SEAVIEW SCHOOL HANDBOOK

LINWOOD BOARD OF EDUCATION

Board President Richard Sless Board Vice President Donna Michael­Ziereis, Esq.

Michelle DeMorat Lynn Gibson

Judd McLaughlin Joann Scannell

Judge Daryl Todd

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Dr. Michelle Cappelluti – Interim Superintendent of Schools

Susan S. Speirs – Principal, Seaview School Jill Yochim – Director of Child Study Team Teri J. Weeks – Business Administration

EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY The Linwood Board of Education affirms its responsibility to ensure all students, in the public schools of Linwood, equal educational opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion,

sex, ancestry, national origin and social or economic status. Any student of the Linwood Public Schools who believes he or she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit, or excluded on the basis of sex, in violation of Title 1X or related laws, and/or policies, may file a written complaint with the Affirmative Action Officer or

Linwood Public Schools – Susan S. Speirs, at Seaview School 926­6700 ext.3

SEAVIEW SCHOOL STAFF

PRINCIPAL Mrs. Susan S. Speirs

SECRETARIES NURSE

Mrs. Shirlie Calabrese Mrs. Denise Kellner Mrs. Donna Strunk

PRESCHOOL& KINDERGARTEN GRADE 1 Mrs. Beth Bagocius Mrs. Aud Suckiel Mrs. Elise Scherbin Mrs. Becky Law Mrs. Brooke Szeker Mrs. Samantha Grasso Mrs. Tara Lhulier Mrs. Heidi Derbyshire Mrs. Jennifer Mansueto Mrs. Meagan Lee

GRADE 2 GRADE 3 GRADE 4 Mrs. Christine Silverberg Mrs. Nina Lare Mrs. Christine Flanagan Mrs. Jennifer Candeloro Mrs. Tracey Meister Mr. David Wade Ms. Karen Nazarok Mrs. Karen Prendergast Mrs. Kristi Grimley Ms. Lori Shannon Mr. Marc Schnepp Mrs. Christine Riley

Mrs. Marisa Hieb Miss Stephanie Stanger

RELATED ARTS TEACHERS VOCAL MUSIC Mr. David Lamkin ART Mrs. Kim Petrella MEDIA SPECIALIST Mrs. Christine Spurlock TECHNOLOGY Mrs. Jean Matro PHYSICAL EDUCATION Mrs. Kristy McLaughlin INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Mrs. Nancy Robinson SPANISH Mrs. Haeyun Rha GUIDANCE Mrs. Jacqueline Baltozer

SPEECH & OT _ BASIC SKILLS SPECIAL EDUCATION Mrs. Siobhan Grossman Mrs. Laura Bender Mrs. Casey Kilroy Miss Samantha Filangieri Mrs. Lauri Greenberg Mrs. Samantha Coyle Mrs. Catherine Higbee Mrs. Michele Tighe Mrs. Carrie Garigone Mrs. Mary Jane McAllister Mrs. Elizabeth Sindoni Mrs. Kristina Burns Miss Marilee Sobrinski Mrs. Bernadette Getzler

INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES

Mrs. Christine Hickey Mrs. Heather Moran Ms. Patti Heinzer Mrs. Sue Battisto Mrs. Noreen Clair Mrs. Barbara Fortunato Mrs. Michelle Hoffman Mrs. Carole Schwabe Mrs. Gail Coleman Mrs. Trish Skovron Mrs. Meredith Henchy Mrs. Kim Cellini Mrs. Deborah Ward Mrs. Margaret DePamphillis Mrs. Roberta Vernon Mrs. Brenda Mucciarone Mrs. Laurie Montgomery Mrs. Sheri Lamp Mrs. Jill Quintas

BUILDING AIDES CUSTODIANS

Mrs. Mel Weeks Mrs. Nicole Hamilton Mr. Michael Stoll Mrs. Elzbieta Jelesnianski Mrs. Beth Kyle Mrs. Missy Schock Mr. Sam McGonagle Mrs. Kathleen Adamski Mrs. Tia DeVita Ms. Cheryl DiMaio

SCHOOL HOURS

Students may not arrive at school before 8:15.

Early Dismissal PRE­SCHOOL A.M. 8:30 – 11:00 8:30 ­ 10:30

P.M. 12:30 ­ 3:00 11:00 ­ 1:00 KINDERGARTEN A.M. 8:30 – 11:30 8:30 ­ 11:00

P.M. 12:00­ 3:00 10:30 ­ 1:00 GRADES 1­4 8:30 ­ 3:00 8:30 ­ 1:00

Recess/Lunch: Expanded Day K: 11:00 Grade 1: 11:00 Grade 2: 11:40 Grade 3: 12:45 Grade 4: 12:45

Students must leave the school grounds immediately after school and go straight home.

To check if school is closed for bad weather, see our website at www.linwoodschools.org

DROP OFF/PICK UP Parents have two options for morning drop off. They may park and walk their child to the classroom

line or they may pull up to the curb by the flag pole and drop off. Curbside drop off may only be done by the flag pole.

Students are dismissed from the South end of the building. If picking up, parents are asked to meet their children on school grounds.

