Milton Avenue School

2015 - 2016

Handbook

“The Little School That Makes a Big Difference”

16 Milton Avenue

Chatham, New Jersey 07928

Phone: 973-457-2508 Fax: 973-457-2494

www.chatham-nj.org

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MILTON AVENUE SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBER: 973-457-2508

Absentee/Tardy Line—press 1

Main Office—press 2 Nurse’s Office—press 1 Media Center—press 4

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! As we embark upon this school year, I would like to express how enthusiastic and honored I am to be working with such a wonderful learning community. As you enter through the doors of Milton Avenue School you can witness a dedicated and passionate staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents. In addition, the words “The Little School That Makes a Big Difference” painted on the wall reflect the impact that our school has on the lives of the students and their families. Each member of the learning community has one common goal… to ensure the success and development of each and every student. By having such a strong partnership between the school and home, the students benefit in extraordinary ways. Our school is very fortunate to have dedicated staff members who consistently aim to bring about academic excellence on the part of each student through their differentiated instruction and high expectations. They provide safe learning environments that meet the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of all of the students. The staff members instill a passion for learning, and exhibit their commitment to the students and their families each and every day. One of the best examples of how all members of the learning community come together is our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO is an active group that supports the educational program with fundraisers and numerous parent volunteers. The PTO supports the annual Author’s Day, Theme Day, and Field Day, and it organizes Milton’s Reading Club, New Family Picnic, Family Fun Night, and the Art in the Classroom program. Throughout the school year, the PTO also coordinates the After-School Enrichment Program.

This handbook has been designed to inform all members of the learning community of essential information about Milton, and it serves as a valuable resource when you have a question. It is recommended that parents read the school newsletter, Milton Express, which is emailed to parents monthly. The newsletter includes news about the school and upcoming events. Information about the school is also available on the Milton webpage, www.chatham-nj.org.

We look forward to a school year filled with memorable and educational

experiences that further allow our students to develop into life-long learners!

Nicholas Andreazza Principal

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Table of Contents

MILTON AVENUE SCHOOL STAFF .................................................................................................................... 6

COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF ........................................................................................................................ 7

SCHOOL HOURS* .............................................................................................................................................. 8

ATTENDANCE .................................................................................................................................................... 8

CANCELATIONS; SCHEDULED/UNSCHEDULED DELAYED OPENINGS; AND SCHEDULED/UNSCHEDULED EARLY DISMISSALS ........................................................................................10

LUNCH PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................................12

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS .............................................................................................................................12

USE OF THE MILTON PLAYGROUND ..............................................................................................................12

DRESS CODE ....................................................................................................................................................13

HOMEWORK .....................................................................................................................................................13

TESTING ...........................................................................................................................................................14

REPORTING TO PARENTS ...............................................................................................................................14

SCHOOL SAFETY .............................................................................................................................................15

Crossing Guards: ............................................................................................................................... 15

Walking to School: ............................................................................................................................. 15

Driving Drop-Off Procedures: ............................................................................................................. 15

Building Entrance Procedures ............................................................................................................ 16

Dismissal/Exit Procedures .................................................................................................................. 17

Visitors ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Recess/Playground Safety ................................................................................................................. 18

Bicycle/Scooter Safety ....................................................................................................................... 18

HEALTH SERVICES AND POLICIES .................................................................................................................20

Allergies ............................................................................................................................................. 20

Broken Bone(s)/Cast(s)/Sutures: ........................................................................................................ 20

Celebrations: ...................................................................................................................................... 20

First Aid: ............................................................................................................................................ 20

Health: ............................................................................................................................................... 21

Illness: ............................................................................................................................................... 21

Cough Drops: ..................................................................................................................................... 21

Medication: ........................................................................................................................................ 21

Class Trips/Medication: ...................................................................................................................... 22

Communicable Diseases (Guidelines): ............................................................................................... 22

BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS GRADES K-3................................................................................................24

SPECIAL DAYS/PARTIES/BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ...................................................................................26

GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................27

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Milton Avenue School Handbook: ....................................................................................................... 27

Assemblies and Field Trips: ............................................................................................................... 27

Backpacks: ........................................................................................................................................ 27

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices: ......................................................................................................... 27

Change of Address: ........................................................................................................................... 27

Elevator: ............................................................................................................................................ 27

Home Page/Internet Use: ................................................................................................................... 27

School Messenger: ............................................................................................................................ 27

Lost and Found: ................................................................................................................................. 28

Questions: ......................................................................................................................................... 28

Work/Family Connection (WFC): ........................................................................................................ 28

SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND STAFF ................................................................................................................29

Basic Skills Instruction (BSI): .............................................................................................................. 29

Intervention & Referral Service (I&RS): .............................................................................................. 29

Elementary Supervisors: .................................................................................................................... 29

Technology: ....................................................................................................................................... 29

SPECIAL SERVICES .........................................................................................................................................30

Child Study Team: ............................................................................................................................. 30

English Language Learners (ELL): ..................................................................................................... 30

Resource Programs: .......................................................................................................................... 30

School Counselor: .............................................................................................................................. 30

Speech and Language Services: ........................................................................................................ 30

Preschool: .......................................................................................................................................... 30

2014-2015 BOARD OF EDUCATION / ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................31

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MILTON AVENUE SCHOOL STAFF

2015-2016

Position Name

Principal Mr. Nicholas Andreazza

Director of Elementary Education Mrs. Kathleen O’Connor

Secretary to Principal Mrs. Lenore Paulan

Secretary Mrs. Melanie Hollingsworth

Security Mr. John DiNiro

Kindergarten Mrs. Nancy Fanning

Mrs. Scarlett Vaglio

First Grade Mrs. Michelle Cervone

Mrs. Jaime Trauger

Mrs. LeeAnn Wertheim

Ms. Beth Zimmer

Second Grade Mrs. Jackie Berger

Mrs. Dorothy McCorry

Mrs. Courtney Pagel

Mrs. Sue Pinto

Third Grade Mrs. Laura Cook

Ms. Catharine Hadley

Mrs. Dawn Kurlak

Miss. Trisha Martin

Ms. Leigh Paton

Resource Center Mrs. Amy Kerr

Mrs. Lydia Lewycky

Mrs. Annemarie Steigerwald

Preschool Mrs. Renee Colavita

Mrs. Laura Gosling

Art Mr. Kenji Hasegawa

Basic Skills Mrs. Kathryn Leonard

Mrs. Kimberly McMurry

Elementary Counselor Mrs. Carole Soder

Librarian/Media Specialist Mrs. Jill Mills

Nurse Mrs. Jewel Barkley

Health Education Mr. Douglas Finken

Physical Education Mr. Marty Visitacion

Vocal Music Ms. Veronica Shaw

STEM/Tech Teacher Ms. Amanda Turton

Head Custodian Mr. William Stollery

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Custodian Mr. Frank Carlo

Custodian Mr. John Constantinou

Instructional Paraprofessionals

Mrs. Ellen Ames Mrs. Desiree Blanc Mrs. Krista Caracciolo Ms. Erin Carlin Mrs. Julie Caufield Mrs. Liz Cimaglia Mrs. Lisa Heap Mrs. Sandra Hoffer Ms. Gabriella LaRosa Mrs. Michele Lauver Mrs. Megan LePore Mrs. Donna Patterson

