.

Sneakers with retractable rollers may not be worn. Sneakers are required of all students participating in physical education classes; Form-fitting leggings should be worn with tops that extend approximately to mid-thigh Graphics, language

and logos must be appropriate. Offensive images and messages are not permitted. Prohibited items include: o Clothing/accessories that may be offensive to any national, ethnic, religious, or gender group o Clothing/accessories that have any association with alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances o Clothing/accessories that have any association with gangs or violence o Chains that hang from wallets, wrists, or waists

In general, hats, caps, bandanas, sunglasses and outdoor jackets will not be worn inside the building. (Exceptions may be made for religious observances and special Spirit Day activities.)

Wearing of hats at outdoor recess may be restricted if a specific hat presents a safety concern. Hats with long string, braids, or wide brims may be banned.

In all cases where a student’s appearance is questionable, the school administrators will evaluate and make the final decision regarding appropriateness. In the event that the dress code has not been followed, parents may be contacted.

EMERGENCY FORMS Emergency cards are distributed the first day of school and should be filled out and returned to school immediately. It is essential that we have these on file. Please be sure that all information on the card is accurate and alternate contacts are available to act on your behalf in case of an emergency. It is also essential that the school be provided with up-to-date addresses, home and cell numbers at which responsible persons can always be reached in case of sickness, accident, or early dismissal. Throughout the year, please keep the office informed of any changes in emergency information. In the event of an emergency at school when the parent or guardian cannot be contacted, an adult designated on the emergency form will be called to take the child home. Pupils will not be sent home alone. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE The district offers assistance to students whose native language is other than English and who have limited English speaking proficiency. An ESL specialist serves our ESL population with a pullout program. ENROLLMENT New students may be enrolled when they arrive in the district. This will be completed in the School’s main office throughout the year and during the summer months at the Board of Education Office (732-289-3000). The following information is needed: • Birth certificate

• Immunization record • Emergency telephone numbers • Proof of residence • Recent report cards EVENING EVENTS If your child is absent from school; your child may not participate in an after school/evening event. FIRE DRILLS/LOCK-DOWN, ETC. A state law requires safety and security drills each month. The bill defines a school security drill as an exercise, other than a fire drill, to practice procedures that respond to an emergency situation including, but not limited to, a non-fire evacuation, lock-down, or active shooter situation that is similar in duration to a fire drill. Detailed routes are posted inside the door of each classroom. Students are reminded to follow the safety rules established in the building. There is no talking or running during a fire drill or emergency drill. FOOD/SNACKS The district nut protocols states that all classrooms will be Nut aware classrooms.

All items sent into school with your child for consumption (i.e.) snacks) must be Nut Free. If you wish to send edible treats for the class, they must be commercially packaged with clear and visible

ingredient labels. ITEMS WITH NUT OR NUT PRODUCTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. Please note bakery items without an ingredient label will not be allowed. Likewise, Dunkin Donuts products

are not permitted because they are processed in an environment that has the potential for cross contamination with nuts; they also do not contain an ingredient label.

Bake sales items must be commercially purchased with the ingredient label attached FREE/REDUCED MEALS Applications for free and reduced meals are all completed online. A new application must be completed every year. Go to the North Brunswick district website and click on the Food Services tab or go directly to http://lunchapp.nbtschools.org/ . The New Jersey Department of Education sets the income eligibility guideline. Please contact the office if you need assistance in filling out this form or do not have a computer. GATE(Gifted and Talented Education) Gifted and Talented Education is open to all qualified students from grades three through five. Classes meet on a regular basis with a full time teacher after school. Buses are provided. The curriculum is differentiated and students are involved in units of study separate from classroom curricula. Criteria for selection: Teacher Recommendation, Surveys, Standardized Tests and a test for Creative and Cognitive Thinking. GUIDANCE COUNSELOR A full time guidance counselor is available for students. Referral may be made by a child’s parent or by a teacher using a referral form. Note that written parental approval must be obtained prior to the initiation of regular counseling contact.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND BULLYING Bullying among children is commonly defined as intentional, repeated, hurtful acts, words, or other behavior. The Board of Education Policy #5512.01 spells out the definitions and rule of the District regarding pupil conduct, pupil due process, consequences, and other responsibilities and rights related to behavior. Visit the District website at www.nbtschools.org to read the policy in it’s entirely. HOMEWORK Children will often be assigned lessons to practice or complete at home. Projects in connection with school studies are also frequently assigned for home completion. Parents should assist children in organizing their leisure and work periods