EARLY PICK UP If a student must be picked up early from school, please notify the office/teacher in advance. Please date

your note and include your child’s full name, teacher and anticipated time of pick up. Children will be called to the office upon parent arrival. Due to supervision and security concerns, children may not be called down in advance of parent arrival for pick up. Please do not ask us to make an exception because you are running late. This rule is in place for your child’s safety.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

In order to obtain a high scholastic standing, regular attendance is necessary for every pupil. Frequent absenteeism interrupts the sequential order of learning and scholastic standing suffers. At all times, Seaview school requests that parents keep the office and teacher informed regarding any absences a pupil may have during the school year.

According to State regulations, a pupil must attend for one full hour during the morning or afternoon session to receive credit for that particular session. We encourage all parents to schedule dentist and doctor appointments at a time other than school hours. When asking for a child to be excused early, the parent/guardian must sign their child out at our front desk.

If your child is going to be out of school for a vacation, please let the teacher and office know. We urge all parents to plan their vacations around our school calendar so that valuable instructional time will not be lost. Whenever your child is absent, please call the office at 926­6700 ext.3 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

TARDINESS Students are expected to be prompt at all times. Pupils who arrive after 8:30 are marked tardy. This

mark is then indicated on the report card at the end of the marking period. The parents of all pupils who are frequently tardy will be notified by letter. Students will be held accountable for time missed. All late students must be signed in by their parent/guardian and then issued a late pass. No child will be admitted into a classroom without a late pass.

SEAVIEW CAMP

Seaview Camp is a before and after school child care program. It is dedicated to providing quality supervision in a safe environment at minimal cost. The program goal is to create fun opportunities that expand the mind, stimulate the imagination and promote physical activity in each camper. For more information, please see our website.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES District guidelines must be followed before re­admittance of children with communicable diseases.

Additionally, if fever (100 degrees or above) exists, the child must remain home until fever­free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.

CHICKEN POX: The child should remain at home for 7­10 days or until such time as all lesions have scabbed. CONJUCTIVITIS: A child should remain home until discharges from mucous membranes have ceased. The child must be on medication prescribed by his/her physician for 24 hours before returning to school. IMPETIGO: Children should remain at home for at least 24 hours after the start of medication prescribed by the child’s physician. HEAD LICE/NITS: The child must be treated and may not return to school until all lice and nits are gone. The child must be seen by the school nurse before returning to school. VOMITING, DIARRHEA: Your child should not return to school until 24 hours after vomiting and/or diarrhea has ceased. STREP THROAT: Children should remain at home at least 48 hours after the start of medication prescribed by a physician.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

The Board of Education disclaims any and all responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of the illness of any pupil. At the same time, the Board recognizes that a pupil’s attendance might be contingent upon the timely administration of medication duly prescribed by a physician. The Board will permit the dispensation of medication in school only when the pupil’s health and continuing attendance in school require and when the medication is administered in accordance with this policy.

Definition –For purposes of this policy, “medication” means any prescription drug or over­the counter medicine or nutritional supplement.

No medication will be administered to pupils in school except by the School Nurse, another registered nurse, or the pupil’s parent/guardian. Three items must be present for a student to receive medication in school, 1) a written order/prescription by the child’s physician, including name of the medication, route, dosage and frequency and request for the medication to be administered in school 2) written parent permission to administer medication in school 3) the medication must be brought to school in the original container, labeled by the pharmacy. Medication must be delivered to the School Nurse by the pupil’s parent or legal guardian. Other guidelines and restrictions may exist in accordance with specific medications or situations. Please contact the school nurse for additional information.

HEALTH NOTES

Your child’s immunization records must be kept up to date. Only records signed by a physician are acceptable. Please ask for an additional immunization record to bring to school anytime your child receives an immunization.

VISITORS DURING SCHOOL HOURS Anyone entering the school building must enter through the main entry doors. During school hours,

school personnel will “buzz” parents into the building. All visitors are required to sign in at the reception desk and get a name badge. All visitors must wear a school issued name badge for proper identification.

HOMEWORK WHEN ABSENT

Seaview office must receive homework requests for absent students no later than 9:30 AM. Homework may be picked­up between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on the homework table located inside the main entry adjacent to the main office.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Instrumental music instruction is open to all 4th grade students. Students meet for group instruction on a

weekly basis. The goal for students is to finish their lesson book and become a part of the award winning Belhaven Band. Instruction is given by Mrs. Nancy Robinson – 927­6700 ext.1

SECOND STEP CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM The Second Step Character Education and Bullying Prevention Program engages students in active

learning of positive social skills through stories, modeling, role­playing, music, movement, age­appropriate

puppet play or videos, and student­parent­teacher feedback. The primary goal of the program is to encourage a positive school climate through the teaching of skills for social, emotional, and academic success.

The Second Step program uses real­life stories and situations that students can relate to in order to teach Skills for Learning, Empathy, Emotion Management, and Problem Solving. These are tools that will benefit students both inside and outside of the classroom as they develop the habits, attitudes, understanding, and competence in dealing with interpersonal conflicts, using self­regulation, and contributing to a positive school environment. Also included in Second Step is a Bullying Prevention unit that instructs students in recognizing, reporting, and refusing bullying, along with ways to be a positive bystander. Third and fourth graders also receive instruction in cyber bullying and responsible use of cell phones and other technology. Your positive reinforcement of these programs with your child is instrumental in successful implementation. Please contact your child’s teacher and /or the Seaview School counselor, Mrs. Jackie Baltozer, for specific topics or information throughout the year.