Mrs. Joan Pompeo Mrs. Maria Porfirio Mrs. Lisa Reina Mrs. Jane Serbanica Mrs. Bonnie Serrapica Mrs. Mary Sue Suber Mrs. Krista Tobin Mrs. Vicki Vielguth Mrs. Annie Walker Mrs. Jennifer White Ms. Kristina Zaturoska

DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Phone: 973-457-2502

Fax: 973-457-2498

Learning Consultant Mrs. Allison Moore

Social Worker Mrs. Corie Yungher

Speech Therapist Mrs. Jaclyn Behrens

Occupational Therapist Mrs. Marci Carovillano

Physical Therapist Mrs. Gayle Hatch

ELL Mrs. Debbie Keeley

COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF

All communication with staff members is through email. The email protocol for the

school district is the teacher’s first initiallastname@chatham-nj.org. Teachers will

check their email periodically during the school day. If you have a time sensitive

message, please contact the Main Office at 973-457-2508 and leave a message with a

secretary.

To report an absence (or late arrival) dial 973-457-2508 and follow the prompts to

the school nurse or main office.

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SCHOOL HOURS*

Morning Kindergarten: 8:35 a.m. - 11:25 a.m. Afternoon Kindergarten 12:15 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Grades 1 - 3 8:35 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

Morning Preschool 8:40 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Afternoon Preschool 12:30 p.m. - 2:50 p.m.

*See “Cancelations” section for time changes due to early dismissal or scheduled delayed openings.

NO CHILD SHOULD BE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS BEFORE 8:20 A.M. There is no

supervision prior to 8:20 a.m.; it is not safe to leave your children unsupervised on the school grounds. The first bell rings at 8:35 a.m. for admission into the building. The second bell rings at 8:40 a.m. to indicate classes have begun. Students in Grades 1, 2, & 3 should enter school through the back doors. Kindergarten students should line up on the path in front of the kindergarten doors. Look for door number 2 and 3. After the 8:40 bell, students may enter through the front door. Preschool students line up at the front door. Prior to the 8:40 bell, the front entrance is to be used by our preschool students only.

For the safety of students, all district schools are equipped with a camera and a buzz-in system to monitor anyone requesting entrance to the school through the front door. The school’s main entrance door will be locked at all times. Anyone requiring admittance to the school during this time should utilize the Milton Avenue School buzzer located to the right of the front door. You will be asked to state your name and purpose. Your patience and cooperation with this system are appreciated

As a measure of protection for our students, all exit doors will be locked. Doors can always be opened from the inside for emergency exits.

ATTENDANCE

It is the school’s obligation to ensure that each student is either in school or with a parent. Therefore, the school’s absence reporting process plays a key role in determining this. To report an absence or late arrival, dial 973-457-2508, press 1, and leave a message on our 24-hour voice mail absentee line that goes directly to the Health Office. The school must be notified before 8:30 a.m. each day your child is going to be absent or tardy (by 12:00 noon for PM preschool and/or kindergarten).

When leaving information on the voice mail absentee line, please leave the following information:

your name your child’s name and teacher the reason for the absence

As a safety precaution, every child who is not in school must be accounted for on a daily basis; therefore, it is imperative that we be advised of your child's absences each consecutive day. If parent notification regarding a student absence is not received, the parent will be contacted through School Messenger requesting confirmation of absence.

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Please make sure that current contact numbers are in the Genesis Parent Portal in order to receive this. Please be advised that if the absence is not verified by the parent following the alert, the police will be called to report a missing child. This is now standard district practice. If your child arrives to school late, stop by the Health Office to check in with the nurse.

When you know that your child will be leaving school earlier than dismissal time, it is important that a note be written to the teacher in addition to sending an email. Once class has started, it is not always possible for a teacher to check email – or a substitute may be teaching the class that day and would not have access to the teacher’s email.

Also, if someone other than a parent is responsible for taking the child home, please let the office know the name and relationship of that person so that at dismissal time there are no questions regarding the child’s release.

Attendance Policy: Board policy requires that each student attend school for a minimum of 162 days. That is 90% of the school year. While the vast majority has no problem meeting this requirement, some far exceed this maximum number of “accepted” absences. Board policy further states that when this number (generally 18 days) is exceeded, a panel of staff members is to provide a hearing to determine just how and why the excessive number of absences occurred. The committee may recommend to the principal that a waiver of these requirements be granted.

For your information, excused absences include the following:

A. Disabling illness B. Recovery from an accident C. Required court attendance D. Death in family E. Religious observance F. Such good cause as may be accepted by the Principal

A student’s absence from school because of family vacations is strongly discouraged and will be recorded as an “unexcused absence.” District policy does not allow teachers to provide students with assignments before an unexcused absence such as a family trip. Written work must be made up following a student’s return to school.

If your child has been absent from school, they should NOT attend any after school enrichment programs or other after-school events scheduled for that day.

Excuses: A written excuse is required if a child is to be excused from physical education, to be excused from lunch if he/she customarily eats at school, to be released before regular dismissal and as a follow-up if a child has been absent.

Tardy: Elementary school is an excellent time for your child to develop good habits that

will last a lifetime. It is very important for you to support a smooth transition from the home setting into the school day routine by having your child arrive at school on time (before the second bell rings at 8:40 a.m.). Students who arrive after 8:40 a.m. should enter through the front doors of the school and report directly to the Health Office. They will be marked late for that day. It will be upsetting to your child to miss the first minutes of classroom organization and instruction as well as it being disruptive to the teacher and the class. Our policy is to contact parents of children who are chronically

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tardy in order to correct this pattern of behavior.

CANCELATIONS; SCHEDULED/UNSCHEDULED DELAYED

OPENINGS; AND SCHEDULED/UNSCHEDULED EARLY DISMISSALS

Cancelations

The cancelation of school will be communicated to parents in several ways:

(1) the School Messenger system

(2) SDOC Home Page (at www.chatham-nj.org).

Scheduled Delayed Openings

During the 2015-2016 school year, there are two scheduled delayed opening days: March 28 and May 31.