in order that home assignments are well done and returned to school. This is vital for development of positive learning and work habits. A general guideline for homework assignments is as follows:

Grades K-3 - 15-30 minutes per night Grades 4-5 - 30-60 minutes per night

Both the quality and the regularity of homework completion are factors in assessing a child’s progress. Homework must be submitted on time. Credit may not be given for daily homework that is late. Partial credit for any homework assignment may be given at a teacher’s discretion. Students who have been absent from school due to illness or religious observance will be given the opportunity to make up homework upon their return. If parents wish to pick up homework while the student is absent, leave a message at 732-289-3400, 44054 on the second day of absence. Students and/or parents will NOT be allowed back into the building after school to get materials and homework that was forgotten, unless an administrator is present. The custodians will not be asked to unlock a classroom for parents. Homework will not be given to students on vacation while school is in session. HONOR ROLL It is recognized by the North Brunswick Public Schools that honor awards help our students as they work towards their personal best. Honor Roll awards set standards that students are proud to achieve. All staff will strive to make that achievement a possibility. Placement on Parson’s Honor Roll is the result of a student’s academic work. All students in grade five are eligible to earn a place on the Honor Roll. IMMUNIZATION State law mandates immunization requirements. Parents must provide documented evidence of their child having the necessary immunizations. Failure to comply will result in exclusion from school. LEAL/ EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM In an attempt to meet the needs of working parents, The Board of Education in cooperation with the Department of Human Services provides child care services. Project LEAL is an extended school day program for the children of working parents. The morning program begins as early as 7:00 a.m., while the after school program begins immediately following the end of the school day and continues to 6:00 p.m. Please call DHS @ 732-247-0922 for additional information on the LEAL program. LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER Students are scheduled for media center class once each week. Responsibility for care of borrowed materials rests with the child and parent. Students are held financially responsible for lost or damaged books. LOST AND FOUND A Lost and Found area is located in the cafeteria. Eyeglasses, money, or valuables that have been lost or found will be in the main office. MONEY AND VALUABLES The school cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged items. Children should not bring valuable items to school. Money brought to school should be put in an envelope with the child’s name on it. MUSIC A general music class is scheduled once per week for all students, grades K-5. In addition, participation in a chorus is available for all interested students in grades 4 and 5. Instrumental music lessons, which are scheduled as a weekly pull-out program, are available for children in grades 3, 4 and 5 for strings and grades 4 and 5 for band. NURSE/HEALTH SERVICES

Students becoming ill or injured during the school day or on the way to the school must notify the teacher/supervisor in charge to obtain a pass to the nurse’s office. Injuries incurred outside the school day must be cared for at home. Similarly, children who feel ill in the morning should be kept at home for the day. Whenever it is determined that a student’s condition warrants leaving school, a parent/guardian/designated adult will be notified. In such cases, arrangements must be made to pick up the student; students may not be sent home unescorted. In medical emergencies, the North Brunswick Rescue Squad will be called.

Medical Guidelines: A child who is ill the day before a school day or that school day morning must remain at home until they are symptom free without the assistance of medication (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin etc.), for a full 24 hours. The following conditions are examples that would require a child to remain home or be sent home from school:

Fever greater than 100 degree Red throat/Red throat with white patches Severe cough that is disruptive to student or class Any questionable skin rash (doctor’s note stating not contagious to return) Vomiting/diarrhea Ear infections if complaining of pain If she/he is too sick to eat breakfast.