The legislature of New Jersey has adopted laws which prohibit Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. This legislation includes specific student rights. To view Linwood Board of Education policy on HIB, please refer to our website linwoodschools.org.

SUMMER ENHANCEMENT The Summer Enhancement Program provides skill strengthening for children in Mathematics and

Language Arts. Classes are offered at no expense to Seaview families. The program works to develop, and deepen conceptual understanding in a caring environment which is conducive to strengthening skills. Parents who feel their child is in need of the Summer Enhancement program should contact Jill Yochim at 926­6716.

GIFTED & TALENTED/ENRICHMENT

The philosophy of the Linwood Public Schools is to provide enrichment opportunities for all students in all areas of the curriculum. In Kindergarten through Grade Four, students are provided with challenging opportunities that are appropriate to their abilities and interests through extension activities and alternative projects and assignments within the classroom. These activities foster self­esteem, problem solving, and creative thinking skills. Flexible grouping in the classroom and ability grouping in Language Arts and Grade Four Math further meet the needs of individual learners.

In accordance with state guidelines, identification of potential Gifted and Talented students occurs at every grade level. The identification process for Kindergarten through Grade Three students is completed through review of the functional assessment data used within the classroom to support the instruction of all children. All potential candidates participate as part of an early elementary talent pool receiving school wide curricular enrichment within the classroom. As part of our district philosophy and in alignment with current state and federal assessment trends, standardized assessments are used to formally identify Gifted and Talented students beginning in Fourth Grade. This assessment process includes the results from statewide testing, and measures of achievement, creativity, and aptitude. Students must meet three of the four eligibility criteria to be considered for acceptance into the program. In addition to performance on the NJASK Language Arts and

Math assessments, initial referral for testing into the program may also occur through teacher or parent nomination through July 30th to be considered for testing.

BASIC SKILLS PROGRAM Linwood Public Schools provide in­class support and supplemental instruction to Kindergarten through

Grade Eight students who demonstrate a need for support in Language Arts and Mathematics. Students are identified for Basic Skills Instruction through multiple measures including functional assessments, standardized test results, and teacher recommendation. It is the purpose of the Basic Skills Program to help pupils acquire the foundation skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the general education classroom. The program supports content area curriculum, and is designed not only to develop specific academic skills, but also to help students develop a sense of competency and self­esteem in the general education program.

LIFT OFF LIFT OFF is an innovative Kindergarten program offered at no expense to Seaview families. It is

designed to provide young children with developmental language activities. LIFT OFF, an extended day program, is structured to provide small groups of children with language experiences that will help them to develop early reading and writing skills. Instruction takes place four days a week prior to the school day. Invitation to the program is limited and based upon summer testing results. Parents who feel their child should participate in LIFT OFF should contact their child’s Kindergarten teacher.

GUIDANCE Seaview School Counselor, Mrs. Jacqueline Hill­Baltozer, is available to meet with students or parents

regarding student concerns. She will discuss and help with academic, emotional, or social issues. Discussions with students/parents are confidential. Parent permission must be given for students to participate in counseling services. Parents can refer their child through a note to Mrs. Baltozer or by calling 926­6700 ext.3

Early Intervention Committee (EIC) and

Pupil Assistance and Enrichment Committee (PAEC) As a means of supporting our regular education students, Seaview School has established an Early

Intervention Committee and a Pupil Assistance and Enrichment Committee. EIC/PAEC provides a support network for teachers and parents of students who are experiencing academic, social, or behavioral challenges. Using a collaborative problem solving approach, teachers and EIC/PAEC clearly identify challenge areas and strategies to enhance and extend student skill acquisition. The committee develops an intervention plan. During follow­up meetings, the student’s plan is evaluated and if necessary, modified. Parents will be notified prior to the initial meeting of the EIC/PAEC. They will receive copies of the strategies developed and any updated materials.

LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY PROGRAM

Linwood Public Schools provide services for students with a native language other than English who are in need of a language acquisition program. Eligibility for the English Language Services (ELS) program is determined by performance on the standardized state assessment, teacher recommendation, standardized test results in reading and language sub­tests, and report card grades. Parents are informed of their child’s participation in the ELS program.

With parental consent, eligible students receive 105 minutes per week of support to improve their proficiency with the English language. The support teacher maintains records for the ELS students during the school year which include a multi­assessment form, student proficiency rating, and a classroom communication profile jointly completed with classroom teacher. ELS services may include Basic Skills and Speech Language Services, as appropriate.

The classroom teacher may recommend a student for ELS services when the child enrolls as a new student, or at any time during the school year.

Upon registration of a new child for school, a school representative receives language proficiency information from the parent or guardian in the following areas:

♦ student’s dominant language ♦ dominant language spoken at home ♦ student’s previous limited English proficiency instruction ♦ student’s previous speech­language intervention When appropriate, a copy of the form is forwarded to the Director of Curriculum & Instruction. ELS

students are assessed annually for exit from language acquisition services with the Access for ELLs. Parents are notified if their child meets the criteria for exiting the program.