Grades 1, 2, and 3 Scheduled Delayed Opening Days: 10:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Teacher supervision begins at 10:20 a.m.; therefore, students must not arrive before 10:20 a.m.

Kindergarten Scheduled Delayed Opening Days: Either the AM kindergarten session or the PM session will be in attendance on that day as follows:

March 28, 2016 – AM kindergarten only (10:35 a.m. to 1:25 p.m.)

May 31, 2016 – PM kindergarten only (12:15 to 3:05 p.m.)

Preschool Scheduled Delayed Opening Days: Either the AM Preschool session or the PM Preschool session will be in attendance on that day as follows:

March 28, 2016 – AM preschool only (10:40 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

May 31, 2016 – PM preschool only (12:30 to 2:50 p.m.)

Unscheduled Delayed Openings

In addition to the scheduled delayed opening days, there may be occasion for weather-related delayed openings during the year. Parents are notified about these weather-related delayed openings through School Messenger. That message may include a notification about which kindergarten and preschool session will be in attendance on that day. This information will also be posted on the website.

In the event of an unscheduled delayed opening, please note the following schedules.

Grades 1, 2 & 3: 10:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Teacher supervision begins at 10:20

a.m.: therefore, students must not arrive before 10:20 a.m.

Kindergarten: Either AM or PM kindergarten will be canceled. (School

Messenger will announce which session is canceled.)

o If the AM session has been canceled, then the PM Kindergarten hours

will be from 12:15 to 3:05 p.m. (normal hours).

o If the PM session has been canceled, then the AM Kindergarten hours

will be from 10:35 a.m. to 1:25 p.m.

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Preschool hours are: Either AM or PM preschool will be canceled. (School Messenger will announce which session is canceled.)

o If the AM session has been canceled, then the PM Preschool hours will be from 12:30 to 2:50 p.m.(normal hours).

o If the PM session has been canceled, then the AM Preschool hours will be from 10:40 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Scheduled Early Dismissal Days

During the 2015-2016 school year, there are nine scheduled early dismissal days: November 4 (Teacher Professional Development), 25 (Thanksgiving recess), December 1, 2, 3, (parent-teacher conferences), 23 (Holiday recess), January 15 (Teacher Professional Development), February 10 (Teacher Professional Development) and June 23 (see below for Last Day of School schedule)

Grades 1, 2, and 3: 8:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.

Kindergarten: AM session hours: 8:35 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.

PM session hours: 10:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.

Preschool: AM session hours: 8:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

PM session hours: 10:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Last Day Of School Dismissal

Grades 1, 2, and 3: 8:35 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.

Kindergarten: ALL students attend from 10:05 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

Preschool: AM session: 8:40 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

PM session: 10:40 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Third Grade Celebration: 11:15 a.m. Parents invited.

Third Grade Clap Out: 12:15 p.m.

Students dismissed at 12:20 p.m.

Note: Any changes in the above or any additional changes will be communicated to parents via email.

Unscheduled Early Dismissal Days

If the occasion should arise whereby an early dismissal is necessary to protect the safety of students, the Superintendent will announce this decision between 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Parents or designees will be notified through School Messenger. Should a parent suspect there may be an early dismissal due to inclement weather and knows that neither he/she nor the emergency contact can be reached at any of the phone numbers provided, the responsibility falls on that parent to contact the school. Students will not be allowed to leave the school until arrangements have been communicated to the school. School is dismissed approximately one and one-half (1-1/2) hours earlier than normal. Dismissal time would be 1:35 p.m. for elementary schools. Afternoon

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kindergarten and afternoon preschool classes would be canceled.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Lunch/Recess: Grade 1 and Lunch: 11:50 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. 2CP and 2SP Recess: 12:15 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.

Grades 3 and Lunch: 12:15 p.m. - 12:35 p.m. 2M and 2B Recess: 11:50 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Children in grades 1 - 3 eat in school. Children may bring a bag lunch from home or may buy lunch from the district concession at $3.25 (includes milk). Milk or juice may also be purchased for $.50 per 8 oz. milk or 4 oz. juice. Most snacks will be $1.00. (Grades 2 and 3 only). The monthly lunch menu is posted online at http://chatham-nj.nutrislice.com/. Payforit.net is the computerized debit system that is used by the

Chartwell School Dining Company. Information about this system has been provided to parents and can be found at PayforIt.net.

A copy of the lunchroom behavior expectations has been posted in the parent portal for your signature. Please review these with your child.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

As a staff, we are committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere that will make our school a happy and safe place for all children and a place where all can learn. A copy of the Milton Code of Conduct is posted on the parent portal for your review and signature.

The school district’s common goals related to discipline reflect a desire that all children be honest, learn responsibility, respect themselves, respect others and respect property. We appreciate the full support of parents in helping us to achieve this objective.

USE OF THE MILTON PLAYGROUND

The following states the Board policy (Policy 7513) when school is not in session:

The Board of Education requires that the playground of the school affords residents with a recreational area when school is not in session. The Board reserves the right to

determine, in the interest of the safety of district residents and the integrity of the school facility, the uses to which the playground may be put and the hours when it may be

used.

The Board will publish rules of conduct, which shall govern all persons who use the facilities of the district. Students and employees of this district who violate those rules

will be subject to discipline. The Board directs that any other person who violates a rule of this Board be requested to leave the school premises.

Parents are asked to refrain from using the playground during school hours, especially between Kindergarten sessions when students are at recess.

Additionally, to avoid children stepping in a ‘mess’, dogs are not allowed on school grounds. Please note the posted signs throughout school property.

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DRESS CODE

Students are expected to dress in a manner that is neat and clean. Hats are not to be worn in the building. Sneakers are required for physical education and are strongly recommended for safe play during outdoor recess. Clogs, backless shoes, and flip flops, etc. are not safe for physical education classes or for safe play on the playground equipment. Abbreviated clothing or clothing that is decorated with inappropriate language or images are not permitted. The school reserves the right to ask students to change inappropriate clothing.

Students will enter the school for morning line-up if the temperature, factoring in the wind chill, is less than 20 degrees. Students will remain indoors for recess if the temperature is less than 20 degrees.

If there is snow, students will be permitted to play at recess provided they are dressed appropriately with the proper gear including a winter coat, boots, snow pants, and gloves. School officials have the final discretion for determining if a student is dressed appropriately for outdoor play.

HOMEWORK

Homework is viewed as a valid and important aspect of the total instructional program for students. While there is no specific requirement in terms of the amount of homework given to students, it is generally understood that homework will increase from grade to grade. It is also generally understood that homework will not be assigned to students over weekends or vacation periods. Students, however, may be expected to complete long-term assignments during weekend or vacation periods. In September of each year, teachers at each grade level are expected to develop and adopt a common homework plan, which is communicated to parents at the annual Back-To-School Night.