If your child is sent home from school ill (fever 100 degrees or greater, vomiting, etc.) they must remain home the following school day. hey may not return to school until they are symptom free for a full 24 hours Children must be fever-free (less than 100 degrees) without fever reducing medication for 24 hours before. It is essential that children with communicable diseases be kept home until the danger of contamination and relapse has passed. Please report all contagious diseases (Strep Throat, Pink Eye, Scarlet Fever, and Chicken Pox) or contagious conditions (lice or ringworm) to the school nurse promptly. Medications: The school nurse or parent must administer all medications given during school hours. Before any medication (prescription and nonprescription) may be administered to a student during school hours, the Board of Education requires the written request of the parent/guardian and the written order of the prescribing physician. These requests and orders must include the medication name, dose, time to be given and the reason for giving it. Prescription medication must be in its original packaging with the label intact, showing the name of the child, dose, and name of the physician. Patent medicines, such as acetaminophen and antihistamines, must also be in the original packaging. Immunizations: New Jersey law governs the school immunization requirements and provides that children may be excluded by the school administration for non-compliance. Copies of the immunization requirements are available in the school office or from the school nurse.

PARENT CONFERENCES Parents are encouraged to contact teachers to discuss any aspect of their child’s performance or progress in school. Appointments can be made by leaving a message in the teacher’s voice mailbox, sending the teacher an email, or sending a note to school. The teacher will respond to the request and establish a mutually agreeable meeting time. There are two formal conference periods scheduled for the Fall and Spring. Please refer to the District Calendar for exact dates and times. Stopping by the classroom unannounced is inappropriate, disruptive, and problematic in terms of our over-all building

security measures. When anyone enters the building they are expected to first sign in at the main office. Parents should not approach classrooms without first obtaining a pass from the main office. Teachers have been directed not to admit any visitors unless they display the pass. Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled throughout the school year. Teachers and parents who prepare thoroughly for these conferences leave the meetings with feelings of satisfaction. Parent/Teacher communication should not be limited to these formally scheduled activities. Teachers are obligated to suggest a conference at any time when there are concerns regarding a child’s academic progress or behavior. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO) PTO meetings are held monthly at the school throughout the year and are listed on the district calendar. Program topics, dates, and membership information, along with other requests for information will be sent home early in the school year. The PTO has a mailbox in the school for any correspondence. All parents are invited to take an active role in the PTO sponsored activities. PERSONAL PROPERTY In general, students may not bring valuable personal possessions to school. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or damaged personal items. Common sense and consideration are the best guides for determining what is appropriate for school. Generally speaking, any item that may disrupt the educational process is prohibited. The following guidelines will also be maintained: CELL PHONES: For safety purposes, students may carry cell phones to school with parent permission. They must, however, be kept in the child’s book bag and they must be turned off and kept out of sight at all times during the school day. TOYS: Except in the case of a special teacher-planned project, students may not use toys, trading cards, electronic devices or games, iPods, etc. during the school day. In the event of a special circumstance, parents will be notified by the teacher and asked to give permission for specific items to be brought to school. In all other cases, if a child is found to be using such an item during the school day, that item will be held by the teacher or an administrator for parent pick-up. The only time students should bring toys, games, card collections, etc. to school is when their teacher instructs them to do so (e.g. for Show & Tell or a project). The students will assume responsibility for any items brought to school. Items specifically not to be brought to school include electronic games, cell phones, personal communication devices (walkie talkies, PDAs, etc.), radios/stereos, laser pointers, or potentially hazardous items. Sports equipment should also be left at home. Such belongings can easily be lost or broken. We would appreciate your help in keeping toys at home. No weapons of any kind - real or facsimile - should be brought onto school property. These as well as other offending items that may detract from an optimal leaning environment are prohibited at school. They will be confiscated and may be returned to the student at a parent conference or at the end of the school year. Additional offenses will be considered insubordination. Students who disregard these rules will be subject to loss of the item and / or disciplinary action. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students participate in a regularly scheduled physical education program. Students are required to wear sneakers in order to participate. Roller-skate/sneaker combination shoes are not permitted. PLAYGROUND PROCEDURES While on the playground, children will adhere to the following basic rules:

No children are to be in the school area before 8:35 a.m. No food is allowed on the playground.