PRE­SCHOOL DISABILITIES PROGRAM The goals of the Preschool Disabilities Program are achieved through an array of program options which

continually change to meet the needs of our students. Flexibility in programming supports attainment of each child’s individualized education plan in a least restrictive environment. Programming options for preschoolers with disabilities may include the following:

Preschool Disabilities Program – This program offers small group and one on one intervention to children with special education needs.

Preschool Inclusion Program – This program offers children with disabilities an opportunity to work alongside typically developing peers in an environment which encourages interaction and skill development.

PRESCHOOL INCLUSION PROGRAM

Seaview Preschool inclusion class enrolls preschoolers with disabilities along with typically developing children. The program uses a developmental curriculum appropriate for all children. Class size is limited to 19 students with instruction provided by a certified teacher and two instructional aides.

The program runs four days per week: Monday­Thursday. Friday is reserved for parent workshops, community activities and parent conferences. Tuition is $2500.00 per year. Our goal is to provide a preschool setting as similar to a regular education preschool program as possible for our special needs students. In preschool, children continue into the next year with their classmate­friends from the previous year. Therefore, it is important that the non­handicapped students who entered the program as three year olds continue as four year olds to be friends and role models for our inclusive students.

Parents interested in giving their child the opportunity to participate in this positive preschool experience can complete an application in the CST Office at the Belhaven School in the spring. Preschoolers must be three and not turn four by October 1st of the upcoming school year to be eligible to participate in the selection lottery. The lottery takes place in Seaview Elementary School cafeteria. Parents are invited to attend.

SPEECH­LANGUAGE PROGRAM Speech­language services are offered to children who exhibit delays or disorders in the areas of

articulation, voice, fluency, hearing and language. Disorders in the area of language may include skill deficit in form (syntax and morphology), context (semantics) and usage (pragmatics). The speech­language program falls under the umbrella of special education and therefore must adhere to New Jersey Special Education rules and regulations. Children who meet eligibility criterion may be serviced in one of two ways. General education students exhibiting speech language challenges receive services under the classification of Eligible for Speech­Language services. Students eligible for special education may receive speech­language intervention as a related service as stated in their Individual Education Program.

Students within the district may be referred for a speech­language evaluation by the classroom teacher, Child Study Team member, parent/guardian, and/or school administrator. At the time of the referral, the individual recommending the evaluation must complete the Speech­Language Evaluation Referral Form and notify the student’s parent/guardian of the referral. Parental/guardian permission for the evaluation must be received in writing prior to initiation of the evaluation process. Upon completion of this evaluation process, eligibility will be determined and, if appropriate, an Individual Education Plan delineating service will be developed. Speech­Language services are provided in accordance with New Jersey Special Education regulations.

SUMMER MAINTENANCE Summer Maintenance is a small group tutoring program designed to maintain and enhance the academic

skills of special education students. Classes are offered in the subject areas of Mathematics and Language Arts. The program is offered at no expense to Seaview families. Parents who are interested in Summer Maintenance classes should contact their child’s case manager at 926­6709.

CHILD STUDY TEAM (CST) EVALUATION

Linwood Public Schools strive to meet the needs of all learners. In keeping with this philosophy, special education support services are offered to students who demonstrate identified needs following a Child Study Team evaluation. Referral for a CST evaluation may be through the classroom teacher, the Pupil Assistance and Enrichment Committee, or a school administrator. Parents may also initiate a referral for testing by making

a written request to the Child Study Team. Parents/guardians who believe that their child may be experiencing a handicapping/disabling condition indicating a possible need for special education are encouraged to conference with the child’s teacher first, and then with the school principal. New Jersey Special Education rules and regulations are adhered to upon receipt of the referral. Accordingly, an Evaluation Plan Meeting will be set up within 20 days once the referral has been received. If the CST evaluation appears indicated, a signed parental permission to evaluate must be obtained. Upon the CST’s receipt of the signed permission slip, the formal evaluation process begins and must be completed within 90 days.

The evaluation process involves a learning disabilities evaluation, a psychological evaluation, a visit by the social worker and, if appropriate, a speech/language evaluation. Following the testing, aa eligibility meeting is held to determine if a child meets the requirements for classification. If a child is found to be eligible for Special Education, then an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written with the parents, teachers, and Child Study Team. This IEP is reviewed annually. A re­evaluation must occur within three years. Parents/guardians who would like a copy of the “Parent’s Rights in Special Education” or who have further questions are encouraged to contact the Child Study Team Office at 926­6709.

LINWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION (LEF) The Linwood Public Schools are fortunate to have two wonderful parent­run groups that work toward

making our children’s educational experience the best it can be. The Linwood Education Foundation (LEF) raises money through fundraisers and family events throughout the school year to supplement and enhance the quality of education in the Linwood Public Schools. All parents are welcome to get involved and make a difference. Meetings are the 1st Thursday evening of each month, starting in October.

As a tax­exempt, non­profit organization, all contributions made to the foundation are tax deductible. Many people enjoy making donations to the “Trees for Knowledge” campaign. The beautiful trees adorn the main hallways of Seaview and Belhaven Schools. Leaves and Apples are available and may be engraved in honor or in memory of someone special.