The teachers will prepare home assignments for pupils who are ill for more than one (1) day. These assignments will be designed to help prevent the student from falling behind during an extended illness. Parents should contact the school office on the morning of the second day of absence, requesting that the teachers provide home assignments. The teacher will provide the material, to be picked up by the parent or brought home by another student, at the end of the second day and for each day subsequent to that. Home assignments will not be provided for students who are absent from school due to family trips or vacations. Students who go on family

trips during the school year will be expected to make up class and home assignments upon their return.

Children should develop the habit of writing down homework assignments.

Homework should reflect the child's best efforts.

If your child cannot complete the assignment, please send a note to the teacher.

Take time to review homework assignments.

If children forget any personal and/or school-related items, the school is open

until 4:00 p.m. — they may return to pick these items up until that time.

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However, they must report to the office prior to going to their classroom.

TESTING

New Jersey is a member of The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), which is a consortium of states that collaboratively developed a common set of assessments to measure student achievement and preparedness for college and careers.

The PARCC assessments are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CSSS) and were created to measure students' ability to apply their knowledge of concepts rather than memorizing facts. The PARCC assessments require students to solve problems using mathematical reasoning and to be able to model mathematical principles. In English Language Arts (ELA), students will be required to closely read multiple passages and to write essay responses in literary analysis, research tasks and narrative tasks. The assessments will also provide teachers information on student progress to inform instruction and provide targeted student support.

In 2015-2016, the PARCC assessment will be a total of three testing units in ELA and four testing units in math. At this time, we do not have a definitive schedule; however we know that the assessment window for PARCC Grade 3 will be between April 4 and May 13, 2016.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

The staff at Milton Avenue School strongly believes that frequent two-way communication with parents is the most effective way to serve children. We view our role of educating the children as a partnership with parents. Teachers are expected to be in frequent contact with parents for various reasons. The formal reporting system to parents includes three reporting periods, one of which includes a conference. This reporting policy is an absolute minimum in terms of parent/staff contact. Parents may communicate with their child’s teachers through additional conferences, notes, voice mail, and email.

Report Cards:

Marking Period

Marking Period Ends

Report Cards Posted in Parent Portal

Number of Days

1 December 11 December 18 64

2 March 18 March 28 59

3 June 17 June 23 58

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Fall Conferences for preschool, kindergarten, and

grades 1 - 3 are scheduled for December 1, 2, and 3. See the dismissal schedule on page 11. Throughout the year, additional conferences will be held if necessary. These may be initiated by either parent or teacher. A parent/teacher conference should facilitate two-way communication. It is helpful when you share your information with the staff so we all have a better picture of your child.

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SCHOOL SAFETY

The safe arrival and dismissal of students from school depends on all of us. Adult supervision begins at 8:20 a.m., therefore, please have your child arrive NO EARLIER than 8:20 a.m.

Crossing Guards: Children must use available sidewalks when walking to and from school. Crossing guards will be posted for Milton Avenue School children at the following streets and times:

Milton Avenue and Duchamp Place: 8:00 to 8:35 a.m. and 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. Main Street and Hillside Avenue: 7:30 to 8:35 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Weston and North Passaic Avenues: 7:25 to 8:35 a.m. and 2:45 to 4:00 p.m Weston and Coleman Avenues: 7:30 to 8:35 a.m. and 2:45 to 4:00 p.m.

Children should always cross where a guard is posted, even if it means walking an extra block or two. Students should not walk on Duchamp. Crossing guards are also on duty for all early dismissals.

Walking to School: We strongly urge you to encourage and to support your child in walking to school. Please establish a safe walking route to school with your child, crossing only where crossing guards are posted. Remind your child that streets or established routes should be followed and short cuts should not be taken.

Driving Drop-Off Procedures: Of course, we recognize that there are times when driving to school is necessary. However, maintaining a safe traffic flow is extremely important. We ask that you enter and proceed along Milton Avenue from Center Avenue. Cars may NOT enter the school driveway (Duchamp Place extension) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. to drop off or pick up children. This area is reserved for staff and busses. Do NOT turn right from Milton Avenue, but proceed through to Elmwood Avenue or turn left onto Duchamp Place where parking is available. Please take a few minutes to study the driving/parking rules and map (pg.17) for morning drop off and student line up. Parking in the handicap spaces is ONLY for those with a valid handicap sign.

Please note that the streets bordering the school are designated as ‘No Idling’ zones.

1. The section of Milton Avenue directly in front of the school is reserved for the morning drop off. There is no place directly in front of the school for “stopping and waiting”.

2. The drop off area is clearly marked with cones and is the only area where students should be exiting from vehicles that are not parked.

3. Cars in the drop off area must proceed single file, without passing another vehicle. Students must exit at curbside only, and must never walk between cars. Please do not pass around to the left of cars in line for drop-off.

4. Parents should stay in their vehicles at all times. We have adults curbside to help the students to the sidewalk.

5. As soon as your child has exited your vehicle, please pull away. Milton Avenue

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School personnel are on duty around the school and they will monitor the students.

6. During school hours, there is no parking on the left side of Milton Avenue.

7. The neighborhood around the school serves many walking students. Please obey the posted ordinances and carefully consider the safety of our students and neighbors as you drive through the area.

In the event of snow, the Chatham Borough Police Department may post “No Parking” signs. When posted, please observe these signs and park only in designated areas. Duchamp Pl. Elmwood Ave.

Parking Parking

Milton Avenue No Parking

Parking Parking Drop Off Drop Off

No Entry Kindergarten Line Up

No Drop Off

Milton Avenue School No Parking

1

st Gr. Line Up 2

nd Gr. Line Up

Staff & Buses Only Staff Parking

3rd Gr. Line Up

Staff Parking A.M. Student Line Up

Blacktop/Playground

Mulch Area

Building Entrance Procedures

Kindergarten children should line up on the path in front of the kindergarten door approximately 5 minutes before the session is to start, that is, 8:30 a.m. for the morning class and 12:10 p.m. for the afternoon class. Look for door number 2 and number 3. An adult must wait with the child. The students will be met at the above times by their teacher.

Preschool students should line up at the front entrance of the school. An adult must wait with the child. The students will be met by their teacher.

Grades 1, 2 and 3 should walk around the building and line up on the black top at the rear doors. Children should use the sidewalks and not travel through the building. A bell will signal the time for lining up at 8:35 a.m. Playground

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supervision will be provided on a regular basis from 8:20 a.m. until lineup time.