No bats, hard balls, footballs, or other dangerous equipment are to be brought to or used on the playground. No rough games such as football, etc. which involves potentially dangerous physical contact will be allowed. No “play fighting” will be allowed. Prompt responses to adult requests and to the line up signal are expected. Students arriving to school in the morning and when dismissed at the end of the day, may not use the

playground equipment.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY Whether involving employees or students, sexual harassment of any kind is not tolerated. Incidents of sexual harassment are to be reported to the building administration as near to the occurrence as possible. For more information, please go to the District website (www.nbtschools.org) to access the complete policy. SMOKING Parsons Elementary School maintains a smoke-free campus as is required by State law. SNACKS We encourage students to develop healthy eating habits. Individual classroom teachers decide when and/or if students may have a healthy snack in class. Chewing gum and candy are inappropriate. Beverages may not be in glass containers. SCHOOL INSURANCE Envelopes and forms explaining the optional school insurance will be sent home early in the school year. If you decide to purchase this insurance, please return your remittance to the classroom teacher. You are asked to send checks, not cash. If you do not wish to purchase this insurance, please sign and return the application form indicating “NO” in the appropriate spot. SCHOOL PICTURES Individual pupil and class pictures will be taken early in the year and individual pictures again in the spring. Check the district calendar for the date. Notices will also be sent home to remind parents of the event and to provide ordering information. Parents are under no obligation to purchase pictures, however, unpaid pictures must be returned to the school. SPEECH Children who have been assessed and need assistance in correcting speech or language patterns will receive instruction from a speech and language specialist outside the classroom. SUPPLIES While the school provides most materials, requests may be made at times for special kinds of notebooks, covers for books, extra pencils, etc. Suggested supply lists can be found on our website. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated. SUSPENSION Out of school suspension is reserved for serious transgressions such as possession of weapons/fireworks/inappropriate substances, theft, violence, vandalism, and harassment. The suspension may range from one to ten days in duration. Students may not participate in any school-sponsored activity during the entire period of suspension. Nor are suspended students permitted on school grounds. TECHNOLOGY