Over the past few years LEF has donated funds for the establishment of Computer Labs at both Seaview and Belhaven schools; Defibrillators at both schools; Belhaven Television Station; Digital Camera and Video Equipment; Technology upgrades; Interactive White Boards, the 7th grade science lab, Wireless Access in both schools, 3D Printers, Chrome Books and STEM Modules.

Parent involvement and support of our foundation is the key to its success. We encourage parents to get involved throughout the year or event­by­event. Watch for meeting and event flyers in your child’s backpack. For additional information or to share an idea for an event please contact Danielle Kelly or Gina Osbeck at 377­4177, Co­Presidents of LEF or LEF@linwoodschools.org

LINWOOD PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION The Linwood Parent/Teacher Association (PTO) exists to promote the social and educational

development of our students and to encourage parent volunteerism and community involvement in our schools. The PTO offers programs and services that foster communication between home and school in many

ways, including our monthly newsletters, production of the student directory, and regular posts on our Facebook page. These mediums are used to communicate upcoming events, present opportunities to volunteer, and issue reminders related to Linwood education. Additionally, the PTO oversees numerous committees and events that provide financial and volunteer support for a myriad of educational, cultural and recreational activities for Linwood students. Examples include: the Book Fair, Summer Enrichment, Winter Carnival, Seaview

Playground Volunteers, Educational Affairs Committee, Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, along with many others.

The best way for you to find out more is to attend monthly meetings, which occur on the second Tuesday of every month. If you are not able to do so, please consider adding your name to the PTO email list and/or by “liking” us on Facebook. It is the hope of the PTO that all parents/guardians may find a way to volunteer in some capacity during the school year.

If you have additional questions or concerns, or if you would like to take on a greater involvement in the PTO, please contact either Co­President, Bridget Gaffney or Lori Post, at pto@linwoodschools.org

SPECIAL SERVICES PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE SSPAC is a forum for parents to provide input to the district on issues concerning students under an IEP,

504 plan and/or receive basic skills services. It consists of parents and educators who bring forth their knowledge and expertise to foster an understanding of the special education process for parents/guardians of special needs or at­risk children. The purpose of this committee is to: provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for children and their families, to increase involvement of families of children with learning differences in making recommendations on special education policy, to advise on matters that pertain to the education, health and safety of children with special needs and to advise on unmet needs of children under an IEP, 504 plan and/or receive basic skills services. Anyone with a student or students in the Linwood School District with different learning needs; be they physical, emotional or behavioral, are welcome to join. Please contact the SSPAC President Jennifer Pierce or the SSPAC Co­Vice Presidents Tricia Paytas or Meg Sandilands at sspac@linwoodschools.org. For more information you can also visit the SSPASC page on the Linwood School Distinct website.

SEAVIEW PLAYGROUND VOLUNTEERS

Seaview Playground Volunteers is a committee of the Linwood PTO that organizes, trains and schedules parent volunteers for each day of the school year to assist in the lunch room and outside on the playground. All volunteers must complete an application, attend a short training and commit to volunteer at least one lunch period per month (approx. 1 ½ hours). If a non­parent family member would like to volunteer (ex. grandparent), their participation must be approved in writing by both parents. For more information, contact Jessica DellaFave at 609­246­9331.

COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCESS The Board and its employees do not have control over the information on the Internet, although the

Board shall attempt to provide prudent and available barriers to objectionable material. Sites accessible by way of the Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to certain

individuals. The intention of the Board is to make the Internet available for the purpose of furthering its educational goals and objectives. The Board does not guarantee that pupils will not find some means to access materials not linked with those goals and objectives. The Board and the system administrators do not condone the use of such materials and do not permit usage of such materials in the school environment. Pupils knowingly bringing such materials into the school environment will be disciplined in accordance with Board policies and regulations. The Board believes that the benefits to staff and pupils from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, outweighs the disadvantages of access. Ultimately, the Board recognizes that it is the responsibility of parents(s) and legal guardian(s) to set and convey the standards the pupil should follow over and above school standards.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING The Linwood Board of Education prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of a student. A

safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying like other disruptive or violent behaviors is conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate its students in a safe and disciplined environment. For the complete HIB policy, please see our district webpage at linwoodschools.org.

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

The following rules are meant as a guide for the orderly and safe functioning of our school. Students who do not comply with school rules and regulations or who otherwise act in a manner so as to disrupt the school system are subject to appropriate disciplinary measures.

STUDENT DRESS Students are expected to dress in comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for the weather and

the activities of the day. Shorts are permitted when the temperature is 55 degrees or higher. Students will not participate in recess if wearing shorts (or short skirts with no leggings) on days of temperatures of 54 degrees or lower. Students with short sleeve shirts and no sweatshirt, sweater or coat will be excluded from recess on these days also.

Dress that disrupts the educational process or dress that is offensive is prohibited.