Students who arrive after 8:40 a.m. should enter through the front doors of the school and report directly to the Health Office.

On bad weather days (rain, snow, extremely cold temperatures [wind chill of 20 degrees or below]), a morning indoor lineup may be necessary. Red flags are displayed at the front entrance and on the Milton Avenue side of the school to signal indoor lineup days. On these days, all students (AM preschool – grade 3) should enter the school through the side door (Door #4) and go to the gym for indoor lineup. A staff member will be at that door at 8:20 a.m. to allow entrance to students. Kindergarten parents must escort their child to the gym and may then leave their child under the supervision of the teachers. In the event of a late arrival (after the second bell rings at 8:40 a.m.), children should come through the main/front door and report to the nurse for attendance

purposes. .

On indoor lineup days, when the red flags are displayed, AM preschool children and parents should wait in the hallway outside of the preschool classrooms. PM kindergarten should enter through the front door (no earlier than 12:10 p.m.) and wait in the hallway outside of the kindergarten classroom. PM preschool children and parents should also enter through the front door (no earlier than 12:25 p.m.) and then wait in the hallway outside of the preschool classrooms

Dismissal/Exit Procedures

The dismissal bell is at 3:05 p.m.

Children who are walking home should meet friends or siblings with whom they are walking at the appropriate exit.

Parents who are picking up their children should arrange a meeting place so that children will know where to proceed upon exiting the school.

At dismissal time, the kindergarten students will exit through the kindergarten classroom doors. An adult must meet the child at the door.

Preschool students are dismissed through the front door.

First grade classes will exit through the front door.

Grades 2 and 3 will exit through the rear doors.

If it is necessary to alter your plans and your child is to be picked up by another adult, please discuss the change in routine with your child and write a note to the teacher.

ALL CHILDREN SHOULD KNOW TO FIND THE TEACHER ON DUTY AT DISMISSAL IF THEY DO NOT SEE A PARENT. STAFF WILL BRING THE STUDENT TO WAIT IN THE OFFICE IF THEIR RIDE IS NOT READILY AVAILABLE BY 3:20 P.M. Staff may phone the parent to determine the extent

of a parent’s delay or the alternative plans that might follow a parent’s delay in picking up a child. Parents, please discuss the possibility of late pick up with your child and reinforce the proper procedure.

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Under no circumstances shall double parking or standing be permitted at dismissal as this creates a safety issue for our children. Chatham police will ticket double parking offenders.

Visitors

Visitors are always welcome at MAS. We pride ourselves on the warm and inviting atmosphere of our school. In order to establish and maintain an atmosphere of confidence in the safety of our school, we ask that you sign in at the Main Office and obtain and wear a VISITOR badge while here. This procedure applies before, during, and after school hours. Should there be an emergency situation at the school, the visitor sign-in sheet allows us to identify who entered the school, the visiting location, and whether or not the visitor safely exited the building. Your cooperation is expected if a staff member requests that you report to the office to sign in and obtain a pass. Please remember to stop in the office to sign out when leaving the building. Always enter and exit through the front door.

If your child needs lunch, homework or something else during the day, drop it off in the office and we will make sure he/she gets it.

Recess/Playground Safety

A copy of playground behavior expectations has been posted on the parent portal for your signature. Please review these with your child and keep the rules handy for future reference.

Bicycle/Scooter Safety

Bicycle safety is a unit of study in the second grade health curriculum. After completing the unit, second grade students may participate in the bicycle safety test with parent permission. Parents have the responsibility for deciding if a child will be permitted to ride a bicycle or scooter to school. Please consider the following in making your decision:

Is your child physically mature and able to safely ride the bicycle/scooter?

Is your child willing to accept responsibility for obeying safe bicycling rules?

With parental permission, third grade students who did not participate in the bicycle safety test while in second grade may take the test.

Students who have not taken the test are not permitted to ride bicycles or scooters to school, unless accompanied by an adult. When a child rides a bicycle or scooter to

school, he or she should be prepared to park and lock it.

The bicycle safety test will be administered by the Physical Education Teacher during school hours. If you permit your child to participate, please review the following bicycle/scooter rules.

1. Bicycle/scooter riders are to ride with the flow of traffic; i.e., KEEP TO THE RIGHT. Young riders may ride on the sidewalk with caution.

2. Bicycles/scooters should be equipped with front and rear reflectors and a horn or bell, properly maintained brakes, wheels and tires.

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3. One rider per bike.

4. Riders must be familiar with hand signals.

5. Bicycle/scooter riders must obey stop, caution, and other signs.

6. Bicycle/scooter riders should WALK their bikes/scooters across intersections at crosswalks.

7. Bicycles/scooters must be WALKED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS during school hours and parked in the bicycle rack.

8. Bicycle/scooter HELMETS ARE REQUIRED for all riders 17 years or younger. IT'S THE LAW!

No skateboards or roller blades are permitted on school grounds.

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HEALTH SERVICES AND POLICIES

The school health service is primarily for emergency services and health screening activities. Our school nurse, or a substitute, will be on the premises every school day. For a comprehensive overview of the medical services provided, district medical forms, and greater detail regarding immunizations, please go to the Milton Avenue School’s home page, then to Departments, then to “Nursing and Student Health.”

Upon entry into kindergarten, all students must have a documented physical examination. If a child is transferring into Milton Avenue School, they must have a current physical examination that has been done within the past 12 months. If the date of the physical exam exceeds 12 months from the day of school entry, a new physical examination must be done.

Absence: The absentee line (973-457-2508) must be called by 8:30 a.m. each day if

your child will be absent from school due to illness, or arriving to school late. It is very important to leave a message regarding your child(ren’s) absence. If the nurse has not been contacted and your child has been marked absent by their teacher, you will receive an automated call reminding you to call the absentee line. Every child must be accounted for at all times.

Please do not leave an absence via e-mail regarding the absence of your child(ren) or a request to give medications. A substitute nurse will not have access to e-mail; and will therefore not be able to follow through on your request. All such request should be called and left on voice mail ext. 2546. Request for homework must be sent directly to the classroom teacher.

Allergies: Within our school population we have numerous students with life-

threatening allergies. Most, but not all, of these allergies are related to foods containing peanuts and/or tree nuts. Tree nuts include but are not limited to walnuts, pecans, almonds, brazil and macadamia nuts. Any food containing peanuts or tree nuts will NOT be permitted to be eaten in any classroom. This measure will decrease the

possibility of cross-contamination in the classroom. Foods containing peanuts and/or tree nuts can be consumed only in the cafeteria at a non-peanut/tree nut restricted table.