Our district policy on technology states in part: While in school, student access to technological resources will be under the supervision of teaching staff and will be monitored by the staff member in the same manner as any other classroom activity. No student shall be allowed to use the computer network and/or the Internet unless they have filed a consent form signed by the students’ parent(s) or guardian(s) in grades kindergarten through five. Our district guidelines specifically prohibit a student’s use of our technological resources for non-educational purposes. Of course, disrupting or damaging equipment, software, or the operation of the system, is also prohibited. Students who violate district guidelines are subject to disciplinary action. The entire district policy and guidelines are available upon request at the school office. Below is the current district Acceptable Use Policy: Technology serves a major function in North Brunswick’s classrooms. Online programs allow students to experience curriculum and connect with their classmates, teachers, and people around the globe. Safety and proper usage of the chosen technology is vital for students and teachers to be successful in its implementation. Please note, student participation must be in accordance with the current District Acceptable Use Policy for Technology. Please note this policy is currently under revision and will be shared with all stakeholders once adopted. Students' online presence is limited to the regulations in the District Media Release sent to all families on the first day of school. Students whose families opt-out of the media release will not have an online presence and will be excluded from such activities. North Brunswick prohibits anonymous publishing of text or media on any website, as all posts must be linked to an accountable individual user profile. Students must be guided through the account setup process or have accounts created for them. Students are not permitted to use personal email addresses to register for website username/passwords. Public and/or private "commenting" features must be turned off, approved by a teacher prior to posting, or moderated in private/accountable environments. TELEPHONES Parents are asked to make after school arrangements with their children before they leave home. It is not desirable to disrupt classroom instruction to deliver messages nor feasible to handle last minute calls for all students in the building. Students are permitted to use the phones in the main office to contact home in case of an emergency. Pupils should not call home for missing homework, projects, and band instruments. Instead, they must assume responsibility for coming to school prepared. Students are to make only extremely necessary or emergency calls from the office telephone. Students may not use cell phones during the school day. A child will be called from a classroom to speak to a parent only in the case of an emergency. The school nurse will place calls to parents regarding a student’s illness. The school cannot assume responsibility for seeing that students receive messages from home except for in emergency situations. Cell phones For safety purposes, students may bring cell phones to school with parent permission. Teacher notification is strongly recommended. Cell phones may not be turned on or in use during the school day. They must be kept in the child’s book bag and they must be turned off and kept out of sight at all times while school is in session. A student who attempts to use a cell phone in school will be referred to an administrator. TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are costly. We ask all families to help care for and preserve these books. Students are to cover all hard cover books; please do not use contact paper. It is the responsibility of the family to replace a textbook that is lost. VACATIONS

We respect your decision to make plans in the best interest of your family, but we believe strongly that a child’s presence in the classroom each and every day is very important for his/her learning. Board of Education Policy #5200 states, “the educational program offered by this district is predicated upon the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation.” The policy goes on to declare that attendance is required of all children unless excused due to sickness, death in the family or religious observance. Family trips do not qualify as excused absences from school. If you choose to take your child out of school, homework will not be provided in advance. (See: Attendance) VISITORS TO THE BUILDING Parsons Elementary School welcomes parents, guardians, community members, and professional guests. Though we are open and honored to accept visitors, we must carefully adhere to safety procedures, minimize interruptions, and guard pupil privacy. To that end, all visitors must enter through the main lobby doors and report directly to the main office. There, visitors must sign in and obtain and wear a visitor’s tag. A photo ID may be requested of any visitor by security staff or administrator. GUIDELINES for PARENT or GUARDIAN VISITATION to a classroom are as follows:

Parents/guardians must confer with the teacher to pre-arrange a visitation. Requests must allow reasonable time for preparation and must be made at least one day before desired date and time.

The visit will be of reasonable length and will generally be limited to one standard (40 minute) instructional period.

Parent/guardian visitations will be limited to the classroom of the adult’s child only. Note: ADULTS WHO VISIT OR VOLUNTEER IN THE CLASSROOM ARE REMINDED NOT TO BRING OTHER CHILDREN OR SIBLINGS WITH THEM. This District request is due to the insurance liability involved as well as the potential for disruption that may occur when children other than students are present.

GUIDELINES for PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS and OTHER VISITORS for visitation to a classroom are as follows:

Visitations must be pre-arranged. Professional consultants or others must be approved by the principal or administrator who will confer with the teacher to select an appropriate time for visitation.

Visitation requests must be made at least one week in advance. A “Specialized Visit or Observation Form,” obtainable from our school office, must be completed and submitted

to the Principal or her representative prior to the visit. The length of the visit will be determined according to the nature of the visit and must be approved by the

principal or administrator. WEBSITE Additional information may be found on the school’s website http://www.nbtschools.org. Please check the website for school activities and closings.

Parsons Elementary School Family Handbook

Dear Parent/Guardians,

For a successful partnership, the school and family must have open communication. Please take the time to carefully review the contents of this handbook with your child. Upon review, complete and return this page to your child’s teacher by September 18, 2015, acknowledging receipt and review of the handbook. Thank you. Parent Signature: _____________________________________________ Student Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________

I do not have access to the Internet. Please send me a hard copy.