BICYCLES Bicycles, skateboards, or scooters are to be walked when you reach school grounds Bicycles are to be put in bike racks and are to be kept locked

If you forget or lose your lock, you may borrow one from the main office All students under the age of 14 are required by law to wear bicycle helmets No bicycle shall be used to carry more than one person

SWINGS No “passing through” the swing area No jumping from swings Take turns

THE PLAYGROUND

No “excluding” other students from games or activities Permission from playground aides must be given before going to the nurse, bathroom or

for drinks No wrestling or rough play No going in or near the woods or the fenced in retention pond No climbing fences or going outside the fences No hanging on the soccer nets No foul language/name calling Use equipment properly

EQUIPMENT – No climbing up the sides, one person at a time slides down, no sliding down head first

Students should travel in a clockwise path along equipment No climbing on top of equipment. No hanging from the legs or feet No flipping on the bars, No tag or running in the equipment area No standing on the teeter totter No throwing wood chips, sand, stones or stick

TECHNOLOGY­ Video games, cameras, phones, Ipods, Ipads, etc.. are prohibited unless approved by a teacher for educational purposes. Students may not videotape or take pictures

at school or on the bus unless approved and supervised by a teacher.

LINWOOD SCHOOLS STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Purpose The purpose of this Student Code of Conduct is to achieve the following purposes: 1. Foster the health, safety, social, and emotional well­being of pupils; 2. Support the establishment and maintenance of civil, safe, secure, supportive, and

disciplined school environments conducive to learning; 3. Promote achievement of high academic standards; 4. Prevent the occurrence of problem behaviors; 5. Establish parameters for the intervention and remediation of pupil problem behaviors

at all stages of identification; and 6. Establish parameters for school responses to violations of the pupil discipline/code of

conduct that take into account, at a minimum, the severity of the offenses, the developmental ages of the pupil offenders, and pupils' histories of inappropriate behaviors.

B. Rules of Conduct 1. All pupils are bound by law, policies of the Board of Education, and the

administrative regulations of this school district. 2. In addition, pupils shall not:

a. Be insubordinate to teachers or other school staff members or disregard their instructions or demonstrate lack of respect for their authority;

b. Create disorder or disruptions on school premises; c. Use, threaten, or incite the use of physical force against other pupils, staff

members, or visitors to the school; d. Steal, damage, or deface the property of other pupils, staff members, or the

district; e. Engage in the sexual and/or other harassment of pupils or staff members; f. Violate codes of conduct adopted for organizations of pupils; g. Possess or use weapons or any implement intended to harm others; h. Use foul, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning language, including racial and

ethnic remarks; i. Convey information about other pupils or staff members known to be false; j. Act so recklessly as to endanger the safety of others; k. Procure the property of others by threat or intimidation; l. Enter school premises or any specific portion of the premises without

permission and without authority; m. Vandalize school property, real or personal; n. Create litter on school property; o. Be truant from school or class; p. Cheat or otherwise engage in academic dishonesty; q. Persistently refuse to complete homework and other assignments; r. Engage in illegal gambling; s. Smoke on school property; t. Falsify an excuse or any school document; u. Set fire to or cause a fire in any way on school premises; v. Possess or explode a firecracker or other explosive device on school premises;

w. Sound or cause to be sounded a false alarm for fire, bomb, or other condition or circumstance hazardous to others;

x. Possess, use, or distribute a substance in violation of Policy No. 5530; y. Join a secret society prohibited by law; or z. Engage in any other activity expressly prohibited by a school staff member in

authority. 3. Pupils assigned to a school bus must obey all school rules, and

a. Show respect for the driver at all times; b. Enter and leave the bus in an orderly manner; c. Ride only the bus to which they have been assigned; d. Be and remain seated while the bus is in motion; e. Avoid reckless and boisterous activity at all times, including during waits at

pickup points; f. Talk in a reasonable tone of voice and avoid loud noises; g. Extend no portion of the body or other object out a bus window; h. Keep aisles clear at all times; i. Refrain from bringing animals or bulky, unmanageable projects onto the

school bus; j. Refrain from smoking, eating, and drinking on the bus; and k. Possess, use, or distribute no substance in violation of Policy No. 5530.

4. The Building Principal or designee has the right to impose a consequence on a pupil

for conduct away from school grounds pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.6. This authority shall be exercised only when it is reasonably necessary for the pupil’s physical or emotional safety, security, and well­being or for reasons relating to the safety, security, and well­being of other pupils, staff, or school grounds, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:25­2 and 18A:37­2 or when the conduct which is the subject of the proposed consequence materially and substantially interferes with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school. Consequences shall be handled in accordance with Policy and Regulation 5600, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.1, and as appropriate, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7­2, 6A:16­7.3, or 6A:16­7.5.

C. Disciplinary Measures The following disciplinary measures may be applied as appropriate to the pupil's violation of school rules. The measures are sequential and are organized in order of severity. 1. Admonishment

A school staff member in authority may admonish the pupil for his/her unacceptable conduct and warn the pupil that additional misconduct may warrant a more severe penalty.

2. Temporary Removal from Classroom a. The classroom teacher may direct the pupil to report to the office of the

administrator in charge of pupil discipline. b. The teacher will complete a form that indicates the pupil's name, homeroom,

and the conduct that has caused the pupil's removal from the room. c. The administrator in charge of discipline will interview the pupil and

determine which, if any, additional disciplinary steps are indicated. 3. Deprivation of Privileges

The pupil may be deprived of the privilege of: a. Moving freely about the school building, b. Participation in co­curricular or inter/intrascholastic activities, c. Attendance at a school­related social or sports activity, d. Participation in a graduation ceremony, or e. Transportation by school bus, or f. Any other privilege the Building Principal or designee determines may be

appropriate and consistent with Policy 5600 and N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.1 et seq. 4. Detention

a. The pupil may be required to report before or after the school day to detention for a period of supervised study.

b. Transportation will be the responsibility of parent(s) or legal guardian(s). c. The pupil may be excused from detention only for an unavoidable

commitment previously made; any such excused detention must be made up on another day.