Broken Bone(s)/Cast(s)/Sutures: If your child has sustained any injury that requires

casting or sutures, you must get a note from the physician detailing the specific activity restrictions. This note must be given to the school nurse upon your child’s re-entry into school. When the cast or sutures are removed, the physician must write a note as to the level of activity you child may resume. Your child will not be permitted to return to full participation in P.E. class until the doctor’s note is given to the school nurse.

Celebrations: Treats and “goodie bags” will not be sent home with students. All treats

must be pre-arranged with the classroom teacher and will be consumed in the classroom setting under adult supervision. Healthy treats are encouraged.

First Aid: The nurse will see to the application of general first aid. When necessary, the parent will be called if an illness or injury requires medical attention. If the parent is not available, the emergency contact will be called. It is important that the people listed as emergency contacts live no farther than a 15-20 minute drive of Milton

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Avenue School.

Health: The nurse annually records each student's height and weight. Hearing and

vision screenings are performed yearly to identify those who need the services of a specialist. The following up to date immunizations are required for entering Kindergarten and for all new students entering the Chatham schools:

Polio myelitis Immunization Series

Mumps

Measles and Rubella (German Measles)

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough Series (DPT)

Varivax Vaccine if student has not contracted actual chicken pox disease

All preschool children must get the yearly influenza vaccine and documentation must be submitted to the Health Office by the end of December. This yearly vaccine may be given any time from September through December 31.

Illness: Children who complain of feeling ill should be kept home. Children should be

completely free of any fever for at least 24 hours (without any fever-reducing medication) prior to returning to school. Returning too soon will frequently result in a relapse; therefore, be sure your child has fully recovered before returning. If a child becomes ill at school and it is deemed in his or her best interest to leave school, a parent will be called. Any child who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a contagious illness which requires a prescription medication must be treated for a full 24 hours prior to returning to school. Please notify the nurse of all contagious illnesses that require antibiotic treatment. If your child has been absent from school, they should NOT attend any after school enrichment programs, or other after-school events scheduled for that day.

Cough Drops: Cough drops or lozenges are strongly discouraged for young students due to the risk of choking. For minor throat irritations, Chloroseptic spray is available from the nurse in the Health Office.

Medication: If it is necessary that a child receive medication in school, the following

procedures are mandatory, in accordance with the New Jersey State Department of Education:

The parent and the child’s pediatrician must provide a written request for the administration of all over-the-counter and prescribed medications at school. Over-the counter medications do require a physician’s order.

Written orders are to be provided to the school nurse from the private physician detailing the diagnosis or type of illness involved, the name of the drug, dosage, time of administration, and the side effects for all over-the-counter and prescribed medications.

The medication is to be brought to the school in the original prescription labeled container.

All medications are kept in the school Health Office in a locked cabinet and

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administered by the school nurse. Children’s acetaminophen or Ibuprofen are available in the Health Office; however, written permission from the parent/guardian and physician are required before being administered.

Class Trips/Medication: According to the New Jersey Department of Education and

the School District of the Chathams, teachers can NOT administer medication while a student is on a class trip. Since the school nurse is unable to go on every class trip, it will be necessary to make other arrangements. Please contact the school nurse when a field trip is planned to discuss options. Of course, we always invite you to accompany your child.

Communicable Diseases (Guidelines): The following listing might help parents make

decisions regarding a child’s return to school, following a communicable disease:

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Disease Incubation Period

Isolation Report To Child Returns

Chicken Pox 2-3 Weeks 7 Days School Nurse No sooner than 8th day. Lesions must be dry, or upon written release from MD.

German Measles

14-21 Days 4 Days School Nurse, Board of Health When clear. Not sooner than 5th day after rash

Impetigo Varies (4-10 Days) Yes School Nurse MD’s release.

Measles 8-14 Days 4 Days after rash School Nurse, Board of Health MD’s release. Not sooner than 5th day of rash.

Mumps 2-3 Weeks 9 Days from onset of swelling

School Nurse, Board of Health 10th Day from onset of swelling. Sooner with MD’s release.

Pediculosis Varies Until clear of lice, nits School Nurse When clear of lice, nits.

Ring Worm of Body

4-10 Days Yes School Nurse MD’s release.

Pin Worms

Varies : Yes, Until Treated School Nurse MD’s release

5th Disease

4-20 Days None School Nurse MD’s release.

Scarlet Fever, Scarletina, Strep Throat

1-3 Days 24-48 Hours, Check with MD

School Nurse MD’s release.

Conjunctivitis

24-72 Hours Child should not attend during acute stage

School Nurse MD’s release

Scabies

2-4 Weeks 24 Hours after treatment

School Nurse Not before 24 hours after treatment begins.

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BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS GRADES K-3

English Language Arts: The School District of the Chathams has a balanced literacy

program with a focus on Reading and Writing Workshop and other components including guided reading, read alouds, and word study. The district ELA curriculum guide is aligned with the Common Core Standards. Teachers use a variety of resources including mini-lessons from Units of Study developed by the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project.

As students read and enrich their vocabularies, they also practice word attack strategies, work to implement comprehension skills, and respond to what they've read. Students also practice reading strategies including previewing a text, making connections, questioning, synthesizing, visualizing, finding the author's purpose, identifying story elements, and evaluating a text. These are all components of a balanced literacy program which models good habits, allows students to become independent readers, and contributes to producing literate citizens of the 21st century.

Library/Media Center: The objective of the Library/Media program is twofold:

1) to develop students’ appreciation of literature and 2) to build a foundation for information skills necessary for the 21st century.

Basic library/media skills are taught by the MAS Media Specialist who also functions as a resource person for students, staff and parents.

Mathematics: The School District of the Chathams utilizes the district mathematics curriculum which is aligned with the Common Core Standards. Our math program, Pearson’s enVisionMath, is used as a resource by teachers as they implement the curriculum. Teachers follow a guided math framework which provides time for whole and small group instructions. Instruction is differentiated to meet the needs of all learners. Instruction in math proceeds from concrete to pictorial to the abstract level.

Science: The science curriculum is delivered through the utilization of research-based kits that allow students to explore each unit through a variety of hands-on experiences. Experiments are inquiry-based as students engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. Textbooks are not used; instead, we follow a district-developed curriculum that is based on the both national and state standards.

Social Studies: The social studies curriculum is designed to prepare our young

learners to become knowledgeable, responsible and contributing citizens in a global society and to help them recognize the interdependence of the many peoples of the world. Students study families, neighborhoods, and communities. Basic map and globe skills, the study of America’s heritage and the State of NJ are components of the elementary program.

Health: Health is taught to each class in grades 1-3 by a health certified staff member.