5. Grading A pupil who has cheated on a test or assignment, plagiarized material, falsified sources, refused to submit assignments, or otherwise indulged in academic dishonesty or negligence (paragraph B.2.p. and paragraph B.2.q.) may suffer a reduced grade by virtue of the disqualified work. In no other instance may a pupil's grade be lowered as a direct penalty for misconduct.

6. In­school Suspension a. The pupil may be removed from his/her regular classes and required to report

to an in­school suspension program for supervised study. b. In­school suspension is a deprivation of the pupil's right to a thorough and

efficient education and will not be imposed without the due process set forth in Policy and Regulation 5610

7. Suspension from School a. The pupil may be denied the right to attend school for a period of time

pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37­2, N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.2, and 6A:16­7.3, and Policy 5610.

b. Suspension from school is a deprivation of the pupil's right to a thorough and efficient education and will not be imposed without the due process set forth in Policy and Regulation 5610.

8. Expulsion a. The Board may expel a general education pupil from school, pursuant to

N.J.S.A. 18A:37­2, N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.5, and Policy 5620. b. Expulsion is an extremely serious disciplinary measure; it deprives the pupil

of his/her right to a thorough and efficient education and will not be imposed without the due process set forth in Policies 5610 and 5620.

D. Remedial Measures

The following remedial measures may be taken to aid in correcting pupil conduct and to ensure that the pupil is properly placed in an appropriate educational environment and is not in need of special education and/or related services.

1. Restitution and Restoration a. The pupil may be required, to:

(1) Make restitution, in kind or cost or labor, for any loss he/she has caused; or

(2) Restore to its former condition, by his/her own labor, any property the pupil has damaged or defaced.

b. A pupil who refuses to make restitution or restoration as directed may be disciplined by one or more of the measures included at paragraph C.

2. Counseling a. The pupil may be required to consult with school guidance counselors to

determine the causes of his/her misconduct and to assess the need for a change in educational placement.

b. The counselor will explain:

(1) Why the pupil's conduct is unacceptable to the school and damaging to the pupil,

(2) What the consequences of continued misconduct are likely to be, and (3) Appropriate alternate behaviors.

c. The counselor may refer the pupil, as appropriate, for additional counseling, evaluation, intervention, treatment, or therapy. Referrals may be made to: (1) The Child Study Team, (2) Intervention and Referral Team, (3) A public or private social agency, or (4) A legal agency.

3. Parent Conferences The pupil may be required to attend a meeting with his/her parent(s) and appropriate staff members to discuss the causes of the pupil's behavior, possible remediation, potential disciplinary measures, and alternative conduct.

4. Alternate Educational Program The pupil may be assigned to an alternate educational program as recommended by the pupil's guidance counselor, classroom teacher, Child Study Team, and/or principal.

E. Chart of Discipline Below is a listing of pupil behaviors that are subject to pupil discipline including suspension or expulsion pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37­2. The behaviors include, but are not limited to:

Offensive Conduct, Insubordination, Disruption, Use of Force, Theft, Damage, Sexual Harassment, Code Violation, Weapon Possession, Language Misuse, Falsifications, Recklessness, Extortion, Wrongful Entry, Vandalism, Fighting, Littering, Truancy, Cheating, Noncooperation, Gambling, Smoking, Cutting Detention, Forgery, Failure to Wear Seatbelt in School Bus, Arson, Exploding Devices, Falsifying Alarm, Substance Abuse, Secret Membership,

Disobedience, Misuse of Computer Networks/Computers, Other School responses to violations of the behavioral expectations will be based on, but not limited to, the severity of the offenses, the developmental ages of the student offenders and the student’s histories of inappropriate behaviors. Discipline may include anything from an initial warning to suspension or expulsion.

F. Disciplinary Procedures 1. The Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy and Regulation 5600 shall be

disseminated annually to all school staff, pupils, and parent(s). Principals will distribute these documents to all pupils on the first day of each school year and to transferring pupils on the first day of their enrollment in this district.

2. Teachers and administrators in charge of pupil discipline shall make every effort to administer these rules consistently and fairly.

3. The staff member who disciplines a pupil for conduct shall, however minimal the offense or the discipline, a. Orally inform the pupil of the conduct for which he/she is being disciplined;

and b. Offer the pupil an opportunity to deny the charge or to present extenuating

circumstances. 4. Where the discipline is greater than an admonishment, the pupil's parent(s) or legal

guardian(s) will be notified of the offense and of the discipline imposed and will be offered an opportunity to confer with the principal.

5. Where the offense is serious and the discipline greater than detention, every effort

will be made to notify the parent(s) prior to the informal hearing conducted in accordance with paragraph F.3.

6. An in­school suspension, suspension from school, or expulsion will be conducted in strict accordance with law and Policies 5610 and 5620.