The district curriculum is designed to promote each student’s optimum physical, mental, and social/emotional development. Because the curriculum is student-centered and interactive, health information is combined with skill development in order to have an impact on life-long behavior. Our health education program provides the children with information appropriate at each age level to develop healthy behaviors, which contribute

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to their overall well-being and safety. Awareness of self, care of the body, nutrition, safety, problem solving, drug education, contagious diseases and growth and development are included in a comprehensive curriculum.

Art (Grades 1, 2, & 3): The aim of the program is to provide students with rich art

experiences in a variety of media and techniques. Students will explore the art of a range of cultures and time periods. Instruction fosters development of skills that support the student’s social, intellectual, emotional and creative growth. Authentic self expression of each individual child is emphasized. The program reinforces learning in other disciplines and teaches a love for the arts. Children should wear washable clothes on art days.

Music (Grades 1, 2, & 3): General music classes at Milton are designed to provide children with many experiences in music making. Students are encouraged to act as performers, creators, and musical thinkers as they develop skills which lead to a lifelong appreciation of music. These general music classes emphasize instruction in the elements of music, singing, movement, improvisation, aesthetics and the study of music from other cultures across all time periods.

In addition to the general music class, the following opportunities are available to all third grade students prior to the school day:

Chorus – The chorus focuses on good vocal technique as well as learning to sing and perform quality literature. All children are encouraged to participate and previous choral experience is not necessary. Please keep in mind that this is a full-year commitment.

Chimes – Due to the overwhelming interest in chimes, it is often necessary to divide the students into fall and spring performing groups. It is also necessary for each child to ‘audition,’ or try different size chimes, to be able to assign the children appropriately-sized instruments. This is a half year commitment: September to December or January to April.

Physical Education (Grades 1, 2, & 3): The Elementary Physical Education program

is designed to provide children with motor skills, movement concepts and experiences that improve personal fitness. Motor skill acquisition serves as the foundation for participation in progressively more challenging physical activities. The program promotes self-expression, social interaction, and opportunities for problem solving through movement in a safe environment.

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SPECIAL DAYS/PARTIES/BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

No food items, e.g., cupcakes, cookies, etc. are permitted in the classrooms to celebrate birthdays. Students are not permitted to distribute party invitations at school. Practices at each grade level to recognize student birthdays are outlined below. Additionally, the PTO organizes the Birthday Book program, working with the school librarian to coordinate the purchase and dedication of books in celebration of birthdays.

Preschool: Parents are welcome to come into the classroom on their child’s birthday and read a story or play a game with the class.

Kindergarten Star Students: Kindergarten children celebrate their birthdays as close to the actual day as possible (in the event of summer birthdays, we will arrange a date to celebrate the child’s birthday). Children may invite a guest reader to read a pre-selected book to the class.

First Grade Superstars: First grade children celebrate their birthdays as close to the actual day as possible (in the event of summer birthdays, we will arrange a date to celebrate the child’s birthday). Children may invite a guest reader to read a pre-selected book to the class.

Second Grade Birthday Celebrations Parents should contact the teacher to coordinate a date and time near the student’s birthday (or half birthday for summer birthdays) when they can recognize their child’s birthday. On that day, a guest may come in to read a story to the class.

Third Grade Birthday Celebrations: Parents should contact the teacher to coordinate

a date and time near the student’s birthday (or half birthday for summer birthdays) when they can recognize their child’s birthday. On that day, a guest may come in to read a story to the class.

Parties: Classroom parties are held to celebrate holidays. Parents should remember

that ALL classrooms are peanut and tree nut free. A parent wishing to contribute a food item must coordinate this with the Room Parents, and ingredient labels must be supplied for all foods unless it is fresh fruit.

Food Allergy Alert: Since September 2008, ALL classrooms are free of all peanut and

tree-nut foods and products. The number of students having life-threatening allergies continues to increase and the severity of these allergies is immeasurable. The risk of cross-contamination is possible as students change classes and various classrooms are used for after-school activities as well as enrichment classes.

Provide your child with a healthy morning snack of any fruit, vegetable, or crackers and cheese. You may continue to send in peanut or tree-nut products for your child to eat for lunch in the cafeteria. As always, there will be a restricted table in the cafeteria for students having food allergies.

Concerts, Celebrations, Portfolio Days: While one grade level may be involved in a concert, portfolio day or other celebration, instruction continues for the remaining grade levels. Siblings will be able to attend concerts available to the whole student body or as part of a dress rehearsal. Siblings are not permitted to leave class for parent concerts due to loss of instructional time and space constraints.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Milton Avenue School Handbook: This handbook contains information about school

procedures and practices and outlines general policies of the School District of the Chathams. Names of parents, addresses, and telephone numbers are included in the Directory in the parent portal (for those families who opt in to have information shared).

Assemblies and Field Trips: The Board of Education and the PTO form an effective

partnership in order to provide assemblies and field trips for all our students. Our PTO generously underwrites each child’s field trip expenses and funds several school assemblies. These programs provide enrichment and enjoyment to the learning process. Generally speaking, the programs are directly related to curricular areas with preparatory and follow-up instruction provided by each teacher. Kindergarten students are invited to attend all assemblies, however, parents must stay with students attending an assembly that takes place outside their normal class time, e.g., the assembly is in the morning but the student attends PM kindergarten. A parent must accompany and stay with the student during the assembly. Most classes take two field trips. The teachers are responsible for arranging for chaperones for trips based on the type of activity, the location of the trip, and other factors.

Backpacks: Most students use a backpack to carry materials to and from school. Please consider not purchasing a rolling backpack for your child. These backpacks pose a safety issue. Many students struggle with rolling backpacks when walking up and down the stairs. Additionally, others trip over the rolling backpack. Our students do not have that much to carry to and from school to warrant a rolling backpack.

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices: For safety reasons, some parents have issued a cell phone to their child. Cell phones must be turned off during school hours and remain in backpacks at all times. If a child is observed using the cell phone at recess, during morning line up, or lunch, it will be taken and must be picked up by a parent after school. The school is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen phones. Students are not permitted to bring other electronic games or devices to school.

Change of Address: It is important that we maintain up-to-date address and telephone number records, as emergencies do, unfortunately, occur. Please notify Sally Moreno in Central Office Administration (smoreno@chatham-nj.org) immediately if you have a change of address. You are responsible for making all phone number changes (you, your doctors, or your emergency contacts) directly in the parent portal.

Elevator: Use of the elevator is to accommodate individuals with disabilities and strollers.

Home Page/Internet Use: MAS and the other district schools each have an online site featuring activities at school and other matters of interest to our parents and the community (www.chatham-nj.org). A law passed in the spring of 2002 prohibits student identification on the Internet. We are not permitted to have students’ names, addresses, and relevant information on web sites.