7. Violations of the rules regarding pupil conduct on school buses will be handled as follows. a. The driver will report the offensive conduct to the Principal of the school in

which the pupil is enrolled by submission of a completed written form that includes the name of the pupil, the school, and the specific offensive conduct.

b. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified, by copy of the form, of the pupil's conduct.

c. The Principal or designee will determine the discipline to be administered, in accordance with the severity of the infraction. In general, when the offense is not severe:

(1) On the first notice of misconduct, the pupil will be counseled, the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) notified, and the pupil suspended from

the bus for one (1) school day; (2) On the second notice of misconduct, the pupil and parent(s) or legal

guardian(s) will attend a conference, and the pupil will be suspended from the bus for five (5) school days; and

(3) On the third notice of misconduct, the Principal will confer with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and the pupil will be suspended from the

bus for a period not less than 30 school days or more than one semester or the balance of the school year, whichever is less.

d. When the misconduct is severe, the pupil may be summarily suspended from the bus pending a conference with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and further disciplinary action.

G. Pupils with Disabilities For pupils with disabilities, subject to Individualized Education Programs in accordance with 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act, and accommodation plans under 29 U.S.C. §§ 794 and 705(20), pupil discipline and the code of conduct shall be implemented in accordance with the components of the applicable plans.

H. Pupil Rights Pupils subject to the consequences of the Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy and Regulation shall be informed of their rights, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.1(c)3.i. through vii., that include: 1. Advance notice of behaviors that will result in suspensions and expulsions that have

been identified under authority of N.J.S.A. 18A:37­2; 2. Education that supports pupils' development into productive citizens; 3. Attendance in safe and secure school environments; 4. Attendance at school irrespective of pupils' marriage, pregnancy, or parenthood; 5. Due process and appeal procedures, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:3­1.3 through 1.17,

N.J.A.C. 6A:4 and, where applicable, N.J.A.C. 6A:14­2.7 and 2.8; 6. Parent notification consistent with the policies and procedures established pursuant to

N.J.A.C. 6A:16­6.2(b)3; and 7. Protections pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and 34 CFR Part 99, Family Educational

Rights and Privacy Act; 20 U.S.C. § 1232h and 34 CFR Part 98, Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment; N.J.A.C. 6:3­6, Pupil Records; 45 CFR § 160, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; 20 U.S.C. § 6301, Title IV(A)IV § 4155 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as reauthorized under the No Child Left Behind Act; 42 CFR Part 2, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records; N.J.S.A. 18A:40A­7.1, School­based drug and alcohol abuse counseling; information from participants; disclosure; N.J.A.C. 6A:16­3.2, Confidentiality of pupil alcohol and other drug information; N.J.S.A. 18A:36­19, Creation; Pupil Records: Maintenance and Retention, Security and Access; Regulations; Non­Liability; N.J.A.C. 6A:14­2.9, Student Records; as well as other existing Federal and State laws pertaining to pupil protections.

I. Records 1. Instances of pupil discipline will be recorded in the pupil's file in strict compliance

with N.J.A.C. 6A:32­7.1 et seq. and Policy No. 8330. 2. When a pupil transfers to a public school district from another public school district,

all information in the pupil’s record related to disciplinary actions taken against the pupil by the school district and any information the school district has obtained pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:4A­60, disclosure of juvenile information; penalties for disclosure, shall be provided to the receiving public school district, in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:36­19(a), N.J.A.C. 6A:32­7.5(e)10.iv., and N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.10.

a. The record shall be provided within two weeks of the date that the pupil enrolls in the receiving district.

b. Written consent of the parent or adult pupil shall not be required as a condition of the transfer of this information, however, written notice of the transfer shall be provided to the parent or the adult pupil.

c. When a pupil transfers to a private school, which includes all sectarian or nonsectarian nonprofit institutional day or residential schools that provide education for pupils placed by their parents and that are controlled by other than public authority, all pupil disciplinary records, with respect to suspensions or expulsions, shall be provided by the public school district of residence to the private school upon written request from the private school, in the same manner as such records would be provided by a public school district of residence to another public school district, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.10(b).

d. The Board shall not use a pupil's past offenses on record to discriminate against that pupil.

e. All pupil disciplinary records maintained in the district shall conform with the requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 6A:16­7.10(d).

J. Annual Report The Superintendent of Schools shall report annually on the implementation of the Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy to the Board at a public meeting. The annual summary shall contain, at a minimum: 1. A numerical inventory of all violations of the pupil behavioral expectations in the

Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy and Regulation; 2. Associated school responses to the violations of the pupil behavioral expectations; 3. An explanation and evidence of the effectiveness of the Pupil Discipline/Code of

Conduct Policy and Regulation. The explanation and evidence, at a minimum, shall address: a. The degree of effectiveness of the school district's activities in achieving the

purposes of the Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy and Regulation, pursuant to the purposes as outlined in A. above; and

b. The degree and effectiveness of the implementation of the contents of the Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct Policy and Regulation.

4. Any proposed changes to the school district's current policies, procedures, programs or initiatives, based on the annual report.

A SEAVIEW RECIPE FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

+ =

LESS SCREEN & MORE SLEEP = ALERT AND JOYFUL