School Messenger: In an effort to improve school- to-home communication, the

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district has implemented School Messenger. This system is a dynamic communication tool which allows schools to communicate information that is either of a routine or emergency nature. The most frequent use of this will be to advise you during the winter months that there is a delayed opening or a school closing due to inclement weather.

There is no setup on the part of parents as this system pulls contact information directly from the parent portal in Genesis. Milton Avenue School will use this system for emergency announcements as well as use the system to provide school and PTO information.

Lost and Found: Please label (first and last name) your children's clothes, boots, lunch boxes, etc. The lost and found box is located in the stairwell at the end of the hall near the custodians’ office. Unclaimed items will periodically be given to charity.

Questions: Parents are encouraged to call the school (973-457-2508) if they have any

questions or concerns. Parent requests for information about a child’s progress in school or about the school’s operations and program are always welcome. We ask that you please contact the child’s teacher first. If more information is necessary, or if the matter does not appear to be resolved, the principal should then be called.

The Work Family Connection (WFC): Before and after-school programs are available through The Work Family Connection, an independent, non-profit organization. The morning program begins at 7:00 a.m. at MAS until the start of the school day. The after-school program is held at MAS until 6:30 p.m. The Work-Family Connection accepts up to five (5) pre-K students in the before-school program if the pre-K child is enrolled in the morning pre-K session, and the same number of pre-K in the after-school program for any children enrolled in the PM pre-K program. Kindergarten students may be enrolled in the ‘wrap around’ program with transportation to/from the program at Ogden Church to MAS included. For registration information, please contact WFC at info@theworkfamilyconnection.org or 908-534-5935. Parents are to contact The Work-Family Connection directly at 908-635-7427 if a student will not be attending the after-care program on any given day.

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SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND STAFF

Basic Skills Instruction (BSI): This program responds to a need to strengthen

language arts and/or math skills of students who do not meet grade level standards. In this regular education program, students receive additional support in the learning of skills and strategies necessary to improve performance. Inclusion in the program is data based and reflects district BSI entrance criteria. The BSI program is characterized by consistent small group (3-4 students) instruction that is driven by student needs.

Intervention & Referral Service (I&RS): The Intervention & Referral Services

Committee meets before school on Monday and Thursday mornings to discuss any academic or behavioral issue of a Milton student. Teachers seeking the support of this committee request a meeting through the Principal. Parents are notified of the meeting and are invited to attend. If a parent is unable to attend, a report of the meeting is sent to the parent. The report includes a list of instructional interventions that will be implemented by the classroom teacher or other staff member. The effectiveness of these interventions are reviewed at a follow up I&RS meeting.

Supervisors: The District has a supervisor for each of the following subjects:

Mathematics English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. These Supervisors serve the district’s schools. Supervisors work with teachers to advise and model effective teaching strategies and to support teachers in program implementation.

Technology: Classrooms in the SCOC are technology enhanced, student-centered

learning environments. Technology is integrated into every subject area and used on a daily basis. Tools include computers, Smartboards, web-cams, netbooks, and document cameras. Students are using technology for research, to blog, to practice skills, and to create presentations.

To cope with the demands of the 21st century, children need to know more than core subjects. They need to know how to use their knowledge and skills—by thinking critically, applying knowledge to new situations, analyzing information, comprehending new ideas, communicating, collaborating, solving problems, and making decisions utilizing the tools of the 21st century.

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SPECIAL SERVICES

Child Study Team: Milton Avenue School is served by a Child Study Team which is

comprised of a school psychologist, a school social worker, and a learning disability teacher/consultant. Children having learning difficulties may be referred to the Child Study Team for an evaluation. Once an evaluation has been conducted, members of the CST meet with parents and determine whether or not the child is eligible for special services. If a student is in need of special services, team members will work with parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals to develop an appropriate Individual Educational Program (IEP) for the student.

English Language Learners (ELL): ELL is available to children whose first language

is not English to help them acquire the communication skills necessary for academic success.

Resource Programs: In-class resource and pull-out replacement programs consist of specialized instruction organized around a single subject. Instruction is provided to students with disabilities by an appropriately certified teacher. Instruction in more than one subject may be provided in a pull-out resource program. Resource programs shall offer individual and small group instruction to students with disabilities. Resource programs may be provided in a general education class or in a pull-out classroom.

School Counselor: The school counselor offers a range of support services to children, parents, and teachers to assist in promoting the healthy social and emotional development of the children of Milton Avenue School. Counseling occurs within the regular classroom as part of classroom lessons, in small groups, and individual sessions. The counselor also serves as the schools’ Anti-Bullying Specialist.

Speech and Language Services: Services are available to children who exhibit a speech and language disorder according to the New Jersey Administrative Code in one or more of the following areas: articulation, phonology, language, fluency, and voice. A speech language specialist has many different roles including evaluator, direct service provider, member of the Child Study Team, and case manager. A speech language specialist also works closely with teachers to provide appropriate strategies/interventions to use in the classroom setting. Services are geared toward the child’s individual needs.

Preschool: The District operates two preschool programs:

Preschool Readiness and Enrichment Program (PREP): The PREP class is

for classified preschool students who are at risk educationally and who are experiencing significant delays in language, cognition, motor development, social or emotional development. The class is taught by a certified Teacher of Students with Disabilities who is assisted by an instructional paraprofessional.

Chatham Inclusion Preschool (CHIP): This program is comprised of both children with special needs and typically developing preschoolers. In this learning environment, children with and without disabilities are provided opportunities to promote their academic and social success.

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2015-2016 BOARD OF EDUCATION / ADMINISTRATION

School District of the Chathams

Superintendent Michael LaSusa Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Karen Chase Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Vincent D’Elia Business Administrator Peter Daquila

Board of Education Members

Jill Critchley Weber, President Matthew Gilfillan, Vice President

Ann Ciccarelli Michelle Clark

Richard Connors Kim Cronin Phil Franz

Lata Kenney John Nonnenmacher

Board of Education meetings are held twice a month on Mondays (unless otherwise noted) at the Chatham Township Municipal Building. Most meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. Notices of the agenda are posted in the Public Library, Township Municipal Building, the schools, at the Board of Education office and on the website www.chatham-nj.org. Please check the posted notices and/or local papers for meeting location and time, which may change occasionally. Parents are always welcome to attend the public session of these meetings. Time is provided at every meeting for comments and concerns from the public.

Board of Education Meetings 2015-2016 September 15, 2015 October 5 November 2 November 16 December 7 January 4, 2016 February 1 March 7 March 21* April 4 May 2* June 6 June 20 *Tentative

The School District of the Chathams Board of Education Administrative Offices are located the Chatham Township Municipal Building at 58 Meyersville Road. The phone number is 973-457-2